HI LAYOUT 4.8.26_WEB

Paving plan sparks process debate

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

During a Zoom meeting April 1, the School Committee reaffirmed its decision to move forward with paving on Loop Road as part of the Hopkins School project.

The committee previously approved a change order of up to $1.8 million to expand the scope of work within the Hopkins School project. Town Meeting approved borrowing for the overall work a few years ago.

Both town counsel and school counsel agreed the decision to expand the project’s scope is under the purview of the School Committee. However, some members of the Appropriation Committee

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

The School Committee on March 26 voted voted to fill two administrator positions and welcomed a new high school principal, contingent upon successful contract negotiations.

Superintendent Evan Bishop announced that Amy Davenport would be the next Hopkinton High School principal.

Bishop called Davenport “the right fit” for the job at this time.

Davenport began in Westwood Public Schools as an English teacher and was dean of students from 2014-20. Since 2020, she has been principal at Westwood High School.

According to her resume, she earned a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard Business School, a master’s degree in secondary education and teaching from Boston College, and a bachelor’s degree in communications and English from Boston College.

The School Committee is tying Loop Road paving to the Hopkins School expansion project.

those participating in Mini Golf at the Library were the Weigel family, as 2-year-old Natalie lines up a putt with help from Dillon while Elizabeth and baby Theodore look on. The event was held at the Hopkinton

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Lending.

CMMCP larvicide applications underway

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project began its third season conducting larval control for mosquito populations in Hopkinton late last month.

NEWS BRIEFS

In a notice sent to the town, CMMCP announced it was to start its 2026 program on or about March 26. “This program will be a continuation of the practices and procedures that have been used in past years,” according to the notice.

The project plans to apply larval control to “low-lying swampy areas.”

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe noted that CMMCP plans to apply larvicide in bodies of water accessible to roadways using either pucks or pellets. The larvicide itself is organic and is virtually non-toxic to humans, as well as plants and animals.

“It contains a natural fungus that basically eats mosquito larva,” McAuliffe said.

Starting this process in the spring will help disrupt the natural breeding cycle of the mosquitos, he explained. McAuliffe added that, given the differences in the male and female mosquito breeding cycles, CMMCP will continue applying the larvicide throughout the season to keep populations low.

Areas CMMCP will target include around the Alprilla Farm area, Saddle Hill, Whitehall and South Legacy Farms, as well as certain streets in town. Alprilla Farm and Saddle Hill are key locations to target, as they are areas where West Nile virus and equine encephalitis virus (EEE) historically have been identified.

The town has not seen positive pools around Alprilla Farm since 2019. And while nearby communities experienced incidences of West Nile virus and EEE last year, the diseases did not appear to cross over into Hopkinton.

McAuliffe said that both the Health Department and CMMCP have identified drops in the overall mosquito density in Hopkinton as a result of both the larvicide and regular spraying. “I would argue that’s why we haven’t had to restrict summertime activities or cancel events because of EEE or other issues being present in town,” McAuliffe said.

“My job is to reduce the risk of people getting a zoonotic disease,” he added. “This program seems to be working to reduce that risk.”

Water conservation enforcement questioned

During her report to the board at its March 17 meeting, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus reminded members that the town is in a critical drought status. “We’re reminding people to avoid nonessential water,” she said.

“Hopefully [the drought] will improve before summer, but it needs to rain,” she added.

The region entered a level 3 critical drought earlier last month. In response to the upgrade in status enacted by the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Department of Public Works extended the town’s mandatory water supply conservation restrictions. While snow from a string of intense winter storms continues to melt, water cannot penetrate frozen ground, and the high amounts of snow only equated to about 2 1/2 inches of

water, according to the EEA.

After asking clarifying questions on the outdoor water use ban, member Matt Kizner inquired about how the town intends to enforce the restrictions for pools. “That’s a literal and direct way of telling if this policy is being violated,” he said. “I’d like to understand if we actually intend on enforcing fines.”

Lazarus noted that violations would have to be observed but noted that not everyone in town relies on town water. Those households are not subject to the restrictions, she explained.

“I’m very emphatic that, in a month’s time, people are going to start filling their pools,” Kizner continued. “They’re not going to consider this part of a water ban.”

Added Kizner: “I want to understand what the town’s plan is for how they’re going to make it clear that’s not supposed to happen.”

Lazarus responded, highlighting that the town does have bylaws allowing for enforcement if violations are found.

PJB launches fundraising campaign for delivery truck

Project Just Because has launched an ambitious campaign: raise enough money to buy a truck.

Last month, the non-profit announced on Facebook that it is looking to raise $50,000 for a “dock-height truck” that will help it transport more food to its pantry. “This truck is especially needed to transport large fresh produce donations, and bringing that into the pantry has become expensive and difficult,” according to the post.

Shana Adams, PJB’s executive director and grant writer, said the truck helps the organization procure fresh produce that is often hard to come by and has extra fees attached. She detailed how PJB has been working with a produce vendor, but transporting the pallets of food it has currently requires volunteers using their own vehicles, which have limited space.

“We found a company that could deliver, but to deliver was over $15,000,” Adams said. “We figured that wasn’t a very good investment.”

After doing some math, PJB staff realized that the truck was the cheaper option.

The total price tag on the 26-foot dock height box truck is $76,000. Adams noted that a generous donor has offered to do a match of $37,000, and the $50,000 PJB is asking for will help cover both paying for the truck and associated costs such as insurance and registration.

Apart from the cost savings on deliveries, a truck can save valuable volunteer hours, Adams explained. “With the box truck, we could take in 12-14 pallets in one trip,” she said. Volunteers using their own cars would have to take multiple trips to achieve the same result. Freeing up driving and loading time will help PJB volunteers focus on other needs, she added.

Adams called the truck a “dire need” for the non-profit and community members in need. PJB serves 950 families a week and resources are already strained, Adams noted. The extra produce will help provide healthful options for families and can be stored in PJB’s 50-foot freezer trailer to extend its shelf life when needed.

“It’s going to save us time, volunteer hours — all sorts of great stuff,” said Adams.

Hayward Street house fire leaves residence ‘uninhabitable’

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Aswiftly moving fire

severely damaged a Hayward Street home on the evening of March 22, displacing a couple and their dog.

“There was heavy fire damage to the first floor, most notably in the kitchen, dining area and rear porch,” stated Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty in an email to the Independent three days after the fire. “The rest of the home sustained significant heat and smoke damage.

The fire was under investigation by a Massachusetts State Police trooper assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

“It is currently unclear if the home is a total loss; the insurance company will make that determination,” he added. “However, the home is currently uninhabitable due to the extent of damage.”

Daugherty simultaneously issued a press release March 25 describing the blaze and the efforts to contain it by multiple fire departments.

According to the statement, the 911 call about a house fire at 50 Hayward Street was received at approximately 10:54 p.m. The Hopkinton Police Department arrived first on the scene and reported seeing heavy smoke as HFD and its automatic mutual aid partners were en route.

At that point, the incident was upgraded to a “working fire.” This term is used by fire departments to describe an active, confirmed fire that requires immediate, significant suppression efforts. A working fire often requires additional resource requests due to visible flames and heavy smoke.

“Fire crews arrived at 10:59 p.m. and encountered heavy fire conditions in the rear of the residence,” according to the statement. “Firefighters quickly initiated an aggressive interior attack and brought the fire under control within approximately 30 minutes.”

While no injuries were reported among the occupants, one firefighter sustained a knee injury and was treated on scene.

Daugherty noted that the HFD received assistance from Ashland, Milford, Southborough, Upton, and Westborough fire crews. The Bellingham Fire Department provided ambulance coverage, while the Hopedale Fire Department provided station coverage

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 4-month-old Beansprout.

Here is Baypath’s description of Beansprout:

“Beansprout is an adorable little pup with a sweet personality that quickly grows on you. She may be a bit shy when meeting new people at first, but give her a little time and she warms up beautifully — soon enough, her tail is wagging and she’s ready to be your new best friend.

“This cute girl loves people, enjoys playing with other dogs and is always excited for treats, toys and fun. Once she feels comfortable, her happy, affectionate personality really shines. She’s the kind of puppy who makes every day brighter just by being in it.

“Beansprout is ready to keep learning all the puppy basics with a loving family

The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced occupants, according to the statement.

Online fundraiser underway

Locally, Parker Happ, a neighbor and Planning Board member, set up a GoFundMe fundraiser page (gofundme. com/f/help-gabriel-karina-rebuild-afterhouse-fire) for the couple, Gabriel and Katrina Knupe, and their dog named Thor.

