Hopkinton Independent August 18, 2021

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 16 | August 18, 2021

School Committee prepares to vote on student mask policy

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

CHIEF AMONG THEM

he use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was discussed at last week’s School Committee meeting, with a committee vote expected at the next meeting this Thursday.

Representatives for two groups — one for and one opposed — presented their viewpoints, as did a few community members. Their opinions were diametrically opposed, with some parents strongly advocating for masks as a safety measure while others saying that masks inhibited children’s social and emotional growth and are unnecessary.

Jamie Wronka, a parent of a rising kindergartener and two toddlers, presented a petition on behalf of people in favor of adopting the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both which recommended that all students and school personnel wear masks while in school buildings to prevent corona-

Bill Miller (left), who has been serving as deputy fire chief, was approved by the Select Board to take over as chief for the retiring Steve Slaman, whose last day with the department is Aug. 27. Stories, Page 16.

Health update | 12

Nasrullah’s ascension sign of town’s diversity

INSIDE

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

Community mourns librarian Kristen Webb

W

NEWS

Nasrullah | 7

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

hen Irfan Nasrullah was elected chair of the Select Board on June 1 — believed to be the first non-white resident to hold the top governmental volunteer position in town — it was not only a statement

by Hopkinton but, in a way, a message to the nation.

The Pakistani-American’s ascension is a sign that anti-immigrant views don’t have a lot of support here, in a town that is becoming more and more diverse.

In fact, Nasrullah first entered public service as a response to the previous president’s “America First” rhetoric.

“That all started basically when [Donald] Trump was elected,” he recalled. “My thought prior to that was I don’t need to be involved because somebody else has my back all the time. When Trump was elected it

LIBRARY

Irfan Nasrullah (left), shown marching in the June 26 Pride Parade at the Hopkinton High School track with fellow Select Board Members Amy Ritterbusch and Muriel Kramer, was elected Select Board chair June 1.

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Library highlights part of Hopkinton’s Black history

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

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon

contact us

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

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

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

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

Librarian Linda Connelly holds an antique sock doll that is part of a display at the Hopkinton Public Library.

L

ibrarian Linda Connelly recently put together an interesting and timely display on the Hopkinton Public Library’s main floor. Part of the display focuses on a black sock doll that was donated to the Hopkinton Historical Society about 50 years ago from a family living on North Mill Street.

According to Connelly’s research, doll appears to INDEPENDENT the be an “Elmira Doll,” THOUGHTS created between 1890 and 1910 by a group JERRY SPAR of women in Elmira, New York, who made dolls from socks and material scraps as a way to assist and comfort people in need.

The other part of the display shines

a light on one of the most famous individuals to have come from Hopkinton: Richard Potter, who was a nationally recognized magician and ventriloquist in the early 1800s.

Making his story especially remarkable is that Potter was born to a slave named Dinah on the estate of Sir Charles Henry Frankland (on land that now is part of Ashland). According to “Richard Potter: America’s First Black Celebrity” by John A. Hodgson, Potter’s father likely was George Stimson, a white resident.

Potter traveled to Europe and apprenticed under Scottish magician and ventriloquist John Rannie. They returned to America and toured together, and eventually Potter became a headline act in his own right. He appeared all over the United States, including the South, where he sometimes was mistaken as Independent thoughts | 3

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1. Lisa is living in the Boston College dorms. Will her clothes, furniture and electronics need to be insured by a renters insurance policy since she is away from home?

2. Paul and Tracy’s son hates his high school math teacher and posts several disparaging and false remarks about the teacher online. The teacher sues the parents for defamation of character. Would Paul and Tracy’s unendorsed homeowner policy pay the claim?

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Someone hits the car while in the parking lot. Would the auto insurance pay for the claim even though the vehicle is in Maine?

Answer 1: No, the parents’ homeowner policy would extend coverage. However, if Lisa lives off campus she needs a renters policy. Answer 2: No, they would need Personal Injury coverage. Answer 3: Yes, but, if Emilia keeps the car in Maine, her parents should tell their insurance agent.

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Native American or Asian.

While Potter is not very well known today, writes Hodgson: “Two hundred years ago, however, he was the most popular entertainer in America — the first showman, in fact, to win truly nationwide fame. Working as a magician and ventriloquist, he personified for an entire generation what a popular performer was and made an invaluable contribution to establishing popular entertainment as a major part of American life.”

Potter died in 1835 and is buried in Andover, New Hampshire, where he had settled with his family.

As part of the library’s display, there is a sock doll representation of Potter.

Noted Connelly: “Dolls can be created as a way to highlight history and culture.”

Hughes returns to HHS football sideline The Hopkinton High School football team has a new coaching staff this season, but when practices start Aug. 20, there will be some very familiar faces on the field. The most notable addition is Dave Hughes, who was head coach of the Hillers for 30 years before retiring after the 2007 season. Hughes, who posted a career record of 214-94-4 with seven Tri-Valley League titles and one Super Bowl championship (1993), is a member of the Massachusetts Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Oh, and the school’s football stadium was named in his honor in 2009.

Mark Sanborn is the Hillers’ new coach, and because he only got the job this summer, he had little time to assemble his staff.

“Mark was stuck in the time frame for finding coaches, because everybody that wants to coach is already taken,” Hughes said. “So he reached out to guys he knew who had coached to see if we would do it for a year. I said, ‘Sure, I’ll

help you out.’ “ While Hughes stopped coaching the HHS varsity 14 years ago, he’s stayed involved with the game. He has coached at the youth level and, more recently, spent three years helping coach the HHS freshman team.

“So, I really never totally left,” he said.

Sharing offensive coaching duties with Hughes will be Steve Simoes, who took over as head coach after Hughes’ retirement and coached two seasons.

Simoes, who teaches government at the high school, now coaches the HHS baseball team, leading the squad to the last two Division 2 state championship games.

HHS teachers Brian Prescott, Anthony Gonzalez, Will Collins and Chaney Gaudette, who all have experience coaching multiple sports, also have signed on to join the staff.

Hughes said he is looking forward to making his return to the varsity sideline.

“I’m just excited to be working with the kids,” he said. “It’s always been fun.”

Sunday concerts expand offerings This past Sunday’s Concert on the Common featured the music of Din Check, which bills itself as New England’s premier Bollywood band.

The performance coincided with India Independence Day and was part of Parks & Rec’s initiative to “include more diverse musical acts to the concert series,” Parks & Rec director Jay Guelfi stated.

Din Check, according to its website, is a “high-energy group of dynamic personalities” that performs the most popular Bollywood sings, from golden oldies to the latest hits.

The previous Sunday, the Town Common hosted Grupo Fantasia, which plays Latin and Caribbean music.

Tales from a Townie: Town water comes to 12 Claflin Ave.

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Have you heard?

Bill Gassett is selling real estate all around Hopkinton!

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

T

his story was told to me by my mother, Evelyn M. Simmons Hamilton Swenor (1916-2010), who was born at 12 Claflin Ave. — as was her mother, Ethel Wood Simmons (1889-1972).

The main character in this tale is my great-grandfather, Alfred “Pout” Wood (1845-1935). Alfred was a machinist who worked at local factories.

His great passion in life was horn pout fishing. His favorite haunts were Ice House Pond, Duck Pond and Lake Maspenock.

The three generations of this family lived at 12 Claflin Ave., and finances were “tight.” Being able to catch many horn pout, and the neighbors wanting them, was a good thing. However, selling freshwater fish was illegal. So, what to do?

It was decided that when Pout came home with his fish late at night, he knew what nights to leave off the right number of pout at which neighbors’ homes. At a later time, the same neighbors would give him some money to help with family finances.

Now to the main story: In his retirement years, Alfred would sit in his rocking chair (which I have to this day in my living room, having been beautifully restored) and read paperback Westerns.

Before 1925, the only running water in the house was a hand pump in the kitchen sink to draw water from the well. All toilet facilities were in the outhouse behind the barn. Around 1925, the town installed water down Claflin Ave. The day they put water into his house, Alfred sat in his rocker, observing what was going on. Then, in a large closet on the first floor, the plumbers installed a tub, sink and toilet.

After the plumbers left, Alfred asked my grandmother, “Let me get this straight, we’re going to do WHAT in the house?” That was the end of their outhouse use!

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

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Community mourns librarian Kristen Webb T

he Hopkinton Public Library announced that librarian Kristen Webb passed away “unexpectedly, of sudden, natural causes” on July 28.

Webb had been the children’s librarian since 2017.

According to a post on the NEWS BRIEFS library’s website: “Kristen has worked with us at the Hopkinton Library since 2017 and was a hardworking, integral member of our staff and the Town. She was a very affable person who loved helping families in the Children’s Room and always enjoyed telling us about what was going on in her life, particularly with her two young granddaughters. Kristen will be greatly missed by us all.”

The Trails, Pulte Homes fined for violations

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At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Conservation Commission issued fines to The Trails, Hopkinton, and Pulte Homes for stormwater mitigation violations at their developments, both of which are located off Legacy Farms Road North.

At The Trails development there has been a history of violations dating back to 2018. Fines had been held in abeyance but have been reconsidered in light of the current situation. The developer was ordered to pay a total of just over $43,000.

Pulte was fined $10,200 for the most recent stormwater mitigation violation as well as $6,900 for a violation in March. …

The Planning Board met Aug. 9 to approve the Connelly Farms nine-lot subdivision at the corner of Hayden Rowe Street and College Street by a 6-0 vote with a number of conditions after considering numerous waiver requests.

At the same meeting, an OSLPD was proposed for the Turkey Ridge eight-lot subdivision off Lincoln Street and Cedar Street Extension. This was the first hearing on the project under that name. It formerly was called Deer Ridge Estates.

For more details on both meetings, check the Independent website at HopkintonIndependent. com.

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The town is offering an Emergency Housing Relief Program funded by Community Preservation Act funds approved at the 2021 Annual Town Meeting. The program provides COVID-19-related emergency mortgage and rental assistance for low- and moderate-income households.

Mortgage assistance may be provided only to those households living in housing subject to an affordable housing restriction (recorded deed restriction) or in exchange for an affordable housing deed restriction.

Rental assistance may be provided only to households living in units eligible for inclusion on the State’s Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI).

The support is for those who, due to loss of income or other assistance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, are in need of help to pay rent or mortgage. All approved payments would be made directly to landlords and mortgage holders.

The deadline for applying is Sept. 1.

More information and application forms are available at the town’s website (hopkintonma. gov), or by contacting Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus at elainel@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9701.

Senior tax relief applications due Aug. 31 Hopkinton seniors who qualified for the state’s circuit breaker tax credit on their 2020 Massachusetts income tax filing are encouraged to apply for a limited exemption of property taxes for the upcoming year. In order to be considered

HopkintonIndependent.com

for the town’s program, individuals must be age 65 or older (with any co-owners at least 60); have been a resident of Hopkinton for 10 consecutive years; have an income below $92,000 for a couple, $76,000 for head of household or $61,000 for a single applicant; have an assessed value of their residence of $848,000 or less; and have financial assets beyond the home of $250,000 or less.

The application deadline is Aug. 31. For more information, visit the town’s website at hopkintonma.gov or call the Assessors Office at 508-497-9720.

Town committees have vacancies Select Board Vice Chair Amy Ritterbusch noted that while the board has appointed many people to town committees over the past few weeks, there are several boards with vacancies for which no one has applied, and new openings occur frequently.

Among those with seats available are: Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, Appropriation Committee, Board of Appeals, Council on Aging, Fence Viewer, Hopkinton Historic District Commission (one opening for a resident of the district and another opening for an architect). Marathon Committee, Marathon Fund Committee, Permanent Building Committee, Personnel Committee, Surveyor of Wood, Lumber and Bark, Sustainable Green Committee, Tax Relief Committee, Upper Charles Trail Committee and Veterans Celebration Committee.

Stated Ritterbusch: “This is the perfect opportunity for new people to step up and get involved.”

For more information, visit the town’s website at hopkintonma.gov.

Carter new public health nurse Simone Carter was unanimously confirmed by the Select Board on Aug. 3 as the new public health nurse for the town. She replaces Kasey Mauro, who stepped down from her full-time role in June.

Carter, a native of Louisiana who lives in town with her family, most recently had been working for the Natick/Walpole Visiting Nurse Association (VNA). She received strong recommendations, according to Town Manager Norman Khumalo.

“The references that we spoke to confirmed what we already heard during the interview, that you are compassionate, you have the ability to adapt very quickly — which is what we have experienced here in Hopkinton over the last two years related to public health issues that have come up,” Khumalo said. “We also confirmed your ability to cope with stress. In addition, we heard that you pay attention to details, and that comes along with the care that you provide to your patients. Also, spectacularly, that you are a true professional.”

Asked why she chose to apply for the opening in Hopkinton, Carter said she felt it was “the next right thing to do.”

“This is going to sound a little corny, but I have a little bit of a calling,” she said. “I think most folks who go into these types of health care scenarios do. You do it because you feel called to it. And I live here. I have a sense of ownership and community — ownership in the sense that I take pride in where I live.”

Schneiderman OK’d as outreach coordinator Julia Schneiderman was unanimously confirmed by the Select Board to be the new outreach coordinator at the Senior Center. She replaces Marlene Troupes.

Schneiderman spent 12 1/2 years with BayPath Elder Services before working the last two years as supportive services coordinator with Tri-Valley, News briefs | 5

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 5 Mental Health.

For more information, visit the Youth and Family services website at hopkintonma.gov/residents/resources.

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Janvi Puri for this photo of the lake at Hopkinton State Park at sunset. Writes Puri: “I like how the photo evokes a sense of calmness and serenity, especially due to the silhouette of the trees surrounding the lake.” To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

on, Hey Hopkint Get out s! your camera

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton.

The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria.

St. Paul’s Church to share priest St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Wood Street in Hopkinton announced that it signed a letter of agreement with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Westborough to share a priest-incharge, Rev. Mary Rosendale.

The collaboration is unusual because it brings together churches from two different dioceses. St. Paul’s is with the Diocese of Massachusetts, and St. Stephen’s is with the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

“It’s been a joy to assist in bringing these two congregations and Rev. Rosendale together!,” said Rev. Martha Hubbard, regional canon of the Diocese of Massachusetts. “They are remarkably open to a ministry God is calling them into together, and have shown great generosity and flexibility in working out the details. This is an experiment that is bound to benefit these parishes and be a model for others who might also be called to collaborate.”

The deal was signed July 25 and takes effect Sept. 1.

“We are thrilled that we are able to bring a shared priest to St Paul’s parish and join the congregations in a supportive arrangement for celebrating our Christianity and the Word of God,” said Laurie LaBrecque, senior warden of St. Paul’s. “We look forward to starting this journey together with St. Stephen’s.”

Inc., a nonprofit that helps seniors and people with disabilities.

“The references confirmed what we really enjoyed finding out during the interview process: very pragmatic problem-solver, good with follow through, a collaborator, always friendly, nonthreatening, compassionate, down to earth, and is a moving library of a very broad range of community resources,” Khumalo said.

Schneiderman called the position her “dream job,” adding: “I love working with elders.”

The Select Board also unanimously confirmed the hirings of Shivani Raval as procurement and grants manager, and Donald Jazzerowski as custodian in the Facilities Department.

Behavioral health screenings offered The town announced earlier this month that Hopkinton Youth and Family Services has partnered with MindWise Innovations, a division of Riverside Community Care, to offer free, confidential online behavioral health screenings to Hopkinton community members in both English and

Spanish.

“We encourage community members to share this link with their loved ones and friends, and to explore these screenings themselves,” Youth and Family Services Director Dawn Alcott Miller said. “These screenings will help people identify behavioral health issues that they may be experiencing and provide recommendations to begin addressing any areas of concern.”

The 14 scientifically validated behavioral health screenings include the following topics: anxiety, depression, general wellness, adolescent depression, adolescent substance use, gambling, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), opioid use, substance use, psychosis (for self or loved one) and more.

Once the screening is complete, community members will receive comprehensive explanations about their mood and behaviors, along with informational materials about next steps. The behavioral health screenings are for informational purposes only, and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

The screenings will be available through at least early June 2022 and are made possible through a generous MetroWest grant program for mental health via the state Department of

Department of Public Works Director John Westerling and Lake Maspenock Weed Management and Advisory Committee member Drew Logan provided the Select Board with an update.

Logan said this past winter’s extended drawdown of the lake was not as effective as hoped and the weed problem is an issue that again will need to be addressed, possibly with more aggressive methods. …

At the Aug. 3 Select Board meeting, Scott Gonfrade was appointed constable and James Frederick was appointed traffic constable, with both terms expiring June 30, 2024. …

The Select Board accepted the resignation of Rory Warren from the Board of Appeals. The board accepted the resignation “with deep regret” and thanks him for his service. …

For the Board of Registrars of Voters, Doris Early, nominated by the Democratic Town Committee, was named to fill the seat that expires in February 2023. The Republican Town Committee has yet to nominate someone to replace Brian Karp, who will continue to serve for the time being. Karp switched from Republican to unenrolled, according to Town Clerk Connor Degan. …

Degan gave the Select Board a heads-up that there is a plan in place to redraw the town’s four precincts into five, which will be required when the latest census results confirm the town’s increase in population. …

The Select Board approved a gift of $1,000 to the Police Department from the Hopkinton Cricket Club and expressed gratitude for the gesture.

Thinking of Selling?

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

News briefs | from page 4

Misc.: Lake Maspenock weeds still an issue

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TODAY’S SELLERS MARKET It may not last!

HHS senior runs so others can have water Aryan Shah committed to running 5 miles per day for 20 consecutive days as part of a fundraiser for a charity that helps provide water to people in need.

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rowing up in Hopkinton, Aryan Shah has enjoyed many privileges that most people of the world are unable to experience. Following a conversation last year with his father, Jinal, the rising senior at Hopkinton High School began to take stock of the many blessings in his life and think about those who have less.

“When my dad and I talked, it made me understand how fortunate we are,” Shah said. “Our necessities are luxuries in other places. It made me understand that there are two different ends of a spectrum: We have what we need, but there are other people in this world who don’t.”

The teenager decided to do something about it, and he used one of his biggest passions as a way to make a difference. He ran.

Shah is a member of the HHS track and field team and a distance runner.

Through his research, he found that there are about a billion people on the planet who have to walk, sometimes several miles, in order to get the water they need.

So Shah decided to run for water.

He made a commitment to run 100 miles over 20 days, or 5 miles per day.

“First of all, I just love running,” he said. “But I also thought running for water would be a way of feeling what they feel.”

Shah ticked off 5 miles per day, usually averaging somewhere between six and seven minutes per mile and typically following a route near his Hopkinton home, though he said he tries to mix it up when possible. Mostly he ran by himself, but occasionally a friend joined him. Shah admitted there were days when it was more difficult than others to complete the 5 miles.

“It kind of starts out easy, but you’re supposed to take break days when you

HopkintonIndependent.com

do long runs and I didn’t get to do that, so there were days when I was tired,” he said.

Shah did his running in May and June of 2020, in the midst of the first wave of COVID-19 infections in the state and with his spring track season canceled. In addition to raising more than $1,300 for charitywater.org, he was able to stay active in something that is outside and perfect for social distancing.

“It was something I could do to pass the time,” he said.

But the runs did a lot more than just pass the time. According to the charity, raising $1,300 was enough to help 33 people gain access to a lifetime supply of water through newly constructed wells. So Shah decided that the challenge would become an annual event.

“It showed me if I can do this every year, I can really chip in in a big way,” he said.

Shah is back running this year.

Since the spring track season returned, he is now running during the summer months when he is not training for the Hillers. And people are joining him.

Friends Josh Huang, Spencer Horgan, Matthew Burdulis and Srikar Ravi have pledged to raise money by running for water as well, and Shah’s cousin in London did a Bike for Water fundraiser.

Shah is inviting anyone interested in joining the cause to contact him via Instagram @runforwater77 or email at aryanjshah@gmail.com. He will be accepting donations through the end of the year at charitywater.org/aryan-shah/ run-for-water-1.

Shah said he is happy that the conversation with his father has started something that has the potential to make a significant impact in people’s lives.

“I think he is really proud, he wants me to put myself out there and make a difference,” Shah said. “And other people want to take part. Everyone understands this is a good idea and they want to do their part.”

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 7

Nasrullah offers different look as Select Board chair his J.D. from Golden Gate University in California and his Master’s of Studies in Environment Law from Vermont Law School.

After working primarily on environmental law — first for the government and then in private practice, “helping some of the guys I was beating up before” — Nasrullah now mainly focuses on real estate law.

His office is located on Main Street, a spot that has been directly affected by the Main Street construction.

He’s taken to bicycling to work to avoid the traffic congestion.

He said his primary goals as chair will be to “see the Main Street Corridor Project through with the least impact

Nasrullah | from page 1

was kind of a wakeup call that I do need to get involved, even if it’s at the local level.

I thought it was important to put my face and name out there as a Pakistani-American, that, ‘Hey, we’re regular people, it’s not what the xenophobes are saying we are.’ ” Nasrullah first was elected to a oneyear stint on the Planning Board in 2017, then he ran a successful campaign for a Select Board seat. Last year, he was chosen vice chair. This year, Brendan Tedstone, the outgoing chair, nominated Nasrullah to be his successor, and the vote was unanimous.

“I was so thrilled to vote for Irfan as chair for many reasons; he is smart, thoughtful, reasoned, and obviously dedicated to this beautiful town,” Select Board Member Muriel Kramer stated.

“That he is the first person to serve in that role who represents racial or cultural diversity is truly a bonus. And still that it has taken us until 2021 to get to that milestone is reason also to reflect that it has taken us too long to reach it.

He has and will continue to bring so much we need to the role. It is a pleasure to serve with him.”

Member Amy Ritterbusch first served with Nasrullah on the Planning Board.

“I’ve found him to be very thoughtful and able to listen, be respectful and see both sides of any issue that comes up,” she stated. “I was very happy for him to take on the Select Board chair role this year. As Hopkinton has grown and is welcoming more residents of diverse backgrounds, Irfan has a valuable perspective as a child of immigrants and a person of color who has lived in Hopkinton most of his life. I think it is important for young children growing up in Hopkinton to see people like themselves who serve in leadership roles in town, no matter their ethnicity or gender, and feel confident that if they want to volunteer when they grow up that they can have a seat at the table too.”

Before moving to Hopkinton in 1981, when he was a high school freshman, Nasrullah had lived in Holliston.

He said that as a youngster he did not have any issues fitting in — both in Holliston and Hopkinton — although because he attended private school (Bancroft), he didn’t have the opportunity to make as many friends.

“Even then, I managed to meet a few people around town riding my bike, and people would wave and come out to talk,” he said. “So, I’ve always felt Hopkinton to be a very welcoming town. That’s my personal experience.

I can’t say what it’s like for others.

My experience has been overwhelmingly welcoming. Even on the Planning Board and the Select Board, I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and everyone’s been eager to see me succeed.”

Nasrullah, who lives in the same house he lived in as a teen — he and his wife bought it from his mother and have raised their two children there — attended UMass-Amherst and then got

possible” and help manage the town’s population growth.

And while he takes pride in his role as chair, he says it’s not because he looks different than those who came before him.

“It’s really not something I think about,” he said. “And I think it comes back to the fact that I feel so welcomed, that race has never been an issue. I suppose after it’s all said and done I will probably look back on it and be proud, like, yes, I was able to break that barrier. But I don’t think the barrier was inserted by anyone or any system. It’s just a reflection of the town. And the diversity of the town, as it changes, we’ll have more. I was just the first.”

When Trump was elected it was kind of a wakeup call that I do need to get involved, even if it’s at the local level.

— Select Board Chair Irfan Nasrullah

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Inaugural SACH 5K to benefit Hopkinton Emergency Fund

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he South Asian Circle of Hopkinton is using the power of movement to assist the Hopkinton Emergency Fund through a virtual 5K to be held next month.

This will be the first annual 5K sponsored by the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton (SACH), a nonprofit formed in September 2018. The event will run from Sept. 18-26. Because it is virtual, people can walk or run a route of their choosing outside or even on a treadmill and log their progress. Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome and

will receive a “Step it Up for Hopkinton” T-shirt to commemorate the experience.

“We started SACH with the idea of connecting the South Asian community with the larger community of Hopkinton,” communications chair Charusmitha “Smitha” Ram explained.

“We also wanted to celebrate our culture and educate everybody in town so they can celebrate with us and spread positive energy.”

The inspiration for the organization had arisen the previous year, when a group of about eight South Asian families came together to celebrate holiday traditions such as Diwali as

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a larger community. It blossomed as people from the different cultures in the region shared their traditions and common interests, as well as their desire to help others.

“The majority of South Asians in Hopkinton is comprised of Indians,” Ram noted. “But we didn’t want to be just another Indian community. We wanted to be inclusive of all groups, so we have members who are Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankans and people from other territories in the subcontinent.

“When I was growing up in India, we didn’t have a lot of exposure to these cultures,” she continued. “It’s

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awesome to learn about the other regions and cultures. Now we are all together in the same town.”

Since that time, SACH has participated in a number of community events, including diversity mural paintings, Juneteenth, Pride Day and a celebration of Holi, the festival of colors.

“We like to collaborate with other organizations and form a circle of support,” Ram said. “We’ve been trying to spread out our tentacles in different directions to help others.”

The genesis for the 5K fundraiser was a group SACH formed called Step it Up with SACH. President Ruta Upalekar, an avid runner who will participate in the Boston Marathon this fall, came up with the idea to connect with others while exercising. SACH had hoped to start the 5K last year, but COVID-19 thwarted those plans.

“She’s been such an inspiration to us,” Ram said. “We would all count our steps and aim for about 10,000 and post in our WhatsApp group. We also share nutrition information. It was really motivational.”

Starting on July 25, the group also started holding weekly Sunday morning runs where members participate in pre-run stretches and post-exercise yoga.

“For me the best part is that we all bring yoga mats and do our stretching,” Ram said. “I get a burst of energy to start the week.”

Ram also is the communications director for the Hopkinton Emergency Fund, which will be the beneficiary of this year’s effort. The Hopkinton Emergency Fund, a private nonprofit, collaborates with local service organizations to provide emergency relief to Hopkinton residents. The group provides funds to help with costs such as rental assistance, health care and car repairs, expenses that are beyond the scope of other nonprofits. Partners include Hopkinton Youth and Family Services, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Project Just Because and the Hopkinton Senior Center.

“We’ve received a lot of applications for help already,” Ram said, noting that applications get filtered through those groups. “At least three families have been helped by this initiative. They were able to avoid eviction in time to look for a new job and have that continuity to support themselves.”

Ram stressed that while Hopkinton is perceived as a well-off suburb, there are people in need everywhere, particularly in light of the pandemic.

The Hopkinton Emergency Fund will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from the 5K, Ram said, adding that she hopes this effort will make the organization more well known.

Ram also welcomed people to create teams or join the Step it Up social group on Sundays at 8 a.m.. The group usually meets at the Hopkins Elementary School parking lot and sets out on a run from there.

“We also want people to take pictures of themselves during the 5K so we can publicize it and socialize it,” she added.

Participants will be given suggested routes to walk or run throughout Hopkinton as well as information on nutrition and injury prevention tips.

Participants can register for the 5K on the SACH website at southasiancircleofhopkinton.org. For more information about the Hopkinton Emergency Fund, visit hopkintonemergencyfund.org.

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 9

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

Final Sunday Concert on the Common Aug. 22 Hopkinton Parks & Rec’s Concerts on the Common series wraps up Aug. 22 with Studio Two-Beatles Tribute Band. The performance starts at 5 p.m. and is free. For more information, visit the Parks & Rec website at hopkintonma. myrec.com.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS A Play, A Pint, and A Pie | Aug. 28 Come see four great plays and enjoy a pint of beer (or root beer) and a savory pie with your ticket purchase. Outdoors at the HCA. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org.

Youth Theater Auditions | Aug. 30 Join the cast of Enter Stage Left Theater’s Fall youth production of “Bedtime Stories (as told by your dad) (who always messed them up)”. For grades 2 to 5. Details and registration information at www.hopartscenter.org.

Drivin’ Blind | Sept. 4 Enjoy an evening of rockin’ blues with Drivin’ Blind outdoors at the HCA. Bring your dinner and a chair and sit back and listen to the music. Sat., 6pm. Free tickets available at www. hopartscenter.org HCA Fall Open House | Sept. 11 Join us at the HCA for a fall-inspired afternoon filled with artwork, activities, and fun for all ages. Register for this free event at www.hopartscenter. org.

Neil & The Vipers | Sept. 3 Outdoor music concert at the HCA with the Rhode Island based band Neal & The Vipers. Music begins at 6pm.

Reserve your free tickets at www.hopartscenter.org.

9/11 Memorial Service at Town Common Sept. 11 The American Legion and the Old Guard New England are planning a 9/11 Memorial Service at the Town Common on Saturday, Sept. 11, from 3-5 p.m.

The event will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks and honor veterans who died during the COVID lockdown, when memorial services were unable to be held. The service will include an introductory musical performance by the Hopkinton High School band.

Marathon Quilters 2021 Quilt Show Sept. 11-12 The Marathon Quilters 2021 Quilt Show is titled “Imagine the Possibilities.” It will be held Sept. 11-12 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (98 Hayden Rowe St.). There will be 70-plus quilts on display, as well as a community art quilt project, raffle baskets, a quilt raffle, quilts for sale, a boutique shop and vendors. Admission fee is $6 (under 12 free). For more information, visit marathonquilters.com.

Dignity Matters silent auction Sept. 16-23 Dignity Matters, a regional nonprofit with a Hopkinton chapter that supports the needs of women and girls who are homeless or disadvantaged, is holding an online silent auction fundraiser from Sept. 16-23. Items available include sports, entertainment and vacation packages, gift certificates, jewelry and custom accessories. For more information, visit bit.ly/dignity-matters-now.

SACH virtual 5K Sept. 18-26 The South Asian Circle of Hopkinton (SACH) is hosting the inaugural SACH 5K to raise funds for the Hopkinton Emergency Fund. This year’s event will be held virtually, with people completing their 5K between Sept. 18-26.

Individuals can walk/run outside or on a treadmill. For more information, visit southasiancircleofhopkinton.org.

Angel Fund Golf Tournament at HCC Sept. 20 The seventh annual Angel Fund Golf Tournament to benefit ALS research will be held Monday, Sept. 20, at the Hopkinton Country Club. The 18-hole tournament begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10:30.

The $200 per person entry fee includes greens fees, carts, dinner, gifts and prizes. A cocktail reception will begin at 4 p.m., followed by dinner at 5 p.m..

Non-golfers can attend the dinner for $40 per person. Sponsorships also are available. For registration and more information, visit theangelfund.org or call 781-245-7070.

Fall Classes and Workshops now open for registration! www.HopArtsCenter.org

Baypath Paws & Claws 5K Oct. 17 Monthly Veterans Breakfast at Senior Center Sept. 3 The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center.

In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the JUST SOLD! breakfast switches to the second Friday. The cost is $4. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck or Judi Allessio at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

Treblemakers community chorus seeks singers The Treblemakers, under the direction of Eric Miller, will return to in-person rehearsals and performances this fall at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to join.

No audition is required. The group will practice on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m., starting Sept. 8.

Holiday concerts are scheduled for Dec. 9 and 11. The participation fee for the fall/holiday session is $150.

Masks and proof of vaccination are required. For more information, email Treblemakers.Chorus@gmail.com or call 508-686-7347.

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Registration is open for the 12th annual Paws & Claws 5K to benefit the Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. The event — which will return live this year — will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, at Hopkinton State Park. The event includes a division for those running/walking with a dog. For more information, visit baypathhumane.org.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

In new book, Ciaramicoli focuses on nation’s need to regain civility, reason

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n his latest nonfiction work, “America Reunited,” Hopkinton resident Dr. Arthur P. Ciaramicoli states his belief that our nation has a cancer — one that is treatable, but only if we devise a treatment plan that each citizen is willing to implement.

“As I’ve seen in my practice over the years, many people suffer from the inability to relate constructively to others and to recognize differences as possible strengths rather than as critical weaknesses,” Ciaramicoli explained.

As a licensed clinical psychologist who has treated individuals for more than 35 years, Ciaramicoli understands the importance of opening one’s heart and becoming more vulnerable, while acknowledging, Our nation is on a precipice. We examining and resolving either become more flexible, more the wounds in one’s own life that have remained reasonable and more empathic unhealed. or we will be witnessing the “When my clients come to terms with their rage exhibited at the Capitol own unresolved issues, [in January] throughout our their hearts soften and their anger dissipates. country on a regular basis, until They find their world exall semblance of democracy and pands as does their range of friendships, and this redecency is lost. sults in high-spirited, hap­— Dr. Arthur P. Ciaramicoli pier lives,” he concluded.

Research cited in the book shows an unprecedented level of hatred and bias among Americans today. Ciaramicoli’s work crystalizes America’s language war and reflects on how hateful speech has eroded the culture.

“We live in a racist society,” he said. “We must all acknowledge the racial divide and understand the origin of our hatred in order to heal as a nation.”

Ciaramicoli has studied and written extensively about the importance of developing an empathic nature. Throughout “America Reunited,” individual client stories explore what keeps people alienated and apart in this country: sexism, racism, the economy, immigration and self-care.

A lover of lifelong learning and diversity, Ciaramicoli understands how much people can gain from being exposed to different cultures, ethnicities and religions. These experiences can enrich one’s sense of empathy, allowing individuals to become more and more adept at reading others. He knows that to live freely, people must unravel their tendency to be dominated by old hurts that are accompanied by deep emotions because those intense emotions can drive one into a frenzy that can result in hurting oneself or another.

“Our nation is on a precipice,” he warned. “We either become more flexible, more reasonable and more empathic or we will be witnessing the rage exhibited at the Capitol [in January] throughout our country on a regular basis, until all semblance of democracy and decency is lost.”

As a psychologist, Ciaramicoli helps to uncover the potential within each individual that has lain dormant due to old, inaccurate views of self. He teaches clients to slow down and use their capacity for empathy to ascertain the facts while taming their brain not to exaggerate or dismiss an opposing fact or situation. He emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with others.

“Empathy allows us to see beyond the surface,” Ciaramicoli said. “It is the greatest guide to truth. Developing this quality will allow us to thrive collectively and as individuals.”

Ciaramicoli’s work reveals that we have the opportunity to integrate new learning when we are open to understanding alternative points of view.

He urges readers to become involved in a consistent effort to restore decency rather than destroy the freedoms we have cherished for decades.

“We cannot be passive, but we cannot be aggressive either,” Ciaramicoli insisted. “We all need to listen more than we talk. We need to reach out beyond our comfort zone and beyond the groups we belong to. These actions will be key to healing our country.”

Ciaramicoli is a member of the American Psychological Association and Book | 11

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 11

Town seeks remedy to accident-prone location on West Main Street

KD

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This area of West Main Street has seen numerous accidents — some serious — over the past few years.

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

A

t the Aug. 3 Select Board meeting, the board addressed an issue raised by a resident regarding a traffic issue at Cumberland Farms on West Main Street, where a number accidents — including some serious ones — have occurred.

Resident Darlene Hayes made a request — her second to the board — asking that a no left turn sign be installed at the exit from the convenience store and gas station at 91 West Main Street. The accidents often occur when a driver in the right lane of eastbound traffic stops to allow a driver exiting Cumberland Farms to make the left turn onto West Main Street westbound, but someone driving in the left lane of eastbound traffic does not see what is happening and collides with the exiting vehicle.

Town Manager Norman Khumalo recommended that the board authorize him to continue to evaluate how recent measures are working as well as “taking into account any other new information that the town may have now in defining a solution for this.”

Part of the problem is that the property is privately owned.

“It stands to be said that as a town we do not have an established process for handling these issues,” Khumalo said. “And I think that’s why we have to go through this protracted stakeholder negotiation process. Our opportunities to define measures that had been discussed as possible solutions to this issue usually come through our formal regular planning process. The proponent has not presented a plan here. This is a situation where I think we need to find a way to engage with the property owner, seek input from the public and

Ciaramicoli focuses on nation’s need to regain civility, reason Book | from page 10

the Massachusetts Psychological Association. He is co-director of the Empathic Lifestyle Institute, a collaboration between American and Chinese psychologists and educators.

A member of The Visioneers International Network, Ciaramicoli recently received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Health and Well-Being. To discover more, visit balanceyoursuccess.com.

hopefully come up with a good evaluation of what’s working given the adjustments that have been made, and also an evaluation of the other options that have come to light since the last option was implemented.”

Select Board Member Brendan Tedstone said it appears that the town might be at least partly responsible for the problem, as originally the road had one eastbound lane there, but a second lane was added for those making a left turn onto Lumber Street Extension.

“It’s unfortunate that we would put this back onto the business who’s done everything that they’re supposed to do, whereas the town created the hardship for them,” Tedstone said. “I would think it would leave us susceptible to a lawsuit if they were not in agreement with our proposals.”

Said Khumalo: “The town controls the right of way, and then there’s private property that abuts the private way. For any solution to work, the two need to work together.”

Hayes noted that there are no left turn signs at the two shopping plazas just up the road (UniBank/Starbucks and Bank of America/Dynasty) for vehicles exiting onto West Main Street.

She shared that her son was involved in an accident at the location, and she was told that his accident was one of many.

“It was my kid, he got hit really bad,” she said. “Since then, there’s been oodles. We’re up to over two dozen accidents there. And this is in less than two years.

“I’m going to keep pushing, because there was a sign not to take a left there at one point. … Now you’re looking at a huge second gas station compound going in across the street. There’s got to just be something that’s got to be better for public safety.”

Added Hayes: “That is a huge hangout for kids under 18 driving. They come in, they get their snacks, they get gas, they run around, they cut over to Starbucks. That is an accident for under21s waiting to happen big-time. And a couple of them have been very bad accidents [involving] under 21-years-olds.”

Khumalo said he will continue to work on finding a solution that is agreeable for all parties, and the board expressed support.

“I think there are solutions that are certainly respectful of private property owners and businesses; we want to make sure we’re doing that,” Select Board Member Muriel Kramer said. “But safety is the No. 1 concern.”

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

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sentation on the topic. She noted that the commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has said that the decision on masks will “be made at the local level.”

“We just want all students to have equitable, inclusive and reasonably safe learning environments that uphold COVID-19 safety measures and protocols,” she said. “We want to ensure the mental, social and emotional health of students and staff.”

Agencies including DESE, the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have not decided to make mask wearing a requirement but do “strongly recommend” that masks be worn indoors by students in kindergarten through Grade 6, as well as unvaccinated children and adults. The policy must remain fluid as data changes, she added. She suggested that the policy be reviewed on a monthly basis.

The Delta variant was classified as “a variant of concern” because it spreads more quickly than other forms of the virus and causes more infections.

Compared to the initial strain, in which an infected person could spread the virus to three people, the Delta variant can be spread to seven people, according to data the superintendent culled from a report on National Public Radio.

Students and staff should remain home if they feel ill, the superintendent stressed.

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virus transmission. There were 525 signatures gathered on the change.org petition from April 6-11, with more expected.

Parent Chris Melton spoke against the mask policy, noting that he believed a seasonal flu to present more of a risk of

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fatality for children than COVID. He presented a letter signed by more than 200 residents asking that the mask policy not be re-instituted. Their goal was to have parents have a choice about whether their children should wear masks.

“Viruses mutate to survive; that’s what they do,” he continued. “But they become less harmful and more treatable, just like influenza.”

Melton described a child’s mask as “a symbolic security blanket to adults, not for children.”

Jenna Phillips is a research scientist at a biomedical research center. She asked that the wearing of masks be made a mandatory policy, noting that she has been part of an international COVID-19 research team that has studied the effects of the virus.

“I know that masking up has become a political debate,” she said. “But as a scientist, this is incredibly troubling.”

She noted that mask use has been shown to stop the spread of the virus by 70 percent. In two small studies she referenced, she said mask use did not impair children’s breathing ability during rest or mild exercise, although these tests were not taken during COVID-19.

“We have a duty as citizens to protect each other and to protect our community with this very simple public health measure,” she said.

Sabra Mitchell said she was concerned that children were not able to learn social cues with masks.

“We’re going to be creating children that aren’t socially aware, and maybe not self-aware,” she said.

School Committee Chair Nancy Cavanaugh explained that the committee is the ultimate authority on policy decisions.

“We are trying our best to make the best decision we can for all students across the district,” she said. “It’s obvious from not just what we’ve heard here tonight but what we’ve seen on social media and in the email is that, no matter what we decide, a good chunk of people are going to be angry.”

Superintendent of Schools Carol Cavanaugh gave a pre-

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The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 13

Math coach Moran adds fun to summer learning

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

S

helly Moran, the math coach for the Hopkinton Public Schools, never figured she would be teaching the subject to which she once had an aversion when she was in school.

“I was a reluctant math student,” explained Moran, who has been teaching in the Hopkinton school system for 15 years and for 21 years overall. “Math was harder for me in the younger years.

But as I matured, I realized that math was almost like a puzzle and there was more logical reasoning and thinking involved than just basic skills.”

Her experiences have allowed her to empathize with students who are intimidated by the subject, as well as their parents, some of whom are bewildered by the concept of “a new movement in math” they call “new math.”

“I think that the years I spent struggling with math have helped me become a more understanding math teacher for my students,” Moran said. “We’re trying to teach kids the conceptual understanding of the math work rather than just the tricks. I tell my students, ‘I want mathematicians, not magicians.’ ” In the past, the teaching philosophy was memorization of tables rather than the rationale of solving a problem.

Moran, a graduate of Stonehill College, hopes to inspire a new generation of

students who can go onto careers in “Summer math was a pleasure, especially with the July fields such as engineering and the weather we had this year,” commented Jonathan Haddad in sciences. an email. “It was good to keep the minds fresh and keep the “Maybe calling it a movement focus on what is to come next year. Jordan and I loved it.” is too dramatic,” Moran said. “Some Anu Radha also praised the program and its impact on of the kids will say they are not good Math coach | 14 -k at math, and they get some of that PrReOUGH TH h from their parents. I think we needre-kH Higool G h P ROU c S to change that mindset because evTH h Higool eryone has math ability.”

-k h c PrReOUGH Moran previously was a fifth-S TH h Higool grade teacher who was able to take h Sc NEW School Year, on a position as a part-time math coach simultaneously. Now she is NEW Experiences.

Shelly Moran the district’s full-time math coach Same Consistent who proposed the summer curriculum last summer for children entering Grades 1-6 to Assistant Superintendent Jen Parson.

Results with “What I really wanted to do last year was drum up some Kumon. business,” she said. “I wanted to let families and students see how exciting and fun math can be over the summer.”

She lamented that for decades, students had been given summer reading lists but had no opportunities to sharpen their arithmetic acuity.

“It was a really big success,” she said, noting that the students participated on virtual platforms. “It’s fun things — games and To learn more, schedule an orientation today! puzzles. To show that they completed the tasks, they recorded themselves doing victory dances, which was my favorite.”

This summer, about 350 kids are enrolled in the summer math program.

Kumon Math and Reading Centers of “I can tell that there is a lot of support from family memHopkinton Westborough bers,” Moran said. “One of the assignments was to interview 77 Main Street 18 Lyman Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 Westborough, MA 01581 their family members and ask them how they use math at home 508-435-0273 508-870-3133 and at school. Some of the parents also got onscreen, so I was able to connect with them.” © 2021 Kumon North America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Parents said they appreciated the program in response to an email from Moran seeking feedback.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Math coach Moran adds fun to summer learning Math coach | from page 13

her daughter.

“I think it’s a great idea to arrange these sorts of programs for kids, to make sure they don’t forget their math skills over the summer,” Radha emailed. “Sanvi enjoyed doing the math, and the most she enjoyed was the challenge puzzles.

She also used to follow the examples which were posted and then used them to solve the problem. It was very helpful.”

Moran said she knows firsthand about how students work to gain confidence in learning new skills, as she is the mother of a third-grader and a fifth-grader.

The biggest reward for her was going to classrooms throughout the district this spring.

“As I was walking away from a school, I would hear the students cheering, ‘Math! Math! Math!’ ” Moran said. “I think the best thing about this is that all students can feel successful.”

During the pandemic, Moran offered math coaching talks virtually to elementary school students. She witnessed students gaining confidence through their experiences.

“I wanted them to see the marriage between rational thinking and numbers,” she said. “I would show a number of dots, for example.

Some students would see five dots as three plus two, while others would combine one and four. But everyone came to the same result.”

Being able to teach online offered another outlet to reaching students, Moran said.

“I don’t know if virtual teaching would have been accepted before COVID,” she said, noting that many parents such as herself try to limit their kids’ time on devices. “I do think that some kids have more comfort doing things on their own rather than in a class setting.”

Moran’s role also is to encourage fellow math teachers to experiment in the ways they teach the subject.

“I say that it’s better to have students make a mistake and know why they made it than to do something without knowing why it works and getting it right,” she said.

HHS duo honored at Invention Convention

H

opkinton High School students Nicolette Buonora and Lauren Strechay won two awards at the sixth annual Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, hosted by The Henry Ford Museum online this spring. The girls were waiting for the results SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK from the global level of competition, in which they were invited to compete.

The duo invented a flashlight for police that has a “battery swap” system, so when one set of batteries is used up there is another set to keep the LED light working.

In addition to winning the Most Energy Sustainable Award, the project was named a Patent Application winner, which includes funds for a U.S. patent application.

HMS robotics team takes top honor Hopkinton Middle School Robotics’ Titans Team 1715T won the Excellence Award for the Mars Division at VEX Worlds in May. The Excellence Award is the highest honor awarded by VEX to the best overall performance by a team.

College Honors: Brown presents at Lasell Abigail Brown, a Lasell University student from Hopkinton, presented at the university’s

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Spring Symposium research showcase, “The Invention of Now.” Brown presented the latest issue of Polished, a student-run magazine focused on Boston’s fashion and cultural scene. Polished has received numerous awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association in its Gold Circle and Silver Circle categories and is recognized as one of the leading collegiate publications in the country.

Brown was one of the issue’s stylists.

The Spring Connected Learning Symposium is one of two annual research symposia held at Lasell University. Student presentations provide scholarly insights into a variety of industry topics, and showcase practical skills and career competencies across those industries. …

Ben Powers was assigned to the USS Leyte Gulf at Virginia’s Norfolk Naval Base for his first summer of naval training. Upon completion of his training, Powers will return to Norwich University, where he will begin his junior year as an electrical engineering major and serve as a cadet sergeant in the corps, while also playing football for the school. …

At Bates College, Alex Kovacs and Nicky Desai were named to the dean’s list. …

Tatyana Markovich was named to the dean’s list at the University of New England. …

Parker Petruney (business) and Samantha Riley (international relations) earned their degrees from Saint Anselm College.

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

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HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 15

Resident’s Jimmy Fund Walk team hits milestone

Contrary to Popular Belief

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Members of Team Darby pose before a past year’s walk.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

D

arby Stott was a dear friend of Hopkinton resident Patrick Sansonetti, graduating Marian High School in Framingham in 1989 and Holy Cross four years later. When Stott died after battling a second round of metastatic breast cancer in 2014, Sansonetti took on the cause his friend cared most about — raising money for cancer research through the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk.

Team Darby, which was honored in March for raising more than $1 million during its eight-year existence, is gearing up for the Jimmy Fund Walk, which will be held virtually on Oct. 3.

Team Darby is the 12th team to reach the $1 million mark in the walk’s 33year history.

“This has now become her legacy,” Sansonetti, a Team Darby co-captain, explained. “Many of her friends from high school, college and work, and of course her family, take part. Even people who didn’t necessarily know her have become part of the team.”

He noted that raising more than $1 million is “very substantial for a team that does not have a corporate sponsor.”

“Darby wanted to give back to Dana-Farber because the people there had done so much for her,” Sansonetti said. “Not just the care they provided, but also the support she needed. She was such a great friend, so supporting a cause that she was so passionate about was an easy decision.”

Stott was diagnosed two days before Christmas 2011 when she was 40 years old, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

She went through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and, after a year of treatment, was thought to be in remission. When she died in 2014, it had recurred, spreading throughout her body.

Stott was honored by the Jimmy Fund prior to her death by being chosen to give the keynote speech at the annual Boston Marathon pasta dinner the night before the event in 2014, Sansonetti said. This was when she announced he would not be able to participate in the walk because the cancer had metastasized.

So many people were touched by that that they ended up getting involved,

either from a contribution standpoint or Do you think your home will sell in a from a walking standpoint by joining weekend? Is it move-in ready? Give the team,” Sansonetti said. me a call. I would be happy to answer Prior to her second diagnosis in all of your questions.

2013, Stott had run the marathon “a couple of times,” Sansonetti said. She Contact John at Fitzgerald Real Estate died shortly before the 2014 walk. when looking to sell or buy your home.

“She took a liking to the walking part and decided to create a team to raise funds for her doctor and the (508) 245-4334 whole metastatic breast cancer unit,” he added. “The walk usually takes 508fitz.com place along the same route as the marathon, but it was held virtually last 508fitz@gmail.com year and will be this year.”

Sansonetti has been a Hopkinton resident for the past 15 years and previously lived in the town during the 1980s, attending Grades 4-12 here.

“The Marathon is a special day in Hopkinton,” he said. “And of course, Health & Safety Matters it is unique to our town.”

Added Sansonetti: “When I was Most To Us a Boy Scout, we would all be in a van and pick up the trash behind all the runners. Another time we set up speakers along the route. We got out there at 6 a.m. and set up a speaker Health & Safety Matters Most To Us every mile or so.”

Sansonetti added that Stott’s oncologist, Eric P. Winer, has participated in Team Darby events in honor of her and her commitment to fundraising for research.

“Team Darby’s support since 2013 has been instrumental in helping to advance metastatic breast cancer research at Dana-Farber,” Winer said.

“This steadfast commitment is a beautiful tribute to Darby’s life and legacy, and it has been critical in allowing our team to investigate novel approaches to metastatic breast cancer and to expand our metastatic breast cancer program. I am incredibly grateful for the support of Team Darby and the Stott family.”

Said Sansonetti: “Darby is one of the patients that I think he will always remember. He told a lot of funny stories about her, and I think they had a special relationship.”

Sansonetti said he enjoys participating in the walk every year, calling it “meditative and cathartic” as he remembers Stott along the route.

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Retiring Fire Chief Slaman born for job: ‘Something in my DNA’

By John Buday Contributing Writer

A

s Hopkinton Fire Chief Steve Slaman prepares for his retirement on Aug. 27, he is putting the final touches on what will be his legacy at the station.

In his five years as chief and 30-plus years with the Hopkinton Fire Department, Slaman increased the size of the department to meet the Steve Slaman leaves the Hopkinton Fire Department after five years as chief and growing populamore than 30 years as a firefighter. tion in town, fostered good relaship and trust between the department tions with people and groups in the community, and helped and its collaborators — Hopkinton lead the town through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth and Family Services, the HopSlaman was an overwhelming favorite among fellow kinton Emergency Management team townies to become chief five years ago, and he quickly showed and others — a boon for the commuhe was the right person for the job, due both to his experience nity. and his affable personality.

“There’s been a lot of stuff that’s “I was lucky to start at a young age,” said Slaman, 57. “I happened locally and nationally that’s had a grandfather that was a fire chief in Wellesley, and my challenging everybody’s ability to stay father was a call firefighter for the town of Hopkinton. So I together as a community,” Slaman got exposed to it all really early.” said. “But I think we’re doing good It all clicked for Slaman when he first got a chance to work in Hopkinton. I think there are chalat the station. He realized his calling, and it spoke to him far lenges in front of us, but we’ve really more than his efforts at college studying engineering. Slaman managed well and looked at ourselves said he knew from the beginning his time at the department honestly. But there’s still some growth would make for an amazing experience. to happen.”

“It really was something in my Select Board Member Brendan DNA,” he said.

Tedstone grew up as Slaman’s neighSlaman’s legacy includes the addibor. Tedstone said he considers Slaman tion of seven firefighters — an essential a lifelong friend who has the natural upgrade in personnel for a rapidly qualities of a great chief — someone growing community in need of faster who maintains the strengths of the deemergency response times. Slaman partment while focusing on what needs taught his firefighters not only how to improvement. combat fires, but also how to remove Tedstone said he originally ran hazardous materials and perform techfor a Select Board seat because he felt nical rescues.

Slaman was not getting a fair shake in “I think the best way to describe it the search for fire chief more than five is when someone has something that’s years ago. He thought the Select Board affecting them and they’re not sure was overlooking Slaman’s qualificawhat to do, they call us,” Slaman said. tions when it decided to expand its All of the department’s paramedics search. helped out at local and regional vac“My entire platform was to procination centers during the pandemic. mote Steve Slaman to fire chief from One of these paramedics helped vacdeputy chief,” Tedstone said. cinate more than 700 people.

Tedstone views the retiring chief Slaman said the timing of his deas both ethical and dedicated to his parture works perfectly, as he and his work. He said Slaman quickly gained successor, Deputy Chief Bill Miller, the respect and approval of all who brought up an infrastructure of talented worked under him. firefighters. The department looks to Slaman considers himself lucky to expand even more. Slaman has reached have established the good relationships out to a consultant to talk about how the he did with groups like the Hopkinton HFD should foster growth in the future.

Senior Center and other town departOne area of focus is community ments. These relationships helped exrisk reduction. This includes preventpand their collective capacity to serve ing home and community falls, vaccine the community. distribution via paramedics, evaluating He’s also especially proud of how children with special care needs, and his firefighters worked together to providing resources for depression and quickly reopen the Fire Department suicide prevention. after the pandemic shut it down.

“You never want to see your comFor Slaman, the decision to retire munity go through that kind of stuff stems from a combination of factors. without any help,” Slaman said. “It’s While he’s content with the state of the really traumatic — a fire or medical department, Slaman said he knew the emergency. I get asked to talk about proper time had arrived to step back. some of the big incidents in the past, He knew as far back as a year ago that and I hesitate to do it. I live for that — retirement wouldn’t be long in coming.

I love being able to serve, but I also “I’ve always looked at this date recognize it’s someone else’s worst anyways because I didn’t want to work moment.”

Slaman | 17 He considers the strong relation-

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 17

Deputy Chief Miller selected to lead HFD

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Retiring Fire Chief Slaman born for job: ‘Something in my DNA’

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t the Aug. 3 Select Board meeting, Bill Miller was unanimously approved to be the town’s next fire chief, pending successful contract negotiations.

Miller, who has served as deputy fire chief the past five years, received the recommendation of outgoing Chief Steve Slaman, who appeared at Town Hall in support of his successor.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Bill as my deputy chief for the last five years,” Slaman said. “Part of what I’ve done as the chief is built the plan for the growth of our department, and Bill has sustained five years of my relentless organization of that plan. I think when Maria [Casey, Human Resources director] read the aspects of the posting, Bill worked on every single one of those areas for five years for me.

He did it in certain pieces, and it’s all really come together in the last year-and-a-half.

“I think COVID was almost Bill Miller is pinned by his wife, Kristina, during a brief ceremony a blessing in his development beafter being confirmed as the town’s next fire chief by the Select cause I really needed to pivot a Board at its Aug. 3 meeting. little bit to work with the Board of Health and to work on the town as Fire Department. Miller has been with the Hopa whole in emergency management. I literally kinton Fire Department since 2000, starting as just turned to Bill and said, ‘You need to keep a firefighter and rising to deputy chief in 2016. the operations of the Fire Department going, the He also has served as an instructor and in other human resources of the Fire Department going.’ administrative roles for the Massachusetts FireAll the documents I had written in the last couple fighting Academy in Stow since 1998. of years I showed him and said, ‘These are our He has a Bachelor’s of Fire Science from goals, this is the direction.’ I was very tough on Anna Maria College and is due to obtain his him, because being a fire chief is a tough job. master’s degree in health and emergency manageThere’s a lot of challenges, you’ve got to work ment from Anna Maria this month. hard, and people are demanding, and that’s good.

“Chief Slaman has pushed me to, as he said, That’s what we’re supposed to do. limits that one person didn’t think they could “So I’m very excited that he’s now in this go to, but it was all for the better,” Miller said. position and he’s built the background that it “Working with this community, the love for this takes to take this job on. And I’m very happy to community is unbelievable. Just to be part of it is say you’ve got a really good candidate in front an honor, and to be moved up is an honor, too.” of you.”

Select Board Member Brendan Tedstone Miller grew up in Oxford and started his called Miller the “natural successor.” firefighting career there in 1986, staying eight “This is a job that you are laterally stepping years before a six-year stint with the Southbridge into as a promotion,” he said. “You have done it with pride, you have done it with class and with dignity. Knowing you for 22 years, I can’t imagine the amount of anxiety and angst you have, sitting there right now. You are exactly what our town needs. You’re smart, you’re vibrant, you’re energetic. You know the fire service inside and out. You were trained by the best, and you will take all the great points that Chief Slaman brought and turn this department into your own.”

Slaman | from page 16 Tedstone also read a letter from Bob Bartlett, a former deputy fire chief and longtime member until I was old and couldn’t do anything,” Slaman of the Fire Department who now lives in New said. “And I love the outdoors. I’m going to this Hampshire. camp up in Vermont that I want to do some work “As my career in the Fire Department was on.” winding down, along came a professional fireAdded Slaman: “I really am happy where fighter to the town who displayed exemplary everybody is at. My deputy just earned his spot knowledge and skills in all aspects of firefighting, to replace me, and I’m ecstatic about that. He has teamwork and willingness to share his wealth several really good candidates that are ready to be of knowledge with others,” Bartlett wrote. “In a deputy chief.” particular, Bill spent a great deal of time teaching Other than going up to his quiet, peaceful spot newer firefighters basic and advanced skills, the in Vermont, Slaman said he still is working out the importance of working closely together and how details of how he will keep busy post-firefighting. rewarding the job can be in serving the public in He made a point to thank the community for their time of need. the opportunity it gave him to serve. He also cites “On many occasions I worked with Bill in former longtime call firefighters Bob Bartlett and emergency and non-emergency situations where Thomas Spinks as two individuals, among others, he was in total control at all times, keeping evwho greatly influenced him. eryone calm and collected. Not an easy feat in “That’s what’s nice about the fire services, such stressful situations. There’s no doubt that it’s a really good career,” Slaman said. “It’s very Bill Miller will serve superbly in the fire chief fulfilling, and you make a living at it. You might position in Hopkinton. All townspeople as well not become rich, but … it’s something I’d recomas partners in the fire and emergency services far mend to anybody if they’re looking for things like and wide will be well-served by his appointment that. You get to do a public service and make a to the position.” living out of it.”

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Senior Snippets 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 check Ourseniorcenter. com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730.

Thrift Store

The thrift store is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Transportation Options for Seniors

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

Lunch Program

Meals are back to being in person at the Senior Center. Call to sign up at

least two days in advance. Cost is $5 per meal, or pre-purchase a ticket for five meals for $20.

Exercise Classes

All classes now are in person Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m.

Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m.

Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m.

Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

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

Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

Meditation, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

Our Time Memory Cafe

Call for dates Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through similar changes, and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

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TED Talks

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

program is free. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.

Volunteers Needed

With the Senior Center back up and running in person, the center is in need of volunteers. Anyone interested in more information can visit the center (28 Mayhew St.) and learn where their assistance could be used. Pick up an application or contact volunteer coordinator Sue Stewart at 508-497-9730, ext. 1618, or via email at sstewart@ hopkintonma.gov.

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

Library Hours Expanded

Effective Aug. 16, the library is open for browsing Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Curbside pickup has been discontinued. Patrons are asked to go to the main floor desk to pick up requested holds.

The library will be closed Sept. 6 for Labor Day.

Study Rooms Available

Study rooms are available for limited use. Reservations can be made at picktime. com/hplib/services.

Internet Computers Available

Public internet computers are available in the library’s lower level for adults.

Computers in the Teen and Children’s Department are not yet available. Computer sessions are limited to one hour.

Face Coverings Mandatory

Masks continued to be required inside the library until further notice.

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Wednesday, Aug. 18, 12:30-1:30 p.m. (virtual) Instead of assigning a book for all participants to read, each person reviews something they have read. Check the library’s website calendar for details.

Morning Meditation Mondays, Aug. 23 and 30, 9:15-9:30 a.m. (Zoom) Sign up on the library’s website calendar.

Baptiste Power Yoga Class Mondays, Aug. 23 and 30, noon (Zoom) Sign up on the library’s website calendar.

Adult Take & Make Monday, Aug. 30 Individuals ages 18 and up are invited to join the Adult Take and Make program.

This month’s project is a “Tales and Tails” booklet. This class will be similar to the previous bookbinding class but will incorporate some new techniques as well as an assortment of animal stickers to fully deck out participants’ “Tale/Tail Keeper Notebook.” Check the library’s website calendar for more information and required registration.

Freedom Team Book Club Tuesday, Aug. 31, 7-8 p.m. (Zoom) This month’s book is “The Deep” by Rivers Solomon. Copes are available at the main floor circulation desk for pickup. Check the library’s website calendar for registration information.

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Tuesdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon (Zoom) Anyone who has taken a career break and now is looking to return or start a new career should join experienced career coach Deb Raymond for a six-week series on relaunching a career. Topics include discovering career interests, job searching and networking, creating a noticeable resume, using LinkedIn, and how to successfully navigate an interview. Participants will meet weekly with others who are on the same journey and build confidence to transition back to work. Register on the library’s website calendar.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 19

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A group of 12-and-under Little Leaguers from Hopkinton competed in a national tournament in Cooperstown, New York (site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame), last month and put together an impressive performance in the playoffs. The team, which was formed independently of Hopkinton Little League, went 1-5 in its six pool games and was ranked 57th of 65 teams entering the singleelimination portion of the competition last Wednesday. Hopkinton then pulled off three straight wins in the single-elimination playoffs, knocking off teams from Buffalo (9-7), Chicago (6-2) and Los Angeles (25-11). Then in its fifth game of the day — and fourth in a row — Hopkinton suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 walk-off loss to a New Jersey team. The team consisted of (from left), front row, Cal Mahon, Micah Guay, Jorden Marzi, Gabe Cafazzo, Rocco Spinelli and Matt Pedroli; middle row, Matty LePage, JJ MacDonald, AJ Beauchemin, Noah Krammes, Michael Sullivan and August Brock; back row, coaches Jason Mahon, Mark Cafazzo, Joe Beauchemin, John Krammes, Brian Brock and Mike Marzi.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Business BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Baystate Audiology listens to community’s needs

By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

W

hile some businesses have downsized during the pandemic, Baystate Audiology has been busier than ever. Its patient list has more than doubled since opening five years ago this November, and construction is underway to expand the office at 1 Lumber St. Owner and audiologist Darcy Repucci, who runs Baystate by herself, also hopes to hire another employee soon.

“I grew up in Hopkinton, so it’s really nice to be able to bring this back to the community,” she said. With no similar services in town, Repucci is happy to fill a local need, and she enjoys seeing her childhood friends’ parents and grandparents come into the clinic.

It has been a busy year for Baystate Audiology in part because the pandemic brought many individuals’ hearing issues to the forefront. With the use of face masks, Repucci explains, more people discovered a reliance on lipreading to aid their hearing comprehension. Additionally, as older adults moved in with family during the pandemic, relatives began to notice their hearing difficulties.

Repucci also notes that COVID-19 is believed to contribute to hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) in some individuals.

For all adults, Repucci recommends a baseline appointment starting at age 50 to monitor hearing changes that can be brought on by medications, disease, noise exposure or aging. At Baystate Audiology, there is no obligation to make on-the-spot decisions or purchase hearing aids. “For me, it’s about educating my patients,” Repucci said. “I want them to know why their hearing is changing.”

Some are reluctant to try hearing aids due to misconceptions about functionality, but Repucci notes the technological advances. In addition to being rechargeable, hearing aids now offer a more natural sound, connect to smartphones and do not emit a whistling noise. Furthermore, new styles look like regular earbuds, which may persuade those who are self-conscious about wearing the devices.

“I listen to them,” Repucci said when asked why patients from across New England choose Baystate Audiology. “I’m an expert, and I give my recommendations, but I really do listen to what their exact problems are and try to solve them.”

Darcy Repucci is expanding her Baystate Audiology business due to a recent increase in demand for services.

