Friday, May 29

7:27 AM: Medical – Chief Michael Cassidy, the ambulance, and a paramedic mentor from Medway Fire responded to a medical emergency on October Hill Road. An individual was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

7:57 AM: Motor Vehicle Crash – Chief Michael Cassidy and an ambulance from Sherborn Fire responded to a motor vehicle crash on Concord Street. One individual was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

9:27 AM: Mutual Aid – The ambulance responded mutual aid to Medway for a medical emergency on Mahan Circle. No EMS was required.

11:13 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Fieldstone Drive. A resident was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

12:19 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Mechanic Street. The individual refused transport; a signed waiver was obtained.

Saturday, May 30

7:47 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Karen Circle. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

9:06 AM: Investigation – Weekend Duty Officers Lieutenant Travis Gross and Firefighter Brendan Malone, and Engine 4 investigated an alarm malfunction on Mill Street.

8:18 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Pilgrim Road. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

10:50 PM: Investigation – Weekend Duty Officers Lieutenant Travis Gross and Firefighter Brendan Malone, and Rescue 1 investigated an alarm activation on Summitpointe Drive.

Sunday, May 31

7:15 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Windsor Drive. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

Monday, June 1

3:42 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Westfield Drive. The response was cancelled prior to arrival.

1:13 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Lowland Street. An individual was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

3:52 PM: Medical – Assistant Chief Brian Kelley and the ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Francine Drive. A resident was transported to Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

6:25 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on North Mill Street. A resident was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

Tuesday, June 2

8:42 AM: Motor Vehicle Crash – The ambulance responded to a motor vehicle crash on Washington Street. The individuals refused transport; three signed waivers were obtained.

10:30 AM: Medical – Assistant Chief Brian Kelley and the ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Dunster Road. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

1:40 PM: Investigation – Assistant Chief Brian Kelley investigated an alarm malfunction on Washington Street.

5:44 PM: Motor Vehicle Crash – The ambulance responded to a motor vehicle crash on Concord Street. The individual refused transport; a signed waiver was obtained.

10:11 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on High Rock Road. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

11:07 PM: Investigation – Chief Michael Cassidy investigated an alarm malfunction on Winthrop Street.

11:46 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Cranberry Lane. A resident was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

Wednesday, June 3

9:03 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Turner Road. A resident was transported to MetroWest Medical Center.

12:11 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Balancing Rock Drive. The individual refused transport; a signed waiver was obtained.

5:18 PM: Mutual Aid – Engine 4 responded mutual aid to Medway to provide station coverage at their Milford Street fire station while crews were committed to a 3-alarm structure fire in Franklin.

6:17 PM: Mutual Aid – The ambulance responded mutual aid to Millis for a motor vehicle crash on Village Street. An individual was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

10:49 PM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Hollis Street. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

Thursday, June 4

1:46 AM: Medical – The ambulance responded to a medical emergency on High Rock Road. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

9:40 AM: Investigation – Chief Michael Cassidy investigated an alarm malfunction on Cheryl Lane.

2:26 PM: Medical – Chief Michael Cassidy and the ambulance responded to a medical emergency on October Hill Road. The individual refused transport; a signed waiver was obtained.

3:00 PM: Motor Vehicle Crash – The ambulance responded to a motor vehicle crash on Washington Street. The individuals refused transport; two signed waivers were obtained.

4:11 PM: Medical – Chief Michael Cassidy and the ambulance responded to a medical emergency on Washington Street. A resident was transported to Milford Regional Medical Center.

6:29 PM: Investigation – Chief Michael Cassidy investigated an alarm activation on Shaw Farm Road.

The organization, in partnership with AutoFair Hyundai in Manchester, NH, is sponsoring a raffle with a grand prize of a 2026 Hyundai Tucson valued at $33,165. The winner of the raffle may elect the car or a cash prize of $15,000. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit ALS research at UMass Chan Medical School. 

“AutoFair Hyundai is excited to be working with The Angel Fund for ALS Research to offer this fantastic opportunity to not only win a new Tucson, but to also support ALS research,” AutoFair Hyundai’s Kevin Richardson said. “The Angel Fund is a great organization that raises money for research to fight and cure this devastating disease. We hope all our customers and supporters will join us in this fight by purchasing a raffle ticket.”

“The Angel Fund is thrilled to host this raffle with AutoFair Hyundai with the proceeds going to fund the research of world-renowned ALS researcher Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr. and his research team.  This raffle is more than a chance to win a new car—it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference,” said Angel Fund President Rich Kennedy. 

