Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is this weekend, and Massachusetts fire service leaders are providing residents with guidance on projects to protect their homes and neighborhoods while reducing the risk posed by wildland fires.

“Wildfire Community Preparedness Day promotes awareness of the wildland fire risk to people, property, and the environment, and how we can defend against it,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “Clearing flammable debris, creating an evacuation plan, and committing to outdoor fire safety can reduce the risk of a wildland fire damaging your home.”

“Wildland fires not only pose a risk to our open spaces but also to Massachusetts homes, businesses, and residents,” said Department of Conservation & Recreation Chief Fire Warden David Celino. “We see more than 1,000 of these fires in an average year, and late spring is usually the peak season. Some thoughtful yard work and planning this weekend can reduce the hazard to lives and property.”

Over 50% of Massachusetts homes are within the Wildland-Urban Interface zone, where development adjoins and mingles with the natural environment. Wildland fires in these areas can easily extend to homes, and residential fires can spark wildland fires that spread to hundreds of acres and tax regional fire resources.

Massachusetts experienced more than 1,100 wildland fires in an average year, in addition to hundreds of outdoor vegetation fires that can also spread to nearby structures. In the fall of 2024, wildland fires destroyed more than 30 homes, outbuildings, and other structures and placed hundreds more at risk.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a chance to protect yourself and loved ones from these hazards by reducing flammable fuels from the area around your house. Wildland fires most often spread to homes via small flames or embers, and clearing the home and surrounding area – also known as the Home Ignition Zone – of dead vegetation, mulch, firewood, low branches, and other fuels can reduce that risk. A manageable one-day project could include:

• Cleaning gutters and porches
• Removing debris from under porches and stairs
• Raking leaves and pine needles at least five feet from the foundation
• Moving wood piles further from the structure.

Residents should also know what to do if evacuation from the neighborhood becomes necessary. Pack an emergency kit with three days’ worth of supplies for your family members. (You can learn more about emergency supply kits from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency ^[1]). Plan two ways out of your house and identify two alternate travel routes out of the area in case your usual route is impassable. Be sure to let family members, guests, babysitters, and others know your home escape and evacuation plans.

Finally, almost all outdoor fires start with human activity – so everyone can also play a part in reducing the occurrence of wildland fires:

• Never toss cigarette butts or other smoking materials in dry vegetation, mulch, or debris
• Before setting up a campfire, be sure it is permitted by checking with the local fire department, and once lit attend to them at all times
• Always have a hose, bucket of water, or shovel and dirt or sand nearby to put out the fire, and be sure the fire is out cold before leaving.
• Keep grills at least 10’ from the house and away from low branches and shrubs
• If using an ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle, be sure the spark arrestor is properly installed, as required by Massachusetts law
• Don’t park an ATV, dirt bike, or other off-road vehicle on or near dry vegetation, and turn the engine off when stopped for an extended period of time

You can learn more about Wildfire Community Preparedness Day from the National Fire Protection Association ^[2], and more about wildland fire prevention from NFPA’s Firewise USA ^[3] program.

Photo by Gretchen Ertl & Christine Hochkeppel

In the last month, the Holliston Youth Action Team went to the Massachusetts State House twice to speak with legislators, sharing their lived experience with nicotine and alcohol and their ideas about the changes needed. The Holliston Youth Action Team (YAT) ^[4] is a group of High School student leaders committed to reducing youth substance use and advocating for healthier communities. Formed through the Holliston Drug and Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) ^[5], the YAT empowers students to take action on real public health issues by educating peers, engaging with policymakers, and promoting prevention strategies. Through hands-on advocacy, these students are not only learning about substance misuse, they are actively working to prevent it.

On March 18, 2026, eight members of the YAT traveled to the Massachusetts State House to participate in ENUFF Day: “Ending Nicotine Use for the Future.” ^[6] ENUFF Day is The 84 Movement’s ^[7] annual Youth Day of Action, bringing together over 200 young people from across the state to raise awareness about the dangers of nicotine and the tactics used by the tobacco and vaping industries. The event includes meetings with legislators, a youth-led rally, and a statewide awards ceremony celebrating youth advocacy.

During ENUFF Day, the YAT students met with Senate President Karen Spilka’s staff, where they shared personal stories, data, and advocated for stronger protections against nicotine and tobacco use among youth. For some students, this was their first experience inside the State House and their first opportunity to speak directly with policymakers. Through these conversations, they highlighted the real-world impact of nicotine addiction on families and communities.

One student shared the emotional toll addiction can take, explaining how watching a loved one struggle “made me mad… for others who have to watch a family member go through addiction, just like I did.” Another emphasized how normalized nicotine use has become among teens, describing how “every student… has interacted with nicotine in some way, directly or indirectly.” These lived experiences brought urgency and authenticity to their conversations with legislators.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of Holliston’s very own Max Collins, who received the 2026 Statewide Youth Leadership Award. This award honors a member of The 84 Movement who demonstrates exceptional dedication to reducing youth nicotine use and promoting positive social norms. Senate President Spilka joined her staff’s meeting with the YAT to present the award to Max after the group completed their comments.

Later that afternoon, Max was recognized in front of all the 84 Movement chapters for his years of advocacy, leadership within HDAAC, and commitment to creating change in his community. As described during the award presentation, Max has been “the foundation of our youth work in Holliston,” exemplifying leadership through connection, persistence, and a strong sense of purpose.

In their acceptance speech, Max reflected on what drives their work: “I stand here because of hope.” He spoke about believing in a better future and the role youth play in shaping it, adding, “You cannot make change without first believing that change can be made.” His message resonated throughout the room, reminding fellow youth advocates that their voices, and their persistence, matter.

Photos by Gretchen Ertl & Christine Hochkeppel

Just two weeks later, on April 1st, seven members of the YAT returned to the State House! This time to advocate for an increase in the Massachusetts Alcohol Excise Tax. This proposal aims to raise the tax on alcohol, which hasn’t been done since 1980, by 10 cents per drink and invest the revenue into public health initiatives such as substance use prevention, mental health services, and community programs.

The need for this policy is rooted in significant public health concerns. In Massachusetts, alcohol is responsible for 1 in 20 deaths each year and is the most commonly used substance among high school students. Additionally, alcohol use is linked to motor vehicle crashes, chronic diseases such as cancer, and academic challenges for youth. These realities underscore why prevention-focused policies, like the alcohol excise tax, are critical.

During the Alcohol Excise Tax Advocacy Day, our YAT students met with Representative James Arena-DeRosa’s staff and Senate President Karen Spilka herself, along with six of her staff members! Students spoke powerfully about how alcohol has impacted their lives. One student recalled a frightening experience riding in a car with a parent who had been drinking, sharing that “three beers could’ve been all it took to erase my life, my hopes, and my future.” Another spoke about family struggles with addiction, describing it as “a constant and brutal battle that you can never truly get out of.”

Students also highlighted how alcohol affects broader communities. One advocate pointed out that even in a town with lower-than-average use rates, alcohol remains “the number one substance among high schoolers… that could fall victim to addiction and alcohol’s consequences.” These stories reinforced that behind every statistic are real people, families, and futures at risk.

The students’ advocacy efforts were grounded not only in data, but in lived experience. By combining personal narratives with evidence-based policy solutions, they were able to communicate a powerful message: that prevention matters, and that youth deserve a voice in shaping policies that affect their health and future.

HDAAC would like to thank both Senator Spilka and Representative Arena-DeRosa and their staffs for listening to our powerful young people. We are incredibly proud of the Youth Action Team for their dedication, courage, and leadership. These students have demonstrated what meaningful youth advocacy looks like and are creating real change. Their efforts at the State House serve as a reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they can shape healthier, safer futures for everyone.

Week #1:

Welcome to the 2026 HSS season where Kampersal Electric looks to capture their 5^th straight ‘A’ division championship while Johnson North, South, and Dalton Rd look to get their name etched on the Shanny Cup in ’26. Mother Nature welcomed us with a kick to the groin Sunday night as temps dropped into the low 40’s with drizzle/snow but at least the wind picked up to make this Opening Day one to remember.

Jasper Rock’s Doug Herman leads off first in the elements in a match up with DYR

Mudville took it to Brentwood, 15-8 as they welcomed back 70’s rocker P Steve Miller (7IP, 7H, 4ER) back to the circle and the veteran twirled a gem.  Offensively, the were lead by 3B Eric Kuharich (4-6, 2 2B, 4 R) and OF Eric Higgins (3-5, 2B, 4RBI).  In the 4^th, Mudville flashed some leather in the OF as Rob Klimeczko (3-4, 2R) made a spectacular catch in LCF robbing Brentwoods P Shawn Thompson (2-3, 2R) of extra bases.  Rob spent the next 4 hrs post game telling anyone who would listen about the catch.

Mudville’s Klimeczko with a sensational catch in the 4^th that preserved a Mudville lead.

Johnson North walked off Braggvile, 10-9 on a single by OF Ross Weisman (2-4, RBI, R) that scored Benny ‘The Jet’Schwarz (3-4, 2B, HR, 3RBI, 3R) from 2B.  Trailing 6-1 after 3, JN battled back to take eventually take a 9-8 lead after 6 and decided to line up and shake hands then but Braggville didn’t buy it and they played the 7^th.  Braggville proceeded to tie it thanks to a OF Paul Murphy (3-4, 2B, 2R)lead off double who then scored a sac fly by OF Darren Fells (3-4, 2B, 3RBI).  3B Scott Dellolacono shined in his debut for JN by going 4-5 with a double, 3RBI, and 3R while P Pete Guellnitz was solid in the circle giving up 5 ER in 7 innings of work.

Johnson North high-fiving themselves after taking the lead in the 6^th -we play 7.  They’re so young, they  thought it was Little League rules. 

South blanked Anthony’s, 7-0 via forfeit.  Terrible…Do better DelPrete.

‘The Fighting Cottos’ aka Dalton Rd took Downtown to the woodshed, 21-5 behind the big bat of OF Christian Carroll (5-6, 3HR, 5RBI, 5R). Yes, the HR count is correct, he belted 3 solo HR’s at Patoma to pace the offense, 2 onto the other infield and 1 to the left of the cone in CF.  Impressive.  Dalton also played solid D as first-time 2B Keith Poutier (3-5, 2B, 2R)and fill-in SS Matt Saari (3-4, RBI, 2R) sparkled up the middle and turned 3 DP’s.   P Ty Cotto (7IP, 6H, 4ER) filled in admirably for the vacationing Chris Munroe.  Bazaar situation in the 4^th as a heated argument took place involving just 1 team.  2 on 1 out and Dalton Rd skipper Steve Cotto line a shot down the RF line that Downtown C John Potemri called fair yet RF Todd Kagno believed it to be foul and screamed at his catcher.

Downtown teammates Kagno and Potemri get into a heated discussion over a fair/foul call in the 4th.

DYR held on to clip Jasper Rock,  8-6 thanks to a SS Jason MacDonald (2-4,3B, 2R) bases loaded triple in the 3^rd that put DYR in front and they never looked back.  DYR rookie OF Pat McClay (2-3, 2R) threw out 2 runners at home in this one and actually should’ve been 3 but Jasper’s Greg Williams was somehow allowed in the coaching box and called the 3^rd one safe on a close play.   P Justin Lessard (7IP, 6 H, 1ER) pitched well and 3B Ben Leverone (2-3, R) turned a key double play with the bases loaded in the 4^th to end a Jasper threat.  Jasper pounded out 21 hits but ran themselves out of 2 innings and *DYR turned a few timely defensive plays to end innings. ( *editors note: that sentence has never been written before in this column..ever)

Jasper’s Greg Williams did no such thing….

Kingz took down Lions, 15-6 behind the bats of Storm ’26 Fall Ball Champion Alum OF Joe Robbins (3-4, HR, 2B, 3RBI) and 3B Ross DuBuc (3-4, HR, 2RBI, 2R) while OF Alex Wolf’s ( 3-3, HR, 3RBI) 3-run shot in the 4^th broke open the game.  Pitching and defense were solid in this one for Kingz as Storm ’26 Fall Ball Champion Alum P Pat Snow delivered in the circle ( 7IP, 6H, 4ER) while manager OF Sean Foley(3-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R) shined at the plate..

Kampersal squashed The Hood, 13-3.   “We stink, new guys stink, umpires stink.” -Manager Tom Kampersal.

Despite the introduction of new hooded uniforms, the Hood couldn’t muster any offense after putting up 3 in the first to take a 3-1 lead.  OF Colin Fields (3-3, 2B, R) was the lone bright spot while the hooded uniforms received criticism from the opposition on this one:

“those uniforms are the worst” – anonymous Kampersal player who plays in foul territory.

The much ballyhooed debut of young stud Matt Kampersal was about as successful as the New Coke launch as he went hitless.  I’m sure he’ll bounce back in the weeks ahead and will be used to the wood bats in time for the game against DYR at Damigella. Go Matt!   

Not only is the hood a dubious choice, the color scheme appears to be a bit much as well.

GAME OF THE WEEK for Wk 2 (4/26/26)

Kampersal (1-0) vs. Braggville (0-1) at High School @ 6pm

• After sleep walking through Wk 1, manager Tom Kampersal let his troops know that kind of effort is will not be accepted 2 wks in a row so, I expect the bats to wake up in this on.
• New-look Braggville will give the champs some early trouble but will not have enough to spin the upset.

*Prediction: Kampersal 15  Braggville 6

(My Record: 1-0)

 

Division A Standings through 19 Apr

Position	Team	Won	Lost	Tied	Pct	Runs For	Runs Against	Opp Wins
1	South	1	0	0	1.000	7	0	0
2	Kampersal	1	0	0	1.000	13	3	0
3	Dalton Road	1	0	0	1.000	21	5	0
4	Johnson North	1	0	0	1.000	10	9	0
5	Anthony’s East	0	1	0	0.000	0	7	0
6	Braggville	0	1	0	0.000	9	10	0
7	The Hood	0	1	0	0.000	3	13	0
8	Downtown	0	1	0	0.000	5	21	0

Division B Standings through 19 Apr

Position	Team	Won	Lost	Tied	Pct	Runs For	Runs Against	Opp Wins
1	Kingz	1	0	0	1.000	15	6	0
2	DYR	1	0	0	1.000	8	6	0
3	Mudville	1	0	0	1.000	15	8	0
4	Jasper Rock	0	1	0	0.000	6	8	0
5	Brentwood	0	1	0	0.000	8	15	0
6	Lions	0	1	0	0.000	6	15	0

Week #2:

DYR beat Lions, 14-8 as rookies OF Pat McClay (2-3, 2B, 2R) and OF Brian Kuhn (3-3,RBI, 3R) paced the offense while OF Doug Reeley (2-3, 2RBI, R) had a key 2-out bases loaded single to drive in 2 in the 5^th to answer after the Lions 5-spot in the top half of the inning that cut the lead to 1.  DYR could’ve added to their run total if not for 3B Zach Raymond (2-3, 2B 2 RBI) being allowed in the coaching box in the 4^th as he held runners he should’ve sent, and sent runners he should’ve held leading to chaos on the basebaths.

DYR’s Zack Raymond sending teammate Justin Lessard home on a single to RF only to be thrown out by 10ft

Downtown topped Brentwood, 19-13 as 2025 Fall Ball Storm champ alum 1B Greg Wright (4-5, 2 2B, 3B, 4 RBI) paced the offense while OF Todd Kiley (3-3, 2B, 2RBI, R) (who has yet to make an out so far this yr) broke open a 1-run game with his 2-run double in the 5^th.  P Mike Adams saw his ERA drop to 45.50 despite giving up 11 ER in this one after his rough outing opening day vs Dalton (21 runs).  The veteran righty needs to right the ship quick to keep Downtown competitive in ‘A’.

Downtown P Mike Adams reacts to a bases loaded double he gave up that allowed runs 12 and 13 to cross.

Jasper Rock clipped The Hood, 16-13 as newcomers OF Stephen Davis (4-4, 2B, R) and OF Rick Gallimore (2-4, 2RBI, 2R) led a balanced offensive attack.  The rookies also played well defensively as both made key catches on deep flyballs that helped thwart the comeback effort by The Hood. Down 11 in the 6^th , The Hood came alive thanks to the bats of 2B Alan Plante (3-3, 2B, 2RBI) and OF Joe Gelzhiser (3-4, 2B, 3RBI) who each had 2-run doubles in their 6-run inning to make it a game.  P Shawn Peters new look didn’t distract the Jasper offense like he had hoped.

The Hood’s Shawn Peters sporting his new look ‘stache Sunday night.

Mudville beat Kings, 14-8 as lefty 3B Eric Kuharich (4-4, 3 2B, 3RBI,4R) took advantage of the short RF porch at Patoma launching 3 lasers into the woods to pace the offense. Rookie OF John DeMello (2-4, 2B, 2RBI,R) hit a monstrous sac fly that could’ve scored the runner from first as it was caught near home plate of the other field.  Mudville P Eric Higgins (7IP, 20 H, 5 ER) flashed the leather thoughout this one as he robbed 3B Ross Dubuc (3-4, 2 2B, RBI, 3 R) of 2 RBI’s by deflecting a bases loaded liner up the middle that richochet to the 2B who then flipped to SS for the force to end the threat.  In the 6^th, he made 2 more stellar defensive plays to end a Kingz rally including snagging a liner up the middle off the bat of OF Sean Foley( 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI) that would’ve scored 2B Matt Rickman (3-3, 2B, R) to cut the lead to 2.

Mudville P Eric Higgins robs Sean Foley of a hit and an RBI in Sunday nights contest.

Kampersal nipped Braggville, 35-16 as the top 4 in the line up went 19-24 and, of the 13 in the line up, 12 had 3 or more hits.  In the 7^th, they started the inning with 13 straight hits leading to a 15-run inning.  Needless to say Braggville P Johnny Marsell (7IP, 49H, 31 ER, BB) has begun therapy sessions to gain the courage to go back out on the mound Sunday.  Rookie Matt Kampersal (5-7, 2 2B, 4RBI, 4R) and SS Tim Swift (6-7, 2B, 2 3B, 3RBI, 3R) led the Kampersal mauling.

Braggville’s Johnny Marsell working through his Sunday night nightmare vs Kampersal.

Dalton Rd took down South, 20-11 thanks to 3B Kevin Lauze (5-5, HR, 3 2B, 4RBI, 3R) and OF Mitch Cotto (5-5, 2B, 4RBI, 2 R) leading the offense.  OF Derek Jordan (3-5, 2B, 2R) showed off his arm by nailing 2 runners at home to squash any thoughts of a South comeback.  Jordan was involved in another memorable play in the field with Cotto.  Up 4 in the 4^th when South mounted a threat with 2-men on and OF Dave Franco(3-4, 2B, R) up who then hits a shot into the LCF gap that both Jordan and Cotto stared at thinking the other was tracking it (hint: neither was) and it fell for a 2-run triple.  Luckily for them, Lauze would bale them out in Dalton half of the 4^th with his 2^nd of 3 doubles to drive in 2. Pregame buzz had Dalton Rd original Dave Birmingham stopping in for a visit to see his former mates.  Live look at Birm visiting the Dalton Dugout:

Anthony’s took down Johnson North, 9-3 as OF Ben Pratt (3-4, 2B, 4RBI) and SS Dave Robinon (3-3, 2RBI, 2R) paced the victors. A combination of P XXX (7IP, 6H,2ER) and JN still in Spring Break mode kept the offense quiet in this one.  The pregame family get together down at the lake was probably not the best idea as they proceeded to sleep-walk through most of this one dreaming of endless White Claws and Mimosa’s while listening to Kenny G.  The lone bright spot for JN was P Pete Guellnitz (7IP, 6H, 1ER)

.

Looking to extend their family  vacations, this was the Johnson North pre-game scene down at Stoddard on Sunday. Hence the 6 hits and 3 runs…

GAME OF THE WEEK for Wk 3 (5/3/26)

Johnson North (1-1) vs. South (1-1) at Goodwill @ 6pm

• Look for JN to bounce back from an anemic effort offensively last week.  Locale here will play a factor as there is a temporary fence in LF that I think the big bats for JN can take advantage of.
• South can take advantage of the LF fence too but just not enough fire power to match JN.

*Prediction: Johnson North 15  South 11

 

(My Record: 1-0)

Division A Standings through 26 Apr

Position	Team	Won	Lost	Tied	Pct	Runs For	Runs Against	Opp Wins
1	Dalton Road	2	0	0	1.000	41	16	2
2	Kampersal	2	0	0	1.000	48	19	0
3	Anthony’s East	1	1	0	0.500	9	10	1
4	South	1	1	0	0.500	18	20	1
5	Johnson North	1	1	0	0.500	13	18	0
6	Downtown	1	1	0	0.500	24	34	0
7	The Hood	0	2	0	0.000	16	29	0
8	Braggville	0	2	0	0.000	25	45	0

Division B Standings through 26 Apr

Position	Team	Won	Lost	Tied	Pct	Runs For	Runs Against	Opp Wins
1	DYR	2	0	0	1.000	22	14	1
2	Mudville	2	0	0	1.000	29	16	1
3	Kingz	1	1	0	0.500	23	20	0
4	Jasper Rock	1	1	0	0.500	22	21	0
5	Lions	0	2	0	0.000	14	29	0
6	Brentwood	0	2	0	0.000	21	34	0

 

We want to apologize for going dark for a month. We promise to do better. We want to especially apologize to the people who work so hard to send submissions. We will catch up on sports, police and fire logs and real estate sales over the next week – and we promise you we will not go dark again without advance warning.

Exemptions – which are “a release or discharge from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a local property tax” (Massachusetts Department of Revenue definition) – are authorized under Massachusetts state laws, which require that people apply annually for them.

If you’re a Holliston homeowner who already is receiving an exemption, the Assessors’ Office will mail you a new application form every year in late June so that you can apply for the new fiscal year (Fiscal years run from July 1st to the following June 30th).

You have until the following April 1st to submit your application.  However, if you want to see the exemption reflected in your “actual” tax bills (the third and fourth quarter bills mailed to you in late December), the Assessors’ Office needs to receive your application before Thanksgiving.

The only exemption application with a different deadline is Holliston’s Senior Means-Tested exemption – based on the state Senior Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit.  The Assessors’ Office needs to receive this application by mid-September.

The exemptions available to Holliston homeowners primarily are for seniors and veterans.  Certain non-profit, charitable groups also qualify for exemptions, but have different applications and deadlines.

In Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025), the Board of Assessors approved $245,896.08 in exemptions to 111 Holliston residents.

If you have moved to Holliston from another state, please remember that available exemptions differ from state to state.

A list of what exemptions are available to Holliston residents can be found on the Assessors’ page (https://www.townofholliston.us/188/Assessors ^[8]) on the Town of Holliston’s website.

Ronald Wayne (Reggie) Wright, 59, of Hudson, Massachusetts, formerly of Holliston, Massachusetts, passed away on the evening of April 19, 2026, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, after a short illness.

