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

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A catastrophic flood forced the closure of the hospital in 2020, and efforts to rebuild it stalled after its previous owner, Steward Health Care, encountered financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. Bill H.5192 has since been referred to the committee on House Ways and Means, but in order to move forward it must be enacted by July 31.

According to the Finish Norwood Hospital website, the goal is to collect at least 12,000 signatures — 1,000 from each of the 12 towns that have been directly affected by the hospital’s closure, including Canton.

To sign the petition, scan the QR code at finishthejobnorwood.com/sign-the-petition or click here for the direct link for the petition at change.org.

By Rich Trotto

As discussed in the first installment of this series, the Canton River — also known as the East Branch of the Neponset River — was moved underground when waterpower was replaced by electric power for industries at the present-day Paul Revere Heritage Site.

When waterpower was no longer required, the Canton River was moved underground through a triple box culvert. The entry point for the culvert is the only section currently visible. The photo shown above was taken while the culvert was still exposed for inspection on April 11, 2017.

Over time, while the Canton River was on the surface, it overflowed its banks, flooding the industrial site numerous times. A historic flood photo will be in the next article in this series. In 1962, the Army Corps of Engineers built the diversion channel that runs beside Neponset Street around the Heritage Site. A dam was built with a 3/4” lower side to always continue to feed the triple box culvert and a wider section to divert excess flow to the diversion channel safely.

In the photo above, taken on September 2, 2021, heavy flow is shown over the diversion side of the dam after Hurricane Ida dumped four inches of rain across the region. In the photo below, the diversion channel is just puddles while the box culvert continued to flow during a dryer period. The town is required to keep the channel clear of bushes and trees that could trap debris and block the free flow of flood water.

Rich Trotto is a longtime resident of Canton and a frequent contributor to the Citizen.

DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle emphasizes water safety during an event at Houghton’s Pond last week.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the opening of the designated swimming areas at the state’s inland and coastal beaches for the 2026 summer season.

During an event held at Houghton’s Pond in the Blue Hills State Reservation, leaders from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Mass. State Police, and Mass. Environmental Police emphasized that, with millions of people expected to visit the state’s waterfronts and pools this summer, following water safety precautions is critical.

Officials also highlighted DCR’s ongoing efforts to recruit lifeguards and water safety staff to work at beaches and pools in Boston and communities north of the city.

DCR’s 79 beaches and waterfronts officially opened for swimming on Saturday, May 23, and DCR pools will open for regular swimming hours on June 20. Additionally, DCR has 21 spray decks across the state, the majority of which opened last week and remain open for the summer season.

Fifteen state beaches will have early season lifeguard coverage on weekends and holidays through June 12. After that, lifeguard coverage will expand to additional beaches throughout the state park system, running seven days a week from 10:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., depending upon staff availability.

DCR has also begun water-quality testing at all of its waterfronts. Results are posted on DCR’s Park Alerts page and the Department of Public Health’s Interactive Beach Quality Dashboard webpage. Additionally, DCR installed safety equipment at all beach locations, including ropes and buoys at inland water areas to indicate safe swimming areas.

Life rings are available at guarded and unguarded locations in the event of an emergency. Additionally, safety regulations and beach rules signs are posted at both guarded and unguarded locations that can be translated through a QR code into nine languages.

As part of the broader efforts to promote water safety this summer, the State Police are also reminding residents about the Hanson-Milone Boater Safety Act that took effect on April 1. The act includes mandatory boater safety education requirements for all motorboat operators to help improve safety on Massachusetts waterways by ensuring boaters understand navigation rules, emergency procedures, and safe boating practices before operating a vessel.

Visitors to public swimming areas are urged to comply with all posted safety rules and guidance from lifeguards and staff, including the following:

* Only swim within designated swimming areas. Swimming outside of these areas can be dangerous and increases the likelihood of injury.

* Use the buddy system.

* Do not let children swim unattended.

* Teach children to ask for permission before venturing near or into the water.

* Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs near a swimming area or prior to entering one.

* Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks from the sun.

* Do not dive headfirst into water.

* Do not swim during a storm or lightning event.

* If you do not know how to swim, remain in shallow areas and use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.

* If a rip current begins pulling you away from the shore, swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current, then angle toward the beach.

* Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in a boat.

* If a person goes missing from a swimming area, notify lifeguards and park staff immediately.

As part of a campaign launched last year by the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services, DCR wants to remind families and caregivers about the heightened importance of water safety for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who face significantly increased (160-fold) drowning risks compared to their neurotypical peers. Many children with autism are naturally drawn to water and may wander from safe spaces without warning.

DCR is continuing to recruit lifeguards and water safety staff for agency-managed pools and beaches. Swimming areas in Greater Boston and communities north of the city are currently experiencing the highest levels of staffing needs. Hourly salaries range from $22 to $27, with additional bonuses available for staff who work through the end of the season.

To learn more about being a DCR lifeguard, visit mass.gov/join-the-lifeguard-team. To learn more about water safety, see mass.gov/water-safety.

Senior Andrew Gillis had the game-winning hit vs. Framingham. (Mike Tureski photo)

Update: The Bulldogs drew the No. 27 seed in the Division 2 state tournament and will travel to Dudley on Monday to face No. 6 Shepherd Hill Regional in the Round of 32.

***

Down to the final week of the regular season and in need of a strong finish to solidify their spot in the Division 2 state tournament field, the resilient CHS baseball team emphatically punched their ticket to the playoffs with a trio of wins in a span of just four days.

While they stumbled in the regular season finale on Saturday against nonleague Weston, the 20th-ranked Bulldogs still finished with a winning record at 11-9 overall while placing third in the Hockomock Davenport Division behind co-champs Mansfield and North Attleboro.

The Bulldogs started the week in dramatic style as senior Teddy Shuman hit a three-run, inside-the-park homerun to cap a thrilling comeback victory over Stoughton. Trailing 8-5 going into the seventh inning, Canton managed to push one run across on an RBI single by Daniel Ferrera, and after a JT Norton walk, Shuman brought them all the way back with a single swing of the bat.

Canton’s top slugger this season, Shuman also had an RBI single and drew two walks in the game, while Ferrera went 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Seniors JT Norton and Andrew Gillis also drove in two runs apiece, and Will Young added a hit with two runs scored. Tommy Rose earned the win in relief, and Dean Madden pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the save.

Arguably their biggest win of the week came last Wednesday in Mansfield as the Bulldogs outdueled the first-place Hornets 4-1 to sweep the season series.

Madden drew the start for Canton and had another impressive outing, improving to 6-1 on the season while lowering his ERA to 1.08 (tops in the Hock among starting pitchers). Madden lasted six innings and allowed just one unearned run, and sophomore Alex Secord came on in the seventh to close it out.

Shuman paced the offense with three hits, including a clutch RBI single in the sixth to give the Bulldogs some much-needed insurance. Rose and Shane Kelleher had two hits apiece, and Gillis also chipped in with an RBI single.

The following day, Gillis got to play the hero as he delivered the game-winning hit against nonleague Framingham in the opening round of the Harvey Krupnick Classic. Gillis’s hit came with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh inning of a 2-2 game. Shuman also had an RBI and a key walk for the Bulldogs, and classmate Chris Pirrera pitched a complete game, scattering five hits and one walk over seven strong innings.

With the victory, the Bulldogs advanced to the final of the Krupnick Classic, where they met their match against a strong Weston team, losing 6-1. Head coach Dave Walsh acknowledged that the team looked “flat and tired,” noting it was their fourth game in a six-day span.

Despite the loss, Walsh was impressed with the resiliency shown by the Bulldogs throughout the week and he fully expects they will bring their “A game” into the upcoming state tournament, which gets underway later this week.

Residents of all ages gathered at the Legion hall for the town’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. (Jay Turner photo)

Despite persistent showers and a late change of venue, the Canton community came out in impressive numbers on Monday to honor America’s servicemen and women at a solemn and moving ceremony held at the American Legion Post 24 hall.

More than 150 people turned out for the event, which was moved indoors to the Legion and proceeded as planned, with the annual parade portion canceled as a result of the uncertain forecast. Among the attendees were several local veterans, as well as a number of town leaders, police and fire personnel, and scout troop members.

Rather than having a single keynote speaker, Canton Veterans Agent Arafat Knight decided this year to have each of the Veterans Funeral Honor Guard members in attendance introduce themselves to the crowd and share a bit about their military service.

“Canton is the only community that actually has its own honor guard made up of veterans within the community from all different branches,” noted Knight. “In the last 25 years since it was established, the honor guard has done over 840 funerals.”

Members who spoke at the event included Eric Borman, Maureen Carroll, Carn Cote, Ed Lehan, Bob Moritz, Jim O’Neill, and Carin Klipp.

Carroll, a retired Navy captain and JAG officer whose military career spanned three decades, was also introduced by Knight as this year’s parade grand marshal. Noting that she had inherited the call to serve from her father and grandfather, James F. Collins and James P. Collins, Carroll reflected on the importance of the holiday to her and her siblings.

“It’s a sad occasion, but it’s also a celebration of [America’s veterans] and the choices they made to serve their country,” she said. “Because it is a choice — volunteering to protect, to honor, to sacrifice on behalf of your country — and it’s really amazing what these people do.”

Carroll recalled how her father had just finished his first year at MIT and was at the start of a promising baseball career when he joined the Navy during World War II.

“He was a torpedoman 2nd class and served in the Pacific Theater,” Carroll said. “And while he never talked about the seriousness of it, we understood, and he raised myself and my four brothers to serve and continue on with generosity.”

Also reflecting on the sacrifices made by his own father was O’Neill, who went on to serve himself in Korea with the U.S. Army’s 7th Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery. O’Neill said his father, who he described as his “favorite veteran,” saw extensive action during World War I and played a key role in driving German submarines from the English Channel.

Navy Capt. Maureen Carroll was this year’s grand marshal.

During that time, his father was involved in several plane crashes, the most serious being the last one, where he suffered a broken neck and was falsely reported as having been killed in action. “After the war, he never looked back, he never complained, and he would do it again if he was here today,” said O’Neill. “He volunteered for the duration and I have great respect for the veterans who saw action.”

Susan Harrington, the newly named chair of the Canton Select Board, also recalled the service of a beloved family member — her late father-in-law, Herbert T. Fishman, a naval aviator and veteran of two wars who was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors in 2004.

“Attending that funeral was one of the most profound experiences of my life,” noted Harrington. “To stand on that sacred ground and to feel in your bones the weight of what so many have given is a moving and life-changing experience. It is not abstract; it is real and it endures.”

Harrington urged each person in attendance to “set aside the noise of daily life just for a short while” and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. At the same time, she said, “We must always ask hard questions before sending our sons and daughters into harm’s way, and we must commit to standing with those who serve before, during, and long after their service ends.”

Other speakers included Thomas Hennelly, who recited the Memorial Day proclamation by Governor Maura Healey, and this year’s Boys and Girls State representatives from Canton High School, juniors Minh Hong, Michael Ryan, Sameeksha Nair and Isabella Holland, who each recited a poem. The ceremony concluded outside with a roll call of Canton’s 77 fallen heroes who were killed in action in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War and Iraq War.

Brookwood Community Farm appreciates all who visited the farm for the Annual Seedling Sale on Mother’s Day weekend. This year, more than 20,700 plants headed out to homes, gardens, and community spaces! From pollinator-friendly flowers to herbs and tomatoes, we hope the plants are thriving and continue to bring joy, beauty, and delicious food throughout the season. This event is a huge undertaking for this small farm, and it could not happen without the support of the community, from the volunteers who donated countless hours to the customers who trust in the healthy seedlings produced. See you this season on the farm.

Cathy Smith, Board President

Brookwood Community Farm

* Town mourns passing of Fire Chief Tim Ronayne, Firefighter Bobby Kilduff

* Highlights and photos from Canton’s annual Memorial Day ceremony

* Select Board members share priorities ahead of town admin search

* GMS Building Committee to hold public forum

* St. John School presents The Wizard of Oz

* CHS girls track captures first Hock Championship

* Rodman for Kids hosts 36th annual Rodman Ride

* Canton schools kicks off Cabot Fund grant cycle

* Historical Society to present an evening with Thomas ‘Spirit Tree’ Green

* Canton Citizen’s Athlete of the Week

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

Not a subscriber? Click here to order your subscription today, or check out our new digital edition, the e-Citizen.

Born on November 29, 1945, in Brighton, she was the beloved daughter of the late William and Frances Lang.

Laurel was raised in Brighton and attended local schools, where she built the strong foundation that would guide her throughout her life. She graduated from St. Columbkille School and Boston State, and she carried the values of hard work, kindness, and dedication with her in all that she did. Those who knew her remember a woman of warmth and grace, someone who valued education, family, and friendship in equal measure.

For 33 years, Laurel served as a schoolteacher at the Thomas Gardner School in Allston. She found great purpose in her work and took pride in helping generations of students learn and grow. Her commitment to teaching reflected her patience, steady encouragement, and genuine care for others. She was the kind of educator who made a lasting difference, not only through lessons in the classroom but also through the example she set each day.

She lived in Brighton up until seven years ago when she moved to the Cornerstone Community in Canton.

Laurel was a very social person who loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed playing cards and listening to music, and she especially loved the beach. Time spent at her homes in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Old Orchard Beach, Maine, brought her great happiness and many cherished memories. Whether surrounded by loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment near the water, she embraced life with appreciation and joy.

Faith was important to Laurel throughout her life, and she was a longtime member of St. Columbkille’s Parish in Brighton. Her connection to her church community was an important part of who she was, and it reflected the devotion and steadiness that marked her life. She found comfort and strength in her faith, and it remained a guiding presence in her years.

She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Neville of California, and was predeceased by her siblings William Lang, Virginia Callaghan, and Kenneth Lang. She was also the sister-in-law of the late Paul Callaghan, William Neville, and Joyce Lang. Laurel leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and good friends who will remember her with love and affection. Her family and friends will forever treasure the many moments they shared with her and the kindness she extended so freely.

Laurel E. Cooper will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her long and meaningful career as a teacher, and her joyful spirit. She lived a life grounded in love, faith, and friendship, and she touched the lives of many with her generous heart and welcoming presence. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A funeral Mass will be held Thursday (today) at 10:30 a.m. in St. Oscar Romero Church in Canton. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, 455 Washington Street, Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Burial private.

Donations may be made in Laurel’s name to a charity of your choice.

Lauren Raffetto (left) and Chloe Dubuisson (right) were honored as the “Outstanding Female Runner” and “Outstanding Female Athlete” at the MSTCA Invitational.

The girls team punctuated its undefeated dual meet season (5-0) with a 94-42 away victory over a strong Mansfield team last Tuesday. “I could not be prouder of the effort, determination, selflessness, and energy that the team brought not only against Mansfield but in every dual meet this season,” said a jubilant head coach Anna Amico afterwards. “In a league where every team can win on any given day, this title was hard fought and well earned … I can’t think of a better group to make history, and they are just getting started!”

Canton had several double winners to power the victory over the Hornets, with junior Lauren Raffetto prevailing in the mile and 800 meters (new school record); senior Chloe Dubuisson winning both the 100 and 200 meters; Natalie Mallei winning the 100- and 400-meter hurdles; and sophomore Aida Sfeir sweeping the triple and long jumps.

Other top performers included Grace Martinek, who took first in the 400m, second in the triple jump, and third in both the 200m and long jump; Laurisa Sindor, who won the high jump and placed third in the triple jump; and Luran Slotnick, who finished first in the javelin and third in the discus.

Addy Azar added a pair of runner-up finishes in the mile and 200m; Izzy Holland placed second in the two-mile and javelin; and Nyomi Faulk placed second and third in the discus and shot put, respectively. Also placing in the top three were Madeline Driscoll and Karimi Nyaga, who ran second and third in the 400m, and Kaia Gatlin and Mallei, who followed Sindor to help the Bulldogs sweep the high jump.

The Canton girls also had a fantastic day at the MSTCA Coaches Invitational, led by Dubuisson, who won both hurdles events and was named the meet’s “Outstanding Female Athlete,” and Raffetto, who broke her own school record — and nearly broke the meet record — in the 800m and was chosen as the “Outstanding Female Runner” of the meet. Raffetto’s performance came just one day after she recorded a huge PR in the mile at the Bay State Running Elite Scholastic Meet at UMass Lowell, placing third overall and tops in Massachusetts with a blazing time of 4:50.34.

Both Raffetto and Dubuisson were also part of the winning 4×400 relay team at the MSTCA meet, teaming with Azar and Martinek to smash their own school record with a time of 4:00.94. Azar also competed in the 800 and placed third with a new personal-best time, while the CHS team of Elena Silva, Lexi Piazza, Driscoll and Holland took third in the 4×800 relay.

Also reaching the podium at the coaches invitational were Sfeir in the triple jump (5th) and long jump (8th); Faulk in the discus (PR 5th); Holland in the two-mile (6th); and Mallei in the 400 hurdles (PR 8th).

CHS boys earn big win over Hornets

The Canton boys team also made history of its own last week, taking down league powerhouse Mansfield for the first time in at least a quarter century.

Senior JJ Faulk was the star of the meet, securing individual victories in three separate events: the 100-meter dash, 200m, and triple jump with a career-best mark of 41’1.5”.

Canton’s Joshua Saint-Vil also had a superlative day, setting a new school record in the long jump (22’8”), placing second behind Faulk in the 100m, and leading a sweep of the high jump in front of teammates Jonathan Brathwaite and John Martinek.

Martinek also scored a victory in the 110-meter hurdles, while teammate Tommy Oliver finished second in that event as well as two others: the 400 hurdles (PR) and triple jump. Declan Monahan won the 400-meter run, and Tristan Grant took second in both the mile and two-mile.

To clinch the victory over the Hornets, the Bulldogs needed to win one of the relay events, and they pulled it off behind the quartet of Avery Gibson, Sony Chery, AJ Jamison and Dre Johnson in the 4×100. “Crossing the line well over a second ahead of the competition, their dominant performance served as the definitive exclamation point on a historic meet for the Bulldogs,” noted head coach Brian Gotsell. “This was a total-team effort. Everyone from every event group did what they needed to do to secure this victory. I am at a loss for words to describe how proud I am of this crew. This was an excellent end to the regular season, and I cannot wait to see what this team does as we enter the championship portion of our season.”

At Saturday’s MSTCA Coaches Invitational, Faulk led the way with top-five finishes in both the 100- and 200-meter races. He also narrowly missed the podium in the long jump, finishing ninth overall.

In the relay events, both the 4×800 team of Riley Swearingen, Sam Siegal, Grant and Minh Hong and the 4×400 team of Dalton Wong, Oliver, Morrel Mondesir and Monahan posted new season-best times en route to placing third and fourth, respectively, while the 4×100 team of Johnson, Jamison, Chery and Gibson also recorded a new PR to finish 10th overall.

Other top performers included Saint-Vil in the long jump (14th), Monahan in the 400m (15th), and Oliver in the 400 hurdles (PR 16th). Also representing Canton were Chery and Gibson in the 100m and 200m, Hong and Grant in the 800m, Matthew Joyce in the 400 hurdles, and Martinek in the 110 hurdles.

“It was a great day for the team,” said Gotsell. “We had several outstanding individual performances, but we also showed our depth in the relays, with all three relay teams posting personal-best times. We’re peaking at the right time, and I’m excited to see this group carry this momentum into the Hockomock Championship.”