April 20, 2025



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time

Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters Awards

Bridgewater Citizen of the Year

Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters is awarding the 2025 Citizen of the Year for Bridgewater to Leslee Barbosa. Leslee is an active member of the Bridgewater community who has worked tirelessly to establish Josie's Village, an organization that helps those seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory and behavioral challenges to live a fuller life. Leslee has reached out to the Bridgewater community to encourage volunteers to provide companionship, support for families, and provide services to those in need. Her work with Josie's Village has brought people together and fostered a sense of togetherness and community. The Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters is honored to name Leslee Barbosa the 2025 Citizen of the Year for Bridgewater.

The Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters will celebrate neighbors in our communities who have volunteered to help others in the towns of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, and West Bridgewater. The Citizen of the Year Celebration will be held on Thurs, May 1, at 6:30p at the Center at Sachem Rock in East Bridgewater. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. We hope that you will be able to attend our celebration, which recognizes these wonderful volunteers who make our communities a better place to live and work.

Source: Mike Kryzanek, Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters

Earth Day Celebration

Tue, Apr 22

1-3p

BSU's Stearns McNamara Memorial Garden

On Tuesday, April 22, Bridgewater State University (BSU) Center for the Advancement of STEM Education is holding its Earth Day Celebration from 1-3p at BSU’s Stearns McNamara Memorial Garden. Participants will have the opportunity to plant seeds, learn about aquatic insects, understand the importance of bats in our larger ecosystem, and take a look inside BSU’s giant EarthView globe.

This event is open to all community members. To sign up for this family-friendly event, click on this Google Form. Join your hive in celebrating Earth Day this year and get inspired to think about how we can support the environment all year round!

Written by Crista Fiala, Dartmouth College, BuzzAround Intern

Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative

Learn more about the Impacts of Depressants!

Based on Chapter 7 of High Point Prevention Services' 2023 Drug Guidebook, Chapter 7 focuses on understanding the impact of depressants on the brain, recognizing and comparing safe behaviors to risky ones, and differentiating prescription and illicit depressants.

In collaboration with Anawan Studios, Prevention Services created 15 ten-minute long train-the-trainer videos to support educators with curriculum implementation. All lessons align with the 2024 Society of Health and Physical Educators National Physical Health Education Standards. brbridginglives.org

Chickenkeeping! With Dave of Hanson Farm

Tue, Apr 22

6-7p

Bridgewater Public Library

"Learn all about chickens! From raising them and keeping a flock to eggs and more!

This program is geared towards adults and families who want chickens or already have chickens.

No registration and free and open to all ages 8+."

Reposted from the BPL website.

Grief Support Group

Tue, Apr 22

6:30-8p

Trinity Episcopal Church

The Sun Will Rise is hosting a grief support group for individuals who have lost a loved one due to substance use. This session is intended for those who are 18 years or older and will be facilitated by Natalie Patricio.

Source: The Sun Will Rise website

Alpaca-Palooza!

Wed, Apr 23

6-7p

Bridgewater Public Library

"Alpaca your kids to the library for this fun event!

Angel Hair Alpacas was started in 2005 as a family farm to breed the highest quality alpacas. Our entire family was engaged in breeding and training these extraordinary and useful animals, used primarily for their luxurious and energy efficient fleece. Alpacas are easily trained for handling. Alpacas are even shown in front of judges in national shows, similar to dog shows, to determine the best alpacas in the country!

We will be bringing two of our alpacas for you to meet with and even feed! (they are very gentle and don’t have top teeth so they don’t bite!) Bring your curiosity and questions as we will share information about alpacas, fleece characteristics, their history, alpaca care and ownership! 

Registration Required."

Reposted from the BPL website.

Join the Bridgewater Sustainability Coalition!

Bridgewater State University faculty and students, together with Bridgewater community members, organizations, and other local groups, are launching a coalition to combat overconsumption and promote sustainable living habits.

This video, hosted by Amanda Melville, a BSU Geography major, introduces the Bridgewater Sustainability Coalition (BSC)—a collaborative project led by Dr. Yongjun Shin, professor of Communications at BSU.

Discover why sustainable consumption matters, with eye-opening facts from BSU student Alena Karabetos about global and local waste challenges. Learn how the average Bridgewater resident contributes to daily waste and why it’s crucial for us to take action now.

Sara Driscoll, a Political Science major, shares how the BSU project team is raising awareness about overconsumption and launching a campaign to help individuals and families adopt more sustainable habits. Find out how you can get involved through social media, local events, and community outreach.

Create Bridgewater's Tomorrow

This video provides introductory information about the coalition and its vision for Bridgewater.

Video courtesy of BTV Access Corporation.

Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or just curious to learn more, this episode is your invitation to join a growing movement for a healthier, more resilient Bridgewater. Let’s work together to make a difference—one choice at a time! Stay curious, stay engaged, and stay sustainable!

To stay updated with the coalition's projects and relevant news, join their FB group! You can also join the BSC at their first community potluck on Fri, May 3 at 11:30a at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church. This will be a waste-free event, so be sure to bring your own utensils, reusable container, water bottle, and a dish to share! Questions can be directed to Dr. Shin at yshin@bridgew.edu. Your BuzzAround is honored to participate, see you there!

Bridging the Bridgewaters Land & Water Trail

Working Group

"The collaboration that formed during the Old State Farm Trail project has evolved into the tri-town land & water trails, Bridging the Bridgewaters Stewards group. Bridging the Bridgewaters (BTBS) embraces the three Bridgewater communities' open space planning, and promotes appropriate management and protection of common resource values: Agriculture, Ecology, Biodiversity, Forestry, Fisheries, History, and Recreation. We encourage user-friendly access to recreation trails for hiking, biking, and paddling, as Outdoor Classrooms, and as an economic enhancement.

We also encourage the public to become familiar with the AMC/Bay Circuit Trail and the work of the National Park Service's Wild & Scenic Taunton River Stewardship Council (tauntonriver.org). Our tri-town Bridging the Bridgewaters blue-green trail network connects the AMC / BCT from Plum Island on the North Shore to the Wild & Scenic Taunton River Trail and Fall River on the South Coast!"

For more information, please contact Kitty Doherty at riverland927@gmail.com

Reposted from the BTBS press release

Climate Can-Do: Making Earth Day Every Day!

Contributing to a healthier planet is a walk in the park!

• Bike or walk
• Carpool or take public transportation
• Choose an energy-efficient vehicle
• Make fewer trips by grouping your errands
• Drive smart: go easy on the brakes and gas, use cruise control, and keep your car well-maintained

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

• Reuse or repurpose containers, clothing, and cloth grocery bags
• Give clothes a second life by donating or buying used
• Know what items your local recycling programs collect, and what items are recyclable

Be H2O Smart

• Repair leaky faucets and replace old equipment like toilets and dishwashers when possible
• Turn off the water to brush teeth and shave
• Run full loads of laundry and dishes
• Collect rainwater to use in your garden

Feed People, not Landfills

• Check your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer before shopping to avoid buying foods you don't need
• Plan your meals for the week before heading to the store
• Properly store fruits and vegetables so they last longer
• Befriend your freezer and leftovers

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency

BW Town Council & Finance Committee Joint Meeting

April 14, 2025

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

BW Rules & Procedures Meeting

April 10, 2025

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Clean Comedy

Magic Show

Sat, Apr 26

6:30p (Doors Open); 7:30p (Show Starts)

Bridgewater Vets Club

Join the Bridgewater Academy Lions Club in raising money for the Mass. Lions Eye Research Fund at their Clean Comedy Magic Show! The show will star magician Matt Roberts and feature a cash bar and light snacks.

Tickets, available for $20 per person, can be purchased by texting Paula Lehtola at 781-775-8286 or by mailing a check payable to "BALC" to Paula Lehtola, P.O. Box 712, Bridgewater, MA. Payments can also be made via PayPal or Venmo to the number 508-577-0352 (include "Magic" in the subject line). Tickets will be held in your name at the door.

Source: Bridgewater Lions Club FB Group

Annual Town Election

Sat, Apr 26, 7a-8p

Bridgewater Middle School

Bridgewater’s annual town elections are right around the corner, offering residents the chance to help shape the future of their community. Voters will head to the polls to elect individuals to various town offices and committees.

Information on the upcoming election, including a full list of candidates, the positions they are running for, and important voting details, is available on the Town Clerk's website

Be sure to review the ballot and make your plan to vote. Every vote helps ensure that Bridgewater continues to reflect the voices of its residents.

Youth Fishing Derby Coming to Bridgewater

Sat, May 3

Easterseals Mass at the Bridge Center

The Bridgewater Lions Club (BLC), in collaboration with Easterseals Massachusetts and the Bridge Center, is organizing a youth fishing derby! This free event is for newer fishermen under 14 years old, and there will be nightcrawlers and adaptive fishing gear available while supplies last. Prizes will be available for all children, and light refreshments will additionally be provided. To support the event, the organizers are seeking sponsors. Questions about the event and sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Bill Wood at bridgewaterlions@gmail.com.

Source: Bridgewater Lions Club FB

Bridgewater Lions Club Prepare Glasses for Donation

On Mon, Apr 7, members of the Bridgewater Lions Club from District 33S sorted, washed, and packaged over 2,000 pairs of glasses. This work reflects larger vision initiatives that the Lions carry out through the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund (MLERF). The MLERF began in 1951 after the Lions learned that about 2,500 premature babies had lost their sight at birth that year. Later research, which was partially funded by a $5,000 grant from the Lions, discovered that the cause of this blindness was too much oxygen used in the babies' incubators. The all-volunteer organization has since established three eye research centers at Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Brown University Medical Center, and Schepens Eye Research Institute.



Written by Layla Ahmed, Brown University, BuzzAround Journalism Intern

Source & Photo Credit: Bridgewater Lions Club FB Group & MLERF website

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a free 1.5 hour class at

Bliss Through Yoga!

Historical Tidbit Question:

What does the egg symbolize?

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 April 23, 2025, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Layla Ahmed, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose, & Greg Venezia

Re-Birth



Sometimes, we just need a do-over!

Striving for a better quality of life... we may look for connection, for healing, for justice or for love and acceptance. 

Spring, in all its budding glory and new growth, reminds us of the many changes and opportunities for personal growth that are possible in our own lives. It is natural, it is almost impossible to avoid. 

Scientists, educators, philosophers, and religious folks have been writing about these since the beginning of humanity. In these Spring weeks Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions join Indigenous and earth based cultures in recognizing a time of powerful impact.

Whether you are appreciating nature or a Creator's relationship with humanity, each day, each hour, brings us another chance to work toward a better life for all.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you a thoughtful & joyful re-birth.  ~ 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 4/20/25")

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.