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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 23 | No. 16 | August 3, 2022

New HMS principal brings ‘positive and enthusiastic’ approach

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

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PHOTO/HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

FENWAY FETE

Members of the Hopkinton High School unified track and field team pose at Fenway Park, where they were recognized prior to the July 23 Red Sox game for their recent state championship.

Porter takes pride in police longevity

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

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Porter | 9

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Lefebvre | 15

INSIDE NEWS

John Porter’s name was added to the Hopkinton Police Department 30 Years of Service Award plaque last month.

PHOTO/HOPKINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

or many people, their first real interaction with the police comes at a traumatic time in their life.

Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John Porter can relate.

Porter, who recently was honored for 30 years with the department, was a child in Upton when the police made regular appearances at his house.

“My mother’s first husband, my biological father, was an abusive person, so the police were at our home a lot to assist her and keep her and myself and my sisters safe,” he recalled.

“Because of this, they kind of took me

atthew Lefebvre said he will bring a “no job is too small” mentality to his new role as principal of Hopkinton Middle School. “I believe in that old schoolhouse model that everyone here is really important,” Lefebvre said.

He added that he would bring an “element of visibility” to the principal’s position — interacting with staff and children in classrooms and hallways and ensuring students feel comfortable enough to approach him on any variety of topics.

“It’s really important to me to build well-rounded students who are actively involved in their education and take an active part in their learning,” Lefebvre said.

Prior to his move to Hopkinton, Lefebvre served as assistant principal at Westborough High School for nearly a decade and also was a music educator at Westborough’s Gibbons Middle School and in West Springfield.

Although he said he was not applying to numerous districts for administrative posts, Lefebvre recognized what a prom-

Drought, bacteria lead to water issues in town

5

SPORTS

Murray hopes to make AD position permanent

10

SCHOOLS

Assistant superintendent LaBroad settles into role

15

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,600 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

EMC muralist seeks community support Owen Fitzpatrick, shown standing in front of the mural he painted last year on the fence leading to EMC Park, is looking for people to participate in the mural he’s putting together this year.

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Christine Strickland, Christie Vogt, Jane Bigda, Walter Bird Jr., Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius

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FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for verification. Letters should be no more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors.

F

or his contribution to the series of murals along the fence leading to EMC Park, Hopkinton High School senior Owen Fitzpatrick is looking for the community to lend a hand — in more ways than one.

Fitzpatrick’s mural (part of the Hopkinton Cultural Council Diversity Mural Project) will feature the phrase “We’ve got your back,” and he wants to surround the words with handprints from residents.

Some members of the Hopkinton Police DeINDEPENDENT partment already have said they will particiTHOUGHTS pate, Fitzpatrick said.

JERRY SPAR His hope is to get everyone working together to eliminate hate and divisiveness.

“I have been deeply troubled by the racist and homophobic transgressions in our schools and in our world,” he stated. “Further, I cannot begin to

HopkintonIndependent.com

imagine the soul-grinding sadness and loneliness that drove two LGBTQ+ students of color in our town to take their own lives. Together, as a community, I believe we can make a loud statement of support on this simple piece of fence.

When people drive by, I hope this piece will make them feel less alone. I hope the participants will be reminded that they took an active stand against hate in our town.”

Fitzpatrick said the phrase he chose was inspired by his grandfather.

“My grandfather is a man of many sayings,” he said. “His quips cover pretty much everything from good parking spaces to hard work, and they just stick in your head sometimes. One of my favorites is, ‘People support that which they help create.’ So my idea was to get more people involved in the Diversity Mural Project.”

The painting/handprinting is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m.-noon. Rain date is the following day.

Fitzpatrick, who first started develMuralist | 3

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 3

EMC muralist seeks community support Muralist | from page 2

oping an interest in art in the sixth grade, also is an award-winning writer and a standout track and field athlete. And in June he was one of two Hopkinton students (along with Chris Holly) to attend Massachusetts Boys State at Stonehill College, a weeklong leadership program for which he had won the Samsung American Legion Scholarship Award.

“Going to Boys State was an incredible opportunity,” Fitzpatrick said. “I met lots of awesome, like-minded kids who were both fun to hang out with and spend time getting involved in having a better understanding of how our government works, our democracy. I thought it was really eye-opening. If you try to run for a state position or if you have friends going for a state position it surprised me how pumped up and just so active everyone was in it. It was really great for Chris and I to represent the town of Hopkinton.”

Electric Youth returns Electric Youth, the teenage songand-dance troupe based at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, returned to the Hopkinton Town Common on July 31 as part of the Concerts on the Common series.

It was a homecoming for the group’s two Hopkinton residents, Finley Doherty and Erin Belger.

Doherty, who is entering her junior year at Mount St. Charles Academy in Rhode Island, performed with Electric Youth last year, including last year’s Town Common appearance. Belger, a rising senior at Hopkinton High School, is new to the group.

“It’s so nice to be performing and doing what I love in front of the town where I grew up,” said Doherty, who started appearing in Enter Stage Left productions in the fourth grade.

Doherty said she enjoys singing, dancing and acting — all three of which she gets to do at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts — but singing is her favorite and something she hopes to continue to do as she gets older.

In the meantime, she is enjoying the variety of music she gets to perform as part of her group.

“Electric Youth provides a lot of different genres of music, such as pop and rock and [rhythm and blues],” Doherty said. “So you get a mix of different songs and genres.”

Doherty said her favorite number is a Debbie Gibson song titled, appropriately, “Electric Youth.”

“It just kind of feels like our anthem

and our main theme song for the group,” she said.

Electric Youth, which is backed by the eight-piece Boston Show Band, recently completed its annual European tour, which this year included performances in Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy.

The highlight was the tour finale in the town of Menaggio, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como.

“We did two performances there and the crowd was so big and it was a beautiful venue,” she recalled. “As a group, for all 14 of us, that was definitely some of our favorite shows. It’s just an amazing opportunity to perform there.”

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Water main break fortuitous?

Traffic near the Main Street-Wood Street intersection was especially bad on the afternoon of July 14, and it was exacerbated by the fact that a water main on Claflin Avenue broke during the Main Street Construction Project work being done there.

However, the news wasn’t all bad, according to Water-Sewer Manager Eric Carty.

“We’re actually kind of lucky that it happened now rather than after they were done with the pipe work,” Carty said. “There was a 2-inch iron pipe that no one knew was even there.”

Carty explained that iron pipes — an old and outdated use — are located “all over town” and are “accidents waiting to happen.” He added that the town’s records are not complete in terms of identifying where the iron pipes remain.

The town was able to repair the Claflin Avenue break quickly, Carty noted.

“We went about as soon as one could go,” Cary said. “[Main Street Corridor Project contractor] Amorello helped us with it. It was backfilled and fixed in two hours, which is very fast.”

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Common tree plan discussed A resident recently reached out to inquire about when new shade trees will be planted on the Town Common, noting that many dying trees have been removed in recent years.

I checked with Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi, who indicated that he has been working with Bartlett Tree Experts to develop a plan, with no immediate timetable.

“I understand that there are some residents that have a preference for large shade trees. We will defer to the experts on what species of tree makes most sense,” he stated. “Our plan is to work with Bartlett over the next several years to address tree maintenance.”

Town faces urban heat island conditions What is occurring in downtown Hopkinton is called an urban heat island. Increased number of buildings and pavement are resulting in negative environmental impacts: higher levels of pollution and increased energy demand (air conditioning). The only solutions as stated by authorities in the field of climate change are the planting of trees and the preservation of natural ground cover. These should be primary concerns as we consider what happens to the Town Common and Center School.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

STAY COOL IN YOUR NEW HOME!

Baypath saves dogs from becoming dinner

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n estimated 2 million dogs a year are raised on farms in South Korea for human consumption. Kept in filthy, barren cages without access to food or water, the dogs receive no medical care — much less love or attention — until they are inhumanely killed, usually by electrocution or hanging.

Rescuing and removing dogs would not solve the problem; a complete solution needed to offer an alternative way for farmers to make a living. With that end goal, the Humane Society of the United States A visitor greets one of the dogs Baypath Humane (HSUS) and its international Society imported from South Korea. rescue, Humane Society International (HSI), developed After the dogs are comfortable with and launched an innovative program their caregivers, they’re ready to learn that works with farmers to surrender life skills, Lundgren explained. “We the animals and begin more humane, need to get them used to a collar and profitable livelihoods. have them practice walking on a leash.

Baypath Humane Society of HopWe want them to gain confidence and kinton partnered with HSUS in 2021 to become outgoing pups, ready to be aid in this mission, and in July of last someone’s beloved pet.” year, Baypath received its first rescues Through this structured positive from the South Korean dog meat trade. reinforcement decompression program, “When the dogs arrived, they were Baypath has successfully found loving shy, timid and hesitant to approach homes for 10 of the 12 rescued dogs. the staff,” recalled Kathy Lundgren, The organization has been trying to an Outreach Committee member at place the two remaining guests: a sweet, Baypath. “We needed to allow them a bonded pair named Maia and Max. decompression period to get used to the “Maia and Max were both very sights, smells and sounds in the shelter shy when they arrived, but they find environment. Each dog is different, but comfort in each other and can achieve it generally takes at least two weeks for so much as a team,” Lundgren shared. them to begin to de-stress.

“Each of them is confident in different “We keep their world small. If they areas and helps the other overcome their have doggy friends, we let them stay apprehension. Max gives everyone the together; we use food puzzles and toys best hugs, and Maia will melt your heart for enrichment, all positive reinforcewith her gentle spirit. They both love to ment, and eventually we gain their trust. wrestle, play with toys and go on walks Then we start to introduce them to more people — staff and volunteers.”

