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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 23 | No. 15 | July 20, 2022

Town seeks fix for Main Street traffic tie-ups By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO/

ith the Main Street Corridor Project road work leading to lengthy delays in the center of town, local officials met with the Select Board at its July 12 meeting to discuss potential remedies. Since the road was ripped up in late June and one lane was closed to traffic for most of the day, there were reports that it took as long as 45 minutes to get into and through the center of town — a trip that normally would take no more than 10 minutes at peak rush hour. “As everybody has found out these last couple of weeks, at [8 a.m.] and [3 p.m.] that does horrible things to traffic in this area,” Town Engineer Dave Daltorio said. Daltorio said the work has been progressing quickly, due in part to extended work hours and work being performed on a recent Saturday. He said repaving work from the Wood Street intersection toward the Fire

GOOD FOR THE GOOSE

A gosling checks out the water at Hopkinton State Park on a recent summer day.

Traffic | 15

After 25 years, Respite Center ‘is Hopkinton’

INSIDE

By Walter Bird Jr. Contributing Writer

Special Town Meeting called for Aug. 18

NEWS

f Hf

Respite Center | 8

SCHOOLS

HMS principal among new hires announced

POLICE

PHOTO/WALTER BIRD JR.

he story of the Michael Lisnow Respite Center is remarkable enough in that it demonstrates a mother’s unwavering love and support for her son, and the unyielding commitment of two best friends to make a difference in the lives of others. But it is so much more than that. Indeed, this isn’t just the story of Sharon Lisnow and her son Michael, who was born 16 weeks early weighing just over a pound and lived his far-too-brief life challenged by myriad disabilities. This is Hopkinton’s story, a tale of unrelenting support by a community for a cause greater than any one person. It is a story of love, indomitable human spirit and an outpouring of help to make a dream become reality — and to cement a legacy that will last many lifetimes. Sharon Lisnow and Mary McQueeney, friends

Mary McQueeney (left) and Sharon Lisnow fulfilled a dream when they opened the Michael Lisnow Respite Center on Main Street 25 years ago.

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022

Hopkinton Independent

Downtown construction main focus of summer

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 7,600 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, John Cardillo, Christine Strickland, Christie Vogt, Jane Bigda, Walter Bird Jr., Susan Gonsalves, Courtney Cornelius

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.

Vehicles make their way around construction workers on Main Street.

t’s time for some light summer reading, as we unpack the notebook of the mind. Here are some miscellaneous thoughts compiled while sitting in downtown traffic. — In case the town is thinking about changing the name of the Main Street Corridor Project, I have a few suggestions. Here’s my top five: 5. Pain Street 4. Dust in the Windshield 3. Nightmare on Elm Street Detour 2. Stop the Steel 1. Route 135-Minute Delay — Of course, compounding the problem with the Main Street work is that the town recently started repaving Hayden Rowe Street from Chestnut Street to the Milford line, closing a lane of traffic in the INDEPENDENT process. And the Fruit Street bridge on the borTHOUGHTS der with Southborough JERRY SPAR remains completely closed while the state rebuilds it as part of the I-90/I-495 interchange project. They have eliminated our prime escape routes. But wait, there’s more: The DPW

HopkintonIndependent.com

recently announced repaving work at the West Main Street/South Street intersection as well as South Street at the Milford line is scheduled for July 25-29 and Aug. 8-12. Much of that work will be done overnight, but it still limits drivers’ ability to find ways around the Main Street madness. — No disrespect to the current Select Board, but all of the meetings of this new board have run about two hours over the scheduled time. Somewhere, Brendan Tedstone’s stopwatch is crying. Seriously, though, while the members have the right to take their time discussing matters of importance, the agenda should reflect more time for each issue so that people with business before the board have a better idea when they will be called. — I have heard rumors that people driving red vehicles are more likely to be pulled over on the highway by police seeking speeders, and I don’t know if it’s true, but one week after I bought a red car (not my first choice), I got a ticket — my first offense in about 20 years. I figure I’m safe in town, as there’s so much dust covering my car now the red doesn’t shine through. — My goldendoodle made his first appearance in the Police Log last month for an unauthorized solo jaunt up Pleasant Independent thoughts | 3

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 3

Downtown construction main focus of summer Are Patriots Downsizing Independent thoughts | from pageWhether 2 theYou New England Foundation. Girardi was presented with a $10,000 Street when he escaped a playdate and deor Need More Space check for Live4Evan, a charity she crecided he wanted to head home. Apologies

ated in memory of her son. Evan Girardi to drivers taking the Main Street detour These homes now available! died fromare a congenital heart defect at the who might have had to dodge him. It seems age of 20. His family and friends establike there are three to four reports of dogs lished an independent housing program running loose in each week’s Police Log, for families receiving long-term cardiac so we’re in good company. care in the Greater Boston area. “Their contribution allows us to — The Hopkinton Center for the Arts 49 Hayden Rowe work with families in crisis who need a gets high marks for creativity when it place to stay,” Girardi said. “This comes to fundraising, which makes sense $775,000 award means the world to me and the entire considering the many creative people Live4Evan organization.” there. The HCA’s latest fundraising drive is called Patchwork and Pavers. Individuals can leave a “lasting mark on the life Locals to ride in Pan-Mass and work of the HCA” by having a name Challenge included on a farmhouse patchwork quilt, having a name etched on a brass plaque The annual Pan-Mass Challenge, a on a rocking chair, picnic table or stone cycling fundraiser for the Dana-Farber bench, or placing a message on a paver in 4 Sylvan Way Cancer Institute, is Aug. 6-7. There are the amphitheater. Visit hopartscenter.org more than 6,000 riders registered, includfor more information. $2,250,000 ing 14 from Hopkinton: Kristi Allen, Jesus Amadori, Lindsay Della Giustina, — The town’s resident survey about Jay DiMare, Drew Logan, Aimee ManTown Meeting (see story, Page 7) offered nix, Susan Perlini, Bob Pfeifer, Chris few surprises, but it was interesting to see Pobieglo, Devette Russo, Rick Scherer, the detailed results. One of the questions Stephen Smith, Mark Stephan and Ellie asked where people get their information Winthrop. about Town Meeting, and the top response The event offers 16 one- and two-day was local newspapers, followed closely by routes that range from 25 to 210 miles. social media. It claims to be the nation’s single most This brings to mind an email we rePlease contact us for a fundraiser, raising successful athletic cently received from an administrator in a $831 million over its 42 years, including NO OBLIGATION similarly sized town in Eastern Massachumore than $114 million since the start of setts who lamented the fact that his Market comAnalysis the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. munity had no independent newspaper/ “We’re coming off of a record-breakwebsite covering local news and politics ing fundraising year for Dana-Farber, and and asked how we were able to succeed. Chuck Joseph Clark Mike Auenin theAnn we’re thrilled to be ‘back saddle’ I’m not looking to toot our own horn here, 508-509-6169 508�439�2728 508�951�4951 this summer, bringing our PMC combut having independent, local news covmunity together for our first traditional erage should never be taken for granted. PMC weekend since 2019 with our sights Thank you to our readers and advertisers set on making an even bigger impact in who help keep us going. the fight against cancer,” stated Billy Starr, founder and executive director Girardi honored by Patriots of the PMC. “We are so inspired by the dedication of our riders, volunteers, doCongratulations to Hopkinton’s nors, sponsors and community members Barbara Girardi, who last month was throughout the last two challenging years recognized as a winner of a Myra Kraft and can’t wait to see everyone on the road Community MVP Award, presented by this August for the 43rd PMC.”

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Residents should test well water

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The Hopkinton Water Department recently published the excellent Annual Water Quality Report (available at bit.ly/HopWater2021) for the year 2021. Substances such as asbestos, nitrate, tetrachloroethylene, PFAS6 and others are reported as detected and their effect on our water quality is noted. (The Water Department is currently working to filter PFAS from Well 6.) This yearly report is of municipal water supply, of course; homeowners’ well water is not (and cannot be) included.

Letters to the Editor | 4

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Nearly one-third of Hopkinton residences rely on their own wells LETTERS TO for their water for washing the car, for watering the lawn and for THE EDITOR drinking and cooking purposes. We, supplying our own water, ought to have an interest in the quality of that water. When our houses were built, water quality reports were required by our local Health Department and are called for again when/if we sell our houses, meaning that for a decade or two homeowners may be unaware of the quality of their water. Some are diligent enough to test their well water occasionally or even frequently. The rest of us should consider it at least as important as an annual inspection of our cars’ horns and brakes. Test kits for water quality are available for us to do our own tests, but few of us

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 Letters to the Editor | from page 3

are equipped or instructed on how a test must be handled and processed, including the need for clean containers and sterilized spigots. There are licensed laboratories for the purpose. The use, preservation and possible re-use of natural resources is a subject that gets a lot of attention these days. How we use water, one of the three or four absolute necessities for life, whereby we draw the water from the ground through a well, use it casually then return it to the ground through a septic system separated a hundred feet or so from the well, is an example of ancient, practical and low-cost efficiency. The process relies upon the earth to cleanse our water; the process deserves our attention. — Robert W. Foster, Hopkinton

Parade should have been relocated

M.C. Escher was a graphic artist known for his mathematically inspired art that created optical illusions. For example, his print “Waterfall” has water from the base of the waterfall flowing along an aqueduct and serving as the source of the waterfall. Hopkinton’s downtown has its own Escher, easily discernible with a quick walk. Starting at the library and heading south, Church Street is clearly an uphill to St. John’s Church and to a left on Church Place. Heading east on Church Place, the route is clearly flat. Turning left again and heading north, this section of Hayden Rowe Street is also flat, as is Main Street following the turn left to head west back towards the library. So the block consists of an uphill and three flat sections, or of course, one can go in the other direction, and have a downhill and flat sections, if one wants less of a workout. — Peter LaGoy, Hopkinton

I just had to express my feelings about the parade being postponed this year due to roadwork being done and not completed. I think this is sad. The Hopkinton community loves the Fourth of July parade. Families, seniors, children and adults of all ages come together with community spirit. Another road could have been chosen, or a field, for example. The high school field would have been a good replacement. — Mary McLeod, Hopkinton

Mental health help available Emotions aren’t always the first thing we see when we look at a person, because they are not physical, they are something that is inside one’s head and body. A person’s mental state isn’t always perfect, as they can feel physically heavy, lazy, hopeless, extremely sad and more when they are struggling. Sometimes a person will not take care of their mental health, and it can lead to problems, including death. That is something that I would like to change, even if it is just in the town of Hopkinton. Help should always be provided to show that a person is not alone, whether that help comes from a school counselor, a trusted adult, a friend, a hotline or elsewhere. Kids, teenagers and adults should be able to learn more about mental health and how we can prevent issues. As someone who has severely struggled before, I would never want anyone to feel the same way I did. Knowing that, I would do anything to help a person, even if I don’t know their name. Things like this should be taken more serious, and help is always here for everyone.

Hopkinton downtown’s Escher

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.

Tales from a Townie: From pine cone to firefighters plaque

— Lila Mato, Hopkinton (Hopkinton High School student)

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

PHOTO/WILLIAM T. HAMILTON JR.

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

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This plaque was presented to the Hopkinton Fire Department on June 12, which was Firefighters Memorial Sunday.

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Special to the Independent

am a pine cone high up on a branch of a stately pine tree. It is summer 1749. I am located on Ash Street, just off Main Street, in Hopkinton. In the autumn, a strong wind blows me down onto the ground. During the winter, I will be covered by pine needles, leaves and snow. In the spring, I will sprout into a pine sapling. The growing conditions are favorable, and I will grow straight and strong. From my lofty position overlooking the Town Common, I observe all the activities there, including men drilling in preparation to go off to the Civil War. Fast forward to the summer of 1869 and I am a majestic 100-foot tall, 20-inch diameter tree. Some men come into the forest and cut me and several of my neighbors down and make us into lumber at a nearby sawmill. I end up being part of the roof of a amily Family Owned Family Owned & Owned Operated & Operated & Operated Serving Serving MetroWest Serving MetroWest MetroWest Boston Boston Since Boston Since 1968 Since 1968 1968 building with a tower that has a bell in Family Owned & Operated Serving MetroWest Boston Since 1968 it. When the bell rings, men come and take this machine out of my building

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and put out fires with it. In a few years, they build another building behind me to house horses. When the bell rings, the horses now pull out a larger machine to put out the fires. Around 1900, the present machine and horses are replaced by a new machine that is powered by an engine to drive it and run a pump. By 1954, there are three of these engines parked in my building. In the summer of 1954, this big machine comes along and raises my building and the house next door to make room for a new and bigger building to house these engines. A man takes me — a 12-by-48foot board — out of a pile of rubble and puts me in this dark place. In 1975, he gives me to his son and I am put in another dark place. In 2022, this son takes me, smooths out one side of me and shapes me. He makes a space in my center and puts a picture of the original building I was part of in this space. Then tags with the names of people who put out the fires are fastened to me and I am put in a place of honor. I have come a long way in 273 years since I was a pine cone.

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 5

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Town water PFAS numbers improve, but mitigation continues D

irector of Public Works Director John Westerling shared that the most recent readings for PFAS in the town’s water supply came in just below 20 parts per trillion, the number at which the state requires a mitigation plan. The town will continue with its mitigation NEWS process, as the water BRIEFS tested above 20 parts per trillion for multiple months previously, and there isn’t much wiggle room with the current numbers. “We’re cautiously optimistic, however those numbers could continue to rise,” he said at the July 12 Select Board meeting. “They could fluctuate low, high. If you look at the quarterly average for April, May and June we’re only at 19.5 parts per trillion, so we’re just a whisker under the maximum contaminant level.” Representatives from Hopkinton were scheduled to attend a public meet-

ing with Southborough officials July 18 to discuss Hopkinton’s desire for a Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) connection, which would go through Southborough.

COVID remains concern With Hopkinton currently carrying a medium risk designation for COVID-19, Hopkinton Health Director Shaun McAuliffe is urging residents not to let their guard down. He said attendance at the department’s most recent vaccine clinics was “terrible,” leading to concerns that the town could run the risk of another surge similar to the spring. Two new variants, BA.2.12.1 and BA.5, have been detected in town, which is no surprise, as they account for the overwhelming majority of cases in the country.

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“Everything I’ve read over the last couple of days suggests that [these variants are] extremely transmissible, but they’re just not as virulent,” he said July 11, noting that a single elevator trip could be enough exposure to convey the illness. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 53 cases in town over the previous two weeks, but McAuliffe believes the actual number to be much higher, likely 300-500 cases over the past month. For those considering waiting for an updated booster that would include protection against the most recently detected variants — expected to be available at some point this fall — McAuliffe suggested getting a shot now. “It does make sense [to get the current booster],” he said. “If nothing else it’s just going to blunt the severity of the illness that you get. I just got my second booster when I got COVID [in

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Perrault honored for service At the July 12 Select Board meeting, Cheryl Perrault was recognized for her service to the community as she prepares to move out of state. Perrault, an author and teacher, hosted programs on HCAM including “Meet Your Neighbor,” “Wake Up and Smell the Poetry” and “True Storytelling.” She also led and participated in community events focused on justice and peace. “Her style is love, peace and finding common ground,” said Meena Bharath, who nominated Perrault for the recognition. “It’s very rare to have those qualities, be so highly qualified and yet be so humble and present for individuals. Another key aspect that I have found of this change agent is that she inspires one to reflect.”

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April]. The argument is, with the doctors that I’ve talked to, I may have had a harsher case of COVID had I not been as vaccinated.” McAuliffe referenced studies that indicated damage to sinus tissue, lung tissue, throat tissue and kidneys in COVID patients, and he said the booster should offer some protection. “You might still get COVID, but the boosters and the vaccines in general will protect against that damage,” he said.

Sarah Randall was introduced to the Select Board as the new social worker/program coordinator for Hopkinton Youth & Family Services. “I really enjoy family work on a town level,” said Randall, who hails from Hopkinton. “I think there’s a lot of opportunities to work with a lot of different people and collaborate with a lot of different organizations, which I’m excited about.” … Richard Corcoran was recognized by the Select Board for his work as a firefighter following his resignation after 15 years with the town. … The Select Board accepted the resignation of Olivia Sward from the Sustainable Green Committee. Sward, who graduated from Hopkinton High School in the spring, is headed to college in another state. Later in the July 12 meeting, Sustainable Green Committee members Linda Chuss and Amy Groves requested that the committee’s charge be modified to include at least one youth member (19 and under), and it was approved.

Committee appointments finalized The Select Board continued making numerous committee appointments at its July 12 meeting. The process had started at the previous meeting. Khwaja Ehsan, Stacy Spies and Nanda Barker-Hook were appointed to the Historical Commission. Ehsan also was appointed to the Tax Relief Committee. Mark Logan was appointed to the Capital Improvement Committee. Jim Ciriello was reappointed to the Appointments | 7

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 7

Special Town Meeting set for Aug. 18 By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

he Select Board at its July 12 meeting unanimously supported the calling of a Special Town Meeting for Aug. 18 in order to vote on a request for $850,000 in additional funding for the Marathon School addition. The warrant is to be open until July 27 and then signed by the Select Board at its Aug. 2 meeting. The sense of urgency comes because construction costs have been steadily rising, and any delay could lead to substantial increases. The current bids submitted to the town only are guaranteed through August. The lowest bid, from Mill City Construction, is for $3,995,152.

Committee appointments finalized Appointments | from page 6

Conservation Commission. Paula Garland was appointed to the Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group. Adam Munroe and Tab Kadlik were reappointed to the Marathon Committee. Nancy Peters was reappointed to the Open Space Preservation Commission. Patricia Sinacole was reappointed to the Personnel Committee. Charles Dauchy, Krisanne Connell and Linda Chuss were appointed to the Trail Coordination and Management Committee. Brendan McGowan (youth position), Nicole Simpson and Priya Vasudevan were appointed to the Sustainable Green Committee. Vasudevan, Ashley Fogg and Asha Sherring were named to the Youth Commission.

Local Republicans elect officers The Hopkinton Republican Town Committee met June 13 and elected a new Executive Committee. Jim Mirabile will serve as chair, Chris Alicandro is vice chair, Leda Arakelian is secretary and Bill Muench is treasurer. According to a press release from the HRTC, the new committee “will work to carry on the long Republican tradition of service to the Hopkinton community, promotion of conservative values and the support of local political candidates.” The release continues, “At a time when our national political rhetoric is so divisive, the team looks to engage in civil discourse to provide a balanced local government that addresses the needs of all Hopkinton citizens.”

Parks & Rec hosts activities Hopkinton Parks & Rec’s Thursday Night Movies on the Common series started July 14 and continues through Aug. 11. Remaining movies (which start at dusk, around 8:30) include “Spider-Man: No Way Home” on July 21, “Raya and the Last Dragon” on July

If the project was pushed off to the spring, cost estimators predicted the possibility of $600,000 in additional costs. The cost to hold a Special Town Meeting is approximately $6,000, Select Board Chair Amy Ritterbusch said. The initial project was approved at Annual Town Meeting and Annual Town Election. If the additional funding is approved, the source of the funds would be addressed later. One possibility is money allocated to the town as part of the Legacy Farms development. Considering the town struggled to get a quorum at Annual Town Meeting in May, it was noted that there is a risk in calling a Special Town Meeting during the summer. Working in the town’s

favor is that it should be a brief meeting — even if some other items are added to the warrant — and because the focus is a school issue, it should draw more interest from voters who have schoolaged children. On that note, Josh Grosetti, the town’s IT director, shared results from the recent Annual Town Meeting survey. Grosetti said there were 434 submissions, which he noted is a high response number. Of the respondents, 77 percent did not attend any night of the May Town Meeting. From that group, 67 percent indicated COVID did not affect their decision. The top reasons they did not attend were the length of the meeting

(which ran over three nights), the meeting time, the meeting day/date and child care issues. A slightly higher percentage of people indicated they would be more likely to attend on a weekend than not. There was substantial support for a consent agenda (grouping multiple minor items into one vote) to move the meeting along more quickly, as well as electronic voting. Town Manager Norman Khumalo said he could meet with the town moderator to discuss adapting some of the smaller changes, and, “We may consider a much more wider public process” regarding the potential for more substantial changes.

rship

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HOPKINTON SHELL

28, “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” on Aug. 4 and “Star Wars: A New Hope” on Aug. 11. Sunday Concerts on the Common also are underway. Remaining concerts (which start at 5 p.m.) include Hot Acoustics on July 24, Electric Youth on July 31, Jah Spirit on Aug. 7, Jumpin’ Juba on Aug. 14 and Din Check on Aug. 28. All movies and concerts are free. Check the Parks & Rec website (hopkintonma.myrec.com) for more details.

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Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works will host a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, July 30, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It will be held at the DPW facility at 83 Wood Street. This program is for Hopkinton residents only, and participants should be prepared to show identification. There is a limit of 25 pounds of products and one trip per household. Drivers will remain in their vehicle when they arrive, and staff members will remove the items, which are to be kept in original, sealed containers whenever possible. For more information, call the DPW office at 508-497-9740. … Residents who qualify for the circuit breaker tax credit on their 2021 Massachusetts income tax filing are encouraged to apply for Hopkinton’s means-tested senior tax exemption. Applications must be submitted to the assessor’s office by Aug. 31.

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of more than 30 years who met when their two children went to the same school — McQueeney taught and Lisnow volunteered — are the founding directors of the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center, named after Lisnow’s son. The facility, which offers programs for families and their children living with disabilities, ages birth and up, celebrated 25 years this spring. That so much time has passed since the building opened in 1997 is a difficult concept to grasp. “It’s really hard to believe it’s been 25 years,” Lisnow said. “Sometimes it feels like it’s been a lot less, especially with COVID interrupting us, and sometimes it feels a lot longer. I just have so much gratitude for all the people who have come with us.”

Beginnings of a dream It all started when Lisnow and McQueeney, seeing the challenges Lisnow’s family faced caring for Michael around the clock while trying to balance all of life’s other demands, conceived the idea of a place where families could take their loved ones who deal with physical and cognitive disabilities. “She was exhausted,” McQueeney said of her friend, who by her own admission wasn’t what someone might consider “employable,” given she would have to, at any given moment, be gone for days or weeks at a time if Michael was hospitalized or needed care. “We had the idea of why don’t we open a place for people going through something similar? It started off well enough, with the two women obtaining the former hospitality house at 112 Main Street for $1 from the Archdiocese of Boston. Their intention was to renovate the building into a respite center. Soon enough, however, the town building inspector informed them the building needed to be demolished. Not only that, but police told them they’d have to have the property fenced in and filled that night. After all, McQueeney said, they couldn’t just leave a big hole right off Main Street. That’s where the community came in. Someone told them to reach out to Jim Pyne, whom Lisnow calls “our guardian angel.” Now retired, Pyne at the time owned Pyne Sand & Stone. They got in touch with him and he sprang into action. As it turns out, the project was personal for Pyne as well. “We filled it in to make it safe,” he recalled. “They told us about their dream. Our oldest daughter is totally disabled. … We had a feel for what people go through in that situation. “It touched me,” Pyne continued. “Sharon was the mother of an incredibly disabled son. Mary was a special needs teacher. Then they hatched this dream. We all have dreams and ideas and stuff like that, but they stuck with it. When that house had to be torn down, they had to start from scratch.” During that time, Michael grew increasingly sick, and Lisnow and McQueeney were often not available to oversee the project. Much of it, they acknowledged, had to be handled by others. The generosity, they said, was incredible. There was Pyne stepping up and securing the property and working for three years on the project for nary a dime. There was Hopkinton Lumber, which Lisnow said provided the first $25,000 worth of lumber. And then there was McIntyre Loam, a company that one day filled in the front yard with mulch and bushes while Lisnow and McQueeney were at lunch. Even if the project didn’t completely meet their original design, the women had no complaints. “We did not want a white house,” McQueeney said. “Jim calls up and says, ‘Great news. I got your vinyl siding for free.’ I said, ‘What color?’ He said, ‘White.’ I said, ‘OK, we’re going to be a white house.’

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You walk in there and you feel love all over the place. You see laughter and smiles. As a parent, you know how near and dear to your heart they are. You’re conscious of who it is you’re going put in charge of caring for your children. — Jim Pyne

“We wanted a gray room,” she continued. “We got a call, free shingles, brown. ‘We’ll take it!’ ” When they needed plumbing, they met the owner of Republic Plumbing Supply in Framingham. “He said, ‘You go in the back room, you can have whatever you want. The only problem is none of your toilets are going to match,’ ” McQueeney recalled. “We said, ‘We can live with that.’ ” Lisnow and McQueeney — and Michael, of course — became quite the local celebrities. “Everybody got the behind the project,” Lisnow said. “A lot of people knew Michael. Up at Town Hall they used to call us the two girls and the little guy.” Michael passed away at the age of 10 in 1996, a year before the Respite Center opened. His legacy, however, lives on, and the efforts of all those involved in bringing Lisnow and McQueeney’s dream to life have paid off in a huge way.

Home away from home What they created wasn’t a clinical facility with a sterile feel, but a home. You feel it the moment you walk through the front door and see so many curious, smiling faces turn toward you. You hear it in their laughter and chatter, and you see it in the warm interaction between staff — currently numbering 42 — and attendees. What’s more, much of the staff is comprised of friends or relatives of those who previously worked there, people who know someone receiving services through the Respite Center, or local high school grads who got to know the program as volunteers. The 8,000-square-foot building breathes community. Scratch that, it breathes family. McQueeney’s daughter Maria, who spent so much time as a child with her mother at the Respite Center, now runs an adult day program in Colorado. She will be returning in July to work there. Jimmy DeCenzo works at the Respite Center weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. He has been there for five years, and came by way of his father, whose sister, Jimmy’s Aunt Karen, is a member of the day program. That program serves individuals 22 and older, and they reside in one of four group homes operated by the Respite Center in town. DeCenzo had a simple answer when asked what he gets from working at the center, saying, “I feel like, honestly, it gives me a purpose.” That is precisely what Lisnow and McQueeney hoped for: to build a place that helps give purpose, while providing parents a break — a respite, if you will, something Lisnow is all too familiar with.

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 9

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Sharon Lisnow stands at a window looking out at the facility’s backyard.

That is exactly what the birth-to-3 program offers. Operating out of the top floor, it allows parents to drop off their kids to go to work or catch some much-needed sleep. It is staffed by two nurses, a physical therapist and one other employee. Kids in that program, Lisnow said, “are a child first, the disability is second.” They get fed and their medications are provided, but they do activities and crafts just as they would in any other preschool program. “These parents,” McQueeney said, “they come in and you can tell they’re tired and kind of sad. They come back, they get their child, they’re smiling, their little guys are happy.” The first floor of the Respite Center features a living room, office space, kitchen and fireplace. The finished basement is largely used for programming space, with an art room, recreational room and media center. Dell EMC Corp. donated several pieces of exercise equipment, such as stationary bikes, which are used during cycling classes. Jazzercise also is done in that space, while Jazzercise Westborough Fitness Studio allows the Respite Center use of its studio, free of charge. The local YMCA hosts participants as well. While the birth-to-3 and adult day programs are in action now, the afterschool program for the in-between ages as well as the overnight respite center have yet to return during COVID. “Overnight is really hard because it’s shared bedrooms and it rotates. There are a lot more regulations around that,” Lisnow said. “That’s one program that’s really missing right now. The agencies that do overnight respite, I don’t know one that has started up again. We just got adult day open.” But, Lisnow said, the programs will come back.

Community support The Respite Center operates largely on fundraising and three state contracts. Its largest fundraiser is the

Boston Marathon, with the Respite Center becoming involved in its first year open, 1997, when it hosted wheelchair participants. The following year, the Respite Center fielded its first team of five runners, which raised $42,000. In 1999, both Lisnow and McQueeney ran the Boston Marathon, something they would do for six years. While she didn’t want to give a total, Lisnow said the Marathon is the Respite Center’s biggest fundraiser and brings in “a lot of money.” And then there’s the community that continues to help. Dell EMC supports the Marathon team and also sends employees on a regular basis to help with various projects. Hopkinton High School is a big booster as well, something Lisnow and McQueeney made a priority, with the hope of instilling a spirit of giving back and helping others. The HHS football team is a big presence at the annual Michael’s Run, a 5K race being held this year on Oct. 15. “The football players come in, they’re pushing our guys up the hill in wheelchairs and running with them,” McQueeney said. “It’s a great sight.” The Hopkinton Running Club handles registration for the event. The Respite Center also provides an opportunity for those who are part of a group, such as Honor Society or CCD, that requires community service. Some of those individuals, Lisnow said, go on to become employees at the Respite Center. The facility also hosts students from Elmwood Elementary School who tour the building and then interact with program participants. Other community partners help out as well. The Respite Center has a grant from the Cummings Foundation for a partnership with the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, which allows the facility to run classes there every year. RE/MAX has been a huge help, Lisnow said, noting the company helped facilitate the purchases of the four group homes, which are on Church Street, Ash Street, Grove Street and Marshall Avenue. She

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said the company then donated 100 percent of the commission back to the Respite Center to allow for renovation of the houses. It’s that community spirit, the pulling together of folks from just about all parts of Hopkinton, that really got to Pyne, who has lived in town almost 80 years. “It’s the only place I ever lived,” he said. “I used to watch the generation ahead of me do the projects around the town just to volunteer their time. Over time, that went away. Life has changed. But the restoration, or the creation, of the Respite Center really restored my faith in people’s willingness to participate in something good.” Of the Respite Center itself, Pyne said, “You

walk in there and you feel love all over the place. You see laughter and smiles. As a parent, you know how near and dear to your heart they are. You’re conscious of who it is you’re going put in charge of caring for your children.” When told that this reporter felt like a better person having been inside the building and meeting the people there, Pyne said, “To have you say that means it’s working very well. I suspect most people that enter through those doors feel just as you did when they leave.” Lisnow and McQueeney wouldn’t want it any other way. “That’s what it is. It’s magic,” Lisnow said. “This is theirs, not ours. We didn’t open in Hopkinton. This is Hopkinton.”

