Town Manager Weekly Update - November 6, 2025
Elaine Lazarus
Veterans Day Events - Tuesday, November 11
The Town’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Senior Center, 28 Mayhew St. The Veterans Dinner will be at 6 pm at the Woodville Rod & Gun Club, 252 Wood St. All are welcome.
And there’s always the monthly Veterans Breakfast at the Senior Center, the first Friday of every month at 9 am.
Main Street Work - Paving Next Week
This week, crews are continuing to prepare for the final paving of the west side of the Main Street Corridor Project. Weather permitting, paving is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, November 12 and Thursday, November 13, in the general area between Wood Street and Cedar Street. There will be signage and detours, please seek alternate routes during this time.
Food Donations - Scouting for Food - Saturday, November 8 at 10 am
On November 8th, the Scouting America Troops, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts will be collecting food for Project Just Because Hopkinton Food Pantry to help Hopkinton residents in need.
- Place your items in plastic bags near your MAILBOX by 10 AM on Saturday, November 8th.
- Please drop off any missed pickups at Project Just Because, 77 South St, Hopkinton (M, T, Th: 9:30-3:30, Wed 9:30-6:30).
Items needed:
- Grocery store gift cards
- Condiments / Ketchup / Mayo / Mustard
- Oil / Olive Oil / Salad Dressing
- Jelly / Honey
- Barbeque Sauce / Gravy / Cranberry Sauce
- Ramen Noodles
- Canned Sardines & Salmon
- Broth
- Flour / Sugar
- Baking Mixes & Ingredients
- Bags of Ground Coffee
- Napkins / Ziplock Food Storage Bags
- Tissues / Paper Towels / Toilet Paper
- Laundry & Dish Detergent
- Cleaning Products
- Toiletries: All
***Expiration dates must be January 2026 or beyond!!***
Food Resources
Some of our friends and neighbors are in need of assistance right now. 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.
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.
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.
Holiday Sale - Hopkinton Pack 97 Cub Scouts
From Hopkinton Pack 97 Cub Scouts - We are fundraising again this holiday season and we are proud to offer wreaths, candles and diya lamps to help make the holidays more festive in your home!
These items can be ordered on our online store: https://hopkintonscouts.square.site/shop-all
The shop is open UNTIL SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9th. At that point we have to end sales to get our order in!
Items will be delivered to your door by your local scout, sometime between November 23rd and Thanksgiving.
If you have already ordered, we thank you so much! Otherwise, your continued support would be much appreciated!
- If you know your local scout, please put their name in the comments box. Otherwise we will assign your delivery to the closest one ourselves!
- The small wreaths are 22” across and the large are 30”. All wreaths come with a red velvet bow. A box of Hanukkah candles cost $20. The candles are blue and white. Diya oil lamps are $5 each.
- You will not have to be home for delivery, the scout will leave your items outside your door. If you would just like to donate there is a spot for that online as well!
- This is the only fundraiser the Hopkinton Cub Scouts do all year. This helps supplement the cost of all of our activities, as well as allow us to fund any families who have a difficult time paying the annual fees. While the scouts have fun, they are learning valuable lessons about community, partnership and loyalty. Help us in our mission!
Thank you!
Hopkinton Pack 97
Lithium-ion Batteries and Safety
Thank you to the Hopkinton Fire Department for providing the important information on lithium-ion batteries below.
Rising Fire Incidents (U.S. + Massachusetts Overview)
National/Global Trend
In NYC, e-mobility lithium-ion batteries caused 268 fires in 2023, resulting in 18 deaths and 150 injuries.
Massachusetts Trend
50 lithium-ion battery fires occurred in 38 towns over just 6 months, according to the MA Department of Fire Services (DFS). Link: WCVB Article
Historical average (2019–2023): 19.4 fires per year, indicating major recent increases.
Since late 2023, MA DFS reports “more than 170 fires” involving lithium-ion batteries statewide. Link: Mass.gov News
In Hopkinton, there have been multiple instances of e-batteries off-gassing but no residual fires. We have also seen an increase in fires at our local transfer station caused by improper disposal of lithium batteries.
The Fire on Avenue E was caused by a lithium-ion battery.
What’s Causing These Fires
- Thermal runaway from damaged, overcharged, or poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries
- Indoor charging, especially overnight or near exits
- Uncertified batteries or conversion kits
- Low-quality chargers and non-factory replacements
Consequences of E-Bike Battery Fires
- Fires spread extremely fast and produce toxic smoke
- Hydrogen Fluoride (HF): This is one of the most dangerous components, formed from the breakdown of the electrolyte salt (lithium hexafluorophosphate). HF can cause severe burns to the skin and lungs and is rapidly absorbed by the body, potentially leading to severe systemic effects.
- Heavy Metals: The smoke and soot can contain hazardous heavy metals like cobalt and nickel, which contribute to lung toxicity.
- Hallways and exits can become blocked, a major issue in multifamily housing
- MA has documented multiple injuries to civilians and first responders
Safety Recommendations
For Electric Bike Riders:
- Use only UL-certified equipment (UL 2849 for e-bike systems, UL 2271 for batteries). Non-OEM batteries are more prone to catching fire due to lower quality manufacturing, which can cause defects like lack of proper cell separation, missing Battery Management System (BMS), or low-quality materials. This can trigger rapid overheating and thermal runaway caused by physical damage, overcharging, improper charging, or extreme temperatures.
- Never charge unattended or overnight
- Keep batteries away from exits and combustible materials
- Avoid aftermarket conversion kits or non-OEM batteries
- Store at moderate temperatures; avoid garages with extreme heat or cold
- Replace damaged batteries immediately
For Property Managers
- Prohibit charging in common hallways or stairwells
- Install signage and create designated charging/storage areas
- Educate tenants about MA-specific fire trends
Summary
- Battery fires are rising sharply in Massachusetts, now well above historical levels
- E-bikes and e-scooters are significant contributors, though not the majority of cases
- Most incidents involve unsafe charging and uncertified equipment. All preventable behaviors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC0t7foqr8k (Battery fire overview)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNJBtn8q7no (Fire caused by dogs chewing on a battery)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlQumRetMf0 (E-bike fire inside elevator)
Lithium-Ion Battery Safety | Mass.gov
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.
Other Events
- November 8 and 9 - The Hopkinton Historical Society will host a salute to Hopkinton’s military history at the History Center (168 Hayden Rowe) on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9, from 11 am - 4 pm each day.
- November 9 at 1 pm - The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a guided walk of College Rock on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 1 pm. The walk will start at the College Rock parking area across from 23 College Street. For more information, visit Hopkinton Trails Club Events. College Rock Park is a conservation area owned by the Town of Hopkinton and managed by the Conservation Commission.
- November 12, 18 & 19 - Hopkinton Health Dept. Vaccine Clinics - See information, locations and times below.
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
The Spotted Lanternfly in Hopkinton
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or "SLF") is an invasive insect. It causes damage to trees and other woody plants by feeding on their sap. While the primary host plant of SLF is the invasive tree-of-heaven, researchers have found that it also targets grapevines, hops, and fruit trees, giving it the potential to become a serious agricultural pest. The SLF is in Hopkinton. At the link below, you can access more information including what it looks like and how to manage it if you find it on your property.
account are public records unless qualified as an exemption under the
*Massachusetts Public Records Law
<http://www.sec.state.ma.us/pre/preidx.htm>*.