|
|
October 29, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities at WHCA
Are you interested in television production? Photo shooting? Video editing? Well look no further than the WHCA, Whitman Hanson Community Access. WHCA runs four cable television channels serving the towns of Whitman and Hanson. WHCA is currently offering production opportunities open for anyone to join.
The three volunteer opportunities available are:
|
|
-
WHCA's Crew Call: Take part in an upcoming production at WHCA! Review this spreadsheet for details on the different WHCA productions and contact the person listed in the production if interested.
-
WHCA's Production Crew: Pick a project from WHCA's list of projects. These 12 projects are all designed to introduce you to WHCA and the work they do. Each project listing contains a link for an info sheet on the project.
-
WHCA's One-off Series Program: Create or assist with a single episode of one of WHCA's "One-off Series Program". Click here, on their website, to see the series options. WHCA will provide you with a camera and other tools you'll need to shoot an episode.
The links for each of the production opportunities contains more information and who to contact for questions. However for general inquiries you can email info@WHCA.tv
Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
|
|
Historical Tidbit: Halloween's Origins
When we think of Halloween today, images of jack-o-lanterns and witches come to mind, as well as memories—happy arms lugging bags filled with hard-earned candy and neighborhood streets flooded with costume-clad trick-or-treaters. But where did this holiday come from?
The beginning of Halloween dates back to the eighth century, when Pope Gregory III declared that November 1st would be All Saints Day.
The holiday was a time to honor saints, and it incorporated some traditions from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which included lighting bonfires and dressing up in costumes to send away ghosts.
The evening before All Saints Day was called All Hallows Eve. This day later became known as Halloween, which evolved to include all of the activities that we are familiar with today.
The Origin of Trick-or-Treating
American trick-or-treating traditions most likely come from All Souls’ Day in England, when poor citizens would beg for food. A family would offer those begging “soul cakes” if they promised to pray for the family’s dead relatives.
The church encouraged this practice, which was known as “going a-souling” because it replaced the Celtic tradition of leaving food and wine out for ghosts. Eventually, children participated in this tradition, going around their neighborhood to receive treats. Back then, these were ale, food, and money.
So Why The Costumes?
Wearing costumes also has European and Celtic origins. During this time, it was a commonly held belief that ghosts came back to Earth on Halloween. People worried that the ghosts would recognize them, so they disguised themselves in masks, hoping to be mistaken for spirits themselves.
Even though Halloween has changed over time, it is evident that many of the traditions we know so well today have come from ancient practices and beliefs.
Written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
|
|
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
|
Congratulations!
Patricia McCusker
You won a free 1.5 hour class at
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
your choice of a
Holiday Hair, Skin & Nail Care Gift Set
From Salon Esprit, East Bridgewater
|
|
Absentee/Early Vote for Special Town
Election Info
Whitman Town Hall
54 South Ave
The deadline to file for an absentee in-person application is Fri, Nov 3 at 12p.
In-person absentee voting for the Special Town Election will be held daily at Town Hall. Early ballots are only available by mail.
Please call the Town Clerk at 781-618-9710 with any questions.
|
|
The Action Team:
5th Annual Sock Drive
Collecting Until: Dec 1
Whitman Police Department
20 Essex St
Donate new socks! These socks will be distributed through the Joy of Sox Organization to homeless people nationwide, ensuring that they stay warm and healthy during the coming winter months. Socks of all kinds are accepted: men's, women's, children's fuzzy socks, etc.
A collection bin will be at the Whitman Police Dept. Financial donations are accepted and you will receive a picture of the socks you purchased. This year's goal is to reach 6,000 pairs of socks! Email carveractionteam@gmail.com for more questions. More info found on Whitman PD FB. |
|
Whitman Middle School Building Committee Meeting
October 25, 2023
Video courtesy of WHCA9TV
|
|
On The Road:
Barrett's Haunted Mansion
Join Rob Gullicksen and the WHCA team this Halloween for a spine-tingling adventure to Barrett's Haunted Mansion on a special on the road episode!
Tune in for the premiere on 10/31 at 6 pm on WHCA Channel 9.
|
|
70th Tri-Town Veterans Day Parade
Sat, Nov 11th 10AM
The 70th Tri-Town Veterans Day Parade between Whitman, Abington, and Rockland will be held in Rockland this year. The parade will start at 10AM at North Union Street and head south on Union Street and end at Market Street. Come and honor all the veterans who have defended their country!
For questions contact Jeff at 781-985-4721
|
December Calendar Raffle
The Whitman Special Olympics is holding its annual fundraiser, the December Calendar Raffle. Funds from this event will go towards athletes with disabilities in over 14 sports. The calendars are $10 each and every calendar is eligible to win everyday.
Interested in purchasing a calendar?
|
Meat Raffle
Fri, Nov 17
7p
American Legion, Post 22
33 Legion Parkway
American Legion Post 22 will be hosting a meat raffle which will be a 50/50 raffle. There are 7 meat raffles with 2 complete turkey dinners and 2 spiral ham dinners as prizes. Raffles can be purchased at the event. For questions contact 781-447-5253.
|
Annual Harvest Fair
Sat, Nov 18
9a-3p
All Saints Church
44 Park Avenue
Drop by the All Saints Church for its annual Harvest Fair! It will be featuring Christmas and Thanksgiving decorations, home baked goodies, jewelry, crafts and raffles of theme baskets. Kick off your holiday season here! For questions, call 781-447-6106.
|
Dinosaur
Stories & Craft
Sat, Nov 18 11a-12p
Whitman Public Library
100 Webster St
Come to the library for dinosaur stories, song, and a craft followed by open playtime. Best for ages 2-6 but all are welcome. No registration required!
|
|
Climate Can Do: Updating Massachusetts' Bottle Bill
for a Greener Future
In 1983, Massachusetts launched the Bottle Bill, encouraging recycling with a $0.05 deposit on soda and beer containers. It worked well, cutting litter and boosting aluminum, plastic, and glass recycling. But times have changed, and this old bottle bill needs a modern makeover.
Two new bills, H.3676 and H.3690/SB2104, now before the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, aim to refresh the Massachusetts Bottle Bill, addressing the challenges posed by today's beverage consumption habits and recycling issues.
The Proposed Expansion
Bill H.3676: An Act to Update the Bottle Bill Presented by Representative Michelle L. Ciccolo of Lexington, this bill seeks to modernize the Bottle Bill to meet current needs.
Bill H.3690/SB2104: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill Presented by Representative Marjorie C. Decker of Cambridge, this bill aims to broaden the Bottle Bill's coverage to include any drinkable liquid intended for human consumption.
Why the Expansion Matters
Expanding the Bottle Bill aligns with today's beverage choices. The original law covered soft drinks, mineral water, beer, and malt beverages—products of a bygone era. Today, our options include bottled water, flavored waters, coffee-based drinks, juices, and sports drinks, which the outdated bill doesn't include. This gap has led to more litter and waste.
Updating the definition of "beverages" in the Bottle Bill removes this confusion. It's simple: water, flavored waters, iced teas, coffee-based drinks, and sports drinks should now have a $0.05 deposit. This expansion is expected to generate about $20 million in new revenue, with $5 million going to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). EEA will use these funds for various initiatives, such as municipal recycling incentives, recycling transfer stations, source reduction, and public education.
How To Support The Bottle Bill Expansion
To support the expansion of the Bottle Bill for the sake of our environment and the long-term sustainability of our state, contact your elected officials and let them know you want to see Massachusetts' Bottle Bill improved by House Bill 3676 and House Bill 3690/SB2104. The Conservation Law Foundation has made it even easier to reach out with a prewritten letter available for the public’s use here. Your actions can help Massachusetts move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Jamie Puhi, BuzzAround Writing Intern at Southern New Hampshire University. Focusing on actions that individuals can do in the face of our climate emergency. We can do it!
|
|
 |
It's Spooky Season at Duval's Pharmacy!
Come on in to get all your Halloween decor.
Open: Mon-Fri: 8:30a - 6p | Sat: 9a - 3p
Sun: 9a - 1p
571 Washington St • 781-447-0606
|
|
|
|
Pumpkins in all shapes, colors and sizes.
Pick out your favorites!
Open 7 days a week 8am-6pm
Nessralla Farm
Local Growers, Doin' Good!
*Firewood.
*Frequent Flyer Cards.
416 Plymouth St. , Halifax, MA
(781) 293-6792
|
|
|
|
Whitman Conservation Commission
October 23, 2023
Video courtesy of: WHCA9TV
|
|
Whitman COA Presents
Healthy Eating On A Budget
October 24, 2023
Video courtesy of: WHCA9TV
|
|
Retirement of Deputy Al Cunningham
The Whitman Fire Department threw Deputy Fire Chief, Al Cunningham, an amazing retirement party, Thursday, October 12th. The party lasted throughout the afternoon with friends and family stopping by the fire station to congratulate Al on his 28 years of service. A huge and hearty thanks for his hard work and devotion to the Town of Whitman. Happy retirement and we wish Al the best on his next chapter in life!
Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University Intern
|
|
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
your choice of a
Holiday Hair, Skin & Nail Care Gift Set
From Salon Esprit, East Bridgewater
Historical Tidbit Question:
Why did people originally wear costumes on Halloween?
Email us your answer at:
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 November 1, 2023 before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
|
The BuzzAround is brought to you this week by Queenie Chen, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
|
Boo
"Have you come to sing pumpkin carols?"
~Linus, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." ~ William Shakespeare, Macbeth
"Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it!" ~ Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas
“On Halloween, witches come true; wild ghosts escape from dreams. Each monster dances in the park.” ~Nicholas Gordon
"I am the who when you call, 'Who's there?' / I am the wind blowing through your hair / I am the shadow on the moon at night / Filling your dreams to the brim with fright" ~ "This is Halloween," The Nightmare Before Christmas
"There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch." ~ Robert Brault
“Another of his sources of fearful pleasure was, to pass long winter evenings with the old Dutch wives, as they sat spinning by the fire, with a row of apples roasting and spluttering along the hearth, and listen to their marvelous tales of ghosts and goblins, and haunted fields, and haunted brooks, and haunted bridges, and haunted houses, and particularly of the headless horseman, or galloping Hessian of the Hollow, as they sometimes called him. ~ ― Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
"The farther we've gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we've come to need Halloween." ~Paula Guran
|
Bonfires, Costumes and Candy, Oh my. Have a be-witching time, Dear Reader. ~ Jacquie |
|
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. |
|
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 10/29/23")
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
