HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
SET AFOOT
Special delivery, courtesy HFD Town
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The parents of a baby born in a Hopkinton Fire Department ambulance en route to the hospital in September recently visited the fire station to thank first responders with their infant son.
In an interview with the Independent, Kara and Jesse Diamond shared the story of the birth of their second son, Micah. They recounted their anticipation during Micah’s unexpected arrival and complimented the HFD representatives on their professionalism.
Kara Diamond said she was three days past her delivery date of Sept. 25 when her contractions began on the evening of the 28th. She called
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Economic Development Advi-
sory Board on Oct. 28 heard a grim depiction of Hopkinton’s finances in upcoming fiscal years from the town’s chief financial officer.
CFO Kyla LaPierre, the meeting’s guest speaker, told the board that the town’s upcoming capital projects could spur talks of an override. In 1980, the state’s property tax levy was capped at 2.5% each year under Proposition 2 1/2. The money raised generates municipal revenue to support local spending for schools, public safety and other public services.
She sought to give members a “general sense” of the town’s financial landscape for the next couple of fiscal years.
“From a financial forecast, I think we’re going to be OK for FY 27 without additional debt,” explained LaPierre. “It’s not a good outlook over the next couple of years.”
Expenses are increasing at a rate
Kara Diamond (holding son Micah) and her husband, Jesse, recently visited Hopkinton Fire Department personnel (from left) Doug Lewis, Patrick Rahill and Rob Caron for a reunion one month after the first responders helped with Micah’s delivery in an ambulance.
Hopkinton High School girls soccer player Nina Clement prepares to make a pass that would lead to a goal during the Hillers’ 4-1 victory over visiting Weymouth in the opening round of the Division 1 state tournament on Nov. 4. For a postseason roundup, see Page 19.
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HOPKINTON
Sismanis reportedly in ICE custody
According to a recent report from NBC10 Boston, Petros “Peter” Sismanis, the former owner of Hillers Pizza, has been remanded into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
NEWS BRIEFS
The report from NBC10, which was part of the station’s recurring “Small Town Secrets” segment, featured an overview of both the recent case against Sismanis and his prior history of sexual assault. Sismanis was found guilty in June of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and two counts of witness intimidation.
Also described in the report was a 1998 conviction on Sismanis’ record stemming from charges of rape and indecent assault and battery at another restaurant he owned in Hopkinton. He pled down those charges and was required to register as a sex offender. Reporters also described an incident at Hillers Pizza in 2017 that brought Sismanis in front of the Select Board and read a statement from a former employee who alleged inappropriate behavior.
“I blame the Hopkinton police for not taking action sooner,” the employee stated.
Sismanis, who emigrated to the U.S. from Greece, reportedly is in ICE custody in Rhode Island. Whether he will be removed from the country remains to be seen. According to information on the U.S. Department of Justice website, an alien can be removed from the country if they commit a “crime of moral turpitude,” have multiple criminal convictions or commit an aggravated felony.
Charter Review volunteers sought
The town has begun the process for reviewing the town charter and is looking for volunteers to help.
A notice sent out by the Town Manager’s office last month informed residents that the Charter Review Committee was looking for residents to join
in the review process. According to the charter, a special committee must “make a report, with recommendations, to the Town Meeting concerning any proposed amendments … that said committee may determine to be necessary or desirable” once every 10 years.
The last charter review occurred in 2016, and recommended changes were accepted at Annual Town Election in 2017. Town Manager Elaine Lazarus anticipated this upcoming review could take up to two years to complete.
“It’s estimated to take a couple of years because the process involves both … Town Meeting and the subsequent election to make changes,” said Lazarus.
She went on to explain that the committee will initiate public hearings and interview several town officials in order to gather a range of ideas and suggestions. “It’s a public process,” Lazarus said. “They’ll be soliciting ideas from as many people as possible.”
“People can suggest whatever they feel needs to be looked at,” she added.
Those interested are asked to submit an application on the town website.
Plaque honoring enslaved gets OK
The Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 28 to allow a plaque honoring enslaved persons who lived in Hopkinton to be installed on the Town Common.
The plaque project was developed by the Historical Society to recognize slaves who lived in town. Members of the Historical Society brought the idea to Parks & Rec last September. In subsequent meetings where the request was discussed, the commission opted to defer to the Select Board on the issue, citing the need for a “broader discussion” on the plaque.
In a meeting in September, the Select Board reviewed the request to put the plaque on the Common versus other sites in town. Parks & Rec chair Dan Terry noted at the Oct. 28 meeting that
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Alvaro Lozano-Robledo for this photo of the sun peeking through colorful leaves in front of a Teresa Road home. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. 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 BoMain.
the Select Board had recommended the commission approve the request.
Prior to voting on the matter, commission members met with Historical Society member Linda Connelly, who has done the vast majority of research for the plaque, along with president Anne Mattina. Both women provided design updates, including putting a QR code somewhere on the plaque for people to use.
“It seems what people wanted was more context,” Mattina explained.
Members asked about the cost of the project, which was quoted around $3,000. A brief discussion was held regarding obtaining funds from the Community Preservation Committee to pay for the plaque. Mattina voiced concern over whether the CPC would “be enthused” over funding the project. She and Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus agreed to follow up about submitting a funding application.
One question the Historical Society representatives were unable to answer was where the plaque would be located on the Town Common. An earlier proposal recommended it be placed near the sign marking the location of the first meetinghouse.
“I think we’re at a spot where we can take a vote on approving this with the location to be determined,” Terry said.
The commission voted to allow the
plaque with its finalized location and physical setup still pending.
Scouts host fundraiser
Troop 4 Hopkinton will hold a food and beverage fundraiser this month to help its Scouts earn money for a trip to Sea Base next summer.
The fundraiser, which is scheduled for Nov. 29-30, will be held at the Fruit Street athletic complex. Troop 4 will use the concession stand there to make and distribute food — both for those using the field and those who order ahead.
Charusmitha Ram, assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 4, said the fundraiser coincides with a soccer tournament happening the weekend of Thanksgiving. “We’re using that audience as an opportunity … to fundraise,” said Ram.
“We also want to have some presale orders, open up to the larger community as well,” she added. Ram noted that the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton (SACH) is providing Troop 4 the use of its online platform to manage preorders. SACH also is donating some money toward getting the fundraiser started, along with some food.
All money raised will go toward funding Troop 4’s planned trip to Sea Base in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a high adventure program involving aquatic activities.
“It’s an expensive trip,” said Ram. “We want to make this accessible for everyone in the troop, so we need funds to subsidize the trip cost.” Presents
is a rockstar! She truly understands the nuances of being a seller’s agent — something we found to be rare among
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CPC questions lack of ‘meaningful oversight’ on Housing Authority project
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
After airing concerns over how the Hopkinton Housing Authority handled Community Preservation funds and procurement procedures, the Community Preservation Committee on Nov. 6 voted unanimously to continue its hearing on the matter.
CPC chair Ken Weismantel gave a long preamble to start the special meeting, recounting the concerns his committee had raised over the management of funds related to an improvement project at the Housing Authority’s properties on Davis Road.
The project, for which Town Meeting appropriated $350,000, included the completion of ADA-compliant seating areas, shading structures, a covered bus shelter and walkways at the Housing Authority. The total cost of the project totaled around $193,000, and construction began earlier this year. Remaining work on the project was halted following the CPC’s notice of
default to the HHA regarding its concerns.
“I’m concerned the HHA board failed to provide meaningful oversight into the project,” said Weismantel. “I personally do not have confidence that the HHA board is being good stewards with Hopkinton taxpayers’ money at this point.”
Concerns raised
Weismantel voiced two major concerns the CPC identified regarding the way
in which the HHA and its executive director, Hayley Fetrow, managed the project. First and foremost was Fetrow’s attempt to invoice a 10% project management fee made out to her consulting firm, HSF Consulting, LLC, for the project. Weismantel asserted that nothing in the CPC’s grant agreement entitled Fetrow to that fee, and that the description given in the invoice for services rendered actually were part of her normal duties as executive director.
Weismantel also raised concerns of potential conflicts of interest when it came to procurement procedures undertaken for the project. While he admitted that Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) was selected before Fetrow joined the Housing Authority by Darlene Hayes, the HHA’s CPC liaison at the time, Weismantel shared he felt the firm was “significantly overqualified” for the project.
“I think that if it had gone through the normal procurement process … you probably would have had a much lower-cost guy,” Weismantel said.
“It’ll be almost $70,000 on engineering,” he added. “It’s kind of outrageous.”
Additional questions were raised about whether the project would be considered vertical or horizontal construction given the inclusion of a pergola in the project scope. Weismantel noted a “qualification-based selection process” is required for building projects where the cost is greater than $300,000 and the estimated cost of design is over $30,000.
Director responds
Following comments and questions from other CPC members, Fetrow offered up her defense to the committee. As she had noted in a special meeting with the HHA the previous week, Fetrow said it had been explained to her when she started in 2023 that she would be eligible for the 10% management fee. She submitted her invoice for the fee without approval from the HHA board on Oct. 1 because of her ability as executive director to sign off on invoices under $50,000.
Fetrow added that she voided the invoice as soon as she learned she would not be eligible for the fee. “I was not trying to do anything that was illegal,” she asserted. “When I understood that that was something that was not accurate, I canceled it because that was the appropriate action to take.”
“How did you overlook the fact there was nothing in the project to pay for a consultant?” asked vice chair Eric Sonnett.
Fetrow responded that she was told the fee had been approved, but at the time she started, the project budget had no room for the fee and she would have to do the work regardless.
However, when asked by member Jim Ciriello why the invoice was billed to her consulting company and not the Medway Housing Authority, she admitted that had been a mistake. Fetrow works for the HHA through a management contract arranged between the Medway and Hopkinton housing authorities.
Regarding GRLA’s involvement and procurement processes involved, Fetrow stated that the architectural firm already was procured before she came on and started managing the project. She claimed she stressed to the firm that proper procurement processes would need to happen, given this was a project that used town funds.
“I believed throughout the process that we were operating in compliance,” said Fetrow.
HHA member and CPC liaison Beth Malloy voiced support for Fetrow. “I truly believe there was nothing underhanded done by any of us,” she said, noting that the transition from the HHA’s former CPC liaison and Fetrow’s onboarding may have resulted in communication issues.
At the HHA meeting on Oct. 30, HHA members ended with a 4-0-1 vote of confidence in Fetrow, with chair Nancy
Hayley Fetrow (left), executive director of the Hopkinton Housing Authority, gives a presentation to board members regarding the use of Community Preservation funds at the HHA’s Oct. 30 meeting.
Too late for TIF
Recently, Open Play submitted a request to be considered for a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) for the new pickle/padel club the owner is currently constructing beside Fairview Estates.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
My interpretation of a TIF (and clearly I could be wrong) is that a TIF is an “incentive” used to attract businesses to locate in one’s town, rather than another. This decision is made because the town’s people believe there is some benefit to the town and/or residents by having the business in town. I credit the promoter for having the chutzpah to request a TIF from Hopkinton in mid-construction! The granting of a TIF requires several steps, culminating in an affirmative vote at a Town Meeting.
I have asked Town Hall for any history of prior TIF agreements Hopkinton may have granted, and I still eagerly await that information. The TIF granted to Lykan BioScience LLC in 2019 is a public document, readily available, and quite, in my opinion, generous. By now, according to that TIF agreement, there should be 125 new employees at Lykan (though there is nothing in the agreement stipulating that they be residents of Hopkinton), and Lykan should be paying approximately 50% of the taxes it would otherwise now owe the town.
Open Play is now offering a limited number of memberships at $120/month for pickleball and $189/month for both pickle and padel. Clearly this club is not a place for we hoi polloi. I suggest we hoi polloi, who already, according to town CFO Kyla LaPierre, face a “not good outlook” given Hopkinton’s impending financial situation, write or call our Select Board and tell the members not to even consider offering a TIF to Open Play.
— Ed Harrow, Hopkinton
Speak up about shutdown
The federal government has shut down. What can I do?
The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1. I was hopeful that after the protests of Oct. 18, our federal representatives would return to Washington and, together, figure a way to get our government employees and programs back to being funded, as they have done in the past.
We now are heading into the second month, and food programs like SNAP — which provides supplemental food funding for 1.1 million or approximately 15% of Massachusetts residents (according to mass.gov) — will go unfunded, government employees will miss out on paychecks, and several government agencies will continue to limp along in their missions.
What can we do?
There is a quick and easy action that we all can take to put constituent pressure on our federal representatives. Making a simple phone call, you will get an option to leave a voicemail with a quick comment that you want Congress to figure out a way to work together to get the government back open. It only takes a minute.
The current holdup is in the Senate. Below are the D.C. office numbers of our federal senators. Please be respectful in your message.
Sen. Warren: 202-224-4543.
Sen. Markey: 202-224-2742.
P.S., please consider supporting Project Just Because locally in this time of extra need.
— Jim Mirabile,
chair, Hopkinton Republican Town Committee
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.
Lack of ‘meaningful oversight’ on Housing Authority project
“Punky” Drawe abstaining “because of the things I’ve had to deal with and the letters that I received from [Weismantel] and the town,” she said.
“Looking at all the facts, I don’t see anything sneaky or anything like that,” HHA vice chair John Morris said. “I think this is an unfortunate miscommunication and administrative blunder, with multiple agencies involved.”
Added Morris: “You’ve always been a fantastic executive director.”
Project moves forward
Members appeared in agreement that the project should be allowed to continue, as long as greater oversight was implemented. Member Steve Levandosky noted
he would like to see a budget and plan for the remaining items.
In his remarks, member Parker Happ called for more transparency on both sides. “How do we essentially make sure this doesn’t happen again?” he asked.
Added Happ: “Ultimately, this is about helping people — I think that’s where our focus should be.”
After reviewing a punch list of remaining work items for the project, Weismantel made a motion to authorize the chair to put together a draft letter with conditions and budget to discuss at the CPC’s next meeting. “We’re just looking for a way to finish this thing and be done with it,” he said.
Weismantel’s motion passed unanimously. The CPC continued the hearing to its next meeting on Nov. 13, where it will review and vote on the draft letter.
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Parks & Rec debates Fruit Street fees, funding for holiday lights
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Budgetary matters were the primary theme of the Oct. 28 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting as members discussed costs related to the Fruit Street fields and holiday lights on the Town Common.
Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus and program coordinator Colleen Allen gave a joint presentation to the commission detailing the revenues and expenses of the Fruit Street athletic complex. Lewitus explained the goal was to evaluate both the rates Parks & Rec charges groups to use the fields and the booking process.
“We’ve identified some things we’d like to change internally in terms of how we book the fields — specifically, the grass fields,” said Lewitus.
The presentation shared with the commission reviewed the income generated from groups that use the five 9v9 soccer fields. Two of the fields are turf, and the remaining three are grass. In fiscal year 2025, Parks & Rec collected $206,328 in revenue for Fruit Street. Associated expenses totaled $170,283, generating a net profit of $36,045.
Lewitus drilled down further, noting that the turf fields bring in around $160,000 in revenue versus $46,000 for grass. He added that the majority of the overall revenue comes from the Hopkinton Youth Soccer Association.
The largest expense associated with the athletic complex is maintenance of the grass fields, Lewitus shared. With all the other associated expenses, he estimated that the baseline cost to maintain the fields annually would start at around $158,000.
“It’s expensive to have excellent fields,” Parks & Rec chair Dan Terry remarked.
Following Lewitus and Allen’s presentation, the commission discussed the merits of raising field rates to generate additional revenue.
“I think we have to kind of parse this out and recognize that we’re losing a lot of money on the grass,” said Terry. “My end run here is we need to adjust rates.”
Terry hinted that the money likely would go to other expenses, such as the maintenance of Pyne Field once that project has been funded and completed. Citing maintenance of grass at Pyne Field at around $80,000, Terry expressed worries over the Parks & Rec Department asking the town for the remaining balance after applying the net revenue from Fruit Street.
Letwitus backed up Terry’s concerns over the town supplying the remaining field maintenance budget. “I don’t think there’s an appetite for the town to fund expenses for any fields,” he said.
Terry also doubted whether the two major user groups of the Pyne Field complex — Hopkinton Little League and local cricket organizations — would be willing to pay enough in user fees to cover that $80,000 in annual field maintenance.
Another factor Terry cited in his comments was that user fees for Fruit Street have not changed in the last 10 years.
“I don’t think raising our town user group fees … is the right thing to do,” said member Amy O’Donnell. “Looking at how we can cut [expenses] down, if that’s possible, that’s the best we can do.”
O’Donnell went on to argue that residents would end up paying “on both
sides” if fees were raised.
“I don’t think that will go well with people using the grass field,” added member Ravi Dasari. “We cannot just operate based on the profit motive.”
After further discussion, the commission determined it was not ready to make any decisions regarding user fee increases for the Fruit Street fields.
Holiday lights funding addressed
Lewitus updated the Parks & Rec Commission on his department’s program for holiday lights on the Town Common. “The contractor has reached out and said he was willing to do the same price [as last year],” said Lewitus.
“The bad news is we don’t have the funding for it,” he added.
The Parks & Rec Department eliminated the holiday lights program as part of its fiscal year 2026 budget upon recommendation from the town during the last budgeting cycle. At that time, the contractor had quoted the price for light installation at around $14,000, a significant increase from the $9,500 it charged in previous years.
Given the lower quote and interest from residents and organizations in town about bringing the holiday lights back, Lewitus informed the commission he had spoken to town leadership about the matter.
“I spoke with the Town Manager on this and asked what we legally can do in terms of soliciting and accepting donations or grants,” he explained.
Given a tight turnaround to accept the contractor’s offer and Parks & Rec’s other priorities, commission members were hesitant to encourage the department to engage in an active solicitation campaign.
“It looks like we don’t need to go around asking for donations,” said Dasari. “Put it up on Facebook or other social media platforms where people can just voluntarily come forward.”
“We’d be happy to do some general marketing things, put an email blast out or something like that, but that’s really the extent of what we’re doing,” Lewitus confirmed.
Vice chair Kyle Smith voiced the perspective that “you get what you signed up for” with the town’s recommendation to cut the lights from the budget. He also worried that soliciting donations from businesses could be viewed as quid pro quo.
Terry echoed Smith’s worries, noting that he wished there were more time for Parks & Rec staff to complete some manner of conflict of interest training.
Later in the meeting, the commission took public comment from Juanita Hanson, who joined the meeting on behalf of a coalition of organizations in town. Hanson informed commission members that the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and others had expressed interest in covering the cost of the holiday lights via donation.
“If we get that amount covered, is that something we can move forward with?” Hanson asked.
Lewitus explained that the donation would have to get approved by the Parks & Rec Commission and the Select Board. Hanson agreed to follow up with Lewitus regarding the rules and requirements for making said donation.
Conservation Commission expresses frustration with Toll Brothers over violations
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Conservation Commission on Nov. 4 reprimanded the representative for the Newbury Glen subdivision for the latest in a series of stormwater management violations, this time apparently brought about by a contractor in late October.
Newbury Glen, previously called Elmwood Farms III, is located off Blueberry Lane. It incurred three violations in July and August 2023, which led to an enforcement order that September. Another violation occurred in December 2024, and more recent stormwater violations there were discussed in March and in May.
Conservation Administrator Judy Day shared that chair Melissa Recos notified her of silt she observed on Oct. 26 in the stream that leads to the off-site basins at the development.
“Definitely not as bad as we’d seen earlier this year,” said Day as she displayed several pictures showing the water, “but still clearly turbid.”
Two days before, Day saw that a basin plug was “not fully closed.” Also, a larger basin off Blueberry Lane was “about as full as we’ve ever seen it and pretty filthy.”
“I think there’s questions about how Toll [Brothers] is planning to manage the volume that’s been in this basin,” she added.
Ted Merchant, the land development director for Toll Brothers, explained that he had “determined that the water was good enough to let out” of the basin, based upon pictures he had received from a contractor. The contractor opened the basin Oct. 24.
“The explanation that we had gotten was something changed within the basin,” he said. It was unclear to him “whether someone had pumped water in to the basin” while working on-site over that weekend.
Merchant noted that the site contractor relays information to him as to when he believes water should be discharged from the basin. Sometimes the water is pumped out through a silt bag to capture debris. Decisions are based on weather forecasts and potential rainfall amounts, he said.
“I feel like that basin never looks clean,” said Recos. “Obviously this wasn’t a rain event overtopping basins causing flow. It was definitely somebody’s choice to turn on the pump and allow the water to leave the basin in this condition.”
Recos added that there seemed to be a “breakdown in communication or oversight.” She also called out Merchant for allowing unsupervised pumping to happen on weekends. He agreed that the pump should be supervised and should only be de-watered on weekdays.
“This is not the Toll Brothers’ first rodeo in Hopkinton,” said member Ed Harrow. “This is a continuation of the same sorts of things we’ve seen before.”
Harrow called the situation “a failure of management.”
“It seems like the expectations have been laid out,” said co-vice chair Matt Moyen. “Hopefully we won’t have to talk about this again.”
Whisper Way truck accident discussed
In contrast to the Newbury Glen situation, the commission praised the actions by developers to act quickly to resolve issues after a tractor hit a tree and caught fire on Wood Street, near Whisper Way.
Day said she was contacted by Mark Arnold of Goddard Consultants on Oct. 30. Goddard, who represents the Nation development family, informed her that a dump truck had veered off the road leading to the subdivision on Whisper Way early that morning. It dumped a load of asphalt millings into the wetlands when it overturned.
“We came out after the truck was removed and saw a ton of work going on to remove the material from the wetland by hand before the rain hit,” she added. “They definitely acted quickly and were in really good communication with us.”
Day said she did not expect “any lasting damage” from the accident.
Crews quickly installed erosion controls and shoveled out the asphalt millings to remove them “as quickly as possible,” Arnold noted. The damaged area was replanted with willows, white pines, ferns and other vegetation to give the area “a boost of life.” Leaves were spread in the area to speed up soil regeneration.
Cheryl and Jim Rose are Hopkinton residents and members of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts who now spend their retirement years making art. Cheryl focuses on photography, while Jim paints with watercolors and acrylic. It’s
–Cheryl Rose
The couple’s work, which focuses on a shared love of nature, was featured in an exhibit at the HCA titled “Just the Two of Us” this past summer. “I like doing watercolors outside because there’s a certain
“I’m just at my wit’s end,” added co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook. “I don’t know how many times we need to have Toll Brothers reps here. It’s so, so, so deeply frustrating.”
Merchant apologized and agreed to communicate with Day and the commission about pumping plans moving forward.
AND JIM ROSE Photography/Painting
spontaneity to it … It’s like taking a snapshot outside.” said Jim. Cheryl, who shares her photos online, appreciates the reach her art can have. “It’s nice to have people respond to your photography,” she said.
Know your lingo
Real estate transactions come with lots of paperwork, which can be overwhelming; but a clear understanding of industry-specific terminology will help make the process feel less daunting. This first of two articles will break down the lingo to know when buying or selling a home.
Professional insights
Betterment: An improvement that increases a property’s value. Betterments can be private (such as adding a room) or public (like accepting to assume an interest-free loan from town over a specified number of years to tie into town water and sewer).
Consideration: The legal term for anything of value exchanged between parties. This is an essential element for a valid contract. Consideration can be money, property, a promise to perform, or even a promise not to do something.
Deed: A legal document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. Key elements include the names of the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer), a description of the property, words of conveyance, and an affidavit of consideration. When the parties close on the property, a new deed is recorded at the county’s registry of deeds.
Easement: A legal right that grants a third party the right to use a portion of someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as a utility company running lines or one neighbor granting access to their property to another neighbor to access their driveway or satisfy a
zoning requirement. Easements can be temporary or permanent and are typically recorded at the registry to legally enforce them.
Lender’s title insurance: Insurance that protects the mortgage lender’s financial interest in a property against title defects, such as liens or fraudulent deeds, that could arise after closing. The borrower is typically required to purchase this policy as a condition for getting a mortgage.
Lien: A legal claim against a property to secure the repayment of a debt (for example, unpaid contractor bills, or solar company contracts that could be transferred to the next homeowners with all parties’ approval). This claim may give a lienholder the right to seize and sell a property if the owner fails to meet their financial obligations, such as the mortgage or taxes. Liens must typically be paid off and resolved (a “clear title”) before a property can be sold.
Owner’s title insurance: A one-timecost policy that protects the homeowner against financial loss from title defects that existed before the policy was issued and during the life of your ownership and which could challenge the property’s ownership, such as undisclosed liens. This is typically good for the life of a loan and could be requested again when refinancing.
Remember, your real estate agent and attorney are your experts. Always ask if you have any doubts about definitions.
Kim Foemmel, Real Estate Broker Foemmel Fine Homes Hopkinton, MA 508.808.1149
Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com
Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week
Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 10-month-old Blue Jay.
Here is Baypath’s description of Blue Jay:
“Meet Blue Jay. This 10-month-old Catahoula leopard dog mix is as charming as they come. Blue Jay is a wiggly, happy boy who greets everyone with enthusiasm and a tail that never stops wagging.
“He’s playful and affectionate and loves walks, playtime and — most of all — being around people. Blue Jay has plenty of puppy energy and is still learning how to channel his excitement. He even jumps like a kangaroo when he’s really happy — it’s simply adorable. He’s very food-motivated and can’t wait to start training with an active family, making learning both fun and rewarding.
“If you’re looking for a sweet, active companion who’ll keep you smiling and moving, Blue Jay is your guy.”
For more information about Blue Jay 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.
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Kim Foemmel
WSAB hears idea for increasing in-basin water supply
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board at its meeting Oct. 29 heard a proposal from a resident water expert suggesting he might be able to increase Hopkinton’s in-basin water supply.
Ken Weismantel has served as a public member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission (WRC) for a decade. A vocal critic of the MWRA connection plan, he shared an idea that he believes could increase the town’s water supply, particularly during the summer months when usage is high.
“This year, I got interested in hurricanes,” he said, noting they are a monthly topic of discussion at WRC meetings.
His interactions there led to his being granted access to a monthly webinar hosted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The parent organization of the National Weather Service, NOAA conducts research and provides weather, water and climate forecasts and warnings.
Weismantel learned two pieces of data that sparked his idea for a policy change for the timing of the drawdown of the Hopkinton Reservoir. Currently, this occurs on June 1, when hurricane season starts. This brings the water to “a hurricane-safe level,” he said. Instead, Weismantel proposed waiting until Aug. 1 to prevent water from being “wasted.”
Weismantel explained his rationale for the change. The spillway, which is used to safety release excess water from the reservoir, cannot handle the volume of water a hurricane would generate. But according to his research, there has not been a hurricane in Massachusetts in the month of June “in recorded history.” Also, there has been only one tropical storm in July.
By waiting until August for the drawdown, the reservoir could capture more rain in June and July, he said. This would help the town meet the higher water demand.
A 1-foot drop in the reservoir’s water level equals about 59 million gallons of water, according to a state dam safety expert Weismantel recently consulted.
Another idea Weismantel proposed was seeing if the spillway could be enlarged.
Stressed Weismantel: “It might be cheaper than a lot of the stuff we’re doing.”
He called his proposal a “rough concept” that could lead to a “roadmap” for getting the town to an “all in-basin” system.
“If a storm is truly coming here, [the reservoir] is going to get refilled,” noted Weismantel. “And that’s a great thing.”
Members agreed that the ideas Weismantel presented were interesting. They suggested reaching out to state Senate president Karen Spilka and state Rep. James Arena-DeRosa for their feedback.
PFAS forum reviewed
Chair Paul Gallagher recounted his observations from the town’s PFAS forum held Sept. 16. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS have been a concern in town for several years. The issue prompted the installation of a water filtration system last year at Well 6, the town’s most used well.
“People in Hopkinton don’t need to be stressed about PFAS in drinking water if they’re on the public water supply,” he stressed. “The source that was contaminated above the current regulatory level is being treated. All of the other sources are
below the current regulatory limit.”
He added that the Select Board made having safe and reliable drinking water one of its annual goals, along with setting water and sewer rates.
When the new federal PFAS limit goes into effect in six years, Wells 7 and 8 may be above that metric. But by that time, Gal lagher said they may not be in operation.
Weismantel said he has been working with the Board of Health to adopt a policy that would require all new private wells to be tested for PFAS. Also, he suggested that wells be tested for PFAS upon the sale of a home.
“I think the town does not want to find PFAS data,” he said. “That seems to be the policy of town government.”
Gallagher noted that WSAB’s charge is to advise the town about the public water system, not private well testing.
“I don’t think we’d have an opinion on whether [private well] testing should be mandatory,” he said. “We just in general think it would be nice to have more data.”
Town’s drought status lowered
Gallagher noted that the state on Oct. 10 downgraded the region’s drought status to mild.
Hopkinton has experienced drought conditions for much of the year. During the winter months, frost prevented water from soaking into the ground, inhibiting the recharge of groundwater levels. The snow, which tended to be light and fluffy, did not contain much moisture.
Lack of significant rain during the spring and summer months prompted Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed on April 1 to enact mandatory water use restrictions. These prohibited non-essential uses such as lawn watering, vehicle washing and pool filling.
“That was before the last two decent rains,” Gallagher noted, “so we’re probably in pretty decent shape at the moment.”
He added that Reed had shared an email with him noting that, at that point, Ashland was “about a week away from needing to stop production.” The Howe Street Water Plant, located at the Hopkinton line, was only a foot above the shutdown level.
Conservation remains priority
On a related note, Gallagher shared that Reed applied for a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The grant would allow the town to complete an American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36 water conservation audit. The audit’s goal is to detect unaccounted-for water (UAW) that has been treated for drinking but lost through leaks, water main breaks and faulty or uncalibrated meters.
Weismantel said the M36 water audit needs to be completed by the town annually, whether or not it receives state funding.
Gallagher added that Reed is working with Assistant Town Manager Lance DelPriore to put together a residential water conservation education proposal.
Weismantel responded that the town needs to get the UAW “under control” if it wants to connect to the MWRA system. The town’s UAW rate in 2024 was 18%, according to a document shared with attendees. The target rate is 10% or less.
Planning Board continues Pyne Field redevelopment discussion
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
T
he Planning Board on Nov. 3 voted 8-0 to continue the hearing on the redevelopment of Pyne Field after the attorney for the abutting sawmill raised concerns about safety and the behavior of the cricket fans who attend games there.
The Community Preservation Committee in 2022 approved $1 million in funding to redesign Pyne Field for use as both baseball and cricket fields. Annual Town Meeting in May 2023 approved this allocation so the town could meet the resident demand for a cricket pitch in order to play the popular sport.
Since that time, a new design evolved for the natural grass field. It changed the orientation of the baseball field in order to accommodate the cricket pitch. As of late September, the project cost had nearly doubled to $1,939,000.
Parks director, project manager pitch plan
Parks & Recreation Department director John Lewitus explained that the project intends to convert the current baseball field and parking area into a “full-time cricket and baseball Little League field.” The plan also calls for a
— JB Sawmill attorney Neal Bingham
95-space parking lot to be built on the other side of the access road.
He noted that funding was approved four months before he began his employment as the town’s Parks & Rec director. The project began to “pick up steam in May of 2024” and has made what he described as slow, incremental progress while several smaller projects moved forward.
The field would operate from dawn until dusk, Lewitus said. No lights are planned for the parking lot or the field, so he is seeking a waiver from the requirement for electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation. A minor electrical connection is planned for the irrigation system as well as for a well and pump.
Project manager Colleen Fowler displayed the plans. She explained that reorienting the baseball field would allow the cricket pitch to fit. Fencing and guardrails are proposed along Fruit Street and the access road for protection. A separate ADAcompliant parking area with four spaces is situated between the cricket pitch and the access road.
A walkway is planned to go from the parking lot to the access road. Fowler said there will be a crosswalk on the access road. Stairs will lead up to the fields’ perimeter walkways.
“We’re not expecting much of an increase in foot traffic here,” she added. “We’re just hoping to make this an overall better facility for the com-
munity.”
Principal Planner Aneri Patel noted that she expects to receive a peer review of the project next week for review at the Nov. 17 meeting.
“I know a lot of people are very excited about it,” said Parker Happ, the board’s CPC liaison. “But one key thing to note is that this thing is over budget, and anything we can do to help avoid any additional cost overruns would be incredibly helpful.”
Sawmill attorney slams proposal
Attorney Neal Bingham represented the owners of JB Sawmill, located at 36 Fruit Street. He noted that the business obtained an easement in 2009 from the town that allowed it to use the access road, which he described as “more of a driveway.”
He explained that the project interferes with the easement rights granted to his client. Without that easement, he said the sawmill would not be able to operate.
Bingham also said the current site plan “is trying to squeeze much, much too much into a very small space.”
Safety was another concern raised by Bingham. He said the sawmill had no previous issues with the athletic field because it was on the other side of the easement, along with the parking area. Adding the cricket pitch where the parking area now is located will force attendees to cross the road to get from the parking lot to the fields.
Bingham pointed out what he called “the misuse, abuse and interference” of the easement caused by attendees of cricket games now on the lower field. He said cars tend to park on both sides of the access road, ignoring the no parking signs that his clients installed to ensure the sawmill trucks have room to operate safely. People also gather in the access road to watch cricket contests, he claimed.
“We’ve got nothing against cricket,” said Bing-
Spotted lanternflies found at park
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Acting on a tip from residents, the Hopkinton Health Department recently identified the presence of spotted lanternflies at Carrigan Park.
Late last month, residents whose property abuts the park, located behind 85 Main Street, noted the presence of the invasive insects on trees there. That information was reported to the state and passed along to the Health Department. Health Director Shaun McAuliffe went out to survey the park on Oct. 29.
“I can confirm there are … about 100 lanternflies we identified without any effort,” McAuliffe told the Independent. He said that after documenting the situation, he plans to notify the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.
Spotted lanternflies are invasive, sap-feeding insects native to Asia. According to the Massachusetts Introduced Pests Outreach Project, the flies attack “a wide variety off trees, shrubs and vines” and could impact agricultural activities.
“An infestation at an orchard or a vineyard or a hop-growing facility could devastate the industry,” McAuliffe explained.
The insects primarily are attracted to tree of heaven, an invasive plant species also from Asia. McAuliffe and abutters around Carrigan Park confirmed the flies were found near trees of heaven on the property.
The Health Department’s role now is to monitor the situation for state agencies such as MDAR and cooperate with eradicating the flies. McAuliffe said his department is working to recruit residents to kill the bugs with a spray solution of dish soap and water. He added that power washers might be used when possible.
In the meantime, residents are taking matters into their own hands. Lucia Lopez, an abutter of
Carrigan Park, told the Independent in an email that one of her neighbors had deputized her two children to hunt the bugs, complete with a 10-cent bounty per fly. Lopez noted her children racked up over $8 on a recent weekend and were eager to spread awareness.
“They’re excited to share their experience at school so more people know about these pests, since lots of their friends spend time at Carrigan Park during baseball season,” said Lopez.
A spotted lanternfly rests on a tree at Carrigan Park.
Real cost of delaying furnace replacement
As fall turns to winter, many homeowners are busy preparing for the colder months ahead — changing filters, checking thermostats, changing the batteries in the smoke/CO2 detectors and stocking up on firewood. But for those with aging furnaces, there’s another question that’s harder to ignore: Should we repair or replace?
At first glance, postponing a furnace replacement might seem like a budgetfriendly option. After all, repairs often cost less upfront than a full install. But experts warn that waiting too long can result in hidden costs that quickly outweigh any short-term savings.
Efficiency loss = higher bills
Older furnaces tend to operate at much lower efficiency levels than today’s highperformance systems. In fact, a 20-yearold furnace might be operating at only 6070% efficiency, meaning up to 40 cents of every heating dollar is literally going up the flue. Newer models routinely achieve 95% or better efficiency, translating into significant monthly savings on energy bills.
Put simply, every winter you keep an old furnace running, you’re likely paying more than you need to for less comfort.
Safety risks
It’s not just about efficiency. Aging systems can develop cracks or leaks in their heat exchangers, which may allow dangerous gases like carbon monoxide to enter your home. Even small leaks or
improper venting can pose health hazards, especially for children, older adults or those with respiratory issues.
Routine maintenance helps reduce these risks, but it can’t always offset the wear and tear that naturally accumulates over decades.
Unplanned emergencies
Few things are worse than a furnace failing on the coldest night of the year. Emergency repairs can be costly, and finding parts for older models can be difficult or even impossible. Plus, when you’re desperate for heat, you may end up settling for a “quick fix” rather than making the thoughtful, informed choice you would have preferred in the fall.
Financing options make replacement easier
The good news is that replacing a furnace doesn’t have to break the bank. Many reputable local companies, including Pro Comfort Control, offer financing options, rebates or seasonal promotions to make the transition more manageable. Some even include perks like free smart thermostats or extended labor warranties to add long-term value.
Smart investment in comfort, peace of mind
While it’s tempting to delay a replacement one more season, the long-term math rarely adds up. Between rising utility bills, mounting repair costs and potential safety issues, delaying can cost more — in dollars and in peace of mind — than acting now.
For more information on furnace replacement options, contact:
Alexandra McKernan, Co-owner
Ryan McKernan, Co-owner Pro Comfort Control A/C & Heating Installation 508-955-4776
Framingham, MA
Info@ProComfortControl.com ProComfortControl.com
Planning Board continues Pyne Field redevelopment discussion
ham. “However, it has to be safe, and this is just not safe.”
Added Bingham: “Exploring every option is the very least Parks & Recreation owes the town of Hopkinton.”
Lewitus defends plan
Lewitus clapped back against Bingham’s assertion that his clients’ concerns have been ignored. He noted that sawmill representatives have participated in “every single Parks & Rec [Commission] meeting” when the project has been on the agenda.
He also said he has been to cricket games and has spoken to attendees about not parking on the access road and put out cones to deter that practice. Lewitus also asked the DPW to install no parking signs.
Lewitus added that the design was updated to take feedback from the sawmill owners into account about the
location of the crosswalk. There have been four design plans during the past two years, he said.
Lewitus noted that the new parking lot should mitigate concerns about parking in the easement. While there will be “a learning curve,” if participants do not obey the parking rules, their field use permit can be revoked.
“I just want to stress that I’ve made this a very public project,” he stressed. “There is a large cricket community and a large baseball community that would really like this field.”
The redevelopment project also would free up space for other recreational uses, including lacrosse and soccer, Lewitus added.
Member Vikasith Pratty noted that cricket players have held practices at night, bringing their own lanterns. This statement appeared to take Lewitus aback, as he said he was unaware this was happening.
A site walk was planned for Nov. 15 at 8:30 a.m.
Ryan McKernan Alexandra McKernan
Parents thank HFD for delivering baby in ambulance
Baby | from page 1
Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where her obstetrician practices, for advice.
“They were like, ‘Oh, it sounds like early labor. It doesn’t sound that painful, and the contractions aren’t lasting that long,’ ” she recalled. “They told me to get some rest and see how I felt in the morning.”
She was awakened suddenly at around 1:15 a.m. the next morning by “super strong contractions.”
“I woke up to, it felt like a gut punch, but obviously it was my water breaking,” she explained. “But as soon as my water broke, I basically knew immediately that I was ready to have the baby.”
Her husband helped her from the bedroom to the entryway, she added. But at that point, she instinctively knew they would not make it to the hospital in time. Kara urged Jesse to call 911.
Kara praised the first responders, who arrived in “about five minutes.” They took her to Milford Regional Medical Center, the closest option.
“He was born about five minutes before we got to the hospital,” she said. “From the time I woke up and my water broke to the time we got there, it was only about 45 minutes.
“I was just in another world,” she added, noting she was simultaneously calm and in pain. “I didn’t care who was around or where I was. Let’s just have this baby.”
Kara said this was her first natural delivery. The couple’s 3-year-old son, Eli, was born by Cesarean section.
Dad: ‘Chaotic’ experience
Jesse said he was “half asleep and discombobulated” at first as he rushed to call 911 for his wife.
“It was sort of chaotic,” he explained.
The expectant father rushed to wake Eli and call his parents, who live an hour away in Falmouth, to meet them at the hospital. He thought about waking a neighbor for help in what he described as a “tight-knit” neighborhood on a deadend street. He decided against it, not wanting to wake anyone.
“The Fire Department didn’t do the sirens or anything, so our neighbors really had no idea,” said Jesse. “I think they saw something on Facebook. They’re like, ‘Hey, was that you with the baby with the ambulance?’ We’re like, yeah, that was us.”
Said Jesse: “It was a little crazy, but I’m just glad that we didn’t have him on our floor in the house.”
He also complimented the EMTs for their care and professionalism. Doug Lewis drove the ambulance, while Patrick Rahill delivered the baby with the assistance of Rob Caron.
“They did really good job,” said Jesse. “I felt very calm with them. They gave a very reassuring presence, even though it was chaotic.”
Jesse added that he appreciated that the responders were trained in delivering babies in case there was a breech birth. One EMT noted that he had not been involved in a baby’s delivery in the 30 years of his firefighting career.
Micah was born at about 2 a.m., according to Jesse. He came in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches.
Jesse said he made it to the hospital about 20 minutes after Micah was born. He was happy to be able to participate in cutting the cord.
“There were 20 people waiting for me at the door to take me in,” he said. “It was overwhelming and really nice.” Both mother and child were discharged from the hospital about 12 hours after the birth.
“That was a good sign because it meant they were both healthy,” said Jesse.
He noted that the EMTs explained that it had been a busy night for the HFD. Earlier in the evening, a car had struck a telephone pole on Hayden Rowe Street, setting it ablaze. The car took down the pole and some wires.
“It was the perfect storm for the Fire Department with all the activity,” said Jesse.
Jesse advised expectant fathers to educate themselves about home births in case a situation like his family experienced occurs.
“If it’s getting close to the delivery date, they might want to watch some YouTube videos about home births,” he said. “But the most important thing is to be a supportive husband or partner.”
Baby visits HFD
The proud parents visited the fire station on Oct. 24 to introduce Micah to the men who brought him safely into the world. They gave Lewis, Rahill and Caron gift cards to Muffin House Cafe in appreciation for their efforts.
Said Jesse: “We may decide to make this an annual family tradition.”
Micah was appropriately dressed, wearing an outfit sporting a cartoon panda driving an ambulance.
“You can trust the Fire Department if you need them for that kind of service,” said Jesse.
Micah Diamond was born in an HFD ambulance early in the morning of Sept. 29.
How it Works
Custom light designs to complement your home’s features
installed lights that we maintain throughout the season
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in
508.808.1149
The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous two weeks.
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.
Sound Bath
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2:15 p.m.
In this magical and relaxing hour, Crystal Lee will lead participants in experiencing the sound waves from crystal bowls. They are meant to synchronize brain wave frequencies, fostering deep relaxation and a tranquil mind, which may ease anxiety, manage stress and support a balanced mood. Attendees should bring a yoga mat, pillow and blanket, and may sit or lie down for this session. Advance registration is required.
Tragic Story of Bonnie and Clyde
Monday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m.
This presentation brings the story
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.
SCHEDULE UPDATE
The Hopkinton Public Library will be closed Nov. 27-30 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Hopkinton Library Board of Trustees will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.
ALL AGES PROGRAMS
Puzzle Race
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Teams will race to complete the same 500-piece puzzle first. This program is appropriate for ages 9 and up, and the maximum team size is six competitors. Registration is required, and only one registration form per team is needed. Those interested can contact
of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde to life with rare period photographs, original footage and modern photos and videos captured by historian, author and public speaker Christopher Daley. In his talk, Daley will separate Hollywood myth from fact to dig into the complex true story of Bonnie and Clyde.
Coffee Hour with Town Manager
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 9:30 a.m.
All members of the community are invited to join Hopkinton Town Manager Elaine Lazarus at the Senior Center for an informal coffee chat. Residents are welcome to bring questions about local initiatives, share ideas and connect with town leadership.
Senior Center Holiday Sale/Silent Auction
Friday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Silent auction items will be available for bidding from Nov. 10 until Nov. 22 at noon. The sale will include baked goods, holiday decor items, handmade goods and more. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Hopkinton Seniors, which helps support nutrition, transportation and other programming needs for the Senior Center.
Adult Services librarian Dan Boudreau at dboudreau@hopkintonma.gov with any questions.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Truth and Persistence of Love Across Time
Thursday, Nov. 13, 7-8 p.m.
Individuals can join the Hopkinton Public Library in an online conversation with acclaimed writer Amanda Peters as she discusses her instant bestselling novel, “The Berry Pickers,” as well as her short fiction collection, “Waiting for the Long Night Moon: Stories.” Registration is required.
Secret Language of Connection
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2-3 p.m.
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Charles Duhigg, author of “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection,” will join the Hopkinton Public Library for a virtual conversation all about the power of successful communication. Registration is required.
Buurstra, Natsuko Buurstra
Shanmuga Subramanian, Nithya Ravikumar
Kim Foemmel
Select Board talks e-bike safety, recognizes Whalen
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board on Nov. 4 discussed safety concerns around the escalating use of electric bicycles in town, particularly on trails and in the downtown area.
Trails Committee chair Peter LaGoy told the board that over the past six months, the use of e-bikes had detrimentally impacted town trails.
While there are benefits to e-bike use, he said that young people have been damaging the trails with them, as well as speeding and nearly clipping trail users. The Trails Committee proposed recommending a 10 mph speed limit for e-bikes and traditional bicycles on trails.
Stressed LaGoy: “As far as I know, we haven’t had an accident on the trails yet. But it’s only a matter of time.”
The Trails Committee began looking at the issue a year ago, he said. Because the number of e-bike users has increased dramatically, he asked for the board’s help in what he called a “town-wide issue.” He said he has seen e-bikes “buzzing down the middle of Main Street at 25 mph.”
LaGoy stressed a two-pronged approach of education and enforcement. This would balance the positives of e-bike use with an emphasis on safety.
“I see this as: Are we doing everything we can to inform people, educate them and really just make sure that we’re viewing this from a public safety perspective?” said chair Joe Clark.
Clark invited Deputy Police Chief
This is another instance where technology has outpaced the Legislature. There’s really nothing other than enforcing the helmet law that we as a police department can do.
— Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten
Scott van Raalten and Fire Chief Gary Daugherty to speak about their concerns regarding e-bike use. They both stressed the need for safety, but they looked at it from different angles.
“This is another instance where technology has outpaced the Legislature,” said van Raalten. “There’s really nothing other than enforcing the helmet law that we as a police department can do.”
He explained that e-bikes are not required to be registered by the state. The only law is that individuals under age 17 must wear helmets. Town ordinances can be drafted to regulate e-bike use on non-paved trails.
Van Raalten suggested creating an educational campaign in cooperation with the schools.
Daugherty mentioned a concern with e-bike batteries. Improper charging and storage has led to an increase in house fires nationally, he said.
Member Brian Herr suggested a Town Meeting article creating an e-bike bylaw. He said if the town could initiate a policy that would include impounding the e-bikes of repeat offenders, “I think
we’d get down the path pretty quickly, pardon the pun.”
Whalen receives plaque
Mike Whalen appeared before the board to discuss Veterans Day activities. The longtime volunteer and member of veterans committees in town was unaware that this appearance also was arranged to honor him for his contributions.
The annual Toys for Tots drive, for which Whalen is a volunteer manager, kicks off Nov. 12. A box will be located in the police station’s lobby until midDecember to collect donations.
Regular activities for veterans include a monthly breakfast on the first Friday of the month at the Senior Center, he added.
Fellow veteran Ken Weismantel, the chair of the Community Preservation Committee, presented Whalen with a plaque from the CPC in honor of his performing the restoration work on the stone bridge on the Southborough border for free.
currently in free cash would cover the $10.6 million for those requests. The rest would be equal to the amount needed to fund the stabilization and Other PostEmployment Benefits (OPEB) accounts.
Town departments also have submitted their operating budget requests. LaPierre said that while some departments adhered to the guideline that their requests should not exceed 2.5% over the previous year, the majority are “well over” that amount.
Overall, LaPierre said the budget is about 6% over last year’s amount; the school budget is 7.6% over. This created a $1.8 million projected shortfall at this point.
Herr noted that having a shortfall early in the budget process is somewhat typical. The FY 25 budget started out having a $1,881,664 gap between anticipated revenues and proposed expenses.
Stressed Herr: “We’re either going to be a drama-managed process, or we’re going to stick to some numbers and try to avoid some of the drama.”
“We’ve got to stress patience through the process,” added chair Joe Clark, saying that some future capital projects may need to be delayed.
CV process review continues
“You know that Mike’s such a humble guy that he would not show up here if it was an agenda item,” Weismantel said.
The board continued to discuss ways to improve the application and renewal process for common victualer (CV) licenses. This review began two weeks ago in response to residents and others requesting an overhaul of the licensing process.
Replied Whalen: “That’s right.”
“Obviously, it’s much appreciated to receive recognition from your peers,” he added. “This is a very special moment for me.”
Budget updates discussed
The Select Board discussed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, noting that the current projected budget shortfall of $1.8 million should not cause residents to panic this early in the process.
Kyla LaPierre, the town’s chief financial officer, explained that all capital requests have been submitted. The Capital Improvement Committee will begin its review of those requests Wednesday and will meet weekly over the next four weeks.
She pointed out that the $12 million
During the past several meetings, speakers during the public comment period questioned why former Hillers Pizza owner Petros “Peter” Sismanis was allowed to run the business despite being a convicted sex offender.
In June, Sismanis also was found guilty of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and two counts of witness intimidation after a two-day trial. This prompted the Select Board to look for gaps in the CV licensing process.
At this meeting, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said that her office created a flow chart that showed how the application process moves forward. Also shared was a chart comparing the license requirements of neighboring communities with Hopkinton, as well as the city of Boston.
The board will vote on all new CV applications and renewals during its two
Select Board | 15
EDAB hears frank report on town’s financial future from CFO
EDAB | from page 1
higher than 2.5%, she said. For example, the school budget is expected to increase to $70 million, a 6% jump. She noted that this budget has been increasing by 5-6% “year after year.” But there is not much to trim because of increasing student enrollment.
The forecast for the following two fiscal years, she added, is “not as positive.” She projected a $1 million deficit for both FY 28 and FY 29 unless the town takes on additional debt.
School construction in FY 26 will amount to $14 million, she said. Projected amounts of $4 million for FY 28 and $28 million for FY 29 are on the horizon, provided that current projects do not carry over into successive years.
“Revenue is extremely thin,” she stressed. “Everything you’re doing is exceedingly important in order to increase
From a financial forecast, I think we’re going to be OK for FY 27 without additional debt. It’s not a good outlook over the next couple of years.
— Town CFO Kyla LaPierre
Split tax rate discussed
LaPierre mentioned the possibility of creating a split tax rate.
Member Finley Perry, a former chair of the Board of Assessors and a member of the now-defunct Growth Study Com mittee, offered some perspective. He said this was done in the early 1990s for
a TIF with Galper. LaPierre said TIFs “are great for the businesses coming in,” but the request comes at a time when the town is
who want to see growth.
“Charm and quaintness doesn’t pay for my tax liability,” he said. He noted that it comes down to either “pay up or grow.”
“It’s probably both,” added Happ. “But that’s what we’re kind of facing.”
Meals tax generates $200,000
Chun said the meals tax implemented in January has generated $200,000. The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce recently recommended that the money be used to fund a full-time economic
MCAS shows positive results, areas to improve
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
On the MCAS math tests in Grades 3-8, Hopkinton had the highest percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations of any public school in Massachusetts.
Also in those grades, the district was one of 63 state-wide to have its math scores return to or surpass pre-pandemic levels.
Jeff LaBroad, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, highlighted the MCAS results during the Nov. 6 School Committee meeting.
LaBroad noted the district uses a range of assessments to monitor and evaluate how students are progressing.
“MCAS is only one piece of the puzzle when looking at our students,” LaBroad said. The various assessments “help us understand what our learners need and how we can support them.”
The review included data showing the percentage of students from Grades 3-10 who met or exceeded expectations. The results ranged from 65% and 69% in Grades 3 and 4 up to 80% and 84% in Grades 8 and 10 for English/language arts.
The grades in between ranged from 70% to 76%.
For math, the percentages ranged from 71% in Grade 3 up to 82% in
Grades 5, 6 and 8. The remaining grades primarily were in the high 70s.
In science, technology and engineering (STE), Grades 5 and 10 were at 80%, and Grade 8 was 72%.
LaBroad explained that civics was included for the first time (following a pilot program). In Grade 8, 78% of Hopkinton students met or exceeded expectations. He said this result was double the state average and ranked third in Massachusetts.
The assistant superintendent said although MCAS no longer are part of graduation requirements, there was no
dramatic shift in results, demonstrating that “students still want to show what they know.”
School Committee member Nancy Cavanaugh said that when she looks at the percentages, she thinks about the other side of things. “I know these are great [results], but to me, 20% or 16% [not meeting or exceeding expectations] is not. That is surprising to me.”
LaBroad said educators think the same way, analyzing the other side to see what they are doing and how they can get those percentages to improve.
School Committee member Chris Masters asked about the students who did not meet or exceed expectations and where their results landed.
LaBroad clarified that most of those students “partially” met expectations, with “nearly none” not meeting expectations.
Part of the presentation included a comparison with other districts across the state and how Hopkinton measured up in the number of students meeting or exceeding expectations. For example, in English/language arts, Hopkinton ranked seventh in Grades 4, 5, 6 and 10 and third in Grade 8.
In math, Hopkinton was first in Grade 5 (tied with Brimfield) when compared with all public, non-charter school districts in Massachusetts. Other highlights were second-place rankings in Grades 2 and 8 and fifth in Grades 4 and 7.
In Grades 5, 8 and 10, the district
ranked seventh, eighth and ninth, respectively, in the state for STE.
[Editor’s note: For more on the MCAS results, see a longer version of this story at HopkintonIndependent. com.]
Hopkins project ahead of schedule
At its Oct. 30 meeting, the committee accepted a revised schedule for the Hopkins School project and agreed to investigate “additional scope” options at a future meeting.
The schedule change has the addition substantially completed by Dec. 19, 2025, instead of the expected contract date of Feb. 4, 2026.
Chris Eberly, project executive at Vertex, said the project “is significantly ahead of schedule, which is always a great place to be as an owner.”
The school project is expected to be completed and ready for students in August 2026.
The $52.4 million project has a committed-to-date total of $46.2 million, or 88%.
Eberly said Vertex has been meeting with contractor Commodore Builders to schedule more disruptive activities outside of school hours — such as in the evenings or on Saturdays during the “extra” six weeks gained.
Hopkins School Principal Matt Cotter said at first he was “not thrilled” with the idea of construction starting earlier. However, recognizing there will be disruption either way, Cotter said he is supportive of the idea, especially because some of the work moves to off hours.
“A silver lining,” Cotter said, is that fifth graders will be able to experience a new gym six weeks earlier.
The change means the duration of the temporary kitchen is extended, needed in December and January as well as the anticipated period of March to June.
In addition to the two extra months for the kitchen, Richie Schugre of Commodore and Eberly spoke about other work that could be done, including replacing all flooring and furniture (past its life) in the building, regrouting of floor tiles in existing bathrooms, replacing the existing water heater, previously School Committee | 17
Local and state dignitaries shovel dirt Nov. 4 in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Charleswood Elementary School off Hayden Rowe Street.
Hopkinton schools receive high ranks in national survey
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Hopkinton Middle School and two Hopkinton elementary schools received high rankings statewide in an annual survey of public schools conducted by U.S. News & World Report released recently.
HMS placed seventh statewide for Massachusetts middle schools for 2026. In the elementary school category, Hopkins School ranked 11th while Elmwood School was 21st out of 1,542 schools in the state.
U.S. News & World Report’s rankings use the same methodology for all included grade levels, according to the report. For each state, schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves, while the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics. The publication analyzed data for 81,046 pre-K, elementary and middle schools nationwide.
In an email to the Independent, school superintendent Evan Bishop praised the results as the result of collaboration among students, staff and families.
“These rankings really reflect the collective effort across our schools,” stated Bishop. “The dedication of our staff, the hard work and curiosity of our students, and the unwavering support of our families all contribute to these results.
“At every level, you see a shared commitment to excellence, whether it’s the strong sense of community, the focus on growth and engagement, or the deep
collaboration and innovation,” he continued. “I’m incredibly proud of how our schools work together to ensure each student is both challenged and supported.”
HMS accomplishments
HMS had an overall score of 98.74/100 in this survey. The school’s strengths showed in its testing results. Out of 478 schools, the middle school ranked seventh in math proficiency and tied for 15th in reading proficiency. The survey noted that the school performed “well above expectations.”
At HMS, 78% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 74% scored at or above that level for reading. These percentages are fairly consistent with the district-wide percentages. Overall, 75% of students in the district tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 79% tested at or above that level for math.
The middle school outperformed the statewide average. In Massachusetts, 42% of students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 41% tested at or above that level for math.
Hopkins highlights
Hopkins, which serves students in grades 4-5, had an overall score of 98.94/100. Out of 944 schools ranked in Massachusetts, the school came in 23rd in reading proficiency. It tied for 16th in math proficiency. Hopkins also performed “well above average,” according to the survey.
In math, 81% of students scored at or above the proficient level. In reading, 76% scored at or above that level. These percentages bested the state average by a wide margin.
Elmwood excellence
approved Loop Road work, and replacement of existing toilet partitions.
Taking the opportunity to “loop in” that work now would negate future capital project requests, Eberly said.
The question will be whether to turn back money to the town (approximately $4 million) or spend some of it on these items. Eberly said he would return with costs at a future meeting.
The School Committee did not authorize any funds for these “added scope” expenditures but did accept the revised schedule.
Groundbreaking held
In other business, Superintendent Evan Bishop talked about the successful groundbreaking ceremony at the Charleswood School site on Nov. 4.
“It was really nice to feel the sense of pride and shared ownership on this project,” Bishop said, “not only on this day but throughout the many years this project has been in the works.”
Elmwood, attended by students in grades 2-3, had an overall score of 97.88/100. The school had 78% of students score at or above the proficient level for math, while 75% scored at or above that level for reading.
Reading performance at the Elmwood was categorized as “somewhat above expectations,” tying for 26th place in that category. In math proficiency, the school was tied for 22nd place, hitting “well above expectations.” These scores exceeded the state average.
Common factors
The student-teacher ratios at these schools were fairly consistent with other high-ranked schools. The student-teacher ratio for Hopkins is 15:1, while the other two schools have a 14:1 studentteacher ratio.
The ratio of female to male students is nearly equal at HMS, where 50% of the students identified as female and 49% identified as male. At the Hopkins, the ratio of female to male students is 49% to 51%. Demographics at Elmwood show that 44% of the students are female and 56% are male.
SportS
Another successful year for Hopkinton unified hoops
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
H
opkinton’s unified basketball team — which pairs athletes who have intellectual disabilities with teammates known as “partners” — put together another strong season this fall. The roster featured a total of 46 players — 13 athletes and 33 partners. But the impressive showing has become the norm for the Hopkinton program, said coach Jay Golden.
“The number one reason we have such good numbers is because we have good kids in the building who want to be part of something that is bigger than themselves,” Golden said. “This is a great avenue for them to be able to do that.”
The season featured several games and a fun finish that included a game at Bellingham, a jamboree in Natick that included a reception for the players, and a Tri-Valley League jamboree at Ashland on Nov. 10. This year’s team has numerous members, both athletes and partners, who have been with the program for multiple years.
“They find, pretty quickly, that the connections they make with each other, it makes their day,” Golden said. “They have a great experience, they let their friends know about it. We have so many good kids in the building who want to build friendship and connections; we are fortunate to have that.”
The Hillers had seven captains, which Golden said was helpful given the size of the overall roster. Athletes Tanush Vuda, who is in the 18-22 program, and Johnny Murray, a senior, were two of the captains this fall.
“They do a good job at practice,” Golden said. “They lead the stretching, they psych the kids up before games, they do a really good job.”
The five partner captains all submitted essays explaining why they want to be a team captain. The group includes Alyssa Budden, Ella Tedstone, Tory Ahlstrom-Hall, Gavin Cho and Zoe Le Vine, all of whom also participate in other sports.
“They all go out of their way to connect with the kids
and make sure the experiences our athletes have in practices, in games and in the school community are positive,” Golden said.
Hopkinton’s athletes include freshmen Sriram Kondaveti and Praneel Srimant, sophomores Avery Schact, Kartik Sharma, Landon Rockhold, Nikki
Tenneti and Ryan Molfetas, juniors Jenny Zhang and Giovanni Dos Santos, senior Meri Sahakyan and Jack Ruran from the 18-22 program.
“It’s a good mix of athletes who have been with us for a long time and newer ones,” Golden said. “But they are all having a great experience.”
Hopkinton cheer has fun with larger roster
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Ayearago at this time, the Hopkinton winter cheerleading team only had six girls express interest in participating. This year, the Hillers already have 19 athletes hoping to join the squad. The sharp uptick in participation is a continuation from the fall campaign, said coach Allyson Link.
“The goal of increasing interest has been achieved,” Link said. “To go from six last year to 19 this year is a crazy jump.”
During the fall season, Hopkinton fielded two teams. All 22 athletes on the team took part in the sideline team, cheering during football games. A total of 12 girls formed the competition team, tasked with trying to get the Hillers deep into the fall season through the Tri-Valley League, regional and state meets. Even with a bigger roster, the first competition of the year was a challenge, Link said.
juniors choose to come out for the cheerleading team for the first time. The team almost doubled in size, and it’s really cool.”
Hopkinton does have two freshmen on the sideline team, and four sophomores competing.
“We had a lot of injuries,” she said. “But we hit a clean routine against some good teams.”
Since that competition in October, the Hillers were able to get healthier and also add more difficulty to their routine. All season along, they have relied heavily on their three captains: seniors Jordyn Richard and Katie DellaCioppa and junior Katherine Martinez. The veteran leadership has been especially important with a team featuring several new athletes.
“We don’t have any freshmen on the competition team, but we do have two girls who had not cheered before they made the team,” Link said. “We have quite a few new people, which is great. They are doing really well. It’s crazy to have eight or nine
The Hillers started the fall looking to build on the success they had last year during the competition season, when the Hillers earned a wild card spot to make it to the state meet for the first time in nine years. But having two teams, which was not the case for Hopkinton last year, also has taken some of the pressure off of the athletes who are not competing and allowed them to have more fun, Link said, and improved the overall team morale.
“I have really tried to make them more visible on social media,” she said. “We have been going to more community events and performing. I am trying to get them involved in things to make it more fun and, with two teams, there is an opportunity to do fun things.”
HHS cheerleaders perform a routine during a football game in September.
Members of the HHS unified basketball gather at midcourt following a game earlier this season.
HHS field hockey works OT to reach D1 quarterfinals
Hopkinton High School field hockey players celebrate their overtime victory over visiting Brookline in the opening round of the state tournament on Nov. 1.
The Hopkinton High School field hockey team rallied from a two-goal deficit to win in an overtime shootout over seventh-seeded Concord-Carlisle on Nov. 5 and advance to the Division 1 state quarterfinals.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
The 10th-seeded Hillers trailed 3-1 but came back to tie the score at 3-3 in the fourth quarter. After a scoreless OT, the teams went to a shootout, and visiting Hopkinton prevailed 3-1, with Mary Finnegan, Ella Fowler and Taylor Interrante scoring the goals, while HHS goalie Riley Curtin turned away three of C-C’s four attempts.
It marked Hopkinton’s second tournament game that went to extra time. In the opener on Nov. 1, Abby Burke scored two goals, including the gamewinner on a breakaway in overtime to give the Hillers a 2-1 victory over visiting Brookline.
With just over five minutes remaining in the first overtime period, Interrante stole a pass near midfield. After a nice move to evade a defender, Interrante found Burke wide open and past the last line of defense. From the right side, Burke lifted a near-side shot past the goalie for the winner.
Hopkinton opened the scoring less than 90 seconds into the game. Emmy Foster took a shot from about 10 yards away. Mary Finnegan, standing about 5 yards in front of the net, deflected it to the left side, where Burke slammed it home, inside the near post.
Brookline, the 23rd seed, tied it up midway through the second quarter.
Girls soccer sharp early
Catherine Chow and Aila Chase combined for two first-half goals to lead the 14th-seeded HHS girls soccer team to a 4-1 victory over visiting Weymouth on Nov. 4 in the Division 1 state tournament’s Round of 32.
Chow twice made long, pinpoint passes to lead Chase to pay dirt, and the speedy striker converted both times — once just past the midpoint of the first half, and then again 16 minutes later. Twelve minutes into the second
half, Natalie Prisco sent a pass from left midfield across to the right side, in front of the box. Her older sister, Emma Prisco, raced up and one-touched a looper that went over the goalie’s head and just under the crossbar for a 3-0 lead.
Hopkinton scored its final goal with 10:20 remaining. Izzy Dunne tracked down a long pass, outmaneuvered two defenders and delivered a left-footed shot that deflected off the goalie and found its way to the back of the net.
Boys soccer falls to Framingham
The HHS boys soccer team saw its season come to end Nov. 4 with a 5-1 loss at sixth-seeded Framingham in the Division 1 Round of 32. Landon Van Buren had the lone goal for HHS, which trailed 4-0 at the half.
The 27th-seeded Hillers finished the season with a record of 9-6-4.
In a preliminary-round game a day earlier, Daniel Morrissey, Josh Kim and Rocco Spinelli scored for Hopkinton in a 3-1 victory over visiting Methuen, the 38th seed.
Girls VB falls in first round
The HHS girls volleyball team was ousted from the Division 1 state tournament with a 3-0 loss to 13th-seeded Bishop Feehan on Oct. 30.
The 20th-seeded Hillers lost by scores of 25-18, 25-17 and 25-12 and finished their season at 12-9.
Boys XC wins TVL title
The HHS boys cross-country team won the Tri-Valley League meet late last month, led by individual champion Sean Finnegan. Teammate Matt Fitzgibbons took fifth.
The HHS girls finished fourth in their meet.
Cheer advances to regionals
The HHS cheer team competed in the Tri-Valley League meet Nov. 2 and qualified for the regional competition.
The talented Wongchaisuwat is “an incredible teammate,” shared coach Laura McKenzie, adding: “He helped pace 10 teammates — four of them freshmen! — to break 20 minutes on our home course, a testament to his selflessness and leadership. Thunn’s dedication, positivity and teamwork make him a valued member of our program, and he will be a key part of our future success.”
Elected a team captain as a junior, “Wafiya has been a strong leader all season,” according to coach Jean Cann. “She is a consistent top-five scorer for the team and has done a fabulous job encouraging and including younger runners and peers in every way. … She goes out of her way to talk to everyone on the team.”
HHS Athlete Spotlight Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.
Thunn Wongchaisuwat Boys cross-country Sophomore
Wafiya Syeda Girls cross-country Junior
Laura Wauters REALTOR®
32 HASTINGS ST. #201, MENDON, MA PHOTOS/JOHN CARDILLO
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
Trails Club Monthly Meeting Nov. 12
The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Women’s Club Pizza Fundraiser Nov. 17
The Hopkinton Women’s Club will hold a fundraiser on Monday, Nov. 17, in conjunction with Blue Square Pizza (30 Main Street). The restaurant will donate 15% of its sales made between 4-8 p.m. that day to benefit the HWC’s scholarship and charitable giving funds. For more information, visit hopkintonwomensclub.org.
Festival fun
Residents of the Nazneen Circle neighborhood celebrated Diwali last month at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Westborough. Attendees prayed for peace and prosperity, enjoyed delicious food and shared vibrant cultural performances.
Harlem Wizards Basketball Fundraiser Nov. 19
The Hopkinton Parent Teacher Organization will host the Harlem Wizards basketball team on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Hopkinton High School athletic center. In addition to performing tricks, the Wizards will play a game against Hopkinton schools staff. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hopkintonpto. membershiptoolkit.com.
Lions Club Youth Speech Contest Dec. 2
The Hopkinton Lions Club is hosting its annual Youth Speech Contest on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the HCAM studios (77 Main Street). This year’s topic is “What can past America teach future America?” The contest is open to students in Grades 9-12 who live or attend school in Hopkinton. The first-place winner will be awarded $200, and the runner-up will receive $100. For more information and to register, visit hopkintonlions.org or email hopkintonlions@gmail.com.
PJB Fall Yard Cleanup Fundraiser Through Dec. 12
Homeowners in need of a fall yard cleanup can sign up for a charity fundraiser for Project Just Because. A group of three high school volunteers will rake and bag leaves for payment that will be donated to PJB. The cleanups will be held on fall weekends through early December. The cost is $100 per hour. To reserve a slot, visit signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FABA829AAFEC07-58924261-pjbleaf#/. For more information, email studentboardpresidents@projectjustbecause.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 the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
The Lotvin Family Gallery will be transformed into a warm and welcoming space for a Thanksgiving-inspired meal — featuring a delicious Thanksgiving sandwich (or vegetarian option), seasonal sides, and of course, dessert. Food will be provided by Outpost Farms. While surrounded by art, guests will share in lively and meaningful conversation with the exhibiting artists.
Artful Connections
Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
This month, our co-hosts are Carla Schwartz and Amanda Maffei. Artful Connections is a social justice-lensed event where artists offer music, poetry, readings, and spoken word. Free and open to the public.
Primarily Potters Show & Sales
Nov. 21 & 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Calling all pottery lovers! Get ready for one of the most anticipated holiday events of the season. Seven extraordinary potters will be showcasing their artistry — each piece handcrafted with both beauty and purpose in mind.
Connect at the Center: Adult Open House | Nov. 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Come to the Center for a free evening of exploring what HCA has to offer for adults! From classes and events to private lessons, performing, volunteering, and exhibiting opportunities, the HCA has something for everyone. Enjoy activities including:
• Meet some of our outstanding teachers
• Watch live art demonstrations
• Make your own piece of art
• Browse the opening night of our Primarily Potters show and sale
Learn about performing, volunteering, and exhibiting opportunities
• Discounts on registering for our winter classes
Sign up for a Winter multi-week program at the Open House and enjoy $20 off your registration fee!
Attendees from 6 to 7 p.m. will receive a complimentary drink ticket. For those who can stay past 7:30 p.m., we invite you to enjoy our Open Mic Night!
Friendsgiving with Jamaal Eversley & F.R.I.E.N.D.S. | Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
Event Calendar Sponsored by HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
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.
Matthew Pantera
Dr. Matthew John Pantera III, “Doc,” a devoted husband of the late Patricia Pantera, father, grandfather, professor and coach, passed away Oct. 31 at the age of 75. He spent his final days at Waterview Lodge in Ashland, surrounded by family and the care and support of those around him, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born in Buffalo, New York, on July 31, 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, and they spent 49 years of wedded bliss living in and around Boston. He played football and got his Ph.D. from Boston University. Doc went on to become a pillar in his community as he started his career leading the Parks and Recreation departments in Weston and Brookline, and by inspiring countless students as a professor at Springfield College.
Doc’s love for sports was contagious, and he spent years coaching youth teams and cheering on the New England Patriots. He was selected as Fan of the Year for the Patriots in 2014. He cherished time spent near the water and enjoyed his beach retreats in St. Augustine, Florida, and at Lake Erie in Buffalo. His family was the center of his world, and he delighted in every moment spent with them.
Doc is lovingly remembered by his children, Mary Vitelli and her husband, Joe, and their children, Tobin, Emma, Jocelyn and Brianna along with great-grandson Mason 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 children, Julia, Maria and Robert of East Longmeadow. He also is survived by his siblings, Michael Pantera, Martha Calabrese, Mary Aloisio, Meg Pantera and Margie Pantera, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Doc’s life was held at Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin on Nov. 10. A funeral Mass took place at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin on Nov. 11, followed by burial at St. Mary’s parish cemetery.
In honor of Doc’s memory, donations can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org), supporting the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
As Doc always said: “Remember to keep smiling!”
Frederick Joseph Harris of Mystic, Connecticut, passed on Oct. 24. Fred was born Nov. 25, 1944, at Framingham Union Hospital to Frederick Everett and MaryRosa Camilla Harris.
A 1963 graduate of Hopkinton High School, Fred was a proud patriot who loved his country. Upon graduating from Maine Maritime Academy in 1967, Fred received a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserves. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Fred served on the SS Transglobe, the most decorated ship in the U.S. Merchant Marine fleet in that conflict. Fred went on to work for most of his career for General Dynamics, guarding the nation’s security by pouring his heart and soul into design and construction of the nation’s submarine fleet. Beginning at General Dynamics-Electric Boat as an
engineer, he moved up into management, eventually going on to serve as president for General Dynamics–NASSCO and for General Dynamics–Bath Iron Works.
Fred was a devoted Roman Catholic who upheld a lifelong devotion to the rosary and was an active member of multiple parishes as his travels took him. Fred was a high school and university football standout, as well as an avid shooter, card player, amateur historian, scouting leader, craftsman and unrepentant trickster. Serving as assistant scoutmaster to Boy Scout Troop 42, Fred led numerous fundraising drives to ensure every boy in the troop who wanted to attend summer camp would be able to regardless of ability to pay. Fred also was extremely active in charity work, donating extensive time, money and other resources to not only Scouting but also the United Way, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Lupus Foundation of America and many other worthy causes.
Fred is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughter Meghan and life partner Rick LaFlamme and Meghan’s grandson, Ziah Camacho; and son Teddy and wife Meghan and their two daughters, Jillian and Allison. Fred also is survived by sister Elaine Larson, brother Albert Harris and wife Donna, brother-in-law David Foley and wife Martha, niece Kim McGee, nephews Doug Larson and Michael Foley and many other beloved family members, friends and colleagues. Fred is predeceased by his father, Fred, his mother, MaryRosa, brother-in-law Glenn (Elaine’s late husband) and Rick’s daughter, Nichole Laflamme.
It is impossible to summarize the life of Fred in a few paragraphs. He was a truly larger-than-life persona who will be dearly missed by all who had the great good fortune to cross his path.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 4 in St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
“His Master replied, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant! …. Come, share your Master’s joy.’ ” — Matthew 25:23
Louise Mayer
Louise F. Mayer passed into the loving hands of the Lord on Nov. 4, 2025. She was born Dec. 1, 1927, in Hopkinton, where she lived all of her life. She was the daughter of Frederick and Madeline (Greene) Moran. Louise graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1945 and from Framingham Union School of Nursing in 1948. She worked for many years as a registered nurse while raising her family as a widowed mother with the help of her supportive family, including her father, aunts and uncles.
She was predeceased by her husband, James, sister Catherine, and son-in-law Jerry Tuite.
She is survived by her five children: James Mayer and wife Maryellen of Jupiter Island, Florida; Ted Mayer and wife Denise of Hopkinton; Ann Tuite of Hopkinton; Mary Carver and husband Tom of Hopkinton; and Joe Mayer of Hampton, New Hampshire. She also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. In addition, Louise leaves many close friends and a long list of relatives from the O’Connell, Moran and Mayer families. Louise lived a full and joyful life. As a young woman in her early 20s, she ventured to Florida for a short time, working as a nurse. She was adventurous and confident. She was active throughout her life and enjoyed traveling, gardening cheering for the Boston Red Sox, riding the waves at Hampton Beach, and spending time with her many friends and family. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, sense of humor and devotion to those she loved.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 8 in St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Louise’s name may be made to the Michael Lisnow Respite Center (hopkintonrespite.org), 112 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.
Louis Ottaviani Jr.
Louis Ottaviani Jr., 72, passed away Nov. 3 at Oak Knoll Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Framingham. A longtime Hopkinton resident, he was the husband of Barbara (Creighton) Ottaviani, to whom he was married for 51 years. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late Louis and Josephine “Ludy” (Leoncini) Ottaviani Sr. He was raised in Framingham, graduating in 1970 from Framingham South High, where he excelled in baseball and football. He received his bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University and his master’s from Anna Maria College.
In addition to his wife, he will be greatly missed by his two children, Louis Ottaviani III and wife Laura, and Amy Leigh Ottaviani and partner Nels Eklund, and his grandchildren, Louis Ottaviani IV and Isabella Rose Ottaviani. He also leaves his brothers, David Ottaviani of Natick, Paul Ottaviani of Framingham and Michael Ottaviani of Framingham. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Nancy Saya.
A funeral Mass was celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church, followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org).
Frederick Harris
police log
ARRESTS
Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.
Oct. 25
3:20 p.m. The Upton Police Department reported that an erratic operator in a gray Ford Focus almost hit a telephone pole, was traveling into oncoming traffic and entered Hopkinton. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Kyle Quinzani responded and caught up with the vehicle on West Main Street. The Upton Police Department sent a Portuguese-speaking officer to translate, and field sobriety tests were administered. A 31-year-old Milford resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor.
Nov. 1
12:20 a.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Officer Jennifer Manning arrested a 59-year-old Ashland resident and charged her with marked lanes violation and OUI liquor.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
Oct. 21
2:32 p.m. Officers Matthew LaTour, Noah Buentello and Benjamin Vaz responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street. Personal injuries were reported, and an ambulance responded.
4:27 p.m. A caller reported a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident on Linden Street. Multiple witnesses unsuccessfully attempted to flag down the involved party. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a crash report.
5:52 p.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded to a motor vehicle crash on West
12:25 a.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio arrested a 34-year-old from Ashland on Marathon Way and charged her with OUI liquor.
1:26 a.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street who made a right turn on South Street. Officer Kyle Quinzani caught up with the vehicle and subsequently arrested a 23-yearold from Milford and charged him with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, OUI liquor and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
3:35 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin conducted a motor vehicle stop on South Street and Officer Aline Matos responded as backup. A 27-year-old Milford resident was arrested and charged with failure to stop/yield, speeding in violation of special regulation, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and OUI liquor.
Nov. 2
1:10 a.m. On East Main Street, Officers Lucille Creedon and Jennifer Manning arrested a 19-year-old from Marlborough and charged him with speeding and OUI liquor.
Main Street and took a report.
8:18 p.m. A caller complained that people were shooting after hours at the gun club on Lumber Street. She was advised that they have permission to shoot late on Tuesdays.
Oct. 22
7:57 a.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident with entrapment on School Street. Officers Noah Buentello, Augusto Diaz and Matthew LaTour responded along with an ambulance.
11:19 a.m. A Constitution Court caller reported a man tried to enter her apartment in the morning. Officer Noah Buentello responded, spoke to the identified male about the disturbance and took a report.
3:50 p.m. Officers Sean McKeon and Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle accident with personal injury on Grove Street and issued a citation to the
driver of a BMW. The Maple Street sign and a stop sign were damaged. A report was taken. The DPW was notified.
4:41 p.m. A Constitution Court caller reported he was threatened in the game Roblox. Officer Kyle Quinzani assisted and issued a written warning.
5:04 p.m. The State Police reported a woman approached an officer and stated her daughter was at Legacy Farms and making suicidal statements. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil and Officers Sean McKeon, Kyle Quinzani and Nicholas Saletnik spoke with the State Police and assisted.
6:38 p.m. An Old Farm Road resident reported someone vandalized his front lawn. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.
Oct. 23
8:37 a.m. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Nicholas Saletnik found a motor vehicle off in the woods on Appaloosa Circle and reported a motor vehicle accident.
8:14 p.m. A walk-in reported the theft of a bag, and the bag was showing up in Hopkinton via an AirTag. Officers Sean McKeon and Nicholas Saletnik located it and took a report.
Oct. 24
11:21 a.m. A caller reported a dead deer on School Street. The animal control officer responded.
3:11 p.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro reported a skunk was stuck in a pipe on Hayden Rowe Street. A message was left for the animal control officer.
4:39 p.m. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department to a report of sparking wires on North Mill Street.
6:25 p.m. A Pond Street resident reported an Amazon truck driver hit her stone wall and drove away. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report.
Oct. 25
10:13 a.m. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded to a report of an unruly customer at a Main Street business. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded as backup, spoke with the male outside and took a report.
11:37 a.m. A caller reported a dead opossum on the side of the road, near the edge of the sidewalk on West Main Street. It was there for a few days and was starting to smell. A message was left for the DPW. 12:55 p.m. A caller reported a large deceased animal in the roadway on West Main Street. Officer Noah Buentello responded and reported the animal was on the side of the road, and he notified the DPW. 3:39 p.m. A Holt Street resident reported she received alerts on her Ring camera and saw an unknown Hispanic male in a jean jacket and red hoodie walking around her property and taking video. The caller, who was not home, did not see any vehicles on camera. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded, walked the property and found nothing out of the ordinary. The caller returned home and spoke with Officer Cappuccio, who took a report.
6:16 p.m. A caller complained of skeletons placed in lewd positions on a lawn on South Mill Street. The caller wanted the incident logged for future reference.
Oct. 26
2:51 p.m. A traveler at Logan Airport reported someone took her bag, and it was tracked to a Hopkinton address. The caller first spoke with the State Police, who advised her to contact Hopkinton. Officer Benjamin Vaz spoke with the caller, went to the address of the tracked bag and took a report.
7:37 p.m. An Edgehill Road resident reported kids banging on the door and windows and running away. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and checked the area. The youths were gone upon his arrival.
Oct. 27
10:30 a.m. The DPW reported a tree fell on Wood Street and hit a service line. Verizon was notified.
Oct. 28
8:23 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus on Grove Street. A school administrator also responded to the scene. No personal injuries were reported.
10:02 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro logged an assault that occurred on Hayden Rowe Street.
1:00 p.m. A caller reported that two 18-wheelers forced traffic back on Main Street while attempting to make a turn by Hopkinton Lumber. Officer Matthew LaTour logged the complaint.
3:35 p.m. A caller reported she was involved in a dispute with a person walking his dogs in Cameron Woods on Pond Street, and she was afraid to walk back to her car. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Nicholas Saletnik responded, and the caller reported she no longer needed assistance.
3:46 p.m. An employee at the Verizon store on West Main Street reported a disturbance and requested to speak with an officer about having someone trespassed from the store. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.
Oct. 29
1:01 a.m. A detail officer reported a vehicle going the wrong way on West Main Street. Officer Noah Buentello stopped the vehicle at 50 West Main Street and issued the operator a criminal application for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation and wrong-way violation. A tow truck removed the vehicle. Officer
Jennifer Manning provided the operator with a courtesy transport.
10:20 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard checked on a vehicle on Cedar Street and found a person picking berries on the side of the road. All was OK.
5:42 p.m. Multiple callers reported a dislodged manhole cover on Main Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and contacted the DPW. Eversource also was contacted.
7:28 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle hit a deer on Wood Street and drove away, and the deer still was alive. Officer Robert Ekross responded and dispatched the deer in the wooded area. The animal control officer was notified.
Oct. 30
4:22 a.m. A caller reported a dump truck went off the roadway on Wood Street and was on fire. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officers Eva Cann and Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a crash report. The driver was advised of town bylaws regarding equipment.
6:50 a.m. The Milford Police Department reported a white work van involved in a hit and run in Milford and possibly at Cornell’s on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Aline Matos checked the area with a negative find.
9:03 a.m. A caller reported stolen power tools on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and took a report of larceny.
2:40 p.m. Multiple officers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported.
2:52 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash on Main Street and took a report.
3:49 p.m. A Frankland Road resident
reported a neighbor illegally dumping tiles and other materials from a bathroom remodel in the area. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded, spoke with both parties and took a report.
7:32 p.m. A motorist reported her tire was blown out on a manhole cover on Main Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and found three vehicles with the same issue and assisted. He provided one driver with a courtesy transport to Upton.
10:56 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted a motorist who got a flat tire from a manhole on Main Street.
Oct. 31
10:45 a.m. A caller reported receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Hopkinton Police Department and possibly spoofing the number. The caller did not give out any personal information. Officer Benjamin Vaz took a report.
1:13 p.m. A caller reported a traffic complaint as a result of a construction project on Cedar Street. The caller was advised to contact Town Hall to discuss the problem.
1:20 p.m. Detective Sgt. Gregg DeBoer took a report of an assault on Hayden Rowe Street.
4:42 p.m. A Parker Point Road caller reported an Amazon truck damaged part of her lawn. She was going to handle it directly with Amazon, but she wanted the incident logged.
7:34 p.m. A caller reported she popped one of her tires on a manhole cover on Main Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and took a report. AAA responded.
7:53 p.m. A Magnolia Drive resident reported her 12-year-old son had not returned home from trick-or-treating. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Matthew LaTour responded
and assisted. The boy returned home.
9:41 p.m. A caller complained of a loud underage drinking party on Connelly Hill Road. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Matthew LaTour responded, spoke to the homeowner hosting a Halloween party and did not find it loud.
Nov. 1
12:33 p.m. A Hearthstone Road resident reported hearing a gunshot near the power lines. Officers Noah Buentello and Benjamin Vaz responded, checked the area and found all quiet.
1:01 p.m. Officers Noah Buentello and Benjamin Vaz made checks of the trails behind the former Center School property and did not find anything related to the previous call of a gunshot.
7:47 p.m. A motorist reported she was hit by a green sedan at an intersection on Main Street, and the vehicle fled the scene. Officers Matthew LaTour and Kyle Quinzani responded and reported the caller was unable to drive her vehicle. No personal injuries were reported.
8:22 p.m. A walk-in reported her vehicle was hit in the parking lot of Hopkinton Center for the Arts earlier in the afternoon. Officer Kyle Quinzani assisted and stated that since the involved parties already did a paper exchange, a report was not needed.
8:37 p.m. A caller stated he hit a raised manhole cover on Main Street and blew out a tire. He pulled into a parking lot and wanted the incident logged.
11:55 p.m. A caller complained of a large party with loud music on Hidden Brick Road. Officers Lucille Creedon and Aline Matos and Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and advised the homeowner to turn down the music.
Nov. 2
12:10 a.m. A caller complained of
Former HMS custodian gets probation for child porn
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Former Hopkinton Middle School custodian Benjamin Hogan will avoid jail time after agreeing to plead guilty to possession of child pornography in Milford District Court on Oct. 27.
Hogan appeared before Judge Richard Eustis alongside his lawyer, Meredith Underwood. Underwood informed Eustis and a lawyer representing the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office that her client intended to plead guilty.
The Massachusetts State Police arrested Hogan on charges of possession of child pornography last November. Court documents detailed how investigators tracked downloads of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) onto a laptop owned by Hogan. State Police partnered with the Hopkinton Police Department to apprehend Hogan while he was working a custodial shift at Hopkinton Middle School.
Before Hogan tendered his guilty plea, the court held a brief recess so Eustis could review the DA’s sentencing recommendations and documentation submitted by Underwood. As the proceedings resumed, Eustis noted he “got a good understanding of both the allegations and the input from the defense.”
Both Underwood and the Worcester County DA discussed what sentencing should be imposed. A sticking point for the defense was the recommendation to require Hogan’s registration to the Sex Offender Registry Board.
“I ask the court to relieve him of that statutory requirement,” Underwood requested. She explained that a sexual of-
fender assessment on Hogan that she provided to the court showed he “has below average risk of reoffending.” Furthermore, she pointed to her client’s lack of prior history, compliance with court orders and no additional reoffenses since his arrest as factors in favor of forgoing registration.
The Worcester County DA noted that Hogan’s employment at the time of his arrest — working as a custodian at Hopkinton Middle School — and his residence in a home with two underage children underlined the commonwealth’s concerns when it came to sentencing. Underwood countered that Massachusetts State Police had found no evidence that the allegations against Hogan extended to his place of employment.
“There is no evidence … children in the school were involved,” said Underwood. She characterized his employment at the time as “merely coincidence” but conceded she would not push back against recommendations for an extended probation.
Eustis weighed Underwood’s arguments with the DA’s recommendations, ultimately siding with the defense. “The only reason I will hold off on registration is because he’s not going to be around kids,” the judge said.
Added Eustis: “I’m mindful the gentleman has no record at all and no allegations of unlawful conduct with children in any way.”
However, the judge cautioned Hogan that any violation of probation could lead to, at minimum, a 2 1/2-year jail sentence. Eustis also explained that he would refrain from giving a suspended sentence so any future judge could impose the maximum
loud music playing on Hidden Brick Road. Officer Aline Matos responded and spoke with the homeowner. The party was over, and no loud music was heard.
7:36 a.m. A caller reported a tree company doing work on Wilson Street in violation of town bylaw. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and advised the workers of town bylaw.
9:03 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello notified Eversource of a tree limb on top of wires on West Main Street.
10:34 a.m. A caller reported a lowhanging wire on Ash Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and notified Verizon. 10:41 a.m. A caller complained of a company operating machinery on Front Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and advised the workers of the bylaw. They left and were to return another day.
3:09 p.m. A caller reported a person stuck in an elevator on West Main Street. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded along with the Fire Department and got the employee out of the elevator.
Nov. 3
7:24 a.m. A caller reported a breaking and entering of a motor vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street. He already left town and did not have time to make a report in person. Officer Benjamin Vaz assisted and took a report.
8:07 a.m. A caller reported two stop signs missing from Cross Street. Officer Benjamin Vaz confirmed that the stop signs were missing, and he notified the DPW.
8:42 a.m. Officer Augusto Diaz assisted a disabled motor vehicle in the middle of the roadway on Main Street. 6:24 p.m. A caller reported a car hit a deer on East Main Street. Officers Brian Ziniti and Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.
sentence available if Hogan violates his probation or reoffends.
Following the guilty plea, Hogan was sentenced to five years probation. He was ordered to complete sex offender therapy and a mental health evaluation, and comply with any recommended treatment. Furthermore, Hogan is prohibited from unsupervised contact with anyone under 16 and ordered to refrain from seeking employment at facilities that cater primarily to children.
Eustis also ordered the destruction of electronic devices containing CSAM that were entered into evidence for the case, upon request from the DA.
