Hopkinton Independent Sep29

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 19 | September 29, 2021

Health director requests civility to COVID team

By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

H

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

ARTSY FOLKS

After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the annual Polyarts festival returned to the Town Common on Sept. 18 and drew a big crowd.

Former lax standout Chirco sets marathon goal

Jaclyn Chirco, who had a standout career as a lacrosse goalie at Hopkinton High School and Assumption College, will run the Boston Marathon as a fundraiser for Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse.

By Will Kraus Contributing Writer hen she was a goaltender on the Hopkinton High School lacrosse team, Jaclyn Chirco was very successful at protecting the goal.

As an adult, Chirco is focused on a different goal — completing the Oct. 11 Boston Marathon. Chirco will run as a fundraiser for Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse.

“Growing up, I watched the Marathon start every year,” she recalled. “My family used to live in the first quarter-mile of the race, so we’d walk to the end of the street and set up camp. We’d bring chairs and coolers and hang out all day long watching the runners go by.

“One year, when I was about 5 or so, we were standing out there and I had my hand out, just looking to get a highfive, and this one guy handed me a $10 bill. So I’m thinking

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opkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, in his update to the Select Board last Tuesday night, praised his COVID-19 response team and said the staffers do not deserve to have residents treat them rudely while they are doing their jobs.

“Right now they are recognized widely throughout the commonwealth as being one the top COVID response teams out there,” a weary-sounding McAuliffe said, adding that two visiting nurse associations (VNA) recently called to ask for assistance. “We know what we’re doing. We’ve got different agencies that are coning to us for advice on how to handle cases. So, my hats off to those guys. They’re really a well-oiled machine.

“With that said, we’re almost two years into COVID. I know people are frustrated. I know that they’re inconvenienced. I know that they’re tired. But I’m just asking people — and there’s a small minority — but I’m just asking them to be a little civil when they are dealing with that team, because they have a job to do, they COVID | 20

INSIDE NEWS

ConCom questions Leonard Street developer

8

RECREATION

Parks & Rec expands offerings for residents

9

SCHOOLS

Superintendent lauds effort in return to class

13

Chirco | 11

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

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.

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Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Mary Ellen Gambon, Christie Vogt

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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.

Garabedian got it started for HCA W

hen Dora Garabedian moved to Hopkinton in 1988 with her husband, Tom, and three young sons, she quickly became involved in the schools.

A proponent of the arts, she coordinated visits from artists and musicians in order to share her passion with the town’s youth.

She eventually set bigger goals.

With some other like-minded friends, Garabedian started the Cultural Arts Alliance in the mid-1990s. She later spearheaded the successful effort to acquire the Terry farmhouse to host classes, lessons and shows. Eventually it became the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA), now a popular arts cenINDEPENDENT ter on Hayden Rowe Street, next to HopTHOUGHTS kinton High School.

JERRY SPAR Garabedian died last month at the age of 70, but her impact won’t soon be forgotten.

“She really was the driving force of getting it done,” said HCA Executive Director Kelly Grill. “She saw the opportunity when the town purchased the lands at the Terry property to build the school. She worked with four or five other volunteers, but she was the one who really was the driving force behind writing the RFP [request for proposal] and putting it together and going before the town and talking to people about how this would be really good for the town to have an arts center there and renovate [the building]. Because of her leadership, it happened.

“Her vision for it, when I look back at all of the paperwork that she put together, was somewhere where people of all ages could come and not only have classes, the education piece, but an art gallery and a performance space. And that’s exactly what happened.”

Garabedian was exposed to the arts at an early age, as her mother taught an after-school art program and her father was a classical music fan. She played the flute throughout her life.

And she was a born leader, according to Grill.

“I would describe her as grace personified,” Grill said. “She was just the loveliest woman. She was elegant and open. She had tremendous leadership qualities. She was a visionary. She was truly a visionary. And people were drawn to her, because she had a beautiful smile and magnetic personality. I know that that’s why all of it happened, because people were drawn to her and wanted to be involved because of her.”

Tom Garabedian said his wife took great pride in what the HCA had become.

“She was thrilled to see what this all developed into,” he said. “Obviously there are many, many people who were involved in taking this vision forward, but she was quietly very pleased with what it matured into, and how people like Kelly and Kris [Waldman, former co-executive director] caused it to evolve into something that’s not only for Hopkinton, not only for MetroWest, but has reached much more broadly throughout Eastern Massachusetts.”

A scholarship has been established in Garabedian’s name (hopartscenter. networkforgood.com/projects/1207662021-annual-fund) to provide financial support for classes and lessons in music and art. Additionally, the HCA recently

HopkintonIndependent.com

Dora Garabedian, posing in front a painting at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, was instrumental in the organization’s success.

established the Dora Garabedian Visionary Award, which will be presented every year to someone who has moved the mission of the organization forward, Grill explained.

Said Grill: “She had a passion for children, had a passion for the arts and making it available. And that’s what she did.”

Fein-Brug leaves to start oyster farm Deborah Fein-Brug resigned from the Planning Board this month as she heads to her new home in Maine.

“My family is starting a business that’s very exciting to us: Brug Seafarm, an oyster farm on the New Meadows River,” she explained, noting that one of her two sons, Jeremy, an environmental scientist, will head the business. “We’re raising oysters for people to eat and to help purify the water environmentally.”

Fein-Brug spent 23 years in Hopkinton, moving here in 1998. She joined the Planning Board in 2017, after previously serving on the Downtown Revitalization Committee and Downtown Historic District Commission.

“Because of the political situation and things that were going on that way, I felt like I needed to step forward,” she recalled, noting that she is an architect so she has experience planning and building projects.

“I think I was one of the initial people who opened the conversation about the unprecedented growth in Hopkinton, and I was a proponent of continued awareness of growth and how it affects Hopkinton vis-a-vis solar farms and housing clusters, et cetera,” she added.

“For me, that was the big [issue]. How can we, side by side, continue to go in a good direction with all the growth that’s been happening.”

Fein-Brug was active in the community in other ways, helping with Scouts, coaching youth soccer and serving as one of the organizers of the HCA haunted house and Harry Potter-themed fundraisers and the HPTA Fifties dance.

“I highly recommend new people in town to get involved and stay involved whether it’s for the kids or for town government,” she said.

HHS students honor 9/11 victims Three alumni of Project 351 — a community service organization that brings together one eighth-grader from every town in the state — recently got Independent thoughts | 3

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 3 Project 351 alumni (from left) Anna Noroian, Karen Tang and Shelby Jones pose next to the 9/11 rock garden they created at Hopkinton High School.

Independent thoughts | from page 2

together to create a 9/11 memorial rock garden outside Hopkinton High School.

“We wanted to make a beautiful tribute to the 9/11 victims and fallen heroes from 20 years ago,” explained HHS freshman Anna Noroian. “We really just wanted to do something big and powerful, to remember their legacy and their lives.”

Noroian, junior Shelby Jones and sophomore Karen Tang met at the Town Common and painted rocks there, in-

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scribing some with the names of people from the region who perished during the terrorist attacks 20 years ago. With support from school administration, they created the garden and also read a statement, written by Jones, during the HHS morning announcements on Sept. 10.

“September 11 has been named a National Day of Service and Remembrance, where we are all challenged to engage in charitable acts,” the statement read. “In this way, we pay tribute to the 9/11 victims, survivors and responders.”

Alcohol ads should not mention school I saw [a recent advertisement] for back to school sales for alcohol published in the Hopkinton newspaper and was wondering why you published it. Every single month there are groups in Hopkinton trying to prevent substance abuse while this ad just encourages it.

Back to school is not a holiday where people drink, it’s when kids go back to school.

Speaking [as] a kid who does read the newspaper, you should consider what you put in the [paper] and make sure it’s appropriate for every age group. Alcohol can do many bad things to people’s bodies, and it’s not a good thing for people to normalize drinking, especially in front of kids. As a young person myself, I don’t want my generation or the generations to come to experience drinking as normal.

So, it would be very kind of you to next time remove any ads promoting alcohol use in the newspaper. The Hopkinton newspaper is a lovely place to learn what’s going on in the community, not where to buy alcohol.

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— Neha Ninan, Hopkinton Publisher’s note: This issue recently was discussed by the Hopkinton Independent management team, and it was agreed that the text should have been worded differently to avoid any impression that an alcohol ad was targeting underage students. The Independent will work with advertisers to prevent this from happening in the future.

Town’s emergency personnel deserve praise I was witness to an incident Sept. 7 outside of my home where an individual in distress was in the woods alone. A number of Hopkinton Police officers (and one Milford PD cruiser) and one Hopkinton ambulance showed up and assisted with the search. A drone and a K-9 were brought in, and after two hours of what looked like an intense search, the individual was found and placed in the waiting ambulance.

I can only imagine how this individual’s loved ones felt, and this letter is to commend our Hopkinton Police and Fire/EMT forces. These emergency responders walked through woods filled with ticks, poison ivy and mosquitoes, in addition to overgrown thick brush, tree limbs and roots, with only their flashlights. They most likely had to continue on with their night shift and tend to other emergencies.

Far too often in today’s world, people are quick to criticize but are not nearly as forthcoming with praise as we should be. I hope this letter changes that in some small way and the rest of Hopkinton realizes that we have heroes among us. Thank you Hopkinton Police and Fire/EMT! You made our family and neighbors so proud to live here!

— Christine Curren, Hopkinton

Trails don’t need painted rocks As the HALT [Hopkinton Area Land Trust] steward of Center Trail and at the risk of sounding like a curmudgeon, I respectfully request people to stop leaving painted rocks on the trail. People come to the trails to escape the bustle of motorized traffic and enjoy our town’s abundant natural beauty, not to look at painted rocks.

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

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

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The owner of the building at 17 Main Street, which was damaged by a fire last September, is looking to expand the property.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Planning Board at its meeting Sept. 13 decided in an 8-0 vote to continue the hearing for 17 Main Street after concerns arose about the parking layout and the ability of emergency vehicles to have enough space to access the building.

This was the first hearing before the board about this proposed project at Main and Church streets. Owner Tom Carey explained that he has owned the property since 2011.

“We had an unfortunate fire just about a year ago, and it damaged the front portion of the building quite dramatically,” he said.

The 21,000-square-foot property has three existing buildings, including the main structure, medical office space and a garage. The plan calls for the front of the main building to be renovated and a 4,000-square-foot addition to be built on the rear. A second floor is proposed over the existing garage.

The proposal calls for adding two apartments to the one there and increasing the amount of office space. The property

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We want to make sure that in all circumstances the appropriate emergency vehicles can get into the lot of the building. So there’s a little more work to do there. ­— Gary Trendel Chair currently lacks a drainage system as well as a required parking space for people with disabilities. A portion of the current driveway exceeds the property line by about 3 1/2 feet.

The proposal calls for the driveway to be moved back and to be made a oneway entrance. The current number of 17 spaces would be reduced to 15 to allow for an 8-by-20-foot accessible space for people with disabilities that can accommodate a van.

Fire Chief Bill Miller expressed concerns about the ability for fire trucks to make the turn radius and requested a swept path analysis. The design as presented showed that the fire truck would have to cross over the accessible space, even with an ambulance.

“We ask to do a swept path of our ladder truck,” he said. “What it does is it shows us that a ladder truck can get in.”

Chair Gary Trendel expressed caution that the project is adding space to the building while reducing the number of parking spaces. His second concern was emergency access.

“Candidly, given the prior history and that it’s in a congested part of town, I think that’s particularly important,” he said. “We want to make sure that in all circumstances the appropriate emergency vehicles can get into the lot of the Planning Board | 4

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 5

Town receives generous anonymous donations A t its Sept. 21 meeting, the Select Board voted unanimously to accept three anonymous donations to benefit the town’s emergency service departments as well as the Hopkinton Senior Center.

One $20,000 doNEWS BRIEFS nation was designated to benefit the needs of the Hopkinton Fire Department, while a second donation of $20,000 was allocated to the Hopkinton Police Department. The Hopkinton Senior Center is the beneficiary of a $25,000 anonymous donation.

Member Brendan Tedstone expressed gratitude on behalf of the board for the nameless giver’s largess.

“This is a very, very generous — three generous donations — by an anonymous donor,” he said. “If they had any idea how timely and how helpful those donations are … Maybe they do, I don’t know.

Hopkinton Drug criticized for ad Hopkinton Drug took some heat last week for its Route 9 billboard advertisement — since removed — boasting that it had an “ample supply of human ivermectin,” a drug many people have been using to treat COVID-19 even though the FDA has not approved it for that use.

Hopkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe was especially critical of the store’s ad, saying, “It’s insane that people are even considering this …

Physicians who recommend it should be having their medical licenses suspended.”

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For more information, visit the Health Department page at the town’s website or call the Health Department at 508-497-9725.

Misc.: Town website updates proposed The Select Board discussed the need to update the town website in order to make it more easily accessible to the public. Members Amy Ritterbusch and Muriel Kramer volunteered to work with Khumalo on modifications. …

The Select Board unanimously approved three appointments for town employees recommended by Khumalo.

Renee Chen was appointed as deputy assessor. Laurie St. John and Susan Sadhegi were named as administrative assistants in the Finance Department.

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Planning Board has concerns about parking for 17 Main expansion Planning Board | from page 4

building. So there’s a little more work to do there.”

Because the project is situated downtown, the parking space requirement is more relaxed, explained consultant Scott Richardson. The apartments would have reserved parking spaces, with the office space using the rest. There also will be 30 public parking spaces at the building next door that could be used, he explained.

Trendel noted that a retail establishment potentially could be used in what is planned for office space now, which would increase the number of parking spaces required for that use. There are four spaces needed per 1,000 square feet of retail, but only three spaces per 1,000 square feet for residential and office space, according to Principal Planner John Gelcich. In the downtown district, there is a 50 percent requirement for spaces for non-residential use.

“I just want to make sure that we think this through really, really well,” Trendel said, asking the project team to review the parking plan.

The stormwater management plan would need to connect to the future drainage system at Main Street. The corridor currently is under construction.

The project has been approved by the Historical Commission and was to be reviewed by the Design Review Board on Sept. 21, according to Dave Marquedant, who spoke on behalf of the applicant.

A site visit was scheduled for Sept. 25, and the project was to be reviewed at the Planning Board’s meeting on Sept. 27.

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Wood Street solar special permit extended by one year In other Planning Board news, the board unanimously voted to extend the solar special permit for the Wood Street solar project off of Mechanic Street for one year because the permit was set to expire on Dec. 27. There had been a delay in the processing of the interconnection application.

Brandon Smith explained on behalf of the applicant that several solar projects got “caught up in a solar transmission study,” which delayed the processing of the application. He anticipated it to be resolved by the end of the year, with construction slated for the beginning of next year.

Given the circumstances with the pandemic over the past 18 months, Trendel said the extension was reasonable. It has also been less controversial than similar solar projects.

“While there’s certainly been a lot of tension around many of these solar projects that we’ve seen, this has been one of the smoother ones,” he added. “I think this is one of the sites that, even from a town perspective, seemed to make sense for solar.”

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

Parks & Rec addresses fading turf field, decaying Town Common trees A consultant told the Parks & Recreation Commission at its Sept.

15 meeting that the Fruit Street turf fields could last two more years before needing replacement.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

A

t its meeting Sept. 15, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed progress made on several ongoing issues, including the Fruit Street turf fields assessment, some decaying Town Common trees and the nearly completed dog park.

Ian Lacy, the lead project advisor for Tom Irwin Advisors, a firm that designs and maintains green spaces, told the commission that he performed a study on the fields in response to concerns about wear and tear on the synthetic turf. He said he believes the fields will last for another 18 months to two years before they need to be replaced.

The assessment looked at factors such as the condition of the fibers, seam splitting, gradients and infield depth.

