Foxborough Residents, Businesses Come Together During Power Outage

The town of Foxborough continues to clean up from October's record-breaking snowstorm.

At the peak of the storm, was left powerless.

"We've got elderly people and sick people who will die without power. Over 25% of our population is over 60. This is about safety. As winter closes in this is about survival.  There needs to be real action by this State into evaluating options how to ensure this does not happen again," said resident Robert Gillis.

With neighbors in mind, Foxborough safety officials, residents and the business community stepped in to help out.

"Warm-up and recharge at Gillette Stadium for Foxborough residents who remain without power - Free hot drinks, soft drinks and light snacks will be available, as well as WiFi," announced the Kraft Group Monday. Robert Kraft and Patriots players Andre Carter and Zoltan Mesko greeted residents who attended.

In addition, Foxborough residents were treated to a free movie at Showcase Cinema de Lux at Patriot Place, a free interactive adventure at 5Wits Patriot Place and free admission to The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon Tuesday. 

Many Foxborough residents took to the internet to express their appreciation.

"Thank you to Bob Kraft for providing a fun evening for Foxboro residents," tweeted Christopher Calnan.

"I would like to thank the Kraft Organization for all their offerings to our community...I saw a lot of residents at Patriot Place taking part in the free movies, 5 Wits and food," commented resident Traci Bridge Longa. "I know the clubhouse being open was a big help for many still without power."

The storm caused numerous safety hazards throughout town, on Halloween night. On Saturday from 1-3 p.m, Patriot Place hosted trick or treating for children in Foxborough who missed out on the opportunity due to the power outages on Monday.

The Kraft Group also donated generator-powered light towers to light street intersections after dark and cots and oxygen tanks for the town to deploy where needed.

With assistance from volunteers and safety officials, approximately 40 residents, at one point Monday, were able to enjoy hot drinks, food and a warm place to stay for the duration of the power outage. An emergency shelter was set up at the Burrell Elementary School in Foxborough for seniors and critical families.

Volunteers, boy scouts, town officials, bus drivers and Town Manager Kevin Paicos, stepped in to help evacuate seniors out of their housing. High School students baked cookies and lunch ladies helped to make soup and sandwiches.

an Irish pub in Foxborough, supplied food for those staying at the Burrell School shelter Monday evening. On Tuesday, The Kraft Group donated dinner to the residents at the shelter.

Foxborough eateries with power allowed patrons to stay a bit longer than normal, in order to keep warm and enjoy a hot meal, including The Lafayette House offered family friendly menus and allowed guests to stay longer to warm up and relax.

"There is never any short supply of community service here. People always jump in and help each other in this town," commented resident Rachel Hardy Calabrese.

Resident Michelle St Clair noted that her neighborhood in Foxborough always pitches in during big storms.

"The neighbors usually always pitch in during these big storms to help clear each other's yards and drive ways of whatever happens to be dumped on them in the storm."

With community service shining bright in Foxborough, came the unfortunate reality of burglars taking advantage of the power outage. There were reports of house break-ins on Phyllis Road and Jennifer Lane Monday night, as many residents left town to stay with family, friends and at hotels.

However, despite the ongoing emergency in Foxborough and throughout New England, residents in Foxborough are happy to be surrounded by supportive and caring neighbors and officials.

Former resident Reena Jalan Nevatia says that she could always count on her neighbors.

"I do know what my neighbors and friends in Foxboro did to me for all these years, we built relationships for life. We always held each others hand in times of need whether we were known neighbors or strangers around town."

Resident Andrea Tobin Brown added, "despite the recent power outages for days on end, I love Foxboro. I can't imagine living anywhere else. Our neighbors are great and even strangers here are generous and helpful."

Selectmen thanked the countless number of volunteers and department heads for everyone's hard work throughout the power outage at their Wednesday meeting.