In an appearance before the Select Board on Nov. 15, members of the organization Friends of Hopkinton started by sharing updates on past and present activities.

But it quickly turned into a tribute to outgoing president Ann Click.

The former town clerk, Click started Friends of Hopkinton after a group of residents got together to organize the town’s 300th anniversary celebration in 2015.

“Through her inspiration and her leadership, she carried us on to be successful with these events,” Friends member Pat O’Brien said. “Without Ann’s constant work and inspiration we would not be so successful.”

Town Manager Norman Khumalo called Click a “treasure,” saying, “You have created an institution that I feel strongly will continue to be part of this community.”

Added Select Board member Muriel Kramer: “I don’t think there’s a way for this town to thank you enough for the way that you have invested your whole heart and soul and wonderful energy into making something really beautiful happen for the town.”

Click said the 300th organizing committee had leftover funds, which led to the idea to start Family Day. The most recent edition was held Sept. 17 at the fields behind Hopkinton Middle School and drew an impressive crowd.

“This year was probably our most successful ever,” O’Brien said. “It started off with a great day from Mother Nature. And we had thousands of residents of Hopkinton enjoying the day. We couldn’t have done it without, of course, the support of all town boards, the Select Board, the town manager, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the DPW — everybody chipped in and helped make this a successful day.”

The group also started a spring event, Family Fling, which it plans to again host March 25 on the Town Common.

Colette Cronin, who is taking over as president, encouraged residents to check friendsofhopkinton.org if they are interested in volunteering, saying, “New members are always welcome.”

Holiday Stroll returns Dec. 3

The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Stroll is back, set for Dec. 3, starting at 10 a.m. The event is a highlight of the season for local businesses, which offer sales, specials and promotions for holiday shoppers.

“It will be a great way to get some of your shopping done, get a chance to win a $300 cash prize and have a fun time doing it!” shared Amanda Faucher, representing the Chamber of Commerce. “This community event in Hopkinton encourages people to visit our chamber businesses and shop local, gather for festivities and celebrate together as a community.”

Patrons who get their Holiday Stroll passport stamped will be entered in a drawing for multiple cash prizes. There is a passport on the Holiday Stroll insert with this paper, and additional passports are available at participating businesses.

Among the events planned are a free horse-drawn carriage rides around the Town Common (12:30-3 p.m.), ice sculpture demonstrations (starting at 2 p.m.) and the Girl Scouts’ annual lighting of the tree on the Town Common in the evening.

Friends of Hopkinton will be in the Lotvin Gallery at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts selling gazebo ornaments, town anniversary coins, stadium blankets and magnets and giving out free seasonal craft kits. Pictures from the Family Day event in September will be on display.

Project Just Because seeks help

Project Just Because Founder/President Cherylann Lambert Walsh knows all too well how difficult this time of year can be for families with financial struggles. So she is asking residents to donate what they can to the Hopkinton-based nonprofit that distributes clothes, food and many other items to people in need.

“Please give to help brighten the holidays for children and families in need,” she wrote in her holiday appeal. “With soaring inflation rates, parents are finding it very hard to stay afloat this year. For many families there is simply not enough money to cover bills, and there will be no holiday celebration. Your financial donation will help keep a light on and spark hope and joy for our struggling families. With your help, Project Just Because can support families that need it most and help keep their holiday traditions and memories beautiful and bright.”

PJB has a food pantry at 77 South Street that is open — no appointment or ID required — Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. For more information and to make a donation, visit projectjustbecause.org.