Town Manager Weekly Update - November 13, 2025
Elaine Lazarus
Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) News
HOP Awarded Mini-Grants from the Department of Public Health
The Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) Youth Coalition has been awarded $2,000 in mini-grants from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for their efforts as a Chapter of The 84 Movement, a program of the Department’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program.
HOP Youth members will continue to organize against the tobacco and vaping industries, educate their peers, advocate for local and statewide policies that reduce the industry’s influence, and develop leadership skills. In addition, they will participate in a youth survey exploring knowledge and perceptions of Hopkinton’s newly implemented Nicotine Free Generation Policy.
HOP Youth Educates Middle School Students on the Risks of Vaping
The Hopkinton Organizing for Prevention (HOP) Youth Coalition recently presented to several Hopkinton Middle School 7th grade classes about the risks of vaping. This peer-to-peer presentation was developed by former HOP Youth members and is continuing with a new group of student members. The presentations in 7th-grade Wellness classes highlight the physical and mental health risks of vaping, the youth-focused marketing practices of the tobacco industry, and strategies to resist peer pressure.
According to the 2023 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, 98% of Hopkinton Middle School students have never vaped in their lifetime. Educational efforts like these help reinforce healthy decision-making and support youth before substance use begins.
Public Library Closed Nov. 18 and 19
Please note that the Library will be closed on Tuesday Nov. 18 and Wednesday Nov. 19 for new carpet installation.
Do You Have a Heat Pump? Eversource has a Lower Heat Pump Rate
If you own a residential heat pump in Massachusetts you can apply for Eversource’s lower heat pump rate! A new rate option is available for residential electric customers. If you use a heat pump to heat all or part of your home, you can take advantage of a new, reduced distribution and transmission rate during the winter months (Nov. 1 to April 30) to help you save on your winter electric bill.
Who Qualifies? If you received a Mass Save® rebate via your Eversource electric account for a heat pump you installed after Jan. 1, 2019, you will be automatically enrolled on this rate beginning Nov. 1, 2025. If this applies to you, you will be notified of your enrollment on the Heat Pump Rate prior to Nov. 1. If you didn’t receive a rebate from the Sponsors of Mass Save or if you installed your heat pump prior to Jan. 1, 2019, you can apply online.
More information and online application: https://www.eversource.com/residential/account-billing/manage-bill/about-your-bill/rates-tariffs/heat-pump-rate
Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors Annual Holiday Sale
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.
Electric Bicycle Advisory
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) have grown in popularity over the last few years.
There are different e-Bike Classifications Under Massachusetts Law:
- Class 1: A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: A low-speed electric bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that can propel the bicycle without pedaling, but ceases to provide assistance at 20 miles per hour.
The Massachusetts law does not define Class 3 e-bikes, a term commonly used in other jurisdictions and the bicycle industry to refer to pedal-assist e-bikes that operate up to 28 mph with a speedometer. Because Massachusetts does not codify Class 3, any e-bike exceeding the power or speed thresholds of Class 1 or 2 may instead be considered a “motorized bicycle” under G.L. c. 90, § 1, subject to registration, license, and helmet requirements.
Licensing, Registration, and Helmet Requirements
- Class 1 or 2 (≤ 20 mph) - No License required; no Registration required; Helmet required under age 17 only
- Exceeds Class 1 or 2 limits - License required (motorized bike); Registration required; Helmet required for all riders.
Where E-Bikes May Be Operated
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are treated the same as pedal-powered bicycles and are legally permitted to operate:
- On public roadways
- In designated bike lanes
- On shared-use or multi-use paved trails, unless restricted by local regulation
E-bike operation is prohibited:
- On sidewalks
- On natural-surface or mountain bike trails
At this time, Hopkinton has not adopted local regulations or bylaws pertaining to e-bikes, but safety and environmental considerations have been raised, and Town staff will be working on a draft bylaw for review by the Select Board. Ultimately, a Town Meeting vote would be needed to adopt a bylaw.
Food Resources
Some of our friends and neighbors are in need of assistance. The Project Just Because food pantry at 77 South St. serves all 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
Help Feed Local Families
There is a strong community effort here to help feed local families. If you would like to donate gift cards, money, food, or time, please see the information on the flyer below. Thank you in advance to everyone who contributes! Thank you to the Hopkinton Youth and Family Services Dept., Senior Services Dept., Police Department, and the Health Department for coordinating with our local nonprofit partners to organize this response.
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.
November Public Library Newsletter: https://groups.google.com/a/hopkintonma.gov/g/librarynewsletter/c/x7gzG7YPppQ
November Youth & Family Services Newsletter: HYFS November 2025 Newsletter
Charter Review Committee
Consider serving on the Town’s Charter Review Committee! It is time to begin the second 10-year review of the Town’s Charter by a 7-member Charter Review Committee. Membership on the Committee is open to all residents. Please reach out to the Town Manager’s office or the Town Clerk’s office if you have any questions about the Charter or this process.
Interested residents must apply via the Online Volunteer form on the Town website here: Town of Hopkinton, MA: Board Application.
Health Department Vaccine Clinics
Vaccine clinics are being held at the Senior Center:
Link to register: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/hopkinton?site=hopkinton-senior-center
And at the Public Library:
Link to register: https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/hopkinton?site=hopkinton-public-library
account are public records unless qualified as an exemption under the
*Massachusetts Public Records Law
<http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm>*.