Soulful Girls Club Shines at Cedar Street Community Center

The Soulful Girls Club (SGC) recently took place at the Cedar Street Community Center and it was a big success! Thanks to the fantastic girls and volunteers who attended, the event was filled with lots of connections, creativity, and fun.

The SGC is a free meet-up program for teenage girls with intellectual and developmental differences. The program meets monthly, providing a safe and inclusive environment. The club offers a variety of activities for girls with varying interests and abilities, allowing them to develop meaningful connections with peers and discover their place in the community.

Participants can be fully and unapologetically themselves, embracing their uniqueness, exploring their interests, having fun, and building lifelong friendships with peers and mentors. The club provides a safe and inclusive space with a dedicated team of compassionate volunteers, including moms, nurses, and teachers. Healthy snacks are provided, and participants can build lifelong friendships with peers and their families.

The SGC also offers a supportive network for parents and caregivers, providing a safe space for girls to grow and share experiences. The club culminates the season with the annual Soulful Girls Club Formal Ball, a magical evening for girls to dress up and dance the night away.

If you know a teen girl who would benefit from joining our community, please share this information with their family. The goal is to continue to provide a safe and supportive environment for these girls to thrive.

For more information, please visit The Soul Project Website.

Source & Photo Credit: The Soul Project FB
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
Historical Tidbit:
Old Prague School

554 Broad St. in Bridgewater has significant historical ties to the town's mid-late 19th-century school system. Originally known as the Old Sprague School, it was in use by 1847 and was located at the northeast corner of High and Broad Streets. Overcrowding was a significant issue, with 60 children enrolled in 1851 and 161 by 1865, making it the largest school in town. The school was auctioned in 1889 and repurposed for hay storage while its students were transferred to the Prospect School. The building was eventually moved to its present location in the 1890s by Edgar H. Sigelow, an employee of a local shoe manufacturing company.

Source & Photo Credit: Massachusetts Historical Commission
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
Weekender Posting - 2 weeks & Image $25

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Academy Building Municipal Offices
 66 Central Square 
508-697-0921
 
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South Street
508-697-3331
 
Cole-Yeaton Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
508-697-0929
 
Food Pantry
Central Square Congregational Church
71 Central Square
 508-697-6016
Thursdays - 10a - 1p
1st Monday of each month from 6 - 7:30p

St Vincent dePaul Food Pantry
@ St Thomas Aquinas Church
103 Center St
2 x month 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m
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
Community Preservation Committee
January 24, 2024
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
Downtown Revitalization
Committee Meeting
January 25, 2024
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
BTV Access Training
Basics Of Video Cameras 
Fri, Feb 2
6p
BTV Community Access Television 
80 Spring St

Learn the basics of running a video camera in BTV's state-of-the-art studio. This event is designed for individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of video camera operation. BTV's state-of-the-art studio provides access to professional equipment and expert guidance to ensure an interactive experience. Whether you are a novice or have some experience, this event will equip you with the skills to capture high-quality video footage. Join us to learn, practice, and grow your video recording skills!

For more information, call 508-697-1833 or visit the BTV Access Corporation website. 

Bridgewater Community Dance
Feb 2, Feb 16, Mar 1,
Mar 15
7-9p
Bridgewater Senior Center 
10 Wally Krueger Way

Bridgewater Community Dance invites all to dance! Held on the first and third Fridays of each month through June, promising a lively mix of mixers, international folk dance, squares, and contra. Suitable for ages 10 and up, the dances promise not only traditional rhythms but also a vibrant sense of community, joy, and camaraderie. Admission is $8 ($5 for youth), but savvy dancers can save $24 by signing up for the twelve-dance series at $72. Bring a water bottle and be ready for an evening of smiles and rhythmic fun. Let the dancing begin! For more information, contact Sam at 774-208-2933

Source & Photo Credit: Sam Baumgarten Facebook Post
Bridgewater
Garden Club 

Mon, Feb 5
1:45p
10 Wally Krueger Way

The Taunton River Watershed Alliance will be presenting on “Conservation effects in the Taunton River Watershed” at the Bridgewater Garden Club’s meeting. The meeting will take place at the Bridgewater Senior Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Bridgewater Food Pantry, travel-sized toiletries for ProjectPACK, and used books for More Than Words. The Ousamequin Club will be collecting these items at the meeting.

For more information, call 508-378-4261

Source & Photo Credit: Ousamequin Club
Art Class with Melissa
Wed, Feb 14 
2-3p
BW Public Library
15 South St

Join Melissa from Beeble Art Center for a fun art program that welcomes all artistic levels and is recommended for kids ages 6+. Materials will be provided, and registration is required as space is limited. Registration opens on Wednesday, January 31, at 9:00 AM. Take advantage of this opportunity to get creative and have fun!

