Hopkinton Independent September 30

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 21 | No. 19 | September 30, 2020

Businesses look to return after Main Street fire A firefighter looks out from a third-floor window while working to contain the Sept. 20 fire at 17 Main St.

Traffic tie-ups at schools lead to new strategy

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

P

PHOTOS/JOHN CARDILLO

arents are being asked to change course and have their children take the bus, if possible, to alleviate traffic backups that impacted the opening of school, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh told members of the Hopkinton School Committee at its Sept. 17 meeting.

Traffic has been “our number one problem” during the reopening, Cavanaugh said.

Parents previously had been asked to consider driving their children to school to allow for enough room on buses for social distancing. As a result, Cavanaugh said, many parents stepped up to “graciously help the district by offering to drive their children to school.”

But this well-intentioned decision led to traffic issues. “Now we have the reverse problem,” she noted.

Plenty of space remains on buses to still allow social distancing, she said, adding a few days later that about 200 School Committee | 14

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

INSIDE

W

hile many businesses have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hopkinton Chiropractic owner Corey Brunner said he has been very busy the past few months. That perhaps made the Sept. 20 fire at his office location at 17 Main St. even tougher to take.

Fortunately for Brunner, the fire was limited to the third floor of the main building. While Hopkinton Chiropractic did suffer some damage, much of the business — as well as all of neighboring Body Restoration — survived because it is located primarily in a one-floor addition that juts out from the back of the main building. There were some issues due to the smoke, but it was far from a total loss.

In fact, the businesses were hoping to be back up and running this week, if some plumbing and electrical work could be completed. Body Restoration owner Christine Laughran offered to share some of her space, as Hopkinton Chiropractic lost the use of its patient rooms to damage from smoke, water and falling debris in the main building.

Brunner had a tough time watching the fire on Sept. 20, but he was able to put things in perspective a couple of days later, especially after so many friends, neighbors and strangers stepped up to offer assistance.

Fire | 6

VIEWPOINT

Residents frustrated with yard sign thefts

2

NEWS

Plans introduced for developments off Cedar

5

HONORS Hopkinton Chiropractic owner Corey Brunner was back at the building one day after the fire to see what could be salvaged.

State Women’s Club recognizes Smith

11

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

Hopkinton Independent

Signs of the times This Black Lives Matter sign was defaced on Sept. 19. A previous sign in front of the same home also was vandalized.

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 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

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: Jean Cann, Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Gethin Coolbaugh, Jennifer L. Grybowski

contact us

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.

W

e might be a society that is driven by social media, but an oldfashioned method of communication has seen a surge in popularity this year.

Yard signs are all over town. There are signs celebrating graduates of high school, middle school and even preschool.

There are signs declaring Black Lives Matter, Science Is Real, All Are Welcome, Defund the Police and Defend the Police.

There are signs that pay tribute to first responders, medical personnel and other pandemic heroes. There are signs designed to lighten the mood, such as the Monty Python-themed “Ministry of Silly Walks” signs. And of course there are political signs, encouraging voters to support a specific candidate or, as one sign suggests, “Any Functioning Adult 2020.”

For the record, INDEPENDENT Hopkinton has restricTHOUGHTS tions on the amount of signs and length of JERRY SPAR time they can be displayed.

According to the town’s bylaw (Chapter 210-179), no more than two temporary signs — including banners — may be displayed on a lot.

There are two exceptions, as there is no limit to the number of signs that can be displayed within 30 days of an election as well as Patriots’ Day (Boston Marathon).

A sign can only be displayed for 30 days, although apparently there is nothing to prevent a resident from removing a sign for a couple of days and then returning it to the property for a new 30-day period.

One thing is clear: It is not legal to steal or vandalize someone’s sign. And that’s been a problem.

During the public comment portion

of the Sept. 15 Select Board meeting, member Amy Ritterbusch expressed disappointment with signs being taken from residents’ yards, as well as signs being placed on lawns without consent.

She said she lives on a main road and has experienced both issues during her 16 years in town.

“This discord in town doesn’t further anyone’s cause,” she said. “I urge people to stop taking signs. Tensions are high and it’s really not funny. If you disagree with someone there’s plenty of other things you can do. You can do something positive for your own cause [or] you can have a conversation.”

In a followup interview last week, Ritterbusch said she’s still hearing a steady stream of people complaining that their signs are being stolen or damaged.

Resident Linda Chuss said she has had two Black Lives Matter signs vandalized.

In July she found her first sign down the street, off the side of the road, with a racial slur and obscenity written on it.

Then on Sept. 19 another Black Lives Matter sign in front of her house was defaced with red spray paint. A second sign supporting Ed Markey for U.S. Senate was left alone.

“They didn’t touch the political sign, so it was definitely targeted at the BLM sign,” she said. “I did report it to the police.

They were really great, they came out and talked to me about it and we talked about things I might do to help prevent it in the future or help find the people.”

Taking a suggestion she saw on Facebook, Chuss put out the original sign (which she had cleaned off) with a note that read something to the effect of, “I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish, but if you steal this sign we’re just going to donate money to BLM to get another one, so it’s not really perhaps helping your Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 3

Residents concerned about highway work

T

he I-495/90 Interchange Improvement Project is expected to last six years, potentially exposing more than 100 property owners in the Roosevelt Farms, Huckleberry Road and Hopkinton Meadows neighborhoods and along Fruit Street to temporary and LETTERS TO myriad long-term hazards. The THE EDITOR size, scope and duration of the project, which includes at least four regulatory entities and six engineering consulting firms, leaves ample room for miscommunication and “buck passing” as mistakes, however infrequent, inevitably occur.

Over the last 18 months, the state’s project coordinators have given insufficient consideration to the concerns and suggestions expressed by individual property owners and homeowners associations via public forums and official correspondence.

For these reasons, we are launching the Hopkinton North Woods Coalition (HNWC), whose mission it will be to advocate for the collective interests of all property owners around the I-495/90 interchange.

We have three primary goals: 1. Safeguard the integrity of our wells.

2. Reduce construction and highway noise impacts.

3. Maintain Fruit Street bridge access throughout the construction phase and improve Fruit Street safety longer term.

We do not seek to stop construction on the I-495/90 interchange, as we recognize its commercial and strategic importance to the state and region. Rather, we seek to work with our elected representatives, state regulators and town government to ensure that our interests are weighed appropriately. In particular, we invite our elected representatives to take an active role in mediating discussions between the Hopkinton North Woods Coalition and I-495/90 project coordinators on the three aforementioned concerns. This will help to ensure that our neighborhoods remain great places to raise families for decades to come!

For more information about the Hopkinton North Woods Coalition and updates on our progress, please visit hopnorthwoods.org.

— Nancy Corbin, Jim and Kathy Hervol, Mary Krattenmaker, Ron Priefer, Wilson St. Pierre, Ellen Wilson, all Hopkinton residents

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Leave yard signs alone The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) is deeply concerned about reports of recent yard sign thefts.

We believe that whether they support LGBTQ+ Pride, Defend or Defund the Police, or any political candidate, yard signs represent the kind of civic engagement that should be encouraged.

Under no circumstances should anyone enter someone’s property, remove their personal belongings and interfere with their right of freedom of expression.

As we approach what promises to be a contentious and spirited election on November 3, the HDTC urges all Hopkinton residents to obey the law and respect the property of others. We further request that parents discuss with their children the importance of responsible, productive civic engagement.

Those who wish to find out more about how to engage effectively in the political process should contact the campaigns or the town committee of their choice.

