Dr Howard Root and Rhoda Joan Hopkins

Rhoda Joan Hopkins of Stonington, formerly of Newtown, and Dr Howard Root of Groton are pleased to announce their engagement.

Ms Hopkins was born and raised on Long Island. She participated in amateur tennis tournaments as a teenager, playing at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and Forest Hills. She owned and operated Open Gate Farm on Papoose Hill Road. Later, she became the first woman to be named as Huntsman to the Fairfield County Hounds, with kennels on Huntingtown Road. More recently, she has become coordinator of volunteers at the Mystic Seaport. She is the widow of Frederick C. Colin, of Palm Beach and New York.

Dr Root practiced medicine at the New Britain General Hospital for 30 years before retiring to Groton. He is currently the president of the Mumford Cove Association, is on the board of the ledge Light Health District, and is active as a volunteer at the Mystic Seaport Museum. He is the widower of Doris M. Root.

A September wedding is planned.