Fire Department to add staff after FEMA grant

The Hopkinton Fire Department was award a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worth $548,000, the town announced in an Oct. 8 press release.

The three-year grant, which comes from FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program, will allow Hopkinton to hire four new firefighters,

“This important public safety funding is critical to meet the town’s growing emergency service needs,” said Hopkinton Fire Chief Steve Slaman.

Only a small number of applicants to the SAFER grant program receive an award.

“I would like to thank the many town departments that participated in this successful proposal,” Town Manager Norman Khumalo said. “With this award, the core grant team of Fire Chief Slaman, Deputy Fire Chief [William] Miller and Ben Sweeney, the newly hired procurement and grants manager, have succeeded in their effort to improve safety in Hopkinton.”

The SAFER grant will improve the Fire Department’s response capabilities in the growing community.

“As a former Hopkinton volunteer firefighter, I have a unique understanding of the important and life-saving work the Fire Department does every day,” Select Board chair Brendan Tedstone said. “This grant will have a significant impact in Hopkinton that will keep the community and firefighters safe.”

Cronin wins national community TV award

Hopkinton resident Don Cronin won a national award for best community television news magazine show at the Alliance for Community Media’s annual convention and video competition in Portland, Oregon.

Cronin directs “Heartbeat of Holliston,” which is designed to keep Holliston residents up to date with local news and information. The show includes tapes segments and in-studio guest along with profiles about Holliston residents.

Cronin, who has an extensive background in television production and has worked at area radio stations as a news and traffic reporter, directs most of the station’s productions.

Chesmore Funeral Home plans renovations

The Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton announced this month that, after more than a year of planning, the business is in the process of a renovation and addition, with a new, replicated barn.

“We are excited to be able to maintain the character of the building while incorporating fresh, updated and expanded amenities,” the Chesmore family said in a press release.

Improvements include a chapel that will accommodate larger groups of people for visitation and services and another moderately sized room that will be used for smaller services. There also will be new handicapped-accessible bathroom facilities, updated technology and more.

“Although our facilities will be undergoing remodeling, please rest assured that we are still able to serve the community with the same care and compassion you have come to know and trust,” the family said. “As with any kind of remodeling, construction is necessary. Our funeral home will continue to operate throughout the entire renovation and our doors will remain open to everyone in the community.”

ZAC re-elects Larson-Marlowe as chair

The Zoning Advisory Committee reorganized at its meeting on Sept. 30, re-electing Mary Larson-Marlowe as chair.

“I think she’s had one year and she’s just starting to get into the swing of things,” ZAC member Carol DeVeuve said. “I think it would be a back-step if we took the position away from her.”

John Coutinho, who also sits on the Select Board, was tabbed as ZAC vice chair.

Town seeks plow contractors

The Town of Hopkinton’s Department of Public Works is seeking qualified plow contractors, driving their own equipment, to become part of its team this winter. The qualified contractor shall have experience plowing, a good driving record and reliable equipment. The hourly price paid depends on the equipment. Those interested can contact the Highway Department at 508-497-9768 for details.