Saffron, a 17-year-old transgender female, has endured a complicated, challenging journey even at her young age. Born a biological male named, Saffron suffered from mild autism and battled isolation and confusion, especially as she grappled with issues of gender identity. Despite the difficult phone call to her parents announcing her non-binary status and subsequent struggles against societal norms and prejudices, Saffron has remained strong and aims to work with youth struggling with similar issues one day. Despite everything, she is clear that one's gender identity doesn't determine their worth.
On November 29, Faith Community Church donated holiday gifts to assist 267 disadvantaged families through Project Just Because. Launched in October, the church's giving campaign enabled members to "adopt" families, fulfilling their holiday wish lists. The gesture is part of an annual tradition, last year benefiting 500 children. Items requested ranged from toys to essential supplies like food and diapers. The program is among the largest run by Project Just Because, which delivered more than 27,556 holiday gifts last year.
Eighth-grader Will Recupero from Hopkinton has been chosen to represent the USA in the U-15 Men's National Soccer Team. Selected for the 20-man roster, Recupero will play in an international tournament against Italy, Scotland, and Portugal. Following intensive training and standout performances, he's one step closer to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing for the US Men's National Team.
Dignity Matters Founder and Hopkinton resident Kate Sanetra-Butler received the 2023 Feminist In Action Award. The honor recognizes her efforts towards gender equality through her work in providing menstrual care to local women and girls in Massachusetts.
Learning how to roast an entire lamb is not just about the culinary process; it's also about understanding cultural traditions, mastering various cooking techniques, and appreciating the value of communal dining.Â
We took a walk with Julia Chun to learn more about her background, hear some of her ideas for bringing businesses to Hopkinton, and to understand how she plans to transform Hopkinton into a greener, more resilient, and more inclusive community.
Patrick Morrisey crafts some of the finest guitars on the planet from his home in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Get to know Patrick and take a tour of his shop.
Mikayla Miller should have graduated three weeks ago. This is an examination of the circumstances that led to her death and the media narrative that surrounded it.
Last night's agenda featured public support for herbicide use in Lake Maspenock, Chief of Police Joseph Bennett's postponed performance review, and the town's financial health report. The Chief's non-attendance delayed his review, while the Conservation Commission endorsed using herbicides to tackle lake weeds. Financial discussions revealed Hopkinton's solid earnings and investments. Additionally, the Select Board plans to correct a typographical error concerning the Police Chief's authority in the town charter.
In Hopkinton, amidst discussions on leadership and departmental morale, the Select Board appointed Kyle Quinzani as a new police officer. This comes at a time when the Hopkinton Police Department is experiencing notable turnover, having lost 11 officers between 2021 and 2022. The challenges facing the department are multi-faceted, involving both internal issues such as morale, affected by tragedies and limited promotion opportunities, and external pressures like financial constraints linked to historical policies.
This situation paints a picture of a department in transition, grappling with both legacy issues and the need for modern solutions to retain and motivate staff. For those interested in the dynamics of local governance, public administration, and community policing, the full story behind Hopkinton's efforts to stabilize its police department offers valuable insights. Log in or subscribe for access to an in-depth exploration of how the town and our leaders are addressed this complex issue.