Hopkinton Independent May 19 2021

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 10 | May 19, 2021

Few surprises, few voters at Town Meeting PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Town Meeting moderator Tom Garabedian (standing), surrounded by town officials, prepares to speak to voters at the May 8 Town Meeting.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

FIELD OF DREAMS

he May 8 Town Meeting was an amicable affair, with only one article on the schools having any debate during the morning hours.

But the process was nearly halted when the quorum was called into question by developer Ron Nation at noon, as there were only 101 voters present of the necessary 117 when Articles 35 and 36 on amending the solar bylaw and the creation of a solar overlay district were

A ceremony was held May 1 to rededicate the Lauren Anderson Softball Field at Hopkinton High School, and it was followed by an exhibition game putting current members of the HHS team against an alumni squad that included some of Anderson’s former teammates. Members of the alumni team included (from left) Sara Jean Higgins, Courtney Bowker, Curren Leahy-Lonigro, Riki Anderson Rubin (Lauren’s mother), Megan McLaughlin, Carly (Lysik) Ciarletto, Crystal (Valla) Penders and Lindsay (McCumber) Grass.

Town Meeting | 9

INSIDE

As town mourns teen, family demands answers

TOWN ELECTION School Committee candidates share ideas in HCAM forum

By Jerry Spar, Managing Editor

T

he Mikayla Miller rally at the Town Common on May 6 put residents in a very uncomfortable position.

While many residents expressed a desire to show their support for Miller’s family and shine a light on how Black people do not receive equal treatment from the justice system, it put them in the position of at least appearing to support accusations that a handful of teenagers — three of whom are Hopkinton residents — played a direct role in Miller’s death and that local police contributed to a coverup.

Muriel Kramer, who is a candidate for the Select Board in this weekend’s election, said she hoped to keep the focus on the family.

“We can support this family, we can hold their pain, we can work with them,” she said. “I hope that

Calvina Strothers tries to contain her emotions as she talks about her late daughter, Mikayla Miller, during a May 6 rally on the Town Common.

Mikayla Miller | 12

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

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

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FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com

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

Memorial Day could be start of new beginning M

emorial Day, which is May 31 this year, is a time to look back, to honor those who lost their lives protecting this country. For Mike Whalen, who organizes the Hopkinton activities, he hopes it’s also a time to look ahead.

“I’d like it to be almost a coming-out party for the town to kick this [COVID-19] virus, and for people to get back to having a nice, normal summer,” Whalen said. “I think a lot of people are anxious to Mike Whalen speaks during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Town Common in 2019. return to our normal life for sure.”

Per usual, the day will start with a 9:45 a.m. ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Woodville. Around 10:30 there will be a ceremony at the two cemeteries on Mayhew Street, which will include the participation of local clergy, students and Scouts, Whalen said.

The day will conclude with the ceremony at the Town Common, starting around 11:15 a.m. and concluding with the flag being raised from half-mast to the top around noontime. Among those expected to attend are members of the Select Board and state Rep. Carolyn Dykema.

One noticeable absence is the parade, which in the past has featured fire trucks, vintage military vehicles, the Hopkinton High School INDEPENDENT band and local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Whalen said he spoke to THOUGHTS organizers from other towns as well as the Scouts and decided it was better to skip the parade this year.

JERRY SPAR “Everything else will be the same,” he said. “Ahead of Memorial Day we will [place flags at] all the cemeteries in town with the aid of the Scouts.”

Another sign of normalcy was the return of the monthly Veterans Breakfast at the Senior Center earlier this month. That provided veterans an opportunity to gather in a social setting for the first time since last year, when a few breakfasts were held at the Town Common.

Whalen said there are about 500 residents who identified themselves as veterans in the most recent census, although he said a number of them are individuals who moved here to live in retirement facilities and are not as visible.

He said 2020 was especially tough for veterans, who could not attend memorial services to show support for fellow vets who passed away during the pandemic.

“A year ago we couldn’t even pay our last respects to some of the veterans during a time when absolutely no services were allowed,” he said. “We were able to attend some of the wakes and funerals for veterans who died this year. We were glad to do that.”

Newspaper questions answered The tragic Mikyala Miller situation (see front page) led to a number of residents reaching out with questions about the way our newspaper collects and presents information.

A few people asked about the Police Log, as there was no record in recent logs of the confrontation the Hopkinton High School sophomore had with some fellow teenagers the weekend Miller died. There also was no mention in the log of the jogger reporting the discovery of the teen’s body on April 18.

The Hopkinton Police Department releases an official police log, which is available to the public (the HPD’s Twitter page has links). The Independent rewrites the official log into a more easily understood wrap-up. Only the most minor items are omitted. We run our full version on our website each week, and a condensed version in each edition of the paper.

It should be noted that the police leave out items from their log on occasion, most notably calls that deal with minors and domestic issues. So the fact that there was nothing about Mikayla Miller in the log is consistent with how the police have handled similar issues in the past.

A couple of readers also questioned why we did not have more information on the situation in our last issue. That’s because the Independent is put together a full week in advance. We make some updates for a day or two after that, but the paper was at the printer by the time the news broke that the family and supporters were planning a rally on the Town Common.

We encourage readers to check our website (HopkintonIndependent.com) for more up-to-date and complete coverage of this and all news stories.

Restaurant Week underway The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week — which we wrote about in our last issue — kicked off last weekend and ends this Friday. Kudos to the chamber for putting together a town-bonding event, just what Hopkinton needed.

Individuals who dine at one of the participating establishments (check hopchamber. com for details) will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate. Thanks to support from local businesses, the chamber was able to purchase dozens of gift certificates to give away.

The hope is that this event will serve as a jumpstart for the restaurants to get back to business as usual.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 3

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‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

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Anderson Field team grateful for help On May 1, we rededicated the renovated Lauren Anderson Softball Field at Hopkinton High School in Lauren’s memory. What began as a community project in August 2019 is now a reality thanks to the dedication and generosity of many individuals, organizations and businesses.

Among these supporters, Ryan Fowler stands out. When he learned about the field restoration project, Ryan, an HHS grad himLETTERS TO self, volunteered to be the project construction manager. He negotiTHE EDITOR ated each purchase, managed the construction schedule and worked tirelessly with the HHS facilities team to install all the upgrades. It would be difficult to tally the hours and hands-on labor that Ryan dedicated to this project. And he did all of it without fanfare.

Ryan is a true example of the spirit of volunteerism that continues to be part of the fabric of Hopkinton. There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to him for the major role he played in restoring the Lauren Anderson Softball Field.

Thank you, Ryan.

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

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Election Meet the candidates for town positions The Town Election is scheduled for May 22. The only contested race is School Committee.

The Hopkinton Independent invited all candidates to answer some basic questions about their background and provide a general statement. On these pages we present the second group of responses. The first group was published in our May 5 issue. All of them can be viewed online at HopkintonIndependent.com.

Below is a list of all positions on the ballot.

School Committee (3 years, vote for 2) Amanda Fargiano, Unenrolled, Incumbent Margaret Tyler, Democrat, Incumbent Jared Pray, Unenrolled Select Board (3 years, vote for 2) Irfan Nasrullah, Democrat, Incumbent Muriel Kramer, Democrat Planning Board (5 years, vote for 2) David Paul, Unenrolled, Incumbent Robert Benson Jr., Democrat, Incumbent Planning Board (1-year unexpired term, vote for 1) Francis DeYoung, Unenrolled, Incumbent Board of Assessors (3 years, vote for 1) Lesley A. Ficarri, Democrat, Incumbent Board of Health (3 years, vote for 1) Regina Miloslavsky, Democrat

School Committee candidates discuss COVID recovery strategies

Cemetery Commissioners (3 years, vote for 1) Thomas Pratt, Democrat, Incumbent Cemetery Commissioners (1 year, vote for 1) Kyla McSweeney, Democrat Constable (3 years, vote for 1) Francis D’Urso, Democrat, Incumbent Housing Authority (5 years, vote for 1) John Morris, Democrat Library Trustee (3 years, vote for 1) Stanley Pulnik, Democrat, Incumbent Parks & Recreation Commissioners (3 years, vote for 2) Daniel Terry, Unenrolled, Incumbent Amy O’Donnell, Democrat Commissioners of Trust Funds (3 years, vote for 1) Melissa Hayes, Democrat

Amanda Fargiano

Jared Pray

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he three candidates for School Committee talked about their views for educating Hopkinton’s children after the fallout from the pandemic at an HCAM candidates forum May 4.

School Committee chair Amanda Fargiano, incumbent member Margaret “Meg” Tyler and challenger Jared Pray are vying for two seats in the upcoming election on May 22. Although they shared some common goals, each had a unique perspective that shaped how they would make decisions.

When asked about the most important qualification for a School Committee member, Fargiano said one of her strengths was “being able to process a wide breadth and depth of information across many, many topics.” This skill was useful as she and committee members navigated the challenges of successfully reopening the schools during the COVID-19 crisis, dealing with everything from management of the facilities to the socio-emotional needs of students.

“I like to do an analysis and figure out with a level where to go with that information to help lead the district,” she added.

Tyler said her tenure on the School Committee has taught her to learn from opposing points of view. One of the most trying experiences was being on the Reopening Committee, when many parents wanted their children back in school sooner while others were hesitant about returning too quickly.

“I think that we all have strong emotions, whether we illustrate that or not,” she said. “Part of listening well is learning not to react to how you’re feeling in that moment, but to be able to acknowledge how you’re feeling and be able to synthesize the information.”

Pray said his decision-making abilities will make him an effective School Committee member. He spoke about the “paralysis” during the pandemic about the return to school that made progress frustrating.

“It’s so important that you’re able to make a decision with 60 to 80 percent of the data,” he said, noting he works in the pharmaceutical industry where data is critical. “It’s OK to change direction. It’s OK to change course a little bit but ultimately to make a decision and move forward.”

On priorities, Tyler said that hers was providing support to students and teachers as they transition back to the classroom environment.

“I think we need to be honest about the impact that the pandemic has had on each of us,” she said, “particularly the students, who’ve had their routines disrupted and

HopkintonIndependent.com

Meg Tyler

adult themes circulating in the air a lot of the time, especially this week.”

Pray said that one thing that concerned him was that in a recent student survey, it was “disheartening to see how many of the kids were in a kind of a tough spot from a socio-emotional perspective.”

His other priority is planning for the enrollment growth.

Pandemic recovery also is Fargiano’s goal, academically and emotionally. She noted that every student has had a unique experience during COVID-19, and it will take time to assimilate everyone back to the culture that previously existed at the schools and work on social justice. She also wanted to make sure the school’s facilities would allow the academic, music, art and STEM programs to flourish.

“We’re all Hopkinton,” she added.

“We’re all one town, one community. We really have done a lot of work on diversity, equity and inclusion. But we have a lot more work to do.”

Getting back to “normal” will be the greatest challenge, Pray said. He said it will take time before students will be able to return to having the close contact they once enjoyed at lunch tables and activities.

Fargiano explained that the greatest obstacle she sees the committee facing is “to meet each child where they are and to help them be their best selves.”

Some students may have been able to excel remotely and engage in college coursework, while others could not adapt to Zoom. To balance the educational needs with the reality of coping with COVID-19 repercussions is her goal.

“I think the biggest obstacle we face right now is anxiety,” Tyler said. “Anxiety on the part of the teachers, the administration and the kids because we’ve had to adapt so quickly to very difficult circumstances. I think we really need to work on rebuilding the trust. We need the kids to feel that they can trust the schools to be there to support them to help allay their anxiety.”

Regarding the governor’s guidelines to reopen, Fargiano said she is “100 percent behind where we are right now.”

She came to this decision after “churning through a lot of data.”

“Our kids need this,” she added. “The kids are very happy to be back, and I think the schools are very safe.”

Tyler agreed with Fargiano’s assessment. However, she also read studies on social distancing and thought that students might have been able to return to class earlier.

She added that the quarantining policy has been called into question by some parents, who wanted longer quarantines due to spikes.

Candidates | 5

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 5

Meet the candidates for town positions AMY O’DONNELL Position being sought: Parks and Recreation Commission Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Chemical engineer Education: B.S. in chemical engineering, MBA Years lived in Hopkinton: 8 Governmental experience: This is my first time running for local government, but I worked for the federal government in the Department of Veterans Affairs for four years.

Additional volunteer/service experience: Hopkinton Preschool Council, St. John the Evangelist religious education teacher, Hopkinton Youth Lacrosse General statement: My name is Amy O’Donnell and I’m running for a position on the Parks and Recreation Commission. My husband, Ed, and I moved to Hopkinton eight years ago with our four boys. We continue to appreciate the overwhelming sense of home and community in Hopkinton. I’ve had the pleasure to become actively involved in Hopkinton Lacrosse, the Integrated Preschool School Council, and the religious education program at St. John’s Church. Being a part of these wonderful organizations has only reinforced my desire to help more.

Our boys are very active in the many activities and sports in town. I would like to use my passion to help the commission by focusing my attention on these youth sports and programs to maintain their high quality for years to come. I feel my background as an engineer with a focus on efficiency and process improvement can be an asset on the commission.

DAN TERRY Position being sought: Parks and Recreation Commission Party affiliation: Unenrolled Years lived in Hopkinton: 56 Governmental experience: Nine years on Parks and Recreation Commission, chair three years; Community Preservation Committee; Turf Field Oversight Committee REGINA MILOSLAVSKY Position being sought: Board of Health Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Speech language pathologist, physician assistant graduate student at Mass. General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals Education: Bachelor of Arts in English, Master of Science in education, Master of Science in speech language pathology, Master of Science in physician assistant studies Years lived in Hopkinton: 6-plus Governmental experience: Volunteering for local Democratic campaigns (Manhattan, New York; Brookline and Waltham) Additional volunteer/service experience: Medic volunteer for Boston Marathon (Brookline, Hopkinton) General statement: My name is Regina and I am running for an opening seat on the Hopkinton Board of Health. The decision to run for this seat is based on my goal to be able to effectuate equitable public health and safety decisions when it comes to the Hopkinton community. My other goals are to strategize ahead and respond timely and effectively to the overall health needs of our community working closely with the local School Committee and Hopkinton businesses. I am using my direct health care experience as a front-line health care provider at a major hospital in Boston and a current physician assistant student at the MGH Institute of Health Professionals to have a wholistic multi-prong approach to the town’s health standards and policies. My latent goal is to contribute to the overall diversity of the Hopkinton Board of Health being an immigrant, a working mom and a woman of a color.

