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West Bridgewater BuzzAround
August 31, 2025
~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.
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Let's SINGO!
At around lunchtime on August 27th, the West Bridgewater Council On Aging (WBCOA) hosted their musical BINGO, better known as SINGO! This luncheon brings people together through fun times, good food, and dancin' tunes! Grilled sandwiches and hot bread pudding were devoured by SINGO players, as they jammed out to the jukebox and shouted "bingo!" to their hearts' content. Even Elvis and the Fonz stopped by to hang out!
As posted by the WBCOA,"Shoutout to Chef Al, Chef Steve and the crew for cooking up a delicious lunch, and to our music-loving crowd for bringing all the fun. This wasn’t your average bingo — this was a musical blast from the past! See you next week DJ Jim!!"
Written by Serena Croteau, Southern New Hampshire University, Buzz Around Intern
Source: WB Council On Aging FB
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Historical Tidbit: Why do we get the first Monday of September off every year? A Labor Day History
Labor Day began during the industrial revolution, while we transitioned to more modern and innovative manufacturing processes. New jobs in factories and railroads dramatically grew America's economy. As this new factory work life developed, workers demanded rights that we know are necessary; non-hazardous conditions, humane work hours, and fair wages. Some big businesses fought hard to combat the unionization of workers by breaking up protests with police and sometimes military force.
Before it was a federal holiday, Labor Day was recognized by labor activists and individual states. Tens of thousands of labor union members - bricklayers, jewelers, typographers, dress and cloak makers attended a day of parade, picnic, and protest in Union Square in New York. This was the first Labor Day holiday on September 5, 1882.
New York was the first state to introduce a bill, but Oregon was the first to pass a law recognizing Labor Day, on February 21, 1887. During 1887, four more states – Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York – passed laws creating a Labor Day holiday. By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska and Pennsylvania had followed suit.
The fight for workers rights continued. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a federal holiday.
Despite the celebrations and protests, the rights that these workers fought for did not become law until during the Great Depression in 1938. At that time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed laws for 8-hour work days, 5-day work weeks, and an end to child labor. The long fight for labor rights helps Americans be protected in the workplace, so happy Labor Day!
Story credit: Ariel Milian, MassHire Trainee, BuzzAround Intern
Sources:
www.investopedia.com/history-labor-day
US Dept of Labor
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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
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Congratulations
Kathy Girard
you won
a free full day of doggie daycare at
Angie's Pet Care
in-home custom pet daycare in Middleboro
Value $45
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
$25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
johnnymacaronis.com
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Stone Prayers: A Lecture By Dr. Curtiss Hoffman
Thur, Sept 4th
7p
Old Bridgewater Historical Society, 162 Howard St
Please join us for a lecture by Dr. Curtiss Hoffman on the subject of Stone Prayers: Native American Constructions of the Eastern Seaboard. Scattered throughout the woodlands and fields of the eastern seaboard of the United States and Canada are literally tens of thousands of stone monuments. These enigmatic stone constructions have been the subject of debate among archaeologists and antiquarians for the past 75 years.
Regional descendant indigenous communities refer to them as “stone prayers” and seek help to
protect them from encroachment and desecration by development interests. This talk will provide strong evidence that many of these structures are indeed indigenous sacred sites as the Native people claim.
Curtiss Hoffman is a Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Bridgewater State University. His PhD is from Yale University, and his areas of expertise/interest include: Archaeology, mythology, culture and consciousness, global human issues and the indigenous peoples and
cultures of North America and the Middle East
This lecture is presented by the West Bridgewater Open Space Committee and the Old
Bridgewater Historical Society. 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.
www.oldbridgewater.org/stone-prayers-native-american-constructions-of-the-eastern-seaboard
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2025-26 School Year's First PTO Meeting
Tues, Sep 2nd
7p
1 Steppingstone Drive
Join us for our first PTO meeting for the 25-26 School Year! This meeting's discussion includes fall fundraisers, book fairs, programs, the fun run, and more. Everyone is welcome!
Source: West Bridgewater PTO FB
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Donate Your Books!
Have books that you no longer want/need/have space for? Why not bring them to the library to donate to our Friends of the Library group? The friends sell all donations back to the public in the friend's corner of the library to help raise funds for library programs and services, meaning your donations go right back into the community! Stop by today for more info, or visit westbpl.org/about/friends-of-the-library
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COA Pizza Palooza!
Fri, Sept 5th
11:30a
97 W Center St
SOMETHING CHEESY IS HAPPENING AT THE COA...and you're invited!
Get ready for the COA Pizza Palooza! Come celebrate National Cheese Pizza Day and Senior Center Month with us!
Call to register: 508-894-1262 Limited Seating
Repost: WB Council On Aging FB
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At Unity Martial Arts, we have classes for everyone! Kids master determination & focus, teens build confidence, and adults learn workouts for fitness & self-defense!
Take advantage of our 2-lesson trial program (includes uniform for $29.95)
| 1470 New State Hwy suite 25, Raynham (508) 828-9797 → Like us on Facebook | |  | |
Turn moments into memories! Got a birthday party, rehearsal dinner, or event coming up? Let us know how we can make your special occasion perfect!
988 Bedford Street, Abington
(781) 871-0033
sarcasticswinebbq.com
Like us on Facebook
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Farmers Market
Tue, Sep 9
4-7p
29 Howard St.
Come enjoy the best of local produce, handmade goods, and community spirit at the West Bridgewater Farmers Market. Shop fresh fruits and veggies, discover local vendors, and support small businesses!
Last market of the season!
Source: West Bridgewater Farmers Market FB
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West Bridgewater Athletic Info Night: 25/26 Season
Courtesy of the West Bridgewater Community Access Media
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Wildcat Football Season is Here!
"Let’s Do This!
Here’s to wishing our Wildcat Athletes a great season!!"
Repost: West Bridgewater Gridiron FB
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We're here for all your pool supply needs: New pools, liners, free water testing, chemicals, pumps, filters, heaters, robots, stairs, ladders, gazebos, griddles, and more!
Call Today! 781-563-4555
155 Market St, Rockland * Like Us on Facebook * rocklandpoolstore.com
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Journalism & Marketing Internships - BuzzAround | We enroll a limited number of interns in our 120 hour internship program.Students Gain Experience in: Use your training, talents and gain real-world knowledge in a BuzzAround internship. Students can apply directly by filling out the above pre-qualification form and attaching a resume. | | | | | |
WB Planning Board Mtg: (Public Hearing)
August 20th, 2025
Video Courtesy of West Bridgewater Community Access Media
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West Bridgewater Lions Club Fall Festival
Sun, Sep 14
11a-5p
80 Howard St
Join us at Friendship Park and West Beidgewater Library for this community event! Food, vendors, music, raffles, and more! Additional to the activities for all ages, the lion's club is collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids at the raffle tables.
Submitted by Jen Bellody. WB Lion's Club FB
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One Book, One Community
Get ready to turn the page into something exciting for the Fall 2025 season. The adult reading list welcomes two engaging titles: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray and Who Is Government? by Michael Lewis. These captivating books offer rich storytelling, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking ideas that will spark lively discussions. If you’re interested in reading one or both of these book selections, check if they’re available in your library!
Source:Snoeytools Fall 2025 Books
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WB Finance Committee Meeting
August 21st, 2025
Video Courtesy of West Bridgewater Community Access Media
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The Bay Circuit Trail Goes through West Bridgewater
The trail and greenway is located close to 4 million people in Eastern Massachusetts, starting at the mouth of the Merrimack River and ending in Kingston Bay. The BCT, a close-to-home trail, offers a variety of recreation options including: walking, biking, snowshoeing, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Many sections of the trail are accessible by the MBTA commuter rail and other public transit systems.
The idea for the Bay Circuit Trail & Greenway arose in 1929. Thereafter, the vision was proposed as an “outer Emerald Necklace,”— in other words, a greenbelt that would mirror the famous string of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks throughout Boston. Above all, the corridor would provide open space for the city’s fast-growing population. Eventually, over the next several decades, various public and private open spaces were established in the area between what is now Route 128 and Interstate 495. However, they failed to keep pace with commercial and residential development. Finally, interest in the project was renewed in the 1980s, and in 1990 the Bay Circuit Alliance (BCA) formed to make the trail and greenway a reality
The Alliance focused on linking segments of the trail to provide a place for recreation by adding more “pearls” to the “emerald necklace”. That work resulted in what we now call the BCT
Since 2012, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has led Bay Circuit Trail partners in the completion, enhancement of the trail, and also the long-term protection of this greenway. At present, more than 230 miles of multi-use, passive recreational trail have been dedicated, thanks to the contributions of hundreds of volunteers in 37 cooperating towns
To fulfill the vision of the Bay Circuit, AMC has been working to close the final gaps of the trail. They are working to document varied uses on the trail, improve the recreational experience, secure permanent protection for the trail corridor, and encourage the public to explore the trail’s 230+ miles. For more information about the BCT through West Bridgewater, contact : Kitty Doherty riverland927@gmail.com
Info from: www.baycircuit.org
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Climate Can-Do:
Rainwater Harvesting
Looking for more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle? Introducing rainwater harvesting; a new kind of recycling!
Harvesting rainwater is exactly what it sounds like; rain is collected from buckets, barrels, rooftops, or any other sealed surface for a multitude of purposes. These applications include watering gardens, flushing toilets, washing clothes and cars!
Basic systems for rainwater collection use barrels or buckets to collect rain from either the sky or a downspout from a rain gutter. Rainwater harvesting is rather easy to start doing! Set out a few buckets or barrels the day before a big storm.
Do not drink from a rainbarrel! The water can be boiled to kill any harmful bacteria, but rainwater can hold chemicals, pollutants, and heavy metals that it has collected from its time in our atmosphere. Unless you first boil the water and then use a filtration system that can remove chemical debris/metal sediment, it is not recommended to drink rainwater.
However, it is good for watering gardens, flushing toilets, and washing clothes and cars!
This simple activity helps our planet by both conserving clean faucet water as well as reducing runoff pollution created when rainwater runs down our streets.
Added bonus: it just might save you a few bucks on your water bill! Enjoy your week, and remember, when it starts raining, you can start saving!
By Evan Hilliard, Fairfield University, BuzzAround Intern
Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency
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Vendor All-Call : Fall and Holiday Craft Fair
Sun, Nov 9
10a-3p
155 West Center St.
The West Bridgewater Lions Club is looking for vendors to participate in this year's Fall and Holiday Craft Fair. The event will occur at the West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School on Sunday, November 9. www.westbridgewaterlions.com to register your table!
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2025 WBYFA Golf Tournament Fundraiser!
August 8th, 2025 marked the 2nd annual West Bridgewater Youth Football Association's Golf Tournament. (WBYFA) This was an extremely important fundraiser for our WB youth football team, raising funds for on-going football costs.
Golf, raffles, and more brought the local businesses and people together in support of the WBYFA. As said in a post from the association to the participants, "Your energy, generosity, and love for the game helped make it an unforgettable day on the course."
As a shout out to their sponsors, the WBYFA posted, "The golf tournament was a huge success!
A big THANK YOU to all of our hole sponsors – your support made this incredible day possible. We couldn’t have done it without you! U.S. Environmental, Tasco Construction, Nordgren-Fandrich Insurance Agency Inc, South Shore Weight Loss Center, Barrett's Alehouse West Bridgewater, Jeremy Brandon ETE, Darwin Caffrey at Rate NMLS 1706702 New American Funding , UG2 and Teamsters Local Union 653"
The community really came through for West Bridgewater Youth Football!
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
$25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
johnnymacaronis.com
Historical Tidbit Question:
Which rights did workers specifically demand to recieve?
Email us your answer at:
Prizes@buzzaround.info
Please include your name and phone number with your answer.
Prize Box Rules
By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.
On September 3, 2025, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
| ,The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jennifer Bellody, Serena Croteau, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia | | | |
Savoring Summer's Last
Here's hoping you make good use of the long weekend. My goal: at least one day that's full of drowsy warmth with a book on the hammock. A day where a person can imagine all that is possible while birds chirp overhead.
And then... we will be rested, ready to begin our next great adventure with open eyes and a rejuvenated soul.
"To say it was a beautiful day would not begin to explain it. It was that day when the end of summer intersects perfectly with the start of fall." ~ Ann Patchett
“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, And, like a dream, glides away.”
~ Sarah Helen Whitman
“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” ~ Sam Keen
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Enjoy the warm days & cool nights. ~ Jacquie
| | | | | Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. | | |
Copyright 2025 Buzz Around West 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 West Bridgewater 8/31/25")
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. At the Buzz Around, we promote community. The links provided are for informational purposes. BuzzAround is not responsible for the media content of other organizations.
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