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Michael Lisnow (pictured with his mother, Sharon) died in 1996 at the age of 10, one year before the official opening of the Respite Center on Main Street that bears his name.

By Walter Bird Jr. Contributing Writer

efore she and her best friend opened the Respite Center in her son’s name — a facility that has gone on to help countless families and individuals living with disabilities — Sharon Lisnow first had to learn how to live with it herself. Her son Michael was born 16 weeks early with severe disabilities, weighing in at just over 1 pound and not quite reaching 1 foot in length. He was the second child for Lisnow and her husband. The first child also was born prematurely and sadly did not survive, dying a year before Michael was born. Michael and his family faced challenges, to be sure, but Lisnow said he also possessed a great love in him. There was, she said, a light that touched all those around him. He brought it with him when he attended public school, where Sharon volunteered. The earliest years, she conceded, were the most difficult. “The first years were hard years,” she said. “Birth to 3 years old are really hard for parents. You’re learning what disabilities your child has, where their limitations will be, where they won’t be. So they’re hard years.” “But,” she continued, “also I have to say Michael was just … a love. His personality. There wasn’t a day I wished he wasn’t here. He was just a remarkable young man.” Michael lived 10 years, long enough to see his mother and her best friend, Mary McQueeney, plant the seed for what would become the Michael Lisnow Respite Center. Lisnow remembers bringing her son in his stroller to the former hospitality center she and McQueeney had purchased for $1 with the hope of rehabbing it into a respite facility. While she was talking with someone, she turned and saw that Michael’s stroller had rolled down the slanted hallway. As fate would have it, that building ended up having to be torn down, the Respite Center having to be built entirely from scratch. Michael ended up passing in 1996, a year before that new building would open. His spirit, however, has never faded. “Somebody asked me, when he was 3 or 4 years old, if I would change Michael,” Lisnow recalled. “There was a time in my life when I would have said yes. I actually said no, I wouldn’t. That’s who he was. If you took all that he was away, it wasn’t him anymore. “I was really fortunate. He enhanced my life more than anything else I’ve ever experienced or done. He was our teacher.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 11

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022

Presents

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’ Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

This issue’s winner is Leah Vinik for this photo of Jazzy enjoying Hopkinton State Park. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website.

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Marshall elected to MassCPAs board Hopkinton’s A r t h u r M a rshall was elected to the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants ( M a s s C PA s ) Board of DirecArthur Marshall tors for its 202223 fiscal year, which began May 1. Marshall is partner of assurance services at EY with clients in various industries, including software, technology, manufacturing, oil BUSINESS and gas, retail/distribution and healthcare. EY BRIEFS is one of the Big Four accounting firms that primarily provides assurance (including financial audit), tax, consulting and advisory services to its clients. MassCPAs Board of Directors is a group of 19 elected members that sets policies, manages programs and oversees activities that benefit the 11,000-member organization and accounting profession in Massachusetts. “MassCPAs Board of Directors is an extraordinary and diverse group of individuals who play a critical role in shaping the priorities of the Society and truly want to better the profession,” said Amy Pitter, president and CEO

of MassCPAs. “I am thrilled to have Arthur on the board and know that his leadership will continue to contribute greatly to the Society, community and the profession in the year ahead.” With over 20 years of public accounting assurance services experience, Marshall has worked with clients to complete public offerings (IPOs and debt), acquisitions and implementations of new accounting standards. As EY’s U.S.-East Region audit innovation and digital leader, he works with audit teams and external clients on the implementation of technology and the development of digital assets to enhance the quality of audits, financial reporting, business processes and building value and trust for stakeholders.

McBride joins HarborOne Bank Hopkinton’s John McBride recently joined HarborOne Bank as an institutional lending market leader. He will lead the bank’s John McBride efforts to grow its institutional lending portfolio and provide banking solutions to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector, according to a HarborOne press McBride | 13

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The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 13

BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE

Trina Macchi & Co. guides clients amid extraordinary real estate market By Christie Vogt Contributing Writer

n a real estate market that is constantly changing, Trina Macchi urges people to choose an agent who is deeply “immersed in the field and doing a lot of business. If you’re just dabbling, you’re not really going to be in touch with what is going on,” says Macchi, the owner of Trina Macchi & Co. of William Raveis Real Estate. Macchi has been a licensed real estate agent since 2002, and her Hopkinton-based company specializes in buying and selling high-end luxury homes. She stresses, however, that an agent who is skilled at selling luxury properties “can sell anything. You must be extremely detail-oriented to present luxury homes properly, and I carry those strengths into any price point.” As a former interior designer, Macchi has the ability to use her aesthetic talents as an asset. “My design background has been extremely helpful working with sellers and buyers,” she says, “because I can help them visualize the potential of the property.” Macchi is hands-on with clients, advising them on design choices that can

McBride joins HarborOne Bank

Trina Macchi & Co. offers real estate marketing, consulting and staging “like no other.”

result in higher offers. She also has a stockpile of furniture and accessories to help prepare homes and does not charge extra for staging services. Although interest rates have been rising, Macchi says buyers shouldn’t be deterred. “The historically low interest rates we had are not the norm,” she explains. “So, I really don’t think people should be swayed by rates, because there are programs such as adjustable

rate mortgages that are still quite low, and you can always refinance later if rates go down.” Because she is so attuned to the market, Macchi says she knows how to write offers that stand out — but she’ll also advise clients when to step away. “I’ll tell them, ‘I would not buy this home myself; it’s up to you if you want to.’ Or, I’ll say, ‘I would absolutely buy and live in this house.’ I’m not just

there to sell somebody something; I’m there to put them in a place they really want to be.” When it comes to selling, Macchi stresses the importance of pricing properties correctly. “Right now, buyers are under the impression that you have to go above the asking price. So, they may not bother to compete if you list your home too high,” she says. “Ironically, the lower you price your home, the higher you may end up selling it because you generate excitement and competition.” As a business under the umbrella of William Raveis, which has offices along the East Coast, Macchi & Co. has connections that can prove useful to Hopkinton residents who are interested in properties beyond the local area. “So, if someone is looking to go from Boston to Florida, I can refer people to agents I know and trust,” Macchi notes. A testament to client satisfaction, referrals make up 90 percent of Macchi’s business. “The way I look at what I do, it’s not just sales,” Macchi says. “It’s building relationships and achieving goals for my clients so that they’re happy and then they’re thrilled to refer us.” To learn more, visit trinamacchicollection.com or call or text 508509-4236. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.

McBride | from page 12

release. McBride joins HarborOne after eight years at Citizens, where he served as vice president, portfolio manager. In that role, McBride maintained a $500 million-plus commercial loan portfolio consisting of NFP organizations and customers across New England and New York City. McBride assisted the coverage team by evaluating customer relationships and identifying cross-sell opportunities while completing annual reviews and providing credit analysis and risk assessment. “John is an experienced financial professional and will be a welcome addition the HarborOne team,” HarborOne CEO Joseph Casey said. McBride, a graduate of Northeastern University with a B.S. in accounting and business administration, has been a licensed CPA for more than 30 years.

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Rev. Rosendale focuses on inclusivity at St. Paul’s

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hurch attendance has been in decline across the country, Rev. Mary Rosendale says, and studies indicate that the pandemic has accelerated that decline. “The research that I have read said that one of the main reasons why … is that people just don’t feel like church is relevant anymore,” she says. Rosendale is working to buck the trend through her work at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hopkinton and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Westborough, two congregations that have been sharing Rosendale as their priest-in-charge since Sept. 1, 2021. After the Sandy Hook school shooting, for example, Rosendale recalls reading about people going to church the Sunday after “because they didn’t know where else to go. And a lot of churches didn’t lean into talking about the shooting because they didn’t want to be political. And so they said nothing, and so people left and said, ‘Well, if the church isn’t going to help me make sense of 26 people dying in an elementary school, what’s the point?’ ” Rosendale concedes that she can’t make sense of “the trauma of the world. … It’s beyond words. At the same time, church should help you make sense of or at least put into context things that have happened in the world,” she says. “And when it doesn’t, it becomes irrelevant and people don’t want to give up their Sunday morning.” People also are reticent to be told how to vote or think, Rosendale acknowledges, and she says there is no one right approach to addressing current events from the pulpit. “But church should help you at least have a place to pray about the things that have happened in the world that are beyond words,” she says. Raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, Rosendale earned her Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2016. She then moved to Massachusetts with her husband, also a priest, for his job at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Worcester. Rosendale preached in Ware for

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four years until 2020, when she moved to St. Stephen’s, where she now works three-quarters time. Her remaining time is spent at St. Paul’s, where she preaches on the second, fourth and fifth Sunday of each month. In addition to delivering timely sermons, Rosendale seeks to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. Historically speaking, “organized religion has not always done a good job of making people feel loved for who they are and for who God created them to be,” Rosendale says. “And sadly, oftentimes churches have done more damage than good in this area where they’ve actually made people feel less than, based on a variety of reasons … whether it be people’s race or people’s sexual orientation.” Outside St. Paul’s, lawn signs read: “God loves you. No exceptions.” Rosendale says the church chose this message “because it’s true. … Churches don’t say that often enough, and if they do say it, they don’t often practice it.” She says the statement is an extension of the overarching Episcopal Church’s tagline of “All are welcome.” “Going to church is hard,” Rosendale concedes. “I’m a church person, and when I go on vacation I still find it difficult to go to church, because I’m an introvert and I don’t want to be called out in the middle of a service and asked if there are newcomers here; I don’t want too much attention on me.” For those who might similarly be worried about visiting St. Paul’s for the first time, Rosendale assures visitors: “None of those things are going to happen. … People will welcome you and say hi to you, but you’re not going to be called up.” Although she hopes people will find that St. Paul’s feels like a “home” for them, Rosendale also acknowledges that the church might not be the right fit for everyone. “You can come and you can sit through the service,” she says, “and if it’s not for you, that’s OK, too. … And if it is for you, wonderful!” St. Paul’s holds in-person services each Sunday at 11 a.m. at 61 Wood Street. The church also hopes to offer virtual services in the coming months.

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 15

Main Street construction creates big traffic problems We knew that this wasn’t going to be convenient. It’s a huge undertaking. And if there is a way to maximize efficiency and lower the impact — even though I know overnight is difficult for a certain few — I’d be open to what makes the best sense. — Select Board member Muriel Kramer

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Traffic sits on Main Street during a recent afternoon.

up for weekly construction and traffic updates. The town’s website (hopkintonma.gov) has information on how to link to the project’s dedicated website and obtain contact information. “We always feel there isn’t enough communication in some ways,” Mannan told Daltorio. “So, let’s think how we can make this a little easier.”

On a related note, repaving work is scheduled for the South Street/West Main Street intersection (extending to the Price Chopper plaza driveways on both streets) as well as South Street from the Milford line to the EMC office building. The board approved night work at those locations. The work is scheduled for July 25-29 and Aug. 8-12.

Traffic | from page 1

Station was slated to start July 14 and possibly be finished the following day. However, the area from the Route 85 intersection to the Town Common will take longer to clear, he said. “There’s some work still remaining from the undergrounding work to bring underground services from the center of the road to different buildings between 85, 135 and Ash Street,” Daltorio explained. “That work is commencing. The big push is to complete the undergrounding connections between the east and west side of 85 and 135. We’ve been talking about that for months on how possibly we could do that work while minimizing the impact to traffic.” Daltorio has been having discussions with the contractor, A.F. Amorello, and he asked the board for its support in seeking alternatives to the traditional 7 a.m.-3 p.m. workday, including overnight work. The board initially did not show support for night work out of concern for downtown residents’ sleep disruptions, but Daltorio said the area being considered would be at the 135/85 intersection, which is surrounded by businesses, and shouldn’t be nearly as loud as previous overnight work. The board eventually voted 4-1 (with Shahidul Mannan in opposition) to approve Daltorio entering into exploratory talks with the contractor about ways to move the work forward more quickly, including the possibility of limited night work in commercial areas. “I’m entirely open to moving this project more quickly and more efficiently, particularly in the choke points, and I’m also making a call to all residents, but especially those most affected, to be as patient as they can during this time,” Select Board member Muriel Kramer said. “We knew that this wasn’t going to be convenient. It’s a huge undertaking. And if there is a way to maximize efficiency and lower the impact — even though I know overnight is difficult for a certain few — I’d be open to what makes the best sense.” Daltorio said he and his staff have been working with residents whose vehicles have suffered damage due to the road conditions — including from roadway dirt and dust — and noted that the contractor’s insurance company will cover the claims. He encouraged residents to sign

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022

No cricket pitch at Reed Park, but other options to be explored By Walter Bird Jr. Contributing Writer

The reality is there are places that have not been used in the past that are going to be used because of the demand. Whether it’s Reed Park [or someplace else] … I know this isn’t going to be the last time we have discussions with folks who live near a beautiful spot who want to keep it for passive recreation.

f the Hopkinton Cricket Club is to add another pitch to use for a sport that is growing in popularity, it will have to be somewhere other than Reed Park, with the Parks & Recreation Commission giving the proposal four thumbs down in a unanimous vote June 29. Chair Dan Terry and commission members Liisa Jackson, Laura Hanson and Amy O’Donnell all voted against the idea of installing a cricket pitch at Reed Park, which largely has been used for passive recreation. Member Cynthia Esthimer did not take part in the meeting. Concerns raised at a previous Parks & Rec meeting were brought up again, including parking issues. Chief among the concerns aired by commissioners was access to the park, which currently exists only via a narrow, unpaved road just off Wood Street. Terry mentioned concerns raised by

— Parks & Rec Director Jay Guelfi the Fire Department, saying he had spoken with the chief. Terry referenced an ambulance getting stuck while trying to access the field once before. Right now, he said, there are not many people at the park, and those who use it aren’t necessarily engaging in activities that could result in injuries. “The fire chief, while he didn’t have institutional knowledge of the town having a hard time accessing the property in the past, the deputy chief did,” Terry said. “He said he could see if there is significant

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Widening the road, commission members agreed, isn’t under their purview. Hanson referenced the consideration of Reed Park for a dog park, when the commission realized access would be a problem. “I can understand the concern of residents around there, because it has been a passive-use recreational field,” she said. “I think we have to balance that this is a property within our jurisdiction to do something with, but whether that is a cricket pitch, and whether that is the ideal location for a cricket pitch, I just don’t know, because the access and the neighborhood is going to be prohibitive.” Added Hanson: “I can already foresee the pushback from the residents, and I don’t foresee a Wood Street access [directly to the field] being viable, because we know how expensive that would be. Eventually, that would be the way to get Reed Park usable. The reality is, that is the only way it’s going to be a useable, safe, public space. Barring that, I foresee this being an uphill battle with access and with the residents.” Hanson suggested looking at the Fruit Street fields for another pitch (there’s already one on the grass field next to the turf). She also seemed keen on a suggestion by fellow member Jackson about the possibility of using space at Legacy Farms, although that is not under the commission’s jurisdiction. Terry brought the discussion back into focus on Reed Park, calling it a “great place” that “could have a variety of different uses.” However, he went back to the issue of access — both by users and emergency personnel. He credited the Hopkinton Cricket Club, specifically representatives Ravi Dasari and Rajanagan Rasan, for having “bent over backward” with commitments on alleviating some of the issues. Still, Terry said, “The other side of the issue I don’t feel great about is the fact that public safety personnel in town have asked us not to encourage active use of the property. The passive use is enough. The risk associated with passive is minimal.” At some point, Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi said, spots typically reserved for passive recreation may need to be eyed. “It’s a problem of a growing population and a lack of space,” Guelfi lamented. “I appreciate the fact that there are spaces in town not typically used for active recreation. … My charge is to solve the problem. Again, I see a really big, flat playing surface that could be used, not just for cricket, but for soccer, ultimate Frisbee, for a lot of different things. That’s the dilemma the town is facing when it comes to organized recreation. “The reality is there are places that have not been used in the past that are going to be used because of the demand. Whether it’s Reed Park [or someplace else] … I know this isn’t going to be the last time we have discussions with folks who live near a beautiful spot who want to keep it for passive recreation.” While they put the kibosh on a cricket pitch at Reed Field, commissioners told cricket representatives their work was not done in helping them find another spot, with Fruit Street a possibility. O’Donnell mentioned the possibility of a master plan for the Fruit Street fields to see what could be done there in the future. Terry asked Guelfi to talk to consultants the town has worked with in the past about costs for a master plan. “I can assure you I feel your pain,” O’Donnell told Cricket Club representatives. “I don’t think this is the right place.”

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 17

Schools

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HMS principal among new hires announced by district S

uperintendent Carol Cavanaugh announced the hiring of a new principal for Hopkinton Middle School on July 1. Matthew Lefebvre has been hired after serving as an assistant principal at Westborough High School for the past decade. Lefebvre, who began his career as a music educator, will host listening tours for faculty and families in the near future, Cavanaugh shared in an email to the school community. Jeffrey LaBroad was hired as assistant superintendent following his appearance before the School Committee last month. LaBroad previously worked as principal of Sudbury’s Josiah Haynes Elementary School. SCHOOLS NOTEBOOK A holder of three degrees from Boston College, LaBroad began his career as a Grade 4 teacher. Kiely Murray is the interim athletic director at the high school. Murray has spent the past 13 years working as a school counselor and coach in Hopkinton. She is a registered athletic administrator with an educational background in organizational management, counseling psychology and educational leadership. “Kiely is particularly passionate about mental performance and educational athletics,” Cavanaugh shared. “She is eager to continue supporting student-athletes from a new vantage point and to continue the strong tradition of Hiller athletics.”

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Resident honored at Pomfret Hopkinton’s Nathan Kikonyogo was named to the honors list for the spring 2022 term at Pomfret School, where he just completed his freshman year at the independent high school in Promfret, Connecticut.

Local collegians thrive The University of Massachusetts recently announced its dean’s list for the spring semester, and it includes a number of Hopkinton residents. Among those recognized were Morgan Allen, Molly Andrews, Julia Annenberg, Hayden August, Kendal August, Elise Blackstock, Antonio Bullon-Puckett, Ethan Champlin, Alan Chen, Jordyn Cheverie, Jake Chirco, Fletcher Clark, Nathan Foster, Natalia Gomez Donate, Kamron Haghighi, Tyler Holbrow, Zachary Holbrow, Ellora Hoyt, Amanda Kelley, Devin Kelly, Alexandra Lazarov, Allison Leeret, Tobin Lock, Justin Mak, Dawson McMillan, Ben Morey-Beale, Samuel Morningstar, Rachael Nordling, Robert Pagliuca, Taylor Parduhn, Kyle Perkins, William Quinlan, Calvin Rodman, Danielle Sullivan, Eric Sullivan, Austin Summers, Furquaan Syed, Maya Vumbaca and Emily Whelan. … The University of New Hampshire’s spring dean’s list included 15 Hopkinton residents. Lia Brossi, Peter Mitchell, Eliza Westbury and Samuel Lozeau were recognized with highest honors, Alexandra Lee, Anthony Zeissig, Isabella Houley, Ivy Gogolin and Galen Graham earned high honors, while Adara Groman, Philip Restifo, Brendan Cross, Cole Stukel, Olivia O’Connor and Mollie Mahoney received honors. … At Emmanuel College’s 100th commencement exercises, Megan Canfield received a Bachelor of Arts in a double major of international studies with a concentration in sustainability and global justice as well as sociology with a concentration in social justice and inequality. She graduated cum laude and with distinction in her field of study. … At Fairfield University, Brigid Belger, Andrew D’Alleva, Alexandra Graeber, Cecily McNamara and Garret Morrissiey were named to the dean’s list, while Belger, Lily Rancatore and Kate Welzel received their degrees at graduation. … At the College of Charleston, Caitlin Dean, majoring in psychology, was named to the president’s list, while Kelsey Eddy, undecided on her major, and Charles Nealon, majoring in marketing, were named to the dean’s list. … Colin Norred was named to the dean’s list at Springfield College. … Esther Klinger and Matthew Klinger were named to the dean’s list at Muhlenberg College. … Kelsey Breslin, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre, was named to the dean’s list at the University of Tampa. Also at Tampa, Emily Cain graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology. … At Bryant University, senior Ted Torres and sophomores Dennis Field and Jacqueline Zeigler were named to the dean’s list. … Gabriel Lopez, a criminal justice major with minors in political science and pre-law, was named to the dean’s list at Merrimack College, where he recently completed his junior year. … Freshman Alannah Miller was named to the dean’s list at Ursinus College. … At Roger Williams University, Korbin Johnson, Amelia Pickard, Linnea Dean and Tyler Zanini were named to the dean’s list. … Tatyana Markovich was named to the dean’s list at the University of New England. … Emmaline Kent was named to the president’s list at Husson University. Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022

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.

to the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Diane Hakansson to the Dementia Society of America (dementiasociety.org), P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Alicia Shambo

Wayne Morey

Diane Hakansson

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Diane Hakansson, 71, of Hopkinton at the Mary Morse Rest Home on June 23. By her side, until the time of her death, were her beloved children, Kristina and Jay Hakansson. Many a heart is sore in mourning today. We are consoled however by the gift that was her life. Diane was born and raised in Hopkinton. She graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1968. After school, she married and became a homemaker and a mother. She took both responsibilities seriously. She was envied in the family for keeping a neat and tidy home. Diane had a keen eye for décor, which eventually became a passion that she developed into a successful career as a valued interior designer of homes. She was an avid golfer and walker. Diane also was a longtime waitress at Carbone’s restaurant. She truly loved her years of service and friendships developed there. Diane’s most cherished gift was the special way she treated others. Over the span of her life, she maintained a loyal group of friends who would note she was always quick with a laugh or an offer of help. Her compassionate heart was always available to respond to a need. Diane was a great mother and grandmother, sister and friend. She was very involved in the life of her family, especially when her cherished grandchildren Emily and Sara arrived. Diane Hakansson leaves behind her two adult children, Kristina Hakansson of Hopkinton, Jay Hakansson, also of Hopkinton, Jay’s wife, Rebecca, and their children, Emily and Sara. She also leaves her former husband, John Hakansson, and his partner, Carol Grady, of Waldoboro, Maine. Diane also leaves to join her predeceased parents, the late Joseph and Jean Murray. She leaves her five siblings, David and Ann Brooke Murray of Brewster, Susan and Richard Biagetti of Milford, Joseph and Catherine Murray of Hopkinton, Steven Murray of Mattapoisett, and Lisa Reilly of Walpole. She also, with great fondness, leaves her 15 nephews and nieces. Details for a memorial celebration of life gathering were to be forthcoming. Arrangements have been entrusted

Wayne S. Morey, 83, of Bellingham passed away at Milford Regional Hospital on July 7 after a period of declining health. He was born in Milford, the son of the late Raymond and Evelyn Morey. He had been a resident of Bellingham since December 1994 and previously lived in Hopkinton and Upton. He was a graduate of Milford High School class of 1956. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving from 1956-59 on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Leyte with the rating of E5 fire control technician second class. Mr. Morey was active in scouting as a youth and was an Eagle Scout. He worked for IBM in various locations and positions, retiring after 31 1/2 years of service. He was a partner in Family Pizza West, located on Route 20 in Marlborough, for four years. After a rest, he went to work for First Data Investor Services of Westborough. He went to Clark University during this time and became certified as a client server developer. He was a senior applications developer at First Data and the joined the IT group at UMass Medical School as a senior applications and database developer. He later joined D.R. White Computer Services as the MIS manager and an applications and database developer. He worked there until his retirement due to medical reasons on Dec. 31, 2004. Mr. Morey is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Garrity and husband Jay of Alabama, and Helen D. Morey of New York; a son, Eric Morey and wife Cindy of Hopkinton; a stepdaughter, Oxana and husband Alex; two stepsons, Gregory Shevcenco and Paul Shevcenco of Tonawanda, New York; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two sisters, Linda Iafrate of Craigsville and Diane Johnson of Northbridge; a brother, Kenneth of Nashua, New Hampshire; and his best friend and business partner, Dimitrios Tsakmakis. Mr. Morey was active in volunteering and was a volunteer teaching conversational English in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and Chisinau, Moldova. Mr. Morey was a volunteer at the Bellingham Senior Center in the supportive day care program and at the Bellingham Police Department Youth Services Center. A funeral service was held July 18 in Trinity Episcopal Church, Milford, followed by cremation.

Alicia Moreau Shambo passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 25 in her beloved chalet on the hillside of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Alicia was born on March 10, 1962, in Winchendon. She was the daughter of the late Philip A. Moreau, who died in 1975, and Evangeline M. Moreau Skelton, who died in 2009. She is survived by her three children, daughters Brittany Evangeline Shambo and Natalie Margaret Shambo and son Thomas Alan Shambo, and her beloved dog, Baron. She leaves her three brothers, Philip Kirk Moreau (Lisa) of Hubbardston, William Mark Moreau (Ginger) of York, Maine, and Kent Smokey Moreau (Susan) of Westminster, as well as a stepbrother, John Beecher Skelton (Carolyn) of Andover. She also leaves six nieces and nephews, and 11 great-nieces and great-nephews. She is predeceased by her twin brother, Alan Ray Moreau, who died in 1994. Alicia was raised in Winchendon and graduated from Murdock High School in 1980. At the age of 18, she enlisted into the United States Navy and served as a corpsman. She was a member of the United States Navy for 12 years (four years active duty, eight years reserves), during which time she was stationed in Oakland and Subic Bay, Philippines. During her time in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Alicia attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina and graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in business. She moved back to Massachusetts shortly after and graduated with an MBA from Nichols College in Dudley in 1992. She worked for Banyan Systems in Westborough until starting her own sewing and interior design businesses, The Curtain Lady/Designs by Alicia, in 2000. Alicia lived in Hopkinton from 1992 until 2017, at which time she moved to Franconia, New Hampshire. Alicia was a great lover of the outdoors, enjoyed spending time in her garden and had many adventures traveling the world, but her true passion was skiing at Cannon Mountain. She volunteered at the Hopkinton schools every Veterans Day to teach kids about the military, and also volunteered in helping lead a Girl Scout troop. She was a member of the Mittersill Association for Chalet Owners (MACO), and served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the town of Franconia, New Hampshire. Alicia was a parishioner at St. John’s the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, where she was active in the RCIA and CCD programs. Alicia volunteered at the Boston

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Marathon for many years, handing out Mylar blankets at the finish line. During the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, she was a first responder on the scene and was instrumental in helping to save the lives of many victims, utilizing her U.S. Navy corpsman training once again. A funeral Mass was July 2 in St. John the Evangelist Church, with Rev. Richard Cannon officiating. It was followed by a burial with military honors at Riverside Cemetery, Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The Adaptive Ski Program of New Hampshire in Alicia’s honor: adaptivesportspartners.org. There will be a celebration of life in Alicia’s memory held in New Hampshire at a later date.

James Murin

James Murin, 78, of Hopkinton died June 21 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. He was the husband of Maria Margarida A. LopesMurin, to whom he was married for 33 years and lovingly called Maggie. Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Henry and Alfreda (Petka) Murin. Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Clark University and his master’s from Assumption College. He taught for numerous years in Millbury, where he also held positions of guidance counselor and basketball coach, carrying on his love for sports after his exceptionally competitive basketball playing college years at Clark University. Later, in his retirement from education, he devoted his time to golf, teeing up in various golf tournaments throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. His love for the outdoors extended to enjoying fishing in surrounding lakes and ponds either alone or with kindred fishermen. In his senior years, his golf enthusiasm motivated him to play in Massachusetts senior golf tournaments, distinguishing himself even then by earning bronze and silver medals. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Susan Feller, son-inlaw, Andrew Feller, and grandchildren, Alex and Liana Feller of Glastonbury, Connecticut, as well as his sister-in-law, Gloria Murin, and nephews, John Murin and Jimmy Murin of Fitchburg. A private family service was held June 28 at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Donations may be made to the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation (baystategames.org) or to Project Just Because/Hopkinton Food Pantry (projectjustbecause.org).

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 19 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.

CALENDAR

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 Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

Trails organizations seek monthly volunteers The Hopkinton Trail Coordination and Management Committee (TCMC)

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

LIBRARY CORNER

Summer Saturday Matinee: “Abominable” Saturday, July 23, 2-3:30 p.m. The library will host Saturday movie matinees during Summer Reading. Snacks will be provided. The July 23 movie is “Abominable.” The July 30 movie is “Ron’s Gone Wrong.” Both are rated PG.

Sheryl Faye portrays Ruth Bader Ginsburg Tuesday, July 26, 6-7 p.m. This portrayal highlights the woman who taught people to “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” This show, for adults and teens, is the inspiring story of how she changed her life — and others.

Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, July 27, 1-6 p.m. Register at the Red Cross website (rcblood.org/3AmuYsP) or call the Reference Desk at 508-497-9777 for help scheduling an appointment.

and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon. Residents also are encouraged to inform these groups of maintenance issues observed on trails (downed trees, trails becoming overgrown, etc.) by emailing TCMCchair@ hopkintonma.gov or hopkinton.trails. club@gmail.com. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Weekly Farmers Market Sundays at Town Common The Hopkinton Farmers Market has returned to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., running through Oct. 16. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers again will receive a $10 incentive for a $10 purchase, and there will be Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits as well. For information, including a list of vendors for each week, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.

Talk with an Artemis scientist Tuesday, Aug. 2, noon-1 p.m. This program includes a virtual visit from a real-life Artemis scientist. With Artemis missions, NASA plans to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before. NASA will collaborate with commercial and international partners in an attempt to establish the first long-term presence on the moon. Then, using what is learned on and around the moon, NASA will look to take the next giant leap: sending the first astronauts to Mars.

“Dyeing” to Wear It — Create wearable art

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 4-7 p.m. Color a classic silk scarf with natural, raw dyes. This interactive workshop is infused with storytelling by the artist, Rhonda Fazio, about textile history, and how its history interacts with American culture. This program is part of the library’s Summer Reading series. Registration is required, as space is limited. The Friends of the Library is sponsoring this event.

Hopkinton PolyArts festival Sept. 10

Woodville Rod & Gun Club Craft Fair Sept. 25

The 2022 Hopkinton PolyArts festival will be held at the Town Common on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event, established in 1974, features regional artisans, crafters and local nonprofits. Now a subcommittee of the Hopkinton Cultural Council, it is managed by a small committee of volunteers. Proceeds fund multiple scholarships to local high school graduates majoring or minoring in the arts. For more information, including a vendor’s application, visit cozzens.net/polyarts.

The Woodville Rod & Gun Club is seeking vendors for its second annual Craft Fair on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Spaces are available both inside (limited) and outside for $25$40. For more information, contact Kim Clark at kimba@comcast.net.

Hopkinton Tennis Tournament Sept. 16-18 The 14th Annual Hopkinton Tennis Tournament is scheduled for Sept. 16-18 (rain date Sept. 23-25) at the Hopkinton High School courts. Divisions include men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The tournament is open to Hopkinton residents age 18 and older, although doubles teams can include one non-resident. Registration closes at noon on Sept. 9. Register by Aug. 22 to guarantee T-shirt size. Entry fee for singles is $30, and doubles is $20 per player. For more information and to register, go to hopkintonma. myrec.com. Questions can be directed to CampCalks@gmail.com.

Hopkinton Family Day Sept. 17 Hopkinton Family Day, a community event featuring live entertainment, games, activities and food trucks, and topped off with a fireworks display, is set to return on Sept. 17 at the field behind Hopkinton Middle School. The event, which starts at 2 p.m., is sponsored by many generous local businesses. Town organizations, nonprofits, clubs and businesses located in town offer activities for everyone. All activities (not including the food trucks) are free for the whole family. For more information, including how to participate as a sponsor or town organization, visit the Friends of Hopkinton website at friendsofhopkinton.org.

Simoes steps down as HHS baseball coach Steve Simoes is retiring from his position as Hopkinton High School baseball coach, the school announced July 6. Simoes coached the Hillers for 19 seasons, recording more than 300 victories, five Tri-Valley League championships and three sectional titles. He led the team to the Division 2 state championship game in 2019 and 2021. He was inducted into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame this year. Simoes, a teacher at HHS, also had stints as the school’s football coach and softball coach.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Gould named Academic All-American Hopkinton High School senior Rowan Gould was named an Academic AllAmerican by USA Lacrosse. Gould will attend Cornell University in the fall.

The Hopkinton Charity Golf Event, sponsored by the Hopkinton Emergency Fund and Hopkinton Women’s club, is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, at Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge. The event starts at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. with lunch and a silent/live auction. The fee is $125 per golfer, which includes greens fees, a cart and lunch. Non-golfers can join the lunch for a $40 donation. For more information, visit hefhwc.perfectgolfevent.com.

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 2 Registration is open for the 34th annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 2. Funds raised are donated to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Jimmy Fund Walk features four distances, from the full marathon (starting in Hopkinton) to a 5K. To register or to support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk. org or call 866-531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for a $5 discount off the registration fee. All registered participants will receive a bib, medal and T-shirt.

Al-Anon weekly meetings Thursdays Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend a confidential Al-Anon meeting, which takes place every Thursday from 7:30-9 p.m. at the meeting room in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (61 Wood Street). For more information, visit al-anon.org or call 888-4AL-ANON.

Event Calendar Sponsored by

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Frayed Knot Fiber Arts Circle Wednesday, Aug. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their current project or pattern. This group is open to teens and adults of all skill levels. All fiber arts crafts (knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, etc.) are welcome. This group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of each month.

Hopkinton Charity Golf Event Sept. 26

Summer Art Series Outdoor Concerts Evan Goodrow | July 22 | 6:30 p.m. Evan Goodrow is an American singersongwriter-guitarist and has written and produced 14 recordings of original soul, funk, blues, and rock music. Din Check | July 23 | 6:30 p.m. Din Check is New England’s premier Bollywood band. Sunday Jazz with Brilliant Corners July 24 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Bold & Beautiful Artist Reception July 29 | 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Meet Jamaal Eversley and fellow artists of The Bold & Beautiful Exhibition. Free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Chris Fitz Band | July 29 | 6:30 p.m. The Chris Fitz Band remains one of the premier “original” blues and roots acts in all of New England.

Bird Mancini | July 30 | 6:30 p.m. Boston’s acclaimed accordion/guitar duo (Ruby Bird and Billy Carl Mancini), features acoustic rock with lush vocals, blues-tinged guitar, accordion, harmonica, and a variety of percussion, bells and whistles. Sunday Jazz with FreeFall July 31 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In the event of rain, all concerts will move indoors. Theater seating is available. Summer Arts Series sponsored by Phipps/MAPFRE Insurance and DELL Technologies

Theater At HCA

Seussical Jr., The Musical Aug. 5 at 6:00 p.m. | Aug. 5 at 2:00 p.m. Little Women, The Broadway Musical Aug. 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m. A Play, A Pint & A Pie Aug. 27 at 6:00 p.m. One Act Comedy Play Festival

Tickets on sale at www.HopArtsCenter.org

In an effort to make the arts accessible for all, our Summer Arts Series Concerts are on a Pay-What-You-Can basis when you reserve your tickets!

Your Arts Center | Tickets & Details at HopArtsCenter.org

HopkintonIndependent.com

20 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022

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Attendees gather around a gallery photo of Joseph Pyne, whose family sponsored the July 1 Veterans Breakfast. Pictured are (seated, from left) Mike Boelson (Army), Jacques LeDuc (Coast Guard), Jim Pyne (Army; Joe’s brother), Margo Pyne (Joe’s daughter), Jeff Macmillan (Navy) and Hank Allessio (Army), and (standing, from left) Frank Fede (Navy), William Muench (Navy), Robert Hole (Navy), Ted Hoyt (Army), Bill Hamilton (Navy) and Ken Weismantel (Air Force).

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he most recent Veterans Breakfast at the Hopkinton Senior Center was sponsored by the family of the late Joseph Pyne. An archetypal “townie,” Pyne served in the U.S. Army, and his memory evoked many animated stories. The group discussion comprised remembrances of recently deceased veterans along with historical

recollections of military events that occurred on July 1, the date of the breakfast. An understanding of decisions of great military leaders typically is a highlight. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Independence Day were shared among the veterans. — Recap contributed by Hank Allessio

The Hopkinton Senior Center is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. For a more extensive listing of programs and services, including lunch program menus as well as a newsletter, check hopkintonseniorcenter.com. Anyone with questions can call 508-497-9730. The Senior Center also has a Facebook page that provides updates on resources, programs and events.

Helping Your Kids (and Grandkids)

Thrift Store

Our Time Memory Cafe

SENIOR SNIPPETS

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

Transportation Programs for Seniors

The Senior Center offers transportation to and from the Senior Center as well as local shopping Tuesdays through Fridays for Hopkinton residents. The Senior Center also can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping. Anyone interested should call the Senior Center to learn more.

Exercise Classes

Call to schedule an appointment today:

508-544-1540

1 Lumber Street, Suite 201, Hopkinton 196 E. Main Street, Milford (in The Gym) 15 West Union Street, Ashland www.platinumptma.com

Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m. Exercise with Linda, Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Stretch class, Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Zumba, Tuesdays, 10 a.m. Balance & Flexibility, Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m. Tai chi, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Joy of movement, Wednesdays, 10:45 a.m. Zumba plus toning, Fridays, 9:15 a.m. Chi gong, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Meditation, alternating Fridays, noon (call for schedule)

HopkintonIndependent.com

Wednesday, July 27, 1 p.m. Many seniors want to help their grandchildren get through college while not affecting their potential college financial aid. Some want to help a child or grandchild who has special needs while not disqualifying them from government programs. In this seminar, elder law attorney Arthur Bergeron helps parents and grandparents figure out how to help without hurting. Thursday, Aug. 4, 1-2 p.m. This is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness or mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, as well as their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences and form friendships. This is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call 508-497-0108 or email info@ ourtimememorycafe.org.

Repair Cafe 2022 — Volunteers Needed

Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-noon Many people have items that don’t work quite right — tables with wobbly legs, scissors or garden tools that no longer cut very well, lamps with balky switches, and so on — and they either put up with the annoyance or wind up throwing out perfectly usable and fixable items. The Senior Center is hosting its first Repair Cafe, a community event where people bring their not-quite-working-right but toogood-to-throw-away items, and other community members help repair them. Organizers are looking for those who are handy and enjoy fixing things to volunteer to help out with general furniture repair, lamp rewiring, sharpening of garden tools/scissors/ kitchen knives, simple sewing and mending, appliance repair (e.g., can openers, hair dryers), etc. Call to learn more.