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This is in response to the reactionary hue and outcry over the motto “Black Lives Matter” — “but ALL lives matter!!!” That’s exactly the point. Of course they do, but black ones warrant special mention after having been systematically left out, kicked out and snuffed out of the whole equation for centuries. Has there ever been any doubt that white ones counted? That’s like proclaiming that the sun is in the sky. Big breaking news.

— Margaret Barton, Hopkinton

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

Signs of the times Independent thoughts | from page 2

cause, whatever the cause is.”

Chuss said she doesn’t feel personally targeted, that it likely has more to do with the fact that her home is set back from the road, making it harder to monitor the signs.

And much about the vandalism doesn’t make sense, such as why the vandal(s) would write on the first sign but then throw it down the street where it might not have been noticed.

Chuss said people have been very supportive since she posted on social media about the vandalism, and she’s heard that other people have had similar issues.

“One person talked about how political signs or issue signs like this can really

get people’s emotions up,” Chuss said.

“And I think that’s really true. She said, ‘When I see certain political signs they make me really angry.’We need to consider that there is an emotion that these signs can raise in people who already have a strong opinion against that issue or that person.”

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Hop Mom and digital designer Sarah Navin designed a logo that was printed on a bright pink tumbler. Proceeds will go to the DanaFarber Young and Strong Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

Lykan opens ‘world-class facility’ on South Street L

ykan Bioscience held a grand opening ceremony for its new building at 99 South St. on Sept. 15. CEO Anthony Rotunno received citations from the offices of State Senate President Karen Spilka and State Rep. Carolyn Dykema and was welcomed via video BUSINESS BRIEFS by Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lykan Bioscience’s new South Street headquarters Sept. 15 were (from left) Hopkinton Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone, Lykan CCO Jenifer Wheat, Windrose Health Investors advisory partner Peter Crowley, Lykan CEO Anthony Rotunno, Lykan VP/GM Matthew Treon, Southfield Properties/Lykan manager Harold Nahigian, Lykan CFO David Dautel, MassBio VP of memberships Benjamin Bradford and Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce president Cristina Morrissiey.

Lykan’s new facility will supply advanced therapy medicines for thousands of patients with unmet needs in the areas of oncology, immunology, hematology and other diseases of genetic origin. ­— Anthony Rotunno, CEO

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“Lykan’s new facility will supply advanced therapy medicines for thousands of patients with unmet needs in the areas of oncology, immunology, hematology and other diseases of genetic origin,” Rotunno stated. “We are filling a significant demand for production capacity to supply both clinical trials and commercially approved therapies. The purposely designed SMART Manufacturing Facility will feature integrated data management systems and other features enabling high-throughput to further enhance patient access.”

Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone, Town Manager Norman Khumalo and assistant town manager Elaine Lazarus were on hand for the event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It is one world-class facility that they’ve built,” Tedstone said. “And also it seems that it’s a world-class organization.”

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Milford Regional Medical Center has earned national recognition for its efforts to increase organ, eye and tissue donor registrations across the state through the Workplace Partnership for Life (WPFL) Hospital Organ Donation Campaign. The WPFL is a national initiative that unites the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the organ donation community with workplaces across the nation in spreading the word about the importance of donation.

The WPFL Hospital Organ Donation Campaign challenges hospitals and healthcare organizations to “let life bloom” by educating their staff, patients, visitors, and communities about the critical need for organ, eye and tissue donation, including offering opportunities to register as organ donors.

Milford Regional was one of 1,700 organizations to participate in the 2020 campaign.

“Milford Regional recognizes the importance of organ donation and is committed to awareness and registration for this act of giving that provides healing within our community,” said Edward J. Kelly, Milford Regional President and CEO. …

MRMC also welcomed vascular surgeon Douglas Jones, M.D., to the active medical staff. Jones has joined Dr. Dejah Judelson at UMass Memorial Surgery at Milford, located at 91 Water St.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 5

Resident introduces plan for pair of 4-lot cul-de-sacs off Cedar Street

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

R

esident Courtney Derderian presented to the Planning Board on Sept. 14 a design for two four-lot developments off Cedar Street, near the Southborough town line.

Derderian explained that she and her husband, Kyle, moved into a house at the end of Lincoln Street — a deadend street across from Carbone’s restaurant — four years ago. There are about 20 acres of undeveloped land next to her property, and she learned of previous plans to develop the property and put in a road connecting Lincoln Street to Cedar Street Extension.

“We felt uncomfortable with the idea that a developer could come in and complete that project,” she said. “We do not feel that the road can support a throughway. In our opinion it would be unsafe for our family and for our neighborhood.

“So we did some research and we chose to purchase the land ourselves in an attempt to keep the integrity of a dead-end environment and pretty much precluding any kind of throughway to go in there.”

The new plan is to extend Lincoln Street and build four homes there, and to create a new cul-de-sac off Cedar Street Extension, across from Wedgewood Drive, with another four lots.

Joe Marquedant, who heads up the design team, said the land was the subject of a special permit in 2003. While that has expired, the planners have been using some of the information in the new design.

“We feel that the design is a thoughtful one, is a good one,” Marquedant said. “We feel it’s in line with the standards outlined in the bylaw. Given the scope of it, the four homes in either way, I don’t see unreasonable traffic issues.

We don’t create a lot of traffic. The two

cul-de-sacs eliminate that cut-through scenario — folks trying to get to the [Southborough] train station, folks trying to get to Route 9. I don’t think we’ll have undue traffic here.”

Multiple Planning Board members expressed concern with cul-de-sacs and suggested it might be more appropriate to have the through road.

“Cul-de-sacs, we’ve tried to limit them in size because we try to discourage them a little bit,” Dave Paul said. “I think if we go with this strategy — this is my personal opinion — if we go with the strategy of connecting cul-de-sacs with an emergency access road we’re never going to have another through road in Hopkinton again. It’s just something that I think we should think about.”

Added principal planner John Gelcich: “The dual cul-de-sacs is not something that we look for in Hopkinton. It’s not necessarily good planning.

I understand the reasons why, but we’re looking at a neighborhood-level design here and not necessarily just a one-road design. So that’s a concern.”

Concerns also were raised about the length of Lincoln Street, a narrow deadend road that already has 12 houses on it and is about 1,700 feet long. The proposed plan would extend it another 400 feet.

Steven Popkes, who lives at 24 Cedar Street Extension, expressed a concern that a through road would get a lot of traffic, primarily from people looking to avoid the intersection where Cedar Street Extension meets Cedar Street.

The Planning Board scheduled a site visit for Oct. 3 and voted to continue the hearing on Oct. 19.

Also at the Sept. 14 meeting, the Planning Board continued to discuss the planned three-home development off Leonard Street. There were questions about the ability of fire trucks to access the dead-end road and turn around. The hearing was continued to Sept. 28.

Baypath 5K goes virtual; new facility ‘on hold for now’

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

T

his year, they’re taking a walk — or a run — on the milder side.

Because of the pandemic conditions, the usual hustle and social interaction of the annual Paws & Claws 5K Run/Walk to benefit Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton will be replaced with a virtual event on the weekend of Oct. 17-18.

Rather than walking or running in one set location at a specific time, participants can walk or run a 5K on a course of their choice any time on those two days.

This will be the first fundraiser for the shelter since its other annual major events — Fur Ball and Fore Paws Golf Tournament — were canceled due to the pandemic.

“In a year when our fundraising has been hurt, we figured we’d better do something,” even if it looks a little different, said Elizabeth Jefferis, Baypath’s executive director.

The cancellation of the two fundraisers hit the shelter hard financially,

Jefferis said.

Adoptions have been popular during a time when people are often housebound and in need of companionship.

But the adoption fee for an animal doesn’t usually cover the cost to care for an animal once it arrives at the shelter, particularly when there are medical expenses related to the animal’s care.

The organization accepts that, because finding loving homes matters more than worrying about finances, Jefferis said.

But the fundraisers play a critical role in keeping the shelter afloat. That makes this fundraiser crucial. “We really need it,” Jefferis said.

The shelter also is keeping a watch on possible upticks in surrendered animals when moratoriums on evictions ease. When that happens, people may be forced to move and be in situations where they can’t keep their pets.

“We’ve got our eye on that,” Jefferis said. “We’ve got to be ready to respond.”

She hopes people will warm to the new fundraiser idea. Dog walking has

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

Businesses hopeful for quick return after Main Street fire Fire | from page 1

“Holy cow, in this crazy political world where it’s so divisive and so hate-filled, you come to find out that people are just people, trying to help somebody out, trying to squirrel a little money away in your 401(k), take a couple of vacations with your kids, and you realize that all this other stuff is just noise. It’s not a big deal,” he said.

“I was reading the paper [recently], and there are 6,400 buildings in California that have been destroyed by these forest fires. You start to think to yourself, ‘Get your [stuff] together.

Let’s go. This isn’t the end of the world.

You’re going to get through it.’ It feels like your world is crumbling in front of you, but you know what, it’s not.

It’s not. We’re going to get together, piece together an office, and we’ll have something up and running [this] week, perhaps.”

Building owner Tom Carey vowed to do his part to support his business tenants, saying of the building, “One way or another we’re going to rebuild it.”

Carey, who was on a golf course in Maine when he found out about the three-alarm blaze, met with insurance adjusters as well as town inspectors on the scene the day after.

The building houses an apartment on the second and third floors and the two businesses on the bottom level: A third business, Hopkinton Skin Care, was using space in Hopkinton Chiropractic’s offices. (Two other businesses — Uptown Salon and Outside

Fire trucks, many from neighboring towns, lined Main Street during the three-alarm fire on Sept. 20.

While the whole thing is a terrible shame, the building we can rebuild. The good news is there are no injuries.

— Building owner Tom Carey

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Interactive — are listed on the sign in front of 17 Main, but they actually are located in a separate abutting building at 6 Church St. that Carey also owns.)

“They are great tenants and they love working out of that location,” Carey said. “They’re honest, hardworking professionals. We’re going to do everything we can to get them back in business.”

According to Massachusetts Historical Commission documents, the building is known as the Eliakim A. Bates House, named for its original owner, who built it around 1850. The addition in the back is believed to have been constructed about 80 years ago.

Longtime residents know the building as “Dr. Joe’s house,” so named because Dr. Joseph Annunziata was, according to his obituary, the only practicing physician in town for 35 years until his death in 1977, and he lived and worked in the building.

Carey, who also owns the historic building at the corner of Main Street and Hayden Rowe — the former Price Mansion House that appears on the town seal — said he hopes to retain the historical character of 17 Main while making it more modern inside.

While the apartment is uninhabitable — two residents, including Bittersweet Co. owner C.J. Dunne, were displaced — Carey was hopeful that the businesses would be able to reopen soon. He said he is very appreciative of the treatment he has received from the Police Department, the Fire Department, his insurance agency (Phipps) and the town in general.

“I’ve found the town, the Building Department, to be very cooperative, and they understand the urgency of the situation,” he said. “In short, they were great.”

The three-alarm fire drew crews from multiple towns. Main Street was closed in both directions from about 9:20 a.m. — shortly after passing Police Officer Brian Sanchioni spotted the fire and called it in — until about 2 p.m.

Hopkinton Deputy Fire Chief Bill Miller led the crews battling the blaze.

“The third floor and the attic had substantial damage, heavy charring, Fire | 9

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 7

To Our Friends and Neighbors in Hopkinton

O

n Sunday, September 20, at about 10 a.m. I learned that the historic building at 17 Main Street — built before Abraham Lincoln was elected president — was on fire. Locals know it as “Dr. Joe’s house,” as Dr. Joseph M. Annunziata lived there and ran his primary care practice on-site for over 30 years, until 1977.

As the owner of 17 Main, I want to thank our courageous first responders and other town officials, who have done an amazing job. Police Sgt. Tim Brennan and Deputy Fire Chief Bill Miller did great work during the fire. They directed the scene, which included not only Hopkinton firefighters but engines from several neighboring towns. Special thanks to Hopkinton Building Inspector Chuck Kadlik. He and Mike Shepard met with the business tenants the next morning and helped them develop a plan to get their doors back open as soon as possible. Also thanks to Brian Thomas, the owner of Phipps Insurance. Despite being on the golf course that Sunday morning, he stepped right up to help us out.

Police Chief Joseph Bennett texted the day of the fire.

Select Board Chairman Brendan Tedstone called our office at Jamie Oil. Both offered their full support and asked what they can do to help. Among others who have stepped up are painter Joe Paradis, electrician Joe Sinko and neighboring business owners Tiffany of Lashes at Tiffany’s and Kim Manning, a licensed counselor.

Two businesses occupy 17 Main: Hopkinton Chiropractic, run by Corey Brunner and Tina Terfruchte, and Body Restoration, operated by Christine Laughran. They have been at the location since 2004. The fire has turned their lives upside down.

These dedicated professionals have just endured the worst business environment you can possibly imagine due to COVID-19. They are going to need all of the help and support we can give them. All three were planning on putting another 15 years in at 17 Main. They love their work and they are very good at it. They are grateful to our courageous first responders.

I do not have all the answers. But I do know that Corey, Tina and Christine do not want charity. They want to do what they do best: Go to work. And as landlord I am committed to helping them by rebuilding Dr Joe’s house.

We want to make the building better than ever while restoring as much of the old New England charm as possible.

Our top priority is to support Corey, Tina and Christine and get them back in business. Let’s do what we can to help them survive. I would like to see them all get 30 years at 17 Main, just like Dr. Joe.

- Tom Carey Property Owner, 17 Main Street

HopkintonIndependent.com

8 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

The Hopkinton Senior Center remains closed to the public,

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.

a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter.com/ find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

Lunch Program

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 4 virtual

The Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk will take place virtually on Sunday, Oct. 4. Participants, who will walk their own route, must commit to raising at least $100 (for 12 and under the minimum is $25). Proceeds support adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. For more information or to register, visit JimmyFundWalk.org.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Virtual First Friday Open Mic I Oct. 2 at 7:30pm Join host Jack Byrne for the HCA’s monthly First Friday Open Mic with feature Nico Rivers. Details on how to join this free Facebook live event can be found at www.hopartscenter.org Sponsored by UniBank.

SENIOR but the staff remains available to assist residents. Call 508-497SNIPPETS 9730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For

Wreath Making Workshop I Oct. 4 Learn to make your own custom deco mesh wreath. A supply list will be provided to all participants. 98 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton. Register at www.hopartscenter.org Paint Night: Pumpkin Patch (Online Workshop) I Oct. 8 No experience is necessary just a willingness to have fun. All materials will be provided and available for pick-up at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Register at www.hopartscenter.org.

Jack Byrne

The Senior Center, partially funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation, is running a limited takeout lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. While there are limited quantities, anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. Cost is $2 per meal.

Our Time Memory Cafe

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

Stretch Class With Dr. Binh

Tuesdays, 9-9:30 a.m.

This class will be held outside, on the center’s back patio, so call ahead if concerned about the weather. Class size is limited to nine. Social distancing and masks are required, and a health checklist must be signed in advance.

Pre-registration is required.

Meditation & Movement Class With Jeanne Friswell

Fridays, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23, noon This class will be held outside, on the center’s back patio, so call ahead if concerned about the weather. Class size is limited to nine. Social distancing and masks are required, and a health checklist must be signed in advance.

Pre-registration is required.

TED Talks

Acting for the Camera Workshop with TV/Film Actor Jere Shea I Oct. 3 This in-person, one-day workshop will take students through the fundamental techniques for acting on screen, from scaling a performance to preparing for an audition. Class is limited to 6.

98 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton.

Register at www.hopartscenter.org.

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

In 1984 TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation.

The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free.

Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Medical Equipment Farmers Market on Sundays, ends Oct. 11

Durable medical equipment (walkers, bath seats, canes, crutches — but no longer commodes), for Hopkinton residents’ use only, is available to be loaned out free of charge. Wheelchairs, both standard and transport, require a $25 refundable deposit and are limited to two months.

Paws & Claws 5K virtual

LIBRARY CORNER

The Hopkinton Farmers Market opened June 7 and will be held every Sunday through Oct. 11 on the Town Common from 1-5 p.m. Customers are encouraged to pre-order for quick pickup, or pay by touchless credit card or with exact change to minimize contact. For more information, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.

Baypath Humane Society’s Paws & Claws 5K run/walk, normally held in October at Hopkinton State Park, will be virtual this year. Participants will run or walk 3.1 miles on Oct. 17 or 18. For more information, visit the Baypath website at baypathhumane.org.

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 has reopened

The Hopkinton Public Library has reopened for quick browsing from 1-4 p.m. on weekdays. A mask covering the nose and mouth is required. There will be a limited number of people allowed in the building at one time. Solo browsing is encouraged. Services/areas not available at this time include: computer use, study/meeting rooms, all seating, children’s play area and bathrooms (except for emergencies). Book returns will continue to be made at the outside book return at the Church Street entrance. Curbside pickup and printing will continue as well.

Check the library website for updates on services.

BabyKneads (Virtual)

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Baby sign language (BabyKneads) with Sheryl White is for children from 2 months to about pre-verbal. Children must be available to attend all four sessions.

This is a Zoom class, and registration is required. Sign up by clicking on the BabyKneads Oct. 8 event on the library’s website calendar, which will automatically register the child for all four classes.

Chat ’n’ Chew Lunchtime Book Group (Virtual)

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

For those missing their book club, the library offers the virtual Chat ’n’ Chew book group. Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month. All reviews of the books then will be posted to Facebook to share with the Hopkinton reading community. The group will meet virtually using Jit.si meet. Fill out a registration form at forms.gle/ EVX5319vksKV7UFq6. On the day of the meeting, registrants will be invited by email to join.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 9

Businesses hopeful for quick return after Main Street fire

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The Sept. 20 fire broke out shortly after 9 a.m. and shut down Main Street for more than four hours.

Fire | from page 6

a lot of damage from the fire,” Miller said, noting that fire personnel created holes in the attic roof to release the gases that were building up.

Miller said he was pleased with the Fire Department’s work — “Things went well,” he stated — in dealing with an unusually large fire for the town.

“It’s been a while since we’ve had one of this magnitude,” Miller said.

“This is the largest we’ve seen in the last couple of years.”

Fire Chief Steve Slaman said a joint investigation (Hopkinton Fire, Hopkinton Police and the State Fire Marshal) to determine the cause of the blaze was continuing as of last week.

He added that it does not appear suspicious.

Carey was most thankful that no

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one was hurt.

“That’s the main thing,” he said.

“While the whole thing is a terrible shame, the building we can rebuild.

The good news is there are no injuries.”

Brunner, who runs his business with his wife, fellow chiropractor Tina Terfruchte, said he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of patients, neighbors, friends and others. While he noted he is not in need of financial donations, he is grateful to all the people who have reached out.

“The outpouring of support and offers of services and money — you name it — it’s been amazing,” he said.

“It has been patients, people I don’t even know — other chiropractors offering their tables, their rooms. Honestly, it’s very humbling. It’s hard to wrap your head around how nice people are.”

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Baypath 5K goes virtual; new facility ‘on hold for now’ Baypath | from page 5

become perhaps more popular than ever, as people are home with their pets and have more time to spend with them.

So, combining that walk with a way to help the shelter seemed like a natural fit.

“They already have their routines,” she said. “So they can do it at their own pace.”

Organizers recommend that participants plan their course ahead of time by using a site such as MapMyRun.com or onthegomap.com.

When registering, participants can choose to join an existing team, create their own, or register as an individual participant. Online registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 16.

The weekend will include a virtual “pup rally” to kick off the race weekend on Oct. 16. A Paws & Claws 5K Facebook community has been created to connect with runners and share race times, pictures and other aspects of the experience.

And no road race would be complete without an award ceremony. In this case, the virtual awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 to honor the top finishers.

All times must be submitted online by noon Oct. 18. Details will be posted on the event Facebook page.

In addition to the changes in fundraisers, the impact of the pandemic has caused plans for a new facility to be placed “on hold for now,” Jefferis said.

Earlier this year, the Select Board agreed to lease town land at 66 Fruit St. to the society, which plans to build a structure that is nearly four times larger than its current location at 500 Legacy Farms North.

The society hopes to build a new, expanded facility on the property to provide more space for both people and animals.

For now, though, “We’re trying to make the most” of the current circumstances, Jefferis said. “Isn’t that what we’ve all been doing?”

It’s the people we love that make a house a home.

Jeannine COBURN

HopkintonIndependent.com

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

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Main Street Pediatrics would like to announce that Dr. Charlotte Delaney, MD has joined our practice and will start seeing patients as of October 19, 2020. She is accepting new patients of all ages.

Dr. Delaney received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Music from Williams College in Williamstown, MA. She then went on to New York University for her Masters in Music before attending medical school at Albert Einstein College in New York.

She did her internship and residency at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. She is trained in both pediatrics and internal medicine and is particularly interested in adolescent patients, as well as treatment of eating disorders and mood disorders. She also enjoys newborn and infant care, especially working with new parents.

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n Sept. 15 the Select Board held its first meeting since Annual Town Meeting, which went off without a hitch on Sept. 12.

Town Meeting was moved outNEWS BRIEFS side, under a tent in front of Hopkinton High School. It took just over two hours to get through the 22 articles on the warrant.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the community of Hopkinton for a successful Annual Town Meeting,” Town Manager Norman Khumalo said.

“I’ve been with the community now for 11 years, and Town Meetings come in different forms. This last Town Meeting was somewhat challenging given COVID-19. What was not surprising to me was the way Hopkinton came together successfully to deliver what I thought was a fantastic performance.

“I want to thank the volunteers who work on town boards for countless hours getting us ready. I also want to thank town staff who spent the last 11 months preparing for this Annual Town Meeting; therefore failure was not an option.

“Last but not least, the cooperation and understanding from town residents dealing with us relative to the social distancing, wearing of masks as a way of keeping everybody safe was amazing.

Again, job well done, the legislative process went effectively, and most spectacularly all of this happened because of the amazing residents that we have here in Hopkinton.”

The article that drew the most conversation at the meeting was Article 19, the Planning Board’s solar overlay district map. It was moved up to the start of the meeting following a vote, but after some discussion Town Meeting voted to take no action on the article, pushing it off until the next Town Meeting.

On a related note, the Select Board met in executive session before its Sept.

15 public meeting to discuss pending litigation regarding the Seaboard Solar development in the forest behind 71 Frankland Road. Fawn Ridge Road residents Scott Ober and Thom Robertson have indicated their intent to sue the Planning Board following the board’s decision to issue a special permit to Seaboard Solar.

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schools families on Sept. 18 with a request that community members refrain from using the outdoor track and tennis courts at the high school/middle school complex.

“In recent conversations with building level administration, I have learned that community members are accessing the schools’ track and tennis courts during the regular school day,” Cavanaugh wrote. “While we would typically be willing to share our space, during the pandemic we will be needing to access those spaces with much more frequency.

Additionally, in an effort to keep our kids safe, we are trying to limit their contact with others. The end result is that we are asking community members not to access the track and the tennis courts during regular school time. I hope people understand that at the heart of this request are first student safety and second academic programming.”

Water-use restrictions remain in place The town’s Water and Sewer Department released the following information: Due to the continued severe drought, watering restrictions remain in place. No lawn watering is permitted. The only permitted uses are the hand watering of plants, shrubs or gardens before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. Exemptions include for health or safety reasons, for the production of food and fiber, for the maintenance of livestock, or to meet core functions of a business.

We are now at over an 8-inch rain deficit for the year with no significant rain in sight through the remainder of the month.

Anyone who still has their lawn sprinklers on needs to shut them off immediately.

As seen by the major fire in town recently and the need to fight it with a significant amount of water, we need to ensure a safe and adequate supply for fire protection and essential daily needs.

The restrictions will remain in place indefinitely, past the normal end of September time frame. It will take many significant rain events and snowmelt from the winter to return groundwater levels to normal.

Senior Center assists with SMOC applications The Outreach Department at the Hopkinton Senior Center is assisting residents of all ages with applications to the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) for the upcoming home heating season.

State income guidelines must be met — for a household of one it’s $39,105, for two it’s $51,137, etc. Call 508-497-9730 for more information or to make an appointment.

Misc.: Normandin newest police officer Cody Normandin was approved to be the town’s next police officer. Normandin completed police academy training and was set to start on the job Sept. 16, Chief Joseph Bennett said.

“I’m super-excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” Normandin, who graduated from Fitchburg State, told the Select Board on Sept. 15. …

The Select Board acknowledged Gerard Berthelette, assistant foreman for the Department of Public Works, who retired after 16 years of service to the town.

“He is the epitome of when you have News briefs | 11

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 11

Smith receives state Women’s Club honor

OPENING DOORS OPENING DOORS

By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

To New Beginnings

L

Berthelette recognized after retiring from DPW News briefs | from page 10

somebody that leads by example,” said chair Brendan Tedstone, calling Berthelette an acquaintance. “He is a very hard worker, a wonderful person, a massive asset to the DPW, and that’s going to be a tough one to replace. …

The Select Board approved a gift of $690 to the Police Department from Chakradhar Konapala, Kanthisri Chimirala and the Legacy Farms North Community.

Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah offered thanks to the Legacy Farms group.

“The HPD is a shining light, and I’m really proud of our police department so I just like to see that support,” Nasrullah said. “So thank you.”

To New Beginnings PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

oyal. Enthusiastic. Dedicated. These are just a few words members of the Hopkinton Women’s Club use to describe Marie Smith. And it’s because of her loyalty, enthusiasm and dedication that Smith was recently named the General Federation of Women’s Club of Massachusetts Clubwoman of the Year.

The award is given to a standout Massachusetts clubwoman who has gone above and beyond for her club, furthering its goals, taking on leadership roles and promoting the club and its activities.

“It was quite a surprise,” Smith said. “I got this phone call that registered GFWC and I thought, ‘Why are they calling me now?’When I was told I’d received the award, I was baffled. I didn’t know what to say. I never expected this.”

Smith may never have expected the honor, but she’s certainly put in the time and effort that led to it. For the last 30 years she’s been a devoted member of the Hopkinton Women’s Club (HWC), volunteering so much of her time to an organization that she clearly loves.

Throughout the year the HWC focuses on annual fundraising events and initiatives to support local charities and other organizations. The monies raised fund scholarships for Hopkinton High School seniors and have helped out the town’s food pantry, library and Senior Center.

Smith served as HWC president from 2014-16, as well as the club’s recording secretary, and most recently chair of the

Marie Smith recently received the General Federation of Women’s Club of Massachusetts Clubwoman of the Year award.

Publicity Committee.

During Smith’s time as president, Hopkinton celebrated its 300th birthday.

Under Smith’s leadership, members designed and produced a float for the tricentennial parade.

One of the HWC’s most significant fundraising and time-consuming projects is publishing the local telephone directory for Hopkinton residents. According to past president Barbara Buchner, “Marie has been the main force behind its successful production for years.”

Putting the directory together is very labor intensive and involves mailing requests to advertisers, verifying phone numbers, creating a cover design, overseeing layout and scheduling printing and mailing.

Buchner said thanks to Smith’s tenacity, energy and publications skills, the telephone directory continues to bring in more than 50 percent of the HWC’s fundraising budget each year.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused the directory to be put on hold temporarily.

“We’ll put it to rest for one year and then revisit it,” Smith said.

Pre-pandemic, Smith organized another successful fundraising activity, teaching a wine glass painting class, which went on to raise $1,000 for the HWC. The club now is selling handcrafted signs through its website (hopkintonwomensclub.org) to raise money for its scholarship fund.

“Marie is incredibly giving of her time and talents,” said HWC president Nancy Tarsi. “She has so much energy, always saying, ‘How can I help?’ “ It seems the feeling is mutual, as Smith speaks fondly of the HWC and its members.

“My heart and soul go into this club,” she said. “It’s such a rewarding experience belonging to it. It’s made up of an unbelievable group of exceptional women.”

“W “S “W

e had a truly great andy was excellent! experience with e had Sheaistruly a verygreat Sandy. When experience with experienced realtor interviewing real estate agents, and is a true When partner who Sandy.

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HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Fall Session

Classes & Workshops In-Person & Virtual Now Enrolling!

All Levels Welcome | Ages 3 to Adult • Small class sizes and safety protocols in place • Need based scholarships available • Call to inquire about private & semi-private lessons

Dance | Theater | Visual Arts | Music NEW! Study & Enrichment Program (SEP) Grade 2–8 | Half and Extended Day A safe, creative place for your child to work on their schoolwork and have fun participating in arts, theater, and movement activities.

Created to work with Hopkinton Schools Hybrid schedule.

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HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

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“This is not a regular handyman service,” Lopez explained. “With more than 25 years’ experience as contractors, we know how to get a job done right the first time. We also stay in constant communication and stand behind the quality of our work, which is why we’ve extended our labor warranty to five years.”

With the latest technology, Lopez and his technicians communicate regularly with clients, updating homeowners with a convenient, auto-calculated arrival time.

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The FIX IT! home repair service techs specialize in carpentry, interior home improvement projects and exterior work. Inside, staff install cabinets, shelves, crown molding and hardware; repair drywall and light fixtures; replace tiles and light bulbs; hang new doors and mount televisions. Outside, the team focuses on repairing all types of siding or trim, retrofitting decks, and repairing windows, doors and screens. A full list of services is available online.

There is a small dispatch fee to consult on a job ($22 in Metrowest), but that fee is reimbursed with any work approval. Once a dispatch call is booked, the homeowner receives a reminder email and a text prior to the appointment.

Quotes for small repairs are provided immediately, and if materials are available the job is performed right away. For bigger repairs, the quote is emailed within 24-48 hours and, upon client’s approval, scheduled for the team’s next available day. Payments now may be made online.

“Having a good relationship with each client is important to me,” Lopez added. “Our customers know how much we value them.”

Recently, Lopez and his team were certified as Aging-in-Place Specialists, and when on-site they are sensitive to the needs of the homeowner and family members.

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FIX IT! is fully licensed and insured. Discover more at fixit-asap.com or call the office at 508-305-2055 with questions.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 13

Sports

CHRISTINE’S NAILS

New era for HHS golf as Phaneuf takes reins Bill Phaneuf is the new HHS golf coach, taking over for the legendary Dick Bliss.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

F

or the first time since the beginning of the Hopkinton High School program, the Hillers will not have Dick Bliss as coach when the 2020 campaign begins.

Bill Phaneuf is taking the reins after Bliss guided the team to multiple state titles and sent players to the professional ranks.

The new coach has his own experience as a golf pro and longtime teacher.

“I feel very lucky and fortunate to get the job and come to a program that’s had so much success and so many good players,” Phaneuf said. “It’s exciting to be a part of it.”

Phaneuf played golf through high school and college before turning professional and playing in mini-tour events.

He described his success as “moderate,” but ultimately decided to make his living teaching the sport rather than playing competitive golf.

He worked as the head professional at a private country club in Connecticut and also ran and managed a public course in the Nutmeg State and owned a driving range.

“I have run the gamut of being in the business of golf,” Phaneuf said. “I think that’s what I have to bring to the team, a lot of experience playing the game competitively at every single level. I’m hoping I can impart some good things to the kids.”

Phaneuf was able to have some interaction with his new players before tryouts began, though not nearly as much as he would have liked thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. As is the case with all sports, this fall golf season will be different than the norm. There are no scheduled individual or team tournaments at the end of the year, though some leagues are discussing organizing informal championship events.

Hopkinton’s schedule has been reduced to 10 total matches: five at home and five on the road. The Hillers will not play everyone from the Tri-Valley League, but will instead compete against five teams that are close geographically to make contract tracing easier if it is needed and reduce overall travel.

“It’s not the best-case scenario, but at least we are going to have golf and have a season and give the kids a chance to get out there and show what they have got,” Phaneuf said. “Some of the seniors are looking to play in college and this is the last chance they have to get some good numbers on the board.”

Senior Ryan Lundy is expected to be the team’s top player this fall. Phaneuf said Lundy has been playing well over the summer, typically shooting at or below par. Geoff Tocco and Teddy Henneberry will round out the top three in the rotation, Phaneuf said.

“I think our top six is going to be pretty strong, I think we are going to be in good shape,” the coach said. “It’s good but unfortunate that we are going to have a stacked team but not have a full season for the kids to prove themselves.”

Phaneuf said some of the players, including Lundy, have aspirations to play at the collegiate level. That will be on Phaneuf’s mind as he looks at his approach to the unusual season.

“We are calling this a showcase year,” he said. “We want to have our best players give it their best shot and get the best

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With only five seniors on this year’s team and a large group of sophomores, Phaneuf said the future looks bright for the program as a whole.

“It’s important to make sure these kids are having fun on the golf course while being competitive,” he said. “We want them to learn the game and about being good human beings, too. That’s something I want to be focused on: doing the right thing and being good kids as well as good golfers.”

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

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School families asked to reconsider transportation School Committee | from page 1

students already had made the switch.

Parents are asked to contact the transportation department if they would like their children to take the bus.

Cavanaugh asked drivers at Hopkinton High School to pull into parking spots if they want to wait until the exact time of the start of school before letting out passengers. This provides more room for cars that are dropping off students and then quickly driving away and keeps traffic moving.

To add “insult to injury,” an 18-wheeler that was delivering storage containers to Elmwood School made a wrong turn and ended up affecting already troublesome traffic at the school during one of the first days, Cavanaugh added.

Other than the traffic problems, school reopening generally went smoothly, Cavanaugh said.

“It was nice seeing kids in the building,” she said. Students seemed “excited” about returning. “This was something familiar to them” that represented “wonderful normalcy,” she added.

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Committee chair Amanda Fargiano praised all teachers, staff and students for creating “a smooth start.”

Although the Hopkinton Teachers Association — due to its opposition to livestreaming classes — rejected the district’s proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the start of the school year, Fargiano noted that the two sides share a common goal.

“We absolutely agree on our passion and our dedication to our students,” she said.

Although some discussion on the issue may have been passionate, “it’s that passion that makes our district so phenomenal.”

On Sept. 14 the School Committee released a statement saying it had made a “last best offer” to the teachers.

“We have worked collaboratively and at length with the HTA to address with care the union concerns regarding safety, child care for teachers, flexibility in work location, and remote instruction for a hybrid reopening.

We have heard and care deeply about the teachers’ concerns,” Fargiano said. “While in-person instruction is ideal, we know that some students and families have health and other concerns that guided their decisions to elect remote learning. To ensure these students have access to our outstanding Hopkinton teachers and their classmates through live streaming, we offered the union both technical support and an additional stipend.

We hope the HTA will approve the MOA and recognize how important livestreaming is for this small number of students who must 1) be able to stay connected to Hopkinton High School, its teachers and students, 2) continue learning progressions established in HHS and preserve the ability to return to HHS classes seamlessly next year, and 3) maintain the option to transition to in-person hybrid learning and rejoin classmates later in the year as conditions allow.”

The teachers rejected the proposal at a meeting the following night, the eve of the first day of school. According to a statement from union president Becky Abate, “an overwhelming majority” of teachers voted against the MOA. “The district refused to heed the warnings of those best positioned to determine if livestreaming provided a viable approach to teaching and learning,” the statement read.

“The district’s desire to utilize widespread use of livestreaming classes to students in remote settings was a final component to an overall flawed approach to safe and effective learning during the pandemic.”

Stated Abate: “Cameras in the classroom introduce elements that should not be taken lightly. Livestreaming not only puts students’ privacy at risk but also hampers their ability to learn new material, ask teachers for help, and meaningfully engage in the classroom experience. Asking educators to teach to two separate audiences simultaneously damages the learning experience of both students at home and those in the classroom.”

According to the HTA, the district was looking for “an inexpensive solution to a flawed needs assessment.”

“Students learning remotely should have access to synchronous lessons taught

by Hopkinton educators. But relying on livestreaming is not the most effective way to accomplish that and should be used in only the most limited settings for very specific reasons,” Abate said. “The HTA rejects the widespread use of livestreaming for remote learners.”

Both sides put the issue on the back burner for the start of the school year.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 15

School lunches now free to all students

F

ollowing the late release of a United States Department of Agriculture waiver, all student breakfasts and lunches will be free through Dec. 31 or as long as funding is available, the Hopkinton Public Schools Food Services Department announced.

Students at the schools will not need to pre-order meals, contrary to what had previously been stated. Meals for remote learners will be available at Project Just Because (109 South St.), and those must be pre-ordered. Project Just Because (PJB) is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

SCHOOLS PJB also offers a meal delivering service to those who are unable NOTEBOOK to leave the home. That can be scheduled directly with PJB at 508-435-6511.

Hybrid learners needing meals for when they are not on-site must pre-order by 7 p.m. Wednesday one week in advance. Students will pick up bagged meals at dismissal to bring home. An order form is available on the Daily Bulletin on PowerSchool.

Lunch will be available to in-school learners daily. The limited menus are posted on the district website. Pre-ordering of meals for on-site students is not required.

In an email to school families, the Food Services Department encouraged participation in the program.

“It allows Hopkinton Public Schools to provide the most nourishing and appetizing meals possible for your children,” the email read. “When your children eat school meals, it helps the school system by providing federal funds to the district. The more meals we serve, the more funding we receive, allowing us to focus on meal quality, variety and innovative practices (new recipes, frozen take home meals, etc.). If your children have never before participated in school meals, consider trying the program this year!”

The email also noted that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has requested that the USDA extend free meals for all students for the entire school year. However, as of now, the USDA has only allowed this as late as Dec. 31 or as long as funding is available. Therefore, families in need should still submit a household application to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals.

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Tess Gannaway for this photo of a dog jumping into the water at Hopkinton State Park. 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.

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.

District acquires electric buses The district has obtained two new electric buses through a grant procured by director of finance Susan Rothermich, it was announced at the Sept. 17 School Committee meeting.

Charging stations will be installed in the bus parking lot behind Hopkinton High School to power up the vehicles.

When buses return to the lot at about 4 p.m., a time when community power use tends to be high, energy stored in the batteries of the buses will be sold back to the grid. The buses will be charged in the middle of the night, when community energy use is lower.

The addition of the buses is “kind of ground-breaking,” Rothermich said. Hopkinton will be one of the few school districts in the state to use electric buses.

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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.

16 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

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ARRESTS September 8

8:02 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Benjamin Stickney assisted. Susan S. Jones, 57, of 168 Olive St., Ashland, was arrested and charged with marked lanes violation and OUI liquor.

September 14

1:27 p.m. Officer Jay Deiana conducted a motor vehicle stop on East Main Street and Officer Matthew Santoro responded with a portable breath test. Deborah J. Crevier, 63, of 26 Sylvan Road, Whitinsville, was arrested and charged with OUI liquor and marked lanes violation.

September 21

7:43 p.m. A caller reported a car hit a deer and then struck a telephone pole on Saddle Hill Road. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Preston Mucciarone, Derek Morton and Brendon Lyver responded and subsequently arrested Heather R. Taylor, 52, of 195 Saddle Hill Road, and charged her with OUI liquor. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck was requested, and Verizon was notified of pole damage.

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September 8

4:13 p.m. A Connelly Hill Road resident reported his mailbox was damaged. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report of vandalism.

8:23 p.m. A Granite Street caller reported an Amazon driver drove his truck over a ledge and into the caller’s driveway. Officer Robert Ekross responded and requested a tow truck. A report was to follow.

September 9

6:40 a.m. A passerby reported a motor vehicle crashed into a mailbox on West Main Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and stated the vehicle also hit a telephone pole.

No personal injuries were reported.

3:04 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a road rage incident that began on Interstate 495 and continued onto West Elm Street. The State Police were on the scene and Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded to assist.

September 10

2:18 p.m. The State Police reported a motor vehicle accident. Officers Jay Deiana and Philip Powers responded to West Main Street to assist. No personal injuries were reported.

4:30 p.m. A Grove Street caller reported his wife’s car was broken into. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and took a report.

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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.

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4:00 a.m. A West Main Street resident complained of loud music coming from an unknown location. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Stephen Buckley responded and found the music coming from a boat. It was subsequently turned off.

11:41 a.m. A caller reported a suspicious male on a bike attempting to entice residents on West Main Street to go on walks with him.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Matthew Santoro responded and were unable to locate the man.

September 12

7:27 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Ryan Polselli and Matthew Santoro assisted a large group of runners at the Town Common on Main Street for the virtual Boston Marathon.

7:44 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported more “Defend the Police” lawn signs had been stolen and requested the theft be logged.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 17 8:23 a.m. A Constitution Court caller complained about illegal entry and wanted her property back from the Police Department. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and spoke with the caller.

9:59 a.m. Officer Brendon Lyver responded to Hillcrest Drive to assist with keeping the peace after a female attempted to retrieve the rest of her belongings from a residence. She was to return another time.

11:31 a.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to Walcott Valley Drive to assist with preserving the peace.

1:20 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Lumber Street involving a car and a motorcycle. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Brendon Lyver and Ryan Polselli responded and reported personal injuries. An ambulance transported a person to the hospital.

4:05 p.m. A Greenwood Road resident reported a lawn sign was stolen from his property and wanted the incident logged.

7:12 p.m. A caller reported a large party on Elizabeth Road in violation of the governor’s regulations during the pandemic. Officer Derek Morton responded.

10:19 p.m. A Connelly Hill Road resident reported two political signs were stolen from his yard. He wanted the incident logged.

September 13

1:48 a.m. Multiple calls were received about loud music blaring in the Parkwood Drive area. Sergeants Arthur Schofield and William Burchard and Officers Jessica Ferreira, Tyler Brabham and Robert Ekross responded and found over 50 vehicles gathered and organized via social media.

The Milford and Upton Police Departments along with State Police responded to assist. The group was subsequently released.

9:00 a.m. A caller reported a mule wandering on Frankland Road. Officer Jay Deiana responded and notified the animal control officer.

10:41 a.m. A caller reported a male causing a scene and destroying displays in a West Main Street store. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Matthew McNeil and Officer Jay Deiana responded and issued a summons for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

12:02 p.m. A Locust Lane resident reported her house was egged. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report of vandalism.

September 14

11:43 a.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. Officers Matthew Santoro and Jay Deiana responded and reported one operator complained of neck and back pain. An ambulance transported that person to the hospital. A tow truck was requested.

5:08 p.m. An Ash Street resident reported someone stole her mailbox. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report of stolen property.

6:39 p.m. Two calls were received about a fight on Rosewood Lane. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Ryan Polselli and Robert Ekross responded and requested an ambulance. One person was transported to the hospital.

7:42 p.m. A caller reported while he was walking his dog on Morse Lane, he was involved in a verbal argument with another person, who threatened him. Officer Ryan Polselli responded. A report was to follow.

8:53 p.m. A Fruit Street caller reported her mailbox was vandalized. Officer Ryan Polselli responded. A report was to follow.

September 15

10:55 a.m. An Amherst Road caller reported unemployment fraud and wanted it logged.

4:20 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two

cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A criminal application for driving with a suspended license was issued to the operator of one vehicle.

A tow truck removed the vehicle.

September 16

2:40 p.m. A walk-in reported his laptop computer was stolen. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil assisted and took a report.

5:20 p.m. A caller reported a stolen yard sign. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and took a report.

September 17

7:12 a.m. A Huckleberry Road caller reported illegal dumping after discovering furniture on her lawn. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and contacted the DPW for removal.

8:20 p.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on West Elm Street. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and notified Eversource.

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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2020-21 SEASON

September 18

12:59 a.m. On South Street, Officer Tyler Brabham removed furniture from the roadway and left a message for the DPW for pickup.

10:25 a.m. A caller reported vehicles doing burnouts on East Main Street near the town line. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report.

3:59 p.m. A caller complained of a school bus speeding at about 40-45 mph on Morse Lane. School Resource Officer Philip Powers logged the incident.

September 19

7:19 a.m. A Teresa Road resident complained of a group of kids ringing her doorbell and running the previous night at 11 p.m. The caller stated cars were speeding up and down Teresa Road. The incident was logged and the caller was advised to call when the incident occurs if it happens again.

7:30 a.m. A Nazneen Circle resident reported vandalism in his garden. Officer Brendon Lyver responded. A report was to follow.

7:19 p.m. A caller reported he was involved in a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and the other vehicle drove away. Officers Benjamin Stickney and Ryan Polselli responded and took a report.

9:37 p.m. A Hearthstone Road resident reported a group of teens in a gray Camry drove by and threw a stink bomb at her house. Officers Benjamin Stickney, Robert Ekross, and Ryan Polselli responded and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

It is not yet clear if there will be a delayed 2020-21 travel basketball season or if it will happen at all. Tryouts, normally held in September, have been postponed indefinitely. At this time, registration is open so the HBA can collect names of players who are interested in participating if there is a season. For more detailed information and to register (no fee), fee) visit the HBA website:

HopkintonBasketball.org

September 20

9:18 a.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni reported a fire in the attic of a Main Street building with heavy smoke showing from all sides of the building. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Scott van Raalten and Officers Brian Sanchioni and Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department to the three-alarm fire. No personal injuries were reported. The building inspector was contacted, as well as the Red Cross for two adults who were subsequently displaced from their home.

4:20 p.m. A caller reported an intoxicated female was dropped off at Exit 21B off Interstate 495. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Benjamin Stickney and Ryan Polselli responded and checked gas stations and ramps with a negative find.

The State Police located the female on Interstate 495.

September 21 11:53 a.m. A School Street caller reported two of her yard signs were vandalized. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report.

12:19 p.m. An Ash Street resident reported two signs were stolen from her property. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and located the signs by the mailbox.

HopkintonIndependent.com

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020

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Joanne M. (Powell) Ouellet, 75, of Milford and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away Sept. 18 with her family by her side, after a short period of declining health. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Irene (Shaw) Powell and is survived by her brother, Daniel (Ted) Powell and his wife, Diane, of Upton. She is predeceased by her husband of 34 years, James C. Ouellet.

Joanne was employed by Cushing Hospital in Framingham from the early 1980s until its closure. She then worked at Medfield State Hospital in the activities department, where she educated patients on gardening and planting.

Joanne leaves behind her three children: Cathleen Wiley Berube and her husband, Steve Berube, of Millbury; devoted son Matthew Wiley and his wife, Kory, of Blackstone; and dedicated son Jason Wiley and his wife, Sabrina, of Hopkinton. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Nicknames include “Gum Grammy,” “Ice Cream Grammy” and “Cookie Grammy.”

Joanne had a deep affection for dogs, and this could be observed throughout her home. She would collect miniature sculptures of cocker spaniels and display pictures of her own dogs in every room.

Her devoted spaniel Jack passed in 2016, and up until her passing she expressed wanting another dog.

A funeral home service was held Sept. 26, followed by interment in Mount Auburn Cemetery. Services were under the care of the the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers please donate to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, LLC (csrne. org/).

Mary Wise M a r y Wise, age 84, of Hopkinton, formerly of Natick, passed away with her family by her side on Sept. 14 after entering hospice care in early June.

Mary was born and educated in Newton, graduating from Our Lady’s School, class of 1952. After graduation she worked at Raytheon where she met her husband, Charles Wise. They moved to Natick, where they lived for 30 years before moving to the Cape, where her husband passed away following his retirement.

Mary’s faith sustained her throughout her life. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Hopkinton for many years. She followed Catholic Television and prayed the rosary daily. After retiring, she went on to do volunteer work

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for many years for the Hopkinton school system, Senior Center and St. John’s Church. Mary had boundless energy, was a bocce league member, and was a fierce card player. Always active, she loved organizing, helping her children, the Red Sox, bingo, bowling and attending church. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and Wordscapes and refused to pay for help on Candy Crush. Mary took great joy in creating loving holiday memories for her family.

She was the daughter of the late Lucas and Concetta (Giacci) Taddeo, and the wife of the late Charles M. Wise, who passed in 1996.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Grant of North Carolina, and Arthur Wise and Mimi Wise Auger, both of Hopkinton. Mary also is survived by her sisters, Antoinette Piana of Canton, Rita Taddeo of Ludlow, and Rose Taddeo of Newton. Mary was the grandmother of Emily Boutin, Lucas and Jesse Wise, and Abigail Auger, and great grandmother of Joseph Russo, Hazel Lisa Lyon, and Baylee and Tyler Boutin, all of whom she loved and cherished. Mary comes from a large family and was a loving aunt to her many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Frank and Lucas Taddeo of Waltham in 2019, Dora Taddeo of Newton, and Yolanda Ferolito of Watertown.

A memorial Mass was held Sept. 25 at St. John the Evangelist in Hopkinton.

Due to COVID concerns, a celebration of her life is postponed until further notice. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Patricia Kelley Patricia M. “Patsy” (Ryan) Kelley of South Boston passed away peacefully on Sept.

19. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank J. Kelley.

She was the loving mother of Francis E. Kelley and his wife, Marianne, of Milton, Patricia Lampron of Dorchester, Steve Kelley of Hopkinton, Ellen Cawley and her husband, Michael, of Dorchester, Lynda Hosea and her late husband, Carl, of Dorchester, Julie DeZutter and her husband, Phil, of Upton, and Matthew Kelley and his wife, Kristine, of Easton.

She was the cherished grandmother of 18 loving grandchildren and had seven great-grandchildren. She was the dear sister of Margaret “Peggy” Ryan of South Boston, the late Red as well as Buddy and Mary O’Neill, and Mike, Jim and Joe Ryan. She also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Due to the ongoing health crisis, all funeral services were private. Services were under the care of the John J. O’Connor & Son Funeral Home in Dorchester. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Patsy may be made to the Carl Hosea Jr. Helping Hands Foundation, 11 Flavia St., Dorchester, MA 02122.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2020 • 19

Patricia Pantera Patricia “Pat” Ann (Carr) Pantera, 70, of Bellingham died peacefully on Sept. 8 at her home after battling leukemia.

It w ould be wrong to say that Pat lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined.

She is survived by her husband, her three children and 11 grandchildren, who meant everything to her. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Matthew J. Pantera since 1971.

Born in Buffalo, New York, on July 23, 1950, Pat was the daughter of the late William and Marie Carr and daughter-in-law of the late Dr. Matthew and Margaret Pantera of Buffalo.

Pat had lived in Sturbridge before moving to Bellingham in 2019.

She had been a registered nurse who worked her whole career as a maternity nurse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and devoted her life to helping others.

In addition to her husband, Pat is survived by daughter Mary Vitelli and her husband, Joe, and their children, Tobin, Emma, Jocelyn and Brianna of Milford; son Matthew Pantera and his wife, Candice, and their sons, Samuel, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Jack of Hopkinton; and son John Pantera and his wife, Allison, and their children, Julia, Maria and Robert of East Longmeadow.

She also is survived by her eight siblings, Kathleen Comber and her husband, Kevin; Tom Carr and his wife, Louise; Mary Boryszak and her husband, Marty; Rose Clymer and her husband, Paul; Joan Renkas and her husband, Pete; John Carr and his wife, Darcy; Margaret McDermott; and William Carr and his wife, Renuka.

She was the sister-in-law to Michael and Sharon Pantera, Martha and Tom Calabrese, Meg and Len Petit, Mary and Dominic Aloisio, and Margie Pantera.

She also is survived by many nieces

and nephews.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 14 in St. Mary’s Church in Franklin. Burial was in the parish cemetery.

Services were under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin. To view Pat’s funeral Mass visit stmarysfranklin.org.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Rose Scianna Rose M. Scianna, 95, of Hopkinton passed away Sept.

10 at Timothy Daniels House in Holliston. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late Immaculata (Paganuzzi) and Joseph Ortenzi. She was the wife of 70 years to Nicholas P. Scianna of Hopkinton (previously Natick).

Rose was a lifelong resident of Natick and graduated from Natick High School in 1942. First and foremost she was a devoted homemaker who was dedicated to her family. She loved to cook and bake, and she enjoyed creating beautiful crewel embroidery.

Besides her husband, Rose is survived by her children, Linda A. Scianna of South Grafton, Joanne R. Scianna of Maynard, and Joseph N. Scianna of Framingham. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Amy M. Jordan and her husband, Scott, her great-grandson, Casey N. Jordan, and her brother-in-law, Louis J. Scianna and his wife, Joanne, of Bonita Springs, Florida. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her siblings, Joseph Ortenzi, Nick Ortenzi and Angela Rotelli.

Funeral services will be held privately with family and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

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