Partners In Patriotism

Happy Founders Day! 🏈🚒🎉

This week’s is lifelong resident Liam Ivatts!

Liam recently traveled to the Reno World Wrestling Tournament to compete on the national level against some of the best wrestlers in the country. He proudly represented Foxborough and Massachusetts in the tournament, resulting in one of his best performances of his wrestling career. Liam commits himself to wrestling year-round by practicing five times a week, traveling for tournaments and dedicating time and energy to the sport he loves. All of Liam’s hard work is paying off as he won his third straight match to earn All-American status.

“It means a lot to compete at the national level. I’m really thankful for all the coaches, teammates and parents who support us and make all the traveling possible,” said Liam. “The practices can be tough, and the late nights can be exhausting, but getting the chance to compete against some of the best wrestlers in the country makes it all worth it.”

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The Partners in Patriotism Fund is proud to help cover the cost of the new flags celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in flower buckets throughout town. Thank you to the Friends of Foxborough Conservation, Recreation and Veterans for putting together these beautiful displays. 🇺🇸🌹💙

Our this week is lifelong resident Grogan Ivatts!

Grogan, alongside his brother Liam, recently competed nationally at the Reno World Wrestling Tournament, representing Foxborough and his wrestling club New England Gold with pride. Grogan dedicates himself to the long and demanding wrestling season by working year-round, competing in multiple tournaments each month, traveling and putting in the work every single day. His hard work paid off as he delivered one of his best performances in Reno and won his bracket.

“My favorite part was doing the walkout with the smoke and hearing them announce my name in front of hundreds of people. That was really cool,” said Grogan. “Winning the finals match was awesome too, and celebrating with my coaches, parents, and grandparents afterward meant everything to me.”

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This week’s honoree is the Brackett Garden Center!

As a local family-owned business, the Brackett Garden Center aims to provide a community-focused experience with a welcoming staff, beginner-friendly plants and a unique selection of products. The garden center was first open for business last winter selling Christmas trees and wreaths and this spring is their first season selling perennials, annuals, herbs, veggies, select houseplants, shrubs, vines and more.

“Matt and David Brackett grew up in Foxborough and there was never a local garden center to go to. They saw the community that was built around other local and family-owned garden centers in neighboring towns and wanted to bring that joy into Foxborough,” said manager Abigail Gesualdi. “They want to be the place that becomes a family tradition. Whether it’s getting a Christmas tree and hot cocoa every year with mom and dad, or plants for your garden that spark joy every time you look at them.”

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This week’s is Sara Gibson!

Sara’s dream was always to own her own ice cream shop, and in 2023 her dreams became reality as she opened Ice Cream Beach Club on Mechanic Street. Growing up in Foxboro, Sara’s favorite memories were walking uptown to get ice cream after school, and now as owner of Ice Cream Beach Club she is able to provide those positive experiences and memories for others! Ice Cream Beach Club’s slogan is “ice cream makes me happy” something Sara has said all her life because whether someone is having a good or a bad day they can come celebrate or make a bad day better with ice cream.

Recently on April 19, Sara hosted a fundraiser donating 100% of sales to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in honor of a dear friend Lara who lost her battle with cancer two weeks prior to the fundraiser which would have been her 40th birthday.

“Lara was loved so much, by so many. I planned to do this event on her birthday, even prior to her passing, as a way to honor Lara and all loved ones who are currently battling cancer, have battled cancer in the past or have lost their battle with cancer. On April 19th, even in the rain and freezing cold temperatures outside, so many people purchased ice cream at Ice Cream Beach Club to donate to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. It was amazing to see how many people spread the word and showed up. During such heartbreaking times for so many loved ones, it can also be so beautiful to have moments like this where everyone can come together to help donate and enjoy some ice cream while doing so,” said Sara.

“We would be nothing without our community. We cannot thank everyone enough for their continuous support each season! You can check out our website www.icecreambeachclub.com for any details and follow us on Instagram where we frequently keep you updated on all things related to the shop!”

Our this week is 20-year resident Lauren Smith!

Through her involvement in Foxborough Youth Baseball and Softball, Lauren has supported a variety of efforts including coordinating team support, communication and community-based initiatives. Her most recent project with FYBSA was organizing a mentorship program that paired older athletes with younger students to develop fundamentals such as throwing, catching, hitting and base running along with teamwork and confidence. The program has been an overwhelming success with older participants building leadership skills and leading by example as well as younger athletes feeling supported and ready to start their spring season.

“What stands out most is how this program reinforces that youth sports are about more than wins and losses. It’s about building confidence, friendships, leadership and a sense of belonging. Seeing kids grow—both as athletes and as people—has been incredibly meaningful, and we’re excited to continue building on this foundation in the years ahead,” said Lauren. “FYBSA is always looking for volunteers whether it be volunteering in the concession stand and helping with fundraising! Please join our Facebook or Instagram page to stay up to date on events and volunteering opportunities. You can also email us at [email protected].”

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This week’s honoree is the Un-Common Theatre Company (UTC)!

The UTC prides itself on being a welcoming environment for students to learn, become leaders and develop friendships while simultaneously creating entertaining and high-quality productions. Their recent performance of The Lighting Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical received rave reviews and provided a space for students in grades 7-12 to collaborate, develop confidence, express themselves and more though theatrical arts. UTC’s next production will be Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. which gives students in grades 1-6 the opportunity to play larger on-stage roles as well as provide older students with the chance to lead technical roles like stage manager, lighting designer, set designer and more.

“At Un-Common we strongly believe that theatre is the perfect way to expand life skills, not just for continuing a career in the arts, but in wherever their life leads them. We develop leaders who are confident and team players and most importantly, we provide a safe space for those that might otherwise be struggling,” said Jen Zinno, co-president of the UTC. “Come see our shows! Our casts, creative and production teams work so hard to bring stories to life and there is nothing that makes them happier than a full audience for show weekend.”

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Sunny skies in the 02☀️35