The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 • 21

New police hires approved, but opposition to COVID vaccine raises concern By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

New Hopkinton police officers Tyler Staback (third from left) and Alexander Stewart (third from right) are joined by Police Chief Joseph Bennett (center) and other officers July 12.

six-plus years, said he worked through the pandemic without any issues and never came down with the virus. “When the order came out in the very beginning of the pandemic, when they had the lockdowns and things like that, I still had to go to work every day and be out in the public,” he said. “And it was a privilege to serve the public even during that time, even though there was a lot of unknowns. “But then when the order [to get vaccinated] came out, nothing changed beside the date. Even leading up to my suspension, they were still forcing me on [double shifts]. It’s difficult the way things panned out. But they had me working wearing a mask, and if I was symptomatic staying home, getting tested, things like that.” Added Staback: “There are precautions I would take to keep others safe, and that’s what I did for two years. So when that order came out it was just a date that set it in stone that kind of got things rolling in that case.” Police Chief Joseph Bennett said he was comfortable with the decision to present Staback to the board.

Police Log June 25 11:15 p.m. Officer Matthew LaTour conducted a motor vehicle stop on Main Street and subsequently arrested a 35-year-old from Framingham and charged her with OUI drugs. June 28 12:21 a.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Cody Normandin conducted a motor vehicle stop on Exchange Street and subsequently

Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com. June 21 2:43 p.m. A motorist on Hayden Rowe Street reported a bottle was thrown from a school bus and struck her vehicle. Officer Basit Dennis responded and spoke with the reporting person. 3:09 p.m. A motorist reported she

road and serve the public,” Staback said. The other candidate, Alexander Stewart, was a patrol officer for the Springfield College Police Department from October 2020 until November 2021, before attending the Boylston Regional Police Academy. Stewart, who has two young children, said his family is Lebanese and his father is Jamaican. “I come from a very diverse background and I know how to deal with different types of people,” he said. “I played on the football team in college [and there are] different types of backgrounds. I know how to speak to everyone, and I can help anyone in any way possible.” Asked about his interest in Hopkinton, Stewart said, “It’s a growing town that I want to be a part of.” He was approved 5-0.

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arrested a 44-year-old Parker Point Road resident and charged her with failure to dim headlights, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle with license revoked as a habitual traffic offender. July 8 11:14 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on West Main Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Basit Dennis and Sean McKeon responded and subsequently arrested a 24-year-old from Holliston and charged him with OUI liquor.

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“As the department head, we did a thorough background [check],” he said. “And other than that instance, the decision he made, nothing came up. … He presents as a service-oriented person. Nothing raised any red flags on social media that that belief [to pass on the vaccine] was tied to anything other than the belief that he didn’t want to get it. We do not have a vaccine mandate in town. And we have employees that are unvaccinated. And we don’t ask. “At my level, as a department head, I felt it was the appropriate thing to do to bring him forward.” In the end, the Select Board vote was three in favor of the hiring, with LaFreniere and Irfan Nasrullah abstaining. “I just would really like the opportunity to serve this community and I’m very eager to get back out there on the

hit a duck in the roadway of Ash Street and was unsure if it was still alive. The animal control officer was notified. 3:14 p.m. A Cross Street caller reported a student got off the bus with the caller’s son and wanted to enter the caller’s house. He appeared confused and could not answer questions about his parents. Officers Robert Ekross and Nicholas Saletnik responded and spoke with the child’s father, who reported his wife was home, and they transported Police log | 22

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“Made You Look!”

YOU POINT. WE REMOVE.

he Select Board approval process for police officer candidates generally moves quickly, but the July 12 meeting presented a new scenario for the board. One of the two candidates, Tyler Staback, had worked as a Massachusetts State Trooper since January 2019 until this past April, when he was dishonorably discharged after failing to adhere to the state’s mandate that troopers be vaccinated for COVID-19, he shared. Staback explained that he attempted to claim a religious exemption to the mandate. “I had to either go against my beliefs or stick through it to the end, through the trial boards,” he said. “They found me to not have religious beliefs and they terminated me.” Added Staback: “It’s definitely unfortunate the way things panned out, but I have my own beliefs and I stood by them.” During a round of questioning from the Select Board, member Mary Jo LaFreniere said she planned to abstain from the vote, telling Staback, “I object to your reason for being let go with the State Police.” Staback said he was sensitive to people’s concerns and is careful around others, especially his family, including his 94-year-old grandmother. “I take extreme caution being around my loved ones that may be susceptible,” he said. “I’ve been tested countless times, anytime I visit relatives. Many of my family have came down with [COVID] and had it previously. So, I don’t take for granted people’s perceptions of the whole situation. But I do what I can to keep those around me safe.” Staback, who has a degree in criminal justice and served as a Marine for

22 • The Hopkinton Independent • July 20, 2022 Police Log | from page 21

him home. 3:25 p.m. A truck driver reported he hit wires and pulled them down on Church Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded along with the Fire Department and moved the wires from the roadway. The homeowner contacted Verizon. 9:52 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil reported an overflowing septic system on Constitution Court. The Fire Department responded, and messages were left with Windsor service technicians. June 22 8:52 a.m. A caller reported a man threatening staff and causing a disturbance at a South Street business. Officers Shannon Beloin and Basit Dennis responded and took a report. 12:28 p.m. A caller reported he was threatened by a manager at a West Main Street business. Sergeant Scott van Raalteen and Officer Basit Dennis responded and took a report. 1:18 p.m. A caller reported an injured rabbit on Constitution Court. A message was left for the animal control officer. 1:28 p.m. A motorist reported a red pickup truck was tailgating her, honking the horn and crossing the lines on the road. Officer Basit Dennis responded to the Walker Street area to look for the vehicle. It was gone upon his arrival. 5:56 p.m. A caller reported fallen wires on North Mill Street. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and notified Verizon. 6:29 p.m. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a vehicle on fire on Teresa Road.

A tow truck was requested and removed the vehicle. 10:25 p.m. A caller reported a disturbance on Gibbon Road, where yelling and screaming were heard. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Robert Ekross, Cody Normandin, Nicholas Saletnik and Sean McKeon responded and assisted. A report was taken. June 23 9:13 a.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Lumber Street. Officer Basit Dennis responded and spoke with the reporting party. The other driver had left. A report was taken. 2:04 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle struck a pole on Legacy Farms North. Sergeant Scott van Raalten and Officers Matthew Santoro and Brennan Grimley responded and notified Verizon and Eversource and requested a tow. A vehicle crash report was to follow. 5:42 p.m. Officers Nicholas Saletnik, Matthew Santoro and Robert Ekross attempted to locate an individual on Curtis Road for a warrant arrest. 5:59 p.m. A Nazneen Circle caller reported his wife was backing out of their driveway and another vehicle struck her rear bumper. Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report. 9:34 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Matthew LaTour responded to a missing child report at the carnival on Hayden Rowe Street. The child was subsequently found. 10:25 p.m. A Proctor Street resident reported his neighbor saw people with flashlights inside his house, which was empty. Officers Matthew LaTour, Nicholas Saletnik and Sergeant Aaron O’Neil responded and walked through the house and found all clear. Officer Saletnik attempted to make contact with

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parents on Mayhew Court. June 24 12:20 p.m. Officer Basit Dennis responded along with the Fire Department to Ash Street a report of smoke in a living room. The smoke was found to be coming from cooking on the stove. 1:51 p.m. A concerned caller reported a past incident at the carnival on Hayden Rowe Street when she was struck by a sign that was not properly secured. The incident was logged and the caller was referred to the state inspector for further action. June 25 12:35 p.m. A caller reported a rabid raccoon on Clinton Street. A message was left for the animal control officer. 3:02 p.m. A walk-in reported a black truck hit his vehicle on West Main Street, damaged his mirror and drove away. Officer Cody Normandin took a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident report. June 26 10:02 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident in the back of the CVS parking lot on Main Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and reported no personal injuries. 10:58 a.m. A caller complained of traffic backed up from the State Park on Cedar Street all the way to Southborough. Officers Shannon Beloin and Matthew LaTour responded and assisted with traffic control. June 27 4:38 p.m. A Grove Street caller reported her mother, who has dementia, left the house on foot and not dressed properly for the weather and was out out for about an hour. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Cody Normandin and Nicholas Saletnik responded, found the woman and took a report. 4:54 p.m. A motorist on Wood Street reported a car swerved into her lane, causing her to hit a pole. The vehicle took off. Officers Brennan Grimley and Robert Ekross responded and took a hit-and-run report. A tow truck was requested.

June 28 10:44 a.m. A detail officer reported a loose dog on Grove Street. Officer Basit Dennis responded. The dog was subsequently reunited with the dog walker. 1:38 p.m. A caller reported youths entered a Main Street building and vandalized it. Officer Basit Dennis responded and took a report. 5:46 p.m. A caller on Main Street reported a delivery truck was blocking the road, and the caller and the driver were yelling at each other. Officers Robert Ekross and Brennan Grimley responded and spoke with both parties, and the delivery truck was moved. 7:53 p.m. A Pond Street resident reported her neighbor was disturbing her and her family by placing a speaker at the edge of their fence and playing loud and derogatory music and recordings. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Nicholas Saletnik responded and took a report. June 29 8:59 a.m. A caller reported her daughter was involved in a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Main Street, and she left the scene without getting the other driver’s information because he drove off. Officer Brittany Firth assisted and took a report. 12:03 p.m. A motorist reported he may have struck a goose on West Main Street near Golden Pond. The animal control officer was notified. 1:28 p.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a motor vehicle accident on Cedar Street and took a report. 1:55 p.m. Multiple callers complained about downtown traffic flow during construction. One person stated one side of traffic was moving while the other was not. One caller reported sitting in traffic on Cedar Street for 40 minutes while trying to get a half-mile to the lights. Another caller reported sitting for 40 minutes on Route 135 westbound and moving just a half-mile in that time. The callers were seeking better ways of directing the traffic. The complaints were logged. 5:32 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident on Ray Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and reported no personal injuries.

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