HI LAYOUT 7.2.25_WEB

TIMLIN TAKEOFF

LMPA looks out for Maspenock

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association has three goals for the next year: preservation, safety and community.

The LMPA solidified these goals at its annual meeting on May 12, which covered events from the last year, elections for open board seats and feedback from members. The Independent recently sat down with newly appointed LMPA president Sabine St. Pierre to discuss the group’s aims for 2025 and beyond.

Porter gets 7 years for child rape

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief

John “Jay” Porter was sentenced June 23 in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn to a minimum of seven years in prison for the three charges of child rape of which he was found guilty in a threeday trial that concluded June 6.

The first two sentences were related to an incident that occurred on Sept. 13, 2004, when the accuser, then 15, said Porter was taking her home after she experienced a mental health crisis during the school day at Hopkinton High School. Instead of going directly home, Porter drove to a nearby church parking lot, where the accuser said she was digitally penetrated and that Porter attempted to insert his penis into her twice.

For each of these convictions, Judge Michael Pineault sentenced Porter to seven years minimum to seven years and one day as the maximum penalty. These seven-year sentences are to be served concurrently in a state prison.

Wendy Gendron from Aquatic Restoration Consulting (left) examines a Lake Maspenock weed sample with LMPA president Sabine St. Pierre last month.

Participants in the June 14 Sharon Timlin Memorial Road Race head out from the start at Hopkinton High School.

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Town should support HYFS

After reading the letter to the editor titled “HYFS a community cornerstone at risk,” I felt it is important to add to this high level of concern from my own life experience.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Families who come to the United States from other nations often embark on a journey driven by the hope of a better life, but they face many real life challenges. Especially during a time when technology is overcoming us at a fast pace and causing changes to our society’s lifestyles, leading to addictions of all kinds.

Many families also arrive without the crucial safety net of extended family or established social support systems. During hard times, community spaces like Hopkinton Youth & Family Services are the only place and most important one for families. Hopkinton is a successful town, and HYFS is a huge contribution to that success and should stay that way to support the future. Director of HYFS Dawn Alcott and the rest of HYFS staff play a big role in this. I think it is important for Hopkinton Youth & Family Services to be supported by the town as best as possible, especially in these challenging times.

— Haris Kisija, Hopkinton

Aggressive driver lucky

To the blithering idiot that thought it a good idea to pass, one, two or maybe three cars on Wood Street, between No. 200 and No. 164 Saturday eve [June 21] at about 8, I trust you are relieved that I wasn’t driving a truck, but instead a GTI, and that I knew enough to look for a place to go, not at you, and the GTI knew to go where I was looking.

parade and grant a permit for such, but then have three members deny sponsoring this town event is disingenuous at best. The town, as represented by the Select Board, either wants a July Fourth parade or it does not. You can’t have it both ways. Clearly, three-fifths of the board did not want a parade this year. To ask volunteers facilitating this town event to also personally obtain the insurance for the town will only serve to discourage participation and volunteerism in the future. Unfortunately, the sponsorship denial, which has never happened before for this parade, has necessitated cancellation of the parade for this year.

My hope is that all the Select Board members truly do support a July Fourth parade and will be the first ones to step forward next year to organize this event for the celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary.

— Daniel McIntyre, Hopkinton

Better late than never

Around 1970, we had a couple of incidents of fire equipment having trouble coming out of the station to answer a call.

Fire Chief Arthur Stewart went before the Board of Selectmen to ask for red lights to be installed to stop traffic when we had an emergency call.

Yesterday, while traveling up Main Street, I was stopped by a red light in front of the fire station.

Chief, you have your light, 55 years later!

— William T. Hamilton Jr., Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and

Planning Board continues hearing on cramped UniBank/Starbucks parking lot to gather input

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Planning Board on June 16 continued a minor site plan review hearing on the four-space expansion of the parking lot at 85-89 West Main Street until it can receive feedback from the Conservation Commission and the Department of Public Works director about a potential stormwater runoff issue.

Victor Teglasi spoke on behalf of the applicant. The proposal he introduced sought to add four spaces to the current 41-stall parking lot. This would be achieved by reducing some of the landscaped islands and by restriping of some current spaces. Nine of the spaces are for compact vehicles, while two spaces are accessible. The one-acre parcel is located at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street, and the lot serves as the parking area for UniBank, Starbucks, Verizon and a nail salon.

“This application is really very important to us,” he stressed. “Although this is categorized as a minor application, this project would have a major effect on resolving a chronic shortage of parking spaces at the site.”

Engineer Andrew Steiner described this as “a pretty straightforward application.” But as the hearing progressed, an emailed comment from DPW Director Kerry Reed triggered a deeper discussion.

Steiner explained that the site is zoned as a rural business district with a Water Resource Protection Overlay District (WRPOD) overlay. He noted that the new spaces are spread throughout the lot and would not change the overall layout. It would give the businesses more parking flexibility.

There would be a “slight increase” of about 500 square feet of impervious area, which is what Reed pointed out in her objection to the plan. Steiner said there would be a minor increase in peak runoff rates. Plantings would be added to counter the increase in impervious area and its effect on the existing wetland.

Teglasi added that the increase in runoff amounts to 0.1 gallons of water.

Steiner also requested a waiver from the town’s electric vehicle parking infrastructure requirement, given the small number of spaces being added. The costs associated with installing it would make the project not worthwhile because five spaces would have to be configured for electric vehicles.

Teglasi and Steiner indicated that they would be willing to have the hearing continued to get the Conservation Com-

mission’s perspective regarding runoff. It is to be discussed at the Conservation Commission’s July 1 meeting.

John Gelcich, the acting director of the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department, pointed out the DPW concerns regarding stormwater management. While a peer review consultant is not usually used on a minor site plan review, he said the board should decide whether it should request one in this case. He also suggested that a waiver may be warranted regarding the EV space requirement, given that the applicant would have to “rip up” the parking lot for the infrastructure installation.

Chair Rob Benson questioned whether the Conservation Commission could call for a peer review. Gelcich explained that its peer review only would apply to issues under its jurisdiction. The two entities could call for a joint peer review. Benson also noted that this case is difficult because the board has to balance the needs of the businesses and their customers with concerns raised by town staff.

At that point, member Parker Happ requested that the applicant “go bigger” than four spaces. Gelcich explained that there is no more room for additional parking. Fire truck access also had to be taken into consideration.

Member Peter Mimmo asked whether the new spaces would be designated for particular businesses. Teglasi explained that Verizon already has “claimed” one current space for its use and wants one of the new spaces. Teglasi said the spaces were a “big issue” for Verizon.

Added Teglasi: “They threatened not to renew their lease.”

In a straw poll, the board was slightly in favor of waiving the EV requirement, depending on whether stormwater runoff would be a concern. Member Lucia Lopez said she was afraid that granting the waiver would set a precedent, and member Amna Diwan agreed.

Said Benson: “If we don’t do that, I think this project just ends.”

The hearing was continued to July 7.

Baypath animal shelter approved

The board voted 8-0 to approve the construction of a proposed 8,400-squarefoot animal shelter facility and related infrastructure off Fruit Street by Baypath Humane Society, as well as its stormwater management plan.

The only concern raised was about tree protection. Peer review consultant Tighe & Planning Board | 4

The owners of this commercial parking lot at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street want to add some spaces.

LMPA focuses on lake preservation, safety following annual meeting

On the preservation side of things, the LMPA is hoping to continue promoting measures to protect the lake from invasive weeds and contaminants. St. Pierre noted that the town’s conservation administrator, Judy Day, recently gave a presentation to the group regarding how stormwater can contribute to weed growth.

“Everything filters down through stormwater,” said St. Pierre. The presentation also included ways of reducing those issues, which can include everything from non-phosphorus fertilizers to rain gardens and other barriers.

“She did a great job, and it seemed well received,” St. Pierre said.

She went on to say that stormwater drainage is an ongoing problem in managing invasive weed growth in Lake Maspenock, and that work with Day and other town officials to manage the problem is ongoing.

The LMPA’s most recent action in managing the weeds in Lake Maspenock was an herbicide treatment applied in June of 2024. The herbicides were applied in targeted areas and monitored afterward to measure impacts on weed growth, the surrounding ecosystem and lake users.

A survey by the Lake Maspenock Weed Management and Control Citizens Input Group (CIG) in August 2024 showed a significant decrease in weeds. According to CIG chair Joe Baldiga, factors over the winter, including a drawdown of the lake, make the weed forecast for this year look more favorable.

The CIG was set to conduct its biannual weed survey last month.

The choice to use herbicides on the lake has raised criticism from some residents. Despite assurances that both wildlife and users of the lake have not been affected by the chemicals, detractors — including members of the Sustainable Green Committee — raised objections over the herbicides’ toxicity and impact on native species.

St. Pierre made it clear that the herbicide treatment was not the LMPA’s first option for dealing with the weeds at Lake Maspenock, and the organization will continue to find other avenues of mitigating the situation as much as possible.

“The goal is to keep pushing off another weed treatment until absolutely necessary,” she said. She also noted that the

LMPA has been pushing for 10 years for a viable solution.

Moving forward, St. Pierre said the organization is looking to develop a new subcommittee that would focus on weed management and stormwater drainage. It ideally would include members of the Department of Public Works, the SGC, town conservation officials, CIG representatives and more.

She characterized the development of the subcommittee as one of the LMPA’s biggest goals of the coming year.

“We have all these groups, but they don’t necessarily work together,” St. Pierre said. “These conservation meetings … [have] really got to be kind of a collective effort.”

She added that the LMPA is a “small group of volunteers, and we’re not always the experts.”

Work on lake safety issues continues

The safety of those who visit Lake Maspenock is a major concern for the LMPA. St. Pierre noted that the biggest problems occur after hours and with jet skiers.

“People just crawl out of the woodwork,” she said. “The people coming in are being unsafe.” She cited examples of boaters getting too close to swimming areas, underage jet skiers and lack of proper safety equipment as areas of concern.

“It’d be one thing to share the beach with people who are respectful and safe,” she said.

The LMPA is coordinating with its municipal partners to try to curtail these issues. She noted that LMPA representatives met with the Hopkinton Police Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, the Parks & Recreation Department and the DPW in April to discuss the upcoming season and mitigate issues identified at the end of last summer.

Parks & Rec is working to implement new policies at Sandy Beach, including increased daily fees and not selling passes at the gate, to deter some folks during regular operating hours. St. Pierre noted that her group has asked the Environmental Police to increase their presence on the lake and the HPD to continue patrolling the beach parking lot.

Bond noted in a letter that the board has discretion to protect trees with a caliper of 10 inches or greater.

Engineer Kevin Quinn, who spoke on behalf of the applicant, noted that the trees on the site are “relatively young.” Because the site formerly was a gravel pit, there were no large trees there. Any trees removed would be for the construction of the project.

Benson noted that the project is on town-owned land, making it a “unique situation.” The applicant responded to a request for proposals (RFP). Because of the town’s longtime desire for this project, he did not believe a tree survey was necessary.

Conditions were added regarding the submission of a construction management plan and an operations management plan, as well as management of construction-related debris, dust and noise.

“We’re hoping that patrolling after hours and ticketing cars that do not have passes will deter people who were coming in who weren’t being so safe,” she said.

“Hopefully we’ll see a noticeable difference in not seeing as much dangerous behavior out on the lake,” she added.

LMPA maintains flagship events

St. Pierre recounted some of the LMPA’s community events and highlighted the importance of the involvement of both the group’s members and the larger community that uses Lake Maspenock.

“You really can’t help your mission without community,” St. Pierre said.

Flagship events for the LMPA include its annual Family Fun Day, which was held in early June, a July 4 boat parade and a late-summer cornhole tournament. In May, the group hosted its second Maspenock Mile, a road race/family walk organized by member Chris Stevenson.

“It was super fun,” said St. Pierre, describing how the event drew in close to 50 people of all ages. She noted that the LMPA is planning to make the event a more formal gathering next year.

LMPA shifts board, recognizes Gibbs

At its meeting in May, the LMPA saw changes to the structure of its board. Former president Jaime Gonsalves resigned his post after 10 years, noting plans to move to Cape Cod.

“He is going to be greatly missed,” said St. Pierre, who took over his position after serving as vice president. She lauded his work with the LMPA and his experience in environmental protection.

The LMPA also gave out an award to Dave Gibbs in recognition for three decades of involvement in Lake Maspenock activities. Named after Gibbs, the award will continue on and be awarded annually to those who have gone “above and beyond” in their volunteer efforts.

“It was a really nice moment to give Dave his award that night,” St. Pierre recounted.

Revvity minor site plan approved

The board also approved 8-0 a plan to install ground- and roof-mounted HVAC equipment at 5 Parkwood Drive, the site of Revvity Health Sciences.

Architect Scott Richardson spoke on behalf of the applicant. He explained that Revvity is planning to renovate both of its buildings, with more significant changes to be made to the lab building. This would require ground-mounted HVAC equipment that would be placed in a former paved parking area with 14 spaces. The pavement will be replaced with concrete slabs and gravel, increasing the pervious area.

The rooftop exhaust system, he added, is “peeking from” the roof and not really visible from the road.

Gelcich explained that this modification is “very minor.”

Individuals pose for a picture at the LMPA’s spring cleanup in April.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

July 4 Horribles Parade goes virtual

Horribles Parade organizers made plans to move forward with a virtual event on July 4 after deciding against private insurance coverage for a live parade.

In an interview with the Independent on June 26, co-organizer Ken Weismantel explained the concept, while noting that the details still were being finalized.

“What we are thinking about doing is going virtual,” he explained. “The theme will be the same one we planned to use for the parade, which is, ‘Get Involved.’ ”

As part of the plan, on online file would be created for submissions of pictures of costumes or float concepts, which would be due by July 3 so they could be screened for content. As with the traditional parade, Weismantel said there would be no hate speech or obscenities allowed. The pictures would be combined into a PowerPoint presentation that would be viewable online at noon on Independence Day.

Weismantel hoped a voting method could be implemented to allow viewers to choose a winning picture.

“People will be able to flip through them and pick their favorites,” he said.

He jokingly added that there would be no danger of water balloon throwing in this format. Water balloons and hoses had caused injuries and property damage during previous Horribles Parades.

While the Horribles Parade has been a Hopkinton tradition for more than a century, it has been viewed in a more controversial light over the past couple of years. It originally had been organized by Dan McIntyre and his family for decades, but participation dwindled in the years leading up to the pandemic. After a hiatus, the Hopkinton Republican Town Committee (of which Weismantel is a member) took over as the organizer.

Last year, the HRTC went before the Parks & Recreation Commission and ultimately the Select Board, where its permit was approved unanimously. Sponsorship by the Parks & Recreation Commission allowed the parade to be covered under the town’s insurance policy.

Concerns were raised at that time and about the parade’s focus on satire. Tongue-in-cheek floats related to recent political events traditionally were created. Because of divisive events in town over the past few years, some residents urged the board to consider a more traditional July Fourth parade celebrating the nation’s independence. Amy Groves, the chair of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, said last year that the HDTC was not invited to participate as a cosponsor, making the event appear to be partisan in nature.

This year, similar issues about the parade’s focus were brought before the Select Board. While the board voted unanimously to approve the parade permit, it was split 3-2 against providing insurance coverage. While chair Joe Clark emphasized the right to free speech and member Brian Herr focused on precedent, members voting against it noted that the RTC was seeking the board’s sponsorship without its input, and in a time of financial constraints.

Volunteer organizers determined it was not feasible to acquire private insurance, which prompted the decision to have an online display as a way to keep the tradition alive.

“Although the town issued a permit, the separate vote to deny sponsorship of a town parade significantly increases [insurance] risk that is unacceptable for

an individual volunteer,” McIntyre stated in an email to the Independent.

McIntyre admonished the Select Board for its decision to vote for the parade permit but not the sponsorship, adding that this will “only serve to discourage participation and volunteerism in the future.”

“The town ... either wants a July Fourth parade or it does not,” he stated. “You can’t have it both ways.”

Check the Independent’s website at hopkintonindependent.com for updates.

Mailbox vandalism an issue

The Hopkinton Police Department alerted the public about “a slew of mailbox vandalisms across town” in a Facebook post June 14.

In a follow-up email to the Independent later that day, HPD Detective Sgt. Gregg DeBoer explained that there were “three or four incidents” of mailbox vandalism recently at “various residential locations in town.”

“The victims do not appear to be specifically targeted, and there is no reason to believe it is tied to anything,” stated DeBoer. “The events all seem to happen in the late night/early morning time frame.”

Items from these incidents were sent to the state crime lab for analysis to determine if there is any forensic evidence, he added.

“We posted this on social media for several reasons,” continued DeBoer. “Most notably is that in all of the events, people in the area recall hearing the damage being done, but it is not reported at the time.”

He stressed that the HPD should be called in a timely manner following suspicious activity, even if appears to be minor in nature to the person involved.

If people have any information about these incidents, DeBoer urged them to email him at gdeboer@hopkintonpd. org or call 508-497-3401. Anonymous emails can be sent to crimetips@hopkintonpd.org.

Kenney makes top 16 at pageant

Recent Hopkinton High School graduate Jordan Kenney walked away from the recent Miss Teen Massachusetts USA pageant with a placement in the top 16.

“Overall, it went pretty good,” said Kenney. “I felt confident with my performance.”

The three-day event in Plymouth was Kenney’s first experience competing in a pageant. In a previous interview with the Independent, she detailed the work she did to prepare for the pageant, including interview prep, walking and other skills.

The action-packed pageant left no room for anxiety. “There was almost no time to be nervous,” Kenney explained. “The days were so, so busy.”

Those days included hours of rehearsal, hair and makeup, interviews and learning an entire dance routine from scratch.

Besides the dancing being a surprise she had to overcome, Kenney noted that the atmosphere of the competition also was different than she anticipated.

“I expected there to be more tension, but it was honestly very supportive,” she noted.

At the end of it all, Kenney said she was feeling tired but excited to compete again next year.

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~ JUSTIN LAVERDIERE

Local psychologist publishes books stressing empathy, personal growth

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Arthur P. Ciaramicoli, a renowned clinical psychologist with more than 45 years of experience, published two books in May that focus on how personal and societal transformation can be achieved through embracing empathy and reevaluating past experiences.

In a recent interview with the Independent, Ciaramicoli discussed how his family led him to a career in psychology. The Hopkinton resident, who holds doctoral degrees in general psychology and education, has written 12 previous books (booksbydrciaramicoli.com) in addition to maintaining an online psychology practice. Once told he was “not college material,” he is considered a pioneer in empathic psychology and has been interviewed on “Good Morning America,” CNN and several YouTube broadcasts.

Family influences life choices

“Growing up with my parents, both were always in a sense counseling somebody,” he shared. “I had a lot of friends and relatives who came to them for that.”

His mother displayed empathy for his friends during conversations around the kitchen table and “understood emotions more.” By contrast, Ciaramicoli’s father, a World War II hero who performed 13 paratroop jumps in enemy territory, emphasized the power of positive thinking.

“I resonated with my mother a lot more,” he explained.

While Ciaramicoli has great respect for both of them, his biggest regret was when he modeled his father when giving advice to his brother, David. This experience cemented Ciaramicoli’s quest to learn more about empathic communication and psychology.

“I had the last conversation with my brother before he took his life,” he explained. “I gave him the pep talk that my father would give, and it didn’t work. So I realized over time that what was lacking in that communication was empathy.”

Added Ciaramicoli: “It was the biggest mistake of my life, and I never made it again.”

The 38-year Hopkinton resident passed on his love for the town and education to his two daughters. Erica Ciaramicoli, a Hopkinton resident, cowrote “Echoes of the Heart” with her father and holds a master’s degree in education. Alaina Chagnon is a kindergarten teacher at Marathon School and the owner of Swoon Central, a boutique in downtown Hopkinton. Both graduated from Hopkinton High School.

‘Inner echoes’ recognized

Ciaramicoli explained that “Echoes of the Heart: Echoes a Journey to Emotional Freedom, Inner Strength and Self Love” is the sequel to “The Power of Soulful Healing: Turning Wounds into Wisdom.” While the central themes of the two books are similar, their approaches to presenting information differ.

“The first book is focused on individual healing, but it’s also focused on societal healing and particularly the

healing of America,” he said. “The second book is more focused on the echoes in your individual life — how you identify them, how you become aware of them, and how you overcome them.”

In “Echoes of the Heart,” Ciaramicoli describes “inner echoes” as the emotional imprints on one’s memory, typically from early in life when a person’s critical thinking skills have not yet been fully developed. These “inner echoes” can be the result of trauma, criticism and abuse. These negative experiences often surface later as feelings of inadequacy, perfectionistic tendencies and emotional triggers.

“Echoes of the Heart” is an accessible guide that presents helpful strategies in a compassionate, non-clinical tone. It explains the science behind why destructive patterns are repeated, such as addiction and being drawn to toxic relationships.

Each chapter breaks down a theme into several smaller areas of focus. It integrates Ciaramicoli’s case studies with the works of other experts. Some of them include Boston-based psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, author of “The

Body Keeps the Score,” author and podcaster Brene Brown, and Viktor Frankl, who wrote “Man’s Search for Meaning” about surviving the Holocaust. Exercises, reference lists and affirmations at the end of each chapter reinforce key concepts for the reader.

Ciaramicoli stressed the power of empathy, the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes without judgment.

“It’s funny how you can sense empathy very quickly in some people and not at all in others,” he shared. “It teaches you who to get close to and who to stay away from.

“I listen to people all over the world,” he added. “I don’t have their experiences, but I know what it means to suffer, so I can still understand.”

After counseling people one-onone, Ciaramicoli often refers clients to group therapy sessions that include people with similar experiences. Both books stress that participants give empathic yet honest feedback to each other. In two examples, Ciaramicoli describes clients who appear stoic but end up in tears by the end of their counseling because they now can share their emotions.

Another concept Ciaramicoli stressed in both books is gratitude, even for life’s struggles. He suggested keeping a gratitude journal for reflection not only on the joys of life but also the ability to overcome adversity. Gratitude works with the brain’s neuroplasticity, he explained, allowing it to create neural pathways that can supersede deeply ingrained negative thinking patterns.

Need for ‘soulful’ leadership

“The Power of Soulful Healing,” co-written with Dr. Alise Cortez, an organizational psychologist and logotherapist, explores the polarity in today’s society. It looks at the influence of social media, the pandemic and the behavior of current political figures. While Ciaramicoli did not discuss politics at length, he compared “soulful leaders” like Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Lech Walesa with the “sadistic” leadership styles of Adolf Hitler and President Donald Trump.

“I wrote this book because I was so concerned about what was happening, and I predicted it would be terrible,” Ciaramicoli explained. He noted that he has counseled couples who divorced over opposing views about politics and COVID-19.

In this book, he shared a glimmer of hope for the future in a passage on youth awareness. Steve Simoes, who teaches at Hopkinton High School, shared insights from his Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics class.

“Closing that information and empathic gap is my primary objective,” Simoes stated in the book.

Using examples from his class, he demonstrated the power of an inclusive environment. By the end of the year, students were able to discuss political topics passionately but respectfully, gaining a better understanding of other viewpoints in the process.

Through his work, Ciaramicoli strives to help others heal what are sometimes lifelong wounds.

“Most people don’t know that — no matter what happened to you — you can be helped,” Ciaramicoli stressed.

“I know from my own experiences how difficult it can be. Growth takes patience, understanding, the ability to be vulnerable and the support of those close to you.”

Arthur Ciaramicoli poses with his two granddaughters.

Select Board approves 25% hike in water rates for FY 26

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Select Board voted unanimously June 17 to raise the water rate by 25% for the fiscal year beginning July 1 and to increase the sewer rate by 10% in order to provide quality water service for the town.

The board additionally voted to approve rate discounts for eligible residents of up to $200 a year for each service.

The Department of Public Works recommended the 25% water rate increase. For the average user, this will result in an annual cost of $53.96 per month. This amount differed from the Water & Sewer Advisory Board’s recommendation of a 10% increase, which would have led to an annual cost of $47.70 per month for the average user.

The town and the WSAB agreed with the need for a 10% sewer rate increase. This will cost the average user $77.78 each month. Town staff noted that a 5% rate increase had been recommended for FY 25, but the Select Board voted not to raise the rate then.

Consultant Matt Abrahams presented three options for each rate increase to the WSAB and the Select Board last month. The presentation extended projections through FY 35 and noted the impact of capital projects in determining potential future rate shifts.

“I think the key point is that both of these increases are [for] the first year of a 10-year plan to move the rates up to support what we know will be much higher capital expenses and operating expenses as we improve the water system,” said WSAB chair Paul Gallagher.

DPW Director Kerry Reed pointed out that the department’s task is to provide safe and reliable drinking water via an aging system. She said residents have asked for quarterly billing and new meters.

“To be able to do all these things that the residents have asked for, we need to be supported financially,” she said. “I personally think that it’s been under-invested so far.”

Both Reed and Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre pointed out that DPW requests approved by Town Meeting for FY 25 had to be “voided out” and approved at the May 5 Annual Town Meeting because the DPW did not have the retained earnings to purchase them.

LaPierre added that the funds had to be borrowed from free cash, which must be repaid over the next two years.

Reed asked the board to “honor the town staff and our expertise” by approving the 25% rate increase.

“The debt that’s going to hit this town is going to happen over the next three to five years,” added LaPierre. “Our opportunity to increase our retained earnings should happen now.”

Member Matthew Kizner stressed that an enterprise fund is “meant to be self-sustaining.” He called the town’s borrowing for DPW expenses “an incredibly negative financial behavior” that caused the town to “violate its financial bylaws.”

The sewer rate was approved with little discussion. No one spoke during the public comment portion of the hearing.

State legislators give budget update

State Senate President Karen Spilka and Rep. James Arena-DeRosa appeared before the Select Board to discuss their work at the State House and how it impacts Hopkinton.

In the state’s FY 26 budget, which was not yet finalized, Hopkinton was allocated $60,000 for enhanced accessibility at the Hopkinton Public Library, while Project Just Because will receive $100,000, Spilka noted. In addition, Spilka advocated for $100,000 for the Hopkinton Public Schools to put toward mental health services.

“This is an area that I have really worked hard to try to pump more dollars and more resources into our schools to help our kids,” she said.

Spilka noted that the state is “bracing for uncertainty” because of proposed federal funding cuts. She is hoping to get the state sales tax removed from construction materials to help bolster housing construction. The Senate president also is pushing for a statewide ban on cell phone use by students in class.

Arena-DeRosa said he continues to be concerned about Hopkinton’s issue with a group of chemicals known as PFAS. He met with the state fire marshal to learn about past state firefighter training in town where firefighting foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances was used. He learned that each town “did their own thing” until about 25 years ago. The state rep hopes to make a future special budgetary recommendation for communities where the trainings took place to assist them in their PFAS remediation efforts.

Arena-DeRosa said he got funding to move the statue of Bobbi Gibb, the first female Boston Marathon runner, to the Town Common.

Annual board appointments approved

The board approved all uncontested board appointments in a 4-0 vote.

Khwaja Ehsan and Jack Nealon were reappointed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund board in a 4-1 vote. Kizner voted against the motion, noting that Jacqueline Crowe, another candidate, was not appointed because the board “chose to honor experience and not the new candidate.”

The board also appointed Sravana Krishna, Jordan Thayer and Wilson St. Pierre to the new Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) for three-year terms. Robert Hummel and Finley Perry were appointed to two-year terms. There were 10 applicants for five at-large positions.

Kelly Grill, the executive director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, was appointed to represent the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce. The Planning Board has not yet chosen its representative.

Eagle Scouts honored

The Select Board honored Eagle Scouts Alex Stephan, Samuel Peace, Necalli Vela-Garcia, Ryan Pepin, Aniketh Mikkilineni and Aryan Samaga for their achievements.

Stephan and Peace attended the meeting and described their Eagle Scout projects. Stephan said he created “know your rights guides” for a legal nonprofit organization in Boston. He covered workers’ rights, health care rights and rights when interacting with police officers, then he translated the document into Spanish. Peace helped rebuild and expand the tomato garden at the Hopkinton Senior Center, which the center uses for its meal programs.

“This is something you should be proud of for the rest of your lives,” said member Brian Herr.

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Ex-Deputy Police Chief Porter sentenced to 7 years in prison

Porter received a three-year probation sentence on the third charge of rape. He was accused of having oral sex with the accuser in his car while he was driving her home after she babysat his two children at his home.

Upon his release, he will not be allowed to work with or volunteer for positions where he would be in contact with anyone under the age of 18. He also will be prohibited from drinking alcohol for the first year of his release and will have to submit to random screening tests.

The accuser gave a detailed victim impact statement as to how these assaults have affected her and will continue to affect her for the rest of her life. She was accompanied by a victim witness advocate, family and former HPD Sgt. Tim Brennan. Brennan was fired from the HPD for not revealing what he knew about the accuser’s accusations when he learned of them years before she decided to come forward. He urged her to go to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and has supported her throughout the hearing and trial process.

Porter did not speak on his own behalf. He stared straight ahead during

the entire proceeding.

Porter’s 3:30 p.m. sentencing hearing got a late start at about 3:50 p.m. on a blistering hot Monday afternoon. Porter, dressed in a navy blue suit and a light blue shirt, was escorted into the courtroom through a side door. His head was slightly bowed as he approached the table where his defense team sat. Once he sat down, his gaze remained steadily forward.

When the hearing began, Pineault, who presided over the trial as well as several of the pretrial hearings, described his role in determining Porter’s sentences. His objective was to weigh the accuser’s age and mental state, the trauma inflicted upon her and its ongoing effects against

Porter’s knowledge of the law, his position of authority, his age and the accuser’s age at the time of the incidents.

Pineault added that he had received a file under seal from the defense team before the sentence imposition hearing. He also received a copy of the victim impact statement in advance of her reading it in court.

Prosecutor pushes for stiffer sentence

Prosecutor Maren Schrader noted that because of the nature of the crimes, Porter would have been charged with aggravated rape, but that statute did not exist until 2008. Her sentence recommendation was for 12-15 years for each of the first two charges, to be served concurrently. This would be followed by three years for the third charge with a set of conditions that Porter would have to meet.

Schrader called the crimes “most egregious,” adding that he used his position of power to take advantage of the victim.

“This wasn’t somebody who was unfamiliar with the law,” she said.

Schrader noted that the accuser shared in her testimony the incidents in detail as well as her mental state as a 15-year-old at that time, stressing that she “was looking for constant validation.”

Added Schrader: “Unfortunately, it turned into a sexual relationship that she did not realize was wrong.”

Victim gives statement

“I just wanted to speak today,” said the woman as she read her victim impact statement. “I’m having a very hard time with this because I struggle with it every single day.”

She described how “Porter’s choices

inflicted deep psychological wounds” that will impact her for the rest of her life. They included “emotional and financial hardships.”

The woman also said that modern society has a deeper comprehension now of the impact that sexual assault has on a survivor compared with the time when she was raped two decades ago, saying that sexual assault “steals potential peace and stability.”

She said the sentence “can and should align with the current sensibility” of how child rape is viewed today.

Her trust in police was shattered, she revealed, not only because of her relationship with Porter but also because of the release of the improperly redacted report that mentioned her first name. She claimed that through the release of this report, she was “being outed by [HPD] Chief [Joseph] Bennett.”

She added: “I am choosing not to let this define me as a person, as a mother and as a nurse.”

Defense responds

Defense attorney Leonardo Angiulo stressed the difficulty that this case presents in regard to sentencing. He suggested that the judge be “guided by the principles of accountability and objectivity that are the underpinnings of our justice system.”

He recommended sentencing guidelines of “five years to a decade with three years of probation with conditions.”

The documents that were filed under seal contained “14 or 15 letters of support” for Porter, added Angiulo.

Angiulo also noted Porter’s character and the help he gave to others during his 30-year tenure with the HPD. He stressed that Porter “selflessly committed himself to public service.”

“Is it possible to be a good person and face serious consequences?” he asked rhetorically.

When the judge gave Porter an opportunity to address the court, he declined. At that point, court adjourned for about 10 minutes while the judge reflected on the new information presented.

Brennan sat next to the accuser and spoke with her during the break. There were a few rows of supporters sitting behind her.

On the opposite side of the courtroom, Porter’s family and friends waited anxiously for the judge’s decision.

Judge renders sentences

During the break, the judge said he

Mynette Shifman

James Nietupski, Alexa Nietupski

Deryck Frye, Stacy Frye

Robert Hummel, Scarlett Hoey

Porter | from page 1

Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter (far right) stands with defense attorneys Maura Tansley and Leonardo Angiulo in court June 23.

Team culture hidden engine of vacation rental success

In the fast-paced world of vacation rentals, most owners and operators obsess over the usual suspects: occupancy rates, dynamic pricing and five-star reviews. But quietly powering those metrics is something less talked about and far more powerful: team culture.

Yes, spreadsheets matter. Tech platforms help. But behind every glowing review and perfectly prepped property is a team. And the way that team functions — how they communicate, solve problems and support each other — can make or break the entire guest experience.

The 1-3-1 Rule: Problem solvers

One effective way successful vacation rental operators build empowered teams is through structured decision-making systems like the “1-3-1 Rule.” Instead of handing over problems for someone else to solve, team members come prepared:

1 problem

3 potential solutions

1 recommended course of action

It’s a simple structure, but it transforms the team dynamic from passive to proactive. It reduces decision fatigue, builds trust and turns every challenge into an opportunity to lead.

Assume good intent (yes, really)

Vacation rentals are a 24/7 business. Things will go wrong. A faucet leaks. A guest shows up early. Someone loads the dishwasher incorrectly. In these moments,

the reflexive response is often blame. But progressive teams use a different approach: Assume good intent.

When team members believe their coworkers are trying their best, feedback becomes collaborative rather than critical. That psychological safety creates space for creativity, faster problem resolution and an overall better work environment. This is something that guests can sense the moment they walk through the door.

Invite your team to build system

Here’s a hard truth: Most standard operating procedures in this industry are written from the top down. But the best ideas often come from the people in the trenches. Cleaning crews, guest communication teams, maintenance techs — these are the folks who spot patterns and inefficiencies first.

Great operators treat their team as coarchitects. They invite feedback, reward innovation and empower everyone to help shape the systems they’re part of. Not only does this lead to better operations, it leads to stronger buy-in and team longevity.

Culture is contagious

When a team truly enjoys working together, it radiates. Guests pick up on it. Homeowners feel it. And the reviews start writing themselves. It’s not magic. It’s just the natural outcome of a thoughtful internal culture.

So if you’re a vacation rental owner or manager looking to grow, start by looking inward. Not at your calendar or revenue dashboard, but at your team. Because the real five-star experience doesn’t start at check-in.

It starts on Monday morning.

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Ex-Deputy Police Chief Porter sentenced to 7 years in prison

read the letters in support of Porter and reviewed the accuser’s statement. Pineault said he wanted the sentences to be “proportionate to the harm and continuing harm” to the victim. He also considered whether Porter would be a “threat to the public” upon his release and his ability to be rehabilitated. His sentence, he said, would be “no more severe than necessary.”

Other factors Pineault weighed were the age of both parties, the age disparity between them, Porter’s “position of trust and authority,” and the state of mind of the accuser when she “was in an extremely vulnerable position” as a teen with mental health and emotional challenges.

In addition to the sentences described above, Porter was ordered to register with the state as a sex offender. If Porter fails to do this, he may be penalized with fines and the revocation of his parole. He will undergo sexual offender and mental health evaluations and must

WSAB continues water debate

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Water & Sewer Advisory Board on June 25 heard from a consultant about the rationale behind the town’s proposed connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water system and expressed some skepticism about whether local alternatives were considered.

Timothy Thies, the senior vice president and environmental division manager at Pare Corporation, has been working on this project since 2021. He gave a presentation outlining the history of the proposed connection and the steps needed to be taken for it to be approved by the MWRA.

Thies explained that the town has been seeking a permanent MWRA connection via Southborough. He noted that the town has been challenged by water quality and quantity issues that the connection would alleviate.

While Hopkinton relies on eight wells for its public water supply, he said only five are online. While some wells have shown “excessively high iron and manganese connections,” Well 6 had to have a PFAS treatment system installed to decrease the levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The town also purchases some of its water from Ashland.

“The system is severely restricted in the summertime,” Thies said, “particularly in times of drought.”

Both Hopkinton and Southborough need to improve their infrastructure in order to achieve the connection, he explained. Hopkinton needs a new meter vault on Route 85 near the town line as well as a new pump station that can accommodate 2.7 million gallons per day

“comply with any recommended treatment,” according to the judge.

Additionally, upon his release from prison, Porter will be forbidden from using alcohol for one year and must submit to random testing. He also must have “no contact of any kind whatsoever with the victim, her children, the witnesses, or the victim’s home or place of work, wherever that may be.”

Porter must never again work or volunteer in a position where he would be involved with anyone under the age of 18. He must pay court-related fees for victim witness assistance and DNA testing.

Porter has the right to appeal his sentence within 30 days.

This may not be the end of this saga, which has deeply divided the town and shaken some people’s faith in its leaders. The victim has the right to pursue a civil suit against Porter. The sentences in that case, should it occur, may be stiffer if Porter is determined to be a “sexually dangerous person.”

(MGD). In addition, 15,600 feet of new water main will need to be installed.

Member Rob Scott asked about the town continuing to purchase water from Ashland and potential upgrades that can be made there. Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed explained that the Ashland water comes directly from the plant with no direct connection to Hopkinton. A “blended approach,” Thies said, may lead to pipe corrosion and potentially increased levels of lead and copper.

Ken Weismantel, a WRC member for 10 years and a harsh critic of the MWRA connection plan, explained that steps needed for WRC approval haven’t been undertaken. At 2.7 MGD, he said the WRC will consider the proposal “dead on arrival.”

“You have to use every viable in-basin source,” he said. “Ashland [water] is a viable in-basin source.”

Weismantel added that Pare needs to do a more thorough analysis of the town’s wells than the previous consultant did. He also said that the Pratt Farm land and the Fruit Street wells have not been explored.

He stressed that the town needs to upgrade its meter system to analyze leaks to demonstrate water conservation efforts to the WRC.

Reed said the Select Board mandated that she submit a level-funded budget for FY 26, which prevented funding for new meters.

Scott noted that the town is “currently in a water crisis.”

Countered Weismantel: “There has been no declaration of a water emergency by the MWRA.”

“There’s plenty of water, with treatment,” he added. “You’re going to have a hard time making a case.”

Dave Menapace, President

Protestors picket Hillers Pizza after owner’s conviction

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

On June 13, Petros “Peter” Sismanis, owner of Hillers Pizza was convicted of indecent assault and battery and two counts of witness intimidation.

The following week, there were protestors outside the restaurant at 77 West Main Street.

A small group spent most of the past week outside the plaza on the sidewalk, holding signs with slogans calling for a boycott of Hillers Pizza and repeatedly referring to the restaurant’s founder as a sexual predator.

Elissa McGinty and Marie Laskowsky are the pair responsible for the protest. They have been showing up alongside their daughters to picket the business. Their hope is to encourage people to stop patronizing the restaurant.

“If we don’t make people aware, then people will continue to buy from him,” said Laskowsky.

For the two women, this type of community action is new territory.

“We’ve never protested a thing in our lives,” said Laskowsky.

“We can’t not do it in good conscience,” added McGinty.

Sismanis received a six-month

prison sentence after a conviction June 12 for indecent assault and battery after grabbing and kissing an underage employee in the basement of 77 West Main Street back in January 2023. He also was charged for witness intimidation after preventing the victim and her mother from leaving the parking lot the night of the incident.

McGinty and Laskowsky told the Independent that they began following

Marie Laskowsky (left) and Elissa McGinty hold up signs protesting Hillers Pizza on the sidewalk in front of 77 West Main Street.

the case in November 2024. After the jury reached a verdict and Sismanis was sentenced, they assumed the business would close. But after seeing it remain open, they felt compelled to action.

A curious aspect of the pair’s protest is the fact that neither woman lives in Hopkinton. Laskowsky is an Ashland resident, and McGinty lives in Medway.

Laskowsky explained her position on the matter, saying she did not believe the separation of a town line meant a full separation of community. The pair also discussed how, until last year, they had been volunteers for a Hopkinton organization. As a result, they regularly came into town and were in community with Hopkinton residents.

McGinty and Laskowsky raised concerns that local organizations continue to patronize the restaurant.

“We couldn’t figure out why … nobody cared to do anything,” said McGinty.

The protestors’ concerns about the business remaining in operation are not shared by everyone.

“What do you expect [the family] to do?” Paul Mastroianni, the owner of the mall at 77 West Main Street, asked during an interview with the Independent.

“The family, the wife and two daughters, they’re completely innocent,” he continued. “They don’t de-

serve to suffer any more than they are.” Mastroianni said there are “years left” on the lease for Hillers Pizza. While he could not speak to what the family would do once the lease expired, he asserted that the family had a legal right to operate its business in the meantime.

As well, he claimed that Sismanis had nothing more to do with the business. According to the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ corporate database, however, Sismanis still is listed as president, treasurer, secretary and director of Hillers Pizza, Inc. The Independent was unable to confirm whether the filing was out of date, and an individual who answered the phone at the restaurant declined a request for comment.

When asked about the arrival of protestors outside the business, Mastroianni was direct with his thoughts.

“All they’re doing is hurting a family that’s already suffered,” he said.

He banned the women from any of the businesses at the mall, although he was clear to affirm their right to express themselves.

“They have a right to say whatever they say,” stated Mastroianni.

“At the end of the day, I don’t want anyone picketing, disrupting or harassing the tenants,” he added.

McGinty and Laskowsky did not share Mastroianni’s position on the matter. “There’s no separation,” said Laskowsky. “They are a family, and he is a beneficiary of purchasing there.”

Laskowsky also argued that the concern needed to be focused more on the victim in this case, hoping to “make sure the victim is heard and seen.”

Added Laskowsky: “We will gladly go home if [the landlord] evicts him.”

Although their operation remains unorganized, both women said they have received support from the community. They recalled stories of passersby coming to stand with them and sharing their own experiences.

Those personal experiences of dealing with assault and sexual violence hit home for Laskowsky, who said she is a survivor herself. She shared with the Independent that she lived through a situation similar to the victim’s, where a person in a position of authority took advantage of her when she was younger.

She recounted feeling grief over the situation because the abuser continued to prey on other girls after her. As well, she expressed anger over the adults who neglected to intervene in that circumstance.

“Adults walked by and knew it was happening, just like they’re walking by and letting it happen now,” she said.

Laskowsky and McGinty have resolved to protest to make up for that silence. They also said they are doing this for their daughters, who are about the same age the victim was when the crime occurred.

“We want to make sure our girls know this is important,” Laskowsky explained.

The duration of their protest remains to be seen. McGinty said the pair were open to “many avenues” to get their point across.

“We’re committed and persistent people,” she said.

Whether the Select Board, which controls the administration of common victualer licenses in town, would take any action remains to be seen. When

Sismanis | 11

Posing for a picture at the June 21 Pride Festival outside the Hopkinton Center for the Arts are (from left) Cathleen Dinsmore, Ellen Fitzpatrick, Maureen Sammon and Stacia Friedrich-Krozy.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

How to choose a successor for your business

As a business owner, you’ve always got a lot to think about today — but what about tomorrow? Have you thought about whom you would like to see as your successor?

Mark Freeman, CEPA

Professional insights

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If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Of the business owners who have created a succession plan, about 70% have named a successor for their businesses and have taken measures to train and prepare this successor, according to a survey by Morning Consult, NEXT 360 Partners and Edward Jones. But this means that nearly a third of business owners have not taken this action, leaving a big gap in their succession plans.

So, if you haven’t yet named a successor, you may want to start thinking about it. It may be helpful to ask yourself these questions:

• Should I look inside or outside? You could find a successor who’s already working for you, or you could find someone from the outside. On one hand, an internal successor would already know how you operate and what you value as you run your business. But on the other hand, an external successor could bring a new point of view and a different set of skills, both of which might prove beneficial. You’ll need to weigh both choices carefully.

• How prepared is a potential successor? Whether you decide on an internal or external candidate, you’ll want to be sure the person you choose is prepared to take over the business. Do they have management skills? Will they share your commitment to your business’s success? Will they be able to build strong relationships with your customers or other employees? Are they enthusiastic about the work involved? You’ll want to evaluate all these types of factors in making your selection.

• Are there potential family squabbles? If you would like a family member to become your successor, you may need to be careful about whom you choose and how you communicate your decision to the entire family. Even if it may make sense for one individual to take over the business, perhaps because they’re already involved in it and they’re interested in taking it over, it doesn’t mean hurt feelings won’t develop among other family members, who may feel they are somehow being “cheated” out of what they view as their share of a valuable inheritance. So, if you are convinced that you’re making the right choice, explain your reasoning to all family members and let them know that you’re also exploring other, tangible ways for them to share in your family wealth, possibly by leaving them other financial assets through your estate plans.

• How will my choice of a successor affect my finances? Passing the business to an heir, selling it to an existing employee or selling it to an outside buyer can yield vastly different results for you in terms of your personal finances. You’ll need to consider the possible business transfer arrangements, such as a buy-sell agreement, to determine which one is in your best interests. In doing so, you may want to work with your financial advisor or a consultant with experience in selling or transferring a business.

Choosing a successor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make so, take your time, evaluate your options and work to reach a decision that works well for everyone involved.

Mark Freeman, CEPA

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

77 W. Main Street Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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

Protestors picket Hillers Pizza after owner’s conviction

Sismanis | from page 10

asked about the possibility of Sismanis’ license being revoked, Select Board chair Joe Clark indicated there was a “question out to counsel about this” and deferred commenting until he had an answer.

The Independent reached out to town counsel Bryan Bertram as well but did not receive a response.

One former town official did provide his thoughts on the matter. Brendan Tedstone, a former Select Board chair, had a history of voting against renewing Hillers Pizza’s victualer license when he was a board member.

This is because Sismanis pleaded out to an indecent assault and battery charge in 1998 after being accused of

fondling a 19-year-old employee of his former business, Jelly Doughnuts. Sismanis was put on the sex offender registry as a result of that case.

“The crimes he has been convicted of are very serious,” Tedstone commented to the Independent on June 17.

“Although the sentence is shorter that I would have expected, it’s my hope that the safeguards with the checks and balances being put forth eliminate this from ever happening again with him. My thoughts are with the victim and her family that they can put this behind them and that they know that behaviors like that cannot and will not be tolerated in our town. Hats off to the Hopkinton Police for getting the investigation right and earning a hard fought conviction.”

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Madhuri Cheemalakonda for this closeup of a pink peony. 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.

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 BoMain.

ScHoolS

Fairfield University announced its dean’s list recipients for the spring semester, and the list includes a number of Hopkinton residents: Luke Beaudet, Nicholas Dieter, Frank Incutto, Gregory Kovacs, Michael Liptak, Robert Liptak, Garret Morrissiey, Camille Perlov, Luke Scanlon and Joseph Scardino. …

Named to the dean’s list at Worcester Polytechnic Institute were seniors Andrew Kovacs (majoring in financial technology) and Aabid Peermohammed (mechanical engineering), juniors Yasutora Ito (mathematical sciences), Treavor Weeden (mechanical engineering) and Mena Youssif (civil engineering), sophomores Margaret Joyce (environmental engineering) and Joseph Kane (mathematical sciences) and freshmen Natalie Bouffard (mechanical engineering), Anthony DeLuca (aerospace engineering) and Humza haider (robotics engineering), William Martin (electrical and computer engineering) and Bridget Mell (environmental and sustainability studies and psychological science). …

At the University of Wisconsin, Prithvi Venkatesh, who is studying in the College of Engineering, was named to the dean’s honor list. …

and Ashlyn Sullivan were named to the dean’s list. …

Holly Burns was named to the dean’s list at the University of Alabama. …

At the College of Charleston in South Carolina, Kayla Cumpelik graduated with a B.S. in biology, and Charles Nealon graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in communication. Also, Sinead Herr, who is majoring in political science and business administration, was named to the president’s list. …

Shubham Omkar Gosavi (M.S. in business analytics) and Natalie Virginia Beck (M.A. in teaching) graduated from Clark University. …

At Hofstra University, Amelia Bashy (majoring in audio/radio production and studies) and Dylan Morin (theater arts) were named to the dean’s list. …

Braden Kane was named to the dean’s list at Dean College. …

Mia Carboni graduated from the College of William & Mary. …

Pat Crantz graduated from Marquette University, earning a B.S. in innovation and entrepreneurship. …

Stonehill College sophomore Michaela Scannevin was named to the dean’s list. …

Graduating from Quinnipiac University were Russell Demarco (B.S. in marketing), Aidan Morin (B.S. in health science/DPT) and Hailey Tolson (M.S. in molecular cell biology).

At Quinnipiac University, ZachAidan Morin, Cristina Sabrina Russo, Paige Sanderson

Contributing Writer

opkinton’s Dhairya Mehta is not yet old enough to drive a car and still is a couple of months away from being in high school. But the teenager already has established himself as a bona fide chess standout, capturing his first state championship recently with a win in the middle school division of the 2025 Massachusetts Barry S. Spiegel Cup.

“It felt great, I was really happy,” Mehta, 14, said of the state title win, which qualifies him for a trip to the national competition in Wisconsin this

“I am really excited to go to nationals as well,” he said.

Mehta has been playing chess since he was 5 years old. He has entered well over 100 competitions and notched numerous wins. Mehta played in his first tournament at age 6 and has not looked

He qualified for the state championship by virtue of his ranking as one of the top players in the state in the middle school division. He won three of his four matches in the states, earning a draw in the fourth for a total of 3 1/2 points. Mehta said he enjoys the dynamic nature of competitive chess and the focus that it takes to be successful.

“I like that every game is different,” he said. “There are so many new possibilities. You can switch things up

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.

really easily, and I like that you have to put a lot of thought into it. Plus, it feels really nice when you win.”

Mehta has done a lot of winning, so much that he is not exactly certain how many trophies he has claimed. He figures that he has finished in the top three in at least one-third of the competitions he has entered. This year marked Mehta’s fourth trip to a state tournament and his first victory.

