BuzzAround Bridgewater

August 10, 2025



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time

Community Dance!

On June 20, 2025, the Bridgewater Senior Center came alive with music, movement, and multicultural connection as Bridgewater Community Dance hosted an evening of international folk dance and traditional New England square and contra dance. The event welcomed Bridgewater State University's Madala Fellows cohort; a spirited group of Mandela Washington Fellows, young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa who are in the U.S. for academic and leadership training through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship has brought nearly 7,200 emerging changemakers to the United States, fostering cross-cultural exchange and leadership development. Their presence at the dance added a vibrant global rhythm to the evening, as participants shared steps, stories, and smiles across continents.

The dance floor became a space of unity and celebration, where residents and Fellows alike joined hands literally and figuratively in a joyful expression of community and connection. With each twirl and step, participants were able to mingle and meet new people within both groups while dancing. This event proves that music is a powerful tool that can bring communites together and bring warm smiles to its listeners. 

A recap of the dance from Bridgewater Community Dance Instructor Sam Baumgarten:

“At our last dance of the 2025 winter/spring series, we were thrilled to host and dance with the newest group of Washington Mandela Fellows, who will be spending several weeks at Bridgewater State University. We opened the dance with “Shalom U Boker Tov,” a dance of greeting from Israel. Other dances in the first half included: “Fraley’s Frolic,” an easy, upbeat circle dance to get comfortable with 4 and 8 beat phrases; a large group mixer called “Kaboom,” which I re-named to “Woosh!”; the famous partner mixer, “Heel Toe Polka,” and the double circle, couple mixer, “Balance the Butterfly,” In the second half, we began with French-Canadian circle dance, “Les Saluts,” then did a grand march into longways sets. We danced “Galopede,” in a large set, then the old traditional “Virginia Reel” in shorter sets. We closed the evening with a calm, meditative circle dance to the song “As One,” by Denean."

Bridgewater Community Dance meets the third Friday of each month at the Cole - Yeaton Senior Center: Sept, Nov and December, with a Saturday Night Special Dance with live music at the Cedar Street Community Center on October 11, 2025.

Source and photo credit: BridgewaterBridgewater Community Dance FBCommunity Dance FB and

Written by Marie Gupton, BuzzAround Intern, Bridgewater State University

Game Show Fun

Wed Aug 13

10:30a

10 Wally Krueger Way

"You've watched Games Shows on TV your whole life. You've often thought how great it would be a contestant on one of the games you love. Well now's your chance. Test your word skills, cheer on your friends, and enjoy some light-hearted competition. Prizes, laughter, and good company guarantee - don't miss this chance to spin, solve, and celebrate!"

If interested call 508-697-0929 or email seniorcenter@bridgewaterma.org

Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative

Submit Your Photos for the

2025 Annual Overdose Vigil by Candlelight

Thank you to Whitman-Hanson Community Access for working with our Prevention Services team to create this PSA for the Brockton Area Annual Overdose Vigil by Candlelight!

Join us on August 26th at Massasoit Community College for an evening to honor, heal, and connect.

To include a loved one in our memorial slideshow, email a high-quality photo and full name to photo.vigil@gmail.com by Tuesday, August 12th.

STREAM with Easton's Children Museum

Thu, Aug 14

10-11a

Bridgewater Public Library

15 South St.

Join the Easton Children’s Museum for their exciting STREAM program—now with an added “R” for Reading! On Thursday morning this summer, kids will enjoy a story time followed by hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and creativity through Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math. This week’s book: Walter the Baker. Two fun projects inspired by the story! For preschool–Grade 2.

Registration required—don’t miss out!

Source: Bridgewater Public Library Event Page

Make Sure You See Your Whole BuzzAround: View as Webpage

Borrow a Train Set!

All aboard for fun! You can now borrow a cool train set from the Bridgewater Public Library for one full week with your library card! Just remember: there’s a $5 per day late fee, so be sure to return it on time. Stop by the library to check it out and bring the fun home!

Source: Bridgewater Public Library FB

Visit & Win!

Bridgewater Public Library

15 South St.

"Enter to win every time you visit the library for the chance to win Starland passes. Prizes are 4 passes for 1 hour unlimited game play OR 2 passes for toddler time. Winners are drawn Monday nights and contacted via email on Tuesdays."

Repost: Bridgwater Public Library FB

Town Council Meeting

July 15, 2025

Video courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater

Strategic Planning Committee -

August 7th, 2025

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Climate Can-Do:

Pollinator Gardens

We can help bees, butterflies, and birds keep our world in balence with an easy- to maintain Pollinator Garden.

Pollinators play a vital role in food production, helping to pollinate a significant portion of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we consume. By creating pollinator gardens, we can help reverse the decline in pollinator populations, contributing to both ecological health and food security.

It is important to plant native species, so New England flora should be your focus. To attract bees, it is suggested to plant white snakeroot, bluebells, or American trout-liilies. To attract butterflies, plant New York ironweed, white wood astor, or purplestem angelica. Hummingbirds, as well as the other pollinators, are attracted to spotted crane's bill, butterfly milkweed, bee-balm, and white turtlehead.

Economically speaking, seeds are the better way to go. Plant them a season ahead (Fall or WInter). Already grown plants, though pricey, are easier and faster. Not only are these gardens pretty to look at, it will save you some time with yard work since you don't have to mow!

It does not matter how much land you have available, whether it is a four feet by four feet or a whole field, pollinator gardens bring life and beauty into our world. You can be a part of this journey to better our planet, one plant at a time.

Written by Serena Croteau, Southern New Hampshire University, Buzz Around Intern

Source: New England Wildflower Society & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Special Town Council Meeting | August 5th, 2025 

Video Courtesy of BTV

Operations Training

"This past weekend, Group 4 did some engine/pump/ladder operations training with Firefighter Caswell. He is the newest member on the group and it’s important that he has training on every vehicle. Strong work Group 4!"

Repost: Bridgewater Fire Department FB

Natural Science Illustrators Conference

On July 27, 2025, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) held its first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic, gathering at Bridgewater State University for a day of inspiration, education, and community. The event welcomed artists, scientists, students, and educators passionate about the art of communicating science through illustration.

Known for its mission to educate both professionals and the public about the vital role of scientific illustration, the GNSI brought together voices from across disciplines to highlight how art enhances understanding in biology, ecology, anatomy, and beyond.

Attendees explored cutting-edge techniques, shared portfolios, and participated in workshops that blended scientific accuracy with creative expression. The return to in-person programming marked a meaningful moment of reconnection for members and a reaffirmation of the Guild’s commitment to blending art and science for public good. Bridgewater State University served as a fitting host, continuing its strong tradition of supporting the arts and sciences throughout the region.

Source and Photo credit: Guild of Natural Science Illustrators FB

Story written by Marie Gupton, BuzzAround Intern, Bridgewater State University

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a $15 e-gift card to K9 Creations Dog Grooming, East Bridgewater

Historical Tidbit Question:

What is the name of the edible flower?

Email us your answer at:

 Prizes@buzzaround.info

Please include your name and phone number.

Prize Box Rules



By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.

On August 13, 2025, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Serena Croteau, Marie Gupton, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia

Some like it HOT.

"A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking." ~ William Butler Yeats

"Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot. " ~ D. H. Lawrence

“The thing with heat is, no matter how cold you are, no matter how much you need warmth, it always, eventually, becomes too much.” 

~ Victoria Aveyard

“The Bermuda Triangle got tired of warm weather. It moved to Alaska. Now, Santa Claus is missing.” ~ Steven Wright

Slowly my mind wanders, as the heat takes over.

. Let me see, I think: "What kind of mischief can I blame on the heat?" Enjoy your week. ~ Jacquie

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

Copyright 2025 Buzz Around Bridgewater. 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 Bridgewater 8/10/25")

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.