For more information, visit the Bridgewater Public Library website. 
Knit-in for Scholarships
American Association of University Women Taunton Area Branch

Sat, Feb 10
10a-2p
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South St

Knitters and crocheters of all levels are invited to participate in creating 7 X 9-inch blocks that will be assembled into colorful afghans and donated to a local charity. Participants should bring size seven needles or J/K crochet hooks and acrylic yarn (worsted), and beginners are welcome, as supplies will be provided. The donation to participate is $10, and light refreshments will be served. The fundraiser supports local college scholarships and aligns with AAUW's mission to advance gender equity and economic security through education and advocacy.

For more information, visit the AAUW website.
Source Credit: Mary O'Connell, Public Information Chair
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

To bring about this change, contact your elected officials and let them know you want to see Massachusetts' Bottle Bill improved by House Bill 3676 and House Bill 3690/SB2104. The Conservative Law Foundation has made it even easier to reach out with a prewritten letter available for the public’s use here.

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!
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!
 

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Need Help with Your Small Business? FREE Small Business Workshop
 On optimizing your Google Business Profile and website
Wed, Feb 14 
12-1:30p
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South St

This event is presented by the Town of Bridgewater's Community & Economic Development and sponsored by Rockland Trust Bank, led by Mark Collins of On Web Local. Attendees will learn how to optimize their Google Business Profile and website, including adding products and services, best practices for image and video uploads, and using Google posts for retention marketing and new customers. The session will also cover how website content drives Google page visibility in search and the importance of accurate categories.

For more information, email Nicole Salvo at nsalvo@bridgewaterma.org to schedule a meeting with the Office of Community & Economic Development to discuss your business needs and concerns! 
Rain Barrel Program

Save money on your water bill with the Great American Rain Barrel! Bridgewater residents can now purchase discounted rain barrels for just $89.00. Take advantage of an extra $25 off from the Town using coupon code Bridge24. Each household is eligible for up to 2 rain barrels.
To make a purchase or learn more, visit www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com
and search for Bridgewater.

Pick up your rain barrels on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Water Supply Maintenance Garage located at 1400 High St, Bridgewater, MA. The deadline for purchase is March 24, 2024, before midnight. For assistance with ordering, feel free to reach out to sales@tgarb.com. Don't miss this opportunity to conserve water and save on your utility bills!
Need a Change?
We're Hiring Van Drivers!
North River Collaborative
Split AM/PM and Afternoon Shifts
*Sign on Bonus
Starting Salary: Drivers: $20 plus benefits.
                Monitors: $15.85 plus benefits.

 Benefits: health, dental, vision, life insurance & MA State Retirement.
Paid sick/ personal time.
7D license Training Provided
Contact: Deb Thompson
781-878-6056, ext. 162
Country Dance Tickets on Sale
Folk * Circles * Contra * Squares

March 9, 2024

Social & Nibbles 5:30-6:30pm  
Dancing 6:30 – 9 pm. $17 in advance

Cedar St Community Center
15 Cedar St, Bridgewater, MA

Featuring live Music By Eloise & Company

No partners or experience necessary, come ready to dance!
Instructed & called by Sam Baumgarten

4th Friday Coffee!

4th Fridays in Feb & Mar
10:00a
Bridgewater Senior Center 
10 Wally Kruger Way

Join the Town of Bridgewater's Community & Economic Development team for a free monthly networking event called Let's Talk: Vision to Reality. The event is open to the public. Attendees can enjoy coffee, bagels, and conversations.

Bridgewater Middle School Celebrates Student's Hard Work

Earlier this week, the Bridgewater Middle School Climate Club and Action Committee met to create signs for the upcoming pep rally. The school climate club are working to build a school culture perfect for themselves and their classmates. They hope to get other students involved and excited, and ready to make a difference.

Bridgewater State University Ranked
4th Safest College in The Country!

Bridgewater State University (BSU) has been ranked as the fourth safest college campus in America by AcademicInfluence.com. The ranking was based on data gathered from schools across the country, with BSU earning high marks for compliance with the Clery Act, maintaining a safe campus environment, and offering free counseling services to students.

BSU maintains a low crime rate, with an average of 2.09 crimes per 1000 students, and offers free counseling services to students experiencing psychological difficulties. The university's small student population and location contribute to its generally safer environment. BSU's recognition on the "Safest College Campuses in America" list validates its efforts and measures to prioritize the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff.

BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr. attributes the ranking to strategic investments, the work of the BSU police department in building relationships with students, and the university's commitment to transparency and creating safe spaces for reporting. Students such as Gabe Elias, a senior and physical education major, prioritize safety when considering colleges and appreciate BSU's dedication to the well-being of its community members. Other schools on the list include Purdue University, University of Idaho, Bringham Young University, and more.

For more information, visit Bridgewater State University Website.
Photo Credit: BSU website
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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:
How many children were enrolled at the Prague school in 1865?

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 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 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.