October 6, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

East Bridgewater Police Department Receives State Grant

 to Improve Road Safety

Chief Michael Jenkins is pleased to announce that the East Bridgewater Police Department has been awarded $29,998.80 in state grant funding to improve road safety.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded over $12.4 million in funding through the Municipal Road Safety, State Agency Traffic Safety, and Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Programs.

The East Bridgewater Police Department received funding through the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program. This funding will support road safety initiatives, including traffic safety enforcement, bicyclist and pedestrian safety, non-enforcement activities such as training or community events, and the purchase of traffic safety equipment or other community safety items, like bike helmets.

The EBPD plans to address specific issues such as speed enforcement, impaired driving (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), and distracted driving, while also promoting the Click It or Ticket campaign.

“On behalf of the East Bridgewater Police Department, I would like to express my gratitude for this state grant funding from the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Chief Jenkins. “Our priority is to keep the roads safe for our community members, and with this generous funding, we can make that happen.”

Story & Photo Credit: EBPD

Special Town Meeting

Mon, Oct 7

7p

East Bridgewater Junior/Senior High School

143 Plymouth St

The Town of East Bridgewater will be holding a special town meeting.

A copy of the warrant and more information are available at www.eastbridgewaterma.gov.

Finance and Capital Meeting

9-30-24

Video Courtesy of EBCAM

Free Tire Collection for all SSRC Members, including EB

Wed, Oct 9 at 2-6p

Rockland

Sat, Oct 26 at 9a-1p

Plymouth

The South Shore Recycling Cooperative, Plymouth County Mosquito Control and the Towns of Plymouth and Rockland will hold free tire collections in Rockland on Wednesday, October 9 and in Plymouth on Saturday, October 26. Only Off-rim auito and pickup truck tires will be accepted, with a maximum of 5 per household. Attendees must be registered and reside in an SSRC member town, which includes East Bridgewater, and Plymouth County. Locations are revealed on the registration form which you can find at www.eastbridgewaterma.gov.

Book Sale!

Fri, Oct 11 at 2-5p

Sat, Oct 12 at 9a-12p

Community Room & 2nd Floor

32 Union St

Friends of the East Bridgewater Public Library are hosting a book sale! The sale will include books, books on CD, CDs and DVDs, and puzzles. All ages are welcome, and the event will help raise funds for the EBPL. For more information visit: www.eastbridgewaterlibrary.org

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Toiletry Drive



The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office is holding its 5th annual toiletry drive in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All donations will go to local agencies that provide services for survivors of domestic violence and their families.

The East Bridgewater Police Department has a donation bin in their lobby, and the East Bridgewater Junior-Senior High School Class of 2026 will also be collecting items at the school to contribute to the drive.For more information and donation item ideas, visit EBPD FB.

Climate Can Do:

3 Tips for a Sustainable Halloween 

With spooky season underway, it is important to remember how our choices impact the environment around us. According to Duke University, a 2019 study found that discarded Halloween costumes alone generated 2,000 tons of plastic waste each year. Luckily there are many quick and easy tricks to help you cut down your eco-footprint.

Recycle Costumes and Decor

When it comes to Halloween, some things never go out of style. From spiders to skeletons to witch cauldrons -- keep your "old" decor to use again next year and save time, money, and the planet!

You might consider shopping at thrift and consignment shops or try something new and DIY your own costume! The cape from one year's vampire costume might be the finishing touch for next year's superhero. A pillow case can be easily decorated at home and makes a great trick-or-treat bag. Old stockings with runs and pulls can be transformed into spider-webbing. And cardboard boxes can be cut and painted to look like tombstones in your front yard display!

Maximize Pumpkin Usage

When pumpkins are tossed in the trash and begin to breakdown, they create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. To help prevent this, try to use every part of your pumpkin this Halloween!

Pumpkin seeds, flesh, and rind can be used in a ton of delicious recipes such as pumpkin bread, pudding, pie, and more. For inspiration, you can look online or visit Delish.

Once the season's over, compost your pumpkin, mixing it oxygen while it breaks down decreases methane emissions and improves your garden's nutrient-rich soil.

Shop Sustainably

Shopping locally is also an easy way to limit waste. Support local farmers this season and buy locally-grown pumpkins; and shop local or fair trade chocolatiers.

Source: Western Placer Waste Management Authority, Duke University

This Climate Can Do article was written by Sara MacKinnon, BuzzAround Intern, Providence College.

Fall Vaccine Clinic

Wed, Oct 16

11a-1p

EB Council on Aging

Sachem Rock (Route 106)

The East Bridgewater Board of Health and Council on Aging (COA), in partnership with Osco Pharmacy, will be offering a Vaccine Clinic at the Senior Center. Influenza, COVID, and shingles vaccines will be available. Please contact the Board of Health at 508-378-1612 or the COA at 508-378-1610 to schedule an appointment.

Source: Town of EB

Cultural Council Grant Applications

TThe East Bridgewater Cultural Council is now accepting applications for grants through the Local Cultural Council (LCC) program to distribute $10,700 in FY 25. Individuals, groups, and organizations may apply by the deadline, Wednesday, October 16. Grants are awarded to support local programs focused on the arts, humanities, culture, and interpretive sciences.

Information on how to apply is available at www.massculturalcouncil.org.

Community Coalition for Change October Newsletter

The East Bridgewater Community Coalition for Change posted their October newsletter! Here are a few of the events and programs featured:

Starting Tue, Oct 15 at 3:30p, Partnership Meetings with EB Public Schools Superintendent and Principals will resume in the EBJSHS Library. Email ebcc4change@gmail.com for the link.

Tue, Oct 22 at 6p, the Chief and Deputy Chief will be holding a Police Data Meeting at 175 Central St, in the second floor conference room.

Additionally, the EBCCC is looking for more board members and volunteers! The EB Community Coalition for Change is a network of committed parents and individuals taking actionable steps in addressing DEI issues in our schools and communities. The EBCCC fosters the exchange of ideas and provides support and resources for members to take action in our evolving communities. Together we can address systemic issues, raise cultural awareness, and celebrate diversity as a part of everyday life. If you are interested in finding out more information or wish to attend the next meeting, email ebcc4change@gmail.com and you will be provided with an agenda and link.

Source: EBCCC

One Book, One Community for the Bridgewater's

Join us for a series of engaging discussions and lectures focused on local history, abolitionism, and community learning.

Book Discussions:

West