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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 2 | January 27, 2021

Town comes off ‘worst 2 weeks’ of pandemic By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

PHOTO/TRICIA LACASCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

ealth Department director Shaun McAuliffe said the town has had a rough couple of weeks dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic but appears to be “trending back downward.” “We’re coming off what I hope to be one of the worst two weeks of the pandemic in Hopkinton,” he said at the Jan. 19 Select Board meeting, noting there have been 172 cases in the last month and last week the town’s positivity rate was a record-high 5.95 percent. All of the town’s schools were closed Jan. 15 for contact tracing, and the high school remained closed for the first three days of last week. “All of this is really attributed to the fact that we weren’t doing enough to reduce our exposure,” he added. “Through our trace-back activities we’ve traced this surge in cases back to family gatherings, some limited office-type parties, travel by air, car and train, and, to a lesser extent, a bit of work and some sporting activities.”

BLOCKBUSTER

Hopkinton High School senior Brian Keefe tries to force his way past a Westwood defender during a Jan. 12 game in Hopkinton. Two days after this game, all Hillers sports were forced to take a one-week break due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in town. For more, see Page 14.

COVID | 5

ZAC OK’s proposed commercial solar bylaw

INSIDE

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

NEWS

Solar | 7

Seaboard Solar unveils DCR forest-cutting plan

POLITICS

PHOTO/THOMAS FITZGERALD

he Zoning Advisory Committee put the final touches on its proposed commercial ground-mounted solar bylaw at its Jan. 19 meeting, working with town counsel to tweak the wording before unanimously voting to send it to the Planning Board for eventual submission to Town Meeting. “I can’t believe we’ve finished,” ZAC chair Mary Larson-Marlowe said with a laugh after the motion passed. “I thought solar would go on forever.” Following input from Bryan Bertram, an attorney with Miyares & Harrington LLP, at the previous week’s meeting, the committee altered its approach to be less restrictive and more focused on screening and other measures that would better

This solar array at a Lumber Street residence has frequently been cited as part of the reason a stricter commercial solar bylaw was needed, as a portion of it (at the top in this photo) is clearly visible from abutting residences.

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Kramer, Nasrullah bid for Select Board

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

Pedroli turns grief into inspiration

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

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

PHOTO/PEDROLI FAMILY

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon

In this family photo from 2013, Kristen Pedroli holds her son Matt, while Michael holds Nick.

FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 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.

INDEPENDENT THOUGHTS JERRY SPAR

HopkintonIndependent.com

fter her husband passed away in a car accident in May 2016, Hopkinton resident Kristen Pedroli had to navigate some unfamiliar territory. Realizing she could use some help learning how to deal with the emotional turmoil — along with suddenly learning to be a single parent of two young boys — she took a six-week course called Parenting While Grieving. She found it so helpful that she decided to start a similar program herself. That Christmas, Pedroli received a package in the mail. She thought it was something she had ordered for her sons. “It turned out that it was a package of all items put together by some women in Waltham, where my college roommate lives,” Pedroli recalled. “It was all comforting, uplifting stuff. I wasn’t Independent thoughts | 3

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2

There has NEVER been a better time to list your home than NOW! PHOTO/KRISTEN PEDROLI

expecting it, and it made my day.” Again, Pedroli was so inspired that she decided to pay it forward herself. She started a nonprofit called the MRP Project — MRP being her late husband’s initials: Michael Richard Pedroli. “I started doing that for people in 2019,” she said. “It was just something I tried to see if it would catch on. And it caught on. I just put it out there, I created a private Facebook page and I said this is what I want to do, and if you know anyone who’s going through a hard time please let me know. And the nominations just started coming in and they haven’t stopped. People started nominating individuals that they knew that were going through a tough time, whether it be a death or a divorce or sickness. I started putting together these bags, I called them Bags for a Boost. And it really caught on.” Pedroli met her future husband when the two were student-athletes at Bentley University in Waltham. She played basketball, while he played baseball. When they moved to Hopkinton, Michael, who was vice president of sales for a chemical distribution company in Walpole, soon became a beloved coach in town. “He was extremely involved in the kids’ sports,” Kristen said. “He was very involved with Hopkinton Little League. In fact, there’s a bench at EMC Park dedicated to him because he made such an impact with a lot of the kids in Hopkinton that he coached. Anyone who knew him, he just was so good with the kids. Any kid who was ever coached by him — and a lot of them were at his wake — he had a special way to coach, especially little kids. People loved him as a coach.” Following Michael’s death, Kristen learned by trial and error the best way to navigate her new existence. The class she took helped identify ways she — and any parent, whether or not they were dealing with a traumatic event — could not just survive but thrive. She has incorporated that in her own program. “A lot of the information was beneficial to really anyone who was raising kids in a difficult time. And that was before the pandemic even hit,” she said. “Our program is more in general raising resilient kids, but I bring in a lot of things that I did wrong with my kids that I learned through this class that I took. One example being allowing them to use their father’s death as a crutch, which I did a couple of times. I was told very sternly that no, you can’t do that. They need to deal with this, and you need to not allow it to be a crutch. It instead can help them be more resilient in life. So that’s one example that we talk about a lot — not fixing problems for kids or giving them an out. So it’s a lot in general, but we use a lot of reallife examples.” Added Pedroli: “I worked with two social workers and we put together a curriculum. It’s called Raising Resilient Kids. We put together the curriculum and we decided to have a pilot last spring, but because of the pandemic we pushed it off. So we had it this fall. It was a six-week series. We met on my back deck, socially distanced. And it was amazing. We did evaluation forms after, and people just loved it. What we hope to do is run this series every fall and spring.” As for the Bags for a Boost, Pedroli has a bin outside her house where people can donate items, or gifts can be shipped directly to her. She has a room in her house set aside for storing the

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donated goods, which include candles, tea, spa-related items, lotions, makeup, scarves and more for women, and decks of cards, socks, mugs, gift cards and more for men. Then she ships them out — mostly in town and to surrounding communities, but occasionally out of state. “Most of the time I won’t say no, but the focus really is Hopkinton and the surrounding communities,” she said. Pedroli has since remarried — just over a year ago she wed her high school prom date, John Pierce — and her sons, Nick and Matt, now are 13 and 11. But no matter what changes might come in their lives, she made it clear that Michael’s legacy will live on with them. For more information on The MRP Project, visit themrpproject.org.

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Girl Scouts start Valentines for Vets

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Hopkinton Girl Scouts Troop 65040 spent part of Martin Luther King Day making Valentine’s Day cards for veterans, and they are encouraging others to do the same. “Write a kind statement, thank them for their service, make some art, BE CREATIVE!!” the program poster reads. Finished cards may be dropped in the bin outside of 14 Colella Farm Road for distribution. The deadline is Jan. 30. For more information, email hopgstroop65040@gmail.com.

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508-951-4951

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Middlesex Bank donates to PJB Middlesex Savings Bank announced last month that it had distributed another round of funding from its charitable foundation’s $1 million COVID-19 relief fund. In this fourth wave of grant distribution, the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation provided 33 area food pantries — including Hopkintonbased Project Just Because — each with a $10,000 contribution to support their response to the pandemic. … The Foundation for MetroWest announced last month that it had awarded grants totaling $150,000 to nine arts and culture nonprofits serving the region. Hopkinton Center for the Arts was one of the recipients, receiving a $25,000 grant. The 2020 Arts and Culture Grant Program was the largest sum ever awarded by the Foundation for MetroWest to arts and cultural institutions in a single year. The grants of up to $25,000 each are intended for general operating support, program support and capacity building efforts, enabling each nonprofit to pursue opportunities that will help improve the quality of life across MetroWest.

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

SHARE THE LOVE IN YOUR NEW HOME!

Seaboard Solar applies for DCR forest-cutting permit The land where Seaboard Solar plans to install a groundmounted solar array abuts the Deer Run trails.

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he Connecticut company that plans to install a ground-mounted solar array in the woods off Frankland Road recently unveiled a possible new strategy to get the project moving forward despite lawsuits from abutters, applying for a forest-cutting permit from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Abutters, some of whom have sued the town as well as Seaboard Solar in an attempt to stop the project, earlier this month received a notice from T. Jepson & Sons, a land-clearing company based in Spencer, indicating the tree cutting would begin “on or about” Feb. 15. Permitting from DCR takes the town out of the approval process. Seaboard Solar was granted a permit by the town last year for its solar array, on land previously owned by Liberty Mutual, but the litigation has put a hold on that. The DCR application for a shortterm harvest came as a surprise to members of the Conservation Commission when it was announced at its Jan. 11 meeting. Commission chair Jeff Barnes noted that under the agreement with the town, about 48 acres of land was to be handed over to Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) for preservation. “My sense is they’re going forward with the solar project, then this forest cutting plan flies in the face of some of the mitigation that we approved for the buffer zone disturbance at the property,” he said. “So I think we need a little bit more clarification from Seaboard Solar on this as to what the plan is.” HALT president Morrie Gasser indicated last week that he had not been apprised of the proposed plan, which, if approved, would allow the company to cut all trees greater than 8 inches in diameter on the entire property, which abuts the Deer Run trails near the Ashland border. “It was a total surprise and we knew nothing about it until notified by ConCom,” he stated via email. “I have not had any discussion or contact with Seaboard since mid-December, but also I haven’t attempted to contact them when I heard about this.” Representatives from Seaboard Solar did not reply when contacted by the Independent for comment. However,

HopkintonIndependent.com

in a pre-hearing statement to the Massachusetts Department of Energy dated Jan. 13 — in response to an appeal by a group of abutters that calls itself Save the Forest — Seaboard Solar referenced the DCR application and indicated it was for a “potential short-term harvesting of trees” and that the company had “no present intention of harvesting trees” in the area outside of where it is necessary to construct the solar array. Seaboard Solar recently posted no trespassing signs and requested that HALT remove from its website any maps that show the property and any trails on it (HALT complied). Conservation administrator Don MacAdam noted that the town is limited in its powers with the DCR involved, and all the conditions that were attached to the previously approved permits would not apply. “We can ask for [clarification], but obviously we’re not the regulatory authority under this,” he told the Conservation Commission. “All we can do is write to DCR and say if we agree with where the wetlands are shown. And I think I would probably write in the letter, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s a solar project on this, and wouldn’t that fly in the face of the exemption under the bylaw?’ Why would it get a forest cutting plan if it’s not going to be a forest anymore, it’s going to be a solar farm?” Added MacAdam: “It might be valid to tell Superior Court that, wait a minute, the commission based an approval on buffer zone disturbance based on a mitigation package. Now that mitigation package is getting screwed around with.” On advice from town counsel due to the ongoing litigation, the commission switched to executive session (a private meeting) to further discuss the situation.

Wilson Street project denied request to start early In other Conservation Commission news from the Jan. 11 meeting, the commission denied a request from Grasshopper Energy to start work on its solar array on Wilson Street prior to obtaining all the necessary permits. The project was approved in July 2018, and while the company has obtained a special permit, scenic road permit and storm water permit from the Conservation | 8

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 5

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Gregg Lentoni for this photo that shows a reflection of the walking bridge at Ice House Pond. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

on,

Hey Hopkint

Get out s! your camera

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

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

Health director: Residents need to ‘tighten up’ to stop surge COVID | from page 1

McAuliffe noted that 635 residents documented that they had traveled since Thanksgiving week, while undoubtedly there have been many more who have left the state without filling out the state’s forms. Understanding that “travel is bad,” he said, “We can’t be surprised,” by the surge. “That said, recovering and pulling ourselves back … is easily within our grasp,” he added. For example, McAuliffe encouraged residents to support local eateries, but to do it in a smart way. “We can go to our restaurants, we can support our local businesses,” he said. “We just need to do takeout.” McAuliffe said he spoke to probably more than 100 residents over the weekend during the course of contact tracing, and people were receptive to his message. “There is a need to just tighten up, to reduce our exposure,” he said. “I have a commitment there [from people he spoke with], and I am just asking the residents of Hopkinton to make a similar commitment to reducing their exposure so we can get back down and reduce our positivity rate and then reduce the risk to all of the other residents in Hopkinton of contracting the illness.” McAuliffe credited the department’s college assistant, Julia MacDonald, for her “incredible” effort contact tracing. He also praised the nurses who have been helping the department. Looking ahead, vaccinations have started, although McAuliffe said there is some confusion regarding the future process.

“We’re moving into the vaccination stage,” he said. “Golden Pond has received their first dose. Our first responders have been vaccinated. And we’re working with the state to figure out what is the timeline on their delivery of vaccine to us so we can embark on Phase 2 vaccination. Right now I don’t have a schedule on when they are going to deliver vaccines to us. I wish I did.” McAuliffe said he expects Phase 2 will be open to all residents 65 and over along with other higher-risk individuals, but it’s not clear when it will start or how people will confirm their eligibility. He said he was informed that the state plans to open five mass vaccination sites, similar to the one that recently opened at Gillette Stadium, along with 10-20 large pharmacy-operated sites and 18 hospital locations. Town health departments then would supplement those larger facilities. “[Public health nurse Kasey Mauro] and I are ready,” he said. “We have a plan. We could mobilize eight staff tomorrow to jump in and work with us. And we would have another at least eight from the Fire Department to assist. But again, all of these plans are dependent on us getting vaccine in hand. All I’m asking is that we all be patient.” McAuliffe discouraged residents from reaching out to his department looking to get on the list, as there is no list being kept, and calling “won’t get you a better spot.” “Just contacting us, there’s really nothing that I can do, there’s nothing I can offer,” he said. “All I can ask is that people be patient.”

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

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emocrats Muriel Kramer and Irfan Nasrullah announced Jan. 19 that they have launched their campaigns for the two available Select Board seats in the May 17 Town Election. Kramer, a 30-year resident, is a former Select Board chair who NEWS BRIEFS currently holds a seat on the Planning Board. She has held a variety of appointed and elected roles since 2002, including serving as deputy town moderator from 2009-17. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Kramer is a licensed clinical social worker. Kramer found herself in the news this past August when a few individuals were allowed to anonymously criticize her before the Select Board for her work with the Massachusetts Bail Fund, an organization that posts bail “so that low-income people can stay free while they work toward resolving their case.” The organization came under fire after bailing out some individuals charged with violent crimes, including a convicted sex offender who was charged with a raping a woman weeks after being released. Kramer defended her work with the group and said she would welcome the opportunity to explain to her critics why she feels the fund is crucial. Nasrullah is seeking to return to the Select Board, for which he serves as vice chair. A past member of the Planning Board, Nasrullah is an attorney who specializes in environmental and real estate law, with his office in the center of town. He is a former senior regional counsel for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and served on the Massachusetts attorney general’s Environmental Crime Strike Force. He has been a resident since his first year of high school. Select Board member Brian Herr, an independent and former Republican, has previously said he does not intend to run for reelection this year.

16 positions available in Town Election There are 16 positions available in the 2021 Town Election. Nomination papers are available at the town clerk’s office by request. Open positions include one seat on the Board of Assessors (3-year term), one seat on the Board of Health (3 years), one seat on the Board of Library Trustees (3 years), two seats on the Select Board (3 years), one seat on the Cemetery Commission (3 years), one seat on the Commissioners of Trust Fund (3 years), constable (3 years), one seat on the Housing Authority (3 years), two seats on the Parks & Recreation Commission (3 years), three seats on the Planning Board (two of 5 years and one unexpired term of 1 year), and two seats on the School Committee (3 years). An application can be completed at the town website. Candidates are required to collect physical signatures of at least 50 registered voters in town and return them to the town clerk for certification by March 30. Those enrolled in a political party with an active town committee can receive a party caucus nomination to the ballot. Annual Town Meeting is May 3, and Annual Town Election is May 17. The voter registration deadline is April 13. For more information, contact the town clerk’s office at townclerk@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9710.

Select Board debates Economic Development Office Growth Study Committee chair Fin Perry appeared before the Select Board Jan. 19 to encourage the establishment of an Economic Development Office at Town Hall “to call attention to the fact that Hopkinton is more than a bedroom community.” Perry noted that Hopkinton’s tax base is 84 percent residential and 16 percent commercial/ industrial, and, “We should be concerned that this is maintained.” He said the town’s “golden goose, EMC, is no

HopkintonIndependent.com

PHOTO/HOPKINTON DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

DRY EYE OASIS?

Kramer, Nasrullah announce candidacy for Select Board

Muriel Kramer (left) and Irfan Nasrullah are running for the two available seats on the Select Board.

longer a sure thing in town,” since its acquisition by Dell. Perry said a potential “future golden goose” is the life science and biotech industry, although, “Everybody on 495 wants to pull life science and biotech into their town.” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said he liked the idea but was concerned about spending the money when there might be more pressing needs that have not yet been filled due to the town’s hiring freeze during the pandemic. Planning Board chair Gary Trendel submitted comments in support of the plan. “The reality is that ‘sitting and waiting’ to see what proposals and tenants come forward is NOT the best way to optimize utilization of our industrial and commercial districts for the people in this town,” he wrote. “This proposal is right in line with our Planning Board objectives of being more proactive with regards to managing growth.”

Downtown project could start very soon In his town manager report to the Select Board Jan. 19, Norman Khumalo shared some details from a recent pre-construction meeting for the Main Street Corridor Project. He said work was to begin as early as last week, and the contractor is looking at the project in “two geographic phases.” The first phase is from the Town Common to the Route 135/85 traffic intersection. “The idea is to at least complete this phase within the one-year window, which I believe would be very good for our businesses,” Khumalo said. “Within that same one-year window, the idea is to do all the base work” [moving poles and undergrounding utilities] from the intersection to the Main Street/Wood Street fork. “The contractor is going to be pursuing this very aggressive schedule that will have a minimal impact in terms of duration to the corridor,” Khumalo said, Khumalo also noted that a company will be brought in to “invest strongly on public communication.” … Also from the Jan. 19 Select Board meeting, the board unanimously voted to include a placeholder for an article on the discharge of firearms on private property on the town warrant. This elicited some discussion about loud firearms at gun clubs being an annoyance, although Khumalo said the article does not apply to gun clubs.

Lee lands top job with Norwell PD Former Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee was tabbed to be chief in Norwell. According to a report in the Quincy Patriot Ledger, Lee was chosen by Norwell selectmen at their Jan. 7 meeting. He previously had been named one of three finalists. “At the end of the day for me, I just felt Chief Lee, with his specific backgrounds, the [Boston Marathon], working with the union, he was more relatable and more approachable and as someone who would fit in with the character around here,” News briefs | 7

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 7

ZAC sends proposed commercial solar bylaw to Planning Board Solar | from page 1

Lee lands top job with Norwell PD News briefs | from page 6

said Norwell selectman Joe Rull, according to the report. Lee served as chief in Hopkinton from 2014 until he resigned last March. Joseph Bennett was promoted from deputy chief shortly thereafter.

Tax relief applications available The town recently announced that applications for tax relief have been mailed to last year’s recipients. Applications also can be obtained via the town’s website (hopkintonma.gov) or from the assessor’s office (randerson@ hopkintonma.gov). Applications must be filed on or before March 1 and can be returned to the drop box in the front alcove at Town Hall or mailed to: Tax Relief Committee, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01784.

PHOTO/THOMAS FITZGERALD

protect abutters. Regarding screening, the proposed bylaw reads: “Solar panels, supporting structures and appurtenances shall be shielded from view year-round in all zoning districts. Screening methods may include landscaping, natural features, earthen berms, fencing or a combination thereof.” The bylaw includes a requirement that applicants provide a sight-line representation by a professional engineer or landscape architect up to 500 feet from the installation, although it was noted that the Planning Board can ask for additional views as needed. Committee member Ted Barker-Hook pushed to increase the sight-line representation from the original distance of 300 feet to 500 feet. “So much of what we’re doing is based on our ugly experience on Alexander Road,” he noted, referencing the solar array on a Lumber Street residential property that abuts Alexander. “And what we saw is the Alexander Road road is about 400 feet from the installation.” The committee also added language that addressed how a proposed solar development might affect noise, including how the removal of trees could allow, for example, nearby highway noise to increase, as well as glare. Following discussion by the Planning Board and a public hearing, the proposed bylaw must be submitted to Town Hall by Feb. 2 in order to get on the warrant for the May 3 Town Meeting. During its previous discussions, ZAC members had suggested limiting commercial solar photovoltaic installations to previously disturbed land or on parcels of limited sizes or properties zoned as industrial, among other things. “To me, there’s nothing aesthetic about these things,” member Curtis Smithson said. “They want to mow down every tree. It’s a steel structure with glass panels on it. It’s not anything that’s going to go through an architectural review or anything that’s going to look nice when it’s done.” However, at the Jan. 11 ZAC meeting, Bertram advised against that approach. “I think you would have a problem if you targeted this just at solar,” he told committee members. Bertram suggested a general bylaw, not specific to solar, that covers all types of

Hopkinton, like many other towns, has been grappling with the issue of how to control commercial ground-mounted solar for a few years. This array is located off East Main Street.

developments in the town. Because while there has not been an appellate court decision on similar bylaws, he said, there have been indications that it would be difficult to defend. Last year’s approach was to create a zoning overlay map, and the one the Plan-

ning Board selected had a small number of parcels approved for commercial solar. It ended up getting shelved due to the pandemic forcing an abbreviated Town Meeting. Bertram suggested adding more availability if ZAC and the Planning Board wanted to go with an overlay map. “The reason that we gave the advice during the last Town Meeting cycle that we did, which was, we’re not really sure, but if you do it, the more land that’s in the overlay district or I suppose the more zoning districts that you allow the better, is because we’re not entirely confident that if the courts were to address the issue they’d uphold it even on the general principle,” he said. “But if they did, the more you allow, the more reasonable. “So I’m not going to tell you you can’t take that approach, but you do do it with some peril, that a land court judge or if it gets to an appellate level they would tell you, ‘Well, you can’t do this at all.’ And even if you clear that hurdle, then you have to be careful that you allow this

in enough of the town that any reviewing judge is going to say this is reasonable and that there’s a principle for allowing it in certain districts and not others based on the characteristics of these facilities.” Added Bertram: “A lot of this is totally by gut because we don’t have a lot of guidance on this.” Bertram said he would be available to continue to assist with the process of finalizing the wording, although he said it did not appear there were many other options to consider. “This is an important issue in Hopkinton that’s come up a number of times, and it’s forced me to look at [other towns’] bylaws a number of times,” he said. “If we had seen a lot of great options that you all weren’t coming up with, we probably would have already zoomed in on them. We can take another look, but I wouldn’t hold out hope that there’s too many better solutions out there that others have done. You all have done a pretty good job of identifying those for yourselves already.”

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

Lions Club has busy December with Santa visit, speech competition By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer

PHOTO/CHRISTINE SNOW/HOPKINTON LIONS CLUB

he ongoing pandemic has forced community groups and organizations to hit the pause button on a number of events and activities. However, after some detailed planning, members of the Hopkinton Lions Club were able to sponsor back-toback events in December to bring some much-needed enjoyment to all those who took part. On Dec. 17, the Lions Club moved forward with its Massachusetts Lions High School Student Club Level Speech Competition, which provides local students the opportunity to speak publicly on a specific topic, competing against other students. “We held it virtually this year,” explained Hopkinton Lions Club member Mike Tarsi. “Four Hopkinton students took part.” This year’s topic was “Is winning everything?” Students were given eight

A local family enjoys a socially distanced visit with Santa Claus.

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minutes to speak and were judged on delivery, effectiveness and organization of their speech. The competition begins at the local club level and then proceeds through several other levels, eventually leading to a final statewide competition. Tarsi noted public speaking is a “great skill set to have that students will always benefit from.” For the local club level, sophomore Carmen Thomas came in first place and received an award of $100. The runner-up was junior Vania Gautam. As a result, Thomas advanced to the regional level of the competition. Lions Club members expressed their gratitude to Rich Bettina, Steve Perryman and Connie Wright for volunteering their time to judge the competition. Two days later, the Lions Club hosted Santa’s Special Kids, which gave local families who have children with special needs the opportunity to visit with Santa in a more controlled environment. The annual Santa event normally is held at Golden Pond. “The nature of these kids, some of them don’t like crowds or noise so we try to create a nice, peaceful environment for them to feel comfortable in,” Tarsi explained. “However, because of COVID we couldn’t hold it at Golden Pond this year.” As a result, the Lions Club moved forward with an outdoor venue, using the parking lot at St. John’s church, and made sure all COVID-19 guidelines were in place, including masks and social distancing. Thanks to Mother Nature’s cooperation, the day was sunny with mild temperatures. “The Lions Club made sure the pandemic wasn’t going to stop Santa from visiting, and we were thankful St. John’s helped us make that happen,” Tarsi said. Local photographer Christine Snow volunteered her services to take photos of families participating. Goodie bags filled with candy and toys were given out.

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Hopkinton High School sophomore Carmen Thomas was the winner of the Lions Club’s speech competition.

Approximately 10 families took part in the event. Because registration was required and each visit was scheduled, the Lions Club was able to ensure a more controlled environment so youngsters weren’t overwhelmed. “The kids could take their time talking to Santa and tell him what they wanted for Christmas, which was everything from puppies to slime,” Tarsi said. For more information on the Lions Club and what the organization does as well as upcoming events, visit the club’s website at hopkintonlions.org or on Facebook at Hopkinton Lions Club.

Wilson Street project denied request to start early Conservation | from page 4

Planning Board, it has not yet acquired a building permit. The commission unanimously voted against allowing the work to start without the building permit. “We’ve had this request in the past for some other sites,” Barnes said. “My sense is you can go out and put out the erosion control barriers, so that’s something you can do prior to getting the building permit. Unfortunately, to be consistent with decisions we’ve made in the past on other sites, my view … is that we need to have the building permit in place before we allow you to go out and do the clearing and grubbing of the property. … My sense is before the building permit is in place, allowing the applicant to go out and clear the site and grub it is getting ahead of themselves a little bit.” MacAdam suggested instead of requesting to amend the order of conditions, the company instead approach it as a project change request. … The commission also was informed that the developer of a home site at 47 Stoney Brook Road violated the order of conditions by disturbing land past an approved point. Brenshaw Corporation was working on the rocky property in late December when it committed the violation, said conservation scientist Matt Varrell, a town consultant. “There was definitely a lack of communication from the applicant,” Varrell said. Barnes said the commission will address the issue after getting more complete information. “When we assess what the full scope of the incursion was, then the commission can evaluate whether restoration is necessary or what course of action we should take,” he stated.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 9

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

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olks at Westboro Tennis & Swim Club are serious about promoting health and wellness and provide instruction in tennis, fitness and aquatics, while maintaining a safe recreational environment in a superior facility. As the slogan says, “There is truly something for the whole family, all year round.” “We’ve been the best resource for tennis, swim, and fitness for the past 50 years, serving hundreds of thousands of kids and adults in MetroWest,” stated owner Justin Lundberg. The Westboro Club is like home to Lundberg — from his teenage years teaching tennis and lifeguarding to managing a nearby tennis and swim club over summers while attending college. He originally purchased the club in 2005. From then until 2018, the club experienced tremendous growth, expanding its footprint and services. Lundberg sold the location in 2018 to Town Sports International, under its Boston Sports Clubs (BSC) brand, with the hope that BSC would continue to invest in and expand the operation. However, Town Sports filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2020. Lundberg, along with former owner Steve Ferris and longtime head pro Mike Zatsiorsky, stepped in to keep the facility open, repurchasing the club on Oct. 1. Over the past several weeks, new ownership has made many improvements, including several COVIDrelated safety measures. “We are leading the way in COVID safety for our membership and staff,” Lundberg said. “We keep abreast of state-issued guidelines and are going above and beyond to make all areas safe. By partnering with leading-edge technology companies like ThinkLite Air, we have already installed over $100,000 worth of air, surface cleaning and filtering systems. Our website is constantly updated with a running blog explaining the timing of regulations and how we are dealing with them.” Additionally, dividers between cardio equipment, safe distance group exercise classes, cleaning stations, and mask-wearing are standard operating procedures.

Westboro Tennis & Swim Club is the largest full-service fitness and recreational facility in MetroWest, offering programs and classes for everyone in the family yearround.

Memberships are available for individuals, couples, families, juniors and students. Each person is initially evaluated to best determine the appropriate entry level of their desired sport. The club offers youth and adult aquatic lessons; tennis lessons, leagues and clinics; and personal training and fitness classes such as BodyCombat, BodyPump and strength conditioning as well as cycling, yoga and Pilates. The newest offering: pickleball.

The Kids Club, located in its own building, provides 3,500 square feet of multipurpose space. On-site babysitting is available at no charge for family members. For younger folk, there is a climbing cave, tree house, arts and crafts and computerized, interactive games. Older kids enjoy the latest gaming systems and air hockey tables. Tennis and sports camps are available for youth ages 4-12 during school vacations.

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— Justin Lundberg “We realize not everyone is ready to come back to a health club yet,” Lundberg said. “Our goal is to be fully ready and ramp up with programs to help people get back in shape physically and mentally as they are ready to resume normal activity.” The Westboro Tennis & Swim Club is conveniently located at 35 Chauncy St. in Westboro, right off Route 9. Discover more at thewestboroclub.com or call 508-366-1222 to schedule a tour. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.

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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.

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Friday, Jan. 29, 2 p.m. Make a miniature chocolate box for Valentine’s Day. Sign up at the library’s website calendar.

Friends of the Library Meeting

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m. For information on how to join the Zoom meeting, contact Beth Mezitt at BethM@westonnurseries.com.

Teen Book Groups

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Hopkinton Public Library Trustees Meeting

Thursday, Feb. 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

CALENDAR

Chat ‘n’ Chew Book Group

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 12:30 p.m. This book group will be held online via Jit.si. Register on the library’s website calendar.

Know the 10 Signs: Early Alzheimer’s Detection Matters

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. The library and the Senior Center have partnered to feature a workshop presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. Sign up at the library’s website calendar at bit.ly/HPL-events or by calling the library at 508-497-9777, ext. 1512.

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.

Little League registration deadline Jan. 31

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All events are on Zoom and require registration via the library’s website calendar. Catalyst High School Book Group meets Wednesday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m. YA for Adults (including Grades 11-12) Book Group meets Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. Grade 6-7 Book Group meets Thursdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. Grade 8-9 Book Group meets Thursdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are being held via Zoom for the time being. For information on how to access the meeting, contact the library director at hbackman@hopkintonma. gov, or refer to the Town of Hopkinton’s meeting calendar.

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Registration is open for the 2021 season of Hopkinton Little League baseball and softball. The program is open to children starting at age 5 (as of Aug. 31, 2021). Registration closes Jan. 31. Hopkinton Little League is planning on having a season as long as state and local regulations allow for it. Adjustments to rules and procedures due to COVID-19 precautions are expected, likely similar to what was in place for the 2020 season. For more information and to register, go to HopkintonLittleLeague.org.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Twas the Week After Christmas Virtual Musical | Jan 30-31 What happens when the North Pole loses the Christmas Spirit? Join the young performers of this ESL Theater Production in this online production. Tickets: $20 per household. 90 minute show. Presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press. www.hopartscenter.org Free Yoga nidra | Jan. 31 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. Virtual First Friday Open Mic | Feb. 5 Join host Jack Byrne and feature Morgan Miller online on the First Friday Open Mic Facebook group page. Free. Sponsored by Dean Bank. Music starts at 7:30pm.

Women’s Club meeting Feb. 8

Art Around the World Free Children’s Workshop | Feb. 6 Take a trip with Ms. Smith 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. For ages 3 to 8. Sponsored by Unibank. Cabaret Open Mic: Love Songs | Feb. 12 Join us on the HCA Cabaret Open Mic Facebook group page for a special evening of love songs with feature Nora Palka. Sign-up to perform or just enjoy the music. Free. Sponsored by Education Station - Hopkinton. Music starts at 7:30pm. www.hopartscenter.org Information about our summer programming is available now on our website!

www.HopArtsCenter.org

The Hopkinton Women’s Club’s next monthly meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. There will be a presentation from the president of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts on combatting domestic abuse. New members are always welcome. For more information, check the club’s website at hopkintonwomensclub.org or contact Judith Weinthaler at 508-435-3287 or HopkintonWC@gmail.com.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent â€˘ January 27, 2021 â€˘ 11

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-on-aging 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.

Creating Your Psychological First-Aid Kit for Surviving Coronavirus

Â Â?Â?Â? Â?Â Â Â€ Â‚Âƒ Â? Â€

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 â€œUSSR/Russia Myths, Mysteries and Spying,â€? is back to talk about his insights into how to prepare for the psychological impact of coronavirus. Participants should preregister by calling the Senior Center.

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.

Swinginâ€™ Sixties

Powerful solutions to Powerful solutions Powerfulkeep solutions to solution Powerful you connected keep you connect Powerful solutions to keep you connected keep you connect Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 to download our q Powerful solutions to guide and learnour all the ways you can stay while stayin keep you connected Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 to download quick reference Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 tosafe download our q keep you connected guide and learn all the ways you can stay while connected. guide and learnstaying all the ways you can stay safe while stayi Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 tosafe download our quick reference

Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 to download our quick reference Friday, Feb. 12, 12:30 p.m. guide and learn all the ways you can stay safe while staying connected. Discover the fashions of the Swinginâ€™ Sixties, beginning with the mod styles of London, traveling through the hippie era, and culminating in the bohemian styles and hot pants of the early â€™70s. Explore what drove these changing styles and how they affected people of all ages during this turbulent time. Karen (Ren) Antonowicz, Visit CharlesRiverBank.com/COVID-19 to download our quick reference and who taught History of Fashion and other courses at the collegeguide level for 13 learn years, all the ways you can stay safe while staying connected. 70ways Main Street Medway â€˘ 508.533.8661 guide and learn all2 the youâ€˘ can stay safe while staying connected. will present. Participants should pre-register by calling the Senior Center, and a link South Maple Street â€˘ Bellingham â€˘ 508.966.2857 1 Hastings Street â€˘ Mendon â€˘ 508.422.9792 to the online presentation will be provided.

70 Main Street â€˘ Medway â€˘ 508.533.8661 CharlesRiverBank.com

2 South Maple Street â€˘ Bellingham â€˘ 508.966.2857 NMLS# Equal Member NMLS# 743045 743045 Equal Housing Housing Lender Lender Member FDIC FDIC â€˘â€˘ Member Member DIF DIF 70 Main Street â€˘ Medway â€˘ 508.533.8661 1 Hastings 70 Main Street â€˘ Mendon Medway â€˘ 508.422.9792 508.533.8661 2 South Maple Street â€˘ Bellingham â€˘ 508.966.2857 2 South Maple CharlesRiverBank.com Street â€˘ Bellingham â€˘ 508.966.2857 70 Main Street â€˘ Medway â€˘1508.533.8661 1 Hastings Friday, Feb. 19, 12:30 p.m. 70 Main Street â€˘ Mendon Medway â€˘ 508.422.9792 508.533.8661 Hastings Street â€˘ Mendon â€˘ 508.422.9792 2 South Maple Street â€˘ BellinghamMember â€˘ 508.966.2857 Equal Housing Lender FDIC â€˘ Member DIF CharlesRiverBank.com Street â€˘ Bellingham â€˘ 508.966.2857 Seniors are invited to participate in a book club being held virtually (phone, 2 South Maple CharlesRiverBank.com 5.41" x 5â€? 1 Hastings Street â€˘ Mendon â€˘ 508.422.9792 1 Hastings Street â€˘ Mendon â€˘ 508.422.9792 laptop or iPad) to share what they have been reading and to get reading suggestions. CharlesRiverBank.com

Books, Books and More Books

Participants should call the Senior Center for the call-in number or Zoom meeting invitation link.

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Healthy Shopping on a Budget

Friday, Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m. In this workshop Sarah Keeley will share tips and tricks to making the most of a dollar while minimizing food waste. Participants should pre-register by calling the Senior Center, and a link to the online presentation will be provided.

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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

REGISTRATION OPEN!

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 â€” but no longer commodes), for Hopkinton residentsâ€™ 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.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Registration Deadline January 31

Co-Ed Tee Ball (age 5) Softball (ages 5 to 14) Baseball (ages 6 to 12) REGISTER ONLINE

hopkintonlittleleague.org

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

Schools Amid uncertainty, School Committee OK’s $54M budget By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

Our faculty is working so hard, and taking away from that [budget] would be putting a large burden on people who have been through a lot.

t its meeting Jan. 19, the School Committee unanimously supported a Fiscal Year 2022 budget of $54,153,911, an increase of a little less than 6 percent from the current budget of $51,206,402. That figure includes a requested increase of $2,145,327 for salaries, which represents a 5.2 percent increase, and $802,182 for expenses, or a 1.6 percent increase. Of the 5.2 percent salary increase, 2.9 is allocated for contract increases and 2.3 for new staff positions. The budget translates to $15,086.49 per student, more than $2,000 less than

the state average of $17,149,000, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said when reviewing the budget with the committee. The budget features a number of unknowns, including state aid and potential federal aid to schools as proposed

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based on current circumstances, committee chair Amanda Fargiano said. Town officials could request a cut to the budget, Fargiano said, but “I’m not comfortable asking for additional cuts.” She said the committee may have to meet again to discuss a request for reductions. Another unknown, Fargiano said, is the “challenge the fall will bring,” with some students potentially having fallen behind academically while others may have made significant advances. “I support this budget and can’t support any cuts,” Nancy Cavanaugh said. She said she could not advocate any reductions “for the services we’re providing.” “The ask is modest for all that’s being accomplished,” she said. “Our faculty is working so hard, and taking away from that [budget] would be putting a large burden on people who have been through a lot,” she added. Committee members also unanimously supported placing an article on the spring Town Meeting warrant requesting that $500,000 be made available to the schools from the Legacy Farms host community agreement. The agreement was created between the town and Legacy Farms developers to offset financial challenges brought on by the added enrollment from the development’s residents. The superintendent advocated for the article, saying that enrollment projections are challenging to determine in a postpandemic school year. The $500,000 figure would cover the cost of seven teachers at about $70,000 each. These teachers could be needed if 100 additional students, not covered under current projections, enrolled in the fall. Placing this on the warrant does not guarantee the money will be spent, Cavanaugh said. But approval places the money under the committee’s control should it be needed. School Committee members would have to vote on any potential future use of this money. At a meeting the previous week, which included attendance from the Select Board, town manager Norman Khumalo and chief finance officer Tim O’Leary, Cavanaugh noted that Hopkinton’s per pupil cost is $15,086.49, which places it 31st out of 33 similar school districts and below the state average of $17,149, based on 2019 figures. “We budget very conservatively,’’ Cavanaugh said. All requests are researched and comparative studies done to make sure they warrant being added, Cavanaugh added. “We do an awful lot of math to make these decisions, she said. “We are not spending a lot to get to the tippy-top.’’

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 13

Sports HHS winter teams start strong but forced to take break H

opkinton High School opened the winter season in early January, but it came to a halt less than two weeks in, a weeklong break caused by a surge in COVID-19 cases both in town and the region. Boys track posted a 48-38 SPORTS ROUNDUP victory over Dover-Sherborn on Jan. 14 in a meet held at Wheaton College in Norton. The competition came down to the 4x400 relay, and the Hillers foursome of Colin Davan, Neil Abraham, Peter Burdulis and Wyatt Ruff emerged victorious. Ruff also won the 600. Other winners for Hopkinton included Harrison Prucher (55 hurdles), Nick Brown (2-mile) and Tommy Bernardin (high jump). The boys opened their season Jan. 7 with a 68-18 victory over Westwood. Winners for the Hillers included Ethan Champlin (high jump and 55), Brown (mile), Prucher (55 hurdles), Aidan Morin (shot put), Matt Burdulis (2mile), Ruff (600) and Aidan Rowell (300), along with the 4x400 relay of Bernardin, James McCarthy, Abraham and Prucher. … Girls track also picked up two wins. On Jan. 14 the Hillers routed D-S, 64-22. Hailey Tolson won the 55 and the 300, while other wins came

from Katie Callery (mile), Autumn Tumbleton (2-mile), Grace Joy (1,000), Kate Powers (shot put) and the 4x400 relay of Callery, Joy, Cat Dacey and Steph Johnson. One week earlier, the girls rolled past Westwood, 60-25. The winners for Hopkinton were Tiffany Mikulis (300), Powers (shot put), Dacey (600), Callery (1,000), Tolson (55), Ellie Driscoll (55 hurdles) and Joy (mile), along with the 4x400 relay of Dacey, Caitlin Barnes, Joy and Callery.

Boys hockey grabs pair of wins Boys hockey opened its season with a pair of wins in its first three games. On Jan. 13 the Hillers knocked off Westwood 5-1. Joey Carazza and Geoff Tocco scored two goals each, and Mike Berman had the other goal. In the opener, a 5-1 victory at Norwood on Jan. 6, sophomore Pavit Mehra scared three goals to lead the attack. Quentin Barnes and Aidan Walsh had the other Hopkinton goals, while goalie Colin Norred made 19 saves. In the rematch three days later, the Hillers dropped an 8-1 decision.

Carazza scored the HHS goal. … The Hopkinton/Dover-Sherborn coop girls hockey team picked up a 4-1 victory over Medway on Jan. 13. D-S’ Avery Bent had a hat trick, while Kaley Merkle scored the other goal, and Kristin McCluskey made more than 50 saves in goal. In the opener on Jan. 9, the girls dropped a 3-1 decision to host Westwood despite stellar play in goal from McCluskey. … The boys and girls ski teams opened their season on Jan. 14 at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, with both teams placing a very close second to Algonquin in the five-team Central Massachusetts Conference Ski League competition. Jackson Schlussel finished first to lead the boys’ effort, followed by Jake Lacoche (fifth) and Cameron Hanna (seventh). The girls were led by Cate Barry (second), Klara Niss (fifth) and Libby Herlihy (sixth).

Girls hoops tops Westwood The girls basketball team posted an impressive 32-25 victory at Westwood on Jan. 12, led by a 14-point effort from Kiki Fossbender and nine points

from Lexy Trendel. The girls dropped their opener vs. visiting Norwood, 38-36, on Jan. 8 despite 12 points from junior guard Lauren Cho. In the rematch two days later, the girls pulled out a 42-39 road victory behind the efforts of senior point guard Lulu Murphy, and juniors Trendel and Fossbender, who again poured in 14 points. … The boys basketball team opened its season by splitting a weekend series with Norwood. In the opener on Jan. 8, the visiting Hillers fell behind big in the early going but fought back, led by the hot shooting of senior guard Brian Keefe (22 points), and took the lead in the final minute. However, the hosts came up with the big plays down the stretch to earn a 77-73 win. Seniors Anthony DiPietro (17 points), Matt Cooper (11) and Josh Czerepuszko (10) also had big offensive games. In the rematch on Jan. 10, Czerepuszko led a balanced attack with 14 points as Hopkinton took an early lead and held on for a 70-60 home victory. Junior guard Nate Kasper scored 10 points. Ten Hillers registered at least one point. The boys headed into the unscheduled break with a 72-62 home loss to a strong Westwood team on Jan. 12.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

Sports HHS boys basketball adjusts to unique season By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

PHOTO/TRICIA LACASCIA PHOTOGRAPHY

he pandemic has impacted the Hopkinton High School athletics program significantly this winter and, like his fellow coaches, boys basketball coach Tom Keane is doing his best to roll with the punches. The Hillers played three games before the need for COVID-19 contact tracing at the high school interrupted the schedule. Hopkinton had to shut things down for six days. Suddenly, a coach who only until recently eschewed the need for a cell phone was leading film sessions over Zoom. “Like a lot of people, Zoom was not something I had used much before this season,” Keane said. “But we weren’t allowed to hold any practices or anything like that, so we did a lot of film work looking at the first three games.” The newly tech-savvy coach used an app called Hudl to help break down the game film and look at different aspects of his team’s performance, both the good and the stuff that needs improvement. But no technology could substitute with old fashioned hard work when it came to staying in shape over the layoff. “I left it up to them to stay in shape,” Keane said. “I told them to get on a treadmill or get outside and run. We

Junior Nate Kasper has developed into a reliable point guard for the Hillers.

had our first practice [last] week after the six-day layoff and I was surprised at how well they kept their basketball condition. I was worried they would be a little out of shape.” The season was scheduled to continue this week with games against Medfield. Hopkinton also has two scheduled contests against Westwood remaining but, as is the case with everything else this winter, things could change. Keane is hopeful that athletic director Rich

Cormier will be able to find more games for his team to play. The Hillers may play Ashland, which started the season late, and there is talk about a game against Holliston as well. “It’s a fluid situation,” Keane said. “Rich is doing his best to get us as many games as possible.” Hopkinton posted a 1-2 record through the first three contests. A furious comeback from an early14-point deficit

in the opener at Norwood came up just short before the Hillers got the better of the Mustangs in a rematch. Hopkinton then dropped a game to Westwood before the pandemic-induced hiatus. Senior captains Matt Cooper and Brian Keefe have been mainstays for the team in the backcourt, along with junior point guard Nate Kasper, who Keane said has emerged as a team leader from that position. On the inside, senior forwards Anthony DiPietro and Josh Czerepuszko have led the way. “They have had some big games for us over the first three,” Keane said. “All of the seniors have done a great job in a tough situation. They are leading this team and I’m really happy to see that.” Keane also praised his team’s adaptability, noting it has taken the form of staying in shape through the pause to getting used to playing wearing a mask. He also is trying to instill the ideas of controlling what they can control and treating every game in the limited schedule as if it were a tournament game. “We want to make this the best experience we can,” Keane said. “Sometimes you have seniors play above their heads because they know this is the end for them, so we have tried to tell them to take every game like it’s a state tournament game and go out and give it 100 percent every single time.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 15

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he Hopkinton High girls basketball team is determined to make the most of a season shortened and disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But, as the Hillers are focusing on the schedule in front of them, for much of the team there is a hope that a strong contingent of juniors will help the team peak next season when things have hopefully returned to Junior Lauren Cho, shown during a game last season, is a normal. leader for the Hillers at point guard. Early this season, Lauren Cho and Kiki Ianelli and Brooke Dougherty will be Fossbender have formed a considerseniors next season. Most of them have able one-two punch to lead the Hillers played together since they were in sixth on both ends of the floor. grade and developed a cohesion that has “I think with those two players, the helped the program thrive. Greco said he sky’s the limit,” coach Mike Greco said. is hopeful that at least one more member “I think opponents will have a hard time of this class will emerge as a scorer, givgame-planning for us. It’s easier to take ing the Hillers even more depth. one player out on an opposing team, but In the meantime, Hopkinton is it’s tough to stop two players.” tasked with navigating an unusual seaCho, the team’s point guard, has son. Greco said his players have easily grown into her role beginning with an adapted to playing in masks and dealing emergence over the second half of last with the few sport-specific modificaseason. She has come into her own as tions in basketball, such as no out-ofthe leader of the offense, and Fossbounds plays underneath the basket. bender, the team’s top scorer through Cho said the latter change actually is the first two weeks of the season, has working to the team’s benefit. been among the primary benefactors of “Considering we are a smaller her classmate’s play. team, I feel like the sideline out of “I think Lauren is a great point bounds vs. baseline has really helped guard and we work really well togethus because it gives us a chance to space er,” Fossbender said. “I feel like she out the paint and get downhill to the sees the court so well and creates oprim,” she said. “That has been one of portunities for ourselves and our other our strengths.” teammates, which is great.” Fossbender said the biggest chalFossbender credits Cho with being lenge has been playing in gyms that are a great teammate on and off the court, empty or nearly empty. saying the energy she brings lifts the “The lack of fans definitely makes entire team. it harder, we have to apply our own “I feel like one of my strengths is energy,” she said. “It’s hard to get as getting down the court and getting into excited and get that same feeling that the paint and creating shots for myself the gym is packed and you have a lot and others,” Cho said. “Having Kiki of fans cheering you on.” ready to kick it out to is great for the Even as excitement builds for next team.” season — both for a return to normalcy Fossbender came into the season and a strong returning group of Hillers knowing she would be among the — Greco said there are still a number of team’s top offensive weapons, but goals to accomplish this season. Greco stressed the need for her to work “There is no state tournament, so on her defense this year. The coach we are focused more on the process than said that element of her game is vastly we are on the end results,” he said. “We improved, and Fossbender added that are not sure how many games we are her mental game is something she has really going to get, so the focus all along focused on. has been on working hard and improv“Last year if I missed my first shot, ing, having fun and recognizing that it could ruin my entire game, so it’s this is the last go round for our seniors. something I’ve worked on,” she said. “We want to make sure we honor “I knew I would have to be a key ofthem with the way we play,” the coach fensive player.” added, “and recognize that we are forIn addition to Cho and Fossbender, tunate to be in a town where we can Lexy Trendel, Carly Hedstrom, Jessie play basketball.”

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021

Police Log 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.

January 5

6:39 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a deer on West Main Street and was able to drive away. Officer Derek Morton responded and checked the area with a negative find on the deer. 5:29 p.m. A Tammer Lane real estate agent reported disturbing messages from her client and requested to speak with an officer. Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report. 5:37 p.m. A social worker requested to speak with an officer. Officer Rob Ekross contacted the caller and left her a message. 6:49 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross checked on a motorist on the side of the roadway of Clinton Street who was using his cell phone. All was OK.

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January 6

6:36 a.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K-9 Titan were deployed to Framingham. 11:25 a.m. A caller complained of a black BMW speeding on North Mill Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and spoke with the caller. 4:26 p.m. A caller reported a couch and chair were dumped on the side of the road on Clinton Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and notified the DPW. 7:03 p.m. A Stone Crossing Way resident reported someone in the woods behind her house was shining a flashlight toward her window. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Ryan Polselli and Cody Normandin responded and could not locate the person in the woods. 7:39 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Elm Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Ryan Polselli and Robert Ekross responded and administered field sobriety tests. The driver was sent on his way.

January 7

1:02 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley checked on a motor vehicle on Main Street and found a towing company dropping it off. All was OK. 9:41 a.m. A caller reported a dog stuck in the middle of the water off West Main Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jay Deiana and Moira McGaffigan responded along with a police boat. A search was conducted with a negative find. 11:04 a.m. A caller reported a large deceased animal in the roadway of Ash Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and reported the animal was a squirrel, and it was removed by the DPW. 2:39 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers reported a fox was hanging around the school on Hayden Rowe Street, and curious students were in the area. The animal control officer was notified. Officer Powers reported the fox ran into the woods. 2:46 p.m. A caller complained of receiving annoying

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January 8

7:31 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported seeing suspicious activity on his security cameras from the previous night. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and spoke with the caller. 7:50 a.m. A school bus driver reported a hazard on Cross Street, where a tree crew was working without detail officers. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and advised the crew of the complaint, and the workers moved off the road. 12:12 p.m. Multiple callers reported horses running loose on Clinton Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and returned the horses to their owners. 5:41 p.m. A caller reported four people were looking in the windows of the house she was selling and wanted the incident logged. 6:39 p.m. A concerned Woodview Way caller reported two males shooting compound bows in the area. Officers Brendon Lyver and Preston Mucciarone responded and advised them of rules and regulations.

January 9

2:18 p.m. A caller complained of trucks idling for three minutes in a construction zone on Downey Street. The caller was advised of bylaws, as well as state laws regarding idling. 2:31 p.m. A caller reported finding a small box of used fireworks on Hayden Rowe Street. The Fire Department was to pick it up and dispose of it. 3:27 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Main Street traveling toward the center of town. Officers Tyler Brabham and Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with the driver. 4:34 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported a dead deer in her front yard. Sergeant Matthew McNeil moved the animal to Cedar Street and notified the animal control officer. 5:21 p.m. A caller reported hitting a deer on Teresa Road. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and dispatched the deer. Sergeant Matthew McNeil removed the animal.

January 10

8:02 a.m. A caller reported a power outage on East Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and checked the area. Eversource was contacted and confirmed the outage and stated power was to be restored around 10:45 a.m. 8:45 a.m. A caller reported several vehicles parked on Hayden Rowe Street with empty bottles on them. Officer Brendon Lyver responded to document the bottles on cars. School Resource Officer Philip Powers was notified. 8:45 a.m. A Kimball Road caller complained of a dog in the neighborhood barking every morning. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and was unable to locate the dog. 10:18 a.m. A caller reported a sickly or injured fox in a field on Legacy Farms South. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded and reported the fox ran into the woods. The animal control officer was notified. 2:04 p.m. A Main Street caller reported BB gun shots in the area. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and spoke with the reporting person. 3:35 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira re-

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 17 sponded along with the Fire Department to alarms sounding at a Briarcliff Drive home. A faulty detector was discovered. 4:49 p.m. The Upton Police Department reported an erratic operator on West Main Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded. The vehicle was gone upon his arrival. 5:02 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident requested to speak with an officer about a previous civil dispute. Officer Jessica Ferreira followed up with a phone call. 7:37 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an outdoor odor of natural gas on East Main Street. The odor was unfounded.

January 11

12:44 p.m. A Holt Street resident reported a suspicious phone call in which the caller on the other line screamed profanities. The incident was logged. 2:52 p.m. A Breakneck Hill Road caller reported an Amazon driver hit and damaged her mailbox and drove away. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and took a report. 3:35 p.m. A caller complained of vehicles speeding up and down Chamberlain Street at various times. Officer Cody Normandin took a report. 4:32 p.m. A caller reported a Verizon wire down on South Mill Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded, moved the wire and notified Verizon. 11:58 p.m. A caller complained of loud construction equipment operating on Holly Trail. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and reported the noise was coming from a mobile heating unit. Officer Buckley attempted to contact Pulte Construction.

January 12

2:22 p.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on Wood Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and notified Eversource. 10:08 p.m. Officers Jessica Ferreira and Robert Ekross checked on a motor vehicle parked on Lakeshore Drive and moved the occupants along.

January 13

10:05 a.m. A caller reported a truck smoking on Fruit Street. Officer Jay

Deiana responded along with the Fire Department. The fire was extinguished. No personal injuries were reported. 1:38 p.m. A walk-in reported finding an Amazon package in the roadway of Meserve Street. The incident was logged. 2:58 p.m. A concerned caller reported several people on the ice on West Main Street in unsafe ice conditions. Sergeant William Burchard responded and reported there was sufficient ice and the individuals were on it at their own risk.

January 14

12:40 a.m. Officers Stephen Buckley and Nathan Wright responded along with the Fire Department to a commercial fire alarm at a Wood Street building. A problem with the sprinkler system was discovered. A key holder subsequently responded to fix the issue. 1:49 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an outside odor of natural gas on Revolutionary Way. A sewage backup was determined to be the source of the odor. A maintenance employee was notified. 7:09 a.m. A Connelly Hill Road resident reported a burning smell outside. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department and spoke with the homeowner, who stated the odor dissipated before their arrival. The area was checked with a negative find. 2:17 p.m. A Walcott Street resident reported her car was broken into overnight in Brockton. The caller also notified the Brockton Police Department. She wanted the incident logged. 11:17 p.m. A caller reported two youths in a vehicle on Revolutionary Way smoking marijuana and being erratic. Officers Derek Morton and Stephen Buckley responded, and the youths were gone upon their arrival.

January 15

11:52 a.m. A walk-in reported she experienced a road rage incident the previous week. Officer Brendon Lyver took a report. 1:37 p.m. A caller reported a possibly intoxicated driver on West Main Street headed toward Upton. Officers

Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded and reported the vehicle was stopped by the Upton Police. 5:32 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious incident involving a Facebook Marketplace product exchange. 8:06 p.m. A Trevor Lane resident reported the outside odor of gas in the area. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department, and zero readings were found.

January 16

4:18 a.m. A Meadowland Drive resident reported someone attempted to open her front door. No description was given. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Derek Morton responded and checked the area with a negative find. 12:44 p.m. A detail officer on South Street reported a vehicle hit a telephone pole. Officers Ryan Polselli and Moira McGaffigan responded and reported the light post on Dell property was knocked down. Dell was contacted. A report was to follow. 1:34 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported her sister stole some money from her. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report. 2:38 p.m. A caller reported a young female erratic operator on Interstate 495 weaving through traffic and driving in the breakdown lane. The information was passed on to the State Police. 4:29 p.m. A caller reported an unwanted person showed up at his house. The person left when asked to leave. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and took a report. 6:46 p.m. A caller reported a large tree limb on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and reported the limb was not in a hazardous spot. A message was left for the DPW.

1. Mike trades in the vehicle driven by his wife, Karen, for a new sports car as a Valentine’s Day gift. Mike is transferring the license plates from the old vehicle to the new sports car. This allows Mike and Karen’s auto insurance coverage to follow them from the old vehicle to the sports car for 7 days. Even if Mike or Karen have an accident in that 7-day period before alerting their agent, the coverages on their policy will apply. 2. Ann buys a gift for her husband, Howard, allowing him to drive on a closed racetrack. A racing enthusiast, Howard wants to use his own Chevy Camaro. If Howard has an accident on the racetrack his auto policy will cover the claim since it is a closed course. 1. True, and during COVID the rule is temporarily 21 days 2. False

January 17

2:41 p.m. A Spring Street resident complained that his neighbor was shooting a gun within 500 feet of a residence. Officers Ryan Polselli and Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with the reporting person. A report was to follow. 7:33 p.m. A caller reported a phone wire dangling over the sidewalk on Grove Street. Officer Cody Normandin responded and reported it was not a hazard. Verizon was notified.

January 18

12:29 a.m. An Aspen Way caller reported an unknown odor in their residence. Officer Stephen Buckley responded along with the Fire Department and investigated. No odor was found. 2:36 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported someone stole property from her apartment while she was sleeping. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded. A report was to follow. 1:09 p.m. A caller reported a tractor trailer knocked down a yield sign on West Main Street. Officer Jay Deiana responded and found the sign and notified the DPW. 4:25 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil checked on a vehicle on the side of the road on Main Street and found the driver using the phone. All was OK.

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Obituaries Gregory Gosselin Gregory J.H. Gosselin, 37, of Berlin and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15 at home surrounded by his family. Greg was born Feb. 25, 1983, in Melrose, a son of the late James P. Gosselin. He graduated from Keefe Technical High School in Framingham. Greg served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force in Guam during the Iraq War. He worked as a welder for Raytheon Technologies. Greg was a simple guy who enjoyed relaxing at home with his wife and dog and listening to music. Greg leaves behind his wife of six years, Kelly Gosselin; his mother, Patricia A. (Heaney) Gosselin of York, Maine; two brothers, Martin Gosselin and wife Jill of Brookline, New Hampshire. and Colin Gosselin and wife Jessica of Upton; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Murphy and husband Brian of West Boylston, and Laurie Gosselin of Worcester; his fatherin-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Pina (Sodano) Gosselin of Worcester; his nieces and nephews, Abigail and James Gosselin of Brookline, New Hampshire, Charlie and Owen Gosselin of Upton, and Kaylin and Matthew Murphy of West Boylston; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Calling hours were held Jan. 19 at the Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel in Worcester. His funeral service was held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Greg’s name to: MetroWest Hospice Care, 200 Nickerson Road, Suite 110, Marlborough, MA 01752.

Hannelore Morin Hannelore Elisabet Scanlon Morin, 80, of Hopkinton passed away Dec. 21 following complications of COVID-19. Born in Walldurn, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Ottilia (Mackert) and Rudolf Lohlein. She was the wife of the late George B. Morin. Hannelore came to America in 1960 as a young bride. She immersed herself in classes to learn English and become a teacher — all while raising three children and working nights in a shoe factory in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Once she became a teacher, Hanni spent her career dedicated to her students. Not only did she teach at St. Clare High School and then at Woonsocket High School, she also helped develop curriculum in other high schools around the country. Hanni took great pride in educating her students and enriching their lives through learning. Hanni also had a great love for animals, and there was always a sweet dog by her side. She was an incredible gardener with a gift for drawing the beautiful blossoms in her garden. In retirement she became an accomplished pastel artist and sold some of her works in art galleries. Hannelore is survived by three

daughters, Helga Tate and husband Scott of Hopkinton, Heide Fenste and husband Joe of Connecticut, and Lori Lisa Beg of Virginia. She also leaves behind her siblings, Gertrud Bilyeau of Savannah, Georgia, Maria Martin and husband Manfred of Germany, and Georg Lohlein of Germany. She is predeceased by her brother, Karlheinz Lohlein. She will be missed by her seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Private family arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Academy Metrowest Student Scholarship Fund (218 Speen St., Natick MA 01760) or Bourbon County Animal Rescue (262 Hutchison Road, Paris, KY 40361).

John Gaucher J o h n Ty l e r “J.T.” Gaucher, P. E., 66, passed away peacefully on Jan. 3 with his loving family by his side. He leaves his adoring wife of 40 years, Lisa (MacGown) Gaucher of Millbury, his son, John Alexander Gaucher and fiancee Jennifer Lynn Nicoll of Jefferson, his twin daughters, Katherine Lee Gaucher of Millbury and Lindsey Gaucher Grant and husband Clark Grant of Kansas City, his sister, Karen (Gaucher) Maguire and husband Mark of Millbury, his brotherin-law, Bruce MacGown and wife Debbie of Surry, Maine, and many beloved cousins, nephews and great-nieces. He was predeceased by his extraordinary parents, John H. Gaucher and Catherine (Stockwell) Gaucher. J.T. lived in Millbury all his life, leading a stellar civil and environmental engineering career and raising a wonderful family. He graduated from Millbury High School, Class of ’72, where he played saxophone in the band and excelled in track and field. J.T. initially was employed at the Blackstone Wastewater Treatment Plant, and during college he worked at the Amherst Wastewater Treatment Plant. He went on to graduate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and participated in the environmental engineering graduate program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He became a water pollution control engineer at multiple engineering firms from 1976-85 before designing improvements to the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Facilities in 1986. From 1986-90 he worked for many private engineering firms, designing multiple public works, wastewater treatment and highway department facilities for Charlton and Leicester as well as the New Hampshire communities of Nashua and Hooksett. In 1990 J.T. became the deputy director of public works for the city of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and held this position for 12 years, spearheading multiple public works projects. In 2002 he became the director of public works for Hopkinton and held this position for eight years. From 2010-17 he served as director of public works/town engineer for Webster, Lynn and Ludlow. He was senior engineer at Criterium-Dudka

Engineers of Hopkinton until his passing. He was a member of the American Public Works Association, New England Water Environment Association, Massachusetts Highway Association, Worcester County Highway Association and Woonsocket Elks Lodge. J.T. and his wife ran a private septic design consulting firm. He was a master civil engineer and excelled at public and client relations, and is renowned among engineering and public works circles across New England. J.T. also was a true renaissance and family man. He met his wife on a hot summer day in August 1977 and they have been together ever since. J.T. and Lisa just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Nov. 30. He was an avid skier and loved his time on the slopes with friends and family, and enjoyed golfing with business partners. He was a skilled handyman and loved maintaining his family home, cars, lawn and pool. He was a classic rock and roll fan, and a classic film and TV aficionado. He strived to land seats at Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox games for his family and friends. He cherished the ocean and visiting the Maine coast with his family, and vacationing in the Caribbean with his wife and friends. He was at home in the outdoors, at the grill, in the pool, on the road, at the office, in his recliner, walking his dogs and most of all enjoying the company of family and loved ones. J.T. was a complex man who enjoyed the good and simple things in life. He was an honest, bright, articulate, handsome, compassionate gentleman, and your life was better for knowing him. His welcoming presence, calm demeanor, steady hand and kind soul will be sorely missed. Thank you to the wonderful doctors and nurses at CareOne Millbury and Saint Vincent Hospital for their care and compassion during this most difficult time. As J.T. loved his rescued dogs, Sparky and Bailey, memorial donations can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606 (worcesterarl.org). J.T.’s ashes will be interred at Central Cemetery in Millbury alongside his dear mother. Mulhane Home for Funerals is handling arrangements. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Jacqueline Fleming Jacqueline M. “Jackie” (Ferland) Fleming, 88, of Auburn passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Hopkinton. She was the loving wife of the late Thomas E. Fleming, who passed in 1997. Born in Coventry, Vermont, and raised in Charlestown, New Hampshire, on the family farm, Jackie was one of six children born to the late Donat and Bertha (Choquette) Ferland, both native of Canada. She attended Saint Mary’s High School in Claremont, New Hampshire. Jackie met her beloved Thomas and the pair were married shortly thereafter. They enjoyed many wonderful years

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of marriage, and loved to travel and go dancing together. She enjoyed her longstanding job at American Bank Stationery. Jackie will be remembered for her love of the beach, travel, books, and her Cape house, and how her grandchildren made her life complete. She leaves her daughters, Pamela A. Fleming and Laurie J. Fleming, both of Auburn, and Maureen P. Missaggia and her former husband, David, of Hopkinton; her grandchildren, Mason, Kendal, Alec, Ivy and Rene; her sister, Roseanne LaCasse of West Lebanon, New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and her husband, Jackie was predeceased by her siblings Lillian Brassaw, Ronald Ferland, Richard Ferland and Anita Ferland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606 (worcesterarl. org/donate). A prayer service was held Jan. 18 at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial was held privately. To leave a note of condolence for her family, or to share a fond memory of Jackie, please visit brittonfuneralhomes.com.

James Hanna James “Jim” Hanna, 86, of Ashland died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 9. He was the beloved husband of Leila (Sherman) Hanna of Holliston for 64 years. Born in Natick, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Flynn) Hanna. Jim served his country honorably in the National Guard and went on to graduate from Northeastern University in 1959. He worked at RCA and General Electric as a government contract negotiator for his entire career. Jim loved to golf and travel and was a proud participant in Ashland town politics and activities. He served the Ashland community by participating in various boards and committees, including the School Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals and most recently the Ashland Historical Society. He also was a host on the WACA TV show “What’s Really Going ON,” which focused on town politics and current affairs. Jim was an avid New England Patriots fan and will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, James F. Hanna and wife Lenita, his daughters, Karen Lefter and husband Gregg, Susan (Hanna) Thomas, Sharon McLean and husband Bill, and Polly Martin and husband Greg, 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his sister, Johanne Burns and late husband Joseph, his brother, Jerry Hanna and wife Christy of Hopkinton, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Peter S. Hanna, in 1978. A private graveside service was held Jan. 15 at Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Services were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the Ashland Historical Society, 2 Myrtle St., Ashland, MA 01721.

The Hopkinton Independent • January 27, 2021 • 19

Obituaries Jill McPhee Jill M. (Kaufman) McPhee, 66, of Harvard passed away peacefully on Jan. 8 at her residence in the Golden Pond Assisted Living facility in Hopkinton. Jill was born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 4, 1954, a daughter of the late Col. Lee S. and Belle (Schwartz) Kaufman, and grew up in France and Parsippany, New Jersey. In 1975 she earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, followed by a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. During her career, Jill worked as a nuclear engineer at Brookhaven Laboratory, a computer engineer at Digital and Compaq, and a submarine sonar technician for the U.S. Navy. A resident of Harvard for 40 years, Jill was known to her friends and family as a brilliant and quirky woman. She played the French horn in a community orchestra and ran the New York Marathon. Glamour Magazine featured her as one of its “Outstanding Working Women” of 1979. At 4 feet, 10 inches tall, her small stature hid her big personality. Jill enjoyed gardening, attending book club meetings and watching classic movies. Most of all, she was a loving mother who devoted her life to spending time with her two children. She leaves her daughter, Victoria B. McPhee of New York City; her son, James L. McPhee of Beverly; two sisters, Patricia Kaufman of Greece and Teresa Kaufman of France; and her former husband, James L. McPhee Jr. of Tabernash, Colorado. A graveside service was held in the Bellevue Cemetery in Harvard on Jan. 15. A recording of the service may be found at https://my.gather.app/ remember/jill-mcphee. A memorial service will be held later in the year. Services are under the care of the Anderson Family Funeral Homes of Ayer. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Harvard Council on Aging. Please make checks payable to Friends of The Harvard COA and mail to P.O. Box 474, Harvard, MA 01451.

Karen Cox Karen Harvey Cox, 72, of Hopkinton passed away unexpectedly at home on Jan. 6. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Edwin B. Cox Jr., and daughters Ashley Cox of Hopkinton and Sarah Cole and husband Michael Cole of Cary, North Carolina, along with her joy, three grandchildren, RJ and Brayden Gibson and Logan Cole. She also is survived by her mother, Doris Harvey, sister Susan Ann and husband Bob Messier, niece Martha, and sister Lynne and husband Steve Drinkwater. Born in Queens, New York City, and growing up on Long Island, Karen was the daughter of Doris and Francis Harvey. Karen later traveled the world with her husband and two girls, including living in Hong Kong and Toronto, raising her family abroad. Before starting a family, Karen was a successful businesswoman in Manhattan, working at Xerox and Morgan Stanley. With a lifelong love of art, Karen also was an accomplished water color and fabric design artist of more than 40 years. She was published in several magazines, including in 2015, when she was published in Victoria Magazine for her hydrangea Cape Cod pillow. Karen is remembered as a devoted mother, wife and grandmother (Mammaw). Her joy came from her family and creating beautiful things. Karen was a believer of Jesus and cherished her close relationship with Christ. She loved inspiring people with faith, sharing words of encouragement and hope through her artwork. She was the writer and self-publisher

PLUMBING - HEATING - COOLING of several children’s books, including “The Thankful Coat,” which is used to teach in classrooms around the world today. A private memorial and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, of which Karen was an avid and longtime supporter.

Peter Bacon Peter Rowe Bacon, 78, of Hopkinton as well as Five Islands, Maine, passed away peacefully at Emerson Hospital in Concord on Dec. 8. Born in Waltham on July 30, 1942, he was the son of Francis Howard Bacon and Helen Margaret (Rowe) Bacon, who predeceased him. He grew up in Sudbury, graduating from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1960. Peter earned his Bachelor of Science degree and did advanced graduate work at Springfield College. While there he competed in soccer and gymnastics. After graduation he taught and coached gymnastics in Kings Park, New York, for several years, becoming director of physical education, K-12, for that school district. In 1972 he became director of physical education, K-8, for the Wayland Public Schools. From 1976-83 he was director of admissions and then later president and CEO of the Bryman School, a proprietary paramedical school in Brookline. Eventually he moved into antique appraisals and restoration. No matter what other field he was in, his whole life centered around gymnastics, a love he shared with his wife, Lois. In 1967 he became a national judge through the National Gymnastics Judges Association, and in 1980 he received his Brevet rating, the highest gymnastics officials rating internationally, from the Federation of International Gymnastics. Highlights of his gymnastics career included serving in various offices in the National Judges Association (East) including president, directing the Friends of Gymnastics Scholarship Fund, and directing the Dhahran Gymnastic Clinic in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for over 20 years. In 1996 he received the National Gymnastics Judges Association (East) Hall of Fame award. He judged both nationally and internationally, including many NCAA regional and national championships, championships of the USA, USA Olympic Trials, the 1979 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the 1980 International Friendship Meet (held for countries supporting the Olympic boycott), the Cottbus Cup in Germany, and the 1981 World University Games in Bucharest, Romania. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hiking, rock climbing, skiing, sailing and lobstering, especially on the waters off his beloved coast of Maine. His extended family and his ancestral history were important parts of his life. He is survived by his wife, Lois Colburn; his son, Gregory Bacon and wife Diane of Westborough and their children, Taylor and Max; his daughter Keri Seery and husband Bill of Westborough and their son, Alex; and his daughter Carolyn (Carrie) Landry and husband Dennis of Lovell, Maine, and their children, Helena and Corissa. He also leaves behind his brother Karl Bacon and wife Cynthia Klonowski of Georgetown, Maine, his brother Glenn Bacon and wife Cynthia of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and his treasured cousin, Lorraine Williams of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. There will be a celebration of life in the spring of 2021. Condolences and messages for his family may be submitted online at Duckett-Waterman.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Georgetown Fire Department, P.O. Box 199, Georgetown, ME 04548 or the Wayside Inn Foundation, Attn: Nonprofit Director, 72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 are appreciated.

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