Having been inspired his whole life by the runners and the community’s enthusiasm around the Boston Marathon each April, Chris Hart decided this was the year he would run as well. “Patriots’ Day has found me watching from the starting line or cheering runners on at...
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An enduring friendship benefits respite center
There is a bond among high school friends that, for those who are lucky enough, endures well into adulthood. Kimberly Searfoorce and Hopkinton resident Molly Myers understand that bond all too well as the two have been there for each other since their teens. That...
Palmer perseveres to fulfill dream
HHS grad’s health issues, autism can’t stop him from meeting challenge According to his mother, Mike Palmer is one of those kids “you don’t say ‘no’ to, because all that does is make him dig his heels in even harder.” He was born with low muscle tone due to a...
Hovagimian strides closer to quarter-century club
“Average.” That’s what 33-year-resident Mike Hovagimian uses to describe his athletic skills. It’s that same term that was the catalyst for his conversion from a spectator of the Boston Marathon to a runner. Hovagimian, a father of two, was born in Worcester and moved...
Stellar elite field includes many past champs
Nine Boston Marathon open champions and seven wheelchair champions return to challenge for the win at this year’s 123rd Boston Marathon. Last year’s running champions Yuki Kawauchi of Japan and American Desi Linden and wheelchair champions Tatyana McFadden (USA) and...
Hopkinton strengthens connection to Greece
“It all starts here.” It’s a familiar phrase in Hopkinton and the town’s claim to fame as the start of the Boston Marathon. But through the work of the 26.2 Foundation, Hopkinton also has ties to another marathon — Marathon, Greece, where in 490 B.C. the soldier...
Dick Hoyt aims for return at 2020 Boston Marathon
Son Rick a race-day decision for 2019 after bout with pneumonia Back surgery and some recent health scares will keep Dick Hoyt from pushing his son, Rick, at this year’s Boston Marathon, but the loving father, accomplished athlete and Hopkinton icon said he is hoping...
Independent Thoughts: Businesses come up big to save Easter Egg Hunt
One of the traditional signs of spring in Hopkinton is the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Town Common, organized by the Parks and Recreation Department. With longtime sponsor Hopkinton Drug no longer involved, the event’s future was in jeopardy. The call went out to...
Marathon Spectacular back at Weston Nurseries
There are a number of good spots to watch the Boston Marathon as it begins in Hopkinton. Of course, there’s the start line, although that gets very crowded and it can be challenging to navigate the area. Enter Weston Nurseries. Located a mile down Route 135 from the...
Selectmen send underride to voters
Discussion of the town’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget continued at the March 19 Board of Selectmen’s meeting and ended with the board voting 3-2 to approve a ballot question and an Annual Town Meeting article for a Proposition 2½ underride in the amount of $1,180,568.00,...
Business Profile: Wild Adventure programming at Southwick’s Zoo
Young people, ages 5-16, are fascinated with the Wild Adventure programming at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, and registration is open now for these popular summer activities that begin June 24. “These educational programs, organized by Earth Limited, offer children the...
Planning Board will not sponsor plans to restrict growth
After a public hearing, the Planning board voted to deny its support at Town Meeting for two citizen-generated petitions aimed at restricting town growth. Both of these proposed amendments were discussed at the Planning Board public hearing on March 25. While there...
Friends of Whitehall annual meeting April 9
The Friends of Whitehall will hold its annual meeting on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sanctuary at Woodville, 249 Wood St. Attendees should park at the Woodville Rod & Gun Club, located across the street. Refreshments will be served before and after the meeting....
Solar farm off Wilson Street approved
The Planning Board voted to approve the installation of a solar array on 34 acres of land off Wilson Street, thereby preventing what could have been a costly lawsuit for the town. The 7-1 vote on March 25 reversed the Planning Board’s previous decision, on Oct. 1,...
Hayes participates in State House event
Hopkinton’s Darlene Hayes was one of six of Senate President Karen Spilka’s constituents who participated in in the 82nd Citizens’ Legislative Seminar at the State House on March 19-20. According to a press release from Spilka’s office, the Citizens’ Legislative...
First public hearing on Claflin house completed
The Hopkinton Historic District Commission held the first of its two scheduled public hearings to gather input on the proposed single-property historic district for the Aaron and Lucy Claflin house at 76 Main St. Opening the March 20 hearing, Historic District...
Troop 4 Eagle Scouts recognized
Selectmen at their March 19 meeting approved proclamations for two Troop 4 Eagle Scouts: Jordan Hanna and Austin Marques. The duo also will be honored at a special Court of Honor ceremony for achieving the Eagle Scout award, Boy Scouting’s highest honor, on March 31....
Bittersweet license approvals postponed
A public hearing held on March 19 to consider approving three licenses for Bittersweet Company was opened but continued until April 9 due to the need for additional information. Ciaran Dunne, on behalf of Oliveira & Dunne, dba Bittersweet Company, newly located at...
Independent Thoughts: Baypath Humane Society set to host Fur Ball Gala
Seven years ago, Baypath Humane Society executive director Elizabeth Jefferis was looking for a way to celebrate both the end of winter and her organization’s many accomplishments. Thus, the Fur Ball Gala was born. At first, Jefferis said she wasn’t sure how many...
Report names Hopkinton America’s Safest City
Kellie Chatten Kenney grew up in Hopkinton and now resides here with her own family. When she heard that Hopkinton was named America’s Safest City by a home safety review company called SafeWise, she was not surprised. The town may have changed a great deal since she...