GO FOURTH
Powers gets taste of Olympic trials
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Even though hammer thrower Kate Powers came up a bit short in bids to score points at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and in the Olympic qualifying meet, the experience gave her a clear picture of what she needs to do to compete at the highest level.
“The outcome wasn’t exactly what I wanted,” Powers said. “When you go into a meet, you want to do your best, and I don’t think I was close to doing my best at the Olympic trials.”
The Hopkinton High School graduate and University of Kentucky redshirt freshman faced a challenging turnaround after flying to the West Coast for the NCAA meet
Participants in the July 4 Horribles Parade pose for a photo on their float.
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board at its meeting July 9 voted unanimously for Elaine Lazarus to be appointed as Hopkinton’s new town manager, pending successful contract negotiations. Before the vote, the board interviewed the finalists for the position: Lazarus, Lance DelPriore, Chris Senior and Jason Hoch. Each candidate was interviewed for 45 minutes with a set of questions that were presented in virtually the same manner. After the interviews were conducted, Select Board chair Brian Herr suggested that the issue should be tabled until the end of the meeting, when board members could decide if members were comfortable with making their selection then. During her interview, Lazarus described her passion for public service,
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Kate Powers competes in the hammer throw at the U.S. Olympic trials June 21 in Eugene, Oregon.
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The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,700 addresses. It’s also available for free pickup at Muffin House Café and Price Chopper as well as at many other local businesses. Hopkinton Independent, LLC is equally co-owned by Bagdon Advertising, Inc. and Susanne Odell Farber.
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Students to plant pollinator gardens
Bees, butterflies and moths might be an annoyance to many people, but a pair of local high school students understand the importance of these insects to aid in the balance of nature.
Brother-and-sister duo Shaurya and Suhani Patni will lead a project to plant pollinator gardens near two trails in town this month, and they are asking for the community’s assistance both with planting the gardens and then watering them.
INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS
“[Pollinator gardens] provide habitat and nutrition for species that have lost their natural resources, especially bees, which we rely on for agriculture,” Shaurya explained, via a press release from the Sustainable Green Committee, which is supporting the project. “Pollinator gardens promote native diversity, create a beautiful space, increase natural defenses against pests, and foster the growth of other plants in a garden. They’re true champions of sustainability and resilience, embodying the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature.”
The first planting is scheduled for Monday, July 22, at the Hughes property (192 Hayden Rowe Street). The plan is for a 200-square-foot plot featuring native plants that will attract endangered bee species. Planting will take place from 5-7:30 p.m., following by a brief celebration.
On Wednesday, July 24, the crew will move to the Pratt property (between 108 and 126 Fruit Street) to install 100 flowering plants from 5-8 p.m., with the goal of enticing butterflies and moths.
There will be signs at both gardens designed to educate visitors and offer guidance on creating similar gardens.
This is the first such project the Sustainable Green Committee has sponsored, and committee member Linda Chuss noted that high-profile community members, including area politicians, have been invited to participate.
“We’re hoping to make a little bit of a splash with this,” Chuss said.
Anyone interested in learning more or signing up to help with the project can visit HopGreen.org.
Ryder honor for HHS grad
Make sure to check out Chris Villani’s feature at HopkintonIndependent.com on golfer Keegan Bradley, who was named captain for the U.S. Ryder Cup team that will compete in 2025.
Former Hopkinton High School golf coach Dick Bliss had some nice things to say about Bradley, a 2004 HHS grad who spent only one year in town (after growing up in northern New England) but made quite an impact.
“He will be unbelievable,” Bliss said. “The way he has handled everything. He is humble at one point, but he thinks things through. Whether it’s out on the golf course or whatever he does, he thinks things through, and he will find a way.” Independent thoughts | 3
JERRY SPAR
The community is invited to help with a project to plant pollinator gardens near two popular trails in town.
Added Bliss: “He was a Ryder Cup fan from all the way back in high school. He had so many dreams, and all of his dreams have come true.”
Invasives continue to thrive
There are troublemakers hiding in plain view in front of the Hopkinton Police Station — along with locations all around town. They are Japanese knotweed and bittersweet, fast-growing plants that are known to take over areas and destroy other plant life while being especially difficult to control and kill.
“Both are highly invasive and near impossible to eradicate and are all over town,” shared resident Ed Harrow, who has sounded the alarm about these plants for some time now (see our article from Oct. 26, 2022). “Strands of knotweed along our streets and bittersweet everywhere one looks!”
Nguyen again in Girl Scouts’ 500 Club
Hopkinton’s Emma Nguyen joined the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts’ 500 Club for selling at least 500 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies in 2023-24.
Nguyen, a member of Troop 82358, sold 535 boxes this past year to become one of 564 Girl Scouts in the 500 Club.
Class reunion committees hard at work
Hopkinton High School’s class of 1974 is planning its 50th reunion this fall. If you were a member of that class and have not heard from a classmate about the plans, feel free to reach out to us and we will get in touch with the right people (editor@hopkintonindependent.com).
A member of the HHS class of 1972 reports that organizers were able to locate all but one member of that class for the reunion two years ago. If anyone knows where Pamela Reheuser is now, please shoot us an email.
HI contributors branch out
Back in May, we wrote about Amit Jagdale, a resident who used artificial intelligence to produce a children’s book about cars. Jagdale, also an accomplished photographer whose work is featured at the Hopkinton Independent website, recently published a second book that focuses on another one of his passions: tennis. The books is titled “Tennis — Fun for Kids” and can be found at Amazon.com. …
Meanwhile, congratulations go out to Hopkinton Independent writer Courtney Cornelius, who shared that her nonfiction essay “Rounding Up” will be included in an anthology from Wising Up Press called “Out of Line — Who Defines?” It’s due to be released next month.
Return of parade appreciated
I just want to say a quick “Thank You!” to all who participated in the Horribles Parade. Thanks specifically to Ken Weismantel for his persistence in restarting the parade, and to James Arena-DeRosa as [grand marshal]. As a Democrat, I’d have liked to have seen more participation from my party, but I was happy, and the crowds along the route seemed happy, for the parade to at least be back.
— Peter LaGoy, Hopkinton
Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.
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Town counsel apologizes for redacted document snafu, discusses fixes
By Robert Fucci Contributing Writer
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While a district attorney review of an insufficiently redacted document involving the Hopkinton Police Department came back with a recommendation of no criminal charges, town counsel on July 9 acknowledged that it was a devastatingly regrettable situation.
The Northwestern District Attorney Office’s review of the document — which was posted on the Hopkinton Police Department website on April 17 and included some identifying information regarding an individual who accused a local police officer of rape — focused on two key issues: who was responsible for the posting of the insufficiently redacted transcript of the interview with HPD Sgt. Tim Brennan and whether anyone bore criminal responsibility for this incident.
I’m all for transparency, but HR doesn’t have to be that transparent. These are people’s lives that we’re messing with. And I think it’s important that we find a way to protect the people that we’re charged with protecting and still be transparent.
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“Personally, and really on behalf of the team, I just want to start with an apology,” town counsel Bryan Bertram said in an appearance before the Select Board. “I personally feel awful about what happened, and I know, having spoken with all of the team members, that they do, too. … This was a mistake, and we feel poorly for it, and we do need to apologize for that.
“I can’t pretend to say I understand how this affected the survivor, because I’m not in her shoes, and I don’t know. But I certainly appreciate the significance of it and the severity of it. And we get that.”
Bertram explained that the town was trying to be forthcoming with information in a high-profile matter, which led to the decision to post the Brennan interview that was conducted by the Kroll investigative firm.
According to Bertram, the issues started right from the beginning, as the Kroll interview of Brennan ideally should never have included the identifying information of the alleged victim.
“As a standard investigatory practicer knows, the ground rule was that you’re not supposed to refer to anybody by name — that’s sort of the first line that you follow so that you can avoid mistakes in the future,” Bertram said. “But we’re all human, and so I think the investigator and the sergeant may have slipped at one point or another — and I’m not trying to put blame on them; we’re all human, it happens. But that’s how it ended up in the transcript.”
Bertram said when Kroll delivered the transcript to the town’s labor counsel, it had multiple redactions throughout — “insufficiently, as it turned out, but nonetheless redacted.”
The transcript then made its way to a number of people in Town Hall, and apparently no one noticed the missed redactions.
“As the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office report spells out, many people had access to this document at many different times,” Bertram said. “But they’re also doing it for different reasons. Just because, for example, the Select Board may have received it doesn’t mean there was a responsibility there to identify redactions or anything. We do it for different processes — opportunities maybe to notice it, but at the end of the day, even though it circulated amongst people, you still need processes to redact this.”
Bertram went on to say that the document was “reviewed for redaction by a member of the legal team who obviously thought that it had been [more accurately] redacted by somebody else at the investigative firm.” He acknowledged the “false sense of thinking it had been reviewed for redaction more times than it had” apparently led to the identifying information slipping through.
“In any event, there was a set of eyes on it to review it for redactions, and the name was missed,” Bertram said. “It shouldn’t have been missed, but it was.”
Bertram said lessons have been learned, including being more hesitant about trying be forthcoming with information quickly. He suggested waiting for people to request the information, which would allow more opportunities to remedy the situation
before the details were widely shared.
“In high-profile matters such as this, where we have very sensitive documents, that balance may need to go the other way,” Bertram said. “We may want to really not follow that approach [of being proactively forthcoming], because if you do make a mistake, it’s out there.”
Bertram said his team immediately made changes once the mistake was identified.
“We are making sure that multiple internal eyes are on every set of redactions, that there are emails confirming that people have reviewed it” specifically for redactions, he said.
Select Board chair Brian Herr suggested using technology to help identify these kinds of issues, such as using software that would search for an alleged victim’s name in a document. Bertram acknowledged that “could be something that helps.”
However, Bertram said he prefers not to share the alleged victim’s name with anyone — he said he didn’t even know the name himself until this issue arose. But he would consider changing that approach and sharing the name among the legal team members so that they then can look for its appearance in documents.
“It’s really making sure that the town is putting layer upon layer in these very important and sensitive cases,” Bertram said. “We recognize that you can’t go to one person and say, ‘Just do better the next time,’ because we’re all human and we’re all fallible. The way you avoid mistakes is building processes that are layered. They create checks, you put multiple eyes on things, different perspectives. And then even if something eludes that, what we put out there is to a small enough subset that we can at least minimize the potential consequences of that — which didn’t happen here.”
Herr said he would prefer to see more “boundaries” when it comes to sharing Human Resourcesrelated information.
“I’m all for transparency, but HR doesn’t have to be that transparent,” Herr said, while acknowledging he doesn’t know all the legal requirements for sharing information. “These are people’s lives that we’re messing with. And I think it’s important that we find a way to protect the people that we’re charged with protecting and still be transparent.
“We don’t have to put everything on the website. I’m sick of, ‘Let’s put it on the website.’ Why? We don’t have to do that with HR, we shouldn’t do that with HR. … Just because you post it doesn’t mean you’re being transparent. I’m a little juiced about it. It’s a hot-button [topic] for me, and look where we are. Because we were so obsessed with being transparent that we just blew the whole thing up.”
Bertram said he agreed, noting the information had to be provided to anyone who asked, but it did not need to be shared so widely. He called it a lesson learned.
“This is one of the most significant events that has happened in Hopkinton in quite some time,” Bertram said, adding, “We’re sorry, we messed up, and that can’t be overstated. I think it’s important that we own it, we say it and we mean it. I definitely mean it, personally.”
— Select Board chair Brian Herr
Legacy Farms food distribution issues continue
By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
The Health Department’s efforts to limit illegal food distribution in the Legacy Farms neighborhood continues, and while some offenders have closed up shop, others have continued to operate in the shadows, Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said.
However, two residents who received cease and desist letters from the town in late May insist they were wrongly accused. In the case of a homeowner who lives on Autumn Ridge Drive, she is a USDA licensed importer of mangoes, and she supplies them to several registered businesses.
She was called into question for allegedly distributing crates of mangoes to residents from her home, and the Health Department was given a copy of social media post directing individuals to pick up fruit there. However, the resident stated that the post with her home address was a mistake that she later fixed to send residents to a store in Framingham. She did acknowledge handing out some mangoes to residents, but she stated that she did that only as a “courtesy” to people to save them a trip out of town.
She also strongly denied any involvement with a grocer in the state (groceryol. com) that allegedly has been using residences — including some in Hopkinton — to help with distribution.
“I don’t have any connections or associations with anyone from the online grocery store [referenced],” stated the resident, who asked not to be identified. “I, in fact, had reported about this website, as some of the people who bought food from them were very upset with the quality and service.”
McAuliffe acknowledged that there is no evidence to support that accusation. He offered an apology for any distress it caused the resident, while he attempts to identify the true culprits.
“The Autumn Ridge resident is not affiliated with groceryol.com and is not reported to have had any business dealings with them,” McAuliffe said. “Further investigation has led the department to believe that there are residents utilizing groceryol.com to distribute product in town and throughout the region. This distribution, as we understand it, is illegal.
“We have learned that garage distribution of food products and home kitchens selling time temperature for safety foods continues in Hopkinton and the region. The MDPH [Massachusetts Department of Public Health] and regional health departments will be working to stop these illegal operations. That being said, we are
I’m trying to shut down all the stuff that I identify. Most of the people I’ve cited have stopped or moved. But if people open up and start doing it after getting a cease and desist, then I’ll bring in the police.
also working to provide legal business opportunities to open and operate take out food operations.”
McAuliffe said he’s been fighting an uphill battle, but he added that has has received some support from residents in Legacy Farms.
“There’s a group that’s applauding us, because they don’t believe what [their neighbors] are doing is right,” McAuliffe said, noting that has received multiple tips and photos of suspicious behavior from residents.
McAuliffe said he also has spoken
with a resident who hopes to open a venue where a few people who are operating illegal home kitchens could have a licensed facility in town to cook and sell their foods.
In the meantime, McAuliffe continues to pursue those who flaunt the health regulations. He said he hopes to avoid taking it to law enforcement, but if residents continue this behavior, in some cases he will have no choice.
“I don’t enjoy this,” he said. “But at the end of the day, they’re breaking the law. If there’s an outbreak because someone gets sick and I knew about it, the town
has liability.
“I’m trying to shut down all the stuff that I identify. Most of the people I’ve cited have stopped or moved. But if people open up and start doing it after getting a cease and desist, then I’ll bring in the police. And I’ve been bringing it to the HOA [homeowners association].”
In addition to the health issue, McAuliffe said, there is concern that the neighborhood water treatment plant will not be able to handle the increased usage required by these operations. He said a couple of residences have extremely high water usage that has drawn suspicion. Already, an individual who was operating a hair salon out of a garage was called out by the HOA and ceased operations.
“The treatment plant was designed for residential use and very limited retail,” McAuliffe said. “It wasn’t designed to have restaurants and other businesses.”
McAuliffe added that the HOA has sent multiple letters to all residents and is fining those who have been ticketed by the Health Department.
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PFAS treatment system approved by state
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection approved Hopkinton’s activation of the full-scale PFAS treatment system at Well 6, Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed announced June 28.
“The system is in operation, and cleaner water is flowing to users,” Reed stated.
MassDEP notified the town June 27 of its approval to activate the temporary full-scale PFAS treatment system. The decision was made after personnel from the Central Regional Office of the MassDEP on June 13 conducted an activation inspection. This approval is good until July 1, 2027, or until Hopkinton is interconnected into the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water system.
In the absence of an interconnection to MWRA, the temporary PFAS treatment system will need to be converted to a permanent water treatment plant that fully complies with all permits, regulations, guidelines and policies.
The Water Department will operate the PFAS filtration system and monitor water treatment, according to Reed. Sampling will be conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, and sampling results will continue to be available to the public.
The bottled water rebate program will remain in effect until the town determines that it is no longer necessary, Reed added.
EMC Park parking issue unresolved
The Parks & Recreation Commission learned on June 25 that the high school’s proposed parking agreement for EMC Park had been withdrawn.
his conversation with Rothermich.
The use of parking at the EMC fields has been a subject of intense debate for the commission. Lewitus has advocated for the arrangement due to the proposed revenue split.
Members like newly elected vice chair Amy O’Donnell have been critical of the solution, even with signage in place to preserve some parking for residents.
“They’re not thinking through [this],” O’Donnell said.
While the proposal was withdrawn, the commission agreed the problem of students parking at EMC Park has not yet been resolved.
Member Kyle Smith emphasized that the commission’s discussions should remain on preserving public access to the park.
Dan Terry, the re-elected chair of the Parks & Rec Commission, agreed. He recommended going to the Select Board to establish fines associated with updated signage at the park.
Resident charged with tax evasion
A Hopkinton man will be tried in Middlesex Superior Court on Dec. 16 for allegedly not paying more than $467,000 in excise taxes on vaping products purchased during the pandemic to sell at his businesses.
Sarah Lamson , a spokesperson for the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office, confirmed via email that Ashraf Youssef, 61, appeared in court July 9 for a scheduling conference. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30, and the trial date was set for Dec. 16.
Director Jon Lewitus reported a conversation between he and Susan Rothermich in which Rothermich — the school district’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations — informed him the school would formally withdraw the request to utilize parking spots at EMC Park.
“The next steps were figuring out the logistics,” said Lewitus. He had planned to meet with Hopkinton High School Principal Evan Bishop before
Youssef was the owner of AAA Smoke & Vape Shop in Marlborough from 2020 to 2022, along with similar establishments in Sudbury and Whitinsville. During that time, the defendant allegedly purchased electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also known as vaping products, from four different out-of-state distributors. He was responsible for paying excise taxes on these products, which the invoices noted, but no excise taxes appear to have been paid over the past three years.
Youssef was arraigned on June 18 in Middlesex Superior Court on three counts of tax evasion, and he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He was released on personal recognizance.
A joint investigation by the DA’s office and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Criminals Investigations Bureau concluded that, based on the review of information compiled from invoices, bank records and delivery records, Youssef allegedly failed to pay $467,828 in electronic nicotine delivery systems excise taxes.
This is not the first time Youssef has faced charges in court. In 2013, Youssef and Maged M. Askandar, his nephew, were accused of selling cocaine-laced bath salts out of a Sudbury gas station Youssef owned. Both men pleaded not guilty to trafficking in cocaine, possession of bath salts, distribution of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, distribution of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to violate the state’s drug laws.
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Jasmine Bhatia for this photo titled “Sunset Glow Over Hopkinton.” To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria.
All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at Bill’s Pizzeria.
Select Board votes to promote Lazarus
stressing her planning and volunteer experience.
“My love of municipal government comes from as early as I can remember,” she said, noting she read her town’s annual reports as a teen. “I couldn’t wait to go to my first Town Meeting when I turned 18.
“I began to think about municipal government in a more holistic way,” she continued, noting that she earned a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University. “And I wanted to do more and be more for a community.”
Lazarus pointed out that she wrote the town’s board and committee orientation handbook and plans to work closely with members to help them “be empowered.”
She stressed the importance of “leading by example.” In her new role, she plans on working collaboratively with town staff, residents and board/ committee members.
Added Lazarus: “I think that that form of leadership can really propel a community in a forward way and try to achieve the goals that it sets forth.”
Near the end of the meeting, member Joe Clark suggested that each member name their top two finalists to limit discussion time. Everyone selected Lazarus as their top choice, with Clark noting that she was “head and shoulders above everyone” because of her 32 years of service to the town.
Lazarus was the top candidate because she “can hit the ground running,”
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said member Mary Jo LaFreniere. She has served as the interim town manager for the past few months in addition to her role as assistant town manager, making her the logical front-runner because of her extensive experience and knowledge of the town’s issues.
Member Amy Ritterbusch added that Lazarus “really stood out” from the other candidates and “answered the questions very clearly and succinctly.”
“I get compliments from residents all the time about the job she does,” she continued. “And I know she’s grown from one role to another. I really think she’s ready for this role and will be an excellent fit.”
Member Shahidul Mannan praised Lazarus for her “long-term understanding and relationship with the community and of our town’s problems and challenges” as well as her focus on improving communication strategies.
Herr stressed that all four candidates had positive qualities that would help them succeed. Others echoed that sentiment, noting that each finalist was qualified for the role to some degree based on their experience and interview performance.
After the vote, Lazarus reentered the meeting room, where she received a standing ovation.
“I really appreciate the opportunity,” she said, adding that she wanted to thank “everyone else who was involved with the [hiring] process.”
“We’re very excited for the town,” said Herr. “We’re very excited for you. It’s a great fit.”
Town manager | from page 1
Powers competes against nation’s best at Olympic trials
Powers | from page 1
and then having to crisscross the country a second time for the June 21 Olympic trials.
“It was a scramble the last week and a half,” she said. “We peaked really hard for the NCAAs, and then we had to change a lot at the last minute because we had one more meet to do. All the travel, it’s just hard on the body.”
But Powers said she was thrilled to get the chance to go up against the best in the country.
“I am going to be in the mix with these girls and be a lot more competitive,” she said. “I am grateful for the experience and seeing all the pros compete live. I took a lot of notes on how they do what they do, and I am excited to come back next year.”
Powers managed a ninth-place finish in the hammer throw in the NCAA meet with a personal best heave of 215 feet, 7 inches. It was a fitting end to what has been a record-setting season for Powers. She placed multiple times in both the hammer and the discus, and set UK freshman records in the indoor weight throw and the outdoor hammer event.
“The season, as a whole, I was so, so happy with,” Powers said. “To make it to the national meet, I was so thrilled. And then throwing a personal record, making the finals, that was a whole other thing. I was so grateful to be there and I felt so happy with my training leading up to it.”
Although Powers finished just one spot away from scoring points at the NCAA meet, she came away pleased with her performance.
“When you PR at a meet like that, you can’t really ask for much more,” she said. “It would have been nice to score some points, but there was a big gap between
I am grateful for the experience and seeing all the pros compete live. I took a lot of notes on how they do what they do, and I am excited to come back next year.
— Kate Powers
me and eighth place.”
In addition to being better prepared for the tight window between the end of the NCAA season and the USA track and field competition, Powers said she has a plan in mind to try to close the gap next season.
“I’ve got to get a whole lot stronger, that’s one of the biggest things, and I have to keep taking reps,” she said. “We need to clean up my technique a bit. It’s the little things now, and it’s going to take time to do those things. A lot of it comes down to reps at this point.”
Powers was scheduled to return to Hopkinton late last month after 10 months in Kentucky. She said she planned to take two weeks off before beginning her offseason training routine and will return to campus around mid-August to start getting ready for her sophomore season.
“I am definitely looking forward to being home for a little bit and seeing my family,” Powers said. “A change of scenery is always nice. I’ve been in Kentucky for 10 months, so it will be good for a little change of pace.”
Hopkinton Art Walk allows family to give back to community
By Robert Fucci Contributing Writer
Twoyears ago, the Town of Hopkinton rallied around the Fitzpatrick family as Carolyn battled and beat stage 4 cancer.
Now, brothers Evan, 17, and Owen, 19, Carolyn’s sons, are giving back to everyone who supported them through a mutual passion.
During the month of July, the Fitzpatrick brothers have organized the inaugural Hopkinton Art Walk, modeled after the famous one in Arles, France.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity,” said Evan, a rising Hopkinton High School senior. “This is great for the town, and I’m super excited for it.”
Art has been a part of the Fitzpatrick brothers’ lives since they were very young, when they used passes from Hopkinton Public Library to visit various museums. During spring break of 2023, Evan participated in the Arles walk, which features visits to sites where Vincent van Gogh painted 200 canvases, as well as well-preserved Roman buildings.
In 2023, Evan won a Mass Cultural Council/ Hopkinton Cultural Council Grant to organize the Hopkinton walk. Owen, a rising sophomore at Bates College majoring in arts and visual culture, is a former grant recipient as well.
The idea for the walk came from news about “destructive student behavior downtown,” which affected local businesses, Evan said. The disruptive behavior included alleged shoplifting and fighting.
Evan said he’s also seen others littering downtown.
The walk unites local businesses and organizations with student artists. Owen helped with logistics, coordination and graphics.
High School.
Pieces include paintings, photo displays, marker/ crayon drawings and more. Among the works are “Dragon” by third-grader by Gabriel Leguarta at Central Public House, “Rainfall” by second-grader Max Bouzan at Weston Nurseries, and “Starry Night” by sixth-grader Emily Cao at the Hopkinton Police Department.
The town’s Parks & Recreation Department also is participating, as is the Hopkinton Public Library, with two pieces on display in its circulation area, Evan said. Overall, 32 student artists are participating, with 52 pieces on display at 40 indoor locations. The artists are local kindergarteners all the way up to Hopkinton
A QR code on the Hopkinton Art Walk flyer (available at most locations) has more details. Individuals also can search #hopkintonartwalk on Facebook. “Thank you to all the participants who made this possible,” Evan said. “We encourage kids to get into art and help support the businesses that have been affected by the [poor] student behavior.”
Among the pieces displayed as part of the Hopkinton Art Walk is this mixed-media drawing titled “Starry Night” by sixth grader Emily Cao, located in the lobby of the Hopkinton Police Department.
Planning Board addresses stormwater issues at The Trails
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
A
t its July 1 meet-
ing, the Planning Board agreed to an evening site visit to The Trails to observe its stormwater management practices and consider if runoff caused damage to Wilson Street, as the Department of Public Works head previously asserted.
It’s sort of insinuating that we’re responsible for areas that are uphill from where our responsibility starts. A lot of the so-called damage on Wilson Street predates our project, which was approved in 2018.
— The Trails owner Vin Gately
At the board’s May 13 meeting, DPW Director Kerry Reed said that “it doesn’t feel right to spend the town’s money to fix a problem that we know is coming off a construction site.”
The Trails, currently in its fourth phase of development, has been plagued by stormwater management issues that have negatively impacted Ashland’s water supply and prompted the Conservation Commission to assess fines. It is an 80-unit open-space mixed-use development (OSMUD) off Legacy Farms Road North and Wilson Street, near the Ashland border.
At this meeting, Vin Gately, the owner of The Trails, said he and project engineer Peter Bemis have been monitoring the site since he received a letter from Reed in May. He described the tone of the letter as “a bit harsh.”
“It’s sort of insinuating that we’re responsible for areas that are uphill from where our responsibility starts,” he said. “A lot of the so-called damage on Wilson Street predates our project, which was approved in 2018.”
Added Gately: “We’re prepared to work with the town to do whatever is our responsibility.”
While Gately said that The Trails is liable for some damage, it is “not the sole and only cause” of it. Bemis drafted a plan to resolve what they believe The Trails may have caused.
Chair Rob Benson noted that Reed was not present at the meeting. He said Reed and the DPW should agree about the scope of damage for which The Trails could be held responsible before the Planning Board takes action.
Bemis presented an overview of the plan he had prepared for the DPW. He said it showed the drainage patterns which haven’t changed since the board’s review last year.
A map showed a segment of Wilson Street. Bemis said that the water was not coming from the area where an access road (Road E) connects to Wilson Street, as he believed Reed’s letter implied.
Bemis pointed out that culverts were built by the town along a onethird-mile stretch of Wilson Street. With road improvements, he said these culverts could collect the water and not allow it to run that length of the street to another active culvert. This is causing a “commingling” of water from The Trails with water from Wilson Street. He also noted the absence of a swale on Wilson Street that could aid water flow.
Bemis also showed a basin that was created on “somewhat permeable” land to help prevent water discharge to Wilson Street. This water discharges into a gutter that Bemis said was “inferior to begin with.”
Member Parker Happ suggested a site walk as part of the review to better understand the water flow patterns. Benson agreed and scheduled it for July 10.
Pickleball/padel complex moves forward
The board voted 8-0 to approve the major site plan and stormwater management permit for a planned complex for pickleball and padel courts on East Main Street. The approval included about a dozen minor conditions regarding lighting, erosion control and landscaping.
The project previously received positive feedback with minor revision requests from the Conservation Commission. The indoor-outdoor facility, located across from Fairview Estates, is slated to have 19 courts in total and parking for about 60 cars.
Proponent Yevgeniy Galper noted that the Design Review Advisory Board suggested murals for two sides of the complex. He asked for a recommendation as to whether murals or tree plantings would be more amenable to the board.
Member Jane Moran suggested a mix of both to make the longer side of the building more visually appealing. Benson agreed.
Galper said additional evergreens were added to provide a screen from headlights. The dumpster also was moved further into the site. The parking lot was reconfigured for electric vehicle charging spots near the building. A 400-square-foot shed will be used for storing equipment at the outdoor courts.
Proposed land swap approved for Clinton, Ash lots
Principal Planner John Gelcich explained that a land swap was proposed between two lots at Clinton and Ash streets. Two sliver parcels were exchanged so that new property lines could be drawn.
He explained that while lots generally are buildable, parcels may or may not be, depending upon the zoning. The land swap would allow the two lots, which are too small to be buildable, to be conveyed to buildable parcels. This will change the shape of the parcels.
Gelcich added that this is not considered to be a subdivision.
The board voted 7-0-1 to approve the proposal. Member Michael King abstained because he arrived at the end of the discussion.
Senior SnippetS
The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.
TED Talks Discussion Group
Mondays, 12:30 p.m.
In 1984, TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation. Casual TED Talks group meetings are held every Monday for one hour. Attendees will view one of these videos and follow with a discussion.
Protect Social Security — You Earned It!
Thursday, July 18, 1 p.m.
In this election year, AARP is fighting to get candidates, regardless of party, to offer solutions for protecting hard-earned Social Security. In this interactive community conversation presented by AARP, attendees will learn how Social Security is funded and about the future health and stability of the program. Individuals also will learn how to help protect Social Security for the hard-working Americans who have earned it, in part by electing candidates who will listen to seniors’ struggles — and pass helpful, common-sense solutions. Those interested should call to register.
Our Time Memory Cafe
Thursday, Aug 1, 1 p.m.
This program is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. It’s a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships, usually with live music and refreshments. This is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call 508-497-9730.
Senior Center Book Club
Wednesday, Aug 7, 10:30 a.m.
One of life’s pleasures is a good book. Another is the time to read it. At this meeting, attendees can relax and bring something to drink, all while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month, the club will discuss “All the Beauty in the World, The Metropolitan Museum and Me,” by Patrick Bringley. New participants are always welcome.
Outreach Services
The Senior Center has an Outreach Department. The department can help identify assistance programs (including SMOC fuel assistance), loan durable medical equipment, help with transportation, facilitate nutrition assistance and much more. Anyone looking for assistance or more information about services should call to make an appointment.
your individual needs. Specializing in home, auto, business, condo and renters insurance since our establishment in 1950, our agency is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to providing the very best of value for your hard-earned dollars. Whether new to the area or a lifelong resident, you will benefit from the sound advice provided by our professional service advisers. Contact us today!
What to know before ‘reversing’ your retirement
If you’ve retired, you may have thought you closed the book on one chapter of your life. But what happens if you need to “reverse” your retirement?
Due to higher inflation and rising interest rates, many retirees are taking out more money from their retirement accounts than they had originally anticipated. As a result, some are headed back to the workforce. If you’re thinking of joining them, you’ll need to consider some factors that may affect your finances.
First, if you’ve been taking Social Security, be aware that you could lose some of your benefits if you earn over a certain level, at least until you reach your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. Specifically, if you are under your full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit, which, in 2024, is $22,320. In the year you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, which, in 2024, is $59,520.
Social Security will only count your earnings up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, at which point your earnings will no longer reduce your benefits, regardless of how much you earn. Also, Social Security will recalculate your benefit amounts to credit you for the months your payments were reduced due to your excess earnings. Social Security also allows you to pay back early benefits received if you withdraw your application within 12 months of starting benefits. This
move could help you receive substantially higher benefits at full retirement age.
Your Social Security isn’t the only benefit that could be affected by your earnings. Your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are based on your income, so they could rise if you start earning more money. Also, your extra income could push you into a higher tax bracket.
Nonetheless, you can certainly gain some benefits by returning to the working world. Obviously, you’ll be making money that can help you boost your daily cash flow and possibly reduce some debts. But depending on where you work, you might also be able to contribute to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. And regardless of where you work, you’ll be eligible to contribute to an IRA. By putting more money into these accounts, you may well be able to strengthen your financial position during your retirement years. You might also be able to receive some employee benefits, such as group health insurance — which could be particularly valuable if you haven’t yet started receiving Medicare.
In addition to the potential financial advantages of going back to work, you might get some social benefits, too. Many people enjoy the interactions with fellow workers and miss these exchanges when they retire, so a return to the workforce, even if it’s on a part-time basis, may give you an emotional boost.
In the final analysis, you’ll want to weigh the potential costs of going back to work against the possible benefits. There’s no one right answer for everyone, but by looking at all the variables, you should be able to reach a decision that works for you.
ScHoolS School Committee adds McSweeney
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Following a 5-4 joint vote by the Select Board and School Committee on July 11, Kyla McSweeney was appointed to fill the vacancy left on the School Committee when Adam Munroe resigned for personal reasons.
McSweeney will hold the seat until the Annual Town Election in May of 2025.
Brendan Tedstone was the only other person to be interviewed. Deborah Mihaley did not attend the meeting and Sravana Krishna withdrew from consideration.
McSweeney works for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care as director of comprehensive system supports.
She spoke about her background, which includes positions in education as a teacher and day care director as well as program director in higher education. McSweeney
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earned a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law and a master’s in early childhood education from Wheelock College.
In Hopkinton, she is chair of the Cemetery Commission and a Girl Scout leader. In the last Town Election, she ran for Select Board.
