The Celebrate Holliston Board of Directors is proud to announce the 2021 Citizens of the Year.  On Saturday, September 18, we honored Heather Scaringella and Paul Saulnier.

Heather Scaringella moved to Holliston in 1998 with her husband and two sons, Thomas and Tyler, who are now in high school and college.  In her 23-year tenure living in Holliston, Heather has given her time and talents to numerous organizations in Holliston and surrounding towns.

Heather is passionate about education and helping every student rise to the top of their potential. She has volunteered at the schools as both Vice President and President of the Elementary PTO; was a member of the 2009-2010 District Planning Committee; a Parent Representative to the Miller School Council as well as Co-Chair of the Miller School Playground Renovation Project.  She is currently on the Holliston Early Childhood Council.

Her passion can also be seen through her work with grant writing for the MA EEC which provided access to childcare for low income Holliston Families. She managed this program while working with families and childcare centers, in town, to allocate funding which allowed parents to send their child to daycare without worrying about the cost.

She also is on the Grant Committee for the Framingham Union Aide Association (which supports Holliston FD and PD.  She has co-chaired the Celebrate Holliston Committee (and is presently on their Board); volunteers to cook for the Salvation Army; was a member of the Christian Ed Committee and enjoyed teaching Sunday School. Presently, Heather is a mentor for high school students interested in attending college.

Heather stated that “I enjoy volunteering because it allows me to learn about others, listen to their diverse experiences, and contribute to making meaningful impacts in people’s lives, no matter the size of the impact. I have lived in 8 states and, from that, grew a desire to welcome and embrace others.”

Paul Saulnier moved back to Massachusetts in 1979 from New Jersey to be closer to family and settled in Holliston with his wife and two sons, Dan and Phil. He explains that he volunteers because “after living in exile in South Jersey for nine years, the line from the Cheers song always rings true to me ‘you want to go where everyone knows your name.’”

Paul’s extensive volunteer efforts include the following: Holliston Historical Society (1979-present); Conservation Commission (1980-1985); Board of Water Commission (1985-2005); V.O.I.C.E. Committee (downtown zoning changes); Dam Safety Officer (1982-2010); Two wastewater study committees; Engineers Without Borders; Two trips to India to design and guild septic systems for a hospital and school; began the Father’s Day Breakfast Car Show at the Holliston Historical Society; Two housing committees (ten years); Trustee of Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust (2005-present); Designs for four Habitat for Humanity houses; Member of the Knights of Columbus; HCAT reporter and camera operator; Reporter and cofounder of HollistonReporter.com; 8 Arch Bridget Restoration Committee; and Design services for the replacement of Town hall septic system.

Perhaps what everyone knows best, is Paul’s commitment to the Holliston Reporter.  He has been the co-owner and writer for over a dozen years and is best recognized for his weekly police log and commentary that is always filled with dry wit.

Please join us in celebrating these two outstanding volunteers at our Street Festival on Saturday September 18; they will be honored at the “stage” in front of the Fire Station at 10am.