Over the past few weeks, residents throughout Halifax have been surprised by a furry, four-footed visitor. The black bear, nicknamed "Yogi" by the lucky Halifax locals who spotted him, has been exploring the town this summer. Reports of Yogi's presence have been posted to a Halifax Locals FB Group where residents have shared their sightings in backyards, bee hives, and main streets.

Although black bear sightings are not common in Southeastern Massachusetts, according to MassWildlife, the population and distribution of the animals have been increasing throughout the state since the 1970s. There are approximately 4,500 bears in MA, however this population is increasing and expanding eastward. That might explain Yogi's surprise romp through some of your backyards!

While black bears may seem cute and cuddly, there are important safety precautions in place to keep both residents and Yogi safe. The Halifax Police Department is aware of the bear and has issued a list of precautions for Halifax which include: NEVER feeding or approaching bears; securing garbage and recycling; removing bird feeders when bears are active; and alerting neighbors of bear activity, among others. For the full guide, check out the Halifax Police Department Official FB Post and the BearWise website.

Story By: Miriam Heath, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Bridgewater State University

Photo Credit: Wayne Laundry

Due to this season’s rush of heat waves, this year’s summer in the Northeast has been hotter than usual. Thankfully, at the Halifax Elementary School, town kids had the Halifax Fire Department on their side, ready to help them cool off with the refreshing sprays of water from the truck’s firehoses.

The relief was much appreciated as children and adults alike grinned after getting soaked. While firefighters are known for their commitment to safety and rescue; they are also on board to make sure that everyone has a good time!

Source Credit: Halifax Fire Department FB

Photo Credit: J. Rose

The Halifax Finance Committee currently has a vacant seat and is accepting talent bank forms from those interested in serving on the committee.

To access the bank form, download it here.

If interested, please submit a talent bank form to Todd Dargie, the Finance Committee Chairperson, at Todd.Dargie@halifax-ma.org.

Are you or someone you know interested in working at the Silver Lake Regional High School? The following job positions are currently available:

To apply and submit a resume, visit www.schoolspring.com.

Come meet Mary Lou, who teaches stretching with you in mind! She offers both yoga and gentle yoga in Henrich Hall. Chairs are used in each class. These cool classes help keep seniors active, young, and fit.

To sign up for yoga or gentle yoga, or any f their free classes, call the Council On Aging at (781)-293-7313.

Fashion is another tool to help combat climate change and protect the environment.

First, how does fashion harm the environment? In efforts to meet demands and popularity for society’s trendiest clothes, many big clothing brands end up wasting fabrics and energy as they rush to pump out clothes for consumers at cheap prices. This is known as fast fashion.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the “pollution, waste, and emissions of fast fashion are fueling the planetary crisis” as "plastic fibers are polluting the oceans”. In addition, the “wastewater and toxic dyes” from the industrial plants that are used to create the clothes only further contaminate the surrounding natural environments.

Sustainable clothing: While buying sustainable and organic clothing is a healthier alternative, it can also be expensive or inaccessible for many people. Fortunately, there are still many ways to limit your own fashion consumption and help the planet without sacrificing your wallet.

Diversify your clothing store options: Buying secondhand clothing from local thrift stores or on-line platforms such as ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark is an excellent alternative for getting clothes.

Consider clothes before buying them: We all have that item, or a few, that sit in the back of the closet untouched for the past two years. This is why the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University suggests buying an item only if you can see yourself wearing it at least 30 times. Thinking twice is a good way to limit how much fast fashion and wasted clothing ends up crowding your closet.

Support brands that have good sustainability practices: This online directory: Good on You allows you to search your favorite brands and view their sustainability/ethical work ratings. The website also provides a wide range of stores that solely produce sustainable fashion that you can occasionally invest in.

By researching, staying mindful, and practicing eco-friendly shopping habits, you can reduce carbon costs and the impact of waste on our landfills and atmosphere!

Video Courtesy of Area 58

Video Courtesy of Area 58

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra is holding tryouts for open positions. Auditions are in person, with two short orchestral excerpts to perform. An audition request form needs to be filled out to participate.

On it are the fall audition dates - the first two dates will be August 28th and September 7th between 5:30 and 6:45p.

After your audition, you are invited to sit in during rehearsal. (for auditions on rehearsal evenings).Rehearsals are Monday Nights between 7:15 - 9:45p, Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant Street, Brockton. For more information, visit: www.brocktonsymphony.org

The Town of Halifax has made a FAQ and Public Forum available for the FY 2024 Curbside Collection Program.

In order to view the public forum, visit this YoutTube link or visit the town's website.

In order to access the FAQ, visit the Town of Halifax website.

If there are any questions about the program or other, please email RSWP@halifax-ma.org or call the Halifax Recycling Center at (781)-293-1732.

Celebrate the end of summer by entering the BFS Summer Pet Costume Contest!

Enter for a chance to win a $40 gift certificate to Bridgewater Farm Supply or a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's. Message Bridgewater Farm Supply on FB a picture your pet in costume and they will post it to their feed.

Winners will be randomly selected at NOON on August 25th. Feline, canine, and everything in between – all pets in costume are welcome!

The upcoming school year is fast approaching! Halifax Elementary is hosting an open house for parents and kids on September 7th. For more information on this event and others, visit the official HES website.

On Sunday, July 23rd, the Doucette family's lemonade stand was a Halifax hometown hit! The stand sold chips, cookies, water, and free kisses from their dog.

Schevanya Doucette described her daughter's love for running lemonade stands, which has now become a summer tradition. It all started last year when she wanted to earn some money and just have fun. The whole family prepared for the endeavor by watching videos.

On her first try, the Halifax Police Department stopped by and bought some lemonade in support of the summer business. After having so much fun, the Doucette family decided to have another lemonade stand this year and were joined by their 3 year old son and cousin, whose yells of “LEMONADE” were great for marketing.

Thus, the lemonade stand was a big hit, and being next to the lake provided a nice breeze. The people of Halifax showed up and gave their love and support. Even the Halifax Fire Department even came by to buy some lemonade. These firefighters knew they needed cold lemonade from their local lemonade stand to cool off! What better way to repay the Doucette family than to invite them on their firetruck?

Schevanya Doucette recalls how she posted on her FaceBook page to “just try to reach as many people as possible” in hopes “that they would stop by and support” the kids. The town support was great, with many customers and she was beyond happy that the fire department would take time out of their day to arrive in their firetruck and bring some more joy to the day.

This was a real treat. Thanks to all in the community who came!

Photo & Source Credit: Schevanya Doucette FB

Story By: Ella Reddin, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Framingham State University and Angel Benjamin, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Brown University

Email us your answer at: 

Prize Box Rules 

 On August 23, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

Copyright 2023 Buzz Around Halifax. 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 Halifax 8/20/23")