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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 21 | No. 20 | October 14, 2020
Schools play it safe with closures By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer
T
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
he decision to close schools for two days recently after two high school students tested positive for COVID-19 allowed necessary time for contact tracing, superintendent Carol Cavanaugh told members of the Hopkinton School Committee at the Oct. 1 meeting. “There was the potential for many close contacts” to the affected students, she said. High school students attend seven classes and could have 28 close contacts in one classroom alone. Representatives from the Department of Public Health advised students of all ages with high school siblings not to attend school, which helped “trigger the decision” to close school, Cavanaugh said. “We decided to err on the side of caution,” she stated. Students could lose as many three days of in-person instruction during the 14 days of quarantine, and this
CENTURY CLUB
Rita Doucette, a resident at Fairview Estates in Hopkinton, celebrated her 100th birthday on Sept. 25 with a party and a parade of classic cars — led by a police escort — through the center of town.
Schools | 9
INSIDE
Police chief takes pride in town’s jail diversion program
VIEWPOINT
By Jerry Spar Managing Editor
Health director hopeful about safe Halloween
T
ELECTION
Early in-person voting set to start Oct. 17
f Hf
Jail diversion | 7
6
NEWS FILE PHOTO/STEVE MCGRATH
his summer’s national protests that demanded changes in policing included a call for more people trained to handle mental health issues, individuals who would be better prepared than police to deal with those suffering from psychological or substance-abuse issues. Hopkinton appears to be well ahead of the curve on this issue. For five years the Hopkinton Police Department has taken part in a jail diversion program, partnering with the Framingham-based nonprofit Advocates. Hopkinton is part of a regional program called ASHH that includes Ashland, Sherborn and Holliston. The communities
2
The Hopkinton Police Department has participated in a jail diversion program for the past five years.
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Resolution sought regarding historic building’s future
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22 Pinecrest $320k UAG 12 Pinecrest $331k 6 Pinecrest $331k 183 South St $535k 81 Brookdale Circle $385k 18 Ledge Court $202k 37 Hosmer $185k UAG 10 Main St $181k
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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
Hopkinton Independent
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: Jean Cann, Lyn Calkins, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Gethin Coolbaugh, Jennifer L. Grybowski
contact us
FOR ADVERTISING: Contact Susanne Odell Farber Cell: 508-954-8148 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com FOR MAILED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Contact the Hopkinton Independent Office: 508 435-5188 or Email: Sales@HopkintonIndependent.com EDITORIAL COMMENTS AND INQUIRIES, including Letters to the Editor should be emailed to Editor@HopkintonIndependent.com
Letters to the Editor must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for verification. Letters should be no more than 400 words, and the Hopkinton Independent offers no guarantee that all letters will be printed. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking volunteers and sponsors.
alloween has a few things going for it in terms of being a pandemic activity. Many trick-ortreaters already are wearing masks, and they’re outside. The primary concern is contact with residents giving out treats. So Hopkinton health director Shaun McAuliffe is encouraging people to minimize contact — anything that brings people within a few feet of each other. McAuliffe said he inParticipants in last year’s Wicked Run to $5K show off tends to “promote a standard their costumes. This year’s event will be held virtually. Halloween with slight modifications.” Among the guidelines: Participating homes should illuminate their driveway, front porch or side porch. Candy should be placed on a porch or small table. Residents should remain inside, behind their storm door (at least 6 feet away). Children should only travel with nuclear family members, and families should stay distanced from each other. And of course everyone should wear face coverings, use sanitizer and thoroughly wash their hands when they return home. “Obviously if you are sick, under quarantine or isolation, you should stay home and not participate,” McAuliffe added. “Inside, private parties are strongly discouraged.” Hopkinton Community Partnership is hosting its trunk-or-treat event, called Dress Up and Drive Thru, at Faith Community Church on INDEPENDENT Oct. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The organization worked with McAuliffe THOUGHTS to make some modifications so that the event is in compliance with the gathering orders. JERRY SPAR According to organizer Heather Smith, as of Oct. 7 about 25 people had committed to participate by decorating their vehicle’s trunk. Attendees will drive through the assembled trunks in the church parking lot while a DJ plays Halloween music. At the end, children will receive a bag of candy. Admission is $20 per vehicle. Check the Hopkinton Community Partnership Facebook page for more information, or email heathersmith09@verizon.net. Last year’s event, held outside Marty’s, drew about 40 cars and 250 children and raised close to $3,000, Smith said. Proceeds from this year’s event are targeted for Hopkinton schools. “We’ve been trying to raise money for the schools, supporting the teachers with any supplies they need,” Smith said. The organization also is sponsoring a “Boo Bag” fundraiser, in which people order a goodie bag ($7 for one, $10 for two) to be delivered to someone’s house. Meanwhile, the annual Wicked Run to $5K at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts will be virtual. Organizers added a live component with the addition of a scavenger hunt. See Page 5 for more on that event. Independent thoughts | 3 PHOTO/HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.
Health director hopeful about safe Halloween H
Try our HALLOWEEN true or false test! Q1: Dr. Lecter has his good friend Clarice Starling over for dinner. While they are preparing the meal, Dr. Lecter accidently pokes Clarice with his knife, giving her a small cut that will require stitches. Dr. Lecter’s homeowner policy will cover Clarice’s medical expenses. Q2: Michael Myers is driving to the local Halloween Ball at the high school. Since he is wearing his silly mask he does not see the vehicle stopped in front of him and collides with it. Since Michael is wearing a mask or face covering the insurance company will not pay the claim. Q3: While floating on a giant flamingo and having a
Mai Tai, Freddy Krueger accidently pops his neighbor’s inflatable pool thus destroying it. Do not worry, Freddy’s homeowner liability coverage will pay to repair his neighbor’s pool, due to Freddy’s negligence.
Happy Halloween
Answers: Q1 True. Q2 False. Q3 True.
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The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2
Veterans Breakfast makes return
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
The monthly Veterans Breakfast returned Oct. 2 with a gathering at the Town Common. The event, organized by Senior Center director Amy Beck, had been on hiatus during the pandemic. Master of ceremonies Hank Allessio, who handles State Rep. Carolyn Dykema speaks at the Oct. 2 outreach and provides upVeterans Breakfast held at the Town Common. dates on fellow veterans — as well as military historical information and sports trivia — was recognized for his volunteer work. State Rep. Carolyn Dykema was among those who spoke. In addition to bringing together local veterans to share stories and maintain their camaraderie, the event is a display of generosity, as often times someone steps up to cover the costs of the breakfast as a tribute to the veterans or in memory of a loved one or friend.
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Hikers warned to be wary of hunters Fall deer hunting season has started, and the Hopkinton Trails Club reminds hikers/ walkers to be careful when in the woods. Hikers should be aware of which areas are open for hunting and when (there is no hunting on Sundays), and avoid the prime hunting times of dawn and dusk. It’s also recommended to wear blaze orange clothing — at minimum a hat. Trails Club member John Ritz called particular attention to the trails in the Town Forest/Cameron Woods off Winter Street, which are heavily used and open for hunting. “Some of those trails continue into land owned by Russ Phipps, who graciously allows responsible access but is closing his trails during hunting season this year,” Ritz noted. Bow and arrow season began Oct. 5 and runs through Nov. 28. Shotgun season is Nov. 30-Dec. 12, and muzzleloaders can be used Dec. 14-31. Ritz said there is no official map listing hunting areas, although one is in the works, and “in most cases there will be signs” at the trails. In the meantime, some information can be found at hopkintontrailsclub.com and mass.gov/hunting-regulations.
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Wright honored by Mass. Realtors
Chuck Joseph
Congratulations to Bill Wright, one of the broker/owners of RE/MAX Executive Realty, who recently was named winner of the 2020 Massachusetts Association of
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Independent thoughts | 5
Presents
‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’
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Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest
This issue’s winner is Shari Matza for this photo of Bennie enjoying Hopkinton State Park at sundown. 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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All photos must be submitted by individuals 16 and over. The photo must be high resolution, and not submitted for use by any other media outlet. Winners will pick up their gift certificate at Bill’s Pizzeria.
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The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Bill’s Pizzeria.
