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.

Metrowest YMCA recognized for leadership, community impact

Rick MacPherson (left), president and CEO of Metrowest YMCA, poses for a photo with Joe Baldiga at the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s holiday celebration at Weston Nurseries on Thursday. The nonprofit was awarded the Chamber’s Business of the Year Award. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Metrowest YMCA last week was awarded Business of the Year by the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce.

On its website, the Chamber highlighted the YMCA’s leadership, community partnerships and “lasting impact on the health and well-being of residents across Metrowest” as reasons for recognizing the nonprofit this year.

According to Metrowest YMCA’s chief development officer, Peter Waisgerber, that lasting impact comes in many forms. “The work … is based on the needs [of] the community,” he stated in an email to the Independent. The organization runs initiatives for child care, after-school programming and teen leadership. It also provides wellness programs for seniors and chronic disease prevention.

The YMCA also has worked on addressing food insecurity in the community. Waisgerber reported that the nonprofit went from serving 1,000 meals per week before the COVID-19 pandemic to now serving more than 1,200 per day. Additionally, it operates food service programs for children during the summer.

Waisgerber said the YMCA partners with over 50 organizations to address these community needs.

The Metrowest YMCA has been involved with the Chamber of Commerce for over a decade, Waisgerber noted. In that time, the organizations have supported each other.

“Our participation in the Chamber truly has been a win-win situation,” he added.

In a separate statement, Metrowest YMCA president and CEO Rick MacPherson noted: “This recognition is truly meaningful to the Metrowest YMCA and reflects the strength of our partnership with the Hopkinton community.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

At its meeting Thursday night, the School Committee opted to maintain a more inclusive calendar for the 2026-27 school year.

The Community Preservation Committee on Thursday approved an Annual Town Meeting request of $2 million for hazardous material removal and demolition at Center School as part of the reuse project.

In the latest Professional Insights, Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes reviews the rights of home buyers when it comes to home inspections and their impact for both buyers and sellers.

MassDOT is establishing a new work zone on I-495 this week that will change traffic patterns through the spring of 2026.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6), Capital Improvement Committee (6) and Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Winners of the Holiday Stroll raffle pose with family members and representatives of sponsor UniBank and the Chamber of Commerce on Friday in the UniBank Hopkinton branch.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO