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January 14, 2024 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago, I spoke to you about our 40th annual Christmas Sharing Program and said that with God’s love and your faith the community of St. Ann’s, First Church, Cochesett Methodist, and West Bridgewater would make miracles happen. Well, you did - again. You brought joy and love to the 27 families, 74 children, 14 teen mothers and their 17 babies, and the 64 senior citizens in our Christmas Sharing program.
The parishioners of St. Ann’s, First Church, and Cochesett Methodist, along with local businesses and families provided more than I could ever have imagined. The value of the gift cards and cash donations was more than $18,000. In addition, we received gifts for the seniors and teen moms.
Each family received $150 in gift cards for each child and $50 or more in grocery cards. Each teen mom received $75 in gift cards, and a blanket sleeper, clothing and a toy for their babies, and hats and gloves for the moms. Each senior citizen received a small bag of goodies and $50 in gift cards.
Local businesses, organizations, and families that have supported us in the past came through again with $4550, even as the economy became more difficult for them! Garvey Transportation, Raleigh Auto Body, Peter O’Connor(South Shore Supply), Consolidated Plumbing, P & H Travel Inc., W.B Lions Club, W.B. Fire Department, Bluestone Bank, Walter Thayer/Hockomock Liquors, Southeast Cyclones Youth Hockey, Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters, Wheels of Time and several families all made generous donations through the WB Emergency Fund. The local Girl Scout troop donated two cases of their delicious cookies! Gift Cards and very generous cash donations from the community and the three churches made up the rest of the funds.
The families, teen mothers and their babies, and senior citizens were all overwhelmed by your generosity. In these awful times, you all made a difference in their lives.
I can’t offer enough thanks to the elves who worked on the program this year: Lynne, Leslie, Jenny, Debbie, and Arlene from the churches; Joan from the WB Emergency Fund; Lauren from Project Grads; Stacy from the Council on Aging; Elaine and Mary and Elaine, Jon and Lisa , and Paul and Kristen who helped deliver senior citizen gifts. What a wonderful way to share God’s love!
Thank you all for helping us to make miracles happen! No matter what you did, even if it was just a prayer for our families, seniors, teens, or babies, it was, and is, important.
Bless you all. Linda Santry
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The Old Order Changeth
written by Jac MacDonald
No graceful towers of Howard High
Point questing fingers to the sky
No brick walls where ivy clung
No mellow bell which proudly rung
These things are gone - for eyes to see
They live but in our memory!
Now, in its stead, a brand new school
Modern and functional, is the rule
New brick walls stand strong and bare
Great wide windows for sun and air
Long corridors that mute each sound
Of the many classes that mill around.
No sentiment yet for this sprawling place
No tear-wet eyes - no wistful face
No champion cups or plaques held dear
That told the tale of yesteryear
But each girl, each boy, as they pass you by
Are the living spirit of Howard High!
Class of 1953 - the final one to graduate under the "Howard" name.
Poem credit: WB Public Library Collection of Treasured WB History
Image: Howard High School before it burned down in 1949, courtesy of Jim Benson
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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
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Congratulations!
Christine Mcelhinney
won a 45-minute Reiki Treatment with
Jacquelyn Rose
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of:
$25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
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WB Public Schools' Social Media Safety Session |
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West Bridgewater Public Schools recently organized an informative session with The Organization For Social Media Safety titled "How to Keep Our Students Safe on Social Media." The event took place at the Howard School, where students from grades 5 and 6 had the opportunity to engage with important information on navigating the digital landscape responsibly.
Sponsored by the West Bridgewater Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), the session focused on equipping students with the knowledge and tools necessary to stay safe and make informed choices in the online world. The importance of digital literacy and responsible social media use was emphasized throughout the presentation.
A special thanks to the West Bridgewater PTO for making this event possible. West Bridgewater Public Schools remains committed to fostering digital literacy, ensuring students make informed choices in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Story Written by Jamie Puhi, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Johnny Macaronis Restaurant
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🎉Happy New Years from the
Johnny Macaroni Family
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WB Freshman Boys Basketball: - vs Apponequet (Dec 30th)
WB Boys Basketball (2024 Season) WB Freshman Boys Basketball: - vs Apponequet (Dec 30th)
Read more
videoplayer.telvue.com
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Calling All Hive Builders
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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
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PCC Summer Program Informational Night
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 in to delve into the details of this camp experience.
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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
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Ousamequin Club Scholarships
The Ousamequin Club is extending its generosity once more by offering three $1,000.00 scholarships to graduating seniors residing in any of the three Bridgewaters, regardless of the school they attend. The scholarship criteria emphasizes volunteerism, community involvement, and academic achievement. Future education can be at a two or four year college or training / technical school.
Applications are due by March 31st. For an application please seek one out at your high school guidance office or call Sharon Graves at 508-378-4261.
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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 & 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.
- 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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Fall Prevention Awareness
Wed, Jan 24
10a
West Bridgewater COA
97 W Center St
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. For more information, please call 508-894-1262.
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West Bridgewater PTO Raffle
Don't miss out on the chance to win TWO luxury suite Celtics tickets and support the West Bridgewater Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)! To enter, simply purchase a raffle ticket for $15 each. With only 200 tickets available, act quickly to secure your opportunity. Make a payment via Venmo to WBPTO, and be sure to include "Celtics Tickets" and your name in the notes.
The winner will be announced at our Ziti with My Sweetie Event. No need to be present to win, so even if you can't make it, you still have a shot at this exclusive experience. It's a win-win – relish a Celtics game in style while contributing to a fantastic cause. Join us in making a difference and enjoying the excitement of Celtics basketball!
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West Bridgewater Public Library January Events
Stop in at the West Bridgewater Public Library this January for an array of engaging events:
New Moms Support Group:
Tuesdays, 10:30a-12p
Cozy Adult Coloring:
Saturday, January 27, 10:30a-12p
WBPL Book Club:
Tuesday, January 23, 5p
discussing "Homeland: A Memoir of Departure and Return" by Rebecca Mead
Fantasy Book Club:
Wednesday, January 31, 6:30p
discussing "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
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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
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West Bridgewater COA
Rings in the New Year with a Bang!
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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
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
$25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
Historical Tidbit Question:
What year was the final Howard class?
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 17, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Kendall Fletcher, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Only Love Can Do That.
As children, we learn a little about him and think he must have been pretty important, everyone gets a day off. We learn quotes, and that he was instrumental in the Civil Rights movement. But it wasn't until my graduate studies in Interfaith that I really studied his works and his life.
How he motivated an interfaith coalition to peacefully make change happen in our laws and institutions. How he withstood death threats and direct abuse to stand up for human dignity and racial equality. How he trained others to do the same, leaning on their deep spiritual understanding; and how the Civil Rights movement was grounded in a moral imperative.
The quotes we have and share are supported by actions he took in his lifetime, and was finally killed for. His resistance to our systemic brutality eventually caused his death.
When I read "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." I cannot nicely tuck it into my feel good quote pile. It is a call to action. Our America and our world call all of us to drive out hate. To learn what we need to learn, to read and listen to the stories of people different from us, whoever we are.
Martin Luther King, Jr, his actions and his life, have had a profound effect on me, and motivate me daily as he modeled how peaceful resistance and love overcome hatred and injustice.
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Happy MLK Day, folks. Loving radically, we have a long way to go. One step forward at a time, you and I, together. ~ 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 2024 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 1/14/24")
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.
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