Town Manager Weekly Update - May 15, 2025
Elaine Lazarus
Hopkinton’s Commission on Disability and the Hopkinton Police Department Highlight Community-Focused Programs: Blue Envelope and Person at Risk Initiatives
The Hopkinton Police Department is proud to spotlight two vital programs designed to enhance safety and communication for those people that may need individualized assistance within our community: the Blue Envelope Program and the Person at Risk Program.
Person at Risk Program: Enhancing Community Safety
The Person at Risk Program is a collaborative effort between the Hopkinton Police Department and the Hopkinton Commission on Disability. This initiative enables residents or their caregivers to voluntarily provide information about individuals with mobility challenges, cognitive impairments, health issues, chronic illnesses, neurodiversity, or mental health diagnoses. The information helps first responders tailor their approach during emergencies, ensuring safer and more effective assistance.
The program is entirely voluntary, and the information provided is intended solely to inform emergency response strategies, and the information will be kept confidential. Residents can access the Person at Risk form via the Town website or obtain paper copies at the Police Station, Town Hall, Library, or Senior Center. For the online form, go to the Police Department page (Hopkinton Police Department), scroll down to the bottom and type in “Person at Risk Form”.
Blue Envelope Program: Supporting Drivers on the Autism Spectrum
The Blue Envelope Program is a statewide initiative designed to enhance interactions between law enforcement and drivers on the autism spectrum. This voluntary program provides individuals with a distinctive blue envelope to store essential documents, such as a driver's license and vehicle registration. The envelope features communication tips for officers, helping them engage in more effective and empathetic exchanges during traffic stops.
Residents can obtain a Blue Envelope by visiting the Hopkinton Police Department at 74 Main Street or requesting one online through the Massachusetts State Police website (Mass.gov). Participation is entirely voluntary, and no personal information is recorded, ensuring privacy for all individuals involved.
For more information about these programs or to participate, please contact the Hopkinton Police Department at (508) 497-3401 or visit www.hopkintonpdnews.com.
Climate Action Planning
On May 29th from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. there will be an informative webinar on Climate Action Planning in Hopkinton, where the essential steps and strategies for building a sustainable future in our community will be explored. This session will educate and empower residents to understand the importance of climate action, outline the goals of Hopkinton's climate action plan, and provide practical ways to get involved in reducing our environmental impact. Whether you're passionate about energy efficiency, transportation, or waste reduction, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a difference. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn, engage, and take action towards a greener, more resilient Hopkinton!
The Town of Hopkinton has a new Senior Tax Exemption available for Fiscal Year 2026
The Town has a new means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for school building construction projects. For seniors that qualify, a property tax exemption equal to or less than the actual cost of borrowing in any fiscal year (including principal and interest) for a specific school building construction project, is available starting in Fiscal Year 2026. The application deadline is August 1. The Board of Assessors will administer the program and determine the exemption amount annually. The qualifications are similar to the existing Means-Tested Circuit Breaker Exemption.
The application is available here: NewSchoolConstructionExemptionFY2026.pdf
To see the full menu of similar property tax exemptions and related information, visit the Assessors page: Town of Hopkinton Assessors
How Much Trash has Hopkinton Thrown Out?
A map of Massachusetts cities and towns shows the pounds per household per year of trash that each has thrown out, from 2011 to 2023. Although the Hopkinton data is not included for all years, it shows an interesting comparison. The link to the website with the map is here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/maps-how-much-trash-did-we-throw-out-historical-view-2011-present/download
Information about recycling and reuse: https://www.mass.gov/recycling-reuse
May Events
Friends of The Hopkinton Seniors Annual Summer Vegetable and Flower Fundraiser - Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Hopkinton Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St. - Plants for your garden!
Hopkinton Lions Club Community Yard Sale - Saturday, May 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Residents across Hopkinton will be selling their treasures.
Arts in Bloom Exhibition - Until May 29 - Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe - Gallery hours for public viewing are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - In this collaboration between the Hopkinton Garden Club and the HCA, a curated selection of artwork—chosen to reflect the 2025 theme, “Peace, Love, and Understanding”—will be interpreted through floral arrangements by members of the Garden Club. Several pieces of art will be brought to life with flowers, color, and creativity.
Team Hoyt Memorial Road Race - Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. - starting and finishing at Marathon School.
Spring Pop-Up Book Sale - Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hopkinton Public Library.
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