Our survey is now closed.

We received close to 500 responses and results will be published in this week’s edition of the Canton Citizen (March 26).

Thank you to all who took the time to respond.

I want to thank Tim Shanahan for his letter that appeared in the April 30 issue of the Canton Citizen. Civic debate makes us stronger, and he raises questions worth answering honestly. Rather than just rebutting his piece, which has been done elsewhere, I want to step above the fray and speak from the heart.

I spent 35 years inside the energy industry — as an economist, utility analyst, regulatory affairs professional, and compliance and ethics executive. I have sat in countless boardrooms, regulatory hearings, and community meetings where energy and environmental decisions get made. I have seen firsthand what happens when communities both fight for their rights and wait too long to act.

The free market that Mr. Shanahan invokes is not, and has never been, truly free. Our aging energy system was built over a century with enormous public investment, public land, and public subsidy. Further, the true costs of burning fossil fuels — the health impacts, the climate consequences, the grid vulnerabilities — have never been fully priced into our energy bills. Someone always pays. My biggest concern — that someone will be our children and our grandchildren.

That is why I believe Canton’s Climate Action Plan and Decarbonization Roadmap were necessary in the first place. Not as ideology, but as a playbook toward a livable future. Yes, there is a cost to energize our lives, and affordability is a critical consideration. Article 33 addresses this rising tension through improved construction practices and the use of heat pumps, which are up to three times more efficient than a traditional fossil-fuel-based furnace. For example, when you use one unit of energy to get three units of heat, the operational cost often ends up lower than oil or propane and very competitive with natural gas.

Let’s be clear — the cost of doing nothing is more severe storms, exposure to more volatile energy prices, more expensive retrofits, and a grid increasingly strained by demand we failed to plan for. This is a far higher cost than the cost of taking measured, responsible steps today. Article 33 is one of those steps.

Is the future uncertain? Absolutely. But uncertainty cuts both ways. Doing nothing is also a choice — and a costly one, especially over time. Every new building constructed without pre-wiring for electrification is a building that will cost its future owner far more to upgrade later. We already know this, which is why the Galvin Middle School is being built to this standard. The Specialized Code simply ensures that private developers are held to the same standard we set for our own children’s schools.

If Canton delays, then we risk falling behind our neighbors like Dedham, Milton, Needham, Norwood, and Sharon, all of whom have already passed the Specialized Code. We also risk losing access to $1.15M of important grant funding, which gives Canton a competitive advantage in lowering the coming taxpayer burden to retrofit our aging municipal buildings.

Over the past several years, I have spent many hours in the service of Canton critically examining the evidence, the trade-offs, and the alternatives with an eye toward the future and our public good. I have met with many boards and committees, residents and businesses. I have carefully listened to the concerns on both sides of this debate. And I have concluded, on balance, that adopting Article 33 is the right call — a modest, carefully designed step change in our code that protects future building owners, minimizes the impact on our economic development, and keeps driving toward a cleaner, more affordable energy future.

Please visit the Article 33 website at www.town.canton.ma.us for a full set of FAQs. The evidence is there. Judge it for yourself.

One small step for Canton. One big step for our future.

Please vote YES on Article 33 on May 11.

Tom Birmingham

Chair, Canton Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP) Committee

Dear Editor:

In last week’s edition of the Citizen, Tim Shanahan offered a 12-point argument for opposing adoption of the Specialized Energy Code at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Below is our response to each of Shanahan’s claims.

On his characterization of Article 33 as an example of “pure government overreach,” Shanahan ignores the majority of FinCom members who recognize that this indeed maintains and enhances consumer choice. Builders can still build with mixed fuel (gas) systems, but if they make the short-sighted decision to do so, they have to pre-wire to make it simple for future building occupants to upgrade to more efficient electric systems.

Shanahan himself acknowledges that dozens of towns have adopted the Specialized Code, yet “none have repealed it.” Well said! Regarding his claim that our own consultant called the process “rushed,” I am not sure where he is pulling that quote from, but the professional guidance of our consultant is to adopt the code.

As for the idea that it forces taxpayers into the most expensive form of energy, the current drama with the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates the faulty logic here. Gas is neither reliable nor affordable, and locking future residents and building occupants into unreliable foreign energy sources is the actual risky option. Requiring mixed fuel buildings to install solar panels lowers the energy required to power the building and keeps open the option of easily powering it with in-state renewables in the years to come as gas prices continue to rise and electricity becomes more stable.

On the argument that electrification still does not eliminate fossil fuels, while that is true today, if we do our job, in two decades, electrification will hopefully mean fully eliminating fossil fuels — which is exactly why we want to pre-wire buildings to allow for an easy conversion. One thing that definitely does not eliminate fossil fuels? Building new buildings designed to be only heated with fossil fuels.

In response to claims that we are “selling out” our citizens to chase Climate Leader Community status and more state grant funding, a majority of the current Select Board supports Canton becoming a Climate Leader Community and ensuring our town’s new buildings are built with the future — not the past — in mind.

As for his claims that the electric pre-wiring mandated by the code would add huge up-front costs for home builders, the costs of pre-wiring are just a fraction of the costs homeowners will have to pay to upgrade to electric systems later on. Regardless, over 90 percent of new buildings in Mass. are being built all electric anyway. If you have central A/C, then you already have an efficient system of moving conditioned air through the home. Why not use the same system to move both hot and cold air through the building by installing a bidirectional heat pump?

Shanahan’s claims about “expensive solar mandates” are also misleading. He cites the high cost of adding a battery backup, which is not a requirement of the proposed code. Further, he said all-electric buildings avoid some of the solar requirements, but these buildings avoid all of that requirement. Not to mention that solar is a great investment anyway, as it provides zero-cost electricity for decades that can easily recoup the costs of construction.

In response to other arguments advanced by Shanahan:

* There is no data demonstrating any adverse impact on commercial development in the dozens of communities that have adopted the Specialized Code. If such data existed, communities would be rushing to repeal it.

* A majority of FinCom members endorsed this because there is no projected negative impact on the town’s finances. Commercial tenants are looking for modern, green, and resilient buildings, and adopting the code allows us to remain competitive with other neighboring towns that have already done so.

* If the mandates do prove to be detrimental, we can repeal them at any time. And while the grant funding that this would unlock may not be there in the future, those grants are there now — and available for Canton to claim if we act on this measure.

Contrary to Shanahan’s advice, we strongly urge you to vote ‘Yes’ on Article 33 and to join us in prioritizing Canton’s economic health, public health, and climate stability over developer profits and convenience. Remember that this policy encourages but does not require new buildings to be all-electric. Instead, it builds in protections for future occupants whose near-sighted developers would otherwise fail to allow for an easy and low-cost electrification upgrade.

Jen Wexler, Vice Chair

Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Committee

Fred was the beloved husband of Janice Davidowicz and the devoted father of Adriana Kelso and the late Amanda Kelso. He was a proud grandfather of Nariah and Honey, and he cherished the close bonds he shared with his family throughout his life. He is also survived by his sister Carol Kelso and her husband, Ted, his nephew Henry Kellogg and Henry’s wife, Judy, and their children Paul and Sophia, and his nephew Sam.

He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Margaret Delaney and brother-in-law Patrick Delaney. Those who knew him best will remember his steady presence, his warmth, and the quiet strength with which he supported those he loved.

Raised in East Brunswick, New Jersey, Fred graduated from East Brunswick High School and went on to distinguish himself academically at Tufts University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He continued his education at the University of Connecticut, earning both his master’s degree and his PhD in clinical psychology. His strong commitment to learning and his natural curiosity shaped the course of his professional life and reflected the seriousness with which he approached his calling.

Fred began his clinical training with a psychology internship at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Boston. He later worked in the McLean/Bridgewater Program from 1978 to 1985, where he continued to develop his skills and deepen his commitment to mental health care. Along the way, he qualified as a forensic psychologist and became an important part of the Norfolk County Forensic Mental Health Team. His career advanced steadily, and he ultimately served as the senior forensic psychologist for Norfolk County from 1987 to 2017. In that role, he earned the respect of colleagues and the gratitude of many for his judgment, professionalism, and compassion.

Throughout his long career, Fred also shared his knowledge through teaching and contributed to the field through various published articles. He approached his work with diligence and integrity, and he was known for the thoughtful manner in which he balanced clinical expertise with empathy for the people he served. His influence extended beyond his formal positions, as he helped shape the understanding and practice of those who worked alongside him and those who learned from him.

Outside of his professional life, Fred enjoyed simple and lasting pleasures. He was an avid card player, especially when it came to Bridge, and he found great enjoyment in the challenge and companionship the game offered. He also loved gardening, taking satisfaction in the patience and care it required. A devoted sports fan, he followed the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots closely, and he especially treasured the Celtics during the Larry Bird era. These interests brought him joy, conversation, and connection over the years.

Fred lived the last years of his life with a progressive neurological disorder, meeting that challenge with the same quiet resilience that characterized so much of his life. Even as his health declined, he remained surrounded by the love of his family and the respect of those who knew him. He will be remembered with affection for his intellect, his devotion to his family, and the many contributions he made through his work and his life.

Relatives and friends invited to attend a memorial service at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, on Saturday, May 30, at 12 noon.

Chloe Dubuisson (left) and Teddy Shuman (right) are this year’s Canton Citizen Winter Sports MVPs.

The Canton Citizen is pleased to announce its 2025-26 winter all-star selections. The full list, complete with write-ups for each athlete, appears in our annual winter sports wrap-up section, which is included in this week’s paper.

Girls MVP

Chloe Dubuisson (Indoor Track)

A senior captain, Dubuisson wrapped up her memorable indoor track career with another record-setting winter, advancing all the way to the National Championships as a hurdler while making an impact in a number of different events. Not only was she the team leader in points; she was a league champion in the 55m hurdles, a school record holder in the 300m, and one of the top shot putters in the Hock. She also set a record in the pentathlon and went undefeated in dual meets in the hurdles, high jump, shot put, 300m and 600m. “This shows elite versatility and a willingness to do what’s best for team success,” said head coach Anna Amico. “It’s a major reason we were able to go 4-1 in the always strong Hockomock League this season.”

Boys MVP

Teddy Shuman (Ice Hockey)

A senior captain and one of the most skilled defensemen to ever put on a CHS ice hockey uniform, Shuman capped off his memorable four-year varsity career with a second state championship while anchoring a defense that set a new program record for fewest goals allowed in a season. He was also an outstanding puck mover and a major weapon on offense, finishing as the team leader in assists for the second year in a row with 38 while adding five goals of his own. An indispensable team leader who served as another coach on the ice, Shuman not only took home Hockomock Davenport Division MVP honors; he was also recognized by HockomockSports as its 2025-26 Boys Hockey Player of the Year.

Citizen All-Stars

Boys Hockey: Teddy Shuman*, Ryan Elrick, Kellen Labanara, Joey Ryan, Matt Wright, Andrew Gillis

Girls Hockey: Rori Sasin, Lauren Raffetto, Georgia Campbell, Charlotte Eagles

Boys Basketball: Vlad Francoeur, Miles Jereb

Girls Basketball: Tori White, Brooke Connor

Boys Swimming: Ronin Ricks, Maris Veidis, 200 Medley Relay (Ricks/Carbone/Pham/Lee)

Girls Swimming: Anna Lamme, Caitlyn Reynolds

Wrestling: Matt Morin, Calvin Quinn, Owen Sasin

Gymnastics: Sophia Salvatori, Grace Collins

Boys Track: Joshua Saint-Vil, Tristan Grant

Girls Track: Chloe Dubuisson*, Grace Martinek, Nyomi Faulk, 4×800 Relay (Giannacopoulos/Piazza/Driscoll/Holland)

Bulldog lacrosse players celebrate after capturing the Grit Cup with a hard-fought win over Milton. (CHS Lax photo)

A thrilling tournament run for the boys and the start of a new winning streak for the first-place girls team highlighted another spectacular stretch for the Canton High lacrosse programs in what is shaping up to be a magical spring season.

The red-hot Canton boys squad, winners of nine of their last 10 games, added another one earlier this week against a very good North Attleboro team and remain locked in a battle with Mansfield (7-0) for the Hockomock Davenport Division crown. The Bulldogs are currently one game back with a 6-1 league record (9-2 overall), and they sit in the No. 10 spot in the MIAA Division 2 power rankings.

Last week, the Canton boys celebrated April vacation with three impressive nonleague victories to clinch the Grit Cup, a regular season tournament that spanned three rounds over five days. After knocking off Barnstable 12-5 in the opening round, Canton drew division rival Foxboro in the semis and after a ferocious battle through four quarters, the Bulldogs prevailed in double overtime 12-11 thanks to the heroics of seniors Jake Marcell and Cullen O’Brien, who connected on the game-winning goal off a turnover.

O’Brien finished with three goals in the game to lead all scorers, and he went on to register another hat trick two days later to help power the Bulldogs to the cup championship in a 9-6 victory over Milton, the No. 13 ranked team in Division 2.

