Jennie Holland, Trevor Bache, and Edd Phillips (left to right) were in charge of the crafts at the Bandstand. Jake Kracinovich and Brittany Dupuis (not pictured) ran the Tennis Program. Photo: courtesy

 Not even a pandemic could stop the annual tradition of the Hopedale Summer program.

The program, which has been around for 60+ years, had a few adjustments because of COVID-19, but still kept kids entertained last month as it has every year.

“Throughout this time, there have been some changes, but the very basics have remained the same and have been part of Hopedale’s Summers for awhile. There are signatures from young adults who ran this program in the Bandstand that date back to 1982,” said Jennie Holland, one of five students who ran the program this summer.

Holland, a rising college junior, said turnout was decent.

“Given the circumstances, we can not complain about the turnout. On average, we sold around 15-20 crafts. There are some busier days where we have sold over 30, and some slower days depending on the weather, where it’s closer to 10,” said the Hopedale native.

The program offered tennis lessons as well as the opportunity to buy a craft bag at the bandstand most days in July. Holland said the tennis lessons for children ran on a two-week session and children had to sign up ahead of time. There were also adult lessons.

The bandstand crafts were offered without a signup necessary.

“In previous years, we had a long bench with stools where kids could sit and do the crafts right there. However with COVID, we have had to adapt to doing individually bagged crafts. It has been working perfectly given the circumstances and I believe Hopedale is just excited to have this program up and running,” said Holland.

The requirements due to coronavirus did not seem to deter many participants. In addition to a mask requirement, everyone who went had to be 10 feet away from others, but were allowed to bring a towel or a blanket to sit on to make it more comfortable.

She said the crafts were a hit not only because they are fun, but also because they are almost always just $1.

“This allows for a cheap activity to do everyday Monday-Friday,” said Holland.

Crafts included macaroni necklaces and paper cup ducks, among others. The biggest draw usually is the tie-dye day.

“The most popular activity every summer is tie-dye. We were nervous we wouldn’t be able to have it this summer, but we found a safe and cautious way to do it. … The staff helps families and children though the whole process and is just a classic activity we have always had,” she said.

The program, which is funded through the Parks Department, employed three rising college juniors and two rising high school seniors this year.

As the student leader, Holland planned the schedule for crafts, shopped for the materials and controlled the Facebook Page. She also organized registration for the Tennis Program with help from the Parks Department Secretary Mary Arcudi. 

Holland and the other students— Jake Kracinovich, Brittany Duipre, Trevor Bache, and Edda Phillips—reported to Don Howes, a Board Member for the Parks Department.

“Without the other four workers, … this program would not be as successful as it has been this summer with the circumstances,” she said.  

Holland said she loves the program because it has a personal tie for her.

“My personal favorite part about this program (and everyone else I talk to) is how unique it is to Hopedale. I love how it magically works its way through generations within families. Personally, my dad (Hopedale graduate of 1983) remembers taking part in it when he was a kid. Then when I was younger, my babysitter would bring me down each day and now I help run it. Such a unique program in Hopedale that has a lot of meaning to all generations,” she said.where kids could sit and do the crafts right there. However with COVID, we have had to adapt to doing individually bagged crafts. It has been working perfectly given the circumstances and I believe Hopedale is just excited to have this program up and running,” said Holland.

The requirements due to coronavirus did not seem to deter many participants. In addition to a mask requirement, everyone who went had to be 10 feet away from others, but were allowed to bring a towel or a blanket to sit on to make it more comfortable.

She said the crafts were a hit not only because they are fun, but also because they are almost always just $1.

“This allows for a cheap activity to do everyday Monday-Friday,” said Holland.

Crafts included macaroni necklaces and paper cup ducks, among others. The biggest draw usually is the tie-dye day.

“The most popular activity every summer is tie-dye. We were nervous we wouldn’t be able to have it this summer, but we found a safe and cautious way to do it. … The staff helps families and children though the whole process and is just a classic activity we have always had,” she said.

The program, which is funded through the Parks Department, employed three rising college juniors and two rising high school seniors this year.

As the student leader, Holland planned the schedule for crafts, shopped for the materials and controlled the Facebook Page. She also organized registration for the Tennis Program with help from the Parks Department Secretary Mary Arcudi. 

Holland and the other students— Jake Kracinovich, Brittany Duipre, Trevor Bache, and Edda Phillips—reported to Don Howes, a Board Member for the Parks Department.

“Without the other four workers, … this program would not be as successful as it has been this summer with the circumstances,” she said.  

Holland said she loves the program because it has a personal tie for her.

“My personal favorite part about this program (and everyone else I talk to) is how unique it is to Hopedale. I love how it magically works its way through generations within families. Personally, my dad (Hopedale graduate of 1983) remembers taking part in it when he was a kid. Then when I was younger, my babysitter would bring me down each day and now I help run it. Such a unique program in Hopedale that has a lot of meaning to all generations,” she said.