The year 2020 started out innocently enough, with a mild January, but when it hit the terrible twos, it did so with ferocity. It was late in February when we first started hearing about the novel coronavirus, eventually to become better known as COVID-19. Then in...
Featured
Resident pens children’s book about spreading positivity
Jennie Renshaw is a busy wife and mother of two small children and a territory manager for a medical sales company, and now the Hopkinton resident can add author to that list. Renshaw recently penned the children’s book, “Contagious: Spread Love Not Germs.” Like so...
Town Hall Q&A: Principal Planner John Gelcich
Anyone who has watched a Planning Board or Zoning Advisory Committee meeting likely is familiar with John Gelcich, who has been Hopkinton’s principal planner since April of 2019. During those meetings Gelcich is the go-to person for information and advice. Gelcich...
Photo contest winner, Dec. 16 edition
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have...
Independent Thoughts: Resident’s cancer battle inspires call for screening
When Diane Kelley learned she had breast cancer in 2018, she chose not to share the news outside her immediate circle. This fall, when it resurfaced, she elected to take a different approach. “The first time I went through cancer — I’m a pretty private person — I...
Business Profile: Shahood & Sons, family-owned for 3 generations
The Shahood family knows the plumbing industry. Shahood & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1949 by Thomas Shahood and successfully run for 30 years by his son, Mark. In 2011 Mark S. Shahood Jr., took over the two-person family business and has grown the company to a...
Library Corner, Dec. 16 edition
For more information on any of the following programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA. Schedule Update The library will be closed on Dec. 25...
Milford Regional earns another ‘A’ safety grade
Milford Regional Medical Center was awarded an ‘A’ in the fall 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing Milford Regional’s achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. This is the fourth consecutive time...
Resident chronicles historic Hopkinton event in new book
One day in 1919, Hopkinton High School teacher Ellen Duffey timidly waved her handkerchief at her boyfriend, who watched her from the town center. Little did she know, that gesture would turn out to become a key factor in her termination and the beginning of a protest...
Waldman ready for new challenge after 15 years at HCA
After a decade-and-a-half building Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Kris Waldman will step down as the nonprofit’s co-director at the end of this year. “I am ready for a fresh challenge in my life,” Waldman said. “I have been with the center for 15 years in various...
Senior Snippets, Dec. 16 edition
The Hopkinton Senior Center remains closed to the public, but the staff remains available to assist residents. Call (508) 497-9730 if in need of assistance, with questions or just to say hi. For a more extensive listing of programs check...
Freedom Team provides support, encouragement
The Hopkinton Freedom Team provides a safe place for those who have experienced abuse or violence based on characteristics like race, gender and sexual orientation, and seeks to educate the community on issues of bias. Formed this past June, the organization urges...
Hopkinton Garden Club receives state honor
The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts awarded the Hopkinton Garden Club, a member club, the 2020 Continuing Civic Projects Award, Medium Club, for continual maintenance of one or more civic projects. The federation recognizes the club’s accomplishments in...
‘Hopkinton in Service’ campaign honors local veterans
State Rep. Carolyn Dykema, along with Hopkinton veteran Mike Whalen, started a program to recognize local veterans who are working in the public sector. The campaign is called “Hopkinton in Service.” “These roles are crucial to protecting the community and its...
Hopkinton shows generosity in Toys For Tots donations; collections close Friday
The U.S Marine Corps Reserves’ annual Toys For Tots program provides Christmas gifts to children of low-income families in Hopkinton and other communities in Middlesex and Essex counties. The Marine Toys For Tots Foundation, the nonprofit charity founded by the Marine...
Independent Thoughts: Resident looks to make impact as intern with mental health project
Every year there is more and more discussion about mental health and how to spread awareness and eliminate stigma associated with it. Hopkinton’s Emily Taylor is hoping she can play a role in helping this movement continue to go forward. Taylor, a college junior at...
Photo contest winner, Dec. 9 edition
The Hopkinton Independent presents “A Slice of Hopkinton” photo contest, sponsored by Bill’s Pizzeria. Readers are encouraged to submit photos of people, places or things in Hopkinton. The Independent staff will select one winner for each issue. The winner will have...
Women’s Club completes time capsule
The Hopkinton’s Women’s Club completed its time capsule that will be saved in the Hopkinton Public Library, to be opened in 50 years. The box contains pictures of Hopkinton landmarks, social and cultural memorabilia such as concert tickets from the Greater Boston area...
Business Profile: Country Farm Liquors offers quality beverages, friendly service
Many people in town know Mukesh Patel as “Mike.” He and his wife, Hina, own and operate Country Farm Liquors at 3 Cedar St., adjacent to the Post Office downtown. Their son, Neel, serves as store manager. Nearly three decades ago, the couple came to America from the...
Business Briefs: Mahr joins Hopkinton Primary Care
Milford Regional Physician Group announced that Dr. Melissa Mahr has joined Hopkinton Primary Care and will see patients at 77 Main Street (Suite 204). Mahr previously worked for Reliant Medical Group in Southborough, where she spent the last 15 years taking care of...