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.

HPL Friends expands silent auction, brings back mini golf fundraiser

FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Friends of the Hopkinton Public Library hopes to fund programs and services for the library with proceeds from two fundraisers this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday, patrons can play their way through an 18-hole mini golf course that stretches through the library. Along with the family-friendly event, members of the public also can place bids on prize baskets being offered in a silent auction.

According to Linda Clancy, Friends of Hopkinton Public Library board member, the goal is to support activities at the library for all patrons.

“We use the funds we raise for programs and services for all ages that are beyond the library’s budget,” she explained. These include everything from performances and speakers to supplies for events. Money raised also goes toward funding English Language Learning programs and museum and adventure passes.

“The library’s constantly expanding programs and constantly looking for ways to add new things,” Clancy added.

Mini golf is a staple of the HPL Friends’ fundraising events. Clancy explained it has run for six years, stopping briefly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The basket auction is newer and has grown in size.

“We just started the baskets two years ago,” said Clancy. “We’re still kind of in the learning stages.”

This year’s auction features 26 baskets gathered in partnership with local businesses and sponsors — a jump from nine baskets last year. Clancy attributed the increase in part to finding additional exhibit space in the library to display the auction items.

Baskets available for bid include sports items, home essentials, passes and permits for Parks & Recreation Department programs and date nights at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts.

Clancy said that last year’s fundraisers took in about $3,400. “This year, we’re targeting over $4,000,” she said. She also credited the many organizations and businesses in town who have offered sponsorship or other material support.

“This town is amazing,” she said. “Everybody helps everybody else out.”

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Elementary School Building Committee members on Tuesday spoke about recent conversations with neighbors regarding what Vertex managing director Jeff D’Amico called “hiccups” near the Charleswood School project site.

Jerry Hanna, 78, of Hopkinton passed away March 14.

Several Hopkinton High School students won awards at the Worcester Regional Science and Engineering Fair earlier this month.

Town meetings tonight include the Housing Authority (6), Youth Commission (6) and Trails Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Among those attending Monday’s Hopkinton Cultural Council Grantee Reception at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts were (from left) Hopkinton Public Schools arts teachers Christine Enos and Colleen Gianino, and painter Felicia Tuttle.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO