Bridgewater Basketball Brings Home Trophies!

Out of hundreds of teams across Massachusetts, two from Bridgewater won their respective championship games this past month! On March 10th in Foxboro, Massachusetts, the 7th-grade Boys Red team beat their opponents 52-48. With only nine boys on the team, together with their coaches Mark Mattar, Matt Tripp, and Jeff Gaylor, they found the road to victory.

The 7th-grade boys had a slow start to their season, losing their first four games. With these low numbers, it was looking like the season was going to be a challenge. Yet, they came together and went on to win seven of their next eight games, leading them to the championship game for the second year in a row. After losing last year, they made this repeat trip count!

Along with the older boys, the Boys 3rd-grade Wright B team won their championship with coaches Brett Wright, Laura Murphy, and Mike Rich.

With high numbers, the 3rd-grade boys were split into two teams. These teams were divided evenly for number purposes and not based on talent. With the teams split, the boys played against their own friends multiple times throughout the season, each making it to the playoffs. In the end, the B Team knocked out the A Team to pave the road to the championship.

Both the 7th-grade boys and the 3rd-grade B teams brought home trophies to Bridgewater this season! Congratulations to all the players and coaches on a wonderful year!

Written by Samantha Gibson, Buzz Around Intern, Bridgewater State University
Source: Coach Mark Mattar
Photo Credit: BW Youth Basketball FB
Historical Tidbit:
Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Burial Ground


Saint Thomas Aquinas Cemetery was first established in 1850 as the first Roman Catholic Cemetery in Bridgewater. The rear segment of the church was finished eight years later by primarily Irish workers- many of whom were employed in the nearby Lazel l Perkins Co. (Bridgewater Iron Mfg Co.)

Rich in Irish history, the cemetery documents the Irish roots of the Dead, with references to parishes in Irish counties. The first Catholic church services were held at the home of Lawrence Cleare on Bolton Place as early
as 1848. The church and cemetery remain on Cedar Street here in Bridgewater to this day.

2023 BuzzAround People * Planet * Profits Report
For more information:
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!
Jen Giorgi
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
a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
2nd Annual BBA Community Appreciation Night
Tue, Apr 2
5:30- 7p
Bridgewater Senior Center

BBA Members, Community First Responders, BSU employees, and Community leaders are invited to gather for a casual appreciation event. BBA President Bryan Parrish and BBA Treasurer Jeff Martucci will be making pizzas from scratch! To reserve a spot please RSVP at the link below!

Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum Trip
Friday, April 5th
Bridgewater Senior Center

$125PP includes transportation, self-guided
museum tour, and lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. For reservations, please call
Jane Murray 508-807-5153
Grants Rental

Where you go to work smarter, not harder!
Grants Rental has the everything you need to get the job done!

10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950

Free Spaghetti Dinner for Veterans and First Responders
Thu, Apr 4
6-8p
Bridgewater VFW
40 Orange St

Veterans and First Responders may bring guest(s) for $5 each. Special Guest, Kenny Andrade, Veterans Service Officer with the DAV will be there to answer any questions on filing claims with the VA.

Reposted from VFW Post 2125 FB
Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Mon, April 8
2:30- 4p
Mitchell & Williams Schools
Merrill, LaLiberte, & Raynham Middle Schools
Bridgewater Middle School

All families welcome to this free, outdoor event to celebrate the Great American Solar Eclipse! Solar Eclipse glasses will be provided by our donors. Drop into the event at any time during the above hours!

Art with Melissa!
Wed, Apr 10
2p
Bridgewater Public Library

Join Melissa from Beeble Art to create some art. All artistic levels are welcome. Materials will be provided. This program is for kids ages 6+.

Registration for this will begin on Wed, March 27th at 9:00 am.

Climate Can Do:
Recycling Household Scraps Through Composting

Thinking about starting to create your own compost? Composting is simple, and can be done right in your own back yard in a designated space or box.

Composting is a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition. Microorganisms feed on the materials added to the compost pile, breaking it down into core materials.

Materials you add are "greens" and "browns." Greens provide nitrogen, and can include fresh grass clippings, food scraps, and coffee grounds. Browns provide carbon and act as a food source. Typical browns you can add include dead leaves, branches, twigs, and paper.

Benefits to Composting

  • Improves the structure and health of your soil by adding organic matter.
  • Helps the soil retain moisture and nutrients.
  • Attracts beneficial organisms to the soil and reduces the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
  • Reduces the potential for soil erosion.
  • Sequesters carbon in the soil.
  • Builds resiliency to the impacts of climate change.

Aerating occasionally helps the process. Without oxygen a compost pile is ready in 6 months to a year. With oxygen added in just a few months, add compost to your flower and vegetable beds, window boxes, and container gardens; incorporate it into tree beds; mix it with potting soil for indoor plants for a nutrient rich soil.
Source: nrdc.org, epa.gov

Erin Payne, Buzz Around Intern and SNHU student wrote this Climate Can-Do Article. 

Together, we can make a difference by taking action to live sustainably. Let's empower ourselves to create a better future for our planet, one step at a time.

Johnny Macaronis Restaurant


Relax and let Johnny Mac's do the cooking!

Catering platters and family meals that can't be beat!

Enjoy !
cartoon girl running
Track Open For All
Mon- Fri
7-10a
Swenson Field
325 Plymouth St

The Bridgewater State University running track at Swenson Field (the football stadium) will re-open for walking/running starting Monday, March 11. Hours are 7:00-10:00 a.m., Monday thru Friday!