Voting in favor of McSweeney were School Committee members Jamie Wronka and Susan Stephenson as well as Select Board members Mary Jo LaFreniere, Shahidul Mannan and Amy Ritterbusch. Endorsing Tedstone was School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh and member Chris Masters. Select Board chair Brian Herr and member Joe Clark also voted for Tedstone, a former two-term Select Board member.
All board members emphasized the strengths of both candidates. McSweeney was praised for her educational insight and knowledge of special education and the law. Tedstone was lauded for his experience negotiating labor contracts and working with town budgets.
In her opening remarks, McSweeney said she works with school districts on how to supplement grants with other resources. She said as a child care center leader, she built budgets “from the bottom up.”
She described her vision as meeting the needs of the entire school population whether they go on to Ivy League schools or into the military and work force. McSweeney also spoke about her experience working with diverse families, with many not having English as a first language and her knowledge both as a special education attorney and parent of a child on an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
As a person with a “calm demeanor,” McSweeney said it is important to not “get all upset about things” during negotiations. Instead, having the ability to develop relationships and make the other parties feel heard can increase your position in negotiations with them, she said.
Playground designer chosen
The committee approved a bid of $63,825 from Beta Group Inc. to design the adaptive playground. Town Meeting in May 2024 approved the use of Community Preservation funds (though the Community Preservation Committee) totaling $100,000 for the design services through schematic design for this purpose.
Susan Rothermich, the assistant superintendent for finance and operations, noted 14 vendors requested the bid document but only three submitted proposals, one of which was deemed unresponsive for not meeting the minimum qualifications defined in the request for proposals. Beta was selected following interviews on June 17.
Positions shifted to meet needs
At the high school, the School Committee agreed to transform a vacant fulltime paraprofessional position into a 0.2 full-time equivalent wellness teacher to run a section of the unified physical education program as well as a 0.2 math specialist to co-teach or support math foundations Algebra 1.
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The Hopkinton Teachers Association contract negotiations are coming up, and McSweeney said knowing where to draw the line financially while still being respectful of teachers will be key.
Tedstone spoke about his town service as a firefighter, Select Board member and member of the Marathon School Building Committee, noting that the latter project came in $3 million under budget. A nurse by profession, he is employed as clinical director of operations for Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp.
Both candidates said they would continue beyond the short-term role and would have no problem consistently attending meetings. They also said they had no political affiliations that would pressure or influence their decisions.
In a letter to the committee, Principal Evan Bishop said these changes are necessary to develop and implement a unified wellness curriculum “focused on physical health, mental health and social-emotional learning.”
He said a unified wellness class promotes inclusivity by ensuring all students “regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities participate in a supportive and cohesive environment.”
He noted the math position would provide more targeted intervention for students struggling in that subject.
Class of 2024 plans given
Carol Cavanaugh presented a breakdown of the plans for the recently graduated class of 2024. Of the 280 students, 266 plan to further their education, with 263 (94%) set to head to college.
Five students are taking a gap year and then planning to attend college or are international students returning to their home country. Three students are starting full-time employment or attending prep school. One student is joining the military.
MCAS tests reviewed preliminarily
The superintendent, noting these are preliminary findings, said of 10th graders in English/language arts, 92.3% either met or exceeded expectations on the MCAS tests, up from 89%. Middle school students also showed an increase in MCAS writing achievement in grades 6, 7 and 8.
In writing, high school sophomores got an average of 588 on PSATs and then 631 on SATs as juniors, she noted.
She added that in the National Merit Scholarship “super competitive,” program, Hopkinton High School had 18 commended scholars and five students who were semifinalists.
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @ HopkintonPLMA.
Monthly Music & Movement
Wednesday, July 17, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
This month’s children’s concert, supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is with Roli Poli Guacamole. It’s recommended for ages 0-5.
• Computerized engine tune-up
• Computerized 4-wheel alignment
• Computerized wheel balancing
• Exhaust systems
• Propane tanks lled
Artist Studio: Character Design with Artist Mark Parisi
Wednesday, July 24, 2-2:45 p.m.
• Car pick-up and delivery service
Women’s Financial Round Table
Wednesday, July 17, 1-2 p.m.
This program, funded by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, is recommended for ages 6-18. It features an interactive and humor-filled presentation with fun, hands-on exercises to help create characters.
STEM Scavenger Hunt with Mobile Quest
Tuesday, July 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
This virtual program is for anyone confused about financial markets, wondering what Bitcoin is all about or staring blankly at retirement statements. Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone present Women and Money Round Table: How to Make Sense of Today’s Financial Markets. Each session focuses on a different topic. Registration can be found at the library website.
Animanga
Wednesday, July 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
Anime and manga fans will meet in the Betty Strong Room to discuss manga, watch Crunchyroll, draw characters and eat fun snacks. This program is open to teens and pre-teens in grades 6 and up. Those interested can email Jess at jdyment@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Planning for Medicare
Thursday, July 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts presents this informational seminar about planning for Medicare. This event is offered in-person and virtually via Google Meet. Registration can be found at the library website.
Over the Rainbow Book Group
Tuesday, July 23, 1-2 p.m.
All adults are invited to join the group, which meets in the Ellsworth Room on the fourth Tuesday of each month unless otherwise noted. This group explores fiction and nonfiction work, written by LGBTQ+ authors or with LGBTQ+ themes. Copies of the titles to be discussed will be available at the Circulation Desk at least one month before each meeting. This month’s discussion is “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant: A Memoir” by Curtis Chin.
In
the Middle Book Club
Tuesdays, July 23 and Aug. 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
This summer book club is open to fifth graders and up and meets in the Ellsworth Conference Room every other Tuesday. On July 23, the discussion will be “What Happened to Rachel Riley” by Claire Swinarski. Copies of the book will be available at the Circulation Desk. Those interested can email Jess at jdyment@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
Whalemobile
Tuesday, July 23, 10-10:30 a.m.
The Whalemobile team takes children inside to explore these creatures while delving into vital environmental lessons. Registration is required. This program is recommended for children entering first through sixth grade. Children younger than 5 are welcome to watch from the outside.
The STEM Scavenger Hunt, for kids 4 and older, will take participants to six different challenges including robots, flying frogs and pictures on a green screen. This activity is ideal for families to complete together.
Battle Bots with Mobile Quest STEM
Tuesday, July 30, 1-2 p.m.
In this program, participants will modify Dash Robots using balloons, skewers, plastic straws and other components as they prepare for battle. Participants will work individually to codecontrol their Battle Bot until the last balloon is popped. Its open to teens and pre-teens in sixth grade and up. Registration is required.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, Aug. 1, 1-6 p.m.
Registration can be found at rcblood. org/3AmuYsP.
Scrabble Club and Mahjong Club
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Scrabble sets will be provided, but the library does not yet have a mahjong set. Participants are encouraged to bring a set if they have one. No registration is required.
All-Access Pass Behind the Scenes at the Space Station
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Everyone is invited to virtually step inside one of the greatest international achievements with a behind-the-scenes guide to space exploration with Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Curator Dr. Jennifer Levasseur. Registration can be found at the library website.
Puppet Storytime
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Newton and the puppet gang from Through Me to You Puppetry will perform songs and tell stories. Kids ages 0-5 are welcome. After the show, children are invited to participate in a hands-on, puppet free-play session.
Needle Felting Workshop for Tweens and Teens
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2:30-4 p.m.
Participants can make their own bubble tea from wool. Pop Up Art School will demonstrate the basics of needle felting. Individuals will leave the class with a completed piece and the tools and knowledge to needle felt on their own. This program is suitable for students ages 11 years old and up (no exceptions due to safety concerns).
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
Trails Club Walk at East Hopkinton July 20
The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at in East Hopkinton on Saturday, July 20. The route will cover three HALT properties: Wiley Woods, Brook Hollow and Deer Run — all smaller paths. Participants will meet at TJ’s restaurants at the Hopkinton/Ashland town line (park in the back of the parking lot). For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Pollinator Garden Project July 22-24
Volunteers are invited to assist with a project to add two pollinator gardens in town. Individuals can help with planting and watering or just watch and learn. The planting at the Hughes Property, 192 Hayden Rowe Street, is Monday, July 22, from 5-7:30 p.m., with a celebration from 7:30-8 p.m. Planting at Pratt Farm, between 108 and 126 Fruit Street, is Wednesday, July 24, from 5-8 p.m. (rain date is July 25). Help with watering is needed through October. For more information and to sign up, visit HopGreen.org.
HOP Movie Night at YMCA Aug. 1
Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) will host a free family-friendly drive-up movie — “Kung Fu Panda 4” — on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Metrowest YMCA Outdoor Center (45 East Street). The parking lot opens at 6:30 p.m., and the movie starts around 7:20 p.m. There will be free sorbet from Hop-Yo and candy bags. For more information and to register, visit sites.google.com/hopkintonma.gov/hop-coalition/home.
Dick Bliss Open Golf Tournament at HCC Aug. 5
The fifth annual Dick Bliss Open, benefiting the Hopkinton High School boys and girls golf teams, will be held at Hopkinton Country Club on Monday, Aug. 5, starting at 11 a.m. There will be raffles, an auction and contests including longest drive, closest to the pin and cannon shot. Lunch will be available at the turn, and dinner will be held in the clubhouse grill room following golf. Registration is $200 per player, and there are only 144 spots. Sponsorships also are available. For more information, email HHS coach Bill Phaneuf at wphaneuf@hopkinton.k12.ma.us.
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 6
Registration is open for the 36th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 6. Funds raised are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk features four distances, from the full marathon (starting in Hopkinton) to a 5K. To register or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount off the registration fee. All registered participants will receive a bib, medal and T-shirt.
Farmers Market at Town Common Through Oct. 13
The Hopkinton Farmers Market returns to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., starting June 9 and running through Oct. 13. The market features local fresh food, craft beverages, organic produce, flowers, handmade products, live music and activities. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers again will receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there will be Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits as well. For information, including a list of vendors, music and activities, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.
Music Series Sponsored by Dell Technologies | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Outdoors in the HCA Amphitheater Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can
July 19 | Willie J Laws
The band’s sound includes deep Texas roots music, some funk and jazzinfluenced bass patterns, and the influence of various Afro-Caribbean drum beats, a genre-bending sound tempered with a groove from Motown, Memphis, Muscle Shoals, the Gulf Coast of Texas, and New Orleans.
July 20 | Marc Berger and Ride
A well-choreographed mix of deep country folk songs with touches of bluegrass, roots rock, Americana, a little spicy cajun, and even a little indie with an effects-laced lead acoustic guitar. It’s near impossible to sit through a set without feeling a musical kinship to something in every song.
July 26 | Fat City Band
Now in its fifth decade, The Fat City Band has had the good fortune to write, record, and perform our unique style of blues, roadhouse rock, jazz, and New Orleans-style R&B for fans and friends from coast to coast and beyond.
July 27 | Racky Thomas Band
One of the coolest guys on this side of the Mason-Dixon, Racky Thomas, lives and breathes the blues. The Racky Thomas Band hails from Boston, but plays the blues as though they came out of postwar Chicago or the Mississippi Delta.
ESL Youth Production | July 27
The Aristocats Kids | 12 and 2:30 p.m. Meowza! We are thrilled to announce that the year’s jazziest and most upbeat musical is coming to town! Disney’s The Aristocats Kids is a purrfectly delightful show that will have you tapping your paws and humming along to the unforgettable score.
ESL Production | August 9, 10, 16, 17
Pippin The Musical | 7:30 p.m.
With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, threetime Oscar winner, and musical theater giant Stephen Schwartz, Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart worldwide.
Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week
Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 4-year-old Oreo.
Here is Baypath’s description of Oreo:
“Meet Oreo! Milk’s favorite cookie and your new favorite pup!
“Get ready to fall in love with Oreo, the sweetest treat you’ll ever meet! Oreo is on the hunt for his forever home, and he’s bringing all the fun and joy with him. This big, lovable goofball has a heart of gold and a personality as sweet as can be.
“Oreo is a social butterfly who adores going for walks and playing outside, especially when there are doggie friends to join the fun. He’s happy soaking up all the attention or sharing the spotlight with a canine sibling. Whether it’s a game of fetch or a leisurely stroll, Oreo is always up for an adventure.
“This delightful pup is crate-trained, house-trained, and was amazing in his previous home environment. If your life needs a dash of fun and a whole lot of love, Oreo is the perfect ingredient. His affectionate nature and gentle demeanor make him an instant favorite. Apply for Oreo today and let the fun begin!”
For more information about Oreo and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.
For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
Summer
obituarieS
Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.
Carol Zani
Carol Ann (Porrazzo) Zani, 80, of Uxbridge died June 22 at Milford Regional Medical Center after battling a recent illness. She passed away peacefully with family by her side.
Carol Ann was born in Framingham on Sept. 16, 1943, to Caroline (DeStefano)and Alfred Porrazzo. She lived nearly her entire life in Hopkinton before moving to Uxbridge in 2007.
She was a 1961 graduate of Hopkinton High School, where she was on the girls basketball team. She also played college basketball at Framingham State, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1965. She then became a fifth grade classroom teacher at Elmwood School, leaving a few years later to start a family.
Carol grew up on Chestnut Street, where she later raised her four girls in her childhood home. From 1969 to 1971, she owned and operated Chestnut Hollow Kindergarten & Nursery School, until kindergarten became part of the public school system, something for which she advocated. While raising her family, Carol always was very involved in the town of Hopkinton, from teaching and volunteering in the school system to coaching Little League and leading Girl Scout troops.
Her faith was very strong, and her church played a significant role in her life.
A lifelong educator, Carol worked in the Hopkinton Public School system as a health teacher at both Center School and Elmwood School for several decades.
Carol was a devout Catholic and devoted parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, teaching CCD classes for many years. She eventually became the director of religious education and served in that position for 34 years. Prior to that, she held the same title at St. Cecilia’s Church in Ashland for many years.
Carol loved (and lived) her work for the Church, fully committed to her faith and her career and all the hundreds of families she encountered over the years. Preparing children for their First Holy Communion was something she enjoyed immensely.
When not working or volunteering, Carol loved spending time with her family, both immediate and extended. As Carol was an only child, her cousins were more like siblings to her, and they were all very close throughout all of their lives. In more recent years, she had reconnected with several high school friends and looked forward to spending time with them, meeting for lunch
on a regular basis. She liked attending programs at the Uxbridge, Sutton and Hopkinton senior centers with her cousin Marie.
Carol was always extremely proud of her four daughters, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She always loved sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen! They all thank her for her undying commitment, support and unconditional love.
Carol loved visiting Maine with her family and spending time at the beach. She also enjoyed a few memorable road trips with her cousins, including to Nashville and Disney World.
For many years, Carol worked for Sadlier, an educational publishing company, as a trainer for the religious education division. She visited parishes around the state, teaching their staff and volunteers about implementing the curriculum.
Carol is survived by her children, Lisa Zani, Caroline Zani, Nicole Zani and Monica Zani, along with two granddaughters, Amanda Zani and Victoria (Tori) Stratton, and her grandson, Sebastian Zani, who is preparing to be commissioned this summer as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She also leaves behind many cousins and friends who will miss her dearly, especially Liz Ross, who was like a sister to her.
Memorial calling hours will be 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A memorial funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. in her beloved St. John’s Church.
Following cremation, burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Carol’s memory to the religious education program at St John’s Church, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Milford Hospital for their professionalism and compassion, and family friend Eileen Bernier, who assisted with Carol’s in-home care during the last several months.
Kathleen Craig
Kathleen Mary Winston Craig (Allaire), a former longtime resident of Hopkinton, died June 24 in Cleveland, Mississippi, on her terms and her timeline, at the age of 75.
Kathy was born Aug. 10, 1948, in Winchester to Walter and Mary Winston. She attended school in Randolph and later earned her degree as a registered nurse.
In 1970, Kathy moved to Hopkinton, where she raised her family and found her calling as a nurse, working as a labor and delivery nurse for most of her career at Milford Regional Hospital. She continued to call Hopkinton home until moving recently to Indywood in Cleveland, Mississippi, to be closer to her eldest daughter’s family.
Kathy was a deeply emotional per-
son with an unrivaled stubborn streak. She had an aversion to slow driving, dresses and heels, fish, grilled cheese sandwiches, change and being told what to do.
She was extremely generous to all who knew her, and even those who didn’t, demonstrated by the stacks of charity-supplied notepads and address labels stored throughout her home.
Kathy preferred takeout subs, pizza and Chinese food to unnecessarily heating up the kitchen. However, she could be counted on to whip up one of her three specialties — chocolate chip cookies, brownie pudding or crumble — on a moment’s notice.
She loved awkwardly long hugs, ice cream, taking care of newborns in the hospital nursery, tattoos, chocolate, her A Street family, cheap Canadian whiskey and New England’s scenic byways, especially the Kancamagus Highway. Her choice of designer was L.L. Bean, especially anything available in a bright flannel fabric.
