Category Archives: Community Announcements

Community Announcements, Community Press Releases, Local News, Press Release

Patriot Place Hosting New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration

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LOCAL PRESS RELEASE

Patriot Place will host a family-friendly New Year’s Eve First Night Celebration featuring fireworks, ice sculptures, live entertainment, giveaways and more from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31.

Guests are invited to ring in the new year with family and friends at Patriot Place, with festivities including giveaways, temporary glitter tattoos, outdoor movies and special photo opportunities, culminating with a dazzling firework display at 7 p.m. Starting at 4 p.m., guests can enjoy live music from D77 Productions, view ice sculptures by Fitzy Snowman and have their portraits drawn by caricature artists. There will also be special appearances from Pat Patriot and the Patriots cheerleaders, and a roving magician and light-up stilt walker before the festivities end with a bang with the stunning firework display at 7 p.m. The celebration will take place at the Dean College Stage, located outside Citizen Crust and Bar Louie. Throughout the event, Patriot Place will also be offering exclusive prizes for guests who download and check in via the Advantage App.

“We’ve enjoyed an amazing year at Patriot Place and are so grateful for our guests and their continued support,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “We are looking forward to celebrating 2022 and ringing in 2023 together at our First Night Celebration, and can’t wait to be part of more memories with our guests here at Patriot Place in 2023.”

Patriot Place also encourages guests to spread the joy by bringing a new or gently used coat or hat/glove set to donate to Cradles to Crayons, an organization dedicated to providing families in need with winter essentials. For a full listing and schedule of all New Year’s Eve festivities at Patriot Place, visit www.patriot-place.com/nye-celebrations/. 

Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 23 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the modern gastro sports pub, CBS Sporting Club, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place and Helix eSports, the region’s largest egaming center and social hub. Patriot Place is also the home of Brigham Health and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Centers. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

Community Announcements, Community Press Releases, FCA Press Releases, Local News

Phosphorus concentrations continue to lead to harmful conditions in Crackrock Pond

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Phosphorus concentrations at Crackrock Pond failed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for the 5 th year in a row, according to a report from the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA). In 2021, concentrations of Phosphorus remained 10 times higher than the EPA standard throughout the sampling year (May-October). While the Neponset Reservoir just upstream has struggled with Phosphorus pollution for decades, NepRWA first detected severely elevated concentrations of phosphorus at Crackrock Pond in 2017, which then skyrocketed in 2019, when levels
were 100 times higher than recommended. Though phosphorus concentrations have come down in the last two years, they are still well above the criteria for a healthy pond. As a result, the Pond is completely covered in aquatic plants and the water is almost entirely devoid of oxygen.

“Phosphorus is necessary for plant growth, but naturally is found in very low concentrations. Because of this, it is often the ‘limiting’ resource in the freshwater environment. We tend to see algal growth when
Phosphorus concentrations increase – because all the other required nutrients are likely already there,” explains Dr. Sean McCanty, NepRWA’s River Restoration Director. “Aside from the aesthetic factor, the
real problem is that when these extra plants and algae eventually die, they get eaten by bacteria. This process consumes oxygen – in extreme circumstances the dissolved oxygen levels get so low that fish and other animals die”, he adds. Data from NepRWA’s water monitoring program show that low oxygen conditions, referred to as “hypoxic” conditions, were observed from June through September of 2021 below Crackrock Pond.

“Another danger of elevated phosphorus is that certain types of algae, like cyanobacteria, produce toxins harmful to people and lead to beach closures. This has become an issue at other places in the watershed, like Lake Massapoag in Sharon” says Ian Cooke, NepRWA’s Executive Director. “In addition to the impact on Crackrock Pond, that elevated Phosphorus also flows downstream into the mainstem of the Neponset and can cause similar issues,” he added. Other parameters that the Association tests for, including pH and E. coli, were at acceptable levels
according to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) standards.

Neponset River Watershed Association | 2173 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021 | 781-575-0354 | www.neponset.org

The water quality monitoring program that collects this data is part of a larger watershed restoration effort. Throughout the Neponset River Watershed, efforts to improve water quality, restore river and
salt marsh habitat, and reconnect the streams to allow fish passage are all underway. “All of these issues are connected,” says McCanty. “Removing old dams helps prepare our communities for climate change,
improves fish passage and dissolved oxygen levels, and can limit the amount of algae overgrowth.

Replanting along the riverbank helps filter storm runoff and stabilize the banks, improving water quality for fishing, boating, and swimming.,” McCanty adds. The Neponset River Watershed Association is a local environmental non-profit that publishes an annual report on the health of the local streams and Neponset River in Foxborough and neighboring towns that drain into the Neponset River. The water quality data used in the report is collected as part of the Association’s volunteer-based “Community Water Monitoring Network” program, that collects water
samples monthly from May to October to test for constituents that impact safety for recreation and wildlife.

For the full water quality report visit NepRWA’s website: https://www.neponset.org/town-water-quality-reports.

Community Announcements, Community Press Releases, Local News

Patriot Place Hosting Ocean Spray’s 12th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration On Saturday, Oct. 15

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Community Press Release

Annual fall celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature cranberry harvest, family-friendly activities and appearances from Pat Patriot and cheerleaders  

Patriot Place will host Ocean Spray’s 12th annual Fall Harvest Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15.

This fall favorite is free and open to the public, providing a great opportunity for families to enjoy the quintessential New England foliage and a variety of family-friendly activities in both the North and South Marketplaces throughout the day. The signature Ocean Spray® Cranberry Harvest will take place at the cranberry bog behind Bass Pro Shops from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., giving guests an inside look at an authentic cranberry harvest and the opportunity to go on informational bog walks with Ocean Spray experts.

The South Marketplace will also feature appearances from Pat Patriot and the Patriots cheerleaders and free family activities including fall-themed family photos and pony rides. In the North Marketplace, families can enjoy fall-themed fun including pumpkin decorating, face painting, autumnal arts and crafts, live music and more. All guests visiting the Fall Harvest Celebration that check in via the Advantage App will receive point bonuses and be entered to win a variety of prizes including Patriots tickets. For a complete schedule of events and additional details, visit Patriot-Place.com/FallHarvest.

“As the calendar turns to fall, it brings a few of our favorite things to Patriot Place: football and our annual Fall Harvest Celebration,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manger of Patriot Place. “We look forward to partnering with Ocean Spray and Bass Pro Shops to host the annual cranberry harvest and a variety of free, family-friendly activities throughout Patriot Place on Saturday, Oct. 15.”

ABOUT PATRIOT PLACE
Patriot Place is a shopping, dining and entertainment destination located adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place features large and boutique retailers, 23 casual to high-end restaurants and other nightlife venues. Among the highlights of Patriot Place are New England’s first Bass Pro Shops, a state-of-the-art, 14-screen Showcase Cinema De Lux, the award-winning Patriots Hall of Fame presented by Raytheon, the retro-style bowling alley, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, the modern gastro sports pub, CBS Sporting Club, the four-star Renaissance Boston Patriot Place Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough/Patriot Place and Helix eSports, the region’s largest egaming center and social hub. Patriot Place is also the home of Brigham Health and Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Centers. For more information, visit www.patriot-place.com, follow Patriot Place on Twitter (twitter.com/patriotplace) or like Patriot Place on Facebook (facebook.com/patriotplace).

ABOUT OCEAN SPRAY

In 1930, Ocean Spray was founded by three maverick farmers – bonded by bold cranberry love. Since then, we’ve grown into a vibrant global agricultural cooperative, built on the strength of roughly 700 farmer families in the United States, Canada and Chile. Together, we’ve worked to preserve the family farming way of life for nearly 100 years, and for generations to come. Today, our cranberries show up in more than a thousand deliciously nourishing products in over 100 countries worldwide. United by passion and purpose, Ocean Spray is committed to trailblazing the power of the mighty cranberry through its offbeat taste and uncanny nutrition to feed happier lives for all. Born Tart. Raised Bold.™

Community Announcements, FCA Press Releases, Local News

FCA Scholarship 2022

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Foxboro Cable Access continues to encourage higher education in the Communications Field by offering a $1000 scholarship annually. Any Foxboro resident is eligible to apply if they are pursuing a college degree in this field.

Applications are available at the FCA Studio at 28 Central Street, Foxborough High School Guidance Office, The Boyden Library, Town Hall and can also be downloaded from the link below.

Completed applications must be returned to the FCA studio by the deadline of Friday, May 13, 2022 If you have any other questions, please call Foxboro Cable Access at 543-4757.

2022 FCA Scholarship ApplicationDownload
Community Announcements, Community Press Releases, Local News

Irish Festival March 12th at Patriot Place

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After two-year hiatus, the popular St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring live Irish music, step dancing, and free Irish-themed activities returns to Patriot Place for the 11th time

The Festival will go from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and take place rain or shine

After a two-year hiatus, Patriot Place will once again celebrate the joys of Irish culture with the 11th annual Irish Festival, taking place Saturday, March 12 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The daylong celebration will feature live performances by Irish musicians and step dancers, as well as a full slate of free Irish-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. This popular Patriot Place tradition is free and open to the public.

The fun includes musical performances from Slainte, Devri and Joshua Tree Band on the Dean College Stage, as well as Irish step dancing performances from several talented groups hosted by Six String Grill & Stage. Throughout the festival, families can also enjoy activities including airbrush tattoos, caricature artists, a balloon artist, petting zoo and more.

Additionally, Patriot Place will host a number of special appearances throughout the day, including the Providence Hurling Club and Old Colony Highland Pipe Band. The Patriot Place North Marketplace will also be lined with several authentic Irish merchants, including the Irish Import Shop, Eire’s Irish Imports, JAT Creations and more. The Irish Festival will take place rain or shine.

“After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to celebrate Irish Festival at Patriot Place,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place. “Irish Festival is one of our favorite events of the year, bringing together families from across New England to enjoy Irish step dancing, musical performances, traditional Irish demonstrations and family-friendly activities. We can’t wait to see everyone back at Patriot Place on March 12 for what promises to be another great celebration.”

2022 IRISH FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

TIMEEVENTLOCATION
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.SlainteDean College Stage*
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Stanley & GrimStage Two**
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Harney School of Irish DanceSix String Grill & Stage
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.Sullivan School of Dance Six String Grill & Stage
12 p.m. to 12:15 p.m.Harney School of Irish DanceDean College Stage*
12:15 to 12:30 p.m.Old Colony Highlanders Pipe BandDean College Stage*
12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.DevriDean College Stage*
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.Dunleavy Boyle Academy of Irish DanceSix String Grill & Stage
2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish DanceSix String Grill & Stage
2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.Dunleavy Boyle Academy of Irish DanceDean College Stage*
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.Keohane & KennealyStage Two**
2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.Old Colony Highlanders Pipe BandDean College Stage*
2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.Joshua Tree BandDean College Stage* 
3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Greene O’Leary School of Irish DanceSix String Grill & Stage

*- The Dean College Stage is located outside of Citizen Crust, Skipjack’s and Bar Louie

** – Stage Two is located outside of Walpole Outdoors