HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT
Hopkinton native explores childhood memories, addiction in new novella
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
An estranged uncle, a cabin in the middle of the New Hampshire wilderness and an addiction to cigarettes — these are the elements that set “Smoking Cigarettes,” a novella by Hopkinton native Mike Leary, into motion.
“The main character is loosely based on myself,” said Leary. “He has sort of a nervous breakdown after inheriting this cabin.”
In the story, the narrator relives childhood memories and past trauma and explores how those influence creativity, along with the nature of addiction. Along the way, the narrator encounters “wary locals, a disembodied voice on a long-dead phone line, and a decades-old carton of Kent Light 100s that stares back like a memory,” according to the description on Amazon.
While “Smoking Cigarettes” is a work of fiction, Leary said much of the 104-page book draws from his life. Like the narrator of his novella, Leary’s uncle owned a cabin in Enfield, New Hampshire.
Mike Leary | 5
By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer
An experienced restaurateur is taking over the former Hillers Pizza location at 77 West Main Street but plans to keep much about the restaurant the same.
“We don’t want to change what works,” said Ryan Dion, the owner of Crust & Co., the restaurant that is replacing Hillers Pizza. Dion said his business will continue to serve the same Greekstyle pizza and other offerings customers enjoyed from the former pizza shop.
“The menu is going to be nearly identical,” he said in an interview with the Independent on Sept. 8.
Dion and his crew have been working on cosmetic improvements to the restaurant since he took over the business from the former owners. Other than those improvements and the name change, he said not much about the business will change. According to him, even some of the employees of the former Hillers Pizza are sticking around. He described their attitudes as “optimistic.”
Hopkinton native Mike Leary is the author
autobiographical novella titled “Smoking Cigarettes.”
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Cars collide at West Elm intersection
Sept. 3 when a Chevrolet Equinox failed to stop at the School Street stop sign at the intersection with West Elm Street, according to police.
The Hopkinton Fire Department extricated the trapped driver of a Chevrolet Equinox on Sept. 3 after the car apparently failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of School Street and West Elm Street, resulting in a two-car collision with suspected injuries to both drivers.
“At approximately 7:56 a.m., a 2015 Chevy Equinox, traveling eastbound on West Elm Street, failed to stop at the stop sign at School Street,” stated Hopkinton Police Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten in an email to the Independent. “This resulted in a collision with a 2023 Kia Telluride, which was traveling southbound on School Street.”
He noted that the Equinox operator, who was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, had to be extricated from the car by the Hopkinton Fire Department.
Hopkinton Firefighters Local 3772 posted pictures of the two vehicles on its Facebook page. Both cars appeared to have sustained substantial damage, with the Kia’s front hood smashed.
“The [Equinox] operator was subsequently transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for their injuries,” added van Raalten. “The operator of the Kia Telluride was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center by HFD.”
The Facebook post generated a response about trees being close to the street’s edge, creating a safety issue.
“That corner is overgrown and the bend in the road contributes to poor visibility,” one commenter noted.
HFD extinguishes fire off South Street
Hopkinton firefighters teamed up with mutual aid partners from multiple towns Sept. 7 to extinguish a twoalarm fire in a Hopkinton commercial building.
According to a press re-
Two cars collided
ale, Milford and Framingham were called to the scene after a second alarm was activated. Medway provided station coverage for the HFD.
Crews located a heavy fire on the first floor of the building after making entry and brought it under control. No injuries were reported.
The HFD and the Massachusetts State Police are investigating the cause of the fire. The HFD’s press release noted that lithium-ion batteries were believed to be present in the area where the fire occurred.
“Thanks to the quick work of our crews, along with significant mutual aid support, we were able to contain the fire to its area of origin and prevent further damage throughout the building,” said HFD Chief Gary Daugherty. “We are grateful for the assistance of our neighboring departments.”
Golden Pond resident aids goose
A concerned resident of The Communities at Golden Pond tried to facilitate the rescue of a goose that was trapped in fishing wire in neighboring Ice House Pond over Labor Day weekend. The goose eventually freed itself, but not without sustaining injuries to its legs.
Resident Robert Hoffman shared a picture of the goose he took at about 4 p.m. on Sept. 2. It showed the goose out of the water and at the edge of the parking lot near the facility’s entrance at 50 West Main Street.
“It has been there for four days now,” said Hoffman, a former newspaper reporter from New York. “It looks like its legs were caught in fishing wire. I hope and pray it’s OK. But it looks badly injured.”
The goose was alive but unresponsive when Hoffman took the picture, he added. He hoped feeding it would revive it.
Hoffman said he and other residents first spotted the bird Aug. 30 struggling at the corner of the pond near the parking lot. He frequently feeds the birds there with bags of oatmeal, which he also gives to neighbors to distribute.
“The goose appears to be medium-sized, not a baby or too big,” he explained. “Every time someone tries to get close, it tries to kind of run away to go into the water.”
Old Town Road tour planned
A special guided trail tour organized by the Hopkinton Trails Club will explore the history of a historic, discontinued road in town.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, members of the Trails Club, guided by Hopkinton resident and researcher Dave Cormier, will walk along Old Town Road exploring multiple historic sites. “This ancient path on the hillside east of Lake Maspenock has stone walls, cellar holes and acres of forest,” the Trails Club website explains.
According to Cormier, the walk will take less than two hours. “I’ll hit a half dozen historical sites that I know about along the way and a few I’m not sure when they were built,” he stated in an email.
Areas Cormier noted he may discuss during the hike are Littlefield’s Saw Mill/Lead Pipe Factory, multiple farmsteads from the 18th and 19th centuries, a location known as The Wawbeek Club that operated from the 1920s until the 1950s, and some natural springs. Cormier has created a map through Google that lists other historic sites around Lake Maspenock and some information about them.
“The goal is to really just educate people about these historic places and the Lake Maspenock area in general,” Cormier stated.
Old Town Road is a significant part of Hopkinton’s history. According to an article Cormier wrote, it was the original roadway settlers used between the towns of Mendon and Hopkinton. It appears it was named Old Town Road in 1732 when what is now South Street was laid out parallel to it.
Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week
Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 10-month-old Yeezy.
Here is Baypath’s description of Yeezy:
“At just 10 months old, Yeezy is a true social butterfly. She adores people and is always ready with wiggles, kisses and snuggles. This happy pup loves to play — whether it’s zoomies in the yard, splashing in the pool, or soaking up affection from her favorite humans.
“She’s equally wonderful with other dogs, thriving in a playgroup where she’s social, gentle and interactive. On top of all that fun, Yeezy already knows her basics like “sit,” walks nicely on leash and is food-motivated, making her eager to keep learning.
“Sweet, playful, and full of love, Yeezy is ready to grow up with a family of her very own. Could it be you?”
For more information about Yeezy and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.
For more Adoptable Animals of the Week, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
Conservation Commission addresses Leonard Street issues, approves COCs
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Conservation Commission on Sept. 9 approved a certificate of compliance request for 12 Leonard Street after the homeowner’s explanation changed the course of the protracted debate with the developer over responsibility issues.
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Lou Petrozzi, the president of Wall Street Development Corp., applied for certificates of compliance (COCs) for this property as well as 10 Leonard Street. Petrozzi has had a contentious relationship with the commission in recent years. A three-unit subdivision he developed on Leonard Street — off Grove Street, one block north of Hopkinton Middle School — has experienced stormwater management issues since July 2021. An intermittent stream was not shown on plans submitted in February 2024 for 12 North Mill Street. At the July 22 meeting, Petrozzi complained about what he called “excessive” fees for a peer review of the project.
At this meeting, Petrozzi said he believed the commission was nitpicking about his not removing an erosion control barrier and the location and type of plantings on the properties. He also said he should not be held responsible for violations of orders of conditions once the properties have been sold.
Conservation administrator Judy Day explained that the peer consultant review provided by Joe Orzel questioned whether plants were placed according to the approved planting plan. She also said required planting plans and invasive species management reports should have been filed in a more timely manner.
“After the fact from the applicant, we did receive some before-and-after pictures,” she said. There also were invoices for plants purchased for both properties.
Upon inspection, Day said she saw the erosion control barrier still in place at 10 Leonard Street and knotweed along the side of the road. At 12 Leonard Street, she did not see any trees planted that were required at 300-square-foot intervals.
Added Day: “The other issue with 12 Leonard is that the residents seem to have carved out a trail throughout the wetland.”
Petrozzi said the properties were sold about two years ago and that he
should not be held responsible for what the homeowners do on their respective properties.
“My response to you would just be that a more timely submission of a request would take care of a lot of these issues,” countered chair Melissa Recos. “We cannot approve a request for a certificate of compliance when there are still erosion controls in place.”
Petrozzi asked that the COC be approved with the condition that the erosion control measures be removed, saying that part was his responsibility. Recos indicated that in past circumstances, applicants have failed to complete the requirements after being granted leniency.
Recos’ concern about 10 Leonard was that while shrubs had been planted, it did not appear that trees were there.
Said Petrozzi: “I just don’t think it’s appropriate to hold up a certificate of compliance for a few shrubs. … This is kind of petty.”
Co-vice chair Matthew Moyen said Petrozzi did not comply with the orders of conditions.
“It’s not our responsibility to cater to your desire,” Moyen stressed. “It’s our responsibility to apply the order that was issued to our decision-making.”
Co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook added that the commission must base its decision on the state of the property at this time.
At that point, Orzel said he saw in his notes that red maples were planted at both properties. The number of trees was not indicated. But some areas where trees were supposed to be planted didn’t have them, according to his records.
Jake Todaro, who owns 12 Leonard Street, jumped into the conversation. He said he didn’t know that he was prohibited from creating a trail on his property for his child. Also, he didn’t realize he was not supposed to mow the grass beyond the permanent immovable barriers. Todaro agreed to let the trail area regrow and to place stakes at the barrier line. This alleviated members’ concerns, and the COC was granted in a 5-0 vote. Proof that the grass has grown over the trail must be submitted before the COC is released.
Regarding 10 Leonard Street, Moyen stressed to Petrozzi that when the erosion control barrier is removed, the site needs to be stabilized. Petrozzi confirmed his understanding of that request.
Hopkinton native explores childhood memories, addiction in new novella
As well, Leary battled a nicotine addiction for decades — a struggle he recently learned to control.
“I was a pack-a-day smoker for 20 years,” said Leary. “I started smoking when I was 18 and quit over a year ago.”
During his process of quitting smoking, Leary turned to the page. Developing the themes of “Smoking Cigarettes” was not an intentional act, he noted, but rather a consequence of processing past memories and his addiction.
“I started reminiscing about my childhood, and this character came to my mind,” he explained. “The story just … came out of nowhere.”
“Those summers in Enfield, the memories we picked up along the way — all that was sort of the jumping-off point,” he added.
Childhood memories, life of writing
Most of the memories captured in “Smoking Cigarettes” are pulled from Leary’s time at his uncle’s cabin, but his writing life developed from his time living in Hopkinton.
to independent publishers.
However, continuous rejection made Leary rethink his approach.
“After I got the rejection back, I decided this book was ready,” he said. “I decided to self-publish it and not keep waiting on people to say yes.”
Added Leary: “I’ve read this book probably a dozen times or more and just was so certain this was something I needed to get out there.”
“Smoking Cigarettes” debuted on Amazon on July 22. As of Aug. 11, it was No. 7,168 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction and had a rating of 4.9 stars (out of 5) from a total of 15 reviewers. The book is available in both digital and print.
Leary, who now lives in Grafton, grew up in Hopkinton with his father and two older brothers. “As far as the Leary boys, it was just the three of us,” he remarked.
He also had the support of his grandparents, who had lived in Hopkinton since the 1950s. Leary said his grandmother in particular was an avid reader who visited the Hopkinton Public Library on a weekly basis and had “shelves and shelves of books in her house growing up.”
Leary also recounted memories of the first stories he recalls crafting — with his grandmother assisting. “As a kid, I used to dictate to my grandma, and she would write stories that I would tell her,” he said.
Leary said the love of books for him is genetic, and that he has a need to tell stories. He has continued cultivating that need, developing a sustained writing practice well into adulthood.
“I have been writing my whole life,” Leary said.
He has managed to keep a steady writing life in between marriage, moving between North Carolina, Texas and back to Massachusetts, career changes and starting to raise two children. Leary said he has another manuscript he completed before the novella that he hopes to get published one day.
As he continues to work on his craft, Leary keeps a robust support system. He noted that his mother is highly supportive of his work, and he praised his wife, Melissa, as his number one cheerleader.
“She’s always the first person to look at [my writing],” said Leary.
Promotion key for self-publishing
With that support, Leary completed the first draft of his novella in four months and spent an additional eight months editing it. His plan was to go through traditional publication channels, and he made efforts to send “Smoking Cigarettes” out
The release on Amazon is only the tip of the iceberg for Leary. He noted plans to get the book into other online booksellers and hopefully into retail locations later on.
“We’re going to track our sales through those platforms and then probably next year get wide distribution,” he said.
While publishing the book was easy, the push to promote it has been its own challenge. Leary said he has reached out to local businesses and spoken with other news outlets to get the word out about his novella. He also has an author page on Facebook he updates regularly.
The Hopkinton Public Library recently announced it will host a reading of “Smoking Cigarettes” on Sept. 18.
As far as what it takes to make a selfpublished book successful, Leary boiled it down to one element: confidence.
“Anybody can publish a book these days,” he said. “It’s about having the confidence to push it to people and hope they enjoy it.”
Leary said that “Smoking Cigarettes” was as much a therapeutic exercise for him as a creative one. His desire in sharing the book with others is that they take from it what he did.
“If anybody has ever struggled with addiction or depression or trauma, I think they [can] identify something with this book and take something away from it,” he said.
“The process of writing it was incredibly therapeutic,” Leary added.
Selling a house can often be one of the most stressful experiences, but working with Trina made it the least stressful part of the entire journey. She went far above and beyond her usual responsibilities — guiding me from the very beginning on how to set up the house, helping clear out furniture, and even connecting me with vendors that made the process smoother. Trina and her team were consistently trustworthy, responsive, knowledgeable, and patient.
She knows the Hopkinton market inside out and was proactive at every step, making sure everything was on track and that the house was ready for potential buyers. With my frequent travel schedule, she even stepped in to handle on-site tasks, from coordinating repairs to preparing the home for showings, which was an incredible relief.
When it came to pricing and negotiation, Trina’s expertise really showed. She positioned the house well in the market and negotiated with buyers to achieve a fair outcome. I’m deeply grateful for her support throughout — it truly felt like I had a trusted partner by my side. I would wholeheartedly recommend Trina to anyone looking to buy or sell in Hopkinton. She is, without question, one of the best agents you could hope to have on your side.
Mike Leary | from page 1
Mike Leary’s book “Smoking Cigarettes” was released in July.
Planning Board continues battle with The Trails about Wilson Street damage
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
responsible for fixing the damaged road.
ThePlanning Board on Sept. 8 discussed how to address the owner of The Trails housing development’s apparent failure to make repairs to Wilson Street he agreed to have completed by mid-May.
In response, Vin Gately, the owner of The Trails, appeared at the Feb. 24 meeting. He said he did not believe all of the road damage was a result of the subdivision. But his project engineer, Peter Bemis, proposed a plan for completing repair work by May 15 at a cost of $40,000.
The issue of damage to Wilson Street first came before the Planning Board at its meeting on May 13, 2024.
DPW Director Kerry Reed discussed the culpability of The Trails in causing roadway damage at that time. She reiterated this concern earlier this year,
At that meeting, Phil Paradis, the town’s engineering consultant, presented estimates for the necessary work to Gately. He said the repair work would cost $102,000 at rates proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. He also noted that the
Erosion control measures at The Trails property can be seen from Wilson Street in this photo from August of 2023.
prevailing wage.
Because of the additional roadwork, the Planning Board then voted unanimously to raise The Trails’ bond amount from $75,000 to $177,000.
The town has had a long and complex history with The Trails and its stormwater management practices since 2021. The Conservation Commission imposed fines upon The Trails in 2023 that had been held in abeyance for nearly two years because of repeated violations. Stormwater ran off the property and impacted the Ashland reservoir as well as Wilson Street. Bemis and Gately insisted that the damage was caused by an intense rainfall period and worked to improve the stormwater management system.
The Trails sued the Conservation Commission in early 2024. The Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet in executive session on Sept. 2 to discuss the lawsuit.
Current concerns make road repair critical
John Gelcich, the director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, said Reed submitted comments noting that emergency repairs costing around $1,200 had to be made to Wilson Street “because the developer still has not repaired it.”
Gelcich noted that he and Reed reached out to Gately “several times,” reminding Gately that he said he would make the repairs at the February meeting.
“[Gately] was not happy that the board raised the bond amount,” he said, noting that Gately’s attorney sent a letter to the town to that effect. “[Gately] is saying he’s waiting on the town’s response on the bond.”
Although the bond approval is in place, Gelcich added that the town is not enforcing it at this time. But that is conditioned upon the road repairs being completed at Gately’s expense.
Chair Rob Benson explained that there is “a pretty significant downhill slope” from the development to the road. This caused water to “wash out” dirt and part of the pavement on Wilson Street “after significant rainstorms.”
“This is frustrating, to say the least,” he added.
Another issue Benson called out was the way the developer originally proceeded with the project. Instead of implementing a phased process, Benson said the land was clear-cut.
“And he doesn’t want to take responsibility for that,” Benson said.
Gelcich said corrective measures were installed to control the amount of runoff, but roadway damage still occurs to a lesser extent now.
Vice chair Matthew Wronka asked if the town could repair the road. Gelcich noted that it has not been budgeted and would require an appropriation.
In a worst-case scenario, the bond could be cashed, Gelcich added.
Said Gelcich: “It’s a confusing situation.”
Member Peter Mimmo noted that the town is spending money for temporary repair costs. Depending on rainfall, it may have to do so again if Gately doesn’t fix the road.
The board agreed to invite Gately to its next meeting on Sept. 22 to learn more about his position. It also will address its concerns to Gately beforehand in writing. Gelcich said he would reach out to town counsel regarding the offsite impacts.
Added Benson: “If we have any levers to pull to get this to happen sooner than later, that’s what we should do.”
Bond release for Highland Park III approved
In other news, the board approved in an 8-0 vote a bond release request for Highland Park III.
Gelcich explained that Singletary Way is part of the High land Park III development, which is located near the Hopkinton Country Club. While the road was built and accepted by the town, the developer never requested the $16,808 bond back until now. He added that the town has owned the road since 2018.
Gelcich did not recommend approval at this time for a simi lar request for Stoney Brook Road, which is part of the Highland Park IV development. He noted that this last part of the Highland Park subdivision is not yet complete and that there have been “issues with the design of the road.” Because a peer review report had not yet been received, he suggested that that board reconsider it at the next meeting on Sept. 22. Benson agreed.
Downtown parking permit hearing continued
The board voted 8-0 to continue the hearing for a special permit for downtown business district parking until Sept. 22 at the applicant’s request. The proposal called for parking between the principal building and the street for a four-unit development at 3 Claflin Street, off Walcott Street.
At the Aug. 4 meeting, residents expressed concerns about flooding, the impact of seven new parking spaces on a narrow residential street and snow removal.
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Crust sets up shop at former location of Hillers Pizza
Crust & Co. is Dion’s latest venture in a long career of successful restaurant operation. According to a press release, he has over 20 years experience as a restaurateur. He co-founded 110 Grill and has opened over 60 restaurants in seven states over the past decade.
Dion left 110 Grill earlier this year and was working as a consultant when the opportunity to buy Hillers Pizza arose. He noted that Paul Mastroianni, landlord of 77 West Main Street, approached him in late August with the opportunity.
“We put it all together very quickly,” said Dion. “Everything sort of worked itself out.”
Now that the business has changed hands, Dion said he is pushing to open by mid-September, following his approval from the Select Board on Sept. 9.
Dion recognized the recent history of Hillers Pizza and acknowledged the town’s actions to review the Hillers Pizza license following the conviction of former owner Petros “Peter” Sismanis on charges of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and two counts of witness intimidation. Sismanis had taken a 16-year-old female employee to the basement of the restaurant, where he grabbed her around the waist and
kissed her on the mouth. He then tried to prevent the girl and her mother — who had arrived to pick up the upset teen — from leaving.
Sismanis previously had pleaded out to an indecent assault and battery charge after similar accusations involving a 19-year-old employee in 1998, when he ran another restaurant in town.
“I think [the Select Board] just
wanted to see the necessary changes to move forward not only for the business but for the town of Hopkinton as well,” Dion said.
In the meantime, he is committed to getting Crust & Co. ready to open. “It’s a lot to put together, but we’re getting there,” he said.
Hillers Pizza closed permanently on Sept. 1, with a sign on its door noting that Crust & Co. was set to take over the space.
“Those that continued to support our family…thank you” the sign read.
According to Mastroianni, an agreement was reached with the Sismanis family, who owned Hillers Pizza, to let them out of their lease.
Select Board offers support
The Select Board on Sept. 9 approved common victualer and entertainment licenses for Crust & Co. in a 4-1 vote with conditions that would allow the pizza place to open as soon as required inspections are completed.
Dion changed the restaurant’s color scheme and interior to make a clear distinction from the previous pizza shop, which closed abruptly Sept. 1.
“[There will] be a very, very different look when you enter the restaurant,” he said, “which I think is important given
the history there.”
The history he referred to was the conviction of Sismanis, whose offenses sparked protesters to hold signs in front of the restaurant and oppose the transfer its common victualer license to his wife, Eleni. A public hearing on that matter was scheduled to be held Sept. 4, but Dion’s purchase made the matter moot.
“I think it’s important to mention I’ve never met the family — the prior owners,” stressed Dion. “I don’t know who they are.”
He added that no one from the Sismanis family is involved in any aspect of the new restaurant.
Said Dion: “It’s time [with] everything that I’ve heard for everybody to move forward with a new, great business in town.”
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said that Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks had been performed on Dion and the new managers, with no offenses found.
She added that an application was pending with the Board of Health for a food service permit. Lazarus said the Health Department, whom she spoke with earlier in the day, would be “very comfortable” if the board issued the
The
Crust & Co. owner Ryan Dion and wife Hilary pose underneath a sign for the new business at 77 West Main Street.
Crust
Crust
Select Board discusses Main Street demolition incident
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
The Select Board on Sept. 9 discussed the collapse of a building wall that occurred at 52 Main Street, the former site of Hopkinton Drug. The wall fell onto the sidewalk and spilled into the street during the building’s demolition on Aug. 27, causing no injuries.
Boston-based Parsons Commercial Group, along with Brendon Properties, is redeveloping the property into a multifamily mixed-use development.
Select Board chair Joe Clark said he and Town Manager Elaine Lazarus spoke with public safety leaders Sept. 5 to discuss what could be done “from a town standpoint” to ensure residents’ safety. He cited “lack of communication” between the town and the developer once the demolition permit was issued as a problem that could be easily addressed moving forward. The board and the public safety leaders should get regular progress updates given the project’s scope, he stressed.
Hopkinton Fire Chief Gary Daugherty said there was a public “misconception” that the police and fire departments are notified when a building is scheduled to be demolished. In reality, the Building Department gets a notice.
He added that the only reason he knew the building was coming down is because the accident triggered the fire alarm and sprinkler system.
Vice chair Shahidul Mannan said he was happy that the town would be “institutionalizing more vigilance.”
“Folks, it’s OK to be scared about this one,” added member Matt Kizner, noting that it occurred on the first day of school.
Member Amy Ritterbusch asked if damage was done to town property.
Crust sets up shop
licenses contingent upon the issuance of this permit.
Member Amy Ritterbusch asked if there would be “supervision systems” for teen employees. Dion said he and trained managers would be at the restaurant.
“Treating people with respect and having fun at work is the name of the game,” he added.
Lone dissenter Matt Kizner said he wanted Crust & Co. to receive the food service permit before the board voted. He stressed that he wanted this business to “start off on the right foot from a place of trust.” He expressed similar concern over the proposed entertainment license.
Kizner also said he appreciated the “collaboration and creativity” between Dion and Mastroianni to move this venture forward.
Member Brian Herr said he was comfortable with approving the license requests with conditions. Chair Joe Clark echoed this statement, noting it is “not something that’s uncommon for us to do.”
— Mary Ellen Gambon contributed to this report.
Lazarus said that the town is filing an insurance claim, which is standard protocol.
Town counsel selection criteria discussed
Board members discussed the strengths of the four firms vying to be chosen as the town’s legal representative. After trying to narrow the list to two top choices, they agreed to come up with a list of criteria for the next meeting to determine which candidates will advance to a final interview.
The candidates include current town counsel Harrington Heep (based in Wellesley); KP Law (based in Boston, with offices in Hyannis, Lenox, Northampton and Worcester); Mead, Talerman & Costa (offices in Newburyport, Millis and New Bedford); and Brooks & DeRensis (offices in Boston and Natick).
Members discussed the advantages of hiring a large firm like KP Law and Harrington Heep while appreciating the hands-on style shown by the smaller firms. They agreed that all candidates were highly qualified.
Ritterbusch said she had some reservations about hiring Mead, Talerman & Costa because it represents other area towns with which Hopkinton has intermunicipal agreements. Clark and Kizner said they liked that the firm had local knowledge.
Member Shahidul Mannan suggested creating a matrix where the candidates could be compared based on the town’s priorities, which Clark said could include fee structure and responsiveness.
Misc.: Volunteers Dauchy,
O’Leary lauded
The board honored Chuck Dauchy for his decades of enhancing Hopkinton’s beauty through his work creating and maintaining trails. It also recognized Mavis O’Leary, who previously served on several town committees and was a Scout first aid instructor and substitute school nurse. …
The board accepted the resignation of Heather Burton from the Conservation Commission. This follows Janine LeBlanc’s recent resignation. Also, it announced the resignation of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Laura Hanson. It also accepted Jamie Shepard’s resignation from the Regional Vocational School Committee. Later in the meeting, former Select Board member Brendan Tedstone was appointed to a three-year term and Sabine St. Pierre to a one-year term.
DOWNSIZING DOWNSIZING MADE EASY MADE EASY
TUESDAY Sept. 23
Join us for an informative and engaging seminar designed to help homeowners make smart, cost-effective decisions before selling your home. Hear from local experts in home improvement.
PARTICIPATING VENDORS:
The former Hopkinton Drug building was reduced to rubble by a demolition crew in late August.
Crust | from page 8
Enveloped
Onsite
Protect your home for winter
If you plan to brave the New England winter at home, you’ll want it to be as cozy and comfortable as possible. If you’re a snowbird, you don’t want to return to a disaster. In either case, the following steps will help ensure that your house has a happy new year.
Professional insights
• Clean out your dryer vents. Clogged vents are one of the most common causes of house fires. Check that your dryer is properly vented to the outside and high enough that it won’t be blocked by packed snow.
• Check that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. Smoke detectors should be less than 10 years old, and carbon monoxide detectors less than seven. The guide on the Hopkinton fire prevention webpage (hopkintonma. gov/fire_prevention) can help you determine the type required for the age and size of your home.
• Change the batteries in all your detectors. An easy way to remember to do this is to change them when daylight savings time ends, which is Nov. 2 this year. (Note that newer detectors have longer-lasting lithium batteries.) Change the batteries on thermostats, electronic entryways and garage doors as well.
• Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re within their expiration date. This also is a good time to ensure that all household members know where they are and how to operate them.
• Have your chimney cleaned and inspected — before using your fireplace for the first time in the
new season.
• Schedule annual maintenance for the furnace or heating system, and winterize the air conditioner.
• Prevent frozen pipes! Set your thermostat to a minimum of 60 degrees and use pipe wrap for extra insulation. Know where the main shutoff for your water system is in case of emergency.
• To keep the cold (and the critters) out and the heat in, caulk around leaky windows or cover them with plastic shrink film. Check for and seal any areas where rodents might enter the home. Apply weatherstripping around drafty door frames and use draft stoppers to block cold air from seeping in under doors.
• Once the leaves have fallen, clean out the gutters and downspouts and remove any piles of leaves or debris from around your home’s foundation.
• Check for and remove any overhanging branches that could fall on the house if they’re weighted down with snow or ice.
• Keep your hoses and sprinkler systems from freezing by turning off water valves inside the house, then going outside and opening the valves to clear water from the pipes. Disconnect and store hoses.
• Seal cracks in pavement, walkways and sidewalks to prevent water penetration.
Don’t get left out in the cold — regular maintenance is vital to protect your investment and keep your family safe. Start or schedule your home winterization now, and enjoy the season!
Kim Foemmel, Real Estate Broker Foemmel Fine Homes Hopkinton, MA 508.808.1149 Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com
Upalekar and Anjani
Charlie Pagan and Jo Pagan; an untitled piece by
an untitled piece by
and “Color the World with Love” by Amy Adams.
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Kim Foemmel
Krammes,
Mira
Chintala;
Heather Marusa;
fall fun
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.
SCHEDULE UPDATE
The Hopkinton Public Library will be closed from Oct. 11-13 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day/Columbus Day.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Failed Attempts to Make English Eezier to Spell
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2-3 p.m.
In this virtual program, author Gabe Henry will lead a journey through the history of the English language while he discusses troublemakers like Mark Twain, who broke all the rules. Henry is the author of three books, including the poetry anthology “Eating Salad Drunk,” a humor collaboration with Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Birbiglia, Margaret Cho and other titans of comedy. He has spent more than a decade exploring the strange and forgotten history of simplified spelling, which, by his own admission, has only made him a worse speller.
Author Talk: Mike Leary
Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Local author Mike Leary, a fiction writer whose work blends grit, nostalgia and dry humor, will read from his newly released novella, “Smoking Cigarettes.” After an unexpected inheritance from an estranged uncle, the narrator retreats to a remote cabin in the woods of Enfield, New Hampshire. Seeking solitude and clarity, he instead finds unease — encountering wary locals, a disembodied voice on a longdead phone line, and a decades-old carton of Kent Light 100s that stares back like a ghost of memory. Blurring the lines between fiction and memoir, this haunting, intimate novella explores the weight of trauma, the elusive nature of creativity, and
Spring Season
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL EVALUATIONS 2026
Hopkinton Little League will be holding evaluations for placement on Spring 2026 Baseball and Softball teams.
• Come to any one of the listed times for an age group.
• Evaluations are required for baseball players born on or before 8/31/18 and for softball players born on or before 12/31/16.
• Evaluations help us match players to the best team-playing experience. For more information visit hopkintonlittleleague.org
Friday, September 19 — EMC Park
5:00 – 6:00 10U/12U Softball
Saturday, September 20 — EMC Park
10:00 – 10:30 or 12:30 – 1:00 8-Year-Old Baseball 10:30 – 11:00 or 1:00 – 1:30 9-Year-Old Baseball
11:00 – 11:30 or 1:30 – 2:00 10-Year-Old Baseball
11:30 – 12:00 or 2:00 – 2:30 11-Year-Old Baseball
12:00 – 12:30 or 2:30 – 3:00 12-Year-Old Baseball
Sunday, September 21 — EMC Park
11:00 – 11:30 10U Softball
11:30 – 12:00 12U Softball
12:00 – 12:45 8/9-Year-Old Baseball
12:45 – 1:30 10/11/12-Year-Old Baseball
• Make-Up Date (if player can’t attend the above dates): Friday, September 26 at EMC Park from 5–6 pm for 10U/12U Softball and 8-12-Year-Old Baseball
• Rain Date (if any of the above are canceled due to rain): Saturday, September 27 at EMC Park, timing and age groups would be communicated via email Email hopkintonlittleleague@gmail.com with any questions.
the quiet ways we make sense of ourselves and the world around us.
Adventures Through the Heart and Soul of New England
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6-7 p.m.
Longtime journalist and author Ted Reinstein has reported all around New England for 25 years, telling the colorful stories of this historic yet ever-changing corner of America. Now he condenses his countless travels into a single, unique labor of love: a journey through the heart and soul of New England, meeting the most memorable people and their unlikely stories all along the way — people whose struggles, toughness, triumphs and humor not only define the very essence of New England but represent the timeless best of America as well.
From pumpkins and mums to hay bales and corn stalks, we style autumn displays so you can skip the work and enjoy the season.
Serving central Mass with cozy porch magic for homes, storefronts, and events, we bring the charm, you bring the cider.
Contact Lauren & Thom
SCARECROWS
our paths and enjoy a festive display of spooky, silly and creative scarecrows made by local residents, groups and Weston staff!
To submit an item for the Hopkinton Independent calendar section, email the information to editor@HopkintonIndependent.com. Submissions should be limited to 100 words and are subject to editing by the HI staff.
Trails Club Guided Walk Sept. 20
The Hopkinton Trails Club will
host a guided walk of Old Town Road on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. This ancient path on the hillside east of Lake Maspenock has stone walls, cellar holes and acres of forest. Participants will meet/park at 66 Pine Island Road. Additional parking is at the intersection at 55 Pine Island Road, by the mailboxes. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.
Antiques
MERCURY RECOVERY PROGR AM
Mercury is an element that can be harmful to human health and the environment if not disposed of properly.
Mercury is found in products such as:
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 5
Registration is open for the 37th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5. Funds raised are donated to the DanaFarber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk features four distances, from the full marathon (starting in Hopkinton) to a 5K. To register or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-5319255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount off the registration fee. All registered participants will receive a bib, medal and T-shirt.
Make-A-Wish Golf Invitational at HCC
Oct. 6
The third annual Make-A-Wish Golf Invitational will be held Monday, Oct. 6, with Hopkinton Country Club as the backdrop for participants to help make wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses. The tournament begins at noon, and there will be prize competitions throughout the course as well as lunch. Prior to the competition, breakfast will be available at 10:30 a.m., along with a silent auction and raffle. The day will conclude with a cocktail reception, awards ceremony and live auction. For more information, visit wish.org/massri/ make-wishr-golf-invitational.
PolyArts pedestrians
Individuals check out the displays at the 50th annual PolyArts festival at the Town Common on Sept. 6.
Please contact your local Board of Health or Department of Public Works for information on where to safely dispose of these items.
you come to relax, reminisce, or connect with neighbors, this gathering is all about community, conversation, and the joy of great music, together. Light refreshments will be served. To make the arts accessible to everyone, this event will be on a paywhat-you-can basis. Thank you to our sponsor, Fallon Health.
HCA Open Mic Night | Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. This is not your ordinary open mic night! It will include some games, music trivia and prizes! Cash bar and food available. Join us for a laid-back evening of fun, connection, and community. All talent levels are welcome, and every voice has a place on our stage. Bring your instrument, your notebook, or just your curiosity. Come to perform or just to enjoy the vibes—everyone is welcome! HCA will provide all sound and an accompanist and can accommodate tracks. $5 at the door, HCA Members are free. Sign-ups start at 7 p.m., performances kick off at 7:30 p.m. See you there!
Lung
Force Walk at State Park Oct. 18
Individuals, families and company teams will walk about 3 miles around Hopkinton State Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, as part of the Lung Force Walk, a celebratory and welcoming event that provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, early detection initiatives and awareness. To learn more and register, visit lungforce.org/boston.
Baypath’s Paws & Claws 5K Oct. 19
The 16th annual Paws & Claws 5K presented by VCA Animal Hospitals, a fundraising run/walk for Baypath Humane Society, will be held Sunday, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Hopkinton State Park. Participants can register as an individual or as part of a team. For more information — including about sponsorship options — and to register, visit baypathhumane.org.
Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month
The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
Soul Function Boston | Sept. 20 | 8 p.m.
HCA welcomes back local fan-favorite, Soul Function Boston to our stage! This band of veteran musicians has their background in everything from Rock, to Classical, to Ska, to Reggae, to Funk, and R&B. With a tight horn section, powerful vocals and guitars that perform a wide range of songs from Chicago, Tower of Power and Bruno Mars hits to classic Stevie Wonder cuts, Soul Function Boston’s funk-infused R&B tunes will keep you on the dance floor all night long. Get your groove on!
Stand-Up Dads Comedy Night Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a night of laughs, parenting fails, and dad jokes that actually land. Stand-up Dads is a hilarious comedy show that dives headfirst into the chaotic, lovable world of fatherhood. Whether you’re a parent, have one, or are just trying to survive adulthood, this show delivers sharp wit, relatable stories, and laugh-outloud moments that hit close to home. This is comedy with heart, delivered by dads who are just trying to figure it out like the rest of us. Featuring comedians Mike Koutrobis, Steve Bjork, and David Lamb.
OF HOPKINTON’
This issue’s winner is Norm Robinson for this photo of two fox pups who have been regular visitors (along with another sibling and their mother) to the backyard of his School Street home. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to BoMain. All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at BoMain.
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 and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.
HHS String Quartet
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.
The Hopkinton High School String Quartet — juniors Yulhee Kwon (violin), Jacob Wu (violin), Aritro Chatterjee (viola) and Jackson Chen (cello) — was formed more than four years ago. Each member of the quartet now has several years of orchestral and solo experience as members of the Hopkinton Public Schools orchestras, New England Conservatory Prep program, Rivers Conservatory, Groton Hill Music School and various local and international music competitions. Advance registration is requested for this event. Light refreshments will be served.
CarFit Wednesday
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 12-3 p.m.
CarFit is a program that helps mature drivers find their safest fit. This is an educational program that provides a quick yet comprehensive review of how well drivers and their vehicles work
together. The program, which was developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, also provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance driving safety and increase mobility.
Live Musical Performance by Tommy Rull
Thursday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of Hopkin ton Seniors in honor of National Senior Center Month, this one-hour program will feature the musical stylings of Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Elvis Pres ley, Perry Como, Lou Rawls, Engelbert Humperdinck, Roy Orbison and many more. Attendees will enjoy an hour of music, laughter, singing and dancing. Light refreshments will be served. Ad vance registration is requested.
Hopkinton Repair Fair
Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m.-noon
The annual Hopkinton Repair Fair is a free community event where people can bring items that don’t work right — such as small appliances, dull knives, books that need rebinding, clothing that needs fixes, etc. — and volunteers help repair them. Individuals must remain on site while their item is repaired and should bring necessary replacement parts if ap plicable, or be prepared to run out to a hardware store. Walk-ins are welcome, or individuals can call the Senior Center to register repair requests.
FIREWOOD
SportS
Hillers football leans on deep senior class
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Hopkinton High School football
coach Mark Sanborn headed into the 2025 season optimistic after a strong preseason and a large senior class that had the coach feeling like his team can make a push for the playoffs.
“We are really looking forward to seeing how things unfold,” Sanborn said ahead of the Sept. 5 season opener, a 13-6 loss at Chicopee Comp. “I am really confident in this group. They have really bought into what we are teaching them. They have a great attention to detail, and they are focused.”
The Hillers were 2-9 a season ago. This year, they have 19 seniors, most of whom are returning starters. The majority of the positions on both sides of the ball are being filled by players who started or saw significant time in 2024.
Leading the way are captains Ryan Morin and Will Boucher. Morin is a running back and plays on the defensive line, while Boucher is an offensive lineman and linebacker.
“They have been setting the tone when it comes to leadership,” Sanborn said. “They hold the other players accountable and understand the expectations.”
Hopkinton brings back several key cogs on offense. Liam Grady returns as a wide receiver along with Ryan Lang. In addition to Boucher, Evan Gronemeyer, Parker Sweeney and Jamie McDonald all return along the offensive line. They will help protect a new quarterback in senior Alex Piccioli.
“We will definitely rely on his leadership,” Sanborn said of the new starting signal caller.
Many of the same Hillers are expected to play big roles on defense, including Grady, Piccioli and Gronemeyer. Neil Rhodes, Gabe Caffazo and Lucas Reed lead the way in the defensive backfield.
“This group has been playing together since they were young and playing youth football in town,” Sanborn noted. “They get along well with each other, and they are really good people on and off the field.”
Sanborn said this year’s team is particularly receptive to coaching and feedback and willing to implement it into their play.
“This group is just so fun to work with,” he said. “The culture and the environment is great, everyone has bought in.”
The buy-in will be important as Hopkinton has moved into Division 2. Sanborn said there are “no gimmes” on the schedule, but the goal remains to compete for the Tri-Valley League and a spot in the state tournament.
“I think the potential is there for this team to make a run to get to the playoffs,” he said. “We are going to go as far as the seniors take us.”
HHS field hockey has lofty aspirations
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
Hopkinton High School field hockey coach Ally Valencia had a clear goal for her team as the 2025 season got underway: make it past the state quarterfinals.
The Hillers were one of the final eight teams in Division 2 last year before their season came to an end with a loss to Canton. This year, Hopkinton is in Division 1, but the team has 16 returning varsity players, and Valencia said they are ready to build on last year’s deep tournament run.
“I think we are hungry to take that next step,” the coach said. “This program has had consistent growth, and I think this is our year to get to the league title and make it far in the Division 1 tournament.”
The Hillers are anchored
Senior lineman Ryan Morin is serving as one of the team’s captains this year.
ON THE BALL
captains Abby Burke, Mary Finnegan and Ella Fowler. All three of the captains have the ability to generate offense, Valencia said.
“I think we are going to see a lot of goals from them and a lot of offensive firepower,” she said.
In the midfield, Taylor Interrante and Avery Quebec are skilled two-way players.
“They can really help make plays in the midfield and flip the field for us, and they do a good job of blocking scoring threats and being defensive anchors as well,” Valencia said.
Senior Emmy Foster returns as a starter in the midfield. Hopkinton also will rely heavily on goalkeeper Riley Curtin.
“She is a brick wall back there for us,” Valencia said. “She came up big in some games, and I have seen huge improvement from her in the offseason. I am really excited to have
her back in net.”
Valencia said the Hillers are “hungry for a Tri-Valley League” title after coming close over the past couple of years. She expects two-time defending league champion Norwood along with Westwood and Medfield to be among the biggest tests on the schedule.
“Those games are always circled on my calendar,” Valencia said.
With so many experienced players on the field, Valencia said her team’s intelligence and experience in pressure moments is something that is going to help throughout the season. The Hillers also come into the season with significant depth, which is something they have not always had in recent years, even as they consistently put top-end talent on the field.
“This year, I can get people in if injuries occur or if someone is having an off game,” Valencia said. “We have a lot of people on our roster who can contribute.”
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Hopkinton High School girls soccer player Catherine Chow breaks away from the Westwood defense during the Hillers’ 3-0 victory on Sept. 9.
508-293-4017 Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com
ScHoolS School Committee talks budget changes, central office lease
By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer
Budget matters and the central office lease were among highlights at the Sept. 4 School Committee meeting.
Susan Rothermich, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, reported there was a net positive variance in the fiscal year 2025 budget amounting to $20,000. That money gets put back in the town’s general fund.
Going forward, Rothermich said the district no longer would be using a special education reserve fund, which stayed level at $1 million. The Select Board and the Appropriation Committee want the school district to carry that cost within its operating budget going forward, she said.
“Year one is going to look bad because we are reabsorbing what was pulled out years ago,” member Nancy Cavanaugh said.
Rothermich noted the district also is going to be carrying the cost of software packages within the school’s budget, rather than the town. This change is because the town is moving its payroll to a different system, while the schools are remaining with the same one.
She explained, “We are more ingrained in the existing system, and they weren’t.”
New educators join district
Jeff LaBroad, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, gave a presentation about the recent orientation for new educators.
LaBroad said there are 20 new educators in the district. None are new to the profession, and they have 90 years of combined experience.
