April 19, 2020
~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time
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Thank you!!
Huge Kudos to our friends at Nessralla Farm for going above and beyond in customer service!!! Thanks for taking care of us & getting everyone the fresh veggies they need to stay healthy!
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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.
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Jean Gallant, Director of the Holmes Public Library, Halifax.
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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.
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What's Your Good News Halifax?
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.
Read more
buzzaround.info
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Historical Tidbit:
IRON ORE
One of Halifax’s natural resources was iron ore. Deposits were discovered in Monponsett in the west lake area, Herring Brook and Stump Pond. In Guy Baker’s
History of Halifax
he states “There was a place in Halifax where surveyors could not properly do their measuring because of the disturbing influence of ore deposits.”
As the demand for iron goods increased, the value of the wetland did as well and the iron ore was strip mined from local ponds and swamps.
Research shows that Monponsett Pond yielded about 100 tons a year and during this time three blowing and air furnaces were built in the Furnace Street area where the iron ore was molded and cast.
Monponsett Pond is the only pond in Halifax. The Town of Halifax owns this pond and in times past has yielded to handsome income partly from the sale of herring and partly from the sale of iron ore, which the town permitted to be taken out of the pond.
Early records show that there were frequent and heated discussions at Town Meeting when various citizens were appointed to "see that the taking of iron ore was encouraged on the one hand and the proper share from it's sale was safeguarded for the town on the other hand." The bottom of the pond was covered with ore and the town sold the right to take ore yearly when there was a furnace and a forge in town. Some years they taxed those who dug the ore 25¢ per ton, the highest sum taxed was 50¢ per ton.
From approximately 1750 to 1850 Monponsett Pond became one of the primary local sources of iron ore. Bog iron from the local swamps and higher grade pond ore raked from the pond bottom supplied the many iron furnaces or "bloomeries" for making cast iron in many forms, bar-iron, hollow-ware and even cannons and cannon balls for the Revolutionary privateers. Anchors were also locally produced as well as bells.
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Respectfully submitted by Sue Basille
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Town Hall
781-294-1316
Office personnel available through phone
and email only.
For needed updates, check the town website.
Holmes Public Library
781-293-2271
Office personnel available through phone
and email only.
Council on Aging
506 Plymouth Street
781-293-7313
Office personnel available through phone
and email only. All in person activities and
events are suspended.
Food Pantries
Halifax Congregational Church
503 Plymouth St. (Rt 106)
781-293-6393
Tuesdays -2:30 - 4p
St Vincent De Paul
Our Lady of the Lake Church
580 Monponsett St, Halifax
(781)293- 7971
2nd & 4th Saturday 9a
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Congratulations!
Joanne Caratelli
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.
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“Sewing Warrior”
Big shout out to Chris Crissy Fontaine Tompkins from the nurses at Walter Reed! They were extremely grateful for their new masks! You are their “Sewing Warrior”! It’s so important that nurses protect themselves outside of work as well as inside and thanks to you they are equipped to do that! Thank You!
Reposted from Darlene Marie DeMarino Viveiros
Member of Halifax MA FB Community Page
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Grocery Store Worker Priority Testing
The Baker-Polito Administration and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (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.
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Girl Scout Cookies
Huge shout out to an anonymous donor.
We were able to deliver 18 boxes of Girl Scout Thanks a lot cookies to Halifax Fire Department Halifax Police Department and our local Cumberland Farms. Stay safe everyone!
Anyone looking for Girl Scout cookies? Porch pick up. Venmo/cash in a baggie.
S’mores
Caramel delights
Thanks a lots
1 box lemonades
Jill Weaver Jones FB
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Internet Essentials from Comcast
New customers 2 months free then $9.99 / mo for internet. Internet Essentials brings affordable high-speed internet to low income homes.
Read more
www.internetessentials.com
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Chicks came in this week! 100-Rhode Island Reds, 100-Aracauna, 100 Barred Rocks.
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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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Halifax Town Government
Schools
- Buildings closed through Sunday, May 3rd - see also
slrsd.org.
“Grab and go” lunches will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for eligible families who completed the survey or called into our food services director. Call Halifax Elementary info 781-293-2581.
Town Hall
- The staff will continue to perform their duties and be present to assist you via telephone 781-590-3888 or e-mail during their normal business hours. No public allowed in the building. Please contact the appropriate department for assistance -
directory.
Council on Aging
-The entire staff will be providing transportation to medically necessary doctors’ appointments, deliver Meals on Wheels, and phone check-ins.
If anyone would like to donate non-perishable food items and toiletries for the seniors they can be dropped off in the bins on the porch of the Council on Aging/Pope's Tavern. Building closed to the public, COA activities & events are suspended.
Library
- Staff available to answer questions by phone and many online services are being offered.
Building closed until May 4th with all fines waived, bookdrop closed.
Recycling Center
- curbside trash and recycling following normal schedule; The "pink bag" pick-up service through Simple Recycling has been suspended on an indefinite basis.
The Recycling Coordinator will continue to perform her duties and be present to assist you via telephone (781-293-1732) or e-mail
sjohnston@town.halifax.ma.us during normal business hours from Monday to Thursday from 9a to 2p. Building & offices closed to the public.
Water Department
-Services being provided; residents call the office 781-293-1733 with any issues.
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JOHNNY MACARONI'S
Eat well, Laugh often, Love much
Take out ONLY at all of our award-winning restaurants, offering curbside pick up!
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NEW SPECIALS (effective 3/17/20)
**All GIFT CARDS ordered online only
are discounted 25% (until further notice)!
**Receive a $10 gift card for each
TAKE-OUT order $50 or more!
Click on location below for
full take out menus.
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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
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Property Taxes Delayed
At the Halifax Board of Selectmen meeting held on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, the Board of Selectmen voted to:
a) change the official due date for payment of the second-half property tax bills from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020;
b) change the official deadline for filing applications for property tax exemptions (such as elderly, blind, veteran) from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020;
c) waive any penalties and interest for late payments made between March 10, 2020 and June 29, 2020 on all bills (motor vehicle, property tax, water) that have due dates between March 10, 2020 and June 29, 2020.
Why June 29, 2020? The wording of the state legislation is specific that payments must be made before June 30, 2020, not before or on June 30, 2020. Therefore, if a late payment is made on June 30, 2020 or after that date, then penalties and interest will be charged. If there is a clarification or a new law that changes the end of the waiver period from June 29, 2020 to June 30, 2020, I'll post that information here.
If a late payment is made on June 30, 2020 or after that date, interest will be calculated based on the due date of the bill. So, the calculation of interest will be based on the due date of June 1, 2020 for property taxes and the specific due dates for any motor vehicle excise bills or water bills.
The waiver described above does not include bills that had a due date before March 10, 2020. For instance, there will be no waiver of interest on a late payment made for a property tax bill that was due on November 1, 2019.
Charlie Seelig
Halifax Town Administrator
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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.
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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
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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
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Grant's sends out support & care to all of our communities. We're all in this together.
10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950
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Happy HOPS Day!
Hard to believe it but this weekend marks the one-year anniversary of our town's community build to construct the new HOPS playground.
Such an incredible time. Countless volunteers showed up in droves... invading with rakes, shovels and wheelbarrows. Such a great example of what this town is really all about. (I think all of last year's volunteers should be excused from any housework this weekend as a thank you. 😉)
We are excited to announce that while the playground may be closed because of our current situation that doesn't mean it's not continuing to improve!
Eagle Scout Connor Burgess is starting construction on our new gazebo this week! He's been doing a great job fundraising and planning and soon the whole town will reap the benefits of his labor. Feel free to give him a beep as you drive by. Also his work will be done with social distancing in mind as only members of his family (dad and brother) will be helping out.
Another Eagle Scout... Ryan McCarthy... is also fundraising to help with the construction of four picnic tables with benches to go underneath the gazebo. He's still seeking donations and any amount is greatly appreciated.
www.gofundme.com/hops-playground-picnic-tables
The improvements don't stop with Connor and Ryan's great work. We will also be adding our personalized brick walkway as well as more benches around the play space. Unfortunately those projects will have to wait until it's safe for the Friends of HOPS to gather again.
So as we're all home dreaming about days on the playground don't forget to celebrate HOPS Day!
Thank you Halifax.
Thank you Connor and Ryan.
And hopefully we'll be able to see you all soon!
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Ryan McCarthy Eagle Scout Service Project organized by...
Want to help me improve Halifax? I'm raising money to benefit Friends of HOPS and any donation will help make an impact. My name is Ryan McCarthy and I am a Life Scout from BSA Troop 39 in Halifax, MA. I am working towards the Eagle Scout, the...
Read more
www.gofundme.com
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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 is the source of Iron in Halifax mentioned throughout the historical tidbit?
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 Bridgewater.
On April 22, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Theresa McNulty, Janice O'Brien, Stacy Rancourt, Jacquelyn Rose & Gregory Venezia
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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.”
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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
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Copyright 2019 Buzz Around Halifax.
You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety as much as you like. If you take it in part, please give credit: ("Buzz Around Halifax 4/19/2020")
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.
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