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.

State agencies applaud Health Department’s ‘Healthy Brain Initiative’

Public health nurse Simone Carter (left) and Kasey Mauro pose for a photo during a fall prevention clinic in September. PHOTO/HOPKINTON HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Hopkinton Health Services Department is making waves with its innovative programs, and state officials are beginning to take note.

In a recent newsletter, the Massachusetts Office of Local and Regional Health (OLRH) praised the town’s health department for its Healthy Brain Initiative.

This program — which was developed by the town’s current and former public health nurses, Simone Carter and Kasey Mauro — was inspired by data regarding the brain’s role in a person’s overall health.

It aligns with The United States Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Healthy People 2030 initiative, which aims to provide a road map for public health departments in navigating and addressing dementia.

Under Hopkinton’s Healthy Brain Initiative, residents have access to cognitive screenings, brain health workshops and connections to other local organizations.

The Health Department’s training on brain health and innovation, according to OLRH, meant it was able to “develop a program that not only addressed [the] community’s specific needs, but also incorporated best practices, ensuring real, impactful change for their residents.”

The newsletter goes on to note; “The Healthy Brain Initiative is more than just a program; it’s a testament to Hopkinton’s commitment to a healthier future, one brain at a time.”

Latest News

Select Board vice chair Mary Jo LaFreniere was arraigned in Framingham District Court on Monday on a charge of driving under the influence. The charges follow an arrest that occurred Sunday night.

Eighth grader Aarav Singh recently qualified to compete at the national and international History Bee competitions after winning the regional tournament in November.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows only two properties sold in Hopkinton over the past week.

William Whalen, 59, a former resident of Hopkinton, passed away on Nov. 27.

This week’s Library Corner features information on holiday hours, a workshop for mending old clothes and a book discussion club.

HCA Dance will be giving its annual performance of The Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday and Sunday at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Town meetings tonight include the Select Board (6) and Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

A mist forms under the lights at the Hopkinton High School football field on a recent evening.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR