Town Manager Weekly Update - October 16, 2025
Elaine Lazarus
Friday, October 17 - Ribbon Cutting - The Hank Fredette Skatepark
EMC Park, 113 Hayden Rowe, 3:00 pm
Friends of Whitehall Fall Cleanup on Saturday, October 18, and Author Event on Sunday, October 26
The Friends of Whitehall‘s fall lake and trail clean-up will be held on Saturday, Oct.18, 2025 from 9 a.m. until 12 noon. Gather at the boat landing parking lot at Whitehall State Park on Wood St. (Rt. 135) and be assigned areas of trails and shoreline around the lake to clean up debris and refuse. There will be work on both the DCR state trails and the Whitehall Conservation Area trails and clean-up of some of the roadsides near the lake. Gloves, trash bags, tools, bug spray and water will be provided. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are strongly recommended to avoid mosquito bites. Coffee and donuts will be available for volunteers. Work is occurring with the approval of the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Friends of Whitehall notes that this is a wonderful opportunity to help your community and they hope you will join them.
The Friends of Whitehall (FOW) started in 2005 and they have scheduled clean-ups since then. FOW’s main mission is to preserve, protect and improve the wonderful natural resource of Lake Whitehall and its environs. They are proud of their many accomplishments which are noted on the website www.friendsofwhitehall.org. No matter where you live, they welcome your help, and you may wish to consider joining the organization via the website. FOW is a non-profit 501c (3) organization.
FOW also invites you to join them for an author event with Brad Timm on his 2024 book “Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S.” The event will be held on Sunday, October 26 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library. More information is below:
Fire Department Open House - Sunday, October 19
Sunday, October 19 - Fire Department Open House, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Fire Station, 73 Main St. Visit the Fire Department - an annual and popular event!
Books in Bloom: Animals in Print - October 20 through 25
The annual Books in Bloom exhibition will be on view at the Hopkinton Public Library from October 20–25, 2025. This year’s theme, “Animals in Print,” celebrates beloved animal characters who come to life both in literature and in blooms. The event is presented by the Hopkinton Garden Club, in partnership with the Hopkinton Public Library, and features creative floral displays inspired by books selected by library staff.
Artful Connections - Tuesday, October 21
Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe, 6:30 pm
The second of two evenings, which feature a host who kicks off with a presentation, performance, and discussion relevant to that evening's theme and the host's work. Then, guests can add their words, music, and art to the conversation. RSVPs are welcome, whether or not you will be performing. Refreshments are available. October 21 features cultural storyteller Arshia Tharakabhushanam, a gold medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and Asima Silva, the first Muslim woman elected official in Massachusetts.
This series is a collaboration between the Hopkinton Freedom Team and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, with support from Riverside Properties, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Hopkinton Cultural Council, and Hopkinton Youth and Family Services.
Learn About Dementia - Monday, November 3
Hopkinton Public Library, 13 Main St., 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
The final 2025 Dementia Friends Information Session will be held at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts at 7 pm on Monday, November 3. These sessions are open to residents of all cities and towns. Sponsored by the Council on Aging, Hopkinton has hosted and facilitated 26 sessions in the past 4 years which have resulted in 400 new Dementia Friends.
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.
Take the Hopkinton Economic Development Plan Survey
Everyone is welcome to fill out the survey - open to all ages.
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