Mehta is heading to Hopkinton High School in the fall and plans to join the Chess Club. Although he plays every day and has worked with various coaches over the years, he is quick to point out that chess is only one of his hobbies. He also is a competitive swimmer and participates in Boy Scouts. Mehta said he does not have grand aspirations in the game but hopes to compete well at the national tournament coming up at the end of July. He also hopes to have the chance to compete against a famous chess player someday.

“Magnus Carlsen, if I had to choose,” Mehta said, referring to the Norwegian grandmaster and five-time world champion.

Mehta’s father, Mitul, taught his son the game. But while the father is enjoying the son’s success, it has come at the expense of being able to play against the young prodigy.

“He stopped competing against me when I was, like, 5,” the younger Mehta said.

ESBC talks tree removal, future key dates

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

During a brief meeting June 18,

Elementary School Building Committee members heard about planned pole relocations at the Charleswood School site as well scheduling updates.

As part of street improvements, Vertex project manager Chris Kenney noted that the relocation of utility poles had received town approval. The arborist for Eversource requested that four trees be removed, feeling they posed a safety risk to the poles.

Kenney explained that the trees are on the right of way and school property and not on any neighbor’s property. They include one stand-alone as well as one small and two medium-sized trees in a cluster, but not a large one in that same group.

The nearest abutter on 137 Hayden Rowe Street previously agreed upon mitigation including fencing and plantings.

“We hope this isn’t a major disruption. It should not be,” Kenney said.

Chris Eberly, Vertex project manager, said ESBC chair Jon Graziano frequently has spoken about wanting to be a good neighbor, so the team will have further discussions with the abutter if necessary.

Kenney also said the Conservation Commission was to take a site walk on June 23 to look at the measures put in for erosion control and treat protection as noted in its order of conditions.

He noted his group is working with contractors to uphold the Conservation Commission’s requirements.

“We want to start out on the right

foot,” Kenney said.

In another matter, Kenney noted weekly meetings with contractor Brait Builders, owner’s project manager Vertex and architect Perkins Eastman started June 17. Those sessions will be changing from virtual to on-site and will include ESBC member Mike Shepard, Assistant Superintendent Susan Rothermich, Director of Building and Grounds Tim Persson and Graziano, when his schedule allows.

Kenney also spoke about the “parallel” street improvements project, noting bid documents were made available June 10. A pre-bid walk took place earlier June 18, with bids due July 10.

Other business included approval of invoices totaling $239,833 to Vertex and Perkins Eastman.

Eberly, Kenney and board members also thanked Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh for her work over the past several years on the Charleswood School project. Cavanaugh’s retirement was to become effective June 30.

“You have been very helpful in keeping us moving forward,” Eberly said.

The superintendent said that Vertex and Perkins Eastman personnel have been a pleasure to work with on the project.

“It started March 2020 — moments after the pandemic — and here we are ready to break ground,” Cavanaugh said.

The superintendent said she wanted to attend when a ribbon cutting is held in a few years.

The next ESBC meeting is July 15 at 6 p.m., when the board will award road improvement project bids.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 2-year-old Uno.

Here is Baypath’s description of Uno:

“Uno is a 2-yearold bundle of playful energy and enthusiasm!

“This sweet, social pup is always ready for fun — whether it’s going for walks with doggy friends, learning new tricks or soaking up attention from his favorite people.

“Smart and eager to please, Uno already knows cues like ‘sit’ and has been loving his leash walks with volunteers, playtime with toys and any chance to engage and connect.

“He’s looking for an active home that’s ready for a loyal best buddy to complete their family.

“If you’re looking for a spirited, affectionate companion who’s as fun as he is lovable, Uno could be your perfect match!”

For more information about Uno 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.

Maddie Recupero, who graduated from Hopkinton High School last month, was named the 2024-25 Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year on June 18.

A 5-foot-3 midfielder, Recupero recorded 28 goals and 15 assists as a senior, leading the Hillers to a 16-2-2 record and the Division 1 state tournament’s round of 16 in the fall.

“Winning the award means a lot to me because it involved not only soccer,

— HHS soccer star Maddie Recupero

but school and community service as well,” Recupero stated. “It is super special because only one player from the whole state receives the award, and the fact that it was me is super exciting and rewarding.”

The Boston Globe Division 1 Co-

Jolly volleyers

Participants in the Parks & Rec youth volleyball clinic gather for a picture at the final session June 18 at the Fruit Street fields.

Athlete of the Year, Recupero also was the Eastern Massachusetts Girls Soccer Coaches Association’s Division 1 Player of the Year. A two-time Tri-Valley League Most Valuable Player, she participated in the High School All-American Game in South Carolina in December.

“Maddie had an exceptional career at HHS — excelling on the field, classroom and community,” coach Tom Skiba shared. “The Gatorade Player of the Year award recognizes that, and she and her teammates should be extremely proud of her accomplishment!”

Off the field, Recupero plays piano and has volunteered with Project Just Because, a Hopkinton-based nonprofit that provides food, clothing and emotional support to people in need. She also has donated her time as part of fundraising campaigns to benefit breast and brain cancer research in addition to serving as a youth soccer coach.

She will continue her soccer career at Princeton University this fall.

Student wins lax title

Hopkinton’s Sophie Student be -

came a national champion May 25 when she helped the top-ranked University of North Carolina women’s lacrosse team to a 12-8 victory over Northwestern in the NCAA title game. The game was played in front of 14,423 fans at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, the largest crowd in NCAA championship game history.

A midfielder, Student played in 22 games this season for the 22-0 Tar Heels, starting all but the first six. She recorded one goal, 63 draw controls and 22 ground balls and caused eight turnovers. In the championship game, she had a ground ball and five draw controls while causing one turnover.

Student, who prepped at St. Mark’s in Southborough, spent her first two collegiate seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to UNC. She redshirted last season and played this year as a graduate student.

Bradley wins PGA tourney

Hopkinton High School grad Keegan Bradley moved up to No. 7 in the Official World Golf Rankings after winning the Travelers Championship on June 22.

The 39-year-old rallied on the tournament’s final day and recorded a birdie on the final hole, sinking a 6-foot putt to clinch the title.

It was the eighth PGA Tour win for Bradley, who will captain the United States team in this year’s Ryder Cup.

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.

SCHEDULE UPDATE

The library will be closed from July 3-6 in observance of Independence Day.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS

Summer Reading Program

Through Saturday, Aug. 16

Children, teens and adults who sign up for the Summer Reading Program will receive a paper log to track reading and complete unique challenges. The more one participates, the more drawing tickets they will earn for the chance to win prizes. Participants can collect tickets throughout the summer. All ages are welcome to participate, including kids who are not yet reading and the adults who read to them. The library’s event calendar will list fun programs and activities happening at the library and beyond.

Important dates for the Summer Reading Program: Monday, June 16: Registration opens Monday, June 23: Program officially begins Saturday, Aug. 16: Last day to log reading Friday, Aug. 29: Last day to claim drawing tickets or a book prize

Tuesday, Sept. 2: Prize drawings (winners notified by email)

CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Monthly Music & Movement

Wednesday, July 16, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

This children’s concert (recommended for ages 0-5) is with Stacey Peasley. Music & Movement is generously supported by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation.

Mason Jar Garden with Tower Hill

Thursday, Aug. 7, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Participants will learn what plants need to survive,

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 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Schedule Update

The Senior Center will be closed the first week of July. The building will reopen to the public on Monday, July 7.

Wednesday Morning Coffee Chats

Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Individuals are invited to join the Hopkinton Senior Center director every week in July for a special guest appearance at her weekly coffee chat. This is a great opportunity to socialize and talk with town officials and other Senior Center staff. This month will feature visits from the following:

July 9: Elaine Lazarus, town manager

July 16: Jessica Fitch, assistant director of Senior Services

July 23: Paula Haas, COA chair

July 30: Public safety

Crafts with Jessica: Diamond Art Coasters Monday, July 7, 9:30 a.m.

plant two types of flowers or herbs from seed and start a growing journal. This program (for ages 6-11) is led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Registration is required.

Terrariums with Tower Hill

Thursday, Aug. 7, 4-5 p.m.

Participants will learn about cacti and succulent plant care by creating a terrarium complete with a live plant, sea glass, sand, marbles and more. This program (for ages 12-18) is led by instructors from the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill. Registration is required.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction

Tuesday, July 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Narcan is the brand name of the generic Naloxone and is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids. This free Narcan training will provide participants with a brief training on how to recognize an opioid overdose, when and how to use Narcan and a free kit to take home. This event is put on by the Hopkinton Board of Health in partnership with the Hopkinton Public Library.

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle

Thursday, July 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Individuals are free to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. Hobbyists of all fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, hand quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitch, finger knitting, needle felting, etc.) are welcome to join. This group meets on the second Thursday of each month. Anyone with questions, in need fiber arts materials or looking to learn how to crochet can email Jak at jmiller@hopkintonma.gov.

DCF Adoption Table

Saturday, Aug. 9, noon-4:30 p.m.

Staff members from the the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families will discuss the importance of fostering and adopting, and they will be available to answer questions, provide guidance and explain how to navigate the fostering and adoption systems.

Participants will create a vibrant and mosaic-style drink coaster using the process of applying tiny resin rhinestones (known as “diamonds”) to a preprinted design — usually on an adhesive board — to create uplifting pieces. Note: Individuals will work with small “diamonds” and tools that require good dexterity.

Book Club

Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.

One of life’s pleasures is a good book. Another is having the time to read it. At this monthly meeting, participants can relax and bring something to drink, all while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month’s book is “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center

Thursday, July 10, 1 p.m.

This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.

Hiking With Lisa

Friday, July 18, 10:30 a.m.

Individuals are invited to join in this summer for some great physical fitness opportunities outside. On July 18, the group will hike Hopedale Park, a 3-mile walk with some easy to moderate terrain that can be hilly at times. Advance registration is requested.

Conservation Commission OK’s Toll Brothers requests after remediation efforts

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Conservation Commission on June 17 approved two requests from developer Toll Brothers after demonstrable remediation efforts were shown where stormwater management violations previously occurred.

It first approved a certificate of compliance (COC) for 63 Chamberlain Street in a 6-0 vote after the applicant showed significant progress with remediation efforts to curb stormwater runoff.

Conservation administrator Judy Day explained that the lot looks stable after erosion controls were removed. Some seeding is beginning to grow on the lot. There has been no mowing into the buffer zone, which previously has been an issue.

Matt Ashley of Bohler Engineering spoke on behalf of the applicant, saying that “everything is coming in nicely.”

In 2024, the commission reprimanded representatives of the ChamberlainWhalen subdivision for stormwater management violations that occurred in 2023. Ted Merchant, the land development director for Toll Brothers, explained at that time that the torrential rain overpowered the basin and ran into the wetlands.

Co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook, who chaired this portion of the meeting, said he noticed the improvements to the grass. But he also stressed that “it’s not true of all the properties in that neighborhood.”

In response to this comment, Merchant requested that Toll Brothers be allowed to request that COC applications be issued to other homeowners with histories of mowing into the buffer zone to alert them to the significance of the issue. He said verbal warnings have failed. This may be “a reasonable path” to ensuring compliance. Barker-Hook agreed. Day said she planned on sending letters to those homeowners, but COC applications would be “a good strategy as well.”

Joe Orzell, the commission’s wetland consultant, said he did a construction management inspection on June 5. From that, he compiled a list of the properties in question on both Chamberlain Street and Whalen Road.

Newbury Glen building permits released

Merchant also provided the commission with an update on the Newbury Glen subdivision, which previously was called Elmwood Farms III. The subdivision, located off Blueberry Lane, had come under fire since 2023 for stormwater management violations. The most recent violation in May involved a drainage pipe blowout that was the result of the previous contractor’s work, Rich Kirby, the consultant from LEC Environmental for Toll Brothers, said at a previous meeting.

At this meeting, Kirby shared a presentation that confirmed the turbid water was from the drainage pipe, which was repaired. Five 18-inch core logs

Antiques

have been installed along with floc logs between the first and second off-site basins. In addition, 440 bales of straw were treated with seed and tack to cover exposed soil throughout the site.

Merchant added that anti-seep collars were installed “that were not part of the plan but were certainly lacking before.”

Kirby requested that the remaining

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.

Trails Club Monthly Meeting July 9

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Blood Drive at Senior Center July 17

The Hopkinton Fire Department is hosting a blood drive at the Hopkinton Senior Center on Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in collaboration with the American Red Cross. To register or donate, visit the Red Cross website at redcrossblood.org.

Hopkinton Trails Day July 19

Hopkinton Trails Day will be held Saturday, July 19, at the Hughes Farm

building permits be released. BarkerHook noted that the work was completed two weeks ahead of schedule. Co-vice chair Matt Moyen, a stormwater engineer, said that these efforts “were steps in the right direction.”

Added Barker-Hook: “Hopefully we’re done with violation hearings on this development or any future Toll Brothers development.”

property on Hayden Rowe Street. It will include guided trail walks, a scavenger hunt and more in celebration of the Hopkinton Trails Club’s 20th anniversary. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Firefighters Union Golf Tournament Aug. 4

Hopkinton Firefighters Local 3772 will hold its first golf tournament fundraiser Monday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Blissful Meadows Golf Club in Uxbridge. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the first rounds of golf begin at 9 a.m. The event will include a dinner, prizes and raffle items. Registration is $125 per golfer. Corporate sponsorships are available at $150 per hole. Contact Lt. John Krauss at 508-922-1831 for more information.

HWC Charity Golf Event Aug. 25

The Hopkinton Charity Golf Event, sponsored by the Hopkinton Women’s Club, will be held Monday, Aug. 25, starting at 8:30 a.m., at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. The fee is $175 per golfer, or $50 for lunch only. Sponsorships are available as well. Proceeds will benefit the Hopkinton Women’s Club scholarship and charitable giving funds. For more information, visit hopkintonwomensclub.org.

Friday and Saturday nights in July, we bring eight incredible bands to get you on your feet and dancing. Additionally, we will be offering five Sunday jazz groups!

July 4: Hit The Bus

July 5: The Big Chief Band

July 11: Professor Harp

July 12: Racky Thomas Band

July 18: The Hipshot Band

July 19: The Love Dogs

July 25: Fat City Band

July 26: Gunpowder and Lead Band

To make the arts more accessible to all, the Summer Concert Series shows are on a pay-what-you-can basis.

SOL, Smile Out Loud Exhibition with Artist DaNice D. Marshall

July 1 to August 21

DaNice D. Marshall is a writer diagnosed in 2016 with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. After a 28-day hospital stay, doctors advised her to prepare for the worst. Despite this, DaNice continued to wake

up each day. The illness left her reliant on a cane and with partial hearing loss. Unable to focus on writing, she learned to paint abstracts, evolving her work into narrative art. Her “SOL, Smile Out Loud” exhibition captures joyful everyday life, encouraging viewers to silently connect and smile, creating a comforting sense of unity and reassurance. A “meet the artist” reception is planned for July 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Lotvin Family Gallery.

Enter Stage Left Youth Theater Presents: Alice In Wonderland Jr. July 12 | Noon and 3 p.m.

Step into the wacky world of Wonderland in this vibrant new retelling of a Disney classic! Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of selfdiscovery.

Enter Stage Left Youth Theater Presents: Frozen JR. July 26 | Noon and 3 p.m.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

CALENDAR

Annual Summer Concert Series Sponsored by Dell Technologies 6:30 to 8 p.m.

obituarieS

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.

Priscilla Buckley

Priscilla E. Buckley, 86, of Hopkinton and a longtime resident of Newton and East Falmouth, passed away June 23, 2025, at Golden Pond in Hopkinton. Born in Wakefield, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Mackenzie) and Roy Lefavour. She was the beloved wife of the late Paul E. Buckley of Brookline.

Priscilla was deeply involved in her children’s lives, especially their passions for hockey and skating. A joyful and devoted supporter of her husband and the teams he coached, Priscilla rarely missed a game and was a proud fan. She also took great joy in gardening and creating beautiful floral arrangements. Known for her warmth and hospitality, Priscilla was a gracious hostess and a thoughtful friend who shared her talents for cooking, baking and bringing people together generously.

She is survived by three children, Paula Carey and husband Tom of Hopkinton, David Buckley and Michele LaCamera of West Falmouth, and Mark Buckley and wife Gail of Northbridge. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Paul and Mackenzie Buckley; Alison and husband Jason Cheperdak, Carolyn, Ryan and wife Maria Farren, and T.J. Carey; and Maeve and Moira Buckley. Priscilla also is survived by her brother, Roy Lefavour and wife Trudi of New Jersey, as well as her daughter-in-law, Michele Buckley of Wells, Maine. She was predeceased by son Glenn Buckley and siblings Willis, Robert and Allison Lefavour.

Visitation was held June 26 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A burial service took place June 27 at Highland Cemetery in Dover.

Wesley Rockhold

Wesley Patrick (Pope) Rockhold, 47, of Hopkinton passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on June 22. Born in Atlanta, he was the son of Terry and Nancy (Hallam) Pope of Pensacola, Florida. He was the beloved husband of 21 years to Chelsea (Fox) Rockhold, with whom he shared 25 wonderful years.

Wesley’s adventure through life brought him to many great places where he found even greater friends and chosen family. He graduated from Vacaville High School in Northern California in 1996 before going on to The Ohio State University, where he met Chelsea. After graduating, Wesley was commissioned into the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for four years, participating in both the Afghan and Iraqi wars. His service also took them to Hawaii and Italy. Following his honorable discharge, Wes pursued an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He began his post-military career at Accenture Consulting before joining the family business, Acme Home Elevator, in California. He was with Acme

Home Elevator through its acquisition by Stannah Stairlifts, after which he became the company’s managing director — a role that brought him and his family to Hopkinton.

Throughout all of the places he lived and worked, Wes could always be counted on as a dedicated friend and mentor, whether to family, friends, coworkers or anyone in need. It was a role he not only excelled in but one that came naturally to him. He had a deep love of travel and cherished bringing family and friends along whenever he could. At home, he enjoyed many hobbies, from building Lego sets and playing video games to serving as the ultimate dungeon master for his Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Above all, Wes found his greatest strength in the love of his family and friends. In addition to his wife and parents, Wes is survived by his five children, Logan, Landon, Kenneth, Annabelle and Ellinore. He also leaves behind his sister, Kerri Parker of Atlanta; his brothers, Ryan Hjärtberg and wife Colleen of Eugene, Oregon, and Marc Duarte and wife Janet Patterson of Indianapolis; his niece and nephews, Charlie, Lyla, Sam and Henry; his in-laws, Thomas and Jayne Fox of Spring Lake, Tennessee; his brother in law, Tim Fox and wife Claudia of Orlando, Florida; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles. Visitation was held June 27 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wesley’s memory to acpmp. org/get-involved/donate.

Helen Calzolari

Helen Calzolari, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on June 18 at the age of 73, in Douglas. Born on July 1, 1951, in Hopkinton, Helen was the cherished daughter of the late Fred and Irene (Warren) Chapman. Her life was a testament to the power of love, family and dedication.

Helen was a graduate of Hopkinton High School. She had previously lived in Worcester before moving to Charlton recently. For many years, she was a resident of Vero Beach, Florida, and also lived in the Mansfield area and Douglas.

Her career in finance with the former Sterling Assoc. in Sutton spanned many years, where she was known for her unwavering and loyal support for her colleagues in a small, close-knit office.

Family was the cornerstone of Helen’s life. She was the loving mother of Brett F. McIntyre and wife Heather of Douglas, and Jason J. McIntyre of Worcester. Helen’s world was brightened by the joy of her two grandchildren, Derek and Kaiden, who will carry her legacy of love forward. She was a devoted sister to Bertha Chaffee and husband Allan of Douglas, Kathy Jackman and partner George Wesinger of Hopkinton, Lil and late husband Bob Duchaine of Norton, Irene Thompson of Vero Beach, Florida, Fred Chapman and wife Roxanne of Holliston, and George Chapman and wife Laura of Uxbridge. Helen was predeceased by beloved son Derek R. McIntyre, husband David M. Calzolari and brother Clifton Chapman.

Helen’s love for the beach in Florida and New England was well known, as were the cherished moments she spent surrounded by her family. Her presence was a source of comfort and joy, and her thoughtful nature made every family gathering memorable. Helen’s love extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of her siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. A private graveside service was to be held in Vernon Grove Cemetery, Milford.

