Hopkinton Independent June 16, 2021

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 12 | June 16, 2021

Frustrated but thankful, station owner Lazzaro to move on from town

By Thomas J. Lyons Jr. Contributing Writer

A

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

SENIOR MOMENT

Brothers Lucas (left) and Charlie Nealon show their enthusiasm as the Hopkinton High School graduation car parade heads down Main Street on June 5. For more on all the Senior Week activities, including the June 4 graduation exercises, see Page 14.

fter 38 years of operating the most prominent gasoline station and automotive repair shop in Hopkinton, Jerry Lazzaro is throwing in the towel.

His story is the tale of a hard-working blue-collar businessman who was loved by his dedicated customers. Few people in this community supported more local charities than Lazzaro, who had more than his share of battles with both the Town of Hopkinton and his everchanging landlords/gasoline suppliers over the years.

“It has been a good run,” Lazzaro said. “And I want to thank all the longtime, loyal customers. It’s been a lot of work, that’s for sure, and I’m going to miss the customers. I wanted to stay a few more years, but the numbers don’t work anymore. I just can’t do it.”

Lazzaro, who grew up in Norwood and now lives in Walpole, began working at his father’s Exxon station in Brookline as a teenager. His brothers also went on to operate service stations Lazzaro | 8

INSIDE

Heart-to-heart inspiration

PLANNING BOARD Developer plans solar next to Springwood

By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

O

n Aug. 5, 2009, Avery Toole was lying in a hospital bed at Boston Children’s Hospital, battling a heart condition.

That was an all too familiar location for the Hopkinton 5-year-old.

The day after she was born, in April 2004, she was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, known as HLHS. She had her first open heart surgery at five days old.

In the next five years, she would undergo eight more open heart surgeries.

In 2009, she was in the hospital most of the year, beginning in March. She was on life support multiple times.

Then, her health critical, she was placed on the list for a heart transplant.

That was her condition on Aug. 5, 2009.

At the same time, some 750 miles away, Dalton Lawyer, Transplant | 7

9

NEWS

Select Board elects Nasrullah to be chair

10

SPORTS

Hopkinton High School student Avery Toole holds the children’s book that was inspired by her heart transplant.

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Hopkinton Independent

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, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Mary Ellen Gambon

contact us

Left: Greyhound Friends executive director Teri Shepard is working to get the shelter back to full strength now that pandemic restrictions are easing.

PHOTOS/JERRY SPAR

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.

Greyhound Friends looks to bounce back

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.

Below: At its June 5 open house, Greyhound Friends had three dogs in its kennel, and two already had commitments to be adopted.

G

reyhound Friends, the nonprofit adoption shelter on Saddle Hill Road, held its annual open house June 5. The event included a remembrance ceremony, a silent auction, vendors, refreshments, music and visits with adoptable dogs.

After dealing with the controversy surrounding its former director that led to the shelter being shuttered by the authorities, the shelter reorganized, made some physical improvements and only to be extremely limited when the pandemic hit.

INDEPENDENT reopened, Additionally, the closing of greyhound racing tracks in Florida has THOUGHTS limited the number of greyhounds needing to be rescued.

“This past year has been very difficult due to COVID restricJERRY SPAR tions,” executive director Teri Shepard said. “After just reopening, we were shut down. So we had to decide what we were going to do. So we decided to spend this time solidifying our policies and procedures and bringing them from written to functional, making sure everything worked properly.”

Added Cathy DeNorscia, president of the Greyhound Friends Board of Directors: “The past year has been challenging to say the least. Between the pandemic and the end of greyhound racing in Florida we’ve had a shortage of dogs, and we’ve had to run the shelter on a skeleton crew of staff and volunteers. We are optimistic, however, that as the COVID restrictions ease up things will pick up and we’ll be able to build our programs, especially our volunteer and community outreach and education programs.”

Shepard touted the partnerships Greyhound Friends has formed with other likeminded organizations in the region, and she credited Elizabeth Russell from Healthy Paws Veterinary Center [in Westborough] for allowing the shelter to “treat all of our animals in a timely fashion while many other vets were overloaded.”

Independent thoughts | 3

Happy

Father’s Day

Summer Claims

1. Matt accidentally “skulls” a golf ball in his backyard and it shatters his big bay window. Would Matt’s homeowner policy cover the damage even though it is his fault?

2. Dick and Gemma buy fireworks for the Fourth of July. Deciding to test a few before the holiday, they set one off in their neighborhood. One lands on a neighbor’s house and starts a fire. Would Dick and Gemma’s liability coverage cover the claim even though fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts?

3. Jeff’s mom calls their insurance company to see if their premium will cost less when Jeff turns 25 years old, which will happen on the Fourth of July. Will their price go down?

Answer 1: Yes, minus the deductible. Matt’s home has all-risk coverage.

Answer 2: Yes, since they did not intentionally start the fire, coverage would apply.

Answer 3: No, there is no discount when a driver turns 25.

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2

Summer is Around the Corner And Home Sales are Sizzling!

At the open house there were three dogs being housed in the shelter, and two already had commitments to be adopted.

Shepard said the shelter was expecting more dogs to be sent from Kentucky, and the shelter has been working to bring in dogs from overseas as well.

“We’ve all been closed to the public during this pandemic, and I’m proud that we’ve been able to continue to adopt out dogs and build all these new relationships while so many around us have had to shut down,” Shepard said. “I fully intend to stay on this path as we slowly begin to reopen.”

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Confederate controversy hits home The national controversy surrounding how to recognize individuals who fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War recently made its way to Hopkinton. In April’s Senior Center newsletter, the Hilltopper, there was a box noting culturally significant events for the month. One of the items referenced Confederate Memorial Day, an April holiday in several Southern states that honors those who fought against the Union.

Director of Senior Services Amy Beck explained that the item was “inserted and missed in the editing process,” a “mistake” that she fixed by removing the reference. She followed with an apology to newsletter recipients, a letter that also was posted on the town’s website.

“Neither I nor the Hopkinton Senior Center endorses commemorating any group that seeks to marginalize and oppress any minority group or community,” Beck wrote in her apology. “The observance mentioned in the newsletter does not reflect the values of the Hopkinton Senior Center or the Town of Hopkinton’s commitment to recognizing and opposing systemic racism, as put forth in the town’s pledge ‘to address systemic racism, social injustice, and inequity in the way we govern and provide services to our residents and businesses.’ I fully support this pledge not only as an individual but as the Director of Senior Services. Racism in any form should never be tolerated and has no place at the Senior Center or in Hopkinton.”

Beck promised that “stricter attention will be paid” to the editing process going forward.

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Don’t be GREEN with Envy The inaugural LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade will take place June 26 at the Hopkinton High School outdoor track.

The Hopkinton Freedom Team, in collaboration with the Hopkinton Youth Commission, is hosting Hopkinton’s first LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade on Saturday, June 26, from 2-3 p.m. at the Hopkinton High School outdoor track. The parade will consist of three laps around the track.

Organizers say various town organizations will participate in the event, which will be broadcast on HCAM. The parade takes place during Pride Month, when events are planned that are “fun and upbeat gatherings centered around celebrating LGBTQIA+ people for who they are,” according to the Freedom Team website.

Smitha Ram, who is a member of both the Freedom Team and the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton, designed the colorful poster for the event. It features people marching while holding rainbow flags.

For more information and to register to walk or watch — advance registration is required for either — visit hopkintonfreedomteam.org or email proudmanfreya@ gmail.com.

Turn old schools into senior housing LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Instead of taking schools down when building a replacement school, I think we should make the former school into safe housing/ apartments for seniors and those in need of a safe place to live. We need it!

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

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Hopkinton Public Library Foundation donation sponsors ‘library of things’

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

o celebrate its 10th anniversary of support to the local library, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation (HPLF) is donating $10,000 to expand library borrowing capabilities by launching a “library of things” scheduled to open this fall.

The library of things concept has become a growing trend both regionally and nationwide. Library-based versions exist in states spanning from California to Connecticut. Globally, free-standing libraries of things can be found in Canada, Germany and Australia, among other countries, according to Wikipedia.

They allow patrons to borrow items such as computers, games and musical instruments in addition to books and audiotapes.

“By funding a library of things, the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation aims to provide the physical tools

needed to support lifelong learning and creativity and provide new ways for kids and adults to interact and explore,” according to HPLF chair Laura Barry.

“As such, the collection will greatly enhance the library’s mission to inspire exploration, discovery and engagement in our community.”

Katherine Davenport, a member of the HPLF Board of Trustees, explained that the foundation contributed more than $1 million to support the library’s renovation and expansion. This expansion has led to a greater capacity to lend items.

“The idea was first floated for the Hopkinton community in a survey in 2018,” she said. “Residents had a high level of interest as moving the concept forward as one of its top priorities. This sentiment was echoed when it became part of the 2020 strategic plan.”

In addition, she and other board members did research on current libraries of things locally in Brookline,

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“The excitement was so overwhelming, especially with libraries close to us,” Davenport said. “Before, the library was contained not by its creativity but by a lack of space.”

The $10,000 came about because the foundation exceeded its goal of $1 million and wanted to use the funds to bring this concept to life.

“One of the nice things about a library of things is the premise that it allows people to use information and items that they might not have access to otherwise,” Davenport continued.

“People may want to try to learn a musical instrument but would not have the resources available.”

She added that Newton was able to lend out donated instruments that were repaired by volunteers and tuned by a local musician.

“It was the right time for this opportunity,” Davenport said, noting that there is a renewed interest in going to

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libraries now that they have reopened after the pandemic shuttered them for months across the state.

“I talked to a patron [last week] who didn’t know about it but was really excited about the concept,” she said.

“People are really valuing the resources we offer. This will allow the library to expand its opportunities even further.”

The funding will go toward the purchase of new items, including instruments, computers, crafting materials and the packaging needed to lend them out.

“We have been working with Imagine Corps to brainstorm an event for teens to gather their input,” she said about a June 8 event with a local community service-based organization. “We want to find out what will be wanted and valued by the community.”

Added Davenport: “One thing we learned from looking at other communities is that puzzles and games are popular items. Another example is knitting materials. If a person wants to learn but doesn’t want to buy the knitting needles and the yarn, he or she can try knitting out through the library. Then they can see if it’s something they like without making a commitment.”

Another area where this can be useful is with technology. People who want to buy a laptop can decide what model to purchase after borrowing different models from the library first.

“The sky is wide open in terms of what we can provide,” Davenport said.

In a way, she said the Hopkinton Public Library started the concept several years ago by lending out one item — a telescope.

“Scout troops loved to borrow it,” she noted. “People started holding programs about viewing the stars with it. We’re excited about adding that kind of thing on a larger scale.”

Davenport said she can feel the momentum for the library of things growing already.

“It’s hard to put a program in a bad light,” she noted. “People are just starting to go out, and they want to explore different things.”

Library director Heather Backman said she is grateful for the foundation’s “fantastic support” of the library of things. The next step is engaging the community in learning what items people would like to have available.

“We are really excited and very grateful for the foundation’s support and the community donations that allowed this to be put into place for the benefit of the town,” she said.

People should be “on the lookout” for the community survey to gauge interest in particular items in the next few weeks (email Backman at hbackman@hopkintonma.gov for more information).

“We are more likely to have a series of adding things to it over time,” she explained. “The staff will be discussing it internally over the summer.”

One thing she stressed is that the library is not accepting donations at this time.

“We plan on purchasing everything new,” Backman said. “It is early enough in the planning and implementation process that we can learn people’s interests and buy accordingly.”

Chromebooks are expected to be popular, she added, as are crafting materials and games. Musical instruments and gaming devices also are being considered.

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 5

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Priyank Soni for this photo of Frosty, a poodle puppy, checking out Lake Whitehall. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent. com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

n,

Hey Hopkinto

Get out s! your camera

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

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

Library director to depart in July

H

FILE PHOTO/MICHELLE MURDOCK

opkinton Public Library director Heather Backman will step down July 9, after accepting a position with the Weymouth Public Libraries, the town announced June 4.

Backman joined the Hopkinton Public Library in October 2014 as the adult services librarian and was appointed library director in August 2017.

During her tenure as director, Backman led the transition to the new build- Heather Backman, who has been library director since ing, expanded library pro- 2017, will leave for a new job next month. gramming and increased of our new strategic plan.” foot traffic by 47.7 percent Said town manager Norman Khumand circulation by 25.6 percent, with alo: “Heather is a team player, a key 1,577 new cardholders added, according contributor in senior leader meetings, to the town. and an active participant in agency wide “It’s been an honor to serve the initiatives and policy discussions. She is Hopkinton community for the last 6 1/2 an intellectual powerhouse and pleasant years and to work with the dedicated to work with and will be missed by all.” individuals on the library staff, board “The Hopkinton Public Library of trustees, Friends of the Hopkinton Board of Trustees wishes Heather BackPublic Library, and Hopkinton Library man well in her new position and we Foundation,” Backman said, via a town offer our sincere congratulations,” said press release. “I greatly appreciate the Board of Library Trustees chair Susan opportunity to have had the support of Porter. “Our loss is the Weymouth Lia town manager who understands the brary’s gain, and we are so very sorry to importance of a vibrant public library. see her go. Heather has been a wonderMany diligent and caring colleagues ful director during a very tumultuous throughout the town have also been time. She has dealt with the opening of wonderful partners in my work. I am our new library and the COVID emergrateful for the strong and continuing gency, among other things, with grace support of this community for its library, and sensitivity. Heather, we will miss and I know that the library team will you and your intelligent and inclusive continue to do wonderful things for the presence.”

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Sager returns home to join Hopkinton Police H

opkinton native Kevin Sager finalized his homecoming when he was approved May 28 by the Select Board to become the town’s newest police officer.

Sager, who grew up on Blackthorne Circle (off Granite Street), said that as a child he looked up to the police in town.

“I remember as a kid seeing police officers driving around my neighborhood, at the [Boston] Marathon, Center School and Elmwood when they had the Kenyan runners come, I always went up and talked to [the police],” he said. “So it’s very exciting.”

Sager, a graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine, has spent the past 13 years on the force in South

Hopkinton native Kevin Sager started with the HPD on June 1.

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Portland, Maine, most recently as a sergeant.

“He has many professional accomplishments on his resume, including being an instructor at the Maine Police Academy,” Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett said in his introduction.

“But today I want to share with you what really impressed me and others about Kevin is not only his accomplishments and his resume, his character, his demeanor, and the fact that I believe he is going to be an amazing fit in our community — he vetted us. He researched

our department. He looked on our social media posts. He looked on our website.

He researched so much about the department. He was so well-prepared for the interview. He even reached out before he considered [applying], he reached out to me and asked to do a ride-along. He spent time with the officers.

“He chose us to apply. And I think that’s certainly a compliment to our department, to have a high-caliber applicant do all that to come here. And it shows his due diligence and preparation.

He performed very well in his interviews, he performed very well in his other department. He’s an outstanding candidate for many reasons, but the research he did and the fact that he vetted us really stood out to me.”

Sager fielded questions from Select Board members before being unanimously approved. Amy Ritterbusch asked for his philosophy on deescalating physical and verbal behaviors, and Sager said he has had crisis intervention training.

“The biggest part is just to remain calm with people, because they may be having the worst day of their lives, and anything you say or do can either make it better for them or worse,” he said, also highlighting the importance of taking things slow.

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he town announced May 27 that it has signed a 99-year lease with the 26.2 Foundation that grants the nonprofit a 19-acre site on East Main Street for the development and construction of an International Marathon Center.

The project was approved by the Select Board late last year, and a special permit was granted by the Planning Board in March.

According to a press release from Town Hall, the facility will offer stateof-the-art educational and cultural facilities centered upon a marathon museum and hall of honor. The center will include conference facilities and an auditorium, as well as research space, classrooms and function rooms.

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the press release states. The construction and management of the center will be privately funded, through individual, foundation and corporate philanthropy, and the 26.2 Foundation’s plans call for it to open in the spring of 2024.

“The IMC will be a signature destination for runners the world over — a truly international venue designed to draw both U.S. and overseas visitors, like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York,” said Hopkinton town manager Norman Khumalo, who signed the lease on behalf of the town.

“It will be of significant importance to the economic growth and development not only of Hopkinton, but also to the entire MetroWest region.”

The press release indicates that over the next several years, more than $40 million will be invested in Hopkinton infrastructure, thanks to the combination of IMC development (more than $20 Marathon Center | 7

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 7

Local heart transplant recipient inspires children’s book Transplant | from page 1

an energetic and caring 8-year-old boy, was riding his bike while visiting family in Ohio. In one horrible moment, tragedy struck. He was hit by a truck and declared brain dead.

In the midst of their pain and grief, his devastated family decided to donate his organs, including his heart.

The next day, that heart was transplanted into Avery.

The grueling surgery took 18 hours, as surgeons had to work around scar tissue from her many previous surgeries.

“It was nerve wracking. It was a very, very intense process,” recalled Michael Toole, Avery’s father. He and Avery’s mother, Cheryl, waited anxiously for updates and the chance to visit with Avery after her surgery.

When they finally saw her after the operation was completed, they noticed her lips.

They were pink.

They had previously been blue, because she was not receiving enough oxygen from her ailing heart. The pink was a joyous sign, he said, “that everything was working.”

Her new life was made possible by her heart donor. But for some time after the surgery, the Toole family did not know the name of the family who made such a generous gift.

Although protocol did not allow Avery’s family to find out who the heart donor was, Dalton’s family wrote an anonymous letter to their son’s heart recipient. No names were exchanged, but the note included a few clues, Michael Toole said, and he did some sleuthing and found out their names.

After some communication, the Toole family met the Lawyers in their Texas home.

“It was incredible,” Michael Toole said. “It was like meeting family for the first time.”

Dalton’s triplet brothers “treated her like a sister,” he said of their connection with Avery.

Today, 17-year-old Avery’s life resembles that of many teenagers. She attends classes at Hopkinton High School, works part-time at Target, and has played soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

Her story has been translated into

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It was incredible. It was like meeting family for the first time.

— Michael Toole, on meeting the family of the boy whose heart was transplanted into Avery Toole a children’s book, “Avery’s Gift.” The book was written by Jonathan Hoefer, a college friend of Michael Toole, with colorful illustrations by artist Milana Samarskaya.

The two main characters are Avery and Dalton.

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Sadly, their search is not successful, and Dalton must leave Avery. But before he departs, he gives her a beautiful, heart-shaped locket. With this gift and his warm embrace, Avery watches in awe as her colors return, more vibrant

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Hoefer wanted to write the book to get the message out early to children that donating organs can restore life for others. “He wanted to plant that seed early,” Michael Toole said.

Avery urges everyone to consider becoming a donor.

And she delivers a special message to Dalton’s family and all who give the greatest gift under the most painful of circumstances.

“Thank you so much,” Avery said.

“If you didn’t make this hard decision, there would be many lives that wouldn’t be here.”

Avery’s and Dalton’s families remain in contact to this day. They are bonded by the strength of a beating heart.

For more information on “Avery’s Gift,” visit averysgift.com. To learn more about organ donation, visit donatelife.net/register.

KD

Marathon Center | from page 6

million) and the town’s Main Street Corridor Project, now underway, which is designed to improve safety for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians and reduce congestion in Hopkinton’s town center.

“While the successful development of the 26.2 International Marathon Center has potential for socioeconomic benefits within Massachusetts as a whole, the locus of direct economic impact will center on Hopkinton and the region,” said Elena Kazlas of ConsultEcon, an economic planning and management firm that has conducted two separate feasibility studies of the proposed IMC over the last 10 years. “This project has the potential to create new business and employment opportunities in Hopkinton and will serve to expand Hopkinton’s and the Boston area’s profile as a tourism destination with a niche focus in marathoning.”

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Longtime gas station owner Lazzaro calls it quits Lazzaro | from page 1

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

in Framingham and Holliston. He took over in Hopkinton Center when he was 29 years old in 1983. Things got off to “a slow start,” according to Lazzaro, who drew the ire of Hopkinton’s ruling elite when he fired the son of a prominent town official two weeks after opening his doors on Main Street.

“Shortly after I fired that kid the building inspector was all over my case.

I sensed some sort of retaliation because I was from out of town,” he recalled.

“They wanted to inspect everything, they wanted to show me who was boss.

As the years went on, I got along with the town better and better. [Former longtime treasurer/collector] Maureen Dwinnell was awesome, she went to bat for me. … [Assistant building inspector] Mike Shepard, who knows what it is like to run a business, and the people we have now are great.”

During Lazzaro’s tenure in Hopkinton, the service station has changed ownership on several occasions. The property and his lease has been bought and sold by some of the nation’s largest refiners, including Exxon/Mobil and Conoco/Phillips. The location currently is owned by Petroleum Marketing Group. The lease requires Lazzaro to

Jerry Lazzaro has run the gas station/repair shop in the center of town since 1983, but after the company that owns the station raised his rent, he determined it was not financially feasible to continue.

purchase 100 percent of his gasoline from his landlord, who sets the price.

“It has been a nightmare dealing with these people,” Lazzaro said. On one occasion he took his landlord/supplier to court, with limited results. It was “exhausting and expensive, too.”

The ownership changes contributed to many brand changes over the years.

“First we were Exxon, then Gulf for about eight years, then we were Sunoco for seven years and now we’re a Shell station,” Lazzaro said with a sigh. “The first year I was here, my rent was $1,340

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a month [compared to $14,600 now].”

Despite all the big company turmoil, the one constant has been Lazzaro and his honest, hard work.

“Fixing cars is a tough job, and it ain’t fun when the gas prices go up, customers get angry. Sometimes they get ugly!” Lazzaro’s brother Neil offered, based on his own experience.

“But Jerry is an incredible worker and he gets through it. He knows how to run a gas station.”

Lazzaro improved the income stream by adding propane gas, expanding his convenience store and lottery offerings and even selling used cars, which he would restore and warranty.

Each time he had to petition the town for permits. It was not easy. Lazzaro also found that once his sales increased, so did his rent, because he increased the value of his landlord’s asset by adding newly permitted lines of business.

Over the years Lazzaro often could be overheard giving Neil advice over the phone. As a capable and respected businessman, Lazzaro often has counseled other local business operators on how to handle situations with employees and difficult customers or even financial matters.

Every year on the Friday night before Christmas, Lazzaro would host a holiday party, known locally as “The Blue Collar Event of the Year,” right in the repair bays of his station. Landscapers, plumbers, carpenters and handymen all would share in the holiday joy. One year an off-duty police officer attended.

Everyone was welcome.

Lazzaro’s station was a gathering spot for many a Hopkinton resident. Eccentric characters and local legends appeared regularly. Danny Laughlin would purchase $2 of gasoline every day, while former Bittersweet owner C.J. Dunne would try his luck in the lottery in an effort to reverse his financial fortunes.

Dr. Steve Perryman would bring in antique Fords and Jeeps from the 1960s for Lazzaro to fix. Lazzaro had an eclectic clientele, and he enjoyed them all.

Customers say Lazzaro is a most capable and honest mechanic. Those who have done business with him consider him an asset. “We love and trust Jerry,” longtime resident Beth Kelly offered.

“He can fix anything, and he does it with a smile.”

Lazzaro had several business clients, such as the landscaping company New View, McCarthy Pools and Jamie Oil, who relied on Lazzaro’s hard work and expertise to keep their vehicles running right. A familiar scene would occur every year in late August when nervous parents would drop off a 10-year-old car, telling Lazzaro that “the college is in Philadelphia” or “almost out as far as Buffalo” and they want their child to travel as safely as they possibly can.

They knew that if Lazzaro worked on the car, there was a lot less reason to worry.

The past few years have been difficult for Lazzaro’s business. The constant construction on Main Street and the impact of COVID-19 caused Lazzaro’s gasoline volume to drop in half.

Repair work and routine maintenance such as oil changes and brake jobs are down about 25 percent because people are driving less. After his landlord announced a rent increase to $14,600 per month from the $12,500 he was paying in 2020, Lazzaro studied the numbers and decided to call it quits.

Lazzaro | 9

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 9

Developer says Springwood-area subdivision proposals actually are for solar

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Planning Board on June 7 considered two preliminary subdivision proposals that brought concerns from both the board and the public as a “bait and switch” to preserve the zoning for a potential solar array development.

Matt Cote represented the applicant, Equestrian Realty. The two subdivision plans are right next to each other — abutting the eastern edge of the Springwood development off Chestnut Street — and are related.

The first, referred to as 190 Ash St., is a 37-acre plot of primarily forested area between Ash Street, Chestnut Street and Kimball Road. It is being proposed for a five-lot subdivision. The proposed roadway would be a through street that would go from Ash Street to Kimball Road and would be 1,200 feet long and is in an agricultural zoning district.

There would be a 40-foot right of way.

The second proposal calls for a twolot subdivision in the woods off Smith Road, which would be extended.

“The reason they are separated is that there is an NSTAR [Eversource] electrical parcel in between them,” Cote said of the two requests. The owner has permission to cross the electrical parcel with the roadway.

Cote explained that the land was going to be for an upcoming solar development. Chair Gary Trendel questioned why the board would be considering residential subdivisions for both applications.

“The end goal is solar,” Cote said, but that it would be “down the road a little bit.” The request was made to freeze the zoning prior to Town Meeting.

Principal planner John Gelcich explained that if a subdivision application occurs before Town Meeting, the application is not affected by any zoning changes at Town Meeting. Thus, it would not be affected by the new solar

Gas station owner calls it quits

bylaw Town Meeting voters approved last month.

“Does that mean that the conversation describing this is actually moot?” questioned board member Sundar Sivaraman.

Gelcich explained that the applications have been filed, and they need to be reviewed.

The attorney for the project, Tom Reidy, clarified that the zoning is frozen at the time of the filing. Within seven months of filing the preliminary subdivision plan, a definitive subdivision plan must be filed. Once that is approved, the zoning is approved within eight years.

“This is a tool that developers use to freeze zoning so that we would know the bylaw we were working with,” Cote said. “But we have to move through this process so that we can perfect the process, so to speak.”

Said Trendel: “What this feels like to me is a little bit of gamesmanship. To be honest, it scares me a little bit that you are willing to go through an entire subdivision plan to avoid the solar bylaws that are very, very important to us as a board and to us as a town.”

He requested that the applicant come back with a solar proposal at a later time.

Reidy said that the applicant wanted to see the impact of the solar bylaw before filing the solar proposal.

The proposed road would not be included, either.

Board member Jane Moran asked if the same strategy would be used for the second proposal, and was told that it would.

At the time of filing, Gelcich explained, the applicant did not have permission to cross the electrical lot, so its future was uncertain.

Board member Mary Larson-Marlowe said that it is proper to review the process as if it would be going forward to be judicious in regard to catch basin requirements and other environmental requirements.

Resident Bob Levinson said that as an abutter, he believed that what he called the “gash in our community” is inconsistent with the goals of the town charter and vision statement. These include preservation of open space and preserving the natural state and health of the community.

Trendel said he could understand what was being said, but could not assess that without more detail. The lot proposal would be in line with the charter because it is consistent with Springwood.

Other abutters had concerns as well, noting that the parcels are currently up for sale, and the cul de sac at the end of Kimball Road would be altered. They were not previously consulted by the developer before the plans were submitted.

Reidy said that the concerns about wildlife and buffer zones could be discussed with abutters as the project progresses. But there is a balance to be achieved, because the owner has a right to do what he wants with his property.

Phil Paradis, representing town engineering consultant BETA, said that the proposed road may need to be upgraded to a major street if it were to

Larson-Marlowe elected vice chair In other Planning Board news, the board elected a new vice chair June 7, with Larson-Marlowe edging out Rob Benson in a 4-3 vote.

Members expressed support for the efforts of both Benson, who has held the position for the past year, as well as Larson-Marlowe, who received praise for her work as chair of the Zoning Advisory Committee.

Meanwhile, Muriel Kramer, who last month was elected to the Select Board, resigned from the Planning Board, opening a seat.

The Select Board and Planning Board will need to jointly appoint a new member for an interim position.

The permanent position will be placed on the 2022 ballot. …

The board also voted unanimously to disband the Growth Study Committee, as its work is complete.

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go through. There is also “a significant amount of wetlands” involved, and the road should be redesigned to mitigate the impact.

The hearings were continued until the meeting on June 21. The final decision would need to be made within eight days. A site walk would need to be scheduled.

Levinson added that the issue for him was transparency about the process.

“When it starts off like this, you’re on your guard,” he said.

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Lazzaro | from page 8

“I said, ‘Are you kidding?’ I can’t do it anymore. … I wanted to work another three years, but I can’t make that rent, especially with all this construction going on,” he said.

As he winds things down he thinks not of the difficult employees, the exhaustive depositions against the big oil company or the unreasonable rent increases.

“I am just thankful to have met Beth Kelly and work on her fleet of Saabs, I am grateful to have employed about half of the kids who played football for Hopkinton High and I thank New View, my biggest customer, and everyone else for their business and friendship over the years,” he said. “I really just want to thank the people of Hopkinton.”

One last thing: New View as a matter of policy does not purchase or operate newer or late model vehicles.

“We don’t have to, we’ve got Jerry to fix ’em!” New View’s John Schofield disclosed at Lazzaro’s holiday party about five years ago. Schofield knows Lazzaro’s work very well. He pumped gas for Lazzaro in the mid-1980s when he was a teenager. Like Lazzaro, he did it with a smile.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Nasrullah new Select Board chair A

PHOTO/AU FAMILY GOFUNDME PAGE

t its June 1 meeting the Select Board reorganized, with Irfan Nasrullah elected chair by a unanimous vote. Nasrullah, who served as vice chair for the past year, was nominated by outgoing chair Brendan Tedstone (who remains a board member).

“I’m proud to pass the chairmanNEWS BRIEFS ship over to him,” Tedstone said.

Amy Ritterbusch was unanimously elected vice chair.

Nasrullah proceeded to pay tribute to former member Brian Herr, who departed the board last month after choosing not to run for reelection.

“His service has been invaluable, and he will be sorely missed,” Nasrullah said.

Muriel Kramer, who took Herr’s seat on the board, noted that “Herr has made a contribution over the decades, not years,” to the town.

A fundraiser is underway to help the family whose Saddle Hill Road home suffered extensive damage in a May 26 fire after apparently being struck by lightning.

A fire in the fireplace of the main residence escaped into the walls of the building, Hopkinton Fire Chief Steve Slaman explained, adding that while there was a lot of smoke in the building, the fire was isolated to two interior walls.

Owner/director Tom Cronin said there were no injuries.

“There was some damage to the outside of the building, which we are in the process of having repaired,” he wrote via email. “We remain open and serving Hopkinton as we have for the past 132 years.”

Added Cronin: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to express their concern. Also, our sincerest thanks to the Hopkinton Fire Department and the fire departments from neighboring communities that responded.”

Fund started for family whose house burned A relief fund was started by a neighbor for the Au family, whose Saddle Hill Road home caught fire May 26 and suffered severe damage. The fire apparently started when lightning struck the home. The residents were not home at the time, but one of the family’s two cats perished in the blaze, according to the GoFundMe page.

The individual who started the fundraiser indicated the family had moved in last August and had recently finished a major interior renovation.

As of June 9, the fundraiser had received donations totaling $13,555 toward a goal of $15,000.

Fire Chief Steve Slaman said a firefighter suffered an ankle injury battling the blaze and was recovering last week.

COVID update: Town buildings fully reopen Hopkinton town buildings reopened to the public without the need for appointments June 1. Following the state’s guidelines, masks are not required for fully vaccinated individuals.

Face coverings still are required on public and private transportation systems, at health care facilities and

Funeral home remains open after fire The Callanan Cronin Funeral Home remained open after a fire May 31 at the Church Street business.

50

ing t a r b Cele

indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Health director Shaun McAuliffe noted that Hopkinton has had very low rates of infection lately — as of June 3 there were eight active cases — along with a very high vaccination rate.

