|
|
January 28, 2024 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
|
|
Dress-A-Girl Celebrates Monumental 2023
This year, Dress-A-Girl Around the World of Bridgewater and West Bridgewater had an exciting year, with many new members and volunteers. Together, they delivered and shipped over 3,500 dresses to little girls in over a dozen countries around the world, with 1,255 of these dresses being sent to Operation Christmas Child.
They continue to hold workshops at the Bridgewater Senior Center, The West Bridgewater Library and other locations, and even work with several Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups in the area. In 2023, they were highlighted on Channel 5 news on their 5 For Good segment, bringing in many new members. New 'sewists' are always welcome, and if you don't sew, have no fear! You can donate fabrics, trims, make straps and pockets, clean and iron the fabric, and of course donate much needed dollars.
Congratulations to all that you do, and here's looking to make even more impact in 2024!
Written by Erin Payne, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU
|
|
Law and Order before the 1800's
in New England
Up until the early 1800's, enforcement of laws was done by individuals appointed by the church. Back then, the church was the legal authority. If one were accused of a crime such as theft, adultery, or breaking and entering, he was tried before the church elders. If he were found guilty, he was given the choice of a fine or lashes, but only after he confessed his crime to the members of the church. If it were a capital crime involving the death of a person, they were tried by the county in Plymouth.
|
Following the American Revolution, the church was taken out of the law enforcement business. Over the next 40 years, the towns moved their town meetings out of the churches and into town halls. Eventually towns would build their own jails.
~ Respectfully submitted, David Moore
|
|
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!
Kadison Ciffolillo
won a free 1.5 hour class at
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of:
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman
|
|
Friends of the Library
Have you heard of Friends of the West Bridgewater Public Library (FOL)? This is a non-profit 501(c) volunteer organization that has helped support library programs and services since 1983.
The Friends have sponsored the Reading is Fundamental program (RIF) for over 30 years. Students in grades K through 5 get to pick out a free book each distribution. The Friends also has helped support the public library’s summer reading programs. Their aim is to encourage the children of our town to read. A yearly scholarship has been established for a high school graduate to further their education.
Over the years this group has helped provide outdoor handicapped accessible picnic tables and the Ultimate 2+3D printer. They have purchased passes for the Museum Pass Program. This gives discounted or free admission to various local museums. A Beatles Multi-Media Program and Glider presentation were funded to attract multi generations in 2023.
How is the Friends of the West Bridgewater Public Library able to do so much and how can you help them continue? Visit their ongoing book sale where your donations help fund the RIF program. Please consider becoming a member. Annual membership dues vary by level from “Friend” to “Corporate Friend”. All contributions are tax-deductible and you can pick up a membership form at the circulation desk at the library. Meetings are held monthly and posted on the library web site.
Make it a New Year’s resolution to give back to the community by joining the Friends of the Library!
To get involved, Membership forms are available at the Circulation Desk of the library.
|
|
Johnny Macaronis Restaurant
|
|
We are ringing in the New Year with some tasty new specials.
Enjoy with the family.
|
|
 |
GleeWorks
Holistic Coaching
|
Better Decisions Get Results
Take our Goal Setting Workshop
Mon. January 29, 6-8pm
and Fri. February 2, 10-12pm
Virtual & In Person
BuzzAround readers: only $25
SMART goals is the smart way to go!
|
|
|
|
Advertise sales, holiday specials and events.
Ad Blitz is Your Solution. Ad Blitz: quick & powerful ad runs Purchase ads in blocks for your desired distribution. Pick an ad size & duration
Read more
buzzaround.info
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
Fantasy
Book Club
Wed, Jan 31
6:30p
West Bridgewater Public Library
80 Howard Street
Attention all fantasy novel enthusiasts! Join the Fantasy Book Club, a community of adults who share a love for the genre. At our next meeting, we will discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's classic, The Hobbit. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk. We encourage you to bring treats inspired by the book to share with the group. The Fantasy Book Club is open to ages 16 and up and meets on the last Wednesday of every month. Take advantage of the chance to connect with fellow fantasy fans and delve into the magical world of literature.
|
West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School Awarded
WBMSHS was awarded and proudly accepts the CollegeBoard's Female Diversity Award for AP Computer Science Principles. Giving female students access to computer science courses is necessary to ensure gender equality in the workforce and high-paying jobs of the industry. Well done to the school, and all our strong and smart female students!
|
|
Climate Can Do: Updating Massachusetts' Bottle Bill for a Greener Future
In 1983, Massachusetts launched the Bottle Bill, encouraging recycling with a $0.05 deposit on soda and beer containers. It worked well, cutting litter and boosting aluminum, plastic, and glass recycling. But times have changed, and this old bottle bill needs a modern makeover.
