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.

Inaugural first responder dodgeball tournament to benefit Michael Lisnow Respite Center

Firefighters and police officers from towns across the region will go head-to-head in an inaugural dodgeball tournament to benefit the Michael Lisnow Respite Center later this month.

Dubbed the “Battle of the Badges,” teams from 14 surrounding towns — including Hopkinton — will meet in Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym on March 22. The winning dodgeball team will receive a trophy fashioned after the Stanley Cup.

“We’ve never done anything like this before,” said Sharon Lisnow, director of the Michael Lisnow Respite Center.

Intended as the kickoff for the respite center’s Boston Marathon season, the tournament is a departure from its previous fundraising events.

“It’s the first thing we’ve done as a big fundraiser outside of running,” Lisnow said, referencing other events such as the center’s annual Michael’s Run and its participation in the Falmouth Road Race.

Lisnow said the response to the dodgeball tournament has outpaced expectations.

“We’ve been amazed at the number of police and fire departments that have contacted us to fill teams,” she said.

In addition to sign-ups, Lisnow reported that a dedicated team of first responders has been working with the respite center to help organize the event. Hopkinton High School resource officer Sgt. Matthew Santoro has offered support in getting youth volunteers to help out as well, according to Lisnow.

Besides dodgeball, the event will feature concessions, raffle items (including a signed Ray Bourque jersey) and a rendition of the national anthem from Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. The center’s sign language club will be performing alongside Pointer as well.

The tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. on March 22 at the Hopkinton Middle School. Tickets are $15 per person or $45 per family. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of the event.

Latest News

A tree crashed through the roof of The Sanctuary at Woodville on Friday, likely as the result of high winds. No injuries were reported.

Members of the Open Space Preservation Commission at its meeting Thursday night discussed features of a parcel of land on Frankland Road that Agilitas Energy plans to donate to the town.

Robert Pellegrini Sr., 87, of Hopkinton passed away March 5.

The Hopkinton Trails Club is hosting a tour of Hopedale Parklands scheduled for March 22.

Town meetings tonight include the Planning Board (7).

Photo of the Day

Representatives from Project Delta, including founder John Hinthorn (left), Mark AuBuchon, Ron Haley (center) and Chris Stevenson (right, gray jacket), pose for a photo with members of the Hopkinton Police Department on Friday. The nonprofit recently donated responder comfort kits to the HPD. These kits contain plush stuffed animals and drawstring bags first responders can use for kids in crisis situations.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO