March 2, 2025



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Bridgewater Family Supports L Street Mission

Volunteering plays a critical role in supporting our communities—being able to do so alongside your family is just an added benefit! Bridgewater residents Beth and Rob Basler, alongside Devon Basler and Cassie Bagen, are familiar with how important this is. Last week, they brought home-cooked taco casserole, rice, and vegetables to feed 100 people through the L Street Mission!

The L Street Mission is a Brockton organization that serves unhoused people and those facing food insecurities. In addition to food, the organization provides clothes, hygiene products, and spiritual services like prayer. It originated in 2013 as an extension of Pastor Lee Fuller's homeless ministry where he served unhoused people living in Perkins Park. The L Street Mission operates every Saturday throughout the year.

Written by Layla Ahmed, Brown University, BuzzAround Intern

Image credit: Beth Besler

Sources: Beth Basler FB and L Street Mission FB

Community Preservation Committee Releases 5-Year Plan

Following months of work, Bridgewater's Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has released its 5-year plan for the town. The committee's responsibilities include providing recommendations to the Town Council regarding the preservation of open space, use of historical resources, and creation of community housing, among other tasks. This newest plan was created with the use of available data, public input, and the goals established in the previous 5-year plan. A PDF of the plan can be found on the town's website.

Source: CPC website

Photo Credit: CPC FB

Climate Can-Do: Help Generate Less Winter Waste!

After the white snow engulfs much of the green around us, there are still ways to have a positive impact on the environment. Here are some precautions you can take to waste less and emit less pollution this winter season:

Bring a reusable mug: reduce plastic waste by checking out which local coffee shops will fill your clean, personal mug. Some shops even offer small bring-your-own-cup discounts.

Reduce your use of chemical deicers like salt: Salt may melt away ice on roads, but it also introduces harmful chemicals into bodies of water, including sources of drinking water. Try mixing a smaller amount of salt with sand to help to increase friction. 

Turn your thermostat down a few degrees: Waste less energy and save on your power bill. Chilly? Keep an extra layer of clothes handy and keep your blinds and curtains open during the day to let sunlight warm your home. If your home feels drafty, arrange a free home energy assessment from Mass Save. (We all contribute to this fund in our electric bill.)

Stay warm this winter and look for small ways you can have a positive impact on our environment!

Written by Crista Fiala, Dartmouth College BuzzAround Intern

Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency & University of Michigan

Spirit Medium Readings

Fri, Mar 7

7-9p

VFW Center

40 Orange St



Fundraiser to benefit the Robert L. Smith Jr. Scholarship fund (a 501(c)3 organization). The scholarship gives money to students who are furthering their careers in welding, HVAC, electrical engineering, or plumbing. 

Spirit Medium Lynne Marie will do a gallery-style reading. Not everyone is guaranteed a reading.  Doors open at 6. It is a non alcohol event, but complimentary water, soda, and snacks will be provided. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite, and it is limited to 60 people. Tickets are $60 each. Be sure to register before space runs out!

Source: Laurey Hartrey

Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative

Learn more about The Science of Addiction!

Based on Chapter 1 of High Point Prevention Services' 2023 Drug Guidebook, this video focuses on defining addiction as a brain disorder, understanding the cycle of addiction, and recognizing the signs of addiction. 

In collaboration with Anawan Studios, Prevention Services created 15 ten-minute long train-the-trainer videos to support educators with curriculum implementation. 

All lessons align with the 2024 Society of Health and Physical Educators National Physical Health Education Standards. 

A Night For Us Gala



Sat, Mar 8

6-10p

Bridgewater Vets Club

85 Cottage St

Join Miss Louise Prom Closet and Special Occasion Rental in their first annual gala! Come enjoy A Night for Us!

Miss Louise's Prom Closet is a nonprofit organization that helps many young adults attend prom. They provide free dress or suit rentals for prom or any special occasion year-round. All profits from this event will go towards helping these teenagers dress for prom and maintaining the inventory.

Join us at 6 p.m. for cocktail hour and at 7 p.m. for dinner and dancing! There will be a DJ, photo booth, photographer, raffles, and a silent auction.

For more information or questions contact Julie: at 774-330-8288

Source: Miss Louise Prom Closet FB

Taunton Civic Chorus Offers Its Annual Scholarship 

The Taunton Civic Chorus is accepting applications for its annual Bob Keith Memorial Scholarship. 

Scholarships are due on Fri, Mar 10, 2025. 

The $800 scholarship is open to graduating seniors from greater Taunton area high schools - Taunton High School, Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, West Bridgewater High School, Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School, Somerset-Berkley Regional High School, Apponequet Regional High School (Lakeville/Freetown), Middleborough High School, and Norton High School.  

The student must have been an active participant in an organized musical activity during high school (chorus, band, orchestra, private voice or instrumental lessons, drama club, dance lessons). 

Applications are available in high school guidance departments, and on the TCC website – tauntoncivicchorus.org. The winner of the scholarship will participate in the Taunton Civic Chorus spring concert on Sun, May 4, 2025. 

For more information, contact taunton.ma.civic.chorus@gmail.com. 

Cultural Council Meeting

February 25, 2025

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Disability Commission Meeting

February 25, 2025

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Adult Paint Night

Sat, Mar 15

6-8p

Jack Conway

11 Central Square

Carilyne Carbonell and Marissa Carlson of Jack Realty will be hosting a free adult paint night!

It is an event for people 21 years old or older, who are interested in participating in an evening of creativity and relaxation. You will be guided through creating a painting, so no experience is required!

The event is free, but space is limited! Register now while space is available!

Register and more information at: EventBrite.com

Applications for BAA Board of Directors

Applications are open for the Bridgewater Alumni Association Board of Directors!

Are you looking to get involved with your alma mater? How about make an impact in your community? Do all of this and more when you apply to the BAA Board of Directors! 

Apply by March 3, 2025 at bridgew.edu/alumni/about/baa

Queer Open Mic

Sat, Mar 15

6-9p

71 Central Square

Be; is hosting a Queer Open Mic night on March 15th. The event is free to all, with a recommended donation of $15.

Painter Talia Connelly will attend to paint live portraits of the performers! Don't miss out!

For more information text or call 508-274-3625.Explore the be' community's Linktree to find other ways to connect with the organization!

Source: The be; community FB

BW Lions Put on Green to Raise Some Green.

Sat, Mar 15

7-11p

Bridgewater Vets Club

The Bridgewater Lions Club is hosting a St. Patrick's Day party in support of the Lions' community, charities, and Eye Research Fund. Come support these causes while celebrating the holiday and enjoying a live performance from Schitz N Giggles! Don't forget to dress up as well because prizes will be awarded for the best outfits!

Tickets are $20 per person. For ticketing information, call Bev Dillion at 508-208-9349 or contact the Bridgewater Vets Club where the sign is posted.

Source: Bridgewater Lions Club FB

Route 104 Corridor Survey

Survey Ends: May 2025

"Take the Route 104 Corridor Study Survey!

Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) is inviting the public to complete the following survey (approximately 5-10 minutes) to better discern the needs, concerns, and wishes of the traveling public. All personal information will remain confidential.

Please share with fellow residents and give us your thoughts on current conditions along Route 104!"

Take the survey at SurveyMonkey.com

More Info: OldColonyPlanning.org

Gilded Age Lecture Coming to the Bridgewater Public Library

Mon, Mar 17

5p

Bridgewater Public Library

Dr. Brian Payne, a professor of US and Canadian History from Bridgewater State University, will present a lecture on the "wealth debate" during the Gilded Age. He will share the cultural, political, philosophical, and religious responses to this debate, as well as the wealth gap that emerged and its impact on American democracy.

This lecture is part o the BPL's community reading programming. A discussion of The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White will follow on Tues, Mar 18 at 5p. The public is invited to the lecture and the book can be picked up from the library.

Source: One Book, One Community Press Release

Original Vietnam Plaque Recovered

The original Vietnam Memorial plaque that was missing from Bridgewater Middle School has now been recovered. Thanks to Greg Martin of the Veteran's Office for not letting this mystery die and to Mark Chiccoa and John Ralli for recovering the plaque.

Greg Martin began working as the Bridgewater Veteran's Agent just before Memorial Day, 2024 when wreaths were placed across various memorials around Bridgewater. When Martin visited Bridgewater Middle School, he saw a brick structure that was a memorial of some sort but was missing the plaque. Since then Martin had been asking around to identify the memorial. Not one person had an answer from Facebook groups to school administrators; until recently.

The unknown memorial at the Bridgewater Middle School is no longer a mystery, as the original plaque was recovered. John Ralli and Mark Chiccoa of the BR School Facilities Department heard of this mystery, and Ralli retrieved the plaque from the corner of one of the facility's sheds. Several years ago, the plaque was stored there for safekeeping as it had detached from the monument.

The plaque reads:

"IN MEMORY AND IN HONOR OF THOSE BRIDGEWATER-RAYNHAM STUDENTS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN VIETNAM AND OF OUR OTHER CLASSMATES WHO ARE NOW DECEASED. MAY THEIR EXAMPLE OF CHARACTER AND LEADERSHIP GUIDE US TOWARD A WAY OF PEACE."

Now that this missing plaque is in place, the Vietnam Memorial will be restored to honor the Bridgewater-Raynham students who fought in Vietnam. Stefano D'Emilia will be sponsoring the monument's restoration, and the hope is to complete it before Memorial Day.

Written by Laci Schlatz, Stonehill College, BuzzAround Intern

Source: Interview with Greg Martin and Image Credits: Bridgewater Veteran's Office FB

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a free 1.5 hour class at

Bliss Through Yoga!

Historical Tidbit Question:

What year was the South Parish Incorporated?

Email us your answer at:

 Prizes@buzzaround.info

Please include your name and phone number.

Prize Box Rules

By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.

On March 5, 2025, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Layla Ahmed, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose, & Greg Venezia

Compassion

"Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.” ~ Rumi

"It is not length of life, but depth of life."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair." 

~ Chinese Proverb

"More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

One love, one heart, one destiny.” ~ Bob Marley

Have compassion for ourselves and others. Nothing makes life richer than learning to reach deeply inside and have compassion.

~ Jacquie

Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

Copyright 2025 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 3/2/25")

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.