“The funds raised will help Gabriel and Karina secure temporary housing, replace essential items like clothing, toiletries, and food, and provide comfort items for themselves and Thor, who also lost his bed, toys, and other essentials,” according to the fundraising page.

As of April 1, the GoFundMe effort had raised $9,660 through 103 donations.

The couple was staying with family, Happ added.

Home in news last fall

Gabriel Knupe appeared before the Select Board last fall. The board deemed that Thor, a pit bull, was a dangerous dog after hearing testimony that the dog jumped a fence. The dog killed a chicken, injured two others and subsequently attacked a cat, according to a neighbor.

At a follow-up Select Board meeting in October, Gabriel Knupe was commended for his improvements to the home to help contain Thor. They included the installation of new windows and fixing the back porch so that the dog could not escape. Thor also was walked on a leash three times a day.

who will help her build confidence as she grows. With her sweet nature, playful spirit and tiny sprout of bravery, she’s sure to blossom into an amazing companion.”

For more information about Beansprout and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane. org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.

For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

Fire broke out in the rear of this Hayward Street home March 22.

WSAB analyzes proposed MWRA connection

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Water & Sewer Advisory Board

on March 25 heard an alternatives analysis for the town’s proposed connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, including a “blended” solution that would use MWRA and Ashland water.

Engineer Tim Thies from Pare Corporation, the town’s consulting firm, gave a presentation on the town’s four options. He first explained that, as part of the application process to connect to the MWRA system, the town must submit a MEPA filing through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office. This is a mandatory environmental review process for projects requiring state agency actions that exceed specific thresholds.

source,” Thies stressed.

The fourth option, which Thies said likely would be the most acceptable one to the WRC, would be a “blended” option. Hopkinton would buy some of its water from the MWRA and receive the rest through the Ashland water treatment plant, which the town currently uses.

Added Thies: “This one has a lot of positive benefits environmentally.”

Well use would be discontinued, and the need for an interbasin transfer would be less. Wetland impacts would be reduced.

The WRC considers several factors, including the environmental soundness, technical feasibility and economic viability of each option, in its decision-making process, he explained. This ensures that there would be no adverse effects to the river basins or their ecological systems.

Select Board member Matthew Kizner pointed out that the intermunicipal agreement with Ashland is set to expire in 2027.

Also, the state’s Water Resources Commission must approve an interbasin water transfer request to allow movement of water from the Quabbin Reservoir to Hopkinton, he said.

“This is really a pretty critical and fundamental piece of this project,” Thies emphasized. “Without this interbasin transfer, we can’t move the water.”

“Ashland has its own water constraints,” he said. “Has your analysis considered or baked in that Ashland is under absolutely no obligation to sign a new IMA with us?”

Thies said this option assumes that Ashland will continue to hold an IMA with Hopkinton.

He added that the WRC “wants to make sure that we really have explored all options” for alternatives that would “minimize that interbasin transfer” and show “the best and most technically feasible alternative.”

Options examined

The first option of doing nothing was the least viable of the four alternatives, Thies said.

On March 9, the town entered into a critical drought status. The Department of Public Works banned all outdoor, nonessential water use for all customers connected to the municipal water system.

The second option would be to maximize the town’s water supply, Thies said. This would include installing additional wells “in areas that the town has explored in the past.”

“This means squeezing every drop of water we can out of the town’s current resources and potential future resources within the town boundary,” he continued.

But all of the town’s wells except for Wells 7 and 8 are in an area of Hopkinton with “the most stressed basin category in the state.” These are the two least productive wells.

Thies described this as “the least environmentally sound” option because it would add additional stress to Hopkinton’s tapped-out water basins.

A stark example he gave was that new well installation likely would cause Whitehall Brook “to dry up in the summertime.”

“Water quality has been this underlying issue in town for a very long time,” Thies said. “So to maximize the town’s supply, you would have to build probably no fewer than three treatment plants.” This would cost approximately $75 million.

‘Wholesale change’

The third option would be to connect to the MWRA system via an intermunicipal agreement with Southborough. This would eliminate groundwater withdrawals. It would require an interbasin transfer, as well as upgrades to the Hopkinton and Southborough systems. This proposal would cost less than maximizing the town’s water supply.

“But it does make us reliant on a single

Said Kizner: “That’s an absolutely reckless assumption.”

“Every indication from my conversations with their DPW director is that they are willing to extend it,” said DPW director Kerry Reed.

Chair Paul Gallagher said the alternatives analysis is a “quantum leap forward” from where the town was about 18 months ago.

Thies said he will submit the alternatives analysis to the WRC for feedback.

Fund proposal reviewed

Kyla LaPierre, the town’s chief financial officer, explained the reasoning behind having a water and sewer enterprise fund with a minimum baseline amount to withdraw from in emergencies.

“This isn’t meant to be difficult or challenging,” she assured the group.

She said she put forward a financial policy for the town’s water and sewer needs “because we don’t have one.”

“The rest of the town has a financial policy that states we will keep 5% of the operating budget in either stabilization and/or free cash year over year,” LaPierre noted. “We should have a financial policy governing water and sewer.”

A minimum amount in the fund ensures “we never go negative,” preventing financial emergencies.

Earlier discussions of a draft policy revolved around using percentages of the capital and operating budgets. LaPierre said the means are “up for discussion.”

The lack of a policy for the water and sewer enterprise fund proved problematic. It led to a re-vote of four Town Meeting articles that had been approved in 2024 without enough money to fund them.

The Department of Revenue advised the town that it could not proceed with the projects “because all of them were wrapped under the same umbrella.”

“We had to wait an entire fiscal year, go back to Town Meeting, tell them that we never acted on their approval and the reason why, and then put those four articles back up for approval based on the current retained earnings,” LaPierre said.

Stressed LaPierre: “We actually lost an entire fiscal year because we couldn’t do any capital projects.”

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

This issue’s winner is Peter Gibbs for this photo of an interestinglooking sky during a recent sunset. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) 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.

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. 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 BoMain.

SACH set to welcome spring season with Rang-Holi festival

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton has one major aim with its annual Rang-Holi Festival of Colors: unity.

“When people play with colors and everyone’s covered in color, there’s no differences between us,” said Charusmitha Ram, one of the event organizers.

The festival originated in India and Nepal and is intended as a spring celebration. Participants throw colored powder on one another, and that, according to Britannica, gives license to “deviate from the usual societal norms and rankings of caste, gender, status and age.”

While Holi historically is a Hindu celebration, Ram explained that SACH’s celebration is not religiously affiliated. “We’re an areligious organization,” she said. “It’s purely a community cultural celebration so people can get together, have fun, enjoy and welcome spring.”

This year’s festival takes place at Weston Nurseries on Saturday, April 11, from 2-5 p.m. Ram credited Weston for its generosity in providing a free space for the event. SACH held its first Holi celebration at the Town Common but realized it needed a safer location as the festival got larger.

Ram said the celebration, which is funded by the Hopkinton Cultural Council, has grown in popularity since its inaugural event in 2017. She antici-

pated 200-300 people will show up to take part in the festivities. Beyond color throwing, there will be food vendors and a DJ. Part of the draw, she explained, is that most surrounding communities don’t offer their own Holi celebrations.

“The surrounding towns … don’t have anything of this scale,” said Ram, adding that Natick and Worcester do put on Holi celebrations.

The festival is just the beginning of events SACH (southasiancircleofhopkinton.org) has planned for the spring. Ram noted that the organization is pairing up with the Hopkinton Chinese American Association in May to host community programs in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The two groups will host a joint tai chi and yoga event at the Town Common on May 17 and have planned a collaboration with the Hopkinton Public Library.

The library program highlights culinary wellness, food and culture of south and east Asia, Ram explained. The event will feature henna art, music, calligraphy, free food samples and a presentation on wellness by Prana Kitchens.

SACH’s collaboration with HCAA began two years ago after the groups attended each other’s events and realized there were opportunities for collaboration. “[AAPI month] is something that’s common, and we can get together and do something for the public,” Ram said.

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Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

Planning Board votes not to accept Auciello Drive as public road

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Planning Board on March 23 voted 5-1 not to recommend Auciello Drive as a public way, with two abutters not voting after a protracted debate on one member’s potential conflict of interest.

The meeting started 13 minutes late. John Gelcich, the director of land use, planning and permitting, opened the Zoom meeting in the absence of principal planner Aneri Patel. Patel, who hosts the meeting and advises the board, was unable to attend due to a family emergency. Laurie St. John, the land use administrative assistant who takes meeting minutes, also was absent.

Parker Happ asked chair Rob Benson if the meeting could be postponed because of “confusion right now and given the lack of staff.” He said several people who had hoped to attend for the Auciello Drive potential road acceptance discussion texted him when they were unable to get into the meeting. Benson replied that the board would meet but could defer voting on items on which it may need Patel’s guidance.

Letter sparks tension

Happ, anAuciello Drive resident, provided the board with updates. He noted that an engineering study is being conducted on the road.

At the previous meeting on March 9, board members discussed the conditions under which it could be accepted as a town road. In December 2025, a condition was added that any private way’s acceptance as a town road would have to comply with current town standards. This would include an engineering study and evaluation of the road’s condition and drainage system.

Happ said Benson’s letter on behalf of the board to Select Board chair Joe Clark was “inaccurate.”

“The word ‘modern’ is included,” Happ explained. “And by law, the subdivision does not have to adhere to modern standards.”

At that point, Lucia Lopez questioned whether Happ “is participating as a board member or as a private citizen.”

Replied Happ: “I’m whatever you want me to be.”

Vice chair Matthew Wronka and member Amna Diwan later asked whether Happ should be commenting as a board member or

voting on an issue in which he is directly involved. At the last meeting, Vikasith Pratty, who lives off Auciello Drive, recused himself because of the potential conflict of interest. When Benson later called for a vote, he did not include Happ or Pratty. Benson shared the letter to Clark with the board. It stated that “any future request for public road acceptance must comply with current Town standards and procedures, including a modern engineering evaluation of the roadway and drainage system.”

It added that the Planning Board had not yet received updated engineering information, updated site drawings, an as-built plan or a determination as to who was responsible for “associated costs.” Although sympathetic to the residents’ situation, the letter concluded that the board could not recommend approval of Auciello Drive as a public way at this time.

Peter Mimmo told Benson that this letter effectively “captured the essence” of the discussion during the last meeting.

Wronka made a motion that the board send the final report to the Select Board and not recommend the road’s acceptance. While this motion was on the table, Happ interjected before it could be seconded. He said the board has the documentation of the subdivision layout from when it was approved in 1992. He added that it “hasn’t materially changed in any way.” Happ added that there are “two processes to road acceptance,” one for the Planning Board and the other for the Select Board. No process exists for acceptance of a private way proposed by a citizen rather than a developer. He repeated his claim that the letter is “inaccurate” because the documentation from 1992 is in the file. Benson countered that the Planning Board was asked by the Select Board for its recommendation. This would trigger the Planning Board’s process in determining whether to accept the road, which he said was followed.

Lopez then seconded Wronka’s motion, putting the issue to a vote. It was accepted 5-1. Mimmo voted no, while Pratty and Happ did not vote. Michael King was absent.

Whisper Way hits roadblock

The board also deferred a vote on the acceptance of Whisper Way as a public road until its next meeting, which was scheduled for April 6. The applicant had requested a certificate of completion for the subdivision and the release of its performance guarantee bond of $98,235.

In a letter to Clark, Benson stated that a peer review by BETA Group “identified a substantial number of required plan modifications and outstanding items that must be addressed” before road acceptance could be granted.

Developer Chris Nation asked for further clarification. A major concern is that that the Department of Public Works requested modifications to the road, which already has been constructed and reviewed over a period of more than five years. This recommendation, which involves modifying the entranceway to the Cameron Woods parking area, “is at odds with the approved plan,” according to Nation.

He added that he believed the “heavy lift” in this process was getting Conservation Commission approval, which he received in January.

The situation, he stressed, puts him in a “catch-22 situation.” Nation can either follow the approved plan or deviate from

The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter. com. Anyone with questions can call 508497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Coffee Hour with Amy

Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

The Hopkinton Senior Center director hosts morning coffee chats every week. This is an opportunity to socialize and talk with town officials and other Senior Center staff. The March 25 coffee hour will feature a visit from the Hopkinton Police Department.

Ocean Quest

Tuesdays, March 17-April 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

Education is the key to understanding the ocean of the past, present and future. This five-week, prerecorded class will be held on Tuesdays starting March 17. Registration is required, and participants should anticipate attending all five weeks.

Music from Memphis

Thursday, April 9, 1 p.m.

Jill Goldman and David Polatin of the Retro Polatin Duo will discuss, sing and play guitar and bass songs from Memphis artists in this hour-long educational and entertainment program. Artists covered include Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carla Thomas, B.B. King, Wilson Pickett and more. Handouts with pictures of the artists and background information will be provided. This program is supported by a grant from the Hopkinton Cultural Council.

Crafts with Deb

Monday, April 13, 9:30 a.m.

No prior experience is needed for this crafting session. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Those interested can check out what the latest project will be at the full display in the Senior Center lobby. Some projects may require basic sewing skills.

Fashions Aboard the Titanic

Tuesday, April 14, 1 p.m.

This virtual program explores the fashions of 1912 — the year the Titanic sank — as well as what was worn before that year and leading up to World War I. Guests can call for the Zoom link or watch the program at the Senior Center.

Planning Board

it to incorporate the DPW’s recommendation. But the request cannot be approved without DPW approval, putting him “in a tough spot.” Benson agreed that it “isn’t a fair scenario” to expect the developer to incur more costs to modify an approved plan after it has been executed. He suggested that Nation bring his concerns to Patel and the peer review consultant.

Nation noted that many of the other issues mentioned by BETA could be quickly resolved and were more “administrative” in nature.

This issue, along with theAuciello Drive potential roadway acceptance, will be discussed at the April 7 Select Board meeting.

HCA Winged Feet Exhibit Docent Tour

Wednesday, April 15, 1 p.m.

The HCA will offer a free docent tour of this year’s Winged Feet exhibit at the Lotvin Gallery. The exhibit, presented in partnership with the 26.2 Foundation, showcases artistic projects celebrating the Boston Marathon. Those interested in attending are asked to call the Senior Center to pre-register. Participants in need of transportation assistance must mention it at signup.

Sound Bath

Wednesday, April 15, 2:15 p.m.

In this magical and relaxing hour, Crystal Lee will lead participants in experiencing the sound waves from crystal bowls. They are meant to synchronize brain wave frequencies, fostering deep relaxation and a tranquil mind, which may ease anxiety, manage stress and support a balanced mood. Attendees should bring a yoga mat, pillow and blanket, and may sit or lie down for this session. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.

Afternoon Tea: Etiquette of the 1890s

Thursday, April 16, 1 p.m.

In this program supported by the Hopkinton Cultural Council, Mrs. Parsons will present a historical portrayal into the customs of Victorian ladies, sharing the wisdom, misconceptions and daily life of women in that era. She also will share stories from her own life, inviting attendees to open their minds to a deeper understanding of the past. Assorted tea and refreshments will be available. Preregistration is required.

YOUR MONEY, YOUR INDEPENDENCE

The Snow Has Melted It’s

Time for Financial Spring Cleaning

Aftera winter spent clearing snow and managing the elements, spring brings a welcomed shift. It’s time to open things up and clear out the old. Just as melting snow reveals what’s been hidden all winter, spring is also a chance to uncover areas of your finances that need attention.

Let’s discuss five areas for review to help ensure things remain organized, efficient, and aligned with your planning.

1. Review Beneficiaries

Work benefits, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies pass according to the beneficiary listed, not your will or trust. Studies show ~30% of Americans have outdated beneficiary designations, which can lead to unintended heirs or tax consequences. Life events such as marriage, divorce, births, or deaths can change your intended beneficiaries. Even without major changes, it is wise to confirm that your accounts reflect your intentions.

2. Revisit Auto, Homeowners, and Umbrella Coverage

Homeowners coverage should reflect current replacement costs, auto liability limits should align with your assets, and umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of liability protection.

Rising property values and auto

replacement costs naturally raise premiums, but some of the largest increases come after state-approved rate adjustments. While the state may approve a 3–7% increase, insurers can adjust individual policies within their pricing matrix. Examples of policyholders seeing 30–75% increases occur, even if nothing about their home, auto, coverage, or claims history has changed. Because of auto-renewal, most people simply accept and pay. Without shopping your options, you could end up paying far more than necessary.

3. Check Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is not a one-time task. Trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies should be reviewed to ensure they reflect your current wishes and family circumstances.

While the federal estate tax exemption is roughly 15 million per individual, Massachusetts has a much lower exemption of 2 million, ranking it 49th in the United States. This makes state-level planning especially important for residents.

Review also allows you to evaluate strategies such as lifetime gifting, trust funding, or charitable giving that may reduce state estate tax exposure. It is also essential to ensure that successor trustees, health care proxies, and other responsible parties have electronic copies of your documents, and that assets intended for a revocable trust are properly titled in the trust’s name. These steps help prevent delays, confusion, and unintended consequences.

4. Consolidate Old Retirement Accounts

Over 50% of Americans have multiple retirement plans still held at prior employers. Leaving accounts scattered can create unnecessary complexity, inconsistent investment strategies, and administrative inefficiencies.

Consolidating into a coordinated structure simplifies management, im -

proves oversight, and makes it easier to rebalance your allocations to align with your evolving goals and risk tolerance. Fewer accounts also allow for better investment alignment, lower fees, smoother required minimum distribution planning, and a clearer view of your overall progress toward retirement.

5. Declutter Accounts and Organization Systems

Just like a closet or garage, your financial life accumulates items you no longer use. Old bank accounts, unused credit cards, dormant investment accounts, and forgotten subscriptions create unnecessary clutter. Closing or consolidating accounts simplifies your administrative burden. Many find it helpful to consolidate to one primary bank account and one primary credit card, making it easier to reconcile expenses, track spending, and perform a cash flow analysis for the year ahead.

Minor Changes with Meaningful Impact

Financial spring cleaning does not require major changes. It is about maintaining clarity, ensuring alignment, and reducing unnecessary complexity. Taking time to review these baseline areas strengthens your plan, improves organization, and provides confidence that your finances reflect your current priorities and goals.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Glenn Brown is a Holliston resident and owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www. PlanDynamic.com. Glenn is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.

Glenn Brown, Certified Financial Planner

Whisper Way | from page 6

Charusmitha Ram

practices multiple art forms and has a particular love for ceramics

Currently she focuses on printmaking and teaches classes at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Her love of art grew during her school days in India “I participated in many competitions [for visual arts],” recalled Ram “ The initial success I had in that really motivated me ” She obtained a fine arts degree

PRESENTED BY ALAN CONNELL, REALTOR

before moving to Singapore and then Massachusetts Ram said her work focuses on the immigrant experience and that she finds the process of art therapeutic “ When you work on something, you just totally get lost in it,” she said

Color it ‘sold’

Staging matters when appealing to buyers. A thoughtfully staged interior has proven to increase sale price as well as expand the buyer pool. And one of the quickest ways to set the stage is with color.

A change of color can update and refresh living spaces, kitchens and cabinetry, bedrooms and bathrooms. Consider the feeling you want to evoke, the style of your home’s architecture and the environments buyers are seeking — as indicated by current trends in the design world.

inspired tones like terra cotta, clay and burnt orange. Warm neutrals, such as ivory, champagne and “greige” create a soft, inviting glow. Berry and rich purples add elegance and drama. For a bold effect, emerald, sapphire and dark plum are popular, particularly on accent walls, as well as soft, candy-colored shades for a refined yet lighthearted feel.

In 2026, paint color trends have shifted away from cool grays and stark whites. Homebodies are seeking warm, nature-inspired shades that create a tranquil feel, as well as deep jewel tones that convey moody sophistication. This is reflected in the signature hues announced by major brands this year: Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (benjaminmoore. com/en-us/paint-colors/color-of-theyear-2026), a coffee brown with a hint of charcoal; Sherwin-Williams’ Universal Khaki (sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/ color-of-the-year/2026), a tan with yellow undertones; Behr’s Hidden Gem (behr. com/consumer/inspiration/2026-colorof-the-year), a smoky jade; and Valspar’s Warm Eucalyptus (valspar.com/en/colors/ color-of-the-year-2026), a muted sage.

For living spaces, consider desert-

LIBRARY CORNER

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS

Songs of the

American Revolution

Sunday, April 12, 2-3:30 p.m.

Diane Shriver performs songs of the American Revolution while dressed in period clothing and accompanied by authentic instruments. In this program, Shriver explores the stories of all the people involved in the conflict — not just the rich and famous. This program is funded by the Hopkinton Library Foundation.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Planning for Medicare

Thursday, April 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Representatives from Blue Cross Blue Shield will lead an informational seminar about planning for Medicare to help participants be confident in making the right health coverage decisions. The event is strictly informational; Blue Cross Blue Shield will not solicit contact information or go over product information, nor will the library share patron information. Attendance is both virtual and in-person, and registration for the in-person session is encouraged.

For kitchens and cabinetry, trends this year favor creamy, organic neutrals and rich earth tones. Colors such as mushroom, olive and walnut bring nature indoors. Rich hues like deep indigo, navy and charcoal are popular for accent cabinets, islands or lower cabinets. Two-tone combinations — pairing lighter, neutral uppers with earthtoned or wood-grain lower cabinets — add interest and dimension, and natural wood shades create a warm, textured look.

In bedrooms and bathrooms, people are seeking personal wellness sanctuaries that feel cozy and luxurious. Trends in 2026 indicate a move toward comfort and rejuvenation, using natural shades for calming, spa-like retreats. Green is a “new neutral,” with colors like thyme and sage for a restorative haven, and nature-inspired blues for an uplifting, light-filled environment. And don’t forget the hardware: copper and other natural metals on cabinetry complete the setting.

Need some inspiration? Ask your real estate agent!

Kim Foemmel, Real Estate Broker Foemmel Fine Homes Hopkinton, MA 508.808.1149

Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com

THE ADVERTISER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS COLUMN.

Learning to Sew: Quilted Cotton Coaster

Sunday, April 12, 1-2:30 p.m.

In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of quilting and make their own quilted coaster using basic sewing machines. This program is for ages 16 to adult, and it earns participants a sewing machine certification that allows them to participate in more advanced sewing workshops. A signed CreatorSpace waiver is required for access. If the attendee is under the age of 18, a parent/guardian must sign the waiver prior to event start.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

National Quilt Project: Share Your Story with a Painted Quilt Square

Thursday, April 9, 2-4 p.m.

Children ages 10-18 are invited to participate in the National Quilt Project, an initiative that seeks to “stitch America together again.” Participants can decorate a quilt square and leave it with library staff to be exhibited locally and nationally. Registration is not required, but room capacity is limited to 10 people at a time, and the event is first come, first served.

SCHEDULE UPDATES

The library will open at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 10, due to staff professional development.

The library will be closed April 18-20 in observance of Patriots’ Day.

The next Board of Library Trustees meeting will be in the Ellsworth room on Tuesday, April 21.

Foemmel

School Committee reaffirms Loop Road paving decision

Loop Road | from page 1 and Select Board disagreed with the process, saying it appeared to “circumvent” the way things usually are done.

On March 26, the Select Board and School Committee met to discuss the situation and, at times, that conversation got contentious. Select Board chair Joe Clark said he was in favor of having a Special Town Meeting on the same day as Annual Town Meeting to bring up the matter, and on March 31, the Select Board voted to call that Special Town Meeting.

School Committee chair Kyla McSweeney noted Clark told her it is up to the School Committee to put an article about paving Loop Road on the Special Town Meeting warrant. Otherwise, the warrant expires April 15.

The April 1 meeting was to outline the pros and cons of what should be done.

Committee committed to project

Member Chris Masters, who was not at the previous week’s meeting, said that changing course now only would delay necessary work and likely cost more money in the future.

Susan Rothermich, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, said that Loop Road paving was talked about as being part of the original project if money was available. She stated, “That was always the message.”

Superintendent Evan Bishop listed numerous meeting dates from 2023 to the present when the paving was discussed in open meetings and no objections were raised, other than in one email.

Rothermich said timing would not be so much of an issue if the current contractor got the bid to expand the area of road paved. However, if the district can’t give a “notice to proceed” quickly enough, Rothermich is concerned another bidder would not hold off on its summer work and wait for the Hopkins project to resume.

Members also spoke about creating a cumbersome future precedent of having to bring change orders to Town Meeting every time and the delays that would cause.

Member Nancy Cavanaugh said setting a cap on change orders most likely would be handled by a town bylaw change and not a charter change, given that charters only are reviewed every 10 years.

Cavanaugh also spoke about possible “ramifications” should the board reaffirm its approval of the change order and move forward.

While noting she supported that vote, Cavanaugh said, “My concern is we went before boards for support and a united front and got the opposite of that.”

She said the committee must be aware that there could be “fallout” in the next budgetary cycles.

Masters asked if Cavanaugh was speaking about “unintended consequences.” She replied that one Select Board member said he would vote down the entire town budget. Further, three members of the Select Board stated their disagreement in a vote to put their feelings on the record.

Two members of the Appropriation Committee also were vehemently opposed to the change order approval.

“[Some] Appropriation Committee members were angry in the same way,” Cavanaugh said. “There was not a lot of warm, fuzzy support from them either.”

Masters reiterated the committee

should remain with its original decision.

“Quite honestly, using budget threats as leverage is not appropriate,” he said. “It is petty and does not reflect how a town should be operating. … Our focus should be on the students, the school and the greater community as well as their tax dollars.”

Added Masters: My experience with buildings, renovations and construction is the further you kick the can down the road, it is almost always more expensive.”

Public outreach suggested

Vice chair Susan Stephenson noted that Loop Road serves as a driveway for Hopkins School and naturally is part of the school’s overall renovation project.

Cavanaugh said change orders for Hopkins are different from ones from previous projects because there is no School Building Committee to oversee them as there is for the Charleswood project, for example.

“This put us in a difficult position up against a deadline that can change the trajectory of this project,” she said.

Rothermich noted any unspent money in the Hopkins project budget becomes “rescinded debt” or that much less the town borrows.

Member Jamie Wronka talked about drafting a statement of some kind, possibly to be read at the next School Committee meeting.

“We don’t need a vote to put our feelings on record,” she added.

Said Masters: “It will be cheaper. It will be quicker. The work needs to be done. The money is there. We’re in the scope of what we are able to do.”

Select Board chimes in

At the March 26 meeting with the Select Board, McSweeney said the School Committee is committed “to transparency, ensuring alignment with procurement guidance and continuing to prioritize student access, safety and site functionality.”

Rothermich noted the work had gone through the Conservation Commission process and was moving forward. She said the expanded scope was not put on a warrant because it fit within the “four corners” of a project that previously was authorized.

However, Clark pushed for having the item placed on a Special Town Meeting warrant.

“This is strictly about process,” he said. “This goes against our town form of government and how we make capital [expense] decisions.”

Select Board member Matt Kizner said that if the matter was put on the warrant, he would be in favor of it. But he noted this approach does not adhere to the way capital expenses typically are approved and validated at Annual Town Meeting.

“I’m incredibly concerned that this looks like a circumvention of that process,” Kizner said. “The fact that you went before the Appropriation [Committee] and are speaking to us tells me that you believe that this does walk like a duck, it quacks like a duck and it could perhaps be a duck.”

He said the School Committee might have the authority to proceed this way, but it “seems to be going around the capital process and making a unilateral decision on behalf of the community on how unspent dollars can now be allocated. … You are opening up a big can of worms.”

Parks & Rec ponders sponsorships for Fruit Street fields

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

The Parks & Recreation Commission on March 31 debated the merits of allowing sponsor banners at the Fruit Street athletic complex, raising concerns on balancing costs while ensuring equity on multi-use fields.

At the top of the discussion, Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus explained that Hopkinton Youth Soccer had reached out to him regarding opportunities the organization was pursuing for sponsorship. He relayed questions over putting sponsor banners on the fences at Fruit Street and said he was looking for more background into how the department handled such things previously.

Commission members noted that similar banners are hung at the baseball fields at EMC Park. However, unlike Fruit Street, the baseball fields are single-use.

Members expressed discomfort over the idea of one sport benefiting from a similar program on a field multiple town sport leagues use.

“If soccer starts raising $10,000 a year by putting signs up around the field $100 at a time, I can’t imagine how girls lacrosse is going to feel,” said chair Dan Terry.

He also acknowledged the benefit the corporate sponsorships could have for HYS. “If they’re raising that kind of money, why wouldn’t we do it?” Terry wondered. “It’s a hard question.”

Lewitus explained that Parks & Rec likely would not benefit from the sponsorship arrangement HYS inquired about. Vice chair Kyle Smith said this was a non-starter for him. “The benefit has to be passed on to others,” he said.

“Them getting sponsors has nothing to do with us,” responded member Amy O’Donnell. “The question really is: Can those sponsors then put up a sign or a flag or whatever on our fence?”

Commissioners agreed that if sponsorships at multi-purpose facilities are allowed, then the benefits should be passed on to all users. “What we’re saying is that we’re not opposed to it, but we want to see it be more uniform for the Fruit Street fields,” O’Donnell clarified.

Smith likened his position on the matter to how universities take in money from their popular NCAA teams and divide them across their athletics programs.

Lewitus reviewed how the Parks & Rec Department handles donations, noting that they cannot be solicited and any Parks & Rec | 11

MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center focuses on skills, character

Young people leave summer camp with happy memories and newly honed skills. But at a time when kids are increasingly plugged into screens and facing rising levels of anxiety and isolation, MetroWest YMCA leaders say camp can offer something even more essential.

SUMMER FUN

BUSINESS PROFILE

An advertiser feature

This year, campers at MetroWest YMCA programs, including the Outdoor Center in Hopkinton, will bring home something that will help them thrive throughout their lives.

Kindness, integrity and resilience.

handle life’s inevitable setbacks.

“These are not abstract ideas,’’ Pinchuck said. “We give kids opportunities to practice them every day. At its best, camp offers three things at once: the opportunity to take on real challenges, to feel seen for who they are, and to build confidence through doing.’’

In a world where screen use can lead to anxiety and isolation, a primary goal is for kids to be happy, feel a sense of belonging and develop socially and emotionally.

These three attributes have been described as “character superpowers’’ by Bartt Pinchuck, Executive Director of the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center.

And they will be emphasized at the camps thanks to a prestigious grant.

The MetroWest YMCA has received the American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Grant, which supports this focus on character building.

The grant allows camps to deepen their commitment to youth mental wellbeing support, provide additional training for staff in these areas and expand family engagement to ensure that the growth youngsters develop during camp continues at home.

Each of the three traits serves a valuable purpose, Pinchuck said. Kindness builds a sense of belonging. Integrity leads to better decisionmaking. Resilience helps youngsters

As a parent, Pinchuck said the priorities are simple. “The questions families are really asking aren’t about grades or performance. They’re asking: Are my kids making friends? Are they kind to others? Did they find their people? Are they becoming good human beings?”

Slowing the pace enough to acknowledge positive moments matters, Pinchuck said. “The staff is able to stop and recognize it when it happens rather than just moving along.’’

The camp runs from June 22 to Aug. 28 in one-week sessions. The camp began operating in 1914 and has been part of the Metrowest YMCA since 1963.

We’ve been shaping children into confident, capable adults for generations,’’ Pinchuck said.

And with the new grant, the lessons learned go even deeper.

Families can learn more and register at metrowestymca.org/camp.

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

Parks & Rec ponders sponsorships for Fruit Street fields

money received has to be for a specific purpose. He mentioned opportunities for residents to form a “Friends of” group — a 501(c)(3) organization that could solicit funds directly.

Members reached consensus on the benefit of taking in money through sponsorships.

“There is something here to bring down costs for users and taxpayers by allowing corporations to effectively support things that are going in Parks & Rec,” said Smith.

“I think we’re open to a group raising money for the benefit of keeping costs down at the Fruit Street fields,” agreed Terry.

Lewitus noted he would conduct more research into the legality of sponsorship and have more information for the commission at a later date.

Site walk planned for sidewalk

Commission members agreed they needed to walk the site of a proposed

sidewalk and road that would connect Blueberry Lane and EMC Park before providing design feedback to the De partment of Public Works.

Lewitus told the commission that the DPW was requesting its feedback on a plan to connect the Blueberry Lane development to EMC Park. This connection, he explained, was a requirement of building the development and would involve some clearing and construction.

Driveway width, the access point of the sidewalk, a railing mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act and moving an existing emergency gate are parts of the plan Lewitus believed the commission could provide feedback on.

He said the DPW recommended a 10-foot-wide driveway that would allow vehicles to get back behind the Hank Fredette Skate Park and the nearby catch basin for maintenance. The sidewalk would cut between two homes in Blueberry Lane and is proposed to exit near the skate park.

After having difficulty visualizing the design plans, the commission agreed a site visit was needed.

Summer day camp is more than just summer fun—it’s where kids build lasting friendships, celebrate achievements, and discover a place they can truly belong.

What truly sets the Metrowest YMCA apart is how our camps foster connection for the entire family and strengthen our community for all.

Check out our six local summer camps serving ages 3-16:

Parks & Rec | from page 10

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton

Westwood’s Davenport announced as new HHS principal

vacating her seat when she moved out of town.

2021-25 and director since last year.

In a press release to the school community the following day, Bishop noted that Davenport “has led a high-performing school with a focus on strong instruction, student support, and building a positive and inclusive school culture. She brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership, with experience strengthening instructional practices, expanding student opportunities, and supporting both academic success and student well-being.”

Added Bishop: “Throughout the process, Ms. Davenport demonstrated a deep appreciation for what makes Hopkinton special and a clear alignment with our district’s values. Her ability to connect with students, staff, and families, combined with her focus on building strong systems and relationships, will serve Hopkinton High School well.”

A native of Pittsburgh, Davenport served on the School Committee in Newton for one year (2023-24) before

Justin Pominville has been serving as HHS principal on an interim basis for the past year following Bishop’s promotion to superintendent. Pominville previously was assistant principal at the high school.

Desjardins, Mahr introduced

Helene Desjardins was named the district’s new director of student services, while Cynthia Mahr was appointed director of finance/chief financial officer.

The current director of student services, Jessica Beattie, is returning to Holliston, where she had served for many years before transitioning to Hopkinton last year. The CFO position is comprised of some of the duties done by Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich, who is retiring June 30.

Superintendent Evan Bishop said Desjardins was selected from a pool of 24 applicants and stood out as someone with a deep understanding of the role and a collaborative style.

She has worked in the Northborough/ Southborough school district since 2007, starting as a speech language pathologist and holding positions as team chair, assistant director of student services from

Desjardins earned her undergraduate degree from Assumption University in social rehabilitation services and a master’s degree in speech language pathology from Worcester State University.

Bishop noted Mahr brings 30 years of experience in school finance to the CFO position.

He said she has worked in highperforming districts, adding, “I’m excited by what she will bring to the leadership team.”

Mahr most recently has worked as assistant superintendent for finance and operations in Wellesley public schools for approximately eight years and held a similar position in Weston for 12 years.

Her other roles include director of administration and finance for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and past president of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.

From Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School, Mahr holds a master of public administration degree. Her bachelor of arts degree in political science is from Hartwick College.

At the last school committee meeting, the superintendent announced that Jeff LaBroad, current assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, would move into the role of assistant superintendent/chief operating officer.

In that position, LaBroad will handle some of Rothermich’s duties, such as overseeing transportation, technology, safety and security, food services, and policy and compliance.

Bishop said LaBroad would continue to mentor new staff members and work on Title VI and IX investigations.

Travel, donation approved

Other action by the committee included:

— Allocation of $67,888 for a contract with Atkinson Carpet and Flooring for 10 classrooms at the middle school. The funding is contingent upon approval of the fiscal year 2027 budget at Town Meeting.

— Approval for the HHS Robotics team to travel to VEX Worlds (competition) in St. Louis from April 20-25 and the Business Professionals of America group to go to Nashville from May 6-10 for the national leadership conference.

— Acceptance of a donation for the high school from Juncus Zhang and Xue Song of a Fender deluxe reverb guitar amplifier valued at $1,025.

— Agreement to install a tray dishwasher at the high school, paid through the food service revolving account.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 9.

Amy Davenport

Davenport | from page 1

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar focuses on service, hospitality

Service and hospitality always are the main focus at the Hopkinton Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar, shared Peter Daniel, who, along with his twin, Cedric, is the co-owner of the microbrewery and restaurant. Hopkinton is the sixth location of the family-owned business.

“While all six of our locations are different,” said Daniel, “each has a big framed sign that welcomes customers with the quote, ‘No person is a failure who has friends,’ from the movie ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ We treat our patrons as friends.”

Starting as a brewery in 2007, the business expanded to six locations across central Massachusetts. Opening last October, the 22 South Street Hopkinton location features handcrafted cocktails, Rapscallion’s signature brews and a scratch kitchen offering various appetizers, entrees and desserts in its bar and full-service restaurant.

With the warmer weather, Rapscallion will be opening its dog friendly, patio dining and featuring seasonal favorites, especially seafood entrees like lobster ravioli, calamari and cioppino.

“All our dishes are made from scratch in our kitchen,” said Henrique Toledo, who is responsible for beverage and front-of-house operations. “We use fresh ingredients in our dishes and in our drinks, too, which feature small batch, local liquors. Our drinks, our brews and our dishes infuse each other.”

He noted Rapscallion will be adding daily specials to the weekday lunch and weekend brunch menus. Specials will be posted on Rapscallion’s social media and website.

“Even though we are a brewery at heart, we are consistent in our food quality, consistent in our beer quality and consistent in our cocktail quality,” said Daniel. “ But our main focus always goes back to service and hospitality.”

The team at Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar — led by (from left) head chef Oliver Alvarado, Henrique Toledo, who is responsible for beverage and front-of-house operations, and sous chef Cristian Zepeda-Izquierdo — stands ready to serve patrons handcrafted brews, creative cocktails and scratch food creations at 22 South Street in Hopkinton.

Added marketing manager Sierra Tucker: “Rapscallion definitely has a family feel and a strong sense of our regular customers.”

The family feel extends to the staff members.

“We have a team ethos — we all work together to make our patrons feel welcome,” said Daniel, who noted that during COVID, Rapscallion continued to pay employees since qualified staff members are valued. “We believe in the long game and want to keep our staff happy so they can focus on their craft.”

Settling into their new Hopkinton location, Daniel said, “We are happy to be part of the community.” The restaurant gives back to its host communities through its HOPS Foundation and by hosting local events such as a Boston Marathon fundraising dinner and afterparty for the Michael Lisnow Respite Center charity runners.

Toledo, who recently moved to Hopkinton so he can be close to the restaurant, said he has been welcomed by the community and wants to extend that feeling at Rapscallion.

“The first time, we greet you,” he said. “The second time, we greet you by name.”

The Hopkinton Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

More information is available on the web at VisitRapscallion.com/Hopkinton, by email at RapsEast@VisitRapscallion.com or by phone at 508-6251039. Take-out or delivery ordering is available online, while reservations can be made by email or phone.

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

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.

Scouts Pancake

Breakfast April 11

Hopkinton Scouts Troop 4 will host its annual pancake breakfast and silent auction on Saturday, April 11, from 7:3011:30 a.m. at St. John’s Parish (20 Church Street). Admission is $10 ($7 for seniors). Advance tickets are $8 ($6 for seniors). Children under 5 and veterans eat free. Proceeds support Scout activities, summer camps and high-adventure trips. For more information, email pancake-

breakfast@troop4hopkinton.com.

Team Hoyt Taper Road Race/Walk April 11

The Team Hoyt Taper is a 5-mile road race and 2-mile walk that will start at Marathon Elementary School and finish at EMC Park. There also will be a Team Hoyt Tot Trot for kids at EMC Park. The race is Saturday, April 11, with a 10 a.m. start (11:30 for the kids race). For more information and to register, visit TeamHoyt.com.

Trails Club Walk at Cameron Woods April 11

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host its next monthly walk at Cameron

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Woods on Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m. This walk will start at the parking area on Whisper Way and walk a loop through the Cameron Woods trails. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Rang-Holi: Festival of Colors at Weston Nurseries April 11

The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton will host Rang-Holi: Festival of Colors on Saturday, April 11, from 2-5 p.m. at Weston Nurseries. There will be food (for purchase), music and dance, and children will enjoy playing with colored powder. All are welcome at this event, which is funded by the Hopkinton Cultural Council. For more information, visit southasiancircleofhopkinton.org.

Lions Club Meat Raffle at Cornell’s April 11

The Hopkinton Lions Club Meat Raffle is set for Saturday, April 11, from 3-5 p.m. at Cornell’s Irish Pub in Hopkinton (229 Hayden Rowe Street). Prizes include beef, pork, chicken and more. Tickets are $5 for 10 or $10 for 25. There also will be a 50-50 raffle. Proceeds will support local charities and eye research. For more information, visit hopkintonlions.org.

Marathon Committee 100-Yard Dash April 18

The Hopkinton Marathon Committee is sponsoring a free 100-yard dash for children ages 5-12 on Saturday, April 18 (two days before the Boston Marathon) at 2 p.m. at the Town Common. Participants will receive a T-shirt, race bib and finisher’s medal. Advance registration is required by April 10, and the event is limited to the first 200 to register. For more information, visit hopkintonmarathoncommitteema.org.

Friends of Whitehall Spring Cleanup April 25

The Friends of Whitehall’s spring lake and trail cleanup will be held Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-noon. Partici-

Event Calendar

and Sale April 11 & 12 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us for the Marathon Quilters Quilt Show, celebrating 30 years of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. This special exhibition showcases stunning handmade quilts that honor tradition, innovation, and the art of quilting. Come celebrate three decades of beautiful work and the makers behind it. General admission at the door is $10. Children are free.

HCA Open Mic | April 17 at 7 p.m.

This is not your ordinary open mic night! It will include some games, music trivia, and prizes! Cash bar and food available. Join us for a laid-back evening of fun, connection, and community. All talent levels are welcome, and every voice has a place on our stage. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just your curiosity. Come to perform or just to enjoy the vibes—everyone is welcome! No pressure, no judgment—just good people and great energy.

pants will gather at the boat landing parking lot at Whitehall State Park (off Wood Street) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided for this cleanup, which is being done with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, visit friendsofwhitehall.org.

Intro to Trails at Library April 25

The Hopkinton Trails Committee will host an Intro to Trails event on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m.-noon at the Hopkinton Public Library’s Betty Strong Room. There will be trail maps, information about volunteer opportunities (including for service projects), books, gear, activities for kids, and information about apps and best practices. At noon, there will be a guided walk to the nearby Center School Trail. The Trails Committee and Trails Club will be on hand for the event and walk to answer questions. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

HWC Meet the Candidates Night April 29

The Hopkinton Women’s Club will host the 38th annual Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. HCAM will present this informative event live on local television. Residents are encouraged to attend at the HCAMTV Studio on 77 Main Street for the opportunity to learn more about citizens running in the May 18 Annual Town Election. Home viewers will be able to ask questions ahead of time or that evening using live@hcam.tv for emails.

Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month

The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Petty Larceny

Petty Cover) April 18 | Music at 8 p.m.

The Petty Larceny Band is an awardwinning tribute bringing the timeless music of Tom Petty to life—heart, soul, and jangly guitars included. For more than a decade, they’ve been rocking stages across New England with spoton renditions of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers classics you know and love. And the hits don’t stop there— expect favorites from Traveling Wilburys, Mudcrutch, and Stevie Nicks too. Come sing along, dance, and relive the soundtrack of a generation.

Ball In The House

April 25 | Music at 8 p.m.

Ball In The House is a Boston-based R&B/Soul/Pop a cappella powerhouse known for turning concerts into full-on sing-along parties. Their high-octane performances blur the line between stage and audience—expect dancing in the aisles, spontaneous beatboxing, and crowds singing every note right along with them. Bottom line: this isn’t just a concert—it’s a feel-good, voices-only celebration you’ll be talking about long after the last note.

Marathon Quilters Guild: Quilt Show

(Tom

scHools

HOP Youth wins award for nicotine prevention efforts

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Agroup of Hopkinton students earned recognition at the State House last month for the teens’ efforts on nicotine prevention and mental health promotion among local youth.

HOP Youth took home the Upstream Prevention Award during ENUFF Day at the Massachusetts State House on March 18. ENUFF is a “national day of education and advocacy around tobacco, vape and nicotine prevention” and is run by The 84 Movement, an organization focused on make an impact fighting tobacco in their communities.

HOP Youth operates as a chapter of The 84 Movement and also is associated with Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP).

According to Erin Bartolini, HOP’s drug free community prevention coordinator, the coalition was recognized for its efforts in addressing youth nicotine use in Hopkinton and its ongoing focus on addressing mental health in the school system.

Initiatives HOP Youth has worked on include a vaping prevention program at Hopkinton Middle School and implementing The Green Bandana Project for peer-based suicide prevention. By putting green bandanas on their backpacks and offering resources for kids who

are struggling with mental health, the coalition members hope to “get youth comfortable with asking for support,” Bartolini said.

One major project HOP Youth took on was advocating for the implementation of Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) regulations. Bartolini said the students launched a letter-writing campaign, made signs and spoke in favor of the policy during a Board of Health hearing last May.

The board unanimously approved the NFG regulations following that public hearing. They prohibit the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to any individual born after Jan. 1, 2005.

“A lot of Board of Health members talked about how influential their voice was in implementing that policy,” Bartolini noted.

Bartolini added that much of HOP Youth’s began with members who since have graduated. New youth leaders are continuing that work and expanding on it, she noted.

“They’re really impressive,” Bartolini said of the students. “It was an honor to watch them get this award.”

HOP Youth plans to continue sustaining its current efforts and keep focused on the mental health side of substance abuse. Bartolini said the group has plans for some activities in May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Relay for Life to return April 10

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

After a brief hiatus, the American Cancer Society Club at Hopkinton High School is bringing back the Relay For Life.

“It’s going to be a really meaningful event, but also really fun,” said Rudra Pachori, the ACS Club co-president.

The relay is scheduled for Friday, April 10, at the Hopkinton High School track. Pachori said the club plans to get things started around 4:30 p.m., with activities going into the evening.

Pachori explained that the ACS Club ran the Relay for Life at HHS but discontinued it due to the club dying down for a while. “We started it back up fall of 2024,” said Pachori. “This is our first year [running the relay] since the club has started again.”

Events at the relay include games, music, food, memorial events and walking. The evening also will feature guest speakers and the Relay for Life’s signature luminaria event. The program features dedicated lights along the track honoring those who have died from, are currently fighting or have overcome cancer.

The ACS brought the relay back because of the support and awareness it fosters. “In past years, from what we’ve heard, the relay has been something that has brought a lot of people together,” Pachori said.

“You can kind of see that there’s

a difference in the community when these kinds of large, supportive events happen, and that’s why we wanted to replicate that in Hopkinton,” he added.

The club has been preparing for the relay all year, working on everything from getting people registered and organizing materials to planning out the program of events. Pachori said the group doesn’t have a target number of attendees but hopes to get as many people to show up as possible.

“The more people that come, the more meaningful this event is,” he said.

HMS Science Olympiad team shines at state competition

The Hopkinton Middle School Science Olympiad team achieved its strongest-ever performance at the Massachusetts State Science Olympiad held March 7 at Assumption University in Worcester.

In only its third year of competition, HMS finished fourth place overall. Every participating student received an award, with the team placing in 15 categories, according to coach Sowmya Belur Sowmyakeshava.

Winners included Aarit Nakul and Advaith Gundu (first place, circuit lab), Emily Cao and Pranav Vijayakumar (second place, entomology), Emily Cao and Advaith Gundu (third place, potions and poisons), Roger Gu and Spruha Pawar (third place, water quality), Angeline Manesh, Mayukh Pujari and Anaghashree Nandiraju (fourth place, codebusters), Anaghashree Nandiraju and Susannah Klein(fourth place, disease detectives), Arin Raina and Mayukh Pujari (fourth place, heredity), Jemin Mehta and Mayukh Pujari (fourth place, rocks and minerals), Arin Raina and Anaghashree Nandiraju (fourth place, scrambler), Jenil Mehta and Neil

Nakhare (fourth place, write it do it), Jenil Mehta and Susannnah Klein (fifth place, anatomy and physiology), Angeline Manesh and Tejas Prasad (fifth place, crimebusters), Jemin Mehta and Spruha Pawar (fifth place, metric mastery), Roger Gu and Jemin Mehta (sixth place, dynamic planet) and Jenil Mehta and Pranav Vijayakumar (sixth place, solar system).

Aaron is a senior at Hopkinton High School. Some of his greatest accomplishments have involved wrestling, such as being Team Captain, threetime TVL-Allstar, Sectional Championship & Outstanding Wrestler Award and two-time Team MVP. In his spare time he works in a local pizza restaurant, and he is an athletic/performance trainer.

“We would like to recognize the mentorship of Hopkinton High School volunteers Anushree Nandiraju, Clara Vanguri and Aashrithasai Vuppala,” Sowmyakeshava stated. “Middle school science teacher Mrs. Kerry Thornton-Genova helped proctor the placement test and assigned students to categories based on their strengths. Special thanks to the principal, Mr. Matthew Lefebvre, and the administrative staff for their dedicated support throughout the season.”

management, information technology, finance, accounting, office administration and other business career fields, according to its website.

“It’s a nice way for kids to explore beyond their academics,” said Scott.

He noted that BPA is a good match for Hopkinton schools because of the diversity of its business-related offerings to students. He also expressed appreciation for the HPS staff and business leaders in the community for their participation and mentorship.

BPA students aim high

A group of Hopkinton High School students will compete in the Business Professionals of America’s national conference in May.

Katie McBride • Debbie Brosseau 508-277-9600 katie@mcbrideteam.com

Aaron has a wide variety of hobbies and interests. They include daily journaling and reading, running half marathons, hanging out with friends, playing with his dog, being outdoors, meditating and caring for his plants. We are sure Aaron will accomplish his future goals, which include raising a family, having children, owning a boat and exploring the Amazon rainforest. He sees himself as an entrepreneur building businesses that provide real value to people. Aaron feels that working hard will make life better for him and those around him, and he wants to be in a position to give back to the community. Congratulations, Aaron!

Team

According to Doug Scott, business, technology and engineering subject matter leader for Hopkinton Public Schools and BPA advisor for HHS, the school is sending 22 students to BPA’s National Leadership Conference happening May 6-10. The students previously competed with 400 students around the state before earning their spots at nationals.

“They’ll compete against roughly 7,000 students from around the country,” explained Scott.

BPA is a co-curricular organization that offers students opportunities in career and technical education through competition, community service and personal development. It provides support for students looking to pursue careers in business

“As they prepare, they work with not only myself but also other staff members here at the high school and also mentors outside,” said Scott. “We pair them up with people in professions that align with the competitive event they participate in.”

Scott recounted how one student based her project around interviewing skills. In the course of developing the project, the student was able to interview Superintendent Evan Bishop as well as members of the HPS human resources team, he explained. “When [administrators] get involved and see what the kids are doing, it’s nice,” he said.

Beyond competitions, the 22 students will participate in leadership workshops during the conference. They also will have access to certification exams. Scott added that two of his students were elected to state officer positions.

Local collegians recognized

Nianhan Tian earned a doctor of philosophy with a major in chemical engineering and a graduate certificate in data science for the chemical industry from the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating in December.

Also at Georgia Tech, Peter Liang and Natalie Nguyen earned faculty honors for the fall semester. …

Connor Grady was named to the dean’s list at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. …

Hawkins Cui recently was elected for membership in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which calls itself the nation’s oldest and most selective alldiscipline collegiate honor society, at Framingham State University.

Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

Members of the Hopkinton Middle School Science Olympiad team show off their medals after last month’s state competition.

The McBride Team congratulates award winner Aaron Butkus

The McBride Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty would like to congratulate Aaron Butkus on his award for Student of the Month.

sports

A forward, Pedroli recorded 16 goals and 24 assists in 22 games this season, including a hat trick in the Hillers’ 5-4 victory over Gloucester in the opening round of the Division 2 state tournament. Hopkinton, which finished with a record of 13-8-1, reached the second round before falling to top-seeded Canton. “Matt has been the engine that has driven our offense since he arrived his freshman year,” coach Joshua Potter shared. “He found a way to improve from his 33-point freshman season with 40 points his sophomore year, leading the team in goals and assists while playing a more complete 200-foot game.”

The indoor team’s Unsung Hero winner, Walker won the long jump at the league meet, medaled in three events to help the Hillers win the Division 2 State Relays, and placed in the long jump at the D2 State Championship. She also ran on an All-American shuttle hurdles relay at Nike Indoor Nationals. She then won two events and placed third in another in the opening meet of the spring outdoor season, a win over Ashland on March 31. “Isabel is a hard worker who doesn’t call a lot of attention to herself but contributes to the team in many ways,” coach Jean Cann stated.

Monumental achievement

HHS Athlete Spotlight

Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

Matt Pedroli Sophomore Boys hockey

Isabel Walker Junior Girls track and field

Laura Wauters REALTOR®

Select Board member Brian Herr (left) and 26.2 Foundation executive director Tim Kilduff look on as the statue of Boston Marathon women’s pioneer

police log

ARRESTS

Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.

March 22

3:11 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Robert Ekross conducted a motor vehicle stop on East Main Street and subsequently arrested an individual, charging him with marked lanes violation, speeding in violation of special regulation and OUI liquor.

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.

March 17

2:37 a.m. Officer Eva Cann removed tree branches that were blocking the roadway on Cedar Street.

March 19

3:54 p.m. A Lakeshore Drive resident reported family arguments and a disturbance at the house. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and assisted.

March 20

12:52 p.m. Officers Benjamin Vaz and Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle crash on Lumber Street and took a report.

2:20 p.m. A motorist reported the light at the South Street and West Main Street intersection was blinking yellow. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and notified the Highway Department.

March 21

3:20 a.m. Officer Robert Ekross found a fallen tree blocking the roadway on Exchange Street. The DPW was notified.

LIFE O UTDOORS

3:29 a.m. Officers Eva Cann and Robert Ekross reported a tree fell on wires on Cedar Street Extension, and part of the roadway was blocked. They placed barricades on the road and notified Eversource.

6:48 a.m. Officers Nicholas Walker and Eva Cann assisted the Fire Department in responding to a report of an arcing transformer on Hayden Rowe Street.

7:44 a.m. A Ray Street caller reported she had about an inch of water in her basement. Officers Augusto Diaz and Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department.

March 18

11:44 a.m. A caller requested a well-being check of some farm animals on West Main Street. The animal control officer was notified.

LAWN AND SNOW SERVICES

2:11 p.m. A motorist reported she was traveling on Wood Street and came upon two bicyclists who were in the roadway. She asked them to ride single file, and an argument ensued. The caller felt a bang from behind, so she thought they hit her vehicle. Sgt. William Burchard and Officers Matthew LaTour and Benjamin Vaz responded and issued a written warning to the operator for failure to give 4 feet to the cyclists. A report was taken. 3:41 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Eva Cann and Brenda Stanley responded to a motor vehicle crash involving personal injury on East Main Street and took a report.

March 22

6:31 p.m. A caller on Hayden Rowe Street reported her husband, who has Alzheimer’s, would not get in the car. Officers Noah Buentello and Justin Cappuccio responded and made sure the man made it home safely.

9:55 p.m. A detective from the Middlesex DA’s office requested an officer to check and see if a vehicle was at the Colonial Avenue residence of a male who allegedly was making threats to a judge. Officers Noah Buentello and Sean McKeon responded and reported the vehicle was in the driveway. The detective was notified.

10:56 p.m. A caller reported a structure fire on Hayward Street. Multiple officers responded and assisted the Fire Department. 10:14 p.m. A Walnut Way resident reported “creepy” statements made by a male in India via Instagram. Officer Noah Buentello took a report.

11:17 p.m. The State Police requested assistance in locating a Colonial Avenue resident who was involved in making threats. Officers Aline Matos and Robert Ekross assisted.

March 23

10:44 a.m. A caller reported fallen wires on Saddle Hill Road. Sgt. William Burchard responded and notified Eversource. 11:45 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department to a chimney fire on Stewart Street.

March 24

7:12 a.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Noah Buentello responded to a motor vehicle crash on Fruit Street and took a report. Damage to a lawn also was reported. 11:30 a.m. A caller reported a cable wire snapped off a pole on Wood Street and was down but not in the roadway. Officer Noah Buentello responded, confirmed the fallen cable and contacted Comcast for repair. 1:54 p.m. Officers Benjamin Vaz and Noah Buentello assisted the State Police with serving a warrant on Colonial Drive.

March 25

7:11 a.m. Officer Lucille Creedon responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street and took a report.

3:21 p.m. A walk-in reported she was

Anti-crown crowd

Hopkinton organizers hosted a protest March 28 at the Town Common that joined others across the country for the latest No Kings Day of Action. The protest was one of 3,300 events worldwide drawing an estimated 8 million people, according to No Kings organizers. Demonstrators stood along Main Street with signs, flags and costumes. The protest aimed to address what the No Kings organization describes as increased authoritarianism from President Donald Trump. Some individuals at the protest estimated the crowd to be smaller than the rally held in October, which was around 500 people. A volunteer said the turnout might have been impacted by Boston’s No Kings event, which drew an estimated 180,000 people to the Boston Common the same day.

bitten by a dog on Connelly Hill Road. Officer Justin Cappuccio took a report and left a message for the animal control officer.

3:30 p.m. A caller reported a cable transformer box on Pleasant Street was destroyed during the winter. Comcast was notified.

4:44 p.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded to a motor vehicle crash on College Street, spoke to all involved parties and took a report.

8:26 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle struck a tree on West Elm Street. Officers Kyle Quinzani, Matthew LaTour and Justin Cappuccio responded along with an ambulance. The patients refused treatment. A tow truck removed the vehicle. A crash report was taken.

March 26

8:45 a.m. Officers Benjamin Vaz and Matthew LaTour and the Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a stone wall on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A tow truck removed one vehicle.

11:08 p.m. A caller reported a possibly disabled motor vehicle up on a curb on West Main Street. Officer Eva Cann responded, and the vehicle was gone upon her arrival.

March 27

1:40 p.m. A caller reported a possible swatting call of a Main Street business. Officer Augusto Diaz assisted and took a report.

5:27 p.m. A Davis Road resident complained of solicitors in the neighborhood in violation of town bylaw. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and sent the solicitors on their way.

March 28

1:09 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Justin Cappuccio assisted another police agency and searched for a person who allegedly flashed a gun at a person in another vehicle on East Main Street. They did not locate him.

2:58 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon took a report of illegal dumping on Fruit Street.

6:03 p.m. A caller reported her purse was stolen from her vehicle parked on Pratt Way. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report of breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. The Westborough Police Department was notified, as her house keys were inside her purse. Officers stayed on scene until a set of spare keys were dropped off.

March 29

3:52 p.m. Officer Noah Buentello responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street and took a report.

March 30

11:35 a.m. The leasing manager requested assistance with an unwanted person on Constitution Court. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Noah Buentello responded and moved the male party along.

PHOTO/NICK

SCHOFIELD