HI LAYOUT 9.30.26 WEB by Community Advocate

PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron

HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 27 | No. 20 | September 30, 2026

Select Board hears ‘dire’ budget forecast By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

he Select Board kicked off the annual budget process by convening a joint meeting Sept. 15 with the School Committee, the Appropriation Committee and the Capital Improvement Committee regarding the draft town budget calendar and message for the upcoming fiscal year. Members received a grim financial overview from Kyla LaPierre, the town’s chief financial officer, about the fiscal year 2028 budget. At this time, the town hopes to achieve level funding. In accordance with the town charter, the town manager must gain consensus on the budget timeline and issue the budget schedule before Oct. 1. The budget message to town departments will be presented for a vote at the Oct. 6 Select Board meeting.

LEG UP

$1M deficit projected

Peter Cannizzaro of Clown Care Inc. strikes a pose on stilts while performing at Hopkinton Family Day behind Hopkinton Middle School on Sept. 19.

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said Budget | 18

INSIDE

Historical Society plans 75th anniversary events

NEWS

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Farmers market asks for help with protests

Historical Society | 10

SELECT BOARD Members criticize citizens’ petitioner

Chuck Joseph gives a presentation on Hopkinton history at the Hopkinton High School auditorium in 2023.

Don’t let mortga ge rat e

Pick up speed at the

SCHOOLS FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

nne Mattina has lived in Hopkinton for 30 years. A lover of local and Irish history, she has channeled her enthusiasm into engaging residents to explore the richness of Hopkinton’s past. This fall, the Hopkinton Historical Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary with several events. Mattina explained she enjoys delving into Hopkinton’s history “just because it’s so varied.” She is serving her second term as its president and also is a member of the town’s Historical Commission.

wn. o d u s slow yo

Wicked 5K and Wee-Wicked Dash

October 25 • 10am–12pm • Learn more at HopArtsCenter.org

Utility issues lead to Hayden Rowe delays

Bryan Brown

Regional Manager SVP of Mortgage Lending O: (978) 870-7138 bryan.brown@rate.com Rate.com/BryanBrown

Equal Housing Lender Bryan Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact Guaranteed Rate for current rates and for more information. Brown NMLS ID #89425; MA - MLO89425 - MC2611, NH - NH89425 - 13931-MB, RI - Licensed | GR NMLS ID 2611 (National Mortgage Licensing System, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • MA - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. - Mortgage Lender & Mortgage Broker License MC 2611• NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • NH - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. dba Guaranteed Rate of Delaware, licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department - Lic # 13931-MB • RI - Rhode Island Licensed Lender Lic # 20102682LL, RI - Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker Lic # 20102681LB

2 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Farmers Market seeks town assistance with protesters By Nick Schofield Interim Editor

PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

letter sent from the Hopkinton Farmers Market to the Select Board and the Parks & Recreation Commission Sept. 10 is requesting assistance in managing NEWS recent, alleged disrupBRIEFS tions at the market caused by protesters. Signed by nearly 30 vendors, the letter claims protesters gathering at Town Common during market hours on Sundays have been “verbally harassing and intimidating vendors and shoppers, obstructing walkways and areas used by vendors, and positioning disturbing signage in and around vendor booths in a manner that interferes with the ordinary operation of the market.” The first appearance of a protester during the market on Aug. 30 resulted in a police response. The individual, who was advocating against abortion, allegedly showed a vendor who approached him a video of an abortion procedure. The vendor took the phone and threw it on the ground, according to the police report. When police responded, the protester told the responding officer he wanted to charge the vendor with assault. The officer documented in his report that he told the man he “did not believe there was enough to charge the vendor at that time.” In the letter, market manager Julie Beauchemin requested the town consider a “reasonable, constitutionally permissible framework for addressing

A customer checks out options from Meadowbrook Orchards during the Hopkinton Farmers Market in August.

these recurring disruptions.” Suggestions include providing a police liaison for the market, addressing harassment and intimidation of vendors, reviewing the town’s policies on competing uses of Town Common and designating demonstration areas. Town Manager Elaine Lazarus said that there was little the Select Board could do about the issue. “[The common] is a public space, and it’s available for free speech by anyone,” she affirmed. Lazarus explained that the Hopkinton Farmers Market holds a permit for

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 7,700 addresses. It’s also available for free pickup at Muffin House Café and Price Chopper as well as at many other local businesses. Hopkinton Independent, LLC is equally co-owned by Bagdon Advertising, Inc. and Susanne Odell Farber.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar interim Editor: Nick Schofield Social Media director: David Bagdon STAFF WRITER: Mary Ellen Gambon Editorial contributors: Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Jane Bigda, Susan Gonsalves, Audrey DeSimone 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.

only a portion of the common, and any permitting concerns at Town Common fall under the jurisdiction of the Parks & Rec Commission. She added that there are circumstances in which the whole common can be permitted for private events, though she only knew of that type of permit getting approved for the Boston Marathon. When asked for comment, Parks & Rec chair Kyle Smith stated in an email that the commission was holding off until it had a chance to discuss the matter. He noted it would be an agenda item for a future meeting. Beauchemin also shared her thoughts. “We’re grateful to the Town for listening to our concerns and continuing to support our farmers market community,” she stated in an email. “Our goal is to maintain a safe, welcoming, and drama-free environment where our shoppers and small businesses can thrive.”

DPW addresses billing software issue A software issue that has caused billing delays for water and sewer customers in town should be reconciled in the near future, according to Department of Public Works director Kerry Reed. “We’re at a point where we feel pretty confident we’ll get [the next bill out] next month,” she said. The DPW sent a notice out to residents Sept. 18 notifying water/sewer customers of the delay in billing. While the issue has put customers behind several months on receiving invoices, Reed explained there would not be any penalties or fees to customers. Delays in billing are a result of issues with the DPW’s transition to a new software system. It needs to be integrated into existing meter monitoring software and, according to Reed, “Right now, they don’t talk to each other.” Her department is working with the vendors of each program to remedy the situation, but she said it would take some more time. “It’s been very challenging to integrate them because we’re dependent on each of these software companies to give them what they need to talk,” said Reed. The last invoices water/sewer customers received were from May, the director said. While the new billing

HopkintonIndependent.com

system is working, the DPW wants to be certain it is getting correct meter information for over 4,000 customers. Reed said that the shift of a decimal point could cause issues. “We didn’t want to send out erroneous bills or bills that were too high because we haven’t had a chance to do quality checks on the new software,” she added. The goal, said Reed, is to catch up on the billing backlog in the next two to three months. Invoices cannot be sent out all at once, so there will continue to be delays. Furthermore, the DPW is working with the Treasurer’s Office to ensure it does not get overwhelmed. Like any standard water/sewer bill, residents will have 30 days from when it is issued and can pay it without penalties as normal, Reed said. While the early transition over to the new software has caused some stress, Reed expressed hope in its ability to improve operations — especially as the department seeks to move water/ sewer billing to a quarterly system. She touted that the new, cloud-based software will provide greater cybersecurity and more redundancies. Other benefits highlighted in the official DPW notice include improvements to the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of billing operations.

Cemetery Commission won’t seek CPC funds The Cemetery Commission on Sept. 21 decided not to apply for Community Preservation Act funding via the Community Preservation Committee because it has not yet spent its previous grant awards. Chair Linda Kimball explained that the previous allocations of $20,000 per year for the past couple of years have been used to fund headstone preservation work at town cemeteries by Gravestone Services of New England. The New Hampshire-based company previously only could perform work in Hopkinton for a few days last year due to its heavy scheduling throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic states. The company was paid about $9,000 for last year’s work, she said. Kimball recently flagged stones most in need of repair. But the contractor reported to her in August that the machine used to lift the headstones “has a broken part” and likely won’t be repaired until October. “He was doing so good,” she said. “I’m not holding out much hope that he will come back later this year.”. Because this account still has a balance of about $47,000, Kimball said she will not seek additional CPC funding during this application round. In other business, the commission planned to vote on updated cemetery regulations at its next meeting on Nov. 9. Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed noted that the regulations had not been revised since February 2024. Some of the issues that will be reviewed are not selling plots to nonresidents unless approved by the Cemetery Commission chair, removing triple burial plots from the document because they no longer are offered, potentially increasing fees and permission for the burial of cremated pets. — MARY ELLEN GAMBON

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 3

Viewpoint Dangerous intersection ahead T

MY HOUSE PARTNERS RE/MAX EXECUTIVE REALTY

he ramp exiting Interstate 495 northbound onto West Main Street toward town is perhaps the most dangerous I’ve encountered in years. As one exits the interchange onto West Main, there is a total lack of merging roadway, placing vehicles in a dangerous game of “Should I or shouldn’t I?” In addition, once vehicle has successfully entered West Main, two lanes immediately LETTERS TO abecome a single lane as West Main approaches Lumber Street. Driving THE EDITOR is further hampered by an awkwardly placed hedge of yellow poles that appears designed to prevent cars from turning into the Alltown and Cumberland gas stations. This array of poles is particularly intimidating at night. I don’t know what sort of masochist designed this, and I’ve got to believe there is a better solution. I encourage the town to work with [the Massachusetts Department of Transportation] to remedy this disaster.

This new construction 4422 sqft property with private, level yard has room for both! VIRTUALLY LANDSCAPED

27 Ash Street Hopkinton

— Jeffrey Luth, Hopkinton

Environment a hot topic

Now available at $2,599,900

On the equinox, environmental advocates held an informal meeting to discuss how to better involve the Hopkinton community in protecting our natural resources. Representatives from the Garden Club, Conservation Commission, Sustainable Green Committee, Planning Board, ImagineCorps, Trails Committee and more exchanged ideas and enthusiasm. Everyone there hopes to share information about biodiversity, pollinator gardens, climate change, healthy landscaping and helping our community become greener and more sustainable. Stay tuned for initiatives generated from separate groups talking together.

VIRTUALLY LANDSCAPED

Come see the possibilities!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday 10/3 and Sunday 10/4 from 12–2pm

Chuck Joseph 508-509-6169

PLEASE “FOLLOW & LIKE” US ON SOCIAL @MYHOUSEPARTNERS

Ann Clark 508-439-2728

— Carol Esler, Hopkinton

Facts, education important in lake treatment

Mike Auen 508-951-4951

Whether we are shoreline residents, avid boaters or neighbors who simply love the view, everyone in Hopkinton shares the same goal: keeping Lake Maspenock healthy, beautiful and thriving. When community members raise questions about weed management, it comes from a deep, shared care for our lake. To ensure our community can evaluate our management plan based on the best available science and official facts, the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association (LMPA) and the Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group recently published a comprehensive educational guide, “Protecting Lake Maspenock Together.” Before any treatment touches the water, our plan faces rigorous, multimonth scrutiny by federal, state and local authorities — including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Hopkinton Conservation Commission. These agencies set strict boundaries to protect native habitats. Modern lake management relies on targeted “smart chemistry,” not “blind poisons.” Products are applied in microscopic concentrations engineered to control specific invasive weeds like Eurasian milfoil while remaining low risk for fish, wildlife and humans. Scientifically, these compounds do not create persistent toxic buildup on the lakebed; they rapidly break down or naturally inactivate through sunlight, water chemistry and microbial digestion. However, chemical treatment is only one tool in the toolbox. True ecological care begins on land. That is why we actively partner with town departments on broader watershed initiatives, including eco-friendly lawn care, septic maintenance, storm drain clearing and volunteer boat ramp inspections to prevent new invasive species. To ensure complete accuracy, our guide underwent independent review and validation by a senior environmental engineer at SOLitude Lake Management and limnologists at Aquatic Restoration Consulting, alongside Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works and Health Department. We invite every resident to read the complete, unabridged guide on our website at lmpa.org/lake-health/protecting-lake-maspenock-together. Healthy debate is essential for good stewardship, but shared facts are essential for good solutions. Let’s protect Lake Maspenock together.

Would you like a pool, a sport court or maybe both?

— Don Doucette, LMPA board member

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.

MY HOUSE PARTNERS RE/MAX EXECUTIVE REALTY

Unlock Your Potential. ELEVATE Your Fitness Journey.

IN STUDIO & VIRTUAL TRAINING

Schedule Your COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION

PERSONALIZED TRAINING PROGRAMS designed to

ACHIEVE LASTING RESULTS

HopkintonIndependent.com

SCAN ME FOR INFO

Today!

17 Main Street, Suite 2, Hopkinton 508.463.0000 | ElevateTrainingMA.com

4 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

e v o l n i l Fal with your next home! Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

JENNIFER FRENCH

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

617-997-2207

Thinking of Selling or Buying? Call Me Today! jenniferfrench.re@gmail.com | jenniferfrenchhomes.com

WE ARE YOUR RELIABLE INSURANCE NEIGHBOR This issue’s winner is Karen Cirrito, who snapped this picture when “a feathered visitor landed on my car at Pinecrest Village and hung out for a bit.” 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.

Work with people you can trust: Nicole, Julie, Brian, Mike, Letty and Amy

ur family-owned and operated independent agency offers only competitively priced and time-tested insurance products designed to fit your individual needs. Specializing in home, auto, business, condo and renters insurance since our establishment in 1950, our agency is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and committed to providing the very best of value for your hard-earned dollars. Whether new to the area or a lifelong resident, you will benefit from the sound advice provided by our professional service advisers.

HOME • CONDO • RENTER • AUTO • BUSINESS

Conservation Commission OKs Charleswood restoration plan By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

he Conservation Commission on Sept. 15 approved the restoration plan for the disturbed area at the Charleswood School site off Briarcliff Drive in a 4-0 vote. In April, conservation administrator Judy Day noted that staff had observed “high volumes of runoff that has sometimes been turbid” coming from the Charleswood site over a few weeks. It ran into a property off Briarcliff Drive owned by the Conservation Commission. Claire Hoogeboom, a wetlands scientist at LEC Environmental Consultants involved with the project, provided the commission with an update on its restoration efforts. In response to an email from Joe Orzel, the town’s wetlands consultant, she visited the site Monday to observe vegetation regrowth over the past several weeks. “You can see that there is a good amount of herbaceous regrowth already occurring within the last one-and-a-half months,” she said as she shared a photo of the southeastern portion of the stormwater restoration area. She also noted the growth of black huckleberry shrubs, and some black birch seedlings have started to grow. The contractor will not remove the crushed stone or silt bags from that part of the site until the commission provides its feedback.

HopkintonIndependent.com

Hoogeboom proposed that the restoration plan for the 1,500-square-foot restoration area include planting five trees and 10 shrubs in the tire ruts from construction vehicles as a “compromise there” because of the disturbed soil. Orzel noted that the total restoration area would require the planting of 10 saplings, 22 shrubs and 154 herbaceous plants. Hoogeboom’s plan was to distribute them between the tire ruts and the currently gravel-covered area. Three trees already were proposed for that area. Orzel and Hoogeboom agreed that spreading a seed mix could wait until the spring, given the promising vegetation reestablishment they observed. Chair Melissa Recos said Hoogeboom’s ideas “make sense.” Co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook asked for an update about the area that was impacted by the water flow. Hoogeboom said she had performed some soil testing and did not observe any soil saturation or standing water. This area will continue to be monitored post construction, she said. Barker-Hook called this “encouraging news.” Recos asked that an updated restoration plan be provided to the commission with the information discussed. Conservation administrator Judy Day said she would draft a letter with the specifications to include in the file, which the commission authorized in a 4-0 vote. Conservation Commission | 5

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 5

Tales from a Townie: Carbone’s Restaurant By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

n Thursday, June 25, we went to Carbone’s for our last dinner there. We arrived at 4:30 p.m. and had to wait 20 minutes to get a table — like the old days on a Friday or Saturday night. My mind wandered back, back, back — 76 Carbone’s Restaurant was a Hopkinton landmark until it years, to be exact. I was closed for good this summer after 93 years in business. an 8-year-old going to Carbone’s with my parents people working there for so many years. to meet friends and enjoy eating there. My Hopkinton High School class It was a rainy night. I recall going down (1959) has been having class luncheons an alley — dodging the raindrops — befor the last 20 years or so, maybe eight or tween a white house and the restaurant, nine a year. We always had at least two of then through a door. The bar was on the them each year at Carbone’s, including left, and we were ushered int a little dinthe one we had this May. ing room on the right for dinner. Also, my AA group (The BarberSkipping forward to my high school shop group) would meet for a meal at years, the white house was razed and the the restaurant each June and November main dining room was built in its place. before our regular meeting. There was We went there on many a Saturday night never a question of where. It was always for pizza after the Teen Canteen dance. the 20 or 25 of us to Carbone’s. A few years later, after the kids I played football as a freshman in came, I used to go there many Friday high school on the undefeated 1955 nights after work to pick up two fried team. The town was building the new clam dinners to take out and maybe have high school, so we had no home foota “cold one” while I waited for them to ball field. We played all our games be prepared. away. I feel that Carbone’s has been Over the years, there were a few our “home field” over the years, so changes to the building, but the food with its closing, we will no longer have stayed the same, as good as always. a home field. Hundreds more meals were enjoyed Carbone’s, you will be missed! there by all. Best of luck to Peter, Mary and the Remembering back, there were Perest of the staff at Carbone’s. Enjoy a ter, Mary, Eddie and Alice, plus many, long and happy retirement that you so many waitresses who worked there deserve. 25-30 years. It must have been a good P.S. I would still like the recipe for working environment and wonderful the oven roast potatoes. people to work for that kept those many

Wills & Trusts • Estate Planning Medicaid Planning • Real Estate Land Use • Litigation HOPKINTON OFFICE

MASHPEE OFFICE

509 Falmouth Road, #5

85 Main Street

(508) 435-5000 • NealonClickLaw.com

Charleswood issues addressed Conservation Commission | from page 4

Chris Eberly, the owner’s property manager for the Charleswood School project, asked if the crushed stone could be removed over the next 30 days so that natural regrowth could occur before the colder weather sets in there. Orzel recommended removing the material “as soon as possible.” The commission was to review the updated plan at its meeting on Sept. 29.

Commission reviews Baypath request After discussion, commissioners agreed that a project change request by Baypath Humane Society for its work at 66/66B Fruit Street needed to be reviewed with the applicant present at a future meeting if it decided to pursue the project. Members agreed that it may cause unintended consequences. At the Aug. 11 meeting, the contractor working on the animal shelter building was reprimanded for not responding to Day’s outreach about stormwater management violations and not taking actions to resolve the issues in a timely manner. In response to feedback given at that meeting, the contractor submitted an erosion remediation plan. Day explained that it included a request to regrade a portion of the area where a water connection was installed from the building to Pratt Way to direct water away from the impacted wetland. The plan also proposed installing a 3-foot-wide earthen berm 6 inches

in height along Pratt Way to divert runoff from the paved roadway into this area disturbed by construction. Recos pointed out that this change request was proposed by the applicant’s contractor and was not required by the commission as part of the previous enforcement order. Co-vice chair Matt Moyen told members that the plan is trying to overcompensate for the previous violation. “My feeling of this proposal here is that they’ve gone too far the other way trying to make right an unfortunate situation,” he explained. “I don’t think it’s necessarily changing things better near- or long-term.” Moyen said the berm should be temporary. Otherwise it would “concentrate flow” and cause “erosion over time.” A filter sock would be more effective. On closer inspection of the plans, Moyen said the proposed grading away from the current depression would either make that area more “soggy and wet” or “create a scenario where water is going to come to the edge of the grade, run north and then get into the wetland. “If you’re going to have runoff that’s potentially going to be sediment-laden in the near term,” he continued, “I’d rather [it] go to an isolated wetland than to a bordering vegetated wetland.” Barker-Hook suggested that the applicant appear before the board for a discussion. Day said she will notify the applicant that it either can proceed with its previous

Marketing and Experience Matter JUST SOLD!

21BIRKDALELANE.COM

JUST SOLD!

21 Birkdale Ln Hopkinton

10 North Mill St Hopkinton

LISTED AT $999,000

LISTED AT $1,195,000

SOLD AT

$995,000

10NMILLST.COM

12 Rocky Woods Rd Hopkinton

23 Longwood Dr Hopkinton

LISTED AT

$945,000

23LONGWOODDRIVE.COM

ON THE MARKET!

$1,449,000

ON THE MARKET!

5 Queen Anne Rd Hopkinton

23 Falcon Ridge Dr Hopkinton

LISTED AT 5QUEENANNEROAD.COM

$1,200,000

PRICE IMPROVEMENT!

ON THE MARKET!

12ROCKYWOODSROAD.COM

SOLD AT

$1,749,000

LISTED AT 23FALCONRIDGEDRIVE.COM

$1,545,000

Choosing the right real estate professional matters. Call or text me today!

Conservation Commission | 7

HopkintonIndependent.com

THE MACCHI GROUP H O M ES & M ARK ET I NG

Trina@TrinaMacchi.com TRINA MACCHI HopkintonMoves.com C: 508-509-4236 35 MAIN STREET - SUITE 8 | HOPKINTON, MA

6 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Why buying now may make sense W aiting for the “perfect” housing market can feel safer than making a decision. But before postponing your move until 2027, ask a better question: What would buying now accomplish, and can you do it comfortably? “Mortgage rates are too high.” That concern is real. Freddie Mac’s average percentage for a 30-year fixed mortgage reached in the upper 6’s. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s outlook keeps 30-year fixed rates at 6.5% through 2028, suggesting a sustained return below 6% could wait until 2029 or later. This is one forecast, not a guarantee. Kim Foemmel Rather than beton lower Professional ting rates, ask a lender to establish Insights a comfortable PA I D A DV E R TI S E M E N T payment today. Refinancing later should be a possible bonus, never the condition that makes your purchase affordable. “Prices might fall next year.” But what if they go up? Buying demand is solid, which also could increase home prices next year. Compare recent neighborhood sales, property condition and competing listings rather than national headlines. Ask: “Can we negotiate a fair price for this particular home?”

Premium Marketing. Exceptional Results. 3 Doyle Lane Under Agreement in 10 Days | $10k Over Asking

Emily & Ryan Mastroianni

“Through professional media, elevated storytelling, and precise digital targeting, Ryan and Emily highlighted the unit's unique benefits...Their ability to capture buyer interest before they even stepped through the front door maximized interested buyers and high-value inquiries right from the start...Working with REC Partners is the best decision you can make!” -Seller, 3 Doyle Lane

“I don’t have enough saved.” A 20% down payment is not universally required. Depending on eligibility, lower down payment programs (including 0, 3, 5 and 10% down) may provide options, although mortgage insurance can increase monthly costs. Review closing expenses, taxes, insurance, maintenance and emergency savings before deciding that buying is either impossible or affordable. It’s better to

start investing in a home than throw money away on rent. “I’m nervous about the economy.” Separate general uncertainty from your personal financial position. Stable income, manageable debt, adequate reserves and plans to stay put strengthen your readiness. If your employment is genuinely uncertain or buying would exhaust your savings, waiting may be the responsible choice. “I’m waiting for a better selection.” National inventory reached 1.62 million existing homes in August 2026, representing 4.9 months of supply. That creates potential negotiating opportunities, although local conditions differ. Where buyers face less competition, explore price reductions, repair credits, or assistance with closing costs. Today’s opportunity may be better terms, not a dramatically cheaper house. For homeowners reluctant to surrender a low mortgage rate, compare the full cost of moving with staying, renovating and continuing to live with a home that no longer fits. The strongest reason to act is not fear. It is finding a home that improves your life at a payment that protects it. More space, a shorter commute, better schools or a welcoming place to gather can have value beyond market timing. Let’s compare buying today with waiting until 2027, including your savings goals, current housing costs and several price and rate scenarios. There is no obligation to buy today. But there is every reason to replace uncertainty with a plan — and be ready when the right opportunity comes along! So if the right home you love shows up now with a payment your comfortable with, jump on it! Kim Foemmel, Real Estate Broker Foemmel Fine Homes Hopkinton, MA 508.808.1149 Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com FoemmelFineHomes.com

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

Full-Service Residential Construction & Renovations

From concept to completion, we deliver high-quality workmanship with attention to detail you can trust.

Our Services

u Kitchen & Bathroom

Renovations

u Full Home Renovations u Custom Decks &

Outdoor Living u Flooring, Tile & Finish Work

Home-Grown in Hopkinton: Proud to Serve the Town That Raised Us

Ready T Ready To o Se Sell? ll? Hopkinton-based Real lEstate Brokerage. REC Delivers Results! R e ivers Resu lts! Representing residential and commercial buyers & sellers. Young and motivated. Tech savvy.

Ryan Mastroianni & Emily Mastroianni Licensed Real Estate Agents

recpartners.com 508-567-2842 508-567-2842 | |recpartners.com

Why Choose Lokal? u Reliable, professional

& detail-oriented

Let your dreams be our project, with a local contractor you can trust. Contact Us ( 508-963-5727

HopkintonIndependent.com

u Licensed & insured u Clear communication

from start to finish

LokalConstruction@hotmail.com LokalConstruction.com

Quality Craftsmanship. Local Expertise.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 7

Select Board critical of STM citizens’ petitions By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

he Select Board Sept. 15 reviewed the warrant for the Oct. 26 Special Town Meeting and pointed out to a citizens’ petitioner that a Special Town Meeting is not an appropriate vehicle for presenting his numerous requests. The STM originally was called for by the town to vote on potential changes to the town charter. A charter review is conducted every 10 years so that modifications can be made to align it with current laws and reflect the town’s changing needs. Additionally, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus previously pointed out the need for the Finance Department to present articles to fund emergency town expenses. They included the replacement of the water main at Claflin Place in July and emergency repairs at Department of Public Works facilities. The town ended up including seven articles on the warrant. Resident Parker Happ, a Planning Board member, submitted 19 citizens’ petition requests. Their inclusion brought the number of articles to 26. Happ’s proposed articles are pending legal review. During the meeting, Happ stressed that he has put forward these citizens’ petitions as a resident, not as “an agent or a representative of anybody.” Vice chair Matthew Kizner, who chaired the meeting in the absence of chair Shahidul Mannan, requested that a vote not be taken on final recommendations until the next meeting on Oct. 6 to include Mannan’s feedback.

Charter vote may be delayed Town Clerk Connor Degan, who also serves as the chair of the Charter Review Committee, said the committee is considering holding off voting on the proposed charter changes until May’s Annual Town Meeting. The committee will discuss this matter at its next meeting this Thursday. Degan noted that the committee took seriously the board’s feedback about the process feeling rushed. It worked with town counsel to propose two options for an ATM vote. The first option would allow the Charter Review Committee to discuss its proposed revisions. It then could use the time before the ATM to better educate the public about them. With this process, Degan explained, a two-thirds majority ATM vote would be needed to pass. It then would be included as a ballot question for the Annual Town Election in May. The alternative, which town counsel recommended, would be to go through a “special act process.” This practice has been used in the past for “small charter changes.” A simple majority would be required for ATM passage. There would be no need for a ballot question. After the ATM vote, the approved changes would be submitted to state Rep. James Arena-DeRosa to bring before the Legislature for review and ultimate approval. Member Joe Clark told Degan he appreciated the committee’s research on options. “I view this as a 10-year decision,” he said. “So a little bit more time to make it so that it’s [presented in] the most thoughtful way is never going to hurt.” Clark and the other members agreed they would support whatever the committee decides is the best path forward. Degan noted that the committee still will hold a public forum on Sept. 30 to discuss the proposed changes.

improvements for Hawthorne Lane were requested at May’s ATM. The nonbinding article was approved by a 152-23 vote. During discussion, DelPriore said Happ had reached out to see if the Select Board “would consider adding additional articles” after the warrant closed. DelPriore said town counsel notified him that for an STM, “the Select Board could continue to add articles up until the warrant is signed.” Member Brian Herr said he was not inclined to support any of Happ’s articles. “This is not the place for Special Town Meeting to address these kinds of issues,” he stressed. The process is different from an ATM because it’s an STM, Herr explained. An STM is called for “things we have to do inside the fiscal year, not things we want to do because we want to.” Articles would have a better chance of passage at an ATM because more people likely would be present, he added. “If any of these are not time sensitive, I think it would be better to wait until Annual Town Meeting,” agreed Ritterbusch. Ritterbusch added that a petitioner has the right to propose articles. She is awaiting town counsel’s feedback on their legality. Clark said he was not in support of any articles that proposed financial outlays when the town is facing a projected budget deficit. He also listed four articles that he said could be more effectively considered by the Charter Review Committee. Kizner noted that some of Happ’s ideas are interesting but may not be practical or financially sound. He mentioned term limits as a tough sell when the town has problems filling vacant board seats, for example.

Hear every word of story time! October is Audiology Awareness Month

Hearing Aid Recommendations & Repairs Hearing Evaluations • Custom Earplugs

In-office trial of multiple hearing aid manufacturers! Darcy Repucci, MS, CCC-A

Licensed Audiologist

508.936.3277 1 Lumber Street, Hopkinton • HopkintonAudiology.com

NOW OPEN until 7 PM on Thursdays!

Petitioner rebuked for approach The one article Kizner found interesting was Article 26, which proposed a random selection order for Town Meeting articles. He asked Happ to explain it in further detail. “I think the last one is just kind of fun, you know?” responded Happ. Kizner said that comment was “not a great start” and urged him to “take a different tact.” “Mr. Herr and the others are giving you feedback that you’re not taking the process for town business seriously,” said Kizner. “By telling us it’s fun, you’re kind of confirming where they are.” “I do think it’s fun,” replied Happ. “But I do appreciate the opportunity to present the articles.” Added Happ: “What I’m really trying to do by this package is something more systemic because I think we have to have mechanisms for periodic inspection of rules and process.” Happ said his STM goal is to get “legitimate criticism” on his articles before presenting them at May’s ATM. “I do think there are some compelling things here,” said Kizner. “And I appreciate that — in your own way — you are trying to get feedback from the town and you are very much highlighting things that are issues.”

Conservation Commission OKs Charleswood restoration plan Conservation Commission | from page 5

plan to regrade the area or discuss a plan change at a future meeting.

Members question article viability

Hearings continued

When the citizens’ petitions came up for discussion, Kizner said he was allotting 15-20 minutes for members to question Happ about his proposed articles rather than going through all 19. Assistant Town Manager Lance DelPriore told the board that town counsel deemed some of the proposed articles as “nonbinding because they’re outside of the scope and authority of Town Meeting.” DelPriore added that additional input from town counsel is expected. But the town is “obligated” to consider them because they were submitted as citizens’ petitions. Member Amy Ritterbusch pointed out that Article 20 refers to “a name of a road that doesn’t exist.” It stated “Hoffman Road.” She noted that drainage

As the meeting began, Barker-Hook announced that the hearings for the proposed dam repair work at the Agilitas Energy property off Frankland Road and the Masumeen Charitable Trust’s request to raze and rebuild the mosque at 115 Wood Street were continued at the request of the respective applicants to the Sept. 29 meeting. Due to the lack of a quorum, the hearing on proposed improvements to the Sandy Beach parking lot at 4 Lakeshore Drive also was continued until Sept. 29. Recos recused herself from this hearing due to her employment with Tighe & Bond, the firm that has been working with the Department of Public Works on town projects.

HopkintonIndependent.com

STEP INSIDE AND

discover more

OPEN 10–5

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY

5 Walcott Street Hopkinton

10–7 THURSDAY or scan the QR code to shop us online

508-497-9666 swooncentral.com

HOPKINTON

Psychological Services Welcoming New Clients In-office and online appointments

Compassionate, Effective Therapy

Science-based mental health care that works Schedule a free consultation

Keith Donohue, PhD

(508) 213-8147 HopkintonPsychologicalServices.com Learn more

34 Hayden Rowe Street, Suite 194 Hopkinton, MA

8 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Planning Board mixed on MAPC economic plan By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

he Planning Board at its meeting Sept. 14 gave feedback on an economic development strategy presented by a representative from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council. MAPC senior economic development planner Camille Jonlin explained that her agency works on regional planning strategies. It put this plan together in about 14 months, incorporating feedback gleaned from a public survey and meetings with stakeholders and focus groups. In order for the town to hire an economic development director, Jonlin said the Planning Board needed to review the plan so it could advance to the Select Board for final approval in early October. This has been a town goal. The plan had six key recommendation areas. The main goal was to support and keep local businesses. Encouraging new businesses to come to Hopkinton

was another recommendation, as was growing Hopkinton’s amenities to meet residents’ wants. The plan also encouraged the town to coordinate its economic development functions more efficiently. Improving transportation options and walkability and promoting the town’s cultural assets were emphasized as important goals. Jonlin complimented the stakeholders she spoke with, noting that they “are truly so engaged in the town and championing the town’s future.” One major issue the plan pointed out was the need for redevelopment on South Street. While the vacancy rates aligned with other MetroWest communities, the commercial buildings are in bad shape, Jonlin said. “Some of Main Street is not as filled in as it could be,” she added as an area for improvement. A way to attract smaller businesses would be to subdivide large lots, allowing them the space needed to locate there.

Tax impact, downtown addressed Member Rob Benson questioned Jonlin, asking whether the plan analyzed how much commercial and industrial development the town would need to lower residential tax rates. When Jonlin said the steering committee decided to “move away” from performing “that really full extensive analysis,” Benson criticized the plan’s focus. Said Benson: “I don’t really know that there’s a viable end point that the town would want [for] this effort.” He added that the town would need a “massive amount of commercial and industrial development in a very short amount of time” to put a dent in residential tax bills. Doing that would change the suburban nature of the town. Member Peter Mimmo agreed, noting that people live here because it is a “bedroom community.” But he added that residents also desire a revitalized

downtown. “I think it depends on what people want,” added member Amna Diwan. “If you’re trying to create a more vibrant downtown, then this makes sense.” Member Parker Happ noted that “big flagship developments,” including the Center School redevelopment project, a cultural district and the International Marathon Center will draw people to Hopkinton. He also spoke of the need for affordable housing and zoning that allowed for taller buildings. “If that sounds scary, change is scary,” said Happ. “But we need to revisit these things.” Chair Mathew Wronka said the MAPC plan highlights several strategies that were included in the town’s 2017 master plan that never were implemented. Said Wronka: “Seeing those repeated, I think, are just calls that we need to focus on that as a town.” He urged members to review the plan in greater detail.

Meeting on private ways planned

Thank You! A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, town organizations, and supporters for helping us to create another outstanding community event. — The Friends of Hopkinton Sponsors FOOD COURT SPONSOR ($1,500) - UniBank FIELD SPONSOR ($1,500) - Middlesex Savings Bank LOCAL BUSINESS SPONSORS ($500) - American Climbers • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Vascen J. Bogigian • Cornell’s Irish Pub • Hayden Rowe Properties • Oasis Wealth Advisors • Realty One Group - Suburban Lifestyle • RE/MAX Executive • Scott’s Landscaping • Sunshine Preschool • The Spoon • Trader Joe’s • Under Pressure FRIENDS OF HOPKINTON SUPPORTERS ($250) - Chesmore Funeral Home • Concierge Physical Therapy • Corporate Communications • Elder Plumbing • J.C. Parmenter • JD Marquedant • Law Office of Joseph P. Nealon • McIntyre Loam • Nealon, Nealon & Click • Phipps Insurance Agency • RE/MAX Executive - Kathy Dragin • Solect Energy • The Learning Center of Hopkinton FAMILY DAY SUPPORTERS ($100) - Angel’s Garden Center • Scott’s Septic • Sunnyside Florist

Hopkinton Organizations Baypath Humane Society • Code Ninjas • Conservation Commission • Garden Club • Girl Scouts • Historical Society • Hopkinton Center for the Arts(HCA) • Hopkinton Education Foundation(HEF) • Knights of Columbus • Lions Club • Little League • MetroWest YMCA • Mindful Kinections • Mom’s Group • My Place Counseling • MyFM Media • Project Just Because • Read Before Kindergarten • Scout Leaders Association • Scouting America Troop 11 • Sustainable Green Committee • Team Hoyt & The Hoyt Foundation • Trails Club • Troop 4 Hopkinton - Scouts BSA • US Naval Sea Cadet Corps • Vineyard Church • Women’s Club • Youth Football

Special Thank You Town Manager’s Office • Select Board • Hopkinton Public Schools Building and Grounds Dept • Hopkinton Police • Hopkinton Fire • Hopkinton DPW • Marathon Fund Committee • MetroWest YMCA

The board unanimously decided to invite the Select Board to its Oct. 5 meeting to discuss creating a plan for the town’s adoption of private ways that seek acceptance. Wronka said he and principal planner Aneri Patel met with the Select Board last week to discuss the issue, which came to a head at the May 2 Annual Town Meeting. “I think it’s important for us to meet with them to decide what the plan encompasses and what the ask is actually going to be for us,” he said.

Affordable housing discussed Vice chair Lucia Lopez initiated a discussion on developing affordable and market-rate housing on a 7-acre parcel off Fruit Street and Pratt Way. Lopez, a member of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, said the town-owned parcel previously had been approved for affordable housing by Town Meeting as part of the Fruit Street Master Plan and received Community Preservation Act funding to use toward the development. This was an initial pass at the issue. Discussion revolved around creating denser housing. Several members voiced a preference for townhouses or condominiums over apartments. Happ promoted Chapter 40Y zoning for this land. He proposed giving Town Hall employees the right of first refusal for homes there. This would be an incentive to work in Hopkinton and could lower the cost of current benefits packages, he said.

Board appointments OK’d The board unanimously approved the reappointment of Diwan as the board’s representative to the Open Space Preservation Commission for a one-year term. The board also voted unanimously to approve the applicants to its two subcommittees, the Zoning Advisory Committee and the Design Review Board. Former Planning Board member Vikasith Pratty was appointed as an atlarge ZAC member for a two-year term. Jacqueline Crowe was reappointed to ZAC as an associate member and also to the DRB. Jeffrey Doherty, Sue-Ellen Stoddard and Jeanette Thomson will maintain their Planning Board | 14

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 9

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

HerSwap at Marathon School Oct. 3 HerSwap is a community-wide tag sale event for women’s clothing, accessories and books, with proceeds benefiting the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Organization and The Herd. It will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m.-noon at Marathon School. Donations may be dropped off at Marathon School on Friday, Oct. 2, from 4:30-7 p.m. Items must be clean and in good or excellent condition. Items not sold will be donated to local charities. For more details, visit the HopSwap Facebook page.

Trail Volunteer Workday Oct. 3 The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. The next workday is Oct. 3. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

HALT Mushroom Walk at Fruit Street Oct. 3 The Hopkinton Area Land Trust is sponsoring a free mushroom walk on Saturday, Oct. 3, starting at 10 a.m. at the Fruit Street fields. Jonathan Kranz, vice president of the Boston Mycological Club and a Massachusetts Audubon certified field naturalist, will lead this two-hour walk designed to explore the joys and hazards of the fungus among us. Space is limited to 30 people. Registration is available at hopkintonlandtrust.org.

Paws for a Cause at Golden Pond Oct. 3 Golden Pond Assisted Living will host a community dog show on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 2-4 p.m. in its facility on West Main Street. It costs $15 to register a dog, and winners will be selected among five categories. Other activities include a live DJ, dessert bar, raffles, vendor tables and a meet and greet with dogs from Greyhound Friends, the Hopkinton shelter that will benefit from this fundraiser. Registration is due by Sept. 25. For more information, email tsenecal@goldenpondal.com or call 508-215-4954.

Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The next meeting is Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Friends of Whitehall Fall Cleanup Oct. 17 The Friends of Whitehall’s annual fall lake and trail cleanup will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants will gather at the Whitehall State Park boat landing parking lot on Wood Street (Route 135) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline around the lake to clean. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided, along with coffee and doughnuts for volunteers. For more information about the cleanup and the Friends of Whitehall, which welcomes new members, visit friendsofwhitehall.org.

Michael’s Run 5K at Town Common Oct. 17 The 27th annual Michael’s Run, a 5K run/walk to benefit the Michael Lisnow Respite Center, will be held Saturday, Oct. 17. The race starts and ends at the Town Common. On-site registration opens at 8 a.m., and the race starts at 10. The family event includes food, music, crafts and games. For more information and to register, visit hopkintonrespite.org.

Trails Club Walk at Waseeka Sanctuary Oct. 17 The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a guided walk at the Waseeka Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m. The trail can be accessed from Clinton Street, just before the border with Holliston. No dogs are allowed on this walk. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

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.

Baypath’s Paws & Claws 5K Oct. 4 The 17th annual Paws & Claws 5K presented by VCA Animal Hospitals, a fundraising run/walk for Baypath Humane Society, will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, 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.

Trails Club Monthly Meeting Oct. 14 The Hopkinton Trails Club holds its monthly meeting on the second

Event Calendar

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS ESL Theater Presents: Larry, The Big Time Broadway Producer October 9, 10, 16, 17, 18 | 7:30 & 2 p.m.

A $100 investment in Funny Girl gives Larry Greenstein his first taste of Broadway success. Now he’s chasing the next big hit—but can lightning strike twice? Enter Stage Left Theater presents Larry, the BigTime Broadway Producer, a comedy full of heart, humor, and Broadway dreams. Written by Peter Filichia and directed by Paul Champlin.

MOON MAN: Movie Premier October 22 | 7:30 p.m.

MOON MAN tells the story of Worcester native Robert Goddard and his historic launch of the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. After premiering at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the film comes to the HCA as part of Massachusetts Space Consortium’s STEM Week. A brief Q&A with cast and crew will follow the screening. Produced by Overture Entertainment with support from Enter Stage Left Theater and the HCA. MOON MAN was co-created by Maximilian Kent and Paul Champlin.

Rasa Quartet | October 25 | 7 p.m.

Classical elegance meets folk spirit with Rasa String Quartet! This award-winning Boston ensemble draws on musical traditions from around the world for performances that move, inspire, and connect.

Wicked 5K Run/Walk FUNdraiser for HCA | October 25 | 10 a.m.

Join the Wicked 5K, a festive run or walk benefiting the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Costumes are welcome on the relatively flat course, which follows traffic-free roads and groomed gravel trails. Cash prizes will be awarded to top finishers in various age groups. Kids can join the 100-meter Wee Wicked Dash just before the 5K.

Halloween Comedy Night October 30 | 8 p.m.

They’re alive…and they’ve got jokes! This Halloween, the comics are crawling out of the crypt and onto the stage for Night of the Living Comics—an evening of killer comedy, wicked wit, and drop-dead funny stand-up!

2 FREE ADMISSIONS with this Ad! Meet and talk with over 60 vendors!

Health & Wellness Fall Show 2026 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 • 10am–3pm

The Verve Hotel 1360 Worcester St., Natick FEATURING Acupuncturists BEMER Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Chiropractors Compression Pants Counseling Cryotherapy Diet & Nutrition Equine Assisted Therapy Exomind Functional Medicine Gut Health Health Coaches Hearing Aids Infrared Sauna

Mini ts en a e r T tm

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org HopkintonIndependent.com

IV Therapy Massage Medical Aesthetics Nutritional Response Testing Pain Management Peptides Personal Trainers Physical Therapy Polarity Pre and Post Surgery Healing Reflexology Rehab Facility Reiki Salt Caves

Shockwave Therapy Skin Products Somatic Coaching Sound Healing Stem Cell Patches Strength Training Stretching and Recovery Bodywork Tai Chi Virtual Behavioral Health Vitamins & Supplements Water Purification Weight Loss Whole Body Vibration Yoga Zyto Scan

Contact Walter 508-460-6656

or waltershowphotoart@gmail.com

HealthAndWellnessShow.net

Buy & Sample Products

10 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

KELLY’S FARM Family owned & Operated since 1936

Pumpkins, Apples, Gourds, Cornstalks, Hay & Mums

STILL PICKING

Winter Squash, Green & Yellow Beans, Eggplant, Potatoes, Tomatoes and BUTTER & SUGAR CORN Open 7 Days 8 am - 6 pm Closing for the Season Sale November 7 & 8

Re-opening November 21

with Christmas Trees & Wreaths

Route 140, Upton

508-529-4564

(between Fiske Mill Rd. and Hartford Ave.)

HEALTHIER NAIL CARE! • NONTOXIC Try • QUICK DRYING DAZZLE • LONG LASTING DRY® • NO UV LIGHT

Book online at christinesnail.com or call for an appointment 22 South Street, Hopkinton

Historical Society | from page 1

The town started out as a small community based around farming, she told the Independent recently. It turned toward industrialization in the mid-1800s with the addition of 11 shoe factories. After several of them burned down and others moved to Worcester, Hopkinton returned to its agrarian base. “Once [Interstate] 495 went in, the whole place changed,” she said. “But there are so many more stories than that.”

Personal discovery inspires research Mattina’s research into many of Hopkinton’s renowned people and sites initially was sparked by the purchase of her first house on Claflin Street 25 years ago. “The deed itself said that it was built sometime before 1920,” she said. “I thought that was kind of odd, because most places do have a build date.” She asked the librarian at the time for assistance and was surprised by what she learned. “This could only happen in Hopkinton,” Mattina teased with a bright smile. “A woman literally popped out of the stacks and said, ‘Oh, that was my house.’ ” Mattina learned that the original house burned down along with the Claflin-Coburn shoe factory in 1876. After the house was rebuilt, Mattina noted that “some maps actually show the house facing Walcott Street, and then later it’s shown facing Claflin Street.” “Then I found out all those houses were built for workers in the shoe factories” she said..”I wondered what all those people did when everything started burning down. I just kept digging and digging.” In her research, Mattina later learned that Brigham Young, an early leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had a Hopkinton connection. His parents lived on Chestnut Street.

Past successes inspire anniversary events

No chemical smells — just beautiful nails!

508-435-0222

Celebration includes trolley tour, historical talks

s -in e alkelcom Ww

MAIN MAIN STREET STREET SERVICE CENTER SERVICE CENTER Complete Auto Service

In 2012, Mattina said she was asked by town staff to be the chair of Hopkinton’s 300th Anniversary Celebration Committee. At that point, she connected with the Hopkinton Historical Society. The anniversary committee partnered with the Historical Society, the Hopkinton Women’s Club and the Hopkinton Garden Club to organize a historic house and garden tour in June 2015 that Mattina described as “a fantastic success.” Also held that year were fireworks, a parade and smaller events. While the Historical Society’s actual anniversary was in April, Mattina explained that several autumn events will celebrate its role in town. One of the main attractions will be guided motor coach tours of the town on Oct. 17, she said. Tickets are $25 and are available for the 1:30 p.m. tour only. Residents Chuck Joseph and John Ritz will highlight 14 historic town landmarks as they narrate the two-hour tours.

Dry and Seasoned

FIREWOOD Approximately

Computerized Diagnostics Diagnostics . Foreign Wheel Alignment Alignment Foreign & American Wheel Complete Service Complete Air Air Conditioning Conditioning Service . Road Service Towing Towing . Tune-ups Brakes . Tires Tires MassachusettsState State Inspection Massachusetts InspectionStation Station

508-435-9038 508-435-9038

96 MAIN (Rte 135) 135) 96 MAIN STREET, STREET, Hopkinton Hopkinton (Rte yearsininbusiness business 1982 1982-2022 43 39 years - 2026

16–18˝Split

Delivered Locally

ASHLAND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 18 Waverly St. (Rte.135), Ashland

AshlandLandscape.com

508-881-0001 HopkintonIndependent.com

“We’re going to make a big loop all around town,” said Mattina. “We’re going to see a lot of different sites that people may have some familiarity with but want to know more about.” Participants will receive a booklet containing information and pictures of what was explored, she added. “We really hope to get people excited through the tour and the other events,” stressed Mattina. The Historical Society recently participated in two popular annual Hopkinton events. It held sack races at Hopkinton Family Day on Sept. 19 and was represented at the PolyArts festival the previous weekend. “I was trying to think of something historic that we could do,” Mattina said of the sack races. On Sept. 16, Joseph began teaching the second installation in his series of courses on the town’s history. Mattina noted that the first course was extremely popular, and this one sold out quickly. “The previous course was on Hopkinton in the 1700s,” said Mattina. “This one will cover Hopkinton from 1787-1848.” Because of the copious amount of material, there will be a subsequent course on the second half of the 19th century, she added.

Talk planned on Shays’s Rebellion The centerpiece event will be a discussion by author Daniel Bullen about his book on Shays’s Rebellion at the Historical Society’s headquarters at 168 Hayden Rowe Street on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. “Daniel Shays’s Honorable Rebellion: an American Story” explains that Shays, a Hopkinton native and Revolutionary War veteran, led an uprising to protest the debt and tax burdens returning veterans encountered. “Daniel Shays was actually born in Hopkinton,” Mattina pointed out. “But he became famous after he left town with Shays’s Rebellion.” She explained that the state imposed a tax on farmers after the war. Those who could not pay went to debtors’ prison. Many returning veterans were impacted because they could not work their farms for income during the Revolutionary War. “And so Daniel Shays formed a rebellion against that,” said Mattina. “He just took a page from the Revolutionary War and continued the fight — only this time, it was against Massachusetts. It actually led to Massachusetts creating a constitution. “I think it’s really exciting because a lot of people from Hopkinton don’t know that connection,” Mattina noted. “It was important to the birth of the state.”

Slave plaque set for installation Mattina shared that a plaque honoring the town’s Black enslaved residents is nearing its planned October installation on the Town Common. The project is a joint effort of the Historical Society and the Historical Commission and was paid for by the Historical Commission. The plaque is the culmination of a decade of research by member Linda Connelly. She sifted through wills, court documents and property records to find the names of formerly enslaved residents and their immediate descendants to honor them for their contributions to Hopkinton, Mattina said. About 40 were found. Historical Society | 11

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 11 > edwardjones | Member SIPC

WSAB assures community of PFAS filtration effectiveness By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

he Water & Sewer Advisory Board on Sept. 23 reviewed data that showed that the PFAS filtration system has been effective at keeping PFAS levels below the allowable limit. Chair Paul Gallagher took information he gleaned from the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to form an analysis of the effectiveness of the PFAS filtration at Well 6, the town’s main water supply. He integrated about 5,000 lines of data into a presentation that showed sharp declines in PFAS, particularly after the granulated activated carbon filtration system was installed in December 2025. “The data shows that there is a significant magnitude of safety,” he explained. Well 6 was outfitted with a water filtration system in June 2024 in response to elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances known as PFAS in the water. This system was designed to remove PFAS to levels reliably and consistently below the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels. The maximum contaminant level for PFAS content in public drinking water is 20 nanograms per liter, or parts per trillion, according to the state website. Six specific PFAS are monitored. PFAS levels in water have been an ongoing concern for the town. Known as “forever chemicals,” these synthetic, potentially harmful chemicals used since the 1940s can be found in a wide variety of household products and industrial processes. Gallagher noted that there was a bump in PFAS levels shortly before the Department of Public Works replaced the filters. The filters originally were expected to last for 18 months, but the

Celebration includes trolley tour, historical talks Historical Society | from page 10

“Many of the first residents were quite wealthy,” she said, “and they owned slaves.” When the state outlawed slavery in 1783, there was “a system of servitude,” Mattina explained. Formerly enslaved people tended to stay on as indentured servants to their former owners.

Learning with HHS encouraged People who want to learn about Hopkinton can visit the Historical Society year-round on Monday afternoons. It has a “small museum and tons of archives,” Mattina said. This month, it also is debuting a new website with increased information, she shared. The Historical Society also has been digitizing many of the town’s older records, she added. One of the first Town Meeting records asked members for their position “about whether to let pigs roam free in the streets,” Mattina said with a laugh.

analysis showed they needed to be replaced at 14 months. As of this month, levels are creeping back up, he added. They are now at 15 ppt, which is below the state’s allowable level. This may indicate that a filter change will be on the horizon, Gallagher said. “A huge misconception is that it’s dangerous right now,” said member Rob Scott, noting residents question him “all the time” about PFAS levels. “It’s not dangerous now.” “This should give residents peace of mind,” added member Donald Sutherland.

Drought magnitude decreases Gallagher said the town’s water conservation strategy remains in effect as the region still id experiencing a drought. He noted that as of Sept. 10, the drought status declined to “mild” from “critical drought.” “The wells are still struggling,” Scott said of information he received from Water/Sewer Superintendent Jed Fenneuff. “There’s been no improvement.” Scott praised residents for heeding the efforts of the town and WSAB members to encourage water conservation. Water usage is down after the town repeatedly stressed that lawn watering, vehicle washing, pool filling and other nonessential water usage is prohibited. Said Scott: “One heartening thing is that the campaign that got going towards the public is working.”

> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

Build the future of your dreams with us. Whether it’s investing some extra income, preparing a future for your family with your retirement secured, or saving for a home or education costs, we’re here to coach you through it.

2:1

Photos to pull from Marketing Hub image library

Get started today by contacting us to schedule your ﬁrst meeting.

We’re in this together.

Mark Freeman, CEPA At Edward Jones, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you celebrate life’s biggest Financial Advisor milestones. Let us help you work toward them. 508-293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com IRT-4395I-A AECSPAD Let’s start building the future today. 77 W Main Street, Suite 206, Hopkinton, MA 01748 Mark Freeman

Financial Advisor 77 W Main St Suite 206 Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-293-4017

Every Home Has a Story. I Make Sure Buyers See It.

MKD-8652E-A AECSPAD 21096682

• Luxury-level marketing • Signature narrated video tours • Local expertise A HILLER SINCE 1987

413-531-7129

Water/sewer billing still delayed Members commented on the continued delay in issuing water and sewer bills for those on the town water system. The town has been working on integrating a new billing software system into existing meter monitoring software. While bills have been delayed for several months, the Department of Public Works (DPW) expects invoices to be issued starting in October. There will be no penalties or fees assessed to customers who pay within 30 days of the bill issuance. While the early transition over to the new software has caused some stress, DPW Director Kerry Reed expressed hope in its ability to improve operations — especially as the department seeks to move water/sewer billing to a quarterly system. She recently touted that the new, cloud-based software will provide greater cybersecurity and more redundancies. Other benefits highlighted by the DPW include improvements to the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of billing operations. Sutherland noted that an informal survey showed that “most [communities] are quarterly billed.” Added Sutherland: “That’s the goal.” Scott proposed that the new bills show residents their water consumption rates in gallons rather than in cubic feet, as well as the average use per day. This would make it easier for residents to understand their habits and adjust them, he pointed out. “Right now, they might as well be written in Mandarin,” he said. “People don’t understand cubic feet. They’re not going to take the time to compute that.”

21396590

PAWS FOR A

SPONSORED BY

CAUSE

GOLDEN POND

You’re invited to our community fun Fall Dog Show

LIVE DJ + FALL FUN

50 West Main St., Hopkinton

October 3 • 2–4 PM INDOORS • GREAT ROOM

Stop by or call by September 25, if you would like to register your pup for the show.

• Dessert Bar • Raffles • Vendor Tables • Meet & Greet Our Gentle Giants (Greyhounds)

categories to show off your dog

Registration fee: $15

All proceeds from raffles and dog fees will go to

GREYHOUND FRIENDS IN HOPKINTON, MA. For more information, please contact Tina Senecal | Director of Life Enrichment P: 508-215-4954 | Tsenecal@goldenpondal.com

HopkintonIndependent.com

12 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Presented by

Kim Foemmel 508.808.1149

FoemmelFineHomes.com

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton ADDRESS

SOLD

DATE

SELLER

BUYER

13 Poplar Lane, Unit 316

$1,340,000

Sept. 9

Bridget Haranas, Mark Haranas

Manish Nigam, Ankita Shrivastava

21 Birkdale Lane, Unit 21 BIR

$995,000

Sept. 9

Loretta Sala

Harvey Family Trust, Kenneth Harvey Trust, Kara Harvey Trust

15 Locust Lane, Unit 58

$1,005,000

Sept. 9

Shashikant Patil, Rekha Patil

Aleksandr Ab, Olga Ab

64 Old Elm Way

$999,975

Sept. 10

Mark Verrochi, Lisa Verrochi

Janis Lapsley, Justin Kessler

5 Summer Street

$500,000

Sept. 14

Lois Hansen, Wayne Merrifield Estate, Wayne Merrifield

Michael Themeli

22 Locust Lane, Unit 40 $866,000 Sept. 15 Amarender Sama, Ramana Malgireddy 17 Highcroft Way $770,000 Sept. 15 Karen Green 19 Knoll Road $514,900 Sept. 15 Lee Lariviere, Jordan Lariviere

Swapnil Pawar, Rasika Bhere Joseph McDonough Trust, Catrina McDonough Trust, McDonough Family Trust Jordan Craig, Jacqueline Miller

14 Hidden Brick Road

$1,350,000

Sept. 18

Daniel Tate, Christin Tate

Sean Daly, Ashlene Daly

26 Waterville Lane, Unit 26

$1,009,000

Sept. 18

Trails LLC

John Penn, Barbara Penn

The above are all property sales as recorded by the state and posted in the previous two weeks.

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

SENIOR SNIPPETS

Pottery for Beginners

Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. This nine-week course, designed for beginners, teaches essential ceramics skills. Participants will have the opportunity to master fundamental hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling and slab construction. The instructor will provide step-by-step guidance. Registration is required, as space is limited. The full session is $100. Those who did not make it into this class, which began in August, will have opportunities to sign up again in the winter and spring. The next pottery workshop will run Oct. 27-Dec.15.

WALKtober

This program encourages participants to walk for at least 15 minutes each day in October. Tracking calendars are

available at the front desk of the Senior Center. All participants will be entered into a prize drawing and are invited to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments together at the end of the month.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center

Thursday, Oct. 1, 1 p.m. This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment, or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. This month’s activity is decorating cookies. This is a joint venture between Senior Services and the Hopkinton Public Library. For more information, call the Senior Center.

Frisbee Dogs

Monday, Oct. 5, 2 p.m. Mike and his team of world-recordholding and K-9 Frisbee finalist dogs will put on a performance at Reed Park (off Wood Street) featuring stunts and some audience participation. A shuttle will be available to take participants from the Woodville Rod & Gun Club to Reed Park starting at 1 p.m. Guests are asked to call the Senior Center to add their name to the shuttle list. Participants must bring their own lawn chairs or

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM RODENT INFESTATION!

blankets, and some concessions will be provided. Attendees are asked to leave their own pets at home.

Book Club

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. One of life’s pleasures is a good 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.

LIBRARY CORNER

ADULT PROGRAMS Your Health: Zip Code or DNA

Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library is offering this four-part workshop about the impacts of environment on human health. Material for study includes a variety of readings, podcasts and films. Topics include how health is impacted by air, water, food and neighborhood surroundings. The class involves group discussions and activities related to the materials. Participants are encouraged to attend

FREE

HOUSE HUNTING

Make sure they don’t choose yours!

INSPECTION Jim Mazzuchelli, owner, WPC Pest and Termite Control

WPC PEST CONTROL 508-435-2211

nobugsnopests.com

LICENSED & INSURED | ALL WORK GUARANTEED FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

as many sessions as possible. Registration is required so information about the readings can be distributed each week. This is the last of the four sessions.

CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS Play, Learn and Grow Play Group

Thursdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10-11 a.m. This play group, let by Project ABC, will include free play as well as a circle time with stories, songs and rhymes. It is recommended for children ages 0-5 with a caregiver.

Buildwave for Grades 1-4

Saturday, Oct. 3, noon-1 p.m. During this event, participants build with waves of materials like Lego, PlusLibrary | 13

How to keep rodents out of your home this season

Call Jim for Rodents are

book. Another is having the time to read it. At this monthly meeting, participants can relax and bring refreshments, all while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month’s book is “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization” by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

s the cold weather approaches, homeowners need to make sure their families will be safe. Now is the time when mice & rats are looking to find a warm place to settle down for the winter and it could be in your house! WPC Pest Control shows homeowners throughout the Metro-West area ways to prevent rodent infestations and how to protect their homes from these dangerous invaders. Mice and rats can carry and transmit numerous diseases like Hantavirus that may

HopkintonIndependent.com

pose health risks to people and pets. Rodent urine and droppings can also contaminate insulation and other areas of the home, potentially contributing to respiratory concerns without you ever knowing it. Rodents can find their way indoors through small openings and may nest in attics, insulation, basements and other secluded areas. “Disgusting odors coming from insulation in attics and basements is a sure sign that rodents are present, which can make your family sick” said Jim Mazzuchelli, owner of WPC Pest and Termite Control. Entry points need to be blocked off but finding them can be difficult. That’s why you need to call a professional to point out such issues. An inspection from a technician with years of experience is an important step in protecting your home. Call Jim at WPC Pest Control today at 508-435-2211 to schedule your free inspection. Visit us at NoBugs NoPests.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 13

Mold: Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore A s summer transitions into fall, lingering humidity, seasonal storms and shifting temperatures can leave moisture in areas of the home that are easy to overlook. For homeowners, understanding how to recognize signs of mold, reduce moisture risks and identify when professional remediation may be needed is essential. Water-damaged materials can create conditions for mold growth within 48 to 72 hours, whether the moisture comes from a roof leak, plumbing problem, flood, Joe Markey, owner condensation or huProfessional sustained midity. Mold Insights may develop behind walls, PA I D A D VE R TI SE ME NT beneath flooring or inside insulation before visible growth appears. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that in-home mold exposure can cause allergic reactions and respiratory irritation for the people living there. Your home should be a safe place for you and your family, and you should never have to wonder whether something inside it could be affecting your health. Mold can take hold before there is anything obvious to see. Homeowners should understand the signals their home may be giving them and know where to turn when something does not seem right.

able conditions for mold. The EPA recommends keeping indoor levels ideally between 30% and 50%. • A history of water damage: Materials can remain damp beneath the surface after a leak or flood appears to have dried. • Possible health symptoms: Some people exposed to damp or moldy conditions may experience coughing, wheezing, a stuffy nose, irritated eyes or skin reactions that worsen indoors. When one or more of these signs are present, homeowners should take several steps to limit further moisture damage and better understand whether professional help is needed.

URBAN TO SUBURBAN at h Results T Move You

Jyothi Kalra, Realtor jo@urbancirclerealty.com

RESULTS THAT MOVE YOU

Potential microbial growth red flags to watch for: • Persistent musty odors: An earthy or musty smell may indicate mold growth, even when no visible patches are present. • Discoloration or staining: Dark spots, water stains, bubbling paint or warped materials may point to moisture behind a wall, ceiling or floor. • High indoor humidity: Relative humidity above 60% can create favorLibrary | from page 12

Plus and more. Each building wave is enhanced by an audiovisual experience. This session is for children in Grades 1-4. Registration is required. Children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older. This program is funded by the Hopkinton Moms Group.

Buildwave for Grades 5-9

Saturday, Oct. 3, 1-2 p.m. During this event, participants build with waves of materials like Lego, PlusPlus and more. Each building wave is enhanced by an audiovisual experience. This buildwave session is for tweens/ teens in Grades 5-9. Registration is required.

Resin Keychains with Mystic Moon Beads

Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m. Sue from Mystic Moon Beads will lead this program for older children to

508-816-2393

PRESERVING BEAUTY. PROTECTING VALUE.

What to do if you suspect mold: • Find the moisture source. Identify and repair leaks or humidity problems that may be contributing to mold growth. • Avoid disturbing large or concealed areas. Scrubbing or spraying moldaffected areas may release spores into the air and spread contamination. • Document the conditions. Photograph visible staining or damage, note where odors are strongest and record any recent leaks or flooding. • Do not paint or seal over visible growth. Covering the affected area traps underlying moisture and leaves mold unaddressed. • Know when to contact a professional. The EPA advises consulting an experienced remediation professional when mold covers more than approximately 10 square feet, follows extensive water damage or may be present inside walls, HVAC components or other difficult-toaccess areas.

• Tree Care/Risk Assessment • Ornamental/Shrub Pruning • Insect/Disease Plant Care Experts • Mass/ISA Certified Arborist(s)

Schedule a consultation today 781.801.3576

Hopkinton, MA

PeerArboricultural.com Kevin@peerarboricultural.com

Because Because Because Your Your Your Family's Family's Family's

Health Health Health & Safety &Because Safety & Safety Matters Matters Matters Most Most Most To Us To To UsU Your Family’s Health & Safety Matters Most To Us

Joe Markey, owner RestoPros of Southeastern Massachusetts 781-818-1821 RPSoutheasternMA@restopros.co RestoPros.co/ma-norfolk-attleboro THE ADVERTISER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS COLUMN.

make their own pressed flower keychain using real dried flowers and resin. Registration is required, and this program is open to ages 13-18 only.

SCHEDULE UPDATES The HPL strategic plan focus group will meet in person in the Ellsworth Room on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. The Friends of the Library will meet in the Strong Room on Oct. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

SCOTT SCOTT SCOTT SEPTIC SEPTIC SEPTIC SCOTT SEPTIC www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com www.scottseptic.com | 508.435.4168 | 508.435.4168 | 508.435.4168

The library will be closed Oct. 1012 in observance of Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Massachusetts Center for the Book will meet in the Strong Room on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m.

scottseptic.com | 508.435.4168

Family Family Owned Family Owned &Owned Operated & Operated Operated Serving Serving MetroWest Serving MetroWest MetroWest Boston Boston Since Boston Since 1968 Since 1968196 Family Owned &&Operated Serving MetroWest Boston Since 1968

The Library Board of Trustees will meet Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Ellsworth Room.

2021

HopkintonIndependent.com

Metr

14 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Parks & Rec opposes exclusive permits for Town Common events By Nick Schofield Interim Editor

aintaining that the space is available for public use, the Parks & Recreation Commission on Sept. 23 decided not to change its approach for permitting events at Town Common. The discussion over how the Town Common is used and permitted was brought up after the Hopkinton Farmers Market asked both the Select Board and the commission for assistance with protesters. In a letter dated Sept. 10, market manager Julie Beauchemin requested each group consider a “reasonable, constitutionally permissible framework” for handling protests at the common while other events are taking place. “One of the options that was laid out was: Would we be open to granting exclusive use permits over the common?” chair Kyle Smith explained. “It would effectively make a public space a private space for the period, but

it moves into some pretty dicey water,” Smith added. Any events that require permits at Town Common fall under the purview of Parks & Rec. In a previous interview, Town Manager Elaine Lazarus explained that the Hopkinton Farmers Market’s permit only allows it use of part of the common. The only event that is granted full use is the Boston Marathon — a fact per diem Parks & Rec director Jon Lewitus confirmed during the meeting. “Even [for] PolyArts … the stance is that it’s open to the public,” said Lewitus. The push to manage protests at Town Common follows instances of allegedly disruptive behavior by protesters reported both by the Farmers Market and Hopkinton Police. The first appearance of a protester at the market on Aug. 30 resulted in a clash between a demonstrator and a vendor. The vendor threw the man’s phone after it was held in front of his face, and the protester claimed he was assaulted, according to the police report.

The responding officer did not file charges, stating he did not believe there was enough evidence to charge the vendor at that time. Beauchemin’s letter, which was signed by nearly 30 vendors, indicated the demonstrators returned during another market day and verbally harassed and intimidated vendors and shoppers. “It’s really a question of whether or not we want to consider changing the way that groups use the common,” said Smith. Lewitus called the matter a “tricky subject” and noted that infringement on people’s First Amendment rights “brings out the worst in people.” He advocated for maintaining Parks & Rec’s permitting process. Vice chair Dan Terry shared his opinion that if groups insisted on having private permitting rights to the common, it was “probably the wrong place” for them. “They have to acknowledge that it’s still a public space,” said Terry. “We need to be more specific in what someone’s rights are so they know [and] so there

Y O U R M O N E Y, Y O U R I N D E P E N D E N C E

Beyond Medical Bills Using an HSA to Fuel Your Retirement

Glenn Brown, Certified Financial Planner

pen enrollment for work benefits is coming. One critical choice often causes confusion: deciding between a PPO medical plan and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Understanding how these work can help you make smarter choices for 2027 and your future.

Choosing the Right Medical Plan Selecting the right health plan comes down to three primary factors: 1. Provider Access: Ensure your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospitals are in-network. No amount of tax savings offsets losing access to your trusted care team. 2. Total Annual Cost: Compare the guaranteed cost (monthly premiums) against potential care costs (deductible and out-ofpocket maximum). Look at historical medical expenses, but also plan for expected upcoming care. 3. Tax & Savings Strategy: An HDHP paired with an HSA offers triple tax savings. While popular for those with low healthcare needs, HDHPs can also be cost-effective for heavy users—provided you have the cash flow to handle higher up-front expenses before insurance kicks in.

Unlocking the “Triple Tax Advantage” An HSA provides three distinct

layers of tax savings that no other financial account can match: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Funds contributed directly or via payroll deduction reduce your taxable income for the year (saving federal, state, and FICA taxes). Tax-Free Growth: Earnings, interest, dividends, and investment gains grow compoundingly without triggering annual taxes. Tax-Free Withdrawals: Withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses— such as doctor visits, prescriptions, dental care, and vision—are completely federal tax-free.

Real-World Tax Savings Consider a family in the 24% federal tax bracket spending $4,000 annually on routine healthcare. By funding those outof-pocket costs through an HSA, they can save roughly $1,480 in taxes (federal, state, and FICA). A household in the 32% bracket maxing out the $9,000 family contribution can save between $3,500 and $4,100 in taxes, depending on whether their individual earnings exceed the Social Security wage cap.

Don’t Leave “Free Money” on the Table Surprisingly, more than half of eligible employees never open or fund an HSA. This is a costly oversight because many employers offer $500 to $2,000 per year in seed contributions or wellness incentives (such as completing an annual physical) to jump-start accounts. Contributing even a small amount per pay period ensures you capture these employer matches.

2027 IRS Contribution Limits & HDHP Requirements The IRS has released limits for 2027: ● Individual: $4,500 ● Family: $9,000 ● Catch-Up (55+): $1,000 Remember, employer contributions count toward the annual contribution caps.

A Long-Term Wealth-Building & Retirement Tool Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), your HSA balance belongs entirely to you. Unused funds never expire, thus any account balance rolls over and continues growing. Once your balance reaches your provider’s investment threshold, you can invest those dollars into index funds. Some will choose to pay current medical bills out of pocket, allowing their HSA funds to compound untouched for years or even decades. This becomes a secondary taxdeferred retirement bucket. How? After age 65, the non-medical withdrawal penalty of 20% disappears. Thus, your HSA effectively functions like a Traditional IRA: ● Pull funds for healthcare (Medicare Part B/D, dental, long-term care) tax-free. ● Pull funds for general living expenses, paying standard income tax with zero penalty. Plus, HSAs have no Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), giving you total control over your withdrawal schedule.

The Bottom Line Whether managing immediate healthcare expenses or building a tax-free nest egg for retirement, an HSA remains one of the most versatile financial wellness tools available. Take time during open enrollment to review your options, calculate your savings, and secure employer contributions. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Glenn Brown is a Holliston resident and owner of PlanDynamic, LLC, www.PlanDynamic.com. Glenn is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner™ helping motivated people take control of their planning and investing, so they can balance kids, aging parents and financial independence.

PA I D A D V ERTI SEMEN T

HopkintonIndependent.com

isn’t a confrontation.” Member Amy O’Donnell suggested there might be some value in asking groups that want to organize protests at the common to apply for permits. “We could ask, but it doesn’t change the fact they don’t have to,” she admitted. Members agreed that there was value in providing education on the permits about partial use and the rights of others to use Town Common.

CPC priorities identified The commission agreed it would submit three requests for Community Preservation funding by the October deadline: Fruit Street pickleball lighting, lights for Carrigan Park and continuing the Pyne Field project. Lewitus presented updates on all three items. He noted an upcoming meeting with cricket users to get input on pitch designs and that he already had met with town baseball representatives. He added that the field’s design was approaching completion and would be ready to move forward in the near future. “I’m hoping to have that 90% design done,” said Lewitus. He expressed a desire for the commission to review the plan and give it final approval before taking it to the Planning Board. Lewitus also informed the commission that he had discussed the Carrigan Park lights project with Hopkinton Little League, which agreed to sign on as a cosponsor for the application to the Community Preservation Committee. The final CPC application — lights at the Fruit Street pickleball courts — will be a repeat submission. The project was submitted as part of Article 20 at Annual Town Meeting in May, but it was pulled out and considered separately before being defeated 85-81. “What is the feeling on submitting the same thing back to back years?” asked Smith. Terry responded that it should not be an issue to submit to the CPC again as long as the previous application is updated and funding totals are adjusted to account for price changes. Members agreed that if the CPC approves the project again, the commission should advocate for it at the next ATM and make sure interested parties show up to vote in favor. The commission will review its CPC applications at a future meeting.

Planning Board mixed on economic plan Planning Board | from page 8

seats on the DRB. Wronka will represent the Planning Board. The board voted unanimously to reduce the number of at-large voting members from five to three after the move was suggested by Wronka. He said ZAC’s membership has “fluctuated wildly” over the past few years. Wronka added that while there are three open seats, only Pratty and Crowe applied. When the number of members was last designated in 2018, Wronka said it was set at five at-large members and four who were appointed by committees. There also have been associate members appointed annually who do not have voting privileges unless called into action. Happ noted that ZAC has had difficulty reaching or maintaining a quorum.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 15

Family Day draws big crowd, seeks new volunteers Marathon School physical education teacher and HHS boys lacrosse coach Dan Norton heads into the dunk tank after a youth presses the target during Hopkinton Family Day on Sept. 19.

By Nick Schofield Interim Editor

embers of the Friends of Hopkinton already are beginning to think about next year’s Family Day — especially about the volunteers needed to make it happen. Friends member Dorothy Maruska highlighted the success of this year’s event, which was held Sept. 19, stating that “perfect weather conditions” made it one of the best attended Family Days since it began about a decade ago. “This year was the quintessential, absolute perfect day,” she remarked. Maruska estimated that as many as 3,500 people attend the event annually and said that 42 local organizations participated this year. She also noted that all of the Hopkinton Garden Club’s 450 pumpkins were taken by kids in attendance, and the Friends passed out nearly 600 bouquets of flowers donated by Trader Joe’s. “We had six different bouncy

PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

houses, and there was a line at each one of them, all day long,” she said. The Friends ran this year’s Family Day with almost 100 volunteers, the majority of whom showed up on the day to help out. Maruska said this help is vital during the event, but help still

is needed in the planning stages, which begin as early as February. According to Maruska, there is turnover in the Friends membership and some organizers are getting older, which impacts their ability both to contribute to planning and assist with physical tasks

during the event. “We really need some new people to help out,” Maruska said. “Two more of our longtime members are not coming back next year, so we really need help in making this happen.” She added that even 10 new volunteers committed to doing “a small piece” of the planning — with mentorship from senior Friends members — would make a difference. Even with high attendance, she warned Family Day would not be sustainable without additional support. “It’s better if everyone is involved,” said Maruska. She encouraged community members who have free time to lend a hand, and envisioned opportunities to coordinate with other local organizations. “We’re fully open to any ideas in the community to try and make this continue to happen,” said Maruska. “It’s not magic that makes Family Day happen,” she added. “It takes some time and some loving and some caring to make it happen.”

