HI 7.19.23

Select Board extends UCTC suspension

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Select Board on July 11 voted unanimously to continue the suspension on the Upper Charles Trail Committee until Aug. 1, when the board will continue to discuss the results of a recently released survey on residents’ goals for the committee and the trail.

The Select Board held a joint meeting with the UCTC and the Trail Coordination and Management Committee to discuss the UCTC’s future. A nonbinding vote at May’s Annual Town Meeting called for the dismantling of the current UCTC and its reconfiguration as a TCMC subcommittee. In response, the Select Board created a community survey to better understand what the community expects from the UCTC.

Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch, a member of the survey subcommittee, presented the survey results. Many of the results, she said, were “not

Murphy honored as top science teacher

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School chemistry

teacher Kristen Murphy said that she was not “a tinkering, robotics type of kid.” Skip ahead to this May when Murphy was honored as Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair High School Teacher of the Year.

The award, sponsored by Sanofi Specialty Care, is especially meaningful, she said, because her students wrote and compiled “kind and thoughtful” stories during the nomination process.

“It’s recognition of all the time and effort that goes into Science Fair, but also the result of having great mentors throughout my life,” Murphy said of the

Murphy | 13

Kristen Murphy, with Hopkinton High School principal Evan Bishop, shows off a poster recognizing her accomplishment.

Coach Mark Sanborn instructs his players during the Hopkinton Summer Basketball Clinics at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym on July 12.

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Mui makes mark with rugby champs

Whenmembers of the New England Free Jacks professional rugby team needed someone to watch their backs, they sought out Hopkinton resident Karson Mui.

Mui, a sports chiropractor, has worked with the team for four years, including this season, when the team went 16-2 and won the Major League Rugby championship.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY

SPAR

“I’ve seen the team grow from kind of a fledgling professional team to what it is now,” he said. “It’s been a pretty crazy journey.”

In addition to seeing the players in his office, Mui handles pregame prep work and is on the sideline at home games in Quincy to address any immediate needs. While he says he was brought into the organization because the team desired someone who could do spinal manipulation, he also does a lot of soft tissue work.

Mui has a long history of working with athletes, although it’s primarily been managing venues for action sports such as Nitro Circus — which features dirt bikes, skateboarding and various stunts. He also works as a branch director for medical volunteers at the Boston Marathon finish line area.

Mui started working at the Boston Marathon in 2012, and he was in the main medical tent in 2013, when the finish line was bombed.

“I was one of the first people to go out that door to see the actual cloud of smoke from the bombing, and I was part of the first wave of [doctors] who went out,” he recalled. “I didn’t get to the finish line to see the gruesome portions of it, but I ended up doing a lot of escorting people into the main medical tent, and I did a lot of shrapnel care that day, patching wounds and filling gaps. We had everybody come through us — we saw all the amputees and everyone right there.”

That horrific event did not stop Mui from returning the next year and every year since.

“No hesitation,” he said. “I’m the type of guy who does not let things put him down, and it was the only way I could beat the [constant] nightmare, was to actually go back and go through it.”

Mui’s path to chiropractic care was not a direct one. After studying biotechnology at Northeastern University, he started working in the biotech field for about two years before deciding he did not want to work in a lab.

Recalling how he was helped by a chiropractor when he dealt with injuries as a wrestler at Wellesley High School, he did some “soul searching” as he sought out a career in which he could directly help people. He got a graduate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida and returned to Massachusetts to open a practice in Newton. Mui also has done hundreds of hours of extra training to obtain diplomate status, which puts him in elite company nationally.

In 2018, he moved with his young family from Cambridge to Hopkinton, where his brother resides.

The next year, he started working with the Free Jacks, who keep him busy.

“It’s a pretty high-contact sport,” he said. “They’re hitting each other with no pads on, no helmets — everything’s all about technique. The front-row guys have a lot of neck issues, the backs are quick but they get rattled by guys twice their size, so a lot of times I’m dealing with chronic or acute muscular-skeletal injuries that develop over time because of the sport.”

Normally, Mui does not attend road games — there are other medical personnel who travel with the team — but for the championship match on July 8 in Bridgeview, Illinois, he was called into action.

“It was the championship, so they wanted the whole kit and caboodle,” Mui said. “They wanted the hometown feel for these guys, and it worked.”

The “underdog” Free Jacks recorded the game-winning score with five minutes remaining and held on for a 25-24 victory over the San Diego Legion.

“It was absolutely bananas,” Mui said.

The champions trophy is a giant shield, and Mui was watching it in the airport terminal as the team waited for its flight home. A man approached Mui and asked for team autographs and took a photo with the shield. It turned out to be Dropkick Murphys lead singer Ken Casey, whose Boston-based band had performed at the game.

Mui is hoping to return to the Free Jacks next season, and in the meantime he will continue to work with Nitro Circus and some action sports Olympic qualifiers. He said he had an offer to work at the Paris Summer Olympics next year but doesn’t want to leave his wife and two young daughters — as well as his practice — for Independent thoughts

Karson Mui poses with the Major League Rugby champions shield after serving as the team’s chiropractor this season.

Tales from a Townie: A swim at Sandy Island

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

BeforeI start my latest tale, you’ll notice the word Island in the title is emphasized. Back in my time and before, it was called Sandy Island. I don’t know when the title was changed to Sandy Beach or who did it, but that is one of my four pet peeves. (I’ll tell you the other three some other time.)

I went to Grove Street and met my pal Eddie, and we headed for Sandy Island around 10 a.m. We went to the corner of Wood Street and West Main Street and thumbed a ride down West Main. The lady who picked us up was going up Lumber Street. She took a left at Four Corners up Lumber Street over the “roller coaster” part and left us off at Hayward Street. (Hayward Street went all the way to Lumber Street before Interstate 495 was built and cut it off at South Street.)

We walked down Hayward Street to Sandy. We swam until 12:30 p.m. or so. I always got hungry for potato chips when I swam a lot, so we went over to “Max’s Cabin,” which was located at 141 Hayward Street. It was a small variety store. In the summer on most Saturday nights, they had either a country dance or

showed movies on a big screen.

So, after potato chips and cakes, we poked around the little pond on Sandy trying to catch frogs. We then continued our swim until about 4 p.m. We walked up Hayward Street and across Downey Street to West Main. I had a little money in my pocket, so we went to First Bridge, where Bridges Grove was located. Bridges was near where the sewer pump station now is located on the east side of First Bridge. They sold the best fried clams anywhere. We got a small order of clams and fries and enjoyed them.

We thumbed a ride back uptown and got home from a totally enjoyable day of swimming at Sandy Island

OK, I know you are waiting with bated breath for my other three pet peeves, so here they are:

1) Hayden Rowe — On all the old maps I have seen from the 1700s and 1800s, it is either Hayden Row or Hayden Rowe. Saying Hayden Rowe Street is like saying Marshall Avenue Street.

2) Ice House Pond — It has always been Ice House Pond, not Golden Pond.

3) Hopkinton High School green and white — When I played sports at HHS and long before, it was always, “Fight, fight, fight for the green and white.” Where did the orange come from?

Downtown urban heat island

Proven service and expertise.

“We recently had the pleasure of working with an incredible team of realtors — Chuck, Ann and Mike. We couldn’t be happier with their expertise, level of service, and extensive knowledge!”

“I

I was doing, but I did know

I wanted Chuck, Mike and Ann as my realtors. I felt comfortable knowing I could always count on you. Your support, patience and guidance was invaluable.”

Time and time and time again.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Wonderful … 53 more parking spaces added downtown! Seven thousand square feet of grass removed from the Town Common for parking and in the process reducing the size of the Doughboy triangle. Seven to 8 feet of lawn removed in front of 25 and 35 Main Street to accommodate for bike paths. The company supplying the asphalt for these projects must be quite happy!

— Beth and Rick Kelly, 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.

Mui makes mark with rugby champs

that much time.

“I’ve been everywhere, all around the country and international as well,” he said. “But family comes first.”

Pols on parade

The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee would like to see the annual Horribles parade return to town. The event has been on hiatus since the pandemic, with the Main Street Corridor Project contributing to its cancellation the last two years.

Members of the HRTC put together a display on a pickup truck featuring American flags and a poster reading “Horrible Hopkinton has no July 4th parade,” and they drove the traditional parade route at noontime on a rainy Independence Day.

“The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee was disappointed that there was no organized parade to celebrate Independence Day,” the HRTC wrote in an email. “So in the best tradition of Hopkinton on the Fourth of July we had our own. … Building on our past, we have plans for the future.”

Independent thoughts | from page 2

With the annual July 4 Horribles parade on hiatus for another year, members of the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee held their own version.

didn’t know what

that

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Conservation Commission at its June 27 meeting continued a hearing on a request to move a gas line that previously prompted neighborhood concerns at the Mass. Laborers Training facility at 37 East Street.

The project has been discussed over the course of many months. Previously, the main point of contention was the location of the initially proposed gas line that would involve site work on the Clinton Street right of way from Front Street.

The gas line, which project attorney George Connors continually has stressed is the preferred option for the developer, would run through the main campus and necessitate the removal of about 100 trees. It would begin at Clinton Street and cross the campus, going behind the Maloney maintenance building. It then would continue around the pond to the ball field area and end at the dormitory building.

At this hearing, Connors proposed moving the gas line in a way that does not disturb wetlands and will feed the entire site. He explained that the work will begin on the other side of the property at Front Street and proceed down Maple Avenue, where an easement exists. There it will meet the facility’s property line.

At that point, it will travel in between a well to the west and wetlands to the east. It will run just outside the protected radius area around the well’s eastern side. It then will go southward into the campus proper area and feed into the various buildings.

Said Connors: “There is no additional work to remove vegetation or anything of that nature within the various buffer zones.”

Chair Jeff Barnes clarified that there is no buffer area disturbance at the first leg of this pipeline, and Connors confirmed that. The work in the campus proper is all in previously disturbed areas.

Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli thanked Connors and his team for “going back to the drawing board” with the new gas line proposal. It appears to be less impactful than the previous proposal, which would have necessitated the removal of several trees. Commissioners echoed Ciaramicoli’s sentiment.

The hearing was continued until the next meeting on July 18 to allow for a review by Joe Orzel from Lucas Environmental.

The commission also reviewed an amended proposal for the pump station and the fire protection line. The proposed pump station, which will be moved to the western side of the site, will provide protection for all buildings, according to Connors.

— George Connors Project attorney

While investigating the previously proposed site with boring and penetrating radar, Connors explained that the team found “massive boulders” that were about 7 feet deep.

The new proposal will put the pump station adjacent to the driveway that goes around the pond, where a hydrant will be installed. Connors said the Fire Department requested that a draft line into the pond near the culvert that previously was proposed and then removed return to the plans.

Barnes noted that part of the work will be impinging on a previously proposed wetlands restoration area. Connors said he believed that the disturbance would only impact an area of 20 square feet.

Ciaramicoli noted that it would be “a little tight” putting the pump house close to the permanent immovable barriers there. Connors said that not having the pump house in the previously proposed location would compensate for the wetland disturbance to that area. This will be reviewed at the next meeting.

This hearing also was continued until July 18 to allow for Orzel’s review.

Leonard Street violations, fines reviewed

The commission reviewed previous violations cited at 8 Leonard Street that were the result of stormwater erosion over the past couple of years. In April, member Ted Barker-Hook observed turbid water and sedimentation within the isolated vegetation wetland area on two separate occasions. In response, Ciaramicoli drafted a letter assessing $7,100 worth of fines.

In addition, she also cited that there have been “approximately 94 weeks” of missing stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) reports for the project.

Developer Lou Petrozzi of Wall Street Development Corporation explained that the site has been “the victim of torrential storms.” Sediment was hand-removed since the issuance of the violation, and a silt lot was installed. The nearby house lot also was loamed and seeded.

He added that the project is expected to be completed within about 45 days. All houses have been built, and the yards now need to be loamed and seeded.

There has been additional runoff on the 8 Leonard Street site that appears to be coming from the roadway that has gone into the driveway, creating ruts, Petrozzi added. Instead of loam, he previously suggested riprap but said he did not receive a response from Ciaramicoli. Ciaramicoli countered that she spoke with him about it at the time and explained that it would call for “a minor plan change discussion with the commission.”

Since then, the area was hydroseeded, but that work has been washed away by rain, according to Petrozzi.

At this meeting, he reiterated his request for riprap there. He also said that some erosion controls have been installed 5 or 6 feet beyond the approved limit of work. The site itself basically is flat.

Said Petrozzi: “That’s really the only weakness in the site.”

Vice chair Melissa Recos proposed installing erosion control blankets instead of riprap. Petrozzi said this suggestion can be tried.

Barnes stressed that the SWPPP reports haven’t been received “in close to two years.” Commissioners questioned whether these reports would have been helpful in pointing out the problems at 8 Leonard Street.

Petrozzi countered that he did not believe the period was that long and would check with his consultant. He also said that there shouldn’t be SWPPP reports required for the winter months, when the ground is frozen.

While he hasn’t provided SWPPP reports, Petrozzi said there have been email chains and photos and videos sent to the commission that he believed should suffice.

Another factor, Petrozzi explained, was that in the past, water had been flowing onto this site from the subdivision at Box Mill Road. After pursuing litigation, he said the situation has been corrected, and there is less water flowing onto his site.

The commission voted unanimously to continue the fine discussion until its in-person meeting on Aug. 29 to allow for completion of the loaming and seeding of the houses. In the meantime, Petrozzi will look into getting the SWPPP reports.

There is no additional work to remove vegetation or anything of that nature within the various buffer zones.

Board of Health roundup: Biosafety regulation urged; YMCA works on PFAS issue

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Board of Health at its meeting June 29 announced that the town will implement a new biosafety regulation at the request of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce to regulate biotech laboratories as that industry expands in town.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said he drafted the document as a Health Department regulation. This regulation does not require Town Meeting approval.

“There’s really only one community that has a well-written biosafety regulation, and that’s Cambridge,” McAuliffe explained, noting that Cambridge worked with the state’s Department of Public Health and Department of Environmental Protection when creating its document.

McAuliffe consulted with counterparts in Cambridge to craft the language of the five-page document. The regulation would prohibit Biosafety Level 4 laboratories in town. Level 4 laboratories work with dangerous viruses including Ebola and Marburg viruses, which tend to originate in Africa, as well as Lassa fever, Bolivian hemorrhagic fever and other hemorrhagic viruses found in the tropics. Biosafety Level 3 laboratories will require “strict oversight” from Westborough because that community controls the vast majority of our wastewater flow, according to McAuliffe. These facilities work with viruses that are airborne, such as anthrax.

“Anything going into our wastewater has to be cleared by Westborough,” McAuliffe said.

The regulation requires that a biosafety committee be created to review proposals for businesses of this type. It will include Health Department staff, members of the Select Board, a representative from the Westborough Sewer Committee, members of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce and representatives from pharmaceutical companies. The agents and treatments proposed will be considered.

“Most of the biopharma companies in Hopkinton now in business are not discharging waste into our sewer system,” McAuliffe said. “They operate what is analogous to pool chlorination systems. They make compounds that develop unique cell lines for people that are easily regulated and destroyed by simple chlorination.”

These systems deactivate any live biologics with chlorine and then pump them into a holding tank. The tank is then taken off-site by a hazardous waste company for further treatment.

Board chair Richard Jacobs said he was “confident” about the regulation considering that it was modeled after the one in Cambridge, which he called the “life science center in the state.”

When a firm is approved, McAuliffe said, a company representative would meet with himself, public safety officials and Town Manager Norman Khumalo. They would perform a walk-through of the facility before it receives an inspection from the Fire Department.

McAuliffe explained that one issue that can be problematic for some biopharma companies is that their glass containers have to be rinsed in acetone after being washed. Currently, companies cannot meet the standards for dispensing the liquid into the sewer system.

Jacobs moved that the document be Board of Health | page 7

returned to McAuliffe for a final review before the board votes on it at its next meeting on July 24.

YMCA works on PFAS issue

McAuliffe said he recently confirmed with the deputy director of MassDEP that an off-site well located at the MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center on East

Street is going to be considered “a yet-tobe-determined off-site source” for PFAS.

“This is going to, in practice, relieve the YMCA from a lot of regulatory responsibilities,” McAuliffe explained.

He noted that when the well was tested, it was considered to be “one of the highest sources of PFAS in the community — if not the highest.”

Under normal circumstances, the YMCA would have to hire a consultant and put together a remediation plan to treat the well’s water, which McAuliffe estimated would cost about $100,000. Because the water source is off-site, the YMCA is not responsible and can receive financial assistance.

Public Health Nurse Simone Carter explained that it is a secondary backup well and that there are no safety concerns for people using the YMCA.

PFAS also has been found at the

Hopkinton Country Club, McAuliffe explained, because of fertilizer that had been applied that unknowingly contained PFAS “as a likely contaminant.”

“The golf club should not be held responsible for installing a water treatment plant because they followed the instructions,” McAuliffe said. “They are relieved that they are relieved from any responsibilities for having to build a water treatment plant.

“On the flip side, they have a duty to provide clean and safe water to their membership,” McAuliffe continued. The facility is bringing in an underground storage tank for water that will be put into its water systems in the kitchen and bathrooms, he said.

MassDEP was in town in late June to get permits to test residential wells in the Saddle Hill and Fruit Street neighborhoods, he added.

Author to speak in Hopkinton

McAuliffe announced that doctor and author James J. O’Connell, who wrote the book “Stories from the Shadows: Reflections of a Street Doctor,” will be giving a lecture in town on Sept. 11. It will be co-sponsored by the Health Department, the Hopkinton Public Library and town’s Youth and Family Services Department.

In 1985, O’Connell began full-time clinical work with homeless individuals as the founding physician of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, which now serves over 13,000 homeless persons each year in hospital-based clinics at Boston Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital as well as in more than 60 shelters and outreach sites in Boston. With his colleagues, O’Connell established the nation’s first medical respite program for homeless persons in September 1985, with 25 beds in the Lemuel Shattuck Shelter, according to a press release. This program now provides acute and sub-acute, pre- and post-operative, and

palliative and end-of-life care for homeless persons in the freestanding 104-bed Barbara McInnis House.

“Dr. O’Connell said he has a quote that applies to us here,” McAuliffe said. “He said, ‘You don’t acknowledge your accomplishments here because you’re too busy doing the work.’ ”

Said Jacobs: “That’s quite a compliment.”

Director works on allergy program

McAuliffe announced that he is working on a public awareness campaign on the dangers of exposure to peanut-based products at playgrounds for those who suffer from peanut allergies. He had been approached by a student at Hopkins Elementary School with a deadly peanut allergy. McAuliffe said the student told him that this allergy prevents her from using the playground because fellow students eat peanut butter sandwiches there.

He decided to implement signage at playgrounds after reading an article in the This Allergic Life e-magazine about a similar campaign in Texas. He learned that one in 13 children have food allergies. The playground signs to that effect were produced shortly before the pandemic struck. McAuliffe said he expects to launch the playground public awareness campaign on food allergies before the start of the school year.

Mannan elected vice chair

Nasiba Mannan, who was elected to the board in May for a three-year term, was elected to serve as vice chair. She has more than 16 years of experience in the health care industry. She holds master’s degrees in public health and nutrition and is planning on completing her master’s degree in business administration next year.

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 5-year-old Cooper.

Here is Baypath’s description of Cooper:

“Cooper is a middle-aged gentleman who is well-mannered and always eager to please. He loves to show off his tricks, including paw and shake. He is a very handsome boy, and his great leash manners make him a joy to walk with. Cooper is searching for a family to embark on some unforgettable adventures with this summer! Cooper is a friendly and playful pup who adores spending time with other dogs. He would love to have a pup in his new home! Cooper’s playful energy is infectious, and his zoomies are quite entertaining. Cooper is happiest in a peaceful environment with a fenced yard where he can run around. He is not well-suited to city or apartment living and would prefer a quiet home without children or cats.

“Due to past under-socialization, Cooper may be wary of new people, but treats can help him warm up quickly. Once he gets to know you, he is a devoted and affectionate companion. Cooper has a good energy level and is eager to continue his training, confidence building and adventures with his new family.”

“It’s worth noting that Cooper has a sensitive stomach and a history of pancreatitis, but he’s been doing well on a low-fat diet.”

For more information on Cooper 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.

New DPW director, economic development manager named

The Select Board at its meeting July 11 voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Conservation Commission co-chair Kerry Reed as the town’s new Department of Public Works director and Julia Chun as the new sustainability, economic development and equity project manager.

Town Manager Norman Khumalo appointed Reed as the new DPW director, replacing interim director Thomas Temple. She attended the hybrid meeting via Zoom.

“I am very happy that our efforts were successful convincing her to abandon the Conservation Commission and join the DPW,” Khumalo said. “As you know, the Department of Public Works director serves a key leadership position in town, strategically directing planning and overseeing the operations of the DPW, its staff and equipment.”

He highlighted Reed’s work as the assistant commissioner of Worcester’s Department of Public Works and Framingham’s assistant engineer. She also is a retired engineer officer in the U.S. Army.

Members complimented Reed’s resume and welcomed her to her new role.

“I do want to say that I’m happy to have you here given the rigorous review process,” Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah said, calling her resume “the perfect package.” “I love that you’re bringing your experience in Worcester and Framingham, but also that you’re bringing your preservation experience.”

As for Chun, she steps into a newly created position.

“Having Julia in this position represents courage,” said Khumalo, “in the sense that she is ready, willing and very capable of helping us start this new position in town.”

Chun previously worked at the Boston Chamber of Commerce and interned at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, the Massachusetts State Treasury and Worcester Community Housing Resources.

Human Resources Director Maria Casey said Chun was called “a great thought partner” by one of her references, while others commended her attention to detail and passion for her work.

“This is going to be an exciting journey, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Select Board vice chair Shahidul Mannan. He noted the challenges of diversifying the town’s tax base, which is overwhelmingly residential.

Nasrullah focused on the sustainability and equity parts of the role, which he called “equally important.”

Said Nasrullah: “I’ve seen your experience, and you’re certainly up for the challenge.”

“I’m a big ideas person,” said Chun. “I love thinking outside the box and getting to collaborate with stakeholders, residents and with businesses.”

Parks & Rec hosts concerts, movies on Town Common

Hopkinton Parks & Recreation’s Concerts on the Common series started July 9 and runs through Aug. 27. All

concerts are free and start at 5 p.m. on the Town Common.

Remaining concerts include the Hopkinton Community Summer Band (July 23), Good Tymes Banjo Band (July 30), Kevin So (Aug. 6), Jumpin’ Juba (Aug. 13), Hot Acoustics (Aug. 20) and Din Check (Aug. 27).

Parks & Rec also started its free Thursday night Movies on the Common series. Remaining films include “DC League of Super-Pets” (July 20), “Puss in Boots” (July 27), “The Bad Guys” (Aug. 3) and “My Neighbor Totoro” (Aug. 10).

Check hopkintonma.myrec.com for more details.

Hazardous waste collection July 29

Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works will host a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, July 29, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It will be held at the DPW facility at 83 Wood Street.

This program is for Hopkinton residents only, and participants should be prepared to show identification. There is a limit of 25 pounds of products and one trip per household. Drivers will remain in their vehicle when they arrive, and staff members will remove the items, which are to be kept in original, sealed containers whenever possible.

Examples of items that will be accepted are turpentine and paint thinner, oil-based paint, varnish and stains, waste fuels and oils, transmission and brake fluids, car wax, poisons and insecticides, weed killers, mothballs, household cleaners and polishers, wood preservatives (except penta), spot remover, flea powder, degreasers, hobby and art supplies, rubber cement and glues, pool chemicals, propane tanks, thermostats and thermometers.

Restricted items that will not be accepted include refrigerators and freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ammunition, fireworks and explosives, and infectious and biological wastes. For more information, call the DPW administrative office at 508-497-9740.

Misc.: Commission on Disability members appointed

The Select Board appointed the following members to the Commission on Disability: Nancy “Punky” Drawe, Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch, School Committee members Holly Morand and Nancy Richards Cavanaugh, Alex Danahy and Michael DiMascio

“There are so many challenges for the retail spaces in this town,” said Drawe, who has been advocating for the creation of this committee for years. She noted that she could not enter many small businesses either when she previously used two canes or currently using her wheelchair. …

The Select Board unanimously approved the appointment of Danielle Cook as the Hopkinton Public Library’s reference and technology supervisor. She had been serving as the adult services librarian. …

The Select Board voted unanimously to accept Darlene Hayes’ resignation from the Cultural Council.

Garden Club members recognized for service

TheHopkinton Garden Club recently recognized extraordinary accomplishments within the club as well as in the field of horticulture.

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts Unsung Hero Award for Hopkinton Garden Club was awarded to Martin Bayes, “who always volunteers where needed — including at just about every planting opportunity,” the club shared. “Martin continuously demonstrates a commitment to making our club a better place, puts many hours into Garden Club efforts, and is always positive. He embodies the spirit of volunteerism and is a true unsung hero in our club.”

A Hopkinton Garden Club Extraordinary Effort Award was presented to Diane McCauley for her spring 2023 Business Sponsorship Program efforts (in the travel absence of program co-chair Mary Reynolds). “Diane singlehandedly solicited sponsorships for the Garden Club’s planters and sites, including determining the sponsorship cost of each site, writing letters, sending pictures of prior plantings, calling businesses and following up until the committed funds were received,” the club stated. “The Business Sponsorship Program is our third-largest fundraiser, and it was handled superbly by Diane.”

Joan Luciano, Ann Hussey Hogaboom and Ann Marie Rocheleau were awarded HGC lifetime membership status. Nominees for this honor must have rendered distinguished service to the club or exhibited outstanding unselfish achievements, or advanced the mission of the club through their participation in club committees or positions, and held an active membership for 20 years.

All three women have held officer positions for at least nine years, chaired many committees and have been members for 28, 27 and 22 years, respectively.

“I joined GC because I always loved gardening and all flowers, plus my two grandmothers and my mother were members of their local garden club,” Hogaboom stated. “I enjoy learning from our speakers and other members, and now that I am retired, I have more time to spend in my gardens.”

Noted Rocheleau: “I joined the Hopkinton Garden Club because I was new in town and didn’t know anything about gardening. I learned so much from the programs, but even more from my wonder-

July 29 | Two Shows

1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

HCA’s youth Summer Stock production is Finding Nemo Jr.! Based on the heartwarming Pixar film, the musical features 24 talented young actors who bring the beloved characters to life on stage. Our production is a celebration of friendship, courage, and discovery. With memorable songs and stunning visuals, Finding Nemo Jr. is a must-see for fans of the film and anyone who loves a good adventure.

July 4, 5, 11 & 12

Curtain at 7:30 p.m.

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde

The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Actionpacked and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances — this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

August 26

Plays begin at 6:30 p.m.

Get ready to experience the most exciting and entertaining one-act play festival of the year! HCA is thrilled to host Enter Stage Left Theater’s third annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie festival in our outdoor amphitheater. With seven outstanding plays selected from 112 submissions across the globe, this festival promises to be a night of non-stop fun, laughter, and maybe a few tears.

98 Hayden Rowe | Hopkinton | 508.435.9222

Hopkinton Garden Club members (from left) Joan Luciano, Ann Hussey Hogaboom and Ann Marie Rocheleau were awarded HGC lifetime memberships in recognition of their many contributions to the organization.

of volunteer work for the MMGA.

Gorman began her master gardener experience out of state. “I received my accreditation in South Carolina and did some very interesting projects through Clemson University’s extension,” she said.

“I collected and harvested seeds, learned to do enthusiastic pruning of roses, worked in the hydrangea gardens, and was a docent at an early-1700s, small, rustic cabin typical of the upcountry middle class. It was a very fun experience.”

Of her volunteer activities, Gorman said: “I spend much of my weekly time at Medway Community Garden, where I have learned so much, and once or twice a month at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, which is one of my favorite places in Boston!”

ful conversations with other members and strolls through their gardens.”

Leslie Chodnowsky and Diane McCauley are the newest certified master gardeners of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA). In order to earn the certification, candidates must complete 45 hours of classes, including assigned weekly readings and homework, pass a midterm and final exam, and finish a 60-hour supervised internship.

“Becoming a master gardener was an extension in my lifelong interest in gardening,” Chodnowsky explained. “I so enjoy being with people [who] really get into gardening, as well as volunteering in gardens. The whole process was and is fun.”

Added McCauley: “One of my favorite volunteer opportunities as a master gardener is to work in community gardens supporting local food banks. Food insecurity exists more than we know. It’s rewarding to work towards helping families get healthy meals.”

Ruth Gorman, Jina Kessler and Joan Luciano, all certified Massachusetts master gardeners, attained recognition as certified principal Massachusetts master gardeners, having recently completed 300-plus hours

Kessler described a very memorable master gardener volunteer experience: “I helped with spring cleanup at Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center in Harvard (healinggardensupport. org). The center is best known simply as The Healing Garden, which provides cancer patients with a place to go to that might help them take their mind off their treatments, and just being able to relax and enjoy nature around them. I pruned overgrown bushes and cleared leaves from a brook. There was a bench to sit upon, to listen to the quiet bubbling brook that was so peaceful! It felt wonderful to be able to contribute, to help these people feel good as they go through whatever treatment they were going through. I am thankful I was able to help someone else!”

Stated Luciano: “I wanted to become a master gardener because of the extended horticultural education and knowledge it provided. I especially enjoy outreach volunteering to the surrounding communities.”

Hopkinton Garden Club’s mission is to promote the teaching and advancement of gardening, horticulture and floral design; develop and encourage an interest and participation in the community’s beautification; and assist, promote and contribute to the community’s conservation efforts. For more information, visit hopkintongardenclub.org.

Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Erin Harpe & The Delta Swingers

July 21 | 6:30 p.m.

Erin Harpe has been called “one of the most dynamic, talented and exciting roots rocking blues women on the scene” by Living Blues Magazine, and her award-winning band, Erin Harpe & the Delta Swingers, is known to get crowds grooving with their unique sound, dubbed “Boogie, Blues & Beyond.”

The Chris Fitz Band

July 22 | 6:30 p.m.

The Chris Fitz Band is a hot pot of blues jambalaya, mixing swing, jump, Chicago and Texas blues styles with a healthy dose of funk, soul, rock‘n’roll, and a touch of British blues rock (think Eric Clapton with the Blues Breakers and Cream). This power trio has a spicy sound all its own!

Tony Soul Project

July 28 | 6:30 p.m.

What is the Tony Soul Project? It is a unique blend of stylistic musicians from diverse backgrounds, melded together to provide soul music, yes soul music. It is a well-tuned dance band, perhaps the best you will ever see. The Tony Soul Project plays dance music covering rock‘n’roll,

soul music (Motown) and blues. The band loves James Brown, Led Zeppelin, Sly and all the old blues greats but mixes in music from all over. Its set list is like nothing you’ve ever seen and guaranteed to get people dancing.

Walk That Walk

July 29 | 6:30 p.m.

As one of the premier bands on the impressive Boston blues scene, Walk That Walk is an east-coast phenomenon, but its Midwestern roots run deep. The group’s material and fiery performances are born of the fertile sounds of Detroit and Chicago, where the electric blues was forged in the 1950s.

These four concerts are part of the Summer Arts Music Series sponsored by DELL Technologies and held in our outdoor amphitheater. To make the arts more accessible to all, these concerts are on a pay-what-you-can basis.

PHOTO/KATHLEEN CULLER/HOPKINTON GARDEN CLUB

Select Board extends UCTC suspension as it considers survey results

very conclusive” because only a small majority preferred one option over others. It was not a scientific survey, and the participation rate was relatively small, with about 200 participants.

“The survey is important,” said Select Board chair Muriel Kramer at the start of the presentation. “But it’s one piece of the conversation, too.”

Some 45% of respondents called for the UCTC to become a TCMC subcommittee, while 30% wanted the UCTC to remain a separate committee but to be “a new UCTC with an updated charge.” In recent meetings, both the UCTC and TCMC were making suggested revisions to their charges.

According to the survey, desired experience for UCTC members included trail building and construction experience as well as community outreach and public relations. Public engagement previously was pointed out as a flaw in the current committee structure.

Some 41% of respondents called for the trails to be inclusive of all uses, while 27% wrote that they should be limited to specific uses.

“It’s generally leaning towards yes, but not very decisively,” Ritterbush said, calling the result “disappointing to me.”

Trail surfacing was a hot topic in recent meetings. In the survey, 39% called for a mix of stone dust and paved surfaces. Lesser numbers called for one or the other, with more respondents calling for stone dust surfacing.

Transparency was another issue the survey explored, and 93% called for all UCTC meeting minutes to be posted, while 77% called for abutter notifications when a proposed trail route will be discussed at more than one meeting.

After the presentation, Kramer said what is clear from the survey and her attendance at TCMC and UCTC meetings is that “this town is committed to trails” as well as connectivity and multiuse paths. The recent differences in perspective veered on how to achieve trail construction and access. What has been lacking, she said, was “community visioning and community outreach,” which in turn eroded public trust.

She added that she personally believed that the two committees should remain separate because they operate under different charges.

“This is a very delicate situation in some ways,” added vice chair Shahidul Mannan. There needs to be “course correction,” he said, but it needs to be “a harmonious process.” He called for the Select Board to be decisive and to act as quickly as possible based on the community’s responses.

Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere called for more public participation “and a lot more transparency from both groups ahead of anything that they’re doing.”

One of the most vocal participants at the meeting was Jim Ciriello, the UCTC’s Conservation Commission liaison. During the public comment period, he charged that the proposal to disband the UCTC “has been handled in an arbitrary manner, directed primarily by the TCMC.”

He accused the TCMC of “driving the bulldozer” to disband the UCTC and stressed that UCTC members have not been invited to discussions about its future as a committee.

“Frankly, I’ve really gotten tired as a professional personally of what’s been portrayed of the Upper Charles

Trail Committee as having done nothing in all these years,” he said, calling it “absolutely untrue.”

He stressed that the committee has had open meetings, made public presentations, presented maps and had tables at public events. He blamed the public for not being informed despite these efforts. He also said that there were fewer survey participants than the 200 or so Town Meeting members who voted for Article 47 to disband the UCTC. He added that the committees need to be separate and have totally different charges.

Said Ciriello: “If you look at the survey results, where are all the people who so-called overwhelmingly called to disband the committee?”

There may be room for public relations improvements, he conceded. He also stressed that trails should be accessible to all.

In his remarks, Trails Club co-chair Steve Frohbieter challenged Ciriello’s comment about the TCMC prompting the movement to disband and reconfigure the UCTC. The conversation began in his living room, he said. While there were several TCMC members present, he did not consider it a TCMC effort.

In her remarks, UCTC president Jane Moran stressed that the UCTC has been active for 11 years, and she has served as chair for nine. She showed a 13-page document she compiled of achievements.

What concerned her, she said, was a public misconception that the UCTC is supposed to be building the trail. Its mission, according to the charge, is to plan the trail, which is why engineering consultants were brought into the process.

Said Moran: “There’s just a lot of miscommunication.”

To improve communication, Moran said she had called for a meeting with the Select Board, the UCTC and the TCMC

moderated by Town Manager Norman Khumalo about two years ago. She reiterated that request at a May meeting. This meeting has not happened yet. She now called for a professional facilitator.

TCMC chair Peter LaGoy, who proposed the Town Meeting article as a private citizen, said that the TCMC didn’t really start discussing the UCTC until its past two meetings. There were discussions about modifying the TCMC’s charge.

The UCTC should focus on trail building, he stressed. Its members should

do with trying to accomplish something that is nearly impossible to accomplish.”

His “greatest frustration” has been not being able to walk on a UCTC trail segment. He said the committees should work together so that the Upper Charles Trail can be constructed “as quickly as possible.” The proposed trails should be marked, which he said was “a big problem.”

UCTC treasurer Scott Knous said the call for the disbanding of the UCTC came about because of the consideration of two segments that would cross Hayden Rowe Street, which currently are not being considered. While he said it was unfair to say that the UCTC has accomplished nothing, a revision to the structure and approach of the UCTC should be under consideration.

TCMC member Linda Chuss called the survey “confusing” and questioned how the results could be used. She also

— Select Board chair Muriel Kramer

The survey is important. But it’s one piece of the conversation, too.

in 1732 helped create new town

By David Cormier Contributing Writer

The 1657 will of Connecticut Gov. Edward Hopkins allocated money for New England schools, and in 1713, a British decree established the Charity of Edward Hopkins to manage the Hopkins legacy and to allocate funds for Harvard College and Cambridge Grammar School. Hopkins’ will bequeathed money for “the breeding up of hopeful youth in the way of learning both at ye Grammar School & College for the Public Service of the Country in future times.”

One of the first transactions of the Hopkins Trustees was the purchase of land from the Natick Nipmuck tribe on Oct. 11, 1715. This land was incorporated as the Town of Hopkinton on Dec. 13, 1715. The Hopkins trustees were actively involved as landowners and municipal administrators of Hopkinton until 1832, when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the tenants jointly paid the trustees for the release of their land rights.

James Gordon was born in 1693 in County Down, Ireland, and traveled to Boston about the year 1718. He was a successful merchant who imported Irish linen products. When he arrived, he served as one of the first constables in Boston. In 1723, he bought pew No. 62 in Boston’s King’s Chapel. By 1736, his status in the church had risen to the point that he became the chapel’s first warden. Gordon died on May 24, 1770, at the age of 77. Because of his prominent position in the church, he was buried beneath the chapel in Tomb 8, near Thomas Bullfinch.

Gordon’s success allowed him to become a land speculator and landlord who leased or purchased lands in various sections of Massachusetts in the early to mid-1700s. Around 1720, he leased six plots of raw land in Hopkinton from the Hopkins trustees. During this time, there was a great amount of migration from Scotland to New England, and James Gordon brought several Scottish families to the untamed hills of Hopkinton. These poor farmers signed letters of indenture that allotted them plots of raw land in and around Lake Maspenock. They were indentured for the term of 103 years, ending in 1823.

These hardy souls moved their families, cleared the land and built the first farms in town. On Sept. 2, 1724, a congregational church was organized in Hopkinton. Seven of the original members of this church were Scottish Presbyterians who were indentured to Gordon. Five other Scottish families

soon joined them. The beginnings of the church were informal, and no real discussion of church government was had at the outset. These families only conscientiously assented to the covenant and united in Christian communion but without much form of organization. They worshipped together in peace for seven years until April 9, 1731, when the church elders voted to comply with the “Platform of Church Discipline” that had been agreed to by the synod of churches in Cambridge. There was great offense to this vote from the Scottish Presbyterian families, and 10 of the families immediately withdrew from the communion of the church. They were brought under church discipline, and eventually they were excommunicated from the church they had helped found.

The records of the First Congregational Church in Hopkinton contain the names of those who were excommunicated. William Dunahy, Robert Hambleton, Jane Wark, Rebecca Wark, John Hambleton, Israel Gibbs, Mary Gibbs, Hugh Hambleton and Mary Hambleton all were indentured tenants of Gordon and excommunicated. Shunned and isolated, they continued to farm their fields in Hopkinton for another three years.

In 1734, after 14 years of living and farming in Hopkinton, these families all left town with their animals and belongings in tow and traveled through the harsh wilderness approximately 90 miles west to the mountainous area of what is now Blandford, where they had leased land. On the day of their arrival, a severe snowstorm commenced and continued for three days, leaving a body of snow on the ground to a depth of 3-4 feet. The only shelter they could find in the forest was under the protective boughs of the pines and hemlocks. The snow soon began to melt, and they were then able to clear away trees and erect temporary cabins. They named their new settlement New Glasgow, as they were promised a church bell from the city of Glasgow, Scotland, if they would name their town after it.

They quickly organized a Presbyterian church and built a small meetinghouse. As the community began to grow in population, the residents desired to be incorporated as a town. As a final hardship for these poor Scots, when the village of New Glasgow applied for incorporation in 1741, Gov. William Shirley noticed that they had added an extra square mile to the township survey, so as punishment, he made them call the town Blandford, named for the ship that had brought Shirley to America from England. New Glasgow never received her bell.

Members of the Logan family show off their costumes during the annual July 4 boat parade on Lake Maspenock.

The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous three weeks.

Listing sponsored by ...

Peering into the crystal ball at interest rates

There’s good news for prospective home buyers hoping for competitive mortgage rates — the most recent Fannie Mae forecast predicts rates will drop toward the end of 2023. In May of this year, a typical 30year fixed-rate mortgage had an interest rate of about 6.4% according to Freddie Mac. If Fannie Mae’s predictions are correct, the same mortgage could have an interest rate of 5.7% by the end of the year.

move — the mortgage rate lock-in effect. Between 2020 and 2022, rates from 2% to 3% were available for 30-year fixed mortgages. Homeowners who purchased at those rates may be reluctant to move since they would likely have a much higher rate on a new mortgage.

Should mortgage rates drop below 5%, more of those homeowners would be able to sell their homes and buy new ones. Lower rates also would make it easier for new buyers to purchase homes, driving up the demand for mortgages.

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And it gets better. Fannie Mae predicts the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage to fall to 5.2% by the end of next year.

Lower mortgage rates could make selling a more attractive option to homeowners who may feel they need to stay with their current mortgages rather than risk paying a higher rate if they

With more homeowners poten tially upgrading, more affordable starter homes will be available, opening up new growth in the housing market. That po tential for growth is reflected in Fannie Mae’s 2023 home sales forecast, which has been revised from 4.63 million to 4.84 million units.

Overall, Fannie Mae raised its projection for total residential loan origination volume from $1.55 trillion to $1.66 trillion for 2023 and increased its 2024 forecast from $1.89 trillion to $2.02 trillion. This is still significantly lower than the 2021 actual figure of $4.6 trillion.

When interest rates drop, I expect more buyers to be out, and that demand

COULD YOU SAY THAT AGAIN?

Ways to give new life to old junk

look for

new

When disposing of old goods, a company that offers contactless pickup is a good option during these challenging times. A reputable company will offer several options for pickup of used goods, including curbside service.

Junk removal companies will work hard to make sure usable merchandise will find a proper home. One person’s trash could become another person’s treasure. They can bring furniture to a thrift store, allowing someone to give it a new home with a fresh coat of paint or a cover. Gently worn clothing and shoes may be perfect for a family living on a tight budget.

Jason Schadler

Professional insights

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dated accessories. A junk removal company is your best resource for removing unwanted furniture, mattresses and other items — all with no heavy lifting on your part. A worker can come to your home, and with the point of a finger, take away cumbersome items, disposing them in an environmentally responsible way.

As people downsize their homes or renovate them for the new year, this option may be an attractive way to conveniently clear out space. A junk removal company can help with basement and attic cleanouts, estate closings and other large-scale efforts. Workers then decide where to distribute the goods, such as donating them to a thrift store or local charity, taking the pressure off you during a stressful time.

For those who want to use some elbow grease or spend some time sorting through their stuff, a junk removal company can rent out dumpsters on a weekly basis. This allows for personal satisfaction, as you can see the fruits of your labor being hauled away safely.

A local company will work with area businesses to see what can be repurposed to them. For example, old tools or gadgets can find new life in a repair shop because those parts may no longer be made.

Hiring a junk removal service is a great green alternative to dumping usable goods into a landfill. A conscientious company will offer to donate them to a charity or a thrift store free of charge. Some items that these stores find popular are older wooden pieces and kitchen items.

When it comes to the new rules about removal of old mattresses, a junk removal service can offer a lower-cost solution to a town fee. In addition to mattress removal, workers also will break down mattresses and box springs.

For more details, contact Jason Schadler at Affordable Junk Removal, 774-287-1133, or visit the website at affordablejunk.com. The business address is 163 Mendon Street, Bellingham, MA 02019.

This issue’s winner is Kate Martin for this photo of Hadley and Ryan Martin enjoying the story walk outside the Hopkinton Public Library.

To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo 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.

As the holidays approach, your mind may turn toward getting rid of items no longer being used to make room for new gifts. Or you may decide to give your home a fresh

the

year by cleaning out

Fruit Street railroad bridge opening delayed to fall

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced that a new temporary off-ramp from Interstate 90 (MassPike) eastbound to I-495 northbound and southbound opened last week as part of the ongoing work at the I-495/I-90 interchange to improve traffic flow.

This off-ramp will continue to provide two lanes for exiting traffic and will require motorists using the ramp to reduce their speed to safely navigate the temporary alignment. The mainline of I-90 (and I-495) will continue to provide three lanes per direction, except for limited off-peak lane closures.

All other ramps at the interchange will remain open in their existing configuration and alignment as part of this step of construction. Appropriate signage, law enforcement details and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area. This work is weather permitting and subject to change. Drivers traveling through the affected areas

The Fruit Street railroad bridge was supposed to reopen this spring, but as the above photo indicates, it has yet to be reconstructed. It is not expected to be available until later this year, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution.

The first phase of the reconstruction of Fruit Street’s I-495 bridge began this spring as the initial step to remodel the

Murphy named state’s Science Fair Teacher of the Year

achievement.

Murphy is proud of the fact that for the past three years, Hopkinton Science Fair students have qualified to compete at the international level, garnering success there.

“That’s not usual for public schools to be so consistent,” she said. “It’s pretty unheard of.”

But she is just as pleased by the overall growth of the school club, which had 120 members this past school year. Mentoring students while they research and troubleshoot projects designed to solve problems represents a “full-circle moment,” Murphy said.

Her leadership can involve anything that excites kids, from the simplest project to an award-winning venture now pursuing a patent.

“Even if these students don’t win awards, there is a huge amount of learning and growth that takes place,” Murphy said. “Science Fair is a great opportunity for students to learn how to challenge themselves, do research and work in teams.”

“As a student, I did the Science Fair, and it had a huge impact. It made me fall in love with science,” noted Murphy (nee Baldiga), a 2006 HHS graduate.

She gives credit to science teacher/ advisor Valerie Lechtanski, who sparked her interest in the subject and served as an early mentor.

Murphy received her bachelor’s degree in science from Williams College and a master’s degree in education from Harvard University. She said she chose teaching as a profession because she liked the idea of working with students but also just wanted to help people.

She joined the HHS faculty in 2014 and became advisor for the Science Fair program in 2017. Murphy explained that Science Fair is a hybrid of in-class and after-school work by students, and it can get very hectic.

“When 30 to 40 kids are in the same room using the lab, it is really fun and really loud,” Murphy said. “It’s a labor

of love for me, but the club, I think, takes more energy than my other teaching responsibilities.”

Murphy expressed gratitude to the town, School Committee and HPTO, which provides a grant to buy supplies for every project so students can participate at no cost. “There is no fundraising by students, which is really special. That way, they can focus on science.”

Students qualifying for the state and international competitions have their trips fully funded, Murphy added.

She said the Science Fair program is in a period of transition. It is designed for ninth graders and open for all to participate and produce a project.

Sophomores now will take a year off, read and take biology or elective classes in the fall. The upper grades will work on more “sophisticated” projects. Experts from the field will give seminars, and students will get more into data science and advanced research, she said.

Murphy is excited about the changes ahead. “It’s great to see the enthusiasm in town for science and engineering and fun to be a part of it and help [the program] grow.”

Projects tackling issues like climate change or addressing medical issues or other problems are attractive to her, she said. “I love that students can say, ‘Why not me?’ and make it their mission to make change.”

Murphy is cognizant of the fact she has been mentored and encouraged throughout her teaching career and cited not only Lechtanski but other Science Fair colleagues/mentors Connor Zanini, Charlotte Shire and Tricia Noblett.

She also said members of the school administration, past and present, have had an impact on her career.

Murphy added that she was “surprised and very honored” to receive an award at the state level. She was touched that her students thought enough of her efforts to nominate her.

“The kids do really cool stuff, and it is a big honor to introduce them to high school science,” Murphy said. “It’s good to know I had an impact on them.”

interchange between I-495 and I-90 and is expected to be completed early next year. So far, the southern half of the bridge has been demolished. Foundation work has begun that allows alternating one-way traffic.

The work is part of a nearly $300 million, five-year project to reconfigure the interchange, which straddles Hopkinton and Westborough, in an effort to improve traffic flow. The highway project is the first complete interstateto-interstate interchange project the department has undertaken in its history.

Work will include replacing the overpass, installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks with ramps along the southern side of

the roadway, and widening the roadway from 28 to 32 feet.

Also of note is that construction was to resume July 17 on Fruit Street’s other bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic since February 2022, when construction began on the $12.5 million project. This bridge sits about 1 mile northeast of the I-495 bridge, over the CSX railroad tracks on the border with Southborough and Westborough. The bridge work originally was scheduled to be completed this spring but now is not expected to wrap up until sometime this fall.

“The project delays were related to an unforeseen design issue that resulted from the depth of existing bedrock on which the piles are founded,” explained MassDOT spokesperson Judith Reardon-Riley in a July 7 email to the Independent. “This issue has now been resolved and the project is progressing as scheduled.”

She added that this work will be followed by sewer, deck pouring, sidewalks and curbing operations.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are also encouraged to:

— Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions;

— Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions; Follow MassDOT on Twitter @ MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.

Murphy | from page 1

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Cotter takes over as principal at Hopkins School

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Matt

Cotter, new principal of Hopkins School, said he learned from his predecessor, Vanessa Bilello, that in order to be successful, a leader must be “selfless and make hard decisions,” always keeping in mind what is best for students and staff.

Cotter served as assistant principal with Bilello for about a year and a half prior to her departure in July to become principal at the Lawrence School in Brookline.

Cotter grew up in Abington and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Fairfield University. He earned a master’s degree in education from Lesley University and an administrator’s license from Bridgewater State University.

He taught social studies and computer science at the middle school in Holliston for nearly 10 years and also was a teacher in the Randolph school district.

Cotter heard about the mid-year opening at Hopkins School and said it came at a great time for him to make a change.

“I took a leap of faith,” he said. “I’d heard great things about Hopkinton — that the town supports its schools, and the kids love their administrators.”

He said the Hopkinton school district felt like home right away.

As assistant principal, Cotter said, his role involved “being the face” with kids, helping to build positive relationships with them, whether it be in the cafeteria, at recess or attending a talent show or another event.

