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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 1 | January 13, 2021

Town tries to avoid another COVID surge By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

PHOTO/BEN MOREY-BEALE

opkinton health director Shaun McAuliffe said Jan. 5 that the town had 60 active cases of COVID-19, although he expected to see a drop, optimistic that the post-holiday surge would start to wane. On the same day, the Hopkinton Public Library and The Spoon announced they were closing their doors temporarily. The library, which continues to serve residents on a remote/curbside basis, will be closed until at least Jan. 22. The Spoon’s announcement indicated the Lumber Street diner would be closed “through this winter season.” McAuliffe said there had been 299 cases in town since Sept. 21. “We’re experiencing a second surge of cases that’s related to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, a little bit of vacation time,” he said during his COVID-19 update to the

SPLASHING GOOD TIME

A frog enjoys a dip in a puddle near Lake Whitehall after a recent stretch of wet weather.

COVID | 10

If you build it, they will compete

INSIDE

HHS students construct robotics field outdoors

Local politicians react to Washington chaos

NEWS

SPORTS

HHS winter teams finally start season

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

POLICE

f Hf

PHOTO/HOPKINETICS ROBOTICS

embers of the Hopkinton High School robotics team are no strangers to building and creating. They also are familiar with winning awards, a tradition they have continued this school year. During this season, the teams won an impressive slate of awards at this year’s Robotics competition. One team (Team 2602) won the Excellence Award, Tournament Champions, Design Award Robotics | 13

Investigation continues into Dunkin’ robbery

Participants compete in a robotics event outside Hopkinton High School.

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Local business owner grateful for assistance

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. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Jean Cann, Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland

FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com

EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for verification. Letters should be no more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com

ike many small business owners, Hopkinton’s Anna Gammal, a massage therapist and owner of Body n’ Beyond Massage Therapy & Wellness, had a rough 2020. But it ended on a very positive note when she was named a recipient of financial support from a national charitable fund designed to assist small companies. Gammal, a onetime competitive runner in her native Greece, emigrated 28 years ago despite not being able to speak English. She started her business in town 20 years ago. A co-director of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games sports masINDEPENDENT sage team and a member of the massages therapy team for the 2012 THOUGHTS London Olympics, Gammal said that she had to close her business JERRY SPAR for 100 days at the start of the pandemic, reopening in late June. After her landlord of 20 years not only charged her full rent while she was closed but raised her rent by 20 percent for the new year, she said, she moved the business to a smaller location on South Street. Shortly after the move, Gammal was diagnosed with COVID, apparently contracting it from a patient. She had to close the business for another month, although she continued to pay her employees. Then she was diagnosed with diabetes. “It just has been insane,” she said in a Facebook video. Through it all, with support from the “wonderful” community, including her loyal customer base, she continued to maintain a positive attitude. “It has been tough, but I am Hopkinton’s Anna Gammal kept a positive very positive,” she said. “I believe outlook despite a difficult 2020 for herself and her that we need to have faith and business, Body n’ Beyond Massage Therapy & Wellness, and now 2021 is off to a good start for hope. And I just love what I do. I both. love to see the people coming out of my office and help them with their pain. That’s like something to me that’s precious.” Late last year, her son Nico sent in a video request to organizers of the Barstool Sports Fund, asking for assistance. Gammal was notified in December that she had been selected as one of the recipients of the fund’s small business grants. “It felt like winning the lottery,” she said after learning her company’s rent would be covered from January until the pandemic subsides. She said the support will give her a chance to slow down a bit. “I never thought about it, but it’s a breather,” she said. “It will be [some time] to not really check the account to make sure that I have the money to pay.”

Conway recipient of FSU alumni award The Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) recently hosted its annual membership meeting virtually. During the program, Hopkinton resident Susan Duponte Conway ’70 received the first annual Gloria Award, named for longtime Framingham elementary school principal Gloria Aspesi. The Gloria Award honors a volunteer who has given their time and talents to IAFSA. Conway has been a steadfast volunteer and committee member since her graduation. She is past chair of the Amelia Davis Fund, which gives emergency assistance to alumni and sends holiday cards/ monthly notes to older alumni. Prior to COVHopkinton’s Susan Conway ID-19, she regularly worked in the office helping received the inaugural Gloria Award from the Independent with administrative tasks. Conway was selected Association of Framingham to receive the first Gloria Award in recognition State Alumni. of her stellar volunteerism, quiet leadership and commitment to family. The purpose of the Gloria Award is to honor and acknowledge alumni, like Gloria Aspesi, who have given of themselves to their families, their community and especially IAFSA over time, quietly, and in various roles without seeking praise, but by being part of the backbone which has enabled IAFSA and Alumni House to continue to serve alumni and the FSU Community.

Local veterans in public service recognized

H AY D E N R OW E P R O P E R T I E S . C O M

State Rep. Carolyn Dykema, along with Hopkinton veteran Mike Whalen, recently started a program to recognize local veterans who are working in the public sector. The campaign is called “Hopkinton in Service.” “These roles are crucial to protecting the community and its residents as well as enhancing civic life,” Dykema said via press release. “Each veteran’s story is unique, but what they have in common is that they have chosen to serve in the military, and

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Independent thoughts | 4

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 3

Viewpoint

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Support for modified MAPC pledge I applaud our Select Board adopting the modified MAPC Pledge. As a community we need to work to remove the inequities that exist among us so that everyone is treated with the same respect and equality of opportunity as everyone else. I am pleased that the references to the police were omitted. As originally stated, the implication was that every policeman/woman was racist. Because an individual wears a uniform does not mean that individual is evil and needs to be constrained or retrained. Nor should the uniform and what it stands for be considered evil. I have lived and served in this community for 49 years and have witnessed many changes, which, viewed as a whole, have LETTERS TO made Hopkinton a highly desirable town in which to live, educate THE EDITOR and raise one’s children. Not once in those many years has anyone on our police force brought disrepute upon the department or upon themselves. I know of only two instances where the officer involved could have handled the situation better than he did. On the other hand I know of many instances when a former police chief reached out to either Father Jim Degnan or myself to help him bring life-shattering news to one or another family in the town. Because an individual is white does not mean that person is a racist. This is not a popular statement at present, but upon thoughtful consideration it is accurate. Conversely, because a person is black does not mean that person is not a racist. Racism is a disease of the heart, not a cultural or ethnic disposition. As a Christian and a pastor, I have seen the life-transforming power of the Christian faith change the hearts of all sorts of people from every kind of sinful practice, attitude and outlook into individuals who accept, love and humbly serve others in the way Jesus taught us: “Love our neighbors in the same way we love ourselves.” My role and goal in this community, and that of every pastor in the churches of Hopkinton, is to see our parishioners, our neighbors and our friends become all they can be through the life-changing power of the love of God. In this way we bring good into the lives of our neighbors, our neighborhoods and our community.

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More transparency in state government Massachusetts has a long history of being the nation’s leader. Ever since we incited the American Revolution, a tradition of excellence has pervaded the commonwealth. We were the first state to legalize gay marriage. We consistently rank as the top state in the nation in education. We were the first state in the nation to offer health insurance for all its citizens. Massachusetts is a leader on so many fronts. But there is one area in which we do not lead: transparency in state government. Our state government is just one of four in the country (the others being Oklahoma, Iowa and Minnesota) where the legislature has exempted itself from public records laws. In 2015, the independent nonprofit Center for Public Integrity did a comprehensive study of the commonwealth and awarded it an ‘F’ in public access to information (40th out of 50 states). Our local leaders in the State House can be a part of the solution to change this discouraging ranking. At the beginning of each legislative session the House of Representatives votes on a slew of anti-transparency measures. These are some of the measures that our representatives currently support: The State House of Representatives is not required to follow the Open Meeting Law. This provides convenient isolation from public criticism as they do the people’s work. Our representative voted in January 2019 to reject a measure that would give representatives 72 hours to read bills (that can be hundreds of pages long) before voting. Our representative voted in January 2019 to reject another measure that would give representatives 30 minutes to read amendments before voting. Our representative voted in January 2019 to reject a measure that mandates all hearing testimony within all committees be made public, as well as all roll call votes within all committees. Why are we a leader in hiding state government proceedings from the people of the commonwealth? As we welcome a new year and a new speaker of the house, we have an opportunity to change the culture of secrecy on Beacon Hill. For the towns of Hopkinton, Holliston and Southborough, Rep. [Carolyn] Dykema has the power to change her past votes on these transparency measures and usher in a new era of accountability in our state government. Massachusetts can lead again, this time on the issue of public transparency and government accountability to the people.

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

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

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By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

he Planning Board had a busy month, giving the green light to three developments that members had been discussing over a number of meetings. During its meeting on Dec. 21 the board unanimously approved a special permit for the proposed Lincoln Street-area open space and landscape preservation development (OSLPD) concept plan, moving the eight-lot development forward after a few stops and starts. The proposal for Deer Ridge Estates calls for extending Lincoln Street, a dead-end road off Cedar Street, and adding a cul-de-sac there with four new house lots, as well as constructing a new cul-de-sac off Cedar Street Extension with four house lots. During the previous public hearing on Dec. 7, the Planning Board did not approve a waiver for the 100-foot buffer zone, as some board members felt that there were too many affected areas. That vote was 4-4. On Monday the applicants presented an adjusted plan with fewer areas that had less than 100-foot buffers. However, there remained a narrow 10-foot buffer on the northern side of the new cul-de-sac off Cedar Street Extension. An abutter, Ida Pappas, expressed concern about it and received support from the board. The board added a condition that that new road be shifted in order to create a larger buffer area for the Pappas property, making the open space close to equal with that on the southern side — although both sides would remain less than 100 feet, noted contractor Shane Perrault, who is partnering with Lincoln Street residents Courtney and Kyle Derderian to develop the property. The buffer zone waiver then passed 6-2.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

-ins Walk e om welc

Planning Board approves Lincoln Street, Hayden Rowe projects

The billboards on Hayden Rowe Street, just north of the intersection with College Street, are due to be removed before the property is developed, although a Planning Board member suggested the Historic Commission should first consider if they are worth preserving.

Hayden Rowe plan moves ahead At its meeting on Dec. 16 the Planning Board unanimously approved an OSLPD special permit for a proposed nine-lot development on Hayden Rowe Street just north of the intersection with College Street. The applicant, developer Ron Nation, was granted a waiver for the 100-foot buffer zone, as the proposed access road encroaches within 20 feet of the corner of an abutter’s property. The abutter, Wayne Eddy, was amenable to the plan after receiving assurances that there would be adequate screening. Eddy’s house is toward the opposite end of the property. Some Planning Board members questioned whether the 20-foot zone was adequate. “It’s not just this plan, it’s any plan coming

Planning Board | 5

Local veterans in public service recognized Independent thoughts | from page 2

pursued a career in service, in order to contribute to the greater good.” The first three individuals recognized are police officer Nathan Wright (Army National Guard), mechanic Ray Shehata (U.S. Army) and firefighter Rebecka Lapierre (U.S. Naval Reserve). Resident John Sherffius designed graphics for each of the veterans. The graphics incorporate an image of the American flag taken from an old photograph of Hopkinton’s World War I Doughboy statue and flagpole. Anyone who would like to suggest a Hopkinton veteran who continues to serve locally to be included in the campaign can contact Dykema at carolyn.dykema@mahouse.gov or 617-722-2680, or email Whalen at michael.whalen@va.gov.

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The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts awarded the Hopkinton Garden Club, a member club, the 2020 Continuing Civic Projects Award, Medium Club, for continual maintenance of one or more civic projects. The federation recognizes the club’s accomplishments in ongoing Hopkinton beautification efforts at the “Welcome to Hopkinton” sign, Town Common trough, George V. Brown statue, Doughboy Memorial statue, downtown intersection at Main Street and Grove Street, Hayden Rowe and Grove Street traffic island, Iris and Violet Garden, Main Street Cemetery border, and the Hopkinton Library planters, as well as the 14 planters along Main Street. The Hopkinton Garden Club credited local business supporters for their generous financial support, the Hopkinton Department of Public Works for assistance with the club’s beautification efforts, and member volunteers who plan, plant and maintain the sites. The Hopkinton Garden Club is a nonprofit organization founded in 1924 whose mission in the local community is education, beautification and conservation.

Businesses aid Women’s Club scholarship fund The Hopkinton Women’s Club awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to Hopkinton High School seniors each year, and the organization is currently accepting donations to boost its scholarship fund. With the pandemic, nonprofits have found it more challenging to run fundraisers, although the Women’s Club has received a boost from a number of area businesses that stepped up to help. Among them are American Climbers, Foster Custom Furniture, James Bertino Plumbing, J.B. Sawmill and Land Clearing, JD Marquedant & Associates, Hopkinton Shell, Hopkinton Stone and Gravel, McCarthy Pools, New View, Paul M. Phipps Insurance Agency, Platinum Physical Therapy, Razor’s Edge, Sunnyside Floral Shop, Sunshine Preschool and Thompson Architects. Anyone who would like to donate to the fund can send a check to: Hopkinton Women’s Club, P.O. Box 363, Hopkinton, MA 01748. … Also, kudos to Chef’s Kitchen on Main, which donated 600 fully prepared holiday meals to Project Just Because for distribution to individuals in need last month.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 5

Planning Board approves Lincoln Street, Hayden Rowe projects Planning Board | from page 4

forward,” Muriel Kramer said. “The buffers are there for a reason, and the wetland protection guidelines are there for reasons. I really feel like we need to really contemplate respecting the buffer zone to a neighboring residential property owner.” Eventually the waiver passed 6-1, although the developer agreed to add about 10 feet of buffer zone. The board also included an explanation that there would be extra screening and the single affected abutter was amenable to it. Additionally, it has less impact on open space and existing wetlands. Among the conditions for approval of the permit were that the applicant provide a single wetland crossing, provide additional screening for the Eddy property, provide adequate and appropriate screening around the stormwater basin, and remove the existing billboards on the site. Mary Jane Connelly, who owns the property with her sisters, said the lease for the billboards would be terminated upon the completed sale of the land to the developer. Board member Deb Fein-Brug suggested checking with the Historic Commission first, expressing the possibility that the billboards could be considered historic structures. “I’m all for taking them down if they’re not historic, but if they’re historic I think they should be preserved,” she said. Countered Rob Benson: “Having lived in town for over 35 years, they’ve looked very much the same that whole time, just different advertisements. I would not think the vast majority of the town would consider them an attractive landmark. That would be my opinion.”

Board OK’s solar panels over parking lot at Faith Church Plankton Energy presented a minor project site plan to install six solar canopies over existing parking lots behind Faith Community Church at 146 East Main St. Plankton founder/CEO Dan Giuffrida said the entire system consists of 1,740 panels that will produce a total output of 696 kilowatts of direct current. “We are working in tandem to develop this project with the church,” Giuffrida told the board. “The church is both going to financially benefit from lease payments from Plankton Energy — we will be the owner of the system — and they’re also going to benefit from energy credits from the system that will allow them to save money on their electric bill. The remaining energy that the church is not purchasing will be sold through the Massachusetts Low-Income Community Solar Program, so we’ll be selling the energy at discounted prices to to-low-income customers in the Greater Hopkinton and Greater Boston area.” Giuffrida said his company is hoping to start construction in late March and finish in late June or early July. The project was awaiting final approval from Eversource, which Giuffrida said he expected in mid-to-late January. Sheryl Guglielmo of DiPrete Engineering, representing the applicant, said the utilities would be underground and the transformer would be screened with shrubs or bushes. Giuffrida added there would not be any “audible noise from the

transformer or from the system itself.” Principal planner John Gelcich noted that the plan “is one of the first that I’ve seen come across the Planning Board’s table for an accessory solar; usually it’s commercial solar. So this one is a little different in scope. It appears to not have a lot of impacts on the development since it’s already a constructed parking lot.” Added Gelcich: “They’re not proposing to reduce the capacity of that parking area. So while they’re altering it, they’re not actually changing the parking area detrimentally. So I think that’s a plus in their book. Other than that it seems like it satisfies the site plan standards.” The board unanimously approved the site plan, for which there were no waivers requested. The project also received the go-ahead from the Conservation Commission. “This is definitely the kind of solar development we’d like to see,” commented board member Mary LarsonMarlowe, after reviewing the screening for neighbors (there are existing trees on

ously pushed to build a self-storage facility on the location, but that is not allowed by town bylaws. Mastroianni filed a citizens petition to get it in front of Town Meeting in 2019, but it was rejected by voters. … In other actions during the Jan. 4 meeting, the board discussed making some administrative changes to the permit process in an effort to “streamline the process and make it a little bit more efficient without compromising the thoroughness of the reviews that we provide,” according to chair Gary Trendel. Among the changes are to have applicants schedule a pre-submission meeting with town staff, including principal planner John Gelcich, to ensure proposals are in order. … The board also voted to schedule an executive session before an upcoming meeting to discuss the commercial solar project off Frankland Road and the associated lawsuit in which abutters are suing the Planning Board in an attempt to stop the project.

both sides). “I’m all for this. I just want to make sure we aren’t missing any sightline issues for abutters.” Added Dave Paul: “It’s great to see a solar farm where there’s no trees cut down.”

South Street project takes step forward At its Jan. 4 meeting the Planning Board unanimously approved a major site plan review for 0 South Street, where REC Hopkinton proposes to construct a commercial building and parking lot. The site, located across from a Dell EMC building at 80 South St., consists of approximately 11.7 acres of undeveloped land located entirely within the Industrial A district. The proposed development is a onestory building of approximately 32,400 square feet of gross floor area along with a 106-space parking lot and nine loading bays. Developer Paul Mastroianni previ-

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

ZAC puts final touches on proposed solar zoning bylaw By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

he Zoning Advisory Committee continued its discussion of solar zoning at its meeting Dec. 29, working on language that could be added to the town’s bylaw to restrict commercial ground-mounted solar arrays. While the committee made progress toward proposed changes/revisions, the discussion was continued to the next meeting on Jan. 11. With the 2021 Town Meeting warrant set to close Feb. 2, the committee is attempting to get something to the Planning Board in time for it to be considered and then placed on the warrant for residents to vote on at the May 3 Town Meeting. ZAC member Ria McNamara continued to press for a regulation limiting the size of an acceptable parcel. She suggested 3 acres, noting that the small size would discourage companies looking to make a bigger profit. Concerns were raised about how it could be defended against a legal challenge, but McNamara implied it was worth the risk. “To me, this is the easiest thing,” McNamara said. “Again, we’re here because there are residents out there screaming. I don’t have a fear about a solar developer filing a suit against us. I just don’t have that fear. I have a fear of residents filing a suit against us for being negligent. That’s what I have a fear of. Right now we have a bunch of residents who are really upset. That’s why we’re here.” Currently the bylaw dictates a parcel must be a minimum of 3 acres.

I fear that all of the stuff we’ve been working on, number one, would be difficult to pass at Town Meeting, and number two, would have very, very, very little teeth, because so much of it is worded in a way that makes it all squishy.

— ZAC member Ted Barker-Hook

Another proposal was to add language indicating a parcel must have been previously disturbed — meaning land altered for another reason — at least 10 years prior to the application being submitted. This was suggested in an attempt to discourage the clearing of forested land for solar. Some questions were raised regarding the best wording of the proposed bylaw to minimize the chances of someone finding a loophole, and it was to be taken up at the next meeting. The board supported the idea of allowing solar in Industrial B zones — commercial/industrial areas that do not abut residences — while still requiring a special permit. The fourth option being discussed was to beef up the screening regulations. “I’m leaning toward a much simpler solution of … put an emphasis on screening as the way that gives the Planning Board a lot of latitude as what’s acceptable and what isn’t,” ZAC member Ron Foisy said. “If glare is a potential concern, the screening would take care of that, the visual aspects would be taken care of.” Added Foisy: “If we limit the screen-

ing I think it’s much simpler to explain at Town Meeting, and it’s something that would help accomplish the goals that are established [for ZAC].” At its previous meeting on Dec. 14, committee members weighed in with their overall thoughts about the best approach and expressed a variety of opinions. Ted Barker-Hook expressed concern about how complicated the suggested bylaw changes are and how that would make it more challenging to convince residents to support it at Town Meeting. “I fear that all of the stuff we’ve been working on, number one, would be difficult to pass at Town Meeting, and number two, would have very, very, very little teeth, because so much of it is worded in a way that makes it all squishy,” he said. “So ultimately I think, while I’m on board with exploring everything we’ve done and presenting the Planning Board with as many options as possible, I think to achieve what we initially set out to do a year ago — what I heard at our most recent Town Meeting in the fall — I think we need to keep working on a zoning overlay and maybe find our wording in a

way that makes it more sustainable than some fear it might be. I think the real answer is through the overlay more than all of these other changes.” Foisy said the solar map has him concerned, especially after town counsel expressed some concern about the map ZAC and the Planning Board worked on earlier last year. “My biggest concern in this whole thing is going back to the prohibition from the state about restricting solar development,” he said, adding: “I’m basically opposed to an overlay district just from the standpoint of I think that we would open ourselves up to a major lawsuit that’s going to be extremely expensive to the town.” John Coutinho said the town should be proud that land is being used for green energy, and if it takes time to get Town Meeting to approve any bylaw changes, so be it — even if it means it doesn’t get done for another year. “These hard, difficult changes should be difficult to pass at Town Meeting. … The really tough ones take a lot to get through,” he said. “They take a lot out of us, they take a lot out of the Planning Board, and they take a lot out of Town Meeting. And I get it. … I get that we want to get stuff through Town Meeting and clean and get the changes done nice and easy and as efficiently as possible.” Added Coutinho: “We should look at this, but be careful of how many changes we do. And we should really listen to the people. It’s not going to be something that’s going to sail through [Town Meeting]. … Let’s continue to work on this. It’s an important one.”

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It has been proven in several studies that mask wearing in public reduces the spread of COVID-19. Outdoors, indoors, wherever you encounter people you do not live with, wear a mask to be safe. This is the single most effective way to stop the virus.

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly during the day. Wash before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth, touching your mask, preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom or sneezing or coughing, entering or leaving a public place. If handwashing isn’t an option, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This practice kills the virus.

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Limit gatherings to only people who live inside your household. When you must be outside of your home, always keep a distance of 6 feet or greater between you and anyone who does not live in your home. It’s hard to tell who has been exposed to COVID-19, especially those who are asymptomatic. Limiting gatherings is essential to controlling the spread of the virus.

very day since the COVID-19 challenge began, generous members of our community have reached out to help and show gratitude for the efforts of our frontline health care workers. It’s heartening to know the people we serve care as much as we do. Since the desire to help grows stronger as each new outbreak occurs, we’ve asked our medical professionals how best to answer this question, “How can I help?” From our leadership team, infectious disease and emergency medicine specialists to the nurses and staff on the front line, they all have the same answer: The best way for you to help us right now is to stay COVID-free. If you, your family and friends do these three simple things, it will go a long way to turn the tide of this virus and is the best way you can help us at Milford Regional. You can make a difference. Thank you for caring and helping us keep our community healthy. 14 Prospect Street • Milford, MA 01757 • 508-473-1190 • milfordregional.org

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The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 7

Town Meeting still May 3; town works on budget A

t the Jan. 5 Select Board meeting, town manager Norman Khumalo said Annual Town Meeting remains on track for May 3, and the work on the budget continues. “I’m really happy to report this evening NEWS that the town is making BRIEFS good progress in developing the Fiscal Year 2022 budget,” he announced, adding that departments and committees are meeting periodically to review projected revenue figures and summaries. He said the Community Preservation Committee has proposed seven projects for funding with several others under consideration. Khumalo said he will provide a consolidated budget recommendation at the Jan. 26 meeting. “I’m very confident that we have the right team, the right information and the necessary level of collaboration to develop a one-town solution to the FY2022 budget challenge in spite of the COVID-19 constraints,” he said. Board member Brian Herr said he was more concerned about the 2023 and ’24 budgets, as he feels the primary impact won’t be felt until then. The warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will close on Feb. 2. Articles may be submitted to the Select Board/town manager’s office by Feb. 2 via email (as a shared Google Doc or in Microsoft Word format) to Elaine Lazarus at elainel@hopkintomma.gov, on paper by mailing to Town Manager’s Office, 18 Main St., Hopkinton MA 01748, or by using the drop box at the front door of Town Hall. For information about submitting articles by petition, see the Guide for Citizen Petitioners on the town website at hopkintonma.gov/Petitioners%20 Guide%20Feb.%202020.pdf.

Town seeks to fill positions Khumalo announced Dec. 15 that conservation administrator Don McAdam had submitted his resignation. “It will be very difficult to find somebody who will be able to meet the expectations as well as the standards that Don has set for us,” Khumalo said. “Simultaneously, we are so happy for him that he has decided to retire. As great as Don has been, he’s going to be playing a significant role in town through the transition.” Added Tedstone: “I have worked with him as a citizen for years and years and years. He was a great, calming force when we had people that were difficult to deal with on that [Conservation Commission] board — members as well as scientists and people like that. He’s going to be another position that’s very, very hard to fill. … He has done a phenomenal job in our town.” The board agreed to lift the town hiring freeze in order to replace McAdam. The board also approved hiring a new procurement and grants manager. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 for the position of full-time conservation administrator, who will serve as principal staff and advisor to the Conservation Commission as well as administer conservation land acquisition and wetlands protection, manage conservation lands and participate in townwide natural resource planning efforts.

The town also posted a job opening for a full-time health services agent, who will be responsible for departmentlevel environmental health services as well as technical, inspectional and administrative work. Applications received before 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 will receive first priority. For more information about either position, visit the town’s website at hopkintonma.gov.

International Marathon Center moves ahead The International Marathon Center took another big step forward Dec. 15, as the Select Board agreed to authorize the town manager to sign a lease with the 26.2 Foundation for the town property at 45 East Main St. The announcement came after the Select Board held a brief executive session (closed to the public). “A lot of hard work from both sides of the fence went into this,” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said. “Thank you to Mr. Khumalo, thank you to Mr. [Tim] Kilduff and his [26.2 Foundation] board, thank you to [town counsel] Mr. [Ray] Miyares for banging this out and getting it taken care of.”

Town unhappy with Eversource The Select Board approved a request from Eversource to perform night work on South Street in December and January, although Khumalo noted that the company was not especially cooperative during its last project, updating gas lines on Main Street this fall. “Suffice to say we were very disappointed,” Khumalo said. “In any instances when we were looking for collaboration I can say that the individual that we were working through in terms of the public relations did a fantastic job, he was very accessible to

Let’s

us, he was willing to meet with our team when we asked for meetings. However, the conduct by their team on the ground was very disappointing, resulting in moments that were very frustrating to the public, very frustrating to the town engineers who are working on the Main Street Corridor Project. And we’re disappointed where we are in terms of the work that they have been doing on Main Street.” Tedstone noted that the town has had multiple issues with Eversource in the past. “There just doesn’t seem to be any repercussions that stick to these people,” he said.

Lee finalist for Norwell police chief Former Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee, who resigned in March, is a finalist for the top job in Norwell, according to a report in the Quincy Patriot Ledger. The report indicates Lee is one of three finalists, along with John Carbone, who is chief of police in Barre, and Leon Krolikowski, who runs the police department in New Canaan, Connecticut, to replace Ted Ross, who retired after 33 years on the job. Norwell’s town administrator said the search committee started with 35 candidates, selected 11 to answer written questions, then interviewed an unspecified number to get to the final three, the report stated. The finalists were put through an all-day assessment process and are due for another round of interviews soon.

Town: Keep fire hydrants clear The Hopkinton Water and Fire Departments reached out to the community in December with a reminder that assistance is needed to maintain

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accessibility to the town’s 700 fire hydrants for the safety and protection of everyone. During the winter hydrants can become buried by snow during a storm. Anyone with a fire hydrant near their home can help by making it visible and accessible to the Fire Department for use in an emergency. Residents are reminded that it poses a major fire safety hazard to bury a fire hydrant by shoveling, plowing or snow blowing. It also is prohibited by Chapter 148 Section 27B of the Mass. General Laws and can incur a fine.

Main Street gets preconstruction meeting A pre-construction meeting for the Main Street Corridor Project was scheduled for Jan. 7, Khumalo announced at the Jan. 5 Select Board meeting. He added that he has been continuing conversations with the Chamber of Commerce to find ways to improve communication between business and residents so that everyone will be aware of what is happening during construction. … At the Select Board’s Dec. 15 meeting, Darlene Hayes, Richard Jacobs, Jonathan Meltzer and Laura Stacey were reappointed to the Hopkinton Cultural Council, while Nasiba Mannan and Katie Pierce were added. … Stacy Spies was appointed to a full member position on the Historical Commission (term expiring June 30, 2022), and Kevin McCaffrey was appointed to an associate member position to the same commission (term expiring June 30, 2023). … The Select Board voted Jan. 5 to accept $220 in gifts to the Fire Department from residents of Legacy Farms, and a $100 gift to the Police Department from residents of Juniper Trail. … The Select Board also voted to adopt an order of taking for Legacy Farms Road North, which was accepted as a public way at the Sept. 12 Annual Town Meeting.

8 â€˘ The Hopkinton Independent â€˘ January 13, 2021

Local pols shocked, embarrassed by D.C. riots By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

ocal politicians were quick to condemn the Jan. 6 riots in Washington, where a mob of Donald Trump loyalists stormed the U.S. Capitol while the House and Senate were preparing to confirm Joe Bidenâ€™s election as president. Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch, a Democrat, said she had the news on in the background while she was working from home. She finished a Zoom meeting and was surprised to learn what had happened in the meantime, as protesters marched into and through the Capitol.

During the riots, a woman was shot and killed, and three others died of what police said were medical emergencies. â€œI was shocked to see that the U.S. Capitol had been breached and see theÂ photos of the doors of the House chamber barricadedÂ and police with guns drawn to protect ourÂ members of congress and their staff,â€? Ritterbusch emailed. â€œI felt shaken to the core watching these events transpire on TV today.Â I fully support the right to peaceful protest, as well as the right for candidatesÂ to request recounts and file appeals as allowed by law, but the violent acts [on Jan. 6] were counter to our democraticÂ ideals. The peaceful transfer

Â Â?Â?Â? Â?Â Â Â€ Â‚Âƒ Â? Â€

[The] actions in Washington, D.C., are a sickening, embarrassing reflection of where our society has gone in the last few years.

â€” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone

of power is a critical tenet of our system of government. â€œI am thankful as always for our free press who can share the images and videos with us in real time so we can all see what happened with our own eyes. I hope that peace returns to D.C. soon and that there is no further loss of life.â€? Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone, an independent who is a strong defender of law enforcement, said the conflict was the culmination of a yearslong buildup. â€œ[The] actions in Washington, D.C., are a sickening, embarrassing reflection of where our society has gone in the last few years,â€? he texted. â€œThese actions [Jan. 6] are no different than the actions of antifa and the other militant, cowardly groups over the last few years. People need to find a better way to get their point across than ganging up and using force. The police today are scrutinized so heavily that they must

be petrified to act, as theyâ€™re trained to be in fear of social media ramifications that could not only cost them their job but potentially their lives.â€? Select Board member Brian Herr, a former Republican turned independent, said the blame lies squarely with the president. â€œThe events that unfolded in Washington [Jan. 6] are deeply disturbing on so many levels,â€? he emailed. â€œThe sad thing about it ... they have been in the works since the day Trump was sworn in. His relentless denial of the truth and the abuse of the American people through his lies and routine false hope led directly to the insurrection. Moreover, the cowardly Republicans in power in the United States Senate that have enabled him for years only found courage [that] evening after their own safety was put in jeopardy.Â If we canâ€™t learn from this day, we will never learn from any other.â€?

Presents

â€˜A SLICE OF HOPKINTONâ€™ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issueâ€™s winner is Winyu Kunatian for this photo from Hopkinton State Park after a snowstorm. To enter next iss u e â€™s c o n t e s t , 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.

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The Hopkinton Independent presents â€œA Slice of Hopkintonâ€? photo contest, sponsored by Billâ€™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 Billâ€™s Pizzeria.

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 Billâ€™s Pizzeria.

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The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 9

LIBRARY CORNER

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @ HopkintonPLMA.

Schedule Update

Due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in town and regionally, the library will be closed to the public until at least Friday, Jan. 22. Library services remain available on a remote/curbside-only basis. The library’s curbside/remote service hours will continue to be 10 a.m.4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Library staff will continue to be

available to assist patrons by phone, email and online chat during these hours. Pickup times should be scheduled in advance by calling the library or using the Schedule Curbside Pickup link under the eServices menu on the righthand side of the library website, hopkintonlibrary.org. Anyone interested in checking out library materials but without specific titles in mind is encouraged to use the Quick Picks service. Links to the Quick

Picks forms are under the eServices menu on the right-hand side of the library website. All library services will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Donations are not being accepted at this time. Check the library website and social media for updates.

January Adult Take and Make: Snowflake Cross-Stitch

Materials pickup: Jan. 11, 12, 13 The inaugural adult Take and Make is a fun cross-stitch snowflake. This

Town explains increase in tax rate Editor’s note: Following is a press release from the town about the recently approved new tax rate. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved the proposed tax rate for the Town of Hopkinton for fiscal year 2021. The new tax rate for commercial, industrial and business personal property will shift from $16.80 to $17.07 per $1,000 of assessed value; and for residential property from $16.82 to $17.08. The residential tax rate is one cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation higher because Hopkinton has adopted limited means tested tax exemptions for qualifying seniors, and those exemptions are funded out of the residential tax base. The average value of a residential home in Hopkinton in 2021 is $655,500, up from $632,500 in 2020 (3.6%); and the tax bill for that average home will be $11,196, up from a $10,638 tax bill for the average home in 2020. Between the change in the tax rate and the change in the taxable value of property, the combined

little embroidery project makes a great ornament or decoration. This class is for ages 16 and up. An accompanying instructional video from one of the librarians will be available on Facebook and YouTube. Register online at bit. ly/34WKQ6U. Space is limited.

Baptiste Power Yoga Class

Monday, Jan. 25, noon This weekly 30-minute Zoom class, taught by Natasha Linton of Nourish Power Yoga & Ayurveda in Hopkinton, is a vinyasa flow designed to leave participants vitalized and reinvigorated so they can step back into their day recharged. Register on the library’s website calendar.

Chat ’n’ Chew Book Group

tax impact on the typical residential property that was already on the tax rolls in 2020 will be 3.8%, with 2.8% tied to increases in spending approved by Town Meeting, and 1.0% tied to special debt for new classroom construction outside the tax levy limit approved by town voters in February 2020. The total valuation of property in Hopkinton in 2021 is $4.5 billion, up $218 million (4.9%) from 2020, reflecting both an increase in existing property values and new growth in the tax base from construction, improvements and increased value in taxable business equipment. “Hopkinton is continuing to grow in both the amount of property and in the value of existing properties,” said Lesley Ficarri, chair of the Hopkinton Board of Assessors. “Even with the impacts of COVID-19 and the buildout of Legacy Farms, it’s reasonable to think that Hopkinton’s total property valuation will reach $5 billion within three years.”

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m. This book group will be held online via Jit.si. Register on the library’s website calendar.

Teen Events

All events are on Zoom and require registration via the library’s website calendar. Catalyst High School Book Group meets Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. YA for Adults (including Grades 11-12) Book Group meets Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. Grade 6-7 Book Group meets Thursday, Jan. 28, at 3 p.m. Grade 8-9 Book Group meets Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. Special Pop-Up Art Teen Crafternoon on Friday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. — make a miniature chocolate box for Valentine’s Day.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Health director optimistic despite rising COVID cases COVID | from page 1

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Select Board. “These cases in Hopkinton are the result of holiday gatherings, travel, some workplace exposure and … we’ve seen an uptick in cases related to hockey.” McAuliffe said the current percent positive rate just dropped slightly, to 3.72, after being at 4 just prior to Christmas. He said ideally the number would be below 1. The town remains in the yellow risk category on the state’s chart, and McAuliffe said, “We’re one of the few in this region that are still yellow.” He credited the new attestation software being used at the schools as being a help, noting that on Jan. 4, the first day back after the winter break, “We stopped two cases from entering the building.” Parents use the program to fill out a brief survey indicating if their child or anyone in the family has been exposed to the virus. “We’re finding the residents who are using are finding it useful as a reminder,” McAuliffe said, adding:

“If nothing else, it is getting people to stop, reevaluate their morning routine and either follow up with the Health Department or the school nurses.” After Thanksgiving the schools went fully remote for a week, but students returned to hybrid learning after winter break. “We’re one of the only districts in this immediate region who haven’t had a full school closure,” McAuliffe said. “We were able to make it into the holidays with the hybrid programming intact. I believe if we continue to do what we’re doing — face covering, distancing, staying home when we’re sick, completing our attestation in both our workplace and our schools — we’re going to see an improvement over the next few weeks and we run a good shot at getting through the vaccination period, and right up until June in either hybrid or maybe something beyond that. So it’s just requesting that parents, employers focus on the basics.” McAuliffe said he was on a teleconference call with fellow health

With small businesses continuing to struggle during the pandemic, The Spoon announced last week that it would be closing for the remainder of the winter.

I think we’ve had over 680 people travel since Thanksgiving. And it’s that travel, that added exposure and risk, that’s driving our numbers.

— Health director Shaun McAuliffe

directors on Dec. 31, and many of them looked “beaten.” “There are communities that are blowing up right now,” he said. “We are seeing a dramatic surge in certain communities.” Hopkinton has kept things in control with a team effort, although he cautioned against getting complacent. “It’s the work of the residents, the fact that we’re all working together, from the Select Board throughout the municipal offices, and parents have played a big role in helping us stay on track,” he said. “That said, I think we’ve had over 680 people travel since Thanksgiving. And it’s that travel, that added exposure and risk, that’s driving our numbers.” Statewide, the surge continues, and McAuliffe said he expects it will take “several weeks for us to recover. But people are starting to focus on better behaviors coming out of the holidays.” In Framingham, where McAuliffe lives, Dr. Samuel Wong resigned in late December as health director, reportedly due to exhaustion and frustration from constant criticism. “It’s nice to see our community support our Board of Health and our officers, rather than the witch hunt that went on in Framingham for months with Dr. Wong,” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said. McAuliffe, who praised Wong as his “mentor,” said other health directors are surprised at how much support he, public health nurse Kasey Mauro and the rest of the town’s health workers have received in Hopkinton. “My peers were astounded that we were getting holiday cards and holiday calls,” he said. “People were just reaching out to thank us for all

HopkintonIndependent.com

the work. And it’s that — I can’t tell you. I’ll admit I’m a little fragile right now. But people calling, stopping by and figuratively shaking my hand — I was a weeping mess around Christmastime. That just means a lot. It’s really kept us going.” Looking ahead, McAuliffe said vaccinations were scheduled to be administered to first responders Jan. 11. The town teamed with several neighboring towns to put together a clinic to disperse the vaccine in this initial phase. He said some local pharmacies have teamed up with Fairview Estates and Golden Pond Assisted Living to vaccinate the seniors and staff there within the next week or so. “We’re just looking forward to them getting into the vaccination process and hopefully turning a new page with respect to those facilities and the risk reduction,” McAuliffe said. Regarding the next phase of the vaccination process, McAuliffe said he was expecting to learn more Jan. 5, but officials delayed the information for about a week. “Right now we’re sitting here waiting for the schedule for the start of Phase 2 and how they intend to deliver the vaccine to us,” he said. “With that instruction we’ll start making plans for the Phase 2 vaccination. To that point, that’s about all I know. We have the plan, we have the generators, we have everything we need to run a mobile facility.” Select Board members offered praise for McAuliffe and his staff, who recently received a financial bonus to show appreciation for all the additional hours they have worked. Said board member Brian Herr: “They’re doing extraordinary work in extraordinary times.”

she is saying it then keep those words. She does like a sophisticated look.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 11

Text to go in the ad is in red below: My Reflections…

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Business LakePharma works on COVID-19 vaccine in Hopkinton H

opkinton might end up playing a key role in helping to end the COVID-19 pandemic, as the biotech company LakePharma that it will BUSINESS announced work to develop and BRIEFS produce a vaccine at its facility on South Street. LakePharma revealed Jan. 4 that it has established a “strategic partner-

ship” with Akston Biosciences, which “develops new classes of biologic therapeutics.” According to the announcement, “LakePharma will manufacture commercial quantities of Akston’s adjuvated COVID-19 vaccine candidate (AKS-452), which is scheduled to begin Phase 1/2 clinical testing later this month. AKS-452 is the most advanced

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COVID-19-specific Fc fusion protein vaccine in commercial development and is engineered to induce or boost a Th1/Th2 mixed immune response in patients against the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the novel SARSCoV-2 coronavirus spike protein. The inherent nature of this construct provides a unique combination of benefits compared to nucleic acid, viral-vectored, and inactivated virus vaccines.” The company stated that the AKS452 vaccine does not need to be kept frozen or even refrigerated, unlike the vaccines currently being used, making the distribution process easier and more widely available. “LakePharma started working on various COVID-19 activities in February 2020 and was among the first companies to provide recombinantly produced SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins for diagnostic and therapeutic development,” stated LakePharma president and CEO Hua Tu, Ph.D. “We bring three critical components to this partnership: our experience in making SARS-CoV-2 proteins, our stable CHO-GSN technology, and most importantly, the use of the cGMP manufacturing suite in our Hopkinton, MA facility. We have worked with Akston and its fusion protein therapeutics since 2015, and this experience means we can transition AKS-452 into large-scale production very rapidly.” California-based LakePharma opened its Hopkinton facility in 2018.

Locals join 495/MetroWest Partnership board Norman Khumalo, Hopkinton’s town manager, and Estela Shingleton, bank manager for Webster First Federal Credit Union’s Hopkinton branch, were elected to the 495/MetroWest Partnership Board of Directors for terms to begin in 2021. “We are thrilled to welcome Norman and Estela to our board,” said Jason Palitsch, executive director of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, after the Dec. 2 vote. “Hopkinton is a fast-growing, vibrant community that is home to some of the region’s most important businesses and economic engines. With Norman and Estela joining our board we will benefit from their important perspectives on both Hopkinton’s municipal government and its business community.” The 495/MetroWest Partnership, headquartered in Westborough and serving 36 cities and towns across the region, is a public-private collaboration with businesses, municipalities and other stakeholders focused on creating an environment that prepares for and cultivates sustainable growth. The partnership focuses on providing coordination, education and advocacy for solutions to regional constraints and limited natural resources. Its board of directors is comprised of representatives of area municipal governments, businesses, environmental organizations, planning agen-

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cies, higher education institutions, chambers of commerce and other stakeholders. “The entire community applauds the selection of Norman and Estela,” stated Cristina Morrissiey, president of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce and vice president, area relationship manager for UniBank. “We are confident that they will both be strong advocates for the town’s and region’s economic interests.” Said Khumalo: “I have always been a strong believer in the power and potential which arise from effective partnerships. The 495/MetroWest Partnership understands how partnerships work and I am pleased to represent Hopkinton on its board of directors.” Added Shingleton: “I am proud to join a group of regional business government leaders who play an effective and important role in a wide range of issues, all with the goal of strengthening ties between the public and private sectors.”

MRMC earns another ‘A’ Milford Regional Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Milford Regional’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. This is the fourth consecutive time Milford Regional has been distinguished with an ‘A’ rating. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care. “Receiving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog four consecutive times is a real testament to our entire staff for their unrelenting dedication to all areas of patient safety,” said Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional. “While this recognition by Leapfrog affirms these efforts, Milford Regional is committed to providing the resources necessary to support our staff in maintaining the high standard of patient safety and quality care noted in this recent award.” Developed under the guidance of a national expert panel, the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peerreviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. To see Milford Regional’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org. For more information on Milford Regional, go to milfordregional.org.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 13

Schools HHS students build robotics field to host competitions Robotics | from page 1

CALENDAR

To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to: editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.

‘Kitchen Herb Gardens’ talk Jan. 19

The Hopkinton Garden Club continues its Online Speaker Series with the presentation “Kitchen Herb Gardens” with Betsy Williams on Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This informative lecture covers everything one needs to know to establish and maintain a kitchen herb garden: seeds, propagation and preserving. The presentation includes ideas for herbal gifts, how to gather seeds, recipes, and where to buy plants. This program is open to the public. Non-members are asked to preregister at register@hopkintongardenclub.org and state their interest in attending. Instructions will be sent prior to the event.

Students constructed the outdoor playing surface so the robotics season could be held safely. PHOTO/HOPKINETICS ROBOTICS

and Robot Skills Champion Award. Another team (2602G) won the Judges Award. But their creations included something unexpected but necessary in the age of COVID-19: a safe, outdoor place to practice and compete safely. Their structure, created on the grounds of the high school, kept their season going during a time when so many other events were canceled. The location was the only site for competitions in Massachusetts and one of the few in the country, explained Doug Scott, who oversees the Business, Technology and Engineering Department at the high school. The structure took two months to complete, he said. Work began in August when the team members agreed they still wanted to compete, despite the challenges. The first step, in conjunction with school administrators and facilities personnel, was to find a location that would

not fall victim to a snow plow. A gift of pallets from Tom Donahue of McCarthy Pools shaped the foundation. Donahue, a graduate of Hopkinton High School, was “super happy to help” and drove the pallets to the school grounds, Scott said. Then the students helped to complete the process. The work included creating layers of plywood and other filler to keep a strong base. They built an A-frame design with support piping and stakes to protect the field and keep it strong enough to withstand snow. The field served both as a host to tournaments and as a safe space where students could practice on their creations with the necessary social distance. “Having that extra space made a big difference,” Scott said. “It was very important that as a group we kept that field intact.” Working together on robotics serves as a bonding experience, the students said. That only magnified this year,

considering the circumstances. Because much of the creative work was done via Zoom, the work had to be done from a distance and without seeing their creation up close. This required patience, teamwork and a shared understanding of challenges and potential solutions, the team members said. Tanisha Rajgor said that in past years, the team may have “taken for granted” their opportunities. “This year we can value [their efforts] a lot more.” Sidhi Dhanda was hesitant about her first year on the team and worried she would not enjoy it. “I was really glad to be wrong,” she said. “I had a ton of fun outdoors.”

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HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Free Yoga Nidra | Jan. 19, 26 Yoga nidra (also known as yoga sleep) is a powerful technique for controlling your body’s relaxation response. Learn all about it in this free in-person class taught by Dawn Richardson. FREE, but registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org. Actor’s Studio with TV, Film & Stage Actor Jere Shea | Begins Jan. 21 Aspiring actor? This is your chance to work with Tony-Nominated actor Jere Shea on your scenes and monologues and gain new insight into acting and auditioning. Classes take place in-person with adjustments to keep everyone safe. Students can register for Adult Actor’s Studio or Teen Actor’s Studio at www.hopartscenter.org. Theater Auditions For Spring Comedy | Grades 4–8 | Feb. 1–13 Students are invited to join Enter Stage Left Theater for their upcoming spring production of Dystopia! The Hungry

Maze Game of Divergent Death (Comedy Parody.) Limited to 25 cast members. To register and learn more go to www. hopartscenter.org.

Nitya Namblar was grateful to have “something creative to do’’ with robotics at a time when other outlets were limited. That was exactly what Scott hoped would happen. “I felt it was very important this year to see the kids and work together to have a season.” Scott said. “The students have worked so hard,” and for many of them, robotics has been “a big part of their school experience.” One thing in particular won’t be forgotten when the team returns to more typical situation. “We won’t miss shoveling,” he said with a laugh.

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Art Around The World FREE Children’s Workshop | Feb. 6 Take a trip with Ms. Judy to Vietnam. Kids will have fun in this online workshop as they listen to a story, sing a song, and have fun making a culturally themed craft. Free, but pre-registration is required at www.hopartscenter.org. Recommended for ages 3 to 8. Sponsored by Unibank.

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Little League registration deadline Jan. 31

Hopkinton Little League is open to children starting at age 5 (as of Aug. 31, 2021). Registration is open for the 2021 season and closes Jan. 31. For more information and to register, go to HopkintonLittleLeague.org.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Schools Flu vaccine documentation deadline extended S

uperintendent Carol Cavanaugh emailed the schools community over winter break with an update regarding Massachusetts’ new requirement that all students must show proof of vaccination for influenza immunization. The deadline — originally Dec. 31 — recently was extended to Feb. 28 by the state. Only those with a medical or religious SCHOOLS exemption are excused NOTEBOOK from the requirement. Wrote Cavanaugh: “Your school nurses would appreciate children getting the flu vaccine as soon as possible so that the nurses can complete their paperwork prior to February 28, 2021. Please send an email to or share a hard copy of flu vaccine administration with your child’s school nurse. ... We appreciate families working with us on this important public health initiative.”

Parson finalist for Wayland job Hopkinton assistant superintendent Jennifer Parson was named one of three finalists for the superintendent position in the Wayland School Dis-

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trict, and she was interviewed by the Wayland School Committee on Tuesday night. “I feel that at this time it may be the right time for me and perhaps for a district to bring me on and to serve another group of students and service another community in this kind of capacity,” Parson told the committee during her interview, which lasted a little over an hour. The other two finalists are Omar Easy, a former National Football League player who has been an assistant principal in Everett, and Arcelius Brickhouse, executive director of secondary education in Plainfield, New Jersey. Parson was told that the committee expects to make a decision around the third week of January. Parson has been Hopkinton’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction since 2018, following Carol Cavanaugh’s promotion to superintendent. Parson previously was principal of Center School from 2004-11, then left to become principal of an elementary school in Northborough. She also has experience as an assistant principal in Sudbury and as an elementary school teacher in Natick. A longtime Milford resident, Parson has been a member of the Milford School Committee since 2014.

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TEC summer internship applications available Registration for The Education Cooperative’s Summer 2021 Internship & Career Exploration Program opens Jan. 13. Applications will be accepted through April, with internship placements distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Open to those who have completed at least two years of high school as of summer 2021, the program is for students seeking an opportunity to explore a career while considering post-secondary education options. Students are required to complete 60 hours of work — which this year might be remote, in-person or a combination of the two. Internship placements are offered in a wide variety of fields and students are matched with an internship coordinator and a professional mentor. They are given one-on-one guidance on how to build a resume, boost interview skills and gain confidence in the workplace,

all while working alongside professionals. For more information and/or to apply online, visit: tec-coop.org and visit TEC’s career exploration page. TEC also is offering virtual information sessions on Feb. 9, March 4, April 7 and May 6 (7-8 p.m. each night). Registration is required via tec-coop. org/career-exploration/internships/ information-sessions/. The Education Cooperative is a 50-year-old Massachusetts educational collaborative and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves 14 area school districts, including Hopkinton.

Model UN Club participants shine The HHS Model United Nations Club attended a virtual conference hosted by St. John’s Preparatory School on Dec. 12. Sreyi Ravi was named best delegate while Sahithi Pogula was tabbed best orator.

Schools consider tapping into Legacy Farms HCA funds By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

opkinton School Committee members will decide at an upcoming meeting whether to request $500,000 from the Legacy Farms host community agreement to bolster the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The request, if approved by the committee, would be made in the form of a warrant article at May’s Annual Town Meeting. The money would be used if enrollment figures exceed current budget projections and require the hiring of additional teachers, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said at the School Committee’s Jan. 4 meeting. The host agreement balance now stands at $2 million, school finance director Susan Rothermich said, with an additional $2 million expected in fiscal 2021. The request, if approved, would be moved into the stabilization fund, which the School Committee could access if needed, committee chair Amanda Fargiano said. The money would be used only if enrollment figures require the additional money, she said. Spending is not mandated. “Allocation doesn’t mean we’re spending it, it just means it puts it in the purview of the School Committee,” she said. The request would cover an unanticipated 100 extra students, which Cavanaugh said “could happen,” especially in a time of uncertainty. The request would fund the addition of seven teachers at a cost of $70,000 each. The budget request currently ac-

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Allocation doesn’t mean we’re spending it, it just means it puts it in the purview of the School Committee. — School Committee chair Amanda Fargiano counts for 74 new students. Committee member Joe Markey said the request “makes sense,” should the funds be needed, but urged judicious use of the money. The host agreement funding is capped at $4 million, he noted, which makes careful spending especially important. If the article was not placed on the warrant and additional funding was needed, a Special Town Meeting would have to be called, Fargiano said. The money “can sit there” if not needed, she said. But, “We can’t access it if we don’t have it,” she said. The committee will host further budget discussions at its next two meetings, Jan. 11 and Jan. 19. At the Jan. 4 meeting Cavanaugh presented a tentative FY22 budget of $54,153,911, an increase of a little less than 6 percent from the current budget of $51,206,402.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 15

Senior Snippets SENIOR SNIPPETS

The Hopkinton Senior Center staff continues to be available to seniors and residents during this pandemic. Call 508-497-9730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/Hopkinton-council-onaging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

Lunch Program

The Senior Center has a limited takeout lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. Anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. The menu is refreshed monthly. Cost is $2 per meal.

Calling all Jigsaw Puzzlers

Monday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For those who are tired of the same puzzles and would like a new one, the Senior Center is offering a puzzle pickup day. Participants should pre-register so the center can make sure to have the correct number of puzzles to share. Puzzle donations are welcome.

Books, Books and More Books

Friday, Jan. 22, 12:30 p.m. Seniors are invited to participate in a book club being held virtually (phone, laptop or iPad) to share what they have been reading and to get reading suggestions. Participants should call the Senior Center for the call-in number or Zoom meeting invitation link.

Online Safety and Shopping Rights

Friday, Jan. 15, 12:30 p.m. Anyone who received new technology this year and is concerned about online safety should join Robin Putnam, events and outreach manager from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, for this presentation. In addition to providing information about the Office of Consumer Affairs, it will cover how to be safe online whether it be on a smart device, social media or online banking, as well as phishing emails and general protection from scams and identity theft. Attendees also will learn about expressed and implied warranties, return policies, defective merchandise, pricing discrepancies, and shopping online, through the mail or via television. Participants should pre-register by calling the Senior Center.

Creating Your Psychological First-Aid Kit for Surviving Coronavirus

Friday, Jan. 29, 12:30 p.m. (virtual) In the coming months there will be more stay-at-home time because of winter and surging coronavirus. It is more important than ever to be prepared. Psychological first aid is designed to mitigate the effects of stress and anxiety that can be brought on by a coronavirus lockdown. It outlines the steps needed to cope with the stresses brought on by the coronavirus. Henry Quinlan, who visited last January to present “USSR/Russia Myths, Mysteries and Spying,” is back to talk about his insights into how to prepare for the psychological impact of coronavirus. Participants should pre-register by calling the Senior Center.

Our Time Memory Cafe

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

TED Talks

Mondays, 12:30 p.m. In 1984 TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation. The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Medical Equipment

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

It’s reassuring that in the most challenging of times, we are recognized as one of the nation’s safest hospitals...

five times in a row! As a nationally recognized healthcare leader, Milford Regional has just been awarded - for the fifth time in a row - the country’s top grade for hospital safety. Our commitment to quality care is stronger than ever, with new investments to enhance and support our team of dedicated nurses, physicians, and hospital staff in their mission to deliver the very best healthcare in our region. National recognitions are important, but continuing to deliver quality healthcare to each patient is our real reward.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Sports Brown caps XC career with TVL pod MVP By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

he 2020 cross country season presented plenty of challenges for Hopkinton senior Nick Brown. The pandemic resulted in new rules and smaller practices, and his season began with an injury that kept him out of the Hillers’ first dual meet. But the Bates College-bound distance runner bounced back to earn victories in each of his four dual meets, and he finished the season with a top-20 finish at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Associa-

tion meet at the end of the year. He was named the MVP of the “pod” in which Hopkinton competed, a group of geographically proximate towns put together to allow for less travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The cross country season was pretty good, all things considered,” Brown said. “We were lucky, a lot of towns went into the red [high numbers of COVID-19 cases] and had to cut their season short.” Brown finished 16th among Division 1 runners at the MTSCA Cup in Attleboro and 20th overall. His 5K time of 16 min-

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pushing me along.” The final race will provide a springboard for Brown as he enters the winter and spring track seasons. He once again will be running the mile and 2-mile and said the competition figures to be even stronger than during the cross country season. Brown said his goal is to continue to lower his personal best times as he finishes his high school running career and transitions to competing at the collegiate level at Bates. “Overall, I am just excited to get out there and compete,” he said. Brown learned that he had been accepted to Bates in December. He will join his brother, Alex, as a college runner after matching his accomplishment as a league MVP. The elder Nick Brown made the best of the Hillers’ modified Brown earned league accocross country season, earning MVP honors for the Tri-Valley League “pod” in which his team competed. lades multiple times before beginning his running career at Boston University last year. Nick chose Bates because utes, 35 seconds was a personal best. of the coaches as well as the strong, liberal “They were able to pull it off in a arts educational opportunities at the school way that was safe, but we also had some in Lewiston, Maine. good competition and everyone was able “I wanted a little bit of breathing room to throw down some good times,” he said. and I like the Vermont/New Hampshire/ Dealing with sport-specific guidance Maine area,” he said. “I really like the implemented during the pandemic was coach there and the campus and the vibe harder to get used to in practices, Brown of the community.” said, because the team had been used to The school also rates high in hisrunning in packs and congregating as a tory and education, fields Brown plans to group. During races, competitors were pursue with the possible goal of being a sent off in waves and masks were required history teacher. unless athletes were able to get some As he has navigated an unusual end distance between them and the nearest to his high school career and the college fellow runner. search process, Brown said the backing of “I think generally it’s harder to push his brother and his parents, Lisa and Ken, myself when I don’t have other people has been instrumental. running my pace,” Brown said. “In the last “My mom, dad and brother have alrace, I had a good pack of kids that were ways supported my goals of trying to run in college,” Brown said. “I am lucky to have such a supportive family.”

HHS athletes grab league honors

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Nick Brown was not the only Hopkinton High School athlete to be named MVP of his Tri-Valley League pod. Golfer Ryan Lundy also was named MVP, while teammates Jack Petruney and Geoff Tocco were all-stars. In girls soccer, Alexis Viehl was named first-team all-Eastern Massachusetts, Ashley Butler was named second-team all-EMass, and both were named TVL all-stars along with teammates Gabi Ciri and Kristin McCluskey. In boys soccer, Tora Ito and Owen Schnur were named league all-stars. In boys cross country, in addition to Brown, Matt Burdulis, Jake Lacoche, Wyatt Ruff and Craig Salois were all-stars. In girls cross country, Hope DeLuca, Olivia Jones, Grace Joy and Autumn Tumbleton were all-stars. In field hockey, Sarah Doyle and Sophie Driscoll were all-stars.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 17

HHS adds defense to girls hockey co-op team By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

he Dover-Sherborn/Hopkinton girls ice hockey co-op will get a significant boost from several Hopkinton High School athletes this winter, especially on the defensive end of the ice. The program, which draws athletes from six schools, has six HHS players on the roster this winter, including senior captain Kristin McCluskey in goal. “She was a Tri-Valley League allstar last year, so we are looking for big things from her in net this year,” firstyear coach Scott Hayes said. McCluskey figures to have plenty of experienced help in front of her. Fellow Hillers Kaley Merkle and Hailey Cox both return to play on the blue line. Hayes described Merkle as the “anchor” of the team’s defense, with Cox providing another strong presence in front of the net. “We are excited to see how they perform this year,” Hayes said. Hopkinton players also will be featured on the forward lines. Junior

Morgan Fraser and sophomores Bianca Musgrave and Gillian Wenrich are expected to contribute. Of course, simply getting on the ice is a victory for the squad and the other teams in the TVL as many school districts and other sports within the league saw their seasons delayed or canceled amid rising levels of COVID-19 in the state. The girls had the chance to practice for more than three weeks ahead of the start of a 10-game schedule which kicks off Jan. 6. “I am impressed with the group of girls overall,” Hayes said. “They come ready to work hard, they all get along well together and they are a close knit group. They have been challenged by the coaching staff and they have done a great job responding to it.” Added the coach: “As a team we realize how fortunate we are to have a season. There are plenty of schools who had their seasons canceled and those students are losing a season, so we feel fortunate that the TVL put together a season for us and we are excited.” Hayes also liked the continuation

Defending TVL champion Hillers boys hockey returns By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

he Hopkinton High School boys ice hockey team has had to adapt and roll with the changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, ice hockey was shut down in the state as cases of the virus began to rise. But with an abbreviated 2021 season having begun last week, coach Chris MacPherson said his team was ready to hit the ice safely, and competitively. “The guys are handling everything well, I have been pleasantly surprised,” MacPherson said. “I think we are at the stage now in this pandemic, nine months into it, where the kids know what they have to do. It’s been an adjustment to go to school, it’s been an adjustment to play sports and they’ve been adjusting for months now.” MacPherson acknowledged that it was a question mark whether the high school season would ever get underway. After the sport was paused in the state, he said people at the rinks have been more vigilant and the players have gotten used to having to socially distance while on the benches. The requirements will mean that the Hillers cannot use some of the rinks they would normally use during a season because there is not enough room in the bench areas. But, despite the fact that it is only a 10-game season against five other Tri-Valley League foes, a combination of seniors and younger players is hoping to lead the Hillers back to the top of the standings. Sophomores Pavit Mehra and Joe Carrazza will see significant minutes on the forward lines. A number of seniors also are looking to play large roles this year, including Geoffrey Tocco and Aidan Walsh up front and Quentin Barnes on the blue line. Defensemen Ronnie Shamus and Cam Jerrett are four-year members of the program, and junior Michael Berman is expected to move into a top-four role as a defenseman. Senior Colin Norred and sophomore Jonathan Lang will see time in goal after playing limited minutes behind the since-graduated Gray Bailey a season ago. “We have a big senior class,” MacPherson said. “But after that, it’s a younger group.” Hopkinton opened the season against Norwood on Jan. 6. As was the case for several team sports in the fall, ice hockey will play home-and-home series against one opponent before moving on to the next team. “We are the defending TVL champs, so we want to win as many games as we can,” MacPherson said. While Hopkinton is a year away from moving to the Division 2 level, all but one of the five teams it will play this winter is a D2 team. “It’s a little bit different, but we will go along with what is put in front of us,” the coach said. “The goal is always to go out and compete as best we can and see what happens from there.”

Senior captain Kristin McCluskey returns to the net after an all-league season a year ago.

of a schedule quirk that was implanted during the fall: having teams play each other back-to-back to allow for easier contact tracing should it be needed. The team opened up with Westwood last Wednesday and Saturday and is scheduled to play Medway this week. “As a hockey enthusiast, playing a home-and-home is something that excites me and we are trying to get the kids excited about that,” he said. Hayes joins the program after coaching at various levels over the past several seasons. His experience ranges from time as an assistant coach at Becker College to working with his four boys, ages 3 to 8, as they begin their own hockey

careers. Hayes played high school hockey at Noble & Greenough School in Dedham before playing for Tufts. Even with no tournament to play for in the pandemic-affected season, Hayes said he is not lowering his expectations. “Our biggest goal is to improve,” he said. “The coaches have challenged them since the beginning of the season with a pretty intense skating program and the girls have responded great to that. We want to improve, day to day, week to week, and season to season. If at the end of the year we match up our record to the prior year and see improvement, then we are heading in the right direction.”

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021

Police Log ARRESTS January 2

5:23 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Brabham responded to a report of a motor vehicle crashing into a building on Woodview Way. Air bags were deployed. The management company of the building was contacted. The Fire Department and building inspector responded. A tow truck was requested. A 67-year-old Woodview Way resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor and operating as to endanger. 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.

December 8

1:29 p.m. A Walcott Valley Drive caller complained that a person drove laps around the condo complex in a van with an infant on his lap. Officers Nathan Wright and Moira McGaffigan responded and checked the area with a negative find on the van. 3:46 p.m. Multiple callers reported a tractor-trailer stuck on Granite Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brendon Lyver responded and reported the driver was able to free the vehicle but struck a stop sign, which fell down. Officer Lyver took a report and notified

the DPW. 4:12 p.m. A caller reported a fistfight at a West Main Street gas station. Officer Preston Mucciarone and Sergeant William Burchard responded and checked the area with a negative find.

December 9

9:53 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Woodview Way involving a woman in her 80s who suffered a knee injury. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Brian Sanchioni, Moira McGaffigan and Nathan Wright responded along with an ambulance. A patient was transported to the hospital and two vehicles were towed. A report was to follow. 1:01 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin found fallen wires on Pond Street and notified Verizon. 3:16 p.m. A caller reported a two-car motor vehicle accident on Wood Street with one person complaining of a hand injury. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brendon Lyver responded along with an ambulance. A report was to follow.

December 10

6:47 a.m. A Chestnut Street resident reported a loud bang in the area that sounded like a transformer. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and checked the area and reported someone hit a trash can. All houses in the area had power. 3:20 p.m. A Lakeshore Drive resident reported a suspicious incident in which a female showed up at her house to take blood, allegedly per doctor’s order. The

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Police: Investigation continues into Dunkin’ robbery

DAILY NEWS UPDATE

NEWSLETTER

Town has 67 active cases of COVID Hopkinton enters the new year with some sobering news, as the latest COVID-19 update shows 67 active cases, which is the town’s highest mark since early May (the peak was 73 on May 1). The update also includes information on the 2021 Boston Marathon and the Hopkinton Public Library’s new hours. Read more.

Police released this photo of the Dec. 26 incident at the West Main Street Dunkin’.

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

opkinton police continued to seek more information about a Dec. 26 incident at the Dunkin’ on West Main Street, and as of late last week they had not been able to identify the individual who is alleged to have robbed the establishment. According to Hopkinton Police Lt. John J. Porter, a white male entered the store just after 9 p.m. and ordered two doughnuts. When the clerk opened the register, the man told her to give him the cash drawer. He did not indicate he had a weapon, but the clerk felt threatened and gave him the drawer, which he took with him as he ran out the door. The clerk was not physically assaulted by the man, who was identified as between 5-foot-7 and 6 feet tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, tan winter gloves and a black face mask. “She was shaken up, obviously, but not physically harmed,” Porter said. Porter reported that the cash drawer, which was found the day after the robbery, had been “fingerprinted and sent to the lab.” Police also were trying to determine if the man had been spotted nearby prior to the incident. “Detectives are canvassing area businesses to see if the person responsible had been in the parking lot of any stores in the area,” Porter added. “We anticipate there to be video, especially Mobil and Cumberland Farms [neighboring gas stations/convenience stores], and we’ll look for a person who matches the description.” Porter explained that police must go through the companies’ corporate offices to obtain the video surveillance, so it takes longer. Anyone who witnessed the incident or might have any information is asked to contact Detective DeBoer at the Hopkinton Police Detective Bureau at 508-497-3401, extension 1279 or the Crime Tip Line at 508497-9785.

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The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 19 caller stated her doctor did not order a person to her house to take blood. Officer Derek Morton spoke with the caller. 9:04 p.m. A caller reported he found two puppies on Pendulum Pass. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and the owners were contacted.

December 11

8:36 a.m. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Nathan Wright responded to a report of a low-hanging wire on Main Street that was blocking the entrance to the library. Verizon was contacted. 1:19 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K-9 Titan responded to a bomb threat in Milford. 5:03 p.m. Multiple callers reported a two-car motor vehicle accident involving air bag deployment on Hayward Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Derek Morton and Preston Mucciarone responded and reported one female complained of back pain. An ambulance transported one person to the hospital. A criminal application was issued.

December 12

11:22 a.m. A concerned caller reported family trouble and an altercation on Hayden Rowe Street that could have gotten physical regarding a dispute about property. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Matthew Santoro and Brittany Firth responded and took a report. 11:39 p.m. A caller reported loud music and yelling on Woodview Way. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with the homeowner, who stated they would all keep the noise down for the night.

December 13

1:41 a.m. A caller reported an alarm coming from the back area of Town Hall and Bill’s on Main Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Stephen Buckley responded and found two steam cleaning company employees working in the bank and reported the truck was loud. They were to finish soon. 9:25 a.m. A Pond Street resident reported he walked his leashed dog around Lake Whitehall on the Pond Street side and encountered four black and white unleashed dogs and a woman. One of the dogs attacked his dog. His dog was not hurt, but he wanted the incident logged. The animal control officer was notified. 11:59 a.m. A caller reported an illegal burn on Teresa Road. Officers Matthew Santoro and Brittany Firth responded along with the Fire Department and found a small, contained fire. The homeowner was advised to extinguish it. 1:58 p.m. A Parks and Recreation employee reported a window in the back of Center School on Ash Street was smashed. Officers Matthew Santoro and Brittany Firth responded and took a report. 10:16 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil checked on and spoke with kids with a fire on Lumber Street.

Drive. Officer Jay Deiana responded and checked the area with a negative find on a truck. 3:39 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on West Main Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and requested the Fire Department to cover an oil spill. A tow truck was requested for one of the vehicles. A report was to follow. 5:26 p.m. The Southborough Police Department received a call about an erratic operator in a silver sedan headed to Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Brendon Lyver located the vehicle, and the operator contacted AAA for vehicle assistance. Officer Lyver provided the operator with a courtesy transport home.

December 15

1:12 p.m. A caller reported dogs running around on Main Street. A message was left for the animal control officer. 4:24 p.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Derek Morton and Brendon Lyver responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on West Main Street and found a verbal argument with another party in progress. A report was taken.

December 16

9:11 a.m. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Nathan Wright assisted the Ashland Police Department and Ashland Fire Department with a missing person search near a body of water in Ashland. 11:01 a.m. A confused caller reported he was in Leominster. The Leominster Police Department was contacted and was to do a well-being check of the caller. 6:28 p.m. An Oakhurst Road caller reported someone stole packages from her steps. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and took a report.

December 17

8:17 a.m. A caller reported a car off the road on South Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Brendon Lyver responded and contacted Art’s Towing for a winch-out. 10:18 a.m. A Yale Road resident reported his neighbor was shoveling snow into the roadway, and he wanted it logged. 4:28 p.m. A passerby reported alarms sounding and possible odor of smoke at a Priscilla Road house. Officer Derek Morton responded along with the Fire Department. A faulty smoke detector was located. 9:02 p.m. A caller complained of a vehicle parked on Claflin Common and obstructing the snowplows. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and contacted the owner of the vehicle.

December 18

8:39 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving a school bus and a car on Saddle Hill Road. No injuries were reported. Officer Brittany Firth responded and took a report. 8:41 a.m. A caller reported two students fighting in the back of a van on Interstate 495. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded to assist. The Westborough Police Department and the State Police were advised. 1:28 p.m. The Ashland Police Department reported being out with two cars involved in a motor vehicle accident on Cross Street. Officer Brittany Firth responded, and a report was to follow. 4:08 p.m. A caller reported finding a necklace in the State Park near the dam and wanted it logged. 7:42 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a deer on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. The deer

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was deceased. 11:18 p.m. The Sherborn Police Department reported a disabled motor vehicle on Ash Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Stephen Buckley responded and requested a tow truck for a winch-out. No damage was found on the property.

December 19

10:27 a.m. An Autumn Ridge Drive caller reported what appeared like blood, possibly from an animal, in the snow in front of his house. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and reported it was not blood in the snow and there was no medical emergency. 12:28 p.m. A caller reported the traffic lights on Chestnut Street were not functioning. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and fixed them. 2:32 p.m. A caller reported a youth ice skating on Golden Pond on West Main Street. Officer Jay Diana responded and checked the pond with a negative find. 4:57 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was hit sometime within the previous few hours while parked on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report. 4:56 p.m. A caller reported the vehicle in front of him on Weybridge Lane was driving erratically, going in the opposite lane, braking and nearly hitting snow banks. Officers Robert Ekross, Ryan Polselli, and Cody Normandin responded and stopped the vehicle. The operator stated she was experiencing mechanical problems and would park the vehicle for the night. 7:46 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin checked on two youths at Center School on Ash Street. They stated they were looking for a phone that they dropped earlier. Police Log | 20

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December 14

9:58 a.m. A North Mill Street resident reported hearing a loud crash and then the power went out. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Nathan Wright and Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department. Sergeant O’Neil reported a transformer blew. Eversource was contacted. 11:07 a.m. Officer Jay Deiana came upon a motor vehicle on Wood Street that dropped items from its rear. Officer Deiana spoke with the driver and assisted in removing items from the roadway. 12:42 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious person in a truck moving things in and out of personal vehicles on Parkwood

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 Police Log | from page 19

They were told to move along after the phone was found.

December 20

6:57 p.m. A School Street resident reported her dog was missing. The caller stated a neighbor saw someone in a vehicle pick up the dog a short time ago. The animal control officer was notified.

December 21

1:00 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley found a low-hanging wire on Greenwood Road and notified the DPW. 6:14 a.m. A caller reported a large amount of water in the roadway on East Main Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and confirmed a water pipe break and notified the Water Department. 12:33 p.m. An East Street caller reported a bucket truck pulled wires down across his driveway. Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with the electric company crew in the area. Verizon was notified about the wires across the driveway.

December 22

6:06 a.m. A caller complained she was being bothered by a Cambridge police officer. The Cambridge Police Department was notified. 9:03 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Brian Sanchioni and Nathan Wright responded to a motor vehicle accident involving air bag deployment and personal injury on East Main Street. An ambulance was requested and a patient was transported to the hospital. 1:47 p.m. A caller complained about an employee at a Main Street business not wearing a face mask while working. Officer Nathan Wright spoke with the caller

and referred him to the Board of Health. 3:23 p.m. A walk-in handed in a T.J.Maxx rewards card found on Grove Street. 3:38 p.m. A Millbury State Police Officer reported two loose manhole covers on South Street. The DPW was notified and responded. 7:51 p.m. The Westborough Police Department reported an Oliver Lane resident made suicidal statements while at Fore Golf, and they requested officers to be on the lookout. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and assisted with transport to Framingham.

December 23

9:02 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle ran a stop sign on Kimball Road and nearly hit her while she was out walking, and the driver yelled at her. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and spoke with the reporting person. 3:19 p.m. A caller reported a red Ford stuck in a snow bank on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and requested a tow truck bring a gas can for the vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently towed. 3:48 p.m. A motorist reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Interstate 495 between an 18-wheeler and a Jeep. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Preston Mucciarone responded while the State Police were en route. No injuries were reported. 8:11 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious man who frequents Aspen Way around the same time of night. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and found no issues.

December 24

5:59 a.m. A caller reported a deer was struck on Lumber Street and was still

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alive. Officer Tyler Brabham responded, and a passerby took the deer. 8:05 a.m. A caller reported finding a dog on Cedar Street and was able to take it to the station. The animal control officer was contacted. The dog was taken to Baypath Humane Society. 10:31 a.m. Officer Nathan Wright discovered the traffic lights on South Street were on flash and he was unable to reset them. He contacted the DPW. 12:44 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed for an alarm call on College Street, where they assisted the homeowner and found an open door. 4:45 p.m. Multiple calls were received about a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officers Ryan Polselli and Philip Powers responded and reported no personal injuries. A tow truck was requested for both vehicles. One person refused medical treatment and another person was issued a civil citation. 6:55 p.m. Officer Philip Powers responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. The Upton Police Department assisted.

December 25

7:42 a.m. Multiple calls were received about a tree leaning into the roadway of West Main Street. Officer Brittany Firth responded, and the tree was removed by the DPW. 7:53 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth came across a fallen tree on wires on West Main Street and notified Eversource of the hazard. Officer Firth stood by until their arrival. 8:21 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan notified Eversource of a fallen tree on wires on Pond Street. 8:21 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree blocking the roadway of Mayhew

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Street. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Nathan Wright responded and notified Verizon. 7:59 a.m. A Wood Street resident reported her brown and black chow chow mix dog was missing. The animal control officer was contacted. 10:41 a.m. A caller reported Hayden Rowe Street was flooding. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Nathan Wright responded and notified the DPW.

December 26

8:32 a.m. An Elizabeth Road caller reported Christmas lights were vandalized. Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report. 8:59 a.m. Officer Cody Normanin responded to a report of a deceased turkey in the roadway of Hayden Rowe Street. The animal control officer and DPW were contacted. 11:34 a.m. A caller complained of youths riding electric scooters in the roadway of Nicholas Road and Colella Farm Road without helmets, safety gear or parental supervision. Officer Cody Normandin responded. The youths were gone upon his arrival. 1:06 p.m. A caller reported a main water pipe seeping into his basement. The caller stated that he contacted a plumber, but because it is town water the plumber would not touch it. The Water Department was contacted. 6:01 p.m. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded to Westborough to assist the Westborough Police Department with hostile escaped youths from a behavioral health center. 9:16 p.m. An employee at a West Main Street business reported a robbery had just occurred. No weapons were shown. The suspect asked for two doughnuts and the contents of the register. He left on foot via the side door. Sergeant William Burchard, Detective Gregg DeBoer and Officers Brittany Firth, Benjamin Stickney, Preston Mucciarone and Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Upton and Milford Police Departments. An investigation was underway.

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9:51 a.m. The DPW reported a Pleasant Street resident was pumping water out onto the street. Officers Jay Deiana and Nathan Wright responded and attempted to make contact with the homeowner. 12:41 a.m. A caller gave an anonymous tip about crack dealing in his Constitution Court complex. The person dealing was in a silver Audi. The caller stated he has also seen this person in Framingham. Detective Gregg DeBoer was notified. 9:08 p.m. A caller reported that while he was getting takeout food at a Hayden Rowe Street restaurant, he noted that the restaurant was not following social distancing guidelines and was allowing underaged parties to consume alcohol. Sergeant William Burchard responded and found the bar clear and the establishment almost empty.

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12:30 p.m. A caller reported a 55-gallon drum of motor oil spilled into a storm drain on Avenue E. Officer Philip Powers responded along with the Fire Department. 2:03 p.m. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department to a dumpster fire on Wood Street. The fire was knocked down.

December 29

8:18 a.m. A tow truck company reported a vehicle in a Yale Road driveway was close to a 44-foot drop and was being held by a stump. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and assisted the employees.

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The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 21 11:05 a.m. A caller reported a rabid raccoon on Clinton Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and reported it went into the woods and was not a hazard. The animal control officer was notified. 2:29 p.m. A walk-in reported someone’s dog caused damage to her car. Officer Matthew Santoro spoke with the walk-in and reported it was a civil matter. 4:42 p.m. A C Street resident reported a water leak. The Water Department was contacted and subsequently notified the condo association that it was responsible for fixing the issue. The water was shut off.

December 30

6:38 a.m. A manager of a West Main Street business reported a disturbance after a customer was confronted about fraud. Officers Brian Sanchioni, Robert Ekross, Tyler Brabham and Jessica Ferreira responded. A report was to follow. 9:07 a.m. A caller reported a theft on South Street. Officers Nathan Wright and Jay Deiana responded. A report was to follow. 10:41 a.m. A caller reported a raccoon walking into the woods on Eastview Road and traveling toward Robbern Road. The animal control officer was notified. 11:51 a.m. A caller at an Ashland pet store reported a male stole a yellow Lab or golden retriever out of Hopkinton. The caller stated the male told him that he intended on keeping the dog without notifying the town of Hopkinton or the animal control officer. Officer Matthew Santoro and the Ashland Police Department responded to Joanne Drive, and the Ashland animal control officer took possession of the dog.

December 31

7:00 a.m. A caller reported she was locked inside the ATM at a Main Street bank. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Nathan Wright responded and let the person out. 7:16 a.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a blown transformer and power outage on Ash Street. Eversource was notified. 7:33 a.m. A Chestnut Street resident reported losing his grey dog. The animal control officer was notified. 7:47 a.m. A walk-in reported someone was stuck inside an ATM at a Main Street bank. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and assisted. 3:42 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving two cars and air bag deployment. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Brian Polselli and Cody Normandin responded and requested an ambulance. One person refused treatment. 4:57 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident on East Main Street involving two cars. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross, Ryan Polselli and Cody Normandin responded along with the Fire Department. An Ashland ambulance responded and transported one person to UMass Memorial. Another person refused treatment. 8:34 p.m. A caller reported the West Main Street facility where her deceased father once lived won’t return sentimental photographs. Officer Robert Ekross advised that it was a civil matter.

January 1

9:06 a.m. A caller reported he was locked in a Main Street bank ATM area and could not get out and subsequently smashed a window in order to free himself. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and spoke with the person involved and took a report. Officer Sanchioni left a message for a representative of the bank.

10:46 a.m. A caller reported a deceased cat on the side of the roadway of West Main Street. Officer Nathan Wright responded and reported the deceased animal actually was a raccoon. A message was left for the animal control officer and the DPW. 4:23 p.m. A caller reported a loose black and white spaniel on Oakhurst Road. The animal control officer was contacted, and the caller returned the dog to its owner. 5:59 p.m. A Fruit Street caller reported a vehicle hit her two trash barrels in her driveway. A piece of the vehicle’s grille was found in the yard. Officers Preston Mucciarone and Cody Normandin responded and were on the lookout for the suspect vehicle. 7:51 p.m. A West Main Street business employee reported she asked a customer to remove his hat and hood and he refused and subsequently engaged in a heated verbal exchange with another customer. Officers Tyler Brabham, Cody Normandin and Preston Mucciarone responded and the individual was gone upon their arrival.

January 2

and Officers Brittany Firth and Derek Morton responded after the Westborough Police Department requested officers to be on the lookout for a 20-year-old white male who made suicidal statements via text messages. The male was described as 5-foot-8 with brown eyes and hair and deaf. His phone was pinged in the area of 300 Wood St. He was subsequently located by his parents and taken to the hospital.

2:07 a.m. A Constitution Court resident complained of loud noise coming from the apartment above his. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Derek Morton responded and reported the upstairs neighbors had a new puppy, which was running around. They were advised of the complaint. 10:40 p.m. Officer Tyler Brabham responded to a report of a person attempting to wave down passing motorists on East Main Street. Officer Brabham spoke with an Ashland police officer at the town line and reported a negative find.

January 4

11:44 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no injuries on Lumber Street. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and reported an 18-wheeler hit the vehicle and drove off. A report was to follow. 12:58 p.m. A walk-in sought advice about harassment from his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Officer Ryan Polselli spoke with the caller and took a report. 2:00 p.m. A Frankland Road caller reported the water main in his basement gave way, and he needed the Water Department to shut off access from the road. The Water Department was contacted and was to shut off water service.

January 3

5:27 p.m. A Huckleberry Road caller reported hearing a loud blast in the direction of Fruit Street. Officers Tyler Brabham and Preston Mucciarone responded and checked the area with a negative find. 7:06 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and reported icy road conditions. No personal injuries were reported. 11:13 p.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield

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Obituaries Alberta Irvine Alberta Inez Irvine, 92, of Framingham and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away Dec. 20 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Born in Dover, Delaware, she was the daughter of the late Cora (McCauley) and Frank Wilson. She was the beloved wife of 21 years to Wallace “Wally” Irvine of Hopkinton. Wally and Alberta met later in life after both losing their spouses to cancer. They met and fell in love at a bereavement group and married two years later in 1999. They were devoted to each other in every way possible and moved together to Brookdale Cushing Park. The pandemic could not keep these two lovebirds apart. Wally continued to visit when possible and also utilized technology to keep in contact with her. Alberta enjoyed baking and cooking. She was an avid seamstress and gardener. Besides her husband, Alberta is survived by two children, John Guildford and his significant other, Linda Pacquette, of Upton, and Jennifer Kile and her husband, Robert, of Wentzville, Missouri. She also leaves behind her stepdaughter, Nancy Irvine Mooradian and her husband, Dave, of North Carolina, four grandchildren, Melissa Derner and her husband, Jason, John Guildford Jr., and Andrew and Timothy Kile, as well as four great-grandchildren, Alba Jean Kile, Kinsley Staub, Aiden Harris and Henry Derner. She is predeceased by her first husband, John Guildford, and two sisters, Lelia Hally and Marion Temple. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, Jan. 15, from 4-5 p.m., with a service to follow at 5 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, 57 Hayden Rowe St. Interment will be held at a later date.