“Ultimately, the fields are old,” said Lacy. “We know that, and they are not in the worst condition that we’ve seen for sure.”

There are some places where seams can separate. Because synthetic carpet is laid from side to side, it isn’t feasible to patch places, he explained.

Lacy said the minimum cost to replace the fields would be around $900,000. Padding underneath would be an estimated additional $120,000.

“Most people tend to be going for the padding nowadays,” he explained, “because crumb rubber [from tires and other rubber scrap] has been in the news these days about whether it’s safe or unsafe.”

FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

More environmentally friendly fills will raise the cost but improve the quality of the field while helping the environment.

In the short term, field maintenance is key to preserving the quality of the fields. During play, the infill tends to get moved to the sides of the field, which erodes the protection from tearing by cleats. Maintenance, Lacy estimated, could cost up to $10,000 a year, depending upon the number of visits involved.

“That would just be good housekeeping anyway,” Lacy said. “And that

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’

would just make sure that everything is safe and secure from the users’ perspective.”

Most of the fields he works on generally have a lifespan of 10-12 years before they need to be replaced, and these fields are at the end of their viability.

“My hunch is that, if we’re going to get to an end run, we’re going to replace this with a much safer higherquality field than what was available to use 12 years ago,” said Chair Dan Terry. “We’ll get feedback from the town, but our users are going to insist

on a safer field in Hopkinton and a better-quality field in Hopkinton.”

Lacy will present a proposal for repair and maintenance at the next meeting on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.

Town Common trees in rough shape The commission unanimously voted to approve the recommendation of the town’s former tree warden to Parks & Rec | 7

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The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 7

Parks & Rec addresses fading turf field, decaying Town Common trees Parks & Rec | from page 6

remove two dying trees and prune three others “because of safety reasons as soon as possible.”

Parks & Rec Department Director Jay Guelfi said that he and Commissioner Laura Hanson met the day before with former tree warden Joe Regan, who has owned a tree company for 54 years. Guelfi called Regan “the godfather of trees.”

Regan advised him that two trees “pose a pretty significant public safety hazard and need to come down.” In addition, three maple trees need to be pruned, while another tree needs to be stabilized. The estimated cost is around $6,000.

Guelfi noted that he is meeting with an arborist to talk about tree maintenance and the potential need for replacement.

“I think the five of you need to decide, along with maybe other groups in town, about what you want that Common to look like over the next 5-10 years,” he said. “We have trees that are dying.”

The roots for some have nowhere to grow, which is leading to their virtual strangulation because they are intertwining, preventing them from absorbing nutrients.

“It’s not about aesthetics,” Guelfi stressed. “It’s about public safety.”

Hanson added that the soil quality is poor for some types of trees, while other types would be hardier.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

E

ach week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week’s adoptable animal is Milo, who is 6 months old.

Here is Baypath’s description of Milo: Meet Milo! This handsome boy is always ready to play! He is an active and smart pup who is ready for training with his new people. Milo came to us with his friends, Rascal and Mia. He can be nervous about new people and things but seems to warm up quickly. He loves toys and is very food motivated! Milo is looking for a home with kids over 13. If Milo sounds like a match for you, please email adopt@baypathhumane.org today!

For more information on Milo and any of the other available pets at Baypath, visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.

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

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Misc. Dog park nearly complete Guelfi announced that the dog park off Fruit Street was scheduled to be completed by the end of the month, after the rice stone and finished concrete were placed.

However, the gazebo will not be available until January because of supply issues. …

Kelly Grill from the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce appeared before the commission to propose a new addition to the Dec. 4 Holiday Stroll — a sleigh ride around the Town Common to replace the usual trolley.

“With COVID and not knowing what’s happening, we decided not to do the trolleys this year,” she explained.

“But as something fun, we would love to have a sleigh ride around the Common.”

There also will be an ice sculpture on the Common formed into the logo for the event. …

Guelfi said that the chair of the Community Preservation Committee has given him authorization to spend $2,500 on a feasibility study for pickleball courts. Possible locations could be the Irvine-Todaro property on Hayden Rowe Street or off Fruit Street. It would be designed by Andrew Leonard, who also did the dog park. There also is the possibility of tennis courts, because a tennis court’s size equals two pickleball courts.

“We need to be on that bandwagon,” said Commissioner Cynthia Esthimer, who noted the popularity of the sport.

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

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Heavy rains over the past few months have been a problem for the Leonard Street development.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

T

he Conservation Commission at its Sept. 14 meeting issued an enforcement order on violations at the Leonard Street subdivision project, which over the past two months has been chastised for poor erosion control measures that allowed flooding on the site.

The order was ratified by a 6-0 vote after a long exchange about the inability to remove water from the construction area for the proposed detention basin area because of the recent inclement weather.

Lou Petrozzi of Wall Street Development Corporation appeared before the commission to discuss the methods he has employed over the past week to mitigate the situation.

“Essentially we’re fighting the battle that probably everybody is fighting these days with the rainstorms and the stormwater,” he said, “while we’re also trying to construct stormwater management facilities on the site.”

Water needed to be removed from the proposed detention area in order to install a culvert. However, Petrozzi said he was notified by conservation agent Kim Ciaramicoli that the area where he was redirecting the water was not in compliance with the stormwater pollution protection plan (SWPPP). Since that time, the pumping has stopped.

“The question for us is how do we de-water the detention basement so we can complete it and simultaneously install the culvert so that everything works the way it’s supposed to work,” Petrozzi said.

The problem arose because, while the requirement is to divert water 25 feet outside of a resource area, Petrozzi did not realize that the buffer zone was considered part of the resource area.

He said Ciaramicoli pointed out an area where the water could be diverted, but it was up a slope, which perplexed him.

“It doesn’t make sense to pump it uphill only for it to drain back down into the area that we’re pumping from,” he said.

He requested that the commission allow him to divert the water beyond the limit of work, or that the limit of work be moved 25 feet west. The proposed discharge area still would be on his property.

Petrozzi also changed his thinking about the work on the site. Instead of creating the detention basin first and working outward, he said the plan now is to build the outlet structure around the area first and then work inward.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Chair Jeff Barnes asked why the erosion controls couldn’t be fixed and asked if Petrozzi’s wetland consultant, Scott Goddard from Goddard Consulting, had a plan.

“We know you are trying to work with the commission on coming up with a plan,” Barnes said. “But we said at a previous meeting that it’s not our position or obligation or job to figure out for you how to manage your site.”

He added that he was concerned with the upcoming rain that the site has not been stabilized, “and that the site has been dormant for five months.”

Petrozzi challenged the assertion that the site was dormant.

Replied Barnes: “It was cleared, I’ll give you that.”

Petrozzi said he hoped that the culvert could be installed by late September.

Ciaramicoli said the water needed to be removed by Nov. 1, according to the order, which may require temporary detention basins. Any work to complete the stormwater mitigation would be in compliance with the order.

Petrozzi also appeared before the board for three amended notices of intent (NOI) for the three one-family homes he intends to build on the Leonard Street site.

Barnes opened by discussing outstanding fines on the project, which Petrozzi had asked be detailed at last month’s meeting. The outstanding balance on these fines is $1,020, which Petrozzi agreed to pay.

Barnes explained that there are two different “levels of review” on the site.

The town’s engineering firm, BETA Group, needed to perform the engineering review for work for infrastructure work such as installing the culvert.

Lucas Environmental consultant Matt Varrell needs to perform biweekly site inspections on stormwater mitigation work, which would cost an additional $3,800.

“We have worked with you to minimize the fees that are occurring,” Barnes said, noting that Varrell’s inspections originally were scheduled to be weekly.

Regarding the amendments, Petrozzi said he was putting in a gravity sewer system. Rather than building walkout basements, he decided to regrade the land and build out the backyards.

Above-ground utility work also will need to be conducted. The current utility pole would be in the middle of a proposed driveway, so now a pole is being planned in another location.

The hearing was continued to the next meeting on Sept. 28.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 9

Archery, etiquette, etc.: Parks & Rec offers wider variety of activities

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Archery is one of the newer — and increasingly popular — programs being offered by the town’s Parks & Rec program.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

hanks to a fast-growing population and an increasingly diverse populace, the Hopkinton Parks & Recreation Department has been pushed to expand its offerings to residents well beyond those traditionally associated with the office.

In addition to youth sports like baseball, soccer, basketball and lacrosse, recent programs include an etiquette workshop for kids, babysitting classes with first aid and CPR, public speaking classes for kids, e-sports, Minecraft and outdoor yoga/hiking, among other activities.

“As our town grew and as the town demographics changed, we have had a demand for things that are different from the typical sports,” said Parks & Rec Director Jay Guelfi. “We have made an effort over the past few years to accommodate and address the demands of our residents.”

The department has offered different sports as well, including programs for tennis, golf and archery.

“Families are looking to us now to provide a lot of different kinds of programming, and the only thing holding us back is space,” Guelfi said. “We are trying to get creative with our space.”

The department partnered with Shining Rock Golf Course in Northbridge to offer golf clinics and has been using the field behind Center School for archery lessons.

The department also is trying to expand the number of tennis courts.

“Five years ago, we barely had any interest in tennis,” he said. “Now we have hundreds of kids.”

Program coordinator Jenny Hart said the population surge in town has driven the need for more — and more diverse — programs. The department is hoping to offer a fishing class for kids as well as a photography workshop for kids and adults in the near future, she said.

The size of the department has increased with the increased demand for services. Parks & Rec now has two fulltime employees, Guelfi and Hart, along with other staff working part-time.

“The town has committed more resources and the [Parks & Rec Commission] has taken their roles more seriously,” Hart said.

Guelfi is in his seventh year working

We want to make sure every resident has access to the parks and the ability to participate in some sort of recreational programming. ­— Jay Guelfi Parks & Rec Director for the department, while Hart has been with Parks & Rec for six years. They noted that they have expanded their summer concerts on the Town Common as well as the nighttime movie offerings and both have been well received.

They also are working to build pickleball courts. The department planned to offer pickleball, which is similar to tennis but played on a smaller court with paddles and a lighter ball, at Center School, but the pandemic put a hold on that.

Whether programs continue and expand depends entirely on the turnout, Hart said, but the response to most of the Parks & Rec offerings has been strong.

In one example, STEM basketball has a maximum registration capacity of 15 people. The program filled up and there are 17 people on the waitlist, Hart said.

“We are just limited by gym space,” she said. “I would be offering another session if I had the space for it.”

So that the four-legged Hopkinton residents are not left out, Guelfi said a dog park is expected to open sometime in October.

“We received a private grant and some public funding and it should be wrapping up in the next few weeks,” he said. “Folks in town showed interest in that and we finally got it done.”

It’s all part of the department’s mission to serve Hopkinton’s residents, he said.

“The goal here is to provide programming for every resident in town,” Guelfi said. “We want to make sure every resident has access to the parks and the ability to participate in some sort of recreational programming.”

But, when he started the job, did he think he would be offering something called “Business Sharks?”

“No way,” Guelfi said with a chuckle.

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10 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

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 check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/Hopkinton-council-on-aging or 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.

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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.

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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)

Bewitched: Styles During Time of Salem Witch Trials

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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 508-4970108 or email info@ourtimememorycafe.org.

TED Talks

Mondays, 12:30 p.m. (offered live and virtual) 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.

‘Keep Movin’ with the Senior Center

Second and fourth Friday of each month, 10 a.m. (HCAM) This half-hour show features a wide variety of community resources and upto-date information on what’s happening at the Senior Center.

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 CORNER

Library Hours

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. Due to the expanded hours, curbside pickup has been discontinued.

Study rooms and computers are available on a limited basis.

The library will be closed on Oct. 11 for Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day.

Relaunching Your Career with Deb Raymond

Tuesdays, Oct. 5 and 12, 10:30 a.m. (Zoom) Experienced career coach Deb Raymond is leading a six-week series on relaunching a career. Attendees will meet weekly with others who are on the same journey and build their confidence to transition back to work. Week 4 focuses on using LinkedIn, while Week 5 addresses interviewing. Register via the library’s website calendar.

Printmaking in Early Colonial New England

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. (Zoom) Andy Volpe will provide an indepth look at the printing methods used in the New England (English) colonies from the 1630s to 1790s. Attendees will learn about the differences between letterpress and engraving printing, how they were used, and the impact each had. The presentation also will address newspapers, magazines and other printed media and their use, popularity (or scarcity) in the colonies as well as what was going on in Europe at the same time, with a focus on Massachusetts Bay Colony up to Paul Revere.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 11

Former lax standout Chirco sets marathon goal Chirco | from page 1

I might have to pay it back this year to some kid on the sideline,” she added with a laugh.

While her connection to Hopkinton makes the race special for Chirco, it’s ultimately her bond to the town’s lacrosse program that solidified her decision to run.

Chirco began her lacrosse journey in third grade and developed into a three-year varsity starter in high school.

In 2011, her first year as the starter, the team won the Division 2 state championship. She went on to become a TriValley League All-Star and, as a senior in 2013, team captain.

Chirco then had a stellar career at Assumption College, starting every game in net all four years. As a senior in 2017, after finishing second in the league in saves and helping her team to an NCAA tournament appearance, she earned Northeast-10 Conference and Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Region honors. She finished her career as the active NCAA Division 2 leader in saves (606) and fourth in games played as a goalie (68).

She then played professionally for two seasons in the now-defunct United Women’s Lacrosse League for the Boston Storm.

Chirco, who works as general manager of Resilience Fitness on South Street, now looks to give back to the program that propelled her.

“When I saw Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse was looking for a runner in

One of the biggest lessons you’ll learn is teamwork.

Even as a goalie, it’s not just you. It’s you and a bunch of other girls, and you all want the same thing. You want to win the game, and everyone has a different job to get there. ­— Jaclyn Chirco the Boston Marathon, and having my history and past with Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse, it just felt like a perfect match,” she said.

Chirco views HGYL as a pivotal pillar in her development, both as an athlete and a person.

“I wouldn’t have been anywhere without that youth program building from the ground up,” she said.

Now Chirco is advocating for the program that was such a positive influence for her.

“I just feel very strongly about youth lacrosse because of where it brought me. So I know where it could bring other girls in Hopkinton,” she said.

“I started in third grade, which was the youngest age you could start lacrosse at the time. I remember a lot of youth days.

They were just so much fun.

As Chirco aged, the her enjoyment of the sport continued.

“Some of my fondest memories come from middle school and high school when I started playing for the varsity team,” she said. “Some of my

best friends played with me, and that was such a great experience through high school.”

Chirco also views Hopkinton lacrosse as an experience that taught her meaningful values.

“One of the biggest lessons you’ll learn is teamwork,” she said. “Even as a goalie, it’s not just you. It’s you and a bunch of other girls, and you all want the same thing. You want to win the game, and everyone has a different job to get there.

“But while those jobs are different, you’ve got to work together to get it done. I definitely took that with me through college and pro, and I still use that in my everyday life.”

While she has experience in shorter races, Chirco will be running her first marathon, hoping to inspire the next generation of lacrosse players.

“I just really know how important the program is, how valuable it is for the girls to have the best experience possible,” she said. “It’s crucial to cultivate and grow these youth programs.”

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The Boston Athletic Association, organizer of the Boston Marathon®, thanks residents of the Town of Hopkinton for their patience and cooperation as we have worked with many partners to plan a a safe and successful 125th Boston Marathon. This year’s historic race will be the first fall Boston Marathon in history, and we look forward to welcoming many runners back to Hopkinton. For more race day information, please visit www.baa.org.

125TH BOSTON MARATHON® | OCTOBER 11, 2021 Nearly 20,000 entrants will participate in the 125th Boston Marathon, starting their 26.2-mile run on Main Street in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street in Copley Square.

Start Times 8:02 a.m.

Men’s Wheelchair Division

8:05 a.m.

Women’s Wheelchair Division

8:30 a.m.

Handcycles & Duo Participants

8:37 a.m.

Professional Men

8:45 a.m.

Professional Women

8:50 a.m.

Para Athletics Division

9:00 a.m.

Rolling Start Begins for All Participants

RACE DAY ROAD CLOSURES To ensure a safe and enjoyable race experience for all participants, race day road closures will be in effect on Monday, October 11. . Roads

within the Town of Hopkinton will close at 6:30 a.m. on-street parking will be allowed in Hopkinton. . Roads will re-open at 1:30 p.m. . No

Only official B.A.A. buses, official vehicles, and public safety vehicles will be permitted on roads in Hopkinton during that time.

To enhance social distancing and minimize participant wait time in Hopkinton, this year’s Boston Marathon will feature a rolling start for all participants.

Entrants will be assigned a bus loading window that corresponds to their seeding and bib number. All bib numbers will be color-coded according to bus loading times, which corresponds to start windows in Hopkinton.

There will not be an Athletes’ Village in Hopkinton this year.

PARTICIPANT SHUTTLE IN HOPKINTON Very limited parking is available for participants at the 52 South Street lot in Hopkinton. Participant shuttle buses will run throughout race morning.

Please visit www.baa.org for a list of prohibited items that are not allowed near the start or on Hopkinton shuttle buses. Masks must be worn on all B.A.A. race transportation.

SPECTATORS IN HOPKINTON Several viewing areas in Hopkinton will have heightened security rules.

Spectators entering these areas will be required to pass through security checkpoints and all bags and items being carried will be subject to screening. Spectators are strongly encouraged to carry personal items in clear plastic bags. Unattended items may cause delays. For more information on spectator policies, please visit www.baa.org.

HopkintonIndependent.com Hopkinton_Independent.indd 1

9/16/21 11:00 AM

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

Advisory group considers future use of Center School

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

A

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t last Tuesday’s Select Board meeting, Dan McIntyre of the Permanent Building Committee gave a presentation on behalf of the Center School Reuse Advisory Team on potential future uses of Center School and its property.

Because the condition of the building, located next to the Town Common, is deteriorating, the group questioned whether it should continue to be used for municipal purposes.

The building most recently has been used for storage of town documents, with Parks & Recreation making use of the gym. However, due to numerous problems with the heating system and water, the plan is to shut it down.

The original building was constructed in 1928, with an addition of classrooms in 1950 and a gym in 1980. The total property is 11.7 acres, which includes land behind the building, most of which is undeveloped. The original building is about 14,000 square feet, while the 1950 construction added another 30,000 square feet. The gym is approximately 6,000 square feet.

The land is split about evenly into two lots. They are separated by a right-of-way owned by Eversource.

McIntyre said a new study of the town’s municipal needs should be done to replace the one from three years ago to more accurately assess the best purposes for the buildings.

Three options were proposed. The least feasible appeared to be rehabilitating the existing site because of issues regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, flooding and asbestos.

The second option was to tear down the 1950 structure — the middle section — and turn the original building into offices, while keeping the back addition (the gym and a few classrooms).

A third option was to keep the original school building and rebuild the middle and back sections, relocating them to the north side of the property. A new wing with two gyms and a soccer field could be added, which also could be used to generate revenue.

“We’re telling the town that you should expect to spend about $20 million, no matter what we do up there,” McIntyre said.

Because of the need for housing and the amount of land, the advisory team hired consultant Leggat McCall Properties, which recommended that the land would be most valuable for housing with office space. A public-private partnership could be formed to offset the costs. Zoning relief would be needed.

McIntyre recommended that a request for interest (RFI) be put out to see if developers would be interested in creating housing. If so, the next step would be to submit a request for proposals (RFP).

Select Board Vice Chair Amy Ritterbusch suggested that community input be sought through Zoom forums, and McIntyre agreed.

“I really want to urge that we move forward as much as possible,” added Member Mary Jo LaFreniere, noting the problems with the building. She also suggested senior or affordable housing partnerships with the state or federal governments.

McIntyre said he hopes the needs assessment will be completed in the fall, and the RFI should be ready by the winter.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 13

Schools Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

Hillside School www.hillsideschool.net

All Boys Grades 4-9 Day and Boarding Marlborough, MA

Open for In Person Learning Small Classes / Differentiated Instruction Individual Attention / Structured and Supportive

This issue’s winner is Mary Cella for this photo of a rainbow over the apartments at Woodview Way. 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.

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Superintendent lauds effort during first few weeks of return

T

here have been some COVID cases at the Hopkinton Public Schools, but overall, the first few weeks have gone well, according to Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh.

In an email to school families on Sept. 17, CaSCHOOLS NOTEBOOK vanaugh wrote that the schools “have enjoyed a strong return to full-time, in-person learning for all students. It’s wonderful to have our students back in our school buildings!”

She indicated that there had been two students who had tested positive, but no transmission of the virus in school.

“Let’s hope that masking and other layered mitigation measures keep working,” she wrote.

The previous week, Cavanaugh shared information about a COVID-19 “test and stay” program for students who may have been exposed while in school but are not showing symptoms.

A non-invasive swab sample is collected under the supervision of a school nurse or trained health provider. Affected students can remain in school as long as they test negative via the daily rapid test — up to seven days from the close contact — and stay symptom-free. Parents must first fill out an online form to

consent to the testing.

Cavanaugh encouraged parents to “closely monitor your children for any COVID-19 symptoms” to help stop the spread and avoid having to quarantine close contacts.

“Let’s be grateful for all we have accomplished,” she added. “Give your children a pat on the back; we appreciate how eager they are to learn, to reassimilate to school, to wear masks for hours on end, and to engage in mutual respect with Hopkinton’s exceptional teachers.”

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HHS pair named Merit Scholarship semifinalists Hopkinton High School seniors Sarah Bouvier and Olivia Sward were named semifinalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

They join approximately 16,000 seniors from across the country who will continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered next spring. …

Hopkinton’s Matthew Brodo was named to the president’s list for the summer term at Southern New Hampshire University.

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Senior Owen Schnur, a returning Tri-Valley League All-Star, is one of the keys to the Hillers’ offense.

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

he Hopkinton High School boys soccer team wasted no time getting out of the gate with three wins and a tie against one loss, with a positive goal differential that coach Garrett Sawyer said is indicative of a team that is well balanced and talented on both ends of the field.

“The kids are committed,” Sawyer said. “And they are working hard.”

The Hillers are happy to be on the field under more “normal” circumstances after COVID-19 impacted both the rules and the schedule in 2020.

“It’s outstanding, last year was very frustrating,” Sawyer said. “My players love to play the game, and last year was really disappointing. Even though we did get a chance to play, with the significant rules changes it just didn’t feel like normal soccer, so that’s definitely a big positive this year.”

The modified 2020 schedule also has created more unknowns for 2021 than there might be in a typical season. Hopkinton only played half of its normal opponents last year, and some of the early returns suggest that teams that are not typically at the top of the standings may be more competitive this fall, Sawyer said. Millis is off to a strong start, he noted, and Holliston looks tough after returning a large contingent of players from a good 2020 roster.

“It’s a bit unpredictable with what happened last fall,” Sawyer said.

The Hillers are hoping their balance will render them able

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he Hopkinton High School volleyball team opened the season with wins in its first six matches. The most notable victory was a 3-2 decision on the road against fellow powerhouse Barnstable on Sept. 15, when MelaSPORTS ROUNDUP nie Gildea asserted herself with 23 kills, three aces and 10 digs. Cathryn Leighton collected 41 assists, and six digs. Sam Berenson contributed 26 digs. Kate Powers added eight kills and a pair of blocks.

The Hillers kept the momentum going with a 3-0 victory over Ashland on Sept. 17 and then a 3-1 win at Westwood on Sept.