I respectfully ask for your vote on Saturday, May 22, so that we can build on Hopkinton’s high public health and safety standards and grow further as the best community in Massachusetts.

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Candidates discuss COVID recovery strategies Candidates | from page 4

“I think the state started conservative, and it was the right way to go,” Pray said.

“If there’s anything I would have done differently, it would be the way the district reacted to those guidelines.”

He added that neighboring communities returned to school more quickly than Hopkinton, in some cases “many months before.”

Fargiano responded, saying that “everyone was looking over their shoulders at other districts.” Toward that end, she convened a roundtable discussion group of 12 school committee chairs to see how things were progressing in their areas to see what could be learned.

“One thing that I learned is that there’s always a unique set of circumstances,” she said. “There’s never an exact match.”

All candidates agreed that keeping the schools at a high caliber was a priority, as it helps to drive up property values and support the businesses. They also talked about ways to incorporate digital learning

into the classroom post-pandemic.

“In some ways it would be disappointing if we didn’t look at ways in which this worked,” Pray said of learning online.

The three candidates were supportive of the music program and seeing students performing live again. They also wanted to see after-school programming return in full force.

“For so many kids, they find their identity in extracurriculars,” Fargiano said.

“I think we have to make it a priority to get all of our in-person activities up and running as soon as possible.”

Pray noted that there is a mentality that the pandemic is over.

“There’s still a lot that we need to do in terms of COVID,” he said. “I don’t think that Hopkinton needs to be on the leading edge of anything, whether it’s kids sitting together at lunch or doing away with masks. But I think it’s also important that we are progressive as we think about these changes and that we don’t sit back and wait for state-mandated deadlines.”

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

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Meet the candidates for town positions DAVE PAUL Position being sought: Planning Board, 5-year term (incumbent) Party affiliation: Unenrolled Occupation: IT engineer Education: Bachelor’s degree Years lived in Hopkinton: 26 Governmental experience: Planning Board (5 years), Design Review Board (1 year), Trails Committee (1 year) Additional volunteer/service experience: Youth hockey referee (5 years) General statement: I support both commercial and residential development that is done the proper way.

ROBERT BENSON JR. Position being sought: Planning Board, 5-year term (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Software product and technology management Education: B.S. in electrical engineering from UMass-Amherst, MBA Babson College Years lived in Hopkinton: 36 Governmental experience: Current Planning Board member for the past two years Additional volunteer/service experience: Coach for Hopkinton Basketball Association, Hopkinton Youth Soccer and Hopkinton Little League General statement: My name is Rob Benson, candidate for Planning Board, and I’d really appreciate your vote in the May 22nd election!

I will continue to work hard to find common ground and bring a balanced view to the Planning Board to proactively manage residential and commercial growth to be in line with the best interests of the town.

I am appreciative that I’ve been able to live in Hopkinton with its great schools and community activities for most of my life, having gone to Elmwood School, graduated from Hopkinton High School and now raising my twin boys with my wife, Kelly.

Outside of town government I coach youth soccer, youth basketball and Little League.

In my professional life I’m part of a private equity firm that invests in software businesses where I focus on operational improvements in our investments.

FRAN DeYOUNG Position being sought: Planning Board, 1-year unexpired term (incumbent) Party affiliation: Unenrolled Occupation: Sales Education: B.S. Purdue University, MBA Michigan State University Years lived in Hopkinton: Since 2006 Governmental experience: Planning Board (6 years), Zoning Advisory Committee (2 years), Growth Study Committee (current member) Additional volunteer/service experience: Hopkinton Little League past president, Hopkinton Running Club past president, Milford Regional Medical Center Contributors Council, coached various youth sports (soccer, basketball, baseball) General statement: I’m running for the Planning Board open seat because I continue to have a passion for serving this community and the wonderful people who live here. To help balance the needs of town in light of the growth we have experienced over the past few years while striving to maintain the charm, character and open space that makes Hopkinton such a special place. I believe my understanding of zoning requirements and bylaws can positively help guide in the direction, strategy and planning decisions that will benefit homeowners, and properly align development that will have a positive long-term impact for the residences of Hopkinton. Thank you for support in the past and your consideration for choosing me for this position.

STANLEY PULNIK Position being sought: Library Board of Trustees (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Retired guitar builder Education: HHS Class of 1970, some college Years lived in Hopkinton: Most of my life Governmental experience: I have served several terms in this position since the board became public.

Additional volunteer/service experience: I served as a volunteer at the library before becoming a board member, and I am a member of the Friends of the Library in addition to being the Trustees liaison to the Friends.

General statement: It has been my privilege to have served on this board for several terms since the board became public. Trustees are advisors to the director of the library. We are advocates for and defenders of the public library and the rights of free speech and expression. We advise on policy and assist in implementing policies and strategic planning. Our library is more than a repository for books. It has become a center of the community, and we as board members strive to be certain that every patron is made to feel welcome and safe and is treated with equality and respect regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender or orientation. I look forward to participating in the future growth of the programs and services the library provides the community, and the implementation of the new strategic plan.

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Hopkinton Town Election is scheduled for May 22

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 7

Meet the candidates for town positions LESLEY A. FICARRI Position being sought: Board of Assessors (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Human resources consultant/leadership coach Education: Master of Science in HR management Years lived in Hopkinton: 20 Governmental experience: Four years on the Board of Assessors Additional volunteer/service experience: Advisory Committee, Bridge Over Troubled Waters — This organization provides life-changing services for homeless, run-away and at-risk youth.

General statement: My name is Lesley Ficarri, and I am running for re-election to the Board of Assessors. Over the past four years I have enjoyed serving our community on this board and working with the talented employees in the Assessors Department to accurately value real estate and personal property, consider tax abatements and exemptions and provide the data and analysis needed to set the annual tax rate in accordance with Massachusetts law. During my tenure, I am proud that the BOA sponsored Town Meeting articles for senior tax relief and additional exemptions for veterans, which passed overwhelmingly.

I respectfully ask for your vote on Saturday, May 22nd, to continue serving you on the Board of Assessors.

FRANK D’URSO Position being sought: Constable (incumbent) Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Computer science consultant Education: Master of management Cambridge College, B.S. Northeastern University, certifications from MIT, Harvard, Cornell Years lived in Hopkinton: 22 Governmental experience: Civic Engagement Committee 2003-04, founding member of Sustainable Green Committee 2008-20, Conservation Commission 201115, Keefe Tech School Committee 2012-15, Planning Board 2015-20, constable since 2017 Additional volunteer/service experience: Boys Scouts Troop 4, Hopkinton Little League, Hopkinton Youth Soccer General statement: While the town constable position is deeply historical and mainly honorary, I enjoy participating in the role, ensuring that all legal requirements of notification are met before Town Meetings and Elections. I’m legally bonded so I can properly participate in the more difficult aspects of the role. I enjoy helping people when I can. I’m available to help with civil issues, serving court and legal notices, locating lost people, serving as a witness to ensure the safety of people in difficult housing/business situations. I am listed in the phone book and can be contacted through the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall. Please vote, and thank you for voting for me.

OPENING DOORS To New Beginnings Working with the right agent is crucial to navigating the current market.

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KYLA McSWEENEY Position being sought: Cemetery Commission Party affiliation: Democrat Occupation: Grant director, Quinsigamond Community College Education: B.A. in early childhood education from Wheelock College, M.S. in leadership and policy from Wheelock College, J.D. from Suffolk University School of Law Years lived in Hopkinton: 13 Governmental experience: Employee at Massachusetts Department of Education (before it was DESE), adjunct professor at Bunker Hill Community College and Massachusetts Bay Community College, director at Quinsigamond Community College Additional volunteer/service experience: President, Lucy’s Legacy Foundation 2020-present, member 2018- 20; Wheelock College Alumni Association treasurer 2015- 17; vice president Wheelock College Alumni Association 2004-06; admissions chair, Wheelock College Alumni Association 1996-99; member Hopkinton Democratic Committee 2021-present General statement: My love of cemeteries began as a Girl Scout when we did gravestone rubbings of historical gravestones in my hometown in Vernon, Connecticut. I live near the cemetery on Wood Street and it is a place of reflection and recreation for many in our neighborhood. I am at awe of the historical significance of many of Hopkinton’s cemeteries. I believe we need to honor and maintain these historical treasures as well as make the cemeteries a welcoming place for our residents to both honor their loved ones and have a space to reflect.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Town Meeting Restrictions on solar arrays approved, but not overlay map

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Residents cast their votes on one of the articles at the May 8 Town Meeting.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

own Meeting shed some light on how residents want to pursue the town’s solar energy policy, voting 126-14 on May 8 to approve restrictions on commercial solar photovoltaic installations.

However, there was not enough support for a proposed commercial solar photovoltaic overlay district proposed by the Planning Board, with some voters expressing concern that it could be challenged in court because there was no case law setting precedent on its governance. The article got 82 yes votes vs. 59 against, but a two-thirds majority was required for passage.

Planning Board chair Gary Trendel explained both articles, noting that Hopkinton currently has about 19 acres of commercial ground-mounted solar.

There are 45 acres more that have been approved but not yet built in this growing industry.

“In my experience on the Planning Board these projects are the most challenging to review, as they have substantial impacts, often in residential areas,” he said. “And yet they receive a very high level of advocacy from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”

He noted that the state does not allow cities and towns to prohibit or “unreasonably regulate” solar arrays.

Trendel made a point to clarify that these articles do not regulate solar energy as an accessory use, such as panels on homes or over parking lots.

Article 35, the solar farm restrictions, is designed to strengthen the existing bylaw by regulating the visual impact of ground-mounted solar arrays. The article would require a site plan review for all commercial solar projects rather than obtaining a special permit. Year-round visual shielding for the life of the project is another component that would be required, including fencing that is friendly to wildlife.

Trails that are altered would have to be relocated within the same parcel, according to the article. Stipulations for sight line analysis, glare analysis and noise analysis are included, as well as pollinator friendly landscaping and bonding to support maintenance.

Article 36 was more controversial in that it created a solar overlay district that determines on which parcels commercial solar arrays can be installed. It

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is comprised primarily of parcels that already have commercial solar installations built on them, with the addition of the Interstate 495 corridor and the E.L. Harvey property, which is not forested.

Towns including Wellesley and Weston have enacted solar overlay districts, Trendel noted.

He added that, while the Attorney General’s Office would be likely to approve the solar overlay district, it could be challenged in court.

Resident Steve Hopkins said he thought Article 35 was “quite onerous and overkill for what it does,” citing the noise analysis as a point of contention.

“Part of it has to do with the clearcutting that is associated with this,” Trendel replied. “There could be some changes in noise thresholds.”

Fran DeYoung said the measure provides some standards for the board to review. A Planning Board member, he spoke as a private citizen on the matter.

Resident Jeff Doherty said this measure was “overkill.” He added that he was “in support of the general concept,” but thought that the article needed more work.

Article 36 received heavier scrutiny.

“If the first one didn’t say Hopkinton is against solar expansion, this one certainly does,” said Steven Popkes in opposition.

“I look at a solar field and I get excited,” he continued. “I don’t see any aesthetic problem whatsoever. To me that is another school we don’t have to build.”

“If we adopt this, we’re asking for a lawsuit,” added Ken Weismantel, “because anyone that wants to build it is going to have to sue us to do it.”

He added that I-495 is state property, so Hopkinton’s permission is not required.

Doherty, who lives in an agricultural district, said that this article would take away his property rights and “is exclusionary and is segregation.”

“It does not take an individual’s opportunity to have solar,” Eric Sonnet said in support of the article. “It just makes the town part of the process by forcing a Town Meeting vote to be included so the property can be included in the overlay map. If it’s good enough for Weston and Wellesley, why isn’t it good enough for us?”

In the end, it was not quite good enough to capture the two-thirds of the votes necessary to pass.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 9

Town Meeting sails through articles, quorum issue only holdup Town Meeting | from page 1

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

about to be debated.

Town moderator Tom Garabedian called for a half-hour recess and encouraged voters to turn out to the tent at Hopkinton High School so that the session would not have to reconvene the following Saturday.

“What I’m imploring townspeople to do is to come to the football field and check in so we can reach a quorum and finalize the meeting,” he said.

A half-hour later the count was up to 136. And it was a good thing the additional residents appeared, because most of the debate occurred near the end of the meeting.

One article discussed at length was Article 37, which considered rubbish disposal for garden style apartments and village style condominiums in residential districts. It failed, getting only 12 supporters vs. 94 opposed, with a two-thirds majority required for passage.

“I’m here to talk trash,” said Garabedian, temporarily stepping down from his capacity as moderator in order to bring forth the article. Assistant moderator Muriel Kramer served in his place.

Garabedian modified the language of the article to state that “rubbish disposal may be provided by the town” rather than “will be provided by the town,” which raised some questions from the participants.

“As a resident within a condominium complex having been in a single-family home prior to moving in, I don’t believe that it is appropriate that the provision of waste management and recycling should be within the zoning bylaw,” Garabedian said.

“This change, if Article 37 as amended is adopted, would leave it to the town [Select Board or DPW] to determine if garden apartments in residential districts or village housing in residential districts could be allowed to have town-provided waste management and recycling services.”

