Town Manager Weekly Update - November 20, 2025
Elaine Lazarus
Hopkinton Center for the Arts Open House for Adults - Friday, November 21
Discover something new at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts adult open house on Friday November 21 from 6 - 7:30 pm. Stop by to explore the variety of classes, workshops, and creative opportunities available right here! The Open House will include hands-on demonstrations, opportunities to talk with some of the teachers and volunteers, the annual Primarily Potters pottery sale, and more. Attendees who sign up for a winter class during the event will receive a special class discount. The Center for the Arts is at 98 Hayden Rowe.
Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors Annual Holiday Sale - Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22
The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors Annual Holiday Sale will be held on Friday, November 21 (9 am - 5 pm) and Saturday, November 22 (9 am - 2 pm) at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St. On Saturday after 12:00 pm, everything is 50% off! Silent auction baskets will be on display in the lobby from Nov. 10 to Nov. 22, and bidding closes on Nov. 22 at noon.
The Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds for transportation and nutrition programs, functions and events that are not covered under the Senior Services budget. The organization runs the Thrift Store at the Senior Center, and its events and the store are staffed by dedicated volunteers.
Leak Detection Survey - Starting November 24
The Hopkinton Water & Sewer Department will begin a comprehensive leak detection survey of the community’s water distribution system anticipated to start on Nov. 24, 2025, with work expected to continue through Dec. 31, 2025, weather permitting. This proactive effort supports the Town’s ongoing commitment to reducing water loss, maintaining system reliability, and ensuring compliance with State water-management regulations. This work helps us identify hidden underground leaks before they grow into costly breaks.
Crews will be inspecting hydrants and valves using specialized listening equipment between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday–Friday. No digging will take place during this phase.
This routine work is an important part of keeping Hopkinton’s water system efficient, reliable, and ready for winter.
Church St. One-Way Direction
The portion of Church Street between Main Street and Church Place is becoming a one-way street southbound, and this change will take effect on November 24. So when driving to the Library, for example, you will need to enter from Main Street and exit out toward Church Place. There will be no changes to the portion of Church St. between Church Place and Maple Street. The change is for safety reasons, and is part of the Main Street Corridor Project.
Speaking of the Main Street Corridor Project, thank you everyone for your patience during the last few weeks when the work leading up to the final paving and then the paving itself caused lengthy traffic delays.
The east side of the project will be paved after the 2026 Boston Marathon.
From the Hopkinton Fire Department
Safety Recall Alert from the Hopkinton Fire Department
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of approximately 10,500 Tesla Powerwall 2 home battery systems due to a potential fire and burn hazard.
There have been reported incidents of overheating, smoke, and a small number of fires—thankfully, no injuries. If you have a Powerwall installed between November 2020 and December 2022, your unit may be affected.
What to do:
- Check your Tesla app for recall notifications
- Follow instructions to schedule a free replacement if your system is included
- Contact Tesla directly with any safety concerns
For more details, visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's coverage of the recall.
In addition, the Fire Dept. is pleased to share that Semester 1 of its Stop the Bleed program was a great success: more than 300 high school students have completed the full training.
Every participant received hands-on practice in critical life-saving skills, including:
- Proper tourniquet application
- Effective wound packing
- Additional bleeding-control technique
The Winter Farmers Market has Begun!
The Farmers Market is on Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm at Weston Nurseries, 93 East Main Street. The website is here, and it includes a list of vendors. Hopkinton Farmers Market
What’s Happening at the Library?
Check out the website here: Hopkinton Public Library
Food Resources
The Project Just Because food pantry at 77 South St. serves Hopkinton residents. Their website notes the hours of operation and other helpful information. Call (508) 435-6511 or visit the website: Project Just Because
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is the food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don't know where to start, or you're simply curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries, they will help with all of it. (800) 645-8333 Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline
Comprehensive List of Food and Holiday Resources: Food and Holiday Resources for Families
Sand for Seniors - Delivered To Your Door
Seniors, you may have a bucket of sand delivered to you, to spread along slippery or icy walkways to prevent slips and falls. Please call the Hopkinton Senior Center at 508-497-9730 to sign up or ask questions. This program is sponsored by the Hopkinton Senior Services Department, the Fire Department, and the Department of Public Works.
Home Heating Assistance
The Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program may be able to help with your winter heating bills. Depending on household income, you could receive benefits to ease the burden, plus a discount on your electric bill. The program runs from November 1 to April 30 and is available to all Hopkinton households that meet the income eligibility guidelines. For example, a one-person household can qualify with a gross income up to $51,777; two people up to $67,709, and three people up to $83,641. If you heat with natural gas, oil, propane, electricity, wood, coal or pellets, you could receive funds to help pay your winter heating bills. Call the Senior Services Outreach Coordinators at 508-497-9730 to get started.
account are public records unless qualified as an exemption under the
*Massachusetts Public Records Law
<http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm>*.