October 13, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Community Garden Initiative Thrives Thanks to Local Volunteers

This week, we celebrate the collaborative efforts of our community members in enhancing our local green spaces. A self-watering system has been expertly built and filled in our community garden beds, thanks to the hard work of Mary Arnberg, a master gardener, and Tommy, the Director of Cedar Street Community Center. Their dedication, alongside COA staff members Maddy and Scott, Ted from AARP, and Patty Sullivan from Agespan, has resulted in a thriving garden that will serve our community well.

The garden project took place at the Cedar Street Community Center, where these volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make this initiative a reality. Community members are encouraged to visit the garden and appreciate the hard work that went into it. If you have any ideas on what to plant during the winter months, your input is welcomed! Please reach out via email to share your thoughts at oldcolonyplanningcouncil@gmail.com or send a message on their website here.

In addition to the gardening efforts, the Old Colony Planning Council is actively seeking your input through a community assessment survey focused on adults aged 50 and over. Your responses will help inform local agencies and improve funding opportunities for essential programs and services. To learn more and participate follow this Old Colony Planning Council survey link. The more voices that join in, the better our community can serve all its members. Thank you, and enjoy the October edition of Top of the Hill!

Source & Photo Credit: Emily Williams, bridgewaterma.org

Story written by Megan Martin, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU

Help Shape Bridgewater’s Future!

The Bridgewater Community Preservation Plan is seeking input from residents to help shape the goals and priorities for the town’s future projects.

Your ideas will directly influence how funding is allocated for various initiatives across the community. This is your opportunity to make an impact and contribute to the development of a thriving town.

Get Involved: Share your feedback by visiting Bridgewater CPP to take the survey! Or scan the QR code on the picture in this post ~ Your voice matters!

Town Council:

October 1, 2024

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

ebinsuranceinc.com • Facebook

East Bridgewater Insurance Agency

Simplifying Insurance, For Your Peace of Mind.



From car insurance to homeowners policies to coverage for your business, we’ll design an insurance plan that’s right for you. 

76 North Bedford St, East Bridgewater

(508) 378-3991

Early Voting in Bridgewater, MA: Your Guide to the Presidential Election

As we gear up for the Presidential Election on November 5th, it’s important to ensure you're registered and ready to cast your vote. The last day to register to vote is Saturday, October 26th, by 5 PM. If you haven't registered yet, please make sure to take care of that before the deadline, it's easy to do on the Secretary of State website here!

For those looking to participate in early voting, here’s the schedule for in-person voting at the Council Chambers at the Academy Building/Town Hall:

• Saturday, October 19th: 11 AM - 5 PM
• Monday to Thursday, October 21st - 24th: 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday, October 25th: 8 AM - 1 PM
• Saturday, October 26th: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Monday to Thursday, October 28th - 31st: 8 AM - 4 PM
• Friday, November 1st: 8 AM - 1 PM

Make your voice heard this election season!

Registration Information

Paint Nite Fundraiser

Fri, Oct 16

6-8p

Central Square Congretational Church

71 Central Square

Come join for a fun-filled evening of painting for a cause at Central Square Church, UCC! Grab your friends and unleash your inner artist while supporting a great cause. No experience necessary —our talented instructor, Ms. Jenn Paints, will guide you every step of the way. All painting supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity and get ready to have a blast.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference while having a great time! Bring your own beer/wine/drinks. Snacks will be provided.

Visit www.csccucc.org/events for more info or to buy tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Local Cultural Council Grant Applications

This year (fy25), the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, has allotted $22,900 to the Bridgewater Cultural Council (BCC) for project grants benefiting the citizens of Bridgewater. Grants can fund projects in the arts, humanities/culture, and science.

FY25 Local Priorities

1. Artists/ STEM Individuals or groups that reside in Bridgewater for projects to be held in Bridgewater

2. Events to be held in Bridgewater

3. Events in surrounding towns where Bridgewater residents would likely attend or participate with no additional cost or expense to attend (free)

4. Other events held in local, surrounding communities where residents are likely to attend which might have nominal fees, cost or expenses required to attend.

