Brockton BuzzAround

March 9, 2025



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Brockton Council on Aging Opens Renovated Senior Center



"This morning, (March 3, 2025) Mayor Robert Sullivan, Chief of Staff Sydné Marrow, and PR/Communications Associate Suzanne McCormack joined Director of the Brockton Council on Aging (BCOA) Janice Fitzgerald for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly renovated and expanded Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center at 10 Father Kenney Way. The renovation and approximate 5,000 square foot addition was made possible through Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and additional State funding.


This reimagined, state-of-the-art senior center, designed by Bargmann Hendrie + Archetype Architects, features a range of amenities to enrich the lives of our senior residents, including a spacious event hall, smaller breakout rooms, a modern kitchen and restrooms, and an attractive exterior. Bright, airy, and welcoming, the newly improved building is set to be an invaluable resource for our seniors for years to come.


The City of Brockton is deeply grateful to the entire Council on Aging staff for their help during this two-year process. In addition, a thank you to our Federal Delegation (U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator Ed Markey, and Congressman Steve Lynch) for their dedicated efforts to award ARPA funds.

It was truly a historic and wonderful ceremony attended by residents, city employees, business owners, non-profit representatives, COA Board members, Friends of the COA, members of the Cruise/Kennedy families, Page Construction employees, the City's ARPA manager and liaison, and our State/County/City elected officials."


Reposted from the City of Brockton FB.

Historical Tidbit: 

Edison's Bulb Display at the Brockton Historical Society's Museum

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The Brockton Historical Society Museum has an exhibit dedicated to Edison's development of light bulbs and Brockton's role in the famous process. On their website, they detail the history as follows:


"The Brockton Historical Society's Edison exhibit features an extremely rare display of some of the earliest standardized incandescent bulbs, wiring, equipment, etc. developed by Edison. Also included are a growing number of documents relating to Edison's work throughout New England - including his work with A.G. Bell in perfecting the telephone. In 1883, Edison selected the uniquely progressive city of Brockton as the ideal place for testing and popularizing the world's first standardized central power system and literally electrified the 'capitol' of Plymouth County with related experiments. In late 1884, he personally supervised the wiring of the world's first centrally powered theater, fire station, shoe factory, high school, etc."


Photo credit: J. Rose

Story credit: Brockton Historical Society Museum website 'Edison Exhibit'


ac70ab14-4d68-4d99-a0f9-62277bca5f9e image

Submit to the City's Events Calendar:


Please follow this link to submit

City Hall

45 School St 508-580-7123

brockton.ma.us 

Check the city website for important updates


Brockton Public Library

Main Library - 304 Main St. 508-580-7890

East - 54 Kingman St. 508-580-7892

West - 540 Forest Ave. 508-580-7894

brocktonpubliclibrary.org

instagram.com/teenzonebppl.


Council on Aging 

 Temporarily at The Shaws Center,

1 Feinberg Way 508-580-7811

Email coa@cobma.us 

COA


Food Pantry

The Charity Guild 501 Main Street

Hours:

Tuesday: 10 AM to 12 PM noon*

Wednesday: 1 PM to 2:30 PM*

Thursday: 10 AM to 12 PM noon*

*or until we reach our daily food supply limit

Congratulations!

Louise Domingos

won

a free 1.5 hour class at

Bliss Through Yoga!


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


Enter for this week's prize of

a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

johnnymacaronis.com 

Suicide Awareness Exhibit Coming to Massasoit Community College

Mon, Mar 10

9a-4p

Brockton Campus Quad


"Massasoit Community College will host Active Mind’s acclaimed Send Silence Packing® exhibit. This event is free and open to the public.


To end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide, and to connect visitors with mental health resources, the all-day exhibit features personal stories from individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide, and is designed to raise awareness about the impact of suicide and inspire action for suicide prevention. Passersby are invited to walk among the Send Silence Packing backpacks to view the photographs and read the stories attached to them. Many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one to suicide."


massasoit.edu/send-silence-packing-exhibit

More information on Active Minds and the exhibit can be found on the organization's website.

Brockton Public Library Seeks Community Input on 5-year Plan

Wed Mar 12

12-2p; 6-8p

Brockton Public Library (Main Branch)


Is there anything you wish to have happen at the library? Any particular services you want to see? Have you seen something at another library that you think Brockton would also benefit from? The Brockton Public Library will start creating its strategic plan for the next five years, and they want to hear from you! Come to one of the planning sessions on Mon, Mar 12 to give your feedback. During the 12 - 2p session, lunch will be provided; during the 6-8p session, dinner will be provided.

Moderated by Director Paul Engle and Jacquelyn Rose

Source: Brockton Public Library website

Join Brockton Cultural Affairs & Tourism's March Meeting

Thu, Mar 13

6p

North Baptist Church


"The Cultural Affairs and Tourism monthly meeting will be held on Thurs, Mar 13, 2025, beginning at 6p at North Baptist Church, 899 North Main Street. This is a chance for groups and organizations to announce their events and for anyone wishing to learn about what is going on in the city. Everyone is welcome either at the church or on ZOOM. For more information, please feel free to contact Anne at 774-297-4939 or email ambeauregard@outlook.com."


Reposted from CAT Press Release

Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative

Learn more about Factors Influencing Substance Use!

Based on Chapter 2 of High Point Prevention Services' 2023 Drug Guidebook, this video focuses on identifying and comparing safe behaviors to risk, analyzing how factors influence health, and demonstrating actions to improve health. 


In collaboration with Anawan Studios, Prevention Services created 15 ten-minute long train-the-trainer videos to support educators with curriculum implementation.  All lessons align with the 2024 Society of Health and Physical Educators National Physical Health Education Standards.

Brockton Public Library Continues Move & Groove Story Time

Wed, Mar 12

5-6p

Brockton Public Library (Main Branch)


"Join us for a dynamic storytelling session paired with Zumba-inspired movements! Explore the joy of reading together and get moving with easy, playful dances that everyone can enjoy. It's a perfect mix of imagination and active fun for little ones and their grown-ups!"


Register by calling the library at 508-894-1431 or by emailing vrodrigues@cobma.us.


Reposted from the BPL website.

First Lutheran Church's Lenten Luncheon Series

Fri, March 14 and March 21

11:30a

First Lutheran Church


The First Lutheran Church is hosting a lunch series for Lent that is open to the public! On Fri, Mar 14, Pastor Vasquez from the House of Prayer lutheran Church in Hingham will be featured as a guest speaker, followed the next week by Jacqueline Porro, the Executive Director of the Talking Information Center. Lunch and dessert will be served starting at 12p for $10. For more information, call the Church at 508-586-9021.


Source: First Lutheran Church press release

Photo Credit: First Lutheran Church FB

10th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours | Metro South Chamber of Commerce

Join us Thursday, March 13 from 5:00 pm -7:30 pm for the 10th Annual Multicultural Business Forum & Business After Hours. This is a great opportunity for potential and existing entrepreneurs to learn about helpful resources, network with local businesses, and hear from entrepreneurs who have successful businesses.

Read More

Nurturing Fathers Program Starting Soon at the Family Resource Center


Are you a father interested in strengthening your parental skills? The Brockton Family Resource Center will be starting their Nurturing Fathers Program this spring. The 13-week program will run on Thurs from 5-7:30p and help men improve their parenting and nurturing abilities. Fathers from any family circumstance are welcome (new father, step-father, non-custodial, etc.)


Call the Center at 508-857-0272 to learn more about the program. Stay updated with future programs at the Center by subscribing to their monthly newsletter with this Google Form.


Source: FRC Mar Newsletter

Jack Conway

David Michael, Realtor®

Download Free Seller & Buyer Guides


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K9 Creations Dog Grooming

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349 North Bedford St, East Bridgewater

(508) 383-3565 * Like us on Facebook

Brockton Cultural Council to Host Concert for Fire Department

Sat, Mar 15

2p; 7p

Keating Hall, 80 Perkins Ave. Brockton


In honor of the city's fire department, the Brockton Cultural Council is planning a concert! The event will feature two shows, one at 2p and another at 7p, which is perfect to fit into your schedules. The concerts will feature live music from various genres and appearances from members of the school community! Adults pay a fee of $10, and there is a full cash bar. However, youth 17 years and below get free entry, and complimentary food is available for everyone! Come on out for a great event and cause!


Source: City of Brockton website

Read News from Area Hives: Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater and Whitman

Brockton Symphony Orchestra Presents: American Discoveries

Sun, Mar 16

3p

Christ Congregational Church


"Explore orchestral gems and the diverse music of America, from the rural-hoedown (Ruth Crawford Seeger's Rissolty, Rossolty) and touching lullaby (William Grant Still's Mother and Child), to New York swing (Artie Shaw's Clarinet Concerto). Virtuosic clarinetist Matt Griffith brings Copland's magnificent Concerto to life. Visit the local village market as the circus comes to town in Walter Piston's ballet suite, The Incredible Flutist and witness William Schuman's New England Triptych, based on the music of local composer William Billings, who founded our neighboring Stoughton Musical Society chorus in 1774!"


Buy your tickets now via eTix. Reposted from www.brocktonsymphony.org.

Enjoy Bach's Music at Upcoming Festival

Sat, Mar 15/Sun, Mar 16

7p/3p

First Lutheran Church


Are you a Bach enthusiast? just interested in classical music? Come to the Bach in Brockton Festival, organized by the First Lutheran Church! This weekend event will feature "a concert of Romantic transcriptions of Bach's keyboard and instrumental works" on Saturday, followed by a celebration of his "sacred music for voices and organ" on Sunday. The event is free for all, though donations are appreciated!


Source: First Lutheran Church FB

Art Exhibit Opening at the Brockton Public Library

Wed, Mar 19

6p

Brockton Public Library (Main Branch)


Join the Brockton Public Library for its opening reception of the 2025 Art Smart Exhibit and Contest! The exhibit features spring artwork from Brockton students. This is a great opportunity to appreciate the talented youth in our community!


Source: www.brocktonpubliclibrary.org

Edward Jones - Albert C. Mui

edwardjones.com/albert-mui



albert.mui@edwardjones.com



Your Ad Could Bee Here!!!

What do you want everyone to know about you? Let's put it where it will bee seen positively!!!

Read More

Free Diapers Available at the Brockton Family Resource Center


Are you in need of more diapers? The Family Resource Center has you covered! They are giving away free diapers in sizes 1-6, in addition to some wipes and pull-ups. Appointments, which can be made by calling the Center at 508-857-0272, are preferred. A brief intake is required for everyone before receiving the products.


Stay up to date with the Center by signing up for their monthly newsletter with this Google Form.


Source: FRC Mar Newsletter

American Association of University Women (AAUW) $1,000 Scholarship for College Students


The AAUW Taunton Area Branch is offering a $1,000.00 Mary Anderson Memorial Scholarship for college students. Applicants must be graduates of a high school in Southeastern Massachusetts who will be entering the sophomore, junior, or senior year of college in the fall of 2025 with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.


Applicants must show a commitment to advancing the AAUW Mission: gender equity and economic security. Priority issues include removing bias from education, fighting for fair pay and economic equity, and advancing women in leadership.


Download the application on the AAUW website or contact Louise Freeman at freemanlou@aol.com. The deadline to apply is Tues, Apr 15, 2025.

Sarcastic Swine BBQ

Let us do the cooking for you! At Sarcastic Swine, we smoke meats daily and provide high-quality barbeque that hits the spot. Eat-in, takeout, food truck, and full service catering.


988 Bedford Street, Abington

(781) 871-0033


sarcasticswinebbq.com

Like us on Facebook

Bridgewater Bard

Thomas J. Kelley, Jr

f46e5b09-ee8f-49fd-977c-e55433381a73 image

Add the World's Tallest Leprechaun to your gatherings this spring!


You'll be singing & clapping along!


Come see Thomas @ West Bridgewater Library March 18. 6:30 pm



To book: Contact Thomas


bridgewaterbard.com

Brockton School Committee Meeting

March 4, 2025

Video Courtesy of The Brockton Channels

Brockton Finance Committee Meeting

March 3, 2025

Video Courtesy of The Brockton Channels

Climate Can-Do: Preventing Food Waste at Home!


We waste food in our households daily without realizing how much. One-third of all food in the United States is left uneaten. Solving this easily preventable problem can reduce our environmental footprint and save us money! 


1) Plan and prep weekly meals. Make a list of what you need and estimate how much you will eat. This will help prevent overshopping and save you money.


2) Know the proper way to store food. This helps it last longer and reduces food rot. Most vegetables, especially ones that wilt, such as lettuce, should be placed in the fridge's high-humidity drawer. Other fruits and vegetables that could rot should go in the low-humidity drawer. To help prevent mold, make sure to wait to wash your berries until you are ready to eat them.


3) When cooking and preparing meals, it is good to repurpose and use ingredients you already have or leftovers to make something new rather than buying more food or throwing leftovers away. A little imagination helps when repurposing some food that's past its prime: stale bread makes great croutons! 


Taking these steps to prevent food waste can benefit you and our environment, so let's continue moving forward!


Written by Laci Schlatz, Stonehill College

BuzzAround Intern


Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency  

Celebrating Sue Joss's Retirement


"SALUTING A HEALTHCARE LEGEND! A trailer and 12 employees — that’s what Sue Joss had when she took over as CEO of BNHC in 1994. Today, as Sue prepares to retire, BNHC has three clinics, 40,000 patients and 704 staff that all have one thing in common — a legendary healthcare leader dedicated to providing care to those who need it most. Sue was celebrated at a breakfast in her honor this week, where friends and colleagues thanked her for three decades of keeping Greater Brockton healthy, safe and whole!"


Reposted from the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center FB.

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

johnnymacaronis.com 



Historical Tidbit Question:

Who did Edison work with to perfect the telephone?



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 March 12, 2025, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Layla Ahmed, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia

Peace, please let there be peace. 


"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."

~ Jimi Hendrix


"If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies." 

~ Desmond Tutu


"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love."

~ Francis of Assisi


"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.


"It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt


Sending out healing energy...

Peace, I pray, for our world.

~ Jacquie

Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

www.BuzzAround.Info

Copyright 2025 Buzz Around Brockton. 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 Brockton 3/9/25")


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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