Town Manager Weekly Update - January 15, 2026
Elaine Lazarus
Hi everyone, I hope you find something of interest in my weekly update. It doesn’t include everything that’s happening in Hopkinton, but perhaps there’s something that may pique your interest in an event, or a topic of conversation.
Friday, January 16 - Hopkinton Center for the Arts Member Exhibition
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts (HCA) will present its annual member exhibition reception on Friday, Jan. 16, from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, 98 Hayden Rowe. The public can join the member artists of HCA as they gather to celebrate their annual exhibition. This is a free event. For more information, visit hopartscenter.org/events.
Tuesday, January 20 - Artful Connections: Dan Cloutier and hosted by Barbara Kessler. Dan Cloutier is a singer-songwriter from Hopkinton, who plays shows throughout New England. At the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe, 6:30 pm. The event is free. Future events will be on February 17 and March 17, and for more information, see the flyer below or the Hopkinton Center for the Arts website: hopartscenter.org Artful Connections is a social justice-lensed event where artists offer music, poetry, readings, and spoken word.
26.2 Foundation Receives Athletic Brewing “Two For The Trails Grant” for Hopkinton Trail Development
The 26.2 Foundation has been selected by Athletic Brewing Company to receive a 2025 “Two For The Trails” grant. Named after Athletic co-founder and CEO Bill Shufelt’s family tradition of taking two beers to toast post-trail adventures, this program gives back up to $2 million annually to protect and restore outdoor spaces across the globe. The 26.2 Foundation grant will be used to bring two miles of community trails to life on the future International Marathon Center (IMC) property in Hopkinton.
With the $12,000 grant, the 26.2 Foundation, in partnership with the Town of Hopkinton Trails Committee, will enhance the network of old farm roads that wind through nearly 20 acres of former farmland and connect to more than 160 acres of protected open space – space on or adjacent to the site of the future 19-acre property earmarked for the 26.2 Foundation’s IMC on Route 135. These grassy pathways, once used for tractors and nursery operations, will soon offer runners and walkers a unique way to explore the landscape surrounding the future IMC. “This trail system isn’t just a path through nature,” said Kim Chisholm, 26.2 Foundation executive director, “it’s an early connection between the IMC and the community, offering accessible recreation within a mile of downtown and preserving this cherished land for generations to come.”
“We are grateful for Athletic Brewing’s support,” said Peter LaGoy, Chair of the Hopkinton Trails Committee. “This grant motivates us to continue our work implementing plans for the management and operations of trails throughout the community”. Hopkinton Town Manager Elaine Lazarus added, “Hopkinton is a community that respects and appreciates its open space and natural resources, which are key elements in creating a healthy community. The Athletic Brewing grant will help us enhance and expand a trail system that meets the increasing demand of facilities and programs – which is a priority for us.”
“In 2025, Two For The Trails received more than 500 applications requesting over $10 million in funding – proof of the growing need to invest in the environments and communities where we live, work, and adventure,” said Cara Wilson, Impact Manager, Athletic Brewing Company. “With up to $2 million in funding, we’re proud to support 241 projects across the U.S. and Canada that will expand outdoor access and improve natural spaces. These efforts will balance recreation with environmental care, helping ensure we leave our planet better than we found it. We’re honored to partner with so many nonprofits doing this important work,” she added.
About the 26.2 Foundation: The 26.2 Foundation advances the global sport of marathoning while harnessing the power of the human spirit and its capacity for good. Their signature project is the development of the International Marathon Center and has been designed to honor, celebrate and inspire the power of the human spirit, and recognize excellence and individual achievement around the world. Through its dynamic cultural and education programs, state-of-the-art facilities and revolving interactive exhibitions, it promises to build community and enrich learning in new and unique ways at local, regional and global levels.
About Athletic Brewing Company: Athletic Brewing Company is America’s largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 75,000 retail locations.
Eversource “Programs to Help” for Massachusetts Customers
Eversource has brought bill assistance and energy support options together on a single “Programs to Help” page for Massachusetts customers. The page includes payment assistance, budget billing, discount rates, and energy efficiency resources. Please use the link here to connect with the programs: Payment Plans & Assistance | Eversource
Winter Farmers Market - Sundays from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at Weston Nurseries, 93 East Main Street.
Veterans Breakfast - First Friday of every month, 9:00 am at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew Street.
Apply for Assistance from Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Fund; Application Deadline Feb. 20, 2026
Hopkinton homeowners who are 60 and older or disabled are encouraged to apply for assistance with paying their property tax bills. Applicants must be at least 60 years old or have a state-recognized disability, and applicants must own and occupy a single-family home in Hopkinton as their primary residence. The maximum income for a household of one is $57,000, $73,000 for a household of two, $80,000 for a household of three, and $88,000 for a household of four.
The application is available online (Hopkinton Tax Relief Application Form .pdf), at Town Hall (18 Main St.), the Senior Center (28 Mayhew St.), the Hopkinton Public Library (13 Main St.), and from Youth and Family Services. The Treasurer’s Office will mail the form to those who call 508-497-9715 to request one. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, Feb. 20.
Coffee House - A Place for Us: The Music of Stephen Sondheim - January 29
Thursday, January 29, 6:30 - 7:30 pm, Betty Strong Room (Large Event Room) Hopkinton Public Library, 13 Main Street.
Experience the genius of one of Broadway’s most revered composers in A Place for Us: The Music of Stephen Sondheim. Pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels pays tribute to Sondheim’s extraordinary legacy with heartfelt interpretations of songs from Gypsy, A Little Night Music, and more. The concert also features a special sing-along portion, inviting the audience to join in selections from West Side Story.
FY 2027 Town Budget Process
The Town’s budget process for Fiscal Year 2027 (7/1/2026 - 6/30/2027) began this past fall, and continues to move forward. At the Select Board meeting on January 20, the Town Manager’s comprehensive budget will be presented, and the process then moves to Select Board review. The Select Board meetings in February and early March will feature Town departments describing their budget requests, and at a meeting on March 10, the Select Board is scheduled to adopt a budget and forward it to the Appropriation Committee for its review and public hearing. All of these meetings are open to the public. The process concludes with a vote on the budget at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2. All registered voters may attend and vote on the budget at the Annual Town Meeting.
Feedback and comment on the Town budget is encouraged. Please note your thoughts, recommendations and comments about the Town’s budget using an online form, or paper versions that will be available at the Library and Senior Center. The form is accessible at this link or by using the QR code below: FY27 Budget Listening Form
You may also pass along your comments and recommendations to me via email at ela...@hopkintonma.gov. Thank you in advance for your comments and recommendations!
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