HI LAYOUT 6.4.25_WEB

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

Dr. Joshua Greenberg, a retired cardiologist, has more than 45 years of experience in the medical field. While the longtime Hopkinton resident has saved countless lives during that time, he more recently put his heart into sharing the restorative benefits of yoga on the big screen.

He created “Postures for Life,” a 30-minute documentary on how yoga has transformed his life and the lives of five others as they confronted challenging times.

The film will be shown at the Elm DraughtHouse Theatre in Millbury on June 9 at 6 p.m. All proceeds will go

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Following a modest turnout of voters on May 19, Shahidul Mannan returned to his seat on the Select Board while Matthew Kizner took the other open position.

According to unofficial results released from the Town Clerk’s Office, 1,288 residents turned out to vote in the Annual Town Election — just shy of 10% of Hopkinton’s eligible voters.

“It’s tough, especially when there’s no ballot questions,” Town Clerk Connor Degan remarked on voter turnout following a reading of the votes on HCAM.

Mannan maintained his seat with 740 votes. Jeff Doyle — the newcomer in this year’s Select Board race — trailed close behind with 703 votes. But the biggest winner of the night was Kizner, who netted 805 total votes across the five precincts.

“It’s humbling and empowering in a way I’m struggling to describe,” Kizner told the Independent following

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The Hopkinton Independent is published by Hopkinton Independent, LLC, 32 South St., Westborough, MA 01581. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors or errors in advertisements, but will reprint that portion of the ad that was in error if notified in writing within three business days of the publication date. All material is the property of the Hopkinton Independent. Permission must be obtained in writing before reproducing any material. The Hopkinton Independent is delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to 100 percent of the homes and businesses in Hopkinton, reaching more than 7,700 addresses. It’s also available for free pickup at Muffin House Café and Price Chopper as well as at many other local businesses. Hopkinton Independent, LLC is equally co-owned by Bagdon Advertising, Inc. and Susanne Odell Farber.

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DON'T REPLACE

Porter trial rescheduled again

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The judge presiding over the trial of former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter on May 19 rescheduled the proceedings until June 2, citing attorney schedule conflicts and the influence of potential jurors by people familiar with the case over the upcoming holiday weekend.

This is the latest in a series of delays in this highly anticipated court case. According to masscourts.org, the trial originally was scheduled for May 7, 2024, only two days before the anniversary of when Porter pleaded not guilty to three counts of child rape; it was rescheduled to Sept. 16, 2024. On March 28, 2024, it was rescheduled for Dec. 9, 2024, at the request of the attorneys on both sides because of “outstanding discovery.” On Oct. 30 of last year, the date was moved to May 12 of this year at the request of the defendant.

During the 15-minute hearing at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn on May 19, Judge Michael Pineault anticipated a motion by Worcester-based defense attorney Leonardo Angiulo to continue the trial, according to a court recording.

On May 16, defense counsel made a motion in limine to “admit evidence and testimony from 2004 allegation of sexual assault by a peer.” Pineault on Monday started the hearing by saying he would “make an effort” to rule on the admissibility of this information before the start of the trial.

Pineault expressed concern that if Angiulo intended to appeal his decision, it would leave jurors “on ice” until a ruling was made. He also noted that prosecutor Maren Schrader had planned to be out of town next week.

“Where does that leave us?” he asked. “We have a victim — an alleged victim — who presumably wants this case to go to trial, judging from the text messages that I’ve read.”

Angiulo said that voir dire, a process through which potential jurors are

questioned by attorneys and the judge for potential bias, would need to be conducted for the trial to go forward. With the prosecutor being out of town next week and the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, presenting “half a case” before then did not seem prudent. He also called attention to media coverage and its possible influence over potential jurors.

“This case had plenty of media [coverage] when it started,” Angiulo explained. “While the mainstream media has sort of petered off, there’s a local Hopkinton newspaper … there’s comment sections of retired police officers chiming in with evidence from the POST Commission in the comment sections.”

“They are going to be at barbecues,” he continued regarding potential jurors. “Our only chance at not having any kind of media awareness by the jurors is if we just try this case in a week.”

He added that he anticipated the judge to rule against his motion to enter evidence from the 2004 allegation into the record, which he intends to appeal if done. This would cause a further trial delay.

Schrader added that she was unaware of this new evidence until a day before a recent pretrial conference.

At that point, Angiulo said he intended to file for a continuance.

Pineault asked Schrader what the alleged survivor wanted.

Said Schrader: “She wants it over. I think that’s very clear.”

She added that everyone wants to see a fluid trial and that her hope was that Pineault would continue to be the presiding judge if the trial were rescheduled because he invested time in reviewing the evidence. Pineault agreed. Also, some of the anticipated witnesses who are teachers may be out of town in July, according to Schrader. Pineault said he would take Angiulo’s comment as a request to continue the trail and scheduled it for June 2. The voir dire process was scheduled

Tales from a Townie: Lake Whitehall ice rescue

By William T. Hamilton Jr. Contributing Writer

This tale is about my first ice rescue in two years time.

It was a Monday, Feb. 29, 1988. I was working the day shift at the Hopkinton Fire Department. At that time, we had two men on duty, and the chief was in and out. This afternoon, he was out.

In the early afternoon, an excited Spring Street resident called, telling us that three men had fallen through the ice while fishing. One of the men had managed to pull himself out and crawl to shore, and he was able to get to the home from where the homeowner had called us.

We sounded the alarm, and about eight of us proceeded to the scene in the rescue truck, the ambulance and our pickup truck, which pulled our flat-bottomed aluminum boat on a boat trailer.

Arriving at the scene, we pulled the boat about 100 feet through the woods to the shore.

One of the men still was in the water.

The second man was on a small island. The third man was in the home where the emergency call was made, getting himself warm.

Two of our men donned new coldwater rescue suits that we had never used before. With a line tied to each of them, they crawled to the man in the water and, with some difficulty, pulled him to onto the ice and then to shore.

We had a 3-foot diameter wooden spool with half-inch line rolled on it, which we set up so we could reel the line off. We tied it to the boat. Two of us got in the boat on the ice, one on each side with one leg in the boat, the other pushing us across the ice. We got to the island, wrapped the man in a blanket, put him in the boat and successfully pushed him to shore without breaking through the ice.

We put the three men in the ambulance, which we had left with the heater on high, and took them to the hospital to be checked out. They were all OK! We all received commendations from the Board of Selectmen a couple of weeks afterward for our efforts.

LaFreniere gets probation, loss of license after admission on OUI charge

By Nick Schofield Contributing Writer

Former Select Board vice chair

Mary Jo LaFreniere avoided a jury trial for charges of operating under the influence after reaching an agreement with prosecutors May 22.

LaFreniere and her lawyer, attorney Sean Doherty, began the morning at Framingham District Court ready for a jury trial. A discussion between Middlesex County assistant district attorney Leon Rotenstein, Doherty and Judge Jennifer Queally revealed that plea agreements had been discussed prior to the hearing.

In Their Own Words…

Hear the thoughts of the citizens of Hopkinton in the 1700’s as transcribed from our original Town Meeting notes.

Monday June 16

6:30 PM

Hopkinton Center for the Arts

Presentation by Chuck Joseph Sponsored by

“Is this worth a conversation about trying to resolve?” Queally asked. Doherty responded that he and the District Attorney’s office had been unable to reach a resolution.

LaFreniere had an automatic plea of not guilty entered on her behalf at a pretrial hearing in February.

When asked if he and LaFreniere were prepared potentially to move forward to a jury trial, Doherty remarked that he is “always ready for showtime.”

Doherty and his client were directed by Queally to consult with Rotenstein to see if a resolution could be reached and return after a brief recess.

The OUI charge LaFreniere was facing stemmed from an incident on Dec. 15, 2024. She was arrested and charged following a minor accident on Walcott Valley Drive that night after driving home from TJ’s Food and Spirits on the Hopkinton-Ashland line.

According to a report from the MetroWest Daily News, LaFreniere said she had consumed two Irish coffees (a cocktail made with coffee and whiskey) before returning home that night.

Upon returning to the courtroom, the attorneys informed Queally that an agreement had been reached. LaFreniere made an admission to sufficient facts, waiving her right to a jury trial and other protected rights.

An admission to sufficient facts, according to the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure, is an alternative plea where “the defendant does not explicitly admit guilt.” It allows a defendant’s case to be continued without a finding.

To accept LaFreniere’s plea, Queally asked for a recounting of the facts of the case from Rotenstein and affirmation from LaFreniere that these facts were true.

Rotenstein laid out the Middlesex DA’s case, starting with Hopkinton police officer Nicholas Walker’s testimony.

According to Rotenstein, Walker was off-duty and walking his dog in the Walcott Valley Drive neighborhood when he heard a bang and found LaFreniere on the sidewalk in her vehicle. Walker, in his testimony, “noticed an odor of alcohol” from LaFreniere as he assisted her back to her residence.

After calling for backup, officers found LaFreniere’s vehicle inoperable

and noticed she “had bloodshot, glassy eyes, was unsteady, and [couldn’t] remember what she hit,” said Rotenstein. She also allegedly admitted to officers she had a drink with dinner and two Irish coffees after dinner at TJ’s, Rotenstein said.

She subsequently was arrested and charged with an OUI.

Despite some hesitation, LaFreniere accepted these facts in her admission at Queally’s prompting.

Before Queally’s final ruling, Doherty asked the judge to consider extenuating circumstances. He pointed to LaFreniere’s clean legal history, years of service to the town of Hopkinton and both medical and social factors that contributed to her OUI.

“It was a confluence of alcohol, no medication, and a funeral,” said Doherty.

LaFreniere had visited TJ’s on Dec. 15 following the wake of a family member — the third funeral she claimed to have attended in the span of a month. She reported to the court that she had not taken her diabetes medication that day, either.

“It was a perfect storm,” both LaFreniere and Doherty claimed.

In her final ruling, Queally continued the case without a finding and ordered LaFreniere on probation for a year. As well, she ordered a 45 day loss of license and the completion of a driver impairment education program.

According to a court official, as long as LaFreniere follows the orders and remains in good standing with the court, her charges will be dismissed at the end of her probation.

Speaking with the Independent following the hearing, LaFreniere said the decision avoided drawing out the process.

“I could continue to fight it,” she explained. “You just get to a point where you’ve got to move [on].”

She also noted there were a lot of extenuating circumstances in her case, and her health was a contributing factor. LaFreniere, who appeared in court with a walker, noted issues with osteoarthritis and a recent fall that caused damage to her nose.

Now that the trial is over and her tenure with the Select Board has come to a close, the 76-year-old said she is not sure what comes next.

“My whole life has been devoted to Hopkinton,” LaFreniere said.

Joseph 508-509-6169

School bus with students aboard hits telephone pole

Aschool bus on the way to school

May 20 struck a telephone pole on Cedar Street Extension, downing power lines and closing the road but apparently causing no serious injuries.

In an email to the Independent, Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief Scott van Raalten confirmed that students were heading to both Hopkinton Middle School and Hopkinton High School at the time of the crash.

The accident was reported to the HPD and the Hopkinton Fire Department at 7:26 a.m., according to a joint statement released by van Raalten, HPS Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh and Fire Chief Gary Daugherty. HFD dispatched an engine and one ambulance, along with Daugherty and Deputy Chief Scott Jurasek, who arrived within five minutes of receiving the call.

Van Raalten and four officers arrived within three minutes of the call. Cavanaugh and Lynn Webster, the school bus dispatcher, also were at the scene at that time.

“Thirty-two students and the driver were inside Bus 35 when it crashed into a telephone pole, causing power lines to fall and rest just above the roof of the bus,” according to the statement. “Fire and Police personnel quickly assessed the situation and determined no lifethreatening injuries.

“Due to the proximity of the downed power lines to the bus roof, all students were required to remain onboard until the power could be safely de-energized,” it continued.

Eversource responded to a priority request and was able to de-energize the power lines at 8:49 a.m. Students were safely evacuated from the bus and transported via another school bus to Hopkinton Middle School, where they were evaluated by school nurses and paramedics.

“Only minor injuries were reported, if any at all,” according to the statement.

Students were either released to class or dismissed to their parents, depending upon their individual preference.

The following week, van Raalten indicated that distracted driving may have played a role in the accident.

“Evidence suggests the driver may have been momentarily distracted, drifting to the shoulder of the roadway and unable to regain control before crashing into the telephone pole,” van Raalten stated in an emailed response to inquiries from the Independent. “We do not believe he was using an electronic device prior to the crash.”

Added van Raalten: “There is no evidence to suggest that the bus operator was under the influence.”

“The investigation, based on witness statements, operator interviews, and bus video, does not suggest speed or mechanical issues as factors,” the deputy chief stated.

Since 2021, there have been 20 crashes involving school buses, van Raalten noted after reviewing HPD records. He noted that this number “may also include non-town-contracted buses.”

The Independent reached out via

email and phone to the Michael J. Connolly & Sons bus company to determine if the driver had been reprimanded but did not immediately receive a response.

Fleeing pair arrested after crash

The Hopkinton Police Department on May 16 aided the Massachusetts State Police in the arrest of two people who fled into the woods off the MassPike near the Westborough line after being chased by police.

An HPD Facebook post stated that local police received a call from the MSP at around 2 a.m. Two people, later identified as Maria Kelliher and David Koukoulis, were involved in a motor vehicle pursuit with police when their vehicle crashed into the woods on the MassPike near Wood Street.

Three HPD officers responded and established a perimeter on North Street with the help of the Westborough Police Department. Officers used K9s and a drone to scan the surrounding forest. Kelliher was found shortly thereafter. She was evaluated by first responders on scene and taken into custody without issue.

At approximately 7 a.m., a 911 caller reported that a male was in a shed on Baldwin Lane. Officers identified him as Koukoulis and confirmed that he was the other party from the earlier incident. He was taken into custody without issue. Both individuals were handed over to the State Police for booking.

Mosquito spraying underway

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project is back in Hopkinton this spring to spray areas of town.

In a notice to the town, the CMMCP stated it would be performing mosquito control spraying starting early in June and lasting throughout the month. The dates of service are June 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 24 and 25.

Where in town the project will target this year was unclear, though the Health Department has noted in the past that it looks at stagnant water bodies, wetlands and retention/detention ponds. The department also has coordinated treatments before large municipal events.

Spurred by an uptick in mosquito capture rates at monitoring sites in town, the Health Department has worked in recent years to control mosquito populations. McAuliffe reported to the Board of Health in September 2024 that continued coordination with the CMMCP led to Hopkinton being designated a “low risk” area by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Residents have the option to request service or opt out of spraying. Requests for service may be recorded by calling the CMMCP office at 508-393-3055 between 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or going to cmmcp.org.

To opt out of spraying, visit the CMMCP website and click the “no spray info” button.

The Health Department and the

Residents elect Kizner, Mannan to Select Board

the vote tally.

“In hindsight, it was a reflection of the campaign I was trying to run,” said Kizner, noting he wanted to focus on making residents feel heard and respected. He said despite his endorsement from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, he looked to make it clear he was “a voice for the other side as well.”

Added Kizner: “I hoped I put that foot forward, and tonight’s results suggest that I did.”

Mannan, like Kizner, was pleased with the results of the election and excited to get to work.

“I’m really happy and thankful to the residents, and thankful to my supporters who really rooted for me and got me here,” said Mannan. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone.”

He highlighted concerns he wants to continue helping the Select Board solve, including the town’s ongoing water quality issues, economic development and budget issues.

“There’s much more to do,” he

added.

While the results were not what he was hoping for, Doyle said he was happy the final tallies were close and residents came out to vote. He also recognized that the town opted for the candidates with the most political experience.

“My view is a little bit different, but it’s not what voters chose on Election Day,” said Doyle.

“I’m glad I was able to offer a different perspective of someone that has been in town for many years,” he added.

Doyle does not believe his run for Select Board will be the end of a career in town politics for him. He said once he makes up some time with his family and recalibrates, he hopes to be back in some capacity.

“There definitely will be something next,” he said.

In the only other contested race in this year’s Town Election, incumbent Peter Mimmo held his Board of Assessors seat against opponent Frederick “Ted” Mayer. Mimmo earned 747 votes to Mayer’s 416.

years at the property for which they are applying for the exemption. Applicants are required to have filed a 2024 Massachusetts State Tax Form Schedule CB (Circuit Breaker) as well.

CMMCP also are asking for residents to help them locate abandoned swimming pools in the community so they could be treated with insecticide.

“Treatment of the pools is at no cost to the city/town or the resident, and the pool can later be opened if the resident so desires,” a CMMCP memo explains.

Senior tax exemption available

The deadline for a new senior tax exemption for fiscal year 2026 has been set for Aug. 1.

The town has adopted a new meanstested senior tax exemption for school building construction projects. Qualified seniors will receive a property tax exemption “equal to or less than the actual cost of borrowing in any fiscal year,” the town’s website states. The Board of Assessors will administer this new tax program and determine exemption amounts annually.

Seniors who qualify must be property owners in Hopkinton age 65 or older. They must have lived and owned a home in Hopkinton for at least 10 consecutive

There also are income and asset requirements, which are detailed on the online application.

More information about this and other senior tax exemptions can be found by visiting the assessor’s website (hopkintonma.gov/departments/finance/assessor).

Planning Board approves Kathryn Drive subdivision plan

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

The Planning Board on May 19 voted 6-0 to approve a definitive subdivision plan that would upgrade Kathryn Drive, a short cul-de-sac located off Ash Street.

The proposal presented by consultant Joe Marquedant would extend the roadway to allow access to two other parcels. It also would add a nearly halfacre parcel at Hehn’s Farm Way for the extension of an infiltration basin. The property is owned by John Remby Sr. and his wife, Gail.

Peer review consultant Bob Sykes from Pare Corporation said there are five comments that need to be addressed by the applicant. The proposal called for an 8-foot retaining wall, but it did not include details on its design. Sykes said it would need a railing, and Marquedant said the information would be provided.

There were a few other administrative comments regarding the stormwater report. The basin area was revised since the last hearing, and that number needed to be updated throughout the plan set. Spot elevations around the cul-de-sac also will be added to the plans, as well as two 18-inch pipes.

Marquedant attributed the errors to “poor drafting” and said they would be corrected. He also said the applicant is working on the language for a maintenance agreement.

Vice chair Matthew Wronka noted that “there was a disconnect” where a 35-foot radius and a 35-foot diameter were referenced interchangeably in regard to the cul-de-sac. Marquedant said the dead-end road pavement radius had been shrunk “in an effort to reduce impervious area at the site.” The plans meant to show a 35-root radius and a 70foot diameter. This revision “still works for emergency vehicles,” according to

Marquedant.

The project was approved with the condition that the stormwater report be included and that language in the plans be revised. All requested waivers were approved.

Ash Street hearing continued

Trails Committee chair Peter LaGoy appeared before the Planning Board and Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed to request the removal of a few trees on Ash Street to create a twospace parking area at a trailhead near 101 Ash Street. This is a scenic road, and Reed attended in her capacity as the town’s tree warden.

Chair Rob Benson referred to the two proposed parking spaces as “rustic.”

“What we’re looking at doing is improving what’s already existing parking there,” said LaGoy. To widen the

parking area at the side of the street, he requested the removal of a large mulberry tree, a “half-dead” chokecherry tree and a thin sassafras tree. He also asked that a large boulder be turned. Reed had no objection.

LaGoy added that road base material and stone dust would be added, which would help the parking area be better defined. He said he and fellow Trails Committee member Sean Kimball recently met at the site to speak with concerned abutters.

This would allow easier access to Cranberry Bog Trail, which ultimately runs behind Center School, he explained.

Victoria Julian, who resides at 101 Ash Street with her husband, Matthew Czech, noted that Ash Street is a narrow, winding road that has a high traffic volume. She said parked cars could create “pretty dangerous blind spots both for the driver and people getting in and out of their cars.” Also, pedestrians would have to walk in the street.

“I think it’s dangerous to put parking there,” said outgoing board member Karen Wills. She lives on nearby Blueberry Lane and uses this trail.

Czech added that extending the sidewalk there would be “a reasonable alternative” to the parking area that would benefit residents.

John Gelcich, the acting director of the Land Use, Planning & Permitting Department, explained that the decision criteria is about the aesthetic value that the trees and the stone have to the scenic road — not what will be put there after their removal.

LaGoy added that there will be another meeting with abutters and Trails Committee members to address their concerns.

Benson scheduled a site walk for May 27 at 5 p.m. The public hearing was continued to June 2 in a 6-0 vote.

Baypath shelter hearing continued

The hearing for the construction of a proposed 8,400-square-foot animal shelter facility and related infrastructure off Fruit Street by Baypath Humane Society was continued to June 2 at the applicant’s request. The decision deadline for the stormwater management permit was extended to June 9.

to proceed May 20 with the alleged survivor and former Hopkinton Police Sgt. Tim Brennan. Brennan was terminated from the HPD in February 2024 after a contentious hearing process for failing to report what he knew about the alleged assaults to his supervisor.

In a related development, court records showed that documents requested from the Hopkinton Police Department and the state’s Department of Children and Families were received last week. Records from the Hopkinton Public Schools were received by the court on May 19. Pineault approved a joint motion for the attorneys to copy and inspect these files. The new trial date will allow time for the attorneys to review this information.

RUN ALONG

Participants head out from Marathon School on May 24 as part of the Team Hoyt

Select Board chooses Clark as chair, Mannan as vice chair

By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer

At a brief reorganizational meeting May 27, the Select Board voted unanimously to elect Joe Clark as its chair and Shahidul Mannan as its vice chair.

Clark received initial support from former chair Brian Herr and newly elected member Matthew Kizner, who each emphasized the need for younger voices in town government. Member Amy Ritterbusch nominated Mannan, who was reelected to his second term May 19.

When Mannan realized he did not have the majority of votes, he and Ritterbusch opted to vote for Clark, giving Clark a unanimous victory as he begins his second year on the board. Herr nominated Mannan for vice chair, and no one ran in opposition.

“I’m humbled to be nominated,” said Clark before the vote. “I think the big thing is I’m very excited about this board working together this year.”

He added that the board had been “productive” over the past year. He expected the same momentum this time around.

“I think it is time definitely for others to step forward,” said Herr. He pointed out that the board “had a really good year” under his leadership and accomplished a lot without incurring new debt.

Herr, who served several terms prior to his election last year, took the helm after the town faced a tumultuous and divisive era.

He added that a “new generation of leadership” needed to be involved in local government. To him, that meant a person who has been “engaged in the community” and who has school-aged kids. Clark exemplified those qualities for him.

Kizner echoed Herr’s remarks, speaking about the “generational passing of the baton.”

“While I was campaigning and out during the recent election, that was probably the number one thing that I got from people,” he said. “People were really looking to hear what the next generation of leadership in Hopkinton sounded like and looked like and to see them taking a bit of a more active role.”

Added Kizner: “I was not comfortable taking on a challenge like this in the first year. I didn’t think it was appropriate.”

Mannan, after highlighting his experience, said he could “continue on that path and do more.” While he stressed that he enjoyed working with Clark and Herr last year, he noted that he is not part of “a lost generation.”

“I am only 55,” he said. “I don’t think that should discount me because of my age. I have proudly served this town for 12 years. That shouldn’t be discounted as too much experience either. I think the town needs that.”

During the last year, Mannan pushed for the creation of the Water & Sewer Advisory Board and the Economic Development Advisory Board, ideas he raised during the previous year.

Stressing a desire for teamwork, Mannan said he would go with the majority. Ritterbusch likewise voted for Clark.

Clark seconded Mannan’s nomination for vice chair before the unanimous vote.

During the public comment period at the start of the meeting, resident Sravana Krishna and School Committee member Kyla McSweeney had endorsed Mannan for chair. Both spoke of his experience, commitment to listening to residents and his ability to explain his reasoning when making decisions.

“In addition, I believe he brings patience and intelligence to the Select Board,” McSweeney said.

‘A SLICE OF HOPKINTON’

Hopkinton Independent Photo Contest

SENIOR SNIPPETS

This issue’s winner is Himanshu Shukla for this photo of a redwinged blackbird by Lake Whitehall. To enter next issue’s contest, email your photo (put “Photo Contest” in the subject line) along with your name, phone number and description of the photo to editor@ hopkintonindependent.com. Photos with people or pets in them are encouraged. Photos that are not selected as winners might be posted on our website. Presents

The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by BoMain. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have their submitted photo published in the paper and will receive a $25 gift certificate to BoMain.

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

Walking Group With Lisa

Fridays, 10:30 a.m.

With the warm weather back, it’s time to start getting outside. Lisa, a Senior Center staff member, will lead a local walk on Fridays. It’s a great opportunity for individuals to meet new people, explore new areas and, most importantly, keep one’s body moving. These walks are on mostly flat terrain, but the walking locations will vary. Those interested should reach out in advance to register and confirm the location to ensure they will be comfortable with the terrain.

Book Club

Wednesday, June 4, 10:30 a.m.

One of life’s pleasures is a good book. Another is the time to read it. At this meeting, attendees can relax and bring refreshments, all while enjoying book reviews and socializing. This month, the club will discuss “The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery” by Richard Osman.

Our Time Memory Cafe at the Senior Center

Thursday, June 5, 1 p.m.

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

Crafts with Deb

Monday, June 16, 9:30 a.m.

Participants will learn how to make a fun and easy springtime craft. No prior craft experience is needed, although some projects may require basic sewing skills. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.

Sound Bath

Wednesday, June 18, 2:15 p.m.

In this magical and relaxing hour, participants will be led by Crystal Lee to experience the sound waves from crystal bowls. The waves are meant to synchronize brain wave frequencies, fostering deep relaxation and a tranquil mind, which may ease anxiety, manage stress and support a balanced mood. Attendees should bring a yoga mat, pillow and blanket. Individuals may sit in a chair or lie down for this session. Advance registration is requested.

Steps to take before — and after — a divorce

Going through a divorce is emotionally painful and can disrupt one’s life in many ways — but does it also have to be financially devastating?

Not necessarily. You can help yourself greatly by making a series of moves. Here are some to consider:

Before the divorce is final …

Mark Freeman, CEPA

Professional insights

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• Determine how you’ll cover the cost of the divorce. To meet the costs of a divorce, which can be tens of thousands dollars, you may need to tap in to your income stream and savings accounts, or even explore alternative options, such as borrowing from your retirement plan, if it’s allowed by a divorce court judge.

• Create a budget. You may want to build a temporary budget. Your divorce attorney can advise you on how long your separation period may last in a contested case.

• Start building separate bank and brokerage accounts. Consult with your divorce attorney on ways to establish independent bank and brokerage accounts without harming your spouse.

• Understand your retirement benefits. Know the value of your and your spouse’s 401(k) or similar plans, IRAs, pensions, stock options and other employer benefits. Also, you might need to negotiate the splitting of retirement benefits through a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). A tax professional and a financial advisor can help you understand how different QDRO proposals can affect your retirement goals.

After the divorce is final …

• Finish building your separate financial accounts. You may want to close any joint accounts or credit cards, change online access to financial accounts, remove your name from bills for which you are no longer responsible and complete any agreed-upon asset transfers, such as dividing retirement assets.

• Create a new budget. You can now create a longer-term budget, in-

corporating any spouse or child support you receive as income. You may also need to adjust your spending to reflect items in the divorce agreement, such as expenses now covered by your former spouse and court-ordered responsibilities for paying college education expenses for dependent children and possibly the attorneys’ fees for a former spouse.

• Review your protection plans. You may need to review your life, homeowners and auto insurance policies. And if you were covered under your spouse’s health insurance plan, you may want to apply for COBRA to stay on that plan up to 36 months or switch to your own employer’s plan, if available. If you don’t have access to an employer’s health insurance, you may want to explore a marketplace plan from the Affordable Care Act or contact a health insurance broker.

• Review your estate plans. To reflect your new marital status, you may need to work with your legal professional to change some of your estate-planning documents, such as a will, living trust, advanced health care directive or power of attorney. Also, review the beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, IRAs, annuities and investment accounts, as these designations can likely supersede instructions on your will or trust.

• See your tax professional. You may need to consult with your tax professional on issues such as changing your tax return filing status, claiming a child as a dependent and dealing with tax implications of assets received in the divorce.

Going through a divorce is not easy — but by taking the appropriate steps before and after the divorce is finalized, you can at least help put yourself in a more secure and stable financial position to begin the next phase of your life.

Mark Freeman, CEPA

Edward Jones Financial Advisor

77 W. Main Street, Hopkinton, MA (508) 293-4017

Mark.Freeman@edwardjones.com

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS in Hopkinton

Resident’s passion for yoga results in film ‘Postures for Life’

to supporting a nonprofit Greenberg created called Postures for Life Inc. Its mission is to provide yoga to the underserved and people recovering from cancer or substance use disorder. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and a panel discussion will follow the film screening. Tickets are $33.85 and can be purchased online via posturesforlife.org.

In a recent interview with the Independent, Greenberg discussed how his son’s athletic pursuits led him to begin practicing Bikram yoga. More commonly known as hot yoga, it is a more physically demanding practice.

A native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Greenberg worked in Worcester. He spent the first two-thirds of his career at UMass Memorial Medical Center and the latter third at St. Vincent Hospital.

“Twenty years ago or so, I became

acquainted with yoga,” he said. “It was a very stressful time in my life. The yoga was very helpful in navigating the difficult times.”

This was about the same time he and his family moved to Hopkinton. It was close to his job in Worcester and not too far from his wife’s legal practice in Boston.

Greenberg stumbled into the discipline in an unusual way.

“My son was a high school athlete,” he explained. “I asked what more he could do in terms of weight training to help along his career. And the coach said, ‘You may think this is strange, but I think he would benefit more from doing yoga.’ ”

Greenberg called a yoga studio in Auburn recommended by the coach. When the receptionist asked about him, he decided to try it alongside his son.

“He didn’t like it, but I found it

VISION CENTER HO PKINT ON

very relaxing,” Greenberg said. “I went back several times that week and got more and more involved with it until I practiced it every day.”

Eventually, his son reconnected with yoga, and Greenberg shared that he is training to become a yoga instructor.

Because of the calming nature of yoga, Greenberg said many of his classmates would chat after class. That was when the doctor began to ask them about what yoga has done for them “in terms of their personal troubles or difficulties.”

“I became so interested in their stories that I wanted to film them,” he said. “So I got a little video camera from

Best Buy and started filming interviews with people doing their yoga postures.”

After being told his work was understandably “amateurish,” Greenberg “decided to take it to the next level.” He engaged a professional film editor and photographer to help him with his project.

The pair worked on the film for a decade, hindered in part by the pandemic.

“It was not my full occupation by any sort of the imagination,” Greenberg said with a smile.

Greenberg’s main goal was to bring the stories of these people’s physical

What ‘Unreasonable Hospitality’ can teach us about 5-star vacation rentals

I

n today’s vacation rental market, great photos and clean linens are just the baseline. If you want your guests to leave raving — not just satisfied — it’s time to embrace a whole new level of care. Enter “Unreasonable Hospitality” by Will Guidara.

Originally set in the finedining world, Guidara’s approach is a master class in turning ordinary service into unforgettable experience. But here’s the good news: You don’t need a Michelin star to apply these lessons. You just need heart, creativity and a willingness to do things most hosts won’t.

Here are five powerful takeaways from the book, along with tips on how to use them to level up your vacation rental game.

1. Make it personal

Cookie-cutter stays are out. Personalized experiences are the gold standard. Before your guests even arrive, find out who they are. Is it a family with toddlers? Stock some bedtime books. A couple on their honeymoon? Cue the champagne and rose petals. These thoughtful touches don’t cost much, but they leave an incredible impression.

2. Surprise, delight

Guidara’s golden rule: Give guests what they didn’t even know they wanted. Think beyond the basics. A s’mores kit by the firepit, a beach day basket or a handwritten note with your favorite local restaurant tips. It’s about creating “wow” moments that make

Resident’s

and mental transformations to a wider audience.

“I felt somewhat concerned,” he said. “If I was going to bring this movie out into the open, I didn’t want to be profiting from people bearing their souls to me about yoga.”

This prompted him to create the nonprofit to help those who could not afford yoga classes to have access to the healing potential. While it has been in effect since 2015, Greenberg said it “only really got underway within the last couple of years.”

“Yoga tends to be seen as sort of upper-crust socially because of cost consideration,” he explained. “What we do with the nonprofit is to bring yoga to the people where they are and teach gentle yoga.”

Hour-long classes are conducted at the Worcester Family Resource Center and at Shrewsbury’s Independence Hall, a veterans residential recovery home.

“One of the things that I think is so important about yoga is the mindbody connection that it creates,” said Greenberg. “By focusing on the breath, it enables people to get out of their

people smile, snap a photo and say, “This place gets it.”

3. Create moments, not just stays

Your home is more than a place to sleep. It’s a stage for memories. Ask yourself: How can I help my guests create one amazing moment during their stay? Maybe it’s a telescope for stargazing. Maybe it’s a rainy-day game basket. These small touches turn a rental into a story your guests will retell for years.

4. Empower your team to say ‘yes’

Hospitality isn’t a solo act. If you work with a team — cleaners, handymen or guest support — give them the green light to care deeply. Let them solve problems creatively, leave personal notes or offer early checkins when possible. When your team members feel empowered, they stop checking boxes and start creating joy.

5. Systematize the magic

Spontaneity is great, but consistency is even better. Build your special touches into systems: seasonal welcome baskets, guest-type profiles or rotating “wow” ideas. This ensures every guest gets a dose of delight, no matter who’s staying or who’s working that week. Magic doesn’t have to be random. It can be reliable.

At the heart of “Unreasonable Hospitality” is one big idea: People don’t just want a place to stay, they want to feel like they matter. And when you deliver that kind of care, you build loyalty, earn glowing reviews and create something far greater than a rental business.

So go ahead, be unreasonable. Be the host your guests can’t stop talking about. Because when hospitality is done right, it doesn’t just meet expectations, it transforms them.

Dave Menapace, President

The 5 Star Co-Host, LLC 5strcohost.com

heads, so to speak. It clears the mind of the brain chatter.”

He added that yoga stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and increases tone of the vagus nerve, the largest nerve in the body.

While he stressed that yoga is not a cure-all, he cited studies from Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University showing that people who practiced yoga had improved cognitive function, mood and heart health. Yoga also can improve balance, flexibility and strength and can alleviate symptoms of back pain and arthritis.

“A major point of the film is that it’s following the stories of six individuals, myself being one of them, with various types of challenges,” said Greenberg. They include substance use disorder, obesity, grief and depression. While most of the people are from Worcester, one was from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The film was shot at yoga studios in both locations.

Greenberg has been publicizing “Postures for Life” at area yoga studios and is contemplating taking it to other venues in MetroWest and beyond as well as potentially online as a pay-perview movie.

Baypath Adoptable Animal of the Week

Each week, the Independent highlights an animal available for adoption at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. This week, we feature 8-year-old Horton.

Here is Baypath’s description of Horton:

“Horton is a resilient and lovable husky mix who’s come a long way since being rescued from an overcrowded breeding operation last year. When he arrived at Baypath, he was underweight, battling pneumonia and suffering from a kidney infection. After nearly a year in limbo as part of an active cruelty case, Horton is finally ready for a home.

“This friendly boy is full of classic husky charm — playful, social and a little bit stubborn in the most endearing way. He’s great with other dogs and especially close with his best friend, Cleo. Horton loves toys (even if his version of fetch is hilariously imperfect) and greets everyone with a wag and a smile.

“Could you be the one to give this special guy the forever home he deserves?”

For more information about Horton and any of the other available pets at Baypath, email adopt@baypathhumane.org or visit baypathhumane.org/adopt.

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

For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary. org. Visit the library’s website calendar for event registration information. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS

Animals of the Rainforest Live Animal Show

Wednesday, June 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The Joys of Nature presents a live animal show about rainforest animals around the world. A wet, leafy habitat requires animals to develop special adaptations to survive. How do they find food and avoid predators in the forest? Do they Change color? How do some species deal with extreme temperatures and other challenges? Attendees will learn the answers to these questions and more while meeting some rainforest animals up close. Registration is required, and children under the age of 9 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible person age 12 or older while visiting the library.

CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color

Thursday, June 26, 6-6:45 p.m.

In this program for ages 5-12, participants will join Science Heroes on their mission to turn science into an adventure. Through hands-on experiments and fun, interactive stories, Science Heroes gets kids excited about the science that’s all around and celebrates the scientists who color the world with art.

Science Heroes: Experiment Lab

Thursday, June 26, 7-7:45 p.m.

In this informal and interactive workshop, children 12 and older will work together to investigate exciting science concepts through hands-on experimentation.

ADULT PROGRAMS

All About Local Mushrooms

Thursday, June 5, 6-7 p.m.

Mushrooms are all over the web, all

over the news, and, in the right season for those who are lucky, all over local woodlands. Mushrooms are the mysterious eruptions from an otherwise hidden world of life and death. When they emerge, they can delight nature lovers with beautiful colors, strange shapes and curious aromas. Professional natural interpreter Jonathan Kranz will present this entertaining mushroom talk in which participants can explore the joys and hazards of the fungus among us, including discovering which mushrooms are safe to eat and how to find, collect and prepare them; how to identify and avoid the most dangerous toxic mushrooms in our region; unraveling the secrets to using sight, scent and context to identify mushroom finds; the strange ways mushrooms live; and the vital, hidden roles they play in our habitats.

Get to Know Your Government: Massachusetts Office on Disability

Thursday, June 26, 2-3:30 p.m.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) is a small state agency that provides information, guidance and training on disability-related civil rights and architectural access. The MOD helps people understand their disability rights and obligations, how regulations apply to the specifics of their situation, and practical steps they can take to assert their rights and comply with the law. This presentation will help the community navigate the government, have more successful government interactions and learn more about the MOD and how it can help them.

MEETINGS/TRAININGS

Board of Library Trustees Monthly Meeting

Monday, June 16, 7 p.m.

This meeting will be held in the Ellsworth Room.

Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, July 2, 6:30 p.m.

This meeting will be held in the Strong Room.

Hopkinton Public Library Foundation Monthly Meeting

Monday, July 7, 7 p.m.

This meeting will take place in the Ellsworth Room.

ESBC awards $102M contract for Charleswood School project

By Susan Gonsalves Contributing Writer

E

lementary School Building Com-

mittee chair Jon Graziano noted the Charleswood School project experienced a “significant moment” on May 20 when the board awarded a $102,270,000 construction contract to Brait Builders Corporation.

The contract is contingent on successful negotiations.

“This is about as great a bid as this town could receive,” said Chris Eberly, project manager from Vertex.

He said the construction bid and street improvements came in $19.6 million under budget.

Eberly explained that Brait Builders was the lowest of three bidders, the others being WT Rich at $105,800,000 and Fontaine Brothers at $106,750,000.

The bid reflects about $584 per square foot.

The Elementary School Building Committee (ESBC) selected an “alternate” proposal that included a turf field.

The project manager said construction contingency amounted to $6.2 million. The owner’s project manager (OPM) contingency of $3.7 million means there is $29.8 million available to handle the scope of the project.

Some items are yet to be decided on, such as moving the modulars from Elm-

wood School to Hopkins School once the work is completed, he said.

“And, change orders are a fact of life that come up over time,” Eberly said.

“We’re in an excellent position to move forward with [this] award,” he added.

Money left available means the town will not have to borrow as much as anticipated when it approved the project, Eberly said.

Graziano said even though the project is running far under budget, it does not mean the ESBC will start putting “niceto-have add-ons.”

He noted that typically there are “things discovered through the process, scope changes” that will result in change orders.

ESBC member Bill Flannery said not having to borrow as much money is the result of all the work done to date by Vertex and architect Perkins Eastman.

“Let’s keep this good vibe going over the next few years,” Flannery added.

As a result of the lower figures, Eberly pointed out reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) likely would be “proportionally less than what you thought you would be getting.”

They will not know exactly where the MSBA total falls because it will depend on whether costs are for the building versus

the site, Eberly said.

The project manager said the price tag last fall was expected to be so much higher because estimates were being based on “unprecedented, volatile times.”

He added, “The escalation we thought [would happen] did not materialize.”

“You hit the market at a specific time in a certain way,” Eberly said, making the project “more advantageous” for firms seeking a substantial, large-scale job.

Insurance contract awarded

With the advice of the town’s insurer, the ESBC chose Hanover Insurance Company for its builder’s risk insurance. It awarded Hanover a contract of $302,189, which has a $25,000 deductible (per incident) and TRIA coverage (for terrorism and related risk) included.

A total of $250,000 was set aside for insurance so the balance from the budget will come from the owner’s contingency amount, Eberly said.

Flannery questioned how many incidents usually happen for a project this size and whether insurance covers costs for claims of damage from abutters.

Eberly noted it is property insurance coverage for the site. He gave an example of the project burning down halfway through for an unknown reason.

The insurer would cover the cost to

get the project back to the point it was at prior to the damage, Eberly said.

He added that general liability insurance covers the costs of complaints from abutters that lead to a claim.

The project manager said it is difficult to predict the number of incidents that may occur.

Less than a year into the Hopkins School addition/renovation project, for example, there have been two claims. The first was covered under general liability and the second was a property insurancerelated claim — a fall on the ice in a parking lot.

Yankee Engineering gets contract for inspections, testing

In other business, the ESBC decided on Yankee Engineering as a subcontractor to Vertex to conduct testing and inspections.

Yankee had the lowest bid at $299,997.

ESBC member Mike Shepard emphasized that the Building Department had to be informed about all these inspections along the way.

“Make sure everything is on the same page,” Shepard said.

Eberly said Vertex had worked with the subcontractor before and established contacts who can be reach out to if the ESBC | 14

PRESCHOOL

PRESCHOOL

PRESCHOOL

ScHoolS

Local students compete in DI finals

Children

A play-based preschool where children play, learn and grow in a warm, nurturing environment. We are not a religious based program. Please check us out at UnitedParishELC.org

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preschool where children play, learn and grow in a warm, nurturing environment. We are not a religious based program. Please check us out at UnitedParishELC.org

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& AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Monday thru Friday 7-9am & 3:15-6pm

Contact Robin Jokela for a Personal Tour

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Ateam of fifth-grade students from Hopkins Elementary School headed to the global Destination Imagination finals after winning second prize at a regional STEAM competition earlier this year.

The team, which calls itself Digital Masters, competed with teams all across the country in Kansas City, Missouri, starting May 22. The event featured three days of demonstrations and competitions in front of panels of judges.

“They’re feeling pretty good,” said Radhika Nagamalla, whose daughter, Aadya, was one of the competitors. “They’ve been practicing all through the winter from the starting of the school year.”

Nagamalla, speaking before the event, said the team chose to do a technical challenge at the finals, which involves research into a topic and a presentation (such as a song or skit) that demonstrates different aspects of the topic the team learned during research.

During the finals, the team also competed in instant challenges that it was provided only a short window of time to complete.

Nagamalla said the team members felt confident they would perform well at the finals. “They think they have a pretty good chance,” she said.

Scholarships distributed

Kaizar Rangwala recently was named winner of a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship. Rangwala was one of 2,500 students chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are the finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and

potential for success in rigorous college studies. … Marc Beauvais and Kaitlin Mangan were named winners of the Hopkinton Area Land Trust $1,000 scholarships.

Local collegians recognized

Esther Klinger earned a B.A. from Muhlenberg College, where she majored in public health and sociology. She earned a graduation designation as a Shankweiler Scholar. …

Earning undergraduate degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute were Andrew Kovacs (financial technology major), Nicholas Rogerson (computer science), Emma VanBeek (biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering) and Alopa Waje (biomedical engineering). Additionally, Aabid Peermohammed received a B.S./M.S. in mechanical engineering. …

Ross Comcowich graduated cum laude from Holy Cross. …

Cameron Jerrett, a senior majoring in psychology, was named to the dean’s list at Clarkson University. He graduated in May, as did fellow Hopkinton resident Aidan Sullivan.

At Southern New Hampshire University, Katya Markovich and Jennifer Townsend were named to the president’s list, while Elizabeth Demont and Naeem Sutton were named to the dean’s list. …

Delaney Doyle was named to the dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Editor’s note: Information for college honors is provided by the schools. Those interested in being included in this section should forward the official notification or request for the school to email it to editor@hopkintonindependent.com.

Making friends and advocating for

his neighborhood. He dreams of a future full of friends, travel, concerts and books. He also hopes his career involves music and songwriting. Congratulations, Kartik!

project is not getting optimal services.

He said his team has had success working with “these partners to make sure they can fulfill requirements for testing.”

Eberly said he also has had experience with subcontractors (not Yankee) that were inadequate and needed to be replaced.

“We treat your money as we would treat our own money, and we will not accept the poor performance of a subcontractor the same way we have a highperformance standard for ourselves,” Eberly said.

Decision made on authorization authority

The ESBC voted unanimously to name Susan Rothermich, assistant superintendent for finance and

operations, as the authorization authority, designating her as ESBC liaison.

The committee also named Graziano and Shepard as ESBC approvers.

The purpose is to move forward with aspects of the project and avoid waiting on decisions that could cost the same or more money in the long run, according to Eberly.

“It takes us out of the ESBC meeting cycle so we do not wait 30 days on everything,” Eberly said.

The process, also used on the Hopkins project, sets change orders costing $25,000 for Vertex approval; $25,000 to $75,000 for ESBC liaison approval; and $75,000 to $125,000 for two out of the liaison and either approver.

“It’s all about expediency,” Eberly noted, adding that the full ESBC would be updated regularly and get monthly reports.

HHS boys volleyball sets strong foundation

By Chris Villani Contributing Writer

In its first year as a varsity program, the Hopkinton High School boys volleyball team faced a steep learning curve. But coach Jake Enos said the team showed strong improvement throughout the season, and the players know they are setting the tone for the program for years to come.

“The junior class right now, which is 10 guys in total, it’s mostly the same group of sophomores that started the program, and they get the notion of what it could become, of its potential,” Enos said. “They are trying to spread the word to the community about how great a sport it is and what the future can hold.”

Hopkinton is well known in the area for its strong girls volleyball team, but the boys team is brand new. After competing as a junior varsity team a season ago, the Hillers posted a 6-14 mark during their first varsity campaign.

“At the beginning of the year, they had to get used to the speed of the game and how different it is from some of the games we were playing last year,”

Enos said. “We have a full schedule, so they have realized that we have less practice opportunities, and it’s all about the games. They have come together as a team and made it a positive first year.”

The driving force behind the Hillers was the trio of captains, individuals who Enos said kept the team together and kept persevering through tough moments.

Alex Piccioli is a strong all-around player who seldom leaves the floor.

“His work ethic and his effort are outstanding,” Enos said. “He is always hitting the court, diving for balls, and giving that extra effort when the team needs it.”

Liam Grady is another captain and one of the team’s middle hitters. He is a key cog on both offense and defense, and Enos noted that most of the offense runs through him. Grady often is the first player at the net ready to block an opponent’s attempt at a kill.

Kunwer Chhatwal is a very composed player, his coach said.

“He doesn’t really show his frustration or anything if things don’t go his way, he just moves on to the next play,” Enos said. “That is a huge mental skill

The Hillers’ No. 1 golfer, Linton won 52% of her points in match play — despite facing the opposition’s best player — and was a two-time medalist, with a low score of 41. “She has a very natural swing and complete game and has only been playing golf for a few years,” coach Bill Phaneuf stated. “I believe with a little work, her game is going to be at the elite level in the [state] over the next few years. I am super excited to see where she can go and excited for the Hillers program as we head to 2026 and beyond.”

Sponsored

The midfielder served as a team captain and helped the Hillers to a record of 9-9 this spring. A two-time Tri-Valley League All-Star, Champlin led this year’s team in scoring while playing “many roles” according to coach Dan Norton. “A true Swiss army knife, Owen was a game-changer no matter what he was asked to do,” Norton explained. “Offense, defense, at the faceoff X, on the wing, man-up team, man-down team, as a long pole in some games, Owen’s answer was always “whatever the team needs.”

that is tough to teach.”

All three of the Hopkinton captains are juniors and slated to return next season. This year, they were tasked with guiding Hopkinton’s improvement, which Enos said was palpable .

“The goal was to get better as a team,” he said. “I wanted us to learn and adapt, and this season we definitely have done that.”

While improvement is the goal,

the wins are a nice perk. Hopkinton’s first-ever varsity win was a memorable one. The Hillers erased a 2-0 deficit to beat Norwood in a Tri-Valley League contest April 1.

“They were ecstatic as a team,” Enos said. “They locked in mentally after going into the third set, and they were so positive to each other and elated. This is really a team sport, and that first win definitely showed that.”

obituarieS

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

Arthur Anderson

Arthur Lee “Art” Anderson, 85, passed away May 6 at New Hampshire’s Cheshire Medical Center, surrounded by family. Art was a well-known folk artist and a proud member of the League of NH Craftsmen.

While he grew up in Hopkinton, he was a longtime resident of Marlow, New Hampshire, where he enjoyed gardening, working on his whimsical creations in his workshop and spending time with his family. In 1999, Art represented New Hampshire at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C., and Celebrate NH in 2000. His work has been shown in art galleries nationwide and at the annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair in Sunapee. Art spoke to school classes about his craft and operated the “kids” tent at the Craftsmen’s Fair, where he cut out simple animals for the children to take home with them. Art had many good friends in Marlow and around New England, especially his next-door neighbor, John Thayer, who was always there to lend a helping hand.

Art is survived by his wife, Pat, of Marlow; his children, Pam Varnum, David (Nancy) Anderson, Daniel (Lisa) Anderson and Polly (Eric) Rawlings; and his stepdaughters, Kathy (Dave) Rice and Laura (Darren) Honey. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, Kayden and Jacob Anderson, Devon Erskine, Kayla Anderson, Sarah and James Rice, and Evelyn, Isabelle and Avery Honey. Art also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank everyone at the Walpole Clinic in New Hampshire and at Cheshire Medical Center for their care of Art, and the kindness shown to family members during his short illness.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time at the convenience of the family.

Robert Champney

Robert Louis Patrick Champney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and uncle, passed away May 17 at the age of 86. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara; his children, Kara, Kevin, and Kevin’s partner, Laura; and his cherished grandchildren, Christian, Luke and Mairead.

Robert is also lovingly remembered by his sister, Jeanne; his sister-in-law, Pat, and her husband, Terry; his niece, Kelley, and her husband, Greg; and nephews Chris, David, Nathaniel and Brian. Bob cherished his many friends and remained in regular contact with his childhood friend, Rob Roy. He is predeceased by his parents, Arlene Langley and Louis Champney, and his beloved Brittany spaniel, Seamus.

His humor, generosity and dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. A proud veteran, Robert served his country with honor in the United States Army as a cryptanalyst stationed at Torii Station, Okinawa. His life’s work was dedicated to teaching and learning, both in the classroom and on the playing field. He spent decades as a teacher, coach and school administrator, mentoring countless students and athletes. He coached football, hockey, baseball and track with enthusiasm and purpose. Robert also was

deeply involved in his beloved town of Hopkinton, where he lived for 50 years, serving on the School Committee and chairing the town’s 275th anniversary celebration. He was a member of the Boston Athletic Association and the Hopkinton Marathon Committee, which he also chaired, and proudly fired the starting pistol for the fourth wave of the Boston Marathon in 2019. A loyal Boston College fan, he held season tickets to BC football games for more than 50 years and rarely missed a home game. In recognition of his support, he was honored at halftime during one of the games. Bob also loved to travel and meet new people. In retirement, he and Barbara traveled extensively around the world. Recently, he learned how to use an iPad so he could text his grandchildren and family. He was particularly fond of emojis, and his messages always brought a smile. He will be missed.

A brief memorial service was held at Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton on May 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Central Kitchen (wck.org).

Franco DeSantis

Franco DeSantis, age 87, passed away May 16 at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham, where all four of his children were born. He had endured serious health challenges for many months yet stayed remarkably strong, holding on to the hope of returning to his many wonderful friends at Fairview Estates in Hopkinton, where he lived for the past eight years.

Franco had deep love for his children and their spouses, Franco Anthony and Collette DeSantis of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Anna Maria and Robert Boice of Holliston; Antonietta and Brian Cotcamp of Hopewell Junction, New York; and David and Silvia DeSantis of Wareham, as well as his 10 grandchildren, Alisa, Dominic, Maya, Avery, Clay, Wilson, Matthew, Reagan, Sandra and Ariana. He also had three stepchildren, Bettina Stahl, Cynthia Noe and the late Mark Cornell and their spouses and children. Franco longed to remain part of all of their lives, as he said, “for a few more years.” Though his health declined, his heart remained full and his spirit soared with gratitude and love for the life he had.

Originally from Cansano, Italy, Franco immigrated to the U.S. at age 20 in 1958 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam veteran. He settled in Massachusetts, where, in 1962, he married Sandra Evelyn Taylor, mother of his children. They were married for 23 years until her passing in 1985 after a battle with brain cancer. Left to continue raising his children, then aged 16–21, Franco faced life with his usual resilience. Three years later, he met Annamaria, a native of Venice, Italy. Together they shared over 30 years filled with music, family, cooking, laughter and love. Franco shared a special bond with his siblings and their spouses, including sister Alba and husband John Pantaleo, brother Nick DeSantis and wife Ann, brother Italo DeSantis and wife Anna, late brother Joe DeSantis and wife Rosaria, and late sister Francesca and late husband Peter Valastro. At Fairview Estates, Franco was a beloved presence — calling bingo, singing, dancing, dressing up, acting and joining in many community activities. His children know he would want all of his dear friends mentioned, but there are too many to name.

A funeral service was held May 26 at ConsigliRuggerio Funeral Home in Milford. A graveside burial was held at Sacred Heart Cemetery on May 27.

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.

St. John’s Rummage Sale June 6-11

The annual St. John’s Rummage Sale will take place June 6-7 and June 9-11 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day (extended to 7 p.m. on June 6). Donations of resalable clothing, jewelry, toys/games, books, linens, home decor, electronics, tools, art, pictures/frames, small appliances and small furniture are welcomed at St. John’s Parish Center from May 19-24 and May 27-June 5 from 9 a.m.4 p.m. each day. For more information, including a list of donations that cannot be accepted, visit stjohnhopkinton.com.

Trail Volunteer Day June 7

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club have created a monthly trail volunteer day on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.noon. The next workday is June 7, and it will be to continue clearing a western connection from the Colella property to the Hughes Farm Trail. Participants will meet at 192 Hayden Rowe Street. For details, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

HHS Senior Car Parade June 7

The Hopkinton High School Senior Car Parade will be held Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. The procession will turn left from Loop Road at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts onto Hayden Rowe Street and head to the Town Common, turning right onto Park Street, then right onto Ash Street. The route turns right onto the continuation of Ash Street, right onto Chestnut Street and right onto Hayden Rowe, ending back at the high school.

Trails Club Monthly Meeting June 11

The Hopkinton Trails Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month to plan activities and discuss trails-related matters. The meetings are open to all, and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend. For more information, visit hopkintontrailsclub.com.

Baypath Fore Paws Golf Tournament June 13

Baypath Humane Society’s 12th Annual Fore Paws Golf Tournament will be held Friday, June 13, at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston. The tournament will be a four-person scramble format, beginning with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. After golf, guests will gather for a night of silent auction, delicious cuisine, an awards ceremony and an update on Baypath’s mission. Tickets are $250 per person, which includes golf and the evening events. For more information about participating or becoming a hole

sponsor, visit baypathhumane.org.

Timlin Event at Hopkinton High School June 14

Registration is open for the 22nd annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event, which will be held at Hopkinton High School on Saturday, June 14. The 5K road race and family fun day is a fundraiser for The Angel Fund for ALS Research. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the family fun day activities with live music, food, games, raffles, a silent auction and other activities — including a kids color run — until noon. There also is a virtual option. For more information or to register, visit sharontimlinrace.org.

MBCC Against the Tide at State Park June 14

The Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) will host its annual Against the Tide event on Saturday, June 14, at Hopkinton State Park. The event features multiple competitions and recreational activities, including a half-mile or 1-mile swim, a 5K or 10K run and a 3-mile fitness walk. Proceeds benefit MBCC’s work toward breast cancer prevention, locally and nationally. For more information and to register, visit mbcc.org/swim.

PJB Spring Cleaning Fundraiser Through June 15

The officers of the Project Just Because Student Board are organizing a spring cleaning fundraiser. For a donation to PJB of $100 per hour, a group of high school volunteers will complete any necessary yard work. The program is underway and ends June 15. To reserve a time, visit signupgenius. com/go/10C0E4FABA829AAFEC0755868171-spring#/ or email studentboardpresidents@projectjustbecause.org.

PJB Golf Tournament at HCC June 16

Project Just Because will host its annual golf fundraiser on Monday, June 16, at Hopkinton Country Club, starting at 8 a.m. The event includes breakfast, raffle tickets, a round of golf, lunch and a silent auction. For more information about participating or becoming a sponsor, visit projectjustbecause.org or email golf@projectjustbecause.org.

Hopkinton Pride Festival

June 21

The Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Hopkinton Freedom Team, Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, Hopkinton Parks & Recreation and many more organizations across MetroWest will host the fifth annual Pride Festival on Saturday, June 21, from 1-4 p.m., starting and ending at the HCA. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m., and there will be live music and fun activities, including crafts and games, and the opportunity to support local organizations. Held during Pride Month, the event celebrates and works to promote greater understand-

ing and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org.

Dementia Friends Information Session June 23

Residents of all towns are invited to attend a Dementia Friends Information Session at the Hopkinton Senior Center on Monday, June 23, at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn the five key dementia messages, the different types of dementia and their impact, what it’s like to live with dementia, how to interact and communicate with people living with dementia, and small gestures that make a difference. For reservations, call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508497-9730. For more information, email sdocknevich@gmail.com.

Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk Oct. 5

Registration is open for the 37th

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

Veterans Breakfast First Friday of Each Month

The Veterans Breakfast is held on the first Friday of every month from 9-10 a.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. In July, and if the first Friday of the month is a holiday or snow day, the breakfast switches to the second Friday. No registration is required. For more information, contact Amy Beck at the Senior Center, 508-497-9730.

Lidia Mikhaylova (silk paintings) and Anna Kreslavskaya (photography) explore the fleeting nature of flowers in this stunning exhibition. Lidia shares, “Our art is a testament to finding strength by embracing the remnants of beauty that persist, weaving a narrative of resilience, glory, joy, and the enduring power of life.” All are welcome to attend the Meet the Artists reception on June 13 from 6 to 7 p.m.

The Garland Show

June 13, 14, 20 & 21 | 7:30 p.m.

Following a string of successes on stage and screen in the early 1960s, Judy Garland became one of the most publicly sought entertainers of the era, and CBS cautiously moved to bury the hatchet to capitalize on the star’s public appeal.

This new, dynamic musical drama by Paul Champlin chronicles the 1963-1964 Judy Garland Show, a production rife with promise but plagued by political and artistic struggles, interpersonal strife, and wavering CBS investment in its success.

The Garland Show: Judy, CBS and the Breaking of a Star features 26 musical

selections, cameo appearances by Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli, among others, and a no-holds-barred expose into the underbelly of gritty corporate politics in the “Mad-men” era. Inspired by “The Judy Garland Show: Rainbow’s End” by Coyne Steven Sanders.

5th Annual Hopkinton Pride Festival June 21 | 1 to 4 p.m.

The HCA, the Hopkinton Freedom Team, Hopkinton Youth & Family Services, Hopkinton Parks & Rec, and many more organizations across the MetroWest cohost Hopkinton’s Celebration of Pride & Love. You are invited to participate in the festival and the walk portion, which will begin at about 1:30 p.m. from the HCA. After the walk, join us at the festival for live music, fun activities and crafts, games, freebies, a chance to support some local organizations, and so much more!! Open Mic for Teens—sponsored by the HCA Teen Advisory Board June 24 | 7 p.m.

Show off your singing, dancing, poetry, or musical instrument skills in front of a live audience. Sign up now, and let’s make some noise! $10 at the door. Concessions will be sold.

police log

ARRESTS

Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.

May 13

12:53 a.m. Multiple callers reported an erratic operator of a gray minivan who almost hit a guardrail, stopped at a green light and attempted to make an illegal U-turn on West Main Street. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Aline Matos and Sean McKeon responded, arrested a 39-year-old Chelsea resident and charged him with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, OUI liquor, second offense, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

May 15

5:58 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officers Nicholas Saletnik and Robert Ekross conducted a motor vehicle stop on Wood Street and arrested a 33-yearold from Roxbury on a warrant charge.

May 25

1:13 p.m. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Kyle Quinzani conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street. A 44-year-old from Upton was arrested and charged with operation of a motor vehicle with license suspended. A female officer from Ashland was requested for a prisoner search.

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.

May 13

9:51 a.m. Officers Augusto Diaz and Brian Ziniti assisted the Fire Department in investigating a report of the outside odor of natural gas on Hayden Rowe Street.

11:40 a.m. A Hayden Rowe Street caller reported his neighbor had landscaping done, and it was on part of the caller’s property, as confirmed by a surveyor. The caller had a confrontation with the neighbors, and the wife screamed and yelled at him. The caller was advised that it was a civil matter, and if the neighbor entered his property and yelled at him again, he should call back. The incident was logged.

3:40 p.m. A Main Street caller reported real estate fraud. Sgt. Matthew Santoro assisted and took a report.

4:34 p.m. A Woodview Way resident reported a leashed black dog bit his daughter. The dog was being walked by a woman. Sgt. Matthew Santoro took a report and contacted the animal control officer.

May 14

9:00 a.m. Officer Brian Ziniti found a dead animal in the roadway on West Main Street and notified the DPW.

1:59 p.m. Sgt. Matthew Santoro followed up on a report of a person filming children at Marathon School. He responded to Hayden Rowe Street, spoke with the individual and determined it had been a misunderstanding.

May 15

9:07 a.m. A student reported that while he was in traffic on Hayden Rowe

Street, a Black male with a white beard attempted to get into his back seat. Sgt. Matthew Santoro responded and checked the area with a negative find.

1:19 p.m. A Connelly Hill Road walk-in reported he posted something online, and he was receiving threats. Officer Brian Ziniti took a report.

3:10 p.m. A caller reported he was trying to rent a property on Cape Cod and was scammed. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report of fraud.

3:47 p.m. A caller reported a dead opossum on Hayden Rowe and asked for it to be removed before it started to smell. A message was left for the DPW.

4:03 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle accident on A Street and took a report.

10:05 p.m. A Carriage Hill Road resident reported being threatened. Officer Robert Ekross assisted and took a report.

May 16

2:00 a.m. The State Police reported two people fled after a vehicle stop on the MassPike. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officers Peter Lord and Sean McKeon responded, set up perimeters and brought thermal binoculars to the scene. The Westborough Police Department deployed a drone, and multiple K9 units responded. One female was in custody and transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center.

7:03 a.m. A Baldwin Lane caller reported he found a man sleeping in his pool shed. Sgt. Matthew McNeil, Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Nicholas Walker responded. The State Police and the Westborough Police Department responded, took possession of evidence and took a report of breaking and entering.

12:27 p.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded to a motor vehicle crash on West Main Street, spoke with all involved parties and took a report.

12:46 p.m. A Hayward Street reported a raccoon in her shed. The animal control officer was contacted.

May 17

7:35 a.m. A caller reported a vehicle was seen on a Lumber Street security camera doing doughnuts, then the vehicle broke down. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Robert Ekross responded and took a report. A tow truck removed the vehicle.

11:14 a.m. A caller reported damaged mailboxes on Ash Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin responded and took reports of vandalism.

11:27 a.m. Sgt. Cody Normandin checked Front Street for vandalism and stolen property.

on Walcott Valley Drive. Officers Kyle Quinzani and Matthew LaTour responded, and no loud music was playing upon their arrival. The homeowner was advised of the complaint.

10:52 p.m. A Penny Meadow Lane resident reported a vehicle was driving on her lawn. Officer Matthew LaTour spoke with the caller, and Sgt. Cody Normandin located and stopped the vehicle on Ash Street. All drivers were identified, and a report followed.

11:19 p.m. Multiple callers reported a loud explosion on Clinton Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Matthew LaTour checked the area with a negative find.

May 18

12:13 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell across the roadway on Granite Street. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and notified the DPW.

12:52 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance on the Center Trail. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and moved along a group of youths.

6:23 p.m. A Hillcrest Drive caller reported a raccoon that had been in her yard and her neighbor’s yard. She was concerned it might have rabies. The animal control officer was contacted.

9:25 p.m. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Sgt. Cody Normandin responded to a motor vehicle crash on North Mill Street. No personal injuries were reported. A criminal application for negligent operation of a motor vehicle was issued to the driver. A tow truck was requested.

May 19

8:10 a.m. A caller reported a tree fell down on Chestnut Street and was blocking half the roadway. Officer Kyle Quinzani assisted with traffic control while the DPW cleared the tree.

3:33 p.m. A caller reported a tree fell on a vehicle on Elm Street. Officer Matthew LaTour responded and took a report.

7:17 p.m. A caller reported a male on top of a roof on Freedom Way. Sgt. Arthur Schofield and Officer Matthew LaTour responded and advised the individual to get down.

May 20

6:42 a.m. Officer Aline Matos discovered a fallen tree on one side of the roadway of Wood Street and notified the DPW.

12:58 p.m. A walk-in reported she received a fraudulent call from someone pretending to be a sheriff and claiming she did not appear for jury duty. The incident was logged.

3:06 p.m. A Main Street store manager reported vandalism. Officer Kyle Quinzani responded and took a report.

5:24 p.m. A Hayward Street caller reported a dog, which has a history of escaping, was trying to jump out of the window of a neighbor’s house. Officer Robert Ekross contacted the owner and advised him of the situation.

10:03 p.m. A caller complained of loud music and multiple vehicles parked

7:26 a.m. Multiple callers reported an accident involving a school bus that hit a telephone pole on Cedar Street Extension, and wires were hanging down across the bus. Multiple officers responded and reported the pole was on top of the bus. Eversource responded. Traffic was diverted, and the Southborough Police Department was notified. Power was shut off, and a fuel leak was discovered. Students were evacuated from the bus. A bus company mechanic responded to the scene. The DPW set up two sets of barricades.

9:49 a.m. A motorist reported a stop sign on Clinton Street was not visible due to plant overgrowth. The DPW was notified.

11:14 a.m. Officer Nicholas Walker responded along with the Fire Department to a report of a FedEx truck on fire on Interstate 495 South.

1:22 p.m. Officer Brian Ziniti re-

police log

sponded to a report of suspicious activity on Jackson Street and found contractors doing work in the area. All was OK.

5:41 p.m. A Hopkins Road caller reported someone stole one of her packages in the afternoon. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report.

10:50 p.m. A Revolutionary Way caller complained of a neighbor playing music extremely loudly. Officers Justin Cappuccio and Nicholas Saletnik responded, walked all three floors and advised the resident to turn down the music.

May 21

2:34 a.m. A caller reported a disturbance in a Lumber Street parking lot where kids were being loud. Sgt. Shannon Beloin and Officers Justin Cappuccio and Sean McKeon responded and moved the youths along.

12:58 p.m. A caller reported a vehicle parked in a handicap spot on West Main Street preventing the caller from getting out of her spot. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and issued a citation for a bylaw violation.

1:55 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious camper parked in front of the dog park on Pratt Way. The caller saw it parked there the previous day as well. Officer Brian Ziniti responded and found it parked legally and with no issues.

9:03 p.m. A Pendulum Pass resident complained of someone going door to door at 9 p.m. Officers Robert Ekross and Nicholas Saletnik responded, and the person was gone upon their arrival.

May 22

8:20 a.m. Officer Justin Cappuccio took a motor vehicle crash report on Downey Street and spoke with all involved parties.

12:43 p.m. A caller reported a possible unregistered solicitor on Blueberry Lane. Officer Noah Buentello responded, spoke with the individual and advised him he had to register at the station in order to solicit in town.

1:10 p.m. A caller complained of ongoing speeding throughout Woodville, particularly at commuting times. Officer Noah Buentello logged the complaint.

11:55 p.m. A caller complained of three cars speeding at about 60 mph and doing laps in Legacy Farms South. One vehicle was a dark BMW sedan. Sgt. Cody Normandin checked the area with a negative find and was to check back again.

May 23

12:16 a.m. A Benson Road caller reported two males outside his residence causing a disturbance. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Aline Matos responded and checked the area and yards with a negative find. Officers were to monitor the neighborhood throughout the night.

4:31 a.m. A caller reported an approximately 14-foot tree fell in the roadway on Pond Street. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded, reported the road was passable and contacted the DPW for removal.

9:34 a.m. A caller reported a damaged mailbox on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Justin Cappuccio responded and took a report of vandalism.

12:26 p.m. A Main Street caller reported a former employee took property and refused to give it back. Officer Nicholas Walker advised the caller that it was a civil matter.

1:43 p.m. A caller reported a bald white male in black pants and a T-shirt

following elementary school girls on Main Street. Officers Nicholas Walker and Justin Cappuccio responded and searched the area with a negative find. A report was taken.

3:08 p.m. A Spring Lane resident reported a large snapping turtle in his fenced-in yard. The caller was unable to let his dogs outside. Officer Noah Buentello responded and assisted.

May 24

4:41 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious person on Winter Street on an electric bike, dressed in black, with an upside-down milk crate and plastic shopping bag. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Aline Matos responded and were unable to locate the individual.

10:18 p.m. A walk-in asked Sgt. Cody Normandin how to press charges against someone selling his belongings. Sgt. Normandin was to speak with the involved party.

10:24 p.m. A Ryegrass Circle resident reported a suspicious blonde female came to his door and then took off in a black SUV. Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and took a report.

11:05 p.m. A Winter Street caller reported hearing a dog barking, possibly in pain, behind 17 Winter Street. The animal control officer was contacted.

May 25

12:28 a.m. A Roosevelt Lane caller reported someone knocked loudly on her door. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and checked the area with a negative find.

1:08 a.m. A Roosevelt Lane caller reported loud banging on her door again, and she saw a group of teenagers running away. The caller stated the teens were across the street in a driveway. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Benjamin Vaz located the group of youths, walked them back home to Cubs Path and spoke with their parents.

4:02 p.m. A Spring Street caller reported a trash dumping issue with threats made. Officer Benjamin Vaz assisted, and a report was to follow.

5:30 p.m. A caller reported a suspicious vehicle parked in the woods on Ash Street and a female and male digging in the woods. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officer Benjamin Vaz responded and spoke with the couple, who were the property owners. All was OK.

9:42 p.m. A caller reported hearing gunshots on Ash Street. Multiple units checked the area with a negative find.

May 26

7:29 a.m. A caller reported a water main break on Parker Point Road. The Water Department was notified.

2:41 p.m. Multiple callers reported an altercation between two males who were arguing on Revolutionary Way. One had a baseball bat, and they were pushing each other. Sgt. Cody Normandin and Officers Benjamin Vaz, Nicholas Walker and Brian Ziniti responded and took a report.

“ Our familyowned business was new to Hopkinton a few years ago. Today, Cabinet Gallery is a trusted neighbor thanks in large part to our visibility in the Hopkinton Independent. We’ve truly valued this partnership!”

– David Landry co-owner

Dads & Grads Sale

Jadot Pinot Noir $19.98

Josh Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay $11.98

Josh Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Legacy Red Blend $12.98

Josh Reserve Cabernets-Paso Robles, North Coast, Bourbon Barrel Aged $17.98

Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc

La Marca

Butter Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc -$12.98

J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon $14.98

Jadot Mâcon Villages $14.98 Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay $17.98