September 6, 2020 ~
Building Community One Positive Story at a Time
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 
Bridgewater Memories

It was a warm summer evening in May 1995, and I was upstairs in my bedroom unpacking boxes. My husband and I had just moved into our new house in Bridgewater, MA. I opened the windows to let in some air and was greeted by the sound of church bells ringing from the church in the town square. The glorious clang, clang, clang of the bells filled my room. I sat down closed my eyes and just listened to the bells, bells. What a lovely welcome!
The next morning, I decided it was time to begin exploring the town to see what else of interest I would find. First stop was the Library. My love affair with books began many years ago as a child. Lucky for me my Father built bookshelves in every room of our house and filled them with books, books and more books. I am totally addicted to books. I devour books the way a child eat candy, gobbling them up page by page and still wanting more.
Entering the library, I felt my heart start to race with excitement just being near all those books. The library ladies as I would come to call the wonderful staff, greeted me warmly. They provided me with a library card and told me all the Library had to offer. I immediately joined the Book Club and signed up for other events. I was then directed to the donated book room downstairs where shelve after shelve of books awaited. All these books were just a dollar each! I knew this room and its treasures would bring me back time and time again. Whenever I find a book reminiscent of my childhood I always feel as if my Dad is looking over my shoulder and saying “Good one Donna, buy it”
Now it was on to Hanson Farm. I pulled into the parking lot and was greeted by a friendly Main Coon Cat just waking up after morning nap in the sun. He sauntered over to me and let me pat his head then he was off to the fields for other adventures. The Cow Barn was open to visitors. At the entrance I met David Hanson one of the two brothers that owned the farm and had a great conversation with him about farms and cows. I simply love cows! My Uncle Vimar owned a dairy farm in Rehobeth, MA where I spent many happy summer days as a child. In the barn, cows munched on piles of sweet hay and chickens ran freely up and down the length of the barn. Each year Hanson Farm held a contest to pick names for the newest calves and David introduced me to Peaches and Cream. The farm stand was full of fresh fruits and vegetables picked that day from the surrounding fields. They also offered their own fresh eggs and cut firewood. Jars of honey and preserves lined the shelves and fresh flowers and herbs were displayed in mason jars.
Since that day twenty-five years ago when I first moved to Bridgewater, I have come to appreciate my town more and all it has to offer. Our Police and Fire Departments have come to my aid many times and I am so grateful for all that they do. I love my library and its staff and take advantage of all that they offer. Hanson Farm is better than ever. A few years ago they added Sugar Hill Dairy where they now sell ice cream in the summer months What a treat that is.. I am proud to call Bridgewater my Home Town.
Donna Kindberg-Perron
Historical Tidbit:
Growing Up in the 1950's
 
Growing up in the 1950's many things were different. The bath tub in front of the stove was not all that long ago. Many apartments did not have hot water heaters, so any hot water for washing had to be heated on the stove.

We had a bath tub in the bathroom but you still had to heat the water on the stove for the tub. There were other times when my Dad would say "It's time for an Army bath." During his tour in France during WWll, he would often have to wash up in a helmet full of hot water. In our case, it was a small sink filled with hot water heated on the stove, a bar of soap and a face cloth. 

Some may remember the term, "pull the chain when you're done." Some toilets had a water tank mounted high up on the wall and there was a chain that hung beside it to flush it.

That was also back in the days when you had to get up and walk across the room to change the channel on the television. TV's back then, if you were lucky enough to have one, were smaller than most computer monitors. The picture was black and white. You only had four or five stations and it went off the air between midnight and 6:30 AM.  
 
Submitted by: David Moore 
Picture credit: Inspectapedia
Academy Building Municipal Offices
 66 Central Square 
508-697-0921
Mon - Thur 8a - 4p, Fri 8a - 1p Services available through phone, email & website only
Check Town website for needed updates
 
Public Library
15 South Street
508-697-3331
Mon - Wed 9a - 8p 
Thurs 10a - 5p, Fri & Sat 10a - 2p
 
Cole-Yeaton Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
508-697-0929
The Bridgewater Senior Center is closed to the public. However, the following services will continue: Meals on Wheels and medical appointment/grocery store transportation services.
 
Food Pantry
Central Square Congregational Church
71 Central Square
 508-697-6016
Thursdays - 10a - 1p
1st Monday of each month from 6 - 8 p
Congratulations!
Maureen Doherty
won a Shungite pendant worth $25 from
Queen Dawn Spirit.


Play our
Historical Tidbit Trivia Game
at the bottom of this newsletter.


You could win a $20 gift certificate good towards any escape room experience at
Upside Down Escape Games.
survey
Charter Review Committee
Needs You Now!!!

The Charter Review Committee is a 7 member committee that is created at least every six years and made up of citizens appointed by the Council President and approved by the Town Council.

The Committee is responsible for examining the Town’s Charter to determine its ongoing utility and accuracy and to make recommendations to its appointing body regarding the need for additions, deletions, clarifications, or other amendments that would improve the Charter.

The Town’s Charter is the basic document that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of the town government. The Charter is, therefore, the most important legal document of the Town.

Information is being gathered from a variety of sources to support recommendations including personal interviews, public forums, research, and this survey. In developing recommendations for changes to the Town Charter, citizen input is critical. We ask that you take the time to complete this brief survey.

Central Square Congregational Church Auction and Fundraising Event

Auction begins on Monday, Sept 7th at 10:00a through Sunday, Sept 20th at 6:00p.

Central Square Congregational Church, UCC (71 Central Square in Bridgewater) is excited to announce that we will be holding an online, real-time auction for one of a kind items that will be shipped right to your door!
 

You can return to this link on Monday 10:00a to bid on your favorite items!

Contact us at office@csccucc.com or 508-697-6016 with questions.

Picture credit: Auctioninabox
Senior College

It is not too late to sign up for fall classes!

For a single registration fee of $55, each person has access to nearly 30 courses this fall which will be offered virtually via Zoom.

For course descriptions, schedules, and more information, visit:
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD ADAPT TO WEARING A MASK
From the Bridgewater Water Department
Please be advised that on Monday, September 14, 2020 the Bridgewater Water Department will begin its annual fall hydrant flushing program. Flushing is performed to improve the overall long-term quality of the water. The program will run for approximately 12 weeks. The flushing will occur Monday-Friday from 7:00p - 12:00a, weather permitting.
Please check the town website, www.Bridgewaterma.org, for areas being flushed and possible schedule changes as the weather gets colder.
While flushing is being performed, there may be a decrease in water pressure. Discoloration may also occur, please plan accordingly. If discoloration continues after flushing, run your cold tap until water runs clear.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the flushing program, please contact the Bridgewater Water Department at 508-697-0910.
Jonas V. Kazlauskas, Water/Sewer Superintendent
Town of Bridgewater
One Book One Community Fall 2020
From Community Connections at BSU

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
by Robin Wall Kimmerer

As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. As a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our oldest teachers. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these lenses of knowledge together to show that the awakening of wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings are we capable of understanding the generosity of the earth and learning to give our own gifts in return.

A mesmerizing storyteller, Robin shares legends from her Potawatomi ancestors to illustrate the culture of gratitude in which we all should live. In such a culture, everyone knows that the gifts will follow the circle of reciprocity and flow back to you again.... (Publishers Weekly).

Braiding Sweetgrass can be picked up at the East Bridgewater Public Library, copies are limited.
The 2020 Book for Business & COVID-19 Recovery Resource Guide 
 
Easy & Accessible with great resources!

  • Area Dining
  • COVID-19 Recovery Resources
  • Business Development Resources

Metro South Chamber of Commerce Works For YOU!
Welcome Bears!

The pandemic is powerful, but nothing stops our traditional new student T-shirt giveaway. Last week, student leaders and staff welcomed transfer students and first-years at a drive-up event with their own "I BSU" merch. Behind the scenes, other student crews prepped care packages for the resident students, who continue to move in through Tuesday.
Now the real fun begins. Happy first week of classes, Bears!

