The Hopkinton Historical Society received a $2,000 grant for "Reading Frederick Douglass Together." This event, supported by the Mass Humanities and Mass Cultural Council, will occur on May 18, 2024, featuring volunteer readers and discussions to honor Douglass’s legacy. Volunteers can contact Anne Mattina at hissochopma@gmail.com.
This coming April 17th marks not only Patriot’s Day and, so, the 127th running of the Boston Marathon, but also 100 years since the epic race's start in… Ashland.
As a community, we are indebted to two Hopkinton women who have spent much time and energy documenting and sharing the Black history of our town; Jazz Dottin and Linda Connelly.
Gina Harper announces her write-in candidacy for the Board of Commissioners' 2-year seat to manage our cemeteries, emphasizing their profound significance. With a background in end-of-life care and business, she values preservation, modernization, and inclusivity. Harper aims to maintain the cemeteries as sanctuaries of heritage and serenity, urging community support in her campaign.
During a prolonged Town Meeting, articles were approved to fund HVAC replacements and structural repairs at two fire stations. Additionally, a citizen's petition passed to advocate for the reinstatement of Sergeant Tim Brennan, who was controversially fired. Discussions also included law enforcement policy adherence, town personnel actions, and amendments concerning environmental testing. Major points included various community members vocalizing both support and opposition, leading to several democratic decisions, though not all articles were successful. The meeting highlighted robust civic engagement and varied opinions on town governance and community values.
At Hopkinton Middle School's Annual Town Meeting, attended by 343 of 13,076 registered voters, several significant fiscal decisions were made, totaling $171,982,393. Highlights included passing the Operating budget at $121 million, approving a salary for Town Clerk Connor Degan, and agreeing to digitize town records at a cost of $667k. Debates ensued over the Hopkins Addition project, with its $48 million need achieving the required 2/3 majority. Public works projects also received attention, with some approved and others denied. The discussion will continue in a Special Town Meeting addressing additional civic matters.