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.

Carter recognized with MAPHN President’s Award, chosen as organization’s president-elect

Hopkinton public health nurse Simone Carter poses with her President’s Award at the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses conference in May. PHOTO/NIC CZARNECKI

Hopkinton public health nurse Simone Carter recently was recognized for her work with two honors: election as the president-elect of the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses, and the President’s Award from that same organization.

“I’m very humbled,” Carter said of both accolades.

Carter received the award from the MAPHN’s current president in recognition for her work in public nursing.

“This Award is presented every year by the President of the Association and is given to someone they believe exemplifies Public Health Nursing and has gone above and beyond for their work as a Public Health Nurse and as a member of the Association,” current MAPHN president Tiffany Benoit noted in an email to the Independent.

Carter has made an impact in town and throughout the state. She and former Hopkinton public health nurse Kasey Mauro were the first two nurses in the state trained and approved to provide foundational public health at the municipal level. She also was selected by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to draft the state’s nursing standards, and had been serving as the MAPHN vice president.

She has managed all this work while providing critical disease prevention, detection and health education to residents.

Despite the recognition of her work, Carter credits the work of those around her for helping her get to this point.

“I would not be here if it weren’t for everyone,” said Carter. “It doesn’t happen in a vacuum.” She credited Health Director Shaun McAuliffe, community members and other public health professionals helping “quietly in the background.”

Carter now will spend time getting up to speed as president-elect, and will start up her three-year term as MAPHN president after that shadowing period concludes. And while the role means more responsibility, she says she believes the result will be a net positive for Hopkinton — especially as the forecast for public health nationally remains uncertain.

“We’re sort of at the forefront [now],” she explained. “We have the ability and the know-how to be a leader in the state and show communities best practice and how to do things cost-effectively.”

She added her aim is to continue building a “robust public health nursing program” in Hopkinton — a goal that has been in focus for the Health Department for many years.

Latest News

Jury selection in the alleged rape case of former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John “Jay” Porter concluded Tuesday afternoon at Middlesex Superior Court, allowing opening statements and the prosecution’s initial witness testimony to begin today.

Although the Main Street Corridor Project is nearing completion, questions over the timeline of some final steps of the project — particularly the removal of utility poles — remain.

The Planning Board on Monday night unanimously approved a plan to remove trees on Ash Street as part of an effort to improve parking near a trailhead.

Moving into varsity play this year, the relatively new Hopkinton High School boys volleyball team worked on improving its play and setting the tone for future years, according to coach Jake Enos.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Owen Champlin, a senior on the boys lacrosse team who is a two-time Tri-Valley League All-Star and led this year’s team in scoring.

This week’s Senior Snippets includes information on a walking group, a book club and an hour-long sound bath experience.

Town meetings tonight include the Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Town leaders, Hopkinton Freedom Team representatives and family members stand in front of Town Hall for the raising of the Juneteenth flag, commemorating the end of slavery in America in 1865.