Hopkinton Independent June 2, 2021 by Community Advocate

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HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 22 | No. 11 | June 2, 2021

Town voters stick with incumbents, support questions By Jerry Spar Managing Editor

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

IN TRIBUTE

Kindergartner Sloane Crowe from Daisy Troop 83123 places an American flag next to the gravestone of a veteran buried at Evergreen Cemetery on Wood Street a few days before the Memorial Day ceremony there.

Election | 6

INSIDE

Memory of Hopkinton twins inspires playground communication board Twins Annie (left) and Charlotte Masters, who passed away during the 2019-20 school year, inspired the playground communication board project.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

nnie and Charlotte Masters were twin sisters from Hopkinton who loved playing outdoors during their brief lives. Despite battling a neuromuscular disease and then epilepsy, the girls communicated their joy through their radiant smiles, according to their speech pathologists at Marathon Elementary School, Myah Stone and Lynn Conroy. Charlotte passed away in November 2019 at the age of 5, and Annie died less than three months later, shortly after turning 6. As a lasting tribute to their lives, their teachers decided to create a communication board at their school playground to

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he May 22 Town Election, like Town Meeting two weeks earlier, included a small turnout and no surprises. In the only contested race, incumbents Amanda Fargiano and Meg Tyler easily won the race for the two available seats on the School Committee. All four questions — which already had passed at Town Meeting but needed majority support at Town Election as well — passed by substantial margins. Question 1, the addition to Marathon School, passed 529-243. Question 2, an HVAC upgrade at Hopkinton Middle School, passed 610-160. Question 3, roof repair at Hopkins and the middle school, passed 613-159. Question 4, roof repair at the Hopkinton Police Station, passed 589-181. Fargiano, who serves as School Committee chair, had 584 votes, while Tyler totaled 516. Newcomer Jared Pray recorded 325 votes.

NEWS

Sandy Beach opens with adjustments to policies

MIKAYLA MILLER

Family, supporters continue push for new investigation

SCHOOLS

Masks not required outside, but still necessary indoors

Twins | 8

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2 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

Following ALS diagnosis, Mourey becomes advocate

Hopkinton Independent The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,200 addresses. It’s also available at Price Chopper and Hopkinton Drug as well as at many other local businesses.

STAFF

Publisher: David Bagdon Dir. of Business Development: Susanne Odell Farber Founder: Sarah Lothrop Duckett Managing Editor: Jerry Spar Social Media director: David Bagdon

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.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Editorial contributors: Lyn Calkins, Jean Cann, Michelle Sanford, Chris Villani, Deborah Burke Henderson, Tricia LaCascia, John Cardillo, John Buday, Sandy Quadros Bowles, Christine Strickland, Mary Ellen Gambon

Becky Mourey and husband Jim lead walkers out from the Town Common as part of the 4K 4ALS on May 23.

One year ago, Becky Mourey was enjoying an active life in Hopkinton. Two of her passions are running and playing the clarinet, and she was able to maintain those despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She first noticed a problem when she headed out for a run in the woods with her husband, Jim, and she could not push down the nozzle on a bottle of bug spray. “I had a strong feeling of weakness in my fingers that went along with that,” she recalled. “I didn’t think too much about it, I INDEPENDENT thought maybe it was overuse from playing my instrument. Then THOUGHTS I was noticing that I couldn’t open up my hair clips and was having trouble with the curling iron, little things like that. Then I was JERRY SPAR getting deep aches in my neck and low back, behind my ribcage. But I still wasn’t very alarmed. “Then one day in August, I was sitting on my back deck, I looked down and I could see my right arm wiggling, twitching away. I couldn’t feel it, but I saw it. And I looked down at my left arm and saw it.” After visiting her physician, Mourey underwent a series of tests. “Everything came back normal until I had an EMG [electromyography], which tests your muscles and your nerves,” she explained. “From that they could tell it was affecting my upper and lower motor neurons, which are your nerve cells that are responsible for sending messages to your muscles — muscle movement. They could tell from that that it was concerning for ALS.” Independent thoughts | 3

Kids, jewelry and golf — oh my! 1. Jamie’s son, Treavor, just got his driver’s license. While out driving the family car, he has an accident. Would Jamie’s auto policy cover the claim even if Treavor was not listed as a driver yet? 2. Annette is selling her home. During the moving process her $10,000 necklace disappears. Would her homeowner policy cover the claim? 3. Leigh and Connell are out golfing. While driving the golf cart, Leigh accidentally runs over Connell’s foot, causing serious injury. Would Leigh have any coverage for the injuries through his auto or home insurance? Answer 1: Yes, a newly licensed driver has 60 days to be added to the policy. Answer 2: No, if the jewelry is not “scheduled” there is no coverage for mysterious disappearance. Answer 3: Yes, Leigh’s homeowner insurance would provide coverage. His auto policy would not provide coverage.

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 3 Independent thoughts | from page 2

Following additional tests and a second opinion from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), her diagnosis was confirmed: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. “One of the problems with ALS is it’s really hard to diagnose,” she said. “There are really no clear biomarkers yet. They’re working on that. So it’s really testing anything else that could affect your motor neurons and ruling them out. I was hoping I had other things that were manageable.” Mourey continues to teach music, but she has not been able to play her clarinet for more than six months. Running also is in the past, although she still walks, either outside or on the treadmill. Aside from occasional painful muscle cramps, she is mostly pain-free. “My legs are much stronger than my arms,” she said. “They’re getting weaker and it affects my gait somewhat. Sometimes I feel like a toddler learning to walk. It makes my gait really awkward. And I’m definitely slower. I was a runner. I was running before this happened. But I can walk, I can get up and down stairs, and I’m very thankful I can still do all that.” Mourey’s new passion, which she’s taken on with help from her husband, son Tyler, daughter Ali and friends, is spreading awareness about ALS and raising money to fund research toward treatment and a cure. She joined an advocacy group called I Am ALS. She is participating in a clinical trial at MGH. And on May 23 she partnered with the nonprofit ALS One (alsone. org) to host a 4K 4ALS, a walkathon at the Town Common. The event was a lead-up to June 2, when Major League Baseball will celebrate the inaugural Lou Gehrig Day to promote ALS awareness. “One of the things I’m working to change is education,” Mourey said. “I had such a huge learning curve. I want people who are newly diagnosed to not have to overcome that by themselves. So I’m involved with groups that are figuring out ways to do that.” She also scheduled a meeting with Rep. Jake Auchincloss to solicit his help in pushing for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to more quickly approve drugs that are being used in other countries but that are not yet OK’d for use in America. “Right now ALS is 100 percent terminal,” she said, noting there is a life expectancy of 2-5 years after onset. “I would like to take that from terminal to at least manageable like other neurological diseases like MS and Parkinson’s. I prefer cured, but I’ll take manageable.”

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PJB starts campaign for own building Project Just Because announced last month that it has started a fundraising campaign to purchase its own building. The Hopkinton nonprofit currently leases a facility on South Street. It plans to buy a building on the same street and move in by July of 2022. The goal is to raise $2.5 million. “We cannot continue scrambling for space and dedicating more and more of our budgets to escalating rents; we need a permanent home,” the organization stated in a press release. Project Just Because was founded more than 20 years ago, originally operating out of a Hopkinton basement, the release states. It has grown to become one of the area’s largest pantries — serving 40,000 clients in 2020 — providing food, clothing and other necessities to individuals and families in need.

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HHS car parade June 5 For those who missed the announcement last month, following the success of last year’s graduation car parade, Hopkinton High School is running it back again for the Class of 2021. This year’s event is Saturday, June 5, starting at 10 a.m., and it follows the same route as last year, passing all the schools in town — including the defunct Center School. The event is the day after graduation, which will be held in person at the HHS football field, starting at 6 p.m. Graduates are being allowed four guests each at the field, and two for a watch party at the HHS Athletic Center. Both events will be broadcast on HCAM-TV and livestreamed on HCAM’s Youtube page.

New trees needed on Town Common Many of the beautiful shade trees on the [Town] Common are dead or dying. There are town funds available in the Holman Trust Fund to replace these shade trees. The town paid Weston & Sampson 10 years ago for a tree-planting program for the common. The plan suggested planting four shade trees each year in anticipation of trees in declining health. Why has the plan not been implemented? Shade trees have been removed but not replaced. Parks and Rec should address this issue.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

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4 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

As summer begins, new policies in place for Sandy Beach Parks & Rec is trying to limit the use of Sandy Beach by nonresidents this year.

By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

emorial Day unofficially kicks off the long-awaited summer season. In Hopkinton, it also marked the start of new policies in effect at Sandy Beach, where a residents-only sticker policy is being implemented. “Prior to last summer, Sandy Beach has always been open to the general public, not just Hopkinton residents,” explained Parks & Recreation Department director Jay Guelfi. “It was open to anyone if they were willing to pay the daily fee. Or if they wanted to launch a boat, they could get a trailer sticker.” However, last summer, with increased usage due to the pandemic, the Parks & Recreation Commission decided to limit access to Hopkinton residents for safety reasons — although the commission had been contemplating changing the policy for the past few years. “We noticed with fewer people on the

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We noticed with fewer people on the beach, it was safer, it was friendlier and it was a little less difficult logistically for people to get in and out of there.

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beach, it was safer, it was friendlier and it was a little less difficult logistically for people to get in and out of there,” Guelfi said. Over the past several years, there had been a much higher influx of out-of-town visitors who appreciated its natural charm and smaller size. During the peak season, this is a popular amenity for Hopkintonians. Because of this, residents will need to purchase stickers ($50) for access. Boat trailer passes ($100) also will need to be purchased, either for the day or the season. Passes are free for residents 65 and older. They must be displayed on vehicle windshields, even when staff is not present. Any vehicle without a pass will be subject to a $100 fine. A number of improvements will welcome residents as they enter the park. The entry point is now at the parking lot rather than the beach gate, where residents can purchase their stickers and have them checked by a staff beach attendant. The parking lot has been relined and repaved to better accommodate vehicular traffic. Guelfi was quick to thank the Department of Public Works and the Highway Department for their assistance in completing the parking lot repairs and installing new signage. Guelfi also credited police and fire personnel for providing valuable input on the policy. The police will be monitoring the beach after dusk to enforce the curfew and direct traffic at closing time. Parks & Rec Commission member Cynthia Esthimer was part of a study committee formed to analyze all aspects of the beach, from the functionality of the boat ramp and the parking lot to the lifeguards. The committee included Esthimer, members of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association (LMPA) and a former Select Board member. The group came to the conclusion that residents would be best served if the park were exclusively for them to prevent overcrowding. Parks & Rec program coordinator Jennifer Hart said that the parking pass program will be subject to tweaks as feedback comes in. She noted that while the park closes at dusk, residents with stickers could enjoy an early evening swim, although lifeguards will not be present at that time. “We want residents to know that if you don’t have a beach pass, you’re going to receive a ticket,” she said. “The message is you must have a beach pass visible on your car or your trailer.” This policy actually had been in the works for several years, especially following a drowning two years ago, but the pandemic heightened the awareness of keeping the area a safe and enjoyable recreational space for residents, according to Hart. “A young boy from Worcester drowned in the evening hours, and it happened that he was not a resident,” Esthimer said, noting that the 9-year-old and his caretaker did not speak English as a first language. “This encouraged Parks Sandy Beach | 5

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 5

‘Peace Dreamer’ book created during time of little hope

Sandy Beach | from page 4

By Evanya Mathur Contributing Writer

heryl Melody Baskin (who goes by Melody) knew she was unlike most others from a very young age. Her “shy nature and hopeful approach to everyday life” was something rather different from the rest of her peers. Baskin fostered these traits into her new book, “Peace Dreamer: A Journey of Hope in Bad Times and Good.” The Hopkinton resident started writing the book in October 2020, published it through her own company, Cheryl Melody LLC, and made it available (via Amazon) in March. In the book, Baskin addresses the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic and ways she coped with it.

Writing saved my life, my sanity, kept me grounded, and kept me clear through it all.

As summer begins, new policies in place for Sandy Beach

Cheryl Melody Baskin’s latest book “Peace Dreamer,” discusses staying positive during trying times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

& Rec and the LMPA and our chiefs to put in a call box that requires no language interpretation and is wheelchair accessible. We have changed the signage with [Hart’s] help with visual images so it need not be language specific. “There was quite a bit of trauma in the town with young families who tried valiantly to save him and ultimately found him before the police arrived,” she noted. There will also be a grab bag with goggles and safety equipment on hand for people to access in case of emergencies, according to Esthimer. Guelfi said employees at the beach will be ready to assist in whatever manner necessary. “We are bringing back a very seasoned team of parking attendants and lifeguards this season,” he stressed. “We feel confident that our team is going to be very, very good.”

Esthimer added that there have been allowances for residents along the lake in Upton and Milford to purchase passes to enjoy boating and swimming “to make them continue to feel welcome.” She also said there is still public access to the lake, which is under the purview of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The public boat ramp for canoes, kayaks and small boats is on West Main Street. “We’re asking all the residents to see Sandy Beach as an asset to the town, a real gem, and we’d like people to really treasure it and make a good, healthy event of going there,” Esthimer said. “Part of this push is that it takes a village to take care of it and preserve it,” Hart added. “We’re not trying to be the Grinch. We are doing this with the best intentions.” For more detailed information about the pass program, go to hopkintonma. myrec.com.

— Cheryl Melody Baskin “I just had so much inside of me during the pandemic, like everyone did, everything from our societal divisions to our medical crisis,” Baskin said. “Writing saved my life, my sanity, kept me grounded, and kept me clear through it all.” In the book, Baskin also discusses the power of chakras — a Sanskrit term that refers to energy centers in the body — and positive affirmations, and the effects they can have on the mindset of people going through different parts of their lives. “It has been so powerful in so many various aspects of my life, and it really just keeps you grounded in who you truly are,” she said. This has been Baskin’s calling from a very young age. “I knew that I always wanted to do this,” she said. “It is what brings me joy.” As a writer, singer and motivational speaker, she “found a new, more inclusive meaning to love and peace” throughout the pandemic. “It has been a year of hurting and a lot of division, with police brutality and people dying, it was very heavy. But I used that strength to create some light,” she said. “It was really a gift.” Baskin is a veteran author and publisher. She wrote the prequel to “Peace Dreamer,” called “Heart-Dreamer: Stepping Into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams — No Matter What” in 2019. She also is the creator of nine award-winning albums, and recently was honored with the Visioneers International Network’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Baskin’s website (cherylmelody.com) delves deeper into her work experience, her career and an overview of her various writings and works. “My collection just keeps on growing, and I am just so grateful to be able to talk to more people and share my unusual take on this mysterious world,” she said. Her primary advice to any reader, listener, or writer: “Just write what you believe will have an impact.”

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6 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

Town Election turnout small; Select Board lauds outgoing Herr Election | from page 1

PHOTOS/JERRY SPAR

The results were preliminary, although town clerk Connor Degan said he did not expect much to change before the election was certified late last week. Degan reported that there were 811 total voters, representing just 6.3 percent of the town’s 12,823 registered voters. The Select Board will see a change, as Brian Herr elected not to run. His seat was taken by Muriel Kramer, who returns after serving as Select Board chair about 15 years ago. At its May 18 meeting — which was held in person at Town Hall for the first time since switching to Zoom last year during the pandemic — the Select Board bid farewell to Herr, paying tribute to the longtime board member by singing his praises and gifting him an engraved wooden chair. “What Brian brings to the town is immeasurable,” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said, adding: “Every one of Brian’s decisions has been for the best of the Town of Hopkinton. … He always put the town before himself.” Tedstone credited Herr with spending “a lot of time behind the scenes” sharing his knowledge and teaching the current chair how the board works. Said Tedstone: “The town is going to experience a massive loss in the knowledge of municipal finance, overall how government runs, etc., etc.” Select Board vice chair Irfan Nasrullah concurred. “The institutional knowledge that we’re losing with Brian is huge, and I think that his decisions have always been well thought out,” he said. “We

The Estevam family — parents Thao and Jose with daughters Emma and Julianna — checks the precinct chart before voting in the May 22 Town Election.

haven’t always agreed, but I can always say that his decision-making was in the best interest of the town. It’s a huge loss.” Board member Amy Ritterbusch credited Herr, a former Republican turned independent, with staying true to himself. “I’ve always appreciated Mr. Herr’s independent spirit, and that he is not afraid to disagree with someone that he usually agrees with,” Ritterbusch said. “He always has a well-reasoned opinion and is not afraid to speak up.” Town manager Norman Khumalo said Herr was always available to return a call or check in on an issue. “The professionalism that you brought to our work is unheard of,” Khumalo said. “I honestly wonder

Election officials feed ballots through a voting machine at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym.

We haven’t always agreed, but I can always say that his decision-making was in the best interest of the town. It’s a huge loss. — Select Board member Irfan Nasrullah, on departing board member Brian Herr where do you get the energy, where do you get the time?” Herr, who has spent 12 years on the board, including formerly serving as chair, closed the meeting by crediting the leadership and employees of the town for their effort and dedication. It’s been a great ride,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed 96, 97 percent of it.” Herr said he recalled former Select

Board member Mike Shepard telling him upon Shepard’s retirement from the board, “The most rewarding jobs that you will do in your life are those where you don’t get paid.” “I thought it was a great line then, and I think it’s a great line that applies to today for me personally,” Herr said. “This has been a great job. I’ve really enjoyed it an awful lot.”

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 7

Parks & Rec gains momentum with dog park, skate park plans By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

Skate park

Coordinator Jenny Hart said that the new skate park should be ready for construction as early as the fall, according to Pillar Design Studios. “If we really push this though the summer, we could be building this in the fall,” she said. “Pillar Design has it opening in the fall because a couple of their other projects fell off their radar.” A skate park meeting was held two weeks ago when 12 people provided input and the design was “tweaked” by skate park enthusiasts. One change is that the skate park will be elevated a bit in case of drainage issues. The fill will come from the dog park. Next steps are getting permits and field testing.

he Parks & Recreation Commission welcomed newly elected commissioner Amy O’Donnell to the team at its meeting May 26 and discussed projects that are gaining momentum, including the dog park and the EMC skate park. O’Donnell replaces longtime member Bob Dobinski, who is moving out of town. The board voted to reorganize, with current chair Dan Terry unanimously reelected 4-0. Cynthia Esthimer was chosen as the vice chair and also was unanimously elected by a 4-0 vote. “I’m honored that people are in favor of me continuing with another year of this,” Terry said, adding that there are other opportunities for leadership. Each member takes on a liaison role for a project or issue of particular interest to them, and members will choose those assignments at the next meeting on Monday, June 7, at 5:30 p.m.

Dog park Director Jay Guelfi said the dog park is on track to open in August. He met with consultant Andrew Leonard and Cole Construction on May 24, and the site was be staked out soon. “They have a six-to-seven-week window to complete the dog park, which he is pretty certain that he will be able to do,” he said. It will include an irrigation system to wash down the surface area, as it will not be natural grass.

Pickleball potential Pickleball could be a nearby future option at Fruit Street, Guelfi said. “When we were walking toward the lacrosse wall, Andrew Leonard is positively convinced that they could build two full pickleball courts in that area,” he said, noting the exploding interest in the sport. “It’s just something to consider, if we want.” At that point, an analysis could be performed next year and the commission could decide to proceed with a proposal and an eventual Town Meeting request. “There’s a huge amount of interest in that,” said commissioner Liisa Jackson. “That area is ready to go.” A request would go through the Community Preservation Committee. O’Donnell raised the concern about parking. Terry noted that most players participate on weekend mornings. “We can’t have 12 more people parking there on a Saturday or Sunday morning,” he said, as the area already is packed with youth soccer and lacrosse at those times. He put forth the idea of a second proposal for pickleball courts near the dog park. Guelfi noted that the cost would be higher there, as land would have to be cleared. “That adds to the cost of it, but it’s not a crazy amount,” Terry said.

Murals at EMC Park Ilana Casady from The Hopkinton Cultural Council presented five mural designs, which were all approved to go forward. The murals were created by people who are from backgrounds that are underrepresented in Hopkinton, including Asian and Indigenous artists, she said. Murals included wings, blue flowers and hearts. Terry asked that the pictures and a short narrative from the artists be displayed on the Parks & Rec website, and that was approved. The murals will be painted along the fence leading to EMC Park. The unveiling tentatively is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, with a rain date of the following day.

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Fruit Street turf field Several commission members toured the Fruit Street artificial turf field with consultant Ian Lacey. “He came to the pretty quick conclusion that we’ve probably got another year or two on it max,” Guelfi said. “We should start to think about the process of field replacing.” Lacey offered consulting and assessing services to see if replacement would be necessary. The members agreed that field testing would be the first step before any work could be contemplated. “I get that he wants to do an end run here and do everything from determine when we need to replace it to interim maintenance to design the new field,” Terry said. “But I think what we really need now is to have the testing occur. Unfortunately we can only do one step at a time.” Esthimer agreed, saying that the 13-point analysis would be advisable. The main concerns should be safety and cost. Guelfi said when the field was constructed in 2010, it was expected to last 8-12 years. An assessment would strengthen the case at Town Meeting. “We’ve done a great job in maintaining it and it’s lasted longer than we expected,” Terry said. “That’s good news.”

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8 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

Memory of Hopkinton twins inspires playground communication board

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Among those taking part in a ceremony at EMC Park on April 28 to celebrate the posting of a communication board, designed for children with autism and others who need help verbalizing thoughts, were (from left): Parks & Rec director Jay Guelfi, Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation marketing manager Elizabeth Monroe, Flutie Foundation director of program operations Lisa Collins, Flutie Foundation program coordinator Ellen Fitzpatrick, Parks & Rec Commission member Laura Hanson, speech and language pathologist Lynn Conroy, Marathon Elementary School principal Lauren Dubeau, Parks & Rec coordinator Jenny Hart, Hillers Pizza owner Peter Sismanis, Hopkinton Police Officer Phil Powers and Flutie Foundation executive director Nick Savarese. Missing was speech and language pathologist Myah Stone, who came up with the idea along with Conroy.

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help all children, but particularly those who have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts, to be able to understand one another’s needs. Now the idea has been adopted by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, with the goal being to have one in every city and town statewide. “Lynn and I had wanted to create this playground communication board at Marathon,” Stone said. “The afternoon we came back to the preschool after Annie’s wake [in early February 2020), we were very motivated and inspired to start.” They began the process by interviewing teachers to collect the appropriate vocabulary. They integrated them using a system called the Modified Fitzgerald Key, which color codes words by their part of speech. It provides icons that display an activity or object that children can point to, showing activities they would like to engage in or questions to ask. Some examples a child can point to are graphics to ask what someone’s name is, explain that he or she wants to play on a slide, or indicate a need to use the bathroom. “The purpose of it is not only to help kids who are nonverbal to be able to communicate with each other but to help kids who have articulation difficulties,” Stone said. “But they are really meant for all children to be able to use to communicate and express themselves. “A lot of children have anxiety or social skills problems and need little help getting organized at recess,” she continued. “They can be used to help make play plans.” The pair designed the aluminum sign, which took about 8-10 hours to complete, Conroy said. They made signs for the town’s other elementary schools — Elmwood and Hopkins — as well as Marathon. “Funding from the district was huge,” Conroy said. The support of team leader Mary Lynn Freedman, the special education department staff, director of student services Karen Zaleski and assistant superintendent Jen Parson was critical to the success of their initiative.

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“Lynn and Myah really put their hearts into it,” Freedman said. “The communication board creates equity and makes sure that every child will be able to have a welcoming place to play. We were happy to support their effort with grant funding.” The Flutie Foundation became involved this past fall when Hopkinton resident Ellen Fitzpatrick, the foundation’s programs and operations coordinator, visited the Marathon playground with her daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. “She immediately knew what the sign was and knew its power,” Conroy said. “She contacted our principal, who contacted us about creating a sign for the EMC [Park] playground that would be modeled on the preschool sign. Myah and I said we would love to help.” The sign was dedicated April 28, with the Masters family and representatives from the school and the Flutie Foundation present. “Essentially I was inspired by the one at the Marathon and the story that Myah and Lynn shared about Charlotte and Annie,” Fitzpatrick said. “I collaborated with them and asked if we could share their template. The rest is history.” In addition, at the EMC playground there is an 8.5-by-11-inch sign explaining the purpose of the communication board to adults and how best to utilize it. This sign was partially funded by the Hopkinton Police Department and Hillers Pizza. “It is also useful for English language learners who may not know the language well,” Fitzpatrick said of the communication board. “There are sentence starters to help them break the ice. In my eyes, it helps to level the playing field.” Fitzpatrick said the foundation’s goal is to see such a sign in each of the 351 communities in Massachusetts by 2023, the 25th anniversary of the Flutie Foundation. Some of the foundation’s members are involved in the creation of the signs. “It is really mind blowing that we are going to have 350 more of these communities have these signs,” Conroy said. “It just brings tears to my eyes to know how the love of those little girls is just living on and how they can help kids play together. “One of our big mottos at Marathon is, ‘It all starts here,’ ” she added. “And it is so special to know that this all started right here.”

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 9

Hopkinton exits off I-495 to be renumbered T

he Hopkinton exits off Interstate 495 are to be renumbered in the next few weeks, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced. MassDOT stated on May 12 NEWS BRIEFS that the exits are in the next group to receive new signage as part of the ongoing program that began last fall. Work was slated to begin May 16 on all I-495 exits between Middleborough and Amesbury and be completed within five weeks, weather permitting. Due to a Federal Highway Administration requirement, Massachusetts is updating almost all its highway exits to a milepost-based system, moving away from the sequential exit numbering method that had been the norm in the state. This will provide national uniformity, make it easier for drivers to determine distances and allow for more accurate emergency response, according to MassDOT. Hopkinton’s eastbound exit will change from 21A to 54A, while the westbound exit will change from 21B to 54B. The new signs will include panels indicating the old exit numbers. Those are to remain for at least two years. The entire state sign-update program is estimated to cost $2.8 million, and 90 percent is being paid for through Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds, with the state covering the remaining 10 percent, according to MassDOT.

Town leaders get high marks At its May 18 meeting, the Select Board discussed the performance evaluations for the police chief, fire chief and town manager and had high praise for all three. There are five categories to which each individual could be rated. Police Chief Joseph Bennett, who just completed his first year, was given the second-highest ranking, indicating that he “achieves and sometimes exceeds expectations.” Fire Chief Steve Slaman received the top ranking, indicating he “achieves expectations regularly.” Town manager Norman Khumalo received the second-highest mark. Goal-setting for the upcoming year was scheduled to be discussed at the June 1 meeting. … The Select Board also was informed of the hiring of Kimberly Ciaramicoli as the new conservation administrator, replacing the retiring Don MacAdam. Ciaramicoli, who started May 25, was assistant conservation administrator for Framingham from 2016-19 and has been an environmental specialist for Power Engineers since 2019.

Exit signs including this one on I-495 are scheduled to be changed as part of a milepostbased numbering system the state is adopting.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

Boston Marathon bibs distributed The town received 50 Boston Marathon numbers from the Boston Athletic Association to distribute to local groups for fundraising. After some discussion at its May 18 meeting, the Select Board determined that one bib each will go to the following 30 organizations: Baypath Humane Society, eHop, The Michael Lisnow Respite Center, Project Just Because, National Brain Tumor Society, Hopkinton Garden Club, Hopkinton Women’s Club, Hopkinton Lions Club, Demons Youth Hockey Association, Mental Health Collaborative, Hopkinton High School Class of 2023, Friends of Hopkinton SEPAC, Hopkinton Education Foundation, Hopkinton PTO, Hopkinton High School Business Professionals of America/Robotics, Dignity Matters, Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse, Hopkinton Boys Youth Lacrosse, Canty’s Underdog Scholarship Fund, Hopkinton Middle School, Hop-

kinton Emergency Fund, Hopkinton Little League, Friends of the Hopkinton Senior Center, Friends of Hopkinton, Hopkinton Public Library/Friends, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Live4Evan, Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, KeepSmilin4Abbie Foundation, and Hopkinton Historical Society. The remainder of Hopkinton’s allotment will go to the Hopkinton Police Department (10 numbers), Hopkinton Fire Department (1), Hopkinton Senior Center (1), Hopkinton Marathon Committee (5), Veterans Celebration Committee (1), Veterans Graves Officer (1) and Tax Relief Committee (1).

HPD’s Porter earns certificate Hopkinton Police Lt. John Porter graduated May 14 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association-Suffolk University Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management program, the HPD announced.

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The graduate-level program links contemporary public management theory with “real world” practice, covering topics such as budgeting and financial management, challenges in human resources management and strategic leadership. “Throughout his career, Lt. Porter has consistently shown exemplary leadership among his peers,” HPD Chief Joseph Bennett stated. “As a well-respected member of our team, many officers look up to him for guidance and direction. This training will further assist Lt. Porter as he works collaboratively with other departments, boards and committees within our community. I’d like to thank town manager Norman Khumalo and human resource director Maria Casey for offering this valuable training.” Porter joined the Hopkinton Police Department in 1992. Before being promoted to lieutenant in 2016, he served as a patrolman, school resource officer, detective and sergeant.

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Miller’s supporters dismiss finding of suicide, rally against DA A memorial for Mikayla Miller sits on West Main Street, near the spot in the woods where the teenager’s body was found April 18.

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ust over a month after the death of Hopkinton High School sophomore Mikayla Miller, the teen’s family and supporters held a rally at Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office in Lowell on May 21 to demand a new investigation. “DA Ryan’s lack of professionalism, lack of accountability and this power that she wields as if she does not answer to anybody is unacceptable,” said rally organizer Monica CannonGrant, calling for Ryan to turn over the investigation to the FBI. A day earlier, Gov. Charlie Baker said he would be OK with an independent investigation. “Look, I would support whatever it takes to get to the bottom of this and give a grieving family confidence that their daughter’s life has been treated with the grace and kindness and respect that it deserves,” he said during an interview on GBH radio. “If that’s where people think we need to go, then yeah, I would support that.” Attorney General Maura Healey said she would wait to see the DA’s report before deciding if an independent inquiry is necessary. “I certainly understand and share in the need for transparency in this case,” she said during a May 23 appearance on WBZ’s “Keller at Large.” “That will be forthcoming in my view. But certainly, her family and the community around her deserve answers as to what happened.”

Family not satisfied with medical examiner At a press conference May 19, Miller’s mother disputed the medical examiner’s findings that the Hopkinton teenager’s death was a suicide. “I want to be really clear that the only thing I want out of all of this is to find the truth,” Calvina Strothers said. “The conclusion they made [May 18] is the conclusion they made the first day they walked into my house. There’s no difference. But I know the truth, and it’s not what they say.” Strothers said she believes the death is a homicide. “Suicide is not an option,” she said. “I do not believe that my daughter committed suicide. So that’s not something that I’m even entertaining at all.” Hopkinton town clerk Connor Degan issued Miller’s death certificate

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May 18, using the information provided by the state Medical Examiner’s Office. The death certificate lists the manner of death as suicide, caused by “asphyxia by hanging.” Shortly before the press conference, the Hopkinton Police Department released a variety of information related to the investigation, including audio of the 911 call and the police log details that previously had been withheld. At the press conference, David Johns of the National Black Justice Coalition said neither Strothers nor her daughter owned a belt similar to the one that was found around Miller’s neck. He also claimed Miller was found standing upright rather than hanging from a tree, and the tree was not tall nor sturdy enough to withstand her body weight. National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, now is working with Strothers and the family. He said the death was “highly suspicious” and that the conclusion by the medical examiner “defies commons sense” based on the way Miller was found. “What Calvina and the family of Mikayla Miller want to know is: Was she lynched? And if she was, why aren’t we saying that?” Crump said. “They do not believe she committed suicide, and that has been quickly determined by the local officials.” Added Crump: “It reminds me in many ways of the tragic death of Ahmaud Arbery,” the Black man who was shot while jogging last year in Georgia. Monica Cannon-Grant, from the organization Violence in Boston, said an independent autopsy (paid for by her organization) was conducted before the teen’s body was cremated May 13, but she did not have details. Cannon-Grant did acknowledge, “Suicide is not being ruled out,” although she said she does not believe that to be the cause. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, in a press release May 18 after the medical examiner’s report was made public, stated, “Our investigation into the events surrounding Mikayla’s death remains active and ongoing. We will continue to explore every investigative angle necessary as we do that work, and intend to issue a complete and thorough report at the conclusion of the investigation. “We will continue to be in contact with Mikayla’s family’s representatives moving forward and we are asking for Miller | 11

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 11 The Hopkinton Senior Center staff continues to be available to seniors and residents during this pandemic. 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/Hopkintoncouncil-on-aging or hopkintonseniorcenter.com.

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Lunch Program

The Senior Center has 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. Anyone who knows of a senior who might benefit from this program can call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. The menu is refreshed monthly. Cost is $2 per meal.

Transportation Options for Seniors

The Senior Center can help residents find transportation assistance for medical appointments and essential shopping, utilizing grants and MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) programs. Individuals aged 60 and older, veterans or those homebound due to a disability should call the Outreach

Miller’s supporters dismiss finding of suicide Miller | from page 10

Department at the Senior Center at least three business days in advance of the desired day of travel at 508-497-9730, ext. 1615, for assistance in scheduling a ride Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Exercise Classes via Zoom Call to register Chair yoga, Mondays, 9 a.m. Zumba, Mondays, 2 p.m. Exercise with Joni, Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. Tap dancing, Tuesdays, 2 p.m. Barre, Wednesdays, 2 p.m. Boot camp, Thursdays, 2 p.m.

8 Keys to Living a Meaningful and Enjoyable Retirement Life

identity, loneliness, depression and boredom. This talk offers proven responses to these issues. It proceeds with a review of a recent study by Columbia University that lays out the “Eight Keys to Living a Meaningful and Enjoyable Retirement Life.” Call the Senior Center to register.

Evolution of Wedding Gowns

Friday, June 11, 12:30 p.m. Enter the world of brides from the past and learn about what they wore during their first day of marriage. The discussion will include celebrity and royal weddings, as well as those of the less famous. Vintage videos will help to bring these weddings to life. Participants should call the Senior Center for the call-in number or Zoom meeting invitation link.