Sam Baumgarten also shared this hoot of a video, dances of all sorts of people from around the world and across generations. It's good for a smile, thanks, Sam!
An Evening with Spirit Medium Lynne Marie
Sat, Apr 13
7p
40 Orange St

During this in-person event, Lynne Marie will use her unique abilities to connect with spirits, delivering messages of love, hope, and healing. This intimate gathering will provide an opportunity to receive personal messages and gain comfort from the presence of those who have crossed over. Whether you are seeking closure, guidance, or simply curious about the spiritual realm, this event promises to be a transformative experience. Please note that seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early to secure your place at this extraordinary gathering.
For tickets please visit the event page on eventbrite here.
One Book, One Community: The Gardner Heist

This April, there will be two book club discussions centered around books related to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Heist. The first discussion will focus on "The Lioness of Boston" at the Bridgewater Public Library on Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, there will be a joint discussion covering "The Lioness of Boston" and "The Gardner Heist" at the East Bridgewater Public Library on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. These discussions offer readers a chance to delve into captivating narratives surrounding this intriguing historical event

For questions and further information, email Ellen Snoeyenbos at esnoeyen@gmail.com

Source: Email from Ellen Snoeyenbos
Art for All
Every Thursday
12p
Bridgewater Senior Center

Local artist and instructor Laurie Halls invites you to explore the world of art with her classes. Join as Laurie shares her expertise in drawing portraits, landscapes, still life, and animals, guiding participants through each step of the creative process. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this class welcomes all skill levels with no experience required. All necessary supplies will be provided. With a fee of just five dollars per person, it's an affordable opportunity to unleash your artistic potential. No need to RSVP – simply show up and let your creativity flow!

For more information: Top of the Hill Newsletter
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Apr 19-21 & 25-27
Rondileau Student Union Auditorium
19 Park Avenue

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful show girls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people.

The 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and was followed by two successful West End runs. The outrageous, uproarious, and gloriously entertaining story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake will delight audiences as they search for the Holy Grail and “always look on the bright side of life.”

Share the Power of Positive - BuzzAround

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The Boundless Bean
Spring drinks are here! 
Pistachio latte topped with a drizzle of white chocolate and chopped pistachio 💚 
Lavender Honey Latte 💜 🍯 
 Refreshers and flavored lemonades are on their way!

10 Summer Street, Bridgewater, MA, United States, Massachusetts

(508) 443-2981

Town Council Meeting
March 26, 2024
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
Disability Commission Meeting
March 26, 2024
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
Out of the Darkness Walk

Around 350 local individuals gathered at Boyden Hall on the campus of Bridgewater State University on Saturday, March 16th, for the annual Suicide Prevention Walk. Participants included groups from Bridgewater State University—lacrosse, soccer, football, volleyball, softball, and field hockey teams—along with the Bridgewater Police, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and President Fred Clark. The walk, open to the entire Bridgewater community, was an immense success.

BSU Bears Football Captain, Marvelous Nickelson Jr., who is both a football player and an active member of the military, said, “Mental health is something that is not spoken about enough, especially within sports and the military. We were taught to be tough and not to speak about the mental aspects of things. I think this is a great cause that allows us to spread awareness and to show individuals they are not alone. There are resources, and seeing people march in a large group, get curious, and spread the word on mental health was awesome.”

Participants started the day with breakfast, activities, and guest speakers prior to embarking on the roughly 6-mile walk and raised $15,338.01! The impact it left on not only the BSU community but also the entirety of Bridgewater was quite breathtaking.

For more information on resources please visit: AFSP.org

Written by Samantha Gibson BuzzAround Intern, Bridgewater State University & J. Rose
Source: AFSP.org
Photo Credit: nflanders.photography
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

Historical Tidbit Question:
What country counties are referenced on cemetery stones of St. Thomas Aquinas ?

Email us your answer at: Prizes@buzzaround.info
Please include your name and phone number.
By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.
On April 3, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Samantha Gibson, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose, Noshin Saiyaara & Greg Venezia.
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 
Eggsellent! 

Eggs have had a spiritual meaning across cultures and religions since humans have expressed themselves through art.

Life emerges from an egg. It embodies the idea of rebirth and rejuvenation.

Also an egg shape, with neither a beginning or an end, reflects the circle of life.

"Many cultures believe eggs to be the source of new life from inanimate matter, and even that the world emerged from an egg....One version of the creation myth mentions the cosmic egg hatching the ‘bird of light’. The Chinese gave painted eggs as gifts at the beginning of spring as early as 5000 years ago. In Ancient Greece and Rome, to celebrate the equinox in March (the beginning of the year), it was customary to hang up colorful eggs and give them as gifts. In this example, eggs represented new beginnings. Christianity adopted eggs as a symbol of fertility, resurrection, and eternal life." (www.alimentarium.org)
These are my painted eggs, as I wish you rebirth, new life, and growth in all places wonderful and nurturing. These Easter Eggs were hand- painted and gifted to me by three Romanian teen girls, befriended while visiting Romania with my college choir in 1986. The paint sealed in the raw egg. They hold an honored place, displayed in my living room, reminding me of rebirth; within us and as a society. Three years after I visited, the Berlin Wall came down, and my new friends no longer lived within authoritative USSR. Romania became a free democratic country. ~ Jacquie
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 3/31/24")
 
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.