Center School demolition plans continue, roof issue arises By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

he Permanent Building Committee on Sept. 24 introduced the team that will be managing the Center School reuse project. It also shared the name of the demolition contractor, linking the project’s three entities together. Vertex was selected as the owner’s project manager for the multi-phased project by the PBC in late July. Its name may be familiar to residents because of its recent school projects in town. It is the owner’s project manager for the Charleswood School construction and Hopkins School’s addition/renovation. The plan will keep the 1928 historic building. The two rear buildings will be demolished to make way for a three-floor addition. It will include space for the town’s Parks & Recreation and Youth & Family Services departments as well as the Hopkinton Center for the Arts in a public-private partnership. The HCA is expected to contribute $4 million to the cost and will lease the first floor. The town’s portion will be funded through Community Preservation Committee allocations. May’s Annual Town Meeting approved a $2.4 million request to use CPC funds for the demolition of Center School’s two rear additions and the removal of hazardous materials from the site. As the meeting began, chair Dan McIntyre praised Dave Daltorio, the town engineer/facilities director, for “pulling triple duty” for serving as the owner’s project manager for the Center School project until this point.

Demolition contractor announced Daltorio announced that American Environmental was awarded the demolition contract to remove the two rear additions. The environmental services contractor has been notified. The town’s procurement office is awaiting a certificate of insurance bonds before the company can officially join the project. The Vertex team said it would connect with American Environmental and

schedule an introductory meeting next week. “Vertex has been on board for a while,” said Daltorio, noting that the company reviewed the bid documents for the demolition contract. “They’ve been doing work on a handshake.” Once the two additions are demolished, Ken Weismantel, the CPC chair, requested that bricks from the 1950s addition be saved to distribute to stakeholders. Kelly Grill, the HCA’s executive director, made a similar request for slate pieces.

Rust issue identified on roof Architect Jeremy Toal from Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects (GRLA) showed the latest design development document set. This plan called for a partial replacement of the 1928 building’s slate roof. But he showed photos from a certified roof consultant that called the roof’s condition into question. Some of the shingles are permeated with rust. “It’s pretty immediately obvious,” Toal continued. “You start seeing these rust spots all over the roof.” He explained that pyrite, an ironbased material in the slate, causes the shingles to get rusty. Once the rust gets wet, it then runs down the roof and weakens the slate. Toal said he did not believe the roof was leaking. This point would be challenged later in the meeting. “This is an unfortunate thing that happened to the project,” said McIntyre. “But I think it’s something we’ve got to deal with somehow.” Toal suggested that either the roof be totally replaced or that it be done in budgeted increments as “patch and repair” jobs. Added McIntyre: “We don’t want to spend $15 million on Center School and then have to come and replace the roof in five years.” He noted that town employees will be working there. Also, youth will be attending town and HCA programs. “We don’t want a piece of slate to fall on some kid’s head,” he stressed. McIntyre said quotes should be

obtained for a full slate shingle replacement, a full synthetic replacement and a “partial fix.” Weismantel asked Toal to look at synthetic slate shingles. Toal appeared reluctant. He said the installation cost was the same for real or synthetic slate shingles, but the synthetic material is “inferior.” “The main pressure on this project is to keep costs down as low as possible,” said McIntyre.

Project manager seeks specifics Chin Lin, a senior project manager with Vertex, specializes in historic preservation. He questioned Toal’s roof analysis. “Do you feel that you exposed all

HopkintonIndependent.com

the issues, or was it just a sampling?” he asked. “We better know exactly what the condition of the roof is. Basically, you don’t want to get the guys up there and then find some other problem.” Replied Toal: “Understood.” Later in the meeting, Lin stressed that the “first order of business” is to keep water from seeping into the building. “Right now, water is getting into that wall,” he stressed, noting that there were rusty lintels. The water causes the steel in the structure to swell, which affects the masonry, Lin said. Added Lin: “It gets pretty ugly, I can tell you that.” “I haven’t seen signs that there’s major water intrusions coming through the wall,” countered Toal. “I don’t want to give people that impression.”

16 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

our Book y

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

O T K C A B OL

Bar-low takes pride in knowing its customers’ HVAC needs

SYCEHEOXAM! E

Eye Exams IN HOPKINTON

Contact Lenses

Eye Surgery

Optical Boutique

66 Main Street, Hopkinton 508.528.3344 • BostonEyesHopkinton.com

SERVICE & INSTALLATION

Buy your oil wholesale and use us for quality 24-hour service!

Michael Hutchinson, Owner mmhutch1000@aol.com PO Box 758, Hopkinton

Call Today! 508-802-2050

TAKE LIFE OUTDOORS Fireplaces & Fire Pits • Grilling • Generators Pool & Spa Heating • Outdoor Kitchens Patio Heating & Lighting • Home Heating

Call today to make your life better with propane & ask about our NEW Customer Programs!

508.533.6561

info@medwayoilpropane.com medwayoilpropane.com

amily-owned Bar-low Heating and Air Conditioning has serviced more than a thousand homes in Hopkinton and surrounding towns over nearly a decade. Owner Mike “Hutch” Hutchinson started Bar-low after about 30 years in the HVAC industry. His daughter Kaylyn joined the business as a technician eight years ago. Mike and Kaylyn Hutchinson both were born and raised in Hopkinton and have a special connection to the town. They are graduates of Hopkinton High School, and Mike Hutchinson’s childhood home was next to the former Boston Marathon starting line on Hayden Rowe Street. Bar-low provides installation, repair and maintenance services to The Bar-low Heating and Air Conditioning team consists of (from homeowners with oil-fired heating sys- left) founder and owner Mike “Hutch” Hutchinson and technicians tems, including radiant, forced hot air Kaylyn Hutchinson and Steve Beaulieau. and hydro-air systems. The company believes its three-person team, which includes technician Steven Beaulieu, enables it provides maintenance and repair services without to provide a high level of personal service to its the long-term service contracts often required by customers. full-service suppliers. “We are a small company, and that is an advanThe Hutchinsons noted that with the colder tage because we really get to know our customers weather coming, early fall is the perfect time for and their heating systems,” said Mike Hutchinson. homeowners to schedule an annual service on their “They know who is walking into their home, and heating system. The Bar-low team fully cleans a we know potential issues they may experience.” home heating system and also is happy to offer Efficiency is a key concern for homeowners, cost-saving and preventive advice. noted Kaylyn Hutchinson, especially with the “My best advice for homeowners would be harsh New England winters and rising oil costs. to keep up with annual maintenance,” said Mike She noted the popularity of energy-efficient coldHutchinson. “Maintenance is very important in start boiler systems. When a homeowner needs a ensuring your system runs most efficiently. You new HVAC system, the Bar-low team pays close don’t want to wait until the first cold day to turn the attention to their needs and will recommend two heat on and then experience a problem.” to three options. During the colder months, they recommend “There are a lot of older homes and systems in practices such as keeping a low but consistent this area, so getting to know each one is important, temperature when not at home. They also advise especially in the middle of winter when you have homeowners not to turn their system completely issues,” said Kaylyn Hutchinson. off while on vacation to help prevent frozen pipes. The way homeowners purchase their heating Bar-low Heating and Air Conditioning provides oil has changed over the years. Many homeown24-hour service and can be reached by voice or text ers now choose to buy wholesale oil, which saves at 508-802-2050, or at bar-lowheating.pro. them money. However, wholesalers do not typiBusiness Profiles are advertising features cally service HVAC systems, so homeowners must designed to provide information and background find a company to service their systems. Bar-low about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.

Mike Carlson

Owner, Hopkinton Franchise

Give Your Carpets a FRESH Start!

Professional cleaning for homes and businesses

15% OFF

PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

IAL

C FALL SPE

orders of $250 minimum. Schedule by 10/31/26 Discount code HOP529

We clean carpets, rugs & upholstery Book online Open 24 hours

508-417-8800 OxiFresh.com

TROOP EFFORT Troop 4 Hopkinton assistant scoutmaster Charusmitha Ram (right) explains the design of the Hopkinton Scouts’ mural at EMC Park titled “Many Helping Hands, One Big Heart” alongside her son, Navin Parthasarathy. Scouts Aryav Sachan and Danny Maida (not pictured) also contributed to the piece. The mural was one of five created by local artists honored by the Hopkinton Cultural Council at an unveiling ceremony Sept. 19.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 17

EDAB discusses proposed cultural district as development engine that the town may be too financially strapped to consider it. Article 19’s goal was to promote a townwide sidewalk master plan, Thayer told the group. St. Pierre said he thought that the town already had one, either with the town engineer or the Department of Public Works. Because of the ambiguity of some language contained in the articles, the board decided to table taking an official position on any of them until town counsel rules on their validity. The issue of potential article support may be raised again at the next meeting on Oct. 13.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Director position discussed Board members talked about the momentum to hire a town economic development director and how the salary would be funded. The town has been collecting a meals tax of 0.75%, with the money designated primarily to be used toward this person’s salary. This charge is in addition to the state’s 6.25% sales tax on meals. Approved by the Select Board on Oct. 15, 2024, it was passed by Special Town Meeting on Nov. 18, 2024. This tax was implemented in January 2025. Perry said he received an email from Town Manager Elaine Lazarus indicating that Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill in August that would allow the town to create a special revenue account for the economic development director position. The fund could not be set up until after the home rule petition passed the Legislature and was signed into law, he explained.

MAPC presentation postponed FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

he Economic Development Advisory Board on Sept. 22 discussed the impact a proposed cultural district would have on the town’s economic goals. Member Kelly Grill, the executive director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, noted that a meeting is scheduled for Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the HCA to discuss this project. “Cultural districts establish placebased identities and foster collaborative initiatives which reflect the unique cultural, artistic, and economic lives of local communities,” according to a calendar posting on the town website. Its goals are to “[f]oster and preserve local cultural development; [e]ncourage businesses and job development; and [e]stablish the district as a tourist destination.” The town is applying to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for official designation and funding and is seeking the input of residents and business owners at this meeting. The definition of a cultural district’s layout has expanded since the town started this application process more than two years ago, according to Grill. “Previously, it needed to be 1 square mile of walkable space, preferably downtown,” she said. “[MCC] loosened that. They realized that it’s too restrictive.” To determine the cultural district’s parameters, an MCC representative will tour the downtown area with town staff and stakeholders. Initial speculation focused on a triangular district including the HCA (which sits next to the high school on Hayden Rowe Street), the former Center School (on Ash Street across from the Town Common) and the CVS store downtown (at the intersection of Route 135 and Route 85). It also likely would include the International Marathon Center planned for East Main Street. The benefit of a cultural district designation is twofold, according to Grill. It will provide the town with funding for marketing and give individual businesses an opportunity to apply for marketing funding. New chair Finley Perry called the cultural district a “precursor” to more substantial projected economic development.

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts is poised to play a key role in a proposed cultural district in town.

Members wondered how and when the town meals tax revenue would be transferred. “That money has not gone to economic development,” said Perry. “It’s gone to the general fund.” Perry’s understanding from his conversation with Lazarus is that the money from the first quarter of this fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30, will be placed in the new account. “She said we can’t post the job until we have the money,” he said. “And we won’t know we have the money until we get the quarterly report.” Added Perry: “I said, ‘As much as I admire you, I don’t think I can defend you on this.’ ” New secretary Wilson St. Pierre cautioned members not to jump to any conclusions about the allocation at this time. “I don’t think anything untoward has happened,” he said. St. Pierre noted it likely was placed into the general fund to be extracted once the special revenue account is created. He advised Perry to check with Kyla LaPierre, the town’s chief financial officer, for more details.

Vote on STM articles tabled New vice chair Jordan Thayer pointed out that the town’s Special Town Meeting will be held on Oct. 26. The expected inclusion of several citizen’s petition articles proposed by former Planning Board EDAB liaison Parker Happ prompted discussion on a few that could have economic impacts for the town. “Some, I suspect, might get shot down just because of pure legalities of the language,” said Thayer. “I just don’t see how some of these could pass as written, for sure.” Article 24, he explained, proposes that the town impose a fee on owners of vacant properties or unoccupied buildings. Article 21 calls for a periodic review of the zoning bylaw and the town’s zoning map. New Planning Board liaison Brian Johnson pointed out that the zoning bylaws are part of the town charter. The town charter is being reviewed, as is

done every 10 years. Johnson added that the article calls for a “quinquennial review.” When he looked the term up in the dictionary, he told members he found two definitions. “One is ‘occurring every five years,’ the other is ‘lasting for five years,’ ” he said. “So I’m hoping [for] the first.” Article 23 sought the creation of a community center. Johnson mentioned

Thayer noted that Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, was unable to attend the meeting. She was scheduled to give an overview of a draft presentation of the economic development strategy prepared by the Massachusetts Area Planning Council. MAPC senior economic development planner Camille Jonlin presented this plan to the Planning Board on Sept. 14. It recommended business retention and set a goal to attract new commercial ventures. It focused on South Street as a target area for redevelopment. The Select Board is scheduled to review this presentation at its Oct. 6 meeting. This is one step in the process the town must take in order to be eligible to hire an economic development director.

EXPERT TREE CARE Tree Removals Tree Pruning & Trimming Emergency Services Storm Damage Lot Clearing Stump Grinding Reliable Service Since 1996 FREE Estimates All Calls Returned DISCOUNTS for Senior Citizens & Veterans All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Mention this ad for a HOMETOWN DISCOUNT FULLY INSURED $2,000,000 Liability & Workers’ Comp Top Rated on Angie’s List

HopkintonIndependent.com

508-928-3080 INFO@AMERICANCLIMBERS.COM AMERICANCLIMBERS.COM

18 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Town CFO: FY 28 budget ‘still a work in progress’ Interest lacking in ATM

Budget | from page 1

this is an annual process that lays out important dates for the next several months. The calendar is a guide, and she expects some changes. All committees expressed approval for the calendar with minimal discussion. LaPierre has been analyzing data from the past fiscal year and is “working on some assumptions for next year,” Lazarus said. Based on this information, LaPierre said the town would incur a $1 million deficit in FY 28. This assumes that all town departments and the School Department will be level funded. “Not level service,” she stressed. “Level funded.” The $1 million deficit does not factor in contractual salary obligations, she added. “For every 1% increase that we give to the departments, we add a million dollars to the deficit,” explained LaPierre. She noted that state aid numbers would not be available until later in the process. Also, FY 26 actual numbers have not been solidified yet. “This is still a work in progress,” stressed LaPierre.

Revenue shortfall anticipated Because of large town projects over the past few years, LaPierre said the debt exclusion will go from $12 million to $19 million. “We knew this was going to happen,” she said. “And we expect it to happen again in ’29.” This amount is based on short-term debt being converted to long-term debt, LaPierre explained. It also assumes that there will be no new borrowing in FY 28. Revenue estimates from excise tax, licenses and other local receipts is projected to be “slightly down,” according to LaPierre. Because the FY 27 numbers are estimated to be “right on the money,” there will be less free cash in FY 28. For the operating budget, LaPierre said healthcare benefits will be “almost a $5 million hit” because the cost is increasing by 20%. On a positive note, the FY 26 benefits expenditure was about $1.4 million under what was estimated. This likely will change the FY 27 and FY 28 estimates, LaPierre said. “But we still have to forecast our FY 28 [amount] at 18-20% over FY 27,” she explained. She added that the town was “scrambling” to make up a budget deficit in April.

School reps express concern School Superintendent Evan Bishop said that without adding new positions, salaries and contractual obligations will amount to a budget increase of 5.12% for level-service funding. This amount is before analyzing special education and transportation costs, as well as any new staff members for

FULLY LICENSED & INSURED

SERVING METROWEST

Family Owned & Operated for 3 Generations since 1949

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL Service Work • Repairs • Boilers Water Heaters • Remodeling New Construction • Air Conditioning Heat Pumps • Mini-Splits • Electrical Services 0% INTEREST LOANS & REBATES OF UP TO $25,000 THROUGH MASS SAVE

Worried about your Heating or Cooling System? CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE A

COMPLIMENTARY ESTIMATE with our Comfort Specialist, Matt

508-875-3413 ShahoodPlumbing.com

For every 1% increase that we give to the departments, we add a million dollars to the deficit. — Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre the Charleswood School, he added. Charleswood is under construction and will open for the next school year. If the schools were level funded, “we would have to consider laying off quite a few people,” he continued. “I think that’s the first time that we’ve ever heard level funded in the time that I’ve been working in any capacity with the town government,” said School Committee member Nancy Cavanaugh. “But it is concerning to think about what that’s going to do to the services.” Select Board member Amy Ritterbusch asked the school representatives if enrollment was continuing to grow. She was told that it is, but not at the rapid pace that has been experienced over the past several years. Ritterbusch added that going to a level-funded school budget “would be dire.”

Process in early stages “We have started at this point in the process with a deficit before,” noted member Joe Clark. “We knew some tough years were coming,” he continued. “This is one of those first few years.” The Department of Public Works is in desperate need of increased funding due to demands on its services and old equipment, Clark stressed. If the town is planning to connect with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority system, it will need to improve its infrastructure. Added Clark: “We all have to work together and figure out what’s best for the whole of Hopkinton.” Member Brian Herr advised against talking about level funding, saying it will “stir up all kinds of hornets’ nests.” “I do think that we’ve had similar challenges — maybe not quite this big — at the start,” he stressed.

Ritterbusch gave a presentation on Town Meeting participation over the past 10 years. The finding showed little resident engagement, particularly for those under age 35. She, Assistant Town Manager Lance DelPriore and Town Clerk Connor Degan worked on compiling information for this study. Survey findings showed a lack of participation as well as appreciation for improvements including electronic voting and a consent agenda to streamline routine article approval. Ritterbusch said 87.1% of registered voters have not attended any Town Meetings between 2015 and 2025. The rest attended at least one. She pointed out that the town has tried holding Town Meetings on various weeknights and, this year, on a Saturday. Attendance has varied, with the highest attendance in 2023. “People often say, well, if there’s more articles, it takes more days to run Town Meeting,” said Ritterbusch. “But that’s not really statistically true.” On the other hand, clicker use and consent agendas have not shortened Town Meetings. The Saturday ATM was “a mixed bag,” she continued. Conflicts with youth sports and commitments prevented 75% of survey respondents from attending. Childcare was suggested as a help, but only 14.1% of respondents said they would use it. Publicizing childcare and food options could help bolster attendance, Ritterbusch said. An interesting statistic she shared was that the highest percentage of registered voters in town (29%) have lived in Hopkinton for less than five years. About 25% have lived in town for 5-9 years. Ritterbusch said these populations are the least likely to attend Town Meeting. “It’s not a statistically accurate survey,” she added. “It’s just kind of the pulse of the community.” Vice chair Matthew Kizner, who chaired the meeting in the absence of chair Shahidul Mannan, stressed that an improved town communications strategy discussed at the previous week’s Select Board meeting likely would impact attendance rates.

Elmwood study committee created The board voted 4-0 to create a committee to study the future disposition of the Elmwood School building and property. The school will close when the Charleswood School opens.

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, we feature 8-year-old Scruffy. Here is Baypath’s description of Scruffy: “Scruffy is a sweet senior looking for a cozy retirement home to call her own. At 8 years old and just 10 pounds, this affectionate little lady loves short walks, car rides, head scratches and curling up near her people. “Scruffy is house-trained and crate-trained and sleeps through the night. She is currently in foster care, where she is doing well with another small dog and coming out of her shell more each day. “If you are looking for a gentle companion and the perfect cuddle buddy for cooler days, Scruffy could be your perfect match!” For more information about Scruffy 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.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 19

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

Edward Chwalek Edward Joseph Chwalek, 80, of Hopkinton passed away peacefully on Sept. 3, surrounded by family. Ed was the husband of Marcia, and together they recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. He was born in Ludlow on March 30, 1946, the son of the late Edward Joseph Chwalek and Emily Madry Chwalek. Ed attended Cathedral High School and graduated from Saint Anselm College, where he played hockey and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Ed and Marcia met on St. Patrick’s Day in 1963 at Howard Johnson’s in Ludlow. She, an outgoing dark-haired teenager working as a waitress; he, a quiet, blue-eyed blond working as a cook. Though both had grown up in Ludlow, it took a chance encounter at “HoJo’s” to bring them together. From that night on, Marcia was the love of Ed’s life, and he was so proud of the family they built together. Ed spent his career in the computer technology industry, a field he genuinely enjoyed. After beginning as a young man at Spaulding, he spent many years at Digital Equipment Corporation, working in procurement and business operations. An opportunity to move west took the family in 1976 to Colorado Springs, where he helped open a new facility, followed by a move back to Stow in 1979 to settle down and raise their children near their large extended families. In 1995, Colorado called again, and it was perfect timing for another adventure. Ed and Marcia both took on new jobs before eventually moving back home to be closer to their kids and be part of the lives of their grandchildren: Jake, Alex, Ben and Annie. Before retiring, Ed also held executive positions at Maxtor in Longmont, Colorado, and Stratus Technologies in Maynard. He was known for his dedication, integrity and easygoing, steady demeanor. Together, Ed and Marcia built a life filled with family, friends and travel. His lifelong passion for fly fishing and their shared love for golf took them all over the world. He loved to plan their trips, always booking local inns and getting to know the people and culture. Fly fishing frequently took him to his favorite stretches of the Swift River and Farmington River with “the guys.” They also fished rivers in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Utah and California, often joined by his younger brother, John. He and Marcia traveled to New Zealand for his last big fishing trip. Colorado always held a special place in their hearts. Fittingly, it was the site of his last trip in April. He was, above all, a devoted father and grandfather. Ed spent countless hours on fields and in rinks watching his kids’ and grandkids’ games and practices. Patiently teaching them the sports he loved — golf, fishing, skiing and boating — brought him incredible joy. He loved sharing his seemingly endless golf tips, but they would somehow never produce a swing as smooth as his. Ed was a longtime member of Marlborough Country Club, where he enjoyed golfing with friends, and loved his annual drive with Marcia to Naples, Florida, where they played golf together in February. Those who knew Ed remember his dry sense of humor and his gift for telling a story, and he always made sure everyone was listening. He was a calm, steady force for his family, a great listener who always asked questions before offering advice. If he had an opinion about something, it would usually show up with a raised eyebrow or a well-placed comment. Ed enjoyed cooking for Marcia, friends and family, and his grandchildren especially loved

his apple pies. He loved music of every kind, from country-western to opera, but most of all, he loved simply listening to Marcia play classical music on the piano. Besides his loving wife, Marcia, he will be missed by his children, whom he adored: daughter Pam Poor and husband John of Holliston, and son Rob Chwalek and wife Annis of Sudbury; and his grandchildren, Jake and Alex Poor, and Ben and Annie Chwalek. He loved them deeply and was so proud of them all. Ed was predeceased by his brother, John, with whom he shared many adventures over the years. He is survived by his older sisters, Dorothy Boucher of Easton, Pennsylvania, and Adele Chwalek of Westborough, who lived nearby and enjoyed frequent visits with him; his sister-in-law, Maryann Chwalek, of La Honda, California; Marcia’s brothers and sisters and their families; and many nieces and nephews. Ed was grateful for the love and support of his family and many friends, near and far, throughout his illness. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, from noon-3 p.m. at Marlborough Country Club in Marlborough. A brief remembrance will begin at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend and share in celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed’s name to a cause close to your heart would be a lovely way to honor his memory.

Ann Alexander Ann M. (Taylor) Alexander, 77, died Sept. 5 at Milford Regional Medical Center. She was the wife of James W. Alexander of Northbridge, to whom she was married for 57 years. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Cecil and Ida (Johnson) Taylor. She graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1967. She leaves behind her two daughters, Ann Tripaldi and husband Lew Tripaldi Jr. of Mendon, and Tracy Alexander of Hopedale. Following cremation, Ann was to be buried at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Sept. 17. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home.

Carol Jones Carol Margaret (Pentheny) Jones, 79, of Wilton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire, on Sept. 8. Born on Jan. 2, 1947, in Framingham, Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Iris (James) Pentheny. Carol was raised on Hayden Rowe Street in Hopkinton, and she graduated from Hopkinton High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Framingham State University. She spent her career caring for and teaching young children as a teacher, child care provider and homemaker. Carol married Alan Jones in February 1968, and together they raised their family in Hopkinton. She loved gathering family and friends, especially for Thanksgiving and Fourth of July celebrations on Lumber Street. She enjoyed traveling with Alan all over the world and often spoke fondly about visiting her mother’s roots in Bristol, England. Carol was an enthusiastic fan of Boston sports teams, and she and Alan had season tickets to the New England Revolution for many years. She also played on the Over the Hillers soccer team for more than 20 years and was active throughout the Hopkinton community. After retirement, they moved to Kissimmee, Florida, where she enjoyed frequent visits to Disney World. In 2021, she and

HopkintonIndependent.com

Alan moved back north to Wilton, New Hampshire, to be closer to family. During her final eight months, she was lovingly cared for at Scott-Farrar Memory Care in Peterborough, New Hampshire. She also leaves behind her companion cat, Greyson. Carol is survived by her beloved husband, Alan Jones; her daughter, Sharon Jones (Karen) of Lynn; her son, Jeffrey Jones (Kerri) and grandchildren, Evelyn Jones, Addison Jones and Cameron Jones of Wilton, New Hampshire; her brothers, Kenneth “Skip” Pentheny (Dorothy) of Marshfield and Christopher Pentheny of Hudson; her sisters, Susan Pentheny (Glenn) of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, and Victoria Smith (Roy) of Uxbridge; and many extended family members. In lieu of flowers, donations should go to the Alzheimer’s Association. A funeral service was held Sept. 19 at the Michaud Funeral Home in Wilton, New Hampshire.

Ryan Holland Ryan S. Holland, 53, died unexpectedly at home on Sept. 3, 2026, following a brief illness. He is survived by his mother, Geraldine F. (Musto) Holland, brother Shayne D. Holland, niece Ayla Holland, uncle Paul Musto and Roseanne, aunt Karen Musto and Bobby, cousins Renee and Lauren Carroll, many dear friends and his feline companion, Thomas. He is predeceased by his father, Alfred D. Holland. Raised and educated in Hopkinton, Ryan graduated from Marian High School in 1991 and achieved his undergraduate degree from Clark University. He pursued his professional career in education, where for the past 28 years he devoted himself to his students in the Marlborough Public Schools Early Childhood Center. Adored by his students and colleagues alike, Mr. Holland was known for approaching each day with his unbroken optimism, being quick with humor and demonstrating faithful advocacy for special needs education. Greatly talented in the arts, he was an accomplished painter and skilled craftsman who inspired and encouraged countless young artists in the classroom. Outside of school, Ryan was a passionate, lifelong musician, guitarist, drummer and music aficionado. Throughout the years, he played in several bands and most enjoyed performing his classical flamenco melodies alongside his bandmates in Los Maestros. Underneath his big beard and body art, Ryan was a creampuff who dedicated his life to teaching and caring for children. He was a devoted son, trusted brother, loving uncle and faithful friend who was always the first to help another in need. A celebration of Ryan’s life was held Sept. 19 at Firefly’s BBQ in Marlborough. Memorial contributions may be

57 Hayden Rowe Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-435-6444 854 Washington Street Holliston, MA 01746 508-429-2391 Pre-need Arrangements Family Owned • Cremation Services Handicap Accessible • On-property Parking

www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com Keefe M. Chesmore

20 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Obituaries Obituaries | from page 19

made in memory of Ryan S. Holland to Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. Online condolences may be placed at philbincomeaufh.com.

Akiko Hibbett Akiko “Aki” Yamagawa Hibbett died at the Golden Pond assisted living facility in Hopkinton on Sept. 13. She was 102 years old. Aki was a poet, a casual historian, a librarian and an incomparable wife, mother and grandmother. She was born on July 21, 1924, in El Centro, California, the fourth child of Kitaro Yamagawa and Hana (Kaneshi) Yamagawa. Her parents had arrived from Okinawa, Japan, by way of South America. They first settled in Peru, where they spent years working as contract laborers, then snaked their way up the continent and crossed the Rio Grande into California. Aki chronicled this tale in her 2010 book “From Okinawa to the Americas: Hana Yamagawa and Her Reminiscences of a Century,” a work of cross-continental history told through the lens of her mother’s memoir. She credited her mother, who dictated the story over years’ worth of interviews, as the author, but it was Aki who conducted the interviews, pored over supplemental research, and wrote a rich, historical narrative. Aki spent her formative years in Boyle Heights, a racially diverse neighborhood of Los Angeles where her family moved and ran a small hotel after farming in the Imperial Valley. She described her childhood and teenage years with some of the typical markers of a happy American upbringing: playing basketball in a Japanese-American league, attending picnics and dance socials hosted by the local Okinawan club, and begging her parents to dye her jet-black hair red because a boy she liked had the same. Then World War II arrived, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, empowering the U.S. military to incarcerate anyone of Japanese descent in concentration camps. The Yamagawa family chose a

Antiques Purchased Cleaning Out? Downsizing? Looking to declutter? Let me help you find value in your possessions. Wanted: items of interest and curiosity - Free House Calls - 7 Days a Week - Friendly Prompt Service Buying since 1984

Call Bert 617-733-8863

route known as “voluntary” relocation. They gave up their home and business and fled to Colorado, where Gov. Ralph L. Carr had protested the clear immorality of the internment and spoken up against “race hatred” of Japanese Americans. Aki recalled writing a letter to Carr seeking asylum, and soon the family was in Littleton, Colorado, and back to farming. From there, Aki’s life crisscrossed the country: She moved to New York City, where she took classes at Hunter College, made religious trinkets in a likely illegal apartment factory, and eventually secured a job at Columbia University’s Butler Library. Once Japanese people were permitted to move back to the West Coast, she returned and finished her bachelor’s degree at UCLA, where she met Howard Hibbett, and completed a master’s in library science at the University of Southern California. Aki moved back east with Howard, a professor of Japanese literature at Harvard University, and married him in Newark, New Jersey, on Jan. 25, 1960. They lived briefly in Boston’s Back Bay and then moved to a house on Spy Pond in Arlington, where Aki worked as a librarian at the Boston Public Library. They had a son, David, on Nov. 29, 1962. Aki and and Howard lived together in Arlington until Howard’s death in 2019. They traveled the globe, sometimes bringing David along, sometimes letting him roam free. Back in Arlington, she was well known for her daily swims at dawn at the Boys & Girls Club, where she belonged to a closeknit group of regulars. She cared with ferocity for her aging mother, who also lived beyond a century, and later for her grandchildren, Maia and Otto, who adored her until her final day. She spent her last years at Golden Pond, where she was known for cracking creative jokes and bubbling over with affection for anyone in her presence. In the waning years of her life, Aki delighted in the world’s simple pleasures. She savored every bite of her favorite foods, she thanked her companions profusely for their time, and she was awed every fall by the changing of the leaves. Aki is survived by her son, David Hibbett; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Carroll; and her grandchildren, Maia and Otto Hibbett.

Marie McInerney Marie C. McInerney, 93, of Hopkinton passed away on Sept. 15 at Milford Regional Medical Center. Born in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Bernadette and John J. McInerney. Marie grew up in Brazil and had a background in psychology and special education. In her younger years, she was a tennis champion with her sister and also enjoyed horseback riding. Marie cared deeply about helping others. She volunteered with the blind and gave her time to several organizations, including a suicide prevention hotline. She also was a member of the Hopkinton Senior Center. Marie loved animals

and especially cherished her beloved dog, Duffy, who preceded her in death. She was predeceased by her brother, John T. McInerney, her sister, Jean McInerney, and her fiancé of 40 years, Richard E. Gilgun. Private family services were to be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley. Arrangements were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Kristen Prior It is with deep, deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Kristen Thuerk Prior, 39, on Sept. 17 at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital. Kristen was not just a light, she was a fire. Kristen was born in Connecticut’s Bridgeport Hospital on May 17, 1987, daughter of Karen (Cooney) and Judson Thuerk of Hopkinton. She lived her entire childhood in the same house on Southpond Circle in Cheshire, Connecticut. It was a magical childhood filled with neighborhood bike rides, endless hours of dress-up and backyard kickball games. Kristen spent every summer with her family at Paradise Country Club, where she discovered her passion for swimming. Kristen couldn’t stay away from the pool — her first job was as a lifeguard at Copper Valley Country Club. It came so naturally to her, keeping everyone safe while having a blast doing it. Kristen’s love of the water continued at Cheshire High School. She was a part of the historic undefeated Cheshire High swim team. But it wasn’t the wins that she carried with her years later, it was the friendships. Kristen may have been a talented swimmer, but her true talent was connecting with people. Kristen made friends everywhere she went. She was magnetic; people were drawn to her. And college was no different. Kristen attended Bentley University, where she graduated in 2009 with a degree in marketing. She was on the swim team and was a multi-event champion, even holding a record for some time. The strong friendships she made there led her to stay in the Boston area after graduation. After college, Kristen first worked for Epsilon as an account manager before landing a dream job at New Balance. Kristen worked at New Balance for 12 years, rare in today’s world where people are switching jobs every couple of years. She was loyal, and she was driven. She had a passion for what she did, working her way up to head of marketing of the North America Directto-Consumer Division. But her greatest accomplishment was her beautiful family. Kristen met the love of her life, Matthew Prior, at a wedding. They got married on Sept. 8, 2018, and their love story became one for the ages. They built a life together in Hopkinton with their two beautiful children, Judson and Hadley. Kristen was the most incredible wife and mother. Kristen was kind, thoughtful, hysterical and wild. She was excited about every part of life. Everything was “the best,” even the simple things — the

HopkintonIndependent.com

BEST oysters she’s ever tasted, the BEST show she’s ever seen, the BEST hat she’s ever bought. She never turned down a trip to Nantucket. She recently jumped all in at a chance to learn a new game (mahjong). She always made sure holidays were magic. But it wasn’t about the trips, the games or the parties. It was about the people. Kristen gave her time and her love endlessly to everyone who crossed her path so that when people came into her life, they never left. In addition to her parents, Kristen leaves behind her soulmate, Matt Prior, and her two precious children, Judson Prior (6) and Hadley Prior (5), as well as her dear sister, Lindsay Maus, and brother-in-law, Alex Maus. Aunt “Titten” was the most amazing aunt to nephews Sawyer and Finley Maus of Rutland. In addition, she leaves behind her in-laws, John and Ellen Prior of Cheshire, Connecticut, and brothers-inlaw, Pat (Kate) Prior and Jack (Allison) Prior, as well as nieces and nephews Quinn, Reese, Jack, Molly and Beau. She will be remembered forever by too many family members and friends to count. Visitation was held Sept. 25 at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. A funeral service took place on Sept. 26 at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton. Interment was to be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Prior Family Memorial Fund at Unibank for Savings.

Paul Sullivan Paul Edmond Sullivan Jr., 85, of Northboro and formerly of Hopkinton, passed away on Sept. 20. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Ruth (Moran) and Paul Edmond Sullivan Sr. He was the husband of 44 years to Carolyn E. Heath. Paul was an Army Air Corps veteran, having served in the 82nd Airborne. He loved to fly and spent many years traveling to different places in his plane. He especially enjoyed flying to the Bahamas and island hopping, as well as trips to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and many other destinations. Nantucket was always a special place for Paul. He was married there in 1982, and he and Carolyn flew back many times over the years. Paul was a longtime member of AA and helped many people throughout the years. He also served on the Keefe Tech School Board in Framingham for several years. In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by his son, Paul Edmond Sullivan III and wife Margaret of Upton; his grandchildren, Patrick Sullivan and partner Samantha, and Shawn Sullivan and partner Kelly; and his great-granddaughter, Alexa Sullivan and partner Jose. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. at Faith Community Church in Hopkinton. Feel free to arrive a bit early to see pictures. A reception will follow. Private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

76 years! The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 21

Schools High school HVAC replacement project back on agenda By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

eturning to the Hopkinton School Committee on Sept. 24 after a year, representatives from the engineering firm CMTA noted the district must make a decision about its major mechanical systems at the high school. Jason Volz, CMTA project manager, spoke about replacing the 27-year-old HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning) system with a more energy efficient option, aligned with the town’s “net zero” goals. CMTA, which also is working on geothermal systems for the Hopkins and Charleswood projects, said the aim is to remove natural gas from the heating, provide cooling throughout the building and address impending deferred maintenance. Some common areas like the auditorium and gym have air conditioning while classrooms do not, according to project manager Graham Smith. He said an energy audit showed southfacing classrooms reaching 82 degrees. There also are signs the chiller is failing, Smith said. Last year, the School Committee weighed four options — determining a geothermal water-to-water heat pump would be most cost effective and energy efficient. At the time, the budget cost was presented as $18.9 million, done in two phases: $10.7 million and then $8.2 million. As of a mid-September, the price increased to $22.4 million, mainly because of mechanical labor that will have to happen inside no matter what type of HVAC system is adopted. Volz said that amount could change. “The best thing we can do is get more competition with bids,” he said. Volz said the opportunity for “once in a generation federal tax credits” exists once the project is completed. It would total $7.6 million and not be application-based. Instead, the credits would be “guaranteed as long as we check all the boxes,” meeting the energy goals that are promised. Those credits only are available through 2031, he said. MassSave incentives estimated at $1.3 million would be pursued along with grants from MassCEC ($1 million to $5 million) and Green Communities ($500,000), according to the representatives. Using American-made equipment bumps up credits by 10% as well. The town would be looking at $19.4 million in estimated credits coming back from three different projects (Hopkins, Charleswood and HHS HVAC), said Volz. “[It’s] a significant investment you all have made, but there’s a return on [that] investment,” he added. The plan is for Town Meeting to consider a proposal in May 2027. If approved, work would take place during the summers of 2027 and 2028.

Drilling outside and in the mechanical room would cause minimal disruption during the first summer. However, the high school would become a major construction site during the summer of 2028, according to Smith. Administrative offices would need an alternate location as would summer programs. Those interruptions would not have a negative impact, said Assistant Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer Jeff LaBroad. “Some plans are being strategized,” LaBroad said, including in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department. In response to questions from School Committee member Sandra Irwin, Volz explained the “in the ground” geothermal system is a “50year asset,” while the equipment, like traditional mechanical systems, would have a 20-25-year life span. “You do have an asset in the ground you don’t have to replace,” he said. “That’s the advantage.” School Committee member Nancy Cavanaugh asked the representatives to explain how air conditioning would not be an additional cost. Volz replied, “Geothermal has the ability to do both,” with the system using heating and cooling throughout the year. “The ability to have the air conditioning, particularly with shifting of temperatures, is a really good thing for the learning environment,” said Cavanaugh. “But I also want to be respectful of those who are concerned about the bottom line and [highlight] this is not adding to it.” In response to vice chair Jamie Wronka noting delays to addressing the issue are “risky,” Volz said, “Inflation is real.”