“I like to see the students before there is any trouble,” Cotter explained when asked whether the assistant principal’s role is primarily about discipline.

He believes his new position will entail creating a school environment that is both a fun and safe place to learn.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said Cotter received the promotion to principal because the district has been impressed with his job performance during his short time here.

“Mr. Cotter offers kids the just-right balance of fun and accountability,” Cavanaugh said. Hopkins School currently houses Grades 4-5 and, as of May, had an enrollment of 640 students. If residents approve a proposal for an Elmwood School replacement, Hopkins’ grade configuration eventually will change to Grades 5-6.

Meanwhile, Hopkins School is on the brink of starting an addition project of its own in order to handle the burgeoning school population.

Cotter noted he expects to be involved working on the design of the addition project and added that the change in grades will have an impact. “Sixth graders have a different learning model, so there will be a lot of work” making a smooth transition, he said.

The most challenging part of a principal’s job, Cotter noted, is to figure out the different needs and goals of each student and put together a “blueprint for each kid” to address those things.

A Southborough resident, Cotter said a lot of his free time is spent with his family, which includes wife Kyla and four children, Gwen, Charlie, James and Kieran.

Together, the family enjoys going to the beach, on bike rides and to the park.

Cotter also plays golf and is active as a coach for his children’s basketball and baseball teams.

Local collegians honored

Quinnipiac

University recently announced its spring dean’s list honorees, and the list includes Hopkinton’s Allison Burdulis, Aidan Morin, Paige Sanderson, Ashlyn Sullivan and Hailey Tolson

At Holy Cross, senior Tyler Dougherty and sophomore Ross Comcowich were named to the dean’s list. …

Named to the dean’s list at Clark University were Natalie Beck, Callie-Rose Ronan and Afnaan Syed (all first honors) and Sean Cahill (second honors). …

Natalie Calkins was named to the president’s list in her final semester at Merrimack College, from which she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in health science. …

Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions student Lucy Hebert was named to the provost’s list. …

At Emerson College, Eugenia Camacho, a senior majoring in business creative enterprises, and Spencer Horgan, a freshman majoring in media arts production, were named to the dean’s list. Also at Emerson, Brittany Forsmo received a BFA in theatre and performance. …

Caitlin Maloney was named to the dean’s list

at College of Our Lady of the Elms. …

Alannah Miller was named to the dean’s list at Ursinus College, where she majors in biochemistry and molecular biology/chemistry. …

Charlie Baker was named to the dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology. …

At the University of Tampa, Kelsey Breslin, a junior majoring in musical theatre, and Allison Rossillo, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations, were named to the dean’s list. …

At Plymouth State University, Lily Kasper (majoring in interdisciplinary studies) was named to the president’s list, and Hannah Polk (elementary education and youth development) was named to the dean’s list. …

Abigail Auger, a junior nursing major, was named to the dean’s list at St. Joseph’s College of Maine. …

Benjamin Kisija was one of six student interns for MassBay Community College’s Communications Department who launched The BayWatch, a student-run podcast about student life at MassBay in partnership with Newton’s cable access channel.

Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

Matt Cotter is the new principal at Hopkins School after previously serving as assistant principal there.

School Committee approves designer for Hopkins addition

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

The School Committee on July 6 approved a designer contract with architectural firm Perkins Eastman for an addition to Hopkins School.

According to Susan Rothermich, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, the $2.1 million pact falls within the $3 million transferred from the school stabilization account with Town Meeting approval last fall.

She said $400,000 previously was approved to hire Vertex as the owner’s project manager.

Both Vertex and Perkins Eastman have been working on the Elmwood School replacement project as well.

Perkins Eastman was one of two firms that responded with bids, while 18 vendors initially expressed interest, Rothermich said.

Therapy dog approved at Marathon

The committee also approved a request to have Toby, a certified therapy dog, join the Marathon School community. Principal Lauren Dubeau read a request from new adjustment counselor Justin Lohwater to have the mixed-breed dog join him in support of students in various therapeutic capacities. They worked as a team at his previous place of employment, Lincoln School in Northborough, with great success, he shared.

Lohwater wrote that Toby became integrated into many different areas of the school experience at the K-5 Lincoln School.

The counselor adopted the dog in May 2020 and indicated Toby is fully trained, certified, insured and up to date on all required shots and vaccinations. Lohwater completed the program and bears the cost of insuring the dog, the principal explained.

Dubeau said therapy dogs have a calming effect and can be “miracle workers” for people of all ages experiencing trauma or other issues. She expressed hope that Toby could help to foster a positive school climate.

The principal differentiated Toby from a service dog, which would fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said there would be an “opt out” option for students who would rather not interact with the dog for health or other reasons.

Dubeau said that even the youngest of children have challenges with changes in family and home lives, and the dog could be a comforting presence for them.

School Committee member Adam Munroe, attending through Zoom, works in behavioral health care at a hospital and said therapeutic dogs have “an amazingly positive” impact on people in that setting.

School Committee member Susan Stephenson called the proposal “fabulous,” adding, “Every school should have one.”

Guidance report reveals trends

In other business, Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh reviewed trends compiled by the high school guidance office.

Some of the key statistics showed that of the 292 graduating students, 94.5% will either attend a four-year or two-year

college (with 94% of that figure going to a four-year school).

Less than 1% intend to join the military, go straight to full-time employment or attend a prep school, while 2% plan a gap year before pursuing higher education. Four international students are heading home.

A further breakdown shows 46.3% of students planning to attend a public college or university. Of that amount, 16.2% will do that in Massachusetts.

The numbers have remained steady over the last several years, with a notable dip in 2020 during the pandemic, Cavanaugh said.

On the test front, the average SAT score for reading and writing was 615, while the math average was 632 for a total of 1,247. A total of 215 students took SATs.

Students shine at HOSA conference

The superintendent outlined achievements by students at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Dallas in June.

Running 50-minute workshops is not something that students typically do, but Hopkinton’s Srilakshmi Venkatesan and Nandita Roamesh presented “Investigating Somnipathy and the Influence of Adolescent Sleep” at the conference.

Additionally, Venkatesan conducted a workshop on “The Systemic Institutionalization Inequities of Neurological Care.”

Earning the Barbara James Award for Service were Renee Gowda for gold (300 hours) and Venkatesan with silver (200 hours).

Getting a top 20 award were Kaizar Rangwala, Jake Dold and Shaurya Patni for creating Echovue, a handheld device for home fetal monitoring.

Cost-cutting measures cited on school project

In other business, the superintendent talked about cost-saving decisions made so far by the Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) to bring down the $174 million cost initially cited. That figure reflected a total comprised of top-end construction materials and other features, she said.

These measures included choices for less expensive interior and exterior building materials, elimination of a family resource room, use of a general contractor instead of a construction manager at risk, reduction of outdoor learning spaces and window-to-wall ratios, less pavement and tree clearing and simplified building spaces and efficiencies.

In a related matter, School Committee member Holly Morand said with small children to care for at home, she did not have the necessary time to serve as an alternate liaison to the ESBC.

“I can’t commit the attention and time it deserves. It’s essential,” Morand said.

Vice chair Amanda Fargiano offered to serve as the alternate “if no one else has the bandwidth for it.” Hearing no interest by other members, chair Nancy Cavanaugh, who is the liaison, explained that the alternate could follow along at home if necessary and attend meetings in her absence.

The next School Committee meeting is July 28.

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Elder retires with warm memories of HHS

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

Although she will miss working with Hopkinton High School students, their families and her colleagues, retiring guidance counselor Cheryl Elder is excited about moving on and enjoying a home on Cape Cod and “creating nice memories.”

Elder, who began working in Hopkinton as a special education teacher in 1987 and as a school counselor in 1998, grew up in Andover and considered nursing and teaching as career options. She studied elementary and special education at Westfield State College and earlier held learning specialist positions at Franklin High School and in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

For a while, Elder stayed home to help raise her three children. She went on to earn a master’s degree in counseling from Boston College during the mid-1990s.

Having moved to Hopkinton, Elder seized the opportunity to work in the community where two of her sons were attending school. She had the chance to see her middle son and his friends “on the job” while they were at HHS, and the same situation held true with her youngest son.

“It was really nice. I got to know the kids well and feel fortunate to have had the experience working with the administrators that I did,” Elder said. “Living in Hopkinton, I fell in love with the community and the people. … I keep in touch with former students and, in some cases, have had their kids come to me as well.”

She praised school administrators from when she started in 1987 — superintendent William Hosmer, principal Tom Lane, assistant principal Joe Barnes and special education director Wahib Saliba — as well as Jack Phelan, who served as superintendent when Elder transitioned from being a counselor at the middle school to her position at the high school.

She also expressed gratitude for the support she received from current principal Evan Bishop, assistant principals Justin Pominville and Laura Theis, and counseling coordinator Adelaide (Lee) Greco.

“I am so fortunate to have worked with such a dedicated, warm and exceptional group of leaders and educators,” Elder shared. “And I am so grateful to have worked alongside colleagues who I consider my best friends, and to have gotten to know the countless wonderful students and families I have worked with through the years.”

The job of a school counselor, Elder explained, is multifaceted and encompasses responsibilities ranging from helping students choose colleges and write essays to dealing with mental health crises that

sometimes require outside referrals for treatment.

“We wear many hats,” Elder said. “I always try to keep my door open so the students can come in with whatever is on their minds.”

Typical high school problems involve worry over a grade, issues at home or breakups with significant others.

Elder noted she feels it is difficult for teenagers to handle the amount of pressure they feel to succeed and get top grades.

“It’s cool to do well, and they want to get into the best colleges, but it takes a lot to excel at that level,” Elder said. “I try to emphasize it is better to have a balance in life and do things they love to do and not just focus on the end goal.”

The most challenging part of a counselor’s job is working with kids having a mental health crisis and trying to help them work through their struggles to get the support they need, Elder said.

The remote period during COVID-19 starting in March 2020 meant that Elder conducted her work via Zoom and phone calls. She also kept a detailed notebook, logging everything she and the students were doing.

“Through Zoom, I was able to meet new families and still counsel kids. But I worried if they were getting out enough and about how they were coping,” Elder said.

The positive side of that stressful time, Elder said, was that students were able to “take a step back and breathe a bit.” They also learned how to get along with siblings, engage in enrichment activities and spend more time with family.

Post-COVID, she noticed a difference in the school atmosphere. “It was so, so quiet in the building — not a peep. It was difficult for new kids to make friends with desks far apart and not being able to eat lunch together,” Elder said.

She said freshmen particularly appeared to struggle with socialization skills and learning class expectations during the first year back.

“It was a tough transition to get back on track… The social/emotional [aspect] was certainly impacted,” Elder said, adding that this past school year saw conditions improve and things get back closer to normal.

Elder said she had been thinking about retiring for a while. She said her husband, who retired seven years ago, has been doing a great job shopping for groceries and cooking while she worked. They also have four grandchildren now and are building a home on Cape Cod.

“I love the water. The kids love the beach. Cape Cod is my happy place,” Elder said.

But her departure from HHS still is bittersweet. Elder | page 17

Cheryl Elder, shown with her husband, Tom, has retired after 25 years as a guidance counselor in Hopkinton.

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

The Elementary School Building Committee at its June 27 meeting voted to use a design-bid-build (DBB) delivery method for its proposed new Elmwood School project.

Committee members heard various pros and cons from Jeff D’Amico, Vertex’s project director, and ultimately decided to use a general contractor approach rather than a construction manager (CM) at risk approach.

Representatives from Vertex said they had worked with both options, and each was doable when considering this project.

D’Amico said going with DBB would mean a simpler process, less staff and paperwork, more involvement by the design team, a smaller pool of candidates and 4% to 6% lower costs.

For DBB general contractors, D’Amico said there are about five “regular players” in Massachusetts who likely would bid and qualify on this scale of project and possibly a few from Rhode Island and Connecticut.

ESBC member Mike Shepard noted that when the design team hands over the plans in DBB, the team must make sure the architectural package is complete and exactly what the town wants the school to be.

“The design is what you purchased, so the design team has more responsibility to complete the overall design and answer questions in the documents that go out,” D’Amico explained, referring to Vertex and Perkins Eastman.

With CM at risk, D’Amico noted, there is more staff on-site, including technical staff. It also means a larger pool of candidates, provided design services, more paperwork, the ability to help select trades’ sub-bidders, postconstruction services and an earlier possible opening date.

The CM method is more of a partnership and has flexibility, while DBB would involve the current design team having “boots on the ground there,” according to the Vertex representative. The general contractor’s task is to precisely follow the presented site plans.

However, the cost savings of opting for DBB was too significant to pass up, according to committee members.

“It’s really difficult for me to turn away from the idea of potentially taking $7 million to $10 million off the front end of the number we’d ask for at Town Meeting,” said ESBC chair Jon Graziano.

“We want to make sure we’re getting the educational piece but also get a price that we can afford,” said School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh, a liaison to the ESBC board.

Chris Eberly, senior project manager at Vertex, noted the $174 million project cost estimated many months ago was assuming that the more expensive CM delivery method would be chosen.

D’Amico pointed out that the ESBC had made many decisions since then that impact the price tag and emphasized that the project is at 30% phase and has a long way to go.

Using DBB delivery, if Town Meeting approves the project and permitting goes smoothly, an opening date of January 2028 is anticipated.

ESBC member Anne Carver, who will retire as Elmwood principal this week, noted that Hopkins School teachers and staff are concerned about fourth graders being uprooted and moving to a new facility mid-year.

The proposed Elmwood School would have Grades 2-3-4 with the addition of the new grade.

The possibility of moving Grades 2-3 and then fourth graders later was mentioned.

“I think it will change when [they] see a shiny new school,” D’Amico noted. “I think they’ll be happy to use the new facility, and all those concerns will melt away when they realize the upgrade they are getting.”

Eberly interjected that there is a long time between now and 2028 for these types of matters to be worked out and debated.

Interior materials, drainage discussed

In other business, the committee reached a consensus on using a hybrid approach on interior materials. For example, acoustic ceiling tile would be used in corridors, offices, the media center and stairs, while a limited amount of painted structure ceiling, painted drywall ceiling and acoustic wood would be interspersed in other areas of the building.

Robert Bell, Perkins Eastman educational programmer/principal, said primary flooring would be linoleum, while porcelain tile floors would comprise the heart of the school, and wood floors would be featured for the gym and other select areas.

Wall finishes would include base material with FRP (fiberglass reinforcement panel) incorporated along with areas using CMU (concrete masonry unit) and other materials like porcelain wainscot.

Graziano noted the hybrid approach was going to affect the look of the school.

“We want to save money, but I don’t want it to look like a patch Franken-

stein’s monster put together,” he said.

“Bob’s got to make it look good,” Shepard said, noting the architectural firm would show projects they’ve completed to other communities for future work.

Bell replied that there is a solid approach to blending materials and “ways of transitioning them so they make sense.”

The ESBC also looked at a watershed site map. Perkins Eastman’s project manager, Dan Colli, noted the current water drainage patterns run north to south across a 20-foot drop.

Because a school project would alter these patterns, he highlighted a proposed map, showing the use of a large

underground detention system under the front parking to pick up from the west side of the primary site and half roof.

A smaller underground system and detention ponds would capture water from north, south and east paving and a portion of the roof.

Colli also said the water table predicted to be 2 feet below the grade was demonstrated at 5 1/2 or 6 feet below the grade, according to test pits.

“It’s good news, not great news,” he said.

The next meetings were to include a virtual public forum on July 18, a regular ESBC meeting on July 25 and a date to be announced in August for another forum to get feedback about traffic.

“I’m going to miss the people and day-to-day interactions,” Elder said. “Also, I have the best view from my office — watching the change of seasons.”

She described HHS as a “warm, supportive place to be,” noting that during the accreditation process, administrators have heard from people coming in, “It’s like someone sprinkled pixie dust here.” It is an assessment with which Elder agrees.

Other Hopkinton Public Schools staff members who retired at the end of the school year (and agreed to share this information) include HHS math teacher David Buffum, HMS guidance counselor Bill Meehan, HMS math teacher Ann Marie Lockwood, Elmwood School special education paraprofessional Fran Levergood, Marathon School guidance counselor Kelly Pickens and district-wide ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) teacher Suzanne Strefling.

Elder | from page 16

HHS athletes earn All-Star honors

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

Hopkinton High School tapped former Needham High School assistant athletic director Ricardo “Ricky” Andrade as the program’s new athletic director, and he said he heads to his new role with big plans to expand student participation in all aspects of athletics.

“I am absolutely excited; it’s a great opportunity in a school district that truly cares about not just academics and athletics, but the overall well-rounded student experience,” Andrade said. “I see a lot of similarities to Needham, and that’s kind of what drew me in from the start.”

Andrade, 31, played three sports at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton — soccer, indoor track and outdoor track — before attending Boston College and earning an undergraduate degree. He started his career as a beer salesman but said he found the work unfulfilling.

“I looked at what made me happy and what I wanted to get into,” he said. “An area I thought would be something I would love to be in was athletics and education.”

Andrade coached in Needham for a couple of years, working with soccer, middle school track and unified track and field. He also helped out in the athletic department, taking the bus when a coach could not make it with a particular team or providing game coverage for hockey or basketball.

Andrade worked as a teaching assistant within the Special Education Department and went back to school to earn a master’s degree in sports leadership from Northeastern. He stepped away from Needham for a year to do an internship with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association

(MIAA) and returned to the school in 2020, eventually stepping into the role of assistant AD.

“The last couple of years I have been working hand in hand with the AD and learning how the day-to-day operations go,” Andrade said. “I’ve been working with studentathletes, working with coaches, and getting a good feel for how athletics is run.”

In the short term, Andrade said he wants to see the Hillers’ success on the field and in the classroom continue. He also hopes to add new programs, including boys volleyball and girls flag football, both of which have been successful at Needham.

Andrade said he also is looking to give students opportunities to be involved in sports even if they are not on a team.

“One of the things I have talked about is having a sports media and sports journalism branch of athletics,” he said. “I am hoping to get that started and put it in motion this year, so we have a student voice and students able to talk about the teams in the school and their friends and how athletics plays a huge part in the community.”

Andrade noted the increase in enrollment over the past decade and said that most of Hopkinton’s teams soon will be in Division 1.

“I want to develop and help student-athletes so they are ready to compete against some of the best schools in the state and make deep runs in the tournament,” he said. “Hopkinton was an opportunity that I had to take, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity and excited for what is to come.”

SPORTS ROUNDUP

The Tri-Valley League recently announced its All-Star teams, and Hopkinton High School was well represented, most notably by boys track and field league MVP Sean Golembiewski and boys tennis MVP Lex Kaye Also for boys track, Drew Bialobrzeski, Will Bialobrzeski, Seamus Murphy , Sam Dadagian , Craig Salois, Russell Perryman, Paul Litscher , Ruben Noroian and Luke Boothroyd were selected as All-Stars. Declan Mick, Leo Shinmura, Tommy Chatten and Kevin Prassana received honorable mention.

In girls track, Loryn Canty , Ellie Driscoll, Elyse Srodawa, Autumn Tumbleton and Josie Hopkins were named All-Stars, and Keira O’Connor, Stephanie Johnson and Shelby Jones earned honorable mention.

For boys tennis, Adam Glace, Pranav Kapur, Roberto Rossi and Rishit Shekhar were named All-Stars, and Ilian Glace and Andrew Palacios received honorable mention.

In girls tennis, May Chen , Roma Tewari, Evanya Mathur and Aarushi Kamra were named All-Stars.

In girls lacrosse, Emily Hayward and Emma Dacey were named All-Stars, while Michaela Scannevin and Rachel Bouvier received honorable mention.

In boys lacrosse, Logan Delponte and Jack Provencher were named All-Stars, and Luke Beaudet, Wyatt Iantosca, Nate Burns, John Sanda and Cooper Goodman received honorable mention.

In baseball, Connor Hallenbeck and Charlie Simulis were selected All-Stars, and Mitch Simulis , Dylan Ruff and Frankie Oppedisano received honorable mention.

In softball, Caroline Desimone and Holly Paharik were named All-Stars, and Caroline Kane earned honorable mention. Paharik also was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region 10 first team as a shortstop.

Bradley wins PGA Tour event

Former Hopkinton High School golf star Keegan Bradley broke the tournament record at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut, on June 25, winning the PGA Tour event.

The 37-year-old shot a 23-under-par 257 to win by 3 strokes.

Bradley, who grew up in Vermont and spent his senior year of high school in Hopkinton, walked onto the final green Sunday as fans chanted his name. He sank a 2-foot par putt to clinch the victory.

“I can’t even describe what that felt like,” he told reporters after the match. “I dreamt my whole life of playing in Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, and to feel pretty close to what that would feel like. I had a bunch of people say they never heard the 18th hole sound like that.”

Added Bradley: “This is for all the kids, like me, that grew up in winters and can’t play and would watch the kids from Florida, down South get better, compete, and get invited to the biggest tournaments in the country that I was never invited to. I hope that they know that they can come from this area ... and still make it in golf.”

Bradley won $3.6 million for the victory.

Ricky Andrade is in charge of the athletics program at Hopkinton High School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

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.

Transportation Programs

The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the center as well as local shopping Mondays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. Those looking for transportation for medical appointments or essential shopping should call to learn about options.

Outreach Services

The Senior Center has an Outreach Department. The department can help identify assistance programs (including 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.

Exercise Classes

• Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

• Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

• Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

• Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

• Balance & Flexibility, Tuesdays, 11 a.m.

• Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.

• Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

• Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

• Zumba plus toning, Fridays, 9:15 a.m.

• Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

• Meditation and movement, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

TED Talks Discussion Group

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

In 1984, TED Talks were created to bring

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Many programs require registration. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

Author Talk: Ethan Kross

Thursday, July 20, 1-2 p.m.

Ethan Kross is an award-winning psychologist and the author of “Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It.” This program is on Zoom.

SAT Study, Practice and Strategy Session

Friday, July 21, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

This peer-led, drop-in study session in the Teen Room will help with SAT preparation. Registration is not necessary, although those who do sign up will receive a calendar reminder.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, July 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m

Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Cooking with Scraps

Wednesday, July 26, 7-8 p.m

Cookbook author and sustainability warrior Lindsay-Jean Hard will lead this Zoom program

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. The program is free.

Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction

Wednesday, July 19, 1 p.m.

This program is led by Public Health Nurse Simone Carter. Attendees will learn how to recognize and react to an overdose situation and when and how to administer Narcan, a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose and save lives. Opioids are a class of drugs that include illegal drugs but also can include painrelief prescription medications found in many household medicine cabinets. Advance registration is requested.

Our Time Memory Cafe

Thursday, Aug. 3, 1 p.m.

Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, along with their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, have social experiences with others going through similar changes and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

Ice Cream Social

Thursday, Aug. 16, 1 p.m.

Advance registration is requested for this event, which is sponsored by the Friends of Hopkinton Seniors. The center will have all the fixins to make a perfect hot fudge sundae. Non-dairy options also will be available.

that will explain how to make use of food scraps rather than throwing them away.

Trail Walk with Hopkinton Trails Club

Thursday, July 27, 7-8 p.m.

This week’s walk will take place at Hughes Farm, off Hayden Rowe Street. The Hopkinton Public Library and the Hopkinton Trails Club present the Summer Trail Walks series. In this series, experts from the Trails Club will lead attendees on one-hour leisurely trail walks through Hopkinton trails and discuss the history, flora and fauna of the area. These walks are not strenuous, and no one will be left behind. Families are welcome.

Author Talk: Erika Sánchez

Tuesday, July 25, 4-5 p.m

This Zoom program features a discussion with award-winning writer Erika Sánchez, author of “Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir.” The book is an utterly original, moving and disarmingly funny memoir in essays.

Learning to Draw Sea Creatures

Wednesday, July 26, 3:30-4:30 p.m

Artist Corinne Roberts will walk children (recommended ages 5-16) through drawing several sea creatures during this session. Children may attend in person at the library (pencils and paper will be provided) or via Zoom. Registration is required starting one week prior to the event.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, Aug. 3, 1-6 p.m.

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.

George S. Franklin

valiant refusal to give in to crippling illness, his deep unfailing insight and compassion, and his heroic pursuit of his vocation in the face of all obstacles were an inspiration to all who knew him.

George is survived by three loving sisters, Helena Rozier (and husband Charles) of Peterborough, New Hampshire; Cynthia Franklin of San Anselmo, California; and Sheila Lieber (and husband Thomas) of Oyster Bay, New York; as well as four adoring nieces and nephews, Joshua and Matthew Lieber and Laura and Anna Rozier.

A memorial service was to be held this summer. Arrangements are under the care of the Cheshire Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

George E. Franklin

George S. Franklin III, visionary poet and essayist, tender, witty and inspiring comrade, died in the early morning hours of June 7 in Hopkinton. He was 71.

Born and raised in New York City and Oyster Bay, New York, George graduated in 1975 from Harvard, where his poetic gift flowered under the influence of extraordinary teachers and like-minded, “same-hearted” peers, many of whom remained friends for life. He went on to obtain master’s degrees from Brown and Columbia. A devoted explorer of the most profound existential questions, he spent many years in ashrams established by Swami Muktananda around the world. There, he participated in mystical heart-awakening and consciousness-expanding practices guided by Yoga and Kashmir Shaivite philosophies, which greatly influenced his life and work.

Throughout his adulthood, he was a writer, motivated by a fundamental belief in the transformative power of poetry. He leaves behind an extraordinary body of essays, stories and, above all, much-lauded poems. Four of his books have been published to date, “The Fall of Miss Alaska” (2008), “Some Segments of a River” (2019), “Voicing Orpheus” (2022) and “Portraits from Life” (2022), and more are to follow. His poems and essays also have appeared widely in literary journals. His erudition could astonish: In addition to his profound knowledge of poets of every type and vintage, from John Keats to John Ashbery, he was fluent in the works of a vast array of philosophers and literary critics. Maharashtrian poet-saints, Christian mystics, Hellenistic sages, and Kabbalistic masters all figured in his writing. He could see the connections between many disparate ways of knowing and make them thrillingly accessible to others.

Scholarly pursuits aside, he also had fun talking about sports, politics and even reality TV. His warmth and quirky humor were unmatched. He delighted in young people, especially his nieces and nephews, and was a treasured mentor. Always underestimating his impact on others, he was often cited as a life-changer, even a lifesaver, by those whose lives he touched even briefly. His

George Edward Franklin, born May 13, 1939, passed away May 24 with loved ones in attendance. George, a long-time resident of Franklin, is predeceased by a son, Mark (and wife Jean), and survived by sons Bill, Ben and Tim, daughters-in-law Carol Barton and Krista Schnitzler, and granddaughters Paige Franklin and Ellis Franklin.

George grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, with parents Charles and Elizabeth and younger sisters Mary Sue Hertweck and Carol Ann Franklin. He attended Kokomo High School and then the University of Cincinnati, studying engineering. During college, he met Jean, and after a short courtship, they married on Nov. 26, 1960. During their years in Cincinnati, they had sons Bill, Mark and Ben. The family then moved to Joppatowne, Maryland, where Tim was born. After a brief stint in Maryland, the family then moved to Franklin.

As a boy, George was an avid Boy Scout and master of the foil pack; he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Moving to a leadership role, he was first a pack leader and then scoutmaster for Franklin Pack 29. All four sons followed into scouts with varying levels of success — two were Eagle Scouts. Every summer, George took the troop to Camp Child, where three sons also attended as staff; Mark became nature director, Ben worked in handicraft and Tim in Scoutcraft. Jean also was an active den mother. George was recognized for his service in scouting with receipt of the Silver Beaver award.

George, during his facial hair period, was very civic minded. He joined a group of residents looking to change the charter of Franklin. George also helped with the Franklin Bicentennial celebrations with the kite festival.

Throughout his life, George was passionate about safety. He initially went to work for Aetna Life and Casualty as a loss control engineer. He eventually moved on to Frank B. Hall, further making workplaces safer, especially those in the shoe business. George, looking for more versatility,

hung out his own shingle, Ergonomic & Safety Services Inc., where he provided inspections and safety training for all aspects of industry. George also was an avid tester of the aquatic resistance to small, handheld electronics, often proving their vulnerabilities.

George, with much support from Jean, was very active in church — originally the United Methodist Church in Franklin, then the Hopkinton Congregationalist Church, and finally Faith Community Church of Hopkinton. He was active in flower sales, bible studies, prayer groups, the Missionary Committee and the Building Committee, having been instrumental with the building of Faith Community Church.

His funeral service was held at the Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin on June 24. In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donations to Friends of Franklin Elders at FOFE, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (franklinma.gov/friends-franklin-elders) or the Franklin Food Pantry at 43 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 (franklinfoodpantry.org).

Beverly Anderson

loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many exotic and beautiful places around the world. Hawaii and Bermuda were her absolute favorite. She loved great food, although baking was her absolute forte. Beverly enjoyed music, the arts and books, and she loved a good movie. She always had a furry friend at her feet and had a tremendous love for all animals. However, that paled in comparison to the unspoken devotion and immeasurable pride and love she had for her family.

Beverly is survived by her two children and their families: her loving son, Richard K. Anderson, his supportive and caring wife, Linda, and their loving daughter, Sophia; and her very best friend and devoted daughter, Lynn M. (Anderson) Arena of Hopkinton, her always present and dedicated son-in-law, Joseph Arena Sr., and their devoted, loving and compassionate children, Joseph and Jaymie. She also is survived by her former husband, Matthew, to whom she was married for 24 years. This family has loved Beverly all the days of their lives, in good times and bad.

The loss this disease has created is immense, and her beautiful soul and warm loving presence will be forever missed. The Arena and Anderson family wish to share their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Bev and touched her life during this time, most recently, Faith & Family Hospice and Carlyle House.

Beverly’s family invites all to a celebration of her life on July 22, starting with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough.

Beverly S. Anderson, 77, loving mother and friend, adored grandmother and treasured daughter, joined her parents peacefully and became one with the light and love of heaven on June 24 after a prolonged and courageous battle against early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Beverly was adoringly nicknamed “Bones,” and those who knew her best called her “Bev.” She was the epitome of class and grace, with a Jackie O kind of style. Bev was a kind and loving individual to all who had the great pleasure to know her. Her sharp wit, coupled with a contagious laugh and married with just the right amount of sass and sarcasm, would often result in tears of laughter at her family’s escapades or inside jokes.

Bev had a charmed childhood while growing up in her early years in White Plains, New York. She was the only child of the late Albert and A. Frances (Weeks) Silk. News of her arrival came via telegraph, as her father served in the Army Air Corps and was overseas. After World War II, her family moved east and settled in Winchester.

Bev was an honor roll student. She excelled in an incredibly competitive student body and was a highly regarded friend and classmate. These traits translated into many different career roles throughout her beautiful life. However, the role that stood out and in which she shined so bright in was “Nana” and, of course, “Mom.”

Beverly had a love and appreciation for many things in life. Her most cherished was time with family. She

Donations in Beverly’s honor may be made to our local Alzheimer’s chapter.

Marian Hopkins

Marian Carr Hopkins, 82, of Marlborough, died June 27 surrounded by family after a short illness. The daughter of the late Col. Ernest and Marian Lamson Carr, Marian graduated from Marlborough High School in 1958 and earned a B.S. in education from BouvéBoston in 1962. Marian started her physical education teaching career in Southborough before taking an extended leave of absence to raise her daughters. She continued officiating field hockey and basketball throughout the Marlborough area, instructing swimming at McCarthy’s Pool in Southborough, teaching physical education at Madonna Hall for Girls in Marlborough, and managing the office for Marlborough Tree. Marian finished her career as a health teacher in Hopkinton, where she retired in 2009.

Marian was a longtime member of First Church in Marlborough (Congregational) where she volunteered in

obituarieS

many roles, including 30-plus years as a member of the Joyful Ringers handbell choir. She also was a lifelong Girl Scout and Red Cross volunteer. An avid gardener, Marian could be found tending to her gardens just as easily as she could be found tending to the needs of friends, neighbors and others in the community.

She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, James F. Hopkins, in 2017. She is survived by two daughters, Karen and husband Oscar Santamaría of Toledo, Spain, and Kristen and husband Steven Hesse of Littleton; and three grandchildren, Daniel and Nicholas Santamaría and Katherine Hesse. Marian was predeceased by her sister, Clara Lamson Carr, in 2018.

Calling hours were held June 30 at the Short & Rowe Funeral Home, Marlborough.

A funeral service was held July 1 at the First Church in Marlborough, Congregational.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter, 220 North Main Street, Suite 104, Natick, MA 01760.

Jacqueline Norton

Jacqueline Norton, 90, of Natick and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away July

5. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late Josephine (Langevin) and Adelard Thibault.

Jackie, as she was known by all, was an avid sports fan. There was not a sport she would not watch on TV; whether it be baseball, hockey, football, golf, tennis, curling … you name it, she watched it. Not only did she watch sports, she played a lot of sports in her younger days. She even had her own golf clubs and bowling balls. In high school, she played every sport that girls were allowed to play at the time and she graduated from Natick High School being the captain of every girls team.

Jackie had a deep, never-ending love for her family. She is survived by two daughters, Darlene Haines and husband Barry Haines Sr. of Hopkinton, and Jackie Norton and partner Ed Grant of Hopkinton; her grandchildren, Barry Haines Jr. (Debbie), Jennifer Morse (Chris), Kristina Gallerani and Ryan Powers, and Richard W. Norton III (Sharon); and her great-grandchildren, Lily Norton, Giana Gallerani, Charlotte and Mackenzie Morse, and Richard W. Norton IV. She was predeceased by her son, Richard W. Norton Jr., and her former husband, Richard W. Norton Sr.

Visitation was held July 9 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral Mass was celebrated July 10 at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, followed by burial in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Natick. A special thank you to those at

Metrowest Hospice for their kindness and care to all.

Philip Healey

Philip J. Healey, 80, a longtime resident of Hopkinton, passed away July 7. Born in Milton, he was the son of the late Philip and Cynthia (Burrell) Healey and husband to Diane (Orcianelli) Healey for 50 years. Philip graduated with a master’s degree from WPI and worked as an electrical engineer with Raytheon until his retirement in 2010. As a young man, he obtained his pilot’s license and flew out of Norwood airport.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Dan Healey and wife Carolyn of Sutton, and Kristen Hanna and husband Josh of Grafton; five grandchildren, Taylor, Amy and Gina Healey, and Emma and Ryan Hanna; one sister, Jane Ford of Quincy; three brothers, Walter Brown of Canton, Paul Healey of Somerset and Fred Healey of Plymouth; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial was held July 12 in St. Tarcisius Church, Framingham, followed by burial in St. Tarcisius Cemetery. Arrangements were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Elizabeth Parise

and Bank of America. She also had her own cake decorating business and enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Elizabeth also did volunteer work for various organizations.

Her funeral was held July 6 at the Douglass Funeral Home, Lexington, and included a Mass of Christian burial at St. Brigid Church, Lexington. Interment took place at Westview Cemetery, Lexington. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Martin Van Doren

Martin Van Doren, 68, of Orland, Maine, passed away June 4 after a brief illness. He is survived by sister Anne (Wayne) and nephew Marc Krupsky of Massachusetts; brother Keith, nieces Ashley (Andrew Corder) and Danielle (Rachel) Doren, two great nieces and a great nephew of Ohio; sister Laurie (Francis J) Butler of Maine; and nephew Christopher (Katelyn) Camillucci and a great nephew of Massachusetts.

Marty was raised in Hopkinton and also lived in South Carolina, Utah, California and Florida. Marty was a chef and bass player. He performed standup and community theater.

Gifts may be made via Venmo to his niece’s school’s theater group, @ hctheatreparentsclub, or donations can be made to musiciansfoundation.org.

Bruce “Chip” Creswell

Bruce A. “Chip” Creswell Jr., 57, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly on July 4.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Shirley

(Swain) and Bruce A. Creswell Sr., and brother to the late Karen Sherman. He was the husband of 26 years to Kerry (Lumbra) Creswell of Hopkinton.

Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A private burial was to be held with family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Beverly King

Beverly A. “Muzzy” (Thomas) King, of Natick and formerly of Framingham, died July 9 at the age of 88.

Born June 18,

1935, at Milford Hospital to Henry E. Thomas and Mary (Carey) Thomas, Beverly grew up in Hopkinton and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Milford in 1953. In 1954, she married her beloved husband, Frederick Charles King, and was married for 49 years until he predeceased her in 2003. She worked at Baker Nail for 10 years until the birth of her son, Michael. She then worked at V.F. Sales for 21 years and retired from Shawmut Bank in Framingham in 2001.

She was the loving mother of Michael King of Natick, and motherin-law of Sharon King. She was the devoted “Nan” of Matthew, Ryan, Delaney and Jack. She also leaves her siblings-in-law, Joan King of Florida, Joan King of Ashland, Mary Steele of Natick, Linda Thomas of Maine and Keith Eagling of Michigan. She was the dear friend of Ruthanne Tomassini — together they kept bowling and bocce going at the Callaghan Center.

Her funeral mass was celebrated in St. Stephen Church, Framingham, on July 18, followed by interment in St. Stephen Cemetery, Framingham. Arrangements were handled by McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home in Framingham.

Beverly will be remembered as the matriarch of the family. She never forgot a family birthday or anniversary. She was especially known for her special Irish knit sweaters that she lovingly knitted for all of the babies in the family, and for her great cooking. She will be dearly missed.

Cleaning Out? Downsizing?

Elizabeth D. Parise of Hopkinton, formerly of Somerville and Stoneham, passed away June 29. She was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony Parise and Alvina (Violante) Parise; and the devoted sister of Rose Marie DeAngelis and husband Joseph of Burlington, Cecilia Jovell and husband John of Somerville, and Rena Linnell and husband Herbert of Plymouth. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was employed by New England Telephone Company, Polaroid

Chip is survived not only by his wife, Kerry, but their daughters, KateLee Pytka (Shane Pytka) and Brenna Creswell; his granddaughters, Harper Reyes and Raelyn Pytka; as well as his uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Chip was fond of NASCAR, having visited Talladega with his wife. Together they enjoyed going to Worcester Railers hockey games, visits to the Cape with their girls, and cooking for the family. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and going to the firing range.

Visitation was held July 10 at the

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police log

ARRESTS

June 25

4:32 a.m. On Chestnut Street, Sergeant William Burchard conducted a motor vehicle stop and arrested a 51-year-old from Bellingham, charging her with OUI liquor, second offense, and marked lanes violation.

June 27 11:15 p.m. On Summer Street, Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Walker and Brennan Grimley arrested a 41-year-old who lives on Summer Street on a default warrant.

June 29

6:42 p.m. A caller on West Main Street reported a male touching himself and pulling down his pants. Sergeants Matthew McNeil and Aaron O’Neil responded and located the individual on Interstate 495 South and pulled him over. A 51-year-old Bellingham resident was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended, subsequent offense, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

July 4 12:34 a.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street. Officer Brennan Grimley stopped the vehicle on West Main Street, and Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Walker assisted with field sobriety tests. A 47-year-old from Needham was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation 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 20 7:15 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro spoke with a concerned parent about a group text message that her daughter received. All involved parties were spoken to, and Officer Santoro took a report.

8:18 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a crash report.

4:25 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported her neighbor was heard possibly threatening her. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and assisted.

6:10 p.m. A caller reported a lowhanging wire on Clinton Street. Sergeant William Burchard responded, moved it to the side of the road and notified Verizon.

June 21

3:06 p.m. A library employee requested an officer to remove youths after they threw water in the library. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Brennan Grimley and Nicholas Saletnik responded and removed the juveniles.

6:17 p.m. A caller reported two kittens and their deceased mother behind a white shed in a Main Street parking lot. The animal control officer was notified.

June 22

8:11 a.m. A caller reported fallen wires on Clinton Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and notified Verizon.

11:26 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported.

11:50 a.m. A motorist reported an erratic driver on Elm Street who crossed the yellow lines and nearly struck a couple of mailboxes. Officer Sean McKeon responded. The vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

June 23

10:25 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Matthew Santoro found minors in possession of alcohol on West Main Street. The officers dumped all the liquid and took a report.

12:06 p.m. A caller reported a 15- or 16-year-old male with special needs hanging out in an Elizabeth Road resident’s backyard. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Matthew Santoro responded and returned the individual to his home.

12:11 p.m. A caller on Chamberlain Street complained of speeding vehicles through the neighborhood and requested a message board or radar be put up. The complaint was logged.

2:14 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard took a report of stolen syringes on Fruit Street.

7:32 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department to a brush fire on Wood Street.

June 24

5:22 a.m. Multiple officers responded to a breaking and entering on Overlook Drive, where it appeared entry was gained through a second story window via a ladder. The homeowner was out of the country. An investigation was underway.

8:13 a.m. Officers Sean McKeon and Augusto Diaz responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Macadam Road. The vehicle was located in a parking lot. OnStar and the State Police were notified.

June 25

9:32 a.m. A West Main Street caller reported other residents were threatening her. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

12:00 p.m. A Benson Road resident reported she was being harassed on Instagram. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted and took a report.

1:46 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on School Street. No personal injuries were reported.

2:30 p.m. A caller reported a motorcycle speeding up and down Ash Street. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and checked the area with a negative find.

June 26

7:39 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross reported roadkill in the middle of Clinton Street. The DPW was contacted.

2:20 p.m. A caller reported a white vehicle parked for several days on Elm Street with someone possibly sleeping inside. Officer Robert Ekross responded and reported the vehicle was on private property.

2:43 p.m. A caller reported a deceased cat on Pleasant Street. The animal control officer was notified and picked it up.

4:32 p.m. A bicyclist reported a postal worker attempted to run him off the road on Main Street and spit on him twice. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and took a report.

5:44 p.m. A caller reported her exboyfriend showed up at her parents’ house. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and took a report of harassment.

11:21 p.m. A caller requested a check of the YMCA parking lot, as he saw via a security camera a suspicious person walking around. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Brennan Grimley responded and moved the parties along.

11:53 p.m. Officer Nicholas Walker checked on a person on Downey Street. All was OK, as he was night fishing.

June 27

3:23 p.m. The State Police reported a turtle on the Interstate 495 ramp. Officer Robert Ekross responded to West Main Street and reported the tortoise was struck by a vehicle.

3:28 p.m. A caller reported her neighbor was trying to poison her dog. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and took a report.

7:55 p.m. A Lowell Drive resident reported a Grubhub driver drove over his son’s drone and took off. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and took a report.

8:49 p.m. A caller on Lakeshore Drive complained that about 20 people arrived at Sandy Beach for after-hours fishing. Officers Robert Ekross and Matthew Santoro responded. The people were gone upon their arrival.

June 28

9:47 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded to a motor vehicle accident in a West Main Street parking lot involving two vehicles. No personal injuries were reported.

1:18 p.m. A detail officer reported a truck took down wires on Main Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and reported cars could pass but not trucks. Verizon was contacted.

3:35 p.m. A walk-in reported suspicious activity on Walcott Valley Drive, where cars had been coming and going for short periods of time. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

6:42 p.m. A caller reported a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident on Revolutionary Way, where a white truck backed into a car and drove away. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

10:31 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin found a motor vehicle running on Main Street and no one inside it. Officer Beloin contacted the owner, who responded, moved the vehicle and turned it off.

June 29

6:55 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash on South Street and stated the other operator was not cooperating. Officers Sean McKeon and Matthew Santoro responded and assisted.

9:56 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon responded to a motor vehicle accident on South Street. No personal injuries were reported.

10:00 a.m. A 15-year-old male caller on Hidden Brick Road reported being lost. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and reported the teen checked out OK, and his mother was almost home.

10:11 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. The other driver left the scene but gave her all the necessary information. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

2:52 p.m. A walk-in reported a larceny on Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted and took a report.

June 30

12:34 p.m. A caller reported a truck crashed into cable wires on Main Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded and contacted Comcast about the fallen wires.

2:52 p.m. A walk-in reported someone got a driver’s license in her name and had been getting citations. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report of fraud.

3:16 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

5:35 p.m. A caller reported a domestic disturbance in a West Main Street parking lot, where a male threatened to stab a female. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Shannon Beloin and Robert Ekross responded and spoke to both parties, and all checked out OK.

July 1

9:47 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on wires on Fruit Street. Officers Tyler Staback and Sean McKeon responded, placed cones in the area and notified Verizon.

11:34 a.m. A Meserve Street caller reported a bird got caught in a net and was unable to fly. A message was left for the animal control officer.

12:12 p.m. A walk-in requested to speak with an officer about his housemate putting up security cameras without his permission. Officer Sean McKeon assisted and took a report.

2:47 p.m. A caller reported a sheepdog in a blue Tesla with all the windows up on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded and reported the pet mode was activated in the car, and the air conditioning was on. All was OK.

5:06 p.m. A caller reported a kayak flipped over in the State Park and one male made it to shore while another male was hanging on to the kayak. Another kayaker went out to assist. Officer Brennan Grimley and the Fire Department responded and were unable to find the area where the kayak landed. The caller subsequently reported seeing that they all made it to land. Officer Grimley met up with the caller.

5:44 p.m. A caller reported his vehicle was vandalized. Officer Shannon Beloin responded and took a report.

8:16 p.m. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted a person locked inside the State Park on Cedar Street.

8:27 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a possibly intoxicated male, who was not a resident, shouting near the firepit and grills. Officers Robert Ekross and Shannon Beloin responded and spoke with all involved parties.

July 2

2:18 a.m. The Milford Police Department reported a dark sedan fled from a traffic stop on Purchase Street and was headed to Hopkinton. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Nicholas Walker responded and checked South Street for the vehicle with a negative find.

6:06 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brennan Grimley located a stolen license plate on West Main Street and contacted the Boston Police Department, which was aware of the stolen plate.

Officer Grimley took a report.

8:06 p.m. A caller inquired about an incident involving text messages and her daughter. No report of such an incident was found, and no officers on duty were aware of it. She was advised to call or return to the station if she needed anything addressed.

8:35 p.m. A Walcott Street caller complained of someone driving a motorbike through the neighborhood. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Matthew LaTour and Brennan Grimley responded and spoke with two juveniles, who were to walk the motorbike home.

10:00 p.m. Officer Brennan Grimley checked on a vehicle parked on Pratt Way and spoke with the driver, who was stargazing. All was OK.

July 3

9:02 a.m. An East Main Street caller reported returning home from the hospital and finding items missing. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report of larceny,

9:25 a.m. Officer Tyler Staback notified the DPW about a fallen tree limb on Stonegate Road.

7:14 p.m. A School Street resident reported someone stole a large propane tank from his property. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

10:56 p.m. A Foxhollow Road resident reported someone broke into his house. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Walker and Brennan Grimley responded and took a report.

July 4

4:17 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Walker found a fallen tree in the roadway of South Street and moved it to the side of the road. The DPW was notified.

6:38 p.m. A caller reported a tree in the roadway of Whirty Circle. Officer Cody Normandin responded and contacted the DPW.

9:08 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Brennan Grimley removed two female juveniles dancing in the middle of East Main Street.

July 5

9:58 a.m. A Pleasant Street caller reported a burst pipe in the basement. Officer Matthew Santoro responded along with on-call Water Department personnel and found a flooded basement.

4:25 p.m. A caller reported illegal dumping on Emma Drive where a person dumped a can of oil paint. Officer Cody Normandin responded and notified the DPW.

6:17 p.m. A caller reported someone burning a mattress on Cross Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department and advised the homeowner about burning regulations.

7:53 p.m. A caller reported an intoxicated male singing loudly and lighting fireworks on Eastview Road. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.

July 6

9:27 a.m. The Ashland Police Department reported a disabled motor vehicle on Legacy Farms North. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and spoke with the driver.

10:03 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro removed fallen, unconnected wires on Ash Street.

12:49 p.m. A caller at Alltown reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Tyler Staback responded. No personal injuries were reported.

July 7

8:05 a.m. A caller reported an injured

rabbit. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report.

9:26 a.m. Officers Tyler Staback, Matthew Santoro and Shannon Beloin responded to a motor vehicle accident on Legacy Farms North and subsequently issued a complaint application to the operator of a tractor-trailer.

1:06 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported a woman in a green dress walked around her property and then left. The caller wanted the incident logged.

3:40 p.m. A caller reported his son’s vehicle was hit by an unknown vehicle while parked at the State Park when he was working as a lifeguard on July 4. The incident was logged, and the caller was advised to contact the Ashland Police Department.

5:21 p.m. A motorist reported a dark blue truck struck a mailbox on Granite Street and continued driving. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find on a damaged mailbox or a blue truck. The Milford Police Department was advised.

July 8

8:05 a.m. A caller complained of vehicles parked along the side of the road on Cedar Street by the State Park. Officer Tyler Staback responded and reported only a couple of vehicles were parked on the side of the road and they were not a hazard. Officer Staback was to check back during the day.

5:08 p.m. A caller reported her parked vehicle was side-swiped by a U-Haul truck on Woodview Way. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

5:37 p.m. A caller reported her neighbor was removing her “no trespass” signs and wanted the incident logged.

8:22 p.m. A walk-in reported several

non-residents parked at Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive. She stated the beach was a mess and she was threatened. Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded and ticketed vehicles at the beach. Other vehicles left the area.

July 9

3:19 a.m. The Grafton Police Department requested officers to be on the lookout for two juveniles. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and located two different juveniles from town and subsequently provided them with a courtesy transport.

9:32 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle drove into a garage door on Walnut Way. Officer Tyler Staback responded and took a report. No personal injuries were reported.

July 10

1:41 a.m. The Norwell Police Department reported two youths in Norwell who took their father’s vehicle without his knowledge or permission. They had been trying unsuccessfully to contact the man and requested an officer to attempt to make contact at his Woody Island Road residence. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Walker went to the residence, but nobody answered.

6:33 a.m. A caller reported a silver Mercedes on West Main Street with what appeared to be a slumped-over driver in it. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and reported a disabled motor vehicle and a state trooper on scene already.

7:56 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell across the roadway of Lincoln Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and contacted the DPW.

4:05 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin moved a small tree off the roadway of College Street and notified the DPW.

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