PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron
HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 19 Number 16
August 30, 2018
New officers join Police Department By Sarah Duckett Editor
By Jean Cann Contributing Writer
After two new hires in August, the Hopkinton Police Department now has 26 full-time officers serving the town. In a recent discussion with several officers as well as Police Chief Ed Lee, the department personnel noted some of their plans going forth, which includes the roles of the new officers, the enhancement of the School Resource Officers roles and next year, adding a K9 to the force. Officer Moira “Molly” McGaffigan and Officer Jay Deiana both joined the force in August. McGaffigan attended St. Anselm College, worked for her dad at his funeral home and spent seven months working for MSPCA as an Animal Welfare Agent before joining Hopkinton. “I wanted to be a police officer from day one. It took a journey to
Children with various challenges and difficulties negotiating a traditional youth soccer environment may now able to enjoy strapping on their shin guards and pulling on their team uniforms to play soccer on the weekend like many of their peers. TOPSoccer, a community-based training and placement program for young athletes with disabilities, will start its third season in Hopkinton this fall through Hopkinton Youth Soccer (HYS). Athletes from Kindergarten through 12th grade from Hopkinton and nearby towns are grouped by ability, not age, and play with coaches and “buddies” who encourage them and modify activities as needed. Hopkinton’s program started when Jessica Bruce, a Hopkinton occupational therapist, parent, and coach, received an email two years ago from MA Youth Soccer that included an article and video about the TOPSoccer program. She contacted the national chairman of the program, brought that information to HYS, and received the green light. Parents with children who participate in the program also give it a green light. “We loved TOPSoccer and have recommended it to others,” said Corrie Mercer, mother of TOPSoccer athlete Grayson. “Jessica Bruce runs a beautiful program that is the perfect combination of being organized and fun. The adult volunteers, as well as the older soccer ‘buddies’ all appear to want to be there and seem to really enjoy working with the kids. It was the highlight of our Sunday evenings for two seasons so far. We very happily have signed Gray up for another session come fall 2018,” Mercer said.
Police hires page 11
PHOTOS/SARAH DUCKETT
Hopkinton Police Chief Ed Lee welcomes new hires
Soccer program gets ‘TOP’ reviews in Hopkinton
Officer Moira “Molly” McGaffigan
Officer Benjamin Stickney
Officer Jay Deiana
Allen reflects on Pan Mass Challenge 2018 By Sarah Duckett Editor
PHOTO/SUBMITTED
The Pan Mass Challenge went on as planned even in the incredible downpour the first weekend of August. Joining the thousands of bicyclists who participated in this annual event was Hopkinton resident Kristi Allen. “My PMC route was from Wellesley to Bourne and it was awesome! For 45 miles it was hazy, hot and humid and then another 40 miles in torrential downpours and flash flood warnings! Despite the unpredictable weather, nothing could dampen our spirits,” she said. PMC page 28
Kristi Allen (second from left), with her teammates.
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TOPSoccer page 12