by Michelle Johnson
9/12/2014

Celebrate Holliston is pleased to announce the 2014 recipients of Holliston’s CITIZEN OF THE YEAR: Louise Kirkpatrick and Walter “D” Robbins.

Louise has lived in Holliston for over 25 years and has been an active volunteer even before arriving. For over 14 years, Louise has been an active Lions Club member, and became President of the Holliston Lions in 2004. She has volunteered at Leonard Morse Hospital, Holliston Food Pantry (for over 15 years) and worked on the 275th Anniversary celebration of Holliston. Over the past few years, Louise has combined her Lions and Pantry work and created Operation Mitten, which provides holiday gifts for Holliston families in need. Her latest passion is the Leo Club where high school students can get involved in community service projects all over town. Finally, Louise is an active member of the Youth Speech Program, which helps students feel more comfortable with public speaking. She is warm, kind and obviously very giving.

Walter “D” Robbins has been a major fixture in Holliston for over 50 years. He was a loyal member of the Housing Committee for over 30 years, seven of which he was chair. He helped with the creation and construction of 24 new units at Cole Court as well as 6 family units at Cutler School. He was instrumental in helping create 75 units at Mission Springs and also served on the committee that created the current Senior Center. As owner of Studio D for fifty years, “D” was the eyes and ears of those in need. He would quietly give free haircuts, rides to medical appointments and whatever else was needed. Moreover, for 35 years “D” served on the Prison Ministry Bethany Group. In his free time “D” has been treasurer of the Holliston Historical Society, helped at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and as a Veteran of the Korean War, is an active member of the American Legion.

The Board of Celebrate Holliston will be honoring “D” and Louise on Thursday night September 18th at Anthony’s on the Green (from 5:00-8:00 p.m.) and during the parade and Field Day on Saturday September 20. The public is invited to both events.