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Foxborough Commission on Disability honors local business and volunteer
Summary
At its Dec. 3 meeting the Select Board hosted the Foxborough Commission on Disability, which presented an Above and Beyond business award to Papa Gino’s/D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches and an individual award to volunteer Fiona Tress for long-term work with neurodivergent students.
The Foxborough Select Board meeting on Dec. 3 included an awards presentation by the Foxborough Commission on Disability recognizing both a local business and a young volunteer for “above and beyond” accessibility work. The commission presented its business award to Papa Gino’s/D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches (Route 1, Foxborough) and the individual award to recent graduate and volunteer Fiona Tress.
Margaret Chaisson, a member of the Foxborough Commission on Disability, described how Papa Gino’s general manager Leanne Ghedray invested extra time onboarding Ian, a young employee from Foxborough’s special education program, teaching him appropriate workplace behavior and enabling him to become “a model employee.” Chaisson read a nomination letter for Fiona Tress that recounted nine years of volunteer work with neurodivergent students, leadership in Best Buddies at Foxborough High School, contributions to Special Olympics and Unified Basketball, and her enrollment this fall in a special-education concentration at Bridgewater State University.
Sue Collins, chair of the commission, led the pledge and participated in the presentation. A state lawmaker’s representative read citations from the Massachusetts Senate and House congratulating the honorees; the certificates were presented to Leanne Ghedray on behalf of Papa Gino’s and to Tress for her individual award. Select Board members praised the honorees and noted the awards reflect efforts that improve employment and inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.
The board recognized the awards as part of its regular meeting; no action items were associated with the presentations. Staff said the town will display the business plaque at the restaurant and that the commission’s recognition program began in 2015 to spotlight local accessibility efforts.
The Commission on Disability cited the Americans with Disabilities Act as part of its advisory remit during the presentation. The nominations and the certificates presented by the commission and read into the record will remain part of the meeting record.
