May 24, 2020
~ Building Brockton Community One Positive Story at a Time
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Memorial Day Tribute
To commemorate Monday, Memorial Day, here are a couple of the many plaques around our city.
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Veteran’s Memorial dedicated to all veterans that have died in the line of duty, located on Legion Parkway at Warren Avenue.
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GAR (Grand Army of the Republic ) Park located on VFW Parkway across from City Hall.
GAR was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, Marines and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service who served in the
American Civil War.
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Korean Vietnam Memorial Park located on the corner of Centre and Main Street.
Photo & Story credits:
Ed Williams
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Historical Tidbit:
The City of Champions
Brockton is the "City of Champions". The sport of boxing had a strong foundation here and we launched two world renown professional boxers. Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.
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Rocky Marciano was born in Brockton, MA. He is the only professional boxer to exit his career undefeated. Rocky competed from 1947 to 1955.
There is an exhibit at the Brockton Historical Society dedicated to Rocky Marciano. The Exhibit includes the gloves and shoes Rocky was wearing when he defeated Jersey Joe Walcott the reigning heavyweight champion before him. He earned his present title at the end of that fight.
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Marvelous Marvin Hagler was born in Newark, New Jersey, but after the Newark Riots caused the destruction of the Hagler's tenement his family moved to Brockton. Marvelous Hagler has the second longest reign of being a undisputed middleweight champion behind only Tony Zale (whose career had several years of inactivity). His reign was from 1980 to 1987.
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Buildings Remain Closed to the Public
City Hall
45 School St
508-580-7123
Check the city website for important updates
Brockton Public Library
Main Library - 304 Main St. 508-580-7890
East Branch - 54 Kingman St. 508-580-7892
West Branch - 540 Forest Ave. 508-580-7894
Council on Aging
10 Father Kenney Way 508-580-7811
There are 12 food pantries in Brockton.
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10,000 Books!
The city's public library is giving them away.
"We want to get books in the hands of everyone who wants to read." Said Paul Engle, Director of Brockton Public Library.
Having had to close their physical doors for the time being, our library has worked hard to offer quality library resources and activities on line, and now, distributes 10,000 free books throughout the city.
The books were purchased locally by funds from the Brockton Library Foundation, a non-profit group who fund raise to support BrPL events and activities
such as book discussions, children's events, and the museum pass program. The Foundation also raised money to pay for interior furnishings of the renovated Main Library and the East Branch.
The books are being distributed through the Veterans and Seniors programs in the city and the grab & go meals provided to 2,000 families each day at 10 school locations.
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Books were picked up by Brockton Area NAACP Education Committee, arranging distribution at the Grab & Go meal sites. Pictured: Jessie N Jeune, Leona Martin, Chair, and Paul Engle, Director of BrPL.
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Photo & story credits: J. Rose
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Photo and story from: Matt Cunningham via FB
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2020 Musical Montage By Brockton High School Drama Club
Every May for the last 50 years, musical magic has graced the Brockton High School stage. Our entire community has been immersed into a theatrical experience that has offered education, enrichment, entertainment, and elegance. Unfortunately, due the pandemic, we were unable to perform a spring musical this year.
Mr. Hogan and I, along with our directing team and students, are so proud to release this musical montage celebrating the last 3 shows performed: Sister Act (2017), 9 to 5 (2018), and Newsies (2019). We hope it brings a smile to your face as you watch these talented students!
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Now offering Disinfectant Fogging & HEPA Vacuuming Services!
As small businesses start to return to work, HEPA vacuum is an effective way to take the cleaning and sanitation precautions necessity.
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Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative Coalition
The Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative's mission is to save lives from substance use and prevent the damage it can do to individuals, families and our local community.
To do this, we educate young people with accurate information and tools to cope with life’s challenges, and to help them understand the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. We connect individuals and families with the resources they need to become better informed. And we work with leaders in the community to build a system of support in every neighborhood.
Two digital billboards went live on the morning of Monday, May 11th on Route 24 at Exit 17 in Brockton. The billboards, created by the Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative, promote connection and resiliency with hopes to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out and ask for help during this challenging time. The art will be displayed on each side of the billboard and will be visible to both north and southbound traffic on Rt. 24 through the first week in July.
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Launch Into Girl Scouts
Launch into Girl Scouts during the month of May!
Tune in to any of our free, introductory events. Free event virtually on Zoom. Click on link below to find the times and days for the different grade level meetups.
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Seven Strategies That Work Together to help us return to Profitability
MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce Zoom
Thursday, May 28th
12:00p
Join us for this very interactive discussion with other business owners to discuss best practices on the seven 7 essential building blocks for every business that work together to help control the results of the business and return us to profitability. Now more than ever we need to be planning for what will hopefully be a big bounce. Be sure your business doesn’t make a big thud!
Do you know by making modest improvements across critical areas of your business you can achieve major improvements in your profits?
Would you like to have a better understanding of marketing and sales fundamentals that will help you with your day-to-day business needs? In this program, PBC, Inc. presenter Bernhard Heine will show you how to measure and improve each of the 7 areas in your business and how by making small incremental improvements in your business, you will see an increase in profits, and help us get through this terrible crisis.
Register Here
As an added bonus, all registered attendees will receive a FREE Everything DiSC Management assessment. ($120 value)!
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Stay home and dress up your gardens!
Order your mulch online today!
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We have wood pellets, feed & grain and
we're open for essential items!
Please call with your order and drive up.
1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) Bridgewater
(508) 697-0357
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Mayor Robert F. Sullivan and United Way Launch Brockton Together Fund To Help People Impacted by COVID-19
In an effort to mobilize resources to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan today announced the establishment of the Brockton Together Fund in partnership with United Way.
As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools, and homes, many in Brockton are being impacted in ways they never imagined. Businesses who make up the backbone of Brockton’s local economy have significantly reduced their hours or have been forced to close. People who are not paid if they are not working are trying to figure out how they will make ends meet. The Brockton Together Fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so, generously, in support of their neighbors.
“I am so pleased that both the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley are working with the City to truly help our community and residents. This collaborative effort will benefit many people within the City of Brockton. During this unprecedented health crisis, the Brockton Together Fund will provide much needed resources and aid,” said Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan.
The Brockton Together Fund, which will be seeded by a $20,000 grant from United Way, is being established to mobilize resources for emergency assistance and expanded food distribution, with a focus on those who are most economically vulnerable during the pandemic. National Grid is contributing $10,000 as an initial supporter of the new fund.
The fund will deploy resources through nonprofit partners to prevent financial crises and displacement for the residents of our city. These funds will cover the costs of essential needs including, but not limited to, rent, food, utilities, internet connectivity, childcare, medications, and other basic necessities. At this time, this fund is not intended to support nonprofit capacity. It will rather focus on the basic needs of families. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Brockton nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in our community. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, PO Box 51381, Boston, MA 02205-1381. Please make checks out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and include “Brockton Together Fund” in the memo of the check.
In the coming weeks, Brockton Together Fund will add more detailed information on fund eligibility requirements and information about how individuals can apply for assistance. Individuals and families who need immediate help should contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit
mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus.
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Contest Winner: Rhonique Brown, Brockton
On my block there's a red house, green house, a blue one and burgundy one. On my block there's Maria, Noah, and Yolanda. Maria's house is the first one on the street. When I walk past red and a fence of shrubs, there's the faint sound of amicable ...
Read more
buzzaround.info
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Winner - Popular Vote: Gianna Messia ~ Brockton "City of ...
Brockton. The "City of Champions". A place that I have called home for the past 16 years of my life. And to be honest it was hard choosing to write about only one good thing in Brockton. For as long as I can remember, Brockton has offered kids...
Read more
buzzaround.info
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Free Virtual Nature Writing and Journaling Program
Please join us for a free virtual nature writing and journaling program! We'll meet on Zoom to start nature journaling and explore sketching, poetry, storytelling, and more to help us observe the natural world more closely and find inspiration for our writing. You'll also have the opportunity to share your own writing in a friendly and welcoming environment.
To sign up, or for more information, email Dan at
dboudreau@massaudubon.org
or Kelly at
kgates@cobma.us
. We will send the Zoom link after you have registered. The program is open to teens ages 14-18 and is brought to you by the Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon.
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Meet Kalen, Shaping the Future To Strengthen His Community with Census 2020
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Thank You Brockton Police
A big thank you to the Brockton Police Department for keeping our streets safe and sound 24 hours a day!!
"Stay Wicked Fah Apaht"
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Thanks to Bob Feldman &
International X-Ray Brokers
Donated 500 Surgical Masks to Brockton Fire
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While delivering food under one of the bridges in Brockton today (April 26) I noticed a police officer standing in front of one of our homeless residents who lay unconscious on the sidewalk. “What’s going on?” I inquired. The officer replied “It’s a medical emergency. I have called for an ambulance”. As the ambulance and Fire truck approached the man regained consciousness and began to get up. He wanted no part of being helped and began refusing assistance. I am very familiar with this homeless resident. He is a good man, but occasionally he can be very stubborn and a little abrasive in his communication. However, I watched this officer talk to him with such caring and concern, and soon he convinced this man to agree to be checked out.
It was amazing to see how this officer handled the situation.
Tonight I want to give a huge THANK YOU to the police officers, firefighters, and first responders for your heroic efforts. It takes a very special person to show the patience and compassion that this officer and the entire team who responded showed today. You are the best, and to me, you are all certainly a big part of the kingdom of God.
Thank you so much!! God Bless You!!
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We are Hiring:
A Message From Jacquie
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Janice O'Brien, Jacquelyn Rose & Gregory Venezia
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Gaining Inspiration
Dedication and self sacrifice for the greater good is embedded in our military families. We have them to thank, not only their sacrifice, but also passing on those traditional values to the next and future generations.
These learned values, embedded in our culture, has allowed our leaders to call out "greater good" and we know our individual actions matter, we know we have to take action.
As hard as this has been, I have gained inspiration from our military personnel; who have sacrificed, giving themselves for the idea that there is a civilization we can create collectively, that is worth it.
The idea that we can create a civilization where people are respected. A place where we care about each other and listen to each other, and basic human rights are given. This democratic dream that we are together in.
There are many different ideas on how to get there, but the concept that it can exist is worth it to them to sacrifice their freedom for ours.
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All I can say is "Thank You," and I try, each day, to honor your sacrifice by living a life that works toward that civilization.
~ Jacquie
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Copyright 2020 Buzz Around Brockton.
You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety or as much as you like. If you take it in part, please give credit: ("Buzz Around Brockton 5/24/20")
Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. links to town committees and non-profit groups provide a way of sharing local information. Individual groups are responsible for how they represent themselves on their websites and in their promotional materials.
The Buzz Around does not claim to support any particular view.
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