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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WETLANDS REGULATION PROGRAM Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period Wetlands Protection Act Regulations Variance - M.G.L. c. 131 §40, 310 CMR 10.00 401 Water Quality Certification Variance – 33 U.S.C. 1341 and M.G.L. c.21 §§ 26-53 and regulations at 314 CMR 9.00
Notice is hereby given that a request is being made of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to waive certain regulations by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). This request seeks a variance of the Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131 §40; Act) and the associated wetland regulations (310 CMR 10.00). Notice is also provided that MassDOT seeks a 401 Water Quality Certification pursuant to the requirements of 314 CMR 9.00 for the discharge of dredged or fill material to an Outstanding Resource Water (ORW). Applicant: Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division; 10 Park Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 02116 Property Owner: Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division; 10 Park Plaza, Room 4260, Boston, MA 02116 Project Location: I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project; Interstate Routes 495 and 90, Hopkinton and Westborough, Massachusetts MassDEP Wetland File No: 188-1712 (Hopkinton), 332-910 (Westborough) MassDEP Water Quality Certification Transmittal No.: X286737 The required Public Hearing for this application will be conducted remotely via Zoom on October 27, 2020 at 4:00 PM, which is an online platform for video and audio conferencing and mobile collaboration. Prior to the meeting you can download the free software and sign up for an account at https://zoom.us on your phone, tablet, desktop or laptop computer. It is recommended that you test connectivity/functionality in advance of the meeting. To participate in this Remote Public Hearing please use the following link at the scheduled 4:00pm, October 27, 2020: https:// virtualmeeting.link/I495/I90Variancemeeting or those without a smartphone, tablet or computer, or those having audio trouble may also dial into this Remote Public Hearing by calling: 833-5480276 and entering Meeting ID: 952 4777 2548 Passcode: 074987 Public Comment Deadline: November 17, 2020 The Wetland and Water Quality Certification variance request is for a project entitled: I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project
MassDOT is proposing improvements to the I-495/I-90 Interchange in the Towns of Hopkinton and Westborough, Massachusetts. The Project proposes to replace the existing substandard ramp geometry with an Interchange ramp configuration that meets appropriate interstate-interstate standards, improves safety by eliminating conflict points, reduces congestion, and improves traffic operations. The Project will provide seven new direct and semi-direct connection ramps between I-495 and
I-90. The provision of direct connection ramps will reduce congestion and eliminate conflicting weaving movements, as all vehicles utilizing the Interchange will no longer be routed through the former toll plaza area. The proposed design will maintain one Interchange traffic movement on a low speed ramp, from I-495 southbound (SB) to I-90 eastbound (EB). This loop ramp will be reconstructed with a larger curve radius to allow for a proposed design speed of 40 mph (compared to 30 mph under the existing condition). In addition to reconfiguration of the existing Interchange, the Project proposes upgrades to the associated interstate mainlines and bridges within the limits of work including: • Full replacement of I-495 northbound (NB) and SB bridges over the MBTA Commuter Rail Worcester line and I-90 • Full replacement of I-90 EB and westbound (WB) bridges over the MBTA Commuter Rail Worcester line
• Full replacement of the Fruit Street Bridge over I-495 • Superstructure replacement of I-495 NB bridge over Flanders Road • Replacement of a culvert carrying I-90 over Whitehall Brook
• Resurfacing and shoulder widening along I-90 • Shifts to the horizontal alignment of I-495 NB
• Widening of I-495 NB between I-90 and Route 9 EB off-ramp for a northbound auxiliary lane
The proposed Project will permanently impact approximately 86,709 square feet (SF) of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW), 1,380 linear feet (LF) of Bank, 7,506 SF of Land Under Water Bodies and Waterways (LUW); 55,107 SF (58,840 cubic feet (CF)) of Bordering Land Subject to Flooding (BLSF); 48,597 SF above existing degraded Riverfront Area (RA); 11,092 SF of Isolated Vegetated Wetlands (IVW); and temporarily impact 238,703 SF of BVW, 1,708 LF of Bank, 12,763 SF of LUW, 155,854 SF of BLSF, 106,524 SF of RA, and 783 SF of IVW. Mitigation will consist of both wetland restoration and improvements to the existing stormwater management system which will directly improve the quality of stormwater runoff. An overall mitigation ratio of approximately 2:1 will be provided in the form of on-site wetland restoration at the location of the northwest and southeast interchange loop ramps, which are proposed to be removed as part of the Project. As part of a 21-day public comment period to solicit comments on the Project, MassDEP will conduct a remote public hearing via Zoom, as described above, on October 27, 2020 at 4:00 PM and will consider all additional written comments on these Variance applications received by November 17, 2020 (Public Comments Deadline.) Within ten days of the date of issuance of the Commissioner’s decision on the Wetlands Variance, any person who submitted comments during the public comment period may, according to the procedures specified in 310 CMR 10.05 (7)(j),
request an adjudicatory hearing on the decision. Within twenty-one (21) days of issuance of the Commissioner’s decision on the Water Quality Certification Variance, an adjudicatory hearing may be requested on the decision in accordance with the procedures specified in 314 CMR 9.10. Any ten persons of the Commonwealth, any aggrieved person, or any governmental body or private organization with a mandate to protect the environment that has submitted written comments may also appeal the Department’s Certification. Failure to submit comments before the end of the public comment period may result in the waiver of any right to an adjudicatory hearing. Additional information regarding this application including copies may be obtained by contacting Edward Hutchinson at Tetra Tech, 100 Nickerson Road, Marlborough, MA 01752, by email at ed.hutchinson@tetratech. com. Project plans and documents are also available for review by appointment only at the address below. Individuals wishing to comment on the above referenced project are requested to submit written comments either by mail or by email to the addresses shown below on or before November 17, 2020.
Thomas Gruszkos, Mass DEP, Wetlands and Waterways, One Winter Street, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02108 Email: Thomas.Gruszkos@Mass.gov
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The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 5
HCA/ESL to host ‘Wicked’ fun Halloween events This year’s Wicked Run to $5K is a virtual fundraiser for Enter Stage Left Theater and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.
By Michelle Sanford Contributing Writer
W
ith familiar Halloween traditions up in the air right now, the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and Enter Stage Left Theater are determined to provide some wicked fun for the community with a couple of events celebrating the All Hallows Eve holiday. Prior to the pandemic, ESL Theater, in collaboration with the HCA, held an annual Wicked 5K Road Race with participants dressing up in costumes on race day. However, because such races are not permitted to take place right now, the organizations put their heads together to put a new twist on this year’s race. The Wicked Run to $5K Virtual Race is a costumed run, walk, (or even dance) that aims to not only celebrate the spirit of Halloween but also help to raise funds for ESL Theater and the HCA. Interested families or individuals can sign up at no cost online to be part of the event’s fundraising team. “Then, on Halloween, you can dress up in your costume and walk or run or dance the 5K around your neighborhood,” explained HCA co-executive director Kelly Grill. “But we want to make it clear that you don’t have to run or walk to fundraise.” Anyone who raises $250 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of AirPod Pro wireless earbuds. The virtual race’s premier sponsor is Unibank. Not a runner but still want to have some fun on Oct. 31? Why not take part in the HCA’s town-wide Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Anyone who signs up for the scavenger hunt will be emailed a list of locations in town around 6 p.m. on Oct. 30. Those locations might be various Hopkinton landmarks, businesses, or ghostly sites such as a graveyard. Then, on Halloween Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., participants will travel to each location and take pictures in front of each site. When finished, come to the HCA to show staff those pictures to receive a bag of candy. Even sweeter? All those who complete the scavenger hunt will be entered to win a $100 gift card from Amazon.
each other’s resources. Now the HCA’s staff is assisting ESL, and HCA members receive benefits such as discounts to ESL performances and other participation fees. “It’s been in the works for quite a while,” Grill said of the merger. “It just works better if we’re all under one organization; many saw us that way anyway. We have great synergy together. It’s really a win-win for everyone.” For more information on the scavenger hunt and Wicked Run to $5K, including signing up to take part, view hopartscenter.org. For questions, call 508-4359222.
Independent thoughts from page 3
PHOTO/HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Grill said there is no age limit to take part in either the 5K or the scavenger hunt. “We want people and families of all ages taking part and having fun,” she said. A Halloween costume contest will also be part of the events. So, everyone is encouraged to post photos of themselves to the HCA Facebook page all dressed up. Prizes will be awarded. Like all organizations, Grill said the HCA is having to think outside the box to keep events moving forward and the HCA open. “We’re finding ways to do things. It’s definitely a challenge, but we have to be creative these days,” she said. Approximately one month ago, the boards of directors of the HCA and ESL Theater made the decision to merge the two organizations in an effort to bring together
Realtors Good Neighbor Award. The Good Neighbor Award recognizes one Realtor in the state for his or her community activism. Among his many charitable/volunteer endeavors, Wright was instrumental in founding the RE/MAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation in 2009 and has been on the board since its inception. With a stated goal of improving the lives of people in need in the general area by providing financial or service-based assistance, the foundation has provided grants totaling over $200,000 to local families in need, including many in Hopkinton. “I can’t think of any person more deserving of the Good Neighbor Award than Bill Wright,” said Massachusetts Association of Realtors CEO Theresa Hatton. “His service to his community, and his passion to help others are unmatched, including his work with the RE/MAX Charitable Foundation raising over $200,000 on behalf of families in need.” Said Wright: “I am honored and humbled to receive the Good Neighbor Award. This award represents not just my efforts, but the efforts of so many other amazing volunteers who have worked together to accomplish our vision of ‘Neighbors helping neighbors.’ ”
Trina Macchi & Co Listing Activity Year to Date
Listed and Sold
LIST
11 S. Mill Street Lot 19, Hopkinton $1,139,000
SOLD
$1,139,000
SOLD/LIST
Listed and Sold
LIST
SOLD
SOLD/LIST
100%
174 Lumber Street, Hopkinton
$899,900
$877,815
98%
16 Highcroft Way, Hopkinton
$495,000
$490,000
99%
5 North Pond Way, Hopkinton
$625,000
$615,000
98%
11 Anna Place, Holliston
$860,000
$855,000
99%
50 N. Mill Street, Hopkinton
$795,000
$800,000
101%
21 Breakneck Hill Road, Hopkinton
$829,000
$829,000
100%
10 Jamie Lane, Hopkinton
$930,000
$955,000
103%
23 Eastview Road, Hopkinton
$499,900
$570,000
114%
1 North Street, Hopkinton
$774,900
$765,000
99%
46 North Mill Street, Hopkinton
$789,000
$830,000
105%
28 Elizabeth Road, Hopkinton
$1,149,000
$1,115,000
97%
10 North Mill Street, Hopkinton
$749,000
$759,900
101%
39 Connelly Hill Road, Hopkinton
$1,249,000
$1,220,000
98%
17 Francis Drive, Upton
$749,900
$749,900
100%
$689,000
$675,000
98%
10 Greystone Lane, Hopkinton
$820,000
$860,000
105%
4 Fruit Street, Hopkinton
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12 Suban Place, Unit B, Newton
$1,299,000
10 Emerson Way, Hopkinton
$1,299,000
19 John Matthew Road, Hopkinton
$1,689,000
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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
Early in-person voting at Senior Center Oct. 17-30 T
he town clerk recently announced that early voting in person for the Nov. 3 state election will be offered from Saturday, Oct. 17, until Friday, Oct. 30. Due to occupancy issues at Town Hall, the Board of Registrars voted on Sept. 29 to hold early voting in person at the Hopkinton Senior Center (28 NEWS BRIEFS Mayhew St.). Voters will not use the main entrance, but will enter through the library door and will exit through the side door once they have voted. Mask wearing as well as social distancing will be required to protect election staff and fellow voters. The hours for each day at the Senior Center will be as follows: • Saturdays/Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. • Fridays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. This will serve as a supplement to voting by mail and in-person voting at the polls on Nov. 3 to better spread out voting and limit potential COVID-19 exposure in the community. Those returning a mail-in ballot should not take it to the Senior Center. To hand deliver that ballot, place it in the 24/7 secure drop box at Town Hall.
Residents asked to review sign regulations The town sent out a press release Oct. 1 requesting residents be aware of the regulations regarding the display of temporary signs on their property. The
regulations are contained in zoning bylaw 210-179, and the enforcement of the regulations falls under the purview of the Building Department. The regulations state: No more than two temporary signs may be displayed on a lot, neither of which shall exceed 8 square feet in area. A temporary sign shall not be displayed for more than 30 days. For 30 days before and up to two days after a municipal, state or federal election, there is no maximum number of temporary signs permitted. All temporary signage must be on the homeowner’s property and not in the public right of way, nor on town-owned property. Flags and insignias of governmental jurisdictions are exempt from the bylaw. “The Building Department recognizes the rights of our citizens to voice their opinions and offer their heartfelt feelings through the use of signs on their front lawns, but at the same time we are also receiving numerous complaints that the signage has had a negative effect upon Hopkinton’s image as a bucolic community,” reads the release, which came from zoning enforcement officer Charles Kadlik.
Hazardous waste collection Oct. 17 The Department of Public Works is hosting a household hazardous waste collection day on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the DPW facility at 83 Wood St. The collection is for household hazardous products only. Items should be kept in their original, sealed
containers when possible. Households are limited to one trip and 25 pounds of products. This is for Hopkinton residents only (be prepared to show ID). Individuals should wear a mask and remain in their car while a DPW staffer removes the items from the vehicle. For more information, including examples of items that will and will not be accepted, check the DPW page at the town’s website (hopkintonma.gov) or call the DPW at 508-497-9740.
Survey of residents open until Oct. 31 The town recently made available a survey for residents to complete. The survey, which was mailed to a limited number of residents earlier in the summer, now is open to all residents. The survey closes on Oct. 31. According to an email sent to residents by Town Manager Norman Khumalo, “The Town is undertaking a survey of resident opinions about community and services in collaboration with the National Research Center. Your responses regarding the quality of services, public trust, and community characteristics are extremely important to us. The survey results may be used by staff, elected officials, and other stakeholders for community planning and resource allocation, program improvement, and policymaking.” More information, including a link to the questionnaire, can be obtained from the Town Manager’s Office at 508-4979700 or vdutta@hopkintonma.gov.
HopkintonIndependent.com
DPW seeks plow contractors The Town of Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works seeks qualified plow contractors, driving their own equipment, to become part of its team this winter. The DPW offers competitive rates and calls its plow contractors for every plowable storm. The qualified contractor shall have a good driving record and reliable equipment. The competitive rate that is paid depends on the equipment. Contact the Highway Department at 508-497-9768 for details. … The DPW also is seeking a qualified candidate for the full-time position of assistant foreman in the Highway Division. Applications received by 4 p.m. on Oct. 22 will receive first priority, and the position will remain until filled. For details and an application, visit the town website at hopkintonma.gov or email hr@hopkintonma.gov.
Senior Center assists with SMOC applications The Outreach Department at the Hopkinton Senior Center is assisting residents of all ages with applications to the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) for the upcoming home heating season. State income guidelines must be met — for a household of one it’s $39,105, for two it’s $51,137, etc. Call 508-497-9730 for more information or to make an appointment.
The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 7
Police chief takes pride in town’s jail diversion program Jail diversion | from page 1
share a co-responder, a social worker who rides with police to calls in an effort to direct those in need to get the necessary help. “I’m so excited to reassure the community that we’re on top of this and we’ve been doing this for a long time,” Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett said during a recent appearance on HCAM’s Hopkinton Hangout Hour. “I’m really passionate about this program. It really does deliver the next level of care to the community, especially to those in crisis and those in need.” What’s more, Bennett said the program costs the town “almost nothing,” as the majority of it is covered by Bureau of Justice assistance grants through the Department of Mental Health. Ashley Scionti is the clinician who handles calls in the ASHH communities. “What [the program] does here is it puts Ashley in our cruisers going to calls,” Bennett explained. “She is one of your first responders. If people call in crisis or with a psychological or maybe a substance-abuse problem or something where you might need someone who has a little more training and need to speak more about from a care level, Ashley, she’s in the training room, she jumps in the car and goes to the call.” With the clinician addressing the issue, individuals can be kept out of jail and directed to the care that will be more beneficial to them. “We go to a family in crisis because they don’t know who to call,” Bennett said. “They call the police. The police bring a resource, and that family member or loved one stays in the community. Their care has begun. They’ve been given immediate on-site care. They might have gotten an evaluation. They have referrals. They’ve been given the resources and what they need to move forward. “Some of these people are just in a moment in a long-term program, and sometimes it’s a matter of just jumpstarting that care. And this is a layman’s explanation of it. But for many people it’s their first time, and they don’t know how to navigate this system, and they don’t know how to get resources, and they don’t know the contacts. In a matter of an hour, all that’s jump-started. Keeping someone in the community is the ultimate success. Dragging someone away and putting them in the cell block is an ultimate failure.” Scionti not only does psychiatric evaluations on the scene and provides resources, she gives police a better understanding of how they might handle a similar situation. In addition to providing formal training to officers, Scionti said, “Informally, me being along with the officers responding to calls, they learn through observations and my way of working with individuals. So I think that’s a huge and really awesome benefit.” Added Scionti: “What we know is that after a year of having a clinician embedded within the program within the Police Department, the officers’ attitudes have changed towards individuals with mental illness. There was a shift, a positive shift, where officers felt more confident working with individuals, handling calls involving mental health. Also they self-reported being less authoritative in their attitude, their demeanor. So there’s great value I believe both directly and indirectly working with police departments.” Bennett supports that assessment. “For me, the program, I’ve watched
this change our culture, our mindset about handling these substance-abuse and mental health calls,” he said. “It’s created a cultural paradigm shift. It’s amazing to me once the ofAshley Scionti ficers became comfortable and through exposure to the clinician … it really has changed everything. Before we used to respond to someone who was in crisis, and the tools we had was to inadequately Section 12 them [emergency restraint and hospitalization] or send them to the hospital, which didn’t offer enough information to give the person assessing at the hospital the right information they needed. Or you would arrest them for disorderly [conduct] or disturbing the peace, which serves only to stop the crisis in the moment but really didn’t serve the people, didn’t serve the families, didn’t serve the person in crisis in any real way of value. An hour later, the family would be down picking the person up, and they’re no better off for it, and now this person has a criminal record, they have to go to court.” There are 15 communities in Massachusetts served by the Advocates program, and Bennett predicts it soon will expand based on the current climate. “It probably will become the national model,” he said. “Speaking with people from Advocates, plenty of people are reaching out and wanting to expand this program to other states.” Bennett said the jail diversion program is a worthwhile investment, and he hopes those calling to “defund” the police understand its importance. “If you want to put money somewhere, let’s get some money in these programs and copy this model,” he said. “Don’t tear this apart, don’t look to defund this program. This model works. … It’s tested, it’s proven.” According to Bennett, the Advocates program is just one more reason Hopkinton residents should feel confident that their call for assistance will get them results. “Our biggest fear is that someone might be suffering in silence because they don’t know who to call, and they’re reluctant to call the police,” he said. “Rest assured we’re your one-stop shopping. If you don’t know the answer to a question, call us. Our dispatch communications center is trained to triage a call and get the appropriate response, whether it’s Youth & Family Services, the Building Department, whatever resources in the community.”
HPD announces drug return program The Hopkinton Police Department announced a new program offered by the MED-Project (Medication Education & Disposal) allowing residents to properly dispose of prescription drugs by requesting a free, prepaid mail-back envelope sent directly to their home. For more information, visit MEDProject.org/MA or call 844-633-7765. Residents also can visit the station and dispose of unwanted medication in the lobby drug box. The next DEA National Drug Take Back day is scheduled for Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
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Girl Scout project focuses on young voter registration By Megan Murchie Contributing Writer
F
or her Girl Scouts Gold Award project, Hopkinton’s Julianna Lucas sought to encourage her classmates to make their voices be heard. Lucas produced an educational video titled “The Importance of Youth Voting,” which encourages participation and explains the process for registering and submitting a ballot. The video, narrated by town clerk Connor Degan, starts with a powerful quote from Abraham Lincoln: “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” The video notes that in the last presidential election only 46 percent of Americans between the ages of 18-29 voted — compared to 70 percent of those 65 and older. It encourages young adults to change that trend, because, “Your vote does matter.”
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I hope that the video inspires high schoolers to actually vote and not take the ability to vote for granted. — Julianna Lucas The Gold Award, the Girl Scouts’ highest honor, is a minimum 80-hour project that drives lasting change in the community. For her project Lucas landed on this topic because she believes that the lack of young voter registration is a big problem in today’s society, and if education and resources are provided young voters will gain the confidence needed to vote and make their voices heard. “Exercising your right to vote is the basis of our democracy, and registering to vote is the first step in enacting this right as a U.S. citizen,” she said. Originally she had planned to focus solely on increasing the registration of young voters through registration Lucas | 9
HopkintonIndependent.com
The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 9
Schools play it safe after HHS students test for COVID Schools | from page 1
could lead to losing “an awful lot of ground,” she said. Teachers have the autonomy to share information with quarantined students through various methods, including Zoom, email, Schoology, video and after-school Telehelp. Teachers are “very, very willing” to ensure quarantined students “make effective progress,” Cavanaugh said. Teachers will be “attentive and empathetic” to the students. Elementary schools could be in a different position if positive cases were determined there, Cavanaugh noted. Because the entire cohort is together much of the day, all students likely would be considered close contacts and would be quarantined. This would result in teachers working with all students remotely.
“That would never work at the high school level,” she said, because students attend multiple classes with different students. Timing was also part of the issue. With notification of one of the cases on a Monday evening, after the end of the school day, time was needed to procure class lists and make the necessary specific notifications. Committee chair Amanda Fargiano said closing the schools was a “good preventative measure” to allow for contact tracing. This “avoided further shutdown.” Meanwhile, Cavanaugh emailed families to make sure everyone understands the protocols to follow in order to keep schools open. Among the guidelines are: 1. If a child or anyone in the family has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive person, the child should stay
home from school. Parents should reach out to their pediatrician as well as the Hopkinton Health Department (508-497-9725) for guidance. 2. When a child is determined to be a “close contact” because that student has come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person in the schools, that close contact must be quarantined for 14 days, even if the close contact’s PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test comes back negative. Close contacts then lose in-person learning days for the duration of their quarantine. 3. COVID-19 cases are going to be in town and inadvertently in the schools; therefore, the schools need everyone to work toward stopping the transmission of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, staying socially distanced, staying home when sick, disinfecting, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Girl Scout project focuses on young voter registration
Thank you Hopkinton
Lucas | from page 8
drives and advertisements such as posters throughout the high school. However, as her project proceeded she found that education on the voting process was needed. Lucas filled that need by making a video on how to vote and the importance of voting in elections. She received a video clip from Congressman Joe Kennedy explaining the impact of the youth vote. Lucas said she was “very thankful for his response and it turned out perfectly.” “I hope that the video inspires high schoolers to actually vote and not take the ability to vote for granted,” she added. The video is posted on the Hopkinton High School website under the Students & Family tab along with a link to register to vote. It also can be found at the HCAM website. There was some talk of it being implemented into the government classes at the high school, depending on the curriculum and nature of the class for this school year. The pandemic hit right in the middle of Lucas’ project. “In a way it was nice because it gave me more time to work on it,” she said. However, it proved to become a challenge when it came time to edit her video. “Staying socially distant while editing the video with HCAM was a pretty big obstacle,” she noted, although, “Using new resources like Zoom made it easier.” After the start of her project, Lucas reported an increase of voter registration, according to statistics from the town clerk’s office. A part of this increase comes directly from the success of her registration drives, where students registered on-site. This is especially important given the upcoming presidential election, making it critical that all eligible U.S. citizens participate in the electoral process. Lucas also credited Degan, her content advisor, for helping educate her on the voting process and fact-checking the information she was putting out. The project will have successfully completed the requirements of the Gold Award by creating a long-lasting impact on the youth of Hopkinton. The biggest thing Lucas wants students to take out of her project is the importance in the voting process and how impactful their vote can be.
4. In regard to siblings of those who are quarantined as close contacts, the following criteria must be met in order to return to school: The close contact quarantined student must take a PCR test and be determined to be negative and be symptom free, and the close contact quarantined student must have a place within the household where that student can be isolated from all other household members. Only if these criteria are met may the sibling of the close contact quarantined student return to school. 5. If a child is unwell or shows any of the following symptoms, the child should be kept home: Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.
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SENIOR SNIPPETS
The Hopkinton Senior Center remains closed to the public, but the staff remains available to assist residents. Call 508-497-9730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For a more extensive listing of programs check Ourseniorcenter.com/find/ Hopkinton-council-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.
Lunch Program
The Senior Center, partially funded by a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation, is running a limited takeout lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. While there are limited quantities, anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. Cost is $2 per meal.
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Non-Financial Planning for Retirement Post-Coronavirus
Friday, Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m. A non-financial retirement plan must incorporate lessons learned from coronavirus experiences, such as how to deal with uncertainty, how to improve social networking skills, questions to ask while making travel plans plus so much more. This presentation (offered live via Zoom) will be led by Henry Quinlan, author of an upcoming book, “How to Build Your Emotional Pension In a Post Coronavirus Era.” Pre-registration is required.
Calling all Jigsaw Puzzlers
Monday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For those who are tired of the same puzzles and would like a new one, the Senior Center is offering a puzzle pickup day. Participants should preregister so the center can make sure to have the correct number of puzzles to share. Puzzle donations are welcome.
Meditation & Movement Class With Jeanne Friswell
Friday, Oct. 23, noon This class will be held outside, on the center’s back patio, so call ahead if concerned about the weather. Class size is limited to nine. Social distancing and masks are required, and a health checklist must be signed in advance. Pre-registration is required.
Halloween Happenings
Monday, Oct. 26, noon Trick-or-treating returns to the Senior Center. Seniors are invited to stop by in their costumes for a socially distanced photo op and pick up a slice of apple crisp and a Boy Scout-decorated pumpkin. Participants are asked to pre-register by Oct. 16 so the center can have each person’s apple crisp and pumpkin ready. Photos might be featured on the Senior Center Facebook page.
Trivia
Friday, Oct. 30, 12:30 p.m. Participants will test their knowl-
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edge of music, history, current events and so much more. A list of questions will be created by the Council on Aging staff. The trivia champion will be announced in an upcoming issue of the Hilltopper. Pre-registration is required by calling the Senior Center at 508 497-9730.
Our Time Memory Cafe
Call for dates (Virtual) Our Time Memory Cafe is a welcoming gathering for those experiencing forgetfulness, mild cognitive impairment or living with dementia, and their care partner, family and friends. The cafe is a place to socialize, share experiences with others going through similar changes, and form friendships. A care partner must accompany anyone who requires assistance. The program is a joint venture between the Hopkinton Senior Center and Hopkinton Public Library. For more information or to register, call (508) 497-0108 or email info@ ourtimememorycafe.org.
Stretch Class With Dr. Binh
Tuesdays, 9-9:30 a.m. This class will be held outside, on the center’s back patio, so call ahead if concerned about the weather. Class size is limited to nine. Social distancing and masks are required, and a health checklist must be signed in advance. Pre-registration is required.
TED Talks
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. In 1984 TED Talks were created to bring technology, entertainment and design information to the curious and open-minded public. These videos cover a wide array of subjects and always lead to lively discussion and conversation. The Outreach Program at the Senior Center will have casual TED Talks group meetings over Zoom for one hour every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will consist of viewing a video and then discussing it. The program is free. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-497-9730.
Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment (walkers, bath seats, canes, crutches — but no longer commodes), for Hopkinton residents’ use only, is available to be loaned out free of charge. Wheelchairs, both standard and transport, require a $25 refundable deposit and are limited to two months.
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The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 11
Sports
KD
Hillers boys XC ready to run
Meet with me NOW to plan, strategize and make suggestions for improvements.
By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
D
espite not having a league or district meet to look forward to this fall due to the pandemic, the Hopkinton High School boys cross country team is determined to make the most out of the modified and shortened fall campaign. “I think a lot of them came in with a personal goal and that’s motivating them on an individual level,” said first-year coach Laura McKenzie. “But they have a team goal as well, I think they came in wanting to win all of our meets.” The Hillers will not compete against all the usual Tri-Valley League foes, but instead will participate in a smaller “pod” of teams that are geographically closer. Hopkinton was scheduled to open the season Oct. 10 at Medway, and later will run against Ashland, Bellingham, Norton and Holliston, if all goes as planned. McKenzie steps up to the varsity program after spending nine years coaching at the middle school, which has given her a great deal of familiarity with her athletes. “They are a really nice team,” she I think a lot of them came in with a said. “They want to personal goal and that’s motivating be together, they want to run together, and as them on an individual level, but they a team they had high have a team goal as well, I think they expectations for the season. We’ve had to came in wanting to win all of our readjust those goals meets. a little bit, but they still want to win all of — Coach Laura McKenzie their meets.” For McKenzie, the season will be a balancing act between helping the runners hit whatever their individual goals might be while also keeping up a strong team framework. She said the group of returning seniors, including the five captains, have been providing excellent leadership so far. Nick Brown, Colby Michaud, Jake Chirco, Andrew Moore and Jack Watson will serve as captains. Fellow seniors Justin Wade and Jackson Schlussel also figure to be among the team’s strongest runners, McKenzie said. The Hillers will feature a great deal of depth, with several talented juniors, at least five strong sophomores and some incoming freshmen who have shown promise. McKenzie said some of the younger Hillers have been seriously pursuing the sport since they were in the sixth grade. “These guys are raring to go,” McKenzie said. “I had them in middle school, so for me this is fun and it’s exciting.” McKenzie said she is enjoying the opportunity to continue working with the runners as they reach their potential. “I would have them for two years and see kids who really liked running develop a deep love for running, then they would go off to high school and I would watch them from afar,” she said. “Now I feel grateful that I have the opportunity this year to be with these kids I coached in middle school.” Added McKenzie: “I know it’s an unusual year, but they are a great team, so I feel lucky.” The Hillers have shown a willingness to follow the sport-specific restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which include wearing a mask when in close proximity to another runner and trying to avoid close contact altogether. “They are running with their masks, they are staying apart,” McKenzie said. “They want a season and they don’t want to be the reason not to have one, so I think it’s very motivating for them. I have been really impressed.”
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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
HHS girls XC prepares for unusual 2020 season By Chris Villani Contributing Writer
I
PHOTO/CHRISTINE DELUCA
n a normal year, the Hopkinton High School girls cross country team already would have started by the middle of September and would spend the fall gearing up for the big meets at the end of the season. But nothing is normal about 2020, and instead Hopkinton will run a pared-down schedule against nearby schools due to the pandemic. With the usual quest for championships out of the equation, coach Jean Cann said the team has opted to focus more on “process goals” this fall. “They’ve found, this past year in particular, that there is so much out of their control and I give them credit for staying motivated when all summer they didn’t know when their next race was going to be,” Cann said. “They have risen to the occasion, putting in the miles over the summer, training on their own, and doing the little things they need in order to be ready.” As such, Cann is not lowering expectations for what some of her stronger runners might be able to accomplish. Olivia Jones figures to be the Hillers’ top runner after finishing fourth in Division 1 at the all-state meet a season ago and earning Tri-Valley All-Star recognition. Jones, who recently committed to the University of Florida, was one of six TVL All-Stars Hopkinton had on its roster a season ago. Greta Field also returns as a senior captain, and senior Hope DeLuca is back for her second year after switching over from field hockey.
The Hillers, shown at last year’s Tri-Valley League showcase, return all of the girls pictured except for Schulyer Gooley (1065). The team is led by seniors Greta Field (1060) and University of Florida-bound Olivia Jones (1072), along with sophomores Autumn Tumbleton (second from left) and Alessandra Luce (1078), junior Lisa Levandosky (third from right) and senior Hope DeLuca (right).
Autumn Tumbleton and Alessandra Luce are back for their sophomore seasons after strong rookie campaigns that saw them both place in the top five at the state divisional meet. The pair have learned to run together and pace one another, Cann said, and both will benefit from having a year of experience under their belts.
Grace Joy added depth to the 2019 Hillers despite breaking her ankle, and Cann said she is expecting even more from Joy this year. Katie Callery, Lisa Levandosky, Caitlin Barnes and cocaptain Abigail Casady are expected to contribute as well. Hopkinton also has a fairly large crop of freshmen joining the program.
HopkintonIndependent.com
“Most of them are fairly new to running distance so there will be some learning for them to do,” Cann said. “We will get them excited about the sport and hopefully build more towards the future.” Their indoctrination to the sport will be different than any other year. Hopkinton has 49 runners on the roster but, due to COVID-19 restrictions, can only race up to 20 girls per meet. Cann said the coaches sent around a survey asking girls whether they were interested in competing. “Some of them like to be part of a team but they could take or leave the races,” she said. “We are going to try to give everyone who wants to race at least a couple of opportunities.” Hopkinton has had to change its preparation for the year but has adapted well, holding team meetings and yoga sessions over Zoom. Still, Cann said it’s been different not to see the athletes every day at school. The runners also will have to get used to wearing masks during races — the first of which was scheduled for Oct. 10. “It’s going to be a little challenging, especially when you’re racing hard,” Cann said. “But we are hoping they can get enough distance and space that they can pull their masks down when they are running. We will do what we can to keep everyone safe.” A rule banning spectators at meets not only means no family members or fans along the course, but the noncompeting members of the team will not be able to cheer on their teammates. “We will try to make sure we keep that team spirit,” Cann said.
The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 13
BUSINESS PROFILE: AN ADVERTISER FEATURE
Studio Ampersand offers holistic approach to academic tutoring The tutors at Studio Ampersand will work to make a child’s education successful this year.
By Deborah Burke Henderson Contributing Writer
C
ierra Henderson, founder of Studio Ampersand in Holliston, is passionate about helping young people reach their greatest potential, both in academics and personal growth. Studio Ampersand offers expert tutors qualified to teach all ages from elementary through high school in all subjects with individually tailored curricula appropriate for one-on-one or small group sessions that may be held virtually or in person. Programming is affordable and the results measurable. “We recognize every student has a different learning style and pride ourselves on matching qualified tutors to students’ individual needs,” Henderson stated. “With this holistic approach, we help young people understand how they learn best, become accountable, and control and influence their own education and progress.” Initially the lead tutor at Studio Ampersand, Henderson now serves as the overall service coordinator and tutor director. She ensures students and their parents are excited about and satisfied with the educational experience, and the company then provides whatever level of support and resources might be needed throughout the program experience. Her goal is to ensure a productive learning environment which contributes to every child’s academic success and personal growth. Henderson takes ample time when first meeting or speaking with parents to learn as much as possible about the incoming student and then determines the right tutor match. A “meet and greet” is scheduled, either online or in person, to make sure the chemistry is right. Finally, a personalized curriculum is designed, and a tutoring schedule established. Some students receive a few hours of tutoring a week while others may require more. Studio Ampersand offers a “pay as you go” model. For those parents interested in having an in-person meet and greet or learning experience, Henderson is delighted to announce a recent partnership with Venture X Marlborough, a shared workspace that offers meeting rooms that are regularly sanitized, have adequate air filtration, and offer hand sanitizers and hand-washing stations. Studio Ampersand staff also will schedule a meet and greet in a family’s backyard, following all the necessary safety protocols of wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing. “We want parents to know Studio Ampersand can be that support system which makes their child’s education successful this year,” Henderson said. “We are rewriting the educational narrative and focus on ensuring that our students thrive in every situation.” Once progress is achieved in academics, parents often request assistance for their high schoolers who need help with college test preparation. During the summer, Henderson offered free SAT and ACT prep classes, with a goal of keeping students motivated and on top of their skills.
Henderson hopes to instill a love for life-long learning in students who are using Studio Ampersand’s services. “The most rewarding parts of this work are seeing a child’s confidence grow and outlook mature, along with their improved academic progress,” Henderson said. From their one-on-one programs to materials, Studio Ampersand strives to be the educational company relied on by students, parents and schools. To learn more, visit studioampersand.org or call 508-474-5009 with questions or to register. Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Hopkinton Independent advertisers.
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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
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Historical Commission seeks answers about decaying building at 83 East Main By Jerry Spar Managing Editor PHOTO/HOPKINTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION
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he decaying 19th century-era house at 83 East Main St., sitting on a parcel of land next to Weston Nurseries, was the primary topic of discussion at the Oct. 6 Historical Commission meeting, with members agreeing to reach out to developer Roy MacThe house at 83 Main St., next to Weston Nurseries, Dowell to see if they dates back to about 1875. could agree on a reasonable solution regarding its future. As part of the contract with the town when he purchased the land from Weston Nurseries for the Legacy Farms development, MacDowell agreed to preserve and repurpose the historic building, estimated to have been built around 1875. Two years ago MacDowell, who had pushed to demolish the house and build a replica, agreed to the commission’s request to restore the home. However, the commission has softened its stance, especially with the house continuing to deteriorate. “What we determined [at a previous meeting] in June is pending resolution of the debt between Legacy Farms and the town of Hopkinton that we would make inroads or solicit the property owner, Roy MacDowell, in a dialogue to offer an opportunity to do what I will call the Chesmore [Funeral Home] model, basically replace in kind,” chair Mike Roughan said. “No action was taken pending resolution of the debt. Now that the debt has been reconciled, I think it’s time to take action.” Added Roughan: “It is an iconic location, it’s the top of a curve. The structure is, for me, a legacy Victorian farmhouse style that is consistent with a lot of other structures in town. It represents an era that I think deserves to be preserved. The problem is, what is the best use.” For an extended version of this story, check the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent.com.
LIBRARY CORNER
HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Fall Session
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.
October StoryWalk Throughout October
The library’s Children’s Department presents an October-themed StoryWalk, available for viewing anytime. It will remain displayed through October as long as the materials last the weather. The StoryWalk is located on the back wall of the library (adjacent to the parking lot). The featured story is: “How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow?” by Wendell Minor.
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Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-4:30 p.m. For pre-K through Grade 2, this small-group bingo session, held via Zoom, is for children to practice preprimer sight words. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link prior to the start of the program.
Alphabet Bingo (pre-K-Grade 2)
Created to work with Hopkinton Schools Hybrid schedule.
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 4-4:30 p.m. For pre-K through Grade 2, this small-group bingo session, held via Zoom, is for children to practice letter recognition and letter sounds. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar. Registrants will be sent a Zoom link prior to the start of the program.
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Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4-4:30 p.m. Children’s librarian Mrs. C will host a small-group Readers Circle on Zoom. Kids will take turns sharing a book they are reading or have read. Kids should
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have the title and author of a book for the meeting. Registration is required.
Catalyst High School Book Group
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. Via Zoom, high schoolers will discuss issues by reading some great young adult (YA) fiction — issues like systemic racism, immigration, #MeToo, prejudice and LGBTQ+. The first book is “This is My America” by Kim Johnson. Copies are available for pickup at the library. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar.
Grade 8/9 Book Group
Thursday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. For this YA book group on Zoom the first book is “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo. Copies are available for pickup at the library. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar.
Grade 6/7 Book Group
Thursday, Oct. 29, 3 p.m. For this YA book group on Zoom the first book is “Efren Divided” by Ernesto Cisneros. Copies are available for pickup at the library. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar.
YA for Adults (and Grades 11/12) Book Group
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. For this YA book group — open to adults and students in Grades 11 and 12 — the first book is “Girl, Unframed” by Deb Caletti. Copies are available for pickup at the library. Registration is required via the library’s website calendar.
The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 15
Police Log Editor’s note: Due to space limitations, this is an abbreviated version of the Police Log. For the full Police Log visit the Hopkinton Independent website at HopkintonIndependent. com.
September 22
12:39 a.m. A School Street resident reported a Black Lives Matter sign was vandalized with spray paint. Officer Stephen Buckley checked the area and logged the incident. 4:05 p.m. The Milford Police Department reported a two-car motor vehicle accident on Interstate 495 and one occupant who left the scene. Officers Derek Morton and Brendon Lyver responded to assist and subsequently located the individual. No injuries were reported. The State Police took a report.
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animal control officer. 11:34 p.m. A caller reported a cow on the loose that walked into a yard on Williams Way. Officer Stephen Buckley responded and was unable to locate the animal.
September 24
9:27 a.m. A Wood Street caller reported a sign was stolen from her yard. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded and spoke with the caller and the incident was logged. 9:37 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street resident reported her package was stolen. Officer Moira McGaffigan left a message for the reporting person, and the incident was logged. 1:32 p.m. A caller reported his wife’s purse was stolen in Milford and the phone inside the purse had been tracked to Hopkinton. Officers Matthew Santoro and Moira McGaffigan responded and checked the area of Hayward Street with a negative find. 7:27 p.m. A Peter Porcaro Drive caller reported trapping a raccoon in a dog crate. The animal control officer was contacted.
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September 26
8:03 a.m. A person approached Sergeant Matthew McNeil on West Main Street to report a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident from the previous day. A report was to follow. 8:28 a.m. A Proctor Street caller reported he found a dead deer in his yard. The animal control officer was contacted. 11:42 p.m. Officer Stephen Buckley found the escaped cow on Ash Street from an earlier report. Contact was eventually made with the owner, who unsuccessfully attempted to retrieve the animal. He was to try again in the morning.
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September 23
8:35 a.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers and Officers Matthew Santoro and assisted the school with locating a student on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Powers reported the child was located and was with his mother. All was OK. 1:20 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Wedgewood Drive. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and the vehicles were gone upon their arrival. 1:31 p.m. A caller reported a lowhanging wire and a leaning pole on West Elm Street. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and notified Verizon. 6:06 p.m. A caller reported a mulch fire on Lumber Street. Officer Preston Mucciarone responded along with the Fire Department, and the fire was extinguished.
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September 25
7:45 a.m. Officers Benjamin Stickney and Jessica Ferreira reported a hitand-run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street after discovering damage to a stop sign and front-end damage to a vehicle in the area. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report. 3:57 p.m. A Claflin Place caller reported a dead fox on the side of his house. The animal control officer was notified. 7:20 p.m. An Amazon delivery person reported a dog bit him while he was delivering packages. Officer Jay Deiana took a report and left a message for the
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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
beach is closed after dark. 5:24 p.m. A caller reported a verbal argument between neighbors on School Street. Sergeant William Burchard and Officers Bendon Lyver and Benjamin Stickney responded and reported it was a civil dispute. 9:29 p.m. A caller reported a loose cow on Front Street. The owner and the animal control officer were notified. Sergeant William Burchard responded and checked the area with a negative find. 11:30 p.m. A caller reported a cow on the loose on Ash Street. Officer Tyler Brabham responded, and the cow was gone upon his arrival.
control officer was notified. 7:00 a.m. An Amherst Road resident complained of a barking dog in the area. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and checked the area with a negative find. 1:32 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident with no personal injuries and one argumentative party on Magnolia Drive. Officers Philip Powers and Brendon Lyver responded and took a report. 3:59 p.m. A motorist reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Hayden Rowe Street, where the operator stated his vehicle was sideswiped. Officers Ryan Polselli and Preston Mucciarone responded and took a report.
September 28
September 30
Police log | from page 15
7:04 a.m. A passerby reported hearing an alarm somewhere on Teresa Road. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded along with the Fire Department, and upon investigation an old smoke alarm was found in the trash. All was OK. 1:32 p.m. A caller reported her daughter was missing. School Resource Officer Philip Powers spoke with the caller and a be-on-the-lookout was sent out. A report was to follow. 7:28 p.m. A caller reported a cow in the roadway of Ash Street. Sergeant William Burchard responded and notified the owner and animal control officer.
September 29
6:42 a.m. A Yale Road resident reported a dog barking in the neighborhood since 5:30 a.m. The caller previously had reported this. The animal
7:47 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on Exchange Street. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and notified Verizon and Eversource. 7:56 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on West Elm Street was blocking the road. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and moved the tree off the roadway. 8:44 a.m. A caller reported a stop sign flew up and damaged his car. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and took a report. 9:20 a.m. Officers Matthew Santoro and Philip Powers responded along with the Fire Department to Pine Tree Lane, where a transformer blew and was on fire. Eversource was contacted and responded. 9:53 a.m. A caller reported a large truck lost a large amount of hydraulic oil on Jackson Street. Officer Matthew
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Santoro responded along with the Fire Department and DPW. The Department of Environmental Protection was notified, and the business that owns the truck was to coordinate with the proper authorities to complete the cleanup. 10:02 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on wires on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Brendon Lyver responded and notified Eversource. 4:29 p.m. A caller reported a man holding a political sign was yelling at customers entering a Main Street store. Officer Ryan Polselli responded and spoke with the individual. 10:18 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli removed a tree from the roadway of Wilson Street.
October 1
9:53 a.m. A caller reported a large fallen tree branch on Eastview Road. Officer Jay Deiana responded and notified the DPW. 4:06 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle backed into a tree on East Main Street and the operator appeared confused but uninjured. Officers Benjamin Stickney and Robert Ekross responded and reported the operator’s son subsequently came to pick up the operator and the car. 4:18 p.m. A caller reported a hitand-run motor vehicle accident on Main Street. The vehicle took off and headed on Hayden Rowe Street toward the high school. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to the scene while Sergeant Aaron O’Neil searched for the vehicle with a negative find. Milford and Holliston Police Departments were advised to be on the lookout. A report was to follow. 5:16 p.m. A Mayhew Court resident reported a person driving a dirt bike erratically in the area. Officer Benjamin Stickney responded and located the driver, who was test riding the bike, and advised him to stop. 8:22 p.m. A caller reported a deceased cat in the roadway of East Main Street. Officer Robert Ekross responded and moved the animal to the side of the roadway and notified the animal control officer.
9:55 p.m. A caller complained of a man yelling and screaming on Chestnut Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the individual, who was to go inside for the night.
October 2
8:34 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross checked on a vehicle parked on Hayden Rowe Street and found a person playing Pokémon Go. The individual was moved along. 9:08 p.m. A caller reported a loose Boston terrier with a fluorescent yellow harness on South Mill Street. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded and checked the area with a negative find.
October 3
10:51 a.m. A Parker Point Road resident found a rifle in his basement and turned it in at the station.
October 4
10:23 a.m. A Chestnut Street caller reported his mailbox was stolen overnight. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and took a report. 1:47 p.m. A caller reported an illegal burn on Michael Way. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished. The homeowner was advised of fire regulations. 3:26 p.m. A Lumber Street caller reported a political sign was stolen from her property and she wanted it logged. 9:14 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported two snakes in his basement. Officer Derek Morton responded and assisted.
October 5
1:04 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on wires on Saddle Hill Road. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and confirmed the fallen tree and subsequently contacted Eversource. Officers Moira McGaffigan and Cody Normandin responded and assisted. The DPW was contacted for cleanup.
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The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 17
Obituaries Eugene Calderazzo Eugene E. Calderazzo passed away at his home in Burlington on Sept. 23. He was 88 years old. Eugene was born, raised, and educated in San Donato, Italy. He was the son of the late Peter and Beatrice Calderazzo. As a child, Gene lived through the perils of World War II. He saw his grandparents courageously hide Jews and his family home destroyed by enemy bombs. After high school, at the end of World War II, Gene served his country in the Italian Army as a paratrooper. At the age of 25, Gene and his mom came to the United States as refugees, staying with family in Brighton. Gene would meet his future wife, Mary, at the International Club in Boston. It was love at first sight and they were engaged within three months. They raised their family in Somerville until moving to Burlington in 2006. Gene had a long and successful career as a tile setter, running his own company called E.C. Tile, which was based out of Somerville. Gene worked hard to provide for his family and had a strong work ethic. He was well respected by all his customers. Gene led a full and active life. He was a very social and outgoing man and had many friendships. He enjoyed bowling and playing bocci and was a longtime member of the Brighton Elks. Gene enjoyed making his own wine, sausages and prosciutto. He even had his own wine cellar to preserve the wines and meats that he made. Gene also was an avid gardener and grew his own vegetables. Gene and Mary traveled throughout Europe and the United States. Gene would also go back to San Donato almost every summer to visit his mother, family and friends. Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who lived his life to the fullest! Gene was the beloved husband of 58 years to Mary Ann (Angelo) and the loving father of Peter and wife Teresa of North Andover; Eugene E. Jr. and wife Betsy of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lisa Calderazzo of Hop-
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kinton. He was the proud grandfather of Samantha Calderazzo and husband Eli Shobin; Gianna, Daniela and Dante Gomes; and Leah, Olivia and Caden Calderazzo. He was the brother of the late Italo and Floriana, and brotherin-law of Patricia Angelo and the late Mario of Burlington, and Joe Angelo and wife Annette of Stoneham. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Sept. 28 at St. Margaret’s Church of St. Veronica Parish in Burlington, followed by burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Services were under the care of the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gene’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org).
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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 Obitutuaries | from page 17
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a troubled home life or a broken heart. Next to her beloved children and grandchildren, Gloria’s greatest pleasures included Italian peasant food, finding designer clothes at thrift stores, Audrey Hepburn movies, visits to Boothbay Harbor with Tot and her brother John and wife Marilyn, and anything with whipped cream. In 1973, Gloria returned to work at Upper Darby High School, where she was secretary to several principals over 34 years before retiring in 2007. She took a special interest in students who were troubled or whose families were suffering hard times, helping them with bus tokens, classroom tips, advice and encouragement. Her biggest thrill on the job was meeting comedienne Tina Fey, an Upper Darby alumna. She is survived by her four children: Catherine Buday and husband Robert of Hopkinton; Julia Mullen and husband Michael of Clarks Green, Pennsylvania; Daniel Cipolla and wife Elena of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania; and Maria Boulden and husband Ronald of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Gloria also is survived by her 12 grandchildren: Rachel and Ryan Flynn; John Buday; Matthew Mullen and wife Lindsey; Gregory Mullen; Michael and David Boulden; Daniel Cipolla and wife Catalina; and David, Joseph, Maria and Thomas Cipolla. She also is survived by two greatgrandchildren, Carmen Cipolla and Finley Mullen; her
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brothers, Nicholas DiNatale of Valley Stream, New York, and John DiNatale of Riverhead, New York; and honorary grandchildren Bryan Boulden, Stefanie Harmon, Rachel Mansour, Jesse Buday and Ben Buday. Gloria’s health declined over the past few years, and her family is eternally grateful to the special angels who helped care for her and lift her spirits — including Katherine Wright of Northborough, George Robinson of Hopkinton, canine companions Gus and Rita, and the wonderful staff at Sunrise of Abington, where Gloria was affectionately known as “Momma G.” A funeral mass was celebrated Sept. 30 at Immaculate Conception Church in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Services were under the care of the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home. Her interment was private, but another memorial service is planned for the future when it is safe for Gloria’s many relatives and friends to gather. Donations in Gloria’s honor may be sent to: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, 100 East Wynnewood Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096; World Central Kitchen (wck.org); or Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Citizens, Inc., 28 Mayhew St., Hopkinton, MA 01748.
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Joseph Leo Donovan died quietly at home the morning of Sept. 22 in Kissimmee, Florida. He was born in Boston in 1936. He was a graduate of Boston College and received his master’s degree from Framingham State University. He was a captain in the U.S. Army. He began his time in the fire service in 1952, as a volunteer firefighter in Natick. Among the many positions he held during his career in the fire service were: chief fire marshal at McGregor Missile Range at Fort Bliss, Texas; lieutenant on the Hopkinton Volunteer Fire Department; chief of fire training for the commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he developed the Essentials of Fire Fighting in 1981 for the International Fire Service Training Association; superintendent of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he founded the prestigious Executive Fire Officer Program in 1984; fire chief of the Jackson (Mississippi) Fire Department; and battalion chief of the Orange County (Florida) Fire Rescue Department, serving in many capacities over the 11 years there, retiring in 2010. He has left his wife, Joyce Farley Donovan, and five children: Joseph Leo Donovan Jr., M.D., of Orlando, Florida, Jeffrey Louis Donovan and wife Doreen of Holden, Massachusetts, Julie Anne Donovan Stevens and husband Dan of Clarksville, Maryland, John Paul Donovan and fiancé Gayle Johnson of Kissimmee, Florida, and Kissimmee Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Jeremy Farley Donovan and wife Tina of Orlando. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Joe also leaves brother Paul Donovan of Maryland and is predeceased by brothers HM3 Thomas Donovan, KIA-Vietnam, and Richard Donovan, who lived in New Hampshire. Jody and the entire family are eternally grateful for the many people who have helped them through the past Obituaries | 19
HopkintonIndependent.com
The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020 • 19 Obitutuaries | from page 18
few years and most especially the last difficult weeks. There are no words to adequately thank son John for his extraordinary care. A special thank you to the people at Kindred at Home Kissimmee, Kindred Hospice of Orlando and BrightStar Home Care. There will be no public service. Joe was cremated by Osceola Memory Gardens, Kissimmee, Florida, and brought home by the Kissimmee Fire Department for a short service on Oct. 7. In lieu of flowers the family asks that consideration be given to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (firehero.org). The organization’s mission is to honor America’s firefighters who fall in the line of duty and to support their families. The foundation also helps manage the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park located on the grounds of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The memorial is a striking stone monument encircled by plaques listing the names of all members of the fire service who have died in the line of duty since 1981. It was dedicated in October 1982 during Joe’s tenure at the academy as superintendent.
Ann Forrest Ann Louise Forrest, 87, of Hopkinton passed away Sept. 29. Born in Cambridge, she was the daughter of the late Mabel (Melanson) and Richard Doucette. She was the wife of the late Kenneth David Forrest. Ann had worked for the telephone company until 1967. She was an active daily participant at St. John the Evangelist Church. She enjoyed taking care of her yard, especially her plants and flowers. Ann is survived by her daughter, Kendra Weldon and her significant other, Mark Campbell, and two grandchildren, Kristina and Kyle Weldon, all of Hopkinton. Ann was one of nine children and leaves behind two siblings. A graveside service was held Oct. 3 at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102.
Thomas Ellam Thomas Joseph Ellam, 72, of Hopkinton passed away Sept. 23 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Clinton, he was the son of the late Katharine (Durkin) and Joseph
H. Ellam. He leaves behind his wife, Susan Stevens of Hopkinton; his daughter, Sarah Stevens Ellam and her husband, Leigh Walker, of Hopkinton, and their two daughters, Rhys Ellam Walker and Tessa Ellam Walker; his son Matthew Stevens Ellam and his partner, Deanna Meeske, of Boston; and his son Timothy Stevens Ellam and his wife, Shannon, of Everett. He also leaves behind his sisters, Mary Ellam Lane, Katharine
Ellam and Elizabeth Ellam, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his brother, Joseph J. Ellam. Thomas was a 1965 graduate of St. John’s in Shrewsbury and a 1969 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and he earned his MBA from Babson College. Upon graduating from Notre Dame, he served in the U.S. Army as an intelligence analyst and Vietnamese interpreter in Vietnam. During his long career, he worked in sales and management for Xerox, Nortel and other networking companies. In all of these places, Tom made lasting friendships. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Association, served on the Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee, and coached youth basketball and Little League Baseball. Tom/Dad/Grandpa Tom was a devoted father, beloved grandfather and dear friend to many. He was grateful for the love and laughter of all his close Hopkinton friends, his old-time Clinton friends, and especially his Notre Dame family from across the country. He will be remembered for his unwavering passion for the Fighting Irish, his pursuit of knowledge, his quick wit and, most of all, his love for his family. A funeral mass was celebrated on Sept. 29 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Hopkinton, followed by burial in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Services were under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or Vietnam Veterans of America (vva.org).
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20 • The Hopkinton Independent • October 14, 2020
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