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.

Historical Society to move forward on funding plaque, finalizing location

The Historical Society shared this design for a plaque to honor enslaved residents.

The Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to allow a plaque honoring enslaved persons who lived in Hopkinton to be installed on the Town Common.

The plaque project was developed by the Historical Society to recognize slaves who lived in town. Members of the Historical Society brought the idea to Parks & Rec last September. In subsequent meetings where the request was discussed, the commission opted to defer to the Select Board on the issue, citing the need for a “broader discussion” on the plaque.

In a meeting last month, the Select Board reviewed the request to put the plaque on the Common versus other sites in town. Parks & Rec chair Dan Terry noted at Tuesday’s meeting that the Select Board had recommended the commission approve the request.

Prior to voting on the matter, commission members met with Historical Society member Linda Connelly, who has done the vast majority of research for the plaque, along with president Anne Mattina. Both women provided design updates, including putting a QR code somewhere on the plaque for people to use.

“It seems what people wanted was more context,” Mattina explained.

Members asked about the cost of the project, which was quoted around $3,000. A brief discussion was held regarding obtaining funds from the Community Preservation Committee to pay for the plaque. Mattina voiced concern over whether the CPC would “be enthused” over funding the project. She and Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus agreed to follow up about submitting a funding application.

One question the Historical Society representatives were unable to answer was where the plaque would be located on the Common. An earlier proposal recommended it be placed near the sign marking the location of the first meetinghouse.

“I think we’re at a spot where we can take a vote on approving this with the location to be determined,” Terry said.

The commission voted to allow the plaque with its finalized location and physical setup still pending.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Hopkinton’s chief financial officer, Kyla LaPierre, appeared before the Economic Development Advisory Board on Tuesday to provide an outlook on the town’s finances in upcoming fiscal years.

This week’s Police Log features one arrest, along with reports of vandalism, a skunk stuck in a pipe and inappropriate Halloween decorations.

Hopkinton High School girls soccer is heading into the final two weeks of the season with an impressive effort after being battle-tested this season, according to coach Dan Collins.

This week’s Arts Residency highlights Paul Champlin, theater production manager for the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, whose work in local theater has been praised by theater critic Peter Filichia.

The latest Library Corner features information on scheduling updates, coffee house sessions and trick or treating at the library.

Frederick Harris, 80, passed away Oct. 24. He was a graduate of Hopkinton High School.

The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Trails Club will hold the next trail workday on Saturday to construct boardwalks in the Berry Acres property.

Town meetings tonight include the Hopkinton Housing Authority (6) and the School Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Colorful trees are reflected in the water of Lake Whitehall on a recent sunny fall day.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO