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Articles by Nick Schofield
Select Board to interview police chief finalists Tuesday
by | Nov 6, 2026 | Featured: News, News Three candidates for the role of Hopkinton police chief will be interviewed by the Select Board at its meeting Tuesday. Two of the candidates come from the Westborough Police Department. The third is Hopkinton’s interim chief, Scott van Raalten. All have more than 20 years of experience in policing. Greg Schipporeit is a patrol lieutenant with the Westborough Police Department.
Board of Health moves to hold public hearing due to Golden Pond ‘stonewall’ efforts
Determining the response it received from Golden Pond Assisted Living was not adequate, the Board of Health on Thursday voted to bring in officials from the facility for a public hearing. “We clearly do not appreciate [them] trying to stonewall and not being upfront about the issues they’re having, because those issues are documented,” said chair Nasiba Mannan.
Parks & Rec votes for Grafton coordinator Herd as new director
by | Oct 28, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday voted to begin the first steps in hiring Cody Herd as the town’s new Parks & Rec director. The vote came after the commission met with Herd, who is the recreation coordinator for Grafton’s Recreation Department. Chair Kyle Smith explained he brought Herd before the commission after weeks of interviews with eligible candidates.
Golden Pond ordered to pause admissions after state inspection finds deficiencies
by | Oct 23, 2026 | Featured: News, News Golden Pond was ordered on Friday to cease the admission of new residents to the facility following an inspection by state officials. In a letter obtained by the Independent, Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE)’s assisted living certification and compliance unit director Patricia Marchetti issued the order to cease admissions.
Parks & Rec meets with Fruit Street concession vendors to resolve dispute
by | Oct 21, 2026 | Featured: News, News Visitors to the Fruit Street fields can purchase items from the concession stand or vending machines. FILE PHOTO/JERRY SPAR The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday discussed conflicts between its vending machine contractor and new concession stand business at the Fruit Street athletic complex, stressing the need to have both options at the fields.
Board of Health rebukes Golden Pond over heating issues, food safety
by | Oct 20, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Board of Health on Monday voted to submit a letter to Golden Pond Assisted Living addressing the facility’s continued heating issues as well as food safety concerns identified in a recent inspection. In a structured discussion, Health Director Shaun McAuliffe took the board through a timeline of regulatory infractions observed at Golden Pond by the Health Department since Oct. 1.
Medical transports from Golden Pond elevated following resident’s death
Since an incident at Golden Pond Assisted Living on Sept. 30 when a deceased person’s room allegedly was heated to 99 degrees, the facility has seen nearly 30 medical transports, which Health Director Shaun McAuliffe said is “more than usual.” While he could not specify the reason for the transports, McAuliffe noted that 21 were made from Golden Pond’s building at 50 West Main Street, while an additional eight transport calls took place at 60 Main Street in the last two weeks.
Dana pleads not guilty to attempted murder in superior court
Steven Dana (left) stands beside his attorney, David Grimaldi, during Monday’s arraignment in Middlesex Superior Court for attempted murder and other charges. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD Hopkinton resident Steven Dana pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges Monday in Middlesex Superior Court for an altercation that occurred in June at Sandy Beach. Dana was at the superior court in Woburn following the results of a grand jury hearing in September.
Parks & Rec submits updated Pyne Field design for CPC funding
by | Oct 14, 2026 | Featured: News, News Acknowledging it would need to adjust the request upon further review, the Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday voted to submit a $3 million Community Preservation application for a new Pyne Field design. Per diem Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus presented new designs for the project. He highlighted that the updated layout prepared by Gale Associates would split the proposed baseball field and cricket pitch.
Golden Pond set to repair heating system Thursday amid ongoing complaints
by | Oct 13, 2026 | Featured: News, News Golden Pond Assisted Living is slated to have its heating system repaired and turned on by Thursday, according to Health Director Shaun McAuliffe. The news comes after anonymous reports were submitted to the Hopkinton Health Department over the weekend that the system had not yet been repaired.
Authorities investigate death at Golden Pond, find heating issues
by | Oct 7, 2026 | Featured: News, News Multiple state and local agencies are investigating an unattended death that occurred at Golden Pond Assisted Living on Sept. 30 following questions about the temperature of the individual’s living space at the time and the overall function of the facility’s heating system. An incident report filed by Hopkinton Police officer Noah Buentello details the response of Hopkinton public safety officials to Golden Pond on Sept.
Communication issues in focus for Board of Health
by | Sep 29, 2026 | Featured: News, News A discussion about municipal water sparked a broader conversation about the Board of Health’s communication strategies at its meeting Monday night. Chair Nasiba Mannan kicked things off by noting that the Water & Sewer Advisory Board recently completed an analysis of the town’s water system. The analysis, reviewed by the WSAB at its meeting Sept. 23, showed declines in PFAS and “a significant magnitude of safety,” according to chair Paul Gallaher.
Town prepares for high winds as nor’easter moves into region
by | Sep 25, 2026 | Featured: News, News Town officials are preparing for a nor’easter that is expected to bring mostly strong winds and rain to Hopkinton over the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, northeast winds around 17 mph should move in Friday afternoon, with rain starting early Saturday morning. Rain, patchy fog and wind should continue all weekend and into Monday night. The NWS also issued a wind advisory that will remain in effect until Sunday morning.
Parks & Rec opposes exclusive permitting for Town Common events despite protestor issue
by | Sep 23, 2026 | Featured: News, News Maintaining that the space is available for public use, the Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday decided not to change its approach for permitting events at Town Common. The discussion over how the Town Common is used and permitted was brought up after the Hopkinton Farmers Market asked both the Select Board and the commission for assistance with protesters. In a letter dated Sept.
Last minute preparations under way for Family Day
Organizer Pat O’Brien is optimistic about Hopkinton Family Day on Saturday. “The weather’s going to be nice,” said O’Brien. “That’s the main thing we’re looking for.” The Friends of Hopkinton, which organizes and runs Family Day annually, is putting final touches on the event in the last few days and hours, according to O’Brien. He noted that about 40 local organizations are set to participate on Saturday.
Commission on Disability discusses results of town ADA evaluation
by | Sep 15, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Commission on Disability on Monday agreed on hosting two events this fall regarding the town’s accessibility infrastructure and potential improvements. The agreement followed a presentation from Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS), which was contracted by the Department of Public Works to put together an ADA self-evaluation and transition plan. The project was funded through a grant. Jennifer Thompson, a representative for CSS, led the discussion.
Lewitus to stay on in per diem role as Parks & Rec starts new director search
by | Sep 9, 2026 | Featured: News, News Parks & Recreation Commission chair Kyle Smith will lead the commission’s coordination with the town’s Human Resources Department as the search begins for a new Parks & Rec director. At its meeting Tuesday, the commission discussed the finer details of director Jon Lewitus’ departure from the Parks & Rec Department. Lewitus, whose last full day on the job is Wednesday, has accepted a director role with Sudbury Park and Recreation.
Police called to Hopkinton Farmers Market after confrontation between protester, vendor
by | Sep 1, 2026 | Featured: News, News A protester stands behind anti-abortion signs at the Town Common during the Hopkinton Farmers Market on Sunday. PHOTO/JULIE BEAUCHEMIN A verbal confrontation between a protester and a vendor at the Hopkinton Farmers Market on Sunday led to a police response. At 12:54 p.m., Hopkinton Police responded to the Town Common after a caller reported he was assaulted while protesting.
Citing separation of powers, Board of Health votes against charter recommendation
by | Sep 1, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Board of Health on Monday voted against a suggestion from the Charter Review Committee to shift who the Health Director reports to, while agreeing to revisit a second proposal about its membership at a later date. The discussion about the Charter Review Committee’s suggestions took place over two meetings. The board held one last Thursday that was restricted only to member and Health Department feedback.
Parks & Rec weighs tabling splash pad project
by | Aug 26, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday discussed limiting its Community Preservation funding requests for the upcoming fiscal year and putting a feasibility study for a splash pad on hold. In reviewing capital projects and requests for Community Preservation funds, Parks & Rec director Jon Lewitus told the commission he hoped to narrow the department’s focus in the next fiscal year. “Less is more at this point,” he said.
Smaller tasks on docket as Main Street Corridor Project nears completion
by | Aug 20, 2026 | Featured: News, News Upcoming paving on the east side of the Main Street Corridor is the last big step of the major construction project that first broke ground in 2021. As work begins to draw down, there are a number of smaller projects slated for completion before town officials and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation can consider the project finished.
HHS ranks 8th statewide in U.S. News & World Report survey
Hopkinton High School ranked eighth out of 353 public schools across the state in this year’s nationwide survey of high schools by U.S. News & World Report. HHS maintained its eighth place ranking from last year’s survey. It improved its nationwide position from 224th to 216th against 17,945 nationally ranked schools. Over 27,000 public schools were reviewed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia as part of the survey.
Commission on Disability discusses accessible parking enforcement with HPD
by | Aug 4, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Commission on Disability met with members of the Hopkinton Police Department to learn more about how its traffic team handles accessible parking enforcement and ways residents and police can work together to ensure handicapped parking remains available. Sgt.
Health director clarifies reasons for kratom ban
by | Jul 29, 2026 | Featured: News, News A lack of retail interest in town for selling kratom products and alignment with the town’s Drug Free Communities grant were some of the factors influencing the town’s new ban on the substance, according to Health Director Shaun McAuliffe.
Board of Health passes regulations banning sale of kratom, synthetic THC products
by | Jul 24, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Board of Health gathers at the Hopkinton Senior Center for a public hearing regarding regulations on kratom/synthetic THC products. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD After hearing no opposition from the public, the Board of Health on Thursday night voted unanimously to adopt regulations prohibiting the sale of kratom and synthetic THC products in Hopkinton. The vote came after a brief public hearing at the Hopkinton Senior Center.
Grand jury hearing pending for resident accused of attempted murder
A Hopkinton man charged with attempted murder and other assault charges will have to wait another 60 days for his case to move forward as the commonwealth prepares for a grand jury hearing. Steven Dana appeared in Framingham District Court on Monday for a probable cause hearing in front of judge David Cunis.
Conservation Commission requests more details on Frankland Road dam repair
by | Jul 1, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Conservation Commission on Tuesday continued a notice of intent hearing for a dam repair project on land set to be donated to the town. Jeff Bellino and Craig Curtin represented Agilitas Energy, the owner of the parcel at 0 Frankland Road. Agilitas, which built a solar photovoltaic array at 69 Frankland Road last year, agreed to set aside the parcel for open space in exchange for a special permit and site plan approval.
Parks & Rec hears concessions pitch for Fruit Street fields
by | Jul 1, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission is one step closer to bringing concessions to the Fruit Street athletic complex after hearing a pitch from a potential vendor at its meeting Tuesday night. Hopkinton resident Anthony Iannone met with the commission to pitch his concept for food vending at the fields. There is an existing concession stand at Fruit Street, but Parks & Rec was unable to secure a vendor when it opened up a request for proposals (RFP) in 2024.
Parks & Rec hears tree removal plan for path to EMC Park
by | Jun 10, 2026 | Featured: News, News A plan to remove trees at EMC Park will go to the Select Board for a vote following public objections at a hearing with the Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday. Department of Public Works Director Kerry Reed and Dave Daltorio, the town engineer, met with the commission to review a plan to build a path between the Elmwood Farms neighborhood and EMC Park. It was approved at Annual Town Meeting in 2023.
Water service interruption for Hopkinton Drug redevelopment planned for next Monday
Water-Sewer Manager Jed Fenneuff announced on Monday that water service will be temporarily interrupted next week for ongoing utility construction at the site of the former Hopkinton Drug. Contractors will complete a new sewer connection at the site that requires modifications to the existing water main, according to a notice to residents. Work is scheduled for June 15 and will occur between 10 p.m.-5 a.m. The affected area extends along Cedar Street from Main Street to A Street.
Hopkinton man out on bail after detention hearing for attempted murder charge
by | Jun 5, 2026 | Featured: News, News Hopkinton resident Steven Dana (in handcuffs) appears in court for a detention hearing related to attempted murder charges on June 5. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD Hopkinton resident Steven Dana was released on bail Friday afternoon after a Framingham District Court judge deemed the commonwealth had not met its burden of proving the defendant was a danger to the community.
Board of Health votes to recommend cannabis delivery opt-out
by | Jun 2, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Board of Health on Monday approved a motion 2-1 directing the Health Department to recommend the town opt out of new cannabis delivery laws. Monday’s vote allows Health Director Shaun McAuliffe to approach the Select Board with other town departments regarding the law. He will recommend the town apply for a two-year waiver allowing it to opt out of cannabis delivery to residential addresses.
Parks & Rec revisits plans for Pyne Field, considers alternate locations
by | May 29, 2026 | Featured: News, News During a brief meeting Thursday night, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed the future of Pyne Field now that it has the authorization to reevaluate the previous plan. Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus explained that Article 20A, approved at Annual Town Meeting on May 2, allows the commission to consider alternate locations for the cricket pitch and baseball fields intended for Pyne Field.
Parks & Rec moves forward on fundraiser policy for pickleball courts
by | May 13, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday revised and approved a draft policy that will open up the Fruit Street pickleball courts to fundraising groups starting this year. Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus teed up the discussion by recapping previous discussions the commission has had over groups wanting to use the pickleball courts to fundraise.
Annual Town Meeting votes to take no action on CV fingerprinting article
by | May 2, 2026 | Featured: News, News At Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, residents voted 72-51 to take no action on an article requiring fingerprinting for common victualer licenses, aligning with the Select Board’s recommendation on the matter. When asked by a resident why the Select Board recommended taking no action on the article, chair Joe Clark stated his belief that the Select Board has made progress on the town’s common victualer (CV) licensing process.
Parks & Rec increases fees for Fruit Street soccer fields
by | Apr 30, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday approved changes to the booking structure for the Fruit Street athletic complex, raising rates for in-town users roughly 10% for both the grass and turf fields. The commission has been working since October to evaluate the existing booking process for Fruit Street and whether or not to increase rates. The complex has two full-sized turf fields and three 9v9 grass fields.
Board of Health tackles cannabis delivery concerns, housing complaint
by | Apr 28, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Board of Health on Monday addressed changes to the state law regarding cannabis delivery and how it could affect Hopkinton. Chair Nasiba Mannan informed the board that she and health Director Shaun McAuliffe recently had received information from the town manager and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) that recent changes in state law would allow cannabis delivery across the commonwealth.
Boston Marathon 2026: Marguerite honors loved ones with run for addiction treatment
by | Apr 16, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features Andrea Marguerite intends to honor her uncle, cousin and a family friend who lost their battles with addiction as she runs to support the Boston Marathon this year. Andrea Marguerite hopes her first marathon run can make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction and substance use disorders.
Boston Marathon 2026: Van Ranst kicks into gear for local youth soccer
by | Apr 15, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features Grant Van Ranst is running to support Hopkinton Youth Soccer after the organization received its first Boston Marathon bib this year. Grant Van Ranst takes Boston Marathon run on behalf of Hopkinton Youth Soccer seriously. “I’m not going to ask great things from the players and from the coaches and our board if I’m not willing to put myself forward and risk some of myself to get us where we want to go,” he said.
Boston Marathon 2026: Mick runs to help Ron Burton Training Village serve underprivileged youth
by | Apr 14, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features Hopkinton native Delaney Mick takes to the road as she prepares to run the Boston Marathon to raise funds for the Ron Burton Training Village. Delaney Mick is no stranger to running. But long distance is a relatively new aspect of the sport for her. Mick, a recent graduate of Providence College, competed on the university’s Division 1 track and field team all four years of her undergraduate career.
Boston Marathon 2026: Gittlen runs to push new Baypath shelter over finish line
by | Apr 9, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features Sandra Gittlen hangs out with one of the dogs that will benefit from the funds she is raising for the new shelter Baypath Humane Society is building on Fruit Street. Sandra Gittlen is proud to be a back-of-the-pack marathon runner. “I’m never going to be fast at all,” she said. “I just figure I should enjoy it.
Boston Marathon 2026: Hopkinton native Roche sees impact of run for Live4Evan
by | Apr 8, 2026 | Featured, Featured: Features Hopkinton native Elizabeth Roche is running the Boston Marathon this year to support local nonprofit Live4Evan. For Elizabeth Roche, running the Boston Marathon was a long-term aspiration that began when she was growing up in Hopkinton. “From the early ages of the Kenyan runner day at Elmwood and being at the start line every year, those were really memorable to me,” Roche said of her earliest experiences with the marathon.
Parks & Rec ponders sponsorships for town sports organizations, Fruit Street
by | Apr 1, 2026 | Featured: News, News The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday debated the merits of allowing sponsor banners at the Fruit Street athletic complex, raising concerns on balancing costs while ensuring equity on multi-use fields. At the top of the discussion, Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus explained that Hopkinton Youth Soccer had reached out to him regarding opportunities the organization was pursuing for sponsorship.
Board of Health to review regulations limiting sale of kratom, synthetic THC
by | Mar 31, 2026 | Featured: News, News Health Director Shaun McAuliffe asked the Board of Health at its meeting on Monday to review proposed regulations limiting the sale of certain THC products in Hopkinton. The two products impacted by the proposed regulation are kratom and synthetic cannabinoids. McAuliffe explained that both are “completely unregulated” and present a risk to consumers.
Pickelball court rentals, Fruit Street fees in focus for Parks & Rec
by | Mar 11, 2026 | Featured: News, News Discussion over the town’s athletic facilities on Fruit Street dominated Tuesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting as members grappled with renting out the pickleball courts and fees for using the turf and grass fields. Most of the meeting centered on a debate about renting out and reserving the six pickleball courts on Fruit Street for fundraising events.
Former Hillers Pizza employee says she went to police about Sismanis
A woman who worked at the former Hillers Pizza restaurant in Hopkinton has come forward to share an experience she had with Petros “Peter” Sismanis that her to filing a police report against the business owner years before his 2025 conviction for sexual assault, accusing him of inappropriately touching her and other female employees. Christina Cuevas began working at Hillers Pizza in 2016.
Parks & Rec reconsiders Pyne Field as it evaluates other locations for cricket, baseball fields
Redevelopment plans for Pyne Field, located off Fruit Street, continue to be considered. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday evaluated alternate sites for a cricket pitch and baseball field in town as it continues to reconsider the future of the Pyne Field renovation project. Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus presented three geographic information system (GIS) maps of Pyne Field and two alternate locations to the commission.
Local leaders 'saddened' by national divisiveness, violence
by | Feb 9, 2026 | Featured: News, News The actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been front and center over recent weeks as the Department of Homeland Security continues its operations in Minneapolis. The high-profile killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti have led to protests in Boston in recent days. Demands by protestors for greater immigrant protections and state policies of noncooperation with ICE may have ripple effects across the state. Gov. Maura Healey on Jan.
Hopkinton woman charged as part of $1.2M bank fraud case
A Hopkinton woman and a Boston man have been charged in a bank fraud scheme that allegedly included the theft of $1.2 million over the course of several years. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rosemary Parks, 59, of Hopkinton and William Shaw, 67, of Boston were indicted on counts of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Shaw was arrested and arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Hopkinton man remains in custody as details of alleged Ashland assault emerge
Jadaius Figueroa of Hopkinton stands accused of assaulting a man in this shopping plaza parking lot in Ashland on Jan. 9. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD A Hopkinton man will appear in Framingham District Court in February for a pretrial hearing about an alleged assault that occurred in Ashland earlier this month. Jadaius Figueroa, 23, was arrested after an incident that occurred at 330 Pond Street in Ashland on Jan. 9.
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