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.

HFD, Red Cross team up for blood drive at Senior Center

The Hopkinton Fire Department is hosting its second annual blood drive with the American Red Cross next week.

The department is encouraging donors to sign up to give blood July 17 at the Hopkinton Senior Center. The blood drive runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. HFD representatives running the drive reported that as of July 3, only 22 of the available 49 registration slots had been reserved.

“Across the country there is a shortage of blood supplies, so ideally we would like to fill all of the available slots,” firefighter/paramedic Matt Berger stated in an email to the Independent.

Berger explained that the Red Cross issued an emergency call for blood and platelet donations in order to combat a low summer blood supply.

“Over the past several months, blood donations have fallen far short of what hospitals require — with approximately 39,000 fewer donations than needed,” Berger stated. As a result, the Red Cross is experiencing a “significant draw down of its overall blood inventory.”

The HFD is organizing this blood drive — one of many blood drives hosted by various organizations in Hopkinton year-round — through its Community Risk Reduction (CCR) team. The CCR team runs other public programs including Sand for Seniors, smoke detector and home safety visits, CPR training and more.

“We encourage all eligible individuals to consider donating,” Berger stated. “There is truly no better time than now to make a difference.”

Those interested in signing up or learning more can visit the Red Cross blood drive website.

Latest News

The Planning Board on Monday agreed to continue a hearing for a minor site plan review for additional parking at 85-89 West Main Street and selected member Parker Happ to represent the board on the new Economic Development Advisory Board.

Town meetings tonight include the Water & Sewer Advisory Board (5) and Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

The Hopkinton Little League 11U baseball team captured the District 11 championship, beating Needham in the final game on Sunday. Members of the team are (back row, from left) coach Jimmy Odierna, Colin Jensen, Jack Pantera, Ben Darter, Dom Dellorco, coach Billie Jensen and coach Heath Guay, and (front row, from left) Connor Ayube, Mikey Odierna, Jonah Guay, Jon Benson, Ethan Siber, Max Grusse, Tucker Fleming and Ben Elliott.