Dogs | 7

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

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ach week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week we feature 2-year-old Betty Lou. Here is Baypath’s description of Betty Lou: “Betty Lou has never met a stranger — everyone is an immediate friend! She is such a staff favorite and we love it when she helps us with office work. She just quietly explores the office, finds a bed and curls up in the sun. She truly loves to just spend time with people. She is one of the sweetest girls we know.

“Betty is a perfect walking buddy and loves to sniff everything on the trail. She is a very playful girl and loves chasing toys. When we play with her she tries to ‘talk.’ It is a cute playful hound language that makes everyone laugh.

Betty is very smart and food motivated! She can’t wait to continue training. She even loves nose work and has worked with a trainer!

Betty may do well living in a home with dogs, cats and kids. She would do best in a quiet area (she can be reactive to lots of cars going by and may react to dogs — we have only had her meet a few and she can be selective). A family with some dog experience would be advantageous. She is going to make her family so happy!”

For more information on Betty Lou 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.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 5

Water an issue in town W

ith the town in the midst of a heat wave in late July, the town announced an outdoor water ban on municipal water use.

The area of the state that includes HopkinNEWS ton was designated to be BRIEFS experiencing a “critical drought.”

“It is imperative that everyone turn off all outdoor sprinkler systems immediately and cease all other non-essential use,” Water-Sewer Manager Eric Carty stated. “It is absolutely vital that everyone comply to ensure proper storage levels for everyday use and fire protection. Thank you for your cooperation in this very important matter.”

That news came two days after the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation deemed the main and upper beaches at Hopkinton State Park unfit for swimming due to high counts of the bacteria enterococci.

The water was to be tested daily to determine when it was safe to re-enter.

According to Hopkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, the likely cause

was excrement from the many geese in the area, along with pets and humans who go in the water. He added that because the water does not actively move through the area (as it does at Lake Maspenock) it is more susceptible to such cases.

Mosquito spraying scheduled The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) announced that personnel will be in Hopkinton to spray for mosquitoes on August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. The dates are tentative and subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity and/or special event spraying.

This program will shut down when cool night time temperatures become predominant in the area. A detailed notice about the CMMCP spray schedule is posted on the CMMCP phone system (508-393-3055) after 3:30 p.m. each day and also is listed at cmmcp.org (click on “2022 spray schedule” button on the right).

Residents may opt out of the spray-

Christopher Stevenson

Professional Insights PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T

I

f you’re like most people, your work has been a central part of your life.

So, wouldn’t it be nice to have the flexibility to decide when you no longer want to work?

Many people of retirement age have achieved this type of control. In fact, two-thirds of workers ages 65 and older say they work primarily because they want to, not because they have to, according to a 2021 study by Edward Jones and Age Wave. But that means that one-third of workers in this age group feel financially compelled to work. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the work they do — but it’s probably fair to say they would have liked the option of not working. How can you give yourself this choice?

You can start by asking yourself these questions: • When do I want to retire? You’ll want to identify the age at which you wish to retire. You may change your mind later and move this date up or back, but it’s a good idea to have a target in mind.

• What sort of retirement lifestyle do I want? When you retire, do you anticipate staying close to home and pursuing your hobbies, or do you hope to travel the world? Would you like to spend your time volunteering? Open your own business or do some consulting? Clearly, some of these choices will require more resources than others, so you’ll want to follow a financial strategy that aligns with the retirement lifestyle you intend to pursue.

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As you chart your course toward your retirement journey, you’ll want to assess the sources of income you’ll have available. If you think you may be falling short of achieving your retirement goals, you may need to consider saving more.

• When should I start taking Social Security? You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much bigger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. Your decision about when to take Social Security will depend on several factors, including your other sources of income and your family history of longevity. Of course, as you’re probably aware, the Social Security system is facing significant financial stress, so it’s possible that we may see changes to Social Security, based on actions Congress could take.

In any case, you might want to be fairly conservative in estimating how much Social Security can contribute to your retirement income.

By addressing the above questions, you can get a clearer sense of when you might reach the point at which work is optional. But you’ll also need to consider other factors, too, such as how much you enjoy working or when your spouse or partner is planning to retire. In any case, the sooner you start planning for this next phase of your life, the better position you’ll be in when it’s time to make the transition.

If you would like to discuss your personal situation with a financial advisor contact: Mark Freeman Edward Jones Financial Advisor 77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017 Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

HCA hosts musicals, comedies for hot summer nights Enter Stage Left Theater actors rehearse for “Seussical Jr.” It’s one of the three productions being staged in August at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

By Jane Bigda Contributing Writer

T

PHOTO/ENTER STAGE LEFT THEATER

wo musicals and a handful of original comedies combined into one production will provide entertainment for all ages at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts every weekend in August. Enter Stage Left Theater, HCA’s resident theater company, will put on “Seussical Jr.,” “Little Women The Musical” and “A Play, A Pint & A Pie.” “ESL [Enter Stage Left] has been putting on summer stock performances for the past 14 to 15 years,” said HCA Executive Director Kelly Grill. “The productions draw really talented students who are serious about their work. It is a learning process for them. Besides performing, they help with everything from sets to costumes. And for audiences, these shows are wonderful.”

ESL veterans Eric Balboni and Alyssa Surrette will direct the musicals.

“Seussical Jr.” kicks off the month on Friday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m., when Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters — Horton the Elephant, Cat in the Hat and more — come to life onstage singing and cavorting in Circus McGurkus and beyond. Families with young ones and the young at heart can take in the musical extravaganza outdoors, so bring a lawn chair or blanket.

“Little Women The Musical” will offer a different take on the classic story written by Louisa May Alcott about her life growing up in Concord. The well-loved characters of Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth March along with their mother, Marmee, neighbor Laurie and others will fill the stage with song, laughter, tears and the

strength of the human spirit. “It runs for two weekends and is just an outstanding production,” said Grill. “Little Women” will be performed inside the Delbridge Family Performance Space at 7:30 p.m. the weekends of Aug. 12-13 and Aug. 19-20.

A special dress rehearsal will be offered at a reduced ticket price of $10 per person for senior citizens on Thursday, Aug. 11.

The month of productions winds up on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m. with the second annual “A Play, A Pint & A Pie.” Based on the tradition of the Glasgow (Scotland) theater, the one-night only outdoor event for ages 13 and up will offer five one-act comedies from writers

nationwide. Each play lasts about 15-20 minutes. “Audiences loved last year’s performance, so we had to bring it back for another year,” said Grill.

This year one of the comedies was written by Hopkinton resident Elizabeth Farris. The others were written by two California playwrights, one from Colorado and one by another Massachusetts writer.

Besides having their work performed, the playwrights also will be competing for cash prizes awarded via judges and audience votes.

In addition to the entertainment, audience members 21 and older will enjoy a pint of ale while root beer will be available

for those who are younger, along with a meat or vegetarian pie from Thwaites Market in Methuen. Make sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

Tickets for all the shows plus more information can be obtained by visiting HopArtsCenter.org, calling 508-435-9222 or stopping by the box office at 98 Hayden Rowe Street. Free admission is available by using the HCA pass, which may be borrowed at the Hopkinton Public Library and for EBT cardholders through the statewide Card to Culture program.

In case of inclement weather, the outdoor programs will be moved inside the Delbridge Family Performance Space.

Community Forward For State Representative 8th Middlesex District

Holliston, Hopkinton, Millis (Precincts 2 & 3), and Sherborn

Qualified to Serve:

• Hopkinton Town Clerk • Hopkinton Housing Authority • Age/Dementia Friendly Community Group • Records Access Officer • BA in Political Science, State & Local Government

Ideals that Support Our Communities:

• Relevant Experience With State & Local Government • Protecting the Environment Through Sustainability • Promoting Access and Support for Mental Health • Advocating for Pragmatic Election Reform • Supporting High-Quality Public Education • Increasing Government Transparency

I have spent my career in public service, advocating for residents, improving local government through collaboration, and building bridges in the community for inclusivity so that everyone feels a sense of belonging. I am always striving to innovate and move us forward while ensuring everyone is represented. As we know in Hopkinton, “It All Starts Here!”

Please be sure to vote on September 6th. I would be honored to have your support and humbly request your vote.

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The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 7

UCTC debates MassTrails design grant for Marathon School area T

Dogs | from page 4

together with our volunteers.”

As Baypath staff continue to search for a forever home for Maia and Max, they are encouraged by updates on the dogs that have found homes and are thriving. One of their first South Korea rescues, Luna, clearly is grateful to have settled into her new family, and even puts herself to bed in her crate every night. Luna’s adopter told Baypath, “She is one of the friendliest and sweetest dogs I have ever met.”

“It is amazing and inspiring, how resilient these dogs are,” remarked Lundgren. “Through Baypath’s program, these dogs have successfully adapted to life here in the U.S. and to their new families. Every one of our adopters has been very happy bringing these dogs into their lives.”

No doubt the dogs are happy as well.

To learn more about Maia and Max — or other dogs available for adoption — go online to baypathhumane.org/ available-dogs.

Moran reelected chair At the start of the meeting the committee held its annual reorganization,

and Moran was reelected to serve as chair.

Post nominated Moran to remain in the position “because nobody else is crazy enough to do it.”

Eric Sonnett was reelected vice chair, while Scott Knous, who is new to the committee, was tabbed to be treasurer.

IN HO F F

E

Baypath saves dogs

we’ve got to do it better, though. We’ve got to make it so that when people are filling out the survey, when they’re looking at the table, they can actually tell which segment is which.”

US

he Upper Charles Trail Committee discussed future goals at its July 20 meeting and debated whether or not to push forward with a preliminary design of a segment of the trail in the area of Marathon School.

The School Committee did not support a proposal to design a trail around Marathon School, and some residents have expressed opposition, in part because it would connect with the UCTC’s controversial proposed segment along Hayden Rowe Street.

However, the Upper Charles Trail Committee applied for and received a grant from MassTrails (a state agency) for design work on Segment 6, which encompasses the Marathon School land as well as the adjoining Irvine-Todaro property, where the town has expressed an interest in constructing a new facility to replace Elmwood School.

“I think there’s a lot of risk both to our political position in town to proceed with that preliminary design for Segment 6, and also for getting future money from the MassTrails system if we botch it in such a way that it kind of puts a black mark on what we’re trying to do,” UCTC member Ken Parker said.

Town Engineer Dave Daltorio noted that giving back money also could be perceived negatively. “In my experiences, they don’t appreciate us wasting their time,” he said.

Daltorio also noted that Town Meeting expressed an interest in having trails on the Irvine-Todaro property, and any trails there could be separate from the main Upper Charles Trail — a “spur” rather then a segment that continues to another portion of the trail.

Chair Jane Moran added that it could be appealing to have trails that connect all the schools.

“It’s an opportunity I don’t think we can ignore,” she said of using the grant money.

Parker countered that working on a design on land where a school might be constructed doesn’t make sense, as the designers would not know where on the

property the building would be located.

Parker also pushed for the committee to make it clear that any design work would be focused on connecting neighborhoods rather than taking a step toward continuing the trail down Hayden Rowe Street — a proposal that has faced substantial public opposition.

“I am faced with a position of all my friends are going to be on my ass for having accepted this,” he said. “If I can at least make the case that the purpose of this is partially to connect to the neighborhoods, they’ll let me a little bit off the hook because a lot of people are in favor of that, independent of the Upper Charles Trail. So I’d say that that’s allowing us a way out of this dilemma. But if we don’t do that, I think we’re stupid.”

On a related note, Daltorio shared results from the group’s public survey about each proposed segment of the trail. A total of 51 people replied to the survey either at the UCTC’s public forum this past spring or online, although not every respondent weighed in on each segment. The segment drawing the most interest was Segment 7 — the proposal to have the trail run along Hayden Rowe Street toward Milford and cross the road multiple times. Of the 38 individuals who offered an opinion on that segment, 31 indicated they disliked the proposal, with four opining that they liked it and three neutral.

UCTC member Eli Post suggested the survey did not get enough responses to draw substantial conclusions.

Moran concurred, saying, “I think we just take it for what it is at this point in time and know that we’re seriously in the beginning stages of all of this and there’s a lot of work to do.”

Members discussed ways to make the survey easier to understand, including eliminating some of the segments and/or making it more clear where each segment runs.

“Part of our problem is … we should have spent a lot more time figuring out how to reach out to the public using this kind of approach,” Parker said. “I still think it’s a good idea to do it. I think

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

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hen working to schedule performers for the annual Concerts on the Common series, Parks & Recreation Commission member Laura Hanson keeps in mind the changes to Hopkinton’s town charter in 2017, when wording about inclusivity was added.

This year’s concert lineup includes bands that appeal to a variety of music fans — including reggae, blues, swing, rock and show tunes — and the final Sunday performance at the Town Common features the return of a Bollywood band in a nod to the town’s large Indian population.

Din Check, which bills itself as New England’s premier Bollywood band, will close out the series on Aug. 28.

“I’m trying to be diverse in terms of the types of music to open people’s minds up to different kinds of music,” Hanson said. “I think that Din Check did that last year, and people had a really good time.”

Din Check, which translates to “sound check,” features songs written in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati and Punjabi. The band’s sets also include different genres and a combination of older and newer hits.

“We actually design the show, so we are able to bring out Bollywood music to everybody’s liking,” said band member Jolly Bhatia.

Din Check is no stranger to Hopkinton, having performed at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts earlier this summer and appearing at the Town Common last sum-

mer during an Indian Independence Day celebration.

“I was really happy with the turnout for Din Check,” Hanson said. “I didn’t know how it would go over, but it was a huge hit.”

Concerts on the Common also welcomes Jah Spirit, an African-reggae band, for the first time on Aug. 7. Jumpin’ Juba, a blues-inspired band, will play on Aug. 14. All concerts start at 5 p.m. and are free.

The Roy Scott Big Band opened this summer’s series. The Hopkinton Community Summer Band, Hot Acoustics and Electric Youth also performed in July.

Hanson finds the acts by talking to residents and fellow commissioners. She also has worked with agencies that help schedule bands.

“I’m always open to people contacting me if they know of interesting, diverse bands and different kinds of music,” she said.

The Sunday Concerts on the Common are popular among community members of all ages.

“There is a whole spectrum that come,” Hanson said. “There are a lot of people bringing their kids, and older folks love to come, too.”

Hanson recalled a swing band last year that inspired a couple in the audience to show their moves. “[They were] doing this amazing swing dance just spontaneously,” she said.

The dancing is Hanson’s favorite part of the Concerts on the Common, especially if it includes children.

“Kids are spontaneously just dancing around,” Hanson said. “That just always warms my heart, because they will dance to anything if they like it.”

Mosquito spraying scheduled

Chamberlain to get new trees

By Sidhi Dhanda Contributing Writer

W

Spraying | from page 5

ing. For instructions, visit cmmcp.org and click “no spray info” button.

Requests for service may be recorded by calling the CMMCP office between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday, or via cmmcp.org. Results of these requests may initiate an application of mosquito insecticides to defined, site-specific areas of town. Such an application may be accomplished by using truck mounted equipment depending on the extent of the application.

Suicide hotline now available Local officials were among those promoting the new suicide prevention national hotline that went into effect July 16. Individuals who dial 988 at any time of the day or night will be routed to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for free and confidential support.

The number is for those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with emotional distress as well as those worried about someone else.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s trained counselors also can be reached online via 988lifeline.org.

Hopkinton Youth & Family Services also is available to assist with behavioral health resources.

HYFS can be reached via the town website (hopkintonma.gov).

HopkintonIndependent.com

At the Planning Board’s July 18 meeting, a representative from Eversource, responding to a previous Planning Board condition that the company replace the seven trees it needs to remove on Chamberlain Street for new electrical lines, introduced a plan to install nine new trees in various locations on the road.

The work is related to the new subdivision at the end of Chamberlain Street and Whalen Road.

Additionally, the Planning Board voted unanimously to advise the DPW to install a speed table on Chamberlain Street where the Center Trail exits onto the road. A second motion to request center line painting on Chamberlain Street and Whalen Road did not pass.

Submissions sought for Art on the Trail The Hopkinton Cultural Council is inviting individuals to submit artwork for display during the 2022 Art on the Trail exhibition. This year’s theme is land art — “Nature’s Gallery, Branching Out” — inspired by Andy Goldsworthy and other similar artists: “Utilizing elements in nature to be inspired and create pieces that celebrate the natural aesthetics around us.”

Submissions will be accepted through Sept. 5, and artists whose work is accepted will be notified by Sept. 15. Art on the Trail is scheduled from Oct. 2-16 on the Center Trail.

For more information, visit artonthetrail2022. artcall.org.

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 9

Porter looks back on 30 years with HPD Porter | from page 1

under their wing.”

The two officers Porter spent the most time with were Phil Powers and Chuck Wallace, who both became officers in Hopkinton (and have since retired).

“Instead of letting me off as a goofy little kid, they would let me play with their radar gun,” Porter said. “They used to allow me to get on my bicycle to see how fast I could pedal. They just kind of took over that father figure-type in my younger years growing up.

“My mother eventually remarried, and he was a much better guy and took me under his wing. But I never forgot the things Chuck and Phil had done for me when I was growing up. And it made me determined to become a police officer.”

When he turned 18, Porter was hired by the Upton Police Department as a dispatcher. One year later, there was an opening for an officer. Porter was selected and, after attending the Police Academy, became one of the youngest officers in the state (the minimum age since has been raised to 21).

“At that time in my life it was a great honor and something that was really exciting, but looking back in hindsight, at 19 years old becoming a police officer I was just a little bit too young,” he said. “As much as I hate to admit it, I was immature and trying to learn how to become an adult, a man, myself. Being thrust into that role, going to homes and calls, tragedies with people I’d grown up with, or seeing [domestic incidents] with people I had grown up with or my parents had grown up with just became a little too overwhelming.”

When an opportunity arose to join the force in Hopkinton three years later, Porter made the move — rejoining Powers and Wallace in the process — and, “Hopkinton has been my home ever since.”

Porter has served in a variety of roles in town, including as the town’s first school resource officer — a job he said came about by “accident.”

Now-Chief Joseph Bennett beat out Porter for a promotion to sergeant. As a consolation, then-Chief Tom Irvin offered Porter a new assignment.

“The schools are a community within a community here in town, and [Irvin] asked me if I would take on that project,” Porter recalled. “Not knowing anything about it, I tried to learn all about that atmosphere. It was a rewarding and extremely great challenge for me.

“It allowed me to learn a lot about the educational system, how it is different from what we do out in the community, and really ingrained in me the importance of the forgiveness of mistakes and helping people learn and get better from things they may have done wrong without having to carry a record for the rest of their life.”

After seven years in the schools, Porter became a detective in 2005. Just a few months later, in January of 2006, the town was shaken when a young mother and her 9-month-old daughter were found dead in the home they had just started renting on Cubs Path. The husband, Neil Entwistle, eventually was convicted of their murders.

“I still remember getting the phone call,” Porter said. “I was at my in-laws’ house having Sunday dinner with our family like we always did. I got the call from the station and I thought they were

It doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years, but looking back at all the things that the town has supported me in and helped me accomplish, I’m very happy with the move that I made to come here.

— Deputy Police Chief John Porter

just messing with me. Coming in, it was just a whirlwind of emotions, trying to do what was best for the family. [Fellow detective] Scott van Raalten and myself, we connected with Rachel and Lillian’s family. We were determined to do everything we could to get them closure and make make sure [the murderer] was brought to justice.”

As the officers worked on the investigation, Entwistle flew to his family’s home in England. Porter soon followed and talked to the suspect there before Entwistle was arrested and extradited to Massachusetts to face charges. Entwistle was convicted in 2008 and is serving a life sentence, despite he and his family insisting upon his innocence.

“It was just ridiculous, the lies that they were trying to come up with,” Porter said. “The evidence was just overwhelming.”

Porter still carries a reminder of that case in his office.

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“On my window sill I have a picture of Rachel and Lillian that [Rachel’s] parents gave me from [Lillian’s] christening on December 10th of 2005. It’s always been in my office to let me remember them, so they’re not forgotten.”

More recently, Porter was one of the officers who responded to an incident on Eastview Road that put his life in danger.

“We had a suicidal male who had barricaded himself in his parents’ home and doused the house with gasoline, his intention being to set the house on fire, killing himself and burning down his family home over an argument he had had with his parents prior to that.

The gentleman obviously suffered from mental difficulty,” Porter said. “We responded to the home, we were able to surround the home and we were working on trying to get him out, talking to him.

I was assigned to the back of the home to keep watch, and while I was back

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there, he ran out the back door and into the woods. I was able to give chase. He had dropped down into some clovers and was hiding in those. As I got closer he jumped up and he had a butcher’s knife in his hand and was threatening to kill me. I was able to disarm him and take him into custody without having to use my firearm. The town awarded me a medal of valor for that.”

Porter noted that the department has made strides in the area of dealing with mental illness. In Hopkinton, arrests are a last option, he said, and an importance is placed on finding root causes to issues.

“When I first came on, you were trained to catch the bad guys, stop the speeders,” he said. “But it was not addressing any underlying factors as to why someone was a drunk driver — do they have alcoholism problem, or did they have a crisis with their family?

Now we address the causes and try to get the individual and the family help, as opposed to just ‘cuff ’em and stuff ’em,’ for lack of a better term.”

As he passes the 30-year mark with the department, Porter — who has seen the town more than double in size during his three decades on the force — continues to adapt and adjust, now as second in command to Bennett, his longtime coworker and friend.

“Here in Hopkinton it’s just been an incredible, long journey,” Porter said. “It doesn’t feel like it’s been 30 years, but looking back at all the things that the town has supported me in and helped me accomplish, I’m very happy with the move that I made to come here.”

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

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Sports

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Murray takes over as HHS AD

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

L

ongtime Hopkinton High School guidance counselor and coach Kiely Murray has taken the reins of the athletic department as the new interim athletic director with the hope of making the position permanent next year.

Murray, 39, replaces Rich Cormier, who announced in June that he was stepping down. She has been around Hopkinton since 2010 when she started as the junior varsity softball coach. Since then, she has spent time working with the Hillers varsity baseball team and has past experience as a volleyball coach and interim athletic director in Westborough.

“I just love being around sports, so when Rich decided to make a change professionally this was an exciting opportunity and one I was happy to accept,” Murray said.

The school’s second female athletic director after Dee King, Murray said she will have the interim tag on her position until next spring, when both she and the administration can decide whether she will remain AD or return to her job as a counselor.

But Murray said the plan is to roll the coming school year into a full-time position.

She also is planning on taking over amily Family Owned Family Owned &Owned Operated & Operated &Operated Operated Serving Serving MetroWest Serving MetroWest MetroWest Boston Boston Since Boston Since 1968 Since 19681968 during what hopes to be the most “normal” Family Owned & Serving MetroWest Boston Since 1968 athletic and school year since the start of the pandemic.

“Rich had three unique years with 2021 MetroWest 69 EEE [eastern equine encephalitis], then the spring of 2020 and the hybrid year, so I am kind of picking the ball up where he had hoped to on some things,” Murray said.

Chief among her goals is a planned turf field to be used for football and other sports to go with the existing turf field that Murray called a “game changer.”

“If that can happen, it would be a big project,” she said. “The project [former AD] Dee King headed up to get the first Breaking News • Events • Schools • Sports • Business turf field has been a game changer as far Stay connected • Stay informed • Stay in touch as playing and getting out there late in the fall and early in the spring. Having another

Kiely Murray

field like that would be huge.”

With the success of Hopkinton’s various athletic programs in recent years, there are few other plans for sweeping change in the

department.

“We are lucky, we have excellent coaches here,” Murray said. “For me it’s going to be about figuring out how I can best support our teams, stay out of the way, and keep things running smoothly.”

Murray’s first official day on the job was Aug. 1, but she had been working with Cormier through the month of July to transition into her new role. She said she is looking forward to working with assistant AD Louise Sanborn and athletic trainer Amanda Magier, as well as the various coaches and staff.

Murray also is hoping to focus on the technology used in some of the day-to-day operations of the department and see where improvements can be made.

While she is technically an “interim” AD until the spring, Murray has a longterm focus for her new position.

“My plan is to do the job as if I am sticking around forever,” she said.

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Prall starts coaching career at WNEU

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PHOTO/REGIS COLLEGE ATHLETICS

Hopkinton’s Marissa Prall recently landed a SPORTS job as a graduate assistant ROUNDUP coach for the women’s basketball team at Western New England University in Springfield.

After three years on the Hopkinton High School varsity, Prall went on to play at Regis College in Weston. As a senior last season, she was a captain and starting guard for the first nine games of the season, averaging 4.8 points per game, before she tore her ACL, ending her college After finishing her playing career. playing career at Regis Prall was College, Marissa Prall a two-time has moved into the Academic Allcoaching ranks.

Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) selection and a member of the GNAC’s All-Sportsmanship Team in 2019.

In the spring, she took part in the NCAA’s “So You Want To Be A Coach” program during the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Convention in Minneapolis, site of the Division 1 Women’s Final Four. She was one of 61 studentathletes nationwide to be selected for the two-day workshop.

Prall earned a degree in sports management with a minor in athletic coaching.

Powers shines at Bay State Games Recent Hopkinton High School graduate Kate Powers took home two first-place medals at last month’s Bay State Games, winning the hammer and discus. Powers, who is headed to the University of Kentucky, set a meet record in the discus.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 11 For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @ hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @ HopkintonPLMA.

LIBRARY CORNER

Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, Aug. 4, 2-7 p.m.

Register at the Red Cross website (rcblood.org/3AmuYsP) or call the Reference Desk at 508-497-9777 for help scheduling an appointment.

Owls

TONDORF CHAMPS The Hopkinton Little League 9U team won the championship of the Medway Tondorf Tournament in dramatic fashion, with a 15-14 victory over Ashland in the finale on July 21. Hopkinton lost the first game of the best-of-three final series, 12-0, but bounced back for a last-inning, 13-12 victory in the second game to set up the Game 3 thriller. Members of the team were (back, from left) Josh Hagberg, Dylan Decosta, Curtis Marchand, Malcolm Ricci, Luca Yurewicz, Alex Bateman, Myles Walsh, Nate Pantera, Akin Srinath and Nolan Oram, and (front, from left) Sean Macmillan and Carson O’Donnell. Coaches were Nate Oram, Marc Ricci, Scot Bateman and Dan Macmillan.

FALL

Monday, Aug. 8, 2-3 p.m.

Participants will get up close to three live owl species native to Massachusetts, discover the unique features that help these birds survive, learn about conservation challenges currently facing local owls, and find out the best way to discover which of these birds lives nearby.

Fused Glass Tuesday, Aug. 9, 3-4 p.m. (teen session) In this fun afternoon of glassmaking, participants will arrange glass in beautiful patterns. Then, host Deenie Pacik will take the items home to her kiln, fuse the glass and send them back.

Participants can create a pendant or magnet of their own design. Registration is required, as space is limited. The Friends of the Library is sponsoring this event.

Children’s Concert with Rockabye Beats Wednesday, Aug. 10, 10-10:45 a.m.

This concert is for ages 0-5.

Wicked Good Henna Tuesday, Aug. 16, 3-4 p.m. (teen session), 6-7 p.m. (adult session) Those curious about henna as well as avid fans can learn about henna or take the time to enjoy it again. Mandy Roberge will showcase her talents by applying 100 percent organic and all-natural henna paste into intricate designs on attendees’ skin. Registration is required for a guaranteed spot, though walk-ins are welcome if space is available.

Escape Room: From the Rogue Planet Tuesday, Aug. 23, various times The challenge: You and your group have crash-landed on a rogue planet.

Repair the ship, plot a return course and survive the journey home. For ages 12 and older.

FUN

HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

Senior Center class shares fond memories of France

By Courtney Cornelius Contributing Writer

I

t’s often been said that you start growing old when you stop learning. If that’s true, some globetrotting folks at the Hopkinton Senior Center and their chef-turned-instructor-turned-tour guide, Nathalie Scott, will be forever young.

Born in Belgium, Scott made the United States her home in her 20s after marrying a well-traveled American. Not long after settling in Hopkinton in 2019 and with their daughter grown, Scott — a former French language teacher in both public and private schools — decided to apply for the position of chef at the Senior Center.

“I was looking for something part-time, and cooking had always been something I was good at,” she recalled. “Food is so much a part of the French culture! So I applied for the job.”

It was during meals that people began asking Scott to teach them some French. Soon there was enough interest that she started a class.

“I don’t teach like they do in school, I don’t teach about grammar so much,” Scott explained. “It’s more about communication.”

Then COVID hit, and the kitchen closed. However, Scott and her students were able to continue the French lessons online.

“The Zoom classes became a lifeline for many of them,” Scott shared. The virtual group exchanged stories of different cultures, spoke and read French, and made their twice-weekly meetings as much fun as possible — “No grades, just pure laughter!” assured Scott. “And I was so impressed with their determination.”

Two years later, when travel restrictions began lifting, the students asked Scott: “When are you taking us to France?”

Scott lives life to the fullest — not only a wife, mom, teacher and chef, she’s also a painter (specializing in pet portraits, a hobby that started with the dog she adopted from Baypath Humane Society) and can speak four languages. So, this past spring, 20 people ranging in ages from 50s to 80s toured the French Riviera and Provence.

“We visited Nice, Monaco, the Roman amphitheater of Arles, the list goes on. Our guide was fabulous, the food and hotels were amazing and the company was outstanding!” Scott relayed enthusiastically.

One of the best parts, she said, was watching people find new

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Senior Center chef and French teacher Nathalie Scott led a group of local seniors on a tour of France earlier this year.

They got to practice their new language skills and really immerse themselves in the culture. They got to see their own culture through a different lens.

— Nathalie Scott

things to like. “I asked them, ‘Please, be open-minded. If you’ve never eaten certain things, France is the place to try them!’ And sometimes, something they tried became their new favorite food!”

Scott recounted multiple benefits from the trip.

“They got to practice their new language skills and really immerse themselves in the culture. They got to see their own culture through a different lens,” Scott said. “And so many of them had wanted to visit France, but they didn’t want to go without someone who understands the language and knows how things work there.

Having a social system removed the fear and made traveling fun.

“But also, they got attention. They felt joy. And they learned it’s never too late to discover!”

She noted the seniors weren’t the only ones to gain something from the adventure.

“It made me more aware that senior citizens are a part of society that we need to look out for,” she said. “I have a renewed

respect for the elderly. With age comes wisdom, and I was exposed to a lot of wisdom on that trip. The younger generations lose a lot when they lose touch with that.”

The travelers had such a great experience that they want to share it with the public. All are invited to view a slide presentation of their trip at the Senior Center on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m.

“Thanks to Joseph Hall for putting the show together! Most of our travelers, including myself, will be there, too, so people can ask us questions about it,” Scott said. Aspiring chefs also can check out Scott’s cooking demos on YouTube.

Because French lessons at the Senior Center now are in demand, a new beginner class launched in May. The new students will be going on a food-and-wine trip to the Loire Valley in October, when they can enjoy fewer tourists and cooler weather.

Stops will include Toulouse, Carcassonne and Bordeaux, among others, with the trip ending in Paris.

Scott’s advanced students still carry their sense of joie de vivre. Next spring, the spritely jet-setters will further expand their horizons and venture to the South of France and Florence, Italy, for more food, fun and learning. The brain is a muscle, she mused, and it gets stronger with exercise.

“What we brought back was not just fabulous memories, we brought back a sense of renewal,” Scott reflected. “This experience changed us, and made us even better than before. They were actually looking younger by the end of the trip!”

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The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 13 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.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Thrift Store The thrift store is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Items available include dishes, jewelry, home goods, kitchenware, games, children’s toys, greeting cards and more.

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Fatima Bokhari for this photo of Zahra enjoying a vanilla milkshake from The Spoonery. 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.

Transportation Programs for Seniors The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the Senior Center as well as local shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. The Senior Center also can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping. Anyone interested can call the Senior Center to learn more.

Home Safety Tips for Fall Prevention Thursday, Aug. 11, 11-11:30 a.m.

Deb Froehlich, a clinical liaison with Complete VNA, will share some simple ways to reduce fall risk. She will address common issues in the home and review simple solutions. To register for this free seminar, call the Senior Center.

Journey Through France Slide Show Thursday, Aug. 11, 1-2 p.m.

A group of Hopkinton seniors who met and became friends while taking French language classes at the Senior Center planned their own group trip through France.

Wanting to share their travels with others in the community, they have compiled more than 200 photos into a beautiful slideshow experience.

All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at Bill’s Pizzeria.

Sailing the River Nile Tuesday, Aug. 16, 10-11 a.m. (virtual) Attendees will travel by virtual motor boat on the longest river in the world.

They will explore the differences between the East Bank and West Bank, take in the wildlife and explore the historical significance of the Nile.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria.

Art Appreciation: John Singer Sargent, An American Legacy Thursday, Aug. 18, 1-2 p.m.

Participants will explore art spanning Sargent’s career and his ever-evolving techniques and subjects. From elegant society images to informal watercolors, his paintings brought commercial success and critics’ disapproval.

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Schools Students look to start composting program at HHS Three Hopkinton High School students are leading the charge to eliminate food waste in the school cafeteria. Alice Potapov and Avani Daga appeared at the School ComSCHOOLS July 21 meeting (Alveena NOTEBOOK mittee’s Ehsan was not present) to discuss starting a composting program in partnership with Black Earth Composting.

The students noted that Black Earth Composting currently is used by 200 households in town. The company would provide equipment and would pick up two or three times per week, depending on the school’s needs.

The cost would be $5,000 per year.

Many items on the school menu can be composted, Potapov and Daga noted. Signage and volunteers would help in educating their peers on what is accepted and what is not.

The students researched a successful program in Lexington, overseen by a town group of adults called the “Green Team.” Hopkinton could keep the program entirely student run to avoid taxing staff.

The students propose recruiting members of the National Honor Society to use this initiative as their volunteering opportunity.

They also would reach out to the school’s garden and environmental clubs to get volunteers and may start a composting club in the future, the students said.

No decision was made on the plan because high school administrators and company representatives would have to be brought in first to discuss logistics and funding.

Residents shine at Worcester Academy Worcester Academy recently announced its 2022 honor roll and headmaster’s list, which include five Hopkinton residents.

Junior Ally Gray, sophomores Jonathan D’Amour and William Masterson, and freshman Carly Brand were named to the headmaster’s list, while senior Ryan D’Amour earned second honors.

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Garden Club honors pair The Hopkinton Garden Club awarded scholarships to Olivia Sward and Ryan D’Alleva at Hopkinton High School’s Senior Recognition Night in June.

Sward will attend the University of California, Berkeley, while D’Alleva is headed to the University of Vermont. Both plan to pursue degrees in environmental studies.

“It was thrilling to have such high-caliber students apply for this year’s scholarship and to see their passion and interest in the environment really come through in their personal essays,” said Elaine Gowdy, chair of the Hopkinton Garden Club Scholarship Committee. “We wish Olivia and Ryan the best of luck this fall and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Local collegians shine At Endicott College, Katherine O’Connor, who is majoring in communication, and Selia Potas, who is majoring in studio art, were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. …

Natalie Calkins, a junior health sciences major, made the president’s list at Merrimack College. …

At St. Lawrence University, freshman Lillian York was named to the dean’s list. …

Anne Comcowich received the Elias Atamian Family Book Award from Holy Cross for excellence in Middle Eastern studies. …

Jack McCabe graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering. …

Brianna Maloney (media arts production), Declan Curry (media arts production) and Jenell Randall (film production) graduated from Emerson College. …

Abigail Auger was named to the dean’s list at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, where she is studying nursing.

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.

School committee approves STM article wording; enrollment rises

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

T

he School Committee on July 21 approved the language for a Special Town Meeting warrant article asking for an additional $850,000 for the Marathon School addition project. The money for the project could be taken out of the department’s Legacy Farms Fund allocation and thus would not affect taxpayers.

Recently, the Select Board set Aug. 18 as the Special Town Meeting date. A two-thirds vote will be needed for the measure to be passed.

The need for the additional money came about when Mill City Construction submitted the lowest responsible (construction only) bid of $3.9 million. The other bidders ranged from $4 million to $4.7 million.

Two independent cost estimators noted that the increases in costs are the result of factors like fuel prices, construction expenses, labor shortages and increases in materials like steel, metal deck framing, drywall and more.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh explained that legally, the bids are firm through Aug. 4. Mill City Construction has agreed to hold its price until the end of August, although it is not legally bound to do so.

The committee previously discussed how it is better to move ahead now than reject all the bids and start over, anticipating that the cost increases will be even higher in the future.

“This is just a tragic reality for now,” said Vice Chair Amanda Fargiano.

Committee member Lya Batlle-Rafferty emphasized that the plan is to have the funds moved from the school’s own stabilization fund meant to address increasing enrollment needs.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Town Meeting previously approved $3.6 million for the project in May 2021 and then an additional $695,900 in May 2022.

The expected project total now is $5.1 million.

Cavanaugh said that by moving forward now, the hope still is to have the Marathon addition completed in the fall of 2023.

Cavanaugh noted that when the school was being constructed in 2015, the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) built for a capacity of 355 students. It later allowed an increase to provide for 395 students.

The current student population is at 568 in Kindergarten and Grade 1. Additionally, there are 95 children in pre-kindergarten, an increase from 58.

A related vote approved Mill City Construction as the project’s general contractor. The bid approval and contract signing both are pending the additional $850,000 funding.

Enrollment numbers rise The superintendent also reviewed some enrollment figures, showing a comparison between the end of the school year to now.

While the district ended its year with 4,069 students in June, that figure now is at 4,118 registered to attend in September. She said the numbers could change as some eighth-graders leave the district. On the other hand, sometimes parents coming into town enroll their children during August.

As it stands, there are only five grades with an enrollment below 300 students. She said Grade 4 has 338 children, so some rooms have 25 students in them.

Small group instruction is used, Cavanaugh said, and all available space is being used to deal with overflow in the buildings.

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 15

New HMS principal brings enthusiastic approach to role PHOTO/ED KARVOSKI JR.

ising opportunity the Hopkinton opening could be.

Lefebvre takes over from Alan Keller, who was HMS principal for 12 years and left to become assistant superintendent of Auburn.

The new principal said he knew Keller and had great respect for what he had accomplished in the district.

He was also briefly acquainted with Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh when both served as assistant principals in Westborough.

Cavanaugh said she remembered Lefebvre’s “strong work ethic” when their careers crossed paths a decade ago. “I always admired that about him,” she said.

The superintendent noted that Lefebvre was one of 21 applicants for the position. In addition to the usual rounds of interviews by a search panel and central office staff, Lefebvre participated in an optional Zoom call with staff on a Friday afternoon in the summer.

Lefebvre said he was struck by the

Matthew Lefebvre

number of staff members who participated and “shared real-life experiences and philosophies” as well as “thoughtful, student-centered ques-

tions” during the call.

He said he was impressed with the depth of the interactions, and felt very welcomed by the Hopkinton staff.

He said he left the call thinking, “They wanted a leader who would take care of the school and be supportive of staff, and I plan to fulfill those [things].”

The new principal said he will bring an “upbeat, positive and enthusiastic” approach to teaching and learning and enjoys the “genuine enthusiasm” of the middle school age group.

“It’s such a special time when students are discovering who they are. …

With that comes a responsibility to create a safe place for them to make mistakes and tell them it is OK,” Lefebvre added.

Cavanaugh said nearly a decade of experience as an assistant superintendent gives Lefebvre the tools he needs to take over the helm of a building.

She noted that he presented himself “articulately” during the job interviews, and his “passion” for ensuring kids’ emotional, social, behavioral and academic needs were met “came through loud and clear.”

In order to open communication with parents and families, Lefebvre said he is considering holding “principal’s coffee”type events starting in mid-August either in person or online.

Lefebvre grew up in Connecticut and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University and Endicott College, where his focus was the organizational management/leadership licensure program.

The father of three daughters, Lefebvre said he and his wife and children enjoy going to the beach, hiking and “a lot of softball.” Most of his free time is spent coaching and playing in musical groups.

Saxophone is his primary instrument.

He added that his goals as principal include optimizing the learning environment for all students and “making sure their days go better.”

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New assistant superintendent hopes to help lead HPS’ ‘evolution’

J

effrey LaBroad, the new assistant superintendent of Hopkinton Public Schools, decided at age 4 that he wanted to become a teacher. He never changed his mind.

He credits his kindergarten teacher with allowing him to “fall in love with school and fall in love with learning.”

“I’m in education because I loved being in school as a kid,” LaBroad said. He noted that in his new role, he’s excited to have the opportunity to support teachers and principals “to make sure the conditions are set for great teaching and learning to take place.”

Prior to his last job as principal at Josiah Haynes Elementary School in Sudbury, LaBroad was principal and assistant principal in Lexington Public Schools and a fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in Brookline and Lincoln. His career in education began as a substitute teacher.

“At every position I’ve held, I’ve learned what I didn’t know before,” the Watertown resident said.

LaBroad said that he aims to emulate the “professional skills, instructional moves and life lessons” he picked up from the colleagues, students and administrators who inspired him throughout his career so far.

He applied in Hopkinton because he saw the community is in a state of “exceptional growth and transition” and wanted to be part of its evolution, LaBroad said.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh noted that 25 individuals applied for the assistant superintendent position vacated

by Jennifer Parson, who left to become Plainville’s superintendent.

A panel whittled down the field to eight and eventually two finalists, and then conducted site visits to their places of employment. The finalists also were interviewed by central office staff and the School Committee.

“The people we met in Sudbury could not have said nicer things about him,” Cavanaugh noted. “It felt very genuine that they cared very deeply for their building principal.”

Cavanaugh said that LaBroad provides a “good complement” to her experience at the secondary level with his exten-

sive background at the elementary level.

She also is impressed with his “buoyant personality” and the fact that “he is unbelievably organized.”

The superJeffrey LaBroad intendent noted that LaBroad’s organizational skills are critical as he will be writing and managing numerous federal and local grants as well as overseeing curriculum.

“He’s in charge of making sure best practices are occurring in all classrooms and are data driven,” Cavanaugh said.

LaBroad began his new job on July 1. He said everyone has been “incredibly welcoming. …It’s very clear there is tremendous support and excitement for Hopkinton Public Schools as well as a deep investment in [the district] by the community.”

As he settles into the position, LaBroad said he’s had a first-hand look at the summer enrichment programs, and his priorities now are to “listen and learn about what is important in Hopkinton as well as what its hopes are for what is ahead.”

LaBroad received his master’s in education at Boston College in both educational leadership and curriculum and instruction. Also at BC, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education/communications.

The district has been busy filling administrative vacancies this summer.

Michelle Tynan is the new assistant principal at Elmwood, replacing Jason Dimen, who left to become principal of Woodland Elementary School in Weston.

Tynan comes to Hopkinton from Grafton Public Schools.

An announcement about the new middle school assistant principal was expected soon, Cavanaugh said.

Meanwhile, Matthew Lefebvre was named principal at the middle school and Kiely Murray is the interim athletic director at the high school.

The first day of school for faculty and staff is Monday, Aug. 29. Students begin classes on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

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Lefebvre | from page 1

16 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

Calendar To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to: editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.

Filmmaking Classes Aug. 22-26 The nonprofit Filmmakers Collaborative is hosting classes in filmmaking for middle and high school students in towns across Massachusetts this summer. Hopkinton will be the site of a session from Aug. 22-26 at the HCAM studio (83 Main Street).

Through the weeklong in-person program, students will learn the basics of scriptwriting, storyboard sketching, character development, improvisation and camera skills for filmmaking. As a group, students will write, shoot and edit a film in a genre of their choosing. For more information, visit filmmakerscollab.org, or check the Hopkinton Parks & Recreation website at hopkintonma.myrec.com.

Greyhound Friends Dog Days Aug. 27 Greyhound Friends is celebrating International Dog Day with a fun gathering of friends and neighbors, dog people and especially dogs on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the facility at 167 Saddle Hill Road. Well-behaved and sociable pups are invited to enjoy special treats, including brush-outs, nail-painting, cooling pools/ sprinklers, frozen pup-cups, music, games and other activities. Admission is free.

Rain date is Aug. 28. The organization also is hosting a redeemable can/bottle drive in hopes of raising enough money to purchase a riding mower. For more information, visit greyhound.org or call Kristine at 774-696-6599.

Hopkinton PolyArts festival Sept. 10 The 2022 Hopkinton PolyArts festival will be held at the Town Common on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event, established in 1974, features regional artisans, crafters and local nonprofits. Now a subcommittee of the Hopkinton Cultural Council, it is managed by a small committee of volunteers. Proceeds fund multiple scholarships to local high school graduates majoring or minoring in the arts. For more information, including a vendor’s application, visit cozzens.net/polyarts.

Hopkinton Tennis Tournament Sept. 16-18 The 14th Annual Hopkinton Tennis Tournament is scheduled for Sept. 16-18 (rain date Sept. 23-25) at the Hopkinton High School courts. Divisions include men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The tournament is open to Hopkinton residents age 18 and older, although doubles teams can include one non-resident. Registration closes at noon on Sept. 9. Register by Aug. 22 to guarantee T-shirt size. Entry fee for singles is $30, and doubles is $20 per player. For more information and to register, go to hopkintonma.myrec.com. Questions can be directed to CampCalks@gmail.com.

Hopkinton Family Day Sept. 17 Hopkinton Family Day, a community event featuring live entertainment, games, activities and food trucks, and topped off with a fireworks display, is set to return on Sept. 17 at the field behind Hopkinton Middle School. The event, which starts at 2 p.m., is sponsored by many generous local businesses. Town organizations, nonprofits, clubs and businesses located in town offer activities for everyone. All activities (not including the food trucks) are free for the whole family. For more information, including how to participate as a sponsor or town organization, visit the Friends of Hopkinton website at friendsofhopkinton.org.

Woodville Rod & Gun Club Craft Fair Sept. 25 The Woodville Rod & Gun Club is seeking vendors for its second annual Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Spaces are available both inside (limited) and outside for $25-$40. For more information, contact Kim Clark at kimba57@comcast.net.

Hopkinton Charity Golf Event Sept. 26 The Hopkinton Charity Golf Event, sponsored by the Hopkinton Emergency Fund and Hopkinton Women’s club, is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. with lunch and a silent/live auction. The fee is $125 per golfer, which includes greens fees, a cart and lunch. Non-golfers can join the lunch for a $40 donation. For more information, visit hefhwc.perfectgolfevent.com.

‘Portraits of Dementia’ discussion Sept. 28 The Hopkinton Council on Aging will host an educational gathering and discussion featuring Massachusetts journalist Joe Wallace on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. Wallace has been a portrait photographer and storyteller for 20 years.

He will share the story of his book and traveling exhibit, “Portraits of Dementia,” created to destigmatize those living with dementia. Everybody who wants to learn more about this terrible disease and how to understand, appreciate and support those living with dementia is invited to attend. Call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730 to RSVP.

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 2 Registration is open for the 34th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2. Funds raised are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk features four distances, from the full marathon (starting in Hopkinton) to a 5K. To register or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount off the registration fee. All registered participants will receive a bib, medal and T-shirt.

Mental Health Collaborative Golf Tournament Oct. 24 The Hopkinton-based nonprofit Mental Health Collaborative (MHC) will hold its first charitable golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 24, at Hopkinton Country Club. The MHC Fall Classic features 18 holes of scramble golf followed by a cocktail reception and awards dinner. Individuals can support the cause of mental health literacy among teens and young adults by registering as a golfer or tournament sponsor. All proceeds directly fund the development and implementation of MHC programming in schools and communities across Massachusetts and beyond. To learn more about MHC or to register for the MHC Fall Classic, visit mentalhealthcollaborative.org.

Veterans Breakfast first Friday of each month The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508497-9730.

Event Calendar Sponsored by

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Summer Arts Series Theater At HCA

Summer Claims 1. Julie’s crazy neighbor sets off fireworks on the 4th of July. One of the fireworks starts a fire and burns down Julie’s shed. Would the crazy neighbor or Julie’s home insurance pay for the initial cost of the shed?

2. Kyle’s 2-family rental property burns down due to an electrical fire. Is Kyle responsible for replacing his tenant’s personal belongings (clothes, furniture, electronics, etc.) since it was his building?

3. Danie’s 5-year-old grandson is playing in the front seat of the car without supervision. The grandson accidentally puts the car in neutral, and the vehicle rolls down a hill and hits a tree.

Would Danie’s auto policy pay for the damage to her car?

Answer 1: Julie’s homeowner policy would pay the initial cost and likely seek reimbursement from the crazy neighbor.

Answer 2: No, the tenants would need renters’ insurance.

Answer 3: Yes

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Seussical Jr., The Musical Aug. 5 at 6:00 p.m. | Aug. 5 at 2:00 p.m.

“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper!

Grab a lawn chair or blanket and join the youth cast of Enter Stage Theater summer stock for their performance of Seussical Jr. in our outdoor amphitheater.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in a fantastical musical extravaganza. In the event of rain, this performance will move indoors to the Delbridge Family Performance Space.

Little Women, The Broadway Musical Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a lifting of the spirit.

A Play, A Pint & A Pie Aug. 27 at 6:00 p.m.

One Act Comedy Play Festival In an homage to the great tradition of Glasgow, Scotland theater, ESL presents the second annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie one-act play festival. This one-night-only outdoor event, for patrons 13 and older, will present five original one-act comedy plays (15–20 minutes ea). Your ticket includes a pint of ale (or root beer for those under 21 years old) and a pie. A judging panel will vote for a winning writer, and audience members will get to vote for their favorite too! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show.

Thank you to our Summer Arts Series presenting sponsors: Phipps and MAPFRE Insurance

Tickets on sale at www.HopArtsCenter.org

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 17

Obituaries Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.

Constance Fedeli Constance A. Fedeli was born to the late Joseph R. and Stephanie Lango in Southbridge on Nov. 24, 1936. She attended primary and secondary schools there and aspired to become a nurse, but her father was insistent that she obtain a college education.

To s a t isfy both goals, Connie obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a nurse’s diploma from Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital under a joint program.

She married Michael Fedeli in 1961 and continued her nursing career for a short time while he was in military service. Then she elected to stay home to help raise their two daughters. She loved her family and beaches, in that order. The family visited beaches in Rhode Island and Cape Cod and spent several summers at Point Judith, Rhode Island. Later, she and Michael vacationed at beaches in the Caribbean and in Florida. Connie and her family lived first in Warwick, Rhode Island, where she and her daughters became members of St. Gregory’s Church and the daughters graduated from high school. They lived in Connecticut for a short time, then moved to Hopkinton. She and her husband later retired to Falmouth, where beaches are plentiful.

Connie’s health deteriorated in the last year, and she died July 10 in Falmouth. She leaves her husband, daughters Sara Calvert and Lisa Dunec, and two grandsons.

Arrangements are private. Donations to arthritis cures if desired. Please no flowers.

Kenneth King Kenneth Claflin King, 68, of Marlborough and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away unexpectedly on July 17.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Doris (Claflin) and Ralph King.

Ken was a friendly and optimistic person and an a l l around great guy. Everyone who knew

him saw him as a genuine, humble and caring friend. His sense of humor and friendly demeanor could put a smile on anybody’s face. Ken put everyone ahead of himself and taught compassion by the way he lived. He excelled in his painting career, was passionate about history and enjoyed sports. His most cherished life’s work was his role as a father and grandfather.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Macayla King of Marlborough; his siblings, Sandy Altamura and husband Carl of Hopkinton and Hyannisport; and four grandchildren, Lucas, Juliana, Brooke and Shane. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, who he adored. He is predeceased by his daughter, Ashley Nicole King, who passed away in 2017, and his sister, Beverly King.

Ken’s humor and compassion will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Visitation was held July 31 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by a reception at TJ’s restaurant in Ashland.

Edward O’Leary Edward Francis O’Leary Jr., 89, of Hopkinton passed away July 16. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Alice R. (Cummings) and Edward Francis O’Leary Sr. He was the husband of 65 years to Mavis Angela (Murray) O’Leary.

Edw a r d grew up in Holliston.

Growing up, he enjoyed working on many farms in Holliston and throughout New England. He was a 1950 graduate of Framingham High School, where he played hockey and football.

He attended Tilton Prep School in New Hampshire and was a graduate in the Class of 1956 from Xavier University in Cincinnati. After pursuing Army ROTC in college, upon graduation Edward joined the Army artillery, where he served as a first lieutenant from 1957-59 and in the reserves until 1962. Edward worked as a project manager for the Perini Corporation from 1958-88 in highway/heavy construction, and took pleasure in establishment and coaching of youth hockey for the Hopkinton Hornets. He was a member of Saint John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, and after retiring enjoyed volunteering and driving the Busy Bee bus for the Hopkinton Senior Center. He was an outdoor enthusiast and loved horses.

He was active in family businesses and supported all aspects of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities.

In addition to his wife, Edward is survived by seven children, Kathryn of Clinton, Brian and wife Dawn of Manchester, New Hampshire, Kevin of Wayland, Daniel and wife Cindy of Baltimore, Edward and wife Karen of Grafton, Alison of Worcester, and Erin and fiance Jim of Boston. He also leaves behind a brother, Robert O’Leary and

wife Mhel of Ormond Beach, Florida; 17 grandchildren, Coretta, Mahalia, Lauren, Mollie, Sean, Owen, Elise, Timothy, Jennifer, Scott, Justine, Paige, Grace, Andrea, Gavin, Keagan and Sophia; and five great-grandchildren, Charlie, Callie, Gabriel, Alice and Edward. He is predeceased by a brother, Richard O’Leary and wife Debbie, and a grandson, Matthew. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family, many longtime friends and antique car, truck and farm equipment enthusiasts.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 22 at Saint John the Evangelist Church of Hopkinton, followed by burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Holliston.

Services were under the care of Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to gofundme.com/f/memorial-hockeyfund-in-memory-of-matt-oleary.

Charles Morris Mr. Charles H. “Butch” Morris Jr., 77, of Cotuit and formerly of Milford, passed away July 21 in Cape Cod Hospital, Hyannis. He was the husband of Beverly A. (Lawson) Morris.

Mr. Morris was employed at the former EMC Corporation in Hopkinton for many years. Previously, he worked for the former Digital Equipment Corporation.

Butch was born in Natick, the son of the late Charles H. Morris Sr. and the late Doris (Gibson) Morris, and was a graduate of Natick High School, where he played varsity baseball.

A resident of Cotuit for the past six years, he previously lived m a n y years in Milford. Butch loved anything that was John Deere. In his youth, he enjoyed restoring hot rods. He also loved baseball and watching his grandchildren play ball, Cape Cod and spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Beverly, of 54 years, he is survived by his daughter, Kristen M. Quattrochio and James DiPadua of Clinton; his son, Dustin C. Morris of Milford; three siblings, Robin Tsolas, Cuffy Morris and Lainee Morris; and eight grandchildren, David, Eric, Caitlin, Natalie, Charlotte, Tony, Zach and Nick. He was predeceased by a son, Sean M. Morris.

Funeral services were held Aug. 2 in the Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, Milford, followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Milford.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

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ARRESTS July 24

6:54 p.m. On Wood Street, Officer Robert Ekross arrested a 51-year-old Wood Street resident on a warrant for a probation violation.

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.

July 12

9:37 a.m. A caller reported a person using a hanger to get into a car on Hayden Rowe Street.

Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and found the owner attempting to gain vehicle access. Access was subsequently gained.

12:41 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on a motor vehicle on Wedgewood Drive. Officer Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department and the DPW and took a report that included personal injury. A tow truck removed the vehicle.

5:25 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Brennan Grimley responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

6:30 p.m. A caller reported a bird inside a Main Street building. A message was left for the animal control officer.

8:16 p.m. A caller reported a person in a suspicious vehicle on South Street casing the area.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Brennan Grimley responded and checked the area with a negative find.

11:15 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Basit Dennis responded along with the Fire Department to a report of fallen live wires across Main Street from Marshall Street to Mayhew Street.

Officers closed the street and notified Verizon and Eversource.

July 13

3:22 a.m. A Forest Lane caller reported some type of alarm sounding in the area. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and reported the alarm was coming from an electrical panel. The Fire Department was called.

12:14 p.m. On West Main Street, Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle accident and took a crash report. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed the vehicle.

2:17 p.m. An Overlook Road resident reported possible counterfeit currency. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and investigated the incident.

July 14

6:26 a.m. A caller reported a large dog in the middle of the roadway on Grandview Drive. Officer Basit Dennis responded and could not locate the dog.

7:14 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street and air bag deployment. Officers Shannon Beloin and Nicholas Saletnik responded along with an ambulance. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested.

7:43 a.m. A caller reported a tree blocking half the roadway on Pond Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and the tree was subsequently removed by a tree company.

1:46 p.m. A detail officer on Maple Street reported a 5- or 6-year-old girl was looking for her parents. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and assisted the child.

3:53 p.m. Officer Basit Dennis responded to a motor vehicle accident on Grove Street and took a crash report.

4:16 p.m. A Locust Lane resident reported two aggressive male solicitors attempted to enter the caller’s house. They subsequently left on foot. Officers Cody Normandin and Basit Dennis responded

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and checked. The solicitors were gone upon their arrival.

4:41 p.m. A walk-in reported he found a large sum of money but refused to disclose the amount.

He was to be contacted if anyone reported lost money.

10:03 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin reported two vehicles on the side of the road on West Main Street after a motor vehicle crash. Sergeant Arthur Schofield assisted. Field sobriety tests were administered. One person was transported home. A complaint application was issued.

July 15

6:19 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a dog on West Main Street and did not stop. The caller followed the vehicle toward Price Chopper and got a partial license plate number. He unsuccessfully tried to locate the injured animal. The incident was logged.

7:57 p.m. A motorist reported a deceased deer on East Main Street. Officer Brennan Grimley responded and notified the DPW. 9:19 p.m. A caller reported a teenager hitchhiking on Elm Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

July 16

1:28 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street and stood by while the vehicle was towed.

8:19 a.m. A caller reported insulation all over the roadway of Wood Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and removed several pieces of insulation from the Interstate 495 underpass.

8:50 a.m. A caller reported a German shepherdtype dog running loose on Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find. The animal control officer was contacted.

9:16 a.m. A caller from Alabama reported a fraudulent credit card charge that traced to a person at a Hopkinton address. The caller was advised to contact his local police department. The incident was logged and handed to a detective.

11:30 a.m. A Duffield Road resident reported a front license plate was stolen. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report.

5:28 p.m. A caller reported a small brown and white dog with no tags wandering on Ridge Road.

A message was left with the animal control officer and Baypath.

7:30 p.m. A passerby reported an open front door and bulkhead at an East Main Street building.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross and Brennan Grimley responded and checked the building and surroundings and secured it.

8:19 p.m. A caller reported a bull at Elmwood Farm on Ash Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Brennan Grimley and Robert Ekross responded and attempted to locate the animal. A message was left for the animal control officer and the owner of the bull.

10:25 p.m. A caller reported two suspicious females dressed in black attire on Jamie Lane.

Officer Cody Normandin checked the area with a negative find.

10:47 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator in a minivan who hit a curb on Wood Street and continued driving. Officer Cody Normandin responded.

The van was gone upon his arrival.

July 17

9:39 a.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars and personal injuries on Cedar Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Sean McKeon responded. A tow truck removed the vehicles. Officer McKeon took a crash report.

10:20 a.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil issued parking citations on Legacy Farms North.

2:14 p.m. Officers Basit Dennis and Jessica Ferreira assisted the Milford Police Department in checking Echo Lake trails off Hayden Rowe Street for a missing male from Hopedale. The command

The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022 • 19 post was subsequently relocated to Lumber Street.

3:12 p.m. A Trevor Lane resident requested assistance with a neighbor’s large and aggressive dog, which, according to the caller, likes to chase people down. A message was left for the animal control officer.

8:25 p.m. A Lincoln Street caller reported hearing a male voice screaming for help on the other side of the railroad tracks. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with surrounding residents, and they hadn’t heard anything. Officer Ferreira searched the area, and Westborough and Southborough police provided drone assistance. Nobody was found and all units were cleared.

11:31 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil checked on a Pomeranian-type dog on Cedar Street that headed into the woods.

July 18

6:50 a.m. A caller reported a golf cart-type vehicle turned over on East Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and reported a TruGreen truck was towing a fertilizing machine that fell off.

The crew was cleaning up the fertilizer in the area.

9:23 a.m. A Spring Street caller reported her daughter was home alone and a male entered the house, and she showed him out. The caucasian male then sat in a white van in the driveway. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.

9:10 p.m. The Southborough Police Department requested assistance in checking the town line area for a missing female described as heavily intoxicated, 5-foot-3 with blonde hair and wearing a blue sweater and shorts. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded to Cedar Street and checked the area with a negative find.

July 19

6:06 a.m. Officer Basit Dennis checked on Legacy Farms North for construction vehicles after complaints of construction starting too early in violation of town bylaws.

6:40 a.m. A motorist reported a traffic cone was in the middle of the lane on West Main Street, causing vehicles to attempt to go around it and creating a hazard. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and removed the cone.

8:30 a.m. A motorist reported a disabled motor vehicle in a dangerous spot on West Main Street.

Officer Shannon Beloin responded and requested a tow truck and provided the operator with a courtesy transport.

8:41 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro was flagged down by a person reporting a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Santoro responded and took a crash report.

11:53 a.m. A walk-in reported damage on Main Street and Mayhew Street due to the road construction. Officer Brittany Firth took a report.

3:33 p.m. A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Pine Island Road. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report.

6:41 p.m. A walk-in reported an employee who was harassing other staff members. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted and took a report.

July 20

8:12 a.m. A Wood Street caller, a veterinarian, reported a cat was struck and killed in front of her house. She checked for a microchip and got no information. A message was left for the animal control officer.

2:42 p.m. Sergeant Scott van Raalten and Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Personal injuries were reported.

8:25 p.m. A caller reported a 55-year-old female fell off an ATV on Saddle Hill Road. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Cody Normandin responded and assisted. Personal injuries were reported.

10:05 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious motor vehicle parked on Wood Street. Officer Cody Normandin and Sergeant Scott van Raalten checked the vehicle and all was OK.

July 21

8:58 a.m. Officer Shannon Beloin responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on West Main Street. No personal injures were

reported. A citation was issued to one driver.

3:11 p.m. A caller reported her son was hit by a car, though not injured. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report.

9:49 p.m. On Lakeshore Drive, Officers Matthew LaTour and Robert Ekross checked on a person on Sandy Beach and sent him on his way.

10:01 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin found a tree in the roadway of Cedar Street Extension and moved it to the side of the road. The DPW was notified.

July 22

8:56 a.m. A walk-in reported a loose bull in the area and expressed concern about other cows getting loose. The animal control officer was notified.

12:27 p.m. A caller reported an injured bird on a towel between Spruce Street and Walnut Street.

The animal control officer was contacted.

1:12 p.m. Officers Shannon Beloin and Sean McKeon responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. An ambulance transported one person to the hospital. A tow truck removed two vehicles.

7:25 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported her neighbor took down her tree. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report of the dispute.

8:26 p.m. A Stone Crossing Way resident reported a large white bull in the woods on her property. Officers Robert Ekross, Matthew LaTour and Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find. The animal control officer and the owner responded and could not locate the bull.

July 23

4:20 a.m. A caller reported a person was spotted on a security camera entering the driveway of a Main Street church. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded. The person was gone upon his arrival.

2:06 p.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the inside odor of natural gas on B Street.

7:08 p.m. A caller reported someone placed two cones and a portable speed bump across the road on East Street, and there were no warning signs of caution about the speed bump. Sergeant Matthew McNeil advised that the homeowner’s well pump broke and the speed bump was a cover for a hose that was supplying water from a neighbor’s house. It was to be there for a few days until the pump was fixed.

8:47 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross unlocked the State Park gate on Cedar Street for a person who was stuck inside the park.

9:16 p.m. An Aspen Way caller reported a golden retriever running loose in the neighborhood. The dog, wearing a collar and tag, would not let anyone close to it and kept running away. Officer Robert Ekross responded and was unable to catch the dog.

A message was left for the animal control officer.

July 24

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5:59 a.m. A caller reported a suspicious tan SUV with South Carolina license plates driving around the neighborhood. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the owners, who were visiting their friends in town. All was OK. 8:37 a.m. Officer Sean McKeon moved a fallen tree on West Main Street.

5:44 p.m. A Wyman Lane resident reported his wallet was stolen from his car while parked at the country club. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report.

6:23 p.m. A Bridgeton Way caller reported a dead fox in his driveway. A message was left for the animal control officer.

July 25

5:44 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported her car was hit while she was at work. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report of a hitand-run motor vehicle accident.

6:59 p.m. A motorist reported someone was riding a bicycle on Interstate 495. The State Police were notified.

8:32 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour reported youths climbed on top of the roof of a Hayden Rowe Street building and he removed them.

10:13 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Cody Normandin and Matthew LaTour responded to a report of kids running on the rooftop of CVS on Main Street. The youths were removed and a report was taken.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 3, 2022

Summer Arts Series Theater at Hopkinton Center for the Arts

Aug. 5 @ 6pm | Aug. 6 @ 2pm

Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20 | 7:30pm

Aug. 27 | 6:00pm

“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper!

Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit.

In an homage to the great tradition of Glasgow, Scotland theater, ESL presents the second annual A Play, A Pint & A Pie one-act comedy play festival.

98 Hayden Rowe Street | Hopkinton | 508.435.9222

Tickets at www.HopArtsCenter.org

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