by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter
May 31, 2020
I grew up in a very poor section of Dorchester. The Parish was (and is) quite diverse — White, African American, Hispanic and Latino and many other cultures and races and creeds.
The School Yard: In my school yard, blacks and whites played together, talked and interacted and it was no big deal what color someone was. We were all poor kids from the same neighborhood.
by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 5/2019
Our annual town meeting will be May 13, 2019, and I would like to use this space to encourage you to vote YES on a somewhat controversial citizen’s petition.
Article 17 references the Marylyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (The Orpheum). Specifically, allowing a change in the town policy regarding electronic signs within 1000 feet of Foxboro Common. I urge you to vote YES on this article and allow the new electronic sign to be installed.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 1/2019 and the Boston City Paper 2/2019
1. I am SO glad the weather wasn’t what we had last Sunday; no way this event would have been held in those icy storm conditions – it was cold (28) but no wind, just seasonable for January – nothing we’re not used to. We bundle up, we’re ready! Some folks have been here since 4:00 AM!
2. Susan and I go in and head toward the “Foxboro Resident” tent, we get a special VIP lanyard and we’re ON THE FIELD.
by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 3/2018
Sunday morning, after nearly 3 days, the electricity was restored to our street.
…And I found myself feeling contemplative.
Friday, like everyone, I was following the unfolding intensity of the predicted nor’easter. The meteorologists and newscasters had told us for days – this one was going to be big and impact the entire East Coast of the state, and the flooding would be astronomical across three high tides.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 8/2017
“The truly literate and involved American should be reading the local newspaper. Weekly newspapers and the internet are also vital to maintaining an educated citizenry. We must ensure that they continue to flourish because they are all important resources for maintaining a healthy democracy.” — John W. Whitehead, “Why Local Newspapers Are the Basis of Democracy,” Huffington Post, 5/14/2009
In this digital age, it is very likely you are following everything that’s going on in Washington right now.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 9/2016
This past March was the 20th anniversary of the date I started writing for this newspaper. Then, and now, I consider it a privilege and one I do not take for granted and something I hope I will be doing for a long time to come.
Sometimes, an idea for a column is so strong that I will literally race home to write it. Other times, a piece may take days or even weeks to organize and compose my thoughts in the way I want to present them.
by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 7/2016
Last Friday, July 22, Aubuchon Hardware Corporate came to the Foxboro store and told everyone it was their last day and the store was closed.
The town of Foxboro is poorer because of it.
It is a fact that businesses come and go. No matter where you live, we all have seen businesses last for generations, and some last only a year or two. It is the nature of the corporate industry, economics, and a fact of life since people started opening shops hundreds of years ago.
by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter and Boston City Paper, 5/2016
It’s Saturday morning, and like so many others around town I am running errands. Driving on Mechanic Street I spot them – the American flags all along the sidewalk, encircling the common, and also running down parts of Mechanic and Central Street.
The flag’s “magical” appearance several times a year – Memorial Day, founders day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day and when needed – don’t happen by magic – the flags are carefully and respectfully placed by a nameless benefactor or benefactors* – one of the many people who do something for this town behind the scenes.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 4/2016
It’s not often that “PLAY NICE” is the core of two consecutive op/eds, but here we are.
If you’re new to Foxboro, the collective groan you just heard is the announcement that the dog park is back in the news.
Its history is complicated, but back in 2008, here in Foxboro, a battle raged – literally raged – over whether a dog park should be allowed to remain open.
by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter, 3/2016
At this writing, it has been just a few hours since the deadline for candidates to submit their papers to Town Hall to be part of the election that will be held on May 2.
While the presidential election has already drained me, I care deeply about the annual Foxboro election. While there IS an argument to be made that one vote really doesn’t count in a presidential election due to the Electoral College, EVERY vote cast in the local election can make a difference.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter and the Boston City Paper, 2/2016
A year ago, in 2015, before the AFC game, I wrote a column in this space saying thank you to the New England Patriots and their organization for a great season and for all they do for us.
I deliberately published the piece BEFORE the game – I wanted to emphasize that regardless of that outcome, we are so proud of our Patriots.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 11/2015
Recently, we had a special Diwali celebration at lunch time at work. Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights,” is an ancient Hindu festival. Among other things, it celebrates the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.
I was very moved by the beauty of the celebration. Many people dressed in beautiful gowns and robes, and they explained the origins of the holiday, how they celebrate it, sang a song, and treated us to AMAZING Indian cuisine.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reorter 7/2015
Last week, for the first time in many years, I wrote a full column for this space, and then proceeded to, as they say in the newspaper business, “kill it.” – The reason? It was so dark, and so sad, that it was – uncharacteristically for me – completely bereft of hope.
The impetus for the column came when I was asked to add the announcement of the candlelight vigil — for the four Marines and one sailor who were murdered — to be held the following Sunday on Foxboro Common — to several Facebook pages.
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter, 6/2015
From the home office in Foxborough Massachusetts, and with grateful appreciation to David Letterman, here are the top 10 reasons Foxborough Founders Day is awesome and how you can make a difference!
By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 4/2015
Greetings friends. Before I begin this op Ed, I need to make the usual disclosure:
First, I am not an employee of the Foxboro Reporter, or the Sun Chronicle. I am what is called a contributor or stringer – I have been writing columns in this space since 1997, then and now I consider it a great privilege to share my words with such a large audience; it is a partnership I cherish and one that I hope continues for many years to come.