The recently released 2020 U.S. Census data that showed Hopkinton was the 14th-wealthiest town in the state based on household income comes as no surprise, and based on the housing market, it seems likely the town will continue to climb that list. “The market has been...
Independent Thoughts
Independent Thoughts: Local farm fundraiser set to benefit Ukraine
Like many people, Margaret Bower has been following the reports out of Ukraine, where neighboring Russia has embarked on a campaign to destroy much of the nation. Unlike most people, Bower decided she wanted to get personally involved. A retired FBI agent who was a...
Independent Thoughts: Elmwood community answers call to help Ukrainian families in need
It’s been an emotionally challenging time for the Parkhomenko family — parents Maryna and Victor, 8-year-old Nikita and 6-year-old Robert — Ukrainians who have lived in Hopkinton for two years. But a gesture from the Elmwood School community — in the form of thousands...
Independent Thoughts: Bully for pit bulls, or show caution?; local dancers perform at TD Garden
Last year, the Hopkinton Independent started partnering with Baypath Animal Society to promote an adoptable animal in each issue. Recently, the organization promoted a pair of pit bulls, which prompted some back-and-forth between residents via letters to the editor....
Independent Thoughts: HHS seniors hopeful for ‘normal’ send-off
After a couple of years of masks and social distancing, the Class of 2022 at Hopkinton High School is looking forward to a somewhat normal final three months of its senior year. Normally prom is only held for the junior class, but because the current seniors missed...
Independent Thoughts: HHS girls basketball finds fitting honor for Korbey
Since Mary Korbey died in 2015 following a battle with cancer, the Hopkinton High School girls basketball program has tried to identify an appropriate way to honor her. That’s not an easy task, considering what a special person Mary Korbey was. A Hall of Fame athlete...
Independent Thoughts: 2021 in a word? It’s complicated
After the mess that was 2020, we had high hopes that 2021 would be easier to navigate. And it was. Except it wasn’t. Looking for a word to describe this past year? It’s complicated. The COVID-19 pandemic raged at the start of 2021, but by November vaccinated students...
Independent Thoughts: Devoted dogs seek new home
During the peak of the pandemic, it was easy for shelters such as Hopkinton’s Baypath Humane Society to get dogs and cats adopted. Many people were stuck at home and had more time on their hands, so they looked for companionship from pets. It’s more difficult now,...
Independent Thoughts: Lots of good things in storage for HHS duo
Hopkinton High School juniors Jack Green and Declan Mick have attended the Ron Burton Training Village for a few summers, and before they head back to the Hubbardston campus for their final session next year, they hope to give back to the program that has helped them...
Independent Thoughts: Girl Scouts focus on ‘bee kindness’
There has been a lot of publicity in the last few years regarding the threats to our ecosystem due to a decline in the bee population. Hopkinton Girl Scouts want to make sure that message is front and center. And it is, at the trailhead on Hopkinton’s Center Trail...
Dumas delivers on race day with inspiration from mother
The 125th Boston Marathon — the first to be held in the fall instead of April — went off with no major issues Oct. 11. It was successful from a number of angles, including for local charity runners. Annie Dumas, a 23-year-old physical therapy doctorate student who...
Independent Thoughts: Pastor Bob leaves legacy at FCCH
Bob Cloutier — known for decades at Faith Community Church of Hopkinton as Pastor Bob — gave his final sermon in October 2019 and talked about heaven. Cloutier had received treatment for prostate cancer in 2019 before he returned to the podium. He said that when he...
Independent Thoughts: Garabedian got it started for HCA
When Dora Garabedian moved to Hopkinton in 1988 with her husband, Tom, and three young sons, she quickly became involved in the schools. A proponent of the arts, she coordinated visits from artists and musicians in order to share her passion with the town’s youth. She...
Independent Thoughts: Community EMS program has healthy goals for town; Green Committee hosts Cleanup Day
Elder residents — and anyone with an elder relative — should be well aware of how important it is to safeguard against falls. As the body becomes more fragile, falls can become much more serious, and they often lead to other complications. With that in mind, and with...
Independent Thoughts: Library highlights part of Hopkinton’s Black history
Librarian Linda Connelly recently put together an interesting and timely display on the Hopkinton Public Library’s main floor. Part of the display focuses on a black sock doll that was donated to the Hopkinton Historical Society about 50 years ago from a family living...
Independent Thoughts: Volunteering hits home for group of local teens
One of the many negative consequences of COVID pandemic had been a restriction on volunteering. In particular, each summer a number of Hopkinton teenagers join charitable or religious organizations that travel to other...
Independent Thoughts: Beach day for local students consists of cleanup work
When members of the Hopkinton High School organization Beachlex head to the ocean this summer, it’s usually for something more than soaking up the sun or going for a swim. Members are making trips to beaches around Southern New England to beautify the areas and...
Independent Thoughts: Szczepankiewicz aims high, starts at Air Force Academy
As he began his junior year at Hopkinton High School in 2015, Jeremy Szczepankiewicz wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduation. He just knew he didn't want to follow the same path as most of his classmates. “Hopkinton's a very college-bound town,” he said....
Greyhound Friends looks to bounce back
Greyhound Friends, the nonprofit adoption shelter on Saddle Hill Road, held its annual open house June 5. The event included a remembrance ceremony, a silent auction, vendors, refreshments, music and visits with adoptable dogs. After dealing with the controversy...
Independent Thoughts: Following ALS diagnosis, Mourey becomes advocate
One year ago, Becky Mourey was enjoying an active life in Hopkinton. Two of her passions are running and playing the clarinet, and she was able to maintain those despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She first noticed a problem when she headed out for a run in the woods with...