Both Marcell and Cam Conley added two goals in the victory, and the stingy Canton defense held the Wildcats scoreless in the second half as the Bulldogs battled back to secure the comeback win. Head coach Tom Galvin said his biggest takeaway from their impressive run in the Grit Cup tournament was the resilience they showed in all three games.

“Winning the second game in OT and coming back from a 6-3 deficit at half in the finals showed what this team is capable of,” he said. “We were able to not allow a goal in the second half and come back against a strong Milton team and goalie.”

Galvin said one of the keys to the team’s success so far this season has been the play of senior goalie Jack Levis and the entire defensive corps, led by Marcell, Nick Crowe, Brannen Morris, Oisin Brogan, Will Doucette, John Flood and Paul Mellon. “The ability our defense has to cause turnovers has turned into goals on the other end,” he said. “The offense has done a great job capitalizing on the chances we create.”

Conley is again on pace to lead the team in scoring for a second straight season, while O’Brien and Brayden Dickie are not too far behind.

As for the girls’ team, they too have a multitude of weapons on offense, although none more lethal than senior captain Nora Giannacopoulos, who recently surpassed the 200-goal mark for her career. On Monday, she paced the Bulldogs with five goals and an assist to lead the team over North Attleboro 13-8. Freshman phenom Grace Starr added four goals in the victory while junior Shannon Lane had a hat trick and four helpers. Also chipping in were freshman Kate Giannacopoulos (2 goals), Cassidy Lyons (1 goal), Kalynn Souza (1 goal), and Tabitha McCready (2 assists).

With the victory, the girls improved to 8-1 overall while staying even with Foxborough as co-leaders of the Davenport Division. In the MIAA power rankings, the lady Bulldogs occupy the No. 16 spot in D2 and have several opportunities to improve on that number, starting with a game this week against 11th-ranked King Philip.

A group of Hansen Elementary students witnessed what school leaders characterized as a “very difficult and disturbing” scene on Tuesday morning after an irate parent boarded his child’s school bus and physically assaulted the driver.

The incident occurred on Bus C10 at the Prynne Hills apartment complex (formerly Avalon), which is located off Randolph Street on the Canton/Randolph line.

Randolph Police responded to the scene and are leading the investigation with assistance from the Canton Police Department. Firefighters/paramedics from Randolph also responded and treated the injured driver at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital. An alternate driver was dispatched by the bus operator, First Student Inc., to complete the route, accompanied by a CPS school resource officer and a member of the CPS administrative team.

In a letter to Hansen families, Principal Tami Olsen and Superintendent of Schools Derek Folan indicated that while no students were involved in the incident, they did “witness the altercation and alleged assault of the driver.”

“As such, our number-one concern was the safety and well-being of the students for the remainder of the bus ride and their arrival at Hansen,” school leaders said.

Acknowledging that the incident had a “significant impact” on the students who witnessed the attack, Olsen and Folan said the Hansen counseling team provided one-on-one support and care to students upon their arrival at school while Hansen administrators followed up with phone calls to the affected families.

In an effort to ensure the continued well-being of the students, school officials said administrators will be riding the C10 bus for the remainder of the week, and Canton Public Schools will “continue to collaborate with both the Randolph and Canton police departments.”

Witnesses told WCVB NewsCenter 5 that when the driver opened the door to allow the student onto the bus, the parent followed and began “yelling and swearing before he repeatedly punched the driver in the face.”

The mother of another student who was on the bus told NewsCenter 5 that there were “a lot of swears and bad words” used, and students on the bus were crying.

“We commend our students for responding so well in a very difficult and disturbing situation,” stated Olsen and Folan in their letter to families. “A heartfelt thank you to the administration, counselors, nurses and educators for their work in supporting the students and families.”

Members of the Hansen community who have any questions or concerns related to the incident are being advised to contact the school administration.

UPDATE: Randolph Police arrest alleged attacker

In a media released issued on Wednesday evening, Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag announced that they had arrested the chief suspect in the alleged attack — identified as 31-year-old Aaron J. Whitehead of Fall River — after locating him in Stoughton.

According to Chief Marag, an investigation revealed that Whitehead had stopped his vehicle in front of the bus while it was picking up students in Canton and attempted to have his child board at a location that was not their assigned stop. The driver told the child they could not board at their unscheduled stop under company policy and Whitehead allegedly became angry, following the bus to its next stop on Avalon Drive in Randolph.

Witnesses say Whitehead struck the 65-year-old driver multiple times, then took the driver’s cellphone and threw it before leaving the scene. Marag said several young children were on the bus at the time of the assault, and upon their arrival at the scene, Randolph officers observed multiple parents in the parking lot who appeared “visibly shaken and upset.”

In addition to facing a charge of assault and battery on a person over the age of 60, Whitehead has also been charged with witness intimidation, malicious destruction of property, and disorderly conduct. He was due to be arraigned in Quincy District Court on Thursday.

“School bus drivers perform an important job every day transporting children safely to and from school, and this type of violence will not be tolerated,” said Chief Marag. “We wish the driver a full and speedy recovery, and I want to thank the Canton Police Department and the Stoughton Police Department for their assistance during this investigation and arrest.”

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Select Board member Julie Beckham marches in the parade with Pre-Rookie League softball players. (Moira Sweetland photo)

Canton Little League kicked off a new spring season with its annual opening day parade on Saturday, April 25. The celebration continued on the grounds of Canton High School with a cookout, games, and opening day festivities for players of all ages and their families.

See this week’s Citizen for more opening day photos by Moira Sweetland. Click here to order your subscription today.

Fire Lt. John Hutchinson said Fire Captain Jamie Meier requested a Boston MedFlight helicopter while Deputy Chief Andy Morgan responded to Devoll Field to secure a landing zone.

Canton paramedics transported the patient to the landing zone and he was airlifted to Boston Medical Center.

Lt. Hutchinson said the patient’s condition remained uncertain as of Wednesday morning. The accident is under investigation by the Canton Police Department.

CFD responds to 3-car crash on Rte. 138

Two people were hospitalized with minor injuries and traffic was reduced to one lane following a significant, three-car collision that occurred around noontime on Thursday, April 23, in the Ponkapoag Hill area of Route 138. One vehicle sustained heavy damage and landed on the steps of Christ’s Ambassadors Ministries, a church located at the historic Ponkapoag Chapel.

The driver was able to self-extricate prior to firefighters’ arrival, and although he was injured, Fire Lt. John Hutchinson said the fact he was wearing a seatbelt and the airbag deployed definitely contributed to a favorable outcome. That driver was transported to Boston Medical Center South, while another driver was transported to Milton Hospital, also with minor injuries.

Building Commissioner Ed Walsh responded to the scene to inspect the chapel steps and foundation and determined that it was structurally sound. Canton Police were also on scene for traffic control.

Woman charged in string of B&E incidents

Canton Police arrested a Boston woman last week in connection with break-ins at two commercial buildings and a residence in town. On Friday, April 25, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers responded to a residence on Washington Street after receiving a report that a woman had broken into an apartment. Officers responded and located a woman inside the apartment. A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, a 31-year-old resident of Roxbury Crossing, had picked the lock and entered the apartment. She did not have permission to stay and had allegedly threatened violence against the resident on a previous day.

Through an on-scene investigation, officers determined that the woman matched the description of a suspect wanted for two break-ins early Thursday morning — one at the office building for a town-owned cemetery at 1600 Washington Street and another at a restaurant at 515 Washington Street.

Items recovered by officers at the scene of the residential break-in were consistent with items the suspect was seen with on surveillance video during the prior break-ins.

The suspect was charged with two counts of breaking and entering during the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, as well as misdemeanor B&E, possession of a burglarious instrument, threatening to commit a crime, and trespassing. She was scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Brockton District Court, and the investigation remains ongoing.

“Officers responded quickly and conducted a thorough on-scene investigation that allowed us to identify the suspect and connect the incidents,” said Canton Police Chief Michael K. Daniels. “I want to recognize the officers involved for their attention to detail and their work to resolve these cases.”

See this week’s Citizen for more News Notes by Mike Berger. Click here to subscribe today!

* Little League opening day coverage by Moira Sweetland

* Recap of the April 28 Select Board meeting

* Preview of the fifth annual Canton Heritage Festival

* Educators host panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence

* Annual Winter Sports Wrap-Up (special inside section)

* ‘Autoneers’ to visit Canton’s Tilden House

* Candidate announcements for state rep. and Norfolk district attorney

* NCL Blue Hills Chapter recognizes Class of 2026

* FPUU to host World Laughter Day celebration

* Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting

* Athlete of the Week and more CHS spring sports

Also, don’t forget to check out our many weekly features, including:

* Police & Fire News Notes

* Senior Corner and letters to the editor

* Cable Guide, Citizen Around Town, and much more

* House of the Week and more local real estate resources

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