Some of the individuals worked in the district previously, left and came back, he said.
The three-day orientation included information from the school resource officer on safety and prevention, social/ emotional considerations for everyone and work with peer mentors and department heads on “what it means to successful” in the district.
“I think this is a fantastic group, and I get to reap the benefits of working with them,” LaBroad said.
Comment controversy addressed
The committee addressed public attention put on a comment voiced by vice chair Susan Stephenson regarding Masters that was caught on open mic.
Rothermich also said the district invested a lot of time, money and training into the current payroll system, and it would not make sense to switch.
The budget cycle began in July and will run through Town Meeting on May 2, she added.
Central office lease approved
The committee approved $145,276 to lease central office space from Honey Hill Farms, LLC from 2025 to 2028.
This total includes 1,400 square feet of additional contiguous space that becomes available on Jan. 1.
The current space is 8,000 square feet, with 7,000 of that used for office and the rest for storage.
The total unbudgeted amount to cover the additional rent (January to June) is $10,346, she said. That money would come from movements from smaller accounts.
The idea is to move the Technology Department into the central office and free up space at the high school.
Superintendent Evan Bishop said it would free up enough space for one classroom and some office areas and be a benefit to the high school.
“We’re gaining back [space], but it may not all be student occupied,” Bishop said.
When asked about other options to locate the central office, Rothermich said there are none.
She noted town buildings are overcrowded, and there are no current opportunities for alternatives, at least for the next three years.
For example, talks about how to use Elmwood School once the new Charleswood School opens are years off.
The moment in question occurred during the start of the Aug. 14 meeting. Masters, who attended the meeting virtually, experienced technical difficulties connecting with his audio. At around the 2-minute mark in the live broadcast on HCAM-TV, one member said, “Oh, we can’t hear you Chris.”
Stephenson then remarked, “Nor do we want to.”
The comment was not heard by Masters at the time, and the meeting proceeded as normal. But at least one person in town who watched the meeting found the comment inappropriate and unprofessional.
In a letter to the editor, Ashley Fogg, a former candidate for the School Committee, called the comment demeaning and unprofessional.
“It was an attempt to silence a colleague, and it was deeply disrespectful,” Fogg stated in her letter. She also characterized Masters as “often the lone voice of dissent” and warned that silencing voices like his silences the residents who elected him.
Fogg told the Independent that she had reached out to Masters before penning her letter to let him know of the comment. “He expressed disappointment that the comment was made and wasn’t aware of it, and that’s why I wrote [the letter],” she explained.
Masters since connected with Stephenson. “Susan reached out to me directly to clear the air and confirmed it was said jokingly,” he stated in an email.
Stephenson attributed her lapse in decorum to a “familiar pattern of bantering back and forth” with Masters and expressed regret over the situation. Despite the comment, she expressed respect for her fellow School Committee member and his contributions to the school district.
“I truly appreciate his focus on the fiduciary matters as he has demonstrated in our construction discussions,” StephenSchool Committee | 17
ScHoolS
HHS grad Striek earns Thoreau Scholarship
Hopkinton High School graduate Dylan Striek was named winner of a prestigious Thoreau Scholarship, a $26,000 award that will benefit him as he begins his studies at Dartmouth College.
The Henry David Thoreau Scholarship is a four-year tuition scholarship awarded annually to eight students graduating from high schools in Massachusetts. Given through the Henry David Thoreau Foundation, the scholarship “identifies and supports outstanding young leaders from Massachusetts who are committed to safeguarding the environmental welfare of future generations,” according to the foundation’s website.
Seniors awarded the scholarship can enroll in any college or university in the world while they major or minor in an environmentalrelated field. Thoreau Scholars are encouraged to enroll in internships or study abroad to broaden their awareness and understanding of environmental issues.
The Thoreau Foundation further assists its scholarship winners by identifying environmental-related internships, offering internship stipends and providing networking opportunities. A sign of success of the foundation’s mission to foster environmental leadership is the support past scholarship winners provide to present winners.
Striek is attending Dartmouth College with plans to study environmental engineering and economics while looking for innovative ways to save the environment. And although he has just entered college, Striek already is working, through his inventions, to bridge the gap between effective solutions and societal change.
Growing up in Boston, Striek thought it was normal for water to be dark and polluted, but a visit to Nova Scotia, Canada, changed his view. There, water
was flourishing with life. In response to his discovery, Striek developed a procedure to perform electrolysis on the ocean water, extracting carbon dioxide and reducing overall pollution.
For a significant port city like Boston, this device, if attached to thousands of cargo ships entering and exiting each day, could help its water flourish.
Striek continues to innovate for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Merit Scholarship semifinalists announced
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
There are three semifinalists from Hopkinton: Lila Harper, Jianing Huang and Simrit Kukreja.
Regional orchestra hosts competition
The Metrowest Symphony Orchestra will host its first Youth Concerto Competition on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Dwight Performing Arts Center at Framingham State University.
This event is open to those who will be under the age of 18 as of March 31, 2026, who play any orchestral instrument. Contestants must memorize their concerto selection (up to 15 minutes long) and bring their own accompanist. The winner will perform with the MSO in its March 2026 concert and receive a $400 cash prize.
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30.
For more information, visit metrowestsymphony.org.
to the board. …
son stated. “He is able to ask questions that, given my professional background, I and others might not think of given his experience.”
Masters also hoped to keep the focus on Hopkinton schools.
“I’m on the School Committee for two reasons,” he stated. “First, to help ensure that the students of Hopkinton receive the best education possible, and second, to ensure that we spend everyone’s hard-earned tax dollars wisely on schools and education. Now let’s get back to focusing on supporting the kids, teachers, staff and administrators so we can all have a productive school year.”
— Nick Schofield contributed to this report.
Misc.: Student reps added
In other committee business, members welcomed seniors Ella Snyder and Ryan Click as the student representatives
The initial enrollment figure for the school year is 4,290 students, including pre-K. While building the budget, the estimated enrollment for June 2026 is 4,377. Rothermich noted there always is movement in the numbers throughout the year. …
The anticipated groundbreaking for an adaptive playground is slated for the summer of 2027. The project has been designed, and construction documents are under development to be put out to bid, according to Rothermich. …
Members saw drone photos of the Charleswood School construction site, which member Chris Masters volunteered to take monthly for free. The Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) had heard a proposal to hire a company and pay $13,000 for photos and a short video to document progress. Masters is the board’s liaison to the ESBC. …
The next regular meetings will be held on Sept. 25 and Oct. 9. On Sept. 23, the board will meet with the Select Board and the Appropriation Committee. A listening session will be held on Zoom on Sept. 21. The topic will be the school calendar.
Dylan Striek
police log
ARRESTS
Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.
August 27
2:09 p.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Officers Kyle Quinzani and Nicholas Walker arrested a 70-year-old from Framingham and charged him with operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
August 26
12:52 a.m. A caller on Main Street reported a van pulled up to her and another person and then drove off erratically. Officers Noah Buentello and Eva Cann responded to Hopkinton Lumber and transported two females to a residence.
August 27
2:44 p.m. Police Chief Joseph Bennett and multiple officers responded along with the Fire Department to a report of fallen debris in the roadway from the demolition of the former Hopkinton Drug on Grove and Main Streets. Three detail officers were requested, and the road subsequently was reopened.
8:12 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Front Street with a vehicle on its side. Officers Matthew LaTour, Justin Cappuccio and Kyle Quinzani responded. No personal injuries were reported.
August 28
8:58 a.m. A Wood Street caller reported a raccoon in distress in the water. Sgt. William Burchard responded and reported the raccoon was deceased. The animal control officer was notified.
11:13 a.m. A caller reported he fell into an unattended manhole on Main Street. Officer Augusto Diaz responded, and the individual refused medical care. Officer Diaz checked with nearby businesses for video footage. A report was taken.
3:23 p.m. A caller reported fifth and sixth graders harassing another student on Main Street. Officer Sean McKeon responded and reported the harassed student was gone upon his arrival. He spoke to the other students and gave them a ride home.
5:57 p.m. A Woodview Way caller reported a dog bit him. Officer Kyle Quinzani took a report and notified the animal control officer.
10:37 p.m. A Constitution Court resident reported hearing screaming in a nearby apartment. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Sean McKeon and Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the resident, who stated the noise possibly was coming from a TV.
11:27 p.m. The Holliston Police Department reported a motor vehicle crash resulting in pole damage on College Street. Officer Jennifer Manning responded to assist.
August 29
6:32 p.m. The Milford Police Department requested assistance in checking on a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident in Milford. Officer Sean McKeon checked on the vehicle at an East Main Street address and confirmed the damage. He spoke with the owner and then contacted the Milford Police Department. 11:33 p.m. Officer Jennifer Manning responded along with the Fire Department to Woodview Way for a fire alarm activation and advised all residents to evacuate the apartment building.
August 30
5:05 a.m. A Constitution Court resident complained of loud people outside of the apartment building and stated they were fighting two days ago. Officer Nicholas Walker spoke with the caller, who planned to email a video to him but did not want to give any of her personal information. Officer Eva Cann checked the area and found no one around.
9:58 p.m. A Ridge Road resident reported one juvenile, about 5-foot-9 with white sneakers, knocked loudly on his door and rang the doorbell, then ran away. Officer Sean McKeon responded and checked the area with a negative find.
August 31
11:32 a.m. A traffic constable working detail on Cedar Street reported a bicyclist was hit by a vehicle. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded, and the individual was up and walking upon his arrival. He agreed to be examined by EMS. A crash report was taken.
12:27 p.m. A Saddle Hill Road resident reported his mailbox was destroyed by a vehicle, and he wanted to file a report. Officer Augusto Diaz responded and took a report.
4:53 p.m. A caller reported a car alarm had been going off the past couple of days on Constitution Court. Officer Sean McKeon responded and attempted to make contact with the owner, who was known to police. The alarm was deactivated.
11:03 p.m. A tow truck driver requested an officer on Constitution Court, where he was trying to tow a vehicle, but parties on scene were being difficult, and the owner of the vehicle paid a drop fee to get his vehicle off the tow truck. The tow truck driver disconnected the battery so that the alarm would not sound anymore. Officer Eva Cann responded and spoke with all involved parties.
September 1
12:16 a.m. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Eva Cann checked on a vehicle on West Main Street and found a person who appeared to be camping. They moved him along.
September 2
10:31 a.m. A caller reported a reckless driver of a Honda CRV was tailgating her on Elm Street and waved to her to pull
aside. When she did not, the driver passed her and did the same to the car in front of her. The caller stated the vehicle had about four or five teenage boys. She provided the license plate. The incident was logged.
10:58 a.m. Multiple callers reported a motor vehicle accident on East Main Street. Officers Noah Buentello, Robert Ekross and Benjamin Vaz responded along with an ambulance. Personal injuries were reported.
8:21 p.m. A caller complained of a person on an electronic bike who nearly hit him and was tearing through construction gravel on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Aline Matos responded and checked the area with a negative find.
September 3
7:56 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard and Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two cars on School Street. A report followed.
8:12 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin assisted the State Police with a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street. EMS was requested.
6:48 p.m. A caller on South Street reported a pregnant cat under her motor vehicle. Attempts were made to contact the animal control officer. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded, and the cat was taken to Baypath.
7:01 p.m. A Woodview Way resident complained of noise in their apartment complex. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Sean McKeon responded and spoke to a neighbor, who was cleaning and moving some things around.
8:09 p.m. A Freedom Way caller reported someone used his name and an old email address to open an AT&T account. Officer Sean McKeon responded and took a report of fraud.
September 4
9:11 a.m. Officer Benjamin Vaz found a dead raccoon in the roadway on Ash Street and notified the DPW.
7:53 p.m. A walk-in reported finding a German Shepherd in the roadway on Proctor Street. A message was left for the animal control officer, and the dog was returned to its owner.
September 5
1:11 a.m. Officer Eva Cann checked on a vehicle parked on Legacy Farms North and found a male sleeping in the passenger seat. All was OK.
3:21 p.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle crash on Winter Street. A tow truck removed the vehicle, and the DPW removed a damaged tree from the roadway.
6:27 p.m. A walk-in brought in a black puppy found on the road on Granite Street. The owner was found.
7:35 p.m. A caller reported he was in an altercation with another male party on Amherst Road. Officer Sean McKeon responded and provided a courtesy transport to the station for the intoxicated party.
9:03 p.m. A Lakeshore Drive resident reported his neighbors yelling and screaming at each other. Officers Robert Ekross, Justin Cappuccio and Sean McKeon responded and spoke to the male and female neighbors, who were “just playing around.” All was OK.
September 6
8:01 a.m. A Leonard Street walk-in reported her electricity had been shut off by her landlord. Officer Nicholas Saletnik assisted and attempted to contact the landlord.
8:14 a.m. A caller reported finding a small black dog on Pratt Way. The incident was logged.
11:36 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle struck a pole on Spring Street, and the base
of the pole was damaged. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Sgt. William Burchard responded and also reported the feed to the house was damaged, in addition to other property damage. Verizon and Eversource were notified. A report was taken.
2:07 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard responded to a noise complaint on Linden Street and advised a construction crew of noise ordinance regulations.
September 7
9:32 a.m. A Blueberry Lane resident complained that his yard was flooded due to the nearby housing construction project. Officer Benjamin Vaz confirmed the flooding and reported it was not an immediate hazard at this time. The caller was to take the issue up with the construction company the following day.
12:06 p.m. A caller reported a power line was nearly pulled down by a fallen tree on Ash Street. Officer Benjamin Vaz reported the tree was on wires from pole to house, and he contacted Eversource and Verizon.
12:20 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell in the roadway on Sterling Drive. Officer Nicholas Walker responded and spoke with a homeowner, who was going to cut the tree with a chainsaw, and reported there was no hazard.
7:28 p.m. Officers Kykle Quinzani and Aline Matos responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street and took a report.
September 8
8:33 a.m. A caller reported an erratic female driver in a silver Hyundai who was tailgating her, passed her and flipped her off on Spring Street while she was driving the speed limit. The incident was logged.
11:11 a.m. Officers Nicholas Walker and Noah Buentello and EMS responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. One vehicle was towed. Personal injuries were reported.
12:50 p.m. A caller reported low-hanging wires on Fruit Street. Officer Robert Ekross checked the wires, reported they were not an immediate hazard and contacted Eversource.
4:08 p.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani assisted the Milford Police Department in searching for a vehicle on Frankland Road.
4:56 p.m. A caller reported someone doing wheelies on an e-bike in the middle of the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officer Justin Cappuccio responded, stopped three e-bike riders and contacted their parents to retrieve them.
