Marathon bibs awarded to local non-profits

The Boston Marathon has become a major fundraising event for Hopkinton organizations, and 38 non-profits applied for an invitational entry to the 2020 race.

At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Select Board worked to determine which groups should receive the fundraising bibs. The Boston Athletic Association awarded 50 numbers to Hopkinton. Town Manager Norman Khumalo explained that town departments (police, fire, Senior Center, etc.) had been allocated 25 of them, but he said he would lower that number so more community organizations could get a chance to participate.

“This is one of the most successful civic programs that the town has put forth,” Khumalo said. “It is turning out to be a very popular program among civic organizations in town.”

After some discussion, the following organizations were allocated one bib each: Cantys Underdog Scholarship, Dignity Matters, eHop, Enter Stage Left, Friends of Hopkinton, Friends of Hopkinton Seniors, Friends of Hopkinton SPEAC, Hopkinton Boys Youth Lacrosse, Hopkinton Community Partnership, Hopkinton Education Foundation, Hopkinton Food Pantry, Hopkinton Girls Youth Lacrosse, Hopkinton High School Class of 2021, Hopkinton High School Robotics/Business Professionals of America, Hopkinton Historical Society, Hopkinton Little League, Hopkinton Lions Club, Hopkinton Middle School Desire to Inspire/Sky’s the Limit Courtyard, Hopkinton Music Association, Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association, Hopkinton Public Library Foundation, Hopkinton Public Library Friends, Hopkinton Tax Relief Committee, Hopkinton Veterans Celebration Committee, Hopkinton Women’s Club, KeepSmilin4Abbie Foundation, Live4Evan, Mental Health Collaborative, National Brain Tumor Society, Project Just Because, and the Sharon Timlin Memorial Event to Cure ALS.

Baypath offers online resources

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is providing online resources for pet owners seeking a humane pet trainer, behavior consultant or behaviorist. The shelter supports humane training methods that are based on redirection and positive reinforcement to shape desired behaviors in companion animals. Methods of rewards such as food, praise, petting, and play that are based on a mutual understanding, kindness and respect between the pet and the guardian have proven to be successful in managing behavior.

At baypathhumane.org/trainingandbehavior, visitors can find a trainer or behaviorist, access tips for choosing a professional that’s right for an owner and their pet, get answers to frequently asked questions about training and behavior, and learn about Baypath’s approach to training and behavior.

Dog trainers can help teach a dog new skills, such as sit, stay, come or loose-leash walking, while behaviorists can help with more in-depth behavioral issues such as fear, aggression, out-of-control barking, destructive chewing, biting and separation anxiety.

“Positive reinforcement is a scientifically-proven, humane way to teach dogs to make good decisions in their behavior,” said executive director Elizabeth Jefferis. “It is our pleasure to serve as a resource to help families access animal training and behavior professionals who abide by these core principles.”

Keep fire hydrants clear

The Water Department requests residents’ assistance in maintaining accessibility to the town’s fire hydrants for the safety and protection of everyone. During the winter, hydrants can become buried by snow. Anyone with a fire hydrant that that near their home is asked to help by making it visible and accessible to the Fire Department for use in an emergency. Precious seconds can be lost searching for a hydrant or removing snow to gain access to it.

Residents are asked to talk with neighbors about taking turns shoveling around the hydrant in the winter. It poses a major fire safety hazard to bury a fire hydrant by shoveling, plowing or snow blowing. It is also prohibited by Massachusetts General Law and can incur a fine.