Typically, April is one of the busiest months in Hopkinton. And this year, was no exception. As thousands of runners descend upon the town for the start of the Boston Marathon, Hopkinton becomes the focal point the week leading up to the race. For the 20th year, the Adopt a Marathoner program gave Elmwood students an opportunity to treat the elite Kenyan runners like rock stars in a pep rally, learn about Kenyan culture, and even go toe-to-toe with the runners. Elkanah Odembo, the Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. was bestowed with an honor as he became an honorary citizen of Hopkinton. This year's marathon also marked a couple of milestones: the 40th anniversary that women were allowed to run the Boston marathon, which was commemorated with a event at the High School hosted by WBZ anchor Lisa Hughes, and it was also the 30th year that father and son duo Rick and Dick Hoyt ran the Boston Marathon. They were honored at ceremony in which Hopkinton artist Dustin Neece unveiled a portrait which captures the spirit of their inseparable bond. The common proved to be the hotspot during marathon weekend with several local businesses and organizations, and talent taking center stage. And the 80 degree temperatures didn't deter thousands of spectators and media members from cheering on the over 27,000 runners at the beginning of their journey into Boston.... Also heating up this month, town politics. With elections nearing, the Women's Club held a meet the candidates forum at HCAM on the 25th. The HCAM studio also was busy with several additional shoots including Absolutely Yoga, Wake up and Smell the Poetry, as well as a show where students got to show off their poetry skills. Also, Tiger Cub Scout Pack 26 stopped by the studio for a tour as did Girl Scout Troop 7-2-2-2-8, who filmed a PSA.
But not all news in the month of April was positive. On the 9th, police responded to a murder-suicide on Hayward St. And on the 29th a Hopkinton woman was airlifted to Mass General after being struck by a truck in Ashland while riding her bike. And on the previous day, two fires occurred simultaneously, a ventilator fire at Cornell's and a brush fire on Winter Street.
To see and read about many of these stories in greater detail, visit the HCAM website. And to see more photos from around Hopkinton, visit the HCAM photo website Scene In Hopkinton.