HCA approved for outside alcohol license The Hopkinton Center for the Arts was unanimously approved by the Select Board for an exception to its lease addendum that will allow the organization to serve alcohol outside during outdoor events — concerts, plays, art shows and dance nights — this summer.

Per the new lease alcohol can be served from 5-8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 5-8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The alcohol will be served by a licensed caterer.

HCA executive director Kelly Grill noted that the organization already is allowed to serve alcohol inside, and the outside alcohol service area would be contained by a fence and monitored by volunteers. The designated alcohol consumption areas are in the back of the building, in the grassy areas between the building and the Hopkinton High School

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parking lot.

Superintendent of schools Carol Cavanaugh previously had questioned whether allowing alcohol to be served so close to the high school would be wise. However, on Tuesday she said she checked with the facilities director and HHS principal and learned there are no school-sponsored events on a Friday or Saturday evening in July and August.

Nasrullah questioned why the HCA could not return to indoor events, and Grill said some people remain uncomfortable being part a large group in a small indoor space.

Kramer said she was willing to support it as a onetime exception to help a local organization recover from the pandemic, although she would be more hesitant should it come up again next year.

“I am more willing to consider it this summer because of the circumstances,” Kramer said, adding, “I do think it’s an exception rather than a rule circumstance.”

Local water systems recognized The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recently presented awards of commendation to public water systems across the state for their noteworthy public service delivered during 2020. The criteria MassDEP uses include excellent water service to the public, no violations or non-compliance issues, and efforts that support public water supply services, such as source-water protection, water quality and conservation.

Among those systems recognized with honorable mentions were two in town: Hopkinton Country Club and Maillet Woods Condominiums (on Trevor Lane).

“2020 presented challenges for public water systems and MassDEP is honored to recognize these exceptional systems, which exemplified public service in providing continuous and consistently clean and safe potable water to their residents,” stated MassDEP commissioner Martin Suuberg.

“Many public water systems across the commonwealth do a great job, but each year, there are some systems that stand out and deserve special recognition and commendation.”

Misc.: DPW’s new hire confirmed Robert LeDuc was unanimously approved by the Select Board to be hired as working foreman (highway) for the Department of Public Works. The position became available when Gerard Berthelette left for a job in the private sector last year. …

The Select Board unanimously approved a transfer in ownership of the package store alcohol license for two stores. At Hopkinton Wine & Spirits (77 West Main St.), the license is being transferred from RKY-HPTK Corp. to Jai Shiv Om Kara Inc. At Mobil Mart Hopkinton (92 West Main St.), the license is being transferred from Hopkinton Friendly Service to Global Montello Corp. …

A $2,000 gift from the Hopkinton Community Partnership to the K-9 gift account was unanimously accepted by the Select Board.

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 11

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Moe Coelho Porcelain capitalizes on countertop trend

By John Buday Contributing Writer

M

oe Coelho Porcelain believes in a future for countertops, fireplaces, vanities and other centerpieces beyond granite, quartz and marble fabrications.

“The new trend, it is porcelain,” owner Moe Coelho said in a recent interview with Fabricator Spotlight. “If you want something to be beautiful and efficient and to improve your quality, you need to invest.”

Coelho founded his shop in Hopedale in 2019 as a subdivision of Sudbury Granite, his older business of more than 20 years. The porcelain shop creates custom installations — in kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces — for private homes as well as retail businesses, hotels, schools and other entities.

The porcelain borrows from European tastes, and provides a highly durable, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, non-porous and often better alternative to traditional stone.

Coelho’s most recent innovation offers a space-saving and safer alternative to traditional stovetops.

Chief financial officer Bianca Zimmer worked for Sudbury Granite for 13 years before joining Coelho in his newest venture. She describes the Invisacook as an invisible set of burners installed under a porcelain countertop.

The Invisacook works through induction to cook food on top of the porcelain in a way that is touch-safe for children. Customers can install the stove under pre-existing porcelain countertops and control the burners remotely through a smartphone. It also automatically shuts off after use.

Zimmer says she has received a positive reaction to the Invisacook for its beauty, ease of access and ease of cleaning.

“I think it is the future, and I believe that it will save you time and your kitchen will be clean,” Zimmer said.

She added that in the post-Covid era when people rediscover the pleasure of entertaining others in their homes and kitchens are crowded with guests once again, “It will save a lot of space on your countertop.”

Coelho’s porcelain fabrication center spans more than 20,000 square feet.

Computer-programmed machines at the center cut slabs of porcelain, granite and quartz according to precise digital

Chief financial officer Bianca Zimmer (left) and founder Moe Coelho of Moe Coelho Porcelain stand in front of a porcelain cutting machine in their Hopedale fabrication center.

The new trend, it is porcelain. If you want something to be beautiful and efficient and to improve your quality, you need to invest. ­— Moe Coelho

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The porcelain shop offers 22 styles of porcelain from Italy from which to choose: patterns of colors and striations like Urban Gold, Onyx Blue, Toro, Absolute White Silk and many more.

Zimmer said seven new styles are coming soon.

The center also will add another porcelain-cutting machine to meet increasing demands.

Moe Coelho Porcelain (moecoelhoporcelain.com) survived the pandemic without laying off any workers, despite reduced hours, profits and other difficulties. Zimmer said some commercial clientele placed orders during the winter, which helped keep the company afloat.

“In the winter we were working late sometimes to deliver work,” Zimmer said. “My partner, I was with him on the phone, and I almost cried because I said, ‘You know what? I just brought pizza to everybody. We’re starving, we’re exhausted, but we’re so happy because we know many businesses don’t have the opportunity to keep their doors open, and we do.’ ” Moe Coelho Porcelain’s showroom is located at 12 Rosenfeld Drive in Hopedale. More information can be found at moecoelhoporcelain.com or by calling 866-578-6631.

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

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he Parks & Recreation Commission met in person June 7 for the first time since the pandemic, although there was a remote option available for those who could not attend.

Several topics were discussed, including progress on the dog park, the need for removal of trees on the Town Common, and the opening of Sandy Beach.

Dog Park progresses

Parks & Rec is working on a plan to manage the trees on the Town Common, some of which are dying.

Director Jay Guelfi said blue flags have been placed to mark the area where the dog park will be located off Fruit Street, and construction is expected to begin shortly.

The surfacing of the dog park will be rice stone (similar to pea stone). Rice stone is recommended by the Stanton Foundation, which is providing the majority of the funding for the park.

The rice stone irrigation concept was developed by the Stanton Foundation jointly with the Animal Rescue League of Boston and veterinarians from Angell Memorial, according to Andrew Leonard, principal at Leonard Design Associates in Arlington. “[Rice stone] has been used at many parks throughout Massachusetts,” Leonard said. “It provides for safe percolation of dog urine, easy pickup of feces, and does not get muddy or eroded, as do grass or stone-dust surfaces.

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Common requests an issue A request was unanimously approved for the Boy Scouts to use the Town Common on the evening of June 14 for an awarding of ranks and badges, followed by a meeting.

That led to a discussion about using space on the Common, as program coordinator Colleen Allen said she had received questions about weddings.

“I think there needs to be some kind of policy around it,” she said. “Somebody was asking if they could put chairs there, and I just want some clarity.

Guelfi said that he asks people what the proposed scope of the ceremony would be. Usually such requests involve 25 people or fewer and have an officiation and then pictures in the gazebo.

“I always say, ‘That’s fine, but be aware that you may be hit by a Wiffle ball or a Frisbee,’” he said.

“We cannot close the Common for your wedding.

It’s a public place. When it gets to the point where I feel it is going to be more than that, I tell them that it is not town policy to allow private events on the Common with chairs and bands.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 13

ne; Common trees a concern Terry said there needs to be a balance between people who want to use the park recreationally and those who want to use it for special occasions.

“I would discourage them by making them very aware that there is going to be a risk,” he said. “They can use it for whatever they want, but we cannot reserve it.”

He said it could become a “linedrawing exercise.”

“If they start spending money on a tent or a photographer, they need to be aware that something’s going to happen,” he continued. “We’re going to need to start making rules.”

If people want to reserve a section, they need commission approval, Terry noted. He thought signage could help.

Events such as the Farmers Market and the Polyarts Festival are allowed and have worked well.

“The real spirit of the Common is to have people enjoy it,” Terry said.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

possibility of getting funding for tree replacement in the future.

“There was a plan to do an inventory of trees last year, but the budget money was cut because of COVID,” he said. “But now it’s a safety risk. I think it’s something that, between myself, Public Works and this commission, we can approach the Town Manager about the removal and then talk about the replanting of trees after that.”

The proposal for an inventory, analysis and plan would cost between $20,000 and $30,000, Guelfi said. “And we budgeted for that initially, but the pandemic hit,” he said. “Unfortunately, the trees are still dying.”

Sandy Beach opens after delay Sandy Beach opened this past weekend with the new residential restrictions in place, Guelfi said. The planned Memorial Day opening was postponed after the “washout” because of the rain.

“We opened both bays,” he said.

“While I was there I had to turn away about 20-25 cars that were non-residents. “Most people, while disappointed, left peacefully.”

“It’s going to take a learning curve,” said member Liisa Jackson.

“I found it compared to last year [in terms of] the boats and the jet skis,” Guelfi added. “Still, the residents get a little aggressive with the jet skis, and the lifeguards were blowing the whistle.”

This is the second year of the residents-only policy, which was instituted during COVID-19.

Common trees a concern Guelfi said that he met with Department of Public Works director John Westerling and a tree consultant regarding the condition of the trees on the Common. There have been requests for tree removal for several years, but now there is a concern about limbs falling on spectators there.

“The maple trees are dying, and the big sugar maples are slowly deteriorating,” Guelfi said. “One of them is completely lacking any foliage at all.”

The committee discussed the need to remove the trees for safety in the immediate term and to examine the

MEMORIAL DAY MARCH Veterans lead the procession into Hopkinton Cemetery on Mayhew Street for Memorial Day observances on May 31.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Schools Resilient Class of ’21 celebrates with ‘joyous send-off’

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

he Class of 2021 — which at 328 students is the largest in school history — overcame one final challenge before graduating June 4, as an afternoon rain delayed commencement exercises by an hour.

Principal Evan Bishop welcomed graduating students, faculty, families and others in attendance.

“We all know the last 15 months have been beyond difficult. We have dealt with loss, cancellations, adjustments, weather and many, many unexpected moments,” Bishop said. “However, with the help and support of so many, we are here tonight and we are incredibly thankful to be able to bring these seniors together one last time. And while it’s important and necessary to acknowledge the hard times we’ve all been through, tonight is about celebrating

congratulates award winners

Ashley Wojcik & Megan Murchie his month we have co-winners of the McBride Team Student of the Month award – Ashley TWojcik and Megan Murchie. These two Seniors

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

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Graduates throw their caps in the air in celebration after receiving their diplomas.

are credited with chairing the Hopkinton Relay for Life, which is an annual event that raises money for the American Cancer Society. Administrators at Hopkinton High School were impressed by their selfless, hard-working, kind and thoughtful spirit.

Ashley will attend Cornell University in the fall and plans to major in Psychology. Her goal is to make a difference in the world!

Ashley Wojcik

Megan was accepted at her dream school, Northeastern, and she will major in Political Science. Megan hopes to work for the government helping people who need it the most.

Congratulations Ashley and Megan!

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PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

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UMass-bound Millie Senseney (left), with sister Annabelle and father Scott, celebrates during the June 5 graduation car parade.

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Valedictorian Andrea Liu speaks to the crowd at the June 4 graduation.

these graduates as they have earned and deserved an appropriate and joyous send-off.”

Class president David Stedt, in his speech, took students back to kindergarten at Center School, where four banners hang in the gymnasium promoting core values.

“Caring, acceptance, responsibility and honesty were deemed most important as we started our Hopkinton education,” Stedt said. “Now as we complete this journey, I look back and appreciate just how thoughtfully they were chosen.”

Stedt, who impressed classmates by singing the “hallway song” they were taught as kindergartners, explained how those values continue to be vital as they become young adults.

“Thank you, Hopkinton, for our journey together, and for putting these four values before us,” Stedt said.

“When we let caring, acceptance, responsibility and honesty guide our lives, we will be successful.”

Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh noted that when she graduated high school, the yearbook was her school’s Graduation | 15

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 15

Resilient Class of ’21 celebrates with ‘joyous send-off’

PHOTO/CHRISTINE STRICKLAND

Brothers Lucas (left) and Charlie Nealon pose next to their class sign at the June 2 Senior Gala.

Graduation | from page 14

version of social media. She referenced a quote from the Grateful Dead that was a popular comment for a 1980s yearbook signing and said it’s especially appropriate now: “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”

Cavanaugh also credited students with “learning how to learn,” even when classes were hybrid or remote.

Valedictorian Andrea Liu said she binge-watched graduation speeches on YouTube to help put together her speech, but she ultimately relied on her fourth-grade yearbook from Hopkins School for inspirational words of advice, including, “If we cannot find the road to success, we will make one.”

Liu also offered “a special thanks to our parents for dealing with our phone addictions, social media obsessions and the many, many mistakes we made over the years.”

Class vice president Tommy Bernardin announced that the yearbook was dedicated to “all the front-line workers, teachers and school administration, as well as any other people in

the community who put their safety on the line in order to help others” during the pandemic.

Class treasurer Matt Cooper announced that the class gift is a tree that will stand to the right of the HHS main entrance, as well as flags for lamp posts around the school. “This tree will grow alongside the school, symbolic of the growth of each and every student that enters Hopkinton High School,” he said.

Class secretary Danny Andrews recognized class advisers Jennifer Griffey and Brian Prescott.

Seniors Elizabeth Kane (vocals), Olivia Jones (keyboard) and Aidan Medeiros (drums) and junior Sean Thapa (bass guitar) performed a rousing rendition of Adele’s “When We Were Young.”

English teacher Sarah Ellam presented the Marian T. Harris Award — which goes to the senior who “best exemplifies Ms. Harris’ conscientious engagement in learning, genuine commitment to service, and deep respect for others” — to Mia Carboni.

Prior to handing out diplomas, Bishop credited the popular 2020 television show “Ted Lasso” for its inspiring, positive outlook and said he sees the same trait in the graduating class. “You were resilience personified,” he said.

The class roared with approval when the final graduate was announced, and Anne Zhu took full advantage of the moment, pausing to take a selfie with the principal.

On June 3, the school held Senior Recognition Night, when awards and scholarships are announced. Among the highlights were the Principal’s Leadership Award going to Mahdi

Maymandi-Nejad and the Superintendent’s Award going to valedictorian Andrea Liu. The Keep Smilin’ Award (and scholarship) went to Chloe Johnson and Courtney Olafsen. The Network of Enterprising Women Award went to Siena Harrigan. The 2020 Award went to Isabella Radaelli.

The week of activities — which included the Senior Gala on June 2 at the HHS football field — wrapped up June 5 with the graduation car parade that passed by all the schools in town.

For a complete list of graduates and more photos from all the Senior Week events, check HopkintonIndependent. com.

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DESE: No social distancing when schools return for 2021-22 The state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced June 1 that schools will reopen for the 2021-22 school year with no social distancing limitations, and all schools will be required to be full-time in-person learning.

Districts will no longer be able to offer remote learning as a standard learning model in the fall.

SCHOOLS DESE will collaborate with the Department of Public Health NOTEBOOK (DPH) to issue any additional health and safety recommendations over the summer, such as masks for elementary school students.

For the remainder of this school year, the health and safety requirements for K-12 school remain in effect, with the exception of outdoor masking. Students and staff are no longer required to wear masks during outdoor activities, including recess.

Marathon School committee disbanded The Select Board on June 1 voted unanimously to approve the dissolution of the Elementary School Building Committee for Marathon Elementary School.

Committee chair Joe Markey noted that although Marathon School opened in 2018, there was a lot of administrative work that needed to be completed over the past three years. At its meeting last month, the committee voted to dissolve.

The board expressed appreciation to Markey and the committee — Mike Shepard, John Weaver and Rob Nickerson — for their work, which included delivering the school $4 million under the amount approved by Town Meeting.

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Hopkinton High School senior Olivia Jones, who is headed to the University of Florida, was named winner of a National Merit Scholarship. Winners were chosen from a talent pool of some 16,000 finalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

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.

Timlin 5K being held virtually through June 19

Registration remains open for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, which is being 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

1920

from June 5-19. The event benefits ALS research. For more details or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

Weekly Farmers Market Sundays at Town Common

The Hopkinton Farmers Market returns to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., starting June 6 and running through Oct. 10. Health and safety protocols will be in place. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers again will receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there will be Healthy Incentive Program (HIP)

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benefits as well. For information, including a list of vendors for each week and pre-ordering options, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.

Yoga fundraiser for MHC at Town Common June 17

There will be a 60-minute Baptiste yoga class at the Town Common at noon on Thursday, June 17, to raise awareness and money for the Hopkinton-based nonprofit Mental Health Collaborative.

The donation-based class will be taught

by Natasha Linton of Nourish Power Yoga & Ayurveda. Participants are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes early to set up for the session, which will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit nourishpoweryoga.com or email experiencenourish@gmail.com.

Against the Tide June 20-26 virtual

Against the Tide is a series of athletic events that raise money for the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. The June event, normally held at Hopkinton State Park, is virtual this year. Participants can participate in a number of components, including swim, run, walk, paddle board or kayak. Registration is $40 per person or $100 for a family (up to five people). Participants will have a week — June 20-26 — to complete their activity. For more information, visit mbcc.org or call 800-649-6222.

Freedom Team LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade June 26

The Hopkinton Freedom Team, in collaboration with the Hopkinton Youth Commission, will host Hopkinton’s first LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade on Saturday, June 26, from 2-3 p.m. at the Hopkinton High School outdoor track. The parade will consist of three laps around the track.

For more information and to register — advance registration is required —

visit hopkintonfreedomteam.org or email proudmanfreya@gmail.com.

Lions Club Golf Ball Drop fundraiser June 26

The Hopkinton Lions Club, with help from the Hopkinton Fire Department, is hosting a Golf Ball Drop fundraiser on Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m. at Hopkinton High School Field 10 (halfway around Loop Road). Tickets — which correspond to golf balls that will be dropped from an HFD ladder truck — are $5 each or three for $12. Prizes are $350 for the ball that lands closest to the pin and $100 for furthest from the pin. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hopkintonlions.org.

Project Just Because Golf Tournament June 28

Project Just Because, the Hopkintonbased 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.

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.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Hot Acoustics | June 19 Free tickets available for the Barbara Corbett Memorial Summer kickoff concert at the HCA featuring Hot Acoustics June 19 at 6:30pm. Summer Art Series presenting sponsor: Phipps and MAPFRE Insurance. Hopkinton residents receive a free gift at check in.

Spring Outdoor Watercolor Mini-Retreat | June 19 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.

Willie J Laws | Jun 25 US Navy veteran Willie J. Laws brings his “funky blues” to the HCA, Friday, June 25 at 6:30pm. Free outdoor concert. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org. Summer Art Series presenting sponsor: Phipps and MAPFRE Insurance.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Nate Aronow Nextet | June 26 The Nate Aronow Nextet will be playing several of its most popular original compositions in swing, Latin and fusion styles, as well as tunes from some of the modern jazz greats such as Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter. Free outdoor concert. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org.

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 17

LIBRARY CORNER

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

Morning Meditation

Mondays, June 21 and 28, 9:15-9:30 a.m. (Zoom) Register via the library’s website calendar.

SpeakOUT Boston Panel

Announcements

Library director Heather Backman will be resigning her position as of July 9 for a position with the Weymouth Library. The library wishes her well in her future endeavors. More information can be found on the library website.

The library has expanded its hours and now is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Every Tuesday and Thursday in June from 1-7 p.m., Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be collecting books — hardcover, paperback and audiobooks only in good to excellent condition — for an upcoming book sale. Visit the Friends website at hopkintonlibraryfriends.org for more information.

Baptiste Power Yoga with Natasha Linton Mondays, June 21 and 28, 12-12:30 p.m. (Zoom) Register via the library’s website calendar.

Welcome back to the Hopkinton Senior Center. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The center is slowly bringing back in-house programs. Anyone with questions about a specific program can call 508-497-9730. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter. com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Tuesday, June 22, 7-8:30 p.m. (Zoom) The library welcomes SpeakOUT Boston for a Pride Month event. SpeakOUT Boston is the oldest LGBTQIA speakers bureau, founded in 1972. The panel of community members will share personal stories and talk about how they’ve grown to understand, accept and take pride in their sexual and/or gender identities. After the presentation, they encourage questions from the audience.

LGBTQ+ Basics and Beyond

Wednesday, June 30, 7-8:30 p.m. (Zoom) The library welcomes OUT MetroWest for a Pride Month presentation. This session will offer participants up-to-date vocabulary, answers to frequently asked (and frequently awkward) questions about LGBTQ+ topics, and tools for effective allyship. This session is geared toward adults and teens, but all are welcome. For more information about OUT MetroWest, visit outmetrowest.org.

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Thrift Store

The thrift store is open. Call for hours of operation.

Lunch Program

The Senior Center has a limited takeout lunch program (TuesdaysFridays) 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. The cost is $2 per meal.

Transportation Options for Seniors

The Senior Center can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping, utilizing grants and MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) programs. Individuals aged 60 and older, veterans or those homebound due to a disability should call the Outreach Department at the Senior Center at least three business days in advance of the desired day of travel at 508-497-9730, ext. 1615, for assistance in scheduling a ride Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Strict safety guidelines are followed for sanitizing cabs and buses, and masks are required by both drive and passenger.

Exercise Classes via Zoom Call to register Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m. (in person), starting June 21 Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Mondays, 2 p.m.

Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. (in person) Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m.

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. (in person) Barre, Wednesdays, 2 p.m.

Boot camp, Thursdays, 2 p.m.

Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. (in person), starting June 25 Meditation, alternate Fridays, noon (in person), call for schedule

Hopkinton Senior Center

Our Time Memory Cafe

Call for dates (virtual) Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends.

The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through similar changes, and form friendships.

A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call (508) 497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

TED Talks

Mondays, 12:30 p.m.

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

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Books, Books and More Books

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

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Sports HHS wrestling enjoys some fun in sun

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

I

PHOTO/HHS ATHLETICS

n more than 25 years around the sport, Hopkinton High School wrestling coach Tim Nelson had never had a winter go by without rolling out the mats.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed all that, and Nelson admits he felt the walls closing in a bit when the holidays rolled by and there were no tournaments to follow them.

But the pandemic did allow for one silver lining: the chance to compete in an unusual outdoor meet.

“It was insanely cool and it will probably never happen again,” Nelson said.

The outdoor match took place June 3 against the Hillers’ border rivals from Ashland, and Hopkinton pulled off some individual upsets to run away with a 17-point victory. The MIAA had been encouraging outdoor matches when possible because there is a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 outdoors and less-stringent mask requirements.

“It felt somewhat normal to see all the parents’ and kids’ faces,” Nelson said.

The Hillers loaded up the mats in the back of Nelson’s truck and drove down to the softball field to unroll them

The HHS wrestling team hosted Ashland in a rare and memorable outdoor meet June 3.

on the brand new turf. They set them up the same way they would for an indoor competition in the athletic center.

“Once the mats were down, it was really an electric atmosphere,” Nelson said. “We could each bring unlimited fans.”

Nelson estimated that around 200 people watched from the outfield. It was

so loud, he said a parent watching the nearby baseball game came over to see what the ruckus was all about. Nelson said another outdoor setup was planned for the final regular season meet, but that likely will be the last one.

“It was fun, it was cool, but it’s probably something that will never happen again,” Nelson said. “As much

as I would like it, I also don’t want another spring season with all of these regulations.”

The Hillers have handled the challenges that have come their way, starting the year by winning three of their first four matches. The program has benefited from continuity, with all four captains Wrestling | 19

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 19

Small HHS girls tennis team competes with TVL’s best

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uality over quantity.”

That has been the motto of the Hopkinton High School girls tennis team this spring. In the program’s first season since 2019, the Hillers have just eight players on the team, including six returners and two newcomers.

But that has not stopped HHS from ranking among the top teams in the Tri-Valley League. Senior Maya Storm plays No. 1 singles for the Hillers, Following a dramatic 3-2 who were battling for one of the top spots in the Triwin over a previously un- Valley League as the regular season came to a close beaten Medfield team on this week.

June 7, Hopkinton’s record stood at 10-2 and the team was on track to finish second in a conference replete with powerhouse programs.

“Our team is unusually small, but I told them after the tryouts that I don’t ever have a number in mind for how large our roster should be,” said fifth-year coach Lyn Calkins. “For me, quality is more important than quantity, and that’s how we have been approaching this season.”

Calkins knew the rematch with Medfield would be tight after the Hillers fell to their rival earlier in the year. Hopkinton received wins from No. 2 singles player Maddy LaMachia, who avenged an earlier defeat, and undefeated third singles player Riley Krattenmaker.

The match came down to the first doubles competition, with seniors Sophie Kaplan and Vani Sharma outlasting their opponents 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 on a sweltering June day.

“All through the season, we were working towards beating our toughest competitors, and certainly Medfield and Dover-Sherborn and Westwood are really tough rivals,” Calkins said. “Each one of the girls has improved so much since last month. The girls were really motivated and each of them had something they wanted to improve upon from early in the season.”

What Hopkinton lacks in depth, it has more than made up for in talent. Senior Maya Storm has posted a record over .500 from the top singles spot despite being matched up against the best players in the league every single match. LaMachia posted a 9-3 record through the first dozen matches and Krattenmaker, a junior, improved to a perfect 12-0 after the Medfield match.

The top doubles team of Kaplan and Sharma had lost just twice this season. The No. 2 doubles team has been anchored by junior Victoria Allen along with a rotation between freshman Romy Zinman and sophomore Hailey Kessler.

The Hillers will close out the regular season having played a total of 15 matches ahead of the planned state tournament. Unlikely most seasons, there will be no individual postseason competition this spring and instead there will only be a team tournament.

Calkins said it was challenging at first to get the players back up to speed after missing all of last year. But having a smaller team came with the added benefit of being able to get everyone significant playing time and practice opportunities, which sped up the process.

“I think it was a little bit slow starting out, but after the first few weeks of practice we definitely started to improve,” the coach said. “It just became more clear what our goals were going to be this season.”

One of the most significant goals was achieved the first time the Hillers stepped on the court after losing out on 2020 due to the pandemic.

“We are just so grateful to be back playing tennis and being able to compete again,” Calkins said.

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returning from last year when the team did not have a single senior. Mo Zaidi, Will Tedstone, Jake Sokol and Hayes Pearson-Woodruff have all continued to shine in their leadership roles.

“It was huge to have that whole nucleus of guys, especially this year when you really need leaders to step up,” Nelson said. “My four captains have stepped up with leading the team and doing everything the coaches have asked of them.”

Junior Luke Dionne has been a leader on the mat after being a state finalist last year. And the entire team has been thrilled to be competing after wrestling was the one winter sport that did not launch in either the winter or Fall 2 seasons.

“I didn’t have a great feeling about it, but once the petition to move to the spring was approved I knew there was a fighting chance,” Nelson said. “But then February came and there was a spike in cases and it wasn’t looking good. But once the vaccines rolled out and the numbers started coming down, the MIAA came up with a plan.”

There will be no individual postseason tournaments this year, which came as a disappointment to some of the program’s top wrestlers. But following the dark days of winter with an outdoor match in the sunshine is a memory they will have forever.

“We made it through,” Nelson said.

“It would have been heartbreaking to not have our seniors compete, so it was great to give them this chance.”

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Hillers boys tennis thrives during unusual season

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

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opkinton High School boys tennis coach Mike Miller has plenty of adjectives to describe the 2021 season, including “unusual” and “crazy.” But, unlike 2020, the season actually launched and the Hillers have taken full advantage, winning nine of their first 10 matches and racing to the top of the Tri-Valley League standings.

“It’s been a fun year and, from a record perspective, they are doing well,” Miller said.

One of the biggest challenges has been the usually simple act of getting the entire team together for a practice. With all of the delays and recently-lifted restrictions, students are finding themselves unusually busy at this time of the year.

Another wrinkle added into the mix is the fact that all high school-age students are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. On some days, Miller might lose a player for practice because he is getting a shot and then potentially for another day or two due to the side effects.

“Most days, we have just about all the kids there, but sometimes you put together the practice plans and we have a certain number of kids who are not able to come,” Miller said. “But this year we have learned to be flexible.”

The deep and talented HHS boys tennis team was undefeated in league play heading into the final week of the regular season.

And the athletes, Miller said, have been resilient.

“The kids have been great, if there is one thing I have learned from teaching and coaching here for 15 years is that the kids in Hopkinton rise to the occasion,” he said. “They understand sometimes more than we give them credit for and I think they are just happy to get back out there and play tennis.”

The Hillers are not just playing, they are playing well. Heading into the final week of the regular season, Hopkinton had a 10-1 record, including a perfect 10-0 in the TVL Large School Division.

Senior leadership has been crucial, both on and off the court.

Senior captain Aidan Yagoobi, who has been named to multiple TVL All-Star teams, is playing the No. 1 singles spot and has won the vast majority of his matches. Sophomore Lex Kaye has been just as strong in the second singles spot. “[Kaye] has done fantastic in that role,” Miller said. “So we have a pretty good 1-2 punch.”

Miller said the team has a good mix of seniors, a junior and some sophomores, adding that he’s been pleased to see how the older players have

worked with their younger teammates. They’ve helped Miller learn two new classes of players, with sophomores he didn’t have last year during the canceled season joining the incoming freshman class as being new to the program.

Some players Miller did know have grown, in every sense of the word, since 2019. Senior Rex Lind is about six inches taller than he was sophomore year, Miller said.

“His tennis skill set has grown right along with that physical growth,” he said. “He primarily plays first doubles but he can jump in and play singles at a moment’s notice.”

Miller said he is focused on continued improvement with the postseason rapidly approaching. The Hillers are not setting any particular goals about where they might end up among teams in the league or in the area. Instead, they are enjoying playing and, thanks to the recently lifted mask mandate, Miller is able to see their faces for the first time this year.

“A year ago, they had their season taken from them, but now they are happy to be back,” he said.

“It’s good to see them out there happy, laughing and playing together as a team.”

Hurdler Golembiewski breaks school record

W

hen sophomore Sean Golembiewski broke the school record in the 110-meter hurdles on June 1 with a time of 14.86 seconds at the Hopkinton High School track, he was all smiles — but clearly not satisfied.

That was made clear five days later, when GolembiewsSPORTS ROUNDUP ki broke the record two more times. He ultimately finished in 14.72 seconds in the final of the event at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Invitational, good for second place.

Golembiewski also competes in the high jump, the 200 and occasionally the 100.

HHS athletic awards handed out As part of the year-ending celebrations at HHS, a number of athletic awards were presented earlier this month.

Kristin McCluskey (soccer, ice hockey and softball) and Ethan Champlin (football/track and field) were named Athletes of the Year. Cross country/track stars Olivia Jones and Nick Brown were named Scholar-Athletes of the Year. Mikulis and Ronnie Shamus (ice hockey/baseball) were named Marines Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

Fall HHS sports signups underway Registration for the 2021 fall season of HHS

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athletics is open on FamilyID. The registration deadline is Aug. 13, but parents are encouraged to register their child as early as possible in order for the coaches to make plans for tryouts and communicate information to prospective players.

Football and cheer are scheduled to start tryouts Aug. 20, and all other sports Aug. 23. Participants will be required to have a valid physical uploaded to FamilyID. The school is anticipating a return to a traditional fall season. Sports offered are cheer, cross country (boys/girls), field hockey, football, golf, soccer (boys/girls), unified basketball and volleyball.

For more information, check the school website (hopkinton.k12.ma.us).

