A general assignment reporter for The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro, Mass.
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Articles by Rick Foster
Concur User Provisioning Service: Understanding the differences between Identity, Spend and Travel
Today’s post is the second post in a six-part series made by actual Technical Consultants working at SAP Concur on Concur’s new Identity and User Provisioning Services. The last post served as an introduction to the services, provided reasons why you might want to use them, and explained what employee import record types may be replaced by the new services. Today’s post will explore the different purposes and structures for Identity vs Spend and Travel.
Introducing SAP Concur’ s Identity and User Provisioning Webservices
Earlier this year, SAP Concur announced the release of two new webservice APIs, which significantly enhance Concur’ s ability to update user data for Travel, Expense, and Request without the need for passing flat files. These new APIs, known as Identity Management (Identity v4) and User Provisioning Services (UPSv4), aim to provide our customers with everything they need to bring their interfaces with Concur’ s into the modern era.
Home values headed up in Foxboro
If you’re looking to buy a house in Foxboro or other parts of western Norfolk County, be prepared to pay a little more. The median price of a single family home in Foxboro reached $480,000 in May according to the latest figures from The Warren Group, which tracks local real estate sales statistics. That’s up from $410,100, or 17 percent from May 2016.
Bringing Patriot Place in Foxboro down to size
FOXBORO -- From its giant view screen to oversized tight-end Rob Gronkowski, everything about Foxboro’s Patriot Place and its main feature, Gillette Stadium, is big. But a dozen Foxboro High School students recently brought the town’s most famous public space down to size by using Google Maps and a 3D printer to create a scale model. They managed to fit the stadium, its grounds, and almost all of Patriot Place onto an area of 18-by-24 inches.
Airborne troops 'drop in' on Foxboro
A National Guard helicopter swooped in over Route 140 Thursday and deployed troops who rappelled down a line onto the lawn of a Pierce Street house. No, it wasn’t a counterterrorism strike or a shoot for a Hollywood movie. The airborne invasion was part of ongoing training by Guard and police and fire personnel in the area and used two houses on Pierce Street owned by the Kraft Group, owners of Gillette Stadium, which as made them available for public safety training.
Stadium holds 'appreciation day' for police, firefighters
On the day before 9/11, hundreds of area firefighters and police and their family members were treated to a day of fun, games and food at Gillette Stadium, courtesy of the Kraft family, in recognition of their work both at the stadium and in their respective communities. A large number of emergency responders from both the Foxboro police and fire departments attended.
Foxboro diabetes race organizers offer thanks
To the editor: With the year 2018 upon us, Foxboro Against Diabetes has officially closed its books. On June 3, 2017 we held our 17th and final FAD 5K run/walk. In 2017 we donated $28,356.37 to the JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Over the past 17 years, FAD has donated $398,656 to help improve the lives of those with diabetes and to help find a cure. FAD would like to thank the Town of Foxboro for supporting our race and making it so successful.
'Victoria Yule' inspired by holiday memories
FOXBORO Anne Barrett has a deep regard for history and traditions, particularly customs related to the holiday season. This Sunday, Dec. 3, at Boyden Library, the Topsfield historian and lecturer will step into the role of a Victorian-era woman, inviting the audience into her parlor to relive Christmas past and its traditions, many of which survive today.
Wall Street hearing continued
The planning board is continuing a hearing on the proposed Wall Street mixed use development for a second time. The latest date is March 8. Board members again heard lengthy comments last Thursday from the proponent, Charles River Equity Partners, as well as from residents concerned about the impact of the two building, commercial-residential complex. The original hearing was held last month.
Mansfield High grad's indie film has local premiere in Foxboro
FOXBORO — The making of a movie requires lots of elements, including a script, actors, soundtrack and talented filmmakers and technicians. In a small-budget independent film, movie makers are obliged to draw as much of that talent as possible from within a tight cadre of gifted individuals.
Road closures set for July 3 race in Foxboro
Thousands of runners and walkers are expected for the annual Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50 Road Races Monday at Gillette Stadium, and that means traffic will be closed to various town roads for safety. The following local roadways will be closed during the races between about 6:45 and 8 p.m.: North Street from Route 1 to Putnam Parkway, Beach Street, Edwards Road and Young Road.
For Foxboro HS grad, no easy road
For recent Foxboro High School graduate Pamela Francisco, the process of growing up in America has been a story of hardship interwoven with extraordinary courage and determination. Francisco, a Metco student from Boston, has been living with relatives in the U.S. since her mother was deported to the Dominican Republic when she was 8.
After 25 years, Foxboro heirloom returned
A 100-year-old flying horse that belonged to three generations of a local family is now back home because of a social media post. The nearly three foot long brass sculpture hung for years inside a Main Street home, but was left behind when the family moved in the 1990s. Last week, the heirloom was returned to its rightful owner — now living on Cape Cod — after the house’s former owner spotted an online inquiry about the art object.
Several streets in Foxboro to close for resurfacing
Road crews will be taking advantage of the holiday period to resurface 21 town roads. And that means roads will be closed at various times on Friday as well as Monday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 5. Crews will use a new form of repaving called “micro-surfacing” as well as pavement sealing to renew and protect the roads, according to a notice posted by the Highway Department.
Foxboro could face legal trouble over mud race
FOXBORO -- Descendants of Clifford and Edith Lane, donors of the Lane property passive recreation area, are raising objections to thousands of participants potentially traversing the land as part of an extreme road race scheduled for 2018. And family members in attendance at a conservation commission meeting indicated they would consider a legal challenge if the town votes to go ahead with a planned Tough Mudder competition to be held partially on the property.
Man charged with selling marijuana 'candy' outside Gillette
A Connecticut man was charged with selling brightly wrapped candy treats containing a marijuana derivative Thursday prior to the Patriots game at Gillette Stadium. Foxboro police arrested Jason Lee Glaude, 43, of Danielson and Plainfield Conn. about 2:30 p.m. Thursday across the street from Bass Pro Drive on Route 1 as a result of an investigation by plainclothes Patrolman Stephen McGrath.
Bridgewater Antiphonal Brass at Orpheum Sunday
The Bridgewater Antiphonal Brass Society, an all-brass band whose range extends from John Philip Sousa to Barbara Streisand, performs at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Orpheum Theater on Foxboro Common. The 22-piece band riffs through jazz, classics, overtures, pop tunes and patriotic music. Founded by trumpeter Mike Palmieri, they bring back memories of New England brass bands, whose history dates back to the mid-1800s. Admission is $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
POW-MIA vigil Friday, Saturday on Foxboro common
FOXBORO -- The town and local veterans organizations will be holding a 24-hour vigil on the common beginning 4 p.m. Friday in remembrance of American prisoners of war and those missing in action. The common will be staffed by members of the community including the American Legion, scouts, members of the Veterans Services Advisory Committee, the VFW and others.
Six-year-old Foxboro boy murdered by father, who then took own life
A 49-year-old father with a history of domestic violence allegations shot and killed his six-year-old son, then turned a handgun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide late Thursday evening, police and the Norfolk County District Attorney's office said.
Cranberry harvest festival Oct. 14 at Patriot Place
You know fall has begun when cranberry farmers arrive to make their annual harvest of the red berries at the cranberry bog at Patriot Place. This year’s harvest is scheduled for Oct. 14 and will be accompanied by the annual cranberry harvest celebration with activities for the entire family, says a Patriot Place spokesman.
More signals, turning lanes urged for Route 140 in Foxboro
FOXBORO — Route 140 in Foxboro suffers from increasing congestion and some residents even find it difficult to pull out onto the road from busy side streets. The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development is recommending several changes, including added signals and turning lanes at various intersections, in order to smooth traffic and cut long waiting lines at intersections.
Water line flushing scheduled in Foxboro
FOXBORO — The water department will be flushing mains beginning Monday as a water quality measure. An announcement said flushing will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weather permitting. Flushing will begin by the Ashcroft Lane booster station and continue around Gillette Stadium and down Route 1 towards Main Street. The water department web page will have updated maps showing areas to be flushed.
IPM reduces insecticide applications by 95% while maintaining or enhancing crop yields through wild pollinator conservation
Significance Environmental damage from insecticide overuse is a major concern, particularly for conservation of “good” insects such as pollinators that ensure stable production of food crops like fruits and vegetables. However, insecticides are also necessary for farmers to manage “bad” insects (i.e., pests), and thus, a more holistic view of crop management needs to account for the proper balance between the beneficial and detrimental aspects of pesticides.
Attleboro veteran and disabled son get stay of eviction
ATTLEBORO — A disabled veteran and his son, who suffers from a crippling condition, are getting more time to find a new home. Ron Baca, 74, and his son Carlo, 41, had been facing eviction Friday from the South Attleboro home they have lived in for the past 20 years. But on Tuesday in Housing Court in Taunton, they were given another 30 days to find a new place to live. Ron Baca said the landlord did not oppose the order. The Bacas were the subject of a recent story in The Sun Chronicle.
Like many, Attleboro vet and disabled son face long odds in finding public housing
ATTLEBORO For 20 years, Ron Baca and his 40-year-old disabled son Carlo have lived in the family home Ron and his late wife Kathy bought on Newport Avenue. But soon they might be homeless or forced to move back to Denver, where they have family connections. After years of illness and financial problems, the retired former Foxboro Co. employee got behind on mortgage payments and the bank foreclosed in November.
Ray Conniff's legacy lives on in his Attleboro hometown
ATTLEBORO -- More than 100 years after his birth, Attleboro native and legendary recording artist Ray Conniff received a lasting ovation from music fans and former neighbors Saturday as an exhibit of the late bandleader’s instruments, photos and personal mementos was formally placed on display at the Attleboro Arts Museum.
Attleboro High students ready to salute Ray Conniff
ATTLEBORO -- An exhibit opening Friday and continuing through next week at the Attleboro Arts Museum highlights the life of legendary bandleader and hitmaker Ray Conniff, easily the city’s most famous musical prodigy. But a special reception from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday will also feature performances by members of the band and chorus at Attleboro High School, the same school where Conniff himself got his early music training and played the trombone.
MMAS kicks off campaign for new $3.6M arts center in Mansfield
MANSFIELD — Started on a shoestring 27 years ago by a group of dedicated artists and performers, the Massachusetts Music and Arts Society formally kicked off its fundraising campaign Wednesday for a new, $3.6 million center organizers say is destined to become a cultural magnet for the area. “We started in 1992 by putting $8 in a Maxwell House coffee can,” MMAS Executive Director Ken Butler said at a ceremony attended by state and local leaders and other featured guests.
Ray Conniff exhibition pieces arrive in Attleboro
ATTLEBORO -- For more than 60 years, Ray Conniff’s musical career was a whirlwind filled with big bands, hit records and musical innovation that led to meetings with presidents, filmmakers and astronauts -- along with the adoration of millions of fans. Beginning Feb.
Targeted giving: Companies' charitable work increasingly becoming more focused, aligned
Companies, like Americans on the whole, have been increasingly generous in their donations to charities in recent years.Americans gave $410 billion in 2017, according to the National Philanthropic Trust, an increase of 5.2 percent from 2016. Meanwhile corporate giving rose to nearly $21 billion, an 8 percent increase over the prior year.But while companies are giving more, they are in many cases becoming more selective in where their money goes.
Attleboro Police: Distracted driving causing more crashes
ATTLEBORO — The number of motor vehicle accidents as well as drunk driving increased in Attleboro last year, according to a statistical report compiled by the city’s police department.Some of the blame can be placed on phone use while driving, police said.A total of 2,002 vehicle accidents — an average of 5.5 a day — were reported in 2016, up 3 percent from 1,947 in 2015. While the increase was modest, the report said the frequency of crashes was more than expected based on a five-year trend.
Chic to Chic, Foxboro's fashionable cosignment shop, closes
For bargain-hungry shoppers, Chic to Chic was a magnet as a consignment vendor of fashionable second-hand clothing and jewelry, often grouped by major brands like Coach and Banana Republic.But now the nearly department store-sized Chic to Chic on Commercial Street is no more and those who consigned items to the retailer are seeking their money.The store remained closed, its doors locked, on Wednesday, with signs indicating that the retail location is permanently closed and referring...
Chance meeting ends well for wayward owl
A female great horned owl rescued from a soccer net took flight again last Friday evening as volunteers returned the animal to its haunts behind Ahern Middle School.A small cadre of children and their parents who read about the release on Facebook were present as the owl exited a small cage and flew to roost in a high tree.“We’re calling her Chance, because we’re giving her a chance,” said local animal shelter volunteer Meredith Shepherd who released the bird from a cage at Friends Field.
Mudder on track for 2018
Descendants of Clifford and Edith Lane, who sold Foxboro the Lane property passive recreation area, are raising objections to thousands of participants potentially traversing the land as part of an extreme road race scheduled for 2018.Despite strident objections from members of the Lane family, selectmen on Tuesday gave town manager William Keegan the authorization to sign a contract for the Tough Mudder race by a vote of 4-1.Keegan strongly advocated for bringing the race to town, noting it...
Bobcat sighted; caution advised
Foxboro still has lots of open spaces where wild animals can roam.But a bobcat? Here?Apparently so, according to observers in the Cannon Forge Drive area who are reporting seeing a large cat in their area. According to one poster on the Facebook page “Foxboro Discussion” on July 12, the local condominium association issued an email alert to members about the intruder.The memo reported several sightings in the area of the clubhouse and a residential unit.
Grant funds increase in fire staffing
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded the town a $725,000 SAFER grant that will permit the hiring of four new firefighters, federal and local officials confirmed.Fire chief Roger Hatfield said the grant will add one new firefighter per shift, bringing the complement of each shift to eight. SAFER stands for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response.The grant must still be accepted by the board of selectmen. The new firefighters would be hired in 2018.
Foxboro firefighters now can now don bulletproof vests, helmets
FOXBORO -- It used to be that firefighters and emergency medical technicians could feel relatively secure even while doing their life-saving jobs in tense situations.Now, with a growing number of emergency workers becoming targets of violence, Foxboro firefighters are being equipped with bulletproof vests and Kevlar helmets.Deputy Fire Chief Mike Kelleher said the fire department recently obtained enough ballistic vests and helmets through a state grant to equip a full shift of seven...
Lions Club rallies to aid ailing infant
Neighbors and a local service club are coming to the aid of a former Foxboro woman and her family whose infant son has been diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease.They’re hoping that other caring folks will want to do the same.Six-month old Chase King, the only child of Ann Foley King, formerly of Foxboro, and her husband Derek, was recently diagnosed with Canavan Disease. Canavan is an inherited progressive, fatal genetic abnormality that normally appears in infancy.
Foxboro Rotary, students help transform lives in Mexico
Recent Foxboro High School graduate Sofia Isaza never anticipated how much she and other volunteers might help isolated Mexican farmers see more clearly.Nor did she expect to make the friendships she and three other Foxboro teens did while spending a week working with local Rotary Club members at an ophthalmology clinic high in the mountains.“For me, it was a life-changing experience,” said Isaza, 18, who traveled to Mexico with fellow teens Katie Burke, Ellery Kraus and Caroline Rudd last...
Bieber’s bust OK for town finances for now
Pop superstar Justin Bieber may have disappointed thousands of fans by canceling his appearance at Gillette Stadium, but the town’s coffers won’t feel a direct hit.Foxboro receives revenues for each patron at a Patriots game or other event at the stadium, resulting in annual revenues of up to $3.8 million.
After 25 years, Foxboro heirloom returned
A 100-year-old flying horse that belonged to three generations of a local family is now back home because of a social media post.The nearly three foot long brass sculpture hung for years inside a Main Street home, but was left behind when the family moved in the 1990s.
Homework: Technology is allowing more workers to telecommute
For Steve Schoonveld, going to work isn't synonymous with commuting to the office.The 50-year-old actuary for Lincoln Financial Group used to have an office, actually, but it was decided he no longer needed it. When visiting clients across the country he can work and teleconference on his computer.When he's back in the Boston area, he can work at home. As a telecommuter, the Mansfield resident sees several advantages.
Texas man accused of murdering former priest from Seekonk
A Brownsville, Texas, man has been charged with the murder of a retired Catholic priest from Seekonk whose body was discovered last week buried in a shallow grave about an hour from his South Padre Island, Texas, home.Lt. Johnny Hernandez of the Texas Department of Public Safety said Juan Carlos Baez Escobedo, 27, was charged with the killing.Police have yet to officially identify the victim but the Fall River Diocese confirmed the body as that of retired priest William M.
Town’s battle to shield kids inches along
Foxboro residents have been leaders in the battle to protect children from sexual predators, the legacy of a former schoolteacher and scoutmaster implicated in sexual crimes.But the state Legislature has moved slowly toward adopting broader reporting requirements despite testimony from local authorities and volunteers.A bill filed by state Rep.
State forest trail improvements planned
Hikers as well as bikers are the intended beneficiaries of planned improvements to the High Rock trail network at F.
Their craft bar has a different kind of vibe
Foxboro’s Pam Morgan and cousin Patti Bukoff of Plainville, both long-time crafters, were looking to put just a little different slant on the crafts workshop they’re opening Saturday in North Attleboro.The Crafts Bar, located at 560 Kelley Boulevard, will be offering beer and wine service along with a variety of do-it-yourself crafts projects and stenciled signs that visitors can make and take home with them.
The town's first brew pub on tap at Patriot Place
Patriot Place is about to get its first brew pub-style business.Battle Road Brewing Co. plans to open what promoters are calling a “tasting room” concept that would collaborate with restaurants on the Patriot Place property serve custom-brewed beer and potentially food available to visitors.Battle Road, which already has a similar location in Maynard, would provide the beer for on-site consumption and provide for restaurant “take overs” by local food establishments.
Consider yourself, one of the family...
A trailblazer in providing services to older Americans will soon be taking over as director of the town’s council on aging.Marc Craig, 32, former community services director in Randolph, was introduced Tuesday night as the new COA chief starting in September. He replaces Vicki Lowe, who retired in July.Town Manager Bill Keegan hailed Craig’s “intergenerational” approach bringing seniors and young people together and offering new kinds of activities.
Mansfield grandma now a buff bodybuilder
MANSFIELDA couple of years ago, Danielle Barros was an office worker who did light workouts at the gym to keep in shape.Then she got serious. After months of tough training and discipline, the 50-year-old grandmother is now an award-winning bodybuilder and advocate for physical and diet fitness.“I feel better than I ever have before,” said the 5-foot, 3-inch woman who works out six days a week and restricts her diet to healthy foods like chicken, broccoli with rice and yogurt.
Alcohol service expanded at Gillette Stadium
FOXBORO — Gillette Stadium will have the ability to offer expanded alcohol and food service outside the stadium proper this year under an expansion of the stadium’s alcohol “footprint” approved by selectmen.The stadium has been allowed to provide alcohol service in a portion of the grounds to the southeast of the stadium where practice fields are located.
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