On December 13, Chuck Joseph will present the history of Hopkinton since the 1950s at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. The lecture follows the town's growth from a small farming community to a thriving suburb, and ends with a Q&A session. Sponsored by the Hopkinton Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce, the event is open to all.
The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce is re-introducing its "Business of the Year" award in 2023, with Weston Nurseries named as the honoree. The family-run business is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the award ceremony will take place during the Chamber's Holiday Celebration. The event will feature foods with a 1920s theme, a cash bar, and a bonfire for marshmallow roasting.
On November 14, the Hopkinton Public Library will host a wildfire educational program from 6:30-7:30 pm. The program, led by Alex Belote, Fire Program Coordinator for the Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control, will cover fire history, mitigation, and national strategies for living with fire. The event, organized by Friends of Whitehall, is free and open to all.
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts concluded their Wicked Weekend with a 5k fun run and 100m dash for kids where participants earned a pumpkin as reward. Top finishers were Tim Bolick with a time of 16:03, and Kim Dixon, the top female finisher, with a time of 18:40.
Deadwoodville, a spooky town created by the Hopkinton Center for the Arts and volunteers, offers a unique experience, complete with unsettling characters and gruesome oddities. It showcases a creative set design and talented actors. The production is a collaboration with the Metrowest YMCA. Recommendations are for children aged 10 and upwards, with a less scary version offered for younger visitors.
The Hopkinton Public Library and Hopkinton Trails Club will host a "not so spooky" nighttime walk on the Center Trail on Friday, October 27. The easy walking trail will be illuminated by a near-full moon, giving attendees a new perspective. The community-friendly event at Hopkinton High School includes post-walk cider and donut holes.
Robert Buday, the author of "Competing on Thought Leadership," is holding a free seminar on December 10 at Tatnuck Bookseller in Westborough. In the seminar, professionals can learn how to raise their profile as experts on a limited budget. The talk is designed for professionals who wish to attract clients by showcasing their expertise through forms such as blogs, books, articles, podcasts, etc., rather than traditional promotional formats.
On November 1, MassWildlife's Dr. Dave Wattles will host a program for residents to learn about eastern coyote biology, how coyotes use suburban areas, and how communities like Hopkinton can take effective steps to coexist with coyotes.
The Town of Hopkinton is undergoing significant staff turnover, with key financial positions vacant.
With so much turnover, it prompted the question: What financial controls are in place, and who enforces them?
HopNews tested the town's accounting procedures with a fake invoice and received a real check from the town.
The town's financial practices, including a lack of vendor approval processes, poor expense categorization, and an unusually large number of vendors, raise questions about potential misuse of funds.
Furthermore, the absence of responses from town officials highlights a lack of accountability.
Epic pickleball mayhem is brewing, folks! Hopkinton Police are taking on both Westborough and Grafton PDs, spurred on by nothing but energy drinks and pure grit. Losers will hand over $500 to charity, the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in case of Hopkinton's 'inevitable' victory. Game date: TBD, stay tuned!
Hopkinton Town Manager Norman Khumalo is reportedly leaving his position for the private sector. Khumalo has served since June 2009, his appointment succeeding the abrupt resignation of former Town Manager Tony Troiano, convicted of manslaughter. Assistant Town Manager Elaine Lazarus will act as temporary town manager.