August 11, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Food Pantry Volunteer Spotlight:

Cheryl Chadwick, Director

Cheryl Chadwick, the dedicated Director of the West Bridgewater Food Pantry, has a remarkable journey of service and entrepreneurship. Growing up in Brockton and Easton, Cheryl began her career as a teacher before moving to Saudi Arabia with her husband Ken to work for Aramco. After returning to the U.S., Cheryl transitioned from education to business, successfully running three Hallmark stores and later working at Jordan’s Furniture for 18 years. Upon retiring in 2016, Cheryl found her passion for community service at the West Bridgewater Food Pantry, where she has been a volunteer since. In 2022, she became the Director, continuing to fight food insecurity and support the West Bridgewater community. Cheryl's hands-on approach and genuine care for the well-being of others have inspired many volunteers to join the cause. Her efforts have not only provided essential support to those facing food insecurity but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity. Cheryl’s dedication and leadership inspire many, highlighting the importance of community support and volunteerism.

Written by Wenhan Liu, Boston University BuzzAround Intern

Story & Image Source: West Bridgewater Food Pantry FB Post

Historical Tidbit:

Civil War Monument

Located at Central Square, the monument was dedicated on July 4, 1879 at a cost of $3,500. It records the names of 30 from West Bridgewater lost in the war. The primary inscription reads, “In Memory of the Citizens of this Town in Memory of Her Sons Who Lost Their Lives Defending the Government during the War of 1861-1865. Let Us Have Peace.” The speaker during the dedication exercises was Horace Binney Sargent (1821-1908), a distinguished veteran who was Commander of the Massachusetts Department of the GAR. 

As eloquent as his words were, the significance of the occasion were perhaps best summed up by the president of the day, Rev. D.H. Montgomery. The fallen, he said, “all fought a good fight—all died that the republic might not suffer harm, and that in the blood they shed this nation might be baptized into newness of life. This sculptured shaft of granite will perpetuate their memory and will testify to this and to succeeding generations…Let us bear in mind that they took the sword not to make war but to secure peace—that true and permanent peace which rests on equal justice to all. What they bequeathed us, it is for us and for our children to maintain.”

Story Credit and picture provided by: Patrick Browne's Historical Digression

Town Hall

  508-894-1200

WestBridgewaterMa.org

WB Public Library

508-894-1255

westbpl.org

Council on Aging

508-894-1262

COA

Food Pantry

Proof of residency is the only requirement.

1st & 3rd Wednesday each month

1:45 - 3p & 5:30 - 6p

457 rear, South Main St., Suite #1

508-510-5274  westbridgewaterfoodpantry@gmail.com

Congratulations!

Michelle Davis

won 

a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

johnnymacaronis.com

Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.



Enter for this week's prize of:

1 hour Living in the Gift coaching from GleeWorks

Learn mind-body spirit practices with Marcy Venezia building a foundation for healing. ($80 value.) GleeWorks.net

Cooking with Chocolate by Therapy Gardens 

Sat, Aug 17

12-1p

WB Public Library 

Dive into the rich and diverse world of chocolate with Therapy Gardens! Join us for an exciting culinary journey where we'll explore how different cultures around the globe use chocolate and cocoa in both savory and sweet dishes. From the spiced chocolate sauces of Mexico to the delicate chocolate-infused pastries of France, and the robust cocoa flavors in island cuisine, this session will showcase the incredible versatility of chocolate. Don’t miss out on this delicious opportunity to learn and indulge in the many flavors of chocolate!

For more info: WB Public Library Event Page

Pokémon Club

Tue, Aug 20

3-4p

West Bridgewater Public Library

Join the Pokémon Club, a fun and engaging space for Pokémon enthusiasts to gather, learn, and enjoy discussing all things Pokémon, including video games, cards, books, shows, and more!

Each session will feature different activities, and you are welcome to bring your Pokémon cards to battle with friends. Don't worry if you don't have cards—some will be available to share. Feel free to bring any Pokémon-related items, such as cards, games, or gaming devices.

