HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
Carty carries water for town
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Eric Carty never dreamed that a summer job after graduating from high school would lead to a successful career with his hometown’s Water & Sewer Department over the past four decades. In a recent interview with the Independent, Carty shared that one of the most important lessons he has learned on the job is “to go with the flow.”
Carty, who is retiring this fall, reflected on how he has revolutionized the department to accommodate the town’s growing population. He also talked about the proposed connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority as the town looks at its future water needs.
Town struggles with redesign for Pyne Field
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
Following a back and forth regarding the access road for JB Sawmill, the Parks & Recreation Commission on July 22 agreed to seek advice from town counsel about the ongoing Pyne Field project.
The primary item on Parks & Rec’s agenda was a review of the 50% submission plan for Pyne Field. These plans were completed over the last few months following a vote by the commission in April to adopt a parking design for the joint baseball/cricket fields.
At the meeting in April, commissioners settled on a design that puts parking north of the sand pit on the east side of the property. Visitors would need to cross the driveway of JB Sawmill in order to access the fields. An alternate parking plan put a lot to the south of the fields, but the option was a tough sell for commissioners given fewer available spaces and potential issues with abutters.
Colleen Fowler of Gale Associates,
Water & Sewer Department Director Eric Carty (center) poses with staff members.
Gordon, a goldendoodle, relaxes on a bench under the gazebo at the Fruit Street dog park on a recent afternoon.
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Finance Department reports attempted check fraud
The town’s Finance Department on July 28 reported attempted check fraud using the town’s payroll account to the Hopkinton Police Department, according to department staff members.
NEWS BRIEFS
“The Treasurer for the Town [CJ Paquette] filed a police report since there was attempted check fraud,” Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre stated via email. “The checks and balances [reviewing software] caught the fraud in advance and we followed up with the bank and police accordingly.”
Stressed LaPierre: “At this time the Town has no liability for the attempted fraud.”
In a phone interview July 30, Paquette, who discovered fraudulent checks before they were processed, described what transpired. He filed the police report July 28 and notified UniBank, where this town account is held.
There shouldn’t be any fear that fraud would happen because of the precautions we have in place.
EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com — Town Treasurer CJ Paquette
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HCA is putting a special spin on the classic Scottish tradition—your ticket grants you access to a lineup of engaging one-act plays, a savory meat pie or vegetarian option, and your choice of an alcoholic or so drink. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer night with friends or family! (Recommended for ages 13 and up.) is is an outdoor event. If inclement weather or extreme heat arises, the show will be moved indoors. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of storytelling, tradition, and community. See you there!
“Basically, we process hundreds of accounts payable checks a week,” he said. “We print the checks for the School Department and the town all under the same account number.
“What happened was that a vendor was taking our account number and the routing number and trying to write checks,” he continued. “This actually is not an uncommon situation, and it has happened to other communities. I don’t think people realize that our account number is out there all over the place because of the number of vendors we have.”
payee name, signature and check number align with the town’s records.
“The technology is very advanced,” he explained. “We are very grateful to have such a good banking relationship with UniBank.”
Paquette described Positive Pay as a “lifesaver.”
He added that UniBank also might file a police report. Although the checks were not cashed, it still is considered a case of check fraud.
He compared this situation with past mailbox fishing schemes in which people commit fraud by retrieving envelopes containing checks from mailboxes
While Paquette said he could not divulge the name of the person involved or the amount of attempted transactions, he noted that the person involved tried to cash multiple checks from this account. He also spoke with a detective in the town where the attempt was made to cash a check. Paquette was told that this is a problem many municipalities face. He noted that it can take a few days to track down a deposited fraudulent check. If a bank cashes the check, it is liable for the amount of the transaction.
start their August spraying schedule Aug. 5. According to the town website, the full spraying schedule is as follows: Aug. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27.
All scheduled dates are tentative and subject to change based on weather, current mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity and special event spraying, when necessary.
Residents have the option to request service or opt out of spraying. Requests for service may be recorded by calling the CMMCP office at 508-393-3055 between 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or going to cmmcp.org.
Residents can opt out of spraying by visiting the CMMCP website and clicking the “no spray info” button.
The CMMCP is focusing its efforts on target areas in town where mosquitos are likely to breed. According to the Health Department, stagnant water bodies, wetlands and retention/detention ponds are strong candidates for mosquito breeding and activity. The town also coordinates additional treatments before large municipal events if need be.
Spraying will continue throughout the summer and will end “when cool night time temperatures become predominant in the area,” the notice on the town website states.
PJB starts school drive
Project Just Because’s annual Back to School Program returns this month, and the nonprofit has asked for community support to help fill backpacks this year.
“We’re asking for any type of supplies,” said Amy Hartland, PJB’s executive assistant/volunteer coordinator. “Really anything that anybody can donate to help fill the backpacks [would help].”
PJB’s Back to School program runs annually in August. Over the last 27 years, the program has supplied new backpacks containing necessary school supplies for students in need from preschool through Grade 12. It is open not just to Hopkinton but all Massachusetts residents.
According to Hartland, the program served over 1,400 children from across the state last year. She anticipates the need for school supplies is set to grow in the coming years.
“We know how expensive it is,” Hartland said, noting she has two children with school supply needs herself.
Hartland gave kudos to residents who already have donated items and money to the program. She highlighted the Hopkinton Women’s Club in particular for donating 35 backpacks. “That was a generous donation,” she said.
The priority items PJB needs to source include binders, notebooks, markers and loose-leaf paper, along with additional backpacks.
The organization has an Amazon wish list from which donors can purchase supplies directly. Donations also can be dropped off at PJB’s location at 77 South Street. For more information, visit the PJB website (projectjustbecause.org).
Art sought for Center Trail exhibition
The theme of the Hopkinton Cultural Council’s outdoor art exhibition at the Center Trail this fall is “Out of Place.” Artists, creatives and community groups are invited to submit artwork for this annual display that turns the Center Trail into a walking gallery.
All artists are welcome — professionals, students, emerging creatives and collaborative community groups. Organizers especially encourage entries from diverse voices and local organizations looking to contribute a shared project.
Submission deadline is Aug. 20. Installation dates are Sept. 20-21 from 1-4 p.m. Exhibition dates are Sept. 24-Oct. 24. An artist walk and reception will be held Sept. 22 at 4:30. Deinstallation is Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m.
Artwork must be suitable for outdoor installation and able to withstand New England weather for the duration of the exhibit. All materials should be safe, weather-resistant and securely installed.
For more information, visit the Hopkinton Cultural Council website at hop-culture.org or email hccartonthetrail@gmail.com.
OSPC thanks volunteers
The chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission is expressing gratitude for two residents who stepped up to preserve OSPC property at Lake Whitehall last month.
“The [OSPC] extends our gratitude and thanks to Joe Regan of Regan Tree Work for his generous donation of a large pile of wood chips to the parking space for the Whitehall Conservation Area off of Wood Street, and to Rob Pratt for his generosity in spreading the chips around the maple tree,” a statement from OSPC chair Ed Harrow read.
The work was completed last month and was intended to help preserve a maple tree that sits in the middle of the parking area at the Whitehall Conservation Area.
“People drive in and drive around the tree, which tends to pack the soil around the tree,” explained Harrow in a follow-up interview with the Independent. He went on to note that the soil compaction results in difficulty with the tree absorbing water and nutrients.
“By putting a load of wood chips there and spreading them out, that helps keep the soil looser,” Harrow said.
He mentioned that the wood chips were supplied by Regan for a fourth year in a row, but the big benefit of this volunteer effort was Pratt’s work. Harrow said that Pratt brought in equipment to help complete the work quicker.
“In times past, they’ve been spread out with hand labor,” said Harrow.
Harrow commended Pratt and Regan for their labor, and noted that their work is part of broader volunteer efforts to keep OSPC properties maintained for all to enjoy.
UniBank/Starbucks parking lot hearing continued
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Conservation Commission on July 22 continued a hearing regarding the proposed UniBank/Starbucks parking lot expansion, but not before giving negative feedback to the applicant about the plan’s feasibility.
and was not involved in what he called an “erroneous” calculation of the number of parking spaces needed for patrons and employees.
Teglasi also feared the smaller businesses would leave because their customers complained about insufficient parking. He mentioned the tax revenue the businesses generate for the town.
“We didn’t do the calculations when the original development was approved,” he continued. “And we feel the town had a role in this.”
Jessica Smith, a wetland scientist with Goddard Consulting, presented the application for three additional parking spaces for the commercial parking lot at 85-89 West Main Street. The one-acre parcel is located at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street. The small but popular shopping plaza is occupied by UniBank, Starbucks, Verizon and a nail salon. The original proposal presented in June sought four spaces.
Smith said “slivers” would be taken from two landscape islands for the parking spaces.
“The project represents a minor increase in impervious surface,” she explained, noting that it was less than 1% of the lot. This would not impact the existing stormwater system’s ability to handle runoff.
Chair Melissa Recos noted that when the plaza originally was permitted, “it was pretty maxed out.”
“I don’t see a reason to make a change here,” she said.
Smith and project engineer Andrew Steiner disagreed. They stressed that the smaller businesses contacted property owner Samara Solan about the need for more parking. Solan added that employees take up at least 10 of the lot’s spaces.
Steiner said the site is “congested.”
The proposed spaces for the 41-space lot would be for compact cars. There would be a 266-square-foot increase in parking area.
“This is incredibly, in my opinion, poorly planned [and] overly filled with buildings with the amount of land area that’s there,” said member Ed Harrow. Adding three more spaces would make it “even more absurd.”
Member Jim Ciriello agreed. He said that the Planning Board never should have approved the design for this plaza. He noted it was grandfathered in because the Golden Spoon restaurant previously was located there.
He recalled the efforts by the Conservation Commission when the plaza originally was approved. It was stressed then that no further modifications would be allowed.
Civil engineer Victor Teglasi also represented the applicant. He noted that Solan is not the original property owner
Recos acknowledged the team’s “frustrations.” But she stressed that the commission went through an arduous process with the original developer about the design. She added that developers sometimes put themselves in “self-imposed corners.” Another point she made was that the commission’s charge is to protect wetlands and resource areas.
“It doesn’t look like the commission is going to approve this project,” said Teglasi. Recos said commissioners will review the submitted information and continue the hearing until its next meeting on Aug. 5. Commissioners voted 5-0 for the continuance.
One night earlier, the Planning Board also continued its hearing on the parking lot — at the request of the applicant — to its Aug. 4 meeting. However, the Planning Board previously indicated a desire to receive input from the Conservation Commission and the DPW director regarding potential stormwater runoff issues.
North Mill Street hearing continued
The commission also continued two hearings in 5-0 votes on 12 North Mill Street after a protracted discussion with developer Lou Petrozzi of Wall Street Development. Petrozzi sought a notice of intent for a single-family house and access for related soil testing.
Petrozzi has had a contentious relationship with the commission in recent years. A three-unit subdivision he developed on Leonard Street has experienced stormwater management issues since July 2021. An intermittent stream was not shown on plans submitted in February 2024 for 12 North Mill Street.
There also is a history of paperwork not being filed in a timely manner and fines being imposed on Petrozzi by the town in 2023. Petrozzi at that time threatened to reopen litigation against the town. Petrozzi submitted two plans for the Conservation Commission | 5
The owners of this commercial parking lot at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street want to add some spaces.
Presents
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Aparna Poona for this photo of an outing on the water at Hopkinton State Park. 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.
All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at BoMain.
UniBank/Starbucks parking lot hearing continued
commission’s review. He noted that the Board of Appeals approved a variance that allows for a 30-foot front setback line from Leonard Street rather than the required 60 feet if the house is located at the front of the lot. The plans listed this setback as 40 feet. Petrozzi apologized for sending the wrong plans.
The second plan showed the lot and the septic system at the lot’s rear. They are connected by a driveway. A box culvert would cross the intermittent stream.
“I know this is going to be a difficult lot to permit,” Petrozzi said. “But I throw those options out for the commission to discuss.”
Recos noted that consultant fees for a peer review had not yet been received. Petrozzi questioned which plan would be reviewed. He noted the money he spent during the previous review process of resource areas, and he found this estimated review fee of $2,950 “excessive.”
Wetlands consultant Joe Orzell said the proposed stream crossing would be reviewed, as well as the location of the house with respect to buffer zones.
Petrozzi countered that there are “abuses that are going on with the peer review process” in Hopkinton and other communities regarding the amount of money charged to developers.
Recos said she thought the plan with the house at the front of the lot would be preferable. But because it is in the 50-foot
buffer zone, she believed it would be hard to approve.
Petrozzi argued that the project received a “superseding order of conditions” under wetlands regulations from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection about 25 years ago. He later said that he went to the Massachusetts Superior Court for an appeal of the local bylaw.
Recos asked Petrozzi to present the plan he believed would have a better chance of approval under the town bylaw.
Bruce Holmgren, whose home abuts the property, said he was concerned about how this project would affect water runoff onto his land. He currently experiences “intense periodic flooding.”
Abutter Dave Shea gave a PowerPoint presentation showing how much the intermittent stream swells during rain events near his home.
The hearings were continued to the Aug. 19 meeting.
Lot release at The Trails OK’d
Vin Gately, the owner of The Trails, asked the commission to release eight lots for development. The request was approved by a 5-0 vote.
There was a cease-and-desist order in place after stormwater runoff caused damage to Wood Street. Recos noted that stormwater management practices have been effective in recent months.
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Hopkinton man sentenced to prison for pandemic aid fraud
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
AHopkinton man who operated a roofing and construction company in Framingham with his wife was sentenced July 28 in federal court in Boston for his efforts to defraud their workers’ compensation insurance carriers, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and their mortgage lender. In one instance, the couple used pandemic-
related economic assistance toward the purchase of a Hopkinton home.
Ronaldo Solano, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. He will serve his first six months on home detention.
His wife, Adriana Solano, 41, was sentenced on June 23 to time served — one day — followed by 27 months of supervised release. The first three
months of her sentence are being served on home detention.
Ronaldo and Adriana Solano were ordered to pay $1,625,872.03 jointly in restitution. Also, Ronaldo Solano was ordered separately to pay an additional $627,675.88 in restitution.
In January, Ronaldo Solano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. At that time, Adriana Solano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud. The couple was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024 on multiple counts of fraud.
The initial charges stemmed from financial activity that occurred between about 2012 and 2020 at the Framingham-based roofing and construction company the Solanos operated. Under the names H&R Roofing & Construction Inc. and H&R Roofing & Siding Corp., they avoided more than $627,000 in workers’ compensation insurance premiums by underreporting payroll and paying workers through an uninsured third company.
Funds used for Hopkinton home
Separately, in 2021 and/or 2022, Ronaldo and Adriana Solano submitted a loan application on behalf of H&R Roofing & Siding Corp. to the SBA under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program. The EIDL Program provided for pandemic relief under the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans impacted by the pandemic. In this application, Ronaldo and Adriana Solano requested $2 million in relief funds for working capital and other eligible business expenses. After receiving the relief funds, they transferred $1 million of the funds to a personal bank account they shared. From this account, they used more than $825,000 for a down payment toward a luxury home in Hopkinton. They also borrowed another $770,500 from a mortgage lender to fund the purchase of this home. But they did not disclose to their lender that they were claiming $1 million of the EIDL funds as an asset and using it for the down payment.
According to public records, the Solanos purchased a home at 35 Wedgewood Drive, in the Highland Park neighborhood, in April of 2022 for $1.7 million.
Multiple federal agencies worked jointly during the investigation, assisted by the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts. Additionally, this case was investigated in connection with the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. Established to promote transparency and coordinate oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response, the PRAC brings together federal agents from 20 agency Inspectors General to detect fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in authorized COVID-19 funds.
Craig Hay introduces the Hopkinton Community Summer Band at its July 27 Concerts on the Common performance, which was moved to the Hopkinton High School auditorium due to threatening weather.
Carty reflects on 36 years with Water & Sewer Department
One aspect of his job Carty said many people don’t realize is that the demands change daily. During the interview, he had to address a water main issue and a power outage.
“It’s not a 9-to-5 job,” he explained. “It’s a 365-day-a-year job at all hours. Whether I’m sick, on vacation or out of the country, I’m remotely checking tank levels and sewer stations just to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
“We are 80-90% reactive,” continued Carty. “With all the construction going on, we have to drop our plans when a contractor discovers something.”
Summer job to department director
Carty said he originally took the summer job so he could earn money before beginning his studies at the former Central New England College in Worcester. He continued working at the Water Department part-time as a commuting student.
“I was the meter reader,” he said with a laugh. “Back then you had to walk to every single house in town. I did that throughout college.”
Armed with a business degree, Carty sought a job just as the economic recession hit. It culminated with the first Black Thursday stock market crash in October 1987. This made Carty examine his future goals.
“It was probably not a good time to go into the business field,” he recalled thinking. “So I figured I’d stay here for a little while.”
That “little while” turned into 36 years. Carty said he has held every role in the department except foreman.
Said Carty: “I went right from equipment manager to manager.”
There were only three wells in town when he started, he added. At that time, a fire truck had to pump water out of a well into the system during a water shortage.
Innovation brought to department
Carty noted that the late Hank Fredette, one of his first bosses, “gave me a lot of freedom.” Because of his business and technology background, Carty was able to utilize computers to help the town. He created the town’s first website and was the first employee to work remotely decades before the pandemic made it the norm.
“I’m not a big self promoter,” he said when asked about his accomplishments. “It doesn’t go with the job.”
Another first for Carty was his documentation of the town’s fire hydrants into a spreadsheet system. In addition, he compiled where water main shut-offs were in the event of an emergency.
In the early days, Carty explained that it could take an entire day to fix a water leak. With current technology, that has been cut in half.
In the past, the Fruit Street wells had to be shut off during a water main break on Wood Street because of the one-way water flow, added Carty. He developed a looping system that alleviated that problem.
“I’ve always enjoyed it,” he said of his work. “One of the reasons is because the staff is so great. The core group has been here over 20 years, and we have the best team chemistry. I can’t say enough about the men and women who work here.
“People don’t understand how the
system runs because it’s an underground thing,” Carty continued. “There’s so much that goes into it, and so many emergencies that we’ve averted.”
Carty’s hope is that more young people will join the industry as trade schools gain popularity.
Recent challenges need new solutions
“Unfortunately, the town has just outpaced all of the work we’ve done because of the growth rate,” Carty said.
When Carty first started working full-time at the Water Department, the town’s population was around 6,000 and was supported by five wells. Now that population number has more than tripled, with eight wells online that are strained.
“Of course, I’m biased,” he said. “But water is our most precious resource, as you can see with the issues we have.”
He noted that the Department of Public Works was established in 1999. With that decision, the water and sewer departments were combined under the DPW umbrella and his direction.
Said Carty: “With Y2K, we were up all night because we weren’t sure if our electronic pumps would stay running.”
When Ashland’s water treatment plant came online in 2000, Hopkinton was able to purchase water from that town. With today’s current water supply issues, the Water & Sewer Advisory Board has discussed potentially buying more water from Ashland.
The biggest issues for Carty are the potential MWRA connection and the water supply and quality.
“Unfortunately, the wells are deteriorating,” he said. “And they’re pumping a lot more.”
The MWRA connection is proposed to go through Southborough’s system if an intermunicipal agreement is reached. Some have criticized the need for an MWRA connection because of its cost and the time it would take to implement it.
“We need to make a decision,” said Carty. “Unfortunately, we are so far behind right now. We are four to five years out, and we’re already having trouble with our water supply. We’re going to have to try to rehabilitate some of the sources we have, and we won’t be gaining anything.”
A group of chemicals known as PFAS has surfaced as a water quality issue over the past few years. The town activated a water filtration system at Well 6 last year to treat PFAS contamination issues.
Droughts and brush fires have been additional challenges, Carty added. Also, when there is flooding, water runs mostly into streams and lakes rather than recharging into the groundwater. Rain also taxes the sewer system, while hard ground in the winter and spring prevented snow from being absorbed.
As he prepares to retire, he shared one piece of advice for his successor.
Said Carty: “Treat your employees well, because nothing gets done without them.”
He also gave a shout-out to the residents for their longtime support.
“Sometimes we’ll be working on a water main break and people will bring us coffee and snacks,” said Carty. “It means a lot.”
• Bathroom and kitchen remodeling
• Window and door replacement
• Wood flooring and refinishing
• Decks, siding and roofing
• Power washing, gutter repair
• Basement refinishing
• Carpentry and painting
• Masonry, stone patios and retention walls
• Handyman work
Parks & Rec, sawmill owners struggle with Pyne Field redesign
the firm handling the design of Pyne Field, attended Tuesday’s meeting to provide the commission information on the project’s updated design and project costs.
“We had a lot of field work done in the last few months,” Fowler said as she laid out the plan’s updated designs.
The 50% submission plan features a 60-foot baseball diamond with 200 feet out to center field. Fencing with safety netting is proposed along Fruit Street, along with new dugouts, a backstop and bleachers. The cricket pitch, according to Fowler, will be regulation size — 330 feet in diameter.
Following a brief review of the proposed features, Fowler explained that her team had drawn up two proposals for walkways around the fields. Option 1 would route a walkway between the baseball field and the cricket pitch, while Option 2 would travel around the perimeter of Pyne Field.
The walkway going around the fields would be separated from the nearby access road for JB Sawmill by a chain link fence and timber guard rails.
“The option with the walkway between the fields we don’t think is favorable in terms of safety,” said Fowler. “We think it’d be a safer option … to surround the fields rather than go through them.” Fowler also noted that the first option likely would be a greater expense than the second.
Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus followed up Fowler’s review by asking the commission to consider the method for connecting the parking lot to the field. Both options would require a crosswalk and a number of stairs.
The connecting path in Option 1 is 255 feet long with about 45 steps. The second spans only 92 feet with “maybe 20-ish steps,” according to Fowler.
Sawmill reps say plan creates ‘dangerous situation’
Following Fowler’s presentation, attorney Neal Bingham appeared in front of the commission alongside his clients from JB Sawmill to provide opposition to the 50% submission plan.
“Right now, by putting a parking lot where you’re putting it, you’re requiring an untold number of people over the course of a summer to cross a driveway
that is very, very active,” Bingham said. Bingham explained that his clients’ primary opposition to the current iteration of the Pyne Field design is the crosswalk that would cut across the top of the sawmill’s access road. The commission previously agreed to adjust the field’s design to move the crosswalk to a better sight line for trucks going to and from the business.
“Are we substantially impacting the sawmill operations by utilizing a design like this?” Bingham asked. “The answer to that is a resounding yes.”
“A dangerous situation is being created,” he added, noting that an encroachment onto the sawmill’s easement negotiated with the town could open his client up to litigation in the event of a pedestrian strike.
Bingham’s resulting request was to slow down the design process and initiate conversations with town counsel regarding his client’s rights and the town’s liability.
“We moved the walkway at your request to where it now stands,” commission member Amy O’Donnell said at the conclusion of Bingham’s comments. Bingham responded that his clients were doing their best to “make a bad situation better.” He alleged that the sawmill owners felt pushed into a circumstance where the options were not ideal.
When asked by Lewitus what an ideal solution for JB Sawmill would be, Bingham stated that “one of those fields should not be up top, it should be down below.”
Commissioners push back, express frustration
“Every time we come up with a solution, you come up with a different concern,” said O’Donnell.
“Our concerns have been the same as day one,” Amy Brassard, one of the owners of JB Sawmill, responded.
Commissioners continued back and forth with Josh and Amy Brassard, along with Bingham, on the available options. Josh Brassard, the other owner of the sawmill, aligned his desire for a better solution with what Bingham stated previously.
“A parking lot for a field would be the most ideal situation,” Josh Brassard
Parks & Rec | from page 1
One iteration of the walkway design for Pyne Field would route between the cricket and baseball fields.
Does the 4% rule still make sense for your retirement?
Y
ou may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement. The idea is simple: After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your investment portfolio each year. In theory, this helps ensure your savings last for your lifetime. While this rule can be a helpful starting point, it’s not a one-size-fits-all — and it’s definitely not a substitute for a plan tailored to your specific needs, wants and wishes.
The truth is, how much to withdraw in retirement depends on factors like when you retire, if you’ll work part-time, how long you expect retirement to last, your lifestyle goals, inflation and whether you want to leave a financial legacy to heirs. So, the 4% rule should be viewed as more of a guide than a strict rule.
Let’s start with age. The 4% rule is often based on someone retiring at 65 and expecting to live until about 92. But if you retire earlier, you may want your portfolio to stretch further. In that case, you might need to start with a lower withdrawal rate, maybe closer to 3%. And if you retire later, you might safely withdraw a little more — perhaps 4.5% to 5% — depending on your financial situation.
Your retirement lifestyle also plays a big role. Are you planning to travel the world or spend more time at home? If you expect higher spending in the early years of retirement, you may need to adjust your withdrawal rate or plan to reduce spending later to balance things out.
Your financial flexibility matters too. If you have less wiggle room with your expenses, rely heavily on your portfolio for income or want to preserve wealth for your heirs, a more conservative approach might be wise. In this conservative scenario, your portfolio withdrawals may be met from interest and dividends. Think of your withdrawal rate as existing on a spectrum from
more conservative to less conservative, with your personal situation determining where you land.
Then there’s inflation. A well-built strategy usually includes small annual increases in withdrawals to keep up with rising costs — about 2.75% per year. But you don’t need to take a raise just because the calendar says so. If the markets have had a tough year or you don’t need the extra income, it might be smart to skip an increase. Being flexible can improve the chances your money will last.
It’s also important to understand what’s known as your “portfolio reliance rate” — how much of your retirement income comes from your investments versus other sources like Social Security or pensions. The higher this percentage, the more conservative you may want to be with withdrawals.
And don’t forget the IRS. If you’re drawing from a traditional IRA or 401(k), you’ll need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73. Your RMD for any year is the account balance as of the end of the prior calendar year divided by a life expectancy factor according to the IRS. These RMDs need to be accounted for in your strategy.
The bottom line? The 4% rule is a useful starting point, but it’s just that — a starting point. A good financial advisor can help you build a strategy that reflects your age, your goals and your full financial picture. By revisiting your plan regularly and staying flexible, you’ll give yourself the best shot at turning your savings into a secure, fulfilling retirement.
