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.

Mannan hopes to hear feedback from residents on town issues

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

As Shahidul Mannan settles into his new role as Select Board chair, he wants to connect with residents and hear their concerns directly.

Mannan will host what he hopes will be the first of regular listening sessions at Town Hall beginning on Monday. From 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., he wants to meet with residents and hear their ideas, concerns and thoughts about the town.

“It’s nothing formal,” Mannan explained. “It’s an opportunity for residents, town employees, business owners and any community members to have a casual conversation.”

Mannan aims to be accessible as Select Board chair and give individuals who might not speak up at meetings a venue to share their thoughts. “Sometimes people don’t want to come to the microphone [at] a public hearing, but of course still have valuable feedback,” he said.

While the format of the sessions will be open, the chair said he is interested in hearing feedback on topics the Select Board currently is working on. These include economic development, the town budget, police and fire concerns, and the school district. Mannan said meetings with residents could help act as a “sounding board” to understand and gather more insight on these issues.

“The goal is very simple: to listen first, then to understand [and] then to work with town colleagues and staff to find solutions where we can,” he said.

Mannan noted that he used to hold these listening sessions informally before he became chair. He also shared plans to develop “some kind of cadence” for regular meetings with residents in the future.

The chair stressed that listening to citizens and getting the town’s pulse on important issues are priorities for him. “Good government starts with good conversations,” he said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five homes sold, including one for $1.5 million.

Hot Acoustics will kick off the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ annual Summer Concert series on Friday.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (6) and Tax Relief Committee (6).

Photo of the Day

Raphaela Cristeli (third from the right) hangs out with (from left) Quinn Hruby, Carter Goodman, Shae Sananetti, Anna Lamar, Isla Clarke and Sophia Carolino during the Run for Rafa 5K at Hopkinton High School on Sunday. The charity event raised funds for Cristeli, who is recovering from life-threatening injuries she suffered after being hit by a car last year. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/WILLIAM DURFEE