A Bridgewater State University News Share: Experiential Learning Opportunities Abound!

Story and photo credit by Heather Harris Michonski

Go to bridgew.edu/stories/2023/dog-days-summer to read the rest of the story.

Just a friendly reminder that Cleonie will be hosting her next School Committee Office Hours on Monday, August 14th. Please RSVP via cleonie.mainvielle@bridge-rayn.org and she will provide you with the login information.

Cleonie Mainvielle (She/Her)

BRRSD School Committee Member

Phone: 774.213.1630

• Policy Subcommittee Member

• Transportation Subcommittee Member

• Superintendent Advisory committee- Ad hoc

• Long Range Planning Subcommittee Member

They'll also be collecting donations of school supplies to distribute to area schools. If you cannot attend this event, visit their website:  eclubhouse.org/sites/bridgewater_academy.

Join Joe Callahan for a presentation on the origin, sources, and toxicity of PFAS. Joe Callahan is a Massachusetts DEP Licensed Site Professional (LSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), and Toxics Use Reduction Planner (TURP) and is currently employed by Verdantas, LLC with over 30 years experience in the environmental consulting field. Mr. Callahan is currently Project Manager on behalf of the MassDEP Central Region in charge of investigating and if necessary mitigating potential PFAS in drinking water in a number of communities in central Massachusetts. Besides his professional responsibilities, Joe is also an active volunteer in our local community. He is the board president and long-term member of the Taunton River Watershed Alliance and a delegate of the Taunton River Stewardship Council. For for information visit PFAS Explained FB

Black Hat Brew Works, 25 Scotland Blvd

On Thursday, August 17th, Jake Swamp & The Pine and Abigail Vail are performing. BW Music Alley website.

Music Alley summer concert series has been a staple in the downtown area of Bridgewater since 2018.

This year the event has been hosted right next to Black Hat Brew Works. The August 3 show this writer enjoyed showcased three talents; first the duo of Palina and Folino; folk singers with BSU ties who have traveled across the country, and LP Groove, a R & B Cover band.

Most of Palina and Folino's songs were unique. One of Palina's songs was a musical interpretation of Gone with the Wind, the 1936 historical romance novel by Margaret Mitchell, turned film in 1939.

LP Groove on the other hand, sang a collection of music primarily from the 70s and 80s, in an R&B or Funk format. The standout was Bob Dylan’s “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”. It was a great night of music, enhanced by the yummy food available from Black Hat, Just the Dip Food Truck and Jr’s Snowcone, a snowcone stand.

Photo and Story By Brian Coleman, BuzzAround writing Intern, Bridgewater State University

Fashion is another tool to help combat climate change and protect the environment.

First, how does fashion harm the environment? In efforts to meet demands and popularity for society’s trendiest clothes, many big clothing brands end up wasting fabrics and energy as they rush to pump out clothes for consumers at cheap prices. This is known as fast fashion.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the “pollution, waste, and emissions of fast fashion are fueling the planetary crisis” as "plastic fibers are polluting the oceans”. In addition, the “wastewater and toxic dyes” from the industrial plants that are used to create the clothes only further contaminate the surrounding natural environments.

Sustainable clothing: While buying sustainable and organic clothing is a healthier alternative, it can also be expensive or inaccessible for many people. Fortunately, there are still many ways to limit your own fashion consumption and help the planet without sacrificing your wallet.

Diversify your clothing store options: Buying secondhand clothing from local thrift stores or on-line platforms such as ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark is an excellent alternative for getting clothes.

Consider clothes before buying them: We all have that item, or a few, that sit in the back of the closet untouched for the past two years. This is why the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University suggests buying an item only if you can see yourself wearing it at least 30 times. Thinking twice is a good way to limit how much fast fashion and wasted clothing ends up crowding your closet.

Support brands that have good sustainability practices: This online directory: Good on You allows you to search your favorite brands and view their sustainability/ethical work ratings. The website also provides a wide range of stores that solely produce sustainable fashion that you can occasionally invest in.

By researching, staying mindful, and practicing eco-friendly shopping habits, you can reduce carbon costs and the impact of waste on our landfills and atmosphere!

A free family yoga class, presented by Maha Yoga. Family Yoga is a perfect way to get everyone together all while being an active participant! We recommend kids at 8 years old and/or older or kids that can follow directions along with their parents. Please bring your own yoga mat and dress in comfortable clothes. Please register EACH PERSON INDIVIDUALLY as spaces are limited for this program. Online registration opens on Saturday, August 12th at 9a

To register, fill out this Google form.

Contestants will drive a real-world Mario Kart through the library on a custom-built course. The event is best for kids ages 8-13. Spectators are allowed to come and cheer on the racers. The winner will get a 3D-printed trophy. To register, fill out the Google form provided by the library or visit the event page on the Bridgewater Public library.

Bridgewater Public Library, Flora T. Little Meeting Room

The Bridgewater public library hosts Lego play sessions for kids. It is free to anyone who wants to participate. Parents must stay with their children for the duration of their stay. for more information, visit the Bridgewater Public Library events page.

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra is holding tryouts for open positions. Auditions are in person, with two short orchestral excerpts to perform. An audition request form needs to be filled out to participate.

The fall audition dates are on it - the first two dates will be August 28th and September 7th between 5:30 and 6:45p.

After your audition, you are invited to sit in during our rehearsal to get to know us (for auditions on rehearsal evenings). Rehearsals are Monday Nights between 7:15 - 9:45p, Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant Street, Brockton. For more information, visit: www.brocktonsymphony.org

 Annual Tide Calendar Contest 

The Taunton River Watershed Association (TRWA) is having its annual tide calendar contest. Open to all photographers.

The photo must have been taken within the last five years in the 42 communities that make up the Taunton River Watershed. It also should have the principles of conservation in mind. For more guidelines and where to submit the final photo visit the contest page at TRWA.

Here is the Bridgewater Community & Economic Development Department's “Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality” initiative. This downtown revitalization project is intended to fully elevate the accessibility and infrastructure of the area while still preserving the spirit and history.

These renovations will address and improve connections between all facets of downtown life such as housing, transportation, tourism, entertainment spaces, businesses, and more. Just recently, a website has been launched that dives into specific details about the project and provides a platform for all community members to voice any questions, concerns, and feedback. For town folk interested in attending one of the Town of Bridgewater’s presentations regarding the project, the website’s calendar lists out all future public meeting dates and events. Residents can access all of the information above and more at www.bridgewatermavisiontoreality.com.

Story Credit: Angel Benjamin, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Brown University

Photo & Source Credit: Bridgewater Vision to Reality Website and Bridgewater, MA - Community & Economic Development FB

Bliss Through Yoga! 

What was the factory used for after the shoe factory and before a parking lot?

Prizes@buzzaround.info

Prize Box Rules 

 On August 16, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

Copyright 2023 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 8/13/23")