20, led by Leighton (32 assists, 8 kills, 7 digs), Powers (13 kills, 4 blocks, 3 aces, 5 digs) and Berenson (25 digs, 6 aces).

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to compete with anyone in the Tri-Valley League. Four forwards, Owen Schnur, Sam Vasington, Sean Golembiewski and Pierce Farrell, are all playing well up top and aiding in the Hopkinton attack.

Senior defender Andrew Gaughan and junior Declan Mick have been playing well defensively, Sawyer said, with two shutouts pitched and only four total goals allowed through the first five games.

Goalkeeper Max Nye is getting more experience after playing behind Patrick Crantz, a two-time TVL All-Star who now plays at Marquette University.

“I think building Max’s confidence in the net is going to be a focus for us,” Sawyer said. “How he would do was a bit of a question mark because he backed up Patrick and didn’t get many opportunities to play. Every time we are out there, he is gaining confidence. He has done well so far, and commanding the defense verbally is an area where progress has been made and we can continue to build.”

Sawyer is playing the long game when it comes to improvement and making sure his team is peaking at the end of the season. Settling into specific roles is going to be important over the early part of the season, he said.

“It takes a few weeks to sort out which players are going to perform best and where on the field they are going to perform best,” Sawyer said. “Each season is new, you kind of start fresh between returners and new players and just try to figure out what the overall philosophy is going to be.”

The goals, Sawyer said, are going to be set high.

“We are going in with a lot of strong players, a lot of seniors, so I think our expectations are to have a very strong record,” he said. “We want to compete well against the best teams in our league and then hopefully with some of the best teams in the state in our division.”

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The HHS football team bounced back from a 40-6 loss to Wayland in its opener to beat Nauset Regional, 19-8, on the road Sept. 17. Wyatt Stevens, Seamus Sports Roundup | 15

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 15

Hillers girls soccer shows offensive firepower this fall

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By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

T

he Hopkinton High School girls soccer program has taken pride in recent seasons on being a possession team that keeps opponents off the scoreboard. The Hillers bring that facet of the game to the field this fall, but coach Tom Skiba is also hoping his squad can score more often than it has in the past.

“Our ability to score goals is something that’s a little different for us this year,” Skiba said. “Realistically, I think we could score two-plus goals per game.

That’s been our goal in the past, and since I have been the coach we have come close to that, but we have multiple players this year up front and in the midfield who can put the ball in the back of the net.”

The goal, he said, is “to be a possession team that can also put some numbers on the board.”

Hopkinton started off this season with a loss to Medfield but bounced back with wins over Norwood, Holliston, Ashland, Walpole and Westwood.

The Holliston game was that program’s first loss in more than two seasons.

“It was absolutely a huge, emotional boost for us,” Skiba said. “It’s a long haul going 18 games, but certainly that gives our kids a ton of confidence.”

Sophomore Georgina Clarke has been an early bright spot for the offense, scoring in each of the team’s first four games. Three different players scored in the win over Ashland.

“That is another huge confidence boost for the team,” Skiba said. “Knowing that, in any situation, we have several players who can put the ball in the back of the net.”

But Hopkinton also is staying true

Sports Roundup | from page 14

Murphy and Robbie Litscher scored the touchdowns in the win. …

The golf team went 3-1-1 through the first few weeks. Highlights included a one-stroke victory over host Norwood, 246-247, in the opener on Sept. 8, when Drew Morse shot a 1-over-par 36, and a 265-293 victory over host Norton on Sept.

21, as Jack Petruney (41) and freshman Parker Winn (42) led the way. …

Field hockey opened its season Sept. 9 with a 2-2 tie in the rain against Medfield, with Camille Perlov scoring both of the Hillers’ goals, but then struggled to find the back of the net, going scoreless in four straight losses. …

The HHS cross country teams participated in the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Relays on Sept. 11.

to its roots as a possession-based team.

Sophomore Brooke Birtwistle has been patrolling the midfield and helping to control the tempo of the game, her coach said.

“It’s not always going to show up on the stat sheet, but when we lose the ball Brooke is absolutely instrumental in helping us get organized and regain possession of the ball,” Skiba said. “She has been doing a fantastic job for us.”

A quartet of senior captains are helping to lead the way this fall. Gabriella Ciri and Riley Krattenmaker are both experienced center backs, while Ashley Butler and Ava Perlov are in the midfield.

“We are getting great leadership from them as captains, but I have to tell you the seniors overall are really helping to pick up the younger players and underclassmen,” Skiba said. “It’s a good group in terms of the cohesiveness of the team. It takes everyone to participate, and we are getting there.”

They also are helping to lead the team in a more normal season after the COVID-19-impacted campaign last year. Skiba said it is good to be back playing the normal schedule and renewing rivalries that were interrupted in the fall of 2020.

“The majority of these girls play on club teams so there are a lot of good individual rivalries that go on,” he said.

“It’s good to see those things back and to play under a normal set of rules.”

Skiba said the Hillers are aiming high, hoping to win the Tri-Valley League and quality for the state tournament.

“Those are the goals we strive for every year,” he said. “We have a whole set of process goals that should hopefully lead to that outcome.”

The upperclass girls team of Grace Joy, Katie Callery and Autumn Tumbleton took third place.

Tennis Tournament crowns champions The 13th annual Hopkinton Tennis Tournament was held earlier this month at the Hopkinton High School courts.

Champions included Ben Daly (advanced men’s singles), Ashok Sunkara (intermediate men’s singles), Smitesh Jamasandekar and Tamil Devarajan (intermediate doubles), Ellie Winthrop and Su Saari (intermediate women’s doubles) and Blanca DeLasse and Agustin DeLasse (intermediate mixed doubles).

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St. Paul’s Rummage Sale Oct. 2 The St. Paul’s Rummage Sale will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church (61 Wood St.). Among the articles for sale will be adult and children’s apparel and household items. Individuals can donate items to be sold from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, and Friday, Oct. 1. No stained clothing or items needing repair. Donated items must be accepted by a church worker during the drop-off times.

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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.

Fashion show fundraiser Oct. 4-5 A fashion show to benefit GirlyGirl Parts and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will be held Monday, Oct. 4, and Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Central Public House (42 Main St.). General admission tickets are $100 and are for one of the two nights. The event includes a dinner and cash bar. For more information, check the Swoon Central page on Facebook.

FOW ‘Birds of Prey’ presentation Oct. 9 The Friends of Whitehall will host a program called “Birds of Prey” on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 1-2 p.m. outside the Hopkinton Center for the Arts (98 Hayden Rowe St.). The program explains why hawks, owls, eagles, ospreys and falcons are considered birds of prey. The presenter is Kathleen Regan, a naturalist at the Massachusetts Audubon Society Blue Hills Trailside Museum, The program features live birds of prey native to Massachusetts, so attendees should not bring pets and should be seated by 12:55 p.m. For more information, visit friendsofwhitehall.org.

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The Hopkinton Farmers Market is held at the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., running through Oct. 10. Health and safety protocols are in place. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there are Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits as well.

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

HALT annual meeting Oct. 14 Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at the John Warren Masonic Lodge (6 Main St.). All members of HALT and the community are invited to attend the annual meeting, which provides a review of HALT’s mission, accomplishments of the past year in acquiring and managing conservation land in Hopkinton, and a short business segment. For more information, visit hopkintonlandtrust.org.

Baypath Paws & Claws 5K Oct. 17 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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HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS THE LOVE DOGS | Oct. 1 Based out of Boston, this hard swinging septet just celebrated its 20th year wowing audiences and critics alike with their combination of great musicianship and pure fun. The Dogs combine elements of jump blues, New Orleans R&B and early rock ‘n’ roll into their own powerhouse sound.

Music begins at 7pm. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org

The Travelin’ Medicine Show Revival Band will pitch their tent at the HCA on Sunday, Oct. 3, for a very special early show 12–2pm. Come feel the spirit of a down home revival meeting as the band serves up an inspired and eclectic gumbo of gospel, blues, country blues; with a dash of New Orleans R&B and a pinch of Boogie for good measure.

Show will be held outdoors. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org

Soul Function Boston | Oct. 2 Soul Function Boston is a 10-piece band of veteran musicians who grew up listening to everything from Chicago, Tower of Power, Doobie Brothers, to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Sam and Dave and just about everything in between. It’s their joy to share this music with people of all ages who love to dance as much as they love to play.

Music begins at 7pm. Tickets available at www.hopartscenter.org

Toe Jam Puppet Band | Oct. 3 The HCA Children’s Series is proud to host the always popular and entertaining “Toe Jam Puppet Band!” Join us for a spacey puppet show, anti-gravity dancing, and lots of fun songs!

This show will be held outdoors from 3–4pm. In the event of rain, the show will come inside to our theater space.

Tickets available at www.hopartscenter. org

HopkintonIndependent.com

Unless noted — concerts will be held indoors in our theater space and masks and proof of vaccination will be required.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 17

Obituaries David Rice David Alan Rice, 75, of Bellingham, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sept.

19. Born in Dorchester, he was the son of the late Ruth (Ingalls) and Clyde Rice.

David was a 1963 graduate of Bellingham High School. He then went on to earn an associate degree from Dean College in Franklin. Before his retirement, he was an employee at Newport/ Thermo Gerolach in Franklin, where he once was Employee of the Month. He taught Sunday school with his brotherin-law, Greg, and was involved with recording Tape Ministry as well as being a Sunday school coordinator. For a brief time, he was a bass player for the singing group “New Song” as well as a member of his mother’s church choir. He also held a few other voluntary jobs at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton. He was a big movie buff who loved playing video games and loved the band Queen.

He was an excellent chess player. Most importantly, he loved his nieces and nephews.

David is survived by his brotherin-law, Gregory Titus of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, his nephews and nieces, Eric Titus of Bellingham, Andrew Titus and wife Katie of Smithfield, Rhode Island, Cherie Svannson and husband Jeffrey of Woonsocket, and Holly Titus of Woonsocket; and his grandnieces, Anne-Marie, Claire, Cecilia and Felicity Dancause. He is predeceased by his sister, Janet E. Titus, who passed away on Sept. 6.

A funeral service was to be held Sept. 25 at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton, followed by interment at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Community Church, 146 East Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Harold Schmidt Harold D. Schmidt, 84, of Hopkinton passed away Sept. 8.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Marion (Koss) Schmidt and Herbert D. Schmidt. He was the husband of 52 years to the late Carolyn (Prosser) Schmidt.

Harold was a veteran of the Army National Guard and was a competitive shooter in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He was a chemical engineer and the president and co-owner of Teampron Products.

Harold was an avid member of Rusty Nails Train Club and Tanheath Hunt Club. He was an accomplished painter,

just like his father.

Harold is survived by three children, Dana Rebecca Kalipolites and her husband, Gary, Robert David William and his wife, Heather, and Doris Marie Schmidt and her husband, Jay Mullen. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Zina Misurelli and husband Tony, Athena Kalipolites, Brandon William, Dylan William, Richard Schaefer and wife Elizabeth, Tanner Mullen and Kensey Mullen, and three great-grandchildren, Kyrah, Hannah and Montgomery. He is predeceased by his brother, Edward Schmidt.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 11, at 49 Frankland Road in Hopkinton. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

Madeline Norton Madeline J. Norton, 88, of Hopkinton passed away Sept.

14 at her home surrounded by family. Born in Natick, she was the daughter of the late John and June (Sobieski) Garvey and wife of the late Henry “Bud” Norton, who died in 1985.

Madeline worked as a bookkeeper for many years for St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton and later St. Bridget Church in Maynard. She will be remembered for her love of family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Norton is survived by her children, Debi Womack and husband Steven, Jack Norton and wife Robin, Nancy Cotter, Jim Norton and wife Alison, and Madelyn Joyce and

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husband John; 12 grandchildren, Melissa Danielli and husband Neer, Darcy Repucci and husband Nate, Jason Wright and wife Colleen, Justin Norton and wife Lauren, Michael Norton and wife Holly, Steve Womack, Sam Harris and husband Jamie, Stefanie Johnson and husband Dean, Marc Cotter, John Joyce and fiancée Jamie Lewis, Shawn Womack and fiancée MacKenzie, and Julie Joyce and significant other Ben Fuller; 15 great grandchildren, Eyal Danielli, Shiri Danielli, Enzo Repucci, Braden Chapman, Zevi Danielli, Natan Danielli, Leili Danielli, Isabella Repucci, Leo Repucci, Ryleigh Harris, Declan Wright, James Harris, Finn Norton, Liam Norton and Jax Joyce; and siblings Jack and Erma Garvey, Linda Curley, Margie and Jim Young, Richard and Thayne Garvey, and Dan Norton. She was predeceased

by Barbara and Bob Benedict, Janet Norton, Jean and Ray Blake, and Jim Garvey.

A graveside service was held Sept. 17 in St. John’s Cemetery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Matarese Funeral Home of Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Framingham Heart Study Research Fund, 595 Commonwealth Ave., Suite 700, Boston, MA 02215.

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Police Log ARRESTS September 9

10:28 a.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Officer Ryan Polselli arrested a 28-year-old from Rhode Island on a warrant.

September 11

10:39 p.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Ryan Polselli and Brittany Firth arrested a 39-year-old Westborough resident and charged her with OUI liquor and lights violation.

September 13

8:54 a.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Robert Ekross and Moira McGaffigan responded and subsequently arrested a 32-year-old from Westborough and charged her with OUI drugs and texting while operating a motor vehicle.

September 14

10:28 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross arrested a 19-year-old Westborough resident on Wood Street on a warrant and additionally charged him with license not in possession, speeding in violation of special regulation, and number plate violation. Officer Cody Normandin assisted and requested a tow truck.

September 15

9:44 a.m. Officer Kevin Sager conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Ryan Polselli responded as backup. A 33-year-old from Framingham was arrested and charged with possession of a Class A substance. Sergeant Brennan provided a courtesy transport to the passenger and her daughter to a local daycare.

September 16

7:51 p.m. On East Main Street, Sergeant Arthur Schofield arrested a 36-year-old from Webster and charged him with operation of a motor vehicle with license revoked as a habitual traffic offender.

September 20

5:19 p.m. Officers Ryan Polselli and Robert Ekross arrested a 51-year-old Claflin Place resident on a warrant.

8:49 p.m. Officers Cody Normandin and Ryan Polselli conducted a motor vehicle stop on Cedar Street and subsequently arrested a 39-yearold from Millbury and charged him with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speeding in violation of special regulation, and operation of a motor vehicle with license revoked as a habitual traffic offender.

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Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

September 7

1:18 p.m. A Falcon Ridge Drive caller reported a houseguest had his passport stolen. Officer Matthew Santoro assisted and took a report.

2:15 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on East Main Street with no personal injuries. Officers Brendon Lyver and Philip Powers responded and requested a tow truck. A report was to follow.

3:36 p.m. A Hopkinton Gas employee on Cedar Street reported a customer left without paying for his gas.

Officer Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

4:19 p.m. A caller reported her 11-year-old daughter was bitten on the leg by a dog on Lakeshore Drive.

Medical services were refused, and the animal control officer was notified.

September 8

7:42 a.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded to a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries on West Main Street. A report was to follow.

9:10 a.m. A Pinecrest Village resident reported hearing a male yelling in the area. Sergeant Matthew McNeil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and spoke to people in the area. It was determined the yelling came from someone in a passing vehicle.

11:39 a.m. A caller reported his vehicle was hit the previous night in a Saddle Hill Road parking lot. Officer Jessica Ferriera responded and took a report.

3:49 p.m. A motorist reported she backed up into another vehicle on Main Street. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and assisted with paper exchange.

September 9

8:13 a.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded along with the Fire Department to a commercial fire alarm on Wood Street. The fire was extinguished.

12:24 p.m. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded to a motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. A courtesy transport was provided, and Officer Ferreira took a report.

September 10

5:31 a.m. A caller reported a large tree in the roadway of North Street.

Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Stephen Buckley responded and notified the Highway Department and the DPW. 3:35 p.m. A Walker Street caller reported a tree fell on his vehicle. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

5:18 p.m. A Third Road caller reported a dog attacked her dog. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and took a report.

5:58 p.m. A caller reported a Hopkinton DPW truck was on Interstate 495 in Andover driving in the breakdown lane with lights on. The State Police were notified.

September 11

11:23 p.m. A caller complained of a large party with a band playing on Connelly Hill Road. Officers Brittany Firth, Kevin Sager and Stephen Buckley responded an advised the homeowners to keep down the volume.

September 12

8:50 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle hit a mailbox on Elm Street the previous night. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and took a report.

8:55 a.m. A fisherman with two bags of waste containing animal remains on West Main Street requested assistance.

Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and a report was to follow.

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The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021 • 19

September 13

3:20 p.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a report of vandalism to a teacher’s car on Elm Street. A report was to follow.

7:49 p.m. A Greenwood Road resident reported someone hit and damaged her mailbox. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report of vandalism.

September 14

8:11 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeants Matthew McNeil and Timothy Brennan responded and took a report.

September 15

5:44 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on top of wires on Pond Street and there was debris in the roadway.

Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and notified Eversource, and the DPW responded to clean up the debris.

9:22 a.m. A Pike Street resident reported vandalism. Officer Robert Ekross responded and reported it was done by an animal.

caller reported an illegal burn and a toxic smell coming from a neighbor’s outside fire pit. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and advised the homeowner of the regulations of burning.

1:54 p.m. A caller from the State Park in Ashland reported a male threatened an employee with an M16. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Moira McGaffigan, Ryan Polselli, and Brendon Lyver responded along with the Ashland Police Department.

Ashland officers arrested the man, and Sergeant Brennan stood by for the tow of his vehicle.

9:42 p.m. A caller reported a road hazard on Sterling Drive, where a tree fell in the roadway. Officers Cody Normandin and Tyler Brabham responded and contacted the DPW.

September 19

12:55 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance on Cedar Street, where a female refused to leave. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Brittany Firth and Cody Normandin responded and moved the woman along and took a report.

1:45 a.m. Officer Brittany Firth responded along with the Fire Department to a fire alarm activation on Westcott Drive. Burned food was found to be the cause.

11:30 a.m. A caller reported a loud disturbance on Revolutionary Way. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Brendon Lyver and Moira McGaffigan responded and spoke with residents, who were watching TV with the volume on high.

12:16 p.m. A caller reported a pit bull running around the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and advised people in the area.

12:25 p.m. A caller reported a gasoline spill at a West Main Street gas station. Officers Moira McGaffigan, Ryan Polselli and Brendon Lyver responded and found all under control. The pumps were turned off and speedy dry was applied.

4:35 p.m. A caller reported loose chickens on Pond Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked the area with a negative find.

September 20

8:10 a.m. A caller reported an accident with no personal injuries on Lumber Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report.

10:30 a.m. A Chamberlain Street resident reported a grenade was in his shed.

Police Chief Joseph Bennett, Sergeants Timothy Brennan and John Porter and Officer Kevin Sager responded along with the Fire Department and the State Police bomb squad. No hazards were found.

2:07 p.m. A motorist reported being sideswiped on West Main Street, and the vehicle continued onto Interstate 495.

The State Police were notified. The caller went to the station to file a report.

9:32 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross conducted a motor vehicle stop on Wood Street and helped a lost Instacart driver.

11:49 p.m. Multiple concerned callers reported a dog barking for the past few nights on Cedar Street. Officer Stephen Buckley responded but was unable to make contact with the homeowner.

The animal control officer was notified and was to speak with the owners in the morning.

September 16

10:57 a.m. Sergeant William Burchard reported a motor vehicle leaking gasoline on West Main Street. He spoke with the driver, who was on his way to the repair shop.

12:21 p.m. A caller reported her vehicle was struck on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and took a report.

11:28 p.m. Officer Stephen Buckley responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a burning odor at a Revolutionary Way residence. The source was determined to be an electrical one with a smoldering pillow under a bed. The Windsor service technician was notified and responded.

September 17

11:57 a.m. A caller reported a loose dog on South Street. Sergeants Aaron O’Neil and Arthur Schofield responded and notified the animal control officer, who took possession of the dog.

1:30 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported she was in an altercation in Westborough. Sergeants Arthur Schofield and Aaron O’Neil and Officer Brendon Lyver responded and spoke to a female who did get into an altercation in her vehicle but dropped off the other involved parties. She was advised to contact the Westborough Police Department for further assistance.

2:45 p.m. A student reported finding drugs outside the former Center School on Ash Street. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and confirmed it was a cartridge from a pen.

5:52 p.m. A caller reported someone jumped on the hood of his car and cracked his windshield on the MassPike.

Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report.

8:34 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K-9 Titan were deployed to Apple Tree Hill and located a party.

9:18 p.m. A caller reported someone screaming on Elm Street. Officers Tyler Brabham, Brendon Lyver, and Brian Sanchioni responded and found kids on swings.

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September 18

8:19 a.m. A caller at Polyarts complained of a bus of runners blocking the vendor drop-off area on Ash Street and requested help. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and spoke to all parties and put a plan in place to accommodate all.

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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 29, 2021

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Health director: ‘Asking that people take a civil tone’ with COVID team COVID | from page 1

have regulatory responsibilities that they need to fulfill. We had several instances last week where residents were swearing at them and just really being uncivil. If someone has an issue they can come to me as the department head. But I’m just asking that people take a civil tone when they are dealing with the nurses.”

McAuliffe said the town’s vaccination rates continue to be “outstanding,” ranking as one of the best in the state. He is looking forward to getting approval to start vaccinating the under-12 age group.

“In just about every metric, we’ve seen our vaccination percentages exceed 95 percent [of population segments],” he said. “Right now we’ve got roughly 2,100 kids that we’re just waiting authorization to get vaccinated in preschool and elementary, up to middle school. … We hope to be able to hit the ground running as soon as we get authorization from the state to start vaccinating that group. With that, my expectation is that we will remain as one of the communities with a population over 10,000 with the highest vaccination rate in the state. I think we’re No. 3 right now.

“There’s a lot to be said about how the town has come and rallied around this issue and really worked to actually provide us the opportunity to have Polyarts and Blooms, Brews and [BBQs]” on a recent weekend.

Since the start of August, when cases began to rise, McAuliffe said the town has been averaging about 16-17 cases a week, or 2 1/2 per day. There were 14 active cases last week, and there have been 127 since Aug. 1.

“The majority of it is being driven

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by travel,” he said. “Where earlier on in September it was being driven by people returning from holiday, returning from Labor Day weekend travel, now it’s more business-related travel — a parent coming home asymptomatic, exposing a child.

Most all of our cases in the preschools are travel-related. A little less so in the school system. But we’re doing well, and we’re figuring out ways to do better each day.”

McAuliffe said it’s been consistent that 50 percent of the cases are breakthrough (in vaccinated people), 25 percent are unvaccinated but eligible adults, and the remaining 25 percent are unvaccinated and ineligible children.

He expressed optimism that once the younger children start getting vaccinated, some of the unvaccinated parents will become less resistant to it for themselves.

He added that his group is awaiting approval to proceed with boosters as well.

“We’re kind of in a waiting mode, where we’ve got the equipment and we’ve got the manpower,” he said. “It’s just, we’re just waiting on authorization to proceed.”

McAuliffe also cautioned that there has been a “significant number” of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases, and the symptoms are similar to COVID. “It is hitting day cares and people in the school system fairly hard,” he said.

Overall, McAuliffe encouraged residents to continue to keep up their guard.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” he said. “We need to continue to avoid high-risk, indoor events. Face covering and distancing when possible. And then if we’re traveling, try to reduce the traveling with unvaccinated children, until at least we can get a dose into them.”

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