Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Real-time data on town air quality now available to residents

A screenshot of the air quality data platform PurpleAir shows the location of monitors in Hopkinton and up-to-date data on air quality.

Hopkinton residents now can monitor the town’s air quality in real time.

Earlier this week, the Health Department finished setting up the last of six air quality monitors throughout the town. Provided through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the sensors are intended to “assess ambient particulate emissions.”

The first three sensors were set up at Weston Nurseries, a school facilities building and Town Hall. The remaining three were installed at two Department of Public Works buildings and a neighborhood off of East Street.

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe says the monitors are meant both to help educate the public and provide actionable data to local and state authorities.

“We would be able to see the readings and how unhealthy our air was, and we can assign communications and advisories baed on our data,” McAuliffe said.

He characterized Hopkinton’s air quality as “pretty good,” although morning and evening traffic can have a negative impact.

Data collected from the sensors will also be used for research. McAuliffe said he is working to make the information available to high school and college students for research projects.

“It’s really open to anybody to take a look at and do their own research,” McAuliffe added.

Those interested in seeing real time sensor information can visit this interactive map from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Latest News

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday discussed a possible new parking layout for Pyne Field that would eliminate the need for a separate driveway from Fruit Street.

Hopkinton Trails Club co-chair John Ritz recently reflected on the organization’s 20th anniversary and the impact the group has had on the town’s trail systems.

This week’s Police Log features reports of several people receiving threats on Main Street, a caller making inappropriate commentary toward a law enforcement officer and a cat roaming around Spicebush Court.

Town meetings tonight include the Community Preservation Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

The Hopkinton Emergency Fund (HEF) recently received a third grant from Eversource to help neighbors in need. Standing in front of the Town Common gazebo to receive a check from Eversource’s Peter Bowman (right) are (from left) HEF representatives Nataraj Iyer, Stephanie Whelan, Jennifer Blake and Judith Weinthaler. The HEF has distributed more than $77,000 to Hopkinton families for temporary financial support since its founding in 2017.