By Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 10/2010

Just in time for all your holiday shopping — the Doolittle Home auction event is back! Mark your calendars for November 6, 2010 as the seventh annual cable auction to benefit the Doolittle Home is broadcast live and on the web!

Proceeds from the 2010 fund-raising will be used to purchase an improved model of whirlpool tub for the nursing unit, where it would have therapeutic value to all residents.

by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter 2/2009

Mark your calendars for February 28, 2009 because the Doolittle Home auction event is finally here! After months of preparation and the round-the-clock work of a dedicated group of volunteers, we’re proud to present over one hundred quality items — many priceless — at the sixth annual cable auction to benefit the Doolittle Home.

Proceeds from the 2009 fund-raising will be used to purchase an adjustable diagnostics table for the nursing unit to enhance the comfort and safety of residents.

by Robert Gillis
Published in The Foxboro Reporter 11/2003

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending and pitching in a bit at the annual Senior Christmas faire at Council on Aging (COA). It’s always a joyful time for me, to get to see the seniors and enjoy some great food and see old friends. I had some impressions from the senior fair that I’d like to share:

First, I just adore Mary Cicciu. At 91, this feisty, sweet, amazing senior still works full time at COA, walks without a cane, is sharp as a tack and is an inspiration to people half her age.

by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter, 8/1997

Pay attention, folks; this one’s important. You might see the “Seniors” page in this paper each week and think, “I’m not a senior” or you might say, “Oh, another column about the seniors,” and turn the page.

Stop. Read this. It’s important.

If you’ve lived in this town for more than a day you know all about the Foxboro seniors’ search for a new home. You know about the impressive Council on Aging (COA) providing dozens of services, as well as the enthusiasm and determination of its director, Lorraine Garland.

by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter, 5/1997

In the six years I’ve lived in Foxboro, last week was the first time I’ve attended a town meeting. My main reason for attending was my great interest in seeing question six, the senior center funding issue, approved. But as I sat and watched people debate various topics and budget issues, I kept looking around the crowded auditorium and saw the same things on everyone’s faces: Pride.

by Robert Gillis
Published in the Foxboro Reporter, 3/1997

“Dismiss that notion of the ancient senior in a wheelchair with nothing to offer the world anymore. Foxboro’s seniors are a lively, important group, and they WILL be heard.”

Those words were mine; I wrote them in my very first full length column for this newspaper back in March of last year. The column’s subject was one I am very passionate about: Seniors, and them having a place to call their own here in Foxboro.

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I have a great affection for seniors. Taking care of Nana for so many years and listening to her talk about her amazing life made a positive difference in my life. Nearly 3 years after her death, I find myself thinking about her often, and missing our talks.

Many other seniors – my mom’s mother, aunt’s and friends – have touched my life and made it a happier place to be.