Simoes gets 100th hit in Army finale Army baseball player Tim Simoes ended his college career in style, going 2-for-4 with two runs batted in and notching his 100th career hit in a June 5 game against UCLA. However, the Black Knights fell to the Bruins in an elimination game at the NCAA’s Lubbock (Texas) Regional, ending their season at 28-25.

Simoes, the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, finished the season with a .288 batting average and .981 fielding percentage. The second baseman committed just three errors on the year.

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 21

Obituaries

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John Martin John E. Martin, 62, of Holliston and formerly of Ashland, passed away unexpectedly after a period of declining health at his home. Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late John and Elizabeth (White) Martin. John worked for many years transporting cars at Adessa in Framingham.

He is survived by one son, Michael Martin of Franklin; three sisters, Maureen Iarussi and husband Paul of Ashland, Christine Tofani and late husband Angelo of Ashland, and Mary Ellen Pettepit and husband Fran of Hopkinton; two brothers, Tom Martin and wife Diane of Spencer, and Greg Martin and wife Paula of Westminster; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held June 8 in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, Ashland. Burial was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name can be made to the Ashland Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 112, Ashland, MA 01721.

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Mary Bertschmann Mary Ellen (Hession) Bertschmann passed away peacefully at her home of 50 years in Sherborn on May 30. She had been surrounded by her loving husband, three sons, three daughters-in-law and 10 grandchildren.

Mary was a loving, caring and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was known for her sense of humor, her love of life, and enjoying happy hour by a warm fire. Some of her favorite times were spent with family in their house on Cape Cod and on casino vacations in the Bahamas. Mary also was a passionate sports mom and an amazing artist. Her paintings have been seen on exhibit and lovingly adorn the walls of her and her families’ homes.

Mary is survived by her husband, Peter, of Sherborn; son Christopher and wife Jean of Hopkinton, and their daughters, Samantha (Boston), Madeline (New York), Sarah (Brighton) and Molly (Hopkinton); son Gregory and wife Kathryn of Scituate, and their children, Kelly Chamblin and husband William (Dover), Kevin (Norwell), Kristan (New York) and Holly (Boston); and son Timothy and wife Ashley of Walpole, and their children, Lilly (Walpole) and Jack (Walpole).

A private graveside service took place with family at Pine Hill Cemetery in Sherborn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sherborn Fire Department, 22 North Main St., Sherborn MA. 01770 Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.

Robert Healy Robert J. Healy, of Plainville and formerly Millis, passed away on June 3 after a period of declining health.

Robert was born on March 5, 1941, to the late Regina Rogers (Lucier) of Millis, and he was the beloved husband of Nancy (Will) Healy.

Bob (as he was known to many) was a man of faith, and an active member of his community.

Always ready to help out and to get involved, Bob was a founding member of the Millis Drug and Alcohol School Committee. He was a member of the School Committee for nine years and was the chairman of the renovation of the Clyde Brown School. He was also the founder of Millis Pride Day, and he sang in the Bicentennial Choir.

When his sons were younger, he was a Pop Warner coach, and he serviced for 35 years on the Millis Fire Department. In the course of that career, he rose to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. Bob also worked for many years as a self-employed carpenter, and later as a maintenance supervisor for the Millis Housing Authority.

Involved with his church as well, Bob sang in the choir of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and had many fun times with the choir members and its director, and he was invaluable in the painting and stenciling of the interior of the church.

He was the devoted father of Robert J. Jr. of Millis, Gordon of Martha’s Vineyard, Timothy of Nashville, Tennessee, Joseph of Bellingham, Amy von Hausen of Hopkinton, and Karen Afonso of Franklin. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Healy, Robbie Healy, Julia Healy, Meredith Healy, Emily Healy, Madison Healy, Willa Healy, Nathan von Hausen, Catherine von Hausen, Avery Afonso and Ayden Afonso. Robert also leaves behind his brother Chuck and wife Roberta of Florida, and sister Geraldine Garvin and husband Rich of Natick, but was sadly preceded in death by his brother Michael of Missouri.

Bob always had a smile and he loved to camp and travel. He made friends wherever he would go. Although he and Nancy, his wife of 33 years, had some fun-filled 15 years in sunny Florida where Bob loved to golf, Millis was always his home.

A memorial service in Robert’s honor was held June 7 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Millis,. A celebration of life followed the service at the Millis Fire House.

Services were under the care of the Roberts Mitchell Caruso Funeral Home, Milford.

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22 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Police Log ARRESTS May 27

12:37 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main Street, and Officers Matthew Santoro and Brendon Lyver responded to assist. A 43-year-old from Framingham was arrested on a warrant and additionally charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

June 2

12:53 p.m. On Main Street, Officer Ryan Polselli and Sergeant Timothy Brennan arrested a 33-year-old Cedar Street resident on two warrants.

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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.

May 25

12:07 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers and Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a report of a disturbance by a student at Elmwood School. The officers spoke with staff and the student.

12:43 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with personal injuries on East Main Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Fire Department. An ambulance transported one person to UMass Memorial Medical Center. A tow truck was requested.

A report was to follow.

1:08 p.m. A Lakeshore Drive caller complained of out-of-towners using Sandy Beach and then trashing it over the weekend.

Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report.

2:00 p.m. A walk-in reported vandalism at the cemetery on Jamie Lane. Officer Brian Sanchioni took a report.

2:56 p.m. A Mayhew Street resident reported he witnessed a youth possibly take a package from someone’s doorstep.

Officer Tyler Brabham responded and the youth was gone upon his arrival. He was to check back at the residence to speak with the residents later.

7:20 p.m. A caller reported finding a rifle bullet in a Lumber Street waiting room.

Sergeant William Burchard responded and picked it up.

May 26

2:13 a.m. A caller reported a male walking down Hayden Rowe Street with a bicycle, and when he was seen by the caller he let go of the bike. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Brittany Firth responded and subsequently transported the individual to Meserve Street.

12:10 p.m. A caller reported a possible fight between landscapers on Greenwood Road that resulted in a possible foot injury.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Moira McGaffigan and Brendon Lyver responded and took a report.

3:27 p.m. A Stoney Brook Road caller reported a brush fire in the area. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished.

9:21 p.m. All units responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a house fire on Saddle Hill Road. Eversource and the building inspector were notified. The fire marshal responded.

May 27

1:59 p.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a report of students being rowdy around some other students on Hayden Rowe Street. The students were gone upon his arrival.

7:19 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported a neighbor’s dog bit her son. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded. A report

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was to follow.

May 28

1:40 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a neighbor made threatening statements about a past incident involving a dog.

Officers Brendon Lyver and Ryan Polselli responded and spoke with both parties. A report was to follow.

11:38 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle parked for 20 minutes with its lights on, then off on Colella Farm Road. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with a young man, who was moved along.

May 29

10:41 a.m. A caller reported two offlash dogs on Church Street chasing runners and preventing clients from entering a Church Street business. Sergeant Timothy Brennan, Officer Brian Sanchioni and the animal control officer responded and subsequently returned both dogs to their owner.

11:24 a.m. A caller reported a hole in the roadway of Main Street. Officer Jay Deiana responded and reported a 2-footby-6-foot hole filled with water. The DPW was notified.

12:27 p.m. A caller on Lumber Street reported she was taking care of her father while her sister was out of town, but her father refused to see her due to COVID. She speaks with him regularly and would contact the HPD if she was unable to reach him. She wanted the situation logged.

12:42 p.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan took a report of breaking and entering at a Downey Street residence.

4:06 p.m. A caller reported a hit-andrun motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. A white pickup truck sped away onto Interstate 495. The State Police were advised. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report.

May 30

4:10 a.m. A caller complained of noise on Ash Street. Officers Cody Normandin, Brian Sanchioni and Stephen Buckley responded and spoke with the caller.

3:59 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported his residence was egged over the weekend and he wanted the vandalism logged.

May 31

12:18 p.m. The Fire Department reported a dog running in and out of traffic on Hayden Rowe Street, causing traffic to stop. Officer Philip Powers responded and notified the animal control officer.

12:19 p.m. A Hawthorne Lane resident reported a past breaking and entering. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report.

5:11 p.m. A West Main Street caller reported her house was egged. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report.

6:47 p.m. Multiple officers responded along with the Fire Department to a multialarm fire on Church Street. The building and wiring inspectors responded.

June 1

8:48 a.m. A detail officer reported a gas line was struck on West Main Street.

Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jay Deiana and Cody Normandin responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource was contacted and contained the leak.

2:11 p.m. A motorist complained of a driver speeding in a vehicle and making an obscene gesture at him on School Street.

Officer Jay Deiana checked the area with a negative find.

8:30 p.m. The State Police requested the animal control officer for a large bird with a broken leg on Interstate 495. The animal control officer responded.

June 2

7:01 a.m. A caller reported an erratic Pilice Log | 23

The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021 • 23 Police Log | from page 22

operator and a possible road rage incident on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and checked the area with a negative find.

4:01 p.m. An Autumn Ridge Road resident reported a snake in his yard. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and it checked out OK. 6:02 p.m. A Nicholas Road caller reported a baby bird fell out of a tree. The animal control officer was notified.

6:15 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported an injured deer on her property. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and notified the animal control officer.

June 3

9:36 a.m. A caller reported a large turtle on the side of the roadway of Ash Street. The animal control officer was notified.

4:24 p.m. A caller reported replica ammunition was found on a student on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Benjamin Stickney and Jessica Ferreira responded. A report was to follow.

June 4

7:13 a.m. A West Main Street caller reported a dead cat in her yard. The animal control officer was contacted.

8:00 p.m. A Colella Farm Road resident

Hopkinton again named America’s safest city

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

T

he home safety review company SafeWise ranked Hopkinton first in its list of the Safest Cities in America for 2021. Hopkinton also ranked first in 2019 and was second last year (behind Broadview Heights, Ohio).

“The safest city selection is a testament to Hopkinton residents, the business community, volunteers and the hardworking town employees in public safety and public service,” assistant town manager Elaine Lazarus stated. “Hopkinton is a welcoming and caring community that is always striving to be better.”

According to the SafeWise website, the rankings are determined solely by using FBI crime report statistics and population numbers. The FBI data is from 2019, which is the most recent year for which a report was available. Towns with fewer than 2,500 residents are not eligible.

Hopkinton reported no violent crimes, and the property crime rate was 1.61 per 1,000 people. Violent crimes include aggravated assault, murder, rape and robbery. Property crime includes burglary, larceny theft and motor vehicle theft.

However, as noted during the recent controversy surrounding the death of Hopkinton High School sophomore Mikayla Miller, crimes are not necessarily reported the same from town to town.

At a May 6 rally on the Town Common, Miller’s mother questioned the town’s previous “safest city” designation.

“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,” Calvina Strothers said.

Hopkinton is listed as having a population of 18,585 and a median household income of 95,735.

Massachusetts placed 17 cities on the list — including Franklin, which is No. 2. The only state with more cities is New Jersey, with 29. New York is third with 12.

In its list of the Safest Cities in Massachusetts for 2021, which came out in March, Hopkinton was second, behind Franklin. Hopkinton had been No. 1 the previous two years.

requested to speak with an officer about his son, who was injured while riding his bike. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report.

June 5

2:15 a.m. A caller reported a smashed toilet in the roadway of Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and moved it to the side of the road. A resident in the area reported he heard youths smashing it. Officer Buckley was unable to locate any youths in the area.

8:02 a.m. A detail officer reported a dead opossum on West Main Street. A message was left for the DPW. 9:09 a.m. Multiple callers reported a dead skunk on Ash Street and requested it be removed before the senior car parade. Sergeant Matthew McNeil responded and notified the DPW. 10:00 a.m. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Matthew McNeil and Officer Brian Sanchioni assisted with the high school senior parade that started on Hayden Rowe Street. One caller complained of loud music on Hayden Rowe Street where a DJ was set up in front of an electrician’s shop. A verbal argument between the neighbor and DJ ensued. The officers assisted. A red pickup truck was pulled from the parade after officers discovered a safety violation.

11:20 a.m. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Brian Sanchioni assisted a fully loaded U-Haul that got stuck at the end of a West Main Street driveway and blocked part of the roadway. A tow truck was requested and Sergeant Brennan redirected traffic to a detour.

2:11 p.m. Sergeants Aaron O’Neil and Timothy Brennan responded to a motor vehicle accident on Park Street involving two cars. A 50-year-old woman reported back pain. An ambulance responded.

2:45 p.m. A Jamie Lane caller reported a possible breaking and entering after discovering the garage doors open and the mudroom door unlocked. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Ryan Polselli and Robert Ekross responded and checked the house and found all in order.

5:02 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross assisted a person who fell on the sidewalk on Main Street.

7:25 p.m. A caller reported a large amount of glass in the roadway of Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and confirmed it was glass, and he contacted the DPW. 11:57 p.m. A caller complained of excessive noise and fireworks at a Priscilla Road residence. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Cody Normandin responded and found all quiet.

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June 6

9:20 a.m. A caller reported a dog was roaming around loose on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and reported the dog was back home.

12:24 p.m. Multiple callers reported the State Park staff closed the gate at the entrance because the park was over capacity, and subsequently there was a traffic backup. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and assisted.

9:12 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported a male yelling loudly outside her home and punching mailboxes. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Tyler Brabham and Brendon Lyver responded and reported the parties received a ride.

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 16, 2021

Congratulations HHS Class of 2021

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Garret Morrissiey Katherine Morse Tyler Morse Elizabeth Mosher Meghan Muldoon Cameron Mulvaney Megan Murchie Avery Murphy Brady Murphy Connor Murphy Dylan Murphy Lauren Murphy Kirti Nair Nitya Nambiar Charles Nealon Eleanor Nealon Lucas Nealon Kadin Nicolazzo Rachael Nordling Colin Norred Eric North Keifer Norton Declan O’Leary Isabelle O’Rourke Courtney Olafsen Sophia Oppedisano Lauren Pantazes Mirabella Paolucci Maxwell Parduhn Nathaniel Parrow Meera Parthasarathy Swina Patel Hayes Pearson-Woodruff Aabid Peermohammed Elias Pereira Ceara Perry Alessandro Pertile Lily Pete Emerie Peterson David Piacentini Amelia Pickard Charlotte Pickard Richard Pratt Grace Prucher

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Paige Lavelanet Nicholas Leccese Rachel Leeret Paige Leighton Julia Lerner Sarah Levenson Rex Lind Andrea Liu Andrew Liu Tobin Lock Geniefer Loring Julianna Lucas Noa Lugiai Abraham Lukose Ryan Lundy Boden Lussier Aiden Macdonald Mollie Mahoney Adam Maisonet Peter Mallouh Nishi Manikandan Anna Mann Julia Markey Katya Markovich John Mastrangelo Mahdi Maymandi-Nejad Anthony McCarthy Michael McClay Kristin McCluskey Rose McKeon Aidan Medeiros Matthew Meek Colby Michaud Tiffany Mikulis Alannah Miller Andrew Mimmo Rohan Minocha Thomas Mirabile Faateh Mohammad Andrew Moore Natalie Morgan Aidan Morin Dylan Morin Nathaniel Morrissey

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Devin Gross Eduardo Grossman Thomas Guerra Rehan Habib Imaan Haider Iman Haidri Emily Hakansson Cameron Hanna Emma Hansen Kylie Hardenbrook Lela Hardin Siena Harrigan Lucy Hassler Emily Hayman Maggie Hedstrom Theodore Henneberry Andrew Herlihy Declan Herr Parker Hohn Tyler Holbrow Rebekah Howell Ellora Hoyt Helena Hubbe Olivia Hyman Nicholas Igartua Pooja Iyer Devansh Kumar Jain Cameron Jerrett Chloe Johnson Thomas Johnson Olivia Jones Elizabeth Kane Nicholas Kapelos Alexa Kaplan Sophie Kaplan Emily Karp Jay Katyan Aiden Keavany Brian Keefe Catherine Kelleigh Amanda Kelley Connor Kelley Haley Kelley Conor Kelly Tara Kester Tanya Khan Nipun Sai Kisari Benjamin Kisija Esther Klinger Matthew Klinger Nathaniel Krozy Madison LaMachia

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Christian Covino Sophie Cowen Patrick Crantz Kadis Cureton-Augustin Joshua Czerepuszko Francis D’Urso Caleb Dacey Catherine Dacey Khushi Dave Riley Delaney Martino Della Grazia Tyler Delorey Reilly DelPonte Haley DeLuca Hope DeLuca Russell DeMarco Sabine DeMartino Pablo Diaz-Granados Vincent DiNicola John Dionne Anthony DiPietro Katelyn Diune Andrew Domingo Paige Domski David Donoian Lauren Donovan Sarah Doyle Sophia Driscoll Aditya Dutta Gianna Eddy Kelsey Eddy Henry Edwards Fariha Fardin Greta Field Isabella Fiore Alyssa Fischer Joshua Fischer Jessica Fiske Caroline Flanagan Alexander Fomin Nathan Foster Bryce Foti Sean Fournier Jarod Franks Jessica Franks Karen Gallagher Andrew Gilbert Matthew Goetz Casey Gomez Taela Gouin Katherine Graham Daniel Greenleaf

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Advika Agrawal Mohammad Al-Ashabi Samantha Altman Nia Alvarado-Rodriguez Nicholas Alvarado-Rodriguez Daniel Andrews Jessica Applebaum Lahcen Aqdim Adrina Arakelian Joseph Arena Delaney Augspurg Kendal August Valeria Azofeifa Lili Bahri Giulio Bardelli Caitlin Barnes Quentin Barnes Samuel Barros Catharine Barry Amelia Bashy Jasmine Battikha Thomas Bernardin Sara Bernardo Lorenzo Bertani Parker Black Elise Blackstock Joseph Blodgett Aidan Bolger Cadyn Boyce Kelsey Breslin Blake Briner Nicholas Brown Julia Budden Cameron Burden Peter Burdulis Holly Burns Shaye Butler Mia Carboni Brandon Carlson Abigail Casady Catherine Cestari Harshita Chalamani Ethan Champlin Jake Chirco Kamala Chuss Gwendolyn Clark Natalie Clott Ross Comcowich Caroline Connell Jack Connolly Matthew Cooper Giorgio Corti

ESERVIC

* My apology for any incorrect spelling or omission of a graduate.

Harrison Prucher Syed Mustafa Quadri Hannah Quinlan Isabella Radaelli Mantra Rajkumar Soleil Randall Elana Regan Matthew Regan Cameron Richardson-Kneeland Connor Riley William Rock Nicholas Rogerson Lily Rooney Joel Rosen Allison Rossillo Jeremy Rossin Deven Rowe Aidan Rowell Julianne Sage Cole Salyards Nadim Samrout Isabelle Saporoschetz Aiden Scannevin Jackson Schlussel Eleri Schutte Aidan Segars Elizabet Senin Marley Sensenderfer Amelia Senseney Geneva Sganga Avery Shaffer Tejas Shah Ronald Shamus Vani Sharma Usayd Sheikh Eric Shultz Dexter Siglin Isabelle Simes Hunter Smith Jacob Sokol Alyssa Souza Daniel Staring David Stedt Carly Stevens

Alisa Stolyar Maya Storm Sankalp Subhendu Shishir Sudhaman Aidan Sullivan Eric Sullivan Mei Sutherland Catherine Szczepankiewicz Luke Tedstone Kelly Teitel Shreya Thalvayapati Evan Theodorou Angelina Thompson Geoffrey Tocco Hailey Tolson Isaiah Tomás Arpar Tran Nina Underdah Emma VanBeek Jack Varner Lily Vaughan Alexis Viehl Heather Villani Catherine von Hausen Nathan von Hausen Justin Wade Alopa Waje Zachary Walker Aidan Walsh John Watson Levi Watson Antonio Weissinger Colin Wenrich Cassandra White Ashley Wojcik Eliza Worrell Aidan Yagoobi Srirupa Yerramsetti Lillian York Michael Youssef Mohammad Ali Zaidi Shayan Zaidi Anne Zhu

From your trusted local Realtors at The McDermott Team Karen McDermott (508) 272-6644 Kelly Karp (508) 345-1644 20 Main Street, Hopkinton

2 Wed. June 23 LIQUOR

WINE

VIRGINA DISTILLERY Loch & K(e)y has partnered with Virginia Distillery Co. to bring you a ground breaking virtual whisky experience.

Join Amanda Beckwith as she leads you though how Virginia Distillery makes their Port Cask whisky and then coaches you on how to make your own custom blend!

GOURMET

CRAFT BEER

HOT SAUCES AND BBQ

SMOKE SHOP

TASTINGS Wed. June 23 & 30 @7pm

Wed. June 30

The Graduated Class and C&C Blending Project Zoom Kit

$79.99

MAD RIVER DISTILLERS

MAD RIVER MIXER ZOOM KIT

$44.99

Join Mad River’s Maeghan Kleinerman as she leads us though the tastes and methodology behind the pre-mixed cocktails from Mad River Distillers!

HOW IT WORKS: 1. Purchase the ZOOM pack. 2. Pickup curbside at Julio’s Liquors. 3. We'll send a link. 4. Join the tasting online.

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

140 Turnpike Rd., Westborough Route 9 at Lyman St. (508) 366-1942 | juliosliquors.com OPEN 7 DAYS M-Sat 9am - 9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

So much more than a liquor store.

Customers choosing to shop in-store are asked to wear a mask and social distance per WBOH regulations. Thank you!

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