5. Other events that demonstrate they are of interest to Bridgewater residents

Applications for grants are now available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org. Eligible projects must take place between September 2024 and December 2025, applications are online only. The deadline to submit is Oct 16, 2024 at 11:59p.

Brockton Bruisers Roller Derby Presents: Fright Night Fight!

Sat, Oct 19

Doors Open: 7p

First Whistle: 7:30p

Bridgewater State University Kelly Gymnasium

34 Park Ave

Join this event for the ultimate clash of the creepers as Beetlejuice takes on the Ghostbusters in a thrilling short track roller derby event that will have you on the edge of your seat! 

This isn’t just any roller derby; it’s a full-blown Halloween extravaganza!  Come dressed in your most creative or spine-chilling costumes for a chance to win our Halloween Costume Contest!  Prizes await the best-dressed ghouls and goblins, so bring your A-game!

Help us support the amazing work of Blessings in a Backpack by bringing a non-perishable food item for our can drive. Every donation gets you entered into a raffle for a chance to win awesome prizes! 

So grab your friends, put on your best Halloween gear, and get ready for a night of thrills, chills, and roller derby spills!

brocktonbruisersrollerderby.com

Join the Fun at the Mix N’ Music Open Mic Night!

Tue, Oct 22

Kick off & Sign-ups: 5:30p

Open Mic: 6-9p

Cedar Street Community Center

15 Cedar Street

Calling all music lovers and performers! The Cedar Street Community Center is thrilled to present the Mix N’ Music Open Mic Night, hosted by Kim Hill. This is your chance to take the stage and share your talent with the community. Whether you're a singer, or musician, or just love to enjoy live performances, everyone is welcome to be a star for the evening!

It’s a must-see event for anyone who appreciates good music and community vibes. Come down, enjoy the performances, and support local talent at this awesome venue.

For more details about the event, visit the Cedar Street Community Center's website.

Craft Fair Fundraiser at High Pond Estates

Sat, Oct 19

9a-2p

Clubhouse

High Pond Drive

Get ready for a fantastic opportunity to support the High Pond Estates senior living community while finding unique treasures!

Join for a Craft Fair Fundraiser featuring many local vendors showcasing their handcrafted items, perfect for starting your holiday shopping early.

Enjoy delicious treats at the snack bar, try your luck at the raffles, and don’t miss the bake sale for some sweet delights!

Mark your calendars and come out to support our community! For more information, please visit High Pond Estates FB Event. We hope to see you there!

10th Annual Bridgewater Police Department's

5K and Fun Run

Video Courtesy of BTV

Trunk-Or-Treat Vehicle Registration Now Open!

Sun, Oct 20

2-5p

The Launch

80 Spring St

Get ready for spooky fun and support a great cause! The Bridgewater 4th of July Committee invites you to their first-ever Trunk-or-Treat event. Decorate your vehicle and join us for an afternoon of Halloween excitement! Vehicle registration is just $5, with all proceeds benefiting the Bridgewater 4th of July Parade and Fireworks.

Prizes will be awarded for the Spookiest, Funniest, and Fan Favorite vehicle, so be sure to get creative with your decorations! All participating vehicles must arrive by 1 PM and stay for the full event to ensure the safety of everyone in the parking lot.

Don’t forget to bring treats for the little ghosts and goblins, and if possible, consider offering allergy-friendly options!

For additional questions, feel free to reach out to Lisa Buzzell-Curley at

lisa@bridgewaterma4th.com.

Go here to register on a Google Form

Climate Can Do:

3 Tips for a Sustainable Halloween 

With spooky season underway, it is important to remember how our choices impact the environment around us. According to Duke University, a 2019 study found that discarded Halloween costumes alone generated 2,000 tons of plastic waste each year. Luckily there are many quick and easy tricks to help you cut down your eco-footprint.

Recycle Costumes and Decor

When it comes to Halloween, some things never go out of style. From spiders to skeletons to witch cauldrons -- keep your "old" decor to use again next year and save time, money, and the planet!