Mark Freeman, CEPA
Edward Jones Financial Advisor
77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017
Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
THE ADVERTISER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS COLUMN.
Parks & Rec, sawmill owners struggle with
Pyne Field redesign
said. He also offered to complete land clearing services for free to put the parking lot in a different area. The option he referenced was determined in a previous meeting to be too small for the Pyne Field project.
“We’re talking about doubling the project cost for this,” Lewitus explained regarding the suggestion to split the fields with separate parking lots.
Chair Dan Terry also noted that the parcel of land on Fruit Street is divided for different uses. “There just isn’t enough room,” he said.
After more discussion, commissioners agreed there needed to be conversations with town counsel, but they expressed a desire to keep the project
moving forward.
“It makes sense to go ahead and move forward with something at this point, even though we’ve got other questions to ask,” said Terry.
O’Donnell was frank in her response. “All we’re doing is chasing our tails, quite frankly,” she said.
Added O’Donnell: “I want to appease everyone’s concerns, but every time we appease a concern, seven new concerns come up.”
Eventually, the commissioners came to a consensus that Option 1 would be their preferred option. Lewitus agreed to retain the choice and let Gale Associates know when the necessary conversations have concluded in order to move the design process forward.
Beginning with my initial assessment at Elevate, I have been so incredibly impressed with the programming, training facility, and coaching staff. I have spent the last 5 years either designing my own workouts or using programs I found on the internet with little progress and success. Since starting at Elevate I have seen improvements in my body composition, strength, energy, and mobility. Every time I leave the gym, I feel better than when I walked in.
~
Mark Freeman, CEPA
Parks & Rec | from page 8
MICHAEL REED
Vacation home? Here’s how smart buyers make it happen
Buying a vacation home is more than a dream — it’s a bold step toward building memories, wealth and freedom. Whether you’re picturing morning coffee with a mountain view or beach days with the family, the great news is this: There are a few creative and powerful ways to make that dream a reality, even if you’re not sitting on a mountain of cash. Let’s break down the top three ways buyers are getting it done today.
Imagine Your Backyard
1. The classic 20% down mortgage
This is the traditional route and probably the most common. You’ll need 20% of the home’s purchase price up front, plus closing costs. The upside? You’ll get a better interest rate, a lower monthly payment and skip private mortgage insurance. The downside? You need a chunk of change up front. But if you’ve got the cash, this option offers long-term peace of mind and stability.
2. The 10% down vacation home mortgage
If your vacation home is more than 60 miles from where you live, you might qualify for a second home mortgage with only 10% down. That leaves extra cash for furniture, renovations or just a buffer in your rainy day fund. Just know that your monthly payment will be higher, and you’ll have to pay mortgage insurance until you build up enough equity. Still, this option is popular with investors who prefer to keep more money in their pocket for other opportunities.
3. The DSCR loan (investor’s best friend)
DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio, and this type of loan is built for investors. Unlike traditional loans that care about your personal income, DSCR loans look at what the home can earn. If projected rental income covers the mortgage, taxes and insurance, you’ve got a shot. You’ll likely need to put down 20-25%, and the interest rate will be a bit higher, but you don’t have to worry about your personal debt-to-income ratio. This is ideal if you’re planning to run the home as a short-term rental or if you’ve already maxed out your conventional mortgage options.
How to come up with the down payment
Saving up is one way to go, but there are other creative approaches. You might use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) from your primary home, which lets you borrow against your built-up equity at interest rates that are usually much lower than credit cards. Or, you could borrow from your 401(k). You’ll pay it back with interest, but the interest goes back to you — not a bank.
Final thoughts
Financing a vacation home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right strategy and a little creative thinking, you can make your dream getaway a reality. Just a note, this article is provided by a private investor based on personal experience. The article is meant to educate — not replace professional advice. Before you make any big decisions, talk to a qualified lender or financial advisor to see what’s best for you.
Dave Menapace
President
The 5 Star Co-Host, LLC 5strcohost.com
THE ADVERTISER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS COLUMN.
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 3-year-old Anubis. Here is Baypath’s description of Anubis:
“Looking for a big-hearted companion who brings joy, laughter and plenty of zoomies? Meet Anubis! This goofy, affectionate pup thrives on connection — whether he’s soaking up pets, tossing around his favorite bones or simply hanging out by your side.
“Anubis is crate-trained, housetrained and travels like a pro in the car. He has a solid foundation in basic manners and is eager to keep learning.
“While we’re still getting to know his preferences with other dogs, Anubis previously lived with two canine companions and did well. He tends to go with the flow and enjoys friendly company.
“This sweet pup would love an active home where he can be part of the daily fun. A fenced-in yard would be a bonus but not required. Due to his sensitivity to loud noises, Anubis would do best in a
quieter neighborhood with adults or older children.
“If you’re searching for a loyal sidekick to brighten your days, Anubis just might be the perfect match!”
For more information about Anubis 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.
Dave Menapace, President The 5 Star Co-Host
Teen
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in
189
The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous two weeks.
The Hopkinton teen who suffered severe injuries after being struck by a car on July 4 was showing signs of improvement, according to a close friend who has been visiting her in the hospital for weeks.
Raphaela Cristeli, a 16-year-old Hopkinton High School rising junior, was hit by a car while walking across the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge on the afternoon of July 4. She was there to attend an annual Independence Day
Clarke organized a GoFundMe for Cristeli and said she has visited her nearly daily since the accident. She gave an update to the Independent on July 24 regarding Cristeli’s condition. In a text message exchange, she stated that Cristeli was showing increased signs of awareness. Her friends have been visiting her at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.
“They took her off of the medicine that was keeping her in a medically induced coma, so right now it’s just her trying to wake up on her own,” Clarke explained. “She can hear and feel, so
She added: “Since she can’t fully see anything yet, we’ve just been trying to explain to her where she is and make her super comfortable.”
Earlier last month, Cristeli had surgery to stop internal bleeding, according to Clarke. She also had separate operations on her stomach, brain, pelvis and hips. Her spleen was removed.
Clarke shared a moving moment she recently had with Cristeli that demonstrated signs of recovery.
“I told her the other day, ‘It’s Isla,’ and she tried to open her eyes,” Clarke stated. “Then she waved to me and grabbed my hand. And I asked her to rub my hand if she could hear me, and she started rubbing my hand with her
thumb.”
The GoFundMe organized by Clarke raised $43,251 as of July 24.
“I love going through the list of donations to the GoFundMe because I see so many familiar names,” she added. “It just shows how much everyone cares for her and how much support she has.”
Clarke added that several small businesses donated “a lot of their proceeds” to the GoFundMe over several days. She called the effort “a huge success.” She also praised Hop-Yo, the popular frozen yogurt shop on Main Street, for holding a two-day fundraiser for Cristeli.
“Rafa is going to be so happy,” she noted.
School Committee talks calendar, federal grant freezes
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
The School Committee on July 24 made plans to garner input from families and staff about their preferred 2026-27 school calendar. Members also received an update on the status of federal grants, some of which are “frozen” and under review by the U.S. Department of Education.
In the past, the School Committee sent out surveys to gauge public opinion about the inclusion of various religious and non-federal holidays. The schedule for 2025-26 brought the end date to June 18.
Next year, because of holidays fall-
ing on weekdays, the last day of school would extend to June 22 (a Tuesday), not counting possible snow days, according to Superintendent Evan Bishop.
Chair Kyla McSweeney noted the school calendar is the “number one topic this year on emails,” and her colleagues on the board agreed.
But members agreed that no matter what decision they make, a portion of people will be unhappy.
Having a school calendar that is “as inclusive as you can get” means the last day of school is pushed out an extra day or two, member Chris Masters noted.
Member Nancy Cavanaugh said establishing a subcommittee in the past “brought out strong feelings” from
stakeholders, including parents and teachers.
She said a recent survey had mixed results and misleading optics that the committee would choose one option over another based on popular vote.
“It’s not an exact science to go by that,” Cavanaugh said. “There was no clear directive from the data.”
Vice chair Susan Stephenson said she hears from the public all the time that child care is difficult for some when the school year runs so late into the summer. She added that another issue is the schedule’s impact on instruction and learning.
Stephenson said the fall is marked by numerous holidays and “breaks” in
instruction, while the spring term is more of a “grind.”
She also reiterated the possibility of reducing the number of vacation days or consolidating two vacations into one.
Member Jamie Wronka said the most recent survey had questions that were “murky,” so the results were unclear.
Wronka said she would feel uncomfortable removing one group’s religious observance/holiday over another, and Bishop agreed.
“Picking and choosing is not the best course of action,” Bishop said.
The superintendent noted that some of the days off are dictated by contract, while Assistant Superintendent Jeff LaBroad said many teachers and staff live outside of Hopkinton, so their calendars do not always correspond with their hometowns.
One Big Beautiful Bill - A Planning Perspective
Depending upon your news sources and social media algorithms, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is either the worst bill ever and people will die, or it will unleash a new era of prosperity for the U.S. economy. YOUR MONEY, YOUR INDEPENDENCE
the last 8 years, up from 68.7% tax filers in 2016.
No tax on overtime ($12,500) and qualified tips ($25,000).
The communities that follow a schedule with only federal holidays are Judeo-Christian-based, and that is not Hopkinton’s makeup, LaBroad said.
Wronka said a first step could be a “listening tour” where the committee could hear opinions and participate in discussions.
Dates tentatively were set for Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. via Zoom and Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. in person at the School Committee meeting.
Those dates may change, Cavanaugh said, and a planned press release from the committee should state that.
Depending upon your news sources and social media algorithms, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is either the worst bill ever and people will die, or it will unleash a new era of prosperity for the U.S. economy. The reality is that it will likely do neither of these things.
Like all things with Washington, OBBB has the good, the bad and the political virtue signaling (e.g., $1,000 Trump Accounts for U.S. citizen newborns).
From a financial planning perspective, let’s review the five areas of broadest impact.
1. Extension of 2017 Federal Tax Cuts. The current tax rate structure, including a top marginal tax rate of 37%, remains in place permanently. It was to expire this year, meaning if you’re in the current 12%, 22%, 24% tax brackets, a 3% or 4% increase would have happened. While some disagree with this act, they’d be celebrating if Massachusetts went from 5% to 1% income tax.
Also permanent is the estate tax and gift tax exemption, which prior to 2017 was $1 million. Today, it is $13.99 million per individual, adjusts for inflation and is a flat 40% tax on excess over the exemption.
2. Expanded Standard Deduction and Child Tax Credit. Recall in 2017, the standard deduction was dramatically increased while many subjective write-offs were eliminated. This resulted in 90-93% of tax filers taking the standard deduction over
3. New Senior Tax Deduction. Tax on Social Security benefits was not eliminated; however through 2028 there is an additional $6,000 deduction per individual for those age 65 and older. This equates to 88% of tax filers not paying a federal tax on their Social Security benefits.
4. State And Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap Raised. OBBB temporarily raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 from $10,000, with a 1% annual increase through 2029. Good news for deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes and sales tax. However, it’s reduced by 30% if modified adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain thresholds, such as $500,000 for joint filers.
The OBBB ensures continued federal deductibility of PTET for passthrough entities, such as S corporations and partnerships. These will pay state income taxes at the entity level, effectively bypassing the individual SALT deduction cap.
5. Permanent Small Business Tax Relief. This includes the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for pass-through businesses and 100% bonus depreciation for new capital investments. The maximum Section 179 expensing amount is increased, and immediate Research & Development (R&D) expensing is restored with a catch-up deduction option.
Other notables that caught my attention:
Vocational and trade schools now qualify for 529 Plan expenses. Bronze and catastrophic insurance plans qualify as HSA expenses.
Paid leave tax credits are permanent and expanded.
Increased childcare expense credits.
And, finally, Congress got involved with student loan reform rather than defer to executive orders.
To curb the blank-check effect, OBBB has eliminated “Cost of Attendance” loan limits for graduate students and parents of undergraduate students.
Like the pre-existing caps on how much undergraduates can borrow ($12,500 annually, $57,500 aggregate), moving forward, universities must deal with parents’ ability to borrow capped at $20,000 annually and $65,000 in aggregate per undergraduate. Graduate student caps are now $50,000 annually and $200,000 in aggregate.
It’s a start to address the cause and not just the effect.
There’s more to consider beyond this limited space. Talk with your Certified Financial Planner to learn how you and your family can benefit.
The opinions presented in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
Glenn Brown is a Holliston resident and owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. Glenn is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.
Federal grants topic of presentation
In other business, LaBroad presented information about federal grant entitlements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced No Child Left Behind.
He said ESSA has 22 programs grouped into nine titles. Hopkinton is entitled to four.
LaBroad said the federal government is working to align with the current presidential administration and executive orders. On June 30, states were informed that a pause was put on distribution of funds while a programmatic review takes place.
Because the entitlement grants usually are distributed on or before July 1, the news took states by surprise, LaBroad said.
However, Title 1 funds were not impacted. This money is allocated to improve basic instruction and strengthen core programs for low-achieving students in subjects like math and reading, LaBroad said.
Last year, Hopkinton received $107,218 for this purpose, and the district is awaiting the award.
Also not impacted by the “pause” or “freeze” while programs are reviewed are Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds and federal SPED and early childhood SPED monies, he explained.
However, the bulk of grants totaling $5 billion is under review. LaBroad said legal research has shown states can push
School Committee | 13
Glenn Brown, Certified Financial Planner
ScHoolS
Hopkinton collegians recognized
The University of Massachusetts Amherst announced its dean’s list for the spring semester. Hopkinton residents recognized were Jessica Applebaum, Jahan Bahri, Ailene Barry, Virendra Bhawsar, Julian Bianchi, Elise Blackstock, Caleb Burke, Ethan Champlin, Shivali Chandrasekar, Charlotte Cheverie, Gabriella Ciri, Zoe Coelho, Aiden Colleary, Sabine Collinson, Jasmine Crook, Ciara Cross, Ryan Darbhanga, Peter DeMichele, Anish Doki, Brody Feldmann, Nathan Foster, Camryn Franks, Eva Franks, Jessica Franks, Elias Ghodrati, Katherine Graham, Yusra Habib, Kamron Haghighi, Elizabeth Herlihy, Samuel Holly, Ellora Hoyt, Olivia Hyman, Devansh Kumar Jain, Drishti Jaiswal, Aditya Jhalavat, Grace Joseph, Megan Joyce, Catherine Kelleigh, Liam Keohane, Shanzay Khan, Rithika Kilari, Shritan Kondaveti, Colby Lavelanet, Rachel Leeret, Yan Lok Lo, Julia Markey, Aniketh Mikkilineni, Emily Miller, Keira Murphy, Vidya Narendra Ramakrishna, Rachael Nordling, Allison Palacios, Mirabella Paolucci, Ava Pappalardo, Shanze Raza, Isabella Resteghini, Vienna Rivard, Aaditya Rohitashkumar Saini, Ana Scalora, April Scannevin, Benjamin Scott, Sripriya Srinivas, Lauren Strechay, Li Sutherland, Parth Tare, Sean Thapa, Evan Theodorou, Eric Touzjian, Madeline Ullman, Nithi Vankineni, Sophie Weeden, Callie Weston, Lillian York, Grace Young, Demyana Youssif and Sophia Zhong. … At Clark University, Mia Gwen-
dolyn Kelley-Lanser, Sean Cahill and Afnaan Syed were named to the dean’s list, first honors. …
Nick Brown and Colby Michaud earned their degrees from Bates College.
Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.
Local students earn scholarships
UMass Memorial Health-Milford Regional Medical Center recently awarded scholarships totaling $4,500 to student volunteers planning to pursue careers in the health care field. Two students received scholarships from the Auxiliary of Milford Regional and five students received scholarships from the Perry Memorial Volunteer Scholarship program.
Shaurya Patni of Hopkinton was one of the recipients of $1,000 from the Auxiliary. Patni aspires to become a physician.
“My volunteer experience at Milford Regional taught me that being a physician means caring for the whole person, and it solidified my desire to lead with empathy in every aspect of care,” Patni said via a press release.
Hopkinton residents Parima Sharma and Piyusha Majgaunkar received $500 from the Perry Memorial Volunteer Scholarship program. Both are planning careers as physicians.
School Committee talks calendar, federal grant freezes
back against this matter with the federal government after Sept. 30 “at the point the law is being compromised.”
These include Title II grants, which support teachers and new educators. In Hopkinton, the money is used for teacher mentors for new educators as well as mentoring training and other professional development. Last year, the district received $46,827 in this category.
Also on hold are Title III grants to improve education for English learners and Title IV for technology to promote innovation and learning.
Hopkinton in fiscal year 2025 received $35,842 and $10,000, respectively.
The total impact on the district if these funds are not forthcoming is approximately $90,000.
An ESOL tutor is funded exclusively by a Title III grant in Hopkinton, the assistant superintendent said. That would be one issue the School Committee must address if the funds are not forthcoming.
“There is a lot of chatter across the
state,” LaBroad said, because of all the unknowns.
The federal grant information will be posted on the department’s website.
Bishop debuts in new position
As this was Bishop’s first meeting as superintendent, he noted his focus is on “listening and learning.”
Bishop said he has been meeting with families, teachers and community members, attended a conference for new administrators and was assigned a mentor to guide him in his new position.
Bishop said he would talk about the “why, how and what” of his entry process at the Aug. 14 meeting and said he follows the motto “Think big, start small, learn fast.”
Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the “support and kindness” he has received while he transitions into the job as well as the “grace” shown to him.
“I’m excited to get to work,” he said.
Ring it up
July 17 was a memorable night for Hopkinton Little League, as three of its baseball teams — all playing Tondorf Tournament championship games at the same complex in Medway — rallied for dramatic victories. The 9U team trailed Dover-Sherborn 9-1 in the second inning but fought back for a 12-9 win. The 10U team was losing to Medway 7-0 in the third inning but came back and won it on a walk-off in the sixth. The 12U team completed the trifecta by overcoming a one-run deficit to Ashland in the final inning, winning 4-3 on a walk-off hit. Afterward, all three teams posed with their championship rings.
HHS girls soccer duo named Scholar All-Americans
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
M
adison Recupero and Nina Tzouganatos have been best friends since they were middle schoolers and shared numerous memories on the soccer pitch. This summer, the pair became two of just 60 players in the country to be named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team.
“I was really excited, I feel like being a Scholar All-American is almost better than being a regular All-American,” said Recupero, who also was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts.
“For me, it’s about both,” she added. “I was super excited to be recognized
for my work in the classroom and on the field.”
The pair of recent Hopkinton High School graduates are continuing their soccer careers in college after helping the Hillers to an unbeaten regular season last fall. Recupero is attending Princeton, while Tzouganatos is at Boston University. Tzouganatos said she was “shocked” when she received the letter informing her of her selection.
“There is a lot more than just being an athlete, you have to be a student first,” she said. “It has taken some time for me to understand that and get things done, but I was pretty proud of myself for being able to receive that award.”
Unsurprisingly, the two young women
also are focusing on their academic goals as they take their soccer games to the collegiate level. Recupero said her favorite subjects are math and science, and she plans to pursue a course of study that incorporates both. Her desire to excel in the classroom is part of what drew her to the Ivy League.
“Princeton has both, it’s definitely one of the most challenging academic schools and it has a really good soccer team,”
Ages 13 – 14 (Grades 6 - 8) September 3 - October 29
• Wednesday 5 – 7 pm & Saturday 3 – 5 pm
The league is for players of all abilities. No tryouts. Attendance is flexible.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Former Hopkinton High School boys and girls basketball coach Dick Bliss was announced as a member of this year’s Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Bliss led the boys basketball team in the 1980s. After moving to the girls program in 1996, Bliss compiled a record of 185-85, winning the Division 4 state championship in 1998. He also coached the HHS golf team for more than 40 years, winning two state titles before retiring in 2019.
Recupero said. “Using soccer to help get me into a school that has strong academics was super important to me.”
Tzouganatos said BU is a good fit for her because of the wide array of academic opportunities it offers. She also said she loves her new teammates and the Terriers coaching staff. She said the skills she has honed that allowed her to earn Scholar All-American honors will help her balance the rigors of schoolwork and playing for a Division 1 program.
“I always write things down and plan out a bunch, and it’s super helpful to lay out my schedule — when I am going to study and do homework,” Tzouganatos said. “I prioritize getting my schoolwork done at appropriate times so I am able to get rest so I can go to bed and rest and be able to perform at practice.”
And perhaps the best part about the most recent honor is that the two longtime friends and teammates are able to enjoy it together.
“She has been my best friend for six years now, I am really happy for her,” Recupero said. “The fact that we got this and can be happy for each other and share this accomplishment is something I am really grateful for.”
“She is someone I rely on a lot,” added Tzouganatos. “Not just with school and soccer. She is so smart and she definitely helped me along the way. I am super, super honored that we were able to share this together.”
Farrell re-signs with Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens last month announced that Hopkinton’s Sean Farrell had signed a one-year contract as a twoway player — meaning he will split time with the NHL team and it’s minor league affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
Farrell, who played collegiately at Harvard, ranked third on the Rocket last season with 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists). He added three goals and seven assists in 13 playoff games. It was his second season with the Rocket.
The 23-year-old was drafted in the fourth round (124th overall) in 2020. He played six games with the Canadiens at the end of the 2022-23 season, scoring one goal.
Hopkinton High School standouts
Nina Tzouganatos (left) and Madison Recupero were named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team.
Bliss named to MBCA Hall
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.
ALL AGES PROGRAMS
Summer Reading Program
Through Saturday, Aug. 16
Children, teens and adults who sign up for the Summer Reading Program will receive a paper log to track reading and complete unique challenges. The more one participates, the more drawing tickets they will earn for the chance to win prizes. Participants can collect tickets throughout the summer. All ages are welcome to participate, including kids who are not yet reading and the adults who read to them. The library’s event calendar will list fun programs and activities happening at the library and beyond. Important dates: Aug. 16 is the last day to log reading, Aug. 29 is the last day to claim drawing tickets or a book prize, and the prize drawings will take place Sept. 2 (winners notified by email).
Read & Watch Movie Night
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 5-7:30 p.m.
Copies of “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown are available to borrow at the main desk. Individuals (all ages) can read the book and then watch the movie. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the movie will begin at 5:30. Registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.
CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS
Mason Jar Garden with Tower Hill
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Participants will learn what plants need to survive, plant two types of flowers or herbs from seed and start a growing journal. This program, for ages 6-11, is led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
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.
Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center
Thursday, Aug. 7, 1 p.m.
This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.
Crafts With Jessica
Monday, Aug. 11, 9:30 a.m.
For this program’s craft, participants will use decoupage for a picture frame. Frames will be provided, although attendees are welcome to bring their own. Advance registration is required.
‘Saving Claire’:
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Thursday, Aug. 14, 1 p.m.
“Saving Claire” is a groundbreaking documentary that follows Claire and the chaos that unfolds after her fall, as well as the people who step in to help prevent the next one. This film explores the complex nature of aging, the challenges of change, and the attitudes that
Terrariums with Tower Hill
Thursday, Aug. 7, 4-5 p.m.
Participants will learn about cacti and succulent plant care by creating a terrarium complete with a live plant, sea glass, sand, marbles and more. This program, for ages 12-18, is led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
ADULT PROGRAMS
DCF Adoption Table
Saturday, Aug. 9, noon-4:30 p.m.
Staff members from the the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families will discuss the importance of fostering and adopting, and they will be available to answer questions, provide guidance and explain how to navigate the fostering and adoption systems.
Return to Romance Through Food, Flirty Fun in Fiction
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 7-8 p.m.
Participants in this virtual program should bring an appetite for sizzling drama to a discussion of New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston’s latest romantic comedy, “The Pairing.” McQuiston is a New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies, including “One Last Stop,” “Red, White & Royal Blue,” and, “I Kissed Shara Wheeler.” “Red, White & Royal Blue” was adapted into a movie in 2023 and released on Amazon Prime.
How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2-3 p.m.
In this virtual program, participants will learn how to master the daily grind and become shatterproof in a tumultuous world. Dr. Tasha Eurich will provide key insights as she talks about her newest book, “Shatterproof: How to Thrive in a World of Constant Chaos (And Why Resilience Alone Isn’t Enough).” Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher and New York Times bestselling author on a mission to help people and organizations thrive in an ever-changing world. Recognized as the world’s leading self-awareness coach and communication expert, she’s spent over two decades teaching people practical strategies to supercharge their self-awareness, sanity and success.
can contribute to a fall. Individuals are invited to join SpOT On Therapy for a screening of the 30-minute documentary and an engaging discussion designed to empower the community to take at least one next step to reduce fall risk. The presentation will be followed by self-screening in a group format and a discussion.
Sound Bath
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 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. Advance registration is requested.
Ice Cream Social
Thursday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m.
National Senior Citizens Day will be celebrated at the Senior Center’s annual ice cream social. All the fixings will be available to make a perfect ice cream sundae, including non-dairy and nut-free options. The Rob Show will play live music. Advance registration is requested for this event, which is sponsored by Friends of Hopkinton Seniors.
Outreach Services
The Senior Center has an Outreach Department. The department can help identify assistance programs (including SMOC fuel assistance), loan durable medical equipment, help with transportation, facilitate nutrition assistance and much more. Anyone looking for assistance or more information about services should call to make an appointment.
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.
Friends of Hopkinton Monthly Meeting Aug. 11
The next monthly meeting for the Friends of Hopkinton is Monday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. in the basement of Town
Hall. Residents of any age are welcome to join. Friends of Hopkinton’s mission is to provide community activities and events that encourage and support spirit, enthusiasm and pride for the town, including Family Fling in March and Family Day in September. For more information, visit friendsofhopkinton.org.
Trails Club Monthly Meeting Aug. 13
The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday,
Aug. 13, 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.
Trails Club Walk at Berry Acres Aug. 17
including the food trucks) are free for the whole family. For more information, including how to participate as a sponsor or town organization, visit the Friends of Hopkinton website at friendsofhopkinton.org.