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.

June 12

3:38 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle with a flat tire on West Main Street. Sgt. Aaron O’Neil, Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and performed field sobriety tests on the driver. A 66-year-old Northborough resident was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, second offense, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

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.

June 10

1:27 p.m. A Mayhew Court resident reported receiving a pizza that she did not order. The caller wanted the suspicious incident logged.

2:31 p.m. Officer Noah Buentello took a motor vehicle accident report on South Street.

4:46 p.m. The CFO and HR director of a company on East Main Street reported an employee left for lunch before noon and had not returned. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and notified surrounding towns of the missing person. The indi-

vidual’s phone last pinged in Boston. A report was taken. [Editor’s note: Police later confirmed that the individual, an employee of Weston Nurseries, eventually was located.]

9:57 p.m. A Cedar Street Extension caller reported hearing three loud explosions in the area. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

10:10 p.m. A Teresa Road resident reported she saw a person in a vehicle throw fireworks at her neighbor’s house and then heard the fireworks nearby. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

10:22 p.m. A Daniel Road caller reported someone threw fireworks at his house. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

10:27 p.m. A North Mill Street

resident reported someone possibly threw fireworks in a trash or recycling barrel in front of his house. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Robert Ekross responded, checked the area and found nobody around. A neighbor was going to try to look at video footage from a Ring camera.

June 11

12:32 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Robert Ekross assisted the Fire Department in responding to a report of a dumpster fire on South Street.

8:23 a.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle crash on Hayden Rowe Street and took a report.

8:58 a.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Cedar Street after a road rage incident on Legacy Farms. Officer Noah Buentello responded, and the vehicle was gone upon his arrival.

10:11 a.m. A caller reported a dead animal in the roadway on Chestnut Street. The DPW was contacted for removal.

5:18 p.m. A Wilson Street resident reported property damage. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report of vandalism.

7:25 p.m. A caller reported that jet skiers almost hit someone in Lake Maspenock. Sgt. Arthur Schofield responded and spoke with the jet skiers.

8:22 p.m. A Hayward Street caller reported dirty water. The Water Department responded, flushed the fire pump and suggested residents run cold water.

June 12

resident reported his mailbox was damaged, possibly in the last hour. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and took a report of vandalism.

12:58 p.m. A caller reported she was assaulted in the parking lot of Price Chopper on West Main Street. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and took a report. A tow truck removed her vehicle.

1:57 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti came across a box spring on the side of the roadway on East Main Street and contacted the DPW for pickup.

3:12 p.m. The Ashland Police Department reported a man frantically waving his arms and yelling at people on Legacy Farms North by the main entrance. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Nicholas Saletnik responded, and the man was gone upon their arrival.

10:48 p.m. The Ashland Police Department reported receiving a call about a verbal argument at TJ’s and a possibly intoxicated person who drove away in a white Cadillac and headed to Hopkinton. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

June 15

12:19 p.m. A caller reported her boyfriend was assaulted as part of a past road rage incident. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Noah Buentello and Justin Cappuccio responded and stopped the vehicle involved. A report was taken.

EXPERT TREE CARE

9:18 a.m. A caller reported hearing what sounded like 7-8 gunshots on East Street. A detail officer reported the same, as did staff from the Laborers Training Center. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and was unable to locate where the shots originated.

6:38 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour assisted another police agency with responding to a defiant female who was breaking glasses. A report was taken.

11:35 p.m. A Walker Street caller known to police requested a well-being check on her aunt but was unable to give a reasonable account as to why police should check on her. She was offered the phone number for elder service but did not want to take it during the 40-minute phone call.

11:49 p.m. A Linden Street caller reported the power was out at his house. The caller was advised that wires fell down on a house nearby in Ashland.

June 13

8:52 a.m. Officer Benjamin Vaz notified the DPW of a large dead opossum in the roadway on Cedar Street.

2:01 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Chestnut Street where the operator of another vehicle was very belligerent. No license plate number was given. The caller wanted the incident logged.

4:41p.m. A Walcott Street business owner reported two young females ran into her shop to get away from a male, who was chasing them. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and checked for the male with a negative find. The two juveniles were picked up by their parents.

June 14

10:48 a.m, A Greenwood Road

3:34 p.m. A caller reported two dogs running in the roadway on Wood Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and checked the area with a negative find.

4:57 p.m. A caller complained of a white BMW with a loud exhaust driving up and down Saddle Hill Road at a high rate of speed. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

6:19 p.m. Multiple callers complained of noise coming from a car show in the State Park on Cedar Street that apparently had gotten out of control. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded along with Ashland Police and reported the car meet was over and people were leaving.

8:16 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and stopped the driver, who stated he dropped his phone.

8:55 p.m. A Valentine Road resident reported brown water coming from his faucets. The Water Department was notified.

June 16

10:09 a.m. A caller reported he pulled a semi-submerged red and white kayak from the lake and put it on shore behind 73 Oakhurst Road. The found property was logged.

11:15 a.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a leaking oil tank in a Wedgewood Drive basement. 11:37 a.m. A caller complained of rioters outside of a West Main Street business. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and reported one protestor in the area.

10:14 p.m. A Main Street store manager reported suspicious activity of a possible drug deal in the parking lot. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and spoke with the manager.

police log

June 17

11:37 a.m. A West Main Street business owner reported protestors on his private property and wanted them removed. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Brian Ziniti responded and issued a verbal warning of no trespass to protestors. They were to stay on the public sidewalk.

3:02 p.m. A caller reported part of the stone wall on Saddle Hill Road was in the roadway. The DPW was notified.

3:34 p.m. Officers Benjamin Vaz and Lucille Creedon responded to a motor vehicle crash on North Street. Personal injuries were reported, and two people were transported to the hospital.

5:03 p.m. A caller reported the back door of a tow truck swung open, struck a mailbox on North Street and damaged it. Officer Lucille Creedon responded and spoke with the homeowner, who was to replace it on his own. The tow company was advised.

6:59 p.m. A caller reported getting into a verbal altercation with a manager at a Main Street business. Officer Lucille Creedon responded and spoke with the caller about the civil dispute.

June 18

7:07 a.m. A motorist reported a vehicle backed into her vehicle on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Augusto Diaz responded and took a report.

8:34 a.m. An Amherst Road resident reported he hired two men to clean his yard, and he noticed his chain saw was missing. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report of stolen property.

9:42 a.m. A Main Street caller reported receiving fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be from the FBI and DEA and demanding money. Officer Noah Buentello assisted and took a report.

10:23 a.m. A Hayward Street caller reported his neighbor’s dog attacked and killed his chickens, adding that this was an ongoing issue. Officers Noah Buentello and Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report. The animal control officer responded and cited the dog’s owner.

11:24 a.m. A caller reported her husband saw a BMW hit a mailbox on Ash Street and drive away. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and found the damaged mailbox. He spoke with the homeowner, who declined making a report.

10:33 p.m. A concerned caller reported two dogs locked inside a vehicle for about 20 minutes on Woodview Way. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Lucille Creedon responded and made contact with the owner.

June 19

12:06 a.m. A Wood Street caller reported some teens on her property going between her yard and her neighbor’s yard. When she banged on her window, they left. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Sean McKeon and Nicholas Saletnik responded and checked the area with a negative find.

12:24 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog in the roadway on Wood Street. The caller stated the dog runs loose frequently and that it lives at a nearby farm. Officer Sean McKeon responded and found two dogs behind a house on Winter Street. Both dogs fled into the woods.

1:59 a.m. The Milford Police Department reported a motorcycle passed an officer at over 100 mph on Cedar Street headed to Hopkinton. Sgt. Cody Normandin checked the area with a negative find.

7:37 a.m. A caller reported that there was a dead tree on Granite Street where a bonfire was the previous night, and there was also a dead tree on fire. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded along with the Fire Department.

4:38 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Lucille Creedon responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on West Main Street and took a report.

5:51 p.m. A caller complained that most of the vehicles in the Sandy Beach parking lot did not belong to residents. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Lucille

Creedon responded and issued parking tickets.

June 20

7:45 a.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and reported no personal injuries.

11:45 a.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted with blocking traffic on Snowy Owl Road, where a tree fell.

1:50 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti responded to a motor vehicle crash on Main Street and took a report.

7:04 p.m. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded to a road rage incident on west Main Street and sent the parties on their way.

June 21

12:21 a.m. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department to a report of the inside odor of natural gas at a Honeysuckle Circle residence.

9:08 a.m. A Woody Island Road caller reported his double-seater kayak was stolen from down by the lake. The incident was logged.

4:47 p.m. A Sanctuary Lane caller reported property damage. Officers Robert Ekross and Lucille Creedon responded, viewed the vandalism and took a report.

5:15 p.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle crash involving personal injuries on Pleasant Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Robert Ekross, Lucille Creedon and Justin Cappuccio responded and closed the road. An ambulance transported a person to the hospital. Verizon was contacted about pole damage, and the DPW was notified of a damaged sign. A report was taken.

7:51 p.m. A caller reported his wallet was stolen from McIntyre Field, and one of his credit cards was used at CVS on Main Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Robert Ekross spoke with the reporting person and responded to CVS. A report was taken.

11:10 p.m. A caller reported hearing multiple loud explosions in the area. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Sean McKeon responded and checked the area with a negative find.

June 22

12:07 a.m. An Alltown Express employee on West Main Street reported a group of 9-10 people stormed into the store and were being combative. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Peter Lord and Sean McKeon responded. The parties had left before their arrival.

1:10 a.m. A walk-in reported a dead fawn in the roadway on Cedar Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and moved it to the side of the road.

12:02 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street.

2:15 p.m. A caller reported an unregistered motorcycle and a verbal confrontation on Constitution Court. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report.

10:41 p.m. A Chamberlain Street resident reported suspicious activity after two males covering their faces pounded on his front door and ran away. There were six males total, but only two approached the house. Officers Matthew LaTour and Kyle Quinzani responded, and the individuals were gone upon their arrival.

June 23

10:47 a.m. A walk-in complained about parties on e-bikes acting erratically in the bike lane on Main Street. Officer Nicholas Walker attempted to locate the bicyclists.

4:29 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on North Street and took a report.