Two new bills are now before the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy and aim to refresh the Massachusetts Bottle Bill, addressing the challenges posed by today's beverage consumption habits and recycling issues.
The Proposed Expansion
Bill H.3676: An Act to Update the Bottle Bill. This bill seeks to modernize the Bottle Bill to meet current needs.
Bill H.3690/SB2104: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill. This bill aims to broaden the Bottle Bill's coverage to include any drinkable liquid intended for human consumption.
Expanding the Bottle Bill aligns with today's beverage choices. The original law covered soft drinks, mineral water, beer, and malt beverages—products of a bygone era. Today, our options include bottled water, flavored waters, coffee-based drinks, juices, and sports drinks, which the outdated bill doesn't include. This gap has led to more litter and waste.
Updating the definition of "beverages" in the Bottle Bill removes this confusion. It's simple: water, flavored waters, iced teas, coffee-based drinks, and sports drinks should now have a $0.05 deposit. This expansion is expected to generate about $20 million in new revenue, with $5 million going to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). EEA will use these funds for various initiatives, such as municipal recycling incentives, recycling transfer stations, source reduction, and public education.
How To Support The Bottle Bill Expansion
Your actions can help Massachusetts move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Join the movement and be part of positive change!
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Jamie Puhi, and focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
|
|
|
|
Calling All Hive Builders
|
|
Help us continue your free BuzzAround news service. Connecting our WB community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Air Duct / Vent Cleaning * Restoration & Rebuild * Water Damage & Mold
We are there when you need us!
(781) 910-5029
|
|
|
|
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. Purchase tickets by February 2nd.
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!
|
West Bridgewater Cultural Council Open to New Members
Wed, Feb 7
6:30p
West Bridgewater Public Library
80 Howard Street
The mission of the West Bridgewater Cultural Council is to move, inspire and challenge the community through cultural programing and awareness. They are currently looking for a couple residents to join the council. If you're interested, come by the next meeting on February 7th.
|
|
Grade 7 National History Day Winners Announced
The West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School would like to congratulate the winners for National History Day and their exhibits.
To the Ellis Island group exhibit, by Charlotte Farrell-Fren, Hannah Dragonetti, and Abbigail Rudolph.
The second winners were from the Railroad group documentary, by Tristan Hambly, Arran Hambly, and Christopher Jones.
Honerable mentions go out to the Jamestown group exhibit and the Pilgrims in America exhibit. Thanks to all who participated and merged creativity and history!
|
Valentine 50's
Sock Hop!
Fri, Feb 9
7-10p
St. Ann's Parish Center
103 North Main Street
Join us for the Community Valentine 50's Sock Hop, a celebration infused with a 1950s vibe. Admission is $15 per person, and feel free to bring your favorite snacks. The event will feature a cash bar offering beer, wine, soda, and water. Hot dogs and popcorn will also be available for purchase. As part of our community service project, consider bringing a pair of socks. We look forward to your presence at the event!
617-970-6731.
|
|
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman
Historical Tidbit Question:
If found guilty of a crime, in which you were tried before the church elders, what were your options of punishment after confessing?
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 31, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
|
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jennifer Hernández, Jen Bellody, Kendall Fletcher, Erin Payne, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
|
An Unfinished Democracy.
Here, from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge is Amanda Gorman.
Poet, Visionary.
I am as mesmerized by her words as by her hand motions. Her delivery is so beautiful, it's captivating. Amanda brings us a clear hopeful message as she binds us all together to finish the work our founders started.
Even though the below poem was written for the Boston Pops, fireworks and Independence Day, it rings true for today and everyday. "Not to look at American Democracy as something that is broken, but as something that is unfinished."
We all have work to do. And that starts in our communities, home towns and neighborhoods and our vote. Everyday.
|
Thank you for all you do, dear reader, it's a choice we make, our democracy. We move forward, together.~ Jacquie
|
|
|
|
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. |
|
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 1/28/24")
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
