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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 3 | February 10, 2021
Select Board considers resident’s request for stricter gun regulations By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
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PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
SLED IT BE
Hopkinton fourth-grader Connor Curren pulls his snow tube to the top of the hill in preparation for another run at Hopkinton State Park on Feb. 2.
HHS students devise solutions for police, fire Lauren Strechay solders an item as part of her police project.
By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer
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PHOTO/HOPKINTON HIGH SCHOOL ENGINEERING
hen LED batteries in police flashlights die, the resulting darkness can transform already dangerous conditions into dire situations for police officers. Two Hopkinton High School students came to their rescue by creating a potentially life-saving solution. Lauren Strechay and Nicollette Buonora developed a flashlight system, called Battery Swap, which instantly transitions from a dead battery to a fresh one to keep an area illuminated and avoid a potential crisis. Bringing solutions from the classInventors | 17
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request from a resident to restrict gun use in town led to concerns from Select Board members that a change might adversely affect hunters, but the board agreed at its Jan. 26 meeting to hold a spot for a potential article on the Town Meeting warrant while more information is gathered. A resident of Hill Street (off Spring Street, near the border with Westborough) brought the request to the board’s attention after what he said has been three years of loud and frequent gunfire from a neighbor. “Three years ago I got home from work and my at-the-time 3-year-old son ran up to me and said, ‘Daddy, they’re shooting guns,’ “ Phil Mastroianni recalled. “We ran inside because we were unsure of exactly what was going on.” Mastroianni said it’s essentially an unlicensed gun range, with a variety of guns, apparently including semiautomatic firearms. “I live 1,500 feet away,” Mastroianni Gun proposal | 6
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Organizers aim to hold race on Columbus Day this fall
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COVID
Health director tries to pin down state on vaccination strategy
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SPORTS
HHS indoor track teams race on despite pandemic
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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Hopkinton Independent
Rare disease, pandemic can’t keep 3-year-old down
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.
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Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Jean Cann, Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland
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The LaFreniere family — mom Margot, 5-year-old Alison, 3-year-old Sophie and dad Jamas — is all in when it comes to caring for Sophie and raising money to help find better treatment and a cure for her rare genetic disease.
I
n retrospect, Hopkinton residents Jamas and Margot LaFreniere say, they are among the lucky ones — despite the fact that their 3-year-old daughter has an extremely rare and life-threatening genetic disease. They were able to discover that Sophie has glycogen storage disease (GSD) through blood testing rather than finding her in the midst of a medical emergency, a scary situation other families have encountered. They have been able to manage Sophie’s care — which INDEPENDENT requires her ingesting cornstarch every four hours, even during THOUGHTS the night, and frequent testing — and avoid any serious medical episodes. JERRY SPAR And they have been able to raise money to fund research into finding better treatment and, ideally, a cure. “We’re like, jeez, there’s a lot of events that we look back on and we’re actually thankful,” said Jamas (pronounced Jay-mas). “It could have been a lot different. We find ourselves kind of fortunate how it happened. It wasn’t some horrific thing. We didn’t find her unresponsive. There was nothing really bad in that sense, which tends to be how a lot of people find out.” The family knew early on that Sophie had food allergies, so she was frequently getting her blood tested. When one of her blood tests showed some abnormalities, medical professionals were able to pinpoint the cause relatively quickly. “From when we thought something might be wrong to a diagnosis was only three months,” Jamas said. “It was very stressful and we were obviously very worried, but to diagnose a rare disease that quickly, we find ourselves pretty fortunate that we were able to get to that. There’s people still searching for answers when it comes to rare diseases. “I think it was a combination of good doctors and my wife, who is a nurse, being so persistent. She was adamant that we get to the bottom of this, something didn’t seem right. And we did.” Sophie was diagnosed in September of 2019, “and from there it was a lot of fact-finding,” Jamas said. “It’s an incredibly rare disease. GSD has many different types. Sophie is diagnosed with Type 1B, which, unfortunately, is kind of the most complex of them — a rare variant of a rare disease. GSD is about 1 in 100,000, and GSD Type 1B is one in a million. It’s a very rare disease, and not many people know how to handle it. And there hasn’t been really a whole lot of research or progress in treatment.” The LaFrenieres learned that they needed to give their daughter a cornstarch mixture every four hours in order to maintain the proper levels of blood sugar. This means they must get up in the middle of the night to ensure she gets the dose. “If we were to be an hour late or sleep through an alarm, there’s a very high risk of seizures because of hypoglycemia,” Jamas explained. “So that can cause — I don’t like to say it, but obviously it’s resulted in death before for many GSD kids. So for us, we live by the alarm. We get up even through the night, and every four hours she gets a dose of cornstarch. “It sounds like such a weird way to treat someone, with a bottle of cornstarch that you use as a gravy thickener. But it’s a complex carbohydrate that just slowly releases energy, which is what she needs in her body, especially through the night to kind of maintain steady blood sugar levels. Before it was discovered that cornstarch could do that, it was not a very survivable disease.” Meanwhile, with her regular meals and snacks Sophie can only have minimal amounts of sugar. She also needs to keep carbohydrates low and protein high. “You don’t realize how much sugar is in fruits and even vegetables, potatoes — things you wouldn’t think would have natural sugars, we have to avoid,” Jamas said. “For breakfast we’re aways trying to get her older sister to eat fruit. For Sophie she’s limited to like one strawberry.” Sophie also requires constant monitoring of her blood sugar levels, and she
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Independent thoughts | 3
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2
recently was approved for a continuous glucose monitor, meaning the family no longer will have to prick her finger to draw blood every four hours. Taking care of Sophie has been something that has required help from the entire family. Both of Sophie’s grandmothers visit to help when Margot is out working her job as a nurse at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And big sister Alison, who is 5, helps prepare Sophie’s cornstarch mixture and will keep her company while she drinks it. “Ali is very helpful,” Sophie LaFreniere (right, with sister Alison) must ingest Jamas said. “She knows a cornstarch mixture every four hours — even during Sophie can’t eat sugar, the night — to maintain her blood sugar levels as she that there’s dietary restric- deals with glycogen storage disease. tions. Kids pick up on those things. Ali is wise beyond her years, in a good way.” The pandemic has added a new set of challenges. In addition to GSD, Sophie has neutropenia — low white blood cells — which puts her at a very high risk for infections and viruses. “Basically her body’s first line of defense is very weak, which can obviously lead to major complications,” Jamas said. “It’s kind of how we’ve lived all the time, super careful, but with COVID we’ve obviously had to be really careful. The first few months with COVID were very, very stressful. The timing couldn’t have been worse.” Despite the pandemic, the LaFrenieres were able to raise more than $100,000 for the Sophie’s Hope Foundation in 2020, due in large part to a charity golf tournament at Hopkinton Country Club. The organization is planning a number of virtual and live events in 2021. According to Jamas, there is more research for GSD Type 1A, the more common form of the disease, but support for Type 1B is lacking. The foundation (sophieshopefoundation.org) has set a goal of raising $150,000 this year, money that will go toward fulfilling grant-based research projects. “There’s 7,000 rare diseases out there, there’s so many. And they don’t get cured on their own,” Jamas said. “It’s always a parent or a group of parents or somebody that’s affected by the disease that drives the change. From the day Sophie was diagnosed, obviously priority one was and always will be caring for Sophie and making sure she’s healthy, and we’re doing everything there. But we’re spending a ton of time and resources on the research side as well, and trying to push science, because we know it’s there and it can be done. It’s always a matter of money to get it done.” In the meantime, the family will continue to maintain a positive outlook while caring for Sophie. In fact, she has led the way in demonstrating the right approach. “Her attitude is incredible,” Jamas said. “I think it affects Margot and I more right now, just the lack of sleep and the stress and all those things. For Sophie, it is who she is, and she is incredibly resilient and optimistic and happy and funny — all the things you would expect out of a 3-year-old. There’s something with these kids, they’re programmed a little bit differently to just be resilient and bounce back from everything.”
Marathon tentatively set for Oct. 11 By Jerry Spar Managing Editor The Boston Athletic Association announced Jan. 26 that it has targeted Columbus Day, Oct. 11, for the 2021 Boston Marathon. This is assuming road races are allowed in the state by the fall. “We announce the 2021 Boston Marathon date with a cautious optimism, understanding full well that we will continue to be guided by science and our continued collaborative work with local, city, state and public health officials,” BAA president/CEO Tom Grilk stated. “If we are able to hold an in-person race in October, the safety of participants, volunteers, spectators and community members will be paramount.” “Massachusetts continues to fight COVID-19 and distribute vaccines across the commonwealth, and with brighter days ahead, we are looking forward to getting back to a new normal in 2021,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue to work with local partners and the BAA to monitor the situation and remain hopeful that the 125th Boston Marathon can take place this October.” A virtual race option also will be offered. More details will come later, including about registration. The BAA noted that the event plan is pending future approval from the eight cities and towns that comprise the marathon route. This includes Hopkinton, which hosts the start. The race normally is held on Patriots Day, the third Monday in April.
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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
What happened to my America? I am an 80-ish veteran. I served in the Navy right out of high school, 1959-62. I believed in my country and protecting it. I served 30 years as a firefighter/EMT for the town of Hopkinton. When I was growing up, my LETTERS TO parents were THE EDITOR staunch Republicans and so was I. In the early 1970s I served on the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee. Then along came Richard Nixon (whom I voted for twice) and his shenanigans. He made me think twice about belonging to a political party and following leaders like a herd of cattle. I became an independent, voting for the person I thought would do the best job. Fast forward to 2016. I studied up on Donald Trump, didn’t like what I read, and voted for Hillary Clinton. Trump’s motto was “Make America Great Again.” There was nothing wrong with it at that time. Now, we had an election in November, and Mr. Biden won. However, being the person Trump is, and acting like a 5-year-old (who he really is, having had
no consequences for any of his bad actions all of his life), he insists he won. I believe in our constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully. However, on January 6, when the first window in the Capitol was broken and people entered the building, it no longer was a peaceful demonstration. It became a seditious insurrection by a mob, egged on by Donald Trump. Every person who entered the Capitol that day should be arrested and convicted. Trump should be punished, including being barred from ever holding office again. Remember, at least five people DIED as a result of the actions of that mob and Donald Trump. What happened to my America? I can understand people supporting Trump in the past, but anyone who now supports him should be ashamed. After four years of Donald Trump’s mismanagement, America is broken. Now we need to “Make America Great Again.” In the 1930s, when Adolf Hitler was coming into power, a lot of good people knew he was wrong and did nothing about it. We’ve heard ad nauseam from Trump supporters about the “stolen” election. It’s time for the Silent Majority to step forward and make themselves heard by standing up for the Constitution. This
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Capitalism over socialism I can’t believe my fellow citizens actually want to destroy capitalism for socialism. Socialism has been tried all around the world with zero success. Now you socialist Democrats think you’re smarter than everyone before you and that only you can make it work? Not a chance. Socialism will bring big government into our lives and affect us in ways never before known in America. The government will control things like health care and education. It will impose restrictions on energy, devastating our economy. It will ignore the second amendment and take our guns. It will re-impose regulations, taxes and fees to small businesses, preventing growth and even being unable to open in the first place. It wants to open borders that will cause millions and millions of illegal immigrants to simply walk across the border and disappear into the states. We don’t know who they are or where they are going. This will start to exhaust our resources such as schools, hospitals, housing, etc. All of this will cause massive tax increases — yes, to all of us, not just the big manufacturing companies, of which many will move out of the country, as is what happened under Obama/Biden. Thank Trump for bringing many back! Capitalism, on the other hand, will bring small government with less intrusion into our lives. It will lower taxes all around, even for big companies, which will promote growth, increasing pay and employment. It will control immigration. We will still be the most welcoming nation in the world, having 4-6 million people each year coming in, and we need them legal. Capitalism leads to success and a strong nation! Socialism always leads to repression, oppression and failure. — Kevin P. Kohler, Hopkinton
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I was dismayed by Selectman Brendan Tedstone’s comment in the January 13 issue of the Independent. While I applaud his condemnation of the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol, I beg to differ with his there-are-fine-people-onboth-sides assertion that, “These actions [Jan. 6] are no different than the actions of antifa and the other militant, cowardly groups over the last few years.” There are certainly violent extremists on the left side of the political spectrum, but their isolated acts of violence are vastly different from the planned attack on the seat of U.S. government incited by the sitting president in order to overturn the constitutional duty of the duly elected Congress certifying the results of a demonstrably clean election. If I were to look for similar actions, I would cite, for starters, last year’s armed occupation of the Michigan State House and subsequent plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor. These incidents, and many more, are indicative of the poison of right-wing
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militancy and of the white supremacy that have plagued this country since its inception. The sooner we recognize that this is not the same thing as antifa and work to correct it, the closer this country will be to the ideals of its Founding Fathers and to the true intent of the U.S. Constitution. — Jeff Reynolds, Hopkinton
MAPC pledge an important step I wholeheartedly agree with Richard Germaine’s support for the town adopting the MAPC pledge, as expressed in his January 13th Letter to the Editor. It was the correct affirmation that since racism exists everywhere, our society requires more introspection, education and action to make positive changes for our future here in town and across the country. Actions such as [Police Chief Joseph] Bennett’s engagement of a social worker/ clinician to help de-escalate situations has already proven fruitful. In personal terms, the MAPC pledge is a statement that expands the overly simplistic and too-often stated “I am not a racist” to be a more focused and actionoriented “I am anti-racist” statement — a distinct difference! For years, haven’t we all lived with the “I am not a racist” mantra? But can we truly say we have been ANTI-racist? Have we been outspoken standing up against racism (and sexism, ageism, etc.) when we see it? Have we faced our own prejudices and fears, which exist in all of us to some degree, to learn from them and see how they impact our own experiences? Do we understand the imbalance of white privilege and systemic racism, and its impact? (Web search “redlining” for a basic example of systemic racism.) The visual death of George Floyd and an unfortunately steady stream of BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) deaths and inequities have put racism front and center in this country. We must face these challenges head-on, with awareness, conversation, tolerance and acceptance of others and more. Ask yourself, what MORE can I do? Start with concrete steps for yourself! Watch the “The First Time I Realized I Was Black” videos, and the John Lewis “Good Trouble” documentary. Join a local social justice group or book club. Opportunities abound! The country needs white people to recognize the history of unfair systemic racism and their personal and business roles in bringing about equity in education, employment, health care and so many other aspects of living — and to act, providing opportunities and denouncing inequities, whether in a public arena or private conversations. Equal opportunity for all is what this country, state and little town are all about — a collective goal for which we can, and must, strive together. — Brad Fenn, Hopkinton Editor’s note: The following two letters were written by students at Hopkins School as part of a class project.
20th Amendment has U.S. prepared Inauguration Day takes place in Washington, D.C., and is the day the president comes into office. In the two months between Election Day and Inauguration Day things can go wrong, and imagine that the break between those days
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 5 was longer. Well, Inauguration Day has changed over the years, but we always have a president ready to go! January 20th is a very important day in U.S. history, it is the day that the president comes into office. People can only serve as president for up to eight years. Every four years we have an election. If the president gets reelected, he/she will begin their second term. If someone new wins the election they will begin their first term at noon on January 20th. Washington, D.C., is abuzz on this day, but at the end of the day we will have a new president ready to serve for four years. We have always had our presidential election every four years, but we didn’t always have the same inauguration date. Before Congress passed the 20th Amendment, Inauguration Day was on March 4th. During these four months between Election Day and Inauguration Day, the old Congress could keep making laws and the president still had power as president. The president in this situation is called a lame-duck president. Senator George W. Norris believed that a lame-duck Congress was unfair. Once Congress passed the 20th Amendment in 1933 and the date of Inauguration Day was moved to January 20th, there was only a 2 1/2-month lame-duck period of time. The 20th Amendment did not just change the date of Inauguration Day. It also stated what would happen if something went wrong during the interval between Election Day and Inauguration Day. If the new president died during that time, the vice president becomes the president. Congress may have to decide an election if there were problems counting the votes, or if the new president does not meet the requirements to be president. Even though there are some things that could go wrong, we are prepared for anything. We know what to do in a predicament like this. Inauguration Day is the day the new president comes into office, but things can go wrong. Even if that is so, we are always ready on January 20th with a president who is ready to serve for four years! — Antara Machiraju, Hopkinton (Grade 5)
Inauguration a special day Inauguration Day is a very special day that happens every four years on January 20th. On Inauguration Day, the existing president will either start their second term or a new president will officially start their first, and possibly last, term. This year, on January 20th, President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence’s first term ended, and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s first term started. Nowadays, the new president is always inaugurated on January 20th, but it didn’t start out this way. Inauguration Day used to be March 4, and it was that way for 148 years. But government officials realized that a lot could happen between November and March, and they realized that five months was too long to wait. You might be wondering, “Why January 20th,” but this has a reason, too. The government feels that three months is enough time for the current president to accept that they aren’t president anymore if they haven’t been reelected. It also gives the new president enough time to prepare for the biggest job in the United States. After the inauguration, there is a massive party. Many famous pop stars, including Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, sang at this year’s inauguration. [Perform-
ers] who have sung in the past include Ricky Martin, Demi Lovato, Katy Perry, Beyonce, Linda Ronstadt, the Beach Boys and Aretha Franklin. Many people across the country await the announcement of who will be performing at the inauguration. There is a lot to look forward to on Inauguration Day, especially if your presidential choice has been elected. Even if the other nominee has been elected, there is still much to look forward to on Inauguration Day.
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More details needed on downtown project Did you know that construction on the Main Street Corridor Project started on January 19? Neither did I. On January 30, I reached out to Town Manager Norman Khumalo to express concerns and ask questions regarding the Main Street Corridor Project’s two-way bike path. To my surprise, his response stated that the project “is now under construction.” He referred me to the project’s ClearGov link where the project timeline says “Construction begins Spring 2021.” I responded to Mr. Khumalo, questioning the accuracy of the website’s information if construction had, indeed, already begun. He wrote back, “Per the Town’s press release of January 8, 2021, MassDOT commenced construction on January 19th.” The start of construction of a project as large as the Main Street Corridor Project did not make the local news on January 19. Hopkinton’s official Twitter account did not mark this milestone. The town website provides a link to the January 8 press release which this newspaper reported with the title, “Pre-construction meeting held for Main Street Corridor Project.” The press release states that public outreach “will include a dedicated Main Street Corridor Project website which will be updated on a weekly basis. A future press release will announce the formal launch of the project website.” More than two weeks into construction and no press release has announced the project website with weekly updates. Given that construction of such a major project began with minimal publicity and with outdated information regarding the start of construction on the project’s ClearGov website, I respectfully request that town officials work to improve communication and transparency. Currently, the project appears to be in a low-impact phase; however, we will be living with this construction for at least the next two years through much higher-impact phases of construction, and we need access to accurate and up-to-date information.
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— Lucia V. Lopez, Hopkinton Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions, check the Hopkinton Independent website (HopkintonIndependent.com) and click on the Contact header, then on Editorial Deadlines.
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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Planning Board keeps options for commercial solar bylaws By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
T
he Planning Board is keeping its options open when it comes to dealing with commercial ground-mounted solar, voting at its Feb. 1 special meeting to put placeholders on the Town Meeting warrant for both a general bylaw and a zoning bylaw addressing tree-cutting, while deciding to keep the placeholder for the solar overlay district map. The deadline to submit an article for the warrant was Feb. 2, which is why the Planning Board scheduled a special meeting for Feb. 1. The previous week, the board decided to send a request to the Select Board for that board to sponsor the general bylaw article, but the Select Board declined, indicating it was a better fit coming from the Planning Board or Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC). The Planning Board will host a public hearing on March 1 for most of its articles, although the tree-cutting bylaws might be pushed to March 15. The board must make a decision by April 13, when the warrant is signed, regarding which items to keep and what changes to make. While the proposed tree-cutting bylaw is squarely aimed at limiting commercial ground-mounted solar, Planning Board member Mary Larson-Marlowe, who also serves as ZAC chair, said town counsel strongly advised against any proposed bylaws that single out solar. “We would need to do a separate bylaw that would cover all areas of development, not just solar, and address the tree-cutting part of it,” Larson-Marlowe
If done properly it can be not only a tool to help us ensure that the right types of solar projects are installed, but it can also be a tool to help encourage things like open-space subdivisions and protect an asset that I think is really important to a lot of people across Hopkinton.
— Planning Board chair Gary Trendel
said. “Otherwise we have no protections against the clear cutting of trees in town at all. Considering what a heavily wooded town it is, it’s surprising that we don’t.” There is a general bylaw addressing tree-cutting right now, but Larson-Marlowe noted, “It doesn’t say much.” The board voted 8-0 for the general bylaw placeholder, and 7-1 for the zoning bylaw, with Jane Moran voting against, expressing concern about how it would be presented. Planning Board chair Gary Trendel said he looked forward to finding the right wording to give the town more control over commercial solar as well as other projects. “If done properly it can be not only a tool to help us ensure that the right types of solar projects are installed, but it can also be a tool to help encourage things like open-space subdivisions and protect an asset that I think is really important to a lot of people across Hopkinton,” he said. “So it’s something to me that warrants some discussion. I realize that it’s likely going to be controversial. I think that the devil’s in the details. To echo Jane’s point, there’s a lot to work through. But my impression
from ZAC is they’re willing to take this on. I think it’s important that we work it through its process and see where it lands. If done right I think it can have the desired effect. If done wrong there are likely unintended consequences.” There was some discussion about the best strategy not just to craft the proposed bylaws but how to sell them to voters. Planning Board member Muriel Kramer noted that a general bylaw change requires a simple majority at Town Meeting, while a zoning bylaw requires a two-thirds vote — and gives the town more power. “Zoning bylaws have a higher threshold because they are sturdier and more enforceable and give the town probably greater exercise of control,” she said. Trendel recommended removing the article featuring the solar overlay district map, which the board voted 6-3 to support the previous week. Trendel said the other bylaws would better address the
Select Board considers resident’s request for stricter gun regulations Gun proposal | from page 1
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issue and keep it cleaner for Town Meeting. He noted that the board would not have time to make major changes to the map due to the current deadlines, as the process requires notification of abutters and a public hearing. Town counsel previously recommended that the map would be challenging to defend in court because it is very restrictive in where commercial ground-mounted solar is allowed. “I worry that the overlay district, even if it’s just on the Town Meeting warrant, is going to muddy things up to a degree where I think it’s going to potentially undercut our overall objectives with these bylaw changes,” he said. “For me, I’m having a hard time getting comfortable with it.” Muriel Kramer said she was open to eventually removing it, but wanted it to remain for now. “I am hesitant to take it off, because I want to make sure that … the public has an opportunity through our process to see it happen and understand the decisionmaking and have a chance to give their initial feedback,” she said. A motion to remove the map article received support from only Trendel and Moran, with the other six members in attendance voting it down. The Zoning Advisory Committee held a meeting immediately after the Planning Board concluded to start the process of finding the ideal wording for the proposed tree-cutting bylaws.
said. “When this gentleman is shooting, it feels like he’s right next door because of the variety of guns and weapons. We’re talking about 100 rounds being shot within about 15 minutes. So we want everyone to be aware that this individual is the person who is putting hunting at risk in Hopkinton.” State law limits the discharge of firearms to a distance greater than 500 feet from a building or dwelling in use unless the shooter has consent from the impacted parties, town manager Norman Khumalo told the board. Mastroianni’s proposal extends the buffer distance to 1,000 feet from a building or dwelling in use, and it adds 300 feet from a public way. It would have no effect on existing licensed gun ranges or for onduty law enforcement personnel. Mastroianni said multiple neighbors have called police about the issue, and former Hopkinton Police Chief Edward Lee attempted to come up with an amicable solution, to no avail. Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said he was “very, very sympathetic” with Mastroianni’s plight but was concerned about the effect on hunting. “I have a real problem with us changing the overall hunting overlay district for where people can hunt and where they can’t because of one obstinate neighbor in town,” he said, saying it would “significantly impact the area in town where the people that are hunters could go and do their hunting.” Mastroianni said the issue is causing great concern on his street, with most people afraid to speak out. “There’s a general fear in the neighborhood,” he said. “No one wants to do what I’m doing right now. No one wants
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to do that. They’re all fearful because they’ve heard the variety of guns that this person shoots. Also we’re aware from Chief Lee, and that was seconded by when I spoke with Chief [Joseph] Bennett, that the resident wants nothing to do with knowing any of us or talking to any of us. But basically, a handgun can move 900 feet in a second. So, it is a safety measure. Further, it is definitely a mental health issue in the Woodville area. With all that being said, we don’t want to stop hunting, but we can’t keep living like this. This is not going to go away.” Added Mastroianni: “It’s a safety concern. It’s a mental health concern. We don’t want to ruin hunting in Hopkinton. It’s not us. It’s this gentleman. He needs a neighborly neighbor to prevent it, and we ask you to do it because we’re all scared. I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine just to come on this tonight, and my wife is not going to speak to me the rest of the night just because of this. It really is a safety issue. Please protect our children.” A couple of board members suggested approaching it from the angle of the noise impact, although it was unclear how that might work. “I like the potential of making it a noise ordinance, but I don’t know if it’s going to be ready for prime time this year,” Tedstone said. “I think that we could probably get the people in town that need to get together and figure out a way that we can present this so as to not impact the hunting community.” The motion to put the article on the Town Meeting warrant as a placeholder passed unanimously, with Tedstone adding an amendment that it would be removed if it’s not “clear and concise” by April 13, which is the deadline for when the warrant must be signed.
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 7
Health director eager to finalize COVID vaccination plan By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
W
hile Hopkinton’s COVID-19 case numbers have shown improvement over the last couple of weeks, the town still is having its share of issues, and officials remain uncertain of when the vaccine will be available for residents, Health Department director Shaun McAuliffe told the Select Board at its Feb. 2 meeting. McAuliffe said the town currently has about 41 active cases. The average for weekly cases and the positive rate have been dropping since a postChristmas spike that briefly landed Hopkinton in the state-designated red (most restrictive) category. Most notably of late, there have
been issues in the schools, due in part to people playing sports outside of town, McAuliffe said. He noted that one individual who was playing for four different teams was in a COVID cluster, and that led to 40-50 people in town being identified as close contacts, along with more individuals in other towns. “When we’re participating in these activities we’re putting the individual and our families and the schools at risk,” McAuliffe said. “Over the last two weeks we’ve seen some significant disruptions in the school system from people playing in sports.” Another concern deals with some COVID variants that were detected in other countries and are starting to spread. These variants appear to be more contagious. McAuliffe said the
Brazilian and South African variants have not yet been documented in Massachusetts, but the British variant has appeared in Worcester and the Boston area. “If and when these variants start appearing in this immediate region, if we’re following those basic [health] practices I’m hoping we won’t see a spike,” McAuliffe said. “Stick to the basics, stick to the science we know. If we do, we’ll have better outcomes.” Regarding vaccines, McAuliffe said there remains a lot of uncertainty, as the state is not able to definitively state when the vaccines will be delivered and how much each town will receive. McAuliffe said he was expecting to receive the Moderna vaccine but recently was told to expect the Pfizer version,
Town budget assistance may be on way via increased state aid By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
D
uring the Feb. 2 Select Board meeting, town manager Norman Khumalo shared some good news regarding the town’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. A few days earlier, Gov. Charlie Baker revised his estimates for local aid, and the new amount is slated to be an increase of 11 percent from the previous fiscal year. The previous estimate was a 1 percent increase. At the previous Select Board meeting, Khumalo had presented the board with two potential budgets, one that relies on a 2.5 percent tax rate impact and the other at 1 percent. Both dip into multiple stabilization funds for one-time assistance in addressing recurring needs. While the 2.5 percent option meets departmental requests, the 1.0 percent option would require cost cutting and would mean a reduction in services to the community, Khumalo said. The boost in local aid would substantially reduce the amount needed from the stabilization funds. In the 2.5 tax impact scenario, instead of taking $1.9 million in stabilization draws, the number would be $1.1 million, Khumalo said. Under the 1.0 option the draw would go from $2 million to $1.2 million — in both cases a 40 percent drop. Keeping more money in the stabilization reserves also could help maintain Hopkinton’s already strong bond rating. Khumalo cautioned, however, that the local aid will only carry so far. “While local aid is an important secondary source of revenue, property taxes will generate 82 percent of our expected general fund revenue,” he explained. “So, while this dramatic increase in local aid is extremely helpful, it in itself does not address all the challenges the town faces.” Khumalo also noted that the revised proposal must clear the state legislature, and there’s no guarantee it won’t change again. At the Jan. 26 meeting, Khumalo termed the budget for FY22 a “recovery budget,” addressing the COVID-19 public health emergency while recognizing that the economic hardship and recovery could last for a few more years. “To be clear, both recommendations include adverse impacts to the town’s long-term financial health and stability, and those impacts involving the use of one-time funding to support new recurring costs are unsustainable over the long term,” Khumalo stated. “These actions
are recommended as temporary measures during the current economic downturn and COVID-19 public health emergency with the aim of sustaining the expected high level of municipal and educational services, while being sensitive to tax and pass-through rent impacts on residents experiencing financial hardship.” The budget priorities include sustaining municipal (including educational) services at FY21 levels; meeting contractual obligations; funding expansion in the Hopkinton Public Schools and Health and Human Services programs related to town growth and the pandemic; resuming funding of the town’s capital renewal program in a measured way; balancing spending, the use of reserves and tax impact in a way that meets service level expectations while minimizing adverse impacts on the town’s long-term financial health and stability; limiting use of stabilization reserve funds to meet priorities while minimizing tax impact during the pandemic. Meanwhile, at the Feb. 2 meeting, four department heads made brief presentations to the board about their budgets. Police Chief Joseph Bennett said
Let’s
his budget “was built from the bottom up, beginning with our most valuable asset, our personnel, which represents 94 percent of the entire budget.” Among the department’s capital requests was to replace three cruisers, and Bennett noted the town was one year behind schedule on replacing them. DPW director John Westerling, among other things, requested a mini-excavator primarily to help with cemetery work, a chipper, a highway truck and a sewer truck, replacing vehicles that have high mileage. Meaghan DeRaad, the communications director for Hopkinton Public Safety Communications, said she is “still trying to build this department as its own, and learning along the way.” The department has eight full-time dispatchers and five who work on a per diem basis, with two more part-timers “coming in shortly,” she said. She added that her budget will be helped by a recently approved grant. Fire Chief Steve Slaman requested a new ambulance and the refurbishment of Engine 4, which he expects could last another 6-8 years following a fix-up.
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which is a little more complicated to store and manage. The state also indicated it expects the town to share doses with neighboring communities as it did last month when first responders were vaccinated. McAuliffe is hoping for more details soon, but he said his prior efforts — including enlisting local politicians’ assistance — have left him frustrated. “As hard as we’ve pushed I’m just not getting any information on the future,” he said. “All I can tell you is that we got the order in. I’m hoping for the best.” McAuliffe noted that the town’s senior residences — which order their vaccines separately from the Health Department — have made progress on their own. “Golden Pond has received their first vaccine, and we were able to facilitate a partnership between a local pharmacy and Fairview [Estates] to get their initial vaccine completed,” McAuliffe said. “So it’s been a lot of work to get us where we’re at.” McAuliffe indicated that the state is preparing to open more mass vaccination sites, such as the ones at Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park, and he said there should be a more locally based option by mid-February. Local pharmacies and hospitals also should have vaccines in the near future. McAuliffe suggested any older residents attend one of the mass vaccination sites if they are able, rather than wait for the town to get its own doses. “For residents that are computersavvy, I suggest that you focus on advocating for yourself,” he said. “If you have an opportunity to get to one of these mass locations, go. There’s a system in place that prevents us from double-dosing you. But we need people to advocate for themselves. “Our intent is to take care of the residents that aren’t able to get outside of Hopkinton or who don’t have internet access, are homebound. That’s really going to be our focus right now. And then as opportunity presents itself we’ll be acting on that to bring as much product as we can into the town.”
8 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Hopkinton ranked 12th fittest in state A
lready recognized as one of the safest communities in the nation with the state’s best school system, Hopkinton also has received high marks for fitness in a recent study. According to the strength training resource and news website BarBend.com, Hopkinton is the 12thfittest city in Massachusetts. Contributing factors in the analysis include exercise opportunities, access to healthy food, air pollution, drinking water violations, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and more. The study indicated Hopkinton has a high rate of exercise opportunities at 970 per 1,000 people, “suggesting that the surrounding environment can play a key role NEWS BRIEFS in determining people’s fitness level.” The town also has comparatively low levels of air pollution and low rates of physical inactivity, obesity and smoking. Weston came in first in the state ranking, followed by Boxford, Dover, Andover, Sudbury, Carlisle, Wayland, Lexington, Topsfield, Wellesley and Winchester. As for Hopkinton’s neighbors, Ashland came in 38th, Holliston 43rd, Southborough 111th, Westborough 135th and Milford 167th.
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A request by Cornell’s Irish Pub to allow for a permanent outdoor seating area for 50 people behind the Hayden Rowe Street restaurant was passed unanimously at the Jan. 26 Select Board meeting, despite objections from two neighbors. The Select Board previously had voted to allow for a temporary expansion of the outdoor seating area in an effort to help the business better cope with the COVID-19 restrictions. Similar approvals were given to other establishments in town. Cornell’s owner Ellen Scanlon said the additional seating area has been a boost that she would like to see continue. “I just figure that even after this virus is gone, people do enjoy sitting outside eating in the summertime,” she said. “We’re very conscious of noise. We only have low background music. It’s the same as people coming in if they were going to sit inside or outside, there’s the same amount of cars in the [parking lot]. So I’m just basically asking just to keep what I have, because nobody knows how long this is going to last. And even when it’s finished — please God — we’d still like to have the outdoors, because people just find it very comforting.” Eric Rockey, who lives across the street, said the temporary change has made it clear it should not be permanent. “We’ve experienced a lot more loud noise until late at night, loud music until late at night, and a considerable amount of extra traffic late at night,” he said. “While we do not want to affect Cornell’s business during these tough times we are living through, the business must also realize this is also a neighborhood with residents and must be considerate of their impact on us as well.” Neighbor Mike Arakelian added that the lights are an issue as well. Herr suggested including a restriction that the outdoor music be lowered after 10 p.m. so that it cannot be heard off the premises, and no lights should shine off the premises after 11 p.m. Assistant town manager Elaine Lazarus suggested a requirement that the Planning Board approve the site plan for the establishment. All three conditions were included with the motion.
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Proposed bylaws explained At the Feb. 2 Select Board meeting, Lazarus reviewed and explained four proposed bylaws that the board is sponsoring for Annual Town Meeting in May. The first is an update to the trench safety officer bylaw, to reflect that the DPW director is the permitting authority for issuing trench permits. The second addresses street opening permits, codifying that the DPW issues the permits. The third item deals with obstructing public streets and sidewalks. The change, initiated by a citizen, adds “leaves, sand or other debris” to the currently mentioned snow as items that can’t obstruct streets and sidewalks. The fourth item is related to dog licensing, and it brings the town’s penalty for unlicensed dogs to $50 per household. The town’s fine currently is $25, but state law requires a penalty of $50. A public hearing will be held on Feb. 23 for all of the bylaws to be reviewed.
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The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 9
MacAdam recognized upon retirement At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Select Board paid tribute to Don MacAdam, who recently announced his retirement as conservation administrator. Town manager Norman Khumalo lauded MacAdam as “very kind, very committed to the profession, very dedicated to the team, very humble. And in all cases always committed to being fair and doing the right thing.” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said there was a time when the Conservation Commission did not have the best reputation for being friendly to residents, but MacAdam was an ideal go-between. “You’ve always been a soothing, rational person to deal with,” Tedstone said. “The town will miss your presence and the job you did. Anybody can do a job. You really epitomized what it means to take it on as a career.” Befitting his reputation, MacAdam was brief in his remarks to the board. “I just want to thank the town of Hopkinton for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “They’ve been wonderful for me and my family. The affection’s mutual.”
HCC announces grant recipients The Hopkinton Cultural Council, which supports community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities, recently announced its grant recipients for 2021. Recipients are: Amazing Things Art Center, Discovery Museum, Sean Fullerton, an acoustic concert for Seniors, Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Hopkinton Freedom Team, Hopkinton Garden Club, John Root, a nature class on birds, butterflies and bees, Janet Schwartz, a pastel class, and the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton. Additionally, the HCC will continue the Diversity Mural project, which was initially unveiled this past fall, and revive Art on the Trail as hosted initiatives. The mural project will be led by HCC chair Ilana Casady. Art on the Trail will be led by Darlene Hayes and Meena Kaushik. “In a year like no other, the mural project was a bright light in our community,” Casady stated in an HCC press release. “When so much was canceled, HCC decided to create this project with support from the Hopkinton Parks and Recreation Department. It was inspiring and already receiving interest from artists for 2021.” The recipients were selected at the HCC’s Jan. 15 meeting. “As in previous years, requests for grants exceed funds available, and choosing among many wonderful initiatives can be a challenge,” Casady said. The HCC receives grant funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, sciences and humanities to improve the community’s economics and quality of life. The HCC prioritizes funding local artists as well as artists who reflect the diverse cultures within the Town of Hopkinton. The HCC actively seeks opportunities to increase visibility to groups of different cultures to promote diverse grant opportunities within Hopkinton and our local region. “I am thrilled to see the continued expansion of diversity and inclusion programs in the arts to be among the grant recipients from the Hopkinton Cultural Council,” state Rep. Carolyn Dykema said. “The HCC’s commitment to continue the 2020 Diversity Mural, supporting the efforts of the Hopkinton Freedom Team’s theatrical bystander training program, HCA’s Artists series on diversity and the HCC reviving Art on the Trail as a passive safe recreation with visual arts displays reflects this community’s hope, positivity and appreciation of local arts as we go into 2021.”
that is designed to serve as a “financial backstop to some of the agencies that exist in town helping people in emergency situations,” Sisitsky said. The program, which will be funded through individual and business donations, is preparing to launch a publicity and fundraising campaign with the hope of becoming active by May, Sisitsky said. … In other Select Board news, Barbara Kessler was unanimously appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Tax Relief Committee to a term expiring June 30, 2023. … The board accepted the resignation of Smriti Choudhury as an associate member of the Board of Appeals. On Jan. 26 the board voted to approve signing notices of taking for Legacy Farms Road North, which the board previously voted to accept as a public way. Lazarus noted that this is the next step in the process, and it means the abutters will receive official notification. … The board also voted to lift the hiring freeze to allow for the hiring of two new police officers and an executive assistant to the town manager, in all cases replacing individuals who left. … The Hopkinton Fire Department recently was selected by the National Fire Protection Association to participate in the second phase of a pilot program to build a digital community risk assessment tool. The tool enables community leaders to gain valuable insights and make data-informed decisions around fire prevention and other risk-reduction activities in their communities.
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Resident named partner at Boston law firm H
opkinton resident John W. Powell was named as a partner in the patent practice group at Sunstein LLP, a boutique intellectual property law firm in Boston. According to the firm, Powell has more than two decades of in-house and law firm experience. He served as vice president, general counsel, and secretary of American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC), a publicly traded global energy technologies company focused on the renewable energy and electric grid markets, and as IP counsel at Raytheon and Motorola. Most recently Powell was a partner at the Boston law firm Verrill Dana, LLP. “Powell is widely recognized for his strategic approach helping companies build U.S. and international IP portfolios that add value, and he is considered integral to his BUSINESS clients’ management and engineering teams,” the firm stated. His experience encomBRIEFS passes work with firms in the clean tech, robotics and medical device spaces, as well as in other technology areas. “We are thrilled to have John join our firm,” said Sunstein LLP managing partner Kerry L. Timbers. “His depth of expertise honed in his years of law firm practice and in-house leadership positions will be invaluable to companies who seek top legal counsel with a sophisticated understanding of corporate and business issues. And his passion for working with leaders of cutting edge technology companies is a perfect fit for Sunstein.” Powell received his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.
Blackstone Valley Wealth duo honored Blackstone Valley Wealth Management’s two advisors, James A. Valis and Gregg R. Manis, are to be recognized with the 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager Award in the February edition of Boston Magazine. This award comes to the advisors for the seventh year in a row, since their opening of Blackstone Valley Wealth Management, a boutique financial planning and advisory firm, on South Street in Hopkinton in 2013. This exclusive designation has been given to select wealth managers for over 14 years, in Blackstone Valley Wealth Management’s James Valis (left) and more than 45 markets throughout Gregg Manis received wealth manager honors for the seventh the United States and Canada. straight year. Award candidates were evaluated against 10 objective criteria and resulted in the Boston area’s top 3 percent of wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients.
Gomez joins GRLA Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) announced that Jorge Gomez has joined the firm’s architecture studio as assistant project manager. The firm states that Gomez has worked on multiple residential projects throughout Massachusetts and New Jorge Gomez York, as well as commercial and healthcare projects. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Boston Architectural College and an MA Interior Architecture with a focus on adaptive reuse from the Rhode Island School of Design. He also served as a reserve in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1999-2005 and was called for active duty as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002.
UniBank named ‘Best for Business’ UniBank, the Central Massachusetts-based company that has a branch in Hopkinton, recently was named the Best Bank for Business 2021 by the Worcester Business Journal. “To be nominated by our loyal customers for this prestigious award for the eighth year is the true measure of our success,” CEO Mi-
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chael Welch stated. “With their trust in our experienced professionals and the seamlessness in our processes, we establish true partnerships with business owners of both large and small businesses across the Central Massachusetts region, and we’re extremely proud of that. As a $2 billion bank, we are large enough to serve all your personal and business banking needs and, importantly, still know you by name.”
Milford Regional adds Jackson Milford Regional Physician Group (MRPG) announced the addition of Dr. Alan Jackson. He will begin seeing patients in Northbridge until he moves to his permanent location in the spring, joining Dr. Melissa Mahr at Hopkinton Primary Care. Board-certified in internal medicine and geriatric medicine, Jackson previously spent many years at The Fallon Clinic/Reliant Medical Group in Worcester. After receiving his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University, Jackson earned his medical degree from UMass Medical School and completed his internship and residency at St. Vincent Hospital. Jackson is an active member of numerous professional associations, including the Massachusetts Medical Society and Worcester District Medical Society. He currently resides in Shrewsbury. … Meanwhile, Milford Regional Medical Center was recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts with a Blue Distinction Centers+ for maternity care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program.
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 11
Give a hoot: Injured owl rescued, released area where it was rescued. “It was an absolutely beautiful release,” Kistner said. Murray shared his enthusiasm. “The owl was lucky to be found soon after it was hit, and its rehabilitation went relatively smoothly,” she said. Reports of owls in distress are not unheard of in Hopkinton, animal control officer William Proctor said. He has responded to a barred owl struck by a vehicle and even a great horned owl stuck in soccer nets. He urged people to call police if they encounter injured or distress animals. Wildlife can be dangerous, even when they are injured, Proctor said. “We don’t want to see anybody get hurt,” he stated. As a result of the incident, Kistner said he has received thank you letters and gifts of owl images. In a time when many people are struggling emotionally, Kistner said he is “very grateful that people took such an emotional grab” to the rescue. For more information about what to do if you find injured or abandoned animals, visit wildlife.tufts.edu/foundwildlife/.
By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer
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ormer Hopkinton resident Clifford Kistner was driving near the Hopkinton/Upton line Jan. 3 when he saw something troubling. A vehicle ahead of him struck a bird, which then bounced off the windshield and landed, flopping and apparently disoriented, on the side of the road. Kistner immediately swooped in to help the injured animal, which was determined to be a barred owl. His dogged efforts, along with the skilled rehabilitation work of Tufts Wildlife Clinic at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center in Grafton, transformed what could have been a tragic ending into a new start for the bird. But that happy ending was far from certain when Kistner first saw the injured bird. He worried that the confused owl would return to the roadway, where it could have been struck again with potentially devastating results. Kistner pulled over his car, grabbed a pair of gloves from his vehicle and carefully captured the bird. He then wrapped the owl in a jacket and kept driving. He encountered Westborough Police Officer William Ethier conducting radar on Upton Road. Kistner drove to the cruiser, a feathered passenger by his side. Ethier “was shocked to see an animal in my vehicle,” Kistner recalled. Ethier contacted Westborough animal control officer Melinda MacKendrick, who, along with Ethier, escorted Kistner to Tufts for the owl’s evaluation and treatment. The owl had suffered head trauma similar to a person suffering a mild concussion, said Dr. Maureen Murray, director of the wildlife clinic at Tufts. The owl also injured its right eye. “It’s not uncommon to see this type of injury in owls, particularly in the winter,” she said. “They hunt at night and tend to swoop down across the road as they’re hunting and end up colliding with a car.” Within a few days, the owl had perked up, indicating that its head trauma and the eye were improving. The owl was transferred Jan. 19 to a large flight barn for observation, before being returned to the wild Jan. 26. “It’s always uplifting to be able to release wildlife back to their natural habitat, so we were happy this owl was able to get back out there,” she said. Kistner attended as the bird he rescued was released at Whitehall State Park in Hopkinton. The event was special for Kistner, who said he bonded with the bird. “The ecosystem and the earth and all it encompasses is very, very important to me,” he said. Kistner, who lives in Upton after spending many years in Hopkinton, is developing Eagle’s Nest Tree House Resort in North Carolina, which he said will be the largest tree house resort in the world and which he hopes will reflect his respect for nature. At one point during its release, the owl flew 50-75 feet above Kistner’s head. “My wish was that the bird would recognize me and come to me, flying by me as if it was saying goodbye,” he said. As Kistner watched, the owl headed to the lake, grabbed something off the ice and apparently ate it. Then the owl flew off, toward the
Above: Clifford Kistner found the injured owl on the side of the road and enlisted help from the police in getting the bird to a veterinarian. Right: The rescued owl, shown just before it left the Tufts Wildlife Clinic to be released, suffered head trauma and injured its right eye when it was hit by a car.
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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Sports HHS girls track clears pandemic hurdles By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
T
he Hopkinton High School girls indoor track and field team navigated more than just the traditional hurdles placed in its way during this pandemicaltered season, but pushed through to a perfect dual meet record and numerous strong individual performances. “The girls have been great,� coach Jean Cann said. “It’s been a little tricky, especially for the kids doing the more technical events.� The season was paused occasionally when HHS shifted to all-remote learning or another school had a similar issue. “With distance runners, you can tell them, ‘Go do a hill workout,’ � Cann said. “For someone doing the high jump, it’s not like they have a high jump mat at home, or a shot put. They can do some lifting and exercise, but they are not getting the instruction they normally would.� Among the bigger challenges for Cann and the rest of the coaching staff has been getting everyone a chance to compete. The Hillers have more than 110 athletes between the boys and girls teams — slightly lower numbers than normal — but only 30 are allowed to take part in meets due to COVID-19 Track | 13
Members of the HHS girls track team pose for a group photo at a recent meet.
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The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 13
HHS girls track clears pandemic hurdles I think they are happy to have a season, whether it’s a typical season or not. They don’t complain, they are following the rules, and they encourage the younger athletes. They are making the best of it. — Coach Jean Cann Track | from page 12
restrictions. Those who have gotten their chance have made the most of it. Senior Hailey Tolson was undefeated in the 55-meter dash and secured a win in the 300 in a meet against Medfield. “That is a newer event for her, but she did really well,” Cann said. “We knew that was going to be our closest meet and it could have gone either way. They had the top returning sprinter in the league. We were hoping Hailey could win one of those events, and she got them both. Junior Grace Joy has been another standout for the Hillers. She earned wins in both the mile and the 1,000. Katie Callery, a junior, and Autumn Tumbleton, a sophomore, also were consistent point scorers for Hopkinton this winter. Junior Kate Powers swept every dual meet in the shot put despite throwing with her non-dominant left hand after requiring surgery on her right arm in late November (see accompanying story). Senior distance running star Olivia Jones also suffered an injury in the fall and was able to come back and earn first-place finishes during the winter season. “It was helpful for us to get her back,” Cann said. “Olivia, even not at her best, can still win a race.” Sophomore Ellie Driscoll has emerged as one of the better hurdlers in the state and won all but one race this winter. She is an example of someone competing in a more “technical” event who has had to deal with not having the same level of event-specific instruction and training during the season. “She is doing a ton on her own and doing everything she can to improve, even without hurdles,” Cann said. Senior Catherine Dacey has the distinction of competing in perhaps the toughest race to run with a mask, the 600. “In the distance races you have some time to slow down a bit and the sprints are over quickly,” Cann said. “The 600 is just long enough that you are really breathing hard but you also don’t get to relax. It’s impressive how well she has done.” Dacey and some of her teammates would have good cause to be frustrated about the masks, restrictions, limitations, and interruptions to their season. But Cann said she has not experienced any of those negative emotions among her athletes. “I think they are happy to have a season, whether it’s a typical season or not,” she said. “They don’t complain, they are following the rules, and they encourage the younger athletes. They are making the best of it.”
Suddenly southpaw: Powers wins with off hand By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
T
he past year has been a lesson in adaptability for nearly everyone, and Hopkinton High School junior Kate Powers is no exception. A thrower for the HHS track and field teams who has competed at the national level, Powers spent most of the offseason worried that her winter track and field season would meet the same fate as the 2020 spring campaign: canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So when it became evident that Hopkinton would be able to compete in some fashion, Powers felt a bit of relief. That is until November, when she was diagnosed with bone chips in her right elbow. “It was just heartbreaking, but the surgery was something I needed to have done or there would be more permanent damage,” Powers said. The operation meant Powers would not be able to compete in the shot put. At least, that’s how it seemed until she and the HHS coaching staff got a little bit creative. “I realized I could throw lefty,” she said. “It was exciting that I was still able to do something.” HHS coaches Michael Webb and Mike Donahue discussed the idea with Powers and her father. Then there was a conversation with Powers’ doctor, who confirmed that she would not be doing any harm
Junior Kate Powers has learned to not just compete but thrive in the shot put lefty following an injury to her dominant right arm.
provided she did not throw the nearly nine-pound apparatus with her recovering right arm. “We all thought it was a good idea,” she said. And the results have been excellent. Powers’ best throw last year — right handed — was 32 feet, 9 1/2 inches. Throwing lefty this winter, she has eclipsed 30 feet. “She has won every meet throwing with her non-dominant hand,” said HHS head girls coach Jean Cann. “That is pretty impressive.” When it comes to throwing something as heavy as a shot put, it’s about a lot more than just arm and shoulder strength. Throwers have to generate
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momentum in a relatively small circle, either by shuffling, gliding or spinning their way into the actual throw. That means the best throwers are not just strong, they have exceptional technique. Powers had to quickly learn how to do everything in a mirror-image manner compared to what she was accustomed to doing. “It was definitely hard to do everything the opposite way,” she said. “Coach Donahue was able to help me through all of it and walk me through my foot position and getting my hips all the way around.” Added Powers: “I’m glad I was able to persevere through everything. My friends and family were really supportive.” As much fun as the lefty experiment has been, Powers plans to go back to her dominant hand when the spring season rolls around. “Shot isn’t even her best event,” Cann said. “Discus is her better event, along with the weight throw and hammer throw, where she qualified for nationals.” Powers ultimately is hoping to continue her track and field career at the collegiate level. But for now, she’s enjoying being with her HHS teammates. “I am just super thankful to be able to compete,” she said. “I know everyone feels the same way, you can see it every day in practice. It’s been tough, but every day you can see everyone putting in their best effort.”
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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
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or Hopkinton High School boys indoor track and field coach Michael Donahue, the best word to describe the winter season is “weird.” Instead of going to large meets with over 1,000 competitors, his athletes have been competing against only a few dozen others and are herded into the facilities in small groups when their event is called. The Hillers’ indoor facility is partially dotted with desks and classroom supplies moved to allow for more social distancing, so practices have been pushed outdoors. But through the logistical challenges, Donahue said some lessons learned during this COVID-19 impacted season may end up sticking with the program even when things return to normal. Practices this year are less segmented because of the time and space constraints, and having more coaches look at the same athletes has been beneficial. “I think we are getting more dynamic with our workouts because we are adding things that we wouldn’t normally add in for our athletes,” Donahue said. “There are kids we thought were jumpers who might now look like better throwers. Because we have kids working with all of the coaches, everybody gets to look at them through their own lens.” Donahue hopes this will prevent certain athletes from being pigeonholed, especially younger athletes who might be new to the sport and need some time to figure out where their talents lie. Another lasting change is, weather permitting, going outdoors for workouts. “We have a great indoor facility, but I think we rely on it too much,” Donahue said. “I believe there is a lot to be gained by using the big track outdoors. Over time, we stopped using it. When you have bad winters, you get used to being inside. But going back outdoors reminded us there are excellent drills you can do outside.” One example he cited: “You cannot run hills inside, but you can do them outside.” The short-term results from the more “holistic” training and practice have been promising. Donahue has been
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pleasantly surprised with the overall level of fitness for his team, and some school records have fallen during the shortened season. Senior captain Harrison Prucher broke the school record in the high hurdles during a January meet, only to see it bettered by his own teammate, sophomore Sean Golembiewski. “We have never had two guys who have been even close to being this fast,” Donahue said, noting that in any other year, sophomore Declan Mick probably would be the fastest hurdler on the team. Senior Ethan Champlin has one of the fastest dash times in the state and is part of a strong corps of high jumpers, having cleared 6 feet. Senior Tommy Bernardin is another 6-foot jumper, Golembiewski is nearing that mark and freshman James MacCarthy has cleared 5 feet, 6 inches. Donahue calls it “the best high jump group we have ever had.” Senior Adan Rowell has been strong in the sprinting events, and sophomore Wyatt Ruff might be the team’s biggest surprise in the 600, running in 1 minute, 30 seconds flat. “This is his first year doing indoor track,” Donahue said. “A lot of the guys, we knew who they were walking through the door. That is a legit time for a young guy like that.” Senior Nick Brown, the MVP of the Hillers’ Tri-Valley League pod during the cross country season, has been predictably strong in the mile and the 2-mile. Aidan Morin, another senior captain, had the longest shot put throw in the league through late January at 41 feet, 4 inches. Junior Riley Finnegan has been nearing 40 feet in that event. With the high end talent and depth, it’s no surprise that the Hillers have been unbeaten in their dual meet campaign. Donahue could not help but wonder how good this team could be if it had a full season and a postseason. “The performances have been excellent,” he said. “I would not have expected this level based on the lack of practice time and not having as many meets, but our kids are excelling.” And, the coach added, they are having fun during what is one of the more “normal” times of their day. “You can’t tell under the masks,” Donahue said, “but they are smiling and having a great time.”
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 15
HHS boys skiing posts historic win Boys hockey T he Hopkinton High School boys alpine ski team made history Jan. 28 by posting the program’s first victory, winning a Central Massachusetts Conference Ski SPORTS ROUNDUP League race at Ski Ward in Shrewsbury. Senior Jackson Schlussel led the way, coming in first place in a time of 55.18 seconds, with classmate Cameron Hanna taking second (58.69). Junior Jake Lacoche came in sixth (59.75) and senior Nathan Foster finished 10th (64.51). With the win, the boys improved their season total to 972 points, moving them into first place in the standings. At the previous Thursday’s meet, the boys finished second to Algonquin. Schlussel finished first (45.47), Hanna came in sixth (49.31), Lacoche came in seventh (49.32), and sophomore Mathias Niss finished 13th. … The girls ski team also has performed very well, with a strong secondplace finish on Jan. 28, only behind Algonquin. Senior Cate Barry came in first place (57.33), sophomore Libby Herlihy finished fourth (60.82) freshman Kiara Niss came in fifth (61.21) and junior Gabi Ciri finished 16th. With the second-place finish, the girls remained in second in the season standings with 960 points, trailing Algonquin. The previous week, the girls also took second to Algonquin as Barry came in first (49.81), Niss finished seventh (52.43), Herlihy raced to 10th (53.87) and junior Avery Hutchinson finished 13th.
Girls basketball goes on run The Hopkinton High School girls basketball team picked up a 53-43 victory over host Dedham on Jan 31, sweeping a two-game series and improving its season record to 5-1. Kiki Fossbender scored 14 points, Caroline Connell had 11 and stood out defensively, and Lauren Cho netted 10 to lead the way. Two days earlier, Fossbender scored 21 points and Cho added 12 as the Hillers posted a 56-37 victory over visiting Dedham in a makeup game. Hopkinton originally had been scheduled to play Medfield, but that game had to be canceled due to COVID-related concerns. After an even first quarter, Hopkinton started the second quarter on a 14-0 run — with Cho tallying eight straight — to take control. The lead was 28-19 at the half, and 39-26 after three quarters. The game started with a nice display of sportsmanship, as injured Hillers senior Kylie Hardenbrook — given the start on Senior Night — was allowed to score an uncontested layup before checking out of the game. On Jan. 26, after a long COVIDcaused layoff, the girls posted a 5737 victory over visiting Holliston. Impressive performances came from Cho, who tallied 14 points, and Fossbender, who netted 13, while senior guard Maggie Hedstrom added 12. The HHS boys basketball team was off since Jan. 12 due to COVID issues and then the early February snowstorm. The team was scheduled to return to action this past Friday night.
posts big win
The HHS boys hockey team posted a 6-0 victory over Bellingham on Jan. 30. Pavit Mehra opened the scoring less than a minute into the first half. After Ryan Teitel and Michael Berman scored to make it 3-0, Cam Jerrett scored with 22 seconds left in the period and Geoff Tocco, who assisted on Jerrett’s goal, scored one of his own with a second remaining. Andrew Moore scored off a Tyler Morse assist for the only goal of the second half. … The Hopkinton/Dover-Sherborn girls hockey co-op team skated to a 2-2 draw with host Norwood on Jan. 30. Senior Kristin McCluskey continued her stellar season in goal. Avery Bent and Annika Yanoshak recorded a goal and an assist each, while Emily Swinamer had an assist. Three days earlier, the girls dropped a 2-0 decision to Norwood. The game was a tough defensive battle. Coach Scott Hayes praised McCluskey, saying she was “excellent.” He added that he was proud that “our team played very hard.”
on Jan. 30. Hopkinton technically was not sanctioned to compete, so athletes had to register themselves individually, and coaches could not attend. Tolson posted a second-place finish in the 60 and third-place finish in the 300. Dacey took sixth in the 600. Joy ran a six-second personal best to take seventh in the mile. Powers took sixth the shot put, and Caitlin Barnes was ninth in the 800. For the boys, Brown took second in the 2-mile, Ruff was third in the 1,000, Prucher took third in the 55 hurdles (breaking the school record in the preliminaries), and Golembiewski was fourth in the 55 hurdles and tied for third in the high jump.
Track teams roll on The girls track team defeated Millis by a score of 69-12 on Jan. 28 at Wheaton College in Norton. Winners from Hopkinton included senior Hailey Tolson (55 meters, 300), sophomore Ellie Driscoll (55 hurdles), freshman Camille Perlov (mile), sophomore Emily Hayward (600), freshman Stephanie Johnson (1,000), senior Olivia Jones (2-mile), junior Kate Powers (shot put) and sophomore Keira O’Connor (high jump). Additionally, the 4x400 relay team of senior Tiffany Mikulis, Powers, Sowmya Karthikeyan and sophomore Sinead Herr was victorious. On Jan. 20, the girls picked up a 5135 victory over Medfield. Tolson won both the 55 meters (7.4 seconds) and 300 (43.5), beating two of the fastest girls in the league. Other winning performances came from Powers (shot put), Jones (2mile) and the 4x400 relay team of Cat Dacey, Grace Joy, Karthikeyan and Mikulis. Also for the Hillers, Driscoll took second in the 55 hurdles, Katie Callery was second in the mile and third in the 2-mile, Autumn Tumbleton was second in the 2-mile and third in the mile, Dacey was second in the 600, Joy was second in the 1,000, and Mikulis took third in the 55. The boys posted an impressive 67-17 victory over Millis on Jan. 28. Sean Golembiewski won the hurdles and dash, and other Hopkinton winners were Spencer Smith (600), Jake Chirco (1,000), Tommy Bernardin (high jump), Matt Burdulis (2-mile), Riley Finnegan (shot put) and the 4x400 relay team. On Jan. 20 in a 60-26 victory over Millis, winners included seniors Harrison Prucher (55 hurdles), Aidan Rowell (55), Bernardin (high jump), Justin Wade (1,000) and Aidan Morin (shot put). Senior Nick Brown won the mile and was one of four Hillers to break 5 minutes along with Wyatt Ruff, Burdulis and Lex Kaye, who also took second in the 2-mile. … A number of HHS athletes competed in the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association invitational meet
HopkintonIndependent.com
HHS alums honored at Salve Regina Hopkinton’s Kyle Stukel and Ryan Kelleher, football teammates at Salve Regina University, were named to the Commonwealth Coast Conference All-Academic team. Stukel is an offensive lineman, while Kelleher is a quarterback. … Hopkinton High School administrator Lou Sanborn was named the Outstanding Athletic Administrative Assistant for the 2020-21 season by the Massachusetts Secondary Schools Athletic Directors Association.
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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Business BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE
Marty’s Fine Wines much more than a liquor store By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer
We pride ourselves in customizing each person’s experience at Marty’s. Everyone is greeted warmly. When a new customer walks in the door, we make time to have a conversation and find out how we might be of assistance. We get to know our customers and their preferences before they’ve left.
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arty’s offers a unique collection of fine wines, spirits, craft beers, and gourmet and specialty foods. Customers are delighted with the quality merchandise, knowledgeable staff and friendly service. For many in Hopkinton, Marty’s is a household name, because of the company’s regular support of so many community events. “We love supporting community and charitable events here,” general manager Rachel Werrick said. “Being involved in Hopkinton is a priority for us.” Customers trust Werrick and her staff, who are experienced, well-trained and welcoming. “We pride ourselves in customizing each person’s experience at Marty’s. Everyone is greeted warmly,” she said.
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“When a new customer walks in the door, we make time to have a conversation and find out how we might be of assistance. We get to know our customers and their preferences before they’ve left.” All staff, including Werrick, take the time to carry merchandise outside to the customer’s vehicle. They see each interaction as a great opportunity to connect with people. “Taking care of our customers is number one,” said Werrick, “especially during this pandemic.” To accommodate touchless interactions, curbside delivery was immediately implemented when the quarantine was first announced in March. Home deliveries and online orders have increased, and Werrick strongly encourages both. Aisles were widened to allow for physical distancing,
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plexiglass partitions put up at every cashier’s location, and a mask-wearing protocol was set in place. Staff are constantly sanitizing and cleaning each Marty’s location. Although the state now allows customers to bring reusable bags, the store does not allow for that, as an added measure of safety and protection. The business was started by owner Marty Siegal’s father, and now Marty and his son, Sean, run the company and its four stores. According to Werrick, the Hopkinton location at 61 Main St. carries “amazing gourmet foods, cheeses and meats, including Dom’s brand; world famous DePasquale’s sausage — considered the best — and Captain Marden’s famous twice-baked potatoes, frozen dinners and soups.” Marty’s is constantly bringing in exciting new products, and staff picks are featured regularly on the company’s website. This Valentine’s Day, Marty’s is introducing several specials, including fresh-cut flower bouquets, select wines and a wide variety of chocolate confections. Friday night is known as “Frank Sinatra Night.” Other days, musical selections from Pandora are featured, and, Werrick noted, “Customers always compliment [us] on the music. It’s a nice touch for everybody.” Added Werrick: “People may think I’m crazy, but I like to say I’m crazy creative. I have a lot of fun developing these special touches, including our community events, like Spring Fling and Puppy Palooza.” Because of the quarantine, this year’s Puppy Palooza event might have looked different, but the company raised $3,000 to directly support three area animal rescue organizations. Staff look forward to future events, proud that they serve so many local causes. To speak with a wine expert at Marty’s Fine Wines, call 508-455-6045 for recommendations. Visit martysfinewines.com to see what’s new on the shelves, check out special discounts and handy accessories, or place an online order. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 17
Schools Presents
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
HHS students assist town’s emergency personnel Inventors | from page 1
room to the cruiser — or the ladder truck — is the purpose of a program for the honors engineering class at the high school. In this program, students interview fire and police personnel to discover some of the challenges they face on the job each day. Because of the pandemic, the students connected virtually this year with members of the Hopkinton Police Department and Fire Department, who shared insights into problems they encounter at work. Using their ability to listen and analyze to hone in on a particular problem, the students then put their engineering skills to the test to create a solution. The project features multiple levels. After listening to the problems, students conducted research to validate the issues. They then developed concepts, mentored by Barry Regan, an engineer from Dell. The students then created prototypes, which were reviewed and scored by police and fire personnel. Doug Scott, who teaches the class, said the project helps students recognize their ability to use broad scientific concepts to tackle real-world issues. “It is important for students to connect with people in the world and understand that they can provide creative and inventive solutions to help solve problems for those people,” he said. By interviewing and interacting with beneficiaries of their creations, students “learn about existing technologies that are patented and invent their own solutions to solve problems that they have identified in the lives of the police and fire department members,” he said. The town’s first responders “have difficult jobs, obviously, and they rely heavily on technology, whether they be simple or complex,” Scott added. The Battery Swap was just one of the creations developed by the students this year. Aiden Colleary and Derek Hatherley invented a device called the Ladder Light that mounts onto a ladder so firefighters can flood areas with light in precarious settings. Charles Petruney and Jack
Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
Provencher developed a hands-free radio device called Easy Speak. This device can be retrofitted onto current systems to allow public safety personnel to keep their hands free to perform various tasks while still being able to listen to the radio. Honing in on a solvable problem is crucial, said Hatherley. Product development is only “half as important’’ as “choosing a relevant problem and solution,” he said. “Even an idea that you are unsure about can work well with the right resources,” Buonora said of the most crucial lesson she learned. The students are not the only ones who are enriched by this exercise. Hopkinton Fire prevention officers Thomas Poirier and Timothy Healy, who have been involved in the project for about five years, look forward to doing it every year, Healy said. “The creativity of the students is inspirational,” he said. Their work “motivates our members to think outside the box, not only to problem solve but also to do things more efficiently and effectively.” The project is “fantastic,” Police Chief Joseph Bennett said. “I was really impressed by the way they absorbed the information from the interviews and put it into real-life solutions. The officers really enjoy interacting with the students.” The project is done in partnership with the Lemelson-MIT program, which focuses on invention education for students. The program aims to inspire young people and support their development as creative problem solvers through invention education opportunities. Fire Department winners were: First, ladder light, Aiden Colleary and Derek Hatherly; second, mask wiper, Humza Haider and Lex Kaye; third, fire bot, Nate Van Heusen and Pablo Calvo de la Fuente. Police Department winners were: First (tie), Battery Swap, Nicollette Buonora and Lauren Strechay, and Easy Speak Radio, Charles Petruney and Jack Provencher; second, Gyrin, Nick Igartua and Aidan Chen; third, EZ Clip, Aidan Walsh and Jack Dionne.
This issue’s winner is Lu Wei for this snowy photo from Hopkinton State Park. 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.
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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.
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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
School Committee OK’s later start times; reopening strategy addressed By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer
Our eyes are fixed on trying to reopen this year, but we have to do the work to figure it out together.
S
chool will start later this fall at Hopkinton High School, Hopkinton Middle School and Hopkins Elementary School, School Committee members agreed at their Feb. 4 meeting. Start times for the high school and middle school would move to approximately 8 a.m. from the current 7:25 a.m. Hopkins would start at about 9 a.m. rather than the current 8:15 a.m. Marathon and Elmwood elementary schools schedules would remain unchanged. A later start time “has long been recommended and subsequently adopted by many other districts for its physical, social and emotional health benefits,” superintendent Carol Cavanaugh wrote in an email to parents.
— School Committee chair Amanda Fargiano
A later morning start gives students the chance to sleep longer, she said. Lack of sleep among high school students can make students less alert, which can lead to poor academic performance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and other sleep studies. Lack of sleep also has been linked to increased risks of concern-
ing behavior, including smoking and drinking alcohol, studies have shown. A later start time often has been requested by parents of secondary grade students, Cavanaugh said. That support is echoed in results from parent surveys distributed by the school administration. Ninety percent of high school and middle school parents raised no objections to the potential change, survey results showed. About 88 percent of Hopkins School parents also expressed no concerns, the results showed. About 71 percent of the faculty at the high school and middle school
responded that they had no concerns. The results were decidedly more mixed among Hopkins faculty, who were evenly split on whether they had concerns about the change. The new times would allow the district to reduce bus tiers to two — one for the upper grades, one for the lower. This would provide more efficient travel, Cavanaugh said. Fewer bus tiers could allow reduced expenses in future transportation contracts, finance director Susan Rothermich added. Bringing school schedules more in line means that after-school athletic events could start at a more consistent time, rather than forcing Hopkinton students to wait until athletes from other schools with later start times finish class for the day, Cavanaugh said. Committee chair Amanda Fargiano cast the sole vote against moving forward with the time change. She raised no objections to the concept in general, but said she wanted more public input and suggested hosting a public forum, possibly at the start of the meeting on School Committee | 19
Parson remains assistant superintendent The Wayland School Committee announced in late January that it had selected former Everett school administrator and onetime professional football player Omar Easy to be its next superintendent. Hopkinton assistant superintendent Jennifer Parson had been a finalist for the position. Parson has been Hopkinton’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction since 2018, following Carol Cavanaugh’s promotion to superintendent. Parson previously was principal of Center School from 2004-11, then left to become principal of an elementary school in Northborough. She also has experience as an assistant principal in Sudbury and as an elementary school teacher in Natick.
SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Expansion plan
Construction continues on the addition in the back of Hopkinton High School. According to superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, the project is expected to be completed by late spring, following some delays due to the pandemic and scheduling conflicts.
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HHS to be represented on quiz show Hopkinton High School will be one of 17 teams to take part in the 12th season of WGBH-TV’s “High School Quiz Show,” which starts in April. Hopkinton will face off against two-time defending champion Boston Latin in a match that will air on WGBH and YouTube on April 17 at 6 p.m. Hopkinton qualified for the competition by recording one of the highest scores during a virtual “Super Sunday” qualifying quiz on Jan. 24.
Residents make Keefe Tech honor roll Keefe Tech, a regional technical high school in Framingham, announced its honor roll for the first term, and a number of Hopkinton residents earned spots on it. Junior Jake Shepard and freshman Sean Miniman received high honors, while seniors Gabrielle Buentello and Josvardo Gomez, junior Alexis Manchester, sophomore Nicholas Souza and freshmen Da-Neil Anderson, Bennett Kazanjian and William Moore received honors. … Hopkinton’s Jonathan Bouvier was named to the high honors list for the fall term at Pomfret School, an independent college preparatory school in Pomfret, Connecticut.
HHS Class of ’23 sells lawn signs The HHS Class of 2023 is selling “Hopkinton Strong” lawn signs to raise revenue and foster spirit within the community. Signs are $20 apiece. Orders close Friday, Feb. 12, and signs will be available for pickup at the high school during the last week of February. To place an order, go to jostens.typeform. com/to/d6BxSS7e.
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 19
LIBRARY CORNER
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @ HopkintonPLMA.
School Committee OK’s later start times; reopening strategy addressed
Feb. Adult Take & Make: Cozy Heart Handwarmers
Feb. 8, 9, 10 pickup of materials. For ages 16 and older, this sewing project makes two heart-shaped microwaveable handwarmers, which are perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. An instructional video from a librarian will be available on Facebook and YouTube on Feb. 8. Project can be shared online using the hashtag #HPLcrafts. Register via the library’s website calendar.
Our Time Memory Cafe With Singer Tom Madden
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. (Zoom) Our Time Memory Cafe is a joint venture between The Hopkinton Senior Center and the Hopkinton Library and is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. Call the library at 508-497-9777, ext. 1512, to register for this virtual event.
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
Thursday, Feb. 11, 7-8:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. 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.
Elementary Take & Make (Grades 1-5)
Friday, Feb. 12 (pick up kit on Feb. 10) Participants who register for this program will pick up a crafting kit (via the library’s curbside pickup service) inspired by the book from the Trivia Tales program (see event on February calendar for a description). The craft will have written instructions and an online video tutorial. Registration for this program is required and can be done on the website calendar.
Film Discussion: ‘Within Our Gates’
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. (Zoom) In honor of Black History Month, the library is highlighting the work of pioneering African-American author and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. His 1919 silent film, “Within Our Gates,” is the earliest known surviving feature film directed by an African-American, and was created in direct response to D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation.” The film can be streamed via YouTube — link and registration available at library website calendar.
School Committee | from page 18
Feb. 25. Her fellow committee members countered that the survey results provided that feedback and that the issue has been under consideration for some time. In other issues, Cavanaugh said a decision has not yet been made on when a full reopening of the schools will be feasible. She said there is “no shortcut” to making that determination. A group has been formed to look at issues that would impact reopening, such as scheduling, social distancing capabilities, lunch logistics, transportation and the trajectory of the virus. Working together, this team will “collectively determine what needs to be achieved,” and what conditions must be met to reopen the schools, she said. “Our eyes are fixed on trying to reopen this year, but we have to do the work to figure it out together,” Fargiano said. The timing of vaccines and when
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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 or by calling the library at 508-497-9777, ext. 1512.
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HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Cabaret Open Mic: Love Songs Feb. 12
Artist Diversity Talk with Marlaina Powell | Feb. 22 at 7pm
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
Join us for the first in a new online series, sponsored by Hopkinton Cultural Council. Marlaina Powell is a member of both the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild. She has performed on Broadway in Disney’s The Lion King, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, and in the National Tour of The Civil War and Ain’t Misbehavin. Register for this free talk at www.hopartscenter.org.
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This ESL Theater children’s online production is perfect for young audiences. Tickets: $20 per household. www.hopartscenter.org February Vacation Week | Feb. 15–19 Hopkinton Center for the Arts has multiple programs for kids ages 4 to 17 to keep them busy this February Vacation break. Small class sizes. Mask required. Learn more and register at www.hopartscenter.org.
they will be distributed to faculty members is a major factor, Cavanaugh said. “I would 100 percent be in favor of taking the time to ensure that the educators in our district have had the opportunity to be vaccinated,” she stated. “That vaccine is the final step we can take to ensure that the adults in our community have the opportunity to be immunized and feel that much safer.” Schools may not necessarily open all at once, said committee member Meg Tyler, who serves on the reopening group. Among younger students, she said, spread has been “very low” compared to their older counterparts. The social and emotional impact of the pandemic has exacted a toll on students that could take years to repair, she noted. “The kids are the silent factor,” she said. “As adults we have to let go of some of our selfish needs and paranoia,” she said, and “really think carefully about what would be best for the children.”
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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Obituaries Brenda Bodreau Brenda L. (Gala) Bodreau, 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 18 at her home in Hopedale. She was the wife of George E. Bodreau for 39 years. She was born in Milford, daughter of the late Salvatore and Mary Gala, and was a lifelong Hopedale resident. She was a graduate of the Hopedale High School, Class of 1979. Brenda was presently employed as an administrative assistant for the Tekniplex Flexables in Ashland. She also was presently employed for Dr. Morin as a receptionist. In addition to her husband, she is survived by one brother, Salvatore Gala of Hopkinton, one sister, Maryann Gala of Milford, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Charles Gala. A graveside service was held Jan. 30 at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Milford. Arrangements were under the direction of the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home of Milford.
Donna Tupa Donna Tupa, 60, formerly o f Wo r c e s t e r, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15. She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Roger A. Collette and Gloria L. (Richards) Barthemes.
Donna graduated from St. PeterMarian High School and Worcester State University with a master’s degree in psychology. After Donna graduated from Worcester State University she enlisted in the U.S. Army until her retirement. She will be missed by her three daughters, Meghan McClendon, Jackie Poe and husband William Travis, and Meredith McKay and husband Matthew Scott; a niece who resided with her, Kristle Kendrick and husband Jon; and four grandchildren, Madison, Lily, Brynleigh and William. She also is survived by three brothers, Richard Collette of Boston, Mark Collette and wife Carol of Hopkinton, and Raymond Baillargeon and wife Patricia of North Brookfield; two sisters, Theresa Blakeney and husband Robert of Sequin, Texas, and Joanne DeMarco and husband Louis of Worcester; many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces; an uncle, Robert Collette; and two aunts, Joan Kelly and Carmen Richard. A Memorial Mass was held Jan. 25 in Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Church in Worcester. Funeral services were under the care of the Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home of Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart-St. Catherine of Sweden Church.
Michael Fleming Michael Fleming, 80, of Leicester died Jan. 25 at UMass Memorial Medical Center from cardiac arrest. Michael was born in Worcester on June 24, 1940, attended St. Peter Marian High School, and received his master’s degree in history from Assumption University. For 37 years he taught at Hopkinton High School, retiring in 2004. During his teaching years, he con-
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Division of Wetlands and Waterways
401 Dredging Program, 1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108, 617-292-5893 PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to 33 U.S.C. 1341 and M.G.L. c. 21 §43, notice is given of a 401 water quality certification application for dredging activities in support of the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division (10 Park Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 02116) on I-495 and I-90 in Hopkinton and Westborough for dredging of sediment within non-tidal waters of the United States within the Commonwealth in association with the following activities: • • • • • •
Installation of rip rap scour protection and natural streambed material associated with replacement of the culvert carrying I-90 eastbound and westbound over Whitehall Brook; Installation of rip rap scour protection associated with replacement of intermittent Stream Crossing 10 in the vicinity of the former toll plaza area; Installation of rip rap scour protection associated with replacement of Sudbury River Tributary 13 Crossing under existing I-90 eastbound and westbound; Construction of a relocated headwall associated with extension of Stream Crossing 26 under I-495, approximately 0.24 miles north of I-90; Vegetated apron construction at Stream Crossing 32 in the I-495 median just north of Flanders Road; and Vegetated apron construction at Stream Crossing 34 under I-495 southbound, approximately 0.42 miles north of Flanders Road.
Additional information regarding this application may be obtained by contacting Edward Hutchinson at Tetra Tech, 100 Nickerson Road, Marlborough, MA 01752, by email at ed.hutchinson@tetratech.com. Written comments should be sent to: MassDEP - Boston Office, Division of Wetlands and Waterways, 401 Dredging Program (ATTN: David Wong), 1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108 within twenty-one days of this notice. Or by email to: David.W.Wong@mass.gov. Any group of ten persons, any aggrieved person, or any governmental body or private organization with a mandate to protect the environment who submits written comments may appeal the Department’s Certification. Failure to submit written comments before the end of the public comment period may result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing.
ducted annual educational tours for the high school students, visiting the capital cities of England and Europe. Throughout his teaching years he also ran his landscaping company and decorated the church of Our Lady of the Angels, where he was a lifelong congregant, for the Christmas and Easter holy days. Michael was the third son of the late Lawrence and Myrtle Fleming. He leaves a daughter, Jennifer Fleming, her husband, Mitja, and a grandson, Liam. He also is survived by three brothers, Lawrence of Shrewsbury, Richard and wife Anna of Auburn, and Timothy of Shrewsbury, as well as nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews and greatgrandnephews. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Barbara M. Fleming, and two nephews, Joseph W. Fleming of Auburn and Jonathan D. Fleming of Worcester. Services were held at Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Grafton. Arrangements were in the care of Rice Funeral Home of Worcester. Donations in Michael’s memory may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603.
Patricia Kelly Patricia Kelly of Southborough, formerly of Framingham and New York, a devoted w i f e , m o t h e r, g r a n d m o t h e r, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully with family at age 89 on Jan. 30 at Golden Pond Assisted Living Memory Care in Hopkinton. She was born in Jackson Heights, New York, on Dec. 3, 1931, to the late James and Margaret (McLaughlin) Cullen. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald P. Kelly and is survived by their children, Brian Kelly and wife Brenda of Hopkinton, Jean Kelly Kass and late husband Thomas Kass of Bourne, Christopher Kelly and wife Diane of Framingham, and Kevin Kelly and wife Kristina of Boston. “Mimi” to her grandchildren, she leaves behind Matthew Kelly of Boston, Jacqueline Cox and husband Joseph of Framingham, Brendan Kelly of Hopkinton, Thomas Kass and wife Samantha of Scituate, Harrison Kelly of Arizona, Meagan Kelly of Boston, and Erin Kelly of Boston; her sisters, Audrey Concannon of New York, the late Margaret Cullen of Natick and husband Martin of Ireland, and the late Kathleen Cullen of New York; and her very close nieces and nephews, James Duddy, Christine Cartwright, Patrick Cullen and the late Nora Cullen. In addition, she leaves behind her dearest friend, Andrew Soma of Framingham. Pat graduated from Bishop McDonald High School in Brooklyn and St. John’s University. Prior to marriage, she began her career at J.P. Morgan in New York. In 1961, a move from New York took the young family to Framingham, where Pat happily raised her family with her husband, Donald. She restarted her career with a paralegal degree from
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Bentley University in the early 1970s while working for the law firm of Hargraves, Karb, Wilcox and Galvani in Framingham, and then the Perini Corporation in Framingham, where she became the first woman officer of the company. Upon her retirement, she launched a successful career in real estate with Coldwell Banker. Pat was the eldest sister of four girls, growing up in Queens, New York, and took that responsibility very seriously with everything she did. She was a driving force with a bright and kind personality up until her final day, which complemented her tremendous sense of humor. She cherished time spent with family, especially the weekly Sunday dinners at her house as her family grew with grandchildren over the years. She also loved vacationing with the extended family during the summers at the Cape. She was an inspiration to many and especially to her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. The family would like to send their deepest gratitude to the staff at Brookhaven Hospice and Golden Pond Assisted Living for all her loving care. Private services were under the care of the Duckett Funeral Home of J.S. Waterman & Sons in Sudbury. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C., 20090-6011.
Terene Micciche Te r e n e A . (Tarte) Micciche, 67, of Hopkinton passed away Jan. 2 surrounded by loved ones after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Audrey (Evans) Tarte. Terene was retired from her work as an emergency medical technician (EMT). She was a three-time cancer survivor and a devout Christian. She was active in the Democratic Party, serving on the Democratic Town Committee for several years. She was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society as well as many other organizations. Terene was an avid cook and gardener whose gigantic sunflowers were often featured in the local newspaper. But her most treasured role was that of being a grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah, and her husband, John, as well as her grandson, Andrew, her brother, Robert, and several nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions and her family’s concern for the well-being of family members and friends, a celebration of her life will be held at a future date when it is safe to gather again. Services are under the care of the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home of Milford. In lieu of flowers and other gifts of condolence, please consider making a donation in Terene’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude. org).
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 21
Police Log ARRESTS January 31
1:08 p.m. On Maple Street, Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brian Sanchioni arrested a Hayden Rowe Street resident on a warrant.
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 19
2:08 a.m. Officer Stephen Buckley checked on a person in a motor vehicle on Ash Street. He was working for a property owner. All was OK. 8:47 a.m. A caller reported a past hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan took a report. 10:20 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported a deceased deer was next to her driveway. The animal control officer was contacted. 10:30 a.m. A caller reported unemployment fraud and wanted it logged. 3:46 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street who appeared to be falling asleep at the wheel. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Preston Mucciarone and Brendon Lyver responded and stopped the vehicle. The driver was subsequently picked up by his wife. 5:03 p.m. A caller reported suspicious activity on Lorigan Drive involving drivers pulling up to her neighbor’s mailbox and placing something in the mailbox on a weekly basis. 7:02 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and took a report. 7:19 p.m. A Revolutionary Way resident reported the odor of natural gas in a second floor hallway. Sergeant William Burchard responded along with the Fire Department. Zero readings were found. 8:53 p.m. Officer Brendon Lyver assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street that was to stay in a parking lot overnight.
January 20
10:06 a.m. A Westborough police officer reported finding a purse containing a substantial amount of money. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and returned the purse to its owner.
4:26 p.m. A Honeysuckle Circle caller reported unemployment fraud and wanted it logged. 9:56 p.m. Officer Brendon Lyver assisted the driver of a tractor-trailer who had difficulty getting the vehicle into gear at a West Main Street intersection. 11:51 p.m. Officer Stephen Buckley and Sergeant Arthur Schofield checked on a person in a vehicle in a Lumber Street parking lot and subsequently placed a female into protective custody.
January 21
2:03 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth checked on a vehicle at the boat ramp on Cedar Street and found it unoccupied with no one in the area. Officers Firth and Stephen Buckley checked Baypath with a negative find on the vehicle’s owner. 11:36 a.m. Officers Ryan Polselli and Brendon Lyver responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars and personal injuries. One person refused medical treatment. A report was to follow. 3:48 p.m. A caller complained of a tractor-trailer backing down Wood Street. Officer Preston Mucciarone was canceled en route when the caller called back and stated the truck was out of the way and traffic flowed again. 4:52 p.m. A motorist reported an erratic operator on Main Street. Officers Tyler Brabham and Jessica Ferreira responded and caught up with the driver, who was advised of the complaint. 8:46 p.m. An Ash Street caller reported losing an iPhone 10 in a black and green case while out for a walk. The incident was logged.
January 22
7:42 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an outdoor odor of natural gas on Hayden Rowe Street. The source of the leak was discovered at a gate box in the roadway. Eversource was contacted. 12:50 p.m. A Sylvan Way caller reported a horse defecated in the roadway. The incident was logged and Sergeant Timothy Brennan was advised. 1:23 p.m. A caller complained of speeding vehicles and vehicles passing in a no passing zone on Wood Street. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and was to handle the complaint. 2:07 p.m. A Forest Lane resident reported a dryer was on fire. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department and assistance from the Ashland Fire Department. The fire was extinguished. 2:37 p.m. A caller reported a fallen cable wire in the roadway of Whalen Street. Officer Moira
Police K9 Titan helps rescue lost man on Whitehall ice
January 23
8:26 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a large amount of cash was stolen from her residence. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report. 10:25 a.m. A caller reported losing a set of keys possibly at the dump on Wood Street. The incident was logged. 11:20 a.m. A caller reported campers by the Fruit Street fields. Officer Jay Deiana responded and checked the area with a negative find. 2:28 p.m. A caller reported finding a puppy in the forest off Wood Street. The animal control officer and Baypath were notified. 3:15 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street. No injuries were reported. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report. Police log | 22
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An alert Hopkinton Police officer and the department’s K9, Titan, led to the rescue of an intoxicated man who was lost and suffering from hypothermia early in the morning of Jan. 29, according to police accounts. An officer on patrol spotted the man’s abandoned car around 1:30 a.m. and tracked down the 28-year-old’s cell phone number. “He was able to say he was lost in the woods,” Chief Joseph Bennett told the MetroWest Daily News. “He said he decided to go for a walk on a trail he was familiar with but got lost.” Officer Brian Sanchioni and Titan were called in to help, and the K9 worked efficiently in resolving the situation. “Titan was quickly able to pick up the person’s scent and successfully tracked and located him within the woods where they had slipped down a slope and was laying on the ice of the lake [Whitehall] water,” the HPD wrote on Facebook. “The individual was suffering from obvious hypothermia as they had no shoes on in the 10-degree weather. They were transported to hospital for treatment.” Bennett added that he later spoke to the man, who was very thankful for the police’s help in saving him.
McGaffigan responded and Verizon was notified. 3:08 p.m. A caller reported suspicious vehicles in a West Main Street parking lot. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Ryan Polselli and Moira McGaffigan responded and checked the vehicles. All was OK.
Hopkinton Police K9 Titan helped rescue a man suffering from hypothermia early in the morning of Jan. 29.
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22 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
Police Log Police Log | from page 21
11:47 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni assisted a vehicle on West Main Street with its hazard lights on and driving 10 mph. The driver was attempting to get home despite unknown mechanical problems.
January 24
10:11 a.m. A motorist reported a trash bag and glass in the roadway of Cedar Street. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and removed the items. 12:50 p.m. A concerned caller reported two children skating on ice on
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West Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan was to respond. 3:20 p.m. The State Police reported an erratic operator in a gray Toyota SUV got off Interstate 495 at exit 21A and headed toward town. Officers Jessica Ferreira, Ryan Polselli and Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find. 5:07 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department to an oven fire on Ursla Drive. The house was evacuated and the fire was extinguished. 6:08 p.m. A Davis Road resident complained of a neighbor, possibly off her medication, screaming for the past two days. Officers Cody Normandin and Ryan Polselli responded and checked on the individual and requested advocates to follow up with her. 8:45 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported a loud noise, possibly related to a restraining order. Officers Jessica Ferreira and Ryan Polselli responded and found the noise came from an icefilled trash bucket being knocked over.
January 25
2:41 a.m. A Woodview Way caller complained of an upstairs neighbor making noise. No threats were made. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and spoke with both parties, and the upstairs neighbor was to keep the noise level down. 1:25 p.m. A caller reported a male causing a disturbance at a doctor’s of-
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fice on Lumber Street. Sergeants Aaron O’Neil and Arthur Schofield responded and spoke with the individual, who voluntarily left the area. Sergeant O’Neil took a report. 1:36 p.m. A caller reported two terrier-type dogs running loose in the roadway of North Mill Street. The animal control officer responded and reported the dogs were located and reunited with their owner. 1:54 p.m. An Ash Street resident reported her mailbox was smashed by a vehicle. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and spoke with the reporting person, who wanted the incident logged. 3:01 p.m. The school bus company reported a disabled truck on Wilson Street was causing a traffic backup. Officer Cody Normandin responded and assisted. 6:01 p.m. Officer Brendon Lyver assisted a disabled motor vehicle in a hazardous spot on West Main Street. 9:59 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported the tires of two cars parked at his residence were slashed. Officers Cody Normandin and Tyler Brabham responded and took a report of vandalism and subsequently went to another address of a possibly involved person.
January 26
11:04 a.m. A detail officer reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Main Street. The vehicle fled southbound on Route 85. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and reported there was no damage to the vehicle that was hit, and she contacted the owner of the other vehicle. A report was to follow. 2:11 p.m. A Pheasant Hill Road caller reported a man in his 50s, possibly intoxicated, came to his residence while a construction crew was there and he yelled at and harassed them. He was driving a black Ford Escape. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival. 4:23 p.m. Officers Brendon Lyver and Tyler Brabham released an owl into the wild on Wood Street. 5:09 p.m. A caller reported a car spun around on Ash Street and was facing the wrong way. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and reported the vehicle would not start. 6:39 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle was off the roadway of Wilson Street. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and provided a courtesy transport to the owner after AAA towed the vehicle. 7:44 p.m. Officer Tyler Brabham assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Elm Street and provided the owner with a courtesy transport after the vehicle was towed. 8:18 p.m. A caller reported a female walking in the roadway of Wood Street, yelling on her phone. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and she was gone upon his arrival. 8:22 p.m. A plow driver reported a vehicle was off the roadway of Chestnut Street. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and reported the driver was at home waiting for a tow. The vehicle was not in a hazardous location. 11:34 p.m. A DPW employee reported he was plowing on Kerry Lane and there was a vehicle parked on the street. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded and the car was removed.
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January 27
9:09 a.m. Multiple calls were received about an excessive amount of water in the roadway of Hayden Rowe Street, possibly from a water main break. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Brendon Lyver and Moira McGaffigan responded and notified the Water Department. A police detail officer was requested. 9:30 a.m. Officer Ryan Polselli reported while he was at Price Chopper on West Main Street, a male approached him and asked advice about an issue with a neighbor. Officer Polselli advised him to speak with the police department in his town. 10:33 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle hit a mailbox on Hayden Rowe Street and knocked it down. Officers Brendon Lyver and Moira McGaffigan responded and requested a tow truck. A criminal application was issued to the driver. 3:04 p.m. A caller requested the removal of a customer from a Main Street establishment. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and reported the customer left prior to his arrival. A report was to follow.
January 28
7:09 a.m. A motorist reported hitting a deer on West Main Street. Officers Brendon Lyver and Moira McGaffigan responded and reported no personal injuries. 8:36 a.m. A caller reported strobe lights were activated inside an East Main Street building. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department. No smoke or fire was found. The wiring and building inspectors were contacted and responded, and the sprinkler company responded to work on the system. 12:00 p.m. Multiple callers reported a car hit a pole and there were possible injuries on East Main Street. Sergeant Scott van Raalten and Officers Brendon Lyver, Ryan Polselli, Matthew Santoro, Moira McGaffigan and Philip Powers responded and reported a pole and wires were down. Eversource and Verizon were notified. A tow truck was requested, and an ambulance transported a person to the hospital. 2:11 p.m. A caller reported stolen AirPods, which he was able to track. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to assist.
January 29
12:10 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield reported finding a loose dog on Glen Road, and he was able to return it to its owner. 1:48 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth checked on a motor vehicle parked in front of a trail on Pond Street and found it unsecured and unattended. Dispatch made contact with a relative, who stated the owner took the vehicle and was out for a walk. Officer Firth and Sergeant Arthur Schofield stopped by the vehicle owner’s home and were unable to make contact with anyone. 2:46 a.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan searched for a person on Pond Street and subsequently located him. 11:24 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan reported a road hazard on West Main Street and requested DPW assistance. 12:37 p.m. A concerned Main Street caller reported a dog had been left
The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021 • 23
Police Log outside for 2 1/2 hours. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and checked the area with a negative find. 6:49 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil checked on a motor vehicle on Wood Street and found the operator waiting for a tow. 8:00 p.m. An employee of a West Main Street establishment reported a suspicious vehicle near the entrance. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the
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occupants, who were just talking. They were sent on their way.
January 30
1:12 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Robert Ekross found an unattended vehicle in a parking lot on Lakeshore Drive and subsequently located people ice skating. They were moved along. 2:17 p.m. An Appaloosa Circle resident reported a suspicious person in
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.
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.
Swingin’ Sixties
Friday, Feb. 12, 12:30 p.m. Discover the fashions of the Swingin’ 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 ’70s. Explore what drove these changing styles and how they affected people of all ages during this turbulent time. Karen (Ren) Antonowicz, who taught History of Fashion and other courses at the college level for 13 years, will present. Participants should pre-register by calling the Senior Center, and a link to the online presentation will be provided.
a vehicle parked in front of his house. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Jay Deiana responded and spoke with the caller. 5:12 p.m. A caller complained of vehicles speeding on Hillcrest Drive. Officer Robert Ekross responded and the vehicles were gone upon his arrival. 6:22 p.m. Officer Cody Normandin checked on a motor vehicle on the side of the roadway of West Main Street. The driver had pulled over to use the phone. All was OK. 9:49 p.m. A caller reported a disabled motor vehicle on the side of Interstate 495 North. The State Police were notified.
January 31
8:33 a.m. A caller reported an ATM on Main Street was damaged. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and notified customer service. 4:49 p.m. A caller reported a large group of people on the ice with a large fire on Clinton Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and the parties were gone upon their arrival. 5:12 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported a case of unemployment fraud and wanted it logged. 7:21 p.m. An employee at an East Main Street business reported a suspicious gray van was in the parking lot an hour earlier. Officer Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with
a negative find. The caller wanted the incident logged. 9:07 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported receiving a suspicious package. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brendon Lyver responded and opened the box containing a refund from the previous night’s pizza that was accidentally overcharged.
February 1
8:48 a.m. A caller complained that trash and recycling were strewn all along the roadway of Chestnut Street. The DPW was contacted. 11:28 a.m. An Ash Street caller reported there was a flood in her house and the water had to be turned off in the roadway to stop the flood. The Water Department was notified. 12:45 p.m. A caller reported a loose dog in the roadway of Saddle Hill Road. Officers Jay Deiana and Brian Sanchioni responded with a negative find. 1:22 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Cedar Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brian Sanchioni responded and requested a tow. A report was to follow. 5:42 p.m. A caller complained of an ATV speeding up and down Eastview Road. Officer Brendon Lyver and School Resource Officer Philip Powers responded and spoke with the rider, who was to put the vehicle away for the night.
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Books, Books and More Books
Friday, Feb. 19, 12:30 p.m. Seniors are invited to participate in a book club being held virtually (phone, laptop or iPad) to share what they have been reading and to get reading suggestions. Participants should call the Senior Center for the call-in number or Zoom meeting invitation link.
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.
Our Time Memory Cafe
Call for dates (virtual) Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through similar changes, and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call (508) 497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.
TED Talks
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. In 1984 TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation. The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
Meet Marilee!
Our ophthalmic technician. Marilee performs diagnostic testing on our patients. She spends a lot of her time operating equipment that helps patients that have dry eyes. Marilee instructs patients on how to insert and remove contact lenses. She can help you with anything in the office!
Call today to schedule an appointment!
Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment (walkers, bath seats, canes, crutches — but no longer commodes), for Hopkinton residents’ use only, is available to be loaned out free of charge. Wheelchairs, both standard and transport, require a $25 refundable deposit and are limited to two months.
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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • February 10, 2021
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