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December 31, 2023
A Happy Happy, and a Merry, Merry
~ Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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Holidays at the Raynham Fire Department
There was a lot of holiday spirit happening at the Raynham Fire Department this year! On December 16, Bridgewater-Raynham music came by the fire station to celebrate the Christmas season with cookies and caroling! Their beautiful music brought lots of cheer!
Additionally, Raynham's Secret Santa was a great success! The Raynham Fire Department's elves packed up generous donations made by the community, including clothing, toys, and gift cards. The gift packages were then distributed to over 110 local children. Thank you to everyone who helped make the holidays brighter for so many kids! Raynham has done their Secret Santa Program for over 30 years, and it's a wonderful example of the impact we can make as a community when we work together!
Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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New Year's Eve
In 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.
As part of his reform, Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.
New Year’s celebrations begin New Year’s Eve and continue into the early hours of January 1. In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people eat one grape for each clock chime-symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead. "In many parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes, which are thought to resemble coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States. Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year’s Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year’s Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune. " (History.Com)
The dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds.
Photo credit: Nt.Studio
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TOWN HALL
Town Clerk
508-824-2700
Treasurer/Collector
508-824-2702
Assessors 508-824-2704
Selectmen 508-824-2707
Building Dept. 508-824-2708
Board of Health 508-824-2766
Planning 508-824-2745
Veterans Service Officer 508-828-4527
Public Library
508-823-1344
Council on Aging
508-824-2740
Food Pantry
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
9 - 11a
494 Church St, Raynham
774-406-5612
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Congratulations!
Jen Giorgi
won One hour of parent coaching with
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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Transfer Station
Holiday Hours & 2024 Permits
New Year's Week
Closing Early: 12/30 Saturday 7am-11:15am
Open: 1/02/24 Tuesday - Saturday
Normal Schedule
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Open: Tuesday-Thursday 7am-4:15pm
Friday 7am-10:45am
Saturday 7am-4:15pm
2024 Windshield Permits & Recycle Permits Are now available
(Town of Raynham RESIDENTS ONLY)
No Cash/Checks & Credit excepted (debit & credit cards $2.50/$3.95 processing fee)
Windshield Permits provides entry to the Facility for disposal of household trash (MSW). $70 full calendar year, $35 half year (Jan-June/July-Dec) $10 for each additional vehicle at the same address. Make your check payable to the Town of Raynham. Your vehicle registration is required for proof of residence.
Recycle Permit allows entry to dispose of recycling, leaf/grass compost and brush dump. No Cost $-0- Your vehicle registration is required for proof of residence. Permits should be displayed on the bottom of the windshield on the driver's side.
Renewal options for permits are in person, mail or drop boxes located at the Town Hall or the Highway Department. Include a copy of your registration with your payment and the permit will be mailed promptly.
TOWN OF RAYNHAM HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
1555 King Philip Street, Raynham
508-824-2718
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Raynham Recreation
Department Programs
2254 King Philip St
Youth Rec Basketball, Grade 1
Sat, Jan 6 - Mar 2
This program is a fun, recreational program which introduces the basics of basketball. Players will be introduced to dribbling, ball control, passing, shooting and more. This program will be coached by volunteers and Park and Recreation staff.
Ice Skating lessons through FMC
Group skating classes teach skating basics in a fun and comfortable environment for all participants. Those who wish to play hockey, figure skate of just enjoy skating with family and friends. Skaters will be grouped by age and/or ability as possible.
Tot Learn to Skate- Winter 2024
Sat, Jan 6 - Feb 24, 10:25a - 10:50a
Give your little ones in the joy of skating with our Tot Learn to Skate program this Winter 2024!
Youth Learn to Skate - Winter 2024
Sat, Jan 6 - Feb 24, 10 - 10:25a
Brighten your child's winter with our Youth Learn to Skate program in 2024. This engaging session promises to enhance skating skills while fostering a love for skating. To sign up for any of these events, visit Raynham Rec. |
Brush Pile Drop Off
Sat, Jan 6 & Jan 12
8a-3p
Gardiner Street
The Town is offering a designated area two Saturdays this January where residents can bring and dispose of yard waste such as branches, twigs, and other brush. This is a great chance to tidy up your yard by getting rid of those pesky branches and twigs! Source: Town of Raynham Flyer
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Congratulations Rebecca Hall!
In mid- December, Rebecca Hall was honored by the Raynham Board of Selectmen. She received the Raynham Recognition Award for her wonderful work at the Raynham Public Library. Her contributions to the community earned her this much-deserved public acknowledgement. Rebecca recently celebrated 25 years with the library, and she currently serves as Circulation Supervisor.
Reposted from the Library FB page : " We are so pleased to see her publicly recognized for her contributions to the community. She is seen here (in the picture) with several of her library co-workers, including Library Director Karen O'Brien. Congratulations Rebecca!"
It is uplifting to see community members being appreciated for their kindness, dedication, and helpfulness!
Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Registration is OPEN for the 2024 Bridgewater Raynham Girls Lacrosse Winter Clinic!
Calling all girls in grades K-8! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, all are welcome to register for the Winter Lacrosse Clinic starting Friday, Jan 12th at the Bridgewater Dome. Lacrosse is gaining popularity as one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the US, and we invite you to be a part of the excitement! Join us and discover the thrill of lacrosse—no prior experience required.
Photo & Source Credits: Raynham Girls Lacrosse FB
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Additional Free COVID Tests Available!
The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season.
Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time here at COVIDtests.gov. Those who received four of them earlier this year can order another four. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver them for free.
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Appreciation from Laliberte Parent Organization
On the week of December 18, the Laliberte Parent Organization put together several treats for the school's teachers and staff to show their appreciation before winter break! This included a hot chocolate bar, gift cards, and a delivery of holiday treats and coffee. Families contributed as well to help make this possible.
Teachers and staff members do so much for schools and our students, so it's important to let them know how much their hard work is appreciated! Let this inspire you to give thanks to a teacher in your life.
Photo and Source Credits: LPO FB
Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Climate Can Do: Climate Resolutions
The new year is a time for fresh starts and new goals. Head into 2024 with climate resolutions.
Help your personal and our collective environment by disposing of unwanted items properly. To avoid sending to the landfill; schedule a home textile pickup with CMRK. This company collects clothing, shoes, and household items. For more information, visit www.cmrkne.com.
If you have unwanted, but still useable items, donate them to organizations or those in need. For example:
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My Brother’s Keeper: This organization accepts furniture donations and gives the items to underprivileged families.
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AMVETS: Schedule a pickup with AMVETS and help provide resources to veterans.
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Books: Donate to your local library
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Sports equipment: The Bench, located at 47 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA, is a sporting goods store that sells used sports equipment.
Mass.gov also offers resources for disposal and donations that you can use. Here are some options to get you started:
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Beyond the Bin: This is a research tool that helps you find nearby drop off locations based on the type of material you’d like to recycle. This includes everything from electronics to clothing to toys!
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Cradles to Crayons: If you have goods suitable for children from ages newborn through 12, find a Cradles to Crayons drop-off location near you, and they will make care packages with the donations for local children in need.
There are many ways to make a positive impact on both your community and the environment. Use these ideas to spark some of your own, and let’s make a resolution to bring sustainability into the new year!
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Alexa Pennington, Southern New Hampshire University, BuzzAround Intern. BuzzAround focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
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Winter Reading Challenge 2024
Starting Mon, Jan 8
Raynham Public Library
760 S Main St
The Raynham Public Library is kicking off their 2024 Winter Reading Challenge with a fun game! Come by for Wheel of Fortune Library Edition and test your Book IQ. There will be prizes!
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Tell Your Favorite Local Business They Should Bee Seen HERE
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Surrounded by good news, reaching out to the great folks of Raynham
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Staffing Issues?
Mayflower Junction HR Is Your Answer!
781-789-9750
➤ Talent Search, Recruiting and Interviewing
➤ HR Phone Service Helpline
➤ Staff Trainings
➤ Handbooks & Job Descriptions
➤ HR Skills Development and Coaching
➤ Investigations and Conflict Resolution
➤ Employee Performance Evaluations
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Raynham Planning Board
December 21, 2023
Video Courtesy of The Raynham Channel
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Raynham Zoning Board of Appeals
December 21, 2023
Video Courtesy of The Raynham Channel
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Senior Center Blood Pressure Clinic
Wed, January 17
9:30a
Raynham Senior Center
2215 King Philip Street
Come down to the senior center's clinic for a blood pressure check, conducted by skilled Raynham Public Health Nurse, Lindsay. Our clinic provides a comfortable environment where your health and well-being are top priorities. Schedule your appointment today. To participate, just come down!
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Raynham Middle School Winter Concert |
RMS middle school students assembled on December 19 for the RMS Winter Concert. The initial performance featured the Fifth and Sixth-grade Chorus, showcasing their rendition of "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" This piece, composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, served as a notable inclusion in the 2013 Disney 3D animated film Frozen. |
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On the video, you'll see an introduction from a chorus member:“We had a lot of fun learning this song and hope you have as much fun listening to it.”
The students also played more crowd favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Enchanted Village,” composed by Sean O’Loughlin, which a chorus member said was her favorite piece ever performed because “there are many intriguing changes in this song related to tempo, volume, and melody. Enjoy!
Video Courtesy of The Raynham Channel
Story written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University.
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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 did the Romans celebrate January 1st?
Email us your answer at:
Please 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 January 3, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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Starting Over
Now that we have a minute to breath...
it's a great time to weed out any old bad karma... habits or relationships, and this opens up space in your life for the new positive.
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.” ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald
“You can learn new things at any time in your life if you’re willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.” ~ Barbara Shur
Start over.:grow, learn, evolve, progress & create! You are beautiful as you become a better you! Happy New Year! ~ Jacquie
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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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 Raynham. 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 Raynham 12/31/23")
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. BuzzAround is not responsible for the media content of other organizations.
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