As state relaxes COVID restrictions, Hopkinton passes mask mandate
Volunteer Thomas Lipoma boards through the lines of cars waiting to vote during the Hopkinton School District annual meeting in March. Sara Persechino
Published: 5/7/2021 1:40:28 PM
While many New Hampshire cities and towns are pulling back their COVID restrictions, the Hopkinton Select Board passed its first mask mandate Thursday night.
The ordinance, which would require masks to be worn when entering the town’s businesses or restaurants, passed 4-1 and took effect immediately. Wearing masks on public trails, sidewalks and recreational lands is “strongly encouraged” if social distancing cannot occur, according to the document that is set to expire on July 1.
Hopkinton passes all but one item during town meeting drive-through voting
Caitlin and Mike Rollo cast their ballot with their pug, Frank. Sara Persechino Courtesy
Town Moderator Sara Persechino takes a selfie with the volunteers before drive-by voting opened on May 1. Sara Persechino Courtesy
Dandelion the dog checks in to vote. Sara Persechino Courtesy
Andrea Kane and Sarah Mattson Dustin assist with hand counting the Hopkinton Town Meeting ballots. Sara Persechino Courtesy
Assistant Moderator Tim Britain empties the ballot box. Sara Persechino Courtesy
By Monitor staff
Published: 5/1/2021 7:37:16 PM
It was smooth sailing during drive-though voting at Hopkinton’s Town Meeting with 474 voters passing all but one item on the warrant.
After COVID-delayed Town Meeting, Hopkinton considers the year ahead
Ballot counting from school annual meeting at Hopkinton Middle High School. Sara Persechino
Published: 4/27/2021 2:55:39 PM
Town moderator Sara Persechino started Hopkinton’s annual town meeting with a moment of silence to recognize the Hopkinton residents who died due to COVID-19 during the last year.
The pandemic’s effects were visible throughout the rest of the meeting, as it was held virtually via Zoom and YouTube’s live streaming and technical difficulties with sound made it hard for the select board to show slides relevant to the proceedings.
Monday’s meeting was just the beginning of this year’s delayed town meeting in Hopkinton, as COVID-19 precautions have drastically changed the way the town conducts its business. The meeting consisted only of the introduction of the warrant articles up for town vote, with opportunities for public comment.