Bridgewater State University Return to Campus

Across the nation, college students who opened early have struggled to adhere to safety guidelines put in place to keep their communities coronavirus-free.
As we prepare to open, we must be better than them so that we don't end up like them: scaling back, altering housing plans and closing campus altogether.
We believe we can be better because our students have already begun to pledge to wearing masks, limiting gatherings and following other safety protocols. We're inviting you to take the Bear Paw Pact with us.
When you share this video, you're taking the pledge with us — and you're putting it on your friends' timelines so they can do the same.
Together, we've got this. Click here to watch the video.
We have what you NEED
this Fall!
We have canning supplies!
Don't let all your hard work go to waste. Shop us today!


1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) Bridgewater (508) 697-0357
Introducing: The Anderson Gallery Gift Shop

Southcoast Artist Index
Listen in on the conversation as The Artist Index's host, Ron Fortier, speaks with Laurie Wolfie about her life with her late husband and painter Jack Wolfe.

Jack Wolfe
Civil Rights Paintings:
A Viewing in 2020
Anderson Virtual June- December 2020

Florence Gendre Botanicals
Anderson Virtual September- December 2020

Jack Wolfe Native American Paintings
Anderson Virtual September- December 2020
Edible South Shore & South Coast -

A collection of favorite local food/local community stories & recipes - it's awesome!

Read more
ediblesouthshore.com
Working hard to make patients comfortable & healthy!

Physical distancing • spaced appointments
• bacterial cleaning between patients. 

Take care of yourself – See your chiropractor today!
63 Main Street, Bridgewater (508) 697-0050
21st Annual Citizen of the Year Program

The Rotary Club of The Bridgewaters will celebrate neighbors who have made outstanding contributions as volunteers to our communities. These achievements correspond to Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus — peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and, supporting the environment. 

All residents of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater & West Bridgewater are eligible both to nominate and to be nominated for recognition at the 21st Annual Citizen of the Year program. The achievements may not be part of the individual’s job responsibilities.  
Nomination forms may be found at HERE or may be requested from francesjeffries@gmail.com or 508.241.6643. The deadline for submitting nominations is October 24, 2020. A committee from the Rotary Club expects to announce one recipient each from Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, and West Bridgewater in November 2020. The date and location of the event will also be confirmed at that time.  

The Rotary Club of The Bridgewaters is part of Rotary International, one of the largest charitable organizations in the world. Dedicated to “Service Above Self,” Rotarians worldwide span all races and religions to assist those in need. Locally, we meet on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. All are welcome. www.facebook.com/RotaryCB
GRANTS RENTAL
Homeowners and landscapers, rent our new stump grinder and clean up the yard!

10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950
52 Weeks Logo & Link Ad in 1 Hive

For $99 / each month, your Logo & Link ad is in 1 Buzz Around town e-newsletter each week. Ad rotates monthly between Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater & Whitman.

Read more
buzzaround.info
Bridgewater COA Programming

We have safe, new & returning programming to offer you while the building remains closed to the public this fall. As the weather gets cooler, please dress accordingly. We hope to see you soon whether it be over Zoom or outside under the tent. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing during all of our outdoor programs.

~Be Well~

Bridgewater Senior Center Walking Group with Jean Guarino.

Every Monday 8a
  • Walking groups will meet at the Bridgewater Senior Cenrer (10 Wally Krueger Way)
  • Every week the location will change
  • Flat and easy to walk areas
  • Call 508-697-0929 or email seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org to register

~Ask a Lawyer~

Attorney Alyssa Asack offers free 30 minute legal consultations for Bridgewater seniors.

Create a plan for yourself at every stage and every age.

Request advice and resources on a variety of elder law topics such as, health care, proxy, power of attorney, wills, trusts, estate administration, protecting your assets and more.

By appointment over Zoom and telephone only.

508-697-0929

~Outdoors Line Dancing Lessons~

Come and join in on the fun with Margaret Tuesdays or Fridays from September 8 through November 27; 9 - 10a under the tent.
Bridgewater seniors only please.
Registration required as space is limited to 9 people per class.


~Poetry Contest~

The August writing and poetry contest has been extended! Share a story or poem of any type to be entered into this fun contest. Prizes will be given based on creativity, style, and originality. Themes around summertime, autumn, love, COVID and family are all welcome!

Please send submissions to seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org or 10 Wally Krueger Way by September 14 2020.

~Old Fashioned Harvest BBQ~

The Elder Affairs Commission Chefs Regina, Robin, Dave & Nick are cooking up a mouth watering meal for Bridgewater seniors.

Wednesday September 16th
10 Wally Krueger Way

Menu: BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad and homemade apple crisp.

Pickup or delivery options available. Registration required.
508-697-0929
Katie’s Kreative Manis
Snaz up your fingernails with Color Street temporary designs! 

Tons of fun! 

*100% real nail polish strips * Easy one step application * No dry time/smudges/streaks
* Made in the USA 
Independent Consultant Katie Ray 
(774) 274-7492 
BEAUTY COUNTER
CHRISTINE HARKINS
This Bridgewater Resident's 100% American Made Soy Candle Company

Ashley Twigg is a Bridgewater resident and Bridgewater State University alumni. This year she started a soy candle business called Campfire Candle Co. She specially makes hand poured soy candles from 100% American made products. Soy based candles are much better for our health, and do not contain some of the toxins and chemicals that other candles might have. This was an important aspect when thinking about the kind of candles she wanted to sell. She was also inspired by her love for sitting next to a sizzling campfire, and that influenced not only the name of her company, but the scents she sells as well, like Toasted Marshmallow and Maple Frosted.

Here is Ashley's story: "We bought our home in Bridgewater in 2019, and one thing I have learned from moving a lot as a child and as an adult is that lighting a candle is the quickest way to make a house feel like a home! For my full time job, I plan events for military members and their families. With the pandemic & all of my events on hold, I was getting a bit depressed at home. I felt like I needed to do something to snap me out of the funk I was in. My favorite Soy Maple Candle had run out and I thought maybe I could learn how to make it myself!
 
I chose soy because it's a healthier, cleaner burning material that produces much less soot than standard paraffin candles, and tends to last longer than your standard candle. My goal once I decided to start a small business was to utilize all American companies and products, and I love the idea that the soybeans used for the wax are being grown on a farm somewhere in America! 
 
I am still just getting started and learning how to navigate running a small business, but it's been great being able to create something that makes people happy in a tough time in the world! "


You can find her company Campfire Candle Co. on Facebook

Photo credit: Campfire Candle Co.
Story credit: Sasha Rockwell
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win a $20 gift certificate good towards any escape room experience at
Upside Down Escape Games.


Historical Tidbit Question:
What is an "army bath"? 


Email us your answer at: 

Please include your name, phone number with your answer.

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

On September 10, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Janice O'Brien, Jacquelyn Rose, & Sebastian Ladoulis.
Playing at Change

Bob Marley's Redemption Song: everything he wanted to say months before dying of cancer. I ponder on it here, in our good news, because in the "new normal" we are continually confronted with our finite existence. When I think about that existence, I wonder at it all. All there is left to learn, all there is left to experience… and I think of Bob Marley’s beautiful gift. 

Redemption is defined as "the action of saving". His miraculous second verse: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds!” Speaks to me: The most important work I can do is saving myself from my own thoughts and biases. They stop me from hearing wisdom from all it’s varied voices and accents. They stop me from having a curiosity about this world. 

I look forward to a future full of rich relationships, stories, and music, oh the music! Everyday we make choices: how much time we spend on what and with who. In the act of saving myself, for my own redemption, I am going to mix it up and be curious. 

Here is Playing For Change: a movement created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people, with their version of “Redemption Song.”
Sending out love to all. I have faith that we can do this.... we are all humans, one family.
Enjoy your week.
~ Jacquie
 Copyright 2020 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 9/6/20")
 
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.