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May 7, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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Whitman Annual Town Meeting Recap
On May 1st, the Whitman Annual Town Meeting was held. Thank you to everyone who attended this important event! If you missed it, here is a helpful recap of the changes that will occur in our community:
- DPW Building: Approved a new DPW building contingent on a ballot question
- Camp Alice Carleton: Accepted the 1985 transfer of land formerly owned by the Girl Scouts
- Municipal Energy Aggregation: Authorized the Board of Selectmen to enter into a Municipal Choice Aggregation program to contract electric supply for the electric customers in Whitman
- South Ave Corridor: First round of engineering costs to leverage about $10 million in road repair grant money to rebuild South Avenue for safety and pedestrian access
- Sidewalk repairs: added money to annual Chapter 90 funds to accelerate sidewalk repair
- First CPA projects: The first project funded with Community Preservation Funds was new picnic tables of the park
- 41C age of eligibility: Lowered the age to seek the low income senior tax exemption from 65 to 70
- Nip Ban: Town Meeting voted no on the citizens’ petition to ban alcohol bottles under 50mL
- Recording meetings: voted yes on the citizens’ petition to make audio recordings of all public meetings to be posted on YouTube
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Thank you to Whitman Selectman, Justin Evans, for providing this succinct summary of the Annual Town Meeting! If you’d like more information, you can watch the recording here.
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Historical Tidbit:
Education in 1647
Education for all was an early American ideal. As early as 1647 Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law mandating that all towns with more than 50 families set up a school. If a town didn't comply with the law, they were fined five pounds.
"That in whatsoever township in this government consist of 50 families or upwards. Where there were families of 100 or more, Latin must be offered in Grammar School to prepare for the University. The town was responsible for making a reasonable appropriation. The profits from the Cape Fisheries, hereto ordered to maintain a Grammar School, shall be distributed to such towns as to have such Grammar Schools, not exceeding five Pounds per annum to any one town."
Before that time, small classes were held in private homes.
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Respectfully submitted by Sue Basile |
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Town Hall
781-618-9700
Public Library
M-Th 9:30a-8p; Fri 9:30a- 4:30p;
Sat 9:30a-4 (during school year only)
781-447-7613
Council on Aging
781-447-7619
St. Vincent de Paul/Whitman Food Pantry
By appointment only: 781-447-8560
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Congratulations!
Jen Giorgi
You won a Healthy Minds Creative Arts Workshop
Any Tuesday 4-5:30p Westgate Mall (value $25)
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman!
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Eustis Estate Tour
Saturday, May 13
10a
Depart from Whitman Public Library
The Whitman Public Library is offering a bus trip and tour of the Eustis Estate in Milton, MA, a largely intact 19th century country home that sits on over 80 acres near the floor of the Blue Hills. Designed by the renowned W. Ralph Emerson, the house is an 18,600-foot example of the aesthetic movement and was given to W.E.C. Eustis and Edith Hemenway when they were newlyweds. Following the tour, the group will have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Whitman.
The bus will leave the library at 10a. There are 14 spaces available, and registration is required. For more information and/or to register, contact Barbara Bryant at (508) 641-8605 or bbryantfox@gmail.com.
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Copycat Kitchen
Monday, May 15
1p
Whitman Council on Aging
Sick of food that’s loaded with salt and sugar? Sick of the high prices and long lines? Learn how to make it yourself! Not only is cooking at home nutritionally better for you, it’s also good for your mental health and your wallet. Learn how to make your own version of brand name favorites, such as a certain fish sandwich or some low sodium vegetable juice using only 8 vegetables. Chicken tenders, broccoli and cheese soup, and more! This is a great presentation for people looking to control salt and sugar intake or for those who want to stick it to the corporations.
For more information and to sign up, call the Whitman COA at (781) 447-7619 ext. 2.
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You're Invited!
2nd annual Evening of Champions for
Marvelous Martin Hagler Scholarships
May 13, 2023
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Summer Classes at Massasoit!
Take advantage of our low tuition, transferable credits, and flexible summer schedule!
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WHRHS Graduation Band – Seeking Alumni
The Whitman-Hanson Band is seeking alumni and community members to join their group for the High School Graduation on Friday, June 2nd! If you are interested in performing with us, please email Brian Rowe with your name and instrument. Copies of the music and future rehearsal dates will be forwarded to you. All instruments and skill levels are welcome!
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Whitman Recreation Summer Activities!
Spring has sprung, and summer is almost here. Whitman Recreation has released information about their various summer programs, including pool passes, swim lessons, their summer park program, and more!
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Mulch. Mulch. Mulch
1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) • Bridgewater • (508) 697-0357
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Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive
Saturday, May 13th
Please leave a donation next to your mailbox by 8a
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will again hold their annual food drive to benefit the Whitman Food Pantry! With the help of the Girl Scouts and food pantry volunteers, your letter carrier will collect the non-perishable food donations left by your mailbox on May 13th and donate it to the Whitman food pantry. Simply leave your donation by your mailbox by 8a. Your kind contributions have helped many in need in the community, and thank you for your generosity.
For any questions, call the Whitman Food Pantry at (781) 447-8560.
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From the Whitman Police Department: Look Twice, Save a Life
Spring time is here! That means warmer temperatures, flowers in bloom, and extended daylight. However, spring also brings motorcycles. Please be aware of motorcycles when driving, especially when changing lanes and pulling out of side streets. We all share the roads with our fellow motorists, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Drive safely, chick twice, and save a life!
For more information, call (781) 447-1212.
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Whitman Annual Town Election
May 20
9a–5p
54 South Ave
Just a friendly reminder that the Annual Town Election takes place May 20th, 9a–5p at the Whitman Town Hall.
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Climate Can-Do: Bay State Bike Month
From the Berkshires to the Cape, and everywhere around and in between, riders across Massachusetts are celebrating Bay State Bike Month this May! Today, Sunday, May 7th, is National Ride a Bike Day, and May 15th–19th is Bike to Work Week. Visit Bay State Bike Month website to find an event or register your bike - friendly event.
There are so many benefits to riding a bike, both for your health and the environment’s. Bicycles are a pollution-free mode of transport, use minimal fossil fuels, and reduce your carbon footprint! Cyclists decrease the need for the constant construction of roadways, allowing there to be more greenery than concrete. Riding a bike is also a great way to get in some exercise, giving you the serotonin boost you need to start your day! Let this be your inspiration to leave those car keys on the table, grab your bike, and enjoy a beautiful May day with the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and your pedal to the metal.
Bay State Bike Month is supported by MassBike, a non-profit dedicated to making bicycling an integral part of human-centered communities, policies, culture, and infrastructure. Healthy, resilient communities embrace lifestyles consistent with safe and rewarding environments. To build and sustain these environments, MassBike advocates for policies that encourage and support community wellness, equity, and inclusion, enable sustainable growth, drive economic vitality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Tess Fiumefreddo, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Franklin & Marshall College. We focus on actions which individuals can do in the face of our climate emergency. We can do!
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Dr. Christopher Jones, Principal, Whitman-Hanson High School- SEEing to Lead
Dr. Christopher Jones' YouTube shares fun video shorts and school recaps. His videos also contain musings and his overall message of being purposeful and acting with integrity while building character. His most recent videos are below (we update every week, they are THAT good) and to see more impactful videos, check out: youtube.com/@DrCSJones. |
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Take the Time
4/30/23
Video courtesy of:
Dr. Chris Jones - SEEing to Lead
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Our Story
4/17/23 – 4/30/23
Video courtesy of:
Dr. Chris Jones - SEEing to Lead
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Find YOUR Bliss with
BLISS THROUGH YOGA!
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Start Your Week Off With a Little Monday Evening Bliss!
Svaroopa yoga excels at releasing the deep tension in your body. While the benefits of this style of yoga are profound, it is very easy to do. We use the alignment of the body, rather than a lot of effort, along with blankets for propping to make the poses accessible, supportive and effective.
516 N. Bedford St, East Bridgewater
(508) 331-3564
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Don't forget about Walk-in Wednesdays!
From 9a-1p you can get your vaccines for flu, pneumonia, COVID, shingles, and more.
Open: Mon-Fri: 8:30a - 6p | Sat: 9a - 3p
Sun: 9a - 1p
571 Washington St • 781-447-0606
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2023 Spring Art Exhibit
Tuesday, May 23rd
5 – 7p
WHRHS Library
Come celebrate the talented WH Seniors Visual, Musical and Culinary Artists for a night of food, music, and art! Plates for Pantries will be selling unique, student-designed ceramic plates, culinary students will be providing dinner, and music students will perform as you enjoy dinner and art by the talented seniors. All proceeds go to the Whitman and Hanson Food Pantries.
For more information and a list of the talented seniors, visit the WHRHS Art website.
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Michael Donahue Scholarship
Major Mike Donahue was a member of the WHRHS graduating class of 1990, after which he enlisted in the US Army in 1995. Mike served our country for over 19 years, during which he was deployed overseas in South Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In September 2014, he was unfortunately killed in action on his final deployment.
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Mike’s classmates have organized a fund to honor his memory and award scholarships annually to WHRHS students. To date, 22 scholarships have been award to 9 women and 13 men, all of whom are enrolling in ROTC programs after their high school graduation.
This year, Mike’s classmates are excited to offer a raffle for Taylor Swift tickets as an extra incentive to donate. To support their efforts, purchase raffle tickets before the drawing deadline of Friday, May 19th.
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman!
Historical Tidbit Question:
How much was the fine for not having a school?
Email us your answer at:
Include your name, and phone number with your answer.
By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.
On May 10, 2023 before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The BuzzAround is brought to you this week by Tess Fiumefreddo, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Janice O'Brien, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Value
There's all sorts of people who like to share their wisdom. We can be overwhelmed, surrounded with voices. The tricky thing is not in finding answers, It's in deciding which source to listen to.
You will listen to what you value.
“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” ~ Albert Einstein
Our world values money, fame and often reacts in fear, calling out differences as dangerous.
“A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.” ~ Idowu Koyenikan
However, a meaningful life is attainable and only costs your time. Understand what is truly valuable.
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
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Compassion, forgiveness, love, nature, kindness. creativity, music.
Every day I strive to value these things. What do you value? ~ Jacquie
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Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. |
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Copyright 2023 Buzz Around Whitman. 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 Whitman 5/7/23")
Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. There are links to town committees and other non-profit groups, in the newsletters. Individual groups are responsible for how they represent themselves on their websites and in their promotional materials. Buzz Around is not responsible for the media content of other organizations.
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