SIGN UP TODAY!BREAKING NEWS & DAILY NEWSLETTER by | May 5, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news Tonight’s Annual Town Meeting will cover 41 warrant articles spanning the fiscal year 2026 budget According to an Appropriation Committee report the FY 26 budget is balanced and would total $137.9 million — up 12% from FY 25 Two major changes noted in the new budget are a 5.8% increase in funding for Hopkinton Public Schools and an 11.3% increase for town and school employee benefits and insurance The report states that this budget helps sustain municipal services as funded for FY 25 Free cash will be used to provide capital funding which “eliminates any further tax impact to the residents of Hopkinton.” The Department of Public Works is looking to fund some of its capital expenses with three articles in the ATM warrant referring to Water Department vehicle replacements The DPW also is looking to fund design work on a Grove Street water tank and the continued connection agreement to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority through Southborough One article that could generate debate is the funding of an adaptive playground at Marathon Elementary School the request would allocate $943,000 toward the $1.2 million total project estimate The Community Preservation Committee would fund $300,000 if the playground is approved at ATM Other articles of interest include the reuse plan for Center school, setting up an economic development account and a proposed date change for future Town Meetings. The Independent recently published a more in-depth primer on this year’s ATM warrant, which can be found here Tonight’s ATM will begin at 7 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle School. The meeting warrant and other supporting documentation can be found on the town’s website Hopkinton High School assistant principal Justin Pominville has been named interim principal as Evan Bishop moves to transition into the role of district superintendent During a meeting with the chair of the Trails Committee on Thursday, members of the School Committee voiced safety concerns regarding proposed trails that would connect to school district properties Jessica Beattie was named the new Hopkinton Public Schools director of student services by the School Committee, replacing outgoing director Abigail Hanscom Donald Harris, 92 passed away at his Hopkinton home April 27 Beatrice McMullen, 93 She lived in Hopkinton for 71 years and served for many years as the secretary of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association Florence Higgins, 86 She worked as a cook for the Hopkinton school system and was active in Hopkinton PolyArts Town meetings tonight include Annual Town Meeting (7) Eric Sonnett stands in front of the Town Common fountain after he and Ken Weismantel pump and filter in order to have the fountain up and running on Saturday (which Weismantel noted that the fountain might be off and on over the next several days until the connection to the Town Common irrigation has been optimized Flowers have been provided by the Hopkinton Garden Club BU dental students to offer Hopkinton residents screenings Police encourage 'more appropriate' celebrations after calls about senior assassin game The.. Trustees offer support to library amid federal funding concerns School Committee narrows director of student services search to 3 finalists A public forum at.. family fun day This year's Sharon Timlin Memorial Event.. HPL brings back popular seed library program Started last year and funded in part by the Hopkinton.. News: Editor@hopkintonindependent.com  Advertising: Sales@hopkintonindependent.com Phone: (508) 435-5188 2025 © Hopkinton Independent. All Rights Reserved. Website Hosting & Maintenance by inConcert Web Solutions We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns Sign up for our free newsletter; receive daily updates and breaking news directly to your inbox The 2025 Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting starts on Monday May 5th at 7pm at the Hopkinton Middle School Auditorium Connor Degan will be the moderator for this years annual town meeting and suggested if possible residents should arrive and check-in 20-30 minutes prior so the meeting can get started right at 7pm Follow this page for Town Meeting updates! View the Annual Town Meeting Warrant & Motions Document HERE! If you can’t make the meeting in person, it will be live on HCAM-TV (Comcast Channel 8, Verizon Channel 30) & our youtube channel -Motion to consider Article 37 after 26 by Joe Clark of Select Board – Passed Unanimously Consent Agenda: Article 1: Acceptance of Town Reports Article 2: FY 2025 Supplemental Appropriations and Transfers Article 6: FY 2026 Revolving Funds Spending Limits Article 7: PEG Access and Cable Related Funding Article 10: Transfer to the General Stabilization Fund Article 35: Accept Gift of Land – 0 John Matthew Road Article 36: Accept Gift of Land – 69 Frankland Road Article 38: Temporary Easement at 32 Chestnut Street for Sidewalk Construction Article 41: Accept “Prudent Investment Rule” – Consent Agenda Passed Unanimously Article 3: Unpaid Bills from Prior Fiscal Years – Passed Unanimously Article 4: Set the Salary of Elected Officials – Passed Unanimously (Sets Town Clerk Salary at at $88,887.00) Article 5: FY 2026 Operating Budget – In Progress ($132,038,015) – Passed Unanimously Article 11: Transfer to the Capital Expense Stabilization Fund – Passed Unanimously Article 12: Transfer to the School Special Education Reserve Fund ($1,046,276) – Passed Unanimously Article 13: Home Rule Petition – Economic Development Special Revenue Account – Passed Unanimously (Sets up account for local meals tax approved at 2024 Town Meeting) Article 13 is estimated to have brought in $50-$100K of revenue to the town Article 15: Rescind Authorized but Voided Capital Projects – Passed Unanimously Article 16: Water Department Vehicle Replacement – Passed Unanimously ($95,000 for Pickup Truck) Article 17: Water Department Vehicle Replacement – Passed Unanimously ($61,296.87 + $8,703.13 previously approved for utility pickup truck) Article 18: Townwide Water Main Flushing Program – Passed Unanimously Article 19: Grove Street Water Tank Design – Under Discussion ($250,000.00 from previously approved but unexpended capital funds) Article 20: Water Department Vehicle Replacement (W9) – Passed Unanimously ($160,412.30 for one utility pickup truck & Accessories) Article 21: Supplemental Appropriation for MWRA Connection Design Work – Passed 128-21 (Clicker vote requested) Article 22: Fruit Street Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) – Screen System Replacement – Passed Unanimously ($465,000) Article 23: Sewer Main Replacement Design – Passed Unanimously ($350,000 for sewer main replacement in the vicinity of Wood Street) Article 24: Adaptive Playground at Marathon Elementary School – Remote Vote: Passed 125-41 ($943,000 from certified free cash) -Capital Improvements recommends disapproval because they choose to leave it for Town Meeting decision Select Board & Appropriation Committee recommends approval Adaptive Playgrounds are easier for physically disabled to navigate -Shahidul Mannan stated; “Does not add to debt or taxes” Article 26: Community Preservation Recommendations Motion #1 & #2 – Passed Unanimously (Adaptive Playground at Marathon Elementary School ($300,000) Recreation Reserve for the installation of three water refill stations at Town Common ($24,300) Feasibility Study for Splash Pad ($10,000) Mount Auburn Cemetery Building restoration ($132,960) Restoration of Ellsworth Room Floor Library ($7,612) Conservation Restriction Colella Farm ($8,000) Article 26: Community Preservation Recommendations Motion #3 – Passed Unanimously ($600,000 for Preservation of Center School Ken Weismantel; No Debt exclusion or taxpayer funds.) Building will include; Parks & Rec Offices Youth & Family Services Offices & space Article 37: Lease of Center School – Passed Unanimously (Transfers care custody & control of the former Center School to Select Board) Article 27: Amend Zoning Bylaw Definition of “Veterinary Clinic” – Clicker Vote: Passed 119-20 (“A veterinary clinic may provide for on-site cremation or aquamation services for the disposal of animal remains provided that the crematorium and/or aquamation processes shall emit no odors or visible emissions and that all activity relating to the deceased shall be screened from public view to the maximum extent possible including delivery and storage of the remains.“) Article 28: Amend Zoning Bylaw – Housekeeping – Amend Reference – Passed Clicker Vote 135-2 (“The Board of Appeals must determine that the construction and occupancy of each duplex unit shall meet the requirements of § 210-152 § 210-223 of this chapter.”) Article 29: Amend Zoning Bylaw for “Accessory Dwelling Units” – Passed Clicker Vote 128-12 (Definition Accessory dwelling unit shall mean a “self-contained housing unit and sanitary facilities on the same lot as the principal dwelling.”) Article 30: Amend Zoning Bylaw for Floodplain District – Passed Clicker Vote 132-3 (The purposes of the Floodplain District are to ensure public safety by reducing the threats to life and personal injury; eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials; prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality and pollution due to flooding; avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding would disrupt or shut down the utility network and impact regions of the community beyond the site of flooding; eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding conditions; and to reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters.) Article 31: Amend Council on Aging Bylaws – Passed Unanimously (Council of Aging changes from 7 to 9 members) Article 32: Amend Bylaw to Establish Revolving Fund for Finance Department – Passed Unanimously (Creates new revolving fun for town departments Article 33: Change Day & Time of Annual Town Meeting – Clicker Vote: Passed 97-39 (Sponsored by Town Clerk Article changes Annual Town Meeting from first Monday in May to first Saturday in May of each year with starting time set between 8 & 10am by the Select Board.) -Article would make Annual Town Meeting one full Saturday rather than the first full-week of May Article 34: Prohibition on Use of Engine Compression Brakes – Clicker Vote: Article Fails 35-80 (Citizen petition by Ed Harrow) Prohibition on Use of Engine Compression Brakes (Ch.190) This Bylaw may be enforced by any Police Officer of the Town The penalty for violation of this Bylaw shall be $100.00 for the first offense and $300 for the second and any subsequent offenses Harrow states “this is based on regulations in other towns” Article 39: Amend Charter to Include Appointment Powers by the Board of Library Trustees – Clicker Vote: Article Passed 88-27 (The Board of Library Trustees may appoint a Library Director in accordance with the Personnel Policies of the Town The Board of Library Trustees shall annually set goals for the Library Director with input from the Town Manager.) Article 40: Authorize Fee for Written Demands – Passed Unanimously The 2025 Hopkinton Annual Town Meeting has concluded in 1 night (Approximate time: 3 hours & 46 minutes) Previous Hopkinton Hillers Spring 24-25 Broadcast Schedule: Mon © 2025 Hopkinton's Television Station by | May 3, 2025 | Letter to Editor I am writing in support of the reelection of Shahidul Mannan for Select Board In my capacity as a School Committee member during his first term as a Select Board member I have had the opportunity to work closely with Shahidul and have appreciated his sometimes out-of-the-box thinking to help us arrive at a budget that both meets the needs of our students and schools while being sensitive to the fiduciary responsibility to our town and taxpayers He has been and continues to be proactive in looking for ways to foster fiscal responsibility and sustainability while searching for solutions to issues that are pressing to residents including space constraints at the schools He has stepped up and served the town in some form of volunteer role since he first moved to town more than a decade ago including key roles on the Growth Study Committee the Elementary School Building Committee and the Appropriation Committee He has never been one to sit on the sidelines when he saw a need he could fill I appreciate his commitment to One Hopkinton and working together to find solutions and I hope you will join me in supporting him on May 19 at the Annual Town Election I am writing to endorse Shahidul Mannan for reelection to our Select Board I have had the pleasure of knowing Shahidul and his beautiful family for several years now I find myself inspired by Shahidul’s dedication hard work and devotion to the town of Hopkinton... the Town of Hopkinton has a few key decisions to make I am reaching out to the community in support of the adaptive playground project Hopkinton would benefit from adding an adaptive playground to promote accessibility I met Shahidul Mannan a few years ago when he was first running for Select Board and I was running for the Hopkinton Housing Board I knew right away that he was a wonderful and kind man because I was pretty nervous on the day we all pulled our nomination papers... I am writing to express my strong support for Matthew Kizner in his candidacy for Hopkinton’s Select Board I have had the privilege of serving alongside Matt on our town’s Capital Improvement Committee I am writing in support of Shahidul Mannan Shahidul has tirelessly served our community on various boards and commissions for a number of years which has given him the knowledge and experience to best help our town going forward As our community approaches the critical choice of electing our next members I humbly request my fellow citizens to support Shahidul Mannan for Select Board In a time when public education faces unprecedented challenges at the federal level 2025 at 7:00 PM at Hopkinton Middle School By tradition the meeting ends at 11:00 PM and continues on consecutive evenings from 7:00-11:00 PM until all articles are voted Annual Town Meeting typically lasts 2-3 nights however there are fewer articles this year 2025 Annual Town Meeting will be using an electronic voting system For a showcase and explanation of the system video was originally recorded for 2023 Special Town Meeting.) Do you sometimes get bored at Town Meeting and need something to do with your hands to stay focused eHop will be providing fidget toys this year as well as a reusable tote bag to carry your handouts re-usable water bottle and other essentials for Town Meeting but you have to come to Town Meeting to get one Video: Watch the replay of eHop’s Know Your Vote 2025 on YouTube Never been to Hopkinton Town Meeting before 90% of registered voters have not attended ANY of the last 5 Annual Town Meetings Watch our short video to see how it works… You do not need to bring anything to Town Meeting many people find that bringing a phone/tablet (silenced) or a notebook and pen or pencil is helpful to make notes during the discussions no other food or drink is allowed in the room There is a reusable water bottle filling station and a drinking fountain outside the auditorium Many people also find that something to occupy one’s hands is helpful There are plenty of padded stationary folding auditorium style chairs But remember you’ll be there for a long time Town Meeting begins at 7 pm and is typically held in the Middle School Auditorium.  Allow time to park and walk to the building As you enter the building head directly to the sign-in tables you must be a Hopkinton resident registered to vote and you must sign in at the voter table Your name will be checked off and you’ll be given an electronic voting clicker device and a small piece of paper marked “Voter Pass.” Hold on to the clicker; you will need it when it is time for the votes to be counted (The piece of paper may be used if needed as a backup method for the clickers.) Handouts: You may opt to save paper by viewing the documents on your phone and skip the handouts table (recommended) There will be a table of handouts and fact sheets regarding all the proposed articles to be voted on from the town boards and committees There is some terrific information here that may answer many of your questions The information will also be displayed on the auditorium screen above the stage during the meeting Listening devices for the hearing impaired are available Please ask when you check in if you have any questions You just need to check in prior to the vote and you can come and go from the auditorium as you please but you must in the meeting room to cast your vote You can text (with phone switched to silent mode) from within the auditorium The Select Board presides over the meeting, which is facilitated by the Town Moderator and recorded by the Town Clerk, Connor Degan. The format of the meeting itself follows procedures set out in the Town Bylaws (similar to Robert’s Rules of Order) Sometimes it can be a little confusing if an amendment comes up The committee or board presenting each article may make a brief presentation before each article The Town Moderator will facilitate a question and answer period for registered residents If you choose to ask a question or comment on an article step up to one of the microphones located in the auditorium aisles question and answer period will end when either #1 the moderator sees that no one else is waiting at the microphone to speak or #2 a voter comes to the microphone and says “I move the question” or “I call the question.” The motion to end debate must be seconded and then adopted by a ⅔ vote it moves to a vote on the article using the handheld electronic clickers (with the paper voting passes available as a backup if needed) we recommend you do NOT leave until the meeting is officially adjourned Someone may ask for a recount or ask to reconsider an article If you have any other questions about Town Meeting Send us a note at questions@ehop.org and we’ll do our best to get more information for you See more dates in the full meeting calendar Hopkinton residents at the housing committee meeting on Wednesday SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN— Kathy Thesing said she sees an obvious dilemma every day The people who work in Hopkinton – the landscapers daycare providers and police officers – who keep the town running are forced to commute half an hour or more because they can’t afford to live in the very community they serve The average cost of a house in Hopkinton is well over $500,000 “Those are the folks that you want to be part of our community,” said Thesing a Hopkinton resident for more than 25 years at a town housing committee meeting this week “I think there’s plenty of room to bring other folks into our community that want to  be here Nearly 90% of all homes in Hopkinton are single-family houses according to an audit conducted through a Housing Opportunity Grant through the state Department of Business and Economic Affairs About 350 units make up all other types of housing in town The town only has about 150 rental units available a company the town hired with grant funds to identify regulatory barriers that limit housing choices said the findings were intended to be a “value-neutral document.” But he made it clear that Hopkinton lacks a variety of housing types needed to serve all levels of affordability “Hopkinton does make it difficult to build multifamily housing,” said Downie saying where you can build it and how you can build it People who work in Hopkinton often cannot afford housing in town.” have received grants through former Governor Chris Sununu’s InvestNH initiative The goal was to help communities identify possible changes to land use regulations and take a closer look at what is driving the shortage of affordable housing the town sought input from residents before placing any zoning changes on the ballot for next year single-family homes are typically built on two- to three-acre lots “There are often large houses on large lots leaving seniors overhoused and high priced,” said Downie “High housing prices prevent seniors from downsizing and can force young households out of town to find somewhere else.”  reactions were mixed as some supported adding more affordable housing to the town while others expressed concern that it could alter Hopkinton’s rural character Chris Haridopolos recounted his time in his twenties when renting small studio or one-bedroom apartments was the only option because buying a home in a “farm town” like Hopkinton where average home prices were well into the hundreds of thousands So when Haridopolos attended the housing committee meeting you have to build yourself and then want to live in a town like Hopkinton “Having all these studies and reports about entry-level people being able to move in here and trying to make those things happen The potential impact of increased housing on the town’s aging sewer system was also a concern Hopkinton’s population grew by an estimated 10% according to the audit report and none of them were considered workforce housing Vicky Bram said it’s clear Hopkinton’s demographics are shifting with more older residents in the community and younger people priced out “I think what a lot of us see as homeostasis,” said Bram It's about keeping the workforce that's here or bringing people back that could not afford to stay here.” Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users The main entrance to the fiberglass house in Hopkinton The unusual shape of the Hopkinton fiberglass home David Hamilton talks about aspects of his star-shaped home in Hopkinton on Thursday (ELIZABETH FRANTZ / Monitor staff) Monitor file one that over the years has been nicknamed the Marshmallow House The house on Jewett Road was built — perhaps “assembled” is a better word — in 1973 Its unusual structure is the result of a project by the Mexican government to create cheap housing Mexico worked with Owens-Corning to create the home’s basic component which looks like a 15-foot fiberglass tube cut in half although it is actually two half-tubes of 1/8-inch-thick fiberglass with 2 inches of foam insulation between them Put six of these pods in a snowflake shape cover the intersection with a dome that has a central skylight and the result was a quick-to-build Mexico rolled out the design in the 1960s and a developer whose name has been lost to time started making the pods in Florida he never got permission and lawsuits started flying That drove the developer into bankruptcy but not before a franchise in New Hampshire sold a half-dozen houses David Gintzler on Concord told the Monitor in 2017 that he spotted a model on display in Meredith with the idea of attaching them on four acres of land he had recently purchased he raised his children there and says he loved it despite early construction issues — he’s the one who produced the “Fiberglass Folly” nickname Gintzler sold the home to another family around 2000 who sold it to the current owner four years ago Over the years the home has seen some improvements such as tongue-and-groove ceilings to strengthen the structure and break up the all-white interior as well as the addition of a garage that looks like a modern-day Conestoga wagon It has drawn attention from the Monitor and other publications It was put up for sale earlier this month because the owner is moving away said Mark Fahrenholtz of Broadvest Real Estate Group in Swanzey Fahrenholtz said a closing with a new owner is expected shortly The four-acre property is made up of two lots A second home will go up on one lot but the prospective buyer plans to keep and refurbish the fiberglass house Fahrenholtz said he added that it wasn’t just the design that drew the buyer but also the price of $325,000 “There are not a lot of houses for sale in that price range he’s looking for a place to live,” Fahrenholtz said At least one other similar house is in New Hampshire by | May 2, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Hopkinton residents will have an opportunity to get a free dental screening and consultation this weekend from Boston University dental faculty and students the Masjid Al-Iklhaas mosque in Hopkinton will be hosting the free dental event Both students and faculty from BU’s dental school will be on hand to evaluate patients and give feedback one of the faculty members and a resident of Hopkinton BU typically offers these screening days in a closer radius to Boston he advocated to have the school make its way out to Hopkinton it was something I brought with me,” Chogle explained noting he also had brought the program to communities he had lived in previously Chogle hopes the program will become an annual event in town One idea he discussed includes bringing in BU students who focus on geriatric dentistry to work with Hopkinton seniors The free dental event goes from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Masjid Al-Iklhaas mosque on Elm Street. Registration beforehand is not required, and children are welcome. Additional information can be found on the Islamic Society of Greater Milford’s website Several prominent local cases including the trials of former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter and Hillers Pizza owner Petros “Peter” Sismanis The Hopkinton Police Department tracked down a woman who went missing near Hopkinton State Park on Thursday afternoon after a brief search located her in a nearby home HOSA-Future Health Professionals students from Hopkinton High School excelled at the Massachusetts State Leadership Conference in April finishing in the top of multiple competitive events and exams This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is 1-year-old Hannah an affectionate dog who is eager to please and may do well with children who can match her energy Nathan Beale, 89 He and his wife relocated to Hopkinton after his retirement Marjorie Porterfield, 80, passed away April 29 She was a resident of Golden Pond in Hopkinton Hopkinton High School softball player Caroline Ozmun swings at a pitch during a recent game against Newton North capital requests focus of tonight's ATM Tonight’s Annual Town Meeting will cover.. Lance DelPriore serves as the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Hopkinton.  During his childhood in Brattleboro Vermont (Winner of the 2023 Strongest Town Contest) he learned firsthand how people of seemingly divergent backgrounds can peacefully coexist to create stronger communities as well as the importance of balancing environmental conservation with economic growth.  Motivated by a desire to serve his country he joined the United States Air Force directly out of high school where he was trained as an Air Traffic Controller.  Upon completion of his active duty service he was accepted to UMass Lowell where he completed a bachelors in Civil Engineering where he was able to apply both his love of problem solving and community building.  Lance worked in private industry for a few years but eventually felt a strong pull to return to public service.  He then served as the Assistant Town Engineer / Health Agent / Planning Specialist for the Town of Sharon and the Town Engineer / Assistant DPW Director for the Town of Foxborough.  Lance received his Masters in Public Administration from Suffolk University serves as the Children’s Librarian for the Town of Wrentham and the importance of reading is ever present in their home.  Their two daughters have greatly benefited from their close relationship to the library spending many afternoons tucked in a corner reading books from all different genres.  Lance is a firm believer in the importance of libraries as a cornerstone of community building and a powerful equalizer creating a safe space for people to gather and access knowledge and resources that may otherwise be out of reach for many.  For leisure reading Lance’s preferences tend to center around his love of creative thinking and overcoming difficult odds; often gravitating toward science fiction or anything that helps the reader see the world from a new perspective Adventure Pass of the Month – Davis Farmland  Our Adventure Passes are generously funded by The Friends of Hopkinton Public Library Library “Thing” of the Month – Ukulele Programs are hosted at the library unless otherwise noted Registration is required for many programs Visit our website calendar to obtain updated information and registration Programs are subject to change or cancellation Narcan Training and Community Harm Reduction with the Hopkinton Health Department Narcan is the brand name of the generic Naloxone and is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids.  This free Narcan training will provide participants with a brief training on how to recognize an opioid overdose and a free kit to take home.  This event is put on by the Hopkinton Board of Health in partnership with the Hopkinton Public Library May 15  |  6:30 – 7:30 pm  |  Registration Required Like snakes?  Good news!  You’ll get to take an up-close look at a whole bunch of them at this informational and fun presentation by the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.  Rick will talk about the lives and behaviors of various snakes during the live animal presentation.  A meet and greet with the snakes will follow his presentation.  This is an all ages program Space is limited for this program, so registration is required!  Registration opens one week before the event May 31  |  9:00 am – 4:00 pm The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be hosting their POP-UP Booksale in the Strong Room.  The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library will be selling books for all ages in good to excellent condition.  Stop in during the day on Saturday to browse!  ‘Bag of Books’ deals for $10 per bag will be available for the final hour of the sale.  Cash or credit cards (via Paypal) are accepted.  Come support the Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library Peregrine Road plays captivating acoustic music that occupies a sweet spot somewhere between chamber music and folk music with complex arrangements and lush textures alongside raw energy and multi-cultural influences.  Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell have quickly become known together as a powerhouse duo capable of a huge variety of styles in demand throughout North America and beyond for concerts and Appalachian traditions while at the same time being infused with the excitement of new compositions and dynamic improvisation.  Audience members frequently remark on Peregrine Road’s exquisite musicianship and mastery of their instruments as well as their outrageous humor and ability to connect with listeners of all ages and walks of life Join us before the performance for light refreshments.  Registration is not required for this event.  Drop on by This program has been made possible by the generous support of the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation May 3  |  12:00 – 5:00 pm  Learn about the importance of fostering and adopting from our friends at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.  Staff members from the DCF will be available to answer questions and explain navigating the fostering and adoption systems Join us for Scrabble Club and Mahjong Group where we play Scrabble and Mahjong!  We’ll provide Scrabble sets but we don’t have a Mahjong set at this time.  Please bring your own set if you can!  No registration is required.  Join other amateur family historians in a casual atmosphere to share resources and brainstorm ideas for further investigation.  Librarian Allison Keaney will be available to help with your research whether you are just starting out or need help knocking down a brick wall!  Allison is a longtime genealogist including several graduate-level genealogy courses.  Registration is not required.  Drop on by!  VIRTUAL: How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety.  Furthermore our incessant quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it.  What if we could turn it into a strength?  In this enlightening online webinar you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting and resilient.  Author of Thriving with Anxiety and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious.  Instead it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.   2024 was the 50th anniversary of the first publication of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) so let’s play the game the way they used to!  Your Dungeon Master back when D&D was first becoming popular.  These days he is an avid collector of old roleplaying games and is a proponent of the loose improvisational style of play that was common in the past Keith will be running a D&D campaign using old-school rules (Holmes Basic D&D for those who want to know) and adventure modules (“In Search of the Unknown“ etc).  If you are new to Dungeons & Dragons then this will be an easy introduction to the game!  If you are a veteran player then this will be a fun way to learn about its history.  And if you just want to hang out with some cool people who enjoy tabletop fantasy gaming then this is your chance.  New members will be accepted mid-campaign!  Drop by May 11 and 18  |  2:45 – 3:45 pm The traditional style of beginner and intermediate yoga will include Asanas (postures) Dhyana (meditation) and Yoga Nidra (relaxation techniques).  The class is open to all who are adults or high school age.  No prior yoga experience is needed.  Classes will focus on building strength in the core and increasing flexibility and range of motion while incorporating breath awareness and mindfulness techniques.  Bring a yoga/exercise mat and water.  Be ready to unwind May 21  |  2:00 – 2:30 PM  |  Registration Required Register on the Red Cross website by clicking here May 3  |  2:00 – 3:30 pm  |  Registration Required Dive into the vibrant tradition of hojalata, Mexican tin art, celebrated for its bold colors and intricate designs.  Learn techniques for cutting, scoring and shaping thin sheets of metal then finish your unique tin art with bold, bright colors.  For ages 11 and up!  Registration required May 7 and 21  |  6:00 – 7:45 pm Anime and Manga Fans: Meet in the Betty Strong room to discuss manga, watch Crunchyroll, draw characters, and eat fun snacks!  Open to teens and pre-teens in 5th Grade and up.  Please e-mail Jess at jdyment@hopkintonma.gov with any questions Please Note:  In this program we may watch and/or discuss material that is rated TV-14 or unrated Middle school and high school students: Looking for something to do on the early release day?  Join our friends from One Up Games for an afternoon of video games and Virtual Reality!  Sponsored by the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation Come to the YA Room every Monday from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to hang out, listen to music, and make some art!  We will have a different theme craft every meeting as well as extra materials to make your own creations.  Open to teens and pre-teens in 5th Grade and up.  Please e-mail Jess at jdyment@hopkintonma.gov with any questions May 14 and 28  |  6:00 – 7:45 pm Come to the YA Room every other Wednesday for an evening of screen-free, collaborative gaming.  Snacks provided.  Register for a reminder!  Registration opens one week before the event VIRTUAL: Fortnite Tournament with One Up Games May 15  |  6:00 – 8:00 pm  |  Registration Required May 17  |  2:00 – 3:00 pm  |  Registration Required Try an instrument that is fun and relatively easy to play!  Learn the fundamentals of ukulele playing.  No experience necessary.  Ukuleles provided or bring your own.  In this one hour program participants will learn how to tune, strum, fret, and read chord diagrams.  For ages 9 and up.  Registration required Registration required for many programs through our website calendar and 29  |  10:00 – 11:00 am  |  Registration Required Children can play and create at Lego and Pokémon Club!  Build a creation out of Legos or Duplo blocks.  Creations will be displayed in the children’s department for a few days.  Do you play Pokémon?  Looking for someone to play with and chat about all that is Pokémon?  This club is for you!  Bring your Pokémon cards if you have some.  If you do not have cards we will have a small amount for in-library use.  This is a drop-in style club and 30  |  9:15 – 10:00 am  |  Registration Required This baby lapsit storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, gentle tickles, bounces, and body-awareness.  This storytime will begin with play/social time for babies and their caregivers!  Registration opens one week before the event and 30  |  10:30 – 11:15 am  |  Registration Required Join us for hands-on learning for curious little kids.  Each week children will explore a new concept through a variety of fun activities and have a chance to discover and experiment at their own pace.  In May we’ll be exploring “ON THE FARM”!  Registration opens one week before the event and 31  |  9:00 am – 3:00 pm Drop by the Children’s Department programming room for some family activities (i.e.  chess this program will instead run from 12:00 – 3:00 pm May 5  |  4:15 – 5:00 pm  |  Registration Required Carly to discuss books.  There is no assigned book to read!  Each meeting kids can share about a book they have read or are currently reading.  We will talk about our favorite genres and kids will hear what other kids are reading.  Ms Carly will also share book recommendations and give kids the scoop on the latest books to hit the Children’s Room.  All types of reading formats are all up for discussion at this book club!  Previous Beatrice Carolyn McMullen (Boyle) Weather Trends in Hopkinton: April 2025 by | May 1, 2025 | Featured: News, News, Police & Fire The Hopkinton Police Department shared this photo of an 80-year-old woman who went missing Thursday afternoon An 80-year-old woman who was reported missing Thursday afternoon near Hopkinton State Park was found in a nearby home about two hours later according to a Hopkinton Police Department spokesperson HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated in an email Thursday evening that the police and fire departments responded to an emergency call at approximately 1 p.m from a Forest Lane residence about the woman The Preserve condominium complex is located on Forest Lane and its homeowners association assisted police by providing security camera footage we learned she had been missing for about 20 minutes and was visiting family from out of town,” according to van Raalten “It was reported to us by her son that she may be suffering from dementia.” The woman has close-cropped hair and was wearing a sweater and a blue dress at the time of her disappearance A picture posted on the HPD Facebook page showed her wearing the same black and white sweater and additional support was requested,” van Raalten continued “We received assistance from the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.” HPD deployed a drone before the arrival of the MSP Air Wing while officers collected security footage from nearby residents including from The Preserve’s homeowners association The Preserve’s information allowed officers to “refine the timeline and potential direction she might have gone,” van Raalten shared Police checked neighboring homes and “successfully located her in a nearby residence The woman’s identity is not being released at this time The posts you requested could not be found Try changing your module settings or create some new posts by | May 2, 2025 | Obituaries Harris passed away peacefully at his Hopkinton home on April 27 He was predeceased by the love of his life and Carl Harris and wife Barbara of Wakefield Debra Peaslee and husband Jonathan of North Sandwich He was predeceased by granddaughter Heather Siebert Donald was a graduate of Reading High School and Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass in 1952 making four Mediterranean cruises during the Korean War He was on the USS Lake Champlain aircraft carrier Donald worked for many years as a diesel mechanic at Dario Diesel Truck Center in Worcester He later drove a courtesy van for McGowen Eye Care Center in Framingham Donald was a man who lived his life by his values and principles He was a devoted family man who was loyal and dedicated caring for those he loved with his whole heart He was a dutiful and loving caretaker to his wife He loved sharing stories and making inside jokes and always shared memories about his beloved ’39 Ford “Dreamboat.” spending summers at Popponesset on Cape Cod and spending time at the family camp in North Sandwich A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home with urn burial to follow in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Hopkinton One visiting hour will be held Wednesday from 10-11 a.m In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hopkinton Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 44, Hopkinton, MA 01748 or the Hopkinton Senior Center via the Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors 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 James “Mike” Michael McBride passed away peacefully on May 2 He is survived by his beloved significant other Carolyn “Bunky” Woodbury; and his loving children of Hopkinton passed away May 1 after a period of declining health she was the daughter of the late Myron and Alice (Burton) Stone and wife of the late Robert Higgins Sr. Beatrice Carolyn McMullen (Boyle) entered into the Lord’s loving embrace on April 29 passed away peacefully at home in Hopkinton on April 28 Gertrud Marjorie (Marge) Stein Porterfield passed away April 29 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s to Ella Emma Wirth and Henry Gustave Stein she was the daughter of the late George and Estella (Congdon) Forsey by | May 2, 2025 | Education, Featured: Education the School Committee on Thursday named Jessica Beattie as the district’s new director of student services has been the director of student services at Holliston Public Schools since 2022 she was an assistant principal and adjustment counselor at Holliston’s Robert Adams Middle School Beattie earned a sociology degree from Framingham State While obtaining her master’s degree in social work from Boston College she worked at a residential facility in Worcester At a public forum with the final candidates she said that experience helped to fuel her longstanding passion to help students In making the recommendation for the appointment Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh emphasized that she and incoming Superintendent Evan Bishop worked closely on the screening of candidates The other two finalists were Helene Desjardins assistant director of student support services in the Northborough-Southborough district and Courtney Rau Rogers assistant principal for student services at Bigelow Middle School in Newton The field of 14 candidates was narrowed first to five and then three finalists who participated in screening and panel interviews and then a public forum held earlier this week Carol Cavanaugh and committee members praised all the finalists with the superintendent noting they all demonstrated “a lot of passion and expertise and commitment to children.” Vice chair Jamie Wronka said Beattie gave very thoughtful answers to questions and is a “natural fit” for Hopkinton the committee voted to ratify the Hopkinton Custodians Union contract for 2025-28 The superintendent said some highlights of the pact included a 5% increase over all three years and the flexibility of having eight-hour shifts occurring Monday to Friday between 8 a.m the board named Susan Stephenson as its representative on the negotiating committee with Hopkinton Teachers Association Unit C (nurses) Carol Cavanaugh noted this is the last of the bargaining units for contract negotiations before the end of the school year the committee agreed to allocate $380,000 for temporary food service associated with the Hopkins School project The board also approved $150,000 for design engineering and permitting costs to repave the Loop Road at that site The district must accommodate food services when the existing cafeteria and gym at Hopkins close during the final construction phase Eberly explained that a temporary kitchen trailer will be set up adjacent to the school building Eberly and Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich said it would not make sense and would be costly to transport bagged sandwich lunches to the school each day Rothermich noted the desired trailer unit is large enough to prepare and provide for breakfast and lunch options for students Repairs to the Loop Road would include a top coat and binder on a pulverized graded base The total cost for the Loop Road project is estimated at $1.4 million but the committee only approved the preliminary costs through permitting at this time The School Committee also approved scholarships as follows: two drama scholarships of $500 each; the Mary Roche Award of $75 each for the students with the two highest grade point averages who attended Elmwood School; the Lou & Cathy White Memorial Scholarship of $500; and the Annette Joyce Floh Memorial Scholarship The committee also authorized payment through the treasurer of $5,000 for the STEM Scholarship Following a public hearing with no participation from residents the School Committee voted not to offer school choice for the 2025-26 year The reason for denial is growing enrollment and lack of space Nine hundred Hopkinton Middle School students and 1,028 students from the high school responded to the Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey in the fall of 2023 providing insights on social media and substance use feelings of depression and anxiety and suicidality... The School Committee on Thursday voted to pursue a lease agreement with a vendor for a temporary kitchen trailer to be located at Hopkins School Members also reached a consensus that Vertex (owner’s project manager) should seek proposals from designers for.. the School Committee voted to appoint vice chair Jamie Wronka and member Kyla McSweeney to serve on the interview panel for the director of student services position Current director Abigail Hanscom is retiring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e306fLaJPrw&list=PL8WekT6kxX1B3xlP6fIr3QmhJButK4GkU&index=1 School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh on Thursday announced members would be entering into negotiations with Hopkinton High School Principal Evan Bishop to become.. the School Committee on Thursday conducted interviews with the two finalists for the superintendent position The Hopkinton School Committee on Thursday heard about a wall collapse at the Hopkins School addition/renovation project site and revisited cutting $415,000 from its fiscal year 2026 budget managing director for Vertex (owner’s project manager) and.. by | May 1, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today The Hopkinton Police Department is warning Hopkinton High School seniors about the dangers of playing “senior assassin,” a game in which players eliminate targets by squirting them with water guns “While we recognize that this tradition is often seen as a lighthearted way to celebrate the end of the school year, it has resulted in behaviors that raise serious safety concerns,” HPD chief Joseph Bennett said in a statement posted to the department’s blog on Wednesday The warning comes after reports on Tuesday of an individual driving a vehicle and “waving a firearm,” according to a HPD Facebook post While the party who made the report believed it to be a real weapon officers were able to determine that the firearm in question was a water gun “Such reports can prompt a significant police response community and our own officers at risk,” Bennett stated Other communities have dealt with similar incidents. CBS News reported that police departments in Groton Wilmington and Walpole all have issued warnings about the game this week Bennett warned about how the game could escalate into more serious situations and asked parents and guardians to discuss the issue with their senior students “The Hopkinton Police Department wants nothing more than for our seniors to enjoy their final weeks of high school safely,” Bennett said “We encourage everyone to find safer more appropriate ways to celebrate this milestone.” The Conservation Commission on Tuesday approved an amended order of conditions for the Charleswood school plan that identified and provided plans for replacing a previously unknown culvert This week’s Police Log features two arrests along with a motorcyclist evading officers a suspicious person in the woods and aggressive turkeys on South Street This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on May Chen a junior on the girls tennis team who demonstrates “excellent sportsmanship on the court” and has won eight of her first 10 matches this season Baypath Humane Society will hold its 12th annual Fore Paws Golf Tournament on June 13 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (6:45) and Cultural Council (7) Hopkinton High School baseball player Nick Pedroli prepares to deliver a pitch during a game last week against Xaverian by | May 2, 2025 | Featured, Featured: Education In the wake of Evan Bishop’s appointment as district superintendent Hopkinton High School assistant principal Justin Pominville will become interim principal for a year English Department subject leader Sarah Ellam will step into the assistant principal role The School Committee met Friday afternoon to discuss these transitions Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh explained that the hiring of principals falls under a superintendent’s duties she said it is more important that Bishop be comfortable with the leadership team as he begins his new role Cavanaugh said as it becomes later in the school year the pool of candidates for positions becomes drier “We think this is the most thoughtful and strategic path forward,” the superintendent said of making in-house appointments The superintendent said Pominville is a trusted administrator who has meaningful relationships with students She described him as a “deep thinker … who is cautious before he makes a decision but does not waffle According to his biography on the district’s website Pominville has served as assistant principal at HHS for 11 years he was dean of students at Uxbridge High School for four years and coordinator of the alternative program for nine years Pominville earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from American International College and his undergraduate degree in political science and economics from Salve Regina Having Ellam move up to fill Pominville’s assistant principal position on a temporary basis “feels good for Evan’s team building,” Cavanaugh said Whether Ellam remains in that role is contingent on whether Pominville secures a permanent job as principal after a year as interim Ellam has been teaching English at HHS for nearly 23 years She earned a master’s degree in education from Fitchburg State University and a bachelor’s degree in English and gender studies from the University of Notre Dame Chair Nancy Cavanaugh recalled that Bishop served as an interim principal before securing the job permanently but could not remember if a formal search was conducted “It’s not nepotism … but some people may feel they did not get a fair shot at the job,” said member Susan Stephenson Member Kyla McSweeney said the committee should talk to Bishop about whether he wants to open the position to other candidates in the future the process should start around February of 2026 McSweeney noted the Worcester district recently appointed an in-house superintendent without a search [It’s] just right going forward,” Nancy Cavanaugh said The superintendent said the high school faculty and staff were to be notified of the decisions on Friday and communication would be sent out Monday to the larger high school community and parents by | Apr 30, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today The Hopkinton Library Board of Trustees released its response to the Hopkinton Public Library’s letter to residents concerning efforts by the Trump administration to defund libraries The letter details how Executive Order 14238 will impact library services The order reduces the size of government agencies “that the President has determined are unnecessary.” In March all staff of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were put on leave In its response, the Board of Trustees reiterated its support for Hopkinton’s library system it laid out the state of affairs and encouraged action from residents the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee has proposed level funding for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners — the organization that administers statewide library funding The statement goes on to note that this commitment will not replace federal funds lost due to the shuttering of the IMLS While the loss of federal grants and funding will not cause the HPL to close it likely will result in the reduction of some library offerings e-book services like Libby and other offerings may shrink or become unavailable The American Library Association (ALA) and other organizations filed an injunction in federal court earlier this month to stop the IMLS from being dismantled the Board of Trustees encourages residents to get active and support their local library Actions of support include getting a library card signing ALA petitions and raising awareness online and in-person “We take our role of fortifying and championing our library seriously,” the board noted in its statement The full statement is available to read on the HPL website An amended subdivision plan for Emerald Drive, approved by the Planning Board on Monday night includes easements that would allow for greater trail access along Hayden Rowe Street The Commission on Disability learned Monday night that a grant awarded by the Massachusetts Office on Disability has allowed the town to upgrade to accessible voting booths The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors will hold its annual Summer Vegetable and Flower Fundraiser on May 17 Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5) Hopkinton High School freshman Harini Jeyaraman performs at the Senior Center last Thursday in recognition of UNESCO’s World Dance Day John Porter stared ahead during a May 2023 appearance in Woburn District Court Some well-known public figures in Hopkinton will be going to court beginning in the next two months after several months of relative tranquility in town The most prominent case involves John “Jay” Porter, the former Hopkinton deputy police chief who was charged with three counts of child rape that allegedly occurred nearly 20 years prior when the accuser was a Hopkinton High School student and Porter was a school resource officer A pre-trial hearing on “motion(s) in limine” is scheduled for May 9 at Middlesex Superior Court before the trial begins May 12 An in limine motion is made in court before the jury is seated. If granted, it instructs “the court to order the opposing party, its counsel, and witnesses not to talk about, or even mention, certain facts or evidence in the presence or hearing of the jury,” according to legaldictionary.net No one would be allowed to bring up those facts without the court’s permission and requests must be made outside the jury’s presence Porter last appeared in court on April 10 for a trial readiness conference Over the past two years, this case provoked a contentious period in Hopkinton marked by hostility toward police and public officials. Former HPD Sgt. Tim Brennan was terminated by the Select Board after a controversial two-part Loudermill hearing concluded in February 2024 The alleged survivor had revealed her accusation to Brennan A group of residents advocated for Brennan, noting his popularity and long-time service. They frequently voiced their concerns at Select Board meetings in 2023 and 2024 and called for his reinstatement at Special Town Meeting in May 2024 via a citizens’ petition it was a pyrrhic victory for supporters because Town Meeting is not the appointing authority for police officers Some called for the removal of Select Board members and HPD Chief Joseph Bennett over the release of an improperly redacted transcript of an interview with Brennan conducted by an investigative firm regarding the allegations against Porter This information was shared on the HPD news blog shortly after the first part of the Loudermill hearing and revealed information that could have led to the identification of the survivor Brennan has taken his case to arbitration — which is being conducted privately He was hired by the Milford Police Department last year as a patrol officer Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere’s trial will begin May 22 in Framingham District Court according to Middlesex District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Sarah Lamson An automatic plea of not guilty was entered on her behalf at a pretrial conference in February For a first-time OUI offense, penalties are both punitive and rehabilitative, according to a legal website an offender may face a fine ranging from $500-$5,000 as stipulated under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 There is the possibility of incarceration for up to 2.5 years While the law mandates a license suspension for one year offenders may be eligible for a hardship license after three months First-time offenders often must complete a 16-week alcohol education program LaFreniere is not running for reelection in May after two terms in office During her public service tenure in Hopkinton public transportation accessibility and fiscal responsibility She previously worked as the district director to former state Sen David Magnani and as the town assessor for Holliston and Plainville The trial for Petros “Peter” Sismanis is scheduled for June 11 at Framingham District Court The Hillers Pizza owner and Hopedale resident was charged Jan. 17, 2023, with one count of indecent assault of a minor and two counts of witness intimidation following an alleged incident with a teenage female employee in the basement of the restaurant he entered a plea of not guilty at that time by | Apr 16, 2025 | News Roads leading to the start line of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton are slated to close around 6:30 a.m and no on-street parking is allowed in the vicinity Limited parking is available at Hopkinton State Park and shuttle buses will transport individuals to the starting area throughout race morning A small bag containing personal items is allowed on the bus Everyone boarding a shuttle bus as well as those entering the start line area are subject to security screening Spectators are encouraged to use a clear plastic bag to expedite the screening process The first start is the military march at 6 a.m The men’s wheelchair division goes off at 9:06 a.m. followed by the women’s wheelchairs at 9:09 and the handcycles/duos at 9:30 with the professional women taking off 10 minutes later The para athletics division has a 9:50 start For more information, visit the Boston Athletic Association website at baa.org by | Apr 30, 2025 | News, Police & Fire Cody Normandin checked on a motor vehicle parked outside of the LNG plant on Wilson Street and subsequently arrested the driver Officer Justin Cappuccio assisted an Oliver Lane resident who was locked out of her house Officer Nicholas Walker completed community relations on Hayden Rowe Street during school drop-off... A caller reported a male passed out in his vehicle on West Main Street for about 30 minutes Tyler Staback and Matthew LaTour responded along with the Fire Department Officer Peter Lord checked on a vehicle parked on Chestnut Street and spoke with an Uber driver inside Officer Augusto Diaz took a report of stolen property on Hayden Rowe Street... Officer Kyle Quinzani conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Main Street and Officer Robert Ekross and Sergeant Shannon Beloin responded to assist A 42-year-old was arrested and charged with OUI liquor A Rough Rider Road caller reported 3-5 youths were outside of his home breaking beer bottles Shannon Beloin and Officer Peter Lord responded and spoke with the reporting person by | Apr 22, 2025 | News, Police & Fire The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Tuesday at 8:26 a.m that the two right lanes on Interstate 495 northbound at Exit 58 in Hopkinton were closed due to a vehicle fire The closures were expected to remain in place for several hours I-495 northbound traffic was being detoured via Exit 58 Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes and avoid the area if possible HPD Deputy Chief Scott van Raalten stated in an email Thursday.. The most prominent case involves John “Jay” Porter the former Hopkinton deputy police chief who was charged.. Shannon Beloion and Officers Robert Ekross Matthew LaTour and Kyle Quinzani responded to a motor vehicle accident on Chamberlain Street and subsequently arrested a 56-year-old resident of Colella Farm Road in Hopkinton and charged.. Town Clerk Connor Degan on Monday night told the Commission on Disability that accessible voting booths are ready for the May 19 Annual Town Election Degan explained that the town won a grant from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to upgrade its election.. Hopkinton’s police and fire chiefs on Wednesday reported that their departments responded Monday to the discovery of a plastic bottle containing live and spent fireworks prompting an investigation by state police bomb technicians by | Apr 29, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today A public forum at Hopkinton High School tonight will introduce candidates for the opening director of student services position to residents and school district families Three finalists were selected from a pool of 14 applicants A panel was set to interview the top five candidates on April 17 Tonight’s forum will give the public a chance to hear from the finalists and ask questions The candidates for the role are Jessica Beattie Beattie has been the director of student services at Holliston Public Schools since 2022 She previously served as assistant principal and an adjustment counselor at Robert Adams Middle School She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Framingham State University and a master’s degree Desjardins is the assistant director of student services at the Northborough-Southborough Public Schools Her focus is on special education and currently oversees special education program development in her school system She holds a master’s degree from Worcester State University Rogers holds two master’s degrees and anticipates completing her doctorate in December Starting in middle school special education she has worked her way up to the role of assistant principal at Bigelow Middle School in Newton — a role she has held since 2008 The finalist for the director of student services role will replace Abigail Hanscom, who is retiring from the role on June 30. Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh, who also is retiring at the end of June, has been collaborating with incoming superintendent and current HHS principal Evan Bishop on filling the role According to the School Committee’s agenda in the main office conference room at Hopkinton High School This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five homes sold Richard Ernst, 93 Jane Dunphy, 96 The Hopkinton Lions Club is holding its annual Community Yard Sale on May 17 Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (6:15) and Conservation Commission (7) Kids take on the rock wall at the MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton during the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day on Sunday HOPKINTON — Construction workers got a scare on Wednesday morning after a large portion of a wall being built at the Hopkins Elementary School was knocked down by a scaffolding According to a press release from the Hopkinton Fire Department a scaffolding collapsed at about 11:36 a.m. causing a 15-by-40-foot section of the new wall being built at 104 Hayden Rowe St. The wall was a portion of an unoccupied extension of the school the construction for which was started last year faculty and other school employees were “isolated” from the construction site The Fire Department evacuated the four classrooms closest to the construction site as a precaution There were 50 construction workers on-site but none was working on the scaffolding or near the wall when the collapse occurred Tentative move-in date is 2028: Hopkinton voters approve $158.4M school construction project A building inspector remained on scene late into Wednesday afternoon to assess the stability of the entire building "We're grateful that no one got hurt and all the students are safe," Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr We evacuated the construction site and the surrounding area and we made sure no one was under the scaffolding or the wall Hopkinton Superintendent of Schools Carol Cavanaugh could not immediately be reached for comment Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime For three weeks (April 21st through May 9th) we’re delivering a bag of goodies to our local farmers and ag workers as they work on spring planting Congratulations to Nutrien Ag Solutions in Hopkinton – our winner on Wednesday Farmers and ag workers can sign up to win one of our Plantin’ Snack Sacks on our website at kmch.com we randomly draw a winner from our entries and make our delivery (you don’t have to answer your phone at a certain time with a winning phrase for this contest – you’re a winner automatically) Thanks to all of our local sponsor businesses who have provided snacks Maquoketa Valley Academic Excellence Banquet More Weather Details by | Mar 19, 2025 | Featured: News, News Rapscallion will take over the location at Hopkinton Square formerly inhabited by Quattro A new dining experience helmed by experienced restaurateurs and local brewers is set to open its doors in Hopkinton this spring recently signed a lease to open a new restaurant at 22 South Street It will be the brewery’s fourth location and second in the MetroWest area The restaurant is set to replace Quattro in the retail building The Rapscallion Kitchen & Bar will mirror the brewery’s Acton location a bar and a private room in the back of the restaurant for parties and other functions The owners hope to set up seasonal outdoor seating as well According to Rapscallion co-founder Peter Daniel the restaurant will feature a mix of Italian dishes As with the brewery’s other establishments we infuse a lot of our beers with our dishes,” said Daniel “We’ll continue to utilize the beers we brew at our brewery in Spencer.”  “It’s pretty similar to what we do at our location in Acton,” he added Because the restaurant will operate as a scratch kitchen Daniel says he hopes to partner with both local farms and other vendors He discussed possible collaborations with The Donut Stand — a soon-to-be neighbor at 22 South Street — and other local establishments “We’re looking forward to collaborating with them,” said Daniel The brewery’s expansion into Hopkinton was not a foregone conclusion along with his brother and fellow co-founder Cedric had been on the hunt for several years before the opportunity at South Street presented itself “It kind of just came out of nowhere,” he said “We weren’t actively looking in the greater Hopkinton area,” he added although he had “heard a lot of great things” about the town a former contractor who had worked on another Rapscallion property put him in touch with Chuck Joseph and Kevin Lobisser “They wanted to make sure they really had a tenant there that brought quality food great hospitality and a reputation of serving the community,” he explained Feeling they could meet Joseph and Lobisser’s vision they signed the lease for their new Hopkinton location “It definitely happened very quick,” Daniel added Now comes the work of renovating the space and getting all the necessary paperwork in order Daniel reported that some work would be done both inside and outside the space though aspects of the existing layout will remain the same While the process of getting licenses and permits has not begun yet he said they are aiming to open the restaurant by Memorial Day He also stressed how important the relationship between his brewery and the building owners is the relationship you have with the landlord is important these days,” he explained “[Daniel] is experienced and has a great reputation so we’re not anticipating any issues there,” said Joseph Added Joseph: “We think they’re going to be a great addition to the community.” Bishop was chosen by the School Committee over South Hadley Superintendent of Schools Mark McLaughlin. A third finalist for the job — Ross Mulkerin, director of finance and operations for the Nashoba Regional School District — had previously withdrawn from consideration Bishop told the Daily News on Friday that he was grateful for the opportunity to lead Hopkinton Public Schools "I'm looking forward to working alongside our dedicated students Bishop said top items on his to-do list include meeting with stakeholders to figure out the schools' strengths and needs as well as building relationships at all levels Earlier: Hopkinton Superintendent of Schools Carol Cavanaugh to retire June 30 Bishop has been with Hopkinton Public Schools since 2005. He was a school counselor and assistant principal until becoming Hopkinton High School principal in 2013 Bishop holds a master's degree in school counseling from Suffolk University, and a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University. He received his principal's license from Boston University and earned his superintendent's license in 2017 who has been with Hokinton Public Schools for nearly nine years starting as an assistant superintendent in June 2016; she was named superintendent in March 2018 Bishop will inherit a number of projects underway for Hopkinton schools including construction of the Charleswood School The Charleswood school is set to open in either 2027 or 2028 Making the grade: Hopkinton High School ranks seventh best in Mass. in U.S. News report He also inherits a school district that consistently ranks among the best in the state. Under Bishop's tenure, Hopkinton High School ranked seventh in last year's U.S. News and World Report's list of top 10 public high schools in Massachusetts The school district has experienced rapid growth in recent years Hopkinton Public Schools enrolled 4,187 students in grades pre-K through high school up more than 20% from the 3,463 students enrolled when Cavanaugh started in 2016 whose transition to superintendent is pending successful contract negotiations said a posting for the Hopkinton High principal job will go live as soon as possible by | Apr 17, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Health Director Shaun McAuliffe and public health nurse Simone Carter warned the Board of Health on Monday that recent changes in federal funding could impact the delivery of health programs in town “We’re not going to feel it directly noting that the majority of the Health Department’s budget is funded through the town he does anticipate impacts on a regional level which includes work with MetroWest Shared Public Health Services “They’re questioning whether or not they’ll have sufficient funding to cover [fiscal year 2027],” McAuliffe explained McAuliiffe and members of the Hopkinton Health Department receive help with funding for trainings through the health collaborative those costs will have to be paid through the department When questioned about what services to residents could be impacted Carter noted that disease reporting and research already has shrunk she reported her concern that vaccination programs for children could be cut Carter pointed out that despite the uncertainty Hopkinton is in a better place than other communities in dealing with potential funding cuts “We don’t have quite the infrastructure that we were striving for but we’re in a much better position than some of our neighboring communities because we did invest a bit,” she said The Elementary School Building Committee on Tuesday approved a proposed risk mitigation plan for the Charleswood School project that would involve surveys of nine abutters’ properties Hopkinton native Alex Danahy, who now oversees the volunteers for the Boston Marathon’s adaptive athlete divisions has learned how to strike a balance when it comes to leading his team Although Hopkinton firefighter Conor Sayles is not the biggest fan of running he sees his participation in the Boston Marathon this year for the Michael Lisnow Respite Center as an opportunity to run for those who cannot Retired Hopkinton police officer Pat O’Brien, resident Jean Cann and transportation volunteer Larry Murphy have been tapped as honorary starters for this year’s marathon Hopkinton resident Kaitlyn Mullen returns to the Boston Marathon this year to raise funds for the Hopkinton Education Foundation Roads leading to the Boston Marathon are set to close at 6:30 a.m. Monday morning with the men’s wheelchair division kicking things off at 9:06 a.m This week’s Police Log features reports of someone attempting to enter a home on Forest Lane and a dog in the public library Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (6:45) In preparation for Monday’s Boston Marathon crews on Wednesday painted the new start line on East Main Street by | Apr 10, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Hopkinton residents now have an opportunity to help the town promote economic development and bring more business to the community The town recently released a notice of vacancies for the newly formed Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) the board would advise the town