Barbara Strickler B a r b a r a F. Strickler, 86, of Hopkinton, passed away on Dec. 11. Born in Bergen, New Jersey, she was the only child of the late Bertha (Kluger) and David Fogelman. She was

the wife of 57 years to the late Lawrence J. (Jerry) Strickler. Barbara had a Bachelor of Science degree in speech pathology and a master’s in special education. In the early years of her career she was a speech therapist with United Cerebral Palsy, and after obtaining her graduate degree was the director of the children’s program at CHI Centers in Silver Spring, Maryland, serving children under the age of 5 with physical disabilities and special needs. Barbara was very outgoing and had a great sense of humor. She made friends easily and cherished the time she spent with her friends and family. She was an avid reader and loved shopping. She loved animals, particularly her cat and companion, Mattie. Barbara is survived by two children, Jill Strickler-Page and her husband, Malcolm, of Hopkinton, and Scott Strickler and his fiancée, Lorena Velarde, of Boyds, Maryland. Barbara also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jessica Page and her wife, Christina McKee, Ryan Page, Megan Strickler and Andrew Strickler. A special thank you to all the staff at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton, the staff at PNPS Nursing Services in Hopkinton, especially her aide and companion, Aimee, and the staff of Brookhaven Hospice, especially Mike and Nane. Your love and support are truly appreciated. Private family arrangements are being held and are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Beverly Heaton Kimball Beverly Heaton Kimball, 68, of Eastham and formerly Ashland, passed away on Dec. 4 in Eastham with her loving husband, Russell, by her side. The daughter of Richard Harry Heaton and Bernice Marble Heaton, Beverly grew up in Ashland and graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1970, followed by Bates College with honors in English in 1974. After teaching language arts for three years at Plymouth-Carver Intermediate School, Beverly attended Boston University and earned a master’s in special educa-

tion in 1978. She then worked as a special educator at Raymond J. Grey Junior High School from 1978-95. Following their dreams to live and work on the Cape, in 1995 Bev and Russ moved to Eastham. Russ founded a flight school, Race Point Aviation in Provincetown, while Bev became director of Project Forward, a nationally recognized program for students with complex learning difficulties, at Cape Cod Community College. From 1995-2005 she was director, student advisor and instructor. Under her leadership, PF became a nationally recognized school-to-work transition program for young adults with disabilities. Working with high school teachers, parents, community leaders and local employers, her program expanded from 12 to over 200 students within a decade and became a model of collaboration, empowering the lives of many students. While living on the Cape, Bev and Russ created many happy memories gathering with family and friends. They shared a passion for dogs, training three to become certified therapy dogs with the Companion Animal Program of Cape Cod. Beverly was an active visitor at Orleans Senior Center and worked for several years coordinating a therapy dog program for elementary school students in the DennisYarmouth regional schools. In 2015 Bev graduated from the Four Winds Society and received her certification as a shamanic energy healer. An artist in watercolor and stained glass, she also was a certified Reiki Master. Bev journaled avidly and was an author; the second enhanced edition of her book, “Sometimes the Magic Works: A Synchronistic Journey” (2003) will be published posthumously in 2021. In addition to her husband, Beverly is survived by her siblings, Richard H. Heaton and wife Jean of Bolton, Nancy Heaton Lonstein and husband Jeffrey of Westborough, and Donald Heaton of Hopkinton, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. There will be a celebration of life shared on Zoom to be announced. Donations in Beverly’s memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LLS-New England, P.O. Box 22471, New York, NY 10087-2471, or the First Parish Brewster, 969 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, where she was an active member for many years. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland.

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Ethan Andrew Bagge, 22, of Holliston, passed away on Dec. 18. Born in Boston, he was the son of Ruthanne Schill and Michael Bagge and brother to Nathaniel Bagge, all of Holliston. He leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Lovingly known as “E,” Ethan loved music, hockey — the Demons youth hockey program, which serves Ashland, Holliston and Hopkinton — tennis, hiking and camping. A profound writer and philosopher with an artistic soul, Ethan will be deeply missed by those who loved him — his family, friends, teammates, roommates and camping buddies — and

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he loved them back. Mental illness is a devastating disease which we hope someday will be understood. This understanding of the disease just did not happen soon enough to save our precious Ethan. A memorial gathering was held Dec. 29 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

John Moretti John Swain Moretti, 69, of Hubbardston died Dec. 11 in his home with his wife of 43 years, Diane (Sharrock) Moretti, at his bedside. John was born Dec. 18, 1950, in Rockville Centre, New York, son of Frances (Swain) and the late Whitfield Moretti. John was a respected Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist working for Weston Nurseries in Hopkinton since 1982. His extensive knowledge and sage advice on planting and caring for turf, shrubs and trees was highly valued by both colleagues and customers. As a longtime trustee at the First Congregational Church in Gardner, he was active in ensuring the church building was well maintained and preserved for future generations. He especially enjoyed the music of the church’s magnificent organ. John believed that one’s responsibility was to accomplish something every single day, whether at work or at home. He was a man of integrity and a role model in every aspect of his life, professionally and personally. He treated everyone with kindness. His wonderful sense of humor, enthusiasm for life and quirky laugh will be missed. Besides his wife, he leaves his mother, Frances Moretti of Acton; his son, Thomas Moretti and fiancee Claire Hunter of Shirley; his daughter, Caroline Barba and husband Paul of Granby; two grandchildren, Isaac John and Ramona Jo Barba; a grandson expected in January; five siblings, Michael Moretti of Stow and longtime companion Ann Purcell, Martha Shane, wife of the late Arthur Shane, Peter Moretti and wife Bonnie of Montague, Elizabeth Farrar and husband Keith of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and Paul Moretti and wife Lola of Stow; along with many nieces and nephews. A funeral was held Dec. 16. Burial with military honors was private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, Organ Restoration Fund, 28 Green St., Gardner, MA 01440, or to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250. Mack Family Funeral Homes, Lamoureux-Smith & Poliks Chapel, Gardner, assisted the family with arrangements.

Kenneth Mick Kenneth M. Mick Sr., 82, of Hopkinton and formerly of Central Pennsylvania, went to be with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

The Hopkinton Independent • January 13, 2021 • 23 on Dec. 4. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Betty, his daughters, Debra Bianchi (Steve), Elisabeth Felty (Shaun), Jenifer Mick, and Cindy-Lou Brock (Fred), and his son, Kenneth M. Mick Jr. (Beth), 24 grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren. He was born in New Gretna, New Jersey, on Nov. 21, 1938, and moved to Newark, New Jersey, at an early age. Every year from the time he was 6 he spent his summers in New Gretna with his beloved grandfather, enjoying the town and the bay. Ken met Betty while both attended Columbia International University (Columbia Bible College). He furthered his education by receiving a Master of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary in 1967. It was the desire of Ken’s life to actively serve Christ. After ministering at a rescue mission, Ken served in pastoral ministry at six churches. Ken and Betty enjoyed traveling to see all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially had fun working in his garden and spending time near the ocean, crabbing and fishing. He had a twinkle in his eye before expressing his humor. And he loved eating good food. Ken truly lived his favorite verse, Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He lived a life filled with kindness and integrity, loving all and loved by all. He could sit on a bench and strike up a conversation with anyone and share his heart. There will be a memorial service sometime next year when it is easier to travel. In his memory, in lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be sent to Camp Susque, 47 Susque Camp Road, Trout Run, PA 17771.

Matthew Westbury Matthew J. Westbury, 26, died Dec. 27. He is survived by his loving parents, Jim and Jeanne (Martens) Westbury, a younger brother, Drew Westbury, and a younger sister, Eliza Westbury, all of Hopkinton, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins

within the family. Matthew was born in Milford on Dec. 2, 1994. He was a lifelong Hopkinton resident, attended school there, and as a youth was active in town athletic programs. He excelled at basketball and loved everyone around him while playing it. At the time of his passing, Matt was a merchandising agent at Lowe’s. Matt had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He loved animals immensely, enjoyed drawing, was an avid reader, and closely followed politics and current events. Matt’s funeral was a graveside service Jan. 4 in Pine Grove Cemetery, Whitinsville. There were no calling hours. Services were under the care of the Carr Funeral Home in Whitinsville. In lieu of flowers, donations in Matt’s memory may be made to Learn To Cope, 4 Court St., Suite 110, Taunton, MA 02780, or online at learn2cope.org.

Renato Angelone Renato “Ray” Agapito Angelone of Framingham passed away the evening of Dec. 26. He was 94 years young, and had fully intended to live to see age 100. Ray is reunited with his beloved wife, Dorothy, of almost 50 years. He was so proud of his family and that was how he defined his own success in life. Ray valued the pursuit of education and work ethic and was a loyal employee of Raytheon and an Army veteran. He generously shared his hard-earned wisdom to instill such values in his children, grandchildren and extended family and friends. Ray loved to garden and was well-known for perfect tomatoes, which he himself did not like to eat but was eager to share with his family and friends. He had a brilliant mind for mathematics and enjoyed reciting the multi-digit value of pi as well as running complex calculations in his mind for relaxation. He enjoyed playing cards, monitoring the stock market, and writing letters to politicians to share his opinions. A true Boston sports fan, watching the Red Sox and Patriots brought him much joy. Above all,

his greatest pride and joy in life was seeing his family, extended family, and friends be successful in life. He will be missed by his daughter Julie Hamm and husband Richard, his son Raymond Angelone and wife Stephanie, and his daughter Kathleen Mitchell and husband David; as well as seven grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Brian, John and Lauren Hamm, Aeden and Lilia Angelone, and Owen and Abigail Mitchell. Born in Newton to immigrants Agapito and Domenica Angelone, he was the beloved brother to the late Luigi Angelone, the late Leticia Angelone, Bertha D’Ercole, Gino Angelone and the late Rita Angelone. Ray also leaves his extended family and friends who will miss his love, intelligence and encouragement. A funeral service was held Jan. 8 at Saint Anselm’s Parish in Sudbury. Services were under the care of the Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons in Sudbury. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hope Walks (nwh.rallybound.org/hopewalks/ Donate).

Tassos Filledes Tassos Filledes of Natick passed away on Dec. 25 at the age of 91. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Florence (Parker). He was the loving father of Chris Moretti and her husband, Tom, of Plymouth, and Bonnie Landry and her late husband, Mark, of Hopkinton, as well as his son, Peter Filledes of San Diego, and daughter-in-law, Carol Filledes, also of San Diego. He also leaves his grandchildren, Derek Moretti, Jill O’Connell, Matthew Moretti, and Brian and Keith Landry, and a great-granddaughter, Anna Moretti. He was the brother of Ercie Berwick of Illinois. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. Tass was born and raised in Natick in 1929 to Peter and Efthelia Filledes. He attended Natick schools, graduated from Northeastern University, and received his master’s degree from Framingham State College. Tass began his teaching in the towns of North Brookfield, Stoughton and Natick, where he not only taught anatomy and physiology but was the Natick High School junior varsity basketball coach. His teaching career culminated in him becoming principal of Medfield High School for 17 years before he retired from education in 1991. He then went on to become an assistant director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, from which he retired in 2004. Tass served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard for 27 years, retiring with the rank of major. He was the armor officer and the executive officer of the 1/110th Armor Battalion. He also was a member of the Natick School Committee, Natick Town Meeting and Keefe Tech School Committee. In 2000 Tass was honored by being placed on the Natick High School Wall of Achievement. Services were held Dec. 29 in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home of Natick, followed by a burial at Dell Park Cemetery, Natick. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to the Tassos Filledes Scholarship Fund FBO Medfield High School, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 6 Main St., Natick, MA 01760.

in various Boston-area hospitals. She met her husband in Boston, where he worked as a physicist at Draper Laboratory. Theresa was loved by the people and families she cared for. Theresa was a devout Catholic who enjoyed reading books and reciting Irish poetry from memory. She was fluent in the Gaelic language, and she loved animals and gardening. Theresa enjoyed her time with her three grandchildren and visits from her four-legged friends. Theresa especially loved her daily visits from her husband, Joseph, while she was at Golden Pond Assisted Living. They would walk around the pond, sit at their favorite bench and watch the herons. In addition to her husband, Theresa is survived by her loving children: Fiona Lyons and Shauna Schwartzman and husband Bruce; her grandchildren: Devin Lyons, Kelsey Lyons and significant other Devin Pilkington, and Kayla Lyons; her 1-monthold great-grandson, Finan Paul Pilkington; her sister, Barbara Mulligan, and many loving nieces and nephews in Ireland. Theresa was one of 11 children in the O’Flaherty family. She was predeceased by siblings Maire McDonagh, Aine Walsh, William O’Flaherty, Padhraic O’Flaherty, Bernardine O’Flaherty, Brid Lenihan, Eileen MacFarlane, Colm O’Flaherty and Carmel Duff. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memorial in Theresa Coccoli’s name to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org). Funeral services will take place when it is safe to do so with close family. Arrangements are being handled by Buma Funeral Home in Uxbridge.

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Theresa Coccoli Theresa (O’Flaherty) Coccoli, age 85, of Uxbridge and formerly of Sudbury and Carraroe, Ireland, died at Golden Pond Assisted Living in Hopkinton on Dec. 10 after a period of declining health. Theresa was born on July 21, 1935, to the late John and Margaret (McDonagh) O’Flaherty in the small east coast town of Carraroe, in County Galway, Ireland. Theresa and Joseph David Coccoli were married on Nov. 20, 1965, and she was his devoted wife for 55 years. They had two daughters, Fiona and Shauna. They enjoyed visiting family, spending three weeks every year at Theresa’s family home in Carraroe, Ireland. Theresa graduated from Stoke Mandeville Hospital in London (nursing school) in 1958. In 1963 Theresa responded to an advertisement for a need of nurses in the United States, and she found much success working

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