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.

Town officials to participate in HPL program about fundamentals of Town Meeting

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Town Meeting is a vital part of how municipal government functions in New England. But how exactly does it work, and how can residents engage in the process more?

These questions are set to be answered at an upcoming panel discussion at the Hopkinton Public Library on March 25. Featuring Town Manager Elaine Lazarus, Town Clerk Connor Degan and Chief Financial Officer Kyla LaPierre, the event will cover why Town Meeting is important, how it’s structured and how residents can participate.

According to HPL reference and technology supervisor Danielle Cook, the goal of the program is for residents to “learn how to participate, and how to participate well.”

The event will cover a list of commonly asked questions about the Town Meeting process and feature a Q&A session at the end. Cook says the program is aimed at newcomers and seasoned residents alike.

“It’s for people who have moved here for the first time, or have lived here for a while and want to be more engaged,” she explained.

She went on to discuss how participation at Town Meeting has historically been low in comparison to the town’s population. The hope is to get more involved in the town’s political processes.

Cook also noted that the HPL has plans to do more municipal education events about once every quarter. Smaller than previous civic programs, these events would “allow us to discuss topics like Town Meeting or food insecurity, housing needs that have bearings or are influenced by town departments or town nonprofits that exist,” she said.

The Town Meeting panel discussion will be held in the Betty Strong Room at the HPL on March 25 from 6-7 p.m. No registration is necessary, though residents are encouraged to sign up for event reminders on the library’s website.

Latest News

On Thursday night, the School Committee discussed budget concessions for fiscal year 2026 and personnel requests — such as a second assistant principal for Elmwood school — that remained in the budget.

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Thursday night agreed to involve the Select Board in the process of finalizing a proposal for a plaque honoring local slaves after questions arose over the location and content of the marker.

Required hydrant flow tests today and tomorrow could result in temporary water discoloration, the Water-Sewer Department cautions.

James Daley Sr., 84, died March 12. He was a resident of Hopkinton for 43 years.

Thomas Wallent, 87, passed away March 13. One of his daughters is a resident of Hopkinton.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Health (5:30) and the Board of Library Trustees (7).

Photo of the Day

The Team Hoyt statue in front of Center School is dressed up for St. Patrick’s Day.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR