West Bridgewater BuzzAround

February 16, 2025



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Girls Varsity Basketball Senior Night

Here is the round up of Girls Varsity Basketball Senior Night as reported by West Bridgewater News: " West Bridgewater lost to Hull 41-36 on Senior Night at West Bridgewater High School on February 10, 2025. West Bridgewater was led on offense by Freshman Alyssa Caldeira with 8 points. On defense, Senior Grace Polen played a strong game on the glass with 12 rebounds and made 4 blocks for the Wildcats.

Hull Senior Fallon Ryan was the difference maker as she scored 21 points and played an exceptional game. In the second half Fallon Ryan scored 10 of her teams 16 points including the last 6 points and was perfect overall in the game on the free throw line going 6-6. Freshman Gianna Thorne chipped in with 10 points for the Pirates including a 3-pointer at the buzzer before halftime. Senior Margot Harper contributed 8 points. Hull now 10-5 went 14-16 from the free throw line as another factor in the win as they avenged an earlier season loss to West Bridgewater to even the series.

West Bridgewater down by 10 points with 3:45 left in the third quarter 33-23 mounted a run to close the gap to 3 points at 35-32 with 6 minutes left in the game but, Hull played well on defense to hold off the Wildcats.

West Bridgewater honored their two senior players Grace Polen and Ava O’Neil on Senior Night.

Sophomore Jill Bouvier provided a speech to Grace Polen thanking her for being a role model and leader on and off the court that the team looked up to as captain of the team. Junior Sami O’Neil provided a speech for the sister Ava O’Neil stating that she is not only her sister but her teammate on the court and in life. She stated that she always looked up to her and for the strong bond they share together with the love for basketball and being able to play together for all these years as well as the team will miss her energy and support as a player. Finally, she thanked her for having a positive impact on all of the team.

Congratulations to Grace Polen and Ava O’Neil for all of their hard work, dedication and love for the game of basketball during their years at West Bridgewater High School. 

A salute to West Bridgewater who also recognized Hull senior players Fallon Ryan and Margot Harper for all of their accomplishments as well." 

Reposted from: West Bridgewater News FB

Photo Credit: Kaycon Photography

Historical Tidbit:

West Bridgewater Public Library

From A Collection of Treasured Items from West Bridgewater History:

"In 1879, Francis E. Howard, a citizen deeply interested in the welfare of the town, offered to give $500 toward founding a free Public Library, provided that an equal amount was raised by its citizens for that purpose within a definite time. Great interest in the project was aroused and a larger sum than was specified was secured by subscription. 

A committee of eight, chosen by the town for establishing the Library, secured a room in the old post office building; purchased, after careful selection, 736 volumes; received by donation 135 books of value and opened the Library to the public in October of that year, with Miss Mary L. Perkins as librarian. 

To provide better accommodations, the Library was removed in 1881 to the Howard Seminary building, in which a room had been offered by the trustees of the Howard Fund until the school should have need of it."

westbpl.org

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!

Jena Shea

won

 a shampoo and conditioner from the Paul Mitchell Classic line (products for all hair types) from Salon Esprit, East Bridgewater. Value $33.

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

Enter for this week's prize of

a free full day of doggie daycare at

 Angie's Pet Care

in-home custom pet daycare in Middleboro

Value $45

Journalist and Author Lee Hawkins to Visit the West Bridgewater Public Library

Tue, Feb 18

2p

WB Public LIbrary

"I Am Nobody’s Slave tells the story of one Black family's pursuit of the American Dream through the impacts of systemic racism and racial violence. This book examines how trauma from enslavement and Jim Crow shaped their outlook on thriving in America, influenced each generation, and how they succeeded despite these challenges.

To their suburban Minnesotan neighbors, the Hawkinses were an ideal American family, embodying strength and success. However, behind closed doors, they faced the legacy of enslavement and apartheid. Lee Hawkins, Sr. often exhibited rage, leaving his children anxious and curious about his protective view of the world. Thirty years later, his son uncovered the reasons for his father’s anxiety and occasional violence. Through research, he discovered violent deaths in his family for every generation since slavery, mostly due to white-on-Black murders, and how white enslavers impacted the family’s customs.

Hawkins explores the role of racism-triggered childhood trauma and chronic stress in shortening his ancestors' lives, using genetic testing, reporting, and historical data to craft a moving family portrait. This book shows how genealogical research can educate and heal Americans of all races, revealing through their story the story of America—a journey of struggle, resilience, and the heavy cost of ultimate success. Register today to join the conversation!"

Reposted from the WB Public Lib Website. Register on their website today!

Nomination Papers Available for Upcoming Town Elections



Do you want to become more involved in the West Bridgewater community? Consider becoming a selectman, school committee, member, or running for another one of the many positions available in the Apr 2025 town elections! Nomination papers are currently available at the Town Clerk's office, and completed forms must be returned to the Board of Registrars by Fri, Feb 21 at 5p.

To find out which positions are available, check out this notice (PDF) from the Town Clerk. Questions can be directed to the Town Clerk via phone at 508-894-1167.

WB School Committee Meeting

February 3, 2025

Video Courtesy of WB Community Access Media

Softball Pitching Clinic Starting Soon

Sun, Feb 23-Mar 16

6-7p; 7-8p

Howard School Gym

The West Bridgewater Youth Athletic Association (WBYAA) will run a softball pitching clinic for girls from first grade through seventh grade. This four-week clinic will be taught by pitching coach Cassidy Machado, but all participating pitchers must be able to provide their own catcher.

The clinic only has 20 spots available so sign up quickly through this Google Form! There is a fee of $100 for this clinic.

Questions can be directed towards Katie Egan at Katieegan6616@gmail.com.

Climate Can-Do: Help Generate Less Winter Waste!

After the white snow engulfs much of the green around us, there are still ways to have a positive impact on the environment. Here are some precautions you can take to waste less and emit less pollution this winter season:

• Bring a reusable mug: reduce plastic waste by checking out which local coffee shops will fill your clean, personal mug. Some shops even offer small bring-your-own-cup discounts.

• Reduce your use of chemical deicers like salt: Salt may melt away ice on roads, but it also introduces harmful chemicals into bodies of water, including sources of drinking water. Try mixing a smaller amount of salt with sand to help to increase friction. 

• Turn your thermostat down a few degrees: Waste less energy and save on your power bill. Chilly? Keep an extra layer of clothes handy and keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to let sunlight warm your home. If your home feels drafty, arrange a free home energy assessment from Mass Save. (We all contribute to this fund in our electric bill.)

Stay warm this winter and look for small ways you can have a positive impact on our environment!

Written by Crista Fiala, Dartmouth College BuzzAround Intern

Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency & University of Michigan 

Embracing Emancipation: Irish Immigrants and Slavery in the Civil War: Author Visit from Dr. Ian Delahanty

Thu, Feb 27

6:30p

Old Bridgewater Historical Society

162 Howard St

Dr. Ian Delahanty’s talk will examine Irish Immigrants’ involvement in the debate over slavery and its future in America during the Civil War era. He will explain why Irish immigrants who opposed emancipation enlisted in the Union Army and how many came to see the necessity of emancipation during the war. Dr. Delahanty’s

talk will show how Irish immigrants’ backgrounds and their connection with Ireland influenced their perspective on and involvement in the slavery debate and Civil War.

Dr. Delahanty is an Associate Professor of History at Springfield College. He completed his PhD at Boston College. In 2024 he published Embracing Emancipation: A Transatlantic History of Irish Americans, Slavery,

and the American Union, 1840-1865. He resides in Westborough, MA with his wife and three children.

Admission is $5 at the door. Free admission for current OBHS members.

The Old Bridgewater Historical Society, a private organization, started in 1894, is dedicated to the collection,

preservation, and publication of history relating to the original Bridgewater area, which includes the towns of

Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and the city of Brockton. For more information, email us at admin@oldbridgewater.org.

Reposted from the OBHS Website

WB Water Commissioners Meeting

February 3, 2025

Video Courtesy of WB Community Access Media

National Honor Society Students

Support Local Food Pantry



"Thank you, Isabella Hyde, Logan Doane, Amelia Chew, Abby Natta, and members of the National Honor Society from WBMSHS. They organized a food drive for our food pantry and delivered all the items today. Thank you to everyone who contributed! Much appreciated!"

Reposted from West Bridgewater Food Pantry FB

Birdhouse Decorating

Wed, Feb 26

6-7p

WB Public Library

80 Howard St

Join the West Bridgewater library for a fun, relaxing night of decorating a birdhouse! All supplies, including paints, brushes, and other decorations, will be provided.

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. There are limited seats, so reserve your spot while they are available!

Register at the WB Public Library website

Very Elegant

Tea Social

Yesterday, we took advantage of the generous sunlight in AR 2 to stick out our pinkies and “raise a cup” at our "Very Elegant Tea Social."

A variety of teas were accompanied by abundant cookies, pastries, and assorted delectables provided by the Kitchen. The room was filled with appropriately classy string selections and lively conversation, as well as a lot of laughter. It was agreed by all that this was a perfect way to spend a winter afternoon!

Reposted from Life Care Center of West Bridgewater FB

A Shot for Life

WEST BRIDGEWATER FIELD HOCKEY STAR TO COMPETE IN A SHOT FOR LIFE: Abby Matta a Senior at West Bridgewater High School and a star player over the years on the field hockey team was selected as an All-Star and will compete in the first annual A Shot of Life Field Hockey All-Star Game the weekend of March 15, 2025.

"A Shot for Life" (ASFL) in Massachusetts is a non-profit organization that uses sports-based events, to raise money for cancer research, particularly focused on brain cancer research at the Massachusetts General Hospital, while also promoting community engagement and leadership development through their activities.

Abby Matta’s goal is to raise $1,000.00 towards cancer research. If interested and to show your support, click on the flip cause link below to donate to this wonderful cause and be sure to mention the name Abby Matta in the message for her to get credit.

To donate, go to FlipCause.com

Reposted from: West Bridgewater News FB

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