Kathy most especially loved her family, including daughters Doreen Muzzi (Michael) of Shaw, Mississippi, Jenine Burnett of York, Maine, and bonus daughter Donna Lowell-Bettencourt of Edgartown.
She also leaves her sister, Claire Winston Arabie, grandchildren Tyler Muzzi (Bethany), Kevin Muzzi, Trevor Muzzi, Apryl Burnett and David Burnett, niece Aristea Arabie and six greatgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Winston, former husband and father of her children Edward Craig, and second husband Donald Allaire.
In honor of her final wishes, there will be no service, and Kathy’s remains will be spread by her daughters near New Hampshire’s scenic Kancamagus Highway.
The family would especially like to thank the nurses and staff at Indywood in Cleveland, Mississippi, and Marjorie with Sunflower Hospice for the caring and love they showed Kathy.
Nancy Bozyczko
Nancy Ann Bozyczko, 72, a beloved member of the Hopkinton community, passed away June 24. Born and raised in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Shirley (Dyan) and Lloyd McLean. She was the beloved wife of 52 years to Frank Bozyczko of Hopkinton.
Nancy’s essence radiated love and loyalty without bounds, yet it was her profound devotion to her family that truly shaped her character. Throughout her life, hosting and cooking became Nancy’s defining specialties. While many view cooking as a mundane chore, Nancy transformed it into a beautiful expression of her love and admiration for those in her life. For her, it was never a mere duty, but always a joyful privilege. Meeting Nancy meant encountering someone who embraced others with open arms and a genuine heart. Her in-
ner light illuminated every interaction, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her.
In addition to her husband, Nancy is survived by her children, Chris Bozyczko of Hopkinton and Heather Marques and husband Amilcar of Milford. She also leaves behind brother Bill McLean and wife Sharon of Hopkinton, two grandchildren, Serafina and Tristan Marques, and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by brother David McLean.
A funeral service took place July 8 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by interment in Edgell Grove Cemetery, Framingham.
Maureen Whalen
Maureen Elizabeth Whalen, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning July 6 at Golden Pond Assisted Living, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that touched all who knew her.
Maureen was born in Providence and raised in Nashua, New Hampshire, and her journey was marked by a passionate curiosity and a commitment to helping others. She proudly graduated with her bachelor’s from Tufts University and went on to earn her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Brandeis University. As she pursued her studies, she lovingly raised her daughter, Devinne.
Maureen’s career as a psychologist was defined by her dedication to clinical excellence and empathy. Her early work with the bio-behavioral team at Cambridge Hospital revealed her innate gift for both scientific curiosity and healing. As an early member of the Boston Emergency Services Team, her compassionate care was instrumental in rolling out a nationwide model for emergency health services. With the birth of her second daughter, Eliza, she moved to a private practice full time.
In her private practice, Maureen specialized in mindfulness and healing for over 17 years, touching countless lives with her deep listening, genuine concern and clinical acumen. Maureen’s patients, many of whom remained in her care for years, can attest to the profound impact of her gentle, empathic approach. Her ability to connect with others, both professionally and personally, was a testament to her kind and nurturing spirit.
Maureen’s gentle demeanor belied a fierce advocate for justice. She boldly stood against injustice, defending the rights of friends and strangers alike, embodying principles of fairness and compassion in all she did. She deeply admired the teachings of the Dalai Lama, who greatly influenced her philosophy and actions.
A resident of Arlington, Maureen loved and found solace in nature, spending cherished moments in her garden and exploring the Sutherland Woods. An avid animal lover, she delighted in
the presence of birds, squirrels and rabbits, and showered her pets (in particular Pewter and Bailey) with endless affection throughout her life.
Summertime held a special place in Maureen’s heart, particularly on Martha’s Vineyard, where she created cherished memories that spanned generations. Herself part of the third generation of the Whalen family to spend time there, with her waitressing days at Giordano’s through college and, later, sharing those summers with her daughters and grandson in Oak Bluffs, the island was a sanctuary of joy and family connection.
Maureen Whalen is survived by her daughters, Devinne and Eliza, grandson Cristian, brothers Steve and Dave, and innumerable cherished friends and family members who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts. Her warmth, wisdom and unwavering kindness leave an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A celebration of life will be held for Maureen on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m. in the Bigelow Chapel of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge. A reception will follow from 2-4 p.m. in the Gather Wing, beside the chapel.
Anyone who wishes to offer a few words during the celebration should contact Eliza at 617-947-6279 or e.whalen. hunt@gmail.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.
Irving Titus
Irving H. Titus, 91, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on June 29. Born in Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada, he was the son of the late Flora (O’Neil) and Herbert Titus. He was the husband of over 50 years to the late Edna (Graham) Titus.
Born and raised in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia, Irving earned his living from the sea. In the mid 1950s, he moved to Hopkinton. Always a devoted family man, he worked both selflessly and tirelessly to provide for his loved ones. In the mid 1990s, Irving retired from Fenwall in Ashland.
Irving is survived by twin daughters Deborah Peddle of Bellingham and Darlene Montville of Hopkinton. He was the proud grandfather to Eric Montville, Brandon Peddle, Kari Rose (Montville) Bailey and husband Fred, and Kelsey (Peddle) Rapas and husband Kyle. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, Elliana, Annalise, Nora and baby Matthew. He was a father figure to stepdaughter Donna (Wright) Lowell and had a close bond with stepsons Donald Wright and the late Douglas Wright. Irving also was loved and adored by their respective families. Irving is predeceased by all 10 of his siblings but leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews from his home province of Nova Scotia. And finally, he leaves behind his faithful companion of 15 years, his beloved dog Noelle.
Private family services will be held in Nova Scotia and Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Irving’s memory may be made to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms North Road, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or baypathhumane.org.
Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
WATER SPORTS
police log
ARRESTS
June 21
11:13 p.m. A 38-year-old resident of Pleasant Street in Hopkinton was arrested on Hayden Rowe Street and charged with marked lanes violation, negligent operation of motor vehicle and OUI liquor, second offense.
June 30
7:40 p.m. On Chestnut Street, Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Augusto Diaz and Kyle Quinzani arrested a 43-year-old from Westborough and charged him with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
June 18
12:28 p.m. A caller reported she was the victim of fraud, and the offender was in Hopkinton. She was advised to notify her local police department in order to coordinate with Hopkinton.
2:43 p.m. A caller reported an attempted abduction of a child on Main Street. Sergeants Matthew McNeil and Matthew Santoro and Officers Augusto Diaz, Robert Ekross, Cody Normandin, Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti re-
sponded and searched for the vehicle. A report was taken.
7:28 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin notified Eversource about a tree that fell on wires on Pond Street.
8:18 p.m. Officers Augusto Diaz and Cody Normandin responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an overturned kayak with two individuals on Lake Whitehall. One was wearing a life jacket.
June 19
8:30 a.m. A West Main Street caller reported a missing person. Officers Brian Ziniti and Nicholas Saletnik took a report of a young female who was not home.
12:52 p.m. A caller at a West Main Street facility reported the staff was throwing out her belongings. Officer Brian Ziniti responded, and the staff was to handle the issue.
4:52 p.m. A caller reported receiving threatening text messages. Officer Robert Ekross advised the caller not to respond and to notify police if he receives any more messages.
10:07 p.m. A caller reported his son was driving on Ash Street, hit a fence and went home. The caller returned to the scene to report the accident. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and took a crash report.
June 20
2:23 p.m. A caller reported a man having a heart attack in a white vehicle outside a Lumber Street building. The caller stated he was awake and moving. Sergeant Matthew Santoro and Nicholas
Saletnik responded and reported the man was going in and out of consciousness. The Fire Department responded and transported him to the hospital.
4:36 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was hit while parked at Hopkinton Country Club on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and spoke with club personnel about accessing videotape.
7:43 p.m. A Walker Street resident complained of a neighbor’s dog barking outside for an hour after the owners left. Officer Shannon Beloin responded, and no one answered the door. She was to check on the dog again later.
8:27 p.m. Sergeant Matthew Santoro assisted the Fire Department in responding to West Main Street to assist an 83-year-old female who fell and hurt her back.
8:58 p.m. A caller reported a small fire at the dam at Echo Lake on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department. A small campfire was extinguished.
June 21
12:40 a.m. A caller reported a dog was left in a car on West Main Street, and it was panting a lot, though the windows were down. Officer Noah Buentello responded and did not find any vehicle or dog matching the description given.
6:17 p.m. A caller complained of three trucks in a West Main Street parking lot with people blasting music, drinking and smoking. Officers Robert Ekross and Cody Normandin checked the area, and the vehicles were gone upon their arrival.
6:49 p.m. A Meserve Street resident complained of an aggressive solicitor going door to door and not taking no for an answer. Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the reporting person, and the solicitor was gone upon his arrival.
June 22
12:59 a.m. A caller reported she crashed her motor vehicle on Frankland Road, and it was on its side. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Robert Ekross responded. Wires were found 15 feet from the ground, and Eversource was notified. A tow truck removed the vehicle, and the driver was transported to the hospital. Verizon was notified about a pole that split in half.
7:14 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle crashed into the woods on Weston Lane, and no one was around the vehicle. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded along with a tow truck. A motor vehicle accident report was taken.
9:27 p.m. A motorist reported a car struck a pole on Chestnut Street. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded to the motor vehicle accident and took a report. A tow truck removed the car.
June 23
12:31 p.m. An Autumn Ridge Road caller reported a propane tank that smelled “funny.” Officer Noah Buentello responded along with the Fire Department, found the tank was leaking and took care of it.
5:51 p.m. A motorist reported his vehicle was disabled on West Main Street, and he lost a tire. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded. A tow truck removed the vehicle.
June 24
5:30 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Claflin Place. No personal injuries were reported.
7:32 p.m. Officers Robert Ekross and Cody Normandin checked on a motor vehicle on West Main Street where the operator appeared to be slumped over the wheel. A verbal warning was issued for having an open container.
June 25
7:45 a.m. Officers Brian Ziniti and Nicholas Walker responded to a motor vehicle accident on Clinton Street, where a car hit a pole. No personal injuries were reported. A written warning was issued to the driver. Verizon was notified of pole damage. A tow truck removed the vehicle.
10:31 a.m. A caller reported a male with his pants down entering the woods on Pratt Way. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and checked the woods with a negative find.
2:42 p.m. A caller reported his wife’s vehicle was hit in a West Main Street parking lot while she was inside one of the businesses. A person inside the bank witnessed the accident and was able to provide the license plate number. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported minor damage to the left rear bumper. A report was taken.
11:07 p.m. The Milford Police Department reported a blue sedan was speeding at more than 60 mph on Cedar Street and failed to stop in Milford. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Sean McKeon and Kyke Quinzani responded and checked the area, and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival. The Holliston Police Department was notified.
June 26
6:16 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Robert Ekross were advised to be on the lookout on Lorigan Road for a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident.
June 27
9:47 p.m. A West Main Street store manager reported someone stole $300 worth of items. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.
June 28
8:51 a.m. A Ray Street walk-in reported a deceased opossum in her yard. The animal control officer was contacted.
9:30 a.m. A caller reported an injured raccoon in the roadway on Castle Hill Road. The animal control officer was notified.
3:42 p.m. A walk-in reported that she did over $1,000 worth of work for a Hopkinton resident who refused to pay. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil advised her to go to Framingham district court, as it was a civil issue.
8:53 p.m. A motorist reported his vehicle was hit at the high school on Hayden Rowe Street. Officers Tyler Staback and Brian Ziniti responded and took a crash report.
June 29
2:20 p.m. A DiCarlo Road caller reported two raccoons were hanging around his property the past few days. The animal control officer was notified and was to advise the homeowner.
5:03 p.m. A caller reported a lowhanging wire on Sterling Drive and another fallen wire blocking the roadway on Sterling Drive. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and notified Eversource and Verizon.
8:02 p.m. A caller reported that while he was getting into his parked vehicle on Main Street, another vehicle bumped him. He stated that he did not need an ambulance. Officer Cody Normandin assisted and took a report.
10:44 p.m. An employee at a West Main Street business reported a disturbance in a parking lot. One party left the scene. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report.
July 1
3:01 a.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani assisted the Southborough Police Department in searching for a stolen gray 2022 Honda Civic on Cedar Street.
6:29 a.m. A caller reported there was a broken bottle in his parking lot on Main Street, the third time it has happened. The incident was logged.
8:05 a.m. A caller reported a deer was hit on Legacy Farms North and was on the side of the roadway. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and reported the animal was severely injured, and he dispatched it. The animal control officer was notified.
July 2
6:46 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a deer on Hayden Rowe Street and the female occupant was shaken up. No airbag deployment was reported. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a crash report.
7:11 a.m. A walk-in reported her mother lost a yellow purse at a South Street business the previous day. She returned in the morning, but the purse was not there. She was to speak with a manager and ask for video footage. The incident was logged.
9:19 a.m. A caller reported her son lost a brown leather wallet containing cash and gift cards on the Town Common a few weeks ago. The incident was logged.
9:48 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded to a motor vehicle accident on White Street and took a report.
3:02 p.m. A caller on Lumber Street
reported a disturbance. Sergeant Matthew Santoro and Officer Augusto Diaz assisted and reported a verbal dispute.
5:21 p.m. Sergeant Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle accident on Lumber Street. The operator reported he was run off the road by another vehicle. He changed his tire and went on his way.
July 3
1:15 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on West Main Street. Sergeant Matthew Santoro and Officer Noah Buentello responded and reported a verbal altercation took place. A report followed.
4:26 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on Spring Street that included screaming and dogs barking and fighting from two houses. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Robert Ekross responded and assisted.
6:07 p.m. A Birchwood Lane resident reported hearing a loud bang the previous night and in the morning found her windshield smashed. Sergeant William Burchard responded and reported it was a rock hole. The caller was to contact the glass company.
6:20 p.m. A caller reported a past incident where a Sandy Beach parking attendant was offered drugs and alcohol in exchange for a parking pass. Officer Robert Ekross spoke with the parties and reported it was a misunderstanding.
July 4
2:27 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted the Milford Police Department with delivering a message to a Glen Road resident about a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident that occurred earlier in the day. Officer Beloin reported the vehicle was in the driveway and had left rear damage. Officer Beloin spoke with the driver, who subsequently contacted the Milford Police Department.
8:39 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a large stone on West Elm Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report. The vehicle was towed.
July 5
1:10 p.m. A caller reported two people walking on West Main Street, and the female appeared uncomfortable, as the male had his hand on her neck as they walked. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and checked with the parties, who refused any services.
4:41 p.m. A Spring Street caller reported a BB hole in her garage window and wanted the incident logged. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted.
7:49 p.m. A caller reported a pole and small tree fire on Valleywood Road. Officer Tyler Staback responded along with the Fire Department and Eversource.
11:38 p.m. A caller reported a tree across Hayward Street, making it impassable. Officer Tyler Staback responded, moved the branch off to the side and notified the DPW.
July 6
3:51 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious gray sedan with no license plates parked on Lakeshore Drive. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and checked with residents on Lakeshore Drive to ask if they knew who the vehicle belonged to. The owner was having the vehicle towed shortly.
July 7
1:08 p.m. A caller on Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive reported a woman was searching for her lost dog. The missing dog was found, but the owner could not be reached. A person at the beach held on to the dog until the owner was located. The animal control officer was contacted.
5:46 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil reported a tree limb hanging over wires on West Elm Street and a tree limb blocking the road. Eversource and the DPW were notified.
6:14 p.m. A caller reported an erratic jet ski driver on the lake who launched from Sandy Beach. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and spoke with the driver, who was pulling in his jet ski and leaving the beach.
July 8
8:27 a.m. A Birkdale Lane resident reported a bird was stuck in a mouse trap. The animal control officer was contacted
9:38 a.m. Police Chief Joseph Bennett came across a construction crew blocking the bike lane on Main Street. He spoke with contractors and advised them to remove their vehicles from the bike lane.
1:58 p.m. The DPW reported a construction barrel in front of a broken
telephone pole on Main Street had been hit for the second time. Verizon was notified.
2:22 p.m. A College Street walk-in reported his golden retriever puppy was missing. A message was left for the animal control officer.
5:13 p.m. A caller reported her son had been missing since July 3 when he said he was going out with friends. Officer Matthew LaTour took a report and issued a be on the lookout. While Officer LaTour was on the phone with the caller, her son texted his father and confirmed his whereabouts. He also called the station and spoke with Officer LaTour and confirmed that he was OK.
5:30 p.m. A caller reported an injured rabbit in the roadway on Wood Street that was causing a traffic hazard. Officer Robert Eklross was en route when the caller called back and stated the rabbit died and was moved to the side of the road.