Born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on November 29, 1966, he was the beloved youngest son of the late Cecil Wright Sr and the late Eileen (Clayton) Wright.

Ronnie, affectionately known as “Reggie” by many, chose the nickname himself in honor of his Godfather, the late Deacon Reggie Hamilton of Beechville, Nova Scotia, the community that provided Reggie’s family roots.

Reggie attended elementary school and junior high school in Holliston before moving on to Keefe Tech, where he was a member of the soccer and basketball teams prior to graduating in 1984.

An avid fan of all professional Boston sports teams, he was always up and eager for a hearty debate on their fortunes and failures. In addition to being a lifelong honorary member of the Folkes and Ralston families, Reggie was a helper by nature from a very young age. He was always quick to lend a helping hand, wearing a broad smile and sharing a hearty laugh.

Reggie was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Eileen, and grandparents, Howard and Georgina Wright, and Violet (Clayton) Ergas. He is survived by his best friend and soulmate, Deb Hayes of Hudson, Massachusetts, his big brother, Cecil Jr (Deb) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, children, George, Francine, Brittney, Elizabeth, Victoria, Jacob, and Ben: grandchildren Felicity, Riley, Ava, Austin and Presley; Niece, Danielle (Blake) and Nephew, Dennis (Brenda) both of Beechville, Nova Scotia, along with many great nieces, nephews and a world of cousins.

Reggie will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered for his helping and happy demeanor. He always chose to see the good in the world and tried to do his part to make it a better place.

At his request, cremation has taken place, and a service to celebrate his life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 40 High Street, Holliston, Massachusetts, on Saturday afternoon, April 25,at 1:00 pm. Please join his family and friends for his homegoing celebration.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com ^[9]

Donna Marie (Wise) Frank, 88, of Franklin, passed away on April 18, 2026. She has been married for 62 years to her beloved husband, David Frank.

Donna was a born helper who gave her time generously to charity, especially the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Brewster and the Hands of Hope Food Pantry in Harwich, where she volunteered alongside her husband. She lived a very active life and was always on the move. Donna was an avid gardener and loved to dance. Being a homemaker was one of her beloved callings in life, and she was always seen giving gifts.

In addition to her devoted husband, David, she leaves behind her four children, Barbara Berger, and her husband Richard of St. Petersburg, FL; Maureen Clark of Medway; Annemarie Frank and her husband, Ofer Benyona, of St. Petersburg, FL; and Kirsten O’Leary and her husband, John, of Norfolk. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Kerry Anne and Hailey Clark, Brendan, Sean, and Colin O’Leary. Donna is predeceased by her siblings, the Reverend Russell Wise, and Barbara Woodin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 23rd, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 24th, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church of Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, svdpcapecod.com/donate/or Hands of Hope Food Pantry capecodcouncilofchurches.org/donate

Lois Anne Guyon, 72, of Holliston, passed away at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Natick, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Marcella (Lane) and Benjamin Blackmer. She was the wife of 52 years to Paul L. Guyon of Holliston.

Lois attended Aquinas Jr. College in Newton, MA and graduated with an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught in Holliston for a time before moving on to be a secretary. She was an accomplished equestrian who had a lifelong love of horses. She enjoyed ceramics, especially spending time creating with her sisters. She liked camping and being outdoors. Lois was known for hosting holidays at her home. She was a great cook and often prepared meals for others, especially during the holidays. Lois was devoted to her family and valued time spent with them.

In addition to her husband, Lois is survived by two children, Amy Garbarino and her husband, Charles, and Bob Guyon and his wife, Katie, all of Holliston. She also leaves behind four sisters, Paula Foglietta of Florida, Linda Craft of Ashland, Tina Morini of Milford, and Tara Mooney and her husband, Jim, of New Hampshire; and three grandchildren, Matthew and Alyssa Garbarino, and Benjamin Guyon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16th from 9:00 a.m.- 11:15 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com ^[9] A graveside service will take place following visitation at 12pm at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741or https://www.michaeljfox.org/ ^[10]

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