What is occurring in downtown Hopkinton is called an urban heat island. Increased number of buildings and pavement are resulting in negative environmental impacts: higher levels of pollution and increased energy demand (air conditioning). The only solutions as stated...
When will replacement shade trees be planted on the Common? Many trees have been taken down in the last few years and no shade trees have been planted. Is there any plan for tree planting on the Common? — Beth and Rick Kelly, Hopkinton Editor’s note: The opinions and...
Emotions aren’t always the first thing we see when we look at a person, because they are not physical, they are something that is inside one’s head and body. A person’s mental state isn’t always perfect, as they can feel physically heavy, lazy, hopeless, extremely sad...
I just had to express my feelings about the parade being postponed this year due to roadwork being done and not completed. I think this is sad. The Hopkinton community loves the Fourth of July parade. Families, seniors, children and adults of all ages come together...
M.C. Escher was a graphic artist known for his mathematically inspired art that created optical illusions. For example, his print “Waterfall” has water from the base of the waterfall flowing along an aqueduct and serving as the source of the waterfall. Hopkinton’s...
The Hopkinton Water Department recently published the excellent Annual Water Quality Report (available at bit.ly/HopWater2021) for the year 2021. Substances such as asbestos, nitrate, tetrachloroethylene, PFAS6 and others are reported as detected and their effect on...
Students are not satisfied with their schoolbooks. Chapters are read in school and assigned as homework. When each book has at least a month spent reading and writing about it, it is a considerable amount of time in a 10-month school year. But what do the students...
I have noticed that in the past few years not as many kids have been interested in softball in Hopkinton. I have played softball for years and just finished my first season playing for the high school. I love the community it has given me and the amount of friends I...
The Town of Hopkinton is very enthusiastic about trails and how to connect them. Only the east part of town, closest to Ashland, lacks the pleasure of connected walking, biking or horseback riding trails that were in fact available through the property of Liberty...
In a recent survey as reported in Boston magazine, “Boston is coming in nearly last in green space for a city that hosts the Boston Marathon and has been called the country's best running city.” Hopkinton is known as a running town, so why not create green space...
After attending Hopkinton’s Annual Town Meeting on May 2, 3 and 4, I decided it is time for Town Meeting representatives to be elected, eight to a precinct. This way we would avoid general negativity and group (rather than individual) voting. We would have elected...
Monday, May 16, is our Town Election. We are poised to elect another set of wonderful volunteers who will help run this town and a set of important ballot decisions on town matters are also going to be decided by residents’ vote. It’s amazing how our practice of...
It is heartening to see how many of my friends and neighbors are volunteering to serve on our town boards and committees. Kudos to their willingness to serve. One such volunteer, one of my favorites, is Mary Jo LaFreniere. She is one of my favorites because she is...
I am pleased to endorse Beth Malloy for constable, two-year seat. It was no surprise that Beth stepped up to fill the seat she currently holds; volunteerism, advocacy and fairness are part of Beth’s character. In addition to working professionally in a capacity to...
I am writing to endorse and support Shahidul Mannan for our Select Board in our upcoming election. I believe Shahidul has the town experience, planning and budgetary expertise, and fresh perspective, and will bring new ideas to effectively add tremendous value to our...
Join me in voting for Holly Lynn Morand for the two-year position on Hopkinton School Committee on Monday, May 16. From Day 1 of Holly’s campaign, she has been meeting with stakeholders and researching the critical issues our schools are facing now and into the years...
I challenge anyone who meets Shahidul Mannan to not be inspired by his positivity, professionalism and unyielding public service. For nearly a decade, Shahidul has dutifully and intelligently served our community on critical boards and committees (namely, the Planning...
I am writing this letter to show support for John Coutinho's bid for election to the Select Board. John is a bright, engaging and passionate man with many years of hands-on volunteering for the town. He cares deeply for the town and its citizens. As a member who is...
I have known Shahidul Mannan for a number of years and wholeheartedly endorse him for our Select Board. As a very engaged citizen of our town, he brings the experience, both from his town engagement and professional expertise to our budget, strategic planning and...
I agree with the letters and opinions of other former Select Board members who served with John Coutinho and have firsthand knowledge of his integrity and dedication to the citizens and employees of Hopkinton. Over the last 10 years, no one has volunteered more of...