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Friday, June 4, 12:30 p.m. Henry Quinlan will discuss the four important issues in retirement: loss of

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.

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.

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continued patience as we perform this critically important work.” Ryan also encouraged people thinking about harming themselves to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness website at namimass.org.

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Emails show ex-girlfriend’s concern Miller’s ex-girlfriend reached out to a Hopkinton High School guidance counselor days before Miller died, expressing concern for her and indicating Miller was having panic attacks, according to emails shared with the media. “I’m really worried about Mikayla Miller and I didn’t know who else she could talk to,” the ex-girlfriend emailed April 12, according to correspondence sent to Boston television station NBC10. “I know you’re her guidance counselor but I think she really needs someone to talk to. She’s been crying and having panic attacks all weekend and she normally never does.” The counselor responded by saying she would check in on Miller. Five days later, the ex-girlfriend and some friends visited Miller at her apartment complex and a confrontation ensued. Miller told police later that evening that she had been struck in the face. That night, Miller left the apartment she shared with her mother, and her body was found in the woods the following morning. An attorney representing the exgirlfriend provided the emails to the television station and said his client is unfairly being portrayed in a negative light. “Anyone who claims my client, who is a juvenile, is blameworthy in any way is speaking out of ignorance of facts,” attorney Joseph Cataldo wrote in a statement. “This is a sad situation. Ultimately, upon conclusion of the investigation, I expect my client will be absolved of any wrongdoing, and she should be commended for her efforts to get help for her friend.”

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12 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

Schools Student inventors take creations to national competition By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

ven when watched by the most attentive caregivers, children, pets and people with neurodivergent disabilities can wander. Tragedy sometimes can result. Rylee Blair, a 15-year-old Hopkinton High School freshman, experienced that firsthand. A neighborhood dog got loose from its home and was struck and killed by its devastated caretaker, who didn’t realize the pet was outside. Determined to prevent another such tragedy, she and friend Jahnavi Prudhivi, a 17-year-old HHS junior, joined forces to create Infrared-Alert.

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This system uses a transmitter placed on the individual or pet that can send a signal to a receiver when the person or pet wanders past a certain location. This triggers a sign that can block a driveway and alert people to a potential hazard. “Safety is the number one priority” for caretakers in these situations, Blair said. This invention earned the two students the honor of being the highestscoring team in the High School Division in the Massachusetts Invention Convention sponsored by the LemelsonMIT program. The program promotes invention and works to inspire young people to pursue creative lives and careers through invention. The competition was held virtually in April. They now go on to a virtual national convention in June. Their invention took a lot of time, research, and trial and error to smooth out mistakes made during the learning process and determine what worked and what didn’t, Prudhivi said. “We worked on it a lot,” she said. “We had a lot of sleepovers.” The students had known each other for a long time, but working together on the invention, “our bond has definitely strengthened,” Prudhivi said. Six judges assessed the inventions on a variety of aspects, including a video made about their invention, a journal they kept about the creation process and a virtual display board they put together to explain the project. The girls’ work began at the Hopkinton High School level, where they entered a similar invention competition. They did so well there that they were encouraged to enter the state competition. The project faced one immediate challenge: The students couldn’t spend more than $50 on their inventions. That meant that they could only create a prototype and not a full-size model. But they continue to work on a full-size version of Infrared-Alert, with hopes of eventually getting a patent and putting their invention on the market. “I’m so impressed,” said Dr. Pascha Griffiths, invention education coordinator for the Lemelson-MIT program. Inventors | 13

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The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 13

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508-753-7221 • ALSOILSERVICE.com This issue’s winner is Jill Deiana for this photo of cousins Elijah and Kylie Deiana walking on Grove Street after leaving their grandmother’s house on Mother’s Day. 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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Student inventors take creations to national competition Inventors | from page 12

She noted that the students identified a problem, developed a potential solution and then created a prototype, tweaking it along the way to overcome obstacles and build the final invention. The skills they develop through this process will give them a heads-up on their futures, Griffiths said. “I love that they get this kind of education,” she said. These lessons, she added, will “stay with them the rest of their lives.” Blair said the long hours ultimately were rewarding. “We are so happy with what came out of this,” she said. The girls plan to watch the virtual national competition June 24, along with classmates who also participated in the competition. “I’m so thrilled you’re going to watch it together as a party,”

Griffiths told the girls. “I’m going to be cheering for you so hard.” Other Hopkinton students who qualified for the national competition are: Dylan Striek and Christopher Burton, eighth grade, The Social Distancing Radio Transceiver; Nicolette Buonora and Lauren Strechay, ninth grade, Battery Swap; Emily Kimball and Sidhi Dhanda, ninth grade, GripClip; Jay Katyan, 12th grade, Adaptive System and Method for the Detection and Prevention of Distracted Driving using Visual and Auditory Inputs; Faateh Mohammad, 12th grade, A Deep Convolutional Neural Network Approach to Predicting Wildlifes; Mahdi Maymandi Nejad, 12th grade, Private Distributed Ledger Voting System.

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14 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

HHS students grab top honors at state Science Fair By Sandy Quadros Bowles Contributing Writer

here’s a science behind the success of Hopkinton High School students who took first-place honors in the 2021 Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, also known as MSEF. A formula of hard work, determination and passion for their projects has led to not only their recent success but also, they hope, continued work on their discoveries for years, maybe decades, to come. Archita Nemalikanti, a junior, was awarded first place and the Massachusetts Chemistry & Technology Alliance Award as well as a WPI Scholarship for her chemistry project, “A Sensor to Non-Invasively Diagnose Neonatal Hemoglobinopathies.” Sahithi Pogula, a sophomore, was awarded first place and a Foundation Medicine Award for her biology project, “In Silico Inhibition of Cas9 CRISPR Off-Target DNA Deleterious Mutations Using AI, ANN, and Machine Learning.” The fair, held April 29-30, drew 304 students representing 93 cities and towns. Projects were related to behavioral science, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering, environmental science, mathematical science and physics and electronics. Pogula’s work involves study of CRISPR-Cas9 gene therapy. CRISPR Cas9 is gene-editing technology with great potential in drug discovery and disease prevention due to its ability to mitigate harmful genes and insert helpful ones. Despite this, CRISPR Cas9 is not

Above: Sahithi Pogula was awarded first place and a Foundation Medicine Award for her biology project. Right: Archita Nemalikanti was awarded first place and the Massachusetts Chemistry & Technology Alliance Award as well as a WPI Scholarship for her chemistry project.

very accurate in identifying problem areas perfectly. Pogula’s work uses computer modeling to identify where these mistakes are likely to occur so that these

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mistakes can be fixed ahead of time. Nemalikanti’s work developed a non-invasive sensor that can be used to determine whether infants have hemoglobin disorders, such as anemia, and displays the results on an app. This process is less invasive, and as a result less stressful to the infant and parents, than taking blood from a vulnerable baby, she said. This work is a continuation of a project that she worked on last year that won her the Sanofi Genzyme grand prize award at the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair. Nemalikanti hopes to continue this work into the future, with the goal of possibly developing a patent for a process that “can hopefully be used in real time.” Pogula’s work involved reaching out to scientists who reviewed her research and provided insight. Having this level of professional involvement is very impressive, Nemalikanti said of her classmate’s achievements. Pogula, a sophomore, hopes to expand her work “far into my life,” she said. Nemalikanti, a junior, also would

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like to continue her work. In the process of their projects, the students learned many lessons. Not all of them were about the subject of their studies. Pogula, to her disappointment, found that female scientists, particularly in the field of gene editing, were relatively rare. In a directory of about 30-40 scientists, only two or three were females, she said. The best way to improve these numbers, Nemalikanti said, is to “have science teachers who are truly passionate about science and who make the effort to get their students to fall in love with science.” “Other women being there as role models for girls is definitely helpful,” Pogula said. Both students said their Hopkinton High School teachers provide them with inspiration. “I am who I am today because of what I’ve learned,” Nemalikanti said. Pogula said she sometimes spent 10 hours a week on her work, depending on her exams and other activities. To do that, she said, she needed to be inspired. She wasn’t doing this strictly to enter a science fair, or for extra credit or to burnish a college application, she said. Finding something that interested her “pushed me to go to a different level,” she said. Nemalikanti agrees. Developing a passion project “helps you find out who you really are, what excites you,” she said. “That’s why I love my research so much.” The girls weren’t the only HHS students to receive awards from the statewide event. Eva Bennet and Simran Kaur earned second-place honors, Bharat Mekela, Brian Gu, Neil Abraham and Mantra Rajkumar were tabbed for third-place awards, and honorable mention recognition went to Vania Gautam, Chaitrali Samant, Sreeja Bolla and Mahdi Maymandi Nejad.

Bennet earns award at international event HHS freshman Eva Bennet went on to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and was awarded a Fourth Award in the Translational Medical Science category for her project, “Development of an innovative, alternative model for teratogenicity testing.” “Several people close to me were born with birth defects,” Bennet explained. “During a discussion about the speed of COVID-19 vaccine development last summer, I learned about the requirement for testing medicines for their potential to cause birth defects before being given to pregnant women. Currently, these tests are conducted in pregnant mammals, which is expensive and takes a long time. This is what prompted me to develop an alternative new teratogenicity testing model using flatworms, that could be potentially paradigm shifting by reducing time, cost and mammalian animal use when fully validated.” Said HHS science teacher Kristen Murphy: “We are so proud of Eva. Throughout this process she has demonstrated so many of the qualities of a successful scientist — intellectual curiosity, perseverance and a can-do attitude. Most of all, she is an excellent communicator and impressed judges with her ability to explain her process and the potential impact of this research.”

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 15

Shanmugam receives BC’s top honor at graduation

PHOTO/LEE PELLEGRINI/BOSTON COLLEGE

Hopkinton’s Harry Shanmugam (center) receives the Edward H. Finnegan Award from Boston College president William P. Leahy as Board of Trustees chair John Fish looks on during BC’s graduation exercises May 24.

oston College held its graduation ceremonies on May 24, and a number of Hopkinton residents were recognized. Most notably, Hopkinton’s Hariharan “Harry” Shanmugam received the Edward H. Finnegan, S.J., Award, the school’s highest undergraduate commencement honor. The award COLLEGE HONORS goes to the graduating senior who best exemplifies Boston College’s motto, “Ever to Excel.” Shanmugam graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from the honors program in the the Carroll School of Management. Other residents who received a degree from BC include Katie Baratta (Connell School of Nursing), Chris Burdick (Carroll School of Management), Jack MacDonald (Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Grace Marquedant (magna cum laude from

the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Chris Mastroianni (magna cum laude from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Maddie McGuire (Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Will Pickens (magna cum laude from the Carroll School of Management), Emma Relle (magna cum laude from the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences), Olivia Spar (magna cum laude from the Lynch School of Education and Human Development) and Nick Temple (cum laude from the Carroll School of Management). … Austin Odell graduated from Duke University with a degree in electrical and computer engineering and another in computer science. He also minored in economics. … Among those receiving degrees from the University of New Hampshire were Jacqueline Lupinski (cum laude with a B.S. in human development and family studies), Jonathan

Wolf (B.S. in business administration/marketing), Paige Harvey (B.A. in communication), Abigail Wilson (B.S. in nursing), Kelsey Marcou (B.S. in business administration/accounting), William Griffin (B.A. in communication) and Allison Scimone (magna cum laude with a B.S. in business administration/marketing). … Nicholas Mirabile received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, from Clarkson University. … Will Ciesinski earned a bachelor’s degree from Assumption University. … Julianna Kramer was honored at Union College’s annual Prize Day celebration, receiving the President’s

Commission on the Status of Women Senior Thesis Prize and the Freling H. Smith (1865) Prize. … Zachary Levy and Matthew Brodo were named to the president’s list for the winter term at Southern New Hampshire University. … Emma Barker and Mikayla Cappetta were named to the dean’s list at Cedarville University in Ohio. Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the information or request for the school to email it to: editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

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16 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

LIBRARY CORNER

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.

Reopening Announcement

Library staff greatly appreciate your patience and support throughout this pandemic. The governor’s recent announcement about lifting COVID restrictions was exciting and encouraging. As we gently reemerge into the “new normal,” library staff are working closely with the Town of Hopkinton and the Health Department on our transition. Over the past year, library operations have been completely restructured to meet the needs of an entirely different set of circumstances. While we are moving forward with purpose, another restructuring will take a little time to implement. We are diligently working on plans to increase occupancy limits, hours and services and will be making changes as quickly as feasible. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for updates. Please note that due to the high volume of library use by children under 12, especially during the summer, face coverings will continue to be required for all library visitors, at all times, at least through summer 2021. The library trustees and director, in consultation with the Hopkinton Health Department, have made this decision to make sure that we are continuing to protect all of our patrons and staff.

Book Donations

Every Tuesday and Thursday during library hours, 1-7 p.m., until the end of June, Friends of the Library will be collecting books — hardcover, paperback and audiobooks — for an upcoming book sale. Books must be in excellent to good condition, without scribbles, tears, missing pages or margin notes. Items NOT being accepted include DVDs, CDs, textbooks, computer manuals, dictionaries or encyclopedias. Anyone with more than three boxes or grocery bags of books should call or email Beth Mezitt at 508-400-5635 or bethm@ westonnurseries.com. All proceeds, as always, go to support and enhance the resources of the library.

Society for Final Awareness Series: Getting Fiscally Fit

Tuesday, June 15, 7 p.m. (Zoom) Marc Catona from the Society for Financial Awareness (sofausa.org) will discuss basic principles of cash management, roadblocks to financial success, accumulating wealth, the importance of having a financial blueprint, and locating and maximizing discretionary income. Register in advance on the website calendar to receive the Zoom link.

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

Timlin 5K to be run virtually June 5-19

Registration is open for the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K, which will be held virtually again this year. The entry fee is $30 per person, with a family/team of up to five discounted to $99. Participants can run/walk their 5K during a twoweek span from June 5-19. The event benefits ALS research. For more details or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

Weekly Farmers Market at Town Common starts June 6

The Hopkinton Farmers Market returns to the Town Common on Sundays from 1-5 p.m., starting June 6 and running through Oct. 10. Health and safety protocols will be in place. 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 and pre-ordering options, visit hopkintonfarmersmarket.com.

Against the Tide June 20-26 virtual

Against the Tide is a series of athletic events that raise money for the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. The June event, normally held at Hopkinton State Park, is virtual this year. Participants can participate in a number of components, including swim, run, walk, paddle board or kayak. Registration is $40 per person or $100 for a family (up to five people). Participants will have a week — June 20-26 — to complete their activity. For more information, visit mbcc.org or call 800-649-6222.

Event Calendar Sponsored by the

HOPKINTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Spring Outdoor Watercolor Mini-Retreat | June 5, June 19 Enjoy the beauty of nature and de-stress with this 6-hour one-day class with instructor Richard Denzer. Two available dates. Takes place outdoors in Hopkinton. Register at www.hopartscenter.org. Art Around the World: Outdoors Let’s Visit Italy | June 5 Free children’s cultural program. You and your child are welcome to join us outdoors as we celebrate a different culture each month with instructor Judith Smith. Pre-registration required at www.hopartscenter.org. Sponsored by UniBank. Sunday Jazz Jam | June 13 Join us outdoors at the HCA Amphitheater for our Sunday Jazz Jam with the MetroWest Jazz Project at 11am. Plenty of space to spread out, meet up with friends, and just enjoy the music. Onehour concert followed by a public jam session.

Summer Arts Series June 19–September 25 The HCA Summer Arts Series begins with the annual Barbara Corbett Memorial Summer kick-off concert featuring Hot Acoustics on June 19 at 6:30pm. Outdoors at the HCA. Event is free, but tickets are required. Full lineup of music concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibits, and more available online. Presenting sponsor: Phipps and MAPFRE Insurance.

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The Hopkinton Lions Club, with help from the Hopkinton Fire Department, is hosting a Golf Ball Drop fundraiser on Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m. at Hopkinton High School Field 10 (halfway around Loop Road). Tickets — which correspond to golf balls that will be dropped from an HFD ladder truck — are $5 each or three for $12. Prizes are $350 for the ball that lands closest to the pin and $100 for furthest from the pin. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hopkintonlions.org.

Project Just Because, the Hopkinton-based nonprofit that helps those in need with food, clothing and other necessities, is hosting a golf tournament at Hopkinton Country Club on Monday, June 28. The event includes a silent auction, raffle and dinner, along with 18 holes of golf. Those who are unable to participate are encouraged to consider a sponsorship or donation of money or an auction item. For more information, visit projectjustbecause.org.

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 3

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Registration is open for the 33rd annual Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. This year’s event will be virtual. Participants are encouraged to “Walk Your Way” from wherever they are most comfortable — for example, in the neighborhood, on a favorite trail or on a treadmill — on Sunday, Oct. 3. Walkers must commit to raising at least $100 ($25 for those under 18). The event raises funds for cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. To register or support a walker, visit JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 17

School Committee: No more masks outside; no school choice Health compiled data showing that 72 percent of 17- and 18-year-olds have received their first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. This prompted Cavanaugh to consult with opkinton Public Schools students principal Evan Bishop. are no longer required to wear Said Cavanaugh: “Given the vaccinamasks outdoors, as the School Comtion process, given that a lot of these activimittee voted unanimously at its May 20 ties are in fact outdoors, given that DESE meeting to rescind the mandatory mask vs. Oxygen Pool vs. Chlorine has started to kind of lift those restrictions, policy after reviewing vaccination data MONTHLY AVERAGE COST COMPARISON* and having been in conversations with Mr. and guidance from both the Department Bishop, we decided that pool testing may of Elementary and Secondary Education Although most pool owners are willing to pay more for a non chlorine pool, Oxygen Pools are very affordable and generally cost about the same as a chlorine poolsort every month. One pail of Formula “O” does the work of multiple water just of be overkill at this point in time.” (DESE) and the Massachusetts treatment products. InterA maintenance dose of Pure Perox is added along with Formula for complete peroxygenation. An average backyard pool will cost about $65 monthly using the Oxygen Program. scholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). Costthat masks The committee stressed Committee votes Chlorine + Clariﬁer+ still are required to be worn indoors, in Shock + Algaecide Stabilizer or mineralizerchoice no to school accordance with state guidelines, including Non Toxic, Chlorine Free FORMULA “O” the MIAA and DESE. and Pure Perox Cavanaugh recommended that the “We never expected that on [May committee vote against the school choice *Costs estimated per manufacturer’s instructions. Results may vary based 17] we would hear from the Department on bather loads, weather conditions, pool equipment and diligence of pool caretaker. policy, which is an annual decision that of Elementary and Secondary Education comes before the committee. She cited Satisfaction and the MIAA, and yet we have,” super-Guarantee the current overcrowding at the schools intendent Carol Cavanaugh We'resaid. so sure you'll love the Oxygen Pools Water Treatment Program, that we want you to use it for 60 days and, if you're not thrilled with the quality of your water, Oxygen Pools reason. will pay for your conversion back to chlorine. We love working as the This news coincidedtogether withwithan immuour customers to make sure you're satisﬁed. “It’s just very clear that we already nization report released PRODUCT by town health WARRANTY The Oxygen Pools Dynamic Oxygen Generator carries a strong Limited 10issues,” Year Product Warranty in addition to ourto inhave enrollment she said. “So director Shaun McAuliffe showing Satisfaction Guarantee. that vite children in from other communities — 72 percent of the town’s 503 17-OXY20A andGENERATOR: SPECIFICATIONS if they are tuition-ing in — we really For use in outdoor residential pools only evenMax Operating Pressure: 50 psi US ONLY 100V-240V 18-year-olds had receivedConnections: their 1.25/1.5 firstin.dose connections on manifold Operating Flow Range: 20-100 GPM I 178/118mA just don’t have room 50/60Hz to absorb Input Power: 120/240VAC 60Hz EPA: Reg. Section 7 FIFRAthe (Ozonator) Canada ONLY 120V them.” of the COVID-19 vaccine. Looking Input Connection: 110V NEMA at 3 Prong Plug 60Hz I 118mA Power Consumption: 8.3 Watt max. The committee voted unanimously ages 14-18, the rate was 58 percent of the not to participate in the program for 992 students. Oxygen Pools 2021-22. 7700-B High Ridge Rd. Athletic director Rich10Cormier YEAR exBeach sort FL 33426of initiative that nor“ThisBoynton is the P: 877-246-9943 plained that the Executive Office of Energy www.oxygenpools.com info@oxygenpools.com mally I would be for to give more opporand Environmental Affairs (EEA) elimitunities to students to come into a district nated the mask requirement for outdoor like ours,” Batlle-Rafferty said. “But things youth sports activities. Staff, coaches and are just so overwhelming right now that we spectators still are required to wear masks. just can’t afford it.” The MIAA followed suit on May 18. “It feels a disservice to the broader “Many schools immediately, once community,” said committee member Joe this news came out, eliminated the mask Markey. “I think that communities having requirement,” he said. He noted that Hopthe ability to choose where to go is good. kinton teams played four different towns And I hope this is even more impetus for that had dropped the mask requirements, us to proceed with the building process so and he had to ask the opposing team memwe have space for all students who want bers to wear masks because Hopkinton had to attend our schools.” not yet rescinded the policy. If a child were accepted from another “Honestly, to their credit, they did in community, Hopkinton would be responthe various sports that we were hosting,” sible for that child’s education for their he added. At this point, all of the schools academic career, as well their siblings. in the Tri-Valley League have eliminated mask requirements outdoors. School Committee member Lya Superintendent Batlle-Rafferty asked if the indoor policy receives high marks would still be in effect if the school’s mask policy was rescinded, and it was noted that Cavanaugh received a stellar perforthe state’s indoor mandate still is in place. mance evaluation from the committee in Chair Amanda Fargiano asked if her annual review, which was approved by it would be in the School Committee’s a 5-0 vote. She received marks of “met” or purview to “go more lenient” and allow “exceeded” in each of her goals. “Met” is coaches to not wear masks if vaccinated. the fourth-highest mark on the five-point Cormier said coaches only need to use scale, with “exceeded” being the highest. masks when they are within close contact. She met goals including student learning, The only exception, Cormier added, district improvement and moving the would be riding on the bus to and from schools toward proficiency in diversity, games. equity and social justice. Cavanaugh ex“I feel like MIAA made the decision ceeded the goals in COVID-19 reopening for us,” Fargiano said. “Once you start and professional practice. competing with other schools and they “In our assessment Dr. Cavanaugh is aren’t wearing masks and you’re outdoors. an exceptional educational leader,” FarPersonally I would like to see athletics be giano said as she read the report summary. mask-free. I think that’s the only logical “With all of her strengths so effortlessly conclusion when the other teams are doing demonstrated across so many standards it anyway.” and indicators, it is easy to take her abilities and aptitudes for granted. We know that Dr. Cavanaugh has ambitious plans No more pool for our district in the coming years, and testing for seniors we believe that based on her track record of delivery and her consistent strength The committee voted 5-0 against across competencies and indicators, she senior pool testing. Cavanaugh recomwill lead us to a future of greater success mended that the committee vote against for our students.” senior pool testing. There had been “an Cavanaugh thanked the committee awful lot of concern” in previous weeks and gave recognition to the 22 members about testing with a week of senior activiof her staff and everyone who brought the ties on the horizon. district successfully through the pandemic. Since that time, however, the Board of By Mary Ellen Gambon Contributing Writer

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18 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

Hopkinton

Sports

Hopkinton

Youth Soccer FALL 2021 REGISTRATION & ACADEMY TRYOUTS

Registration for Travel Program May 17 - June 13 Registration for Foundations & Town Program May 17 - August 1 Academy Tryouts June 1 - 4 TRAVEL PROGRAM

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

FOUNDATIONS PROGRAM

• Registration open May 17 - June 13.

• Registration open May 17 - August 1. • Kick Start Program must be 4 by

Late fees will be applied. • 3rd through 8th grades play in the BAYS League. • Weeknight practice & Saturday game.

8/31/21.

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TOWN PROGRAM

Hopkinton’s Student adjusts to life as a Hokie

REVOLUTION ACADEMY PROGRAM

• Registration open May 17 - August 1.

• Academy tryouts for 2021 - 2022

Late fees will be applied. • 1st grade program and 2nd/3rd grade combined programs. • Weeknight practice & Saturday game.

season run June 1 - 4. • Year long program for 3rd - 12th graders. • Visit HYS website’s Academy section to register for Tryouts.

SUMMER 2021 PROGRAMS Revolution Academy Summer Clinics at Fruit Street Athletic Complex •Ages 6 - 14. July 12 - 14 & August 2 - 4. 9am - 12pm. • High School Ages 14 - 18. August 2 - 4. 4pm - 8pm. Links to Revolution Academy registration are on the HYS website. To register or learn more about our programs, please visit:

www.hopkintonsoccer.org

Congrats!

to the Hopkinton Class of 2021

hen she looks around the mountains of western Virginia, Sophie Student knows she is a long way from her Hopkinton home in a variety of ways. But the Virginia Tech student has been able to make a strong first impression at the Sophie Student had a strong freshman season for the Blacksburg, Virginia, lacrosse team at Virginia Tech. school, particularly on the lacrosse field. “I think a huge thing for me was that I needed to do something different, meet new people, explore a different area and get out of my comfort zone,” Student said. “I love the big sports feel Virginia Tech has, and when I visited the campus, I just loved it.” Student arrived at VT last fall after a stellar high school career at St. Mark’s School in Southborough. She was MVP of the Independent School League, a threetime All-ISL pick, and a US Lacrosse All-American. Of course, heading to school during the COVID-19 pandemic has meant the “big sports feel” of the ACC school has been somewhat blunted. But it hasn’t dampened Student’s enthusiasm for her college choice. Studying and playing during the health crisis, Student said she has always felt supported. “From a school perspective, it wasn’t too hard to transition, which I was thankful for,” she said. “It was hard at times athletically because we had to go to practice and then try not to interact with anyone else. But we did our best as a team to just focus on athletics and try to push off our social wants until after the pandemic.” In some ways, Student said the pandemic eased the transition a bit, saying she felt she was being pulled in fewer directions with many of the typical trappings of college unavailable. “I could get my feet under me and focus on my schoolwork and sports,” she said. “Because there was nothing else to do with my free time.” Student wasted no time making an impact with the Division 1 program. She played in 14 games for the Hokies this spring, including a start. She scored twice and added three assists, along with 21 draw controls. “I didn’t assume I would get playing time right away, but I was hoping for it,” Student said. “I went in with my eyes wide open because you never know. I just wanted to work super hard and get on the field, and I want to play a bigger role going forward.” She is also hoping for more team success in the years to come. COVID-19 impacted the Hokies this spring and Student admitted to some “ups and downs” through the course of the season, but added that the program has a number of talented players returning and coming in. “I hope we can continue to grow and do well in the ACC,” Student said. “The ACC is such a competitive conference, that’s one of the reasons I wanted to play in it. I hope moving forward we can compete at that level and win our ACC games, it’s a huge goal for me as well as our team.” And Student knows she will be pursuing those goals with her parents, Laurie and Bernie, and her brother, Ethan, in her corner. “They are so happy for me,” Student said. “They definitely miss seeing me all the time but they were able to go to a bunch of games and watch on the ACC Network. They think it’s awesome I am at a big school with big time sports.”

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opkinton’s Tim Simoes, a senior on the Army baseball team, recently was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. A second baseman, Simoes finished the regular season with 81 assists and 49 putouts, ranking among the league leaders with a .985 fielding percentage and 22 double plays. He led all Patriot League second basemen with 132 chances and made just two errors. In league games, Simoes had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage on 83 chances with 54 assists, 29 putouts and 16 double plays (tied for second most). Simoes, son of Hopkinton High School baseball coach Steve Simoes, also has had a solid season at the plate, hitting .284 with six doubles, two triples, a home run and 20 RBI. He had six stolen bases in nine attempts. Army (28-23) defeated Lehigh in the league championship series last week, earning the team a spot in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

HopkintonIndependent.com

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 19

Senior class leads Hillers boys track By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

ike all high school sports teams, Hopkinton High School boys outdoor track and field has had to stay flexible and roll with the many changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But, after the team’s second mask-free practice of the year, coach Brian Prescott said the large senior class has helped the Hillers put together a successful spring. It’s part of the reason he named a whopping seven captains for this year’s team. “Normally we would not have that many, but six of them were captains indoors and we named an honorary captain because he has been doing everything for us,” Prescott said. The seventh captain, Peter Burdulis, has helped out with the middle school program and is constantly among the first to arrive and last to leave practice, constantly asking questions and striving to get better. “Kids like that really help a program,”

We wanted to get the program back on track, get the seniors to finish on a positive note, and get some freshmen invested so they want to come back next year. If we can make this feel like a normal track season, then next year we can propel forward. — Coach Brian Prescott

Prescott said. ‘When you see someone working hard and they are given a leadership position, the younger guys see that.” Added Prescott: “If you have seven guys like that, it’s hard for us to go wrong.” Several of the Hillers’ senior captains have been big-time point scorers for the team, and some are looking to continue their track and field careers in college. Ethan Champlin is one such senior, headed to UMass as a multi-event athlete. He is one of the top 100-meter runners in

HHS girls track gains experience in short season By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

o call this an unusual season for the Hopkinton High School girls outdoor track and field team would be an understatement. Even with pandemic-related restrictions largely in the rearview, the Hillers came into the year with a large roster replete with athletes who had never really competed in spring track and less time to get everyone acclimated to their events. For a novice track athlete, it can be hard to figure out which event is the one in which she or he will excel, so coach Jean Cann and her staff had to come up with ways to sort out who might have a chance to stand out as a sprinter, hurdler, distance runner and everything in between. “The interesting part for us is we have some sophomores who didn’t do indoor track so they are new because we did not have outdoor track last year,” Cann said. “Couple that with the freshmen and we have two classes we have to get to know.” Even for those who were part of the indoor track program, the freedom to try different events was not part of the experience because COVID-19 protocols meant pods of athletes had to stick together without intermingling. “If they were in the throwing pod, we couldn’t say, ‘Come and try distance running for a day,’ ” Cann said. The coaches started the season by having athletes try out different exercises, like jumps or sprints, to get a sense of what someone’s gifts might be. It was helpful to have the weather cooperate for the most part. Cann recalled a couple of days over the winter with the track and turf field covered in snow and having to run repeats in the bus loop or find any suitable space for a workout. Not that there have not been any hiccups with the delayed spring season. “We came to practice one day and saw a tent set up on the track for Town Meeting,” Cann said. But in a year of unpredictability, the Hillers have had a number of athletes on which they have been able to count for both scoring and leadership. Kate Powers began the year by breaking her own school record in the discus with a heave of more than 140 feet. The distance

was not only the top throw in the Tri-Valley League, it was at least 50 feet farther than her next closest competitor. Powers also picked up early victories in the shot put. Teammate Hailey Tolson did not miss a step after a strong indoor season, scoring wins in the dash and long jump as well as anchoring a victorious 4x100 relay team. Olivia Jones has returned to top form after suffering some setbacks with injuries, winning the 800 handily in the season-opening meet. “We are going to look for big things from her,” Cann said. Autumn Tumbleton and Katie Callery also scored seasonopening wins in the mile and 2-mile, respectively, and Sowmya Karthikeyan captured a win in the 400 meter hurdles. Shelby Jones, Grace Prucher, and youngsters Bethel Flanagan and Stephanie Johnson are among the many other promising athletes on this year’s team. The talent and commitment have Cann setting the bar high for her team and trying to make the year as normal as possible, even though the spring started with the Hillers needing to do things like figure out how to bond as a team without always physically being together. “We would like to win all of our TVL meets and give the seniors the best experience possible since they didn’t get their junior season, and I think we can do that,” Cann said. “This whole year has been about flexibility and rolling with things.”

the Tri-Valley League this spring and also has stood out in the high jump and the long jump, falling seamlessly into track after finishing the unusual spring football season. “He works incredibly hard and he is super supportive and a very positive teammate,” Prescott said. “He is the all-around package, a really good athlete and a really good teammate.” Aidan Morin is another vocal leader who is a top discus thrower and shot putter for the Hillers. Aidan Rowell is eyeing the school record in the 400 and has been the anchor for the 4x400 relay team. Prescott said he sees himself in Rowell, a vocal athlete who serves as a de facto coach for some of the younger members of the team. Harrison Prucher is similar, Prescott said. He set the indoor record for the high hurdles and has been standing out in the longer outdoor hurdle events while he helps a strong contingent of his teammates. “We probably have the best collection of young hurdlers in the league, and in many ways I attribute that to Harrison because he is helping to coach them,” Prescott said. “He does things so diligently, like a machine. Without him, I feel like we wouldn’t have that anchor or that foundation.” Nick Brown is another college-bound runner and the captain of the distance runners. He’s emerged as one of the top distance runners in the TVL. “He has been one of the faces of our program for the past four years,” Prescott said. “He is such a charismatic guy, everyone in the school knows him. If our distance crew ends up like him, that will be a resounding success.” Tommy Bernardin is the team’s top high jumper, another technical event that has benefited from his experience and willingness to impart that knowledge to those coming up through the ranks. The seven captains have been essential to Prescott’s goals for this shortened season, which he said is all about reestablishing the expectations set within the program after missing out on 2020. “We wanted to get the program back on track, get the seniors to finish on a positive note, and get some freshmen invested so they want to come back next year,” Prescott said. “If we can make this feel like a normal track season, then next year we can propel forward.”

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Obituaries Christine Zullo-MacGregor Christine Anne Zullo-MacGregor of Natick passed peacefully on May 10 at the age of 71. She was surrounded by family at her bedside, including her caregiver, Mary Obiero, an angel and blessing to our family. We cannot thank her enough for her unconditional care and spiritual guidance during our mother’s illness. She was the beloved mother of Renee Murphy and husband Adam of Hopkinton, and Jennifer Hartley and husband Jeffrey of Framingham. She was the devoted daughter of the late Dr. Edward Zullo and Michaeline (DiGregorio), the dear sister of Loretta Presutti and husband David of Natick, Edward Zullo and wife Carol of Falmouth, and Celeste Palaza and late husband Paul of Florida. She was the loving grandmother of Madison, Avery and Seamus Murphy and Bryson Sanchez, and aunt of Edward “Eddie” Zullo, Marco and Danielle Palaza. She also is survived by her beloved grand-dog Bambi and many loving friends in her living community. Additional gratitude goes out to Ellie Ferreira, faithful caregiver to Christine, for her energetic and determined spirit. Christine attended Academy of the Assumption (Elizabeth Seton Regional High School) in Wellesley and St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Brighton. Christine was devoted. She cared deeply for her family and friends. She was an amazing sounding board, allowing all to share their joys, sorrows, heartaches and confessions. She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was. Those who knew her were truly blessed to have her in their lives. She had a passion for animals, beginning at Winona Farm, where she was an equestrian, and continuing on to her father’s veterinary clinic in Natick, where she worked for 15 years as an office manager. She made a house a home to many stray animals in her lifetime. Later in life she took much pride in donating monthly to a local animal medical fund. Christine also had a passion for fitness. In her younger years she was a faithful member of the Longfellow Sports Club, where she was continuously “member of the month.” A graveside service was held May

29 in Saint Tarcisius Cemetery, Framingham. Services were under the care of the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home in Natick. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Christine may be made to the Town of Milford Animal Medical Assistance Fund, 52 Main St., Milford, MA 01757.

Debra Scanlon Debra A. Scanlon entered the kingdom of heaven on May 17 the same way in which she lived her life: with courage, love and grace. It is often said that all people die but not all people live. Debbie lived for and was completely devoted to her children. Although her precious life was cut short, Debbie most certainly lived! Our beloved Debbie died peacefully in the comfort of her home surrounded in love by her family. She was 49. Most kids dream of growing up to be a dancer or ballplayer, a doctor or maybe a teacher. From the earliest age Debbie’s only dream was to be a mother. She realized that dream twice over and was a mom to two amazing kids, Luke and Avery Scanlon. Luke and Avery will forever remember their mother as simply the “best mom in the world.” Debbie’s commitment to the kids was never-ending as she loved them more than life itself, and her husband, Jimmy, was content to be in third place, “a distant third,” as Deb would affectionately remind him. Debbie was diagnosed in 2019 with a very rare form of cancer. Her only goal was to get better for her children. With the heart of a lion, she fought an extraordinary and brutal battle that left both her doctors those few who knew the depths of her struggle in awe. Debbie would want all of us to think of her with a smile and remember the good times, laughs and joy shared with friends and family over so many wonderful occasions throughout the years. She most certainly would want us to be comforted knowing she is at peace and with her Heavenly Father, as well as family gone before her. Debbie’s shining spirit will always be with us all and she will forever remain in our hearts. Born on June 4, 1971, in Baltimore,

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she was raised in Waltham and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Watertown. She earned an associate degree from MassBay Community College and then worked as an X-ray technician at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Debra married James C. Scanlon on Aug. 11, 2001, in Saint Brigid’s Church in Lexington, and they have made Hopkinton their home since 2002. Debbie is survived by her husband, Jimmy, and their children, Luke and Avery Scanlon; her parents, Paul Chaisson (Nancy) of Stow and Patricia (Miszczuk) Paragona (Joe) of Waltham; her sisters, Theresa Chaisson (Steve “Tex” Annas) and Ann Clark (Michael), both of Milford; her in-laws, Michael Scanlon (Cheryl) of Englewood, Florida, Michael and Steven Scanlon, both of Sugarloaf, Florida, Dana Dianni of Denver, and George Dianni (Cindy) of LaGrangeville, New York; and by nieces, nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of adored friends. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated May 22 in St. John the Evangelist Church, Hopkinton. Arrangements were under the care of the Joyce Funeral Home, Waltham. In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 (mskcc.org).

Jack Vartanian Hagop “Jack” Thomas Vartanian, 90, loving husband of 64 years to Patricia Elizabeth Kiley Vartanian, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 15 at JML Care Center in Falmouth. Born in Watertown to Krikor and Araxy Vartanian on July 15, 1930, Jack grew up in Hopkinton, Milford and Worcester. Jack and Pat resided in Shrewsbury for 20 years and eventually moved to Falmouth and finally Mashpee to enjoy retirement. Jack was proud to serve his country in the Korean War as a corporal. As his life unfolded, Jack began his working career at the David Clark Company in Worcester as a quality control engineer, designing spacesuits for NASA. He later worked at Raytheon, designing the infamous Hawk missile for the Vietnam War. His pre-retirement years were spent as a Therimage engineer supervisor at the Dennison Manufacturing Company in Framingham. In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his three children and their spouses/partners: Carol Molina and Frank Livas, Joan Winters and Shane, and John Vartanian and Debbie. Grandchildren include Chris Winters (Maya), Jessica Chaffin (Aaron), G. Dane Molina, and Matt and Taylor Vartanian. Five great-grandchildren include Porter, Jack, Mavis Kiley, Liam and Julian. Jack leaves behind a sister, Virginia “Nora” Ohannesian, and was predeceased by sisters Grace Bogoian and C “Rose” Keshigian. Those who knew Jack referred to him as “Gentleman Jack,” always kind, considerate and courteous to all. Whether it was his sailboat The Patrician or Kef

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Time, his time on the dance floor, playing billiards and bocce with his friends, golfing or gardening, he exhibited a passion for everything he enjoyed, especially spending wonderful times with his family. He lived his life with the mantra of “Enjoy life. … This is not a dress rehearsal!” Funeral services are private. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s name can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, c/o VA Regional Office, 380 Westminster Mall, Providence, RI 02903 or dav.org.

David Walker David Alan Walker, 93, husband of the late Peggy Clark Walker and a resident of Hopkinton, passed away peacefully May 22. Born Jan. 9, 1928, in Hackensack, New Jersey, he was the son of Forbes Walker and Ruth (Stoutenburgh) Walker. Dave is survived by daughter Julie Walker and grandson Reid Walker Kiessling of Sudbury, sister Sally Henry of Inverness, Florida, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by three brothers, Dusty, Tony and Jerry. Dave will be remembered for his gentle, quiet nature, his infectious laugh, and his sweet tooth — all traits his only daughter is happy to have inherited! Dave, aka Grandpa Walker, relished any chance to spend time with his grandson, Reid, and rallied to the end with questions about the 17-year-old’s track season, job and college plans. Dave graduated from Rutgers University in 1951 and went on to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He married Peggy Clark of Sudbury in 1966 at the Martha Mary Chapel and the couple settled in Allendale, New Jersey. Dave made his passion of gardening into a career, first in his home state of New Jersey, and later in Hopkinton, where he worked at Weston Nurseries until retirement. Memory loss in his final years couldn’t stop Dave from rattling off Latin names of trees and instructions for planting and pruning to any willing listener! In lieu of a service or donations, Dave would most appreciate a tree being planted in your yard or in a neighborhood park in his honor.

Martha Hesse Martha “Mythi” M. Hesse, 93, of Hopkinton passed away May 21. Born and raised on the East Side of Providence, she was the daughter of the late Katharine (Merrill) and William McCormick. Martha was a graduate of Lincoln School, Providence, and went on to graduate from Smith College, Class of 1949. While raising her family in Westport, Connecticut, she worked as a teaching assistant with children who had hearing impairments. After moving to Brimfield in 1973, Martha taught in the Museum Education Department at Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) and later became the coordinator of special programs, which included the OSV Elderhostel program. She treasured the friendships she made at

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 21 OSV, with people she fondly referred to as “the usual suspects” (Ellen Rothman, and Peter and Trudy O’Connell), who filled her life with rich conversation and lots of love and laughter. She is survived by two children, Kim M. Hesse and husband John Martire of Hopkinton, and Stephen T. Hesse and wife Naoko Sugiyama of Kokubunji, Japan. She has three grandchildren, Kate and Tai Martire, and Kye Hesse, who refer to her as “Dammie” and “Bata,” nicknames that she held dear. Martha was “the matriarch” of the Hesse-Martire family, which includes Amy Martire, Beth Cutter Hickman and Laura Cutter, and she shared a special closeness with her niece Martha Hesse and her family, Jay, Annie and Mollie. Martha’s nephews and nieces also include Peter, Nathaniel (Alice) and Megan. She was predeceased by her brother, William M. McCormick (Warwick, Rhode Island) and married for 32 years to Charles T. Hesse (Providence). Two friends of 70-plus years who filled Martha’s life with joy are Nancy Sayles Evarts (Garrison, New York) and Jody Holmes (Wilton, Connecticut). Martha was a beautiful swimmer. During the summers when she lived on South Pond in Brookfield, Martha loved to take long, daily swims. Some of her grandchildren’s best memories are of kayaking, fishing, swimming and building snowmen on the lake. Later in life, Martha traveled each year to Japan to visit Steve, Naoko and Kye and shared close and lasting friendships with Naoko’s parents and friends of the family. Following her move to Worcester, Martha and Amy Martire spent many happy summer evenings picnicking at the Jazz At Sunset outdoor concerts. Martha was a voracious reader and a skilled portrait photographer, and during her life dabbled in painting, sketching, playing the ukulele and skiing. The family thanks Martha’s doctors, Dr. Elizabeth Erban and Dr. Joshua Greenberg, for their many years of compassion and friendship. Martha will be missed dearly and remembered as an inspiration, the woman who continually beat the odds through numerous illnesses and surgeries and always took great joy in sharing the lives of her family and friends. Private family services will be taking place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Doctors Without Borders, the Sierra Club and Smith College. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Nate Lebreche Nathaniel L. Labreche, 31, of Burlington passed away suddenly at his home on May 22. Nate was the beloved son of Lisa E. Poitrast and the late Laurence M. Labreche. He is survived by his sister, Emily E. Poitrast; his stepdad, Stephen C. Poitrast; and his longtime love, Michelle D. Pacifico. He was adored by all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. Nate grew up in Hopkinton and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 2008 and from Framingham State College in 2013. For the past four years, he worked as a workday financials sales manager at ALKU. He was passionate about “closing the deal,” and it was where he shined the best. He enjoyed spending time at Cape Cod on the beach, boating and biking

with family and friends, and also loved hiking with Michelle and their dog, Nellie. Nate had a heart of gold and a charming smile, and his kindness and good humor inspired those who knew and loved him. He touched all of our lives, and we will miss him more than words can say. Visiting hours were held in the Eaton Funeral Home, Needham, on May 26. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nate’s name may be made to Great Dog Rescue New England, 9 Bartlet St., Suite 316, Andover, MA 01810 or gdrne.com.

Paul Guimond Paul F. Guimond, 57, of Hopkinton passed away on May 12 doing one of the many things he loved to do: watching a tennis match on the tube. Paul’s lifelong love of sports was matched only by his love for family and friends. They were, in fact, his lifeblood. And there were so many, as witnessed by the power surge from the postings on his Facebook page. Of course, his best friend was his mother, Peg. He was so happy he was able to dance with her at his wedding to Craig Certner in 2009. Paul’s pride and joy, as he let everyone know, were his nephew, Evan, and his niece, Ella. A close second to family and friends was his love for his pets — and God knows there were too many — Paco, Truman, Jackson, Harry, Abby, Odin, Bitsy, Ollie — you get the idea. Paul, or “Munch,” as he was affectionately called by Craig, loved to travel the world. Europe, Africa, California; didn’t matter as long as he and Craig and friends were together. Paul was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Oct. 3, 1963, and grew up in Holyoke, where he was a valedictorian for the Holyoke High School class of 1981. He sowed his oats in Denver, San Francisco and Boston. Paul spent many years working in the hospitality, tech and financial industries before joining DanaFarber Cancer Institute, where he had served as a grants manager for the past 11 years. And he was a damn good one. His parents, the late Philip Leo and Margaret Mary Guimond, née Dean, loved him dearly. In fact, his brothers, the late Philip Edward and John of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, along with his sister-in-law, Ann Whitall, would say he was definitely the favorite. Visiting hours were held at John Everett & Sons Funeral Home in Natick on May 21, and a celebration of life was held May 22 at The Gardens at Elm Bank in Wellesley. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Paul may be made to Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776 or or buddydoghs.com.

to college at Fitchburg State, earning a degree in education. In 1968, he finished his master’s degree in history. For the majority of his career, he worked as a history teacher and then as an assistant principal at Athol Junior High School. Retiring at age 60, he embarked on a new career in real estate both in Athol and on Cape Cod and then worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute — a job that of everything he did, he enjoyed more than anything. Tom loved the outdoors, especially fishing, and enjoyed many a weekend on the Quabbin Reservoir, which he felt was one of the most special places on Earth. He was a diehard sports fan, especially of the Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins. He leaves his good friend and companion, Andrea Brass of Hopkinton; a son, Brian Miller and wife Beth of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters, Margaret Kelleher of Harwichport and Nancy Murphy of Athol; and two stepdaughters, Diane Karagianis of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Deborah Strafuss of Weston and their families. He also leaves three grandchildren, Emily Miller of Walden, New York, Matthew Miller of Jacksonville, Florida, and Benjamin Miller of Tallahassee, Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Besides

his parents, he was predeceased by two wives, Claire (Farquahar) Miller and Barbara (Shilbis) Miller, as well as a son, Robert Miller. A funeral was held May 20 in the Fiske Murphy Mack Funeral Home, Orange, followed by burial in the Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

Timothy Lynch Timothy E. Lynch, 59, a longtime resident of Hopkinton, passed away May 21 after a long illness. Born in Framingham on Sept. 23, 1961, Tim was the son of C. Patrick Lynch of Hopkinton and the late Rosemary (Briggs) Lynch. Besides his father, Tim is survived by his daughter, Brianna Murch of Bellingham, as well as five brothers, Patrick (Dianne) of Ashland, Michael (Ruth) of Millville, Daniel of Franklin, William of South Carolina, and Andrew (Hillary) of Florida. He also leaves behind various relatives — aunts, uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews. Burial will be at the family’s convenience. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

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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.

ARRESTS May 14 11:46 p.m. A caller reported an intoxicated driver hit a stone wall on Lumber Street. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officers Stephen Buckley, Cody Normandin and Brittany Firth responded and subsequently arrested a 44-year-old woman from Ashland and charged her with OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and OUI drugs. A tow truck removed the vehicle, and the driver was transported to the hospital.

May 11 2:14 p.m. A caller reported a road rage incident on Main Street in which a driver swerved around a crossing guard, yelled and made inappropriate gestures. Officer Jay Deiana responded and spoke with the reporting person. 4:31 p.m. A caller reported a male exited a vehicle on Bridgeton Way, urinated, stumbled back in to his vehicle and drove off. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and checked the area with a negative find. 6:12 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. One driver was issued a written warning.

May 17 9:10 p.m. On East Main Street, Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Brian Sanchioni conducted a motor vehicle stop and subsequently arrested a 26-year-old man from Milford on a warrant for improper operator use of mobile phone and additionally charged him with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and texting while operating a motor vehicle.

May 12 1:09 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle crash involving two cars on Rocky Woods Road. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report. 2:40 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers checked on a person on Elm Street and requested an ambulance. 3:33 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a report of a vehicle hitting a pole

May 18 4:33 p.m. On Wilson Street, Officers Robert Ekross and Brian Sanchioni arrested a 21-year-old woman from Framingham on a warrant and additionally charged her with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

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tension involving two cars. No personal injuries were reported. Officer Cody Normandin responded and requested a tow truck for one vehicle. A report was to follow. May 15 10:56 a.m. A caller reported vandalism on Hunters Ridge Way. Sergeant Arthur Schofield responded and took a report. 8:31 p.m. Officer Robert Ekross checked on vehicles parked on Legacy Farms North and found people watching a rocket in the horizon. 9:50 p.m. A caller complained of noise coming from a loud party on the corner of Ash and Chestnut Streets. Officer Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the homeowner, who stated they would quiet down for the night. 11:49 p.m. A caller complained of noise on Ash Street. Holliston police officers assisted and advised the parties to cease the music. May 16 2:08 a.m. A third complaint about noise on Ash Street was received. Sergeant Arthur Schofield and Officer Robert Ekross responded and issued a summons. 3:52 p.m. A Curtis Road caller reported a missing elderly male. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Jessica Ferreira and Tyler Brabham responded along with the State K9 unit. A drone team was dispatched. 4:36 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed into the woods off Clinton Street to search for a missing elderly man. He was subsequently located and transported by ambulance to the hospital. May 17 11:54 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree on South Street blocking one lane of traffic. Sergeant Timothy Brennan responded and contacted the DPW for tree removal. 4:07 p.m. A Wood Street caller reported a male in his 20s yelling obscenities in her driveway and a female with a bat in the driveway. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Jessica Ferreira and Brian Sanchioni responded and a report was to follow. 5:45 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni moved a fallen cable wire from the roadway of Chestnut Street and notified Verizon. May 18 9:24 a.m. A detail officer reported a pole was clipped by a tractor-trailer on Main Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded and notified Verizon. 10:41 a.m. A Clinton Street caller reported a suspicious person in the house. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded. A report was to follow. 11:06 a.m. A detail officer reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle accident on Main Street. Officer Jessica Ferreira responded. A report was to follow. 6:08 p.m. A caller reported a brush fire on Fruit Street. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded along with the Fire Department and the fire was extinguished. 6:17 p.m. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officer Robert Ekross responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street involving a motorcycle and a car. No personal injuries were reported. A

The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021 • 23 tow truck was requested. May 19 9:45 a.m. A caller reported a fallen tree in the middle of Winter Street. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and notified the DPW. 12:01 p.m. Officer Matthew Santoro responded to a report of an unruly student at Elmwood School. Officer Santoro checked on all parties involved and the situation was resolved. 3:46 p.m. A caller reported a speeding vehicle on Chamberlain Street and stated he got into a yelling exchange with the operator, who took off. Sergeant William Burchard responded and took a report. 8:06 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed to search for a male on Frankland Road. May 20 8:29 a.m. A caller reported her dog was attacked by another dog at the State Park on Cedar Street the previous night. She wanted the incident logged. 2:33 p.m. A caller reported a tow truck hit granite on Pond Street and it was in the roadway. Sergeant William Burchard responded and reported the granite was damaged but still intact. The DPW was advised to check it. 4:45 p.m. Officer Ryan Polselli responded to a motor vehicle accident involving three cars on West Main Street. No personal injuries were reported. 6:47 p.m. A caller reported losing a chainsaw from his truck that may have fallen somewhere near Hopkinton Lumber on Main Street. He wanted the incident logged. 10:10 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported two people in a white Toyota Highlander egged his car and multiple other vehicles near the leasing office. Sergeant William Burchar and Officer Tyler Brabham responded and checked the area for the vehicle with a negative find. A report was taken. May 21 8:39 a.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle accident involving two cars on the Interstate 495 ramp off West Main Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officer Ryan Polselli responded. An ambulance was requested and transported one person with a head injury to the hospital. A tow truck was requested. Officer Polselli took a report. 9:38 a.m. A Price Street caller reported a fox with babies was living under her shed and she was unable to leave the house. The animal control officer was contacted. 9:42 a.m. A Wildlife Drive resident reported his house was vandalized. Sergeant William Burchard responded and took a report. 11:32 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance of a man on Church Street yelling, screaming and banging items. Sergeants Timothy Brennan and William Burchard and Officer Ryan Polselli responded and spoke with the individual, who was venting frustrations. 2:06 p.m. A caller reported hitting a parked vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street. Sergeant William Burchard responded and took a report. 2:23 p.m. Marathon School staff reported that students were left at school on an early release day. Sergeant William Burchard and Officer Ryan Polselli responded and subsequently notified family members for pickup of their children. 6:17 p.m. A caller reported an assault between two males on Meserve Street. Sergeant Timothy Brennan and Officers Robert Ekross and Tyler Brabham responded and took a report. May 22 12:01 a.m. A caller requested a well-being check of two individuals who left an underage drinking party and were possibly headed to a Wood Street residence. Officers Brittany Firth and Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the grandmother. The involved parties were not home. The Acton Police Department was advised. 2:07 a.m. A caller reported yelling and screaming on Chestnut Street. Officers Tyler Brabham, Robert Ekross and Brittany Firth responded and found a person working out. He was to head indoors for the night. 8:46 a.m. Officer Philip Powers assisted the Fire Department with a truck that leaked 2-3 gallons of diesel fuel in a Lumber Street parking lot.

The property owner was notified to make cleanup arrangements. 11:33 a.m. A caller reported a lot of smoke in the area of Wild Road. Officer Moira McGaffigan responded along with the Fire Department and found leaves burning in an outside fire. 5:59 p.m. School Resource Officer Philip Powers reported all the portable toilets along Loop Road had been tipped over. May 23 1:45 a.m. A Cedar Street caller reported a disturbance with a verbally aggressive male trying to get his phone. Officers Tyler Brabham, Brittany Firth and Robert Ekross responded and spoke with the involved parties. 9:13 a.m. An East Street caller reported stolen property. She stated she thought someone was entering her room at night and stealing her belongings. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and notified management, who was to contact the caller’s family. 10:10 a.m. A caller requested a person check on Saddle Hill Road. The caller stated the involved person was acting erratically and swinging a baseball bat around their parking lot. Officers Brian Sanchioni and Jay Deiana responded and the person was gone upon their arrival. 2:32 p.m. A caller reported a motor vehicle drove over her kayak on Rafferty Road. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report. 4:33 p.m. A caller reported he was assaulted by a friend in the State Park on Cedar Street. The Ashland Police Department was advised. 9:56 p.m. A Cedar Street caller reported her grandson and another person inside the residence were fighting. Sergeant Aaron O’Neil and Officers Brian Sanchioni and Robert Ekross responded and a report was to follow. 10:28 p.m. Officer Brian Sanchioni and K9 Titan were deployed to Cedar Street to search for a person. May 24 7:38 a.m. A caller reported an elderly man on West Main Street who appeared confused. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and checked the area with a negative find. 8:17 a.m. A Glen Road resident reported her mailbox was vandalized. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and took a report. 12:49 p.m. A caller reported an unidentified object in water on Saddle Hill Road. Officer Brian Sanchioni responded and requested assistance. The object was a decomposed beaver.

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24 • The Hopkinton Independent • June 2, 2021

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Above All… We always make safety a top priority. It is with great pride that we announce that Milford Regional has just been awarded the country’s top grade for hospital safety for an unprecedented six times in a row! Our commitment to quality care is stronger than ever with our team of exceptional nurses, physicians and hospital staff all dedicated to delivering the very best healthcare every day. We are honored to once again be recognized as a national healthcare leader with Leapfrog’s Grade “A” for safety. 14 Prospect Street • Milford, MA • milfordregional.org For details, visit The Leapfrog Group at www.hospitalsafetygrade.org

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