Select Board member Mary Jo LaFreniere, speaking as a resident, opposed the article, explaining that she lives in a condominium complex and that this type of measure has been voted down in previous Town Meetings.

“Most of these streets in garden apartments and condominium complexes are not accepted town streets,” she said.

Mary Larson-Marlowe, who serves on the Planning Board and the Zoning Advisory Committee, explained that only new developments of this type would be affected by the article.

The bylaw would remove the prohibition of trash collection, not compel the town to collect trash.

Mike Shepard opposed the article.

“Most of the projects we’re talking about — the village apartments and the condominiums — all have the same thing in common, and it’s the density,” he said. “When they were initially approved, this was part of the deal. … I can’t accept that as a public citizen that I’m going to pay for pickup of somebody’s trash that they already agreed that they are going to take care of.”

Another article late in the nearly five-hour meeting that was briefly discussed before being approved was Article 40. It dealt with keeping leaves, branches and natural materials off of streets and sidewalks. Previously, only

At the start of Town Meeting, three local media outlets — the Independent, HopNews and eHop — were acknowledged for contributions to the town. On hand were (from left) eHop representatives Charusmitha Ram and Nanda Barker-Hook, Independent founder Sarah Duckett and Independent publisher David Bagdon.

Most of the projects we’re talking about — the village apartments and the condominiums — all have the same thing in common, and it’s the density. When they were initially approved, this was part of the deal. … I can’t accept that as a public citizen that I’m going to pay for pickup of somebody’s trash that they already agreed that they are going to take care of.

— Mike Shepard snow was outlined. Residents brought up people who used leaf blowers and sump pumps to push leaves and water, respectively, onto the sidewalks and streets.

Earlier in the day, financial matters dominated the flow of conversation.

But there was no debate or opposition to these articles.

OFFER ACCEPTED!

In the Special Town Meeting, which was held at the start of Annual Town Meeting, two articles were considered. The first was a means-tested senior citizens tax exemption, which was a reauthorization of a previous policy that extended it for a period of three years.

The second was the funding of

a feasibility study for the potential replacement of Elmwood School, and it passed by a 105-1 vote. The $1 million appropriation was necessary as the school is under consideration for review by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for eligibility for a feasibility study for a possible future new school.

In Annual Town Meeting, the town passed its FY22 operating budget. Appropriation Committee chair Michael Manning presented the news that the budget will be balanced with opportunities for some increases in school staff and infrastructure improvements.

“One of the town’s core financial principles is to budget in a cautious and prudent way,” Manning said. He noted the challenges of preparing a budget during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic with unsure revenue flow and local aid.

“Fortunately key developments have made a draw on the town stabilization fund and the school stabilization fund unnecessary,” he explained, noting there will be an 11.6 percent increase in state aid. The town also will receive more than $5 million in federal aid, he said.

The schools will see an increase of 18.6 new positions at a first-year cost of about $959,000, he said. A counselor has been added to the Youth and Family Services Department, and a half-time driver was added for the Senior Center. One new police patrol officer will be funded through a host community agreement via the Legacy Farms development. The average tax impact will be 2.86 percent if all four capital debt exclusion projects are voted favorably at Town Election on May 22.

Manning added that residential property values rose from $2.7 billion to $4.5 billion from 2011 to 2021, a 65 percent increase. He attributed this to the increase in new construction as well as the value of existing property.

Another item of note that passed was Article 29. It removed car washes as an allowed use in the downtown business district. While it required a two-thirds vote for passage, it received a unanimous vote.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Complete Town Meeting results

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The check-in area at Town Meeting did not see much action May 8, as the turnout of voters was low.

Following are the results of voting for all the articles at the May 8 Annual Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting in the order they were voted.

Votes required a simple majority unless noted. Vote totals are listed by those in favor first, followed by those opposed.

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Article 1, Establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, passed by voice vote.

Article 2, Fund a feasibility study related to Elmwood School, passed by head count, 105-1 (two-thirds majority required).

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Article 1, Acceptance of town reports, passed by voice vote.

Article 2, FY21 supplemental appropriations and transfers, passed by voice vote.

Article 3, Unpaid bills from prior fiscal years, passed by voice vote (four-fifths majority required).

Article 4, Excess bond premium, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 5, Set the salary of elected officials, passed by voice vote.

Article 6, Operating budget, passed by voice vote.

Article 7, Parks & Recreation revolving funds, passed by voice vote.

Article 8, Revolving funds spending limits, passed by voice vote.

Article 9, Consumer price index for property tax exemptions, passed by voice vote.

Article 10, Chapter 90 highway funds, passed by voice vote.

Article 11, Transfer to other post-employment benefits liability trust fund, passed by voice vote.

Article 12, Transfer from the General Stabilization Fund, voice vote to take no action.

Article 13, Transfer from School Department Stabilization Fund to General Fund, voice vote to take no action.

Article 14. Transfer from School Department Stabilization Fund to School Department, voice vote to take no action.

Article 15, Parks & Recreation Enterprise Fund, passed by voice vote.

Article 16, Pay-as-you-go capital expenses, passed by voice vote.

Article 17, Marathon School addition, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 18, School HVAC renewal and digital control upgrade, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 19, Hopkins and Hopkinton Middle School roof replacement, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 20, Police station roof replacement,

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passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 21, Pratt Farm well field, passed by voice vote.

Article 22, Grove Street chlorine injection, passed by voice vote.

Article 23, Alprilla Farm well, passed by voice vote.

Article 24, Water main replacement, Woody Island Road, passed by voice vote.

Article 25, Inflow and infiltration investigation, passed by voice vote.

Article 26, Vehicle replacement (Sewer Department truck), passed by voice vote.

Article 27, Community Preservation funds, passed by voice vote.

Article 28, Items A-G, Community Preservation recommendations, passed by voice vote.

Article 28, Item H, Community Preservation recommendation, purchase “Dunbar” property on Hayden Rowe, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 29, Remove car wash as use allowed by special permit in downtown business district, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 30, Industrial B District housekeeping, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 31, Wireless telecommunications facilities, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 32, Accessory family dwelling unit, passed by head count, 92-12 (two-thirds majority required).

Article 33, Nonconforming lots, uses and structures, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 34, Temporary signs, passed by voice vote (two-thirds majority required).

Article 35, Commercial solar photovoltaic restrictions, passed by head count, 126-14, (two-thirds majority required).

Article 36, Commercial solar photovoltaic overlay district, failed by head count, 82-59 (two-thirds majority required).

Article 37, Rubbish disposal, garden apartments/village housing in residential districts, failed by head count, 12-94 (two-thirds majority required).

Article 38, Dog licensing, passed by voice vote.

Article 39, Stormwater management and erosion control, passed by voice vote.

Article 40, Obstruction of streets and sidewalks, and housekeeping, passed by voice vote.

Article 41, Street opening permits, passed by voice vote.

Article 42, Trench safety officer, passed by voice vote.

Article 43, Authorize sale or disposal of townowned property at 148 Lumber St., passed by voice vote.

Article 44, Fund purchase of parcels of land off Teresa Road, voice vote to take no action.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 11

News Town public health nurse Mauro steps down H

Greyhound Friends adds new board members, plans open house Greyhound Friends, the nonprofit greyhound adoption shelter located on Saddle Hill Road, announced that it added three new board members at its recent annual meeting. Paul Curley of Sterling, Samantha Dexter of Milford and Michael Simon of Holliston joined the board of directors last month.

“Our new directors bring a range of skills and talents to our board, as well as an infusion of new energy,” said board president Cathy DeNorscia. “We also acknowledge and appreciate the dedicated service of two directors who completed their terms this spring, Peter M. Bloom and Dr. Rena Schindler.”

The organization also announced that it will hold its spring open house on Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Current and past greyhound adopters, supporters and friends, including Hopkinton neighbors, are warmly invited to attend. The event is free and open to the

have a financial need. Thanks to the Delbridge Fund and all of our donors we are able to provide tuition assistance where needed.”

As a nonprofit community arts center, the HCA strives to provide opportunities for everyone to benefit from an arts education regardless of income.

PHOTO/DAKOTA ANTELMAN

opkinton public health nurse Kasey Mauro announced earlier this month she was resigning, with her last day scheduled for June 4.

In a message posted on her webNEWS BRIEFS site, Mauro explained that when she took the job in late 2019 she was hoping to spend more time with her family. It did not work out that way.

“This past 1.5 years has challenged me in so many ways that I was not anticipating when I accepted the position,” she wrote. “It was my goal to leave the bedside and hospital nursing to be able to enjoy my family, have weekends off and a normal sleep schedule. However, in a pandemic, public health nursing is anything but those things. It is busy, chaotic and the workload is relentless.

“I was able to get through the hardest of times because I was lucky enough to work alongside an amazing group of people. I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing, thoughtful, funny and caring people. We are so fortunate to have such intelligent, caring and compassionate people in our leadership roles in town. {Health director] Shaun McAuliffe and [Fire] Chief [Steve] Slaman both deserve an award and recognition for how hard they have worked over the past year to ensure the best outcomes for all (and for talking me off the ledge a few times when the Jersey girl in me was getting too rowdy). Even though I won’t be a part of the emergency management team after June 4, I trust we are in good hands.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken away and cancelled so many things but I will always remember and be grateful for the friendships that I have formed.”

McAuliffe expressed disappointment in losing Mauro but indicated he understood her decision.

The town has begun a search for Mauro’s replacement, posting the job on its website on May 11.

Town public health nurse Kasey Mauro prepares a COVID-19 vaccine shot at the regional clinic in Westborough last month.

general public and will be held outdoors, with very limited indoor access. Masks are required and distancing is requested whenever possible. The day’s activities will include a remembrance ceremony, silent auction, vendors, refreshments, music, and visits with adoptable dogs.

“Greyhound Friends is eager to welcome back our supporters, adopters and volunteers after a most challenging year,” said executive director Terri Shepard. “We have continued our adoption and advocacy work through the entire pandemic, working with very limited resources. During this time we have renewed ties and formed new collaborations with other shelters and organizations helping dogs, both locally and abroad. Now that reopening has gradually begun, we look forward to expanding our public outreach, volunteer opportunities, and adoptions of sighthounds as well as other dogs in need of good homes.”

HCA receives additional $10K in scholarship funds The Hopkinton Center for the Arts announced that it has received an additional $10,000 to add to its existing scholarship funds for students attending its 2021 summer programs.

The HCA regularly awards needbased scholarships through its Sandra Delbridge Scholarship Fund. The additional funds will provide an additional 15-20 students the opportunity to enjoy creative theater, fine art, film, music and dance programs. This year’s summer session runs from June 28 through Aug. 27 and is open to students ages 4-17. Weekly classes and intensives give students the chance to focus on skill building, improving technique or trying a brand new discipline.

“We were thrilled to receive these unsolicited funds from a very generous family foundation that understands that children need a safe and creative space, like the HCA, to spend part of their summer,” said HCA director Kelly Grill.

“We encourage families year-round to apply for our scholarship program if they want to enroll in our classes but

Milford Regional earns another ‘A’ Milford Regional Medical Center was nationally recognized for the sixth straight year when it received an ‘A’ for the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.

The distinction recognizes Milford Regional’s achievements in protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents and infections. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety.

“To be nationally recognized for our commitment to patient safety for the sixth consecutive time is an extraordinary honor,” said Edward J. Kelly, president and CEO of Milford Regional. “Patient safety has remained our top priority, even as we navigate the challenges created by the pandemic.

This continued achievement is due to the hard work and diligence of our entire staff who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our community.”

Lifeworks expands autism services to town The nonprofit human services provider Lifeworks, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced last month that is expanding its community-based autism services to include adult autism support in 40 communities in the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Boston Metro Region, including Hopkinton.

“It’s a privilege to expand our autism support services in the DDS Metro Boston Region,” said Daniel Sullivan, vice president of quality and community services at Lifeworks. “We look forward to providing our comprehensive supports and services as we establish new community connections and partnerships.”

Lifeworks has a long history of providing autism support, and its Family Autism Center based at its headquarters in Westwood has grown to serve nearly 1,000 individuals in the Newton/South Norfolk area.

GETTING RID OF ANTS, THE MOST COMMON HOME INVADER WPC Pest and Termite Control reminds families that ants are more than a nuisance pest While homeowners across the country enjoy the warm weather and the sights, smells and activities of the season, they also must contend with increased pest activity. This season, WPC Pest Control is reminding homeowners to be on the lookout for one of the most prevalent pest – ANTS! Often considered the No. 1 nuisance pest, ants also pose significant health and property risk as they destroy wood and contaminate food items. And with more than 700 types of ant species in the United States, it’s not surprising that ants can quickly become a source of disgust, frustration and concern for homeowners.

“Most ants thrive in warm and moist conditions, which is why it’s best to eliminate moisture or standing water near or inside the home,” says Jim Mazzuchelli, Owner of WPC Pest Control. “In some cases, the only way to completely remediate an ant infestation is to call a qualified pest professional who can locate and remove the identified species’ nests.”

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) reminds homeowners that the first step to remediation is to properly identify which ant species is present in the home.

Some of the most common home invaders include: • Odorous House Ants: These ants get their name from the unpleasant odor they give off when crushed, often described as smelling like a rotten coconut. They typically nest in wall voids and crevices and prefer sweet foods.

• Pharaoh Ants: Pharaoh ants prefer sweets, but also consume grease and even shoe polish. They live in extremely large colonies and keep warm near artificial heating sources like baseboard heaters and ovens.

• Carpenter Ants: This species hollows out nests in both dry and moist wood, though they prefer the latter. They can be particularly hard to remove since their nests can be more difficult to locate.

• Fire Ants: Fire ants can cause severe allergic reactions in addition to structural damage caused by chewing through the insulation around electrical wiring.

Homeowners who suspect an ant infestation should contact a licensed pest professional who can identify ant species and recommend a course of treatment.

To learn more about ants, please visit www.nobugsnopests.com.

HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Town turns out for rally to support family of Mikayla Miller Mikayla Miller | from page 1

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

this turns into something that is healing for the community.”

Sheila Zarba-Campbell, who reached out to rally organizers to offer assistance, echoed those sentiments, adding that she believes the family should get more information from investigators.

“For me the focus is on supporting Mikayla’s mother,” Zarba-Campbell said. “And I think she deserves answers.”

The rally marked the first public appearance by Miller’s mother, Calvina Strothers, since her daughter’s death.

She gave an emotional tribute to Miller and called for a “full and transparent investigation.”

“She was my bright and shining star in this crazy world,” Strothers said. “She was a good listener and had a kind heart.

And although was only 16 years old, she gave better advice to others in times of need than I did. She was calm and laidback, and gave her opinion only when asked. But when she did, you knew the truth was coming.

“She was the mediator and always brought both sides together. It was draining, but she wanted peace and serenity.

She wanted everyone to just be happy, sometimes to the detriment of herself. She was very altruistic. And although I would get mad sometimes, that was Mikayla.”

Strothers said her daughter wanted to go to a historically Black college or university (HBCU) with her eye on becoming a journalist. The Hopkinton High School sophomore enjoyed playing basketball and “loved food, especially buffalo chicken anything.”

Miller was found the morning of April 18 on a trail in the woods off West Main Street, hanging from a tree with a belt around her neck.

The previous day, Miller was involved in an altercation with a former girlfriend and three other teens in which she was punched in the face. DA Marian Ryan has said there is no evidence the teens were in the area from the time when Miller left her apartment later that

A supportive and peaceful crowd of about 600 people turned out for the May 6 rally on the Town Common.

evening to when she was found, and her office stated early on that it was “not a suspicious death investigation and there is no foul play.” Miller’s family and supporters, however, have stated they believe she was murdered.

At the rally, Strothers criticized the Hopkinton Police, an investigator from the State Police and the DA’s office.

“Given everything that has transpired over the past few weeks, I want to make sure that I am clear about my goals in all of this: It’s to have full transparency and get full justice for my daughter, Mikayla,” she said, adding: “I don’t want to be a vigilante in this. I don’t want to have to spend all day on the phone getting and passing along evidence in order for justice to be served. What I want is for the criminal justice system to work.”

Strothers also questioned Hopkinton’s reputation as one of the safest cities in America.

“The reason this town is deemed one of the safest in America, in my opinion, is not because crimes do not occur but because crime is only selectively reported in this community,” she said to widespread applause.

Rally organizer Monica CannonGrant, CEO of the group Violence in Boston, opened her remarks by giving credit to the residents of Hopkinton in an apparent attempt to discourage supporters from painting the entire town — which has very few Black residents — as racist.

“The truth of the matter is that the people living in the town of Hopkinton, a lot of them have been extremely supportive, have messaged, offered water, their time, their space, their condolences,” she said. “So whatever the narrative that you see on social media, I know for a fact because you guys have flooded my inbox with support for this family, so thank you.”

Toward the conclusion of the event, Cannon-Grant said rally goers had “homework,” which was to “demand an independent investigation per a request of the family.” She provided the DA’s phone number and requested people call. It apparently worked, as Ryan’s voicemail filled up the following day and could not accept any more messages over the ensuing weekend.

Cannon-Grant urged those in attendance not to go home and be satisfied with simply showing their faces at the rally.

Said Cannon-Grant: “Don’t come out here today with a Mikayla sign saying you support us, go home and eat your cheese sandwich and say ‘I showed up for the [Black people].’ ” The event drew a crowd of about 600 people along with widespread coverage by regional media. Among those

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on hand were former Rep. Joe Kennedy, Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer, state Reps. Russell Holmes, Evandro Carvalho, Chynah Tyler and Carolyn Dykema, and state Sen. Karen Spilka.

Dykema and Spilka, both of whom represent areas that include Hopkinton, issued statements in support of the family and calling for transparency in the investigation.

Former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson was one of the speakers, and he led the crowd in chants of “Mikayla Miller” and “Black Lives Matter.” Sean Ellis, who was imprisoned for 22 years before his murder conviction was overturned due to police and prosecutorial misconduct, also spoke, saying, “We’re coming for the facts.”

Three individuals on motorcycles wearing gang jackets apparently attempted to disrupt the event by loudly revving their engines early in the rally, but they appeared to be directed away from the area by police.

Strothers briefly spoke with the media before leaving and, asked what comes next, said her work will continue.

“What’s next is to fight for justice for my daughter,” she said.

The evening before the rally, the Hopkinton Select Board called an emergency meeting. The DA joined and repeated details she had shared at a press conference earlier that day, explaining that there was no evidence to link the teens who had a confrontation with Miller to her death.

Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone read a prepared statement from the board expressing “grief and despair” for Miller while also asking for a peaceful rally.

Tedstone, speaking for himself, also supported Ryan, telling her he is convinced there was no reason to believe Miller had been murdered.

“By you coming on here today and telling us the facts that you told us should to any reasonable person out there, should put to rest any thought process that there’s wrongdoing that’s been done, whether it’s Hopkinton Police trying to cover something up or the massive implications of the horrific crimes that they were implying the town was covering up,” he said. “It hurts me to the core that this would get state exposure and national exposure on the implication of some of the things that they have implied, that that could even happen and anyone could even cover that up, and that people took that and ran with it. It sickens me.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 13

Reports emerge with details about teen’s death aminer, a determination on the cause of death will not be made. Ryan added that “there is absolutely nothing unusual” about the long wait for forensic information.

Host Jim Braude and Cannon-Grant pressed Ryan about the altercation on April 17, when four teenagers (with a fifth waiting outside) confronted Miller in the clubhouse of her apartment complex, apparA makeshift memorial stood at the entrance to the trail ently after a relationship off West Main Street where Mikayla Miller’s body was between Miller and one found on April 18. of the females had ended.

By Jerry Spar Miller’s mother called police later that day, and her daughManaging Editor ter detailed the incident, Ryan said.

“What we know is that there was s the town continues to mourn the a physical assault that Mikayla deloss of 16-year-old Mikayla Miller, scribed,” Ryan said, adding: “Mikayla details have been emerging about what reported to the police that she had been might have led to the Hopkinton High punched and shoved.”

School sophomore’s death.

Questioned about the race of the Television station NBC10 Boston group, Ryan said, “My understanding reported May 7 that investigators were is that … some were white and some unable to retrieve key video evidence were Latinx.” because cameras at her apartment comAsked if she thought a crime had plex were not recording on the night in been committed by the teens, Ryan said: question. The company that maintains “Yes, based on what we know, yes.” the cameras apparently told investigaCannon-Grant said if the teens — tors that the cameras had been malfunctwo of whom are males (and not from tioning for a couple of weeks.

Hopkinton) — were Black instead of The station also reported that a Miller, the response from authorities search warrant confirmed previous would have been much different. reports that Miller was found by a passSaid Cannon-Grant: “If Mikayla ing jogger on the morning of April 18 was a white child and this was five hanging from a tree branch by a black black children that had engaged in this leather belt on a trail in the woods off activity, not only would they have been West Main Street. charged for an assault, but they would In a court affidavit, a Hopkinton have had their faces all over social mePolice detective wrote that he was called dia, the media and everywhere else.” around 7:30 a.m. and joined two sergeants and another officer to investigate.

“I did a cursory examination of the body upon my arrival,” the detective wrote. “I did not observe any trauma, external wounds or bleeding coming from the decedent. The scene appeared The Boston Herald reported May 7 to be undisturbed, the leaf litter on the that Mikayla Miller’s mother, Calvina ground appeared to be matted and heavStrothers, faces a criminal charge of ily traveled. It should be noted that the assault and battery from just over a year decedent was located on a heavily travago, when a restaurant employee called eled town path.” police to say a teenager had been hit by The detective added that there were her mother.

The police report had the no signs of dirt or debris on her clothing teenager’s name redacted, but Cannonor shoes that would indicate any type of Grant confirmed it was Miller as part a struggle. of a social media post that criticized the article as “character assassination.”

According to the report about the March 6, 2020, incident, the Hopkinton Police officer who investigated stated that Miller said she had been riding in the car with her mother when the two Monica Cannon-Grant, who orgabegan arguing. Strothers then pulled nized the May 6 rally on the Town Comover and “began to hit” Miller multiple mon, questioned why the individuals times with an open and closed fist. The who had a confrontation with Mikayla officer noted that Miller had a swollen Miller prior to her death had not been bottom lip. charged and said she wants Middlesex Miller also said when they arrived District Attorney Marian Ryan to “step home, Strothers threw items around the down and let the FBI handle this case.” room and then hit her with a baseball Appearing on WGBH’s “Greater hat. Miller said she then ran away.

Boston” show May 4, Cannon-Grant In her interview with police, Strothvoiced her frustration with Ryan’s iners denied there was a physical altercavestigation. tion in the car. She said it was Miller “Everything about this case has who attacked her at their apartment, and been a lack of transparency, and it inshe said she punched Miller “to defend sinuates that something is being hidden herself.” However, the officer wrote that or covered up,” she said.

Strothers did not have any marks on her Ryan, also appearing on the proindicating a fight. gram, defended her office’s work. She Police called the Department of insisted that no conclusions have been Children and Families, as required by made in the case, and noted that until law, and the department took custody results are released from the medical ex-

of Miller.

Supporters of the teens who have been accused by Strothers and her backers suggested that this incident — combined with a relationship breakup earlier this year — contributed to mental health issues Miller was having at the time of her death.

March to DA’s Office set for May 21 Cannon-Grant announced that there will be a “demand march of action” on May 21 at 3 p.m. at the

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Mother charged with assault

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Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in Lowell. …

Strothers started a GoFundMe page earlier this month, seeking money to “help investigate Mikayla’s death.”

As of May 12, about 1,400 people had donated more than $55,000, well over the fundraising goal of $40,000. …

Cannon-Grant tweeted May 7 that her organization, Violence in Boston, had “just completed and paid for the process of Mikayla Miller receiving an independent autopsy.” …

A Change.org petition demanding an FBI investigation had close to 10,000 signees as of May 12.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Conservation Commission looks at Chamberlain project, trails work

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he Conservation Commission heard a number of issues at its meeting May 11, ranging from updates to the Chamberlain/Whalen project to trails creation.

Several major items were continued to the meeting on May 25, as requests had been received before the meeting. These included the Abbott Realty Trust request to construct a roadway for a subdivision off Blueberry Lane, updates to several lots on the Whalen side of the Chamberlain/ Whalen project, and updates to the Mass Laborers Training facility on East Street.

The upcoming meeting is expected to have 25 items on a packed agenda.

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Lot 1 is at the entrance to the community where the first house sits at the far end of the lot. It has a long, serpentine driveway that avoids the 0-to-50-foot buffer zone. The circular portion of the driveway surrounds the house, and that was one issue that commission members discussed at length.

“This is probably the longest driveway that we have in the entire subdivision, just based on the area of upland that we had to work with,” explained John Kucich on behalf of the applicant. He noted that the driveway is up against the property line.

“I wouldn’t want to shovel that in the wintertime,” chair Jeff Barnes said.

Ted Barker-Hook asked what kind of permanent immovable border (PIB) would be placed around the driveway, because the driveway is right at the edge of the 50-foot boundary. His concern was that snow and branch debris could be pushed over the 50-foot boundary.

He suggested either a stone wall or perhaps moving the driveway over and getting a right of way through the neighboring property to move it over.

Kucich said that would not be possible because that lot, which also was under consideration, was more narrow. He wanted to keep each driveway separate.

Commission member Janine LeBlanc asked if the two properties could share the beginning part of that driveway.

Kucich said it would not accomplish the goal of distancing the driveway from the wetlands. But he accepted the feedback and will bring this and the four other lots back for review of modifications at the May 25 meeting.

As with other lots, the house on Lot 3 is “pulled far forward” on the site, Kucich explained. He said the lot was designed to direct the drainage to the basin behind the home.

Barker-Hook said the boundary should follow the 100-foot wetland boundary. Kucich said grading would need to be done, but that could be accomplished.

Lot 5 showed that the property’s side yard would be visible from the road, and Barker-Hook called for some “consistency among the lots” in that respect.

Kucich explained that the topography in that situation would make it difficult to pull it back, and keeping it in that location “would make it look a lot nicer.” It would also be further away from the wetland.

Lot 15 is on the opposite side of the road of the other four. LeBlanc asked that the side yard be pulled in, and Kucich agreed.

HopkintonIndependent.com

We’re looking to make it a little more friendly for folks trying to bike on it, trying to run on it.

— Peter LaGoy, on work being done on the trails behind Center School

Trails projects Peter LaGoy presented two requests for trails projects to the commission, and both received a positive response.

The first would be for a an upgrade and connector trail along the Center School trail to the Elmwood Farm Trail Network as part of a grant application, he explained. Currently, there is a trail behind Center School that has been in existence for about two decades, he said. The town purchased Elmwood Farm in 2013, and in 2018 an Eagle Scout working with conservation agent Don MacAdam worked on putting in a trail to connect the two. The area is at the wetlands at what were old cranberry bogs.

LaGoy explained that Athletic Brewing Company, a nonalcoholic microbrewery, is offering grants of up to $500,000.

He wanted to capitalize on the opportunity to upgrade the trail system as part of the Trail Coordination and Management Committee.

“What we’re looking to do with this grant is basically a bridge and boardwalk building project to cross some of these areas,” he said, noting that some of the land gets very muddy and hard to traverse.

“There’s also the opportunity at a couple of points to avoid areas that are wet.”

There are a few areas where LaGoy would like to redesign the trail on less steep terrain. One area on the north of the system would remain active for those who like a challenge, whereas others that are particularly muddy would be allowed to become overgrown to discourage use once the new trail is established, he explained.

