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October 22, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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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
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Hastings School Bell
The old school bell can be found in Whitman Park
The dedication plaque reads: Dedicated 1998
To All The Teachers
Who inspired & Transformed Us
Whitman Historical Comm.
Whitman Hanson Reg. School Dept.
Photo Credit: J.Rose
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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!
Joe Conley
You won a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
a free 1.5 hour class at
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Sorting Social
Fri, Oct 27
1 - 3p
100 Webster St
The Friends of the Whitman Public Library are looking for volunteers to come help sort books for its upcoming Fall Book and Bake Sale. Volunteers will be assessing book quality, sorting and boxing books from community donations. It's also a wonderful opportunity to hang out with fellow book lovers and learn about the Friends of the Whitman Public Library. Bring a friend of two with you! No experience required and it is up to you how long you want to stay. Contact the Friends of the Whitman Public Library FB to let them know if you'll make it or if you have any questions. |
Drugs/Sharps Turn-in Event
Sat, Oct 28
10a - 2p
Whitman Police Dept
22 Essex St
This is a drive-thru event at Whitman Police Dept. No need to get out of your car. We will take all prescription & non-prescription drugs, sharps, diabetic, cancer, hospice, hormone therapy, injectables, Epi-pens, sharps and meds at no cost. We will NOT take other medical waste and supplies. No commercial med/sharps/waste drop-off is allowed. Please have loose sharps in a closed container. Contact 781-618-9778 for more questions.
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Toe Jam Puppet Band: Halloween Show
Sat, Oct 28
10 - 10:45a
Whitman Public Library
100 Webster St
Come in your costumes for music, dancing, and fun! Trick or treat around the library after the show! No registration needed.
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Shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness
Whitman Fire Fighters are now selling shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness month. All sizes from kids small to 5XL.
Short Sleeve: $20
Long Sleeve: $25
Hoodies: $30
Please make payments through Venmo to @whitmanfirelocal1769charity
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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. Join the movement and be part of positive change!
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!
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Skull Cup Decoration Contest
Contest Deadline:
Mon, Oct 30
Whitman Public Library
100 Webster St
Grab a skull at the library front desk to decorate however you like! Bring your skull back to the library by Oct. 21st to be voted by patrons. Voting will end on Oct. 30th. Winner will be given their very own Halloween swag bag!
Contact the library with any questions at
781-447-7613
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Special Town Hall Meeting
Mon, Oct 30
7:30p
Whitman Town Hall, 54 South Ave
Come to the town hall meeting Monday night on October 30th and hear about what's going on in the community. Call 781-618-9700 for questions
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Absentee/Early Vote for Special Town Election Info
The deadline to file for an absentee in-person application is Fri, Nov 3 at 12p.
The deadline for a by-mail absentee/early ballot is Monday Oct. 30 at 5p.
In-person absentee voting for the Special Town Election will be held daily. Early ballots are only available by mail.
Please call the Town Clerk at 781-618-9710 with any questions.
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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. If you cannot go to the store, donations can be made and the organization will purchase the socks for you, sending a photo afterward. 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. |
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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
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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
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Whitman Middle School Building Committee
October 17, 2023
Video courtesy of: WHCA9TV
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Whitman Board of Selectmen
October 17, 2023
Video courtesy of: WHCA9TV
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Retirement of Superintendent
Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith's last day as the Water and Sewer Superintendent came on Friday, September 29th. After 28 years of hard work at the Whitman Department of Public Works, Dennis is ready to move on to the next chapter in his life, with his trusty superintendent street sign, of course. Congratulations to Dennis' retirement and we wish him the best going forward!
Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a free 1.5 hour class at
Historical Tidbit Question:
What year was the Hastings School Bell monument dedicated?
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 October 25, 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 Queenie Chen, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Vote
No really, put it on your calendar, now. Vote.
Any time you have the opportunity to.
It really does matter.
Seriously.
Vote.
Focus on the good stuff.
Family, Friends, The Fun Stuff. And take action where you have power, locally first!
I just dug this up from a 2020 Buzz issue. And the beat goes on... it's worth sharing again.
Award winning Bluegrass vocalist Claire Lynch and award-winning Blues/Gospel vocalist Lea Gilmore perform a stunningly soul-filled duet of Jesse Palidofsky and John Morris's revised and updated "America the Beautiful: 2020".
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Have a great week, all, keep that good news coming ! ~ 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 10/22/23")
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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