by Lina Arena-DeRosa
9/28/2009

(That's Jon on the left, with Kevin Witzell, Holliston resident and Project Architect with Kaestle Boos Associates).

Jon Juhl has lived in Holliston for over 22 years. He has been married to his wife Karen for 26 years and has two kids in college, Katie and Brian. Jon is best known for his work on many major projects in town, especially the renovation of Town Hall in 2001-2003, the study committee for a new police station in 2004-2006, and the building of the new police station from 2006 until this fall (September, 2009) when the new station was opened.

(Jon presents his recommendations for renovations to the Andrews School to the Housing Committee and Mudville residents)

Aside from renovating needy town institutions, Jon has coached intramural basketball, both girls and boys, as well the Long Distance Tire team in the Holliston Men’s Senior Softball Spring League. He has also been an active member of the Flagg-Cole Redevelopment Committee, and currently serves as the Vice President of the Mission Springs Senior Housing Board.

(Jon presents the recommendations of the Police Station Building Committee at the groundbreaking ceremony)

Jon’s passion to restoring buildings with character and history became evident while renovating Holliston’s Town Hall.  He believed that the building's 1850's character needed to be preserved while updating the building for 21st century technology and needs.  This project was a natural precursor to the new police station.  The police station had its own unique needs and problems, but even in these tough economic times, Jon was able to shepherd this project to its completion.

Jon is best known for his kind, thoughtful and inclusive way of bringing many groups and opinions together (as depicted above).  His ability to keep massive and complicated projects moving forward is a tribute to his talent and his perseverance.  The Celebrate Holliston Committee unanimously voted him as Citizen of the Year 2009.