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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 24 | No. 26 | December 13, 2023

Khumalo to step down as Town Manager

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

T

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

own Manager Norman Khumalo announced Dec. 4 that he will be leaving his job as Hopkinton’s town manager after nearly 15 years. In a public relations statement from the town, he announced that he is retiring in early 2024 after more than 30 years in municipal service to take a leadership position with a multinational sustainable energy company.

“I am extraordinarily proud to have spent such a significant portion of my career in the wonderful Town of Hopkinton,” Khumalo stated. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve such a vibrant, growing town. I am grateful to all the great civic leaders, board and commission members and volunteers.

Together we have worked to make Hopkinton the community it is today.”

Khumalo’s end date will be finalized in collaboration with the Select Board and all senior town leaders to

HOLIDAY RIDE

Attendees at the Dec. 2 Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Holiday Stroll take a ride around the Town Common in a horse-drawn carriage.

Khumalo | 7

INSIDE

Concerns continue about new bike lane

NEWS

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

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Bike lane | 11

Fruit Street MBTA bridge to reopen this month

The bike lane on Main Street has faced criticism from bicycle advocates for safety reasons as well as motorists who complain it has narrowed the road too much.

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Domino’s Pizza set to open on Main Street

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ycling advocates raised concerns about the safety of the separated bike lane implemented as part of the Main Street Corridor Project, hoping that modifications will be handled when construction resumes in the spring.

Construction halted for the winter on the Main Street Corridor Project in early November, with final paving and brickwork to resume in the spring. No ending date has been set for the project, according to the town website. The town is awaiting transformers from Eversource in order to complete underground utility work.

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent.

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Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon STAFF WRITER: Mary Ellen Gambon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Christie Vogt, Jane Bigda, Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius

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HFD initiative aims to prevent falls in winter T

he Hopkinton Fire Department’s latest safety initiative, called Sand & Socks for Seniors, has a simple goal, according to Fire Prevention Officer Tom Poirier: “Try not to slip in the house, and try not to slip outside.”

Expounded Poirier: “We have grippy socks so people can avoid slipping inside, and we’ll drop off a bucket of sand so people can use it on their Members of the Hopkinton Fire Department walkways and driveways.” shovel sand into buckets in preparation for The program, run in partnership the Sand & Socks for Seniors program. with the Hopkinton Senior Center, is part of the department’s community risk reduction strategy. “We want to get ahead of issues before they happen,” Poirier explained.

The HFD’s community risk reduction team, which meets monthly to come up with ideas to make a difference for residents, “is made up of a bunch of firefighters who want to do extra in town,” Poirier said, adding that the program did not cost anything.

“A lot of these efforts that we’re doing aren’t really funded efforts,” he said. “We’re just trying to do good things with what we can come up with.”

The socks are items the department purchased with a grant a while INDEPENDENT ago, Poirier explained, while the buckets were donated by Lowe’s, and THOUGHTS the sand comes from the Department of Public Works.

JERRY SPAR The program, which began with the first deliveries the week after Thanksgiving, serves an additional purpose, which is to connect with community members who might need additional assistance.

“While we’re there, we’ll offer the resident a home safety inspection,” Poirier said.

That might lead to the installation of a free smoke alarm, which is another program that the department has been running (although the supply is expected to run out this month).

While the target of these efforts is seniors, Poirier said anyone who needs help is welcome to reach out. For more information, call the HFD at 508-497-2323, ext. 4.

Domino’s dominates Khumalo The exodus from Town Hall continued this month with Town Manager Norman Khumalo’s announcement that he soon will be leaving for a job with a sustainable Independent thoughts | 3

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 3

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

MY HOUSE PARTNERS REMAX EXECUTIVE REALTY

Best Wishes to all of Hopkinton for a new year filled with health and happiness!

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Caraline Carrazza for this photo of turkeys on Overlook Road earlier this fall. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

Please contact us for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria.

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

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

Domino’s dominates Khumalo

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Santa Doesn’t Deliver Dream Homes...

Independent thoughts | from page 2

energy company.

Khumalo’s resignation was announced the same day we published a story online about the new Domino’s that is set to open on Main Street. Khumalo, never one for self-promotion, should be pleased to learn that the Domino’s story got twice as many views on our site as his resignation announcement.

A number of commenters on social media criticized the Select Board for approving the Domino’s license, but to be fair, the Select Board can’t randomly deny a license just because residents would prefer a different kind of restaurant.

Phipps plans for 102nd

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Russ Phipps is closing in on his 102nd birthday on Dec. 28, and his family is hoping to include the town in the festivities.

The past two years, there were drive-by celebrations in front of his house on Winter Street.

Phipps still lives in the home he built after serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Last year’s event featured a Sherman tank, Russ Phipps stands in front of a World War II-era tank hauled in on a flatbed truck during his birthday celebration last year. His family is from the American Heri- hoping to have the tank at the Town Common as part tage Museum in Hudson. of this year’s celebration on Dec. 28.

This year, the plan is to have the tank and other historic military vehicles on display at the Town Common where the public can stop by and take a look.

Phipps’ daughter, Marci Caporizzo, said she’s also hoping to schedule a flyover with vintage military aircraft, but it’s not yet clear if that will be possible.

“Everything is in limbo and weather-permitting,” she said. “If the weather turns bad, we’ll just say, ‘We’ll see you at the 103rd,’ and have a party at the house for friends.”

The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 28, around 11 a.m. However, anyone interested in attending should check HopkintonIndependent.com for updates that week.

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The Fruit Street bridge over the MBTA tracks is scheduled to reopen later this month.

It has been closed for almost two years, well past the original estimate of a year.

T

he Hopkinton Department of Public Works on Dec. 4 shared that the Fruit Street bridge over the MBTA tracks and Sudbury River is to be reopened later this month, citing an update from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

MassDOT indicated that NEWS removal of the 250-foot BRIEFS utility bridge was scheduled for Dec. 8-9. Following the completion of disassembly, safety fencing and other tasks, the bridge will reopen.

In mid-November, MassDOT shared that most of the curbing, sidewalk and guardrails were complete, with paving of the intermediate course taking place Nov. 21.

The bridge was closed to all vehicular traffic in February 2022. Work initially was projected to last about a year. The estimated finishing date was pushed back to the spring and then the fall due to “an unforeseen design issue that resulted from the depth of existing bedrock on which the piles are founded,” explained MassDOT spokesperson Judith Reardon-Riley.

The second bridge on Fruit Street, which spans I-495, also is being reconstructed, but it has been open to alternating one-way traffic.

The work is part of the I-90/I-495 Interchange Improvement Project.

‘Fraudulent invoice’ from news blogger addressed

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Select Board chair Muriel Kramer at the Dec. 5 Select Board meeting addressed a fraudulent invoice sent by the owner of a local news blog.

In an email to the Independent, Town Manager Norman Khumalo explained that Peter Thomas, the owner and publisher of HopNews, sent Khumalo a note alerting him that he was writing “a story about a fake invoice that he submitted and the town approved and attempted to pay.”

“We learned today that the Town of Hopkinton recently received a fraudulent invoice from HopNews.com that was unfortunately processed and subsequently paid,” Kramer said. “We have taken the appropriate steps to correct for the mistake and cancel the payment; we have further taken the steps to ensure that our review processes for like

HopkintonIndependent.com

payments are reinforced to protect our employees and the town from similar fraudulent activity in the future.”

Stressed Kramer: “We want to be clear that we have full confidence in our employees, and we will be pursuing appropriate legal recourse to protect the town in the future from fraudulent activities.”

Later in the meeting, Thomas appeared before the board on a separate issue. He had previously submitted a letter to Khumalo and the board to request that “all town departments be directed to issue a request for proposal for all future advertising campaigns, and that HopNews is afforded the opportunity to participate in the process.”

Khumalo explained that he reached out to town counsel about the issue, and two issues were raised. According to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30B, Khumalo noted, notices are required to be published in a news outlet with a print component.

Said Khumalo: “If a medium is exclusively online news, that would not meet the requirements.”

The law states that required notices must be placed in the newspaper and on the website. If the newspaper doesn’t have a website, notices must be published on the state website.

Regarding discretionary notices that are not legally required to be printed, Khumalo said “the town may consider advertising on online sources.” That decision would be “based on best business practices.”

To his knowledge, Khumalo said the Select Board never has set a policy previously regarding online advertising. Individual boards have used their discretion in placing ads.

Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch said the board should also consider having a policy on social media advertising on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

“Hyper-local targeting” could be used there to attract people in Hopkinton and surrounding towns to events, she said.

No vote was required after the discussion.

Planning Board adds Happ The Planning Board at its joint meeting with the Select Board Dec. 4 voted 9-1 for Parker Happ to become Planning Board | page 5

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 5

Planning Board adds Happ Planning Board | from page 4

its newest member.

Happ interviewed for the open seat along with Peter Thomas, who received a lone vote of support from Planning Board chair Gary Trendel. The third candidate, Karen Mulik, did not appear at the meeting but remained eligible for consideration.

“I think we all know how important volunteerism is in Hopkinton,” said Trendel. “The unfortunate part is I think we’ve got three good candidates, and we’ve only got one spot.”

The position, which became available after Navdeep Arora stepped down, will be on the ballot in next May’s Annual Town Election.

In his interview, Happ, who said he

moved to town just before the pandemic, stressed his previous experience in Illinois state government as “a differentiator,” touting that he is the only candidate with political expertise. He is originally from Woodstock, Illinois, a town similar to Hopkinton in that it was small but on the cusp of growth, he said. But unlike Hopkinton, Happ said, that community remained stagnant because of “bad planning decisions.”

Thomas highlighted as advantages his connection to the community through his work as owner and publisher of the HopNews website and his communication skills. He also noted the impact on taxpayers of the declining commercial tax base on the town, coupled with inflation on a national scale. The state’s MBTA Communities Act, which if adopted by the town would

require 750 additional housing units, would create a ripple effect impacting the schools, he said.

Added Thomas: “My background in leadership, marketing and more importantly in storytelling will be an asset to town government.”

Thomas stressed his reporting in town, including on the Planning Board, during his interview. However, neither Thomas nor any of the 10 people who voted brought up what would appear to be an obvious conflict of interest in having someone write or edit stories about a board on which he sits, or how potential conflicts would be addressed if he were selected.

At the end of the meeting, Trendel encouraged Thomas to “continue to be engaged,” adding, “I assure you that there will be more opportunities like this one.”

New employees welcomed The Select Board on Dec. 5 approved the town manager’s recommendation to hire two new employees: Agusto “Gus” DeOliveira and Carly Moniz.

DeOliveira was hired as a custodial maintenance worker in the Facilities Department, while Moniz was selected as the children’s librarian at the Hopkinton Public Library.

“We’re very confident that Agusto will deliver,” Khumalo said, noting that DeOliveira “works well under pressure” and “in a fast-paced environment.”

Khumalo described Moniz as “a programming phenomenon” who is dedicated to serving children. The Upton resident was praised for having “a passion for literacy” and her previous development of story time hours.

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Sandy Beach Subcommittee outlines safety, other concerns

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

D

uring its meeting Dec. 6, the Parks & Recreation Sandy Beach Subcommittee discussed needs at Lake Maspenock and filled in new Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus about ongoing issues such as lack of oversight at the gate, equipment needing repairs, signage and safety concerns after hours.

Member Laura Hanson, the Parks & Recreation Commission’s liaison to the subcommittee, relayed input and observations from her son, who has worked as a beach lifeguard for three years.

Hanson said several items are in poor condition like rescue tables, guard chairs, floats, first aid packs and umbrellas. In addition, lifeguards were told not to use hammocks during their breaks, so they brought in beach chairs, which were stolen, she said.

About replacing these things, Lewitus replied, “Consider it done.”

Hanson also talked about a need for an electrician and plumber to go in the bathhouse because it has safety problems like dripping water and exposed wires as well as a lack of

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warm shower water and faucets that do not run continuously.

“It’s really sketchy,” was Hanson’s description of the bathhouse.

Member Sabine St. Pierre noted the electrical problems are ongoing and include lights remaining on when they should not.

Emergency button location a problem Hanson noted the emergency button is located next to the shower button and is habitually pressed by mistake. Emergency personnel are tired of responding to the calls, members said.

Lewitus said the deputy fire chief is going to do a walk-through to identify potential locations, possibly closer to the water, for the emergency button.

“I am glad they are on that. That’s awesome,” Hanson said.

Hanson also spoke about the possibility of adding a fountain given that the showers are strictly overheads. Foot showers and a fountain are options, Lewitus said.

Past gate practices described Another concern that prompted discussion was the lack of oversight of money and passes at the entrance and people sneaking in without paying and staying after hours.

“There’s absolutely no record keeping,” St. Pierre said, explaining that in the past, residents used to receive a chip and there was a log book tracking information.

The book was discarded when passes were instituted, she said, and now they do not know how many people who did not buy passes got in.

Lewitus said he would like to see the town move to a cashless system like many other communities have adopted. Residents can obtain passes online. He said the gate guards could pull up information on iPads at the entrance. Older people who may not want to go online could be referred to customer service, he said.

“It’s best practice at lakefronts to go completely cashless,” he said, adding the town can get a hotspot for the iPads to work.

St. Pierre said the gate guards are young and do not want to necessarily call out people sneaking in the exit side. Despite the presence of signs on the exit side with arrows pointing to the entrance, these indicators are ignored, she said.

She talked about the possibility of an electronic gate system like a parking garage but said a grant application submitted for that purpose was unsuccessful.

Lewitus asked the goal of such a system and whether it was more a safety matter or regulating non-residents getting in without passes.

St. Pierre noted a lot of non-residents are coming in after 5 p.m. and “setting up shop” with grills and jet skis, but law enforcement is not ticketing people, and they cannot do anything with people out on the water.

Hanson said it is a situation like “crying wolf” because of all the false alarms and town personnel being called for non-emergencies and growing tired of responding.

“We have had two drownings there after 5 p.m., and it is just not acceptable,” Hanson said.

Member William Burke echoed concerns about the difficulty of trying to mitigate the number of walk-ins.

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 7

Khumalo to leave as town manager early next year ued employees retire or leave for new opportunities, and he will certainly be missed. That said, he leaves us having securely positioned Hopkinton with durable and sustainable structures and processes firmly in place that we will use to continue to build for the future.

“The Board will work with Mr. Khumalo to plan for his departure ensuring that Hopkinton continues to be

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

We wis

ensure a smooth transition. He has accepted a job as vice president of government relations and growth with Pattern Energy, a multinational sustainable energy company. He will remain local, living and working in Massachusetts.

Over the past couple of years, Khumalo had signaled a willingness to leave his position. He was a finalist for the position of Cambridge city manager in June 2022. A month prior to that, he had been interviewed for the city manager of Watertown.

Khumalo began his role in Hopkinton in 2009 and helped usher in a number of new initiatives. He successfully led a reorganization of town departments, including the consolidation of land use, planning and permitting into a one-stop shop. He also consolidated the legacy treasurer, accounting and assessing offices into the Hopkinton Finance Department.

Transforming Hopkinton into a model of sustainable energy use has been a part of Khumalo’s vision for the town. Hopkinton became a Massachusetts designated green community under Khumalo’s watch by pledging to cut municipal energy use by 20% over five years. Khumalo also created the first Engineering and Facilities Department to support the town’s sustainability goals, and he secured millions of dollars in grant funding for the town’s sewer system.

Under his leadership and collaboration with the Select Board, Appropriations Committee, department heads and town boards, Hopkinton saw its bond rating rise from AA to AAA, saving money for taxpayers by allowing the town to borrow at a better interest rate.

Before his tenure in Hopkinton, Khumalo worked as assistant town manager in Westford from 2002-09 and served in various roles in Wellesley, Walpole and Lawrence. Khumalo worked for Oxfam earlier in his career, an experience that he credits with his eventually moving into his chosen profession in public service as well as his next chapter in the private sector.

A native of Zimbabwe, he also worked as town planner and later senior town planner for the city of Bulawayo in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe.

He holds two master’s degrees, one in regional and urban planning and a Master of Public Administration degree from Carleton University in Ottawa. He stated in a press release that he hopes to share his expertise in sustainable energy

with his homeland.

“I have always believed in giving back, and I have long felt a calling to give something back to Zimbabwe and to Africa,” Khumalo said. “Solar and renewable energy present a unique opportunity to bring advancement and opportunity to the people of Africa. With the skills I have developed and opportunities I have been given here in North America, I hope to fulfill this lifelong dream to help those in my native country and the continent of Africa.”

h you a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Town Manager Norman Khumalo will depart after almost 15 years at the helm of Hopkinton Town Hall.

Khumalo | from page 1

managed with secure and consistent oversight,” she added.

Stressed Kramer: “Mr. Khumalo has served Hopkinton with dedication and unwavering professionalism, and I know I speak for the board and the town as a whole when I thank him for his years of exceptional service and wish him and his family blessings for their future.”

& Holiday Season & hope you have a

HAPPY & HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Select Board chair thanks Khumalo for his service In a phone interview shortly before Khumalo confirmed the news, Select Board chair Muriel Kramer expressed her appreciation for his efforts.

“Mr. Khumalo has done an exceptional job in building professional structures in Hopkinton,” she said. “He has done a lovely job, and we are wishing him the best.”

She added that “we expect to have a supported transition” as the search for a new town manager begins.

“First and foremost, we wish Mr. Khumalo well in all of his future endeavors,” Kramer added in a written statement. “It is always hard to see val-

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Parks & Rec deals with skate park, pickleball, cricket delays

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

T

he Parks & Recreation Commission at its meeting Nov. 30 lauded the success of the first Skateboard & BMX Jam on Nov. 12, saying it will generate enthusiasm for the renovations to the skate park at EMC Park.

But unforeseen delays will postpone its opening potentially until next fall, according to the department director.

“The skateboard jam was a huge, huge success,” Director Jon Lewitus told the commissioners. “We had a recap meeting with everyone about that, and we’re already putting our heads together on the next event, which will happen in the spring.”

While 35 people preregistered for the event, 52 people attended in total, ranging from school-aged children to a 52-year-old. About 80% of the participants live in Hopkinton. Some people spontaneously stopped while driving nearby to join in the fun, according to Lewitus.

Added Lewitus: “It’s looking great for the new park that’s going to be built.”

“It’s awesome that when someone from the community [gets involved], it kind of helps spread the word,” added member Amy O’Donnell. “When the skate park does open, we have community members who are going to advocate for it and keep it clean.”

Hopkinton residents Steve Threlkeld and Kyle Reilly introduced the concept of a mobile skatepark and BMX event in late September. It quickly gained

The skateboard jam was a huge, huge success. We had a recap meeting with everyone about that, and we’re already putting our heads together on the next event, which will happen in the spring. ­— Parks & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus

traction.

Chair Dan Terry said the event showcased the power of “grassroots” efforts, calling it “a great process.”

Holding the event at the middle school basketball courts also proved beneficial for both the organizers and the participants, Lewitus said.

Regarding the skate park at EMC Park, Lewitus said delays likely will push the opening back to the summer or fall of 2024.

Terry said the project should not be referred to as the new skate park but rather as the rebuilding of the current Hank Fredette Skate Park. Fredette, a longtime Hopkinton resident, was a former police officer, Water Department superintendent and Select Board member who had a connection with the teens he served. The skate park was named in honor of him after his death from cancer.

“He saw a need for kids who wanted to participate in this sport to do that,” Terry explained. “It wasn’t part of his job responsibility or anything like that.

But he went and found a way to get the

park that was at EMC Park to be built.”

Added Terry: “I think it would be cool to recognize the grassroots effort that occurred probably in the early ’90s when Hopkinton was a different town.”

Commissioners agreed that Fredette’s name should be retained.

Cricket pitch carpet installation faces delays The contractor selected to install the carpet for the new cricket pitch cannot work on the project until the spring.

Lewitus said he was contacted on the day of the meeting with the news. This contractor previously installed the carpet at the cricket pitch at Victory Field.

“The project has been put on hold again,” he explained. “So we’re sort of back to the drawing board in finding another company.”

Lewitus noted he previously sought bids from five other companies. Four did not respond, while the other one had a fee that was four times the anticipated price of $4,000. On a positive note, Lewitus said it gives the department

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and commission a chance to review the project specs more thoroughly. Cricket season begins in April, so he hopes the work can begin in early March.

Pickleball court expected to open on May 15 The pickleball/tennis courts planned to be completed within the month has met delays, Lewitus noted. There had been an inspection delay with the basins, which stalled the paving process. Because of the cold weather, the seal coat cannot be applied to the surface until the spring. The courts now are slated to open on May 15, according to Lewitus, when a celebration will take place.

Ski program expands because of acquisition of second bus Lewitus was able to obtain a second bus for the high school ski club. This allowed the program to expand from 51 to 73 participants and include all students on the waiting list.

The Hopkins and middle school programs have sold out, with similar numbers of students from the past year.

If there is more interest next year, extra buses potentially could be hired.

Advance notice of registration designed to generate interest Lewitus noted that he will preview the registration dates for spring and Parks & Rec | page 9

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 9

Domino’s Pizza to open on Main Street

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he Select Board at its meeting Dec. 5 approved a common victualer’s license for Domino’s Pizza to operate out of 70 Main Street.

The building is the site of the former Old Town Liquors, and there are apartments above the first-floor business.

“It’s always a great opportunity when we have a business relocating in town,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo.

Khumalo credited Vasudha Dutta (executive assistant to the Town Manager’s Office) and Julia Chun (sustainability, economic development and equity project manager) for their “great effort in attracting this business to town.”

Business owner Celal Fatih Gokdag of Waltham applied for the new license on Nov. 27. He indicated the establishment will operate from 10:30 a.m. to midnight seven days a week on a delivery and carryout basis.

Gokdag, appearing at the Select Board meeting virtually, said he hopes to open by the end of this year or early January.

The board noted that there is very limited parking at the building, although Khumalo pointed out that there are five or six spaces in front of the Police Station next door.

Domino’s will compete with three other pizza shops in close proximity: Bill’s Downtown Pizzeria & Kitchen (14 Main Street), Blue Square Pizza (30 Main Street) and Hillers Pizza (77 West Main Street).

A Domino’s Pizza location will open soon at the site of the former Old Town Liquors.

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Advance notice of registration designed to generate interest Parks & Rec | from page 8

summer programming on the department website two weeks early to generate interest and help parents with planning.

Added Lewitus: “My philosophy with program registration — one being a parent — is that I like to see the registration period before it goes live.”

Spring registration will begin on Jan. 17 at 10 a.m., while summer registration will commence on Feb. 7 at 10 a.m.

Town Common tank request generates concerns Hunter Chaney, director of marketing and communications for the Collings Foundation and American Heritage Museum, requested use of the Town Common on Dec. 28. The proposed event would honor Russ Phipps, a Hopkinton resident and World War II veteran who is turning 102.

Chaney, on behalf of Phipps’s daughter, requested that a Sherman tank be delivered to the Town Common as a backdrop for the celebration. It’s a mediumsized, 30-ton tank that had been used in World War II. The tank would be delivered on a trailer. The event would take about an hour.

Commissioners and Lewitus raised concerns about the weight of the tank potentially damaging the ground and irrigation system. Terry said the lawn may not be able to restore in time for the Boston Marathon, while Lewitus explained that wiring for the holiday lights will be there. They suggested that Chaney look at an alternative site not under Parks & Rec’s purview near the Town Common.

A party itself may be “doable,” according to Terry.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

Conservation Commission questions Lumber Street development’s stormwater plan

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

T

he Conservation Commission asked for additional information on stormwater infiltration requirements before deciding whether to issue a certificate of compliance for Deerfield Estates, a condo development off Lumber Street.

Capital Group Properties was listed as the applicant on the agenda. But a Capital Group representative at a commission meeting in September noted that the company no longer manages the property.

It now is being managed by Wellington Property Management Group.

The commission previously made requests of the management company involved that did not appear to be followed.

Residents were not provided with educational information on stormwater regulations. At that time, catch basins needed to be cleaned, and some gutters apparently were improperly installed by homeowners.

Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli said that engineering firm Pare Corporation reviewed the project.

Subsurface infiltration chambers were included in the design to assess peak rate attenuation and recharge requirements on the stormwater checklist. While the project

We have certainly had our share of well issues in the 13-plus years I’ve lived here.

— Deerfield Estates trustee Kevin Murphy met the minimum standard regarding rate attenuation, the units “were not connected, essentially,” she noted.

A special condition when the project was approved required that each roof be connected to infiltration basins or dry well chambers, according to Ciaramicoli.

An analysis the applicant had provided called for 63,995 square feet of roof runoff area to be connected to infiltration systems. The commission previously had expressed concerns about groundwater recharge because of the presence of adjacent vernal pools.

“Pare recommends the commission require the applicant to demonstrate that the stormwater management system was constructed per the approved design and provide as-built condition information certifying compliance or showing deviations,” Ciaramicoli told the commission.

A proposed condition map provided by the applicant showed that while the

majority of units were discharging to infiltration systems, two units marked in blue discharged at grade level. Two units highlighted in green discharged to a separate detention area.

Ciaramicoli said the commission needed to decide if it wanted the project to meet the approved design standards. She added that the management company notified her that 10 units were unconnected.

Said Ciaramicoli: “It does appear that there’s some discrepancy between the proposed condition and the existing condition.”

Vice chair Melissa Recos chaired the two-hour hearing in the absence of chair

Jeff Barnes. She requested the as-built and current conditions be submitted to the commission.

Said Recos: “I would expect that it would meet or hopefully be brought to meet the infiltration requirement.”

A spokesperson for Capital Group Properties said that the engineering company that had worked on the project is no longer in business, and therefore the as-built conditions cannot be obtained. He had thought Pare was supposed to evaluate the conditions.

The Capital Group Properties representative said that “a lot of these buildings have infiltration,” and some “dump into the driveways.”

Recos said the applicant needs to contact a surveyor or an engineer, especially because there is a well on the property.

“We have certainly had our share of well issues in the 13-plus years I’ve lived here,” said Kevin Murphy, who is on the board of trustees at Deerfield Estates.

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.

CALENDAR

Hopkinton Trails Club Monthly Meeting Dec. 13

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6:30-8 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.

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Hopkinton Historical Society Open House Dec. 16

Call us for all your waste removal and recycling needs E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc 800-321-3002 • www.elharvey.com

Wishing you a happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year.

Please note our special holiday hours Christmas Day • Monday, December 25th • Closed New Year’s Day • Monday, January 1st • Closed Hours may be subject to change due to weather.

Visit CharlesRiverBank.com for up-to-date information.

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The Hopkinton Historical Society, 168 Hayden Rowe Street, will hold its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event will feature an exhibit of paintings by local artists Nancy Bailey, Robert McGraw, Frank Toner, Davison Welch et al. Refreshments will be served, and admission is free to all. For more information, visit hopkhistsoc.org.

Veterans Breakfast first Friday of each month

The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday.

No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

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HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Ayla Brown Christmas Concert Dec. 15 and Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Jingle all the way to our festive holiday concert featuring none other than the talented Ayla Brown! You might know Ayla as the country music star and Country 102.5 morning show host, but get ready to see her in a new light as she puts her spin on your favorite holiday classics and a special original Christmas song. So, don’t be a Grinch this holiday season, and join us for a magical evening of music and storytelling that will exceed your expectations!

The Nutcracker Ballet | December 22 and 23 | Hopkinton Middle School Get ready to be transported to a magical world of wonder and delight this holiday season as HCA Dance presents The Nutcracker Ballet! Our talented cast of 35+ dancers, under the direction of our esteemed Dance Director, Jessica Wilson, will bring Tchaikovsky’s iconic musical score to life in a truly unforgettable way.

From the captivating choreography to the stunning costumes and sets, every aspect of this beloved annual holiday tradition is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Cookies With Clara | Dec. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Get ready for a magical experience with Clara and the Nutcracker characters!

You’ll have the opportunity to meet and take pictures up close with them and even learn a short dance from Clara herself.

And, of course, no party is complete without refreshments—your ticket includes a delicious cookie and beverage.

This event is perfect for kids ages two and above, so bring the whole family for an hour of fun and joy.

New Year’s Eve Family Party | Dec. 31 at 4 p.m.

Gather your family and join us at HCA for an exciting drop-in style event! The amazing DJ Mike will be spinning tunes and leading fun games for kids. But that’s not all! We’ll also have a balloon artist, hair art, and airbrush tattoos to add to the festivities. And don’t forget the highlight of the event — a 10-second countdown to shout Happy New Year at 5:30 p.m! This is a free event sponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank.

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 11

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton ADDRESS

SOLD

DATE SELLER

BUYER

29 West Elm Street

$800,000

Nov. 29

West Elm Realty Trust, John Birri

Jason Norman, Megan Norman

15 Connelly Hill Road

$1,720,000

Nov. 30

Gregory Sward, Amanda Sward

Rajesh Sivakumar, Vidhya Nagarajan

141 East Main Street

$457,000

Dec. 5

James Fargo, Charlotte Fargo Trust, George Fargo Trust

Alyson Alibozek, Thomas Chiudina

The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous week.

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Cycling advocates voice concerns about new Main Street bike lane Bike lane | from page 1

Cyclist’s history of bike safety advocacy inspired by his past Resident Ed Harrow described himself as “a third-generation, hardcore biker.”

His passion for cycling was inspired by his parents, who met while riding bicycles at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania in 1942. His uncle owned a bike shop in Massachusetts. He also referenced a picture of his great-great grandaunt and granduncle riding a tandem tricycle in New York in the 1890s.

There also is a tragic side to his passion for cyclist safety, he explained.

“My brother was killed by a leftturning motorist,” he said. “That is what is called inattentional blindness.”

He stressed that motorists and pedestrians are always taught to look both ways for cars, but bicycles are never mentioned.

Harrow worked in the bicycle industry for 10 years, traveling around the country as well as Europe and Australia promoting cycling safety. He warned of potential problems with the bike lane in a presentation he gave at the Special Town Meeting on Dec 9, 2019.

Although Town Meeting approved the project in May 2018, an opposition group called the Main Street Alliance petitioned for a Special Town Meeting to voice concerns about the project and the easements required for it. The Special Town Meeting ultimately voted to continue with the Main Street Corridor Project by defeating the article in a 504-278 vote.

Harrow shared information from a guide published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) regarding bike lane specifications. He also noted that the lead author of the state’s planning design guide for separated bike lanes is VHB, the engineering firm that was used for the Main

Street Corridor Project.

According to the MassDOT website, VHB has worked with MassDOT on dozens of reports on all aspects of road safety.

VHB analyzes data provided by MassDOT to help develop safety performance structure guidelines and manuals.

“In my humble opinion, what has been done on the bike lane disagrees with what they have published in the Massachusetts planning and design guide,” said Harrow.

“For example, they want a two-way bike lane to be 10 feet wide, but 9 feet is acceptable in some circumstances. I measured one spot that was a bit more than 8 feet.”

During a Nov. 20 midday walk along Main Street, Harrow pointed out some of the problems he has found with the bike lane. Most notably, he said there are 22 curb cuts that allow vehicles to cross the bike lane. Storm drain grates also can cause problems for bikers. According to MassDOT guidelines, it is best to limit curb cuts, storm drains and manhole covers

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in bike lanes.

Harrow also pointed out that there are 32 metal surfaces in the bike lane, not including the metal poles. The most dangerous ones for bikers are what he described as “17 ninja turtle covers.”

Another issue Harrow had was with the pole in front of Town Hall. The standards were unclear as to whether regulations allow the pole to be 18 inches away from the bike lane or 18 inches into it.

Cycling instructor discusses concerns A pole in a bike lane creates hazards for bikers, according to certified bicycling instructor John S. Allen. He authors a blog where he chronicles issues with bike lanes across the country.

“I looked at the area before the bike lane was constructed,” Allen explained in a recent phone interview with the Independent, noting he attended a Main Street Bike lane | page 12

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

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 1-yearold Diana.

Here is Baypath’s description of Diana: “Diana is hoping for a new family this holiday season! Diana is still young, so she’s bursting with energy and love to share. She tries her best every day to be a good girl, and now she’s hoping it pays off. She made a wish list for Santa because she’s such a sweet girl!

“Dear Santa, this holiday season, I’m looking to find a new family! Here are some of the things I wish for.

“I’m hoping their house has a fenced-in yard for me to run around in. I love to play and explore the yard! I also love doing nose work in the yard.

“I’d like a family that loves to do training as much as I do! I’m super foodmotivated and so smart; I learn so quickly! I bet I’d be such a good agility dog.

“It would be the best if my future family has lots of dog friends that I could have play dates with to help get out all my energy!

“I’d like to live with only adults; kids are just too exciting for me!

“Please, Santa, can you help me find my new family for the holidays?

“Love, Diana.

“If you think you could make Diana’s dream come true this winter, please reach out today to talk more about this sweet lady.”

For more information on Diana 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.

Cycling advocates voice concerns about new Main Street bike lane Bike lane | from page 11

Alliance meeting. “I looked at the plans.

“This is the poster child for how to make bike lanes hazardous,” he continued.

“There are questions about its slope and width, especially with a two-way lane. It will generally be too narrow to pass in one direction with people going in the other.”

The topography of the road contributes to bike lane issues, according to Allen. While a biker can go 3 mph uphill, speeds going downhill can be up to 10 times as fast. Combined with the number of driveways on Main Street, that can lead to a situation where a bicyclist may collide with a vehicle.

“It’s not safe for children or novice cyclists,” he said. “There are crossing and turning conflicts.”

Allen concluded: “There is really no way Main Street could be made nice for cycling.”

Resident calls Main Street Corridor project ‘a mess’ Resident Peter LaGoy expressed concerns about the Main Street Corridor design in a recent email to the Independent.

“Put simply, this is a mess,” he stressed. “The intersection was not a problem in the past, but with the changes, most notably the Hayden Rowe lane narrowing as it approaches Main, this has become a serious problem. There’s a pole suggesting that a fix, in the form of a traffic light, is planned, but even that won’t correct all the issues.”

One recent Saturday, he witnessed two tractor-trailers trying to make a right-hand turn onto Main Street.

“The truck had to be in the left-turn lane to start,” he explained of the first vehicle. “And even from that starting point, it still had to drive in the westbound turn lane from Main Street to Hayden Rowe.

It makes no sense.”

He stated that “a larger than necessary grass and asphalt buffer” could be replaced with pavement to ease turn navigation.

Regarding the bike lane, LaGoy noted that while visibility at that intersection previously was problematic, the width of the bike lane at that intersection makes it even worse. He pointed out that the rest of the bike lane on Main Street is 10 feet, while this portion appears to be 15 feet.

“There seems no apparent reason for this excess width at this point,” he continued. “The sidewalk here is doubled, so it’s wider than elsewhere as well, meaning we’re left with a very wide path of concrete and asphalt, with little obvious purpose.”

Town responds to concerns Michelle Murdock, the town’s professional project specialist on the Main Street Corridor Project, addressed some of the concerns voiced by residents in an email to the Independent on Nov. 28.

“The bike lane was designed by a VHB bicycle specialist, reviewed and fully vetted by MassDOT,” she stated. “Regarding the remaining work on the bike lane, line striping will be done in the spring and bike lane signs are currently being evaluated/ finalized — to read ‘Two-Way Bike Traffic’ and are planned to be placed this year.”

She added that a MassDOT public hearing on the project was held on Jan. 9, 2018, Bike lane | page 13

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The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 13

Marathon bibs awarded to nonprofits; slogan trademark questioned

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By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

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he Select Board on Dec. 5 awarded invitational entries to the Boston Marathon from the Boston Athletic Association to town departments and nonprofits. It also discussed the need to register the Marathon Committee’s trademark federally to preserve it for the town.

The Boston Athletic Association distributed 65 invitational entries to the town for the Boston Marathon in April. Town Manager Norman Khumalo noted that they are in high demand, and the requests for them exceeded the supply. Twenty-three applications were received from nine town departments, including seven from the Hopkinton Police Department, one from the Hopkinton Fire Department, one from the Hopkinton Public Library and two from the Hopkinton Senior Center. Also making requests were six applicants from the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, although Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere related that the committee would be happy with five given the high demand. The Veterans Celebration Committee and the Hopkinton High School Business Professionals of America/robotics program each requested one entry, while Hopkinton High School and the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Committee each requested two.

On the nonprofit organization side, there were 61 entries submitted by 40 registered nonprofit organizations, an interest in the number of applications that Khumalo called “remarkable.”

The board agreed that because of the town demand, 19 invitational entries could be distributed to the nine town departments.

The Hopkinton Senior Center was allocated one entry, while the Hopkinton Marathon Committee received five. Hopkinton High School’s request was reduced to one entry, as was the Senior and Disabled Tax Relief Committee. The distribution was based on last year’s allocation. Each nonprofit was allocated one entry.

The balance was selected in a random drawing. Winners included the Hopkinton Emergency Fund, Sophie’s Hope Foundation and the Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association, which encompasses Troops 1, 11 and 14.

Said Kramer: “It should be noted how much we appreciate the BAA for making sure that we get those bibs.”

After the drawing, Tim Kilduff, the president of the 26.2 Foundation, announced along with Hopkinton Center for the Arts executive director Kelly Grill that there will

Cycling advocates voice concerns about new Main Street bike lane

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The line “It all starts here” is trademarked in the state by the Hopkinton Marathon Committee but not nationally. San Francisco recently unveiled a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign using the same slogan.

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be an informational session to instruct organizations on the best practices for raising money through their runners. The session will take place on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at Start Line Brewery.

Meanwhile, LaFreniere advocated for an estimated $500 for the Marathon Committee to purchase a federal trademark for its slogan to preserve usage solely by the town. She recently attended a Marathon Committee meeting where members expressed concerns about the slogan — which is on its logo — being used in a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign for San Francisco.

“It all starts here” is a saying that has become synonymous with the Boston Marathon due to its creation by the Marathon Committee. A state trademark was registered by Dorothy Wallace, who chairs the Marathon Committee, but the need for a federal trademark emerged.

Said LaFreniere: “Once the Marathon Committee loses it, it’s lost. We’ll never get it back.”

Khumalo said he would look into the matter.

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when information was provided and comments were heard from residents. Also, a bike lane discussion was held on Sept. 17, 2019.

On a related note, on Nov. 30, Murdock released a statement that VHB will be conducting a traffic study on Main Street after receiving public feedback regarding the timing of traffic signals and the amount of traffic using side streets. Traffic counts were to be collected from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Wood Street, Pleasant Street, Cedar Street and Hayden Rowe, all intersecting Main Street.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

Legacy Farms wastewater treatment plant addresses high nitrogen levels

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

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he state’s Department of Environmental Protection in early November cited the private wastewater treatment plant at Legacy Farms for having a higher than permitted level of nitrogen discharge in the groundwater. The problem has been corrected and nitrogen levels are within regulatory limits, according to a Nov. 30 letter from the water engineering consultant working with Legacy Farms.

Health Department Director Shaun McAuliffe explained at the Nov. 27 Board of Health meeting that he received a notification from MassDEP about the situation at the plant, located at 29 Clinton Street. He expressed concern that, left unresolved, the high nitrogen levels could lead to cases of methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder also referred to as “blue baby syndrome.”

“It’s probably going to require some plant modifications,” McAuliffe said at the meeting. He noted then that the plant had a week to get a corrective action plan to MassDEP. The Independent obtained a letter from MassDEP to Legacy Farms developer Roy MacDowell Jr. dated Nov. 3. The letter stated that it “observed or determined, that on October 10, 2023, activity occurred at Legacy Farms wastewater treatment facility … in noncompliance with one or more laws, regulations, orders, licenses, permits, or approvals enforced by MassDEP.” According to the letter, monthly discharge reports indicated that the plant “exceeded its groundwater discharge permit effluent limits for nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen” on 20 occasions between March 14 and June 1.

The letter stated that MacDowell, the permittee, needed to submit to MassDEP a written description of each of the actions taken to correct the violations noted above within 30 calendar days of the citation. A status report of any corrective actions planned or being taken to achieve or maintain compliance “shall be included with the response to MassDEP.” MassDEP stated that the permit limits the effluent nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen from exceeding 10 milligrams per liter. The amounts detailed in the letter ranged from 10.8-21 milligrams per liter.

This is not the first time that the facility has experienced this problem. The wastewater treatment plant was cited on Aug. 31, 2021, according to a MassDEP letter. There were four violations indicated in that letter, with effluent nitrogen levels ranging from 25-39 milligrams per liter — close to four times the allowable amount at its highest point on April 6, 2021.

At that time, MacDowell responded with a letter dated Oct. 4, 2021, submitted by Onsite Engineering, Inc. on his behalf that addressed the noncompliance issues. No further action was taken by MassDEP, and the facility returned to being in compliance.

The Independent emailed MacDowell seeking comment and a corrective action plan. He did not respond by press time.

On Nov. 30, Onsite Engineering, Inc. responded to MassDEP in a letter on behalf of MacDowell. The letter explained what occurred at the facility that led to the issuance of the notice of noncompliance.

Wastewater | page 15

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 15

Start moving toward retirement security I t’s not as well-known as Halloween, but National Retirement Security week happens every October – the third week, to be precise — and while it doesn’t involve ghosts and goblins, it does deal with something even more frightening: the risk of not being able to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Through various events, this occasion highlights ideas about building retirement security. What steps can you take?

Here are some suggestions: • Don’t underestimate your longevity. Consider this: 65-year-old men can expect to live another 20 years, while 65-year-old women can anticipate almost 22 more years, according to Mark Freeman the Society of Actuaries. And these Professional figures are just averages, meanInsights ing you could well exceed these ages, PA I D A D V E R T I S E M E N T perhaps by many years. So, in thinking about how much money you’ll need as a retiree, be aware that you could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement.

• Don’t underestimate health care costs. When you retire, some of your expenses — such as transportation, wardrobe and other costs associated with your career — will drop. Others will not and may even increase. Health care is a prime example: Many people assume that Medicare or their Medicare Advantage plan will take care of virtually all their health care costs in retirement, but that’s not the case. Generally speaking, you could plan on spending $4,500 to $6,500 per year on health care costs during retirement, excluding the large expenses connected

with long-term care. Your actual costs could be higher or lower, depending on your health, prescription drugs and supplemental insurance coverage, but make sure you plan for sizable health care costs in your projected retirement budget.

• Contribute as much as you can afford to your retirement plans. Try to put in as much as you can afford to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan and try to increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. You may also be eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA, which offers tax benefits and a wide variety of investment options. (Contributions to a Roth IRA may be limited based on your income.)

Once you reach retirement, you can still make some moves that could help boost your financial security: • Maintain an appropriate investment mix. When you retire, you might be tempted to shift most of your portfolio into highly conservative investments to “lock in” gains and avoid being over-exposed to market volatility that could cause short-term losses. Yet, even in retirement, you should still own some growth-oriented investments that can potentially help keep you ahead of inflation. In fact, it’s important to periodically rebalance your investments back to your preferred mix to avoid taking too much or too little risk, so you may want to consult with a financial advisor.

• Identify a suitable withdrawal rate. You don’t want to take out so much from your portfolio each year that you run the risk of outliving your money. So, you’ll want to determine an annual withdrawal rate that can reduce this danger.

A common withdrawal rate to start retirement is 4%, but your own rate should be based on several factors: your age, size of portfolio, other sources of income and so on.

It can be challenging to make all the moves necessary to help achieve retirement security — but it’s worth the effort.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Mark Freeman Edward Jones Financial Advisor 77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017 Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

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“Based on a review of the operations records, it appears that these effluent violations were attributed to work that took place at the facility during that time frame,” the letter stated.

Repair and replacement of “several motorized control valves associated with the process aeration system” had been performed. Dissolved oxygen probes within the aerobic reactors were relocated “in an effort to improve process control and to allow for better long-term operator maintenance.”

The relocation of the dissolved oxygen probes prompted adjustments to be made to the return activated sludge cycle. The operations staff “also performed the intermittent removal/transferring of mixed liquor from/between reactors to facilitate the replacement of aeration bladders in Aerobic Reactor #1.”

“While temporary in nature, these efforts made it more difficult to consistently operate the facility as the process reactors were in a state of flux at that time,” the letter continued. The repairs were “directly attributable” to the violations cited and had to be made while the plant was “actively in use” processing incoming wastewater.

The letter noted that since the repairs were completed in June, “the facility quickly returned to full compliance with all groundwater discharge permit effluent limits, including nitrate/nitrogen and total nitrogen, through the most recent reporting period” in October.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

Schools School Committee discusses Hopkins addition project

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

T

he School Committee heard presentations on the Hopkins addition project and proposed budgets for various schools, the central office and the Building & Grounds Department at its three-hour meeting on Dec. 7.

Dan Colli, project manager at architect Perkins Eastman, reviewed the schematic design of the 27,000 square-foot Hopkins

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School addition/renovation project. Colli explained the work involves turning the existing gym into a cafeteria, increasing the size of the kitchen, turning the existing cafeteria into a band/orchestra room, and making the existing stage a receiving area.

In addition, there will be five classrooms added and modulars moved from the existing Elmwood School once the new school project is completed.

Colli said an initial system-wide study indicated a price tag of $46.9 million. In November 2023, at the end of the schematic design phase, that estimate rose to $49.7 million. Much of that increase resulted from the size of the addition growing by 2,702 square feet and other scope refinements, he said.

School Committee vice chair Amanda Fargiano asked whether some of the change is the result of having sixth graders move to Hopkins from the middle school.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said sixth graders have drama and engineering programs moving into the building along with “dribs and drabs of other things,” contributing to the change.

Colli said the biggest impact are the “unknowns” when you do a system-wide study.

“You don’t know everything you know later on,” he said. “The puzzle is incomplete. Once we get to know the [educational] program, that’s when fluctuations occur.”

IN HO F F

E

MU

Nancy Cavanaugh gave an update on the vacancy left on the committee when Holly Morand recently resigned to take a job with Hopkinton Youth & Family Services.

She said there were four candidates for that slot. The School Committee will meet with the Select Board on Thursday, Dec. 14, to select a candidate. Prior to that meeting, members would receive packets of information to review. …

The committee approved a memorandum of understanding with SEIU Local 888 (cafeteria workers) that runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025. New is the elimination of added money when the kitchen is short-staffed. Instead, there will be an additional 50 cents per hour added to the salary grid.

Editor’s note: For more from this meeting, visit HopkintonIndependent.com.

he Hopkinton Public Schools winter concerts are underway. All concerts are free and open to all.

The Grade 6 orchestra and band performed Dec. 11, and the Grade 7-8 orchestra and band went on the next night. On Wednesday, Dec. 13, SCHOOLS at 7 p.m., the Grade 6-8 choruses take the stage at the middle school NOTEBOOK auditorium.

On Monday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., the high school jazz ensemble and concert band play at the HHS auditorium. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m., the HHS chorus and orchestra take their turn at the HHS auditorium.

The winter concerts wrap up after the break with the Hopkins School ensembles (chorus, orchestra and band) performing at the HHS athletic center on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. (snow date Jan. 25).

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so the logistics are being worked out,” she said.

Another option would be renting trailers with kitchens.

Colli said the addition would be done before demolition, so there is a lot of time to work it out with the CM. Member Susan Stephenson spoke of the need to have as “much push behind this project” as there was for the new Elmwood School.

Member Adam Munroe said the Hopkins project would be a “more difficult sell. … Many folks are at their limit as to what they will OK.” He said the committee must continue to look at ways to “defray costs and cut corners” and convey what is going on to the public.

Chair Nancy Cavanaugh stressed the importance of working through the process with the Select Board and Appropriations Committee. She said there would be several community forums on the project so residents could get information and ask questions.

Winter concerts underway at schools

US

s e k ca

He added the market currently is at $700 per square foot.

Among the deferred items in the proposal are elevator modernization, classroom renovations such as painting and finishes, corridor finishes, accessible audio enhancements, existing systems upgrades and signage improvements, he said.

Excluded from the project is a $1.3 million to $1.5 million component to repave the loop road around the building.

That work could be done when everything else is complete as a separate project.

There is a capital request in fiscal year 2024 for mechanical equipment upgrades.

The amount the town may receive from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and MassSave funds is unknown, Colli said.

Unlike the Elmwood School project, the Hopkins one is not eligible to receive reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).

The project manager noted permitting and construction documents and the hiring of a construction manager would occur during 2024. The work is expected to last for 22 to 28 months and be done by December 2026, if not earlier.

The modular relocation from Elmwood School would take place in 2027.

Other key dates highlighted by Colli include January 2024 for the first public forum, 50% of construction documents

by April 2024, and Town Meeting vote in May 2024.

Fargiano said she would like to see a list of educational needs — “what the learning space will offer.”

Committee members talked about what would happen while the cafeteria is being worked on. Although the construction manager (CM) will come in with ideas, Assistant Superintendent for Finance Susan Rothermich said there is the possibility of meals being prepared in another school kitchen “to go” and brought over.

“That would double task one kitchen,

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Viviana Rivard was awarded a Massachusetts Institute of Technology OMEGA scholarship for her work founding an intergenerational book club in Hopkinton.

The MIT AgeLab awards annual scholarships to high school students who lead or develop intergenerational programs — initiatives designed to bring together younger and older people — in their communities. On Sept. 29, five $5,000 OMEGA (Opportunities for Multigenerational Exchange, Growth and Action) scholarships were given to high school students across the United States, with support from AARP Massachusetts. An additional $1,000 was awarded to each winning program to help sustain and grow the students’ efforts.

Rivard, a 2023 Hopkinton High School graduate and now a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, founded an intergenerational feminist book club, connecting students with members of the Hopkinton Women’s Club. The group gathers students and older adults to engage in discussion about their readings, attend field trips to local historical museums, and share their past and present experiences as women. The group originally met over Zoom before moving to community settings, including the outdoors and the local library.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 17

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Hanlon showcases boxing prowess

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

W

hen the pandemic hit in 2020, Hopkinton’s Barrett Hanlon was looking for something to do to keep up with his competitive nature.

“There wasn’t much going on, everything slowed down, but there was this one boxing gym that stayed open,” Hanlon said, referring to Uppercuts in Ashland.

“I just kind of started getting into the sport and started competing,” he Barrett Hanlon acknowledges a recent victory in the ring. said. “I just fell in love with the sport.” said. “I’ve got to get better at defense.

Hanlon played football and basketThat’s a huge part of it, just taking care ball at Hopkinton High School before of yourself in the ring.” going on to play college basketball at Hanlon is taking a bit of a break Salve Regina in Newport, Rhode Island. from the sport, but the training regimen During his time there, he got his first when he is in season is challenging. He taste of competing in the ring. runs 3 miles a couple of times per week “I always had respect for the sport in addition to boxing, sparring, shadow and for the guys that fought,” he said. boxing and hitting the bag. But he said “I was playing college basketball and, there is a lot more to boxing than just when the season ended, I started taking the hard work in the gym. classes in Newport. I would box, but I “You get to see yourself in different never really took it seriously.” situations, and you realize that boxing A few years went by and Hanlon is a lot of tactics and strategy,” Hanlon stepped away from the sport. When said.

“It’s not just a question of who’s the pandemic hit and he started trainthe stronger guy.

I am not always the ing at Uppercuts, Hanlon said it was toughest guy or the strongest guy, but the perfect opportunity to scratch his I try to figure out a strategy and win. competitive itch.

That’s what got me addicted to the Hanlon has been successful in his sport.” return to the ring. He won four straight Hanlon said he is assessing where bouts in the novice division of the New he wants to go with the sport. In the England Golden Gloves, including a meantime, he is coaching eighth grade victory in the Central New England fibasketball in Hopkinton and was the nal in February, before losing in the All assistant coach for the eighth grade New England final. He’s had 13 fights, football team as well. winning seven and losing six.

“It’s been good to pass down that “It’s by far the most humbling sport competitive spirit for sports to my for sure,” Hanlon said. “Any time you players,” he said.

When he gets back to walk in there, you can lose.” boxing, he said he hopes his players will Hanlon has not been knocked out, be there to watch. but he’s taken a few lumps. His mother “If I continue, I will probably let and some family members attended his those guys know about it,” Hanlon said. most recent fight, when he broke his “It’s been a part of who I am the past nose. two years.”

“It wasn’t the prettiest,” Hanlon

HHS boys basketball eyes return to tourney

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

C

oming off an appearance in the state tournament and a second-place finish in the Tri-Valley League Large School Division, the Hopkinton High School boys basketball team has an experienced and scrappy group ready to make another run at the postseason.

“So far, I am definitely pleased with their effort and energy and intensity,” coach Tom Keane said just before the start of the season. “It’s a fun group of kids, and I am looking forward to coaching them this year.”

The Hillers posted a 14-7 record in 2022-23 and trailed only Norwood in the league standings. The season came to an end with a close loss to Brookline in the state tournament. One of the big-

gest challenges for the new season will be replacing the offensive production of the graduated Tommy Chatten and Cole Deisenroth. Chatten, who now plays at Bridgewater State, averaged 18 points per game, while Deisenroth scored 12 points per contest.

“We lost a lot of scoring; it’s going to be interesting to see who steps up and scores the ball for us,” Keane said. “It’s going to be a little bit of everybody on a given night.”

Junior Sam Dadagian is expected to be one of Hopkinton’s more productive offensive players this winter. The Hillers also will be buoyed by a pair of guards, senior Jack Ianelli and junior Cooper Willadsen.

“They are both scrappy point guards,” Keane said.

Boys basketball | page 18

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In a telephone interview this week, Santa Claus elaborated further on his decision.

“We know that Medway Oil & Propane has been offering high-quality Reading Anthracite coal to their customers since 1954,” said Santa. “It was natural for me to select the region’s best coal supplier to handle all of the MetroWest requests we get for a lump of coal.” Based on Santa’s happiness with Medway Oil & Propane, the “naughty and nice” will want to consider them for coal, fuel oil and propane service.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

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By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

C

at Dacey was decades away from being born the last time a Union College athlete competed at the NCAA Women’s Cross Country Championship in 1981. The Hopkinton native not only ended that drought, but she became the first female runner in school history to qualify for the championship meet as an individual.

“It was a crazy experience,” Dacey said. “There were so many spectators there. I think that’s the biggest meet that I have ever been to; it was very different from any of the other meets I had run this season.”

Dacey placed in the top 100 in a field of nearly 300 runners. She started right in the middle of the massive single pack that lined up across a field.

“At first, I was just a little overwhelmed by the whole thing,” Dacey said. “I went there expecting to be doing something crazy, and 92nd was a crazy number to me. I had been coming in the top 10 in races all season.

“But looking back on it, it was awesome, and that was right where I should have been,” she added. It wasn’t my best day, but I am proud of it, and I am just excited that I had the opportunity to go.”

While the Union team did not qualify for the championship event, Dacey earned her place in the field after a 10th-place finish at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships.

Dacey had been working on dropping her times and building her confidence throughout her junior season.

During the first meet of the year, she raced out to a lead but said she “panicked” and felt like she had gone out too hard. She fell out of first.

“The rest of the season, my coaches worked with me and told me that the front is exactly where I should be,” Dacey said. “They knew I was fast enough to be up there with those girls.”

Dacey won a meet at Trinity when she again raced out to a lead and stayed there.

“That really built my confidence,” she said. “The entire season I was going

Hopkinton’s Cat Dacey had a recordsetting junior season for the cross country team at Union College.

out faster than I normally would have been comfortable with, but it really worked out well all season.”

Dacey placed in the top 10 in six of her seven meets this year. She posted the top four 6K times and five of the top six times in program history, and her time of 21 minutes, 34.8 seconds at the Mideast Regional is a Union record.

Dacey started out as a sprinter during her time at Hopkinton and was more focused on lacrosse. Her indoor track coach, Jean Cann, pressed her to try longer distances.

“She pushed me to get better,” Dacey said. “And my love for the sport has only grown since then.”

Dacey said she hopes to be back at nationals again next year and hopes to have her teammates there with her. Her ultimate goal is to finish in the top 40 at the national meet, which would earn her a spot as an All-American. Unlike this fall, Dacey will enter next season with high expectations and brimming with confidence.

“I didn’t think it was a possibility to go to nationals,” she said. “But it was exciting to go and compete against the best girls in the U.S.”

HHS boys basketball eyes return to tourney Boys basketball | from page 17

Senior forward Sam Pantera joins Dadagian up front along with Anthony DeLuca. All three players have multiple seasons of varsity experience already under their belt.

Senior Logan DelPonte figures to be one of the team’s top defensive players.

“He will be helping us out quite a bit,” Keane said.

Keane said Hopkinton’s strengths figure to be quickness and athleticism.

The coach also has been impressed with his team’s unselfish nature and willingness to share the ball. But Hopkinton will not have the height that many of its opponents will bring to the court this winter.

“Our guards are a little bit undersized, but they make up for it with scrappiness,” Keane said. “Rebounding is going to be a huge key for us, making sure we finish defensive possessions with a rebound, along with making sure that we defend without fouling and stay out of foul trouble.”

The Hillers will look to once again earn a spot in the state tourney, but Keane said the primary goal is about

HopkintonIndependent.com

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

www.hopkintonlittleleague.org

Historic XC season for Dacey

Senior Jack Ianelli returns to the HHS backcourt.

improving through the season.

“We want to show as much growth as we can,” he said. “We want to get better as the season progresses to try to make the tournament and play our best basketball once we get there.”

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 19

Hillers girls hoops brings experience to court this season Elena Davies is one of four seniors who are in their third season on the HHS varsity.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

­— Coach Mike Greco

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

he Hopkinton High School girls basketball team is looking to bounce back this winter following a losing season in 2022-23, and coach Mike Greco said the Hillers have enough varsity minutes under their belt to run up more games in the win column.

“They are all experienced now; they all played minutes last year,” Greco said.

“Even though we didn’t win as many games as we would have liked, we now understand the varsity speed and the level of physicality and what it’s going to be like.”

Added Greco: “We are certainly ahead of where we were at this time last year.”

Hopkinton brings significant depth to the floor this season, so much that Greco is hard-pressed to identify who his top two or three players might be.

“We have a well-balanced group,” he said. “We joke all the time that everybody is the same size, but that means that everybody can also play a lot of different positions.”

The Hillers have four seniors in Caroline Kane, Elena Davies, Kate Finnegan and Bethel Flanagan. All four are beginning their third seasons at the varsity level.

“They have been around for a while and provide great leadership,” Greco said.

Juniors Holly Paharik and Meghan Grady also are experienced varsity players, beginning their third and second seasons with the team, respectively.

“Holly provides a ton of toughness,” Greco said. “Meghan gives us an outside threat.”

The Hillers also have a pair of sophomores, Teagan Resteghini and Sophia Wightman Kraus, both of whom played on the varsity last season. Greco said the game is “slowing down for them” this winter now that they are more accustomed to highlevel play. Freshmen Julia Chatten and Ada Monopoli round out the roster, and Greco said they likely will compete for minutes.

Greco said the team’s experience and camaraderie are its biggest assets.

“I told the kids on the first day of tryouts that we had two goals: Number one is to have fun and enjoy playing basketball, and number two is to compete to the best of our ability in everything we do,” Greco said. “We want to focus on what we can control, and never walk off the court thinking we could have played harder and wish we hustled more.”

Hopkinton figures to face numerous competitive games in the Tri-Valley League. Greco points to Medfield and Norwood as two of the top teams in the Large School Division. Westwood is another

We joke all the time that everybody is the same size, but that means that everybody can also play a lot of different positions.

team that plays hard and is well coached, Greco added, saying the Wolverines “will be right there as well.”

But Greco is hoping that the Hillers’ experience playing together will help them succeed against the TVL’s best.

“The kids generally like being together; it’s very much the same group as we had last year,” he said. “We are hoping that chemistry spills over onto the court.”

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BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Golden Pond renews commitment to individualized, compassionate care

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

O

ver 30 years ago, the Kunst brothers bought 10 acres of land on West Main Street, in the area known to locals as Ice House Pond. In 1993, the property was transformed into a trailblazing assisted living residence, The Communities at Golden Pond.

“Their mission was, and still is, to serve — service to residents, families, staff and the community,” says Lisa Jacobs, Golden Pond’s chief operating officer.

“They wanted to be the premier restorative assisted living community. “ ‘Restorative’ is a very intentional word,” Jacobs continues, “because assisted living is truly a needsdriven industry.”

A move to assisted living often is precipitated by loss, she explains, such as the loss of one’s health, partner or home. “To be able to give the family and resident a sense of hope and confidence that we’re going to help them along the journey can be lifesaving in so many ways to people in crisis,” says Jacobs, who has been a nurse since 1987.

Jacobs joined Golden Pond’s original team shortly after its opening and notes that the company has been at the forefront of several assisted living initiatives. For example, it was one of Massachusetts’s first assisted living communities to offer memory care.

Golden Pond also was the first in the state to provide a behavioral health special care residence.

Residents with behavioral health diagnoses can see significant improvement with proper medication and a supportive environment, Jacobs says, and can transition into traditional assisted living.

The residence also stands out for offering subsidized care. “Because we’re not owned by a large corporation, we can work with individual residents on their goals,” Jacobs explains. “We ask about their dreams and how they envision their senior years. Then we The one and only True Dry Cleaner in Hopkinton look at their ability to pay and what we can do to help If you care about your clothes and the environmentthem have Golden Pond as an option for senior living.”

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Golden Pond prides itself on meeting residents’ unique needs. “It has always been about creating individual and specific offerings to residents and families,” Jacobs says.

She shares an example in which, after a year-long process, she helped a man struggling with hoarding and paranoia move into Golden Pond.

“Within the first month, he was a new man — bathing, dressing, laughing, getting out of his room. His son said to me, ‘You have given my father a second chance at life, and now he is allowing me to be the son that I always wanted to be and not be his caretaker.’ ” Continues Jacobs, “We’re known for welcoming residents that need special attention. We’ll look at how to align what the resident family wants with providing a high quality of life and then determine how to do that in a safe environment. And that’s not always easy.”

During the pandemic, “It was all about survival mode,” Jacobs says. “As we approach 2024, Golden Pond is focused on reinforcing our mission of providing hope, dignity and independence in a time of transition or crisis.”

For more information, visit goldenpondal.com or call 508-435-1250, ext. 116.

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

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The Communities at Golden Pond offers traditional assisted living as well as memory care and behavioral health residences.

N

ick Slottje, president and CEO of Hopkintonbased Charlesbank Realty Group, is set to unveil his company’s newest building in the Elmwood Park Industrial Complex on Elm Street.

Situated amongst six surrounding buildings also owned by Charlesbank, BUSINESS the new flex industrial building is exBRIEFS pected to be ready for occupancy Jan. 1.

During a phone interview Dec. 5, Slottje said he was preparing to show the building to four prospective tenants the next day.

“We have the luxury to cherry-pick the best use, the best credit, the best fit,” Slottje said, “because there’s so much demand for flex space in this area.”

After purchasing the property, Slottje initially envisioned the building as a boutique hotel, noting that people have to head to Milford to find lodging nearby. However, the COVID-19 pandemic changed his thinking.

“We took over during the pandemic,” Slottje said, “and that changed our firm’s appetite for hospitality investments — probably forever.”

Charlesbank Realty Group, founded in 2000, owns, operates and develops commercial property.

Slottje runs the company with his brother, Spencer, who serves as chief financial officer.

“My brother is my partner, and he and I live and work and raise our families here,” Slottje said. “We’re heavily invested in Hopkinton from both a social and business standpoint.”

The firm’s holdings include properties in three states, including warehouses, boutique hotels, offices, medical, retail — “a little bit of everything,” Slottje said.

For the new Elm Street building, Slottje turned to other local companies for assistance.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Hopkinton-based Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects worked on the design, while The Stukel Group — a tenant in one of Charlesbank’s other Hopkinton buildings — served as general contractor.

“All the major stakeholders were local,” Slottje said proudly.

Chamber honors Weston Nurseries The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce has brought back its Business of the Year Award, and this year’s honoree is Weston Nurseries.

“This year, 2023, marks 100 years in business for the Mezitt family, who have made a significant contribution not only in their field of work but in the Hopkinton community,” the Chamber shared in a statement. “We are delighted to celebrate them as Hopkinton Chamber Business of the Year.”

Weston was recognized during a ceremony on Dec. 7 at its greenhouse.

Kunam joins Foemmel Fine Homes Realtor Kim Foemmel, owner of Foemmel Fine Homes, recently announced the addition of Sharada Kunam to the office at 1 Lumber Street. Kunam has three years of experience as a real estate agent in the Hopkinton area.

Kunam has lived in Hopkinton for eight years, and her daughter attends school here.

“Sharada possesses an in-depth knowledge of the local market,” Foemmel said. “Her mission is to make every real estate transaction a smooth and enjoyable experience for her clients. Whether you’re buying, selling or just exploring the real estate market, Sharada is here to help. Connect with her to discuss your unique needs and take the first step toward turning your real estate aspirations into reality.”

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 21 For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Many programs require registration. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

LIBRARY CORNER

Schedule Update

On Friday, Dec. 15, the library will have a late opening of 1 p.m. due to a professional development meeting. The library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 25, for the Christmas holiday, as well as Saturday, Dec. 30, through Monday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, Dec. 19, 1-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2-7 p.m.

Register on the Red Cross website at https:// rcblood.org/3AmuYsP.

50-Plus Job Seekers Networking Group

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

This Zoom program is a professional forum for networking with peers in a safe and comfortable environment conducive to developing new relationships and developing skills and strategies to help with a career transition. This session will focus on creating a marketing plan and brief.

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 12:30-2 p.m.

Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they read this month. Newcomers are welcome. All reviews will be posted to Facebook to share with the Hopkinton reading community.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Scrabble Club

Tuesday, Jan. 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

The new Scrabble Club is a gathering where individuals will play Scrabble. The library will provide boards, but participants are free to bring their own. No registration is required.

Women’s Financial Round Table

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1-2 p.m.

This virtual program is for anyone confused about financial markets, wondering what Bitcoin is all about or staring blankly at retirement statements. Julia Strayer and Liz Maccarone present Women and Money Round Table: How to Make Sense of Today’s Financial Markets. Each session focuses on a different topic. Register at the library website.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, needle felting, etc.) are more than welcome. This group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Annual Meeting

Wednesday, Jan. 3, 6:30 p.m.

The Friends’ annual meeting will be held in the lower-level classroom at the library. All members are invited to attend. The agenda will include the election of officers, approval of the dues structure and affirmation of regular business. The annual meeting will be followed by the January board meeting.

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.

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Winter Weather Policy

The Senior Center is closed to the public when the Hopkinton Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Play it safe; watch the news and check for school closings. When in doubt, call the Senior Center or check out the Facebook page for closing updates. Transportation assistance also could be impacted by inclement weather.

Tracking Priorities on iPhone/iPad

Thursday, Dec. 14, 1 p.m.

This beginner course introduces iPhone and iPad users to methods for keeping track of different priorities, tasks and events using the Notes, Reminders and Calendar apps. This class also covers Siri, the iPhone’s virtual assistant. Advance registration is requested.

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Mental Health Literacy

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.

Mental Health Essentials for Older Adults is an educational program delivered by clinicians for adults ages 65 and older. Participants will walk away with an understanding of the states of mental health, an understanding of what mental health is and isn’t, knowledge of how and where to get professional support, strategies for coping with loss and adapting to this chapter of life, and strategies for self-care for themselves and loved ones.

Winter Wonderland Party

Thursday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.

Residents are invited for some hot cocoa and winter treats as the Senior Center welcomes the first day of winter. Guests will enjoy the easy sounds of live music from the 1940s and ’50s as well as some favorite winter classics. Advance registration is requested.

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Our Time Memory Cafe

Thursday, Jan. 4, 1 p.m.

Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, along with their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, have social experiences with others going through similar changes and form friendships.

A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call the Senior Center.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Darcy Repucci, MS, CCC-A, Licensed Audiologist 1 Lumber Street, Hopkinton • 508.936.3277 HopkintonAudiology.com

22 • The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023

Police Log Warm Wishes for the

ARRESTS November 28

Happiest

Holidays We are grateful for your continued support and wish you the best in the new year.

From the entire team at the

Hopkinton Independent

9:50 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin completed a motor vehicle stop on South Street and subsequently arrested a 40-year-old Milford resident and charged him with operation of motor vehicle with license suspended, operation of motor vehicle with license suspended for OUI, and possession of open container of alcohol in 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.

November 28

8:33 a.m. A caller reported a 1-800-GOT-JUNK? truck spilling trash in the roadway of Cedar Street Extension.

Officer Sean McKeon responded and reported the truck made it to Harvey’s with no loss of load.

3:46 p.m. A Walcott Valley Drive caller reported fraud. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report.

4:57 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin assisted the State Police with a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street.

8:34 p.m. A caller reported a tree in the middle of the roadway on Saddle Hill Road. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Cody Normandin moved it to the side of the road and notified the DPW.

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3:16 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker issued a winter parking ban violation warning on Walcott Street.

7:56 a.m. Multiple callers reported the traffic lights on Grove Street were malfunctioning. Officer Robert Ekross responded, assisted with traffic control and notified the DPW. 11:05 a.m. On West Main Street, Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted a disabled wide-load tractor-trailer that was leaking fuel. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded along with the Fire Department to assist.

12:52 p.m. A caller complained of the flashing traffic lights on Grove Street.

Officer Robert Ekross responded to manage traffic control.

1:51 p.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer about someone who attempted to break into her home. Officer Robert Ekross called her back and left a message.

2:06 p.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik assisted a disabled motor vehicle that ran out of gas on Cedar Street.

4:07 p.m. A motorist reported being blocked by another vehicle on West Main Street. Officer Shannon Beloin and Sergeant William Burchard responded and assisted, and the motorist was able to leave.

4:26 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving three cars. One operator reported a laceration on her face. Officers Shannon Beloin and Brennan Grimley responded along with Fire Department personnel. A tow truck was requested, and a citation was issued to one operator.

HopkintonIndependent.com

6:08 p.m. Officer Brennan Grimley assisted the Fire Department with a house lockout on Whirty Circle. Access was gained.

9:14 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator all over the road on Wilson Street. Officer Shannon Beloin responded, stopped the vehicle and issued a verbal warning.

10:08 p.m. A motorist on West Main Street reported his vehicle had died.

Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brennan Grimley responded and got the vehicle running.

November 30

6:46 a.m. A Walcott Valley Drive resident reported a vehicle had been parked at the end of his driveway, and he wanted the owner to stop parking there.

Officer Nicholas Walker responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

8:30 a.m. Officers Tyler Staback, Robert Ekross and Brian Ziniti responded to a three-car motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving personal injuries. Two people were transported to the hospital. A crash report was taken.

9:36 a.m. Officer Tyler Staback spoke to and assisted a Rocky Woods Road caller who reported a DoorDash driver damaged her property.

9:37 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross took a report of extortion on Hayward Street.

10:46 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker checked on a motor vehicle on Cedar Street and moved the driver along.

3:07 p.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer about a situation with a neighbor. Officer Brennan Grimley took a report.

3:55 p.m. A caller requested to speak with a sergeant about someone giving out his personal information. Sergeant Matthew McNeil assisted the caller.

December 1

12:19 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello issued a winter parking ban violation warning on Maple Street.

7:32 a.m. A caller reported a deceased dog on the side of the roadway on Cedar Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and notified the animal control officer.

10:51 a.m. A Fruit Street caller complained of solicitors going door to door in the area. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded, and they were gone upon his arrival.

4:55 p.m. The State Police requested assistance with a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 495. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Cody Normandin and Brian Ziniti responded.

6:29 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle, whose owner was possibly picking up pizza, blocking a Main Street entrance.

Officer Matthew LaTour responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

7:12 p.m. An employee at a Main Street business reported someone left a bag with some money and an ID inside.

The caller was asked to bring it to the station. The owner was contacted for pickup.

December 2

3:30 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello issued a winter parking ban violation warning on Palomino Drive.

7:12 a.m. A caller reported a deceased deer on the roadway on Front Street. The animal control officer was Police Log | page 23

The Hopkinton Independent • December 13, 2023 • 23

Police Log Police Log | from page 22

contacted for removal.

7:58 a.m. A walk-in reported that after school the previous day, someone threw a rock at her son’s head, and he had to have staples inserted to close the wound. Officer Shannon Beloin assisted and took a report of assault.

8:08 a.m. A concerned Stewart Street caller reported a coyote running from yard to yard. The animal control officer was notified.

10:08 a.m. A motorist reported backing into an unoccupied parked car in a Wood Street parking lot. No injuries were reported, but the caller’s vehicle had damage. Officers Shannon Beloin and Brian Ziniti responded and took a report.

7:44 p.m. A Clinton Street caller reported smoke but no fire coming from his boiler. He was advised to evacuate the house along with all occupants. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department.

December 3

3:01 a.m. Officer Noah Buentello issued a winter parking ban violation warning on Church Place.

7:15 a.m. A concerned Chamberlain Street caller reported hearing a fire alarm sounding for several minutes at a neighbor’s house, and he hadn’t noticed any movement inside. He also reported many packages outside by the entrance.

Officers Tyler Staback and Sean McKeon responded and attempted to contact the homeowner in person and on the phone.

No apparent hazard was seen from outside.

2:28 p.m. A caller at an East Main

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Street business reported an ex-employee who was fired two days earlier showed up uninvited on the premises and was intoxicated. Officers Sean McKeon and Tyler Staback responded, and both parties were calm. Employees were advised to contact the police in case of any future incidents.

5:05 p.m. Multiple callers reported a female was hit by a vehicle on West Main Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and reported the vehicle had taken off. An ambulance transported the female to Milford Hospital.

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December 4

8:45 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield checked on a fallen tree on wires on Cedar Street Extension.

10:39 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Robert Ekross responded to a motor vehicle accident on East Street.

No personal injuries were reported.

3:25 p.m. A caller reported a loose dog chasing horses on a trail on Wood Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

5:43 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle with its hazards on in the middle of East Main Street with no one around. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Cody Normandin responded and reported the owner had walked to the station for help because the vehicle broke down.

6:49 p.m. A caller reported a driver ran a red light on Wilson Street. No license plate or vehicle description was given. Officer Cody Normandin responded.