The Tucson is on display at the AutoFair Hyundai showroom at 1477 South Willow Street in Manchester, NH. Complete details and features of the car, including its appraised value, are available on The Angel Fund for ALS Research website at www.theangelfund.org ^[1]. 

Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased through The Angel Fund online at www.theangelfund.org ^[1]. Raffle ticket buyers must be 18 years of age and older. A maximum of 975 raffle tickets will be sold and online ticket sales will end at 12 a.m. on June 21, 2026. The drawing will be held on June 21, 2026. 

For additional information about the raffle, how to buy a ticket, or The Angel Fund for ALS Research, call 781-245-7070 or visit the website www.theangelfund.org.

(Hopkinton, MA) –The 23^rd Annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event: A Race to Cure ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) will be held on Saturday, June 13^th at Hopkinton High School. The popular 5K road race and family fun day benefits The Angel Fund for ALS Research and its research at UMass Chan Medical School. The race has raised more than $2 million for ALS research since its inception.

The event is held in memory of Sharon Timlin, mother of former Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,) a disease better known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in May 2001. She died less than a year later, in March 2002. The event also recognizes and honors the Timlin family’s commitment to ALS research and The Angel Fund for ALS Research. Mike and his wife Dawn will be guests of honor at the event.

“We are happy to join our friends and family at the 23^rd annual Sharon Timlin Memorial Event to support The Angel Fund and its research at UMass Chan Medical School,” Mike and Dawn said. “We are grateful to the event organizers for their efforts to help in the fight against ALS and are so thankful for the support of all the participants who have joined us during the past 23 years. We hope you will join us on Saturday, June 13^th.”

The course is a fully supported USATF certified 5K racecourse, with timed mile markers. Runners and walkers are welcome. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m.; Kids’ races and family fun day activities take place from 8:30a.m. to 12 noon.

Participants can register in advance at https://sharontimlinrace.org ^[2] or in person on race day. The 5K race fee is $45. All 5K participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and can enjoy post-race food and the Family Fun Day.

Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers. The top finishers in the following age groups will also receive awards: 14 and under; 15 –19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50- 59; 60-69; 70-79; 80+, and wheelchair division. There will be no duplicate awards.

All participants can enjoy the Family Fun Day, which includes the following:

• Children’s activities (crafts, an obstacle course, face painting, henna tattoos,

bouncy houses, and more)

• Food (including Alltown Fresh, Hop-Yo, Loco Taqueria, Grandma’s Coffee

Cakes, Price Chopper, Whole Foods, pizza from Blue Square Pizza, and more)

• Meet & Greet with Red Sox greats
• Raffle/ Silent Auction (including priceless sports memorabilia)
• Music

This year, once again, the Timlin Tot Trot, sponsored by the Hopkinton Moms Group, will be held for the littlest runners, ages 3 to 6. Participants will run 100 yards on the Hopkinton High School track beginning at 9:30 am. There are two divisions, 3–4-year-olds and 5–6-year-olds, for this fun untimed event. Each participant will receive a custom designed finisher’s medal. Older children (ages 6-12) can participate in our popular Kids’ Color Run. 

Runners and non-runners are encouraged to take part in the Angel Fundraising Challenge, a fun and easy way to go the extra mile and fundraise by setting up their own personalized fundraising page. All proceeds benefit The Angel Fund.

“Proceeds from this wonderful community event help The Angel Fund raise funds for critical research for this devastating disease where there is no treatment or cure.” Rich Kennedy, President of The Angel Fund added. “To date, thanks to you, we’ve raised over $2 million.”

To register or for more information about the Sharon Timlin Memorial Event – A Race to Cure ALS, visit the website www.sharontimlinrace.org ^[3].

In addition to the Angel Fundraising Challenge, donations in Sharon Timlin’s memory are also welcome and would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be made online at www.sharontimlinrace.org ^[3], at The Angel Fund website at www.theangelfund.org ^[4], or by sending a check made payable to The Angel Fund and mailed to The Timlin Race, 149 Wood Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

The Holliston School Committee is in the process of filling two vacant seats.  The vacancy process is defined by Massachusetts law, Holliston By-Laws and School Committee Policy BBBE  ^[5] The 3 members of the Select Board and the School Committee’s remaining 6 members meet to fill the vacancy by roll call vote. A majority is required to appoint the replacement who serves until the next annual town election. A vacant seat occurred in April and an additional vacant seat occurred on June 4, 2026.

In April, the Select Board Chair stated the School Committee seat vacated in April would be filled after the May 19th election. On May 20th, the Town Manager posted a request for letters of interest to be submitted by May 28th for a 1 year School Committee appointment. Residents interested in serving were invited to submit letters of interest to the Town of Holliston. A Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting was posted on May 28th and scheduled for June 2nd to review and discuss the candidates together. In addition, the School Committee reserved their right at the June 2nd meeting to vote on a candidate or candidates for recommendation to the Select Board. This notice was provided on May 28th. In addition, on June 1st, a Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting was posted for June 8th for a joint roll call vote by the School Committee and Select Board to fill the 1 year School Committee position vacated in April.

At the June 2nd, Joint School Committee and Select Board meeting, following review of each candidate’s letter of interest and upon hearing candidate statements, School Committee members considered the responsibilities of the role, including oversight of the district budget, superintendent evaluation, collective bargaining, and policy development.  Members also considered each applicant’s experience, qualifications and readiness to contribute during a particularly important year for the district that will include contract negotiations and leadership transitions. 

We recognize, however, that the explanation of the process implemented in the June 2nd meeting was unclear to some and resulted in community frustration.  We take responsibility for that and are committed to doing better.  In future situations, we will work to provide greater clarity regarding the process being followed and the rationale behind our decisions.  

We also want to acknowledge candidates who stepped forward to be considered for this position.  Volunteering for public service requires time and a willingness to contribute to our community and make at times difficult decisions.   We are grateful for their interest in serving Holliston Public Schools.

We also want to address the conduct that occurred at the conclusion of the June 2nd meeting, and continued thereafter.  Holliston is a community that has long valued service, civic engagement, respect, and inclusion.  While disagreement and passionate advocacy are important parts of a healthy democracy, personal attacks, misinformation, online harassment, and efforts to disparage individuals are inconsistent with those values.  Public service should not come with the expectation that volunteers, candidates, elected officials, staff members, or their families will be subjected to harassment or misrepresentation.  Regardless of one’s position on a particular issue or decision, we all share a responsibility to engage with one another respectfully. We recognize and respect the public’s right to disagree and to express criticism of our decisions. However, we seek civility and respectful engagement.  

On June 8th, a Joint School Committee and Select Board vote was taken to appoint David Keim for the April vacancy, effective July 1st, following his retirement as Principal of the Miller School. We look forward to working with David as he brings years of experience in education, negotiations and budgetary needs to the School Committee. Welcome David Keim!

As for the remaining vacancy, on June 9th, the Town Manager will request letters of interest for a one year School Committee appointment through May 2027. The due date submission will be Thursday, June 18th at 12 p.m. noon. We anticipate that an appointment will occur prior to June 26, 2026 and more information will be forthcoming.

The School Committee remains committed to listening to community feedback and reflecting on how we can improve our work.  We welcome questions, concerns, and differing viewpoints, and we are grateful to residents who continue to engage constructively in support of our schools.  

Sincerely,

The Holliston School Committee

This past April and May, the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC)’s Youth Action Team ^[6] (YAT) at Holliston High School (HHS) created a new mural for HHS. More than 40 students collaborated to brainstorm the concept together, while freshman member Alyssa Balardini recruited fellow Art Club members Sea Singh and Amanda Oliveira, also freshman, to help bring the mural to life through painting. Alyssa told us, “This mural was an awesome opportunity for us three artists because it challenged us and gave us experience. In the end, we were able to work through these challenges and love the finished product.”

The inspiration behind the mural was to highlight protective factors ^[7]: the positive influences in our lives that can reduce the likelihood of substance use and addiction. Some protective and risk factors can be genetic, such as a family history of addiction or mental illness, while others are environmental, including where a person lives and the resources available to them. Organizations like HDAAC work to help young people recognize and strengthen their protective factors while reducing risk factors.

The mural features several protective factors, including exercising, listening to music, reading, spending time with pets, family, and nature. These activities represent healthy outlets that can boost happiness, creativity, and overall well-being, while encouraging young people to avoid negative coping strategies such as substance use.

At the center of the mural is HDAAC’s flower logo, paired with a slogan often used at Holliston Youth and Family Services (HYFS), where HDAAC is housed: “Grow through what you go through.” The flowers spread throughout the grass each hold special meaning as well. The artists initially painted them white, then invited the entire school community to help complete them using colorful thumbprints as petals. This activity was promoted as a “drug-free pledge” and a way to bring the HHS community together.

This mural serves as more than just a piece of artwork, it is a lasting reminder of the importance of connection, creativity, and healthy coping strategies within the Holliston High School community. Through collaboration, student leadership, and community participation, the project reflects HDAAC’s mission to empower young people to make positive choices and support one another. By encouraging students to recognize and strengthen their protective factors, the mural stands as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the message that no one has to face challenges alone.

OK we admit, we blew this one! For years, we have held a cookout in June for the seniors and veterans in Holliston. For a few years, we kept messing up and conflicting with high school graduation parties. This year, it’s even worse (which seems impossible but it’s true!)

This years cookout will be held on Sunday June 21 (yes, we told you we messed up!) — We know Father’s Day – talk about rotten timing right? However, we’re still hoping that you’ll join us! Great opportunity for grandkids and kids to bring their grampas and dads and the best part is that there is no cost and no mess to clean up at home!

When: June 21 Doors open at 11:45 food served at 12:15

Where: The Center – 150 Goulding Street Holliston

Cost: None, nada, zero

Menu: Cookout food: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw, pickles, cold soda and water and chips — plus an ice cream sundae for dessert!

While this is free we have given up on mind-reading so in order to make sure we have enough food we’d ask you to call The Center at 508-429-0622 Monday through Friday between 9am and 4pm to register (with the number of people attending) and that you do that before June 15. We promise we won’t make this mistake two years in a row!!

Your lawyer is completely and absolutely incorrect. I don’t pretend to practice law, so your lawyer should not pretend to be an assessor!

Under Massachusetts state law, all property is assessed as of the previous January 1st.  For example, when Fiscal Year 2027 begins on July 1st of 2026, we will be assessing property in terms of its ownership and “completeness” as of January 1, 2026.  And, since Holliston has adopted Chapter 653, Section 40 of the Acts of 1989, assessors can add in the value of any new property not previously assessed right up until June 30, 2026.

Going back to the question, let’s say you are in the process of building a new home that you do not expect to be fully completed until the end of the summer.  The Assessors’ Office will inspect that property in June to establish what percent is completed and that value will be included in your Fiscal 2027 assessment.  The assessed value of the remaining construction will be reflected in your Fiscal Year 2028 assessment.

For example, based on size and workmanship, the house you are building is expected to be assessed at $900,000 when fully completed.  As of June 30^th, the Assessors’ Office determines the building is 65% completed.  That $585,000 value will be assessed in Fiscal Year 2027.  The remaining 35%, valued at $315,000, will be part of your Fiscal Year 2028 assessment.

The only time an occupancy permit factors into an assessment has to do with another part of state law: M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 2D requires the town to assess and issue a supplemental tax bill on construction during a fiscal year if the value of the new building increases by more than 50% between June 30th and the date the occupancy permit is issued.  A pro-rated property tax bill is calculated and issued to cover that increased value from the date of the occupancy permit until the June 30th end of the fiscal year.

Because these supplemental bills are calculated early in a new calendar year – a few months after people have received their “actual” bills for the third and fourth quarter of the fiscal year – the Assessors’ Office sends out letters of explanation to affected property owners several months before the actual supplemental bill payments are due.

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) has been awarded a $50,000 Round Three Sports and Entertainment Events Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support public safety expenses associated with the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones, a series of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ watch party events taking place in Marlborough (June 11-13) and Franklin (June 24-25).

The award builds upon a previous Round One Sports and Entertainment Events Grant of $120,000 received by MBVB to support planning, infrastructure, marketing, logistics, and public safety costs for the initiative.

The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are among only a handful of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ public viewing events in Massachusetts authorized to livestream tournament matches. The two locations are expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors during the tournament, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate the world’s largest sporting event while showcasing MetroWest as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and community.

“The most meaningful legacy of the World Cup will be found in the communities that use this moment to strengthen partnerships, celebrate their unique identities, and create experiences that inspire people to return, invest, and engage for years to come,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We at MOTT are committed to helping shape that legacy by ensuring communities across the Commonwealth, like MetroWest, have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from this extraordinary global moment.”

“The Commonwealth’s investment through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund has been instrumental in turning an ambitious regional vision into reality,” said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “What began as a conversation about how MetroWest could participate in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has evolved into a major regional initiative that will bring residents together while also welcoming visitors from across Massachusetts, the nation, and around the world. We are excited to showcase our vibrant communities, local businesses, and cultural assets to an international audience.”

The MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative traces its origins to April 2024, when the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau began discussions with Boston World Cup, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee for the Boston region, regarding opportunities for MetroWest communities to participate in tournament-related programming.

Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, conversations with municipalities across the region led to the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin emerging as host communities for the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones.

Since then, the initiative has grown into a broad regional partnership. The City of Marlborough, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Town of Franklin, and Franklin’s Recreation Department have served as lead partners for planning, logistics, operations, and event support. The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) and MetroWest Chamber of Commerce joined the partnership to assist with fundraising, business engagement, vendor recruitment, and community outreach, while MBVB coordinated overall project management, marketing, sponsorship development, and vendor solicitation.

The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce also played a key role in ensuring accessibility and inclusion by providing translation support for event materials.

“This initiative represents exactly the kind of regional collaboration that drives economic development,” said Meredith Harris, Executive Director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation. “Not only will these events bring visitors directly into Marlborough and Franklin, but the Fan Zone Guide also encourages attendees to explore the entire MetroWest region through curated ‘Stay and Play’ recommendations. That means more visitors discovering our restaurants, retailers, attractions, hotels, and small businesses long after the final whistle blows.”

“As a community that values both creativity and culture, Franklin is thrilled to support local artists and makers through curated arts and crafts markets at both Fan Zone locations,” said Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy for the Town of Franklin. “These events provide visitors with an opportunity to take home unique, handcrafted souvenirs while supporting the talented creative entrepreneurs who help make our communities special.”

“The generosity of our corporate sponsors and community partners has been essential to making these Fan Zones free and accessible for everyone,” said Michelle Mercier, President and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Their support has allowed us to create an exciting, family-friendly celebration that welcomes residents and visitors alike to experience the spirit of the World Cup together. The business community has embraced this opportunity to showcase MetroWest on a global stage, and we are proud to have helped connect local companies with an event that will generate economic activity and regional visibility long after the tournament ends.”

“We are delighted to have helped create multilingual Fan Zone Guides and event signage so that all of our Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking friends—whether residents or visitors—feel welcomed and included,” said Reyad Shah, President and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. “The diversity of the match schedule reflects the diversity of our region, featuring not only a United States match, but also two Brazil matches, two Scotland matches, and games involving Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, Morocco, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Tunisia, and the Netherlands. We wanted fans from many of the communities that call MetroWest home to have an opportunity to celebrate together.”

In addition to state funding, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are supported through a diverse coalition of sponsors, community partners, vendor participation fees, and advertising opportunities.

Major FIFA-approved sponsors include Southwick’s Zoo, Dean College, Brazilian Times, and Michelob Ultra, the title sponsor of the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden at the Franklin Fan Zone. 

Additional event support has been provided by a variety of community and corporate partners. Lawson’s Finest Liquids is the lead partner for the Beer, Wine & Cocktails Garden at the Marlborough Fan Zone. Sartorius, Shaw’s, Quest Diagnostics, Alltown Fresh, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), Franklin Youth Soccer, and Daddario Hardware have helped support the event through free hosted activities, interactive fan experiences, and other event contributions. Additional funding has been generated through vendor participation fees and advertising opportunities on the Fan Zone jumbotrons between matches, and through Local Cultural Council grants awarded by Marlborough, Franklin, Bellingham, Natick, and Wayland, to support both the Fan Zone events and the production of the official Fan Zone Guide.

Organizers also expressed gratitude to the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, whose generous support in providing use of the Hayward Manor property has made it possible to expand the Franklin Fan Zone with a dedicated beer garden and jumbotron viewing area adjacent to the Town Common. 

The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones will feature giant-screen broadcasts of FIFA World Cup™ matches, live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts exhibitors, family activities, beer gardens, and cultural programming designed to celebrate the international spirit of the tournament.

Free tickets, additional information, and event details for both Fan Zone locations are available at www.metrowestvisitors.org/world-cup ^[8].

# # #

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org ^[9].

May is always a month to show our appreciation for all that teachers do for students, families and our special community here in Holliston.  Parent groups have been busy bringing refreshments, balloons and gifts to staff rooms, shout-outs to special teachers, and fundraising to support teacher grant requests for their students and classrooms.  

Early in May, the Holliston Education Foundation (HEF) invited teachers and staff to nominate colleagues who were stand-outs in their schools – a program called “Spotlight on Education.”  HEF received many outstanding nominations and made careful selections of recipients of the HEF Spotlight on Education award for their schools.  

