Bridgewater's Kevin and Beth Bligh are raising funds from people across the United States to donate multicultural art supplies to schools and non-profit organizations in an effort to spread multicultural awareness and respect for diversity among young children. They have also shipped across the country and to Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico and Canada. Kevin and Beth work solely to pack up boxes with their funds they have raised to date. To date they have sent out more than 500 care packages to schools and non-profits across the country. Recently they have been recognized as a 501c3 non-profit organization. They are currently taking donations through PayPal.

Photo credits: Kevin and Beth Bligh, Story credit: Sasha Rockwell

I hope this message finds you and your families well. Please know that we have been working diligently over the course of the last several weeks here in the BRRSD in preparation for the opening of the 2020-2021 academic year. The purpose of this message is to share the follow important information regarding COVID-19 and plans for the reopening of school:

Assistant Superintendent Mr. Ryan Powers has created a detailed BRRSD Fall Reopening Parent/Guardian Presentation & Video as means of proactively answering questions that BRRSD parents/guardians many have regarding the reopening of school. Links to both Mr. Powers’ presentation & video are posted below.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020: Cohort A & C students in person instruction / Cohort B

remote instruction

Thursday, September 17, 2020: Cohort B & C students in person instruction / Cohort A

remote instruction

Friday, September 18, 2020: Cohort C special education students in person instruction

for 2.5 hours / Cohort A & B remote instruction

The first week will be different because we want all students to experience a day of in person instruction as a welcome to the new school year. The true Cohort A, B, & C schedules will go into effect during the following week of Monday, September 21, 2020 – Friday, September 25, 2020.

Teacher / Team assignments were released via email on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 after 5:00 p.m. This will be for both Hybrid & B-R at Home remote learners.

Our team from the Office of Student Services has worked to put together this informational video that focuses on providing further description of services for students with disabilities across the district. The content of this presentation came from a survey conducted by our BRRSD Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and will, hopefully, provide further information and clarity around the reopening plan for our special education students. The Special Education Town Hall Meeting link is posted below.

We are once again encouraging parents to consider transporting their child to and from school each day if at all possible. We are making this request as transportation routes are being impacted by social distancing requirements. If transportation by a parent or guardian is not a possibility for your family then we are committed to providing transportation, if needed, but we are asking for your consideration and support once again. Also, if your child is eligible for van transportation through their 504 Accommodation Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) then you will be eligible for mileage reimbursement if you choose to provide transportation.

Bus transportation assignments will be released via email on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, after 5:00 p.m. This information will be provided in a separate email from that of the Teacher / Team assignments. As a result of Massachusetts & Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines, each student that is eligible for transportation and has opted to ride the bus, will be assigned a specific seat and must remain in that seat only. Once again, due to Massachusetts and DESE guidance, we have limited capacity on each bus and will not be able to accommodate any alternate/daycare changes. We hope you understand. We ask that you please review the transportation email as stops may have changed from previous years. If you have any questions and/or concerns regarding bus transportation, you are encouraged to contact our Administrative Assistant of Transportation Mrs. Ellen George at egeorge@bridge-rayn.org

In closing, we realize this is a very stressful time for families, students, faculty & staff. Please rest assured, however, that all the decisions made over the course of this summer were focused on one clear and concise goal, “Doing right by our students & staff.” With that being said, I ask that we all give this school year the opportunity to be amazing. Please refrain from throwing a label on it prior to its beginning. It may just surprise all of us in big & beautiful ways. Do so not because I ask, but rather, do so because it is what our children deserve. We will all get through this and we will do so together.

As always, if you have any questions and/concerns please feel free to contact me at 508-279-2140 ext. 113 or via email at dswenson@bridge-rayn.org.

Thank you & enjoy your weekend.

Respectfully,

Derek J. Swenson, Superintendent of Schools

BRRSD Fall Reopening Parent/Guardian Presentation Link:

Bridgewater Raynham Special Education Town Hall - Style Meeting: How SE services will be provided this fall.

Central Square Congregational Church Auction and Fundraising Event

Sneak peak of items being auctioned.

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

Picture credit: Auctioninabox

For All Ages! Come see how much fun it is to be artistic and create! We will highlight a new technique with each video. Watch our video on our YouTube channel, learn the technique, create and share your creation with us. To share either post a picture on Instagram with #BWPLArt or you can email your picture to RMamakos@sailsinc.org. In a few months we will take all your submissions and have a virtual art exhibit. We can't wait to see your creations!

Once you are on our YouTube channel press the red subscribe button so you don't miss any future videos!

“Dean Barnett’s research in higher education have focused on advancing diverse student bodies, faculties, and curricula. She served most recently as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Distinguished Professor of English at Trinity Washington University in Washington DC. One of the few remaining women’s colleges, Trinity enrolls a student body that is majority Pell grant eligible, first generation to college and underrepresented minority.” Currently, serves as Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, La Salle University in Philadelphia.

Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi

Professor, Media Studies& Communication Technologies

Academic Director of Global Programs

Minnock Institute for Global Engagement MIGE

Communication Studies Department

Bridgewater State University

Learn to play the guitar and ukulele using a variety of tunes all for free. John teaches a new lesson every weekend. John Morgan is located locally and has over 35 years of experience.

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.

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

Jack Wolfe

Civil Rights Paintings:

Anderson Virtual June- December 2020

Jack Wolfe Native American Paintings

Anderson Virtual September- December 2020

Florence Gendre Botanicals

Anderson Virtual September- December 2020

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 7:30a via Zoom. All are welcome. www.facebook.com/RotaryCB

We have safe, new & returning programming to offer you while the building remains closed. As the weather gets cooler, please dress accordingly. We hope to see you soon! Over Zoom or outside under the tent. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing during all of our outdoor programs. In-person programs are for Bridgewater residents & their caregivers age 60+. Zoom programs are for everyone!

Bridgewater Senior Center Walking Group with Jean Guarino.

Virtual Zumba classes with Lori are here! Join her Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-10am

Zoom: Virtual ZUMBA Zoom Link

Virtual Chair Yoga classes with Carl

Virtual Arthritis Foundation classes with Wendy

Virtual Arthritis Foundation classes Zoom Link

Come and join in on the fun with Margaret Tuesdays or Fridays through November 27

Bridgewater seniors only please.

Registration required as space is limited to 9 people per class.

508-697-0929 seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org

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

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

Pickup or delivery options available. Registration required.

508-697-0929

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

 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 9/13/20")