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 5
The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a tour of the trails at Berry Acres on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. The oftenoverlooked area offers trails, streams, beaver activity and some new bridges. The group will meet at the Ice House Pond parking area on West Main Street (by the old train depot). For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
HWC Charity Golf Event Aug. 25
Registration is open for the 37th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5. Funds raised are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk features four distances, from the full marathon (starting in Hopkinton) to a 5K. To register or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk. org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount off the registration fee. All registered participants will receive a bib, medal and T-shirt.
Lung Force Walk at State Park Oct. 18
The Hopkinton Charity Golf Event, sponsored by the Hopkinton Women’s Club, will be held Monday, Aug. 25, starting at 8:30 a.m., at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. The fee is $175 per golfer, or $50 for lunch only. Sponsorships are available as well. Proceeds will benefit the Hopkinton Women’s Club scholarship and charitable giving funds. For more information, visit hopkintonwomensclub.org.
Hopkinton Family Day at HHS fields Sept. 13
Hopkinton Family Day, a community event featuring live entertainment, games, activities and food trucks, and topped off with a fireworks display, is set to return Sept. 13 on the field behind Hopkinton Middle School. The event, which runs from 2-9 p.m., is sponsored by many generous local businesses. Town organizations, nonprofits, clubs and businesses located in town offer activities for everyone. All activities (not
July 1 to August 21
DaNice D. Marshall is a writer diagnosed in 2016 with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. After a 28-day hospital stay, doctors advised her to prepare for the worst. Despite this, DaNice continued to wake up each day. The illness left her reliant on a cane and with partial hearing loss. Unable to focus on writing, she learned to paint abstracts, evolving her work into narrative art. Her “SOL, Smile Out Loud” exhibition captures joyful everyday life, encouraging viewers to silently connect and smile, creating a comforting sense of unity and reassurance.
Enter Stage Left Summer Stock Theater Presents: Footloose the Musical | August 8, 9, 15, 16 | 7:30 p.m.
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tonynominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Individuals, families and company teams will walk about 3 miles around Hopkinton State Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of the Lung Force Walk, a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness. To learn more and register, visit lungforce.org/boston.
Veterans Breakfast
First Friday of Each Month
The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.
A Play, A Pint & A Pie: One-act Play Festival | August 23, 24 | 6:30 p.m.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of theater, food, and fun! We’re putting a special HCA spin on the classic Scottish tradition—your ticket grants you access to a lineup of engaging one-act plays, a savory meat pie or vegetarian option, and your choice of an alcoholic or soft drink. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer night with loved ones! (Recommended for ages 13 and up.) This is one of the season’s hottest events, and tickets are selling fast—secure yours now for a night of incredible entertainment. This is
If
SOL, Smile Out Loud Exhibition with Artist DaNice D. Marshall
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.
Doris Criasia
Doris May (Kaczmarek) Criasia, 101, of Mashpee and formerly of Medway, died June 22 at The Royal Megansett Nursing Home in North Falmouth.
Doris was the wife of the late Americo J. Criasia. She was born April 12, 1924, in Boston, the daughter of the late Walter and Anne (Slavitz) Kaczmarek. Doris was raised in Medway and lived in Hopkinton for 45 years before retiring to Cape Coral, Florida, where she lived for five years before moving to Mashpee.
Doris was a graduate of Medway High School. Doris worked for General Electric Company for 42 years. She also worked for Lumber Mutual Insurance Company, Filene’s, Macy’s and T.J. Maxx. She greatly enjoyed playing bingo with family and friends. She also enjoyed painting and craft activities. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
She is survived by her children, Ellen A. (Benjamin) Harvey and James R. (Cherie) Criasia.
Doris also is survived by her five grandchildren, Benjamin J. Harvey, Glenn A. Harvey, James T. Criasia, Melissa Myrdek and Kathleen Shamaly-Criasia, and her five great-grandchildren, Mckenzie Harvey, Emersen Harvey, Benjamin R. Harvey, Samantha Harvey and Francine Criasia.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated June 27 in St. Joseph Church, Medway, followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Stephen Mayo
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” — 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB Stephen W. Mayo, age 83, of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully on July 16, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Everett Clark Mayo Jr. and Carlene (Wardwell) Mayo.
Born Dec. 23, 1941, in Newton, Stephen was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. He was known for his unwavering faith, kindness, strength and deep love for his family. He shared a beautiful life with his wife of 61 years, Nancy, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter and faith.
He was the proud father of Rev. Dr. Stephen (and wife Debra) of Fitchburg, Sandra (predeceased), Christine (and husband Jeremy) Miller of Grafton, and Mark (and wife Deborah) of Buzzards Bay. Stephen was a loving grandfather to Cassandra (and husband Jared), Amber, Caitlin, Stephen Jr., Austin, Aiden, Christian, Annabella and Ashley.
Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family — whether it was a holiday meal, a quiet afternoon visit or cheering on the kids from the sidelines.
Throughout his life, the light and love of Jesus shined through all he did. He was an active member of Faith Community Church of Hopkinton and the Elm Street Community Church in Fitchburg, reaching out to people through hospital and home visits, food pantries, meal outreaches and youth ministry. He also was a founding board member of Shining Light Ministries in Fitchburg.
After graduating from UMass Amherst with a degree in business administration, he worked at 3M
and General Motors (where he worked in workers compensation for 33 years) and was admired for his hard work, dedication and integrity. After retiring, he focused on family and ministry (through this spring).
Throughout his life, Stephen loved sports, especially running, softball and ice hockey. He played softball with the FCCH church team into his 70s. He also was a competitive runner, winning charity races into his 80s and running up through his diagnosis in May. These also were aways he ministered. His neighbors would see him running through the neighborhood with his Christian T-shirts.
More than anything, Stephen cherished his role as a loving husband, father and grandfather, taking every opportunity he could to coach his children and attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. He led by example — with humility, faith, hard work and gentle wisdom. His presence brought comfort and strength to those around him.
A funeral service was held July 25 at Faith Community Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Shining Light Ministries (slminc.org/online-giving), where he was a founding board member, or the Ewings Sarcoma Foundation, Team Steve Mayo (zippy-reg.com/fundraise/2167/ team/35480), a special organization because his grandson Christian beat this cancer.
Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love, faith and quiet strength will live on in our hearts forever.
Francis Parisi
Francis S. Parisi, 90, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully on July 14.
Throughout his life, Francis had the opportunity to call many places home, including Hopkinton; Venice, Florida; Naperville, Illinois; and Medfield. Born in Waltham, he was the son of Assunta (Mula) Parisi and Domenico Parisi, both originally from Italy. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and later built a successful career in retail, proudly serving in many different management and executive capacities with Sears, Roebuck & Co. for over 40 years.
Francis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorine C. (Dolan) Parisi of Newton (Auburndale), and his siblings, Mary Terrasi, Anna Parisi, Frances Scafidi, Carmella Borey, Madeline Romard and Beatrice Costa. He is survived by his children, Karen M. Thome of Milford, Francis D. Parisi and wife Mary (Woodhouse) of Cranston, Rhode Island, and Robert J. (Bob) Parisi and wife Marcia (Abelli) of Ashland; his grandchildren, Carrie Thome, Jenn Perry and husband Cody Perry, Tim Thome, Nick Parisi, Dan Parisi, Joe Parisi, Emma Parisi, Maggie Parisi, Jim Parisi and Celia Parisi; his great grandchildren, Lyla and Calvin Perry; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will honor and remember Francis’ life by gathering for a wake at Joyce Funeral Home in Waltham on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 5-8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at St. Bernard’s Church in West Newton. Burial will follow at Newton Cemetery.
John Deignan
John E. Deignan Jr., 67, of Hopkinton and formerly of Norwich, Connecticut, died at home on July 21 after a courageous battle with cancer.
John was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the son of Geraldine Deignan and the late John E. Deignan.
He is survived by his two children, daughter Sara B. Deignan and son John R. Deignan. In addition, he is survived by his mother, Geri Deignan, as well as two sisters, Patricia Houk and husband Gene Houk, and Janet Tate; along with his brother, David Deignan and wife Susan Deignan.
“I’ve been blessed to have an excellent family to
and to be
in return.”
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.
July 27
7:26 p.m. On West Main Street, Officer Justin Cappuccio arrested a 36-year-old from Milford on a straight warrant arrest and additionally charged him with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
July 15
12:20 a.m. A caller complained of a vehicle circling the rotary on Woodview Way for the past 10 minutes. Officers Brian Ziniti and Lucille Creedon responded and spoke with the driver, who was to head home for the night.
8:04 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded to a report of metal scraps in the roadway on Elm Street causing a hazard. He moved the metal to the side of the road and notified the DPW.
8:33 a.m. A walk-in reported stolen
property from a construction site on East Main Street. Officer Nicholas Walker assisted and took a report.
1:50 p.m. A caller on West Main Street reported his prescription medications were destroyed. Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report of the suspicious incident.
6:02 p.m. A caller reported three dogs locked in an SUV with the windows up on West Main Street. Officer Justin Cappuccio was en route when the caller called back and stated the owner returned to the car and drove away.
