April 19, 2020 ~ Building East Bridgewater Community One Positive Story at a Time
Kiwanis Sends out a Thank You!
Thursday April 16, while maintaining social distancing the East Bridgewater Kiwanis Club represented by Past Treasurer Phil Nardozzi and Past President Charlie Muise stood in front of the East Bridgewater Fire Department on RTE 18 with posters thanking the first responders for all they do for the residents of East Bridgewater and surrounding communities.
You are appreciated!!!!

Thank you
Albert Anderson
President of the East Bridgewater Kiwanis.
Historical Tidbit:
 
Dairy Farms in the 1940's
Memories from Margaret Alexander

There were at least seven dairy farms in East Bridgewater in the 1940's that were delivering milk daily. One in particular was horse drawn and doubled as her school bus. She would hop on, and he would make some delivery stops on the way to school. In the winter the roads weren't plowed, so it was a horse drawn school/milk delivery sleigh.
Photo courtesy of the historical photo collection on the E. Bridgewater Public Library
Get Your Word Out!
Advertise with us!


Want to let our community know how you can service them?

BuzzAround publishes to 10,000 subscribers, it's a great time to
advertise, our readership is UP!
Your Buzz Around is committed to sharing positive news, tips & ideas, to help us all through! Most local businesses remain open with adaptations to adjust for social distancing. Bee Kind & Shop Local.
Town Hall
175 Central St
508-378-1601
Email & Phone contact only
Check the town website for important updates

E. Bridgewater Public Library
32 Union St 508-378-1616
Email & phone contact only

Council on Aging 
355 Plymouth St 508-378-1610
Email & phone contact only
COA

Food Pantries
Union Congregational Church
105 Pleasant St
2nd Wednesday from 12:30p - 2:00p and last Saturday from 9:30a - 11:00a
Pre-Packed bags for pick up only

St Vincent dePaul Food Pantry
St. John's Catholic Church
210 Center St, EB
(508) 378-3760
Distribution 1st & 3rd Monday of Each Month
Pre-packed bags for pick up only
Congratulations!
Joyce Middleton
 won a
6 weeks of training (value $279) at
Get In Shape for Women, Bridgewater
for use after they re-open in May

You should play our
Historical Tidbit Trivia Game
at the bottom of this newsletter.

You could win
a 45 min Reiki Treatment from Jacquelyn Rose to be used when restrictions are lifted.
Thank You Garden Club.
Two members of the E. Bridgewater Gardens club, Darlene Dupras and Pam Galligan made a beautiful display of flowers and other plants in a horse trough.

The green flowers on the right are Hellebores, and the long plant with fuzzy buds is Pussy Willow. Later on pansies will be added to the display.
Do you like to write? Do you have a good story to share?
Could you use $100?
Enter our short story contest.
Write an original non-fiction short story related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman. Due 5/8/20.

4 prizes of $100 each will be awarded on May 21, 2020 to the best non-fiction short stories in these categories:
Popular vote: Vote on stories from May 11 -17, 2020 The popular vote will include all short stories submitted that meet the above criteria.
Brockton:  3 Brockton librarians, Malice Veiga, Jennifer Belcher and Kevin Nascimento will judge stories submitted related to Brockton.
East Bridgewater, Halifax & Whitman: Michelle “Shel” Stephen (EB), Jean Gallant (Halifax) and Barbara Bryant (Whitman) from our public libraries will award a winner from stories submitted for Whitman, East Bridgewater and Halifax.
Bridgewater, Raynham, and West Bridgewater: Ann Gerald (Bridgewater),
Ellen Snoeyenbos (WB), Jessie McKinney (Raynham) from our public libraries will award a winner from stories submitted for Bridgewater, Raynham and West Bridgewater.
What's Your Good News?

Let us know your good news! We are accepting original non-fiction short stories related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman. Entry Form to Fill out is at the...

Read more
buzzaround.info
Entries must be 1000 words or less.

We are accepting one story per person until May 8, 2020.

4 prizes of $100 each will be announced on May 21, 2020
Chicks came in this week! 100-Rhode Island Reds, 100-Aracauna, 100 Barred Rocks.
BRIDGEWATER FARM SUPPLY
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

Board of Selectmen Tuesday, April 21, 2020 - 4:30p

Govt Live Stream Meetings

Read more
eb-cam.org
Now's the time to participate in your town government... where you have direct power over your life!

Below see video of EB Board of Selectmen Meeting - 4-13-20. Courtesy of EBCAM
Grocery Store Worker Priority Testing
The Baker-Polito Administration and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security today (4/10/20) expanded access to the free, priority COVID-19 testing sites for first responders to now include grocery store and supermarket workers.
Beginning Saturday, April 11, the men and women who provide critical access to food and other necessities (that is anyone selling groceries) may schedule an appointment to receive COVID-19 testing at the sites located at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro and the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield.
All appointments must be made in advance by the worker’s supervisor or manager, and personnel do not need to be symptomatic to be eligible.
Details here.
If you don't get enough of Frank,
EB's Turkey Mascot, no worries... now you can join the Facebook group entirely dedicated to tracking Frank's whereabouts. He never ceases to entertain... holding up traffic, not caring about horns or size of vehicle, Frank bends to no man (or woman)! Frank the EB Turkey Mascot Facebook Group
Photo Credit: Michele Dovell
re-post from
Good Morning,
The East Bridgewater School Committee, at their regular meeting on April 14, 2020, voted unanimously to revise the 2019/2020 school calendar to cancel the April 2020 school break.
Remote learning will be held on Tuesday, April 21st through Friday, April 24th. There will be no remote learning on Monday, April 20th, in observation of the state holiday, Patriot’s Day.
By cancelling the April 2020 break, this will allow the last day of school to be June 16, 2020.
Stay safe & healthy!
Way cool! EB Library Virtual Lego & Art Club invites all to post.
Let's see your creativity! facebook.com/eastbridgewaterlibrary
BETHEL MEDICAL GROUP
Founded in 1990 as a Christian practice; the mission of Bethel Family Medicine is to serve God by providing compassionate, high-quality medical care for every member of the family in a warm, welcoming environment.


CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!
111 Torrey St, Brockton (508) 588-1200
NESSRALLA FARM
We're Open!

Some FYIs to our loyal customers: we’ll be following social distancing guidelines and taking all possible safety precautions to protect you and our staff, so be patient shopping! See you soon!

318 Plymouth St. Halifax

(781) 294-1767
2020 Census | United States Census Bureau

When you respond to the census, your answers are kept anonymous. They are used only to produce statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau is bound by law to protect your answers and keep them strictly confidential. The law ensures that your private...

Read more
2020census.gov
Lost Income Due To COVID-19? Here Are Grants And...

Here Are Grants And Resources For Artists And Nonprofits. Museums, restaurants and venues have all closed, leaving many without a primary source of income. Filing for unemployment is a decent safety net but not all artists qualify to...

Read more
www.wbur.org
Dance Theater of New England
Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence!
Summer Dance Programs for All Ages
Enroll Now!

Dance Theater of New England
25 Scotland Blvd, Bridgewater
(508) 697-5255
GRANTS RENTAL
Grant's sends out support & care to all of our communities.
We're all in this together.

10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
 (508) 279-0950

ruler-children-header.jpg
Family Engagement Needs Assessment
Massachusetts is the recipient of a Statewide Family Engagement Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

As a recipient of that grant and in order to learn more about the relationships that schools and families have with one another, DESE must annually conduct an assessment of families’ and educators’ needs related to family engagement. I encourage you to participate in this survey by visiting this website.

The Council on Aging Provides Limited Transportation
on Tuesday's for in-town errands to essential stores (CVS, Post Office etc..). On Thursdays the van will take you to either Trucchi's or Market Basket. Please call the COA between 8a - 12p (Mon-Fri) for more information. 508-378-1610.
Internet Essentials from Comcast

First 2 months free, after $9.99 / mo. Internet Essentials brings affordable high-speed internet to low income homes.

Read more
www.internetessentials.com
Operation Brown Bag for East Bridgewater
Public Schools
Brown bag breakfasts/lunches served from 11a - 1p daily from the East Bridgewater Jr/Sr. High School’s main entrance .
Please take advantage of the nutrition program. Please call the Superintendent’s office at 508-
378-5956 if you need “Operation Brown Bag".
town hall
Annual Town Election - Updated Information
rescheduled date - Saturday, June 6th
Annual Town Election has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6th - Absentee Ballots are now available
The following offices appear on 2020 ballot:
One - Moderator (3yrs); One - Board of Selectmen (3yrs); One - Assessor (3yrs); Two - School Committee (3yrs); One Housing Authorty (5yrs); Two - Library Trustees (3yrs); One - Board of Health; Three - Planning Board (3yrs) - specimen ballot attached below.
Last day to register to vote at Town Election is Wednesday, May 27th.
Click here to check your voter status.
Click here for Absentee Ballot Application. Mail completed application to : Town Clerk 175 Central Street East Bridgewater, MA 02333   
Voting Location: Jr/Sr High School Gymnasium 143 Plymouth Street

Image credit: James Weinfeller
D'AGOSTINO INSURANCE

D'Agostino Insurance
111 Torrey St Suite #1
Brockton, MA 02301
Call (508) 586-0414

We Are Hiring Account Representatives

Our local economies have been severely impacted. Our small local businesses need help recovering. You can help.

Read more
buzzaround.info
Our Love and Hugs Go Out to Theresa, Joe & the Whole McNulty Crew
by Jacquelyn Rose

Somewhere around 15 years ago my life was forever changed by a 'play-date" of my son's. We've all done this. Walked into a house to meet the parent of our child's newest friend. So there I was in the McNulty home.
I grew up with 8 siblings, so I understood the special kind of madness that comes with a house full of kids & animals. But I had never met anyone like Theresa before. All of the 7 McNulty Crew: Irene, Trista, John, Jordan, Rhiana, Josh, and dear Princess Zarghona were fostered or adopted. There was love and structure and support for each of them.. plus... Plus support and love for everyone else who walked through the door, including me. It continuously amazes me the energy and grace Theresa puts forth. Supplies for struggling families. Special needs advocacy. Seniors assistance. Food, clothing, shelter. Emotional & physical support. As long as I have known her, Theresa has consistently given all she could to everyone who asked.

When I read her Facebook post my heart broke:

March 27, 2020
"Today has been one of the longest, hardest days of my life. First and foremost to my husband and my children, and their partners. I love you all.
I want to thank everyone who called, texted, messaged and responded to my plea for prayers. I am so grateful for you all.
You are all amazing and I send my love and gratitude. Please keep those prayers and that healing coming. We will be needing them.
I don't normally share a lot of personal posts, but today I need to.
I got the call, one that no parent ever wants to get, telling me my son John was taken to the hospital and was in a coma. Nothing prepares you for that.
John has been battling demons for many years, depression, anxiety, and for the past few years, drug addiction.
He had been to rehab, gotten sober, relapsed, did rehab again. He was doing very well, and we thought this time he had beat it.
But for reasons only he knows, he chose to use again. The person he was with administered narcan, but that did not work."

I am sharing this, not for sympathy, but to raise awareness. Heroin is a plague, and it attacks all ages, all social classes, races, religions. It knows no barriers. It destroys lives and puts families through unbearable heartache.
As I sit here, waiting for the doctors to tell me he is officially gone, I wish that he made a different choice last night. I wish that I could wish him OK. But that is not to be.

So I am choosing to remember all of the blessings and joy of the years we did have with him.
I think of that sweet boy I've raised, and loved.
The boy who loved Nintendo, and baseball.
His wicked sense of humor, and impish grin. I think of all the heavy metal music blaring while he head-banged to his favorite bands, reading Harry Potter books over and over, eating his record 15 tacos! The boy loved food!
I think of all the things he loved...playing the saxophone, riding dirt-bikes, camping, roller blading, skateboarding, playing his guitar, hackey sack and basketball in the circle.
I think of how much laughter there was and how much fun he had with all of his friends in and out of our house over the years.
I think of how smart he was, how he could do complex math in his head, spell any word, do huge jigsaw puzzles without even trying.
We are blessed to have these memories.

And then I think about the huge hole it leaves in our family, to be without him.
I think of his sweet little son, who will not get to grow up with his dad around.

To say that we are heartbroken would be an understatement.
I felt I needed to be honest with our loss, because drug addiction is so horrific. If even one person hears or reads this and thinks twice about using, or gets help for themselves or someone they love, maybe it can make a difference.

I will wrap my arms around my other sweet children, and my husband, so thankful we were all together today, in spite of the restrictions at the hospital, and Covid-19, and battling with staff. They were all there, outside, waiting endlessly, with their partners, holding each other up, holding me and Joe up, while we waited for our turns to see our John. Tomorrow will be harder still, but we will lift each other up and get through it together.

Please know that we appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and healing being sent.
We are so thankful."

And then as the days passed, and medical confirmation received:

"In the sadness, there is always something to be grateful for. I prayed that this would be possible..
Tonight we got word that all the tests are done, and my son John will be able to donate his organs to save several lives.
He would be happy.
We will get word when they know how many lives were affected and saved.
At least some good with come from our tragic loss. I am thankful for this blessing, and the wonderful people at the hospital and NE Organ Donor, for all of their kindness and support, and for guiding us through this process."

The strength of this family unit is a force that effects everyone lucky enough to brush it. Theresa's love for humanity is in this response. A love she has displayed consistently for as long as I have known her. It is quiet and powerful, a voice for the fragile, the marginalized and the struggling.

To raise awareness: Heroin is a plague, and it attacks all ages, all social classes, races, religions. It knows no barriers. It destroys lives and puts families through unbearable heartache.

To take care of those waiting for organs to survive, his were donated.

And also, to care for John's funeral & start a fund for his children gofundme.com/remembering-john-mcnulty

Please contribute what you can.
Remembering John McNulty - "Do it for Johnny"

John McNulty was a highly intelligent, handsome young man. He could put complex puzzles together in an instant and loved building lego sets. He also enjoyed playing video games, playing baseball and basketball, rollerblading, skateboarding,...

Read more
www.gofundme.com
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME  

Have fun with us and bee entered to win a
45 min Reiki Treatment from
Jacquelyn Rose to be used when restrictions are lifted.


  Historical Tidbit Question:
What did one milk delivery wagon
double as?


Please submit your answer through our website here . It's easier for us to run more contests & distribute prizes this way.
We are looking forward to giving you more opportunities to win!


By entering, you give us permission to announce your name in next week's Buzz Around East Bridgewater.


On April 22, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Theresa McNulty, Janice O'Brien, Megan Piche, Deena Anzum, Jacquelyn Rose & Gregory Venezia
April is Poetry Month
Hmm. Poetry? You ask.
Of course.

To inspire your inner artist... poetry can express emotion and ideas in thoughtful and delicate ways, or in pounding stark ways. I thoroughly enjoy the use of words. It taps into that which seems elusive. And so, for poetry month, lets look at poets!
Today, I am diving into the experience of Langston Hughes.

“Gather out of star-dust,
Earth-dust,
Cloud-dust,
Storm-dust,
And splinters of hail,
One handful of dream-dust,
Not for sale.”

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly."

“Oh, God of Dust and Rainbows,
Help us to see
That without the dust the rainbow
Would not be.”

“Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.”
Also, here is a great site for when you want to explore more poets.

Give it your all. You have everything you have ever needed to live life completely.
~ Jacquie
Copyright 2019 Buzz Around East Bridgewater.  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 East Bridgewater 4/19/20")

Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. Occasionally, there will be links to town committees and other non-profit groups, as 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.