Specialists in Home Comfort & Energy Conservation Service Plans, Installs, Repairs & More!

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Specialists in Home Comfort & Energy Conservation • Fully trained, licensed & insured certified technicians • COAN Smartpay budget plans • Emergency Service 24/7 - 365 days a year • A Family owned and operated team • Expert installation

Delivering COAN

BOILERS • FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS Safe • Reliable • Dependable Coan Bioheat greenhouse gas emissions HOT WATER SYSTEMS • FUEL TANKS Withandfewerreduced Fuel Delivery carbon footprint ®

196 West Central St., Natick • CoanOil.com • 800-262-6462 • 508-653-5050 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING • HOT WATER • INDOOR AIR QUALITY

196 West Central St., Natick MA 01760 508-653-5050 • 800-262-6462 • www.coanoil.com

FAST TAKEOUT, DELIVERY, DINE-IN & CATERING

77 W Main St, Hopkinton, MA 508.435.3926 crustandcompanypizza.com Pizza | Salads | Subs | More

Firm tabbed for enrollment study Also at its Sept. 24 meeting, the School Committee awarded a $15,750 contract to FutureThink, LLC to conduct an enrollment study and forecast spanning 2027 to 2031. Cynthia D. Mahr, the district’s chief financial officer, noted she issued a request for quotes (RFQ) in August and received four responsive proposals ranging in price from $15,750 to $108,072. Not only was FutureThink the lowest bidder, Mahr noted she had worked with the company before in Wellesley, where it conducted four enrollment studies over the past 10 years. The fiscal year 2027 budget included $8,000 for the enrollment study. Mahr recommended using the International Student Revolving Fund to cover the balance of the cost. According to Mahr, projected enrollment at the high school will help inform the number of available spaces for international students in future years.

HopkintonIndependent.com

$5 OFF $50 OR $10 OFF $100 Offer valid for takeout, dine-in, or delivery orders placed in-person or over the phone. Not valid for online ordering. Single use only. Show promo or mention Hopkinton Independent. Expires 10/31/26.

22 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 KEEPING YOU COVERED THROUGH EVERY STORM

New Roofing

ASPHALT ^ RUBBER ^ METAL ^ CEDAR

Roofing Repair

Schools Unsupervised Saturday work at Charleswood raises concern

Gutter & Skylight Replacement Licensed & Insured

Contact Jon for a free estimate

SERVICING HOPKINTON SINCE 2000

508.826.9050

HurricaneRoofing508@gmail.com HURRICANE508.COM

Waste Removal and Recycling

Call us for all your waste removal and recycling needs E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc 800-321-3002 • www.elharvey.com

Construction continues on Charleswood School, which is slated to open next year.

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

epresentatives from owner’s project manager Vertex and the school district met with Brait Builders in early September after discovering the contractor had workers on the Charleswood School site on a Saturday without proper supervision or notification given to Vertex. Vertex project manager Chris Eberly told the Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) at its Sept. 15 meeting that the discovery was made by resident Steven Devine, construction site manager for the Charleswood School project. Devine, also of Vertex, happened to be driving by and saw the gate open. He found roofers and masons working on the site, “unbeknownst to us. We were not given notice, and Brait supervision had chosen not to show up on those days,” Eberly said. Devine noticed unsafe conditions and, upon further investigation, learned that Brait had been working that way going back for seven of the last eight Saturdays, Eberly said. “We alerted Brait that was unacceptable,” Eberly said, noting that this situation occurred “on the heels of several other things [by Brait] that had not risen to the level of actionable issues, but certainly frustrating issues from the town’s perspective.” The project manager said bringing the matter to a meeting was appropriate at the 50% point of the rating process of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Contractor Certification (DCAMM). He explained the contractor received a rating of 77, which is less than the 80 required by DCAMM to continue to be certified. If a contractor receives three ratings less than 80, the company does not receive recertification at its

HopkintonIndependent.com

next renewal. Eberly said the lack of supervision on site was “particularly concerning.” He described the response from Brait’s management as “appropriate,” adding Brait expressed concern this was not up to its standard or how it wanted to do the job. “They have a commitment to finish the job in a better place,” Eberly said. ESBC chair Jon Graziano, Superintendent Evan Bishop and Assistant Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey LaBroad attended the meeting with Brait and Vertex representatives. Graziano said he wanted to make it clear that the evaluation rating did not reflect on “the quality of the output of the work itself.” He said the rating focuses more on construction management, and the public should not be concerned about the product itself. Graziano added it was an appropriate time to let Brait Builders know its rating is not where it should be at this point. LaBroad added the conversation reflected the “high standards for performance [and] for professionalism,” expected by the ESBC, the town and school district. “I think the conversation was a fruitful one,” he added. “We hope by bringing this to their attention at this point, we’ll be able to finish the job in a much stronger way,” Eberly said. In other business, the budget update presented by Vertex showed commitments to date at $122,496,317, or 77% of the $158,422,394 total. Expenditures to date are $75,607,561 (62%). The ESBC also approved payment of invoices totaling approximately $8.5 million, with the highest of those for Brait Builders ($7,896,035) and Lynch, the roadwork contractor, at $210,268.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 23

Schools Temporary roadwork planned for school project By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

emporary paving and striping is planned on Hayden Rowe Street to establish safe conditions for winter until utility pole work is completed. The Charleswood School projectrelated roadwork was affected by utility company delays that prevented the removal of existing poles that obstruct the final roadway and prohibit its completion, according to Chris Eberly, project manager at Vertex (the owner’s project manager). Eberly spoke at the Sept. 15 Elementary School Building Committee meeting, noting, “The utility company has not proceeded at a pace we would like them to.” Eberly said an application was submitted 1 1/2 years in advance of when Vertex wanted the work to start. Although Eversource transitioned old poles to new ones, he said, other utilities including Comcast, Verizon, Comtract and “legacy stuff” failed to begin. The traffic signal installation is complete, he added, and the subcontractor is waiting for the utility company to connect power. “We were up against a hard deadline with the start of school,” said Chris Kenney, Vertex project manager. “Once school started, it reduced the amount of

Work on Hayden Rowe Street continued into late September.

time we could spend on Hayden Rowe Street with drop-offs and pickups.” Despite developers’ best efforts over many months trying to get the utilities moving forward, Eberly noted, the inaction made it necessary to come up with a plan before winter weather hits. In consultation with the Department of Public Works, Eberly said, temporary paving and striping was determined to be the best condition for the road given

the timing uncertainty with utilities. Eberly said he is aware the town experienced similar problems as part of the Main Street Corridor Project. Lynch, the contractor for roadwork, repaved the road on Sept. 21. The repaving was to restore the existing plowable road surface and was to be followed by re-striping the existing road lane configuration, according to Eberly. The traffic light will be put in

service in October using the old lane configuration and Marathon School turning lane. The contractor has advanced as much work as practical to allow completion to be expedited once the poles are removed, Eberly said. Lynch is expected to return in the spring or summer of 2027 to complete the roadwork project in time for when school opens in the fall. “We are asking them to essentially pave twice because of all this,” Eberly said. The cost is likely to be about $300,000, which Eberly called “not a great outcome.” Although the situation is “disappointing,” Eberly said bids came in a lot lower than expected, so the costs could be covered. A great deal of consideration was given to other scenarios, he added, but those ideas proved problematic. One example was to lower or raise the catch basin, but then plowing would have to take place on a milled road. Other scenarios came with concerns about hidden obstructions, erosion, grade differentials, freezing and more, explained Eberly. At its October meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee will review the costs associated with these measures.

NEW CLIENT SPECIAL

3 Group C for

Upgrade to a new garage opener with a lifetime warranty.

GARAGE DOOR EXPERTS Garage Doors • Openers Service • Installation

Family-Owned since 1994

745 S. Main St., Bellingham 508-883-4522 • MyGarageDoor.com

Good Lu ck Runne rs

Group Classes in Pilates, Barre, Yoga Private and Semi-Private Training Availa le Learn More: Mindful inections.com Where mindful movement meets meaningful connection. Single Item to Complete clean-outs

Your trusted local professional service & installer.

South Street, Ste 2 , Hopkinton, MA

INSTALLED CLEANED REPAIRED

24 HOUR

TANK CLEANING Emergency $10 OFF SEPTIC with same-day payment Support LICENSED TITLE 5 INSPECTOR • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1920

508.435.3381 • Hopkinton • JCParmenterSeptic.com HopkintonIndependent.com

“Made You Look!”

YOU POINT. WE REMOVE.

24 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Sports New talent, improved veterans pace HHS girls XC

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Members of the HHS girls cross country team get off to a good start during a Sept. 23 victory over Ashland at Hopkinton State Park.

“I tell them this should be the highlight of the day, not an added stress,” Cann said. “I want them to come and participate and to make running a lifelong thing.” The Hillers do have goals for the season, including a topopkinton High School girls cross country coach Jean Cann Ultimate Game-Day Combo League meet and setting as many three finish in the Tri-Valley said that her relatively inexperienced team might suffer $39.99on the various courses throughout personal bests as possible some losses this year, but she’s hoping the squad can find a 1 large cheese pizza the year. love for running that will outlast the 2026 season. Large juicy wings 2-liter soda Dipping sauce By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

FOOTBALL GAME SPECIALS

e mat Ulti e-Day Gam bo Com

pions Chambo m Co

$35.99 $39.99 $39.99 $35.99

Cut & Clear

• Free Quotes • Fully Insured • Solo Operation

• 1 large cheese pizza • Large juicy wings • 2-liter soda • Dipping sauce

• 2 large cheese pizzas • Large french fries • 2-liter soda

OPEN 7 DAYS 11am–9pm Takeout & Delivery

LAWN & SNOW SERVICES

508.281.0555

pizzavilletogo.com 90 Southville Rd, Southboro

Mendon, MA

774-462-1742

CutAndClearLawnAndSnowServices.com

Senior Lila Heling was the top Hopkinton runner during the season-opening meet, a loss to defending TVL champion Westwood. Heling, who also paced the Hillers during a preseason meet, earned a third-place finish overall. Cann also had high praise for the improvement shown by junior Caitlin Pletcher. “She trained really hard this summer,” Cann said. “Last year was her first year of cross country, and she was kind of feeling it out. This summer she committed, and she is running very well.” Jillian Toran is another senior who could factor in as one of Hopkinton’s top runners this fall. Phoebe Klein returns after running in the divisional meet last year, and she was consistently among Hopkinton’s top eight a year ago. Cann said that Klein thinks of herself as a middle-distance runner, but she is showing her potential in longer races as well. Isabel Walker started running cross country last year and is an experienced and versatile track athlete. Although Walker’s longest event in track is the 800 meters, Cann said she has stepped up in tackling the longer distances. Similarly, junior Mairead Flynn is a newcomer who has run track and is running cross country for the first time. “I think she will step up,” said Cann, adding that senior Megan Han has improved significantly and sophomore newcomer Ireland Resteghini is showing great promise. The Hillers also will look for contributions from Wafiya Syeda and Audrey Evans, both of whom had to miss some time at the outset of the season. Cann described this fall as a building year. “We have a couple of experienced runners up front, and some of them have made big improvements,” she said. “But we have a lot of new people stepping into top spots.” The building process does not end once the season is over, or even once a Hopkinton runner’s high school career comes to an end. Cann still follows many of her alumni’s running on the app Strava. “It’s great just seeing how many of them are still running, whether they are competing for colleges, some are running marathons, some just go out a couple of times per week,” Cann said. “It’s rewarding to see that they are still enjoying it.”

Accepting New Patients Get back to doing what you love Everyone deserves to live a pain-free life. Your well-being is our top priority and we are here to help you get back to doing what brings you joy. Our highly skilled and compassionate team is here to help - Call today!

1 Lumber St., Suite 201 Hopkinton All major insurances accepted

Additional Locations: Ashland, Milford (in The Gym), Norfolk

Visit platinumptma.com or call 508-544-1540 for an evaluation

Acne Dermal Fillers Neurotoxins Psoriasis Skin Cancer Screening And More!

Audra Lafleur, FNP-BC

Our Location:

RELIABLE RESPONSIVE

22 South Street, Hopkinton, MA

Schedule Online

HopkintonIndependent.com

Give Us a Call … No Job Too Small Bedrooms | Basements Bathrooms | Decks, Patios, Yards Kitchens | Garages Living Rooms | Dining Rooms EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL INSURED

Labofalltrades.com | 508-377-2137

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 25

Sports HHS girls soccer looks to hit stride By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

he 2026 Hopkinton High School girls soccer team has a mix of returning players and newcomers, and coach Dan Collins is focused on getting his players to gel while making sure that all of them are key contributors to the overall success. “I say this all the time, it’s a long season, but it’s such a short window of time and opportunity for teams to figure things out,” Collins said. “It’s about getting into a groove and getting to know each other.” The coach stressed that all 21 players on his roster contribute, and

depth is something that the Hillers plan to make a strength all fall. “We try not to rely on 10 or 11 girls, every day is a grind, and you don’t know what your team is going to look like day-to-day or with injuries,” he said. “So we try to develop a deep bench and a roster to emphasize that if someone’s out, it’s the next player up.” Hopkinton has several key cogs who Collins expects to play big roles this fall. Junior midfielder Riley Colleran returns along with classmate Natalie Prisco on defense. A pair of sophomores, Lilly Clarke and Anna Minogue, also have shown tremendous promise, Collins said. Colleran and Prisco are serving FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Catherine Chow (front) and Riley Colleran (rear) are key returning players for the HHS girls soccer team this season.

HHS Athlete Spotlight

Laura Wauters REALTOR

32 HASTINGS ST. #201, MENDON, MA

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE

Liam MacLennan

Avery Quebec

Sophomore Boys golf

Senior Field hockey

After spending the 2025 season with the junior varsity, MacLennan “played a ton of golf and has really come into his own,” according to coach Bill Phaneuf. MacLennan shined in tryouts and earned a starting spot in the team’s opening match. He responded by shooting a 40, tying for the day’s second-best score. He duplicated the feat the following match, then recorded a first-place finish with a 38 in a win over Medfield on Sept. 8. Having settled into the No. 3 spot (behind to two seniors), MacLennan played and counted in every match as the Hillers started out 5-1. “I expect he will have a few medalist honors this year and be a very integral part of our team’s success,” Phaneuf stated. “He has a great swing and all-around solid game. I am looking forward to seeing what he is capable of over the next few years.”

as captains this year alongside senior Sophia Tzouganatos and junior Catherine Chow. Youth is another hallmark of the 2026 Hillers, with six sophomores and three freshmen on the roster. Age is not important for Collins when it comes to figuring out who will be on the field. “One thing we try to emphasize is that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” he said. “I consider everyone on the team to be leaders. We have a set of standards that we all try to live by, and I hold my seniors to the same standards as the three freshmen on

Quebec picked up a goal and an assist through the team’s 2-1-1 start to the season, “but her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet,” shared coach Ally Valencia. The last two seasons — both of which ended with state tournament quarterfinal appearances — Quebec stood out at defensive midfield. This season, Quebec shifted to attacking midfield. “What really sets Avery apart is her leadership, drive and work ethic,” Valencia stated. “She’s the type of player who will give you everything she has in the tank and somehow still find more when the game is on the line. She consistently puts the team first, and it’s clear how much her peers look up to and respect her, both as a player and a leader. She leads by example, sets a high standard for those around her and is the kind of teammate everyone hopes to have in their program.”

Sponsored by Laura at laura@customhomerealty.com Athletes are selected after consultation with HHS coaches.

the team, and I expect the same effort out of the three freshmen as I do the seniors.” For Collins, the focus always is on the process, and the goal is to stick to that process throughout the season instead of focusing on outcome goals like winning the Tri-Valley League or making it to the state semifinals. “That’s all well and good, but sometimes teams miss out on focusing on the steps they have to take to get there,” Collins said. “We do our best to turn the page every day. If we fall short one day, we try not to do it two days in a row. … I guess that is our goal.”

FALL IN with LOVE outdoor living!

Oakwoods Landscape Construction & Design • landscape construction services • planting installation

HopkintonIndependent.com

26 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

Police Log Sept. 10

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.

Sept. 10

8:16 p.m. Units responded to South Street following a call about a person throwing glass out of a vehicle. Officers stopped a vehicle and took a 29-year-old man from Hopedale and a 34-year-old woman from Milford into custody. The male was charged with littering and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The female was charged with littering, operating under the influence of drugs, operating under the influence of liquor, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and possession of a Class E drug.

Sept. 11

5:23 p.m. Officers stopped a vehicle on East Street and conducted a field sobriety test. A 26-year-old Hopkinton man was taken into custody and charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of drugs, operating under the influence of liquor and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Sept. 18

8:35 p.m. Officers conducted a straight warrant arrest on West Main Street of a 26-year-old female from South Yarmouth.

3:33 a.m. A caller reported a tree on Clinton Street was on a wire and electricity was arcing. Eversource was to handle the issue. 5:01 p.m. An individual reported a fence falling down on her car. A report was to follow. 5:34 p.m. Units responded to Cedar Street for a report of a fence in the roadway. A company was contacted, and the fence was removed.

Sept. 11

1:56 a.m. A caller stated she saw a loose dog that was running in the roadway in the area of West Elm Street. Officer Lucille Creedon checked the area and was unable to locate the dog. 2:12 p.m. A walk-in reported a suspicious black female with a white top and peach-colored pants holding a notebook looking into the windows of houses on Cross Street. Units responded to the area, and the party was gone on arrival. 3:48 p.m. Units responded to a hit and run on Cedar Street. Officers headed to the involved address, and a crash report was to follow.

Sept. 12 Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the police log. For a more complete police log, visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.

Sept. 9

11:09 a.m. A caller reported a tree branch was on wires on Old Farm Road. Eversource was notified. 12:34 p.m. A caller reported a two-

car crash involving a parked vehicle. Officer Noah Buentello took a crash report. 1:21 p.m. Officer Noah Buentello assisted a walk-in requesting to speak to an officer regarding harassment. An incident report was to follow. 3:37 p.m. Officer Kyle Quinzani checked on a commercial truck on Main Street after a caller reported it had been running for an extended period of time. The vehicle belonged to a subcontractor with A.F. Amorello & Sons.

3:43 p.m. A caller reported a truck with two people in it had been sitting in a Constitution Court parking lot for the majority of the day. Units responded and reported the parties checked out OK. 3:49 p.m. A caller stated there was a two-car crash on Main Street with no injuries. Officer Sean McKeon responded, and a report was to follow. 5:38 p.m. Officers responded to Lyford Road after a resident reported his neighbor was having a large party and

there were vehicles blocking access for emergency vehicles. Officers determined there were no parking issues and there was plenty of room for vehicles to get through the area. 5:48 p.m. Officer Sean McKeon checked an Ash Street business after a caller reported a gate being open and unsecured. McKeon was able to secure the gate. 8:06 p.m. A critical National Criminal Information Center hit was received and reviewed by Officer Justin Cappuccio. He checked on a vehicle on West Main Street. All checked out OK.

Sept. 13

1:12 a.m. A Priscilla Road caller stated he heard a car door shut. When he looked out the window, he noticed the interior lights of his truck were on. He believed someone broke into the vehicle. Officers responded, and an incident report was to follow. 4:32 p.m. A caller on Nazneen Circle reported a cat was stuck in a crawl space. Officer Sean McKeon responded. The cat was released from the crawl space and was all set. 10:44 p.m. A School Street caller reported their neighbor’s dogs were outside barking for over half an hour. Units responded to the complaint. The owner of the house did not come to the door, but the dogs were let inside.

Sept. 14

7:11 a.m. A caller reported an erratic school bus on South Street. The caller was not sure whether the bus was in Milford or Hopkinton, and the Milford Police Department was advised. Officer Nicholas Police Log | 27

Commission on Disability hears ADA evaluation results By Nick Schofield Interim Editor

he Commission on Disability Sept. 14 agreed on hosting two events this fall regarding the town’s accessibility infrastructure and potential improvements. The agreement followed a presentation from Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS), which was contracted by the Department of Public Works to put together an ADA self-evaluation and transition plan. The project was funded through a grant. Jennifer Thompson, a representative for CSS, led the discussion. “Hopkinton has already done a lot,” she stated at the outset of her presentation. She also stressed that the draft plan that resulted from the evaluation is a roadmap the town can use when making decisions “especially when it comes to investments and capital investments.” Thompson rated Hopkinton as having a “strong foundation of accessibility” for the town facilities included in the evaluation. She noted that CSS consultants looked at properties including municipal buildings, parks, recreational facilities, trails and public parking lots as identified by the town. CSS found that recent capital improvements reflected accessibility considerations, and that deficiencies

identified during inspections were minor. The fire station on Main Street and the DPW facility were found to be “fully compliant” and the Fruit Street athletic complex had accessible parking, routes and restrooms with no barriers, Thompson explained. “[There were] several facilities that didn’t have any architectural barriers that required corrective action,” she added.

Priority improvements discussed In her presentation, Thompson clarified that the priority ranking for accessibility improvements as laid out in the draft plan had little correlation to cost. “Just because something is ranked a priority one doesn’t mean it’s the most expensive item,” she said. “It means it’s most directly tied to accessibility.” Thompson recommended the commission focus on some short-term projects, such as parking signs and pavement markings, and build a larger strategy for plan implementation from there. She told members to “take care of some low-hanging fruit first” before working with the town to implement accessibility improvements into longterm capital improvement plans and operating budgets.

Additional short-term steps Thomspon suggested included making sure the town’s formal ADA grievance procedure was posted online and performing a field inventory looking at the town’s curb and sidewalks. She explained that CSS’ partner in the self-evaluation, BETA Group Inc., only completed a computerized assessment of this infrastructure. DPW director Kerry Reed affirmed that the field assessment was an important consideration but would require additional grant funding. She noted plans to prioritize fixing sidewalks and other infrastructure from the Grove Street and Main Street intersection up to Hopkinton Middle School. In addition, Reed stated that she was looking for guidance from the commission and the broader community about which projects to prioritize. She noted that the DPW would “be responsible for anything in the roadways, and assist with Parks & Recreation and … municipal parking lots.” “I think it’s important for the commission to help the decision makers in town identify which barriers have the greatest impact on people with disabilities,” agreed Thompson.

Date set for public forum With the draft plan complete, Reed

HopkintonIndependent.com

noted a desire to have a public forum to discuss the recommendations and priorities with residents. She recommended scheduling it to coincide with White Cane Awareness Day on Oct. 15. The forum would involve reviewing the plan and bringing community members around to public spaces impacted by the proposed accessibility improvements. “We want it to be a little more interactive,” said Reed. “We want people to walk these spaces so they can see the things we’re talking about.” Reed pitched a version of this idea to the commission late last year. Members raised concerns about getting an event like that together within a month. “I think October is a tight turnaround,” said member Nancy Cavanaugh. The commission further discussed splitting Reed’s suggestion into two events to maximize reach and participation, as well as to make sure members could attend. Members agreed to hold the public forum on Oct. 28 and the facilities walkthrough — which will start at the library and end at Town Hall — on Nov. 7. Chair Nancy “Punky” Drawe said the events would be opportunities to let the community know what the commission is working on. “We need it to be known that we are here and we’re doing things,” she said.

The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026 • 27

Police Log Police Log | from page 26

Walker spoke with the bus company and determined it was a Milford school bus. Milford Police were to investigate the incident, and the associated bus company was advised of the complaint. 10:21 a.m. A caller on Downey Street reported she found a small white dog. She gave the dog’s reported address and stated the owner did not answer the door, so she would hold on to the dog. Animal control was contacted and advised of the matter, and the incident was logged. 5:22 p.m. A caller stated a vehicle was all over the road on West Main Street and almost hit mailboxes. The vehicle entered Upton, and the Upton Police Department was notified. 7:49 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio checked on a tractor-trailer unit on Chamberlain Street. It was attempting to get into a new school property with materials. 7:53 p.m. A caller reported she was locked inside Hopkinton State Park. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and let her out. 9:37 p.m. A caller reported her cat had gotten out of her Hayden Rowe Street residence earlier in the afternoon. She wanted the information logged.

Sept. 15

8:14 a.m. Units responded to West Main Street for a report of an erratic motorcyclist passing vehicles and speeding. Officers checked the area and spoke with the rider. 9:58 a.m. A caller requested information on getting a copy of his booking video. Dispatch advised the party to submit a records request email. He also was informed his attorney could request the video through the court. 10:01 a.m. A caller reported a dead fox or coyote on the side of the roadway on Cedar Street. The DPW was notified and was to respond. 10:29 a.m. A caller reported finding a mid-sized tan dog. Animal control was notified, and the incident was logged. 11:22 a.m. Officer Aline Matos assisted a party with questions on no trespass orders. She assisted them with filling out a no trespass form and took a report. 11:45 a.m. A walk-in asked to speak to a sergeant about a security issue at a multi-family building he owns. Sgt. Arthur Schofield spoke with the individual and took a report. 12:42 p.m. Units responded to West Main Street for a call about a crash with no personal injury. Officers assisted and took a crash report. 9:10 p.m. Units responded to Ash Street for a call about an elderly female walking in pajamas. The woman was located and given a courtesy transport.

Sept. 16

5:08 a.m. Units checked Hayden Rowe Street for a report of a suspicious male party who entered a school construction zone. Workers were found on scene, and the area was cleared. 7:53 a.m. Officer Matthew LaTour found broken windows at a South Street business. He notified a security office, which was to investigate. 1:35 p.m. A caller on Eastview Road reported possible unregistered solicitors. It was determined the company was registered with the town. Officer Aline Matos checked and spoke with the solicitors, who confirmed they had an active permit. All was OK. 4:44 p.m. Police received a citizen complaint regarding aggressive solicitors on Granite Street. Officer Kyle Quinzani checked the area with a negative find. 5:02 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle was left at a Colonial Avenue property that did not belong to a tenant. Multiple parties were asked to remove their vehicles. They were to be removed that day. The incident was logged.

Sept. 17

9:03 a.m. A caller reported a two-car crash on Colonnade Drive with no injuries. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and assisted parties with exchanging information. 9:41 a.m. A walk-in reported he was bicycling on

East Main Street and nearly was pushed off the roadway intentionally several times by the same vehicle. Officer Aline Matos spoke with the parties involved and addressed the complaint. 11:08 a.m. Sgt. William Burchard responded to a hit and run involving a parked car on West Main Street. He spoke with the parties involved and took a report. 1:48 p.m. A caller from Hilltop Road reported his friends had taken his vehicle without his consent. Officers spoke with the caller, who informed them he did not need assistance. 3:40 p.m. A caller reported her car was hit in Milford, and she followed the other vehicle to Hopkinton. Milford Police responded and were to take a report. 3:41 p.m. Officers checked West Main Street after a party reported a white man with no shirt on and holding trash bags walking in the middle of the road. All checked out OK; the man was waiting for the bus. 5:51 p.m. Units responded to West Main Street after a caller reported a male party was throwing popcorn and injecting himself with something. The man got on a bus.

Sept. 18

12:14 a.m. A caller reported a dead tree across the roadway on Ash Street. Officer Jennifer Manning attempted to remove the tree and determined it was too large. The DPW was notified and was on scene. The tree was cleared from the road. 2:20 p.m. Units removed youths from a building on Main Street. The individuals left a lobby and were advised by officers.

Sept. 19

1:00 p.m. A caller reported a male party was being belligerent at his son’s game on Pratt Way and almost got into a fight before leaving in a Toyota pickup. Officers responded and cleared the complaint, determining the party checked out. They were to follow up with the caller when they returned to the station. A female called back to report the man smelled like alcohol and threatened a woman near her. Officers were out with the vehicle. 2:48 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle drove by and the passenger had their hand out of the window asking for help in Hopkinton State Park. Ashland Police were notified, and officers responded to the scene. They initially were unable to locate the car in the state park, then found it unoccupied. Officers determined there did not seem to be an emergency. 4:51 p.m. A caller reported concerns regarding a man in his car on West Main Street wearing a bandana on his head and a flat-brimmed hat. He possibly was sitting in a gray Toyota. Dispatch logged the call and was to discuss it with an officer. 5:19 p.m. Officers responded to Hayden Rowe Street for a reported hit and run. A mother reported her 14-year-old son was hit by a blue Toyota Tacoma while riding his e-bike, and the car did not stop. She also reported the vehicle might have damage to its passenger-side door. Units cleared the area, and the teenager denied injury. An incident report was taken. 6:12 p.m. A caller reported a concern about a gas grill at his ex-wife’s house and could not contact her due to a protection order. Sgt. Shannon Beloin assisted and spoke with the ex-wife, who was advised to speak to her lawyer and possibly update the order. 6:45 p.m. Units assisted vehicles in Hopkinton State Park after a caller reported they had been locked in. 8:12 p.m. The Hopkinton Fire Department called to advise there was a vehicle driving down the access road off Hayden Rowe Street toward the school athletic fields during Hopkinton Family Day. Officer Nicholas Walker spoke to the driver and advised them they could not use the access road during the fireworks display. 8:46 p.m. Units responded to West Main Street after a caller reported an erratic operator in a Cadillac or Buick got off Interstate 495 heading toward Upton. The vehicle turned around and headed eastbound, and the caller provided dispatch with plate information. Officers checked the area, and the vehicle was gone on arrival. 8:58 p.m. Sgt. Shannon Beloin checked on a ve-

HopkintonIndependent.com

hicle on West Main Street with a man who ran into the woods. He was advised he could not use the woods as a bathroom.

Sept. 20

1:35 a.m. Dispatch saw juveniles on camera at Sandy Beach trying to light something with a lighter. Officers responded and provided the juveniles courtesy transports home. 8:35 a.m. Interim Police Chief Scott van Raalten reported numerous parking violations on Hayden Rowe Street. He assisted Officer Noah Buentello with issuing multiple parking violation warnings. 5:50 p.m. A caller reported a loose dog that was aggressive on Downey Street. Officers responded and found the dog chained and not loose in the area. A voicemail was left for animal control. 11:37 p.m. Officer Victoria Fullagar responded to Walker Street for a report of youths outside in the street being loud. She cleared the area, finding no issues.

Sept. 21

7:42 a.m. A manager at a property on Constitution Court reported several vehicles conducting illegal dumping over the weekend. Officer Noah Buentello took an incident report. 9:49 p.m. Units assisted Grafton Police with a silver alert — notification of a missing vulnerable adult — pinging in Hopkinton. They conducted a check with a negative find.

Sept. 22

7:32 a.m. Units spoke with a walk-in who reported a family situation regarding mental health concerns. They assisted with the individual’s questions. 12:05 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard found a loose dog on Cedar Street. He was able to get the Bernese mountain dog to Baypath Humane Society. 1:45 p.m. Sgt. William Burchard assisted the Hopkinton Fire Department with a report of smoke in a building on Hoyt Way. Command reported a water problem upon arrival.

Stone Work Specialists

508.435.3911 Office/Fax

Design, Maintenance & Construction

www.scottslandscaping.org

NOW OPEN IN HOPKINTON AND ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS UPPER CHARLES ANIMAL HOSPITAL NORTH A PRIVATELY OWNED, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED VETERINARY HOSPITAL

508-784-7605 hopkinton@uppercharlesah.com

8 Lumber St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 Learn more on our website!

uppercharlesah.com

28 • The Hopkinton Independent • September 30, 2026

2,400 VEHICLES AT ALL TIMES FIVE DEALERSHIPS // EIGHT BRANDS SALES: M-TH 9-9, FRI & SAT 9-6, SUN 12-6 SERVICE: M-F 7:30-6, SAT 7:30-5

8-18 UXBRIDGE ROAD, MENDON, MA // 300 FORTUNE BLVD, MILFORD, MA // 551 SOUTH WASHINGTON ST, NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, MA

Kevin Meehan Owne r

IF YOU CAN

We work with over 60 Banks and Credit Unions to get you the

MONTH-LONG

IT DREAM ★

LABOR DAY SALES EVENT

YOU CAN

DRIVE IT!

lowest rate possible!

2024 SUBARU

OUTBACK

As low as

$89/wk

WE HAVE A VEHICLE FOR EVERY BUDGET! 2024 FORD

F-150 STX 4x4 As low as

$142/wk

2022 SUBARU

FORESTER

As low as

$85/wk

2023 TOYOTA

HIGHLANDER As low as

$127/wk

#C7109 •NAV, 2.7L V6 ECOBOOST

#22P9235 • WILDERNESS, ALLOYS

#TM26-682A • AWD, TURBO, XLE

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

2024 TOYOTA

2026 FORD

2026 TOYOTA

$52,775

508-488-2382

39,377

TUNDRA 4x4 As low as

$152/wk

$34,890

23,677

RANGER 4X4 As low as

$149/wk

$46,870

35,377

★★★★★★★★★

OVER 1,050

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

2025 TOYOTA

2023 FORD

As low as

24,677

$48,895

27,377

$120/wk

As low as

$85/wk

As low as

$106/wk

#C48799 • 2.7L TURBO, ALLOYS

#25P6322 • 32/41 CITY/HWY MPG

#126-196A • HEATED SEATS, CPO

VEHICLES!

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

2020 RAM

2024 CHEVY

2023 DODGE

2024 JEEP

TACOMA SR5 1500 BIG HORN As low as

$142/wk

$96/wk

#D16457 • WILLYS 4xe, ALLOYS

SILVERADO 1500 COROLLA LE EXPLORER XLT

★★★★★★★★★

CARFAX ONE-OWNER

As low as

#24A5907 • PREMIUM TRIM, CPO

$36,440

2023 CHEVY

2023 JEEP

WRANGLER 4xe

As low as

$48,450

33,977

EQUINOX LT As low as

$106/wk

$78/wk

$29,980

22,977

$48,850

29,677

CHALLENGER GRAND CHEROKEE As low as

$145/wk

As low as

$103/wk

#TP8485 • SR5 TRIM, ALLOYS, V6

#P19629 • CPO, ONLY 1,200 MILES

#TP8476 • CPO, ALLOYS, BEDLINER

#24A4318A • CREW CAB, ALLOYS

#48898 • 1.5L TURBO, 17” ALLOYS

#D16489 • R/T TRIM, 8K MILES, V8

#D16192 • 4X4, LAREDO, ALLOYS

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

$54,650

42,977

2022 CHEVY

$48,950

41,977

2025 BUICK

$45,969

39,977

2023 CHEVY

TAHOE SUV

ENCORE GX

COLORADO

$163/wk

$85/wk

$127/wk

As low as

#49297 • LS TRIM, 18” ALLOYS, 5.3L

#48900 • TURBO, APPLE CARPLAY

#48578A • ALLOYS, 2.7L TURBO

NEW RETAIL PRICE: WHOLESALE PRICE:

$64,980

45,977

SEVEN-DAY VEHICLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

$29,100

23,977

$44,520

$54,750

29,977

$29,400

21,977

Quest for the Best

GOLD MEDAL WINNER

$44,645

40,977

$48,950

28,977

BAD CREDIT? DON’T SWEAT IT! We ﬁnance your future - not your past.

35,977

Mike Penner Sr. Vice President

SALE ENDS 09/30/2026. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. THIS OFFER IS NOT VALID ON PRIOR SALES AND IS BASED ON THE MSRP, AND NOT COMBINABLE WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNT, PROMOTIONS, OR INCENTIVES. PRICE LISTED INCLUDES ALL APPLICABLE MANUFACTURER REBATES (NOT EVERYONE WILL QUALIFY) AND IMPERIAL DISCOUNTS INCLUDING A $1,000 IMPERIAL TRADE ASSISTANCE BONUS FOR A QUALIFYING 2015 OR NEWER TRADE. SEE US FOR DETAILS. ADVERTISED PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE TAX, TITLE, REGISTRATION, $595 DOCUMENTATION OR ACQUISITION FEES AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR PROMOTIONS. WEEKLY PAYMENTS CALCULATED WITH AN ESTIMATED DOWN PAYMENT OF $2,999 CASH OR TRADE. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. CALL 1-508-488-2382 TO SEE WHICH REBATES YOU QUALIFY FOR. TO QUALIFY FOR PROMOTION, VEHICLE MUST BE PAID IN FULL WITH DEALER SOURCED FINANCING OR CASH AND TAKE SAME DAY DELIVERY FROM DEALER STOCK. SEE DEALER FOR FULL DETAILS.

There’s always something happening at

For complete event listings, details, tickets and sign-ups, scan the QR code or visit us online at juliosliquors.com/events

SAKE DAY EAST 2026 SATURDAY | oct. 3rd | 4:30 – 6:30PM AT Julio’s Liquors A Grand Celebration of Japanese Sake in Massachusetts Sample 100+ styles from leading breweries, savor local food, and learn from sake experts — the biggest sake event in New England!

Tickets from $43.45 SCAN THE QR CODE TO Purchase tickets Family Owned & Operated since 1974

Halloween soiree

A Spirited Grand Tasting Event

SATURDAY | oct. 24th | 2 – 4PM

at julios LIQUORS downstairs metro station WIne, Spirits, beer & Mixers Snacks & Prizes Local Vendors

SCAN THE QR CODE TO Purchase A $10 JULIO’S GIFT CARD TO ATTEND FOR FREE 140 Turnpike Rd, Westborough | Route 9 at Lyman St. 508-366-1942 | juliosliquors.com

Experience the Difference!

OPEN 7 DAYS M-Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm

HopkintonIndependent.com