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The Ahern Integrated Basketball Team and their coaches, Sarah Carey, Melissa Henry, Kim McDowell, Julia Shiebler, and Jennifer Truss have increased access to participating in team sports by creating an integrated basketball team that models how to be inclusive in not only sports, but in life, by encouraging interpersonal connection and exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and teamwork. The team offers all members an opportunity to personally develop and to be better players in the game of life.
Kathryn Harris is a student at the Blessed Sacrament School in Walpole. She is involved with a leadership and service group and uses her passion for dancing with her team at Elite Dance Center to spread joy by entertaining senior citizens during the holidays at local nursing homes. She and her family volunteer at St. Mary’s Church for the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Daughters events. Kathryn received the Power of One Scholarship from her school in February 2024, which is awarded annually to a sixth grader who has strived to make a difference in the lives of others. She was given this award for presenting 30 personalized teddy bears to children undergoing cancer treatment at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Cayden Hui-Derouin is a junior at Foxborough High School. He is a youth leader who sparks change by speaking up and giving back. A member of several FHS Bands and Honor Societies, he is also a leader for Be the Change organization and created a social media account to share mental health resources with the Foxborough community. Cayden also worked with the Association of Native American Affairs, to create a petition to change the FHS logo and supported fundraising efforts for the Association’s scholarship fund for Indigenous students.
Molly Riportella founded BiblioUnderground, a grassroots library and social justice movement whose mission is to turn victims of dating and domestic violence into survivors by creating “Book-it 2 Freedom Kits” which include prepaid burner phones uploaded with safety and planning resources. The materials are hidden within discarded library books that are distributed to local organizations that support indiviudals seeking support navigating domestic violence situations.
Barbara Edwards Gillmeister and her husand David opened Gilly’s House in Wrentham two years after her son, Steven “Gilly” Gillmeister succumbed to his battle with substance abuse. Gilly’s House mission has remained constant: to provide a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for those earnestly seeking recovery from the ravages of addiction. Barbara has demonstrated selflessness and bravery in being open with her personal experience, helping to erase the stigma of addiction.
Tom Kenvin is the Foxborough Fire and Public Health Nurse. He supports multiple different departments within the Town including the Fire Department, the Council on Aging/Social Services, the Health Department, and the Town as a whole. Tom always helps with a smile on his face and with care for the individual he is helping.
Dean Calusdian has been working with kids for the past 30 years to help build their theater skills at Summer Stage in Walpole. While Dean teaches students acting skills and how to put on a great show, the real goal is the process- understanding how to work as part of an ensemble and the development of technical stagecraft. Through his work with students, Dean creates a culture of creativity, but also one of belonging and acceptance.
For 23 years, Kristin has been an integral member of the Foxborough Historical Commission, dedicated to preserving and educating the community of Foxborough’s rich history. You will find Kristin giving tours of the Paine School to elementary school students, enthusiastically performing the tour in period costume to truly make history come alive for the next generation. In addition, she serves as a photographer and maintains the Commission’s archives as well as organizes and presents the Foxborough Historical Preservation & Restoration Awards.
Maura Buglione balances her roles as a mother, pediatric occupational therapist, and Director of Development at Thom Child and Family Services. She volunteers as a youth lacrosse coach, is co-president of a local running club, and actively participates in initiatives with the Attleborough Interfaith Collaborative and the Empty Bowls project to fight local hunger. Maura’s dedication extends to fundraising for charities through running marathons and volunteering at events like the Boston Marathon. Her unwavering commitment and warm demeanor inspire all those around her.
Tracey O’Farrell is a recreation specialist for Lifeworks, an organization that supports individuals with autism. She provides opportunities for teens and adults to participate in enrichment activities across all disciplines, including the arts, fitness, book clubs and social events. She has partnered with the MRPAC to create a series of workshops that offer exploration of dance, voice, visual arts and musical theater. Tracey is the ultimate champion of inclusion and visibility.
Joe Gerraughty never forgets a name and is essentially “Mr. Foxboro” as evidenced by his unwavering support at sporting events and attendance at most community events. Joe is a graduate of the PAVE program at Foxborough High School and currently participates in the Lifeworks program in Norwood. Joe recently performed on the MRPAC stage with Lifeworks and invited all his friends from the staff at FHS to attend.
The following individuals were identified by the Rodman Awards Selection Committee to receive the “Standing Ovation Award” for outstanding achievements in their field. These individuals will be honored and recognized at this year’s Rodman Awards!
Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA, epitomizes dedication to community enrichment and fostering holistic well-being. Under his leadership, the Foxboro YMCA has flourished into a vibrant hub of activity, offering diverse programs and services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Jim’s unwavering commitment to the YMCA’s mission of promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility is evident in his proactive approach to expanding initiatives and engaging with the community.
Cynthia Miller is the founder and director of the Unlikely Strummers, a Ukulele Band that performs year round, spreading joy throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This group consists of over 30 members who began learning an instrument as older adults, and are now considered lifelong musicians. Through Cindy’s expert guidance, this group continues to raise the bar, with new and ever more challenging music, while maintaining a spirit that is fun and motivating. Cindy’s enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring numerous amateur musicians and bringing infectious joy to both bandmates and audience members.
Kevin Weinfeld has been a resident of Foxborough since 1989, with his wife Dianne. As President of Mayfair Realty & Development he has overseen the firm’s extensive portfolio, while using his professional role as a springboard for deeper civic involvement and boosterism. Kevin is best known for his service on numerous elected and appointed municipal boards and committees. These include the town select board, advisory committee, asset review committee, economic development committee and a total of 27 years on the planning board. He also has served on an array of ad-hoc study panels ranging from the post office review committee to the Patriot Place negotiating committee, and the state hospital redevelopment committee. Kevin has approached these responsibilities with insight and grace, while providing a discerning and pragmatic voice that balances respect and appreciation for the past with hope and optimism for the future.
Bernie and Laura met more than 40 years ago in a college choir and ever since then, have made music an integral part of their marriage and their connections to community.
Over the years, Bernie and Laura have performed everything from opera and classical choral music to rock and pop, while raising four kids and running church music ministries in Baltimore, Atlanta, New Jersey, and now in Massachusetts. In recent years, Laura and Bernie took on music ministry leadership at Bethany Congregational Church in Foxboro and have helped to host the annual Ecumenical Christmas concert at the MRPAC.
They currently sing in an a cappella group, Custom Blend, that performs in the Boston area. At the request of our local YMCA, they started the YMCA Integration Initiative Glee Club for special-needs adults and any community member who wants to join in and sing on a Friday night, sharing songs that uplift and celebrate resilience, joy, gratitude, and inclusiveness. They are grateful to the MRPAC for allowing the Glee Club to have the experience of singing on such a beautiful stage.