I’m an expert, and I give my recommendations, but I really do listen to what their exact problems are and try to solve them. ­— Darcy Repucci, owner and audiologist In addition to patient care, Repucci engages with local schools to educate students about hearing loss and hearing aids, give career presentations and provide job shadowing experiences.

Repucci also is a “big promoter of hearing protection” and strongly recommends wearing earplugs or earmuffs during loud activities like concerts, fireworks and lawn mowing. Residents might have spotted her handing out earplugs at local health fairs and concerts.

Reflecting on career highlights, Repucci recalls a patient in his 90s who could not speak after having a stroke. His daughter knew his hearing

aids weren’t working well, and he was becoming increasingly withdrawn.

Traditional hearing testing was difficult to administer without verbal feedback, but Repucci found a way to conduct the tests for him. Upon placing a personalized set of hearing aids on the patient, “his eyes lit up, and he started crying,” Repucci said. “That’s why I do what I do.”

To learn more, visit baystateaudiology.com or call 508-936-3277.

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

Repligen eyes South Street location, seeks TIF

A

representative from the drug company Repligen appeared before the Select Board on Aug. 3 to discuss the company’s interest in taking over a vacant building on South Street and working on a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) agreement to provide incentive.

Steve Curran, the company’s vice president, global operations, BUSINESS BRIEFS explained that Repligen, which was founded in 1981, switched a few years ago to become a “solution company.”

“We provide tools and solutions to help drug companies get to market faster,” Curran said.

The company’s headquarters are in Waltham, and it already expanded to Marlborough.

Repligen is looking at 99 South St., which has been vacant for nine years. Its intention is to add 200 jobs and invest $15 million of private investment into the building.

The Select Board unanimously approved the town manager to negotiate a TIF. An agreement ultimately would require approval at Town Meeting.

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Hopkinton’s Kate Stone, who has worked as a certified medical exercise specialist for over 20 years in Boston, recently started her own business, Myologie, which offers individual in-home training as well as virtual sessions.

According to the company’s website (myologie.net), Stone’s mission is “to improve and enhance your life by teaching you about your body and showing you how to do the activities you love doing — without pain. My expertise is getting you to a level of activity and fitness that you have been told would not be possible for you — in a fun, caring and compassionate way!”

LakePharma acquired by Curia The biologics company LakePharma, which has offices in Hopkinton, announced last month that it had finalized an agreement to be acquired by Curia, a contract, research, development and manufacturing organization based in Albany. LakePharma focuses on drug discovery, clinical research, development and manufacturing.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 21

Obituaries Dora Garabedian Dora Verne Garabedian passed away in Milford on Aug. 5 at age 70. Dora’s life centered around an appreciation for art, music, education, community and family. Dora’s creativity and joie de vivre left an indelible impression on those who knew her.

Dora graduated from Bridgeport University with a B.S. from the School of Nursing and received a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut. Following her studies, she worked as an intensive care/coronary care unit nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital and was a pediatric nurse practitioner in Bridgeport.

Her interest in the arts led her to found the Cultural Arts Alliance in Hopkinton in 1997. It later became the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, which brought a vibrant performing and creative arts center to the town and neighboring communities.

She was a lifelong flutist, including as a member of Pastiche, a women’s performing arts group in Trumbull, Connecticut, and then subsequently as a member of the Hopkinton Chamber Group. Dora contributed to the Hopkinton school system’s educational development as volunteer director of in-school programs and coordinated the development of the system-wide Parent Teacher Organization. She was a passionate advocate who actively sought ways to enrich the educational experience of Hopkinton’s schoolchildren.

Within the Armenian community, she was a Sunday school superintendent and teacher at the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in Trumbull, as well as at the Armenian Church of Our Savior in Worcester, and Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, of which she was a founding member.

Dora combined her interests in art, music and community into a gift basket business, Baskets Beyond Belief, serving customers throughout the MetroWest Boston area with artistically crafted bespoke gifts. Her flowery and seasonally tailored voicemail greetings became the stuff of legend, with her friends and her sons’ friends calling to hear her latest installment.

A consummate host, Dora enjoyed sharing her passion for cooking and baking, particularly of Armenian food, with friends, family and guests. Dora relished opportunities to entertain, whether through lavish holiday banquets or refreshing summer parties. An avid traveler, Dora enjoyed exploring other countries and cultures. She treasured opportunities to experience her favorite artists, classical music and opera during her travels with her husband, Tom, and particularly loved her visits to Paris and Venice.

Dora is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Thomas John Garabedian, and her siblings, Dr. John S. Kishibay and wife Dr. Donna Eteson of Los Angeles, Karen Y. Kishibay of Fairfield, Connecticut, and Darby Kishibay Hobbs and husband James of Chatham. Dora leaves behind three sons and four grandchildren: Deran Thomas Garabedian and wife Katy Alexander and their daughter, Zabel Arya, of London; Berj J. Garabedian and wife Dr. Laura Garabedian and their sons, Thomas,

William and Charles of Needham; and Gregory C. Garabedian and wife Daniella Garabedian of Somerville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a loving extended family.

Funeral services were conducted at the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators, Framingham, on Aug. 11. Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dora’s memory may be directed to the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators or the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Edward Palinkas Edward Stephen Palinkas, 42 of Uxbridge died suddenly July 28.

Eddie was an incredibly talented and respected stone mason.

He had a huge personality and voice with an infectious laugh. More than anything he loved to fish and be outdoors. He was an animal lover of all kinds and had a gentle heart. He loved his New England sports teams, especially the Patriots. He was a skilled darts player and played in many leagues.

Ed grew up and went to schools in Burrillville, Rhode Island, and then as an adult lived in Hopkinton and Uxbridge as well as Burrillville.

Ed is survived by his mother, Karen Palinkas of Southbridge, and his father, Stephen Palinkas and wife Camellia of Uxbridge, as well as sister Jennifer and husband William Merchant of Florida and Rhode Island, sister Nichole Palinkas of Rhode Island, adored nephews Jacob, Tyler, Gunner and Sloane Merchant, all of Rhode Island, paternal grandmother Mary Grega of Hopkinton, and many dear aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Mary Lou and Edward Guy, paternal grandfather John Palinkas, uncles Stephen Guy and John Palinkas, and cousin Joe Palinkas and stepson Alex Dion.

Services are private and under the direction of the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s name may be made to Keeping Kids Fishing, 37B Meeting St., Coventry, RI 02816 (list Ed Palinkas in the memo line).

Kristen was a beloved and integral part of the Hopkinton Public Library, where she had been the assistant children’s librarian since 2017, starting off as parttime and working her way toward fulltime. Kristen was passionate about reading and encouraging others to read.

Along with her husband and parents, she is survived by her three sons, Nick Yanski and partner Samantha Lemoine, Brett Yanski and Cyle Yanski, all of Woonsocket; two granddaughters, Isis and Madilynne Yanski; her brother, Eric Robeau and wife Christine of Blackstone; and her sister, Tracie Pye of Bellingham.

She also is survived multiple nieces and nephews and countless friends and other family members.

Her funeral was held Aug. 3 in the Holt Funeral Home, Woonsocket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kristen’s name may be made to the Association on American Indian Affairs at indianaffairs.org, to Ferst Readers at ferstreaders. org, or to your local public library.

Lois White Lois Alfreda White, 95, of Hopkinton passed away Aug. 4. Born in Dorchester, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth (Wardle) and Ephraim Nickerson. She was married for 63 years to the late

Frederick S. White.

Alfreda was a proud member of the Nickerson Family Association of Cape Cod. She was a former member of the Garden Club and Couples Club in Hopkinton.

She was a Bruins fan and enjoyed knitting, playing cards and cooking and was an avid reader. In her later years, she enjoyed time spent at the Hopkinton Senior Center.

Alfreda is survived by her children, Sheila Tiberio and husband Ronald of Natick; Cheryl Malloy and husband Dan of DeBary, Florida; Richard White of Honolulu; and Diane Sandler and husband Mark of Framingham. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Rebecca and husband Brandon Randall; David and wife Alyssa Sandler; Stephanie and husband Andrew Thorpe; and Ronald and wife Karen Tiberio; four great-grandchildren, Kyleigh, Trevor and Tyler Tiberio, and Christopher Thorpe; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Barbara Nickerson and Betty Nickerson. She is predeceased by siblings Mildred Nickerson, Marjorie Nickerson, Ethelwyn Rowell, Betsy Reddish, Harold Nickerson and Richard Nickerson.

The family would like to thank the staff of Tapestry, Beaumont and Hospice at Whitney Place in Natick for their kind and compassionate care.

A funeral service was held Aug. 12 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St., Hopkinton, MA 01748.

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22 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

Police Log ARRESTS August 5

1:17 a.m. Officer Kevin Sager conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Stephen Buckley assisted. After field sobriety tests, a 19-year-old from Bellingham was arrested and charged with OUI liquor, no inspection sticker, and marked lanes violation.

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.

July 27

11:03 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell on wires and onto a car on Woody Island Road. Officer Matthew Santoro responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource and Verizon were contacted. The electrical inspector also responded.

11:48 a.m. A Heidi Circle caller reported he was run off the road earlier in the morning and popped a tire. Officer Philip Powers responded and a report was to follow.

2:17 p.m. A caller reported a tractor-trailer took down some wires on Wood Street. Officer Matthew Santoro responded along with the Fire Department, and Verizon was notified.

4:10 p.m. Officer Tyler Brabham responded to a motor vehicle accident

involving no personal injuries on West Main Street. A report was to follow.

5:31 p.m. A caller reported a male crossing Main Street in the crosswalk was bumped by an out-of-state vehicle, which drove off. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Robert Ekross viewed the vehicle on camera footage but could not read the license plate.

9:43 p.m. A caller reported an owl was struck by a car on East Main Street.

Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.

The animal control officer was notified.

9:51 p.m. A Glen Road caller reported an unknown odor coming from her basement. Officer Tyler Braham responded along with the Fire Department and the odor was determined to be coming from an animal in the household.

July 28

8:16 a.m. Multiple callers reported a vehicle crashed into a pole on West Elm Street and airbags deployed. Of-

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ficer Jessica Ferreira responded along with an ambulance. No personal injuries were reported.

1:28 p.m. Multiple callers reported a fox on the back deck of a Gibbon Road house. The animal control officer responded.

July 29

1:08 p.m. An Emerson Way resident reported witnessing through his security camera a car back into his mailbox and knock it over. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report.

4:55 p.m. The property manager on Constitution Court reported a resident saw a male by the dumpster carrying a gun. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Robert Ekross, Ryan Polselli and Cody Normandin responded and reported the gun carried by the male was a pellet gun.

7:01 p.m. A caller reported a goose wrapped in fishing line was stuck in weeds on Downey Street. The animal control officer was notified.

9:26 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported a bat was in his house.

The animal control officer was contacted but was out of town. Officer Cody Normandin responded and assisted.

July 30

12:18 p.m. A caller reported a turtle in the roadway of East Main Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and was canceled en route, as the turtle made it to the other side of the road.

8:39 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious male approached her on Constitution Court while she was out by the dumpster smoking. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and the person was gone upon his arrival.

July 31

11:50 a.m. A caller reported the possible theft of stereo equipment from Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report.

12:15 p.m. An Old Elm Way resident reported items out of place in the house. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report.

Jail diversion program restructures

T

he Co-Response Jail Diversion Program, of which the Hopkinton Police Department is a member, announced last month that the program has been restructured and will offer increased intervention services.

The Jail Diversion Program (JDP), operated by the Framingham-based community services nonprofit Advocates, aims to redirect individuals committing non-violent offenses from the criminal justice system to more appropriate community-based behavioral health services. A specially trained crisis clinician from Advocates, Ashley Scionti, responds to calls for service and 911 calls providing immediate, on-scene de-escalation, assessment and referrals for individuals in crisis.

The restructured JDP includes the Hopkinton, Holliston and Sherborn police As our officers worked departments, with Ashland no longer part of the group. beside the Jail Diversion This means Scionti will have Program clinicians, we saw more time available to the three remaining departments, a paradigm shift in the way Advocates stated. She is our department perceived scheduled to work in each town 1-2 times per week but and handled mental health is available to all communicrisis calls. ties five days a week. When Scionti or another clinician is not available, the Advocates Psychiatric Emergency Services team ensures timely ­— HPD Chief Joseph Bennett access to services for the participating police agencies 24/7.

“As our officers worked beside the Jail Diversion Program clinicians, we saw a paradigm shift in the way our department perceived and handled mental health crisis calls,” HPD Chief Joseph Bennett said in a press release.

“Through their scope of work, our clinicians have assisted us in identifying those who may be experiencing a crisis and in delivering rapid mental health services to those in need. As a direct result, we have had fewer mental health calls result in arrests and more specialized care administered to our community members.”

In its most recent quarterly report, covering January-March 2021, Advocates reports having had 201 cases referred to JDP clinicians from the four police departments (including Ashland). During that time, nine individuals with mental illness were diverted from arrest, Advocates reports, claiming an estimated cost savings of $22,680 ($2,520 per arrest event) to the criminal justice system.

The JDP also reduces the number of individuals referred to local hospital emergency departments, with a total of 20 individuals in the first quarter diverted from unnecessary hospital admissions due to the presence of a JDP clinician on the scene, Advocates states. As a result, the estimated health care cost savings within the first quarter was $80,000, or $4,000 per emergency department diversion.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021 • 23 10:08 p.m. A caller reported a deceased cat in the roadway of South Street. The animal control officer was notified.

August 1

7:59 a.m. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Brendon Lyver helped a Tammer Lane resident gain access to her house after she was locked out.

8:09 a.m. A caller reported an ongoing complaint of an outdoor church service on East Main Street being too loud.

Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and reported the noise level was within the limits of the law.

1:35 p.m. A caller reported a jet ski speeding recklessly on Lake Maspenock.

Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and was unable to locate the jet skier.

1:52 p.m. A caller reported a possible water main break on Main Street. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and assisted the Water Department, which already was on scene.

3:10 p.m. A caller reported an erratic jet skier and a confrontation with someone on a boat on Lake Maspenock.

Officers Tyler Brabham and Brian Sanchioni responded to Lakeshore Drive and spoke with all parties and took a report.

August 2

9:07 a.m. An Overlook Road caller reported someone spray-painted a bridge on a trail. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and took a report of vandalism.

9:39 a.m. Officers Matthew Santoro and Cody Normandin responded to a motor vehicle accident on Spring Street involving two cars. No personal injuries were reported.

1:51 p.m. A Maple Avenue resident reported someone stole prescriptions from his mailbox. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and took a report. The caller already had reported the larceny to the USPS. 4:18 p.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Brian Sanchioni responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. An ambulance was called for one person experiencing chest pain.

5:37 p.m. A Tammer Lane caller reported a live bat lying on the ground. The animal control officer was contacted.

August 3

6:55 a.m. Multiple callers reported a five-car motor vehicle accident with airbag deployment on West Main Street.

Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officers Matthew Santoro, Philip Powers and Jessica Ferreira responded along with an ambulance. One patient was transported to the hospital. A tow truck was requested for four of the vehicles. A report was to follow.

4:34 p.m. A walk-in from Wood Street reported a strange inside odor.

The Fire Department responded and discovered the odor was coming from a dead mouse in the basement.

6:20 p.m. A Spring Street resident complained that her neighbor was firing guns. Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area.

6:53 p.m. A caller reported a snake in the roadway of Frostpane Lane. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and reported the snake was gone upon his arrival.

7:34 p.m. A caller reported a deceased beaver in the roadway of East Main Street. The animal control officer was contacted.

August 4

1:08 a.m. A Thayer Heights Road caller reported a transformer blew and was on fire. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Stephen Buckley responded

along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished. Eversource responded and set up a generator for temporary power and was to correct the issue later in the morning.

9:26 a.m. Sergeant Matthew McNeil reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on Cunningham Street.

12:59 p.m. A caller reported a cracked manhole cover sticking out in the road on Wedgewood Drive. Officer Matthew Santoro responded and placed cones around it and notified the DPW. 3:46 p.m. A Stoney Brook Road resident requested to make a report about a tree falling on his vehicle. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report.

5:05 p.m. A caller reported a mulch fire in the median on West Main Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished.

8:41 p.m. A Connelly Hill Road resident reported a suspicious vehicle driving around the neighborhood and parked outside the caller’s residence. Officers Cody Normandin and Ryan Polselli responded and checked the area with a negative find.

10:15 p.m. An East Main Street caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked near her garage and three people who exited the vehicle were back sitting in the vehicle.

Officers Robert Ekross, Cody Normandin and Ryan Polselli responded and spoke with the parties.

August 9

10:18 a.m. A Woodview Way resident reported lawn furniture in the neighborhood pool. Officer Jay Deiana responded and took a report of vandalism.

11:43 a.m. A detail officer on Main Street reported a gas line was struck. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and Matthew McNeil and Officer Jay Deiana responded along with the Fire Department. Eversource was notified. The system subsequently was reset.

8:12 p.m. A First Road caller reported a bat in the house. Officer Robert Ekross responded along with the animal control officer, and the bat was removed.

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August 5

1:29 p.m. An East Main Street caller complained about a person who constantly walks down the sides of roads that are not safe areas to walk. The complaint was logged.

5:12 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator and a road rage incident on West Main Street. Officers Tyler Brabham and Brian Sanchioni responded. The involved parties were gone upon their arrival.

8:23 p.m. A caller reported an assault that happened on West Main Street two hours earlier. Officer Tyler Brabham assisted and took a report.

August 6

4:43 p.m. A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on East Main Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and issued a “be on the lookout” to neighboring towns. The operator subsequently was identified, and a criminal application for leaving the scene of an accident was issued.

8:05 p.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller requested an officer to speak with her daughter about her ex-boyfriend making threatening statements to her. Officer Tyler Brabham called the daughter and spoke with her. A report was to follow.

August 7

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MULCH PAVERS LOAM

9:20 a.m. A walk-in reported her vehicle was vandalized overnight. Officer Moira McGaffigan assisted and took a report.

11:04 a.m. A walk-in reported his vehicle recently was stolen and neither the Providence Police Department nor the State Police will enter the vehicle as stolen. Officer Brendon Lyver advised him.

1:01 p.m. A motorist reported she struck a deer on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and checked the area with a negative find on the deer.

10:49 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on South Street of a car rally with drag racing and loud music.

Sergeants William Burchard and Matthew McNeil and Officers Brittany Firth and Brian Sanchioni responded.

All vehicles vacated the area.

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3:31 a.m. A Proctor Street resident reported a suspicious person who came to her door and then left in a white SUV-type vehicle. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Brittany Firth responded and reported the person appeared to have made a delivery to the residence.

5:39 a.m. A Proctor Street caller reported an animal in her attic, possibly a squirrel or a rat. The caller was advised to call a pest removal company. The animal control officer also was notified.

3:41 p.m. A Walcott Valley Drive caller reported a coyote in her yard. The animal control officer was notified.

7:52 p.m. A caller complained of frequent speeding and complete disregard for pedestrians and children on Lakeshore Drive. Officer Ryan Polselli was to follow up with the caller about the complaints.

11:31 p.m. A caller reported cars being egged on School Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Brittany Firth and Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find.

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HopkintonIndependent.com

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • August 18, 2021

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT

MARATHON EDITION COMMEMORATIVE

2021 ISSUE

ADVERTISE IN THIS SPECIAL EDITION RESERVE YOUR SPACE BY SEPTEMBER 27 Issue Date: October 6, 2021 Contact Susanne Odell Farber at (508) 954-8148 or sue@sodellconsult.com Digital Sponsorships Available on HopkintonIndependent.com

WINE

LIQUOR

CRAFT BEER

Marathon spotlight: Johanna Impellizeri

L

eading up to the Oct. 11 Boston Marathon, the Independent will profile local charity runners. This issue we highlight Johanna Impellizeri, who is running to raise funds for the Hopkinton Garden Club.

“I was born and raised in New York playing as many sports as could fit on the calendar,” Impellizeri writes on her GoFundMe page. “Then, I was lucky to receive a scholarship to Assumption College in Worcester to play basketball and from there, I fell in love with the Massachusetts area. Upon graduating, I moved to Boston and attended several marathons. Seeing the energy from the runners and crowd solidified my dream and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Impellizeri seeks to raise $5,000 for the Hopkinton Garden Club, which has details and a link to her GoFundMe page at its website, hopkintongardenclub.org.

“The Hopkinton Garden Club does such a great job beautifying the town and supporting their community any way they can,” Impellizeri writes.

“Our goal is to raise money for this organization so they can continue their efforts. Hopkinton is currently undergoing a significant multi-year construction project through the center of town up to and including the Boston Marathon starting line. The Hopkinton Garden Club will be an active participant in beautifying the town by establishing new gardens once construction has been completed. Additionally, the club brings horticultural related programming to community members and provides scholarships for students pursuing horticulture and design and environmental related degrees.”

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I fell in love with the Massachusetts area. Upon graduating, I moved to Boston and attended several marathons. Seeing the energy from the runners and crowd solidified my dream and I couldn’t be more grateful.

HOT SAUCES AND BBQ

2021 WORCESTER WINE FESTIVAL AT POLAR

­— Johanna Impellizeri

SMOKE SHOP

PARK

All wines can be purchased before, during and after the Grand Tasting through Julio’s Liquors. Download the Julio’s Liquors app (JuliosLiquors.com) and register prior to the event so you can add bottles to your cart while tasting!

Saturday, August 28

Noon-4pm

BUY YOUR TICKETS AT: WWW.MASSFOODANDWINE.COM FREE DELIVERY on all orders OVER $300. More information on your Julio's app, or on our website.

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

So much more than a liquor store.

HopkintonIndependent.com