“We’re looking to make it a little more friendly for folks trying to bike on it, trying to run on it,” he said.

No vote was required on the exemption request, but Barnes said, “It looks like a good project.”

LaGoy came back with a second trail proposal near the end of the meeting with an exemption request at 110-112 Fruit St. This is the location of Pratt Farm and the town-owned field behind it.

“What we’d like to add is a trail extending along the woodlands connecting from close to the parking area over to the back field,” he said. Another trail would be created along Whitehall Brook, as well as a view spot in an area of pines and cedars. A trail sign and kiosk proposed by an Eagle Scout also is being requested for the roadway.

Barnes asked if there would be any cutting of trees, and LaGoy said there would be none. It would be similar to the previous project with just “meandering through the woods.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 15

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Her venture, 360 Girls & Women (360girlsandwomen.com), provides holistic health and wellness services for females. She offers personalized plans for health improvement and maintenance, disease prevention and healing.

“We tend to take care of our family, our career, our school,” Anderson-Haynes said.

But this familiar caretaking can be a challenge without caring for yourself, she said.

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Powers recognized for COVID-19 testing contribution

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“No matter how big or small the contribution, just contribute and be part of the solution,” John Powers said.

Powers himself knows the concept of service quite well. He served as a U.S. Army officer and in advisory capacities to the U.S. government working on weapons of mass destruction issues, training inspectors to find those weapons in Iraq, and working on domestic and counterterrorism issues.

He continues to work at Hanscom Air Force Base as a foreign disclosure officer.

While much of Powers’ work has taken him overseas, last year his services were needed a little closer to home.

In the spring of 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths were increasing at an alarming rate. It was around this time that the White House COVID-19 Task Force called for volunteers with specialized backgrounds to help with various efforts to fight the pandemic. And once again, Powers answered.

Powers and his team sat in on multiple briefings that outlined what help was needed, which at that juncture included a considerable emphasis on testing.

Only two companies made the specific type of nasal swabs needed for COVID testing. One company was located in Italy, which was being devastated by the first COVID outbreak and in lockdown.

The other company was Puritan Medical Products, headquartered in Guilford, Maine.

In order to produce the millions and millions of swabs needed, Puritan would need more manufacturing space. Through federal funding, an old plant was leased, gutted and equipped in the nearby town of Pittsfield.

The second production facility came to fruition through the efforts of many, including that of Powers and his team.

“All the work I did was from home or the base. We couldn’t travel because of the pandemic.

Our focus areas were contracting, funding and assisting in removing obstacles to meeting the government’s schedule,” Powers explained.

Due to the specific type of swab and specialized manufacturing necessary, it was quite a challenge

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for all those involved to meet the government’s aggressive timeline.

Powers’ specific role was assisting Puritan in locating new machinery and tooling partners. The company had been using the same supplier for years and had no reason to change — that is, until the pandemic hit. However, because the new swab requirements were very specialized, the company needed to find a company that could do the work quickly and reliably.

As a result of Powers’ work overseas, he had access to specialized fabricators. He reached out to them and was able to connect Puritan with additional machining capabilities to meet the requirements.

“It wasn’t the biggest role, but it mattered. It was my small part,” he said.

It seems that Powers’ life of service has influenced his children, including his twin sons, who both are ROTC cadets.

“My father’s service and volunteer work have made a tremendous impact on my siblings and myself,” said son Ben, a student a Norwich University.

“He has been an amazing example for us to learn from and follow. My brother and I especially look forward to proudly continuing the family tradition of military service, and are grateful to our parents and community for giving us that opportunity.”

For his role in COVID testing, Powers was awarded the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal.

The award was established to recognize the contributions of government civilians who engage in military operations that support specific peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Schools School Committee, joined by DA, discusses social justice programs

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

T

he investigation into Mikayla Miller’s death is being handled thoroughly and could take three months or more to finalize, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan told the Hopkinton School Committee at its May 6 meeting.

“We are committed to determining how Mikayla’s very promising life came to an end,” she said.

“We owe it to Mikayla, her family and her community” to do “a thorough and active investigation” and to be transparent about the results, she said. “At some point, I want to come to the community and say, ‘Here are the answers.’ ” Miller’s body was found April 18 reportedly hanging from a tree on a trail in the woods off West Main Street. Since then, questions have been raised about the Hopkinton High School sophomore’s manner of death, with some of the teen’s family members and supporters openly questioning whether the death was “murder.’’

Some also have suggested Miller was targeted because she was Black and gay.

Investigators have interviewed “dozens” of individuals in connection with the investigation, Ryan said.

She said they are examining information contained on electronic devices of a number of individuals. Items and samples have also been submitted to the crime lab for analysis, she said. This all takes time, she said.

She encouraged anyone with information to reach out to her office. “We are happy to talk to anyone who has any information,” she said.

“I know that in the last few weeks, this community is really struggling over the loss of this beautiful child,” she said.

“We know Mikayla was a very valuable member of the school community. Losing a child under any circumstances is wrong.

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I know that in the last few weeks, this community is really struggling over the loss of this beautiful child.

— Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, on the death of Mikayla Miller It’s not the natural order to be burying our children.”

Ryan and Antonia Thompson, director of racial justice initiatives in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, said their office offers support for school systems and students to deal with issues of social justice.

“The community is hurting,” Thompson said. “There really is a need for some intervention.” She said the schools were providing support, but the after-effects of Miller’s death will reverberate for some time.

Ryan’s office sponsors roundtable discussions with students. These programs run an hour in four-week blocks for students to discuss issues related to social justices.

“These conversations have to happen,” Thompson said.

“These are very important conversations we have to have and sometimes they’re difficult conversations to have.”

The program aims to “make sure that kids are being heard,” she said. The goal is “to help kids become selfadvocates and to empower them” to make changes they feel are important to improving social conditions.

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Fitness is the second principle. Staying active can be challenging amid a busy schedule, she said. But her program provides exercise guidelines and routines and offers tips on how to fit physical activity into a busy lifestyle.

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The office also offers programs in restorative justice and restorative practices. Restorative justice, she said, aims to keep students “in school and on track” and out of the criminal justice system.

Restorative practices explore bigger-picture issues, such as how to deal with conflict and what kind of school climate a community should have.

“It’s part of that real commitment we have to empower young people,” Ryan said. “We heard how difficult they find it to speak up, especially if they felt they were alone, or they were not sure what the response would be” from peers and adults, she said.

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said the district has been focused a lot on diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice and anti-bias and anti-racism work.

“We’ve done a lot of good work,” she said.

She supported bringing some of those issues to students through programs such as the roundtable discussions. “Now it’s time [for these issues] to be handed in some capacity to the students,” she said.

Diversity varies from community to community, Thompson said, but in the end the specific numbers don’t matter.

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The third principle involves beauty.

She encourages women to choose healthy products to beautify themselves and their homes.

The fourth aspect is mental clarity, which she described as vital to one’s well-being.

Having enough rest, meditating and nurturing meaningful relationships and spiritual needs creates a mental space that can help women better deal with adversity and challenges, she said.

She encourages women to be mindful of their health. Don’t wait until developing significant problems to see a health professional, she said.

“Prevention is something I really emphasize,” she said. Health problems can be tackled, but the situation is easier when issues are discovered at an early stage, she noted.

She also reminds women that they should not pressure themselves to be perfect when tackling health goals.

Taking “baby steps” can add up to big strides, she said.

“You can definitely move the needle in the right direction,” she said. “Small things we can do every day are really important. It’s a journey.”

Her programs run for three months, she stated, because improvements take time.

She approaches her clients with support, not judgment, she said. She noted that she has worked with clients of all ages, racial and cultural backgrounds and health conditions.

“We work together as a team,” she said. “I’m the coach, you’re playing the game, and the game is life.”

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 17

Career awareness program gives HHS students head start

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student loves math but doesn’t know how to make a career out of it.

Another student enjoys writing but also shares an affinity for technology and wonders if the two interests can somehow combine into one job.

A program at Hopkinton High School aims to answer questions like this by introducing students to career information right from the source: people employed in those careers themselves.

In a career awareness program that began in the fall of 2019, Hopkinton High School students have the chance to meet and learn from workers in a wide range of fields, including veterinarians, artists, social workers, aquatic ecologists and actuaries, to name just a few.

The career program was inspired by results of a survey to high school students in 2019 asking what was missing in their education, principal Evan Bishop said.

One frequent response, Bishop said, was the desire to learn more about career opportunities after graduation. “That got the wheels turning,” he said.

With support from a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education grant that was secured with support from assistant superintendent Jennifer Parson, the high school began a career awareness program. Valerie Lechtanski was brought on as the school-community career coordinator to lead the program.

In February 2020, after months of planning and discussion, a job shadowing program was launched during school vacation. Students had the chance to follow people along during their workdays to learn about their careers firsthand.

A month later, of course, the world shut down. The program, like much of the school’s offerings, was cancelled for the rest of the school year.

This year, the program has returned, although virtually. For February and April vacations, students signed up for sessions with representatives from careers in which they were interested.

Career experts were asked to provide information on what a typical day is like, what to consider in a college program and future job opportunities, among other issues, Lechtanski said.

The February Zoom sessions featured 86 students and 24 careerists, including a senior integration manager and programmer, health policy writer and real estate agent.

In April, 66 students heard from 16 individuals about careers such as cell biologist, Air Force pilot, architect and physician.

Although school vacations have ended, an evening career series launched in May will feature 10 new speakers, including an industrial organizational psychologist, graphic illustrator and CEO of startups.

Lechtanski made connections with local companies and their workers, which she hopes will strengthen the bond between the work world and the school community. “A lot of experts are so excited to share their careers,” she said. “Almost all of them say, ‘I wish we had something like this when I was in high school.’ ” Rachel Rossin, a data scientist and Hopkinton resident for more than 15 years, said she participated in the program to “showcase how current classes [in this case math and computer programming] relate to real-world questions.”

The day-to-day life of a data scientist feels super exciting to me, and I now feel very enthusiastic and confident in studying this field.

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Her data science presentation reignited the interest of high school senior Alisa Stolyar. The career had intrigued her, but, Stolyar said, “I wasn’t totally informed of what data science consists of.” After talking with Rossin, “The day-to-day life of a data scientist feels super exciting to me, and I now feel very enthusiastic and confident in studying this field.”

Dr. Jim Kenealy, a board-certified otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon and longtime Hopkinton resident, said he wanted to “give back to the Hopkinton educational system.”

His son Aidan, a 2014 Hopkinton High School graduate, “received an excellent education in the Hopkinton school system and he was well prepared for both the academic rigors of college and subsequent employment in the workforce.”

One of his “many excellent teachers” was Lechtanski.

Even more crucially, he said, “It is important that we encourage the best, brightest and most caring individuals to pursue a calling in medicine. We need diversity in medicine.”

Freshman Veronica Stolyar was enthusiastic about the outlook of the artist whose session she attended. “I was very interested when he talked about doing what you want and going through the hardships of that rather than going through the hardships of something that you’re pushed into,” she said. “It gave me a lot more inspiration and motivation to go into this type of field.”

Sophomore Lindsay Hong said the interaction with a software engineer was “extremely helpful. This session helped me break the stereotypical image of software engineering and get a better understanding of what life would be like” in that profession, she said.

Having career specialists who live and/or work in Hopkinton, particularly if they graduated from Hopkinton High School, makes them more relatable.

Bishop said. “I always feel that resonates the most,” he said. “It adds a nice touch and gives them more to think about.”

The grant opportunities may end, but Parson hopes the program will continue.

“This work isn’t done yet,” she said.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Marathon, Elmwood projects move forward at Town Meeting to identify asymptomatic carriers and reduce risk in the community. There is really no downside.”

“It’s important that we work together to keep our schools safe,” she said.

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

T

HHS students shine at state Science Fair

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

own Meeting voters on May 8 unanimously approved going forward with expansion plans for Marathon School, which requires additional space to house a growing student population, school officials have said.

With only one voter raising objections, SpeSCHOOLS cial Town Meeting voters NOTEBOOK also agreed to spend $1 million for a feasibility study to look at a potential replacement for Elmwood School. The Special Town Meeting was held at the start of Annual Town Meeting.

Student enrollment growth prompted the need for both projects.

The Marathon School project, at a cost of $3,625,000, would add four additional classrooms.

The school was built to accommodate 600 students and now houses 620 students, schools director of finance Susan Rothermich said. “We are unable to fit the number of students that are before us,” she said. Art and health rooms are being used for classrooms, she said, with a family resource room possibly being usurped next year.

The project now goes to voters at the May 22 election for a debt exclusion vote.

Elmwood School also has faced crowded conditions for years, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh said. The district has requested consideration for a new Elmwood School project from

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh speaks about a schools-related article at the May 8 Town Meeting.

the Massachusetts School Building Authority for many years. After six unsuccessful attempts, the authority approved consideration of the project this year.

The school, which was built in 1964, does not have adequate space, Cavanaugh said. Children are being taught in hallways and on stages, she said, and classrooms have been subdivided in some cases.

“Elmwood is just too small,” she said.

The $1 million feasibility study will be funded by the host community agreement with Legacy Farms and would not impact taxpayers, she said.

“The spirit of that agreement was to address enrollment growth,” Cavanaugh said.

Voters also unanimously approved spending $3 million to replace significant portions of the roofs at Hopkins School and Hopkinton Middle School.

This is a debt exclusion that moves to Town Election on May 22.

An HVAC upgrade for the middle school was approved at a cost of $350,000. This also is a debt exclusion that moves to Town Election.

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School officials are encouraging Hopkinton students to register for pool testing in an effort to quickly identify potential cases of COVID-19, according to information sent to the school community last month, shortly before the program started.

Pooled testing processes specimens from multiple people in a single batch, which saves time and resources, according to information provided by JCM, the pool testing company with whom the Hopkinton schools have contracted.

If the pooled test result is positive, the laboratory switches to an individual, diagnostic testing approach.

The test collections are done on Tuesdays.

High school and middle school students drop their samples to the collectors on their way into the buildings.

They need the QR code either printed out or on their phone in order to turn in their sample. Collection times at both middle and high school is between 7 and 7:30 a.m.

Elementary school students have samples collected in the classroom.

Their QR codes are stored at school.

Collection time for Hopkins is between 8 and 8:50 a.m., while Elmwood and Marathon is between 9 and 10 a.m.

“When everyone participates, the risk is mitigated for all,” Cavanaugh wrote in an email to the school community. “Pooled testing is a good way

HopkintonIndependent.com

Hopkinton High School students took home a number of awards at the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair. Archita Nemalikanti and Sahithi Pogula won first-place awards, Eva Bennet and Simran Kaur received second-place honors, Bharat Mekela, Brian Gu, Neil Abraham and Mantra Rajkumar were tabbed for thirdplace awards, and honorable mention recognition went to Vania Gautam, Chaitrali Samant, Sreeja Bolla and Mahdi Maymandi Nejad. …

Eight students are being celebrated by having their work featured at the HHS Honors Art Exhibition. The exhibition, hosted by the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, is available for viewing online. The artists featured are: Charlotte Cheverie, Soleil Randall, Lily Vaughan, Olivia Hyman, Mei Sutherland, Hope DeLuca, Amelia Bashy and Casey Gomez. …

HHS senior Rohan Minocha was named winner of a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Winners were chosen from a talent pool of some 16,000 finalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Sode runner-up in engineering competition Hopkinton’s Nishanth Sode, a senior at the University of Connecticut, was a member of a team that earned the second-place prize in the Management and Engineering for Manufacturing (MEM) Senior Design competition in late April. Sode’s team worked with Sikorsky representatives to create a system to analyze digital outputs of an ultra-low-temperature freezer.

Senior Design at UConn serves as a capstone course for all engineering students. In the MEM program, seniors design projects that incorporate engineering challenges as well as business concepts to provide a thorough and professional experience for students and a product for businesses. Teams of three or four students are assigned a project and are contracted to provide a specific outcome for a company.

HMS student runs clothing drive Hopkinton Middle School student Anna Noroian, the school’s Project 351 ambassador, is hosting a clothing drive at the school from May 10-21.

Students can drop off new or used clothes in donation bins located outside Brown Gym and the school office.

Children’s clothing (up to youth large) is preferred, but all sizes are welcomed.

Collected items will be donated to Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization that provides essentials such as coats, pajamas and developmental toys to children in need.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 19

SENIOR SNIPPETS

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

Dial-A-Ride Now Available for Hopkinton Seniors

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) now offers Dial-A-Ride to residents of Hopkinton aged 65 years and older, or under 65 years of age with a disability. This service is Monday through Friday. Some qualification restrictions may apply. For more information, call the MWRTA call center at 508-820-4650 or to fill out an application call the Senior Center outreach coordinator at 508-497-9730.

Exercise Classes via Zoom

Call to register Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Mondays, 2 p.m.

Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Barre, Wednesdays, 2 p.m.

Boot camp, Thursdays, 2 p.m.

LIBRARY CORNER

On April 26 the library moved to a new way to book curbside pickups. The reservation system is integrated into patrons’ online catalog accounts and will allow users to book an appointment directly from the “Manage Your Account” library card portal at bark.cwmars.org/ eg/opac/myopac/main?loc=55. Individuals will need the account access information for the library card on which the holds are placed. Anyone in need of their library card number should contact the library. The pickup location remains at the Church Street entrance.

Seasonal Cooking Workshop: Celebrate Spring

Wednesday, May 19, 6-7:15 p.m. (Zoom) Nancy Wind, founder of Peaks

Friday, May 28, 12:30 p.m.

This presentation from certified organic landscape professional and lecturer John Root provides practical advice and inspiration to gardeners of all ages and physical conditions on growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers organically.

Call the Senior Center to register.

8 Keys to Living a Meaningful and Enjoyable Retirement Life

Friday, June 4, 12:30 p.m.

Henry Quinlan will discuss the four important issues in retirement: loss of identity, loneliness, depression and boredom. This talk offers proven responses to these issues. It proceeds with a review of a recent study by Columbia University that lays out the “Eight Keys to Living a Meaningful and Enjoyable Retirement Life.” Call the Senior Center to register.

Books, Books and More Books

Friday, June 18, 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.

Our Time Memory Cafe

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.

Announcements

Organic Gardening for Everyone

and Poses, will present the first of two seasonal cooking workshops that will celebrate spring. Participants can cook along with her or simply watch. In May, she will be making palak tofu. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

Society for Final Awareness Series: Social Security Explained

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.

Tuesday, May 25, 7 p.m. (Zoom) Marc Catona from the Society for Financial Awareness (sofausa.org) will discuss the type of benefits individuals are eligible to receive, the difference between full retirement age and delayed retirement, the process of filing for benefits, retirement planning strategies, and annuity type distinction. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Join our SUMMER LEAGUE The league is for players of all abilities.

No tryouts. Attendance is flexible.

Ages 13 – 16 / June 14 – July 25 • Three games per week • Weeknights 6:30 – 8:30pm • 12-game regular season with playoffs For more information and to register go to HopkintonRec.org.

Questions? Email hopkintonbaberuth@gmail.com

CALENDAR

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

Lions Club community yard sale May 22

The Hopkinton Lions Club’s community yard sale will take place Saturday, May 22, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at homes across Hopkinton. Rain date is June 5. Registration is $25, and the Lions will advertise all participants’ yard sales. For more information, visit the Hopkinton Lions Club website at hopkintonlions.org or email hopkintonlions@gmail.com.

Timlin 5K to be run virtually June 5-19

Registration is open for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, which will be held virtually again this year. The entry fee is $30 per person, with a family/team of up to five discounted to $99. Participants can run/walk their 5K during a two-week span from June 5-19. The event benefits ALS research. For more details or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

Project Just Because Golf Tournament June 28

Project Just Because, the Hopkinton-based nonprofit that helps those in need with food, clothing and other necessities, is hosting a golf tournament at Hopkinton Country Club on Monday, June 28. The event includes a silent auction, raffle and dinner, along with 18 holes of golf.

Those who are unable to participate are encouraged to consider a sponsorship or donation of money or an auction item. For more information, visit projectjustbecause.org.

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Madeline Goes to the Circus Online May 22–23 Grab the kids and enjoy a delightful 40-minute production of Madeline Goes to the Circus from home. Featuring the dancers of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Dance Studio, under the direction of Jessica Wilson. Tickets: $25 per household. www.hopartscenter.org.

Dystopia: The Hungry Maze Game of Divergent Death Outdoor Performances May 21-22 Come join the fun and watch this fun comedy parody of some of your favorite movies. Run time is 1-hour. Performance takes place outdoors at the HCA. Mask required. Bring your own chair or blanket for your comfort. Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. www.hopartscenter. org

Spring Outdoor Watercolor Mini-Retreat | June 5 Enjoy the beauty of nature and de-stress with this 6-hour one-day class with instructor Richard Denzer. Takes place outdoors in Hopkinton. Register at www.hopartscenter.org.

Art Around the World: Italy Outdoors June 5 Free children’s cultural program. You and your child are welcome to join us outdoors as we celebrate a different culture each month with instructor Judith Smith. Pre-registration required at www.hopartscenter.org. Sponsored by UniBank.

Summer Fun In The Arts June 28–August 27

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Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 3

Registration is open for the 33rd annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

This year’s event will be virtual. Participants are encouraged to “Walk Your Way” from wherever they are most comfortable — for example, in the neighborhood, on a favorite trail or on a treadmill — on Sunday, Oct. 3. Walkers must commit to raising at least $100 ($25 for those under 18). The event raises funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To register or support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 21

Campaign seeks to protect turtles Aanya Soni, who reached out to the Conservation Commission in an effort to help protect turtles, poses next to one of the new signs in town.

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

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Turtles | 22

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ight-year-old Aanya Soni loves taking walks with her dad and her dog, hoping to catch a glimpse of her favorite animal, a turtle.

“They’re very cool to me,” she said.

But some of her turtle sightings have been troubling. She was sad to see some of her beloved turtles had fallen victim to motor vehicles.

The sights discouraged her. But it also made her determined to help.

So she wrote an email to Ed Harrow of the Conservation Commission, asking if anything could be done to help keep the town’s turtle population safe.

While riding his bike, which gives him more time to observe the landscape, Harrow also had seen turtles crossing town roads. In one case, he stopped to help a spotted turtle make its way safely across the street.

He was touched by Aanya’s letter.

“One little child can make a difference,” he said.

Working with Conservation Commission chair Jeff Barnes and the Department of Public Works, Harrow pushed to install “Turtle crossing” signs in various locations where the animals have been known to be active.

Signs were placed on Fruit Street near Pratt’s Pond, Pond Street, South Mill Street, Front Street, Clinton Street and Lakeshore Drive, with Exchange Street and Highland Street next on the list.

The signs were put up by DPW workers, including Mike Mansir and Phil Schiloski, with the support of DPW One of the turtles frequently spotted director John Westerling. in town is a painted turtle, which like This is the first time such an effort all turtles should be handled with care has taken place in Hopkinton, Harrow when helping it to safety. said.

Such signs can help educate the public, said David Paulson, senior enHello, summer. dangered species biologist with MassWildlife.

These campaigns are most efVIRTUAL PRE-K fective when the THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES signs are placed available seasonally, from Preschoolers are eager to learn and have an amazing ability to absorb spring until fall, reinformation—so why wait to get them started on their academic moved during the journey? Enroll them in the Kumon Math and Reading Program this winter, then placed summer and set them up for success in kindergarten and beyond! again in the spring, which is the plan in READING & MATH SCHOOL Hopkinton, Paulson WRITING SKILLS READINESS said. This “re-alerts Kids advance from Build early math skills, Kids are introduced to people” to the acletters and sounds to from recognizing and a structured learning forming words and writing numbers to environment as they learn to tive turtle population reading sentences. addition and subtraction. focus and follow directions. and makes them less likely to overlook the signage, he said.

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BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Northeast Dermatology Associates addresses skin health

By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer

I love helping my patients be the best version of themselves. Because I am making a real difference, I can truly say this is a career that fills my soul. ­— Dawn Baird

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awn Baird always has been enthralled with medicine, and today, as a board-certified physician assistant at Northeast Dermatology Associates (NEDA), she has found her true calling. She loves educating others about the importance of skin care health and helping people look their best.

“I love helping my patients be the best version of themselves,” Baird stated. “Because I am making a real difference, I can truly say this is a career that fills my soul.”

Baird started with the practice at 22 South St. by working part-time last September during the pandemic. In January she moved to being a full-time provider.

“Skin is actually the largest organ of the body,” Baird explained, “and a person’s self-esteem is closely tied to how they show themselves to the world.

Everyone deserves the best care.”

Baird focuses on medical dermatology and the use of dermoscopy in early skin cancer detection. She strongly encourages most individuals to have a professional skin check at least once a year, wear sun-protective clothing and broad-brimmed hats, and apply a sunscreen of 50 SPF or greater to areas of skin exposed to the sun, reapplying sunscreen every other hour, as needed.

“If you can see your shadow, the sun’s radiation is reaching your skin,” Baird explained. “There are three main types of skin cancer, and early detection

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Baird finds the use of a dermatoscope essential in her work of early cancer detection. She first learned about the tool and the technique of using a dermatoscope during a conference hosted by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and continues to attend the annual convention to keep abreast of the latest developments.

Baird believes wholeheartedly in cultivating and nurturing a close connection with each patient, as this helps her gain a greater understanding of that person’s lifestyle.

“Each patient is important, and taking the time to genuinely listen and care about each person’s needs is how I like to begin every visit to our office,” Baird added.

Once Baird has established a genuine connection with her patient, she is better equipped to develop a risk assessment and evaluate appropriate strategies to address and resolve any skin health concerns.

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dermatology practice, specializing in general, medical and cosmetic dermatology. Their goal is to provide quality care and service that optimizes outcomes and patient satisfaction. NEDA has offices in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

To learn more, visit nedermatology. com. To make an appointment with Dawn Baird at NEDA’s Hopkinton office, call 508-625-0606.

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

Campaign seeks to protect turtles Turtles | from page 21

an approach he said can save human lives as well as those of turtles.

The most common turtle sightings in Hopkinton are painted turtles, snapping turtles and spotted turtles.

If you see a turtle crossing the road, “your safety’s your number one priority,” Paulson said. Ideally, just slow down or go around the turtle to allow it to continue to cross, he said.

If you are able to stop safely and traffic conditions allow, you can help the turtle reach its destination, he said.

But don’t make the mistake of returning the turtle to where it was coming from. Instead, move the animal to the direction it was headed, he said.

“They have a pretty hardwired system” that tells them the direction they need to go, an “internal GPS, if you will.” If returned to where they started, they will only backtrack and put themselves at greater risk.

To move a turtle, gently scoop it up with a snow shovel and move it, or place a rag quickly over its head to catch it off guard and then carry it safely. Or, particularly for a snapping turtle, which can be “bigger in size and in attitude” than its smaller counterparts, use a bite stick on which the animal can chomp, then move the turtle and stick to the right direction.

Pick up the turtle and hold it parallel to the road, since a vertical hold can be harmful to its respiratory system, Paulson said. And try not to carry it by the tail, since that also can hurt the turtle.

Be aware, he said, that some turtles crossing are females looking to lay eggs, particularly in May and June. When that animal is killed, so is the next generation she is carrying. This can be a particular loss if that turtle’s population is on the overall decline.

“Every turtle matters,” he said.

Aanya agrees. “Everyone should love turtles and all animals and should try to help them,” she said.

Anyone with ideas on placements for turtle crossing signs should email annar@hopkintonma.gov. For more information and to report wildlife sightings, visit linkinglandscapes.info.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 23

Sports Hillers baseball seeks steady improvement in 2021

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

H

Hillers softball brings new appreciation to field

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

opkinton High School baseball coach Steve Simoes is fond of saying that his team does not make tournament goals because first the team has to earn its spot in the state tournament. The postseason is different this year, with every team automatically eligible for the playoffs, so Simoes said the focus will be on trying to peak at the end of the season and taking advantage of a tough Tri-Valley League schedule.

“The goal this year is to be our best by the tournament, regardless of whether we have a winning record or not,” Simoes said. “I’ve been around this league a long time and I think the league is on a very high ebb. From what I am hearing, there are a lot of really talented teams.”

Norton, Westwood and Medfield are among the teams Simoes said could be loaded this spring, but it’s difficult to know given that the 2020 slate was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s been two years since the Hillers and their TVL counterparts have taken the field.

“Hopefully we all beat each other up,” he said. “There is a lot of growth in struggling, so I am hoping we all prepare so our league does well in the tournament.”

Left-hander Josh Fischer leads a deep and talented pitching staff for the Hillers.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

H

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

aving a forced year away from the sport they enjoy so much has given the players on the Hopkinton High School softball team a new perspective, and that energy has been palpable through the early days of the team’s time together this spring.

“The girls are really excited to be back and they are bringing this energy that is so good,” said coach Shannon Allberry-Yerardi.

“It wasn’t there the last time we played, but it’s been really positive and really great to see.”

This is a different kind of spring season for the Hillers. It started later than normal and it will be condensed into barely six weeks.

There is no win-loss requirement for making the tournament — Hopkinton and every other team in the state will have the chance to compete in postseason play at the end of the regular season.

“It’s both strange in that I only knew six of the girls who came out for tryouts, and the last time we all played together they were freshmen and sophomores, so that part has been strange,” Allberry-Yerardi said. “But it was also really refreshing because I didn’t have any expectations for how good a team we really had and neither did they, it’s kind of like a blank slate.”

So far, Allberry-Yerardi said her team seems willing to help one another on the field as the team learns new positions and new teammates. Hopkinton’s three senior captains have been especially important when it comes to getting the team on the same page heading into the season.

“They are the biggest influences on the rest of the team in terms of work ethic and how they approach the game,” AllberryYerardi said.

Tara Kester, Kristin McCluskey and Siena Harrigan will serve as team captains this year and play shortstop, third base and second base, respectively. They were all varsity players in 2018 as freshmen, meaning they have been with the program even longer than their coach.

McCluskey is expected to hit at the top of the batting order, Kester will be in the middle of the order, and Harrigan can produce from any spot in the lineup, Allberry-Yerardi said.

Although the coach did not know many of the players who came out for the team this year because the 2020 season was canceled, several newcomers have stood out. One such talented rookie is sophomore Caroline DeSimone, who will start in center field.

“She is really fast and she understands the game at a deep level,” Allberry-Yerardi said.

With a spot in the postseason guaranteed, Hopkinton — which opened the season 2-0

Senior Kristin McCluskey, like the team’s other two captains, has played for the varsity since her freshman season.

by routing Westwood and Medfield, scoring 38 runs in the process — is going to be focused on taking things one game at a time and improving steadily throughout the course of the season.

Allberry-Yerardi said she wants to make sure everyone has a chance to get some experience both at the plate and in the field.

She is also hoping the feeling of gratitude for getting the chance to play is not something that will go away any time soon.

“I really want them to approach every ball hit to them and every at bat as if the game were on the line so they are giving their best every single time,” Allberry-Yerardi said. “We didn’t get to play last year and they understand playing athletics is a privilege and we don’t know what next week is going to hold. I think they’ll give it their all because they know what it’s like to not be able to play.”

Simoes faces the same challenge the rest of the spring coaches are dealing with this year in that he does not have the usual familiarity with his players. In a normal year, he would head into the spring just looking to fill out the roster around his returning players. But 2019 was the last time Hopkinton fielded a team, so Simoes said the importance of tryouts was magnified because he was basically picking a team from scratch.

Not that Hopkinton is devoid of any varsity experience. The team returns four captains. Josh Fischer, a left-handed pitcher, will lead a staff that could run eight or nine deep. Cam Jerrett will start at second base, Ronnie Shamus will see time at third base and behind the plate, and Conor Kelly is expected to patrol center field.

Their leadership will be especially vital this year, Simoes said.

“Usually I don’t have to say too much about team culture and the way we carry ourselves, that kind of thing just gets passed down,” he said. “But this year they have to set the example.”

And the coach added, “From a baseball perspective, we will only be as good as they play.”

The Hillers, who won their opening two games, will pack 16 games into a condensed and delayed spring schedule. If there is any rain — and the season opener already was rained out — then Hopkinton will need to play four games in a week. Simoes always plans to throw multiple pitchers in a game, but he has a larger contingent than normal of players who will throw their first varsity pitch this spring.

Still, the excitement for a return to high school baseball has been palpable.

“The guys were really looking forward to this,” Simoes said.

“We haven’t been at it too long but it’s going to be a process this year. We just have to try to use the whole year as preparation for the tournament.”

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

HHS boys lacrosse excited for return

HHS girls lax back after long, emotional offseason Senior Lillian York, one of the team’s captains, is a standout on attack for the Hillers.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

A

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

fter missing out on the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hopkinton High School boys lacrosse team was eager to return to the field in the final campaign for 10 seniors.

“It’s great to get back,” said coach Dan Norton. “We have been excited to be back out there and the kids have been very high energy and eager to learn. So far they have been like sponges, they are asking the right questions and we are coming together as a team.”

The Hillers will cram 16 games into the 2021 schedule.

It’s fewer than they would normally play but it will be done in a condensed fashion due to the delayed start this year.

There are a number of new faces on the field, but Norton is happy to have Colin Norred back protecting the net.

“He has a couple of starts under his belt from sophomore year,” Norton said. “He wasn’t the full-time starter, but he would have been last year and he trained last year as if he were the starter.”

Norred is slated to continue his lacrosse career at Springfield College next year.

“It’s a good place for us to start,” his coach said. “We have a lot of question marks in sports where guys are going to be developing into roles. But it’s nice to know the most important position on the field is in good hands.”

Helping Norred out on defense will be fellow senior Nick Leccese. Brian Keefe and Connor Murphy, two more seniors, both bring 2019 varsity experience to the field.

“They will be taking the reins as the leaders of our midfield group,” Norton said.

Junior Owen MacDonald and senior Riley DelPonte also are experienced players who saw time at the varsity level two years ago.

“They really came on at the end of 2019 and we are looking to see them pick up where they left off,” Norton said. “And take some steps forward.”

The Hillers will be hyper-focused on improvement this year, Norton said. While they are happy to be back playing, they’ve already experienced a hiccup related to the pandemic. Tryouts were interrupted by a COVID-19 outbreak, and necessary contact tracing brought the program to a halt for a week. The Hillers then dropped their first two matches.

“I think it’s just the reality of the situation we are in,” Norton said. “To be honest, we thought something like this might happen at some point in the season, we just didn’t think it would be right away.”

Losing out on a week together, after missing all of last season, has the Hillers appreciating the time they do have playing the sport they love.

“I think, for everybody, the past year has been very tough,” Norton said. “So we are tying to have some fun and get out there and enjoy athletics. This group hasn’t been together in awhile. The wins and losses will take care of themselves, we are just going to try to maximize our potential.”

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

I

t’s been a long two years for Hopkinton High School girls lacrosse coach Katelyn Barry and her team. The Hillers held out hope last spring that they would be able to squeeze in some form of a season despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The more they heard about what was going on, the less likely a season seemed. Ultimately, no spring sports launched in 2020 in the Bay State. Hopkinton lost out on a season but did gain some perspective.

“It was these waves of emotion, of really understanding how valuable a team is and how we all really missed being together,” Barry said. “This year, everyone has been so happy to be around one another, it’s really endearing.”

The Hillers will play 15 games this year, nearly the amount they would play in a normal season. Two weeks in, Barry said the energy was high and the girls have been having fun. But Barry is not lowering the bar of expectations either, saying that one of Hopkinton’s goals this year will be to compete with the likes of Westwood, Medway and Medfield, some of the stronger teams in the Tri-Valley League.

The team returns eight seniors with varsity experience from 2019 as well as a pair of juniors. The older players will combine with a deep sophomore class that Barry extolled for having a “remarkable” skill level.

“It’s been fun to mesh these veterans with these very talented sophomores,” the coach said.

A trio of seniors slated to play college lacrosse will lead the way this spring. Tiffany Mikulis is a captain who will play for Haverford College next year and will anchor the midfield for the Hillers this spring. Lillian York is going to play at St. Lawrence. Another captain, she is on the attack for Hopkinton.

Julianna Lucas will start in goal. The RPI-bound senior brings athleticism and experience to the vital position.

“It’s great to have that talent spread out — an attack, a midfielder and a defender,” Barry said. “We have some other strong seniors who have been playing for a while, so I am looking for them to be great.”

There will not be much time to waste when it comes to going from having a year off to being in midseason form. The

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HHS QB Salyards shares top offensive honors The Tri-Valley League recently handed out awards for the Fall 2 season, and a number of Hopkinton High School athletes were recognized.

For the football team, quarterback Cole Salyards SPORTS named co-Offensive ROUNDUP was Player of the Year, while Brian Keefe, Cam Mulvaney, Jake Sokol and Hayes Pearson-Woodruff earned All-Star honors.

For the swimming and diving teams, Tess Weatherhead was named Diver of the Year, while All-Star recognition went to Mia Carboni, Alyssa Fischer, Julianna Lucas, Sofia Luce, Olivia Scalora, Aditya Dutta, Tyler Fallon, Kevin Gu, Shawn Haley, Tyler Holbrow and Davis Peishoff.

Sam Berenson, Cathryn Leighton and Kate Powers were named volleyball All-Stars.

Powers sets school discus record HHS junior Kate Powers opened the spring outdoor track and field season by setting a school record with a throw of 140 feet in the discus during a meet May 11 against visiting Ashland. Powers also won the shot put to lead the Hillers to a 110-22 victory.

Other winners for Hopkinton included Hailey Tolson (long jump, 100), Olivia Jones (800), Autumn Tumbleton (mile), Bridget O’Connor (high jump), Chloe Johnson (triple jump), Melanie Gildea (javelin) and the 4x100 relay team, while Grace Prucher and Ellie Driscoll tied for first in the 100 hurdles. …

The HHS boys track and field team routed visiting Ashland, 99-37, on May 11.

Tommy Bernardin (long jump, high jump) and Aidan Morin (shot put, discus) led the way with two first-place finishes apiece.

Strong start for HHS tennis

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15-game schedule is packed into barely a month-and-a-half due to the season starting later than it normally would.

Hopkinton, which opened the season with a 1-2 mark, is hoping to be among the top teams in the TVL and be in a strong position come tournament time. This year, all spring teams will be eligible for postseason play.

More than anything, though, the season has brought a welcome return for the Hillers to the team and the sport they enjoy so much.

“Everyone is happy to be here and happy to be playing lacrosse,” Barry said. “It’s a great bonding experience for everyone. They are able to be a part of something bigger than themselves that brings everyone together.”

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The HHS boys tennis team opened its season with a pair of wins, beating Westwood 4-1 on May 7 and sweeping Medfield 5-0 on May 10.

Aidan Yagoobi, Lex Kaye and the doubles teams of Rex Lind-Spencer Smith and Thomas Guerra-Andrew Palacios came up winners in both matches, while Adam Glace won vs. Medfield.

The HHS girls tennis team beat Westwood 3-2 in its opener behind wins from Madison LaMachia, Riley Krattenmaker and the doubles duo of Vani Sharma-Sophie Kaplan. On May 10 the girls dropped a 4-1 decision at Medfield.

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 25

Obituaries Amy Beaudet Amy Rose Beaudet, 55, of Berlin passed away on May 2 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston with her loving husband at her side.

Affectionately known as “The Solar Queen,” Amy was a pioneer in the field of renewable energy and was widely seen as one of the best trainers and communicators in the solar industry. She was a sales engineer at the altE Store in Boxborough for 14 years and was admired for her smart yet simple approach to explaining complex topics in witty, down-to-earth YouTube videos and articles. She was proud to have helped millions of people on every continent with projects ranging from lighthouses to experiments in the Arctic. Her passion for helping people around the world took her to Puerto Rico to provide local training on doit-yourself, low-cost solar systems after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017.

Amy has always been a female leader in largely male-dominated industries. After graduating from Assabet Valley Vocational High School in Marlborough, class of 1983, Amy became a professional cabinet maker. She studied electrical engineering and was a pioneer in the video conferencing industry working with several local companies. She loved nothing more than mentoring and guiding young people to follow their dreams.

Amy had a way about her that would light up a room and bring out the best in her family and friends. She loved to be outdoors sailing and racing their schooner, The Green Dragon, skiing at Sunday River or in the Alps, kayaking and hiking.

Her adventurous and social spirit led her to join numerous groups including Women Who Sail, Women Black Diamond Skiers, the Sunday River Ski Community, American Schooner Association and several Assabet High School alumni committees. When it came to travel, Amy was all in.

She traveled all over the world with her husband and friends immersing herself in the local culture, inspiring everyone she met.

Amy was also very interested in local politics and worked with the Berlin Conservation Commission and the Energy Committee to help improve her local community.

Family was everything to Amy. She is survived by her husband, Andy Bezanson; parents, Roger and Pat Beaudet of Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire; siblings, Teresa L. Boyce of Hopkinton, Julie B. (and Dave) Carr of Oregon, Nancy E. (and Alex) Herrera of California, and David M. (and Erin) Beaudet of Conway; parents-in-law, Allan and Phyllis Bezanson of Southborough; and sister-inlaw, Kristina Bezanson of West Hatfield. She adored her 10 nieces and nephews, Madeline, Gabrielle, PJ, Ben, Mia, Talia, Trevor, Jack, Camden and Nate, and her beloved vizsla, Elsie.

Calling hours were held May 8. Services were under the care of the Morris Southborough Funeral Home.

Amy died after a five-year battle with colon cancer. In lieu of flowers, may we suggest a donation in her memory to The Healing Garden Support Group (healinggardensupport.org) or Stand Up to Cancer (standuptocancer.org), two organizations very dear to her heart.

Lois MacKay Lois Jennett (Jean) MacKay (nee Clifton), 93, of Hopkinton and formerly of Portland, Oregon, passed away May 6. She was the daughter of the late Sarah E. Clifton (nee DuPuis) and John D. Clifton of Vancouver, Washington.

A loving wife, mother and a devoted and adored “Gramma Jean” of Oakhurst Road, Hopkinton, she was loved by all in her neighborhood — kids and animals alike. She loved to visit everyone with her little white dog (among others), Micky.

She will be missed by all who knew her. Jean is predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Wilbur D. MacKay of Westboro. She leaves behind three children, Barbara Jean Thorne and husband Richard of Jacksonville, Florida, Fredric C. MacKay and wife Gail of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and Jennifer Bachman and husband Roland (Joe) of Upton; her grandchildren, Kristin Davis and husband Sheldon, Hilary Banda and husband Christopher, Lindsey Mastroianni and husband Philip, and Caitlyn Albano and husband Joseph. She also leaves eight great grandchildren.

A funeral service was held May 15 at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home in Hopkinton.

Donations may be made to HopeHealth, Attention: Philanthropy, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904; Baypath Human Society, PO Box 23, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

Peter Landry Peter Raymond Landry, 33, of Holliston passed away April 30. Born in Framingham, he was the cherished son of Diane Landry and Craig Landry of Bellingham, formerly of Holliston.

Peter graduated in 2005 from Holliston High School, where he was a talented multi-sport athlete. Peter enjoyed his work at Millwood Country Club and Concord Country Club, and later worked in the construction and landscaping fields. He loved spending time playing games with his family, barbecuing, watching football, golfing and playing video games. We will miss Peter for his kind heart, charisma, quick wit and amazing hugs.

Besides his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Jason Landry and wife Chrissie of Bellingham, Shawn Landry of Milford, and Shanna Landry of Hopkinton. He also leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as his niece and nephews, Connor and Kyle Landry, and Ella, Caiden and Camden Landry, whom he adored.

A service was held at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston on May 7, followed by burial in Dell Park Cemetery in Natick. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Thorsen of Hopkins, Minnesota, Michael S. Thorsen of Ashland, David C. (Alison) Thorsen of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, Megan R. (Dean) James of Upton, and Elizabeth S. Thorsen of Medway; and his 11 grandchildren, Emily, Rachel, Kelly, Danny, Tommy, Jack, Joey, Sam, Seth, Sawyer and Shane.

A longtime resident of Ashland, Big Mike will fondly be remembered as the always present, proud father at all of his children’s school and sporting events. His grandchildren looked forward to performing their best stupid human tricks for Grandpa when he was feeling generous with his wallet contents. He was patient with Ginny’s former dog-breeding business, which brought him one of his best friends, Teena Weena, “the Athlete,” before she passed some years ago. Mike maximized his retirement time at his vacation home in Naples, Maine. Boaters there will fondly remember “Whitey” with his white fluffy hair and cries of “No wake!” as they sped past his home.

A small private service for family members was held April 17 at Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society (cancer. org) in Mike’s name would be appreciated.

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Michael Thorsen Michael Sean “Big Mike” Thorsen passed away on April 12 at his home in Ashland, after a 15-month battle with cancer. He was 74 years old.

Michael was born in Natick on Sept. 5, 1946, to George C. Thorsen and Gertrude R. (Daley) Sheridan. He was a 1964 graduate of Natick High School. Michael served his country honorably during the Vietnam War from 1965-68 in the U.S. Navy. He married Virginia (Ginny) Carnicelli in 1966. He spent the majority of his working years in auto body repair and construction before retirement.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, John “Jack” S. Sheridan, and his youngest son, Timothy James Thorsen. He is survived by his wife, Ginny; his brothers, George C. (Maura) Thorsen of Hopkinton, Brian K. (Patricia) Thorsen of Shirley, and John S. (Jeanne) Sheridan of Ashland, Virginia; his children, Amy J. (Gaio)

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26 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

Police Log Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

April 27

2:42 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street involving two cars. No injuries were reported. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report.

2:48 p.m. An East Main Street caller reported a man known to her stole money. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke with the reporting person.

7:10 p.m. Multiple callers reported a loose shepherd on Cedar Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and checked the area with a negative find.

The Southborough Police Department was notified.

April 28

8:45 a.m. A caller reported black undergarments hanging from a tree on South Street and wanted it logged.

11:51 a.m. A caller reported a truck hit wires on Downey Street and they sparked. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Jessica Ferreira and Brendon Lyver responded and notified Eversource and Verizon. All occupants of the truck were uninjured.

4:40 p.m. A caller reported a person outside of Hillers Pizza on West Main Street was harassing people walking

1920

inside. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and found all OK. 5:05 p.m. A caller reported an outof-control illegal burn on Winter Street.

Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded along with the Fire Department and found two large piles contained to an area.

8:45 p.m. A caller reported two kids in a car smoking pot on West Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and checked the area with a negative find.

April 29

12:24 p.m. A Frankland Road resident reported a trespasser. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and spoke with the individual.

April 30

1:15 p.m. A caller reported a pole on Cedar Street was leaning. Verizon was contacted.

2:32 p.m. A caller reported something hit his windshield on Ash Street, and the windshield started to splinter.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and assisted. No personal injuries were reported.

2:33 p.m. A Deer Run caller reported a large oak tree fell on wires.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and contacted Verizon.

2:47 p.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded to a report of a hit-and-

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run motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street. A report was to follow.

3:20 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Front Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Robert Ekross responded and a report was to follow.

3:25 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a fallen tree on power lines on West Main Street. Power was shut off at one of the residences and Eversource was notified.

4:21 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a fallen tree on wires across the roadway of South Mill Street.

Eversource was notified.

6:13 p.m. A caller reported several fallen wires on Legacy Farms North.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and contacted Eversource.

7:24 p.m. A caller reported a small blond dog on the loose on Main Street.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and found the dog and subsequently located the owner.

7:58 p.m. A caller reported a mattress in the roadway of Lumber Street.

Officer Robert Ekross moved it and left a message for the DPW. 8:04 p.m. The Water Department reported a power outage at a critical infrastructure. Officer Robert Ekross responded and reported power was restored.

May 1

8:02 a.m. A caller reported a tree blocking the roadway of Morse Lane.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and found a private contractor taking care of the tree.

9:52 a.m. Baypath called to report a dog found on Hayden Rowe Street was dropped off at its shelter.

7:03 p.m. The State Police requested an officer to check the State Park on Cedar Street for a male in a checkered shirt walking with an off-leash dog. The male was approached by several people asking him to leash his dog. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked the area with a negative find.

7:37 p.m. A Westcott Drive caller reported a woman stopped by her house an accused her and a group of teenagers of driving at excessive speeds. When the woman left the residence, she backed into a vehicle parked at the end of the driveway. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and took a report.

May 2

12:19 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth responded along with the Fire Department to alarms going off multiple times at a Hidden Brick Road residence.

Faulty detectors were determined to be the cause.

11:01 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported a rooster was preventing her from exiting her house.

12:05 p.m. A Priscilla Road caller reported a porch was on fire, and it was started by a bag of construction materials. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department. The Ashland Fire Department responded and assisted. An ambulance responded and one person refused treatment for a burn.

5:41 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was struck in the CVS parking lot

HopkintonIndependent.com

on Main Street. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and took a report of a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident.

6:52 p.m. A North Mill Street resident provided a photo and reported a suspicious vehicle followed her son, and when a photo of the vehicle was attempted, the vehicle took off. The incident was logged.

11:09 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan searched for and located a person on Huckleberry Road.

May 4

9:40 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance in a Cedar Street lobby. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Ryan Polselli and Brendon Lyver responded and took a report.

10:24 a.m. A Constitution Court caller reported two stolen packages over the past few weeks. Officer Brendon Lyver spoke with caller and took a report.

5:47 p.m. A Priscilla Road resident reported her daughter was receiving threatening text messages. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

9:07 p.m. Officer Tyler Brabham responded along with the Fire Department to a CO detector activation. No hazard was found.

May 5

12:13 a.m. A caller reported striking a deer on Interstate 495 prior to Exit 21.

The State Police were notified and Officer Brittany Firth responded as well.

7:27 a.m. A Trevor Lane caller reported an aggressive dog in the neighborhood. The animal control officer was advised. Officer Jay Deiana responded and spoke with the owner.

1:23 p.m. A walk-in reported construction debris on the side of the roadway on Main Street and Walcott Street.

Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and notified the DPW for debris pickup.

2:41 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Elm Street.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Ryan Polselli and Brian Sanchioni responded and located the driver and all checked out OK. 5:49 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the Fire Department to a report of an inside odor at a Robbern Road residence. The odor was traced to a water heater, and a plumber was contacted.

7:27 p.m. A caller reported vandalism of the rock wall at the entrance to Greenwood Road. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and a report was to follow.

7:26 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious vehicle on Stoney Brook Road.

Officers Ryan Polselli and Jessica Ferreira responded and found solicitors with no permit in the area. They were moved along.

7:26 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers reported a news crew on school grounds on Loop Road. Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke to the crew and moved the individuals along.

8:41 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross came across an unoccupied vehicle on Loop Road and saw “Please slow down” signs in the back seat. Officer Ekross spoke to two individuals and the signs were subsequently returned to their proper spots.

10:31 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira checked on an unoccupied vehicle in

The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021 • 27

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an Elm Street parking lot and found its windshield broken.

May 6

8:16 a.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil came across a dump truck with brakes smoking on Lumber Street Extension. A mechanic was en route.

10:05 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan checked on a person urinating on the side of the road on East Main Street and spoke with him.

1:44 p.m. A bicyclist reported an accident nearly took place on Baker Lane and a verbal argument ensued. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and assisted.

1:53 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil reported a minor motor vehicle accident with no injuries on Main Street. Officer Philip Powers took a report.

3:08 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed to Main Street to check the grounds.

All was OK. 7:58 p.m. A young caller reported a dead duckling was turned upside down and ducks were standing next to it on Cedar Street. The incident was logged.

9:41 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli checked on a parked vehicle on Main Street that was running for about 30 minutes and spoke with security personnel for a jewelry store.

May 7

9:37 a.m. A caller requested to speak with an officer about an offensive sign placed on the Town Common. Officer Moira McGaffigan spoke with the caller and advised her to contact the building inspector.

9:39 a.m. Officer Philip Powers requested an officer to assist with a student at Elmwood School on Elm Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Jay Deiana responded and determined no assistance was needed.

11:57 a.m. A Woodview Way caller reported she was bitten by a dog around 6:50 a.m. The animal control officer was notified and was to contact the caller.

12:46 a.m. A caller reported an erratic operator swerving on West Main Street who pulled into the Starbucks parking lot. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Jay Deiana responded and the vehicle was gone upon their arrival.

3:20 p.m. A caller reported a man in his 50s stumbling around on Main Street and who appeared to be under the influence. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and located the man. His vehicle was located and secured, and Officer Brabham stood by until a ride arrived for him.

May 8

3:11 p.m. A Main Street business owner reported people setting up for a rally in the business parking lot. The caller did not mind the people staying on the sidewalk but didn’t want them in the parking lot. The incident was logged.

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May 9

5:52 a.m. A caller reported a possibly intoxicated person on West Main Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Cody Normandin and Brittany Firth responded and performed field sobriety tests, and the individual checked out OK. 1:32 p.m. A walk-in from Pinecrest Village reported her gray and white cat named Mushroom was lost. The incident was logged.

2:58 p.m. A Constitution Court resident reported a male in a black Dodge Ram had been driving by the past few days and being verbally abusive toward tenants about recent events in town. The incident was logged.

3:40 p.m. A caller reported being bitten by a dog on the right knee on North Pond Terrace. The information was sent to the animal control officer and the incident was logged.

10:47 p.m. A Cedar Street caller reported a domestic incident. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Preston Mucciarone, Jessica Ferreira and Brittany Firth responded and one person was placed into protective custody.

May 10

7:57 a.m. An Everett Circle resident reported his wallet was stolen a few days earlier. He canceled all of his credit cards but wanted the incident logged.

9:40 a.m. Multiple callers reported a gas main break on Main Street. Police Chief Joseph Bennett, Sergeants John Porter and Matthew McNeil and Officers Matthew Santoro, Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded along with the Fire Department and assistance from Ashland, Southborough and Westborough. Eversource was notified.

The downtown area was closed to traffic and some businesses evacuated. Several reports of outdoor odor of natural gas were received. Eversource stopped the leak at 11:41 a.m. and zero readings were subsequently found in the area and at local businesses.

10:53 p.m. A caller complained of a vehicle with a trailer spilling broken glass on the roadway of East Main Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and spoke with the caller. The DPW responded and checked the area with a negative find on broken glass.

2:32 p.m. A caller reported a male party was walking his dog on Cedar Street and knelt on the dog’s neck. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and checked the area with a negative find.

2:55 p.m. A caller reported three males had a dog in the trunk of their car on Cedar Street. The Ashland Police Department was notified.

4:51 p.m. Officers Preston Mucciarone and Jessica Ferreira responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on Hayden Rowe Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Ferreira provided one person with a courtesy transport.

4:54 p.m. Officer Tyler Brabham responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported.

HopkintonIndependent.com

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28 • The Hopkinton Independent • May 19, 2021

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