*View a live-stream of your garage for free. 7-day and 30-day video storage options are available via a monthly or yearly subscription.

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WE ARE YOUR RELIABLE INSURANCE NEIGHBOR

Happy Holidays from the Very Merry Team at Phipps Insurance!

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.

Joan Phipps Joan M. Phipps, 83, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Nov. 29 at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Westborough. She was the wife of 53 years to Russell H. Phipps.

Born in Worcester, she was a daughter of the late Harold and Esther (Aldrich) Jewett, was raised and educated in Westborough, and was a graduate of Westborough High School class of 1958. She then went on to receive certification as a licensed practical nurse. Joan was then employed at the Westborough State Hospital until she started her family.

She kept busy gardening and raising a variety of animals including sheep, goats, pigs and chickens. She enjoyed attending musical performances and going to the Hopkinton Senior Center, where she played pool and bocce. She was always ready for a road trip — whether cross-country camping trips or trips with the Senior Center. For many years, Joan and Russ hosted Christmas breakfast for the extended family, and her Christmas tree-shaped sweet rolls were a family favorite. Whether she knew it or not, she touched many lives with her kindness.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Donna (Wilkinson) Hopkins and husband Charles of Upton, Tracy Phipps of Hopkinton and Timothy Wilkinson; her grandchildren, Eric and Ryan Wilkinson; her siblings, Elizabeth Van Ness, Robert Jewett and Irene Jewett; and many nieces and nephews.

Joan was predeceased by her first husband, H. Paul Wilkinson, who died in 1965.

Memorial calling hours were held Dec. 8 in the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Heifer International via heifer. org or the Friends of Hopkinton Senior Citizens, c/o the Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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$48,945

508-488-2382

As low as

$48,450

$

36,977

EQUINOX LT As low as

$112/wk

$64/wk

$29,980

$

18,977

$

$48,850

31,677

CHALLENGER GRAND CHEROKEE As low as

$91/wk

As low as

$99/wk

#H04223 • PLATINUM TRIM, 3.5L V6

#P16468L • ALLOYS, 3RD ROW SEATS

#H04482• LANE DEPARTURE, SEL

#D13561 • QUAD CAB, ALLOYS, 4X4

#45405 • AWD, TURBO, 17” ALLOYS

#D13718CDJ • SXT TRIM, 5K MILES

#D13734 • NAV, 4X4, SUNROOF, V6

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

2018 BUICK

2021 GENESIS

$68,635

$

56,977

2021 CHEVY

$45,470

$

34,477

SPARK 1LT

ENCORE AWD

$39/wk

$49/wk

As low as

As low as

$38,305

$

26,477

GV80 SUV

As low as

$170/wk

#H04356R • 30/38 MPG CITY/HWY

#TM23-937A • 1.4L TURBO, 18” ALLOYS

#H04457 • AWD, HEATED SEATS, NAV

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

$19,590

$

13,977

SEVEN DAY VEHICLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

$26,800

$

16,877

$64,850

$

50,977

$54,750

$

34,577

$28,400

$

20,977

$40,145

Now Get

NO PAYMENTS UNTIL FEB 2024

$

28,577

$48,950

$

30,977

BAD CREDIT?

* DON’T SWEAT IT!

EXCLUSIVELY AT

IMPERIAL CARS!

We finance your future - not your past.

*NOT AVAILABLE ON ALL MODELS. REQUIRES DEALER SOURCED FINANCING. SEE DEALER FOR COMPLETE DETAILS.

Mike Penner General Manager

SALE ENDS 12/31/23. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. THIS OFFER IS NOT VALID ON PRIOR SALES AND IS BASED ON THE MSRP, AND NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT, PROMOTIONS, OR INCENTIVES. PRICE LISTED INCLUDES ALL APPLICABLE MANUFACTURER REBATES (NOT EVERYONE WILL QUALIFY) AND IMPERIAL DISCOUNTS INCLUDING A $1,000 IMPERIAL TRADE ASSISTANCE BONUS FOR A QUALIFYING 2013 OR NEWER TRADE. SEE US FOR DETAILS. ADVERTISED PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX, TITLE, REGISTRATION, DOCUMENTATION OR ACQUISITION FEES AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR PROMOTIONS. WEEKLY PAYMENTS CALCULATED WITH AN ESTIMATED DOWN PAYMENT OF $2,999 CASH OR TRADE. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CALL 1-508-488-2382 TO SEE WHICH REBATES YOU QUALIFY FOR. *TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE 1 YEAR OF PAYMENTS PRIZE YOU MUST COMPLETE A VEHICLE PURCHASE DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST 2023. TO QUALIFY FOR PROMOTION, VEHICLE MUST BE PAID IN FULL WITH DEALER SOURCED FINANCING OR CASH AND TAKE SAME DAY DELIVERY FROM DEALER STOCK. THE WINNER WILL BE GIVEN A CHECK TO COVER EITHER THE TOTAL OF 12 MONTHS OF PAYMENTS OR $6,000 WHICHEVER IS LESS. SEE DEALER FOR FULL DETAILS.

Happy Holidays Sale

December 11-24

SPIRITS

Sailor Jerry Rum 1.75L .............................................................................. $24.99 Lunazul Blanco & Reposado 1.75L ..........................................................$31.99 Código L&K Selected Barrel Rosa Blanco Tequila 40%ABV ...........$49.99 Partida Cristalino Anejo Tequila 750ml ................................................$49.99 Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila 750ml ........................................ $24.99 Lalo Tequila 750ml ..................................................................................... $39.99 Bombay Sapphire Gin 1.75L ...................................................................... $35.99 Hendrick's Gin 1L ........................................................................................$44.99 Empress Gin 750ml .................................................................................... $29.99 Grand Marnier 750ml .................................................................................$34.99 Fabrizia Limoncello all varieties 750ml ..................................................$14.99

Julio’s Vodka 6x Distilled & Gluten Free 1.75L......................................$14.99 20% of profits will be donated to Project New Hope Veteran’s Food Pantry!

Tito's Handmade Vodka 1.75L ...................................................................$27.99 Grey Goose 1L (Reg only) ........................................................................... $29.99 Platinum 7X Vodka 1.75L ............................................................................$12.99 Blank Vodka Labeled for The Holidays 750ml .........................................$14.99 Wheatley Vodka 750ml ..............................................................................$14.99 Maker’s Mark 1.75L ......................................................................................$47.99 Evan Williams Black Label 1.75L ..............................................................$21.99 Noah’s Mill Bourbon 750ml .........................................................WOW!! $49.99 High Plains Rye 750ml ............................................................................... $39.99 WINE Copper & Cask Single Barrel L&K Cask Strength 90+ Cellars 1.5 ltr All Varieties................................................................... $15.98 all Expressions (except Wry Canadien) 750ml ........................................$49.99 J. Lohr Chardonnay 1.5 ltr......................................................................... $21.98 Fortuna Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ......................................................... $69.99 Woodbridge 3 ltr Box All Varieties ............................................................ $14.98 Penelope Toasted Rye 750ml ..................................................................$64.99 Banshee Ten of Cups Brut........................................................................ $15.98 Rossville Union L&K Cask Strength Single Barrels 750ml ..............$54.99 Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz .................................................................... $10.98 Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey 1.75L .......................................................... $24.99 Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta..................................................................... $34.98 Breckenridge Spiced Whiskey 750ml ...................................................$49.99 Daou Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon .............................................. $23.98 Dewar's White Label 1.75L ....................................................................... $29.99 Louis Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.......................... $15.98 Johnnie Walker Black Label 1.75l ............................................................$57.99 Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon............................................ $15.98 Mortlach 16yr Single Malt Scotch .......................................................... $99.99 Bogle California Cabernet Sauvignon..................................................... $9.98 Balvenie 12yr DoubleWood 750ml ..........................................................$64.99 Francis Ford Coppola Claret.................................................................... $12.98 Balvenie 14yr Caribbean Cask 750ml ................................................... $89.99 The Prisoner Red Blend ........................................................................... $39.98 Glenfiddich 12yr 750ml .............................................................................$49.99 Breca Garnacha.......................................................................................... $15.98 Signatory Caol Ila Cask Strength Single Malt 750ml ....................... $89.99 Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec ..................................................... $17.98 Old Pulteney 12yr 750ml ........................................................................... $39.99 Mount Langhi Ghiran Billi Billi Shiraz ..................................................... $11.98 Bacardi Superior & Gold 1.75L .................................................................$19.99 Far Niente Napa Valley Chardonnay..................................................... $49.98 Goslings Black Seal 1.75L ......................................................................... $32.99 Sonoma Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay........................................ $21.98 Some items are of limited quantity; shop early for best selection

Ferrari-Carano Sonoma County Chardonnay ..................................... $15.98 Bogle California Chardonnay .................................................................... $9.98 Acrobat Oregon Pinot Gris ........................................................................ $11.98 Zenato Pinot Grigio delle Venezie ............................................................ $9.98 All Rosé wines 750 ml ............................................................................. 20% off

BEER

Coors Light 30pk can ................................................................................. $25.99 Miller Lite 30pk can .................................................................................... $25.99 Budweiser 24pk loose bottle..................................................................... $22.99 Bud Light 24pk loose bottle....................................................................... $22.99 Michelob Ultra 30pk can.............................................................................$27.99 Natural Light 18pk can.................................................................................$11.99 Ganset 12pk can............................................................................................$10.99 Sapporo 12pk can ..........................................................................................$11.99 Blue Moon 12pk bottle ..................................................................................$15.99 Heineken 24pk loose bottle ........................................................................$27.99 Stella 24pk loose bottle ...............................................................................$27.99 Twisted Tea 18pk cans ................................................................................$19.99 Dunkin' Spiked Tea 12pk can .....................................................................$13.99 High Noon 8pk variety can..........................................................................$16.99 Jack's Abby Banner City 12pk can ...........................................................$12.99 Tröegs Mad Elf 12pk can ............................................................................ $25.99 Founders Vanilla Porter 12pk can ............................................................$16.99 Three Floyds Zombie Dust 12pk can........................................................$16.99 Three Floyds Variety 12pk can..................................................................$16.99 Fiddlehead Barrel Aged Imperial Hodad 500ml bottle........................$15.99 Lawson's Hazy Rays 4pk 16oz can.............................................................$11.99 Lagunitas Non Alc IPA 6pk bottle ...............................................................$8.99 Athletic 6pk cans (all types) ........................................................................$9.99

OPEN 7 DAYS

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough Route 9 at Lyman St. 508-366-1942 | juliosliquors.com

Mon-Sat 9 am - 9 pm, Sun 10 am - 7 pm Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd EXTRA HOURS 8am - 9pm OPEN Sun Dec 24th 10am-6pm • Closed Mon Dec 25th

So much more than a liquor store.

FREE DELIVERY on all orders OVER $300. More information on your Julio's app or on our website.

HopkintonIndependent.com