You might consider shopping at thrift and consignment shops or try something new and DIY your own costume! The cape from one year's vampire costume might be the finishing touch for next year's superhero. A pillow case can be easily decorated at home and makes a great trick-or-treat bag. Old stockings with runs and pulls can be transformed into spider-webbing. And cardboard boxes can be cut and painted to look like tombstones in your front yard display!

Maximize Pumpkin Usage

When pumpkins are tossed in the trash and begin to breakdown, they create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. To help prevent this, try to use every part of your pumpkin this Halloween!

Pumpkin seeds, flesh, and rind can be used in a ton of delicious recipes such as pumpkin bread, pudding, pie, and more. For inspiration, you can look online or visit Delish.

Once the season's over, compost your pumpkin, mixing it oxygen while it breaks down decreases methane emissions and improves your garden's nutrient-rich soil.

Shop Sustainably

Shopping locally is also an easy way to limit waste. Support local farmers this season and buy locally-grown pumpkins; and shop local or fair trade chocolatiers.

Source: Western Placer Waste Management Authority, Duke University

This Climate Can Do article was written by Sara MacKinnon, BuzzAround Intern, Providence College

Bridgewater State University

Homecoming 2024

Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater

Youtube Channel

Join BCCR for an Informative Forum on Developmental Challenges

Tue, Oct 22

5-7:30p

Bridgewater Public Library



The Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR) is hosting an informational forum to provide resources and support for individuals with developmental challenges. Local agencies share valuable information about the services they offer, followed by speakers and discussions on important topics affecting the community. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about supporting individuals with developmental challenges and getting involved in advocacy efforts.



5:00–6:00p: Information sharing from local agencies supporting individuals with developmental challenges

6:00–7:30p: Speakers and discussion

No registration is required—come and help make a positive impact in our community!

For more information, visit the BCCR Website​

AutumnFest 2024:

A Wonderful Celebration of Community and Local Business

AutumnFest 2024 was a tremendous success, bringing the Bridgewater community together for a day of celebration and local business support. Hosted by the Bridgewater Business Association (BBA), this annual event showcased the best of the local area, offering a wide range of activities, entertainment, and food. Families and friends gathered to enjoy the festivities and support local vendors and businesses.

Held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Bridgewater State University quad from 10 AM to 4 PM, AutumnFest featured over 140 vendor booths, live music, and activities for all ages. The petting zoo, bounce house, and train rides were big hits with the kids, while adults enjoyed browsing handcrafted items and sampling delicious food from local vendors.

The success of AutumnFest 2024 was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the Bridgewater Business Association, local vendors, performers, and countless volunteers. Special thanks go to the families, businesses, and community members who attended, making this year’s event a fantastic celebration of local culture and spirit. The strong turnout and positive energy throughout the day proved that AutumnFest remains a beloved tradition in Bridgewater.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for more fun, food, and festivities! For more information on future events, please check out the Bridgewater Business Association’s website.

Written by Megan Martin, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU

Color images: J. Rose

Black & White: Marc Osborne

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME





Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a free month of training and a free uniform from Premier Martial Arts, Raynham

Historical Tidbit Question:

In 1854, Bridgewater was chosen as a location to build what?

Email us your answer at: Prizes@buzzaround.info

Please include your name and phone number.



Prize Box Rules

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

On October 16, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Megan Martin, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia

Our Furry Friends



“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.

It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” ~ John Grogan

“Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge.”

~ Jerry Seinfeld

“ Pets devour the loneliness. They give us purpose, responsibility, a reason for getting up in the morning, and a reason to look to the future. They ground us, help us escape the grief, make us laugh, and take full advantage of our weakness by exploiting our furniture, our beds, and our refrigerator. We wouldn't have it any other way.”

~ Nick Trout, Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life As an Animal Surgeon

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.” ~ Gilda Radner

A soft and cuddly role model. Fantastic! ~ Jacquie

Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

Copyright 2024 Buzz Around Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 10/13/24")

Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. There are links to town committees and other non-profit groups in the newsletters. Individual groups are responsible for how they represent themselves on their websites and in their promotional materials. BuzzAround is not responsible for the media content of other organizations.