on economic matters that would support local businesses work on sustainable development and help expand the commercial and industrial tax base the EDAB’s work will help “address the town’s structural deficit and improve the quality of life for residents.” The Select Board’s vote also allows it more flexibility in guiding the new advisory board with one member being designated by the Planning Board and another representing the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Initial terms will be for 1-3 years in order to achieved staggered terms Those interested in serving on the board can apply on the town’s website Residents are encouraged to contact Vasudha Dutta in the Town Manager’s Office with questions Hopkinton’s fire and police chiefs earned high marks during annual performance reviews from the Select Board on Tuesday night The Conservation Commission on Tuesday night learned about an intermittent ditch at the site of the proposed Charleswood School that impacts the placement of the school’s secondary exit The Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously on a plan for parking at Pyne Field at its meeting Tuesday night allowing the next phase of the project to begin An upcoming presentation sponsored by the Hopkinton Historical Society will use well-preserved town records to explore the town’s role in the American Revolution This week’s Police Log features one arrest along with reports of an “oddly suspicious document” found on Main Street individuals threatening an 18-year-old and a dog chasing chickens Town meetings tonight include the Open Space Preservation Commission (7) Traffic cones line the sidewalk on Main Street following a cold spell that caused the sidewalk to shift and become uneven with the curb the town’s project specialist for the Main Street Corridor Project Murdock stated that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will remove the cones and clean up before the Boston Marathon on April 21 The Hopkinton girls’ track and field team runners showed their strength on Saturday winning four events and scoring points in nine of 11 as the Hawks won the inaugural Campbell Cougar Classic Invitational on Saturday at Campbell High School Weather forced the cancellation of all field events Sophomore Maddy Lane won the 1,600 meters in 5 minutes junior Aisling Madden won the 400 in 1:00.59 and all three ran with senior Shaylee Murdough on the champion 4x400 relay (4:25) The Hawks scored 97 points to win the 10-team invitational including a big over Division I Bishop Guertin Campbell (29) and Kearsarge (24) rounded out the top five Savannah Smith (sixth 100 hurdles) and fourth-place 4x100 (Madi Belanger Riley Raynes (second 400) and Leah Lamothe (fifth 100 hurdles) scored for Kearsarge Williams) and fourth-place 4x400 (Williams Shayla Jordan and Robb) led Winnisquam (eighth Hopkinton and Winnisquam tied for fourth with 28 points Monadnock (66) and Bishop Guertin (39) were the top three teams in the field of 13 Hopkinton senior Roman Finlayson won the 800 meters in 2:04.56 and freshman Max Goupil won the 1,600 in 4:56.58 and came in fourth in the 800 to lead the Hawks Isaac Ohl and Finnegan Kovar came in fourth Brendan Goodwin won the 400 meters in 52.61 seconds with Nolan Abbott (fourth 400) and Colby Blackburn (fifth 200) also contributing to Winnisquam’s scoring HOPKINTON — Five people were displaced after a house fire Thursday evening on Windsong Way, according to Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr. was unknown as of midday Friday but is not considered suspicious Firefighters responded to the home at 7:28 p.m after the department received several 911 calls they found heavy fire in the rear of the house extending up the rear of the house,” Daugherty said 'Different job every day': For Hopkinton deputy chief, becoming a firefighter was almost a given Daugherty said most of the fire was extinguished within 10 minutes but it took about a half-hour to get it completely under control The fire had spread to the attic and damaged the roof Chief estimates fire caused damage worth more than $100KThe home's five residents had evacuated the home before firefighters arrived According to the town assessor’s database the home is owned by Kawalit and Gurleena Mokha The 10-year-old structure was last assessed at $1.2 million Daugherty estimated damage of more than $100,000 “The damage was pretty extensive because it got into the roof structure,” he said The cause of the fire remains under investigation The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors will hold the annual Summer Vegetable and Flower Fundraiser on Saturday Summertime favorites such as heirloom tomatoes and vegetables herbs and container varieties from the center’s greenhouse will be available Donations from community members — recently divided perennials herbs or flowers from a home garden — can be dropped off May 15 and 16 at the Senior Center front desk (This story was updated to include additional information.) said she was unhurt when she drove onto a curb and damaged a wheel on her vehicle "I apologize to anyone who feels they were affected by it," she said when reached Monday Police arrested LaFreniere at 10:34 p.m Police Chief Joseph Bennett declined to comment about the arrest LaFreniere said she had attended a wake for a cousin earlier on Sunday, then had dinner at a family member's home. She said she then stopped at T.J's Food & Spirits Irish coffees are typically made with whiskey LaFreniere said she told them to ignore the fact that she's a member of the Select Board "I told them I didn't want any special treatment," she said "I'm a big girl and I'll take my punishment." LaFreniere said the past few months have been challenging for her She said she has experienced several recent deaths in her family She is also on medication for various medical reasons LaFreniere said she has not been sleeping well recently and forgot to take her medication on Sunday "It really was a cumulative effect," she said LaFreniere has served on the Hopkinton Select Board since 2019; her second three-year term expires in April She said she does not plan to seek reelection and that she had made that decision before Sunday's incident LaFreniere said she has heard some people calling for her resignation She wants to finish out her term but has not made a decision LaFreniere had an automatic plea of not guilty entered on her behalf at her Framingham District Court arraignment on Monday She was released without bail and is due back in court on Feb LaFreniere attended Tuesday's Select Board meeting Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com is returning to the Hopkinton School District — this time as its next superintendent Doyle, who is currently the assistant superintendent at the Merrimack School District, will step into her new role at the end of the school year. She will be taking over for Michael Flynn, who is moving on to lead the Derry Cooperative School District. “It’s really like coming home,” said Doyle “Hopkinton has very high academic standards but also understands the importance of supporting all aspects of a student and so they really do take the whole child approach Doyle’s journey with Hopkinton began in 2016 as the assistant principal of Harold Martin and Maple Street schools she had stepped into the principal role at Maple Street she spent 18 years as both a classroom teacher and special education teacher in Bow Doyle will join the Hopkinton school district on July 1 “Having a new superintendent will be a transition but we are truly thrilled about having Amy join our team,” Dulcie Lipoma “Her proven ability to build strong relationships coupled with her deep understanding of curriculum and special education makes her the ideal leader to guide Hopkinton forward.” a school district with around 3,200 students Doyle will oversee Hopkinton’s much smaller enrollment of about 955 She said the core challenges facing public schools remain the same regardless of size — especially when it comes to budget constraints and maximizing every dollar Like many educators and administrators in public education and we know that it’s been challenged in court,” said Doyle it’ll be my responsibility to ensure that our voices are heard whether that looks like going to the State House and testifying Since stepping into an administrative role in the Merrimack School District she said she has learned and evolved in ways she didn’t have the opportunity to as an educator “I’ve been able to work with a bigger leadership team because you just have so much variability,” said Doyle “So I’m excited to bring all of that back to Hopkinton.” Hopkinton's town administrator at his office SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN— superintendent of Hopkinton School District — Hopkinton is preparing for two major departures this year as town administrator Neal Cass and school superintendent Michael Flynn get ready to move on Cass has been the person everyone turns to for information about the town If a select board member was unclear about a development project from ten years ago If a question popped up about how the town government worked “I’m feeling a little sad as the reality sinks in of not seeing everybody all the time,” said Cass and partly just because you’ve been here and done it as you stay in any position for a long time.” Cass’s new role will be the business administrator at the ConVal School District who has been Hopkinton’s school superintendent for four years will be stepping down at the end of June to take on a new role as superintendent of the much larger Derry Cooperative School District “Hopkinton did give me my chance,” said Flynn the town had seen its fair share of administrators come and go was to bring some much-needed stability to the position and administrative staff In addition to handling the usual tasks of providing information to the select board Cass said he made it a point to really connect with the community One place you’ll always find him is at the senior lunch at the Slusser Center every Wednesday “I just think having a connection and being able to answer questions for the seniors that are there who may not be connected through the internet and some of the other ways people get their information I think has been really helpful,” said Cass “I think you also build some trust there and it’s always fun.” he’ll miss seeing familiar faces and grabbing coffee or lunch at the local stores “I think I’m ready for something a little bit different,” said Cass I’ve really appreciated the support of the Select Board and the staff and really everybody in town I would not have been here this long if it weren’t for them.” who has served as superintendent during four annual school district meetings in Hopkinton sees every school budget passed under his leadership as a “really good temperature check” of how well the district understood taxpayers’ concerns and priorities But it’s not just about the numbers for Flynn He said he knows that part of his job is about balancing how people feel — he’s aware that while some like him what really stands out to him are those sensitive moments with students “I was able to work with people on those private moments in which I’ve gotten a thank you card or an email,” said Flynn ” I think all those personal moments are really what make this position rewarding to me.” Flynn’s new job cuts his commute down significantly — no more 100-mile drives every day But it also comes with a much bigger budget to manage The Derry Cooperative School District handles over $100 million compared to Hopkinton’s budget of less than $30 million He said the new role is an opportunity to grow professionally and take on a fresh challenge while keeping retirement in mind for the future “Hopkinton’s taught me a skill set that I didn’t necessarily have coming into it I’ve enjoyed developing relationships with all stakeholders,” said Flynn A fire at 100 Chase Farm Road in Hopkinton on Monday afternoon drew firefighters from around the area as flames spread from a garage to surrounding brush and fields As the embers cooled Tuesday on the scorched ground of 100 Chase Farm Road in Hopkinton the cause remained unknown a day after a fire destroyed a garage and spread across five acres of brush and fields Fire chief Jeff Yale said the fire marshal’s office is leading an investigation into what started the blaze who was present at the scene along with first responders from around a dozen towns said Tuesday that the incident was a three-alarm fire that also destroyed three vehicles and damaged a fourth The fuel inside the vehicles and propane tanks inside the garage led to explosions that allowed the flames to spread “The unfortunate part of this is that this time of year “There were explosions and floating embers still on fire The slight wind condition didn’t help us either The 56-acre property contains many structures Yale urged vigilance to anyone who should encounter a brush fire “Report them as soon as possible to us so we can rectify those issues as soon as we can.” Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com by | Mar 20, 2025 | Education, Featured: Education According to a post on the Hopkinton Public Schools website, one of the three finalists for Hopkinton superintendent announced Wednesday night no longer is in the running School Committee chair Nancy Cavanaugh posted that Evan Bishop superintendent of South Hadley School District “A third candidate who had initially been selected has decided to withdraw from the search at this time,” Cavanaugh wrote director of finance and operations for the Nashoba Regional School District Resumes for the finalists are available at the district website there will be separate opportunities for staff and the community to meet with each of the candidates and to provide feedback,” Cavanaugh wrote “There will be more information forthcoming on the schedule of events but the School Committee anticipates selecting a Superintendent of Schools on April 3 Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh is retiring June 30 The School Committee met via Zoom on Wednesday and announced the three finalists for the superintendent’s position principal at Hopkinton High School; Mark McLaughlin superintendent in South Hadley; and Ross Mulkerin by | Apr 23, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Ahead of the May 5 Annual Town Meeting, residents will get a chance to discuss the articles up for a vote at eHop’s 13th annual Know Your Vote forum The forum will be held April 30 at the HCAM TV studios at 77 Main Street the event allows residents to have their questions about this year’s ATM answered by town officials Hopkinton is set to vote on the town’s fiscal year 2026 budget at the upcoming Town Meeting. The town’s operating budget for FY 26 is proposed to increase by 3.28% a modest increase reached through service-level funding additional money from the state and available free cash Other articles up for consideration include proposals governing the reuse of Center School establishing an economic development fund and various capital projects One article will deal with funding for an adaptive playground at Marathon School. The Select Board voted in March to put an article for funding the playground on the warrant The project has been stymied due to conflicting opinions on where the playground should be located and how it should be funded Residents will have the opportunity to discuss these articles and more at the upcoming Know Your Vote forum. Those interested in submitting questions are asked to send them via email (knowyourvote@ehop.org) or via eHop’s Facebook page ahead of the event The forum begins at 7 p.m. on April 30. It will be broadcast live on HCAM-TV and HCAM’s YouTube page for those who cannot attend in person A vehicle fire on I-495 northbound at Exit 58 in Hopkinton resulted in lane closures Tuesday morning The Hopkinton Police Department responded to two calls involving motor vehicles over the weekend including an incident where a vehicle struck two people and crashed into a home This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Ryan Morin a junior on the Hopkinton High School boys track and field team who ranks among the top throwers in the Tri-Valley League and Division 2 statewide The Hopkinton High School girls golf team’s roster blends experienced players and fresh faces a mix coach Bill Phaneuf hopes will get the team to the postseason The latest Schools Notebook highlights local collegians who have achieved academic success and honors The MetroWest YMCA Outdoor Center in Hopkinton will host a Healthy Kids Day this Saturday Town meetings tonight include the Appropriation Committee (5) and a Trails Committee work session (7) Dark clouds form over the basketball courts at Hopkinton Middle School on a recent day by | Apr 27, 2025 | Featured: Sports, Sports Hopkinton Little League held its annual parade and opening day ceremonies on Sunday The parade began at the Town Common and continued down Main Street to Carrigan Field People gather on Main Street to watch the parade Emergency vehicles lead the parade through downtown Individuals carry inflatable baseballs as they walk Players and coaches march down Main Street toward Carrigan Field The Mighty Mussels team makes its way down Main Street Coaches guide their players up to Carrigan Field Players chat as they walk by the Hopkinton Fire Station Players take a seat during opening ceremonies Hopkinton Little League president Gabe Recos addresses the crowd by | Mar 12, 2025 | Obituaries of Hopkinton passed away from multiple medical complications following respiratory illness on March 9 he was the son of John MacDonald of North Providence He was the husband of 31 years to Burnedette (Wilson) MacDonald Kevin had a great love for learning and a remarkable memory He attended Saint Bridget School and Marian High School in Framingham He was a graduate of Framingham State College He had a longstanding career at IBM for 25 years most recently as a senior information developer in the data and AI division Kevin always was willing to take on new projects and “dive into uncharted waters.” Kevin was dedicated to volunteer work in the museum world He served as curator at the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport He had an insatiable curiosity for the city’s history and its colorful characters a fascination he eagerly shared through writing Whether guiding visitors through the museum or collaborating with directors and fellow historians Kevin brought history to life with passion and enthusiasm humor and caring nature — always putting others before himself He prioritized traditions and routines: He hosted holiday celebrations visited his mom once a week and took her to her favorite restaurant hung out on Friday nights with his best friends from high school joined the Vineyard Church Men’s Group monthly for breakfast and discussion and took his beloved pup to visit friends at the dog park most days He had a gift for gathering people and bringing them together Kevin also enjoyed curating a private collection of toys and pop-culture memorabilia and Brian MacDonald and wife Christina of Worcester Bridgette Anderson and husband O’Neil; niece and nephews Cameron and James MacDonald; his best friends Mike Colombo and Scott Roncka; and his favorite sidekick by | Mar 24, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today The Hopkinton Marathon Committee is hosting its second annual 100-Yard Dash on April 19 Held at the start line for the Boston Marathon the event is an opportunity for children to participate in the buildup to the marathon “It brings everybody together and the kids have an opportunity to run over that start line before everyone else,” explained Dorothy Ferriter-Wallace The race was conceived last year as a way to celebrate the 100th start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton but Ferriter-Wallace said the response was so positive that her committee decided to make it an annual tradition “Last year we put it together pretty quickly and we were worried if we would get the kids,” she said noting that over 150 children wound up participating “We got a lot of good comments from the parents.” The race coincides with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Celebrate at the Start Line event on April 19 Families will have a chance before and after the race to check out vendors Every child who signs up will receive a T-shirt and kids aged 5-12 are eligible to participate Ferriter-Wallace emphasized that the dash is a “great opportunity to run across the start line before everyone else.” Added Ferriter-Wallace: “It’s something positive for the kids in town and doesn’t take parents away for the whole day.” Registration is free and open now until April 12. Those interested in signing up can do so on the Hopkinton Marathon Committee’s Google Form The Elementary School Building Committee on Thursday voted to release construction documents out to bid in order to obtain a general contractor for the Charleswood School project as well as incorporating adaptive elements into the school’s playground This week’s Library Corner features information on a program on chicken-keeping an author talk with Judi Picoult and a program on the science and history of trees Our latest Business Profile highlights Regatta Point Community Sailing a nonprofit that provides sailing lessons to young people with a focus on “boating for all.” Town meetings tonight include the Planning Board (7) and the Commission on Disability (7) Hopkinton sixth graders (from left) Maddy Jones, Gianna Santucci, Ella Carter, Brooke Elliott, Mia Shmays, Quinn Shepard, Norah Reilly, Nysha Paluri and Allie Tighe pose for a photo during Sunday’s Mary Korbey 3v3 Basketball Tournament at Hopkinton High School. Click here for a list of winners as well as results from Sunday’s HBA skills competition select board chair helps out with the ballot voting at the Hopkinton School District annual meeting on Saturday More than 700 voters attended the Hopkinton School District annual meeting on Saturday Ian Hart praised the Hopkinton School Board and budget committee for their efforts to tame the budget increase pointing out that the $27.4 million spending plan had only risen by 2.29% despite the pressures of inflation Hart didn’t hide his dissatisfaction with the state’s tax structure saying that local residents often feel powerless over decisions made at the State House much like what’s happening in the federal government “The property tax form of taxation in the state and our town is unjust we do not have control over that tax structure,” said Hart “You may not have a Department of Education at this time next year which will have unknown impacts on our students here.” Frustration over New Hampshire’s tax system and education funding dominated discussions at the annual school district meeting Saturday The primary reason for the increase in the school’s operating budget was the rise in special education costs pointed out that if special education costs hadn’t spiked the budget could have actually seen a reduction of about half a percent Transportation for special education alone will cost the school district over $200,000 next year Nadeau said area school superintendents have discussed potentially creating a more regionalized special education service system The idea is to establish a shared location where schools can benefit from economies of scale though concerns remain about building enough capacity and the liabilities that could come with it “This is a conversation that needs to happen at the state level,” said Nadeau “It would be a far more appropriate conversation for the state Department of Education to have if it truly wants to help reduce impacts on public schools versus other things that it seems to be more focused on.” which passed in a ballot vote with 420 in favor and 129 opposed This means the tax bill for a property assessed at $400,000 would increase by $236 next year Two contracts were approved – one for teachers and specialists by ballot vote and another for custodians by voice vote  All other warrant articles were approved except the proposal to switch to the SB2 form of government which was rejected with only 291 voting in favor and 436 against it 767 voters attended the meeting which is a 23% increase in turnout compared to last year Hopkinton residents took to the microphone saying the state of New Hampshire must boost funding for schools and explore alternative forms of taxation to ease the burden on towns while still supporting public education Anne Chehade called the state’s education funding system “completely dysfunctional.” “Our state government has completely abdicated their role leaving the unfair burden of subsidizing our education to the towns,” said Chehade She also proposed that the state consider implementing an income tax “That way the people who aren’t bringing money would have minimal to no income tax and have reasonable property taxes,” said Chehade Police in Hopkinton say a Tesla sedan was vandalized on April 17 at a local park the latest in a series of incidents involving the battery electric vehicles being targeted — in at least some cases possibly due to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's right-wing activism The Hopkinton incident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the College Rock parking area off College Street The incident was caught on surveillance video Still photos of the incident released by police show a suspect carrying a trash barrel that he picked up in the lot the guy put the trash can on the Tesla and caused some minor damage,” said DeBoer 'I'm really anxious': Worcester Tesla owner claims harassment, targeted for his Cybertruck DeBoer said he can’t tell whether the incident is related to Musk's connection to President Donald Trump According to WCVB-TV a man was arrested earlier this week after Hingham Police said he keyed a Cybertruck Peabody Police charged a man with pouring paint on several Teslas at a dealership and there were multiple incidents at a Tesla sales and service location in Dedham Southborough business owner tells of harassmentIn February, Dr. Kumait Jaroje, who owns Sculpting MD in Southborough and a Cybertruck, told the Telegram & Gazette that ever since Musk endorsed Trump people would flip him their middle finger and yell at his wife and children He also said someone put profane stickers on his Cybertruck and that he has lost customers due to him having the vehicle That same month, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the attacks on Tesla property "nothing short of domestic terrorism,” according to a statement the man who owned the Tesla said he had owned it since 2016 “It’s not any kind of political statement,” the detective said 'These fires are harder to fight': Electric vehicles pose added challenge for firefighters Police are asking the public to help identify the man they say vandalized the Tesla 5 feet 6 inches tall to 5 feet 9 inches tall he was wearing heavy-rimmed eyeglasses and a blue or green jacket “We feel like he’s from the area,” DeBoer said “The victim has used that area for walking previously and he believes he has seen the man before.” Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call DeBoer at 508-497-3401, Ext. 1279, or email him at gdeboer@hopkintonpd.org by | Apr 25, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Shelves display different seed varieties and books on growing as part of the HPL’s seed library program Started last year and funded in part by the Hopkinton Garden Club the seed library at the Hopkinton Public Library has become a popular program “Last year we had over 1,400 packets taken and we’re well on the way to a similar amount this year,” said Allison Keaney HPL’s circulation and technical services supervisor “People have been really excited about it,” she added The seed library allows residents to take up to five packets of seeds per household to grow at home which include everything from snapdragons and sunflowers to lettuce and bell peppers The goal is to offer plants that can be grown easily in containers “Not everyone has a large yard [where] they can plant vegetables,” Keaney explained who acts as HPL’s de facto “seed librarian,” says these type of programs are becoming increasingly popular at libraries around the country She helped start one at her previous library before she came to Hopkinton first-served basis and will remain until supply runs out Keaney said the library ran out of seeds in early June last year She also made sure to credit the Hopkinton Garden Club for its support of the program “We wouldn’t be able to offer this without their help,” Keaney said The Hopkinton Fire Department handled a brush fire on Falcon Ridge Road and a log truck fire Thursday afternoon The third annual Team Hoyt Memorial race seeks to raise money to support athletes with disabilities and celebrate the spirit of inclusion embodied by Dick and Rick Hoyt Hopkinton High School alum Lexi Hasbrouck topped off her collegiate soccer career by helping her team at William Smith College reach the national semifinals This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Anacoco a 2-year-old dog described as a “social sweetheart” who is affectionate and loves to play The latest Professional Insights from Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes tackles how to test a home for radon and why testing is important The Hopkinton Center for the Arts presents its Arts in Bloom Exhibition from April 29-May 29 Hopkinton Troop 1 Scout Rishit Lalchandani (wearing glasses) and helpers work on his Eagle Scout project to install fitness equipment along the Center Trail near the middle school cross country course Volunteers from the community are invited to stop by and assist with the remainder of the work today (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and tomorrow (noon-5 p.m.) by | Apr 24, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today Residents looking for help in cleaning up their lawns this spring can get a hand from local students and help Project Just Because in the process The student board of Project Just Because recently started its spring cleanup fundraiser those interested can sign up to have groups of volunteers complete yard work at their home A $100 donation funds an hour’s worth of work “We have been doing this for a couple of years now,” said Ishita Urs co-vice president of the PJB student board “This is the most important fundraiser for us.” Urs noted that the spring cleaning program is one of the most profitable fundraisers the student board runs She explained the money goes toward funding critical PJB programs such as its food pantry Work takes place on weekends in May and June A team of up to four students will complete work for each time slot purchased by homeowners Consecutive time slots can be purchased if necessary but students are not allowed to use power tools as a safety precaution Urs stressed the benefits of the fundraiser for the community and PJB “This is a fundraiser we’ve been running for a while and it’s important to the organization,” she added Those interested in signing up and donating can register on the student board’s SignupGenius page Registrants are asked to sign up one week in advance Citing questions about implementation and the need for input from the Hopkinton Police Department, the Select Board on Tuesday tabled a discussion on a proposed zero-emission vehicle policy for the town fleet The Hopkinton police and fire departments are cooperating with state police bomb technicians to investigate a plastic bottle filled with live and spent fireworks found in a yard on Thayer Heights Road on Monday Senior Smilez a nonprofit that brings live theater experiences to assisted living facilities and memory care units is looking to recruit retired people as actors for its upcoming season Coach Dan Norton says the Hopkinton High School boys lacrosse team is improving its defensive corps as its offensive capabilities continue to impress with skilled players back to compete this year This week’s Police Log features two arrests along with reports of a tree falling on a house a suspicious person on Leonard Street and an assault on West Main Street The latest Senior Snippets features information on a dance recital a discussion with the Sustainable Green Committee and a driver safety course Our latest Business Profile highlights Miss Tanya’s Woodland School kindergarten in Westborough which balances its curriculum around traditional subjects with exploration Work is underway this week at Hopkinton Middle School to connect the solar canopies that were installed in the parking lot last year to the energy grid workers dug a hole next to the building to install equipment by | Mar 19, 2025 | Education, Featured: Education Information about all three candidates is expected to be posted Thursday on the district’s website Bishop has worked in the Hopkinton School District since 2005 becoming principal at the high school in 2013 he was an assistant principal and school counselor McLaughlin was named acting superintendent in South Hadley in 2021 and then interim superintendent in January 2023 following the formal resignation of the previous superintendent McLaughlin was promoted to the job in a full-time capacity under a one-year deal McLaughlin was one of three finalists for the superintendent job in Winchendon this past December McLaughlin was the superintendent for the Merrimack School District in New Hampshire for two years and assistant superintendent there for 10 years Before taking the finance role in Nashoba in July 2022 Mulkerin was an elementary school principal in Stow for seven years and in Waltham for two years He was assistant director of student services for the Binghamton City School District in New York for three years said the group received many resumes from “well qualified” candidates and interviewed 11 people before narrowing the field to three McSweeney said that the committee felt strongly that visits to the candidates’ home districts be made prior to the School Committee interviews Carolyn Burke from consultant New England School Development Council (NESDEC) advised the board to treat all three candidates equally even though Bishop is known to the community and district “The community knows the internal candidate in one role and has not perceived him in a larger role,” Burke said “This is the opportunity for him to change that perception.” The rest of the meeting was spent discussing next steps which include scheduling visits to the candidates’ districts planning for and conducting visits in Hopkinton with each School Committee member asking two questions Burke said the public and staff would have the opportunity to provide input online or as the finalists are escorted around Hopkinton during visits Meet and greets with parents and teachers as well as lunch with administrators are usual practices during the visits in the host community She urged the committee not to “drag the process out” too long before making a decision Burke said the board should ask HCAM to hold the interview videos until all the candidates have participated She also told the committee members they should include questions in several categories deemed important by the community such as fiscal management Saying it would be a difficult decision to make Burke urged the committee to focus on finding a “match” for what Hopkinton needs Burke said once a majority of the board selects a candidate one individual from that majority should ask for unanimous support of the new superintendent “It is harder for a superintendent to come in with a divided board,” Burke said “Deliberate enough so it can be unanimous.” site visits to other districts will take place followed by hosting individuals in Hopkinton Interviews would be held on March 27 and April 3 with a decision expected at a special meeting on April 9 All dates are subject to change pending scheduling Superintendent Carol Cavanaugh is retiring on June 30 According to a post on the Hopkinton Public Schools website one of the three finalists for Hopkinton superintendent announced Wednesday night no longer is in the running Are Education Freedom Accounts a way to rescue children from failing local schools Or are they part of a plot by a libertarian cabal to bring anti-government activists in their childbearing years to the Granite State to impose their liberty-driven political will It was no surprise when a Senate proposal to expand EFA eligibility advanced through the GOP-controlled House Education Finance Committee on a party-line vote But conspiratorial attacks on the popular program from ranking Democrat Rep David Luneau (D-Hopkinton) raised eyebrows launched a lengthy tirade during Thursday’s hearing denouncing the EFA program as a “voucher scam” and tying it to the libertarian Free State Project He told fellow House members he suspects the EFA scholarship program “is really turning into a recruiting tool to bring in ‘Free State freeloaders’ into the state of New Hampshire.” “By dangling free money to people who weren’t going to enroll in public schools to begin with maybe we get some people who will move into the state that continue to elect people to local and state government positions that will put in place these sorts of draconian policies,” Luneau said Are EFAs an attempt to impact the demographics of New Hampshire and “destroy” the state “That’s just ridiculous rhetoric,” said Rep Vice Chair of the Education Finance Committee “‘The Truth Is Out There,’ Rep  SB 295 now heads to the floor with a recommendation of “ought-to-pass” thanks to Republicans’ 10-8 committee majority families that earn more than 350 percent of the federal poverty level would eliminate income eligibility requirements within 60 days of the bill being signed into law would phase in universal eligibility within the next two school years but has stopped short of calling for immediate universal eligibility She has previously suggested eligibility for new enrollees above the income threshold might be limited to students already in the public school system — an attempt to keep parents already paying for public school from using public money to cover part of the costs Sullivan ripped Democrats for deploying the term “voucher,” which she insisted is derogatory and inaccurate Luneau appeared to be referencing Sullivan with his remarks I can pick up the ire and the bristling people have when I refer to it as a voucher program,” he said I’m going to admit it’s not a voucher program Reached by NHJournal and asked to respond to Luneau’s comments Sullivan offered the Hopkinton Democrat some political advice “Referring to taxpayers as ‘freeloaders’ is not a great political move.” Sullivan said Luneau’s comments about the EFA program and its goals are “insulting to the families who use these accounts.” executive director of the New Hampshire Free State Project responded to Luneau’s comments by agreeing with one part of his premise: Good government policy will make the state more popular particularly for people seeking more personal freedom and low taxes — all of these policies contribute to New Hampshire being ranked #1 for freedom and are reasons why Free Staters move to New Hampshire,” Brakey told NHJournal Republicans noted taxpayer funding of public schools has soared even as enrollment has fallen despite spending more than $22,000 per pupil student academic performance has remained flat This is not ‘anti-public school,'” said Rep “It is pro-families choosing what’s best for their kids.” Tracy Bricchi (D-Penacook) countered that many EFA families never enrolled their children “in a public school to begin with Daniel Popovici-Muller (R-Windham) accused the program’s opponents of hypocrisy “I’m surprised to see that a program that’s basically designed to bring equity by making sure every child has access to some state education funds is facing opposition like this,” he said “If you feel you don’t deserve those funds do not apply for an EFA,” Popovici-Muller said Dick Ames (D-Jaffrey) criticized the timing of a potential expansion “We all know we have a budget problem,” he said “We face a situation apart from this bill where we’re not able to meet fundamental needs.” executive director of the Children’s Scholarship Fund of New Hampshire — authorized by the state to administer the EFA program — praised the results of Thursday’s vote “Families are grateful and relieved that the House Education Funding Committee voted to expand the award winning EFA program,” she said “By making the popular Education Freedom Account program open to all families all children will have access to the education that is the right fit for them to realize their unique potential.” As for Luneau’s theory that the EFAs are an underground effort to destroy the Granite State House Majority Leader Jason Osborne offered a response while they promote policies welcoming and harboring MS13 gang members and other assorted illegal aliens to spread fentanyl and endanger our communities Republican policies attract libertarians to (gasp!) mind their own business and leave you alone.” For Comments, Questions, Or Complaints aboutour articles please contact us MARLBOROUGH – The bands of Kelsey MacPherson’s braces barely show through the black cage of her hockey mask. They’re one of few reminders that Hopkinton’s leading scorer still attends middle school 'I thought she was a junior,' ” Hopkinton senior captain Savannah Rivera said MacPherson stands 5-foot-8 without skates according to her EliteProspects.com profile, eye-to-eye with many of the players sometimes five years her senior during the Hillers’ varsity contests MacPherson plays at the front of Hopkinton’s forecheck when it doesn’t have possession and constantly maneuvers around the offensive zone both with the puck looking for a shot and without it creating shooting angles for herself or other Hillers She’s a mainstay on Hopkinton’s top power play and penalty kill units “She doesn't play like an eighth grader,” Hillers coach Ron Chin said Though by this point most teams game plan to keep her in check MacPherson still creates breakaways skating out of Hopkinton’s end or receiving a stretch pass here speed and stick skills flourish so she can set herself up 1 on 1 against a goalie Both MacPherson kids started skating as soon as they could around age two or three Home cooking: They decided to play hockey for their HS team over their club teams. They're glad they did “I don't necessarily want to play like him She started her career playing with the Demons Youth Hockey program of Ashland Holliston and Hopkinton on a boys team with teammates a year and or two older “She could play with them and was as good if not better than them,” Cam said Her goal wasn't just to be better than them They played 1-on-1 street hockey often during the COVID-19 pandemic in the latest round of sibling rivalry "Me and her we always compete about who’s better," Cam said "She knows that I’m older I’m gonna be better Eventually Kelsey started playing against other girls but continued to stand out Many in the Hillers program heard about her from their time in Chris' classes at Hopkins Elementary "We were really excited to get to have her as an eighth grader Hopefully there's a chance we'll have her next year," Rivera said MacPherson debuted with a goal and an assist against Norwood in December and scored four times in her second game The transition off the ice was made smoother by Hopkinton's leadership "They're like big sisters to me," MacPherson said which come from both the Hillers and Dover-Sherborn feel that responsibility not just for MacPherson but all of the young players in the program They teach what being a student athlete looks like and what high school will be like should MacPherson play for Hopkinton when she's in high school Cam charted a path that started at Hopkinton and led to St where he's drawing college interest as a reclassified sophomore Stone walled: Goalie Sophia Luoni playing beyond her years for Natick girls hockey and she saw what good comes out of it," Cam said "I think she’s trying to move forward to the next level I think she knows that she can be good enough Mark's this year but comes home for holidays and some weekends Sometimes when he's in his room playing Xbox he'll hear Kelsey shooting pucks in the driveway Contact Kyle Grabowski at kgrabowski@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kylegrbwsk.