This event is suitable for ages 8 and up. Come join the fun and make new friends who share your love for Pokémon!

Source: WB Public Library Event Page

Town Museum Open House 

Aug 17, 1-3p

Sep 21, 1-3p

65 North Main St

Explore and view the rich history and exhibits at the Town Museum during their open house events. This is your last chance to visit until next spring!

For more info contact the: Historical Commission WB Page

WB Board of Selectmen Meeting July 24, 2024

Video Courtesy of WB Community Access TV

BIG 3 In WB: JULY

Courtesy of WB Community Access TV

WBYAA Outdoor Movie Night 

Fri, Aug 23 

6p 

Join WBYAA for an outdoor movie night on August 23rd at the baseball fields. Bring chairs and blankets for a fun evening under the stars with the community! The snack shack will be open, and snacks will be available for sale.

Source: WBYAA FB 

Voting for State Primary

Sat, Aug 24 - Fri, Aug 30

Town Hall

65 N. Main Street

Attention Voters! The Early Voting Period for State Primary will run from August 24 through August 30, except on Sunday, August 25. Every voter can go to the Town Hall during its open hours. The open hours for each early voting day may vary so please check the time arrangement before you go.

For details and time arrangement: Town of West Bridgewater Web Page

Native vs. Invasive Plants Workshop

Sun, Aug 25 

10a

Maple St 

What are those plants invading our gardens and open spaces? Join the West Bridgewater Open Space and Recreation Committee for a walking presentation on invasive plants in our area. Led by Carol Entin, we will explore the conservation land at Maple Street and learn which plants are invasive and which native plants are beneficial to wildlife.

Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and pants for protection.

Source: WB Open Space Committee FB 

Climate Can Do:  Overconsumption & Sustainable Practices 

What Is Overconsumption? 

Overconsumption is the excessive consumption or use of something. Without change we could eventually run out, or create more than we can dispose of. 

How Can We Help? 

Live sustainably, make lifestyle choices that help you and the planet. Small changes make a big impact: 

*Walk, bike or take public transportation whenever possible!

*Consider alternatives to single use items: 

•  A reusable shopping bag.
• Skip the plastic bottles; all sorts of reusable bottles can be found in metal, glass and recycled plastic
• Replace Saran Wrap with wraps made from beeswax, cotton, and tree oil that keep food fresher and can be reused repeatedly
• Use reusable towels instead of paper towels

*Consider eating 2 or 3 meatless dinners / week:

• Meat and dairy production account for nearly 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions and meatless diets save people an average of $23 per week on food
•  Also, consider choosing grass-fed beef and / or local meats

Don’t throw away leftovers; eating leftovers will help you avoid food waste and save you money. Freeze pre-made meals for handy eating later.

*Rather than replacing, repair.

Do not automatically discard broken items when they break. Instead, try repairing it. Using this method can save you money and reduce landfill waste. Repair shops and Youtube Videos are readily available to help you fix things.

*Join Buy Nothing.

With Buy Nothing, you can get rid of unwanted things around your house and get things you need for free. As their motto states “Buy Nothing. Share Everything,” a sustainable living app aimed at the community.

*Shop local.

By shopping locally, you reduce the impact of transportation on the environment and support your local economy.

This article was written by Tiana Frias, Stonehill College BuzzAround Intern on overconsumption and ways to limit our resource usage. We’ve got this! 

Source: sentientmedia.org/overconsumption/, green-living.na.panasonic.com/articles/20-frugal-habits-for-an-eco-friendly-lifestyle

Last Day of CATS Camp 

What a great time! Attendees had a fantastic final day (as well as every other day) of outdoor fun with the WB Police Department. A big thank you to all the high school counselors who volunteered their time to make this year's event a success!

Written by Tiana Frias, BuzzAround Intern

Image & Story Source: WB Police Dept FB

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