




This past April and May, the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC)’s Youth Action Team [1] (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 [2]: 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 30th, 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 [3].
# # #
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 [4].
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 5th 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 (6th grade math) and Kelli Garnhum (6th 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 5th 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 [5]. 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 9th 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 [6] as well as www.HollistonSEPAC.org [7].

“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”

The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin, today released additional details for its MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, including event schedules, featured activities, entertainment programming, sponsors, and ticketing information.
Free tickets are now available for both Fan Zone locations at MetroWestVisitors.org/world-cup [8]. While admission is free, advance ticket registration is required for all attendees.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are currently among only a handful of officially licensed public viewing events in Massachusetts authorized to livestream FIFA World Cup™ matches, creating a rare opportunity for fans to experience the excitement of the tournament in a large-scale community setting close to home.
“From live match broadcasts and music to interactive games, food trucks, and family activities, these Fan Zones are designed to create an unforgettable festival atmosphere for residents and visitors alike,” said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “This is about more than watching soccer—it’s about bringing communities together, celebrating the international spirit of the tournament, and showcasing MetroWest as a welcoming destination during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”
Each Fan Zone will feature giant jumbotron livestreams of FIFA World Cup™ matches, live bands and performances, family-friendly activities, food vendors, beer gardens, lawn games, arts and crafts vendors, and interactive activities. Both locations will also host a World Cup Dance Party between matches, featuring music videos on the jumbotron, as well as dedicated opportunities for attendees to play “Just Dance” live on the big screen.
The New England Revolution mascot Slyde will appear at both locations for photo opportunities and fan engagement throughout the events.
Marlborough Fan Zone (Kelleher Field)
Event Hours & Match Schedule
Throughout the event, World Cup anthems and international music will help create a high-energy festival atmosphere celebrating the global spirit of the tournament.
Featured activities in Marlborough include:
Marlborough will also feature a Beer, Wine & Cocktails Garden including Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
Franklin Fan Zone (Franklin Town Common and adjacent Hayward Manor)
Event Hours & Match Schedule
Interactive activities in Franklin will include:
Franklin’s Michelob Ultra Beer Garden will feature Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, and Nutrl seltzer, as well as craft beer and wine from local producers.
Attendees at both locations can also enjoy a wide variety of food trucks and local vendors serving everything from classic festival favorites like popcorn, cotton candy, chips, snow cones, and drinks to handmade empanadas, Venezuelan and Caribbean specialties, fried dough, fried Oreos, and more.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are sponsored in part by Southwick’s Zoo, Dean College, and Brazilian Times.
Additional information, including the official Fan Zone Guide, ticket registration, match schedules, parking information, and future updates, is available at 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 [4].

Eileen M. Langelo, age 100, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 1, 2026, just weeks shy of her 101st birthday. She was the wife of the late Vincent A. Langelo. Born in Woods Harbor, Nova Scotia, Canada, Eileen grew up surrounded by love and care and developed especially close bonds with her beloved grandmother and her cousin Ruth.
Eileen worked several part-time jobs while raising her family and, as a senior citizen, volunteered at Tri-Valley Elder Services, helping to care for other seniors. Her caring and gentle nature was a comfort to many who were lonely or suffering.
After the death of her husband in 2001, Eileen moved to a small apartment in Medway Senior Housing, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She enjoyed bingo, senior lunches, attending church, community events in Medway, and many family gatherings.
Eileen was devoted to her family and was a blessing to all who knew her. Her kind, caring, patient, and warm temperament was a comfort to everyone around her.
Eileen is survived by four daughters: Nancy Curtis of Natick, Massachusetts; Carolyn (Bill) Ronca of Naples, Florida; Judy (Steve) Parlato of Medway, Massachusetts; and Laurie Langelo of West Concord, Massachusetts. She also leaves behind her treasured seven grandchildren: Isabella, Eva, Gina, Vinny, Richard, Tommy, and Brian. She was predeceased by three brothers and one sister.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6th from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral home service will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Lake Grove Cemetery in Holliston.
Registration is open for the 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber [9] presented by Hyundai. Scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, funds raised from the Walk support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute [10].
The 2026 event will aim to raise $10 million in support of Dana-Farber’s mission to defy cancer by leading the way in groundbreaking research and lifesaving patient care.
The Walk has raised more than $197 million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in its 37-year history and raises the most funds of any single-day walk in the nation. Participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options along the iconic Boston Marathon ® course:
The Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber brings together patients, caregivers, and supporters to walk together against cancer. Along the route, participants will be motivated by Hero posters, photos and quotes from Dana-Farber patients, who are considered the heart and inspiration for the event. Walkers will also enjoy refreshments and cheer squads throughout the course.
The event will conclude at the Boston Common Finish Line, by the corner of Charles and Beacon Streets. Finish line activities will include a celebration with food, entertainment, and more. Walkers who prefer to participate virtually can complete their chosen distance from any location.
To register for the Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber or to support a walker, visit JimmyFund.org/Walk [11] or call (866) 531-9255. Registrants can enter the promo code NEWS for $5 off the registration fee. You can also sign up to volunteer [12] on Walk Day.

As you are no doubt aware, we were really behind on the property transfers. There were a number of reasons for that which we will not bore you with. However, they are now current as of May 31 — you can see April and May on the front page and you can see prior months by selecting the Real Estate category on the right.
Property: 244 Rolling Meadow Road Price: $890,000
Sellers: Thomas F III & Diane Ryan
Buyers: George R Docktor & Patricia M Ridge
Property: 18 Northway Street Price: $750,000
Sellers: Thomas R Emmons TR & Emmons Family Trust
Buyers: Jason Potash & Danielle Aston
Property: 107 Richard Road Price: $950,000
Seller: Solidstone Development LLC
Buyers: Tyler Pierre Takashi Tanaka & Karleigh Eleanor Bradbury Tanaka
Property: 62 Ashland Street Price: $1,045,000
Sellers: Scott & Susan Mogren
Buyers: Ryan & Samantha McKetchnie
Property: 25 Irving Place Price: $867,000
Sellers: Joseph Michael & Ashley Marie Paru
Buyers: Keenan Patrick & Jennifer Mills Roberts
Property: 107 Dorset Road Price: $645,000
Sellers: Kevin McCarthy & Kasey Richards
Buyer: Jennifer Corcoran
Property: 892 Highland Street Price: $729,000
Seller: Denise A Cronin
Buyer: Tiago Alves
Property: 110 Union Street Price: $642,000
Sellers: Keenan P & Jennifer Mills Roberts
Buyer: Maureen Zucco
Property: 59 Brooksmont Drive Unit 13 Price: $729,000
Sellers: Constance Kolman TR & Constance S Kolman 2020 Trust
Buyers: Patricia Ann & Gary Bruce Sutherland
Property: 20 Glacier Way Price: $660,000
Sellers: Lawrence P Dennin Jr. & Rita M. Dennin Living Trust
Buyers: Edward L & Jean L Gooch
Property: 15 Whispering Lane Price: $1,690,000
Sellers: Alberto C & Christine L Costa
Buyers: Parveen Dudy & Fnu Shitanshul
Property: 49 Granite Street Price: $730,000
Sellers: John Roger Greenwood III, Leslie S Halen & John R. Greenwood IV
Buyers: Daniel & Lisa Rothenberger
Property: 563 Norfolk Street Price: $675,000
Sellers: Daniella w Elbialy TR & Daniella W Elbialy Revocable Trust & Emily De Oliveira
Buyers: Mohamed Sami Elibialy TR
Here are the comps:
