New Years on The Ice
In a New Year's Day showdown, WEB Ice Hockey hit the rink at Bridgewater Ice Arena with determination, seeking to kick off the year on a victorious note. The anticipation was palpable as they faced off against the formidable Nauset team at 11:30 am. In a closely contested battle, the final score stood at 1-0 in favor of Nauset. Despite the outcome, standout player Riley Bain emerged as the shining star, earning the well-deserved title of Player of the Game.


Story written by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
West Bridgewater COA
Rings in the New Year with a Bang!
In a stylish celebration of the New Year, the West Bridgewater Council on Aging came together on January 2nd for an unforgettable performance by the talented Tony Funchess. Tony's musical prowess had the entire COA community on their feet and grooving on the dance floor, creating an atmosphere filled with joy and excitement. Even those choosing to remain seated were unable to resist the infectious beats, dancing in their seats.
Story written by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
Historical Tidbit:
Ames Mills Worker Housing

Pictured is a unique property that boasts a central chimney featuring six fireplaces and two bee hive ovens, making it the sole two-family center chimney cape in the area. The distinctive dual entry and carefully placed windows align with the classic center chimney cape design, adding to its historical charm.
In 1656, Oakes Ames acquired the property, marking the first explicit mention of a house on this lot. No house is indicated on the 1631 map at this location.

Oakes Ames, the purchaser in 1656, had previously acquired the Town Mill in 1527 from his brother Oliver. This same Oakes Ames, a resident of Easton, later played a significant role in the construction of the Pacific Railroad, investing one million dollars. According to records from the Old Bridgewater Historical Society, this house, believed to be constructed around 1630, served the Ames Mills. The Town Mill, known for producing shovel blanks for the Pacific Railroad's construction, hints at the connection between the house and the industrial activities of the Ames Mills. Furthermore, the original presence of pewter door latches suggests that the house may have functioned as the residence for mill superintendents.

Story Source: mhc-macris.net
Story written by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
Town Hall
  508-894-1200

WB Public Library
508-894-1255
 
Council on Aging
508-894-1262

Proof of residency is the only requirement.
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
1:45 - 3p & 5:30 - 6p
457 rear, South Main St., Suite #1
Congratulations!
Leah Herrmann
won a $15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman!

Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.

Enter for this week's prize of:
a 45-minute Reiki Treatment with
Jacquelyn Rose
Heartfelt Goodbye

A heartfelt farewell to Kerri, the beloved assistant chef in the Council On Aging kitchen. An overwhelming sense of warmth and well-wishes as Kerri embarks on a new chapter in her life, eagerly anticipating quality time with her grandchildren. The WB COA community extends their heartfelt wishes for Kerri's future endeavors.

Spider Man Movie Matinee Double Feature
Wed, Jan 10
11:40a-5p
WB Public Library
80 Howard Street

An exciting double feature event for half day at WB schools! The two Spider-Man adventures: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse." Drop in anytime for a web-slinging good time!
Story Credit: WBPL

Johnny Macaronis Restaurant



🎉Happy New Years from the

Johnny Macaroni Family
WB Board of Assessors Mtg: - January 03rd, 2024

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videoplayer.telvue.com
WB Freshman Boys Basketball: - vs Apponequet (Dec 30th)

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Calling All Hive Builders
Help us continue your free BuzzAround news service. Connecting our WB community.
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Air Duct / Vent Cleaning * Restoration & Rebuild * Water Damage & Mold

We are there when you need us!



(781) 910-5029

PCC Summer Program Informational Nights
Wed, Jan 10 7p or
Mon, Jan 29 7p
Stonehill College

Attention students in grades 7-10! The Project Contemporary Competitiveness Advanced Studies Program (PCC ASP) at Stonehill College invites you to learn about the "summer of a lifetime" at their upcoming Informational Nights. All interested students and their families are invited to join us – No need to RSVP; just drop by on either night to delve into the details of this camp experience.

2024 Reading Challenge

Calling all readers! The West Bridgewater Public Library informs us that NoveList has put together a 2024 Reading Challenge! For January, the challenge is to explore new authors and read their 2023 debut titles. Start the new year off by finding your next favorite read from their selection of exciting new books:
  • Dearborn by Ghassan Zeineddine
  • The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
  • Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown
  • The Surviving Sky Kritika H. Rao
  • The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
  • A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
  • The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero-Lacruz.
  • The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

To see the next challenges for the following months, view the Reading Challenge flyer on the NoveList website.
Source Credit: WBPL FB
Rev. Diane's Genealogy Workshop
Sun, Jan 14
1p
Old Bridgewater Historical Society
Memorial Bldg
162 Howard St

OBHS board member and student of genealogy Rev. Diane Badger's is giving another workshop due to the popularity of her previous one! Attendees will learn about the basics and history of genealogy.

They will also receive information about resources both on and offline. Make sure to bring a notebook and any information you already have! Cost is $5 at the door. OBHS members free.

For more info: OBHS FB event post
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 & 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: 
  • My Brother’s Keeper: This organization accepts furniture donations and gives the items to underprivileged families. 
  • AMVETS: Schedule a pickup with AMVETS and help provide resources to veterans. 
  • Books: Donate to your local library 
  • 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: 
  • 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! 
  • 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!
Social Media Safety
Thurs Jan 11
6:30p
West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School
155 W Center St

The Organization of Social Media Safety will make a return to West Bridgewater Public Schools. They will engage with 5th and 6th graders through in-school presentations during the day, followed by an evening session at 6:30 pm at the West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School designed for adults.

Open to the public, the evening event is not exclusive to parents of 5th and 6th graders, providing valuable insights for anyone concerned about online safety. The presentation promises essential information on safeguarding children in social media. For more details, visit www.socialmediasafety.org

Fall Prevention Awareness
Wed Jan 24
10a
West Bridgewater Council on Aging 
97 W Center St
508-894-1262

Nancy Ng, a physical therapist from Ortho Sport is coming to the West Bridgewater Council on Aging. A third of people 65 and over will fall at least once in the year, and that number jumps to almost half of people over 80. Call to register for Nancy's discussion on balance, joint replacement, and how important awareness is in preventing falls. Light refreshments will be provided.

West Bridgewater Public Schools Polar express reading
Holiday Magic on the Polar Express

In celebration of the holiday season, the Polar Express once again rolled into the hearts of West Bridgewater's youngest learners. The enchanting tradition of reading the Polar Express to Kindergarten students continues to captivate, as it did when it was started by Dr. Oakley.

The magical journey through the pages of the Polar Express sparks imagination and excitement in the eyes of the young learners, creating lasting memories.

The West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this event. Their generous hosting of the Polar Express reading allowed the students to experience the magic within the walls of the school, fostering a sense of community and joy.

As we bid farewell to another year, may the magic of the Polar Express linger in the hearts of the students and serve as a reminder of the power of traditions that bring communities together.

Story written by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a 45-minute Reiki Treatment with
Jacquelyn Rose

Historical Tidbit Question:
Where was Oakes Ames from?
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 10, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Kendall Fletcher, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia.
Hope

“Hold fast to dreams,
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird,
That cannot fly.” ~ Langston Hughes

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.”
~ Robert Fulghum

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.” ~ Emily Dickinson

"But make no mistake: The work of putting America back together, of truly repairing what is broken, isn’t the work of any individual politician or political party. It’s up to each of us to do our part. To reach out. To listen. And to hold tight to the truth and values that have always led this country forward. It will be an uncomfortable, sometimes painful process. But if we enter into it with an honest and unwavering love of our country, then maybe we can finally start to heal.”
~ Michelle Obama 1/7/21
This is BuzzAround's 15th year ~ and we continue, growing ever stronger with hope in humanity, hope in democracy, hope that together we can build on the work that you all do, bringing us together and caring for each other.
Happy New Year, all.
Buzzing With Hope, 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 West 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 West Bridgewater 1/7/24")
 
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.