Town Manager Weekly Update - May 20, 2026
Elaine Lazarus
Memorial Day Observance
Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. The program for Hopkinton’s Memorial Day ceremonies is below. The event begins at Evergreen Cemetery on Wood Street at 9:45 a.m., then proceeds to the Mayhew Street cemeteries and flag pole, and finally the Town Common at 11:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.: Evergreen Cemetery
Taps & Talk
Gettysburg Address
Old Guard - Gun Salute
St. John’s Cemetery
Mt. Auburn Cemetery
Lay wreaths - Legion vets + Scouts
Soldier’s Mound - Grand Army of the Republic
11:15 a.m. - Gazebo on Town Common
Band, Speakers, Gettysburg Address
12:00 p.m. - Flag Dip/National Anthem
12:30 p.m.- Food at St. John's Parish Hall
Learn about the history of Memorial Day at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website here: Memorial Day history - National Cemetery Administration
Annual Town Meeting Survey
Whether you attended the Annual Town Meeting on May 2 or not, your feedback is important. Please complete the survey at the link below. Your feedback is essential in helping the Town to continually improve voter experience and maximize participation.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/6AaZMyo6TzzsdfaP9
Charter Review Public Survey
The Charter Review Committee is seeking input to inform review of the Town Charter. The questions are based on preliminary feedback from town boards and employees. Your feedback is essential in helping them evaluate current provisions, identify areas for improvement, and ensure the Charter reflects the needs, priorities, and values of the community. Public forums will be held in the future, and they look forward to hearing more from you! The survey is brief, thank you for your participation.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/itEg28mZ7tAbhWqHA
Seeking Dedicated Members-at-Large for Hopkinton Police Chief Screening Committee
The Town of Hopkinton is seeking proactive and community-minded Hopkinton residents to serve as Members-at-Large on the Police Chief Screening Committee. As a Member-at-Large, you will participate in confidential interviews of Police Chief candidates, and act as part of a first round screening panel. This role is ideal for individuals looking to contribute to public safety initiatives in Hopkinton.
To Apply:
Please complete the form linked here: Member-at-Large Police Chief Screening Committee. The deadline is May 29, 2026 at noon. There are six available seats on the committee.
Echo Trail Parking Area Improvements
The Hopkinton Trails Committee and the Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) will be making improvements to the Echo Trail gravel parking area. Echo Trail is off Granite Street, near the intersection with Hayden Rowe. Work will continue through May and may include regrading, new gravel, and drainage improvements. The parking area may be temporarily closed or limited during construction. Thanks for your patience as the work to improve access to this community trail progresses!
Public Library Happenings
The Hopkinton Public Library will be closed on Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25.
As usual, there’s a lot happening at the Library! More information on each of these events and links to registration and forms are available on the Library’s website at: https://hopkintonlibrary.org/
CreatorSpace: YA Model Kit Workshop - Tuesday, May 26 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Looking for a fun after-school hobby that encourages creativity while working with your hands? Sign up for our Wooden Model Kit Workshop! In this program, participants will learn how to safely use basic hobby tools before selecting and constructing a wooden model kit alongside a few friends. After completing their kits, participants will be able to customize their wooden model using the Creatorspace’s resources, and take their work home! This program is intended for young adult patrons aged 12 to 17. Registration is required; supplies are limited.
Watch Party: Dangerous Magic, Enchanting Romance, and Painting the Future with Elizabeth Lim - Tuesday, May 26 from 4:30-5:00 p.m.
Did you miss the live virtual author talk with Elizabeth Lim? Join us in the Ellsworth Room for coloring, activity sheets, and to check out Elizabeth's books while we stream the recording of a discussion with Elizabeth Lim. Inspired by the classic, romantic tale of Beauty and the Beast, bestselling author Elizabeth Lim features a cursed lord and a plot to bring down the gods in her latest spellbinding work, A Forgery of Fate. To save her family, Truyan Saigas, a gifted art forger with the unique ability to paint the future, agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord who ensnares her in a scheme so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms…
CreatorSpace: Learn to Sew a Quilted Cotton Coaster - Tuesday, May 26 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of sewing! It's so easy, you'll make your own quilted coaster in under an hour! Though quilting is an art that can be immensely detailed, the basics are really easy to pick up. We will be using basic sewing machines. Come try it out and see why it has been a quintessential American art for generations! This program is for ages 16-adult. This program earns you Sewing Machine Certification so that you can attend more advanced sewing classes.
Herbalist Walk at Braim Farm - Thursday, May 28 from 5:45-7:45 p.m.
Join herbalist Mo Katz-Christy for a meander through Braim Farm to meet wild plants and explore their medicinal uses! We will explore weeds and native plants, trees and shrubs, and have lots of space for questions and conversation. Bring a notebook if you like! Parking is limited at Braim Farm. A map is on the HALT website, so look there for details on parking, and consider carpooling, biking, or walking.
Asian American Heritage Event: Culinary Wellness, Food & Culture - Saturday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Join the South Asian Circle of Hopkinton, Hopkinton Chinese American Association, and the Hopkinton Public Library in celebrating Asian American Heritage through culinary wellness, food, and culture. This event will feature a meet and greet session, a speaker and food demonstrations, a henna station, calligraphy, art for children, and displays by local artists. Although all are welcome, food sampling by Prana Kitchens is limited and art supplies are limited so registration is required. This is an All Ages Event and fun for the whole family.
Touch-a-Truck and Food Truck Festival - Sunday, May 31 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hopkinton Public Library Foundation’s Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival is back! The event will take place rain or shine at the Hopkinton High School Parking Lot, 90 Hayden Rowe. Adult tickets: $8.00; Children: $5.00; Under 1: Free! Cash, credit and Venmo accepted. Speed up your check-in and purchase tickets in advance and sign the event waiver at https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/uuuchrpzx6he3fvzcrozao/web/. Tickets will also be available at the three entry points on the day of the event. Food from participating Food Trucks and the train ride are not included in the ticket admission price.
For additional information, pay for tickets online, and to check out the event's sponsors, go to 12th Annual Touch-A-Truck and Food Truck Festival | HPLF
The Hopkinton Farmers Market begins on June 7!
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