At Placentino Elementary, Kristin Marino was named the Spotlight recipient for her dedication to hands-on learning by growing and showing the science/technology/engineering/art/math (STEAM) tools in the PlacenTinker Makerspace.  She spearheaded a concerted effort to develop activities for the youngest learners in the school – preschoolers – and continuously welcomes all participating students and teachers alike to learn by doing.   

In Miller Elementary, two teachers were awarded the Spotlight honor: Jennie LoRicco 5^th grade english/social studies teacher, and Kristina Kern, special education teacher: both teachers received glowing nominations for consistently going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of every student they serve.  They are both the type of teacher who cares deeply for all students and are masters at building relationships with students and their families. 

 At Adams Middle School, two more teachers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their students and the school: Martha Going (6^th grade math) and Kelli Garnhum (6^th grade special educator).  Their colleagues wrote: “She does this work because she genuinely loves her students, her colleagues, and her community,” and “She builds strong, positive relationships that foster trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. She is someone others naturally turn to for guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful insight.”  

Finally, at Holliston High School, the Spotlight recipient this year was Mark Liberty, paraprofessional and outstanding student motivator.  His nomination included these tributes: “He takes the initiative to help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and student ability – Mark not only is able to identify students who can use a little extra attention, but also has an ability and willingness to go to the next level and do whatever it takes to engage students.”   

HEF proudly held a Spotlight on Education ceremony for these wonderful teachers and their colleagues and families on May 5^th to celebrate teachers who have figured out how to turn the key to unlock potential in our students because “Everyone who remembers their own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” – quotation from the philosopher, Sidney Hook ^[10].  This idea embodies the character of our 2026 Spotlight winners.  They were all nominated for their abilities to provide an inclusive, collaborative and safe place for students and adults alike to learn and thrive.  They are talented and engaging professionals and easily connect with their students and colleagues by nurturing relationships and sharing ideas every day in our schools and we are lucky to have them here in Holliston.  

Teachers like these, and their colleagues who provide the heart and soul of our Holliston schools deserve our gratitude and support.  Families and community members can contribute to our great teachers and schools through celebrations like Spotlight and fundraising events to provide grants to help them create new activities and learning strategies for our young learners.  After the Spotlight awards, HEF opened the doors at Anthony’s on the Green on May 9^th to a “Strutting for Schools” dinner-dance event for parents and the community.  In the spirit of learning, the main event was a line dance lesson, provided by Lisa Abbascia, owner and dance teacher of the former Backstage Dance school in Ashland.  Learning (and doing) was the program of the night.  Along with help from the Special Education Parents Advisory Coalition (SEPAC) committee, HEF raised funds through auction items, tickets and a raffle all in support of the schools and teachers who prepare all of our students for their futures.  

HEF has been supporting the good ideas of the Holliston faculty and staff for the past 30 years to fund and promote innovation and creativity in our schools and classrooms, thanks to our major sponsor, the Middlesex Savings Bank.  Last year we funded grants to support projects in the Placentino MakerSpace, language translation tools for Miller classrooms and Chill Room enhancements at Miller to promote calming and focus, as well as upgraded CPR teaching tools at the Adams Middle School

“Friends of SEPAC” is a committee within HEF – specifically working to support the educational goals and needs of the special education programs in our schools.  Started in 2021, “SEPAC Gives Back” is an annual grant for families of children that receive special education or support services through Holliston Public Schools. Holliston Public School staff who provide special education services may also apply. In 2023, the SEPAC Gives Back program was able to award 37 grants to families and educators – more than double of our first two years combined!  Parents or caregivers of Holliston Public School students receiving special education or support services can apply for grant money based on a specific need or item that student may need. Holliston Public School staff providing these services can also apply for grant money for a specific item for a classroom or for a student. Grants can range from $25-$200 per family or classroom.  Parents and community members can contribute to the Holliston Education Foundation or the SEPAC programs by reaching out to volunteer at our websites or contributing on our donations pages. Visit our websites to find out more about these enrichment grants at www.HollistonEdFoundation.org ^[11] as well as www.HollistonSEPAC.org ^[12].

“HEF board left to upper right – Heidi Gibson, Arlan Wasik, Aaron Snyder. Awardees from left to right – Mark Liberty, Kelli Garnham, Jennie LoRicco, Martha Going, Kristina Kern, and Kristin Marino.”

“Dancing to “Fireball” by Pitbull”