6:03 p.m. A concerned mother reported a 15-year-old female made a concerning statement to her daughter and was acting erratically inside a Main Street store. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Jennifer Manning responded and spoke with the store clerk, who witnessed the erratic behavior. Officer Manning responded to the residence of the 15-yearold and took a report.
7:57 p.m. Officers Matthew LaTour and Jennifer Manning issued nine parking citations on Lakeshore Drive.
July 16
7:14 a.m. A caller reported he picked up a load of someone’s property on South Street the previous day and found a gun in the load. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took possession of the gun. A report followed.
5:58 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash involving two cars on West
Main Street. Officers Matthew LaTour, Jennifer Manning and Kyle Quinzani responded and reported airbags were deployed and one person was complaining of leg pain. The Fire Department responded, and a tow truck removed one vehicle.
8:15 p.m. Multiple callers reported they were locked inside the State Park on Cedar Street. Officers Matthew LaTour and Jennifer Manning responded and assisted with opening the gate.
July 17
1:50 p.m. Officers Augusto Diaz and Matthew LaTour responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street and took a report. The Milford Police Department was advised to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle.
3:59 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Sean McKeon and Brian Ziniti responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street and issued a criminal application to the driver of one vehicle for negligent operation and marked lanes violation.
5:25 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti assisted a disabled motor vehicle in the middle of the roadway on West Main Street. A tow truck removed the vehicle.
July 18
7:51 a.m. Multiple callers reported a head-on motor vehicle crash between a dump truck and car with airbag deployment on Ash Street. Multiple officers responded, and no personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed the car.
7:11 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street and assisted.
11:18 a.m. A motorist reported a road rage incident on West Main Street. Officers Nicholas Walker and Augusto Diaz responded and assisted.
8:06 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported a bike fell off her car’s bike rack while on the way home from vacation and she wanted the incident logged.
9:07 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio came across some shoeless and shirtless kids in the roadway on Grove Street. They were looking for a lost dog. Their parents found the dog, and the kids headed home.
9:09 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle hit a tortoise on Twin Island Road and it was lying in the roadway. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and reported the turtle must have made its way back into the water.
July 20
11:02 a.m. A motorist reported that the vehicle in front of him was all over the road and ran the red light at Chestnut Street. The vehicle was parked at a residence. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Jennifer Manning responded and checked on the vehicle.
1:06 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle hit a bobcat on East Main Street, and he had to put it down. The DPW was contacted to pick up the animal.
9:37 a.m. A motorist reported a road rage incident behind her on East Main Street where a pickup truck nearly rearended another vehicle. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.
6:55 p.m. Multiple callers reported a van flipped over on Lakeshore Drive. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Kyle Quinzani and Brian Ziniti responded and reported no personal injuries. A complaint application was issued to the driver.
July 19
6:37 a.m. A caller reported receiving a fraudulent bill from Golden Pond. She stated she has never done business with the facility and does not live near Hopkinton. She was advised not to send money, and an officer was to contact her.
2:23 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported her dog was attacked by a woodchuck, and her husband subsequently had to kill it. The animal control officer was contacted.
July 21
5:08 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported receiving harassing phone calls. Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted and took a report.
6:06 p.m. A caller reported dogs locked in a van with the windows up on Main Street. Sgt. Shannon Beloin was en route when the caller reported the vehicle left the parking lot.
July 22
5:47 a.m. A caller reported a transformer exploded on South Street, and there was a live wire in the roadway. Multiple officers responded along with the Fire Department, confirmed the live wire and placed cones around it. Eversource was contacted and responded. 10:06 a.m. Multiple callers reported the traffic lights on West Main Street were out. Officers Robert Ekross and Jennifer Manning responded and reported workers were working on fallen power lines. The lights subsequently were restored to functioning properly. 11:26 a.m. A caller reported illegal dumping on South Street. Officer Robert Ekross took a report.
1:18 p.m. Officers Tyler Staback and Matthew LaTour assisted another police agency with an investigation on Spring Street.
4:00 p.m. A caller reported a pit bull attacked another dog on Hayward Street. Officer Matthew LaTour and the animal control officer responded, and the owner was issued a fine. The dog was secured, and all neighbors were advised. 7:14 p.m. A caller complained of
noise from tree work being done on Ash Street in violation of town bylaw. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and shut down the crew for the night.
7:32 p.m. A caller complained of noise from jet skis operating at a high rate of speed on Lake Maspenock. Officer Matthew LaTour responded to one operator of a jet ski but could not get to the others.
7:57 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Main Street and took a report.
July 23
2:45 p.m. The Fire Department reported youths yelling outside of CVS on Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour checked on the youths and spoke with them.
3:08 p.m. A Constitution Court caller reported her neighbor had her key and would not return it. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Eva Cann responded and took a report.
4:46 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street and took a report.
6:24 p.m. A caller reported a hitand-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report.
July 24
8:41 a.m. A caller reported illegal dumping on Greenwood Road, where someone dumped a treadmill by the sands trail. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and advised the caller to contact the DPW for removal.
9:02 a.m. Officer Augusto Diaz responded to a motor vehicle accident involving one car on Pond Street. No personal injuries were reported.
11:43 a.m. An Autumn Ridge Road caller reported problems with a contractor who would not finish work at her residence. Officer Matthew Matthew LaTour attempted to call the party about the civil dispute and left a message. The incident was logged.
12:17 p.m. A Winter Street caller reported she observed a woman going through a mailbox in the middle of the night. The incident was logged, and Officer Matthew LaTour left a message for the caller.
2:21 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a motor vehicle accident on Main Street, where one vehicle struck another vehicle pulling out of a parking spot in front of Blue Square Pizza. A report was taken.
5:27 p.m. A caller reported a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident on Lumber Street involving a black sedan with scratches on the front of the vehicle and possible white paint that was headed toward the town center. Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
6:58 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle crash into a pole on Hayden Rowe Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Sgt. Aaron O’Neil responded and reported personal injuries.
July 25
7:43 a.m. A caller complained of construction workers parking on private property on Hayden Rowe Street and blocking tenants’ access. Officer Nicholas Walker responded, spoke with both parties and advised them of the complaint.
8:36 p.m. A caller reported she could see via security cameras someone in the front yard and someone in the backyard of her South Mill Street residence. Officer Brian Ziniti responded, checked the property and found no one.
9:08 p.m. A caller reported he was stuck inside the State Park on Cedar Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and unlocked the gate.
July 26
10:58 a.m. A UPS driver reported a gray Nissan swerved over the middle of the roadway on Clinton Street and nearly hit him. Officers Peter Lord and Augusto Diaz checked the area with a negative find.
4:52 p.m. Officers Robert Ekross, Jennifer Manning and Brian Ziniti responded to a motor vehicle crash on Wilson Street involving two cars. One vehicle was off the road about 10 feet into the woods and had airbag deployment. The Fire Department was requested. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed both vehicles.
9:39 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin checked on two people arguing in a vehicle in a West Main Street parking lot and causing a disturbance. The female involved refused to identify herself. The parties subsequently left in separate vehicles.
10:04 p.m. A caller reported possible fireworks in the area of Peter Porcaro Drive. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and spoke with another resident in the area, who stated he saw fireworks off in the distance, possibly over Ash Street.
July 27
1:23 a.m. A Constitution Court caller reported loud music and people throwing things in the building. Officers Lucille Creedon, Peter Lord and Benjamin Vaz responded and took a report.
8:05 a.m. A business owner on East Main street reported a vehicle had been parked in his lot for a month. Officer Nicholas Walker checked on the vehicle, and the caller was to make arrangements to have it removed.
11:03 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross took a report of a stolen license plate on Main Street.
2:40 p.m. A Chamberlain Street resident reported a small white bus hit his mailbox due to all the construction being done in front of his house. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.
9:35 p.m. A caller reported a male lying down in a Granite Street parking lot. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Kyle Quinzani and Jennifer Manning responded and found two male parties who checked out OK. They were to move along.
July 28
2:12 a.m. Officer Jennifer Manning attempted to check on two people walking around the Fire Department property on Main Street, but they would not speak to her.
8:03 a.m. A Teresa Road resident reported a suspicious incident after she discovered all the fruit from her fruit trees was removed, yet she found no evidence of critters near the trees. Officer Noah Buentello responded and took a report.
11:03 a.m. The town’s finance director reported fraud. Officer Nicholas Walker took a report.
11:52 a.m. A caller reported a rabbit was struck on Westcott Drive and was suffering in the roadway. Officer Robert Ekross responded and reported it was deceased. He notified the DPW.
12:41 p.m. A detail officer reported a tractor-trailer struck and knocked down a mailbox on Wood Street. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and took a report.
7:56 p.m. A caller complained of jet skis doing doughnuts on Lake Maspenock. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Jennifer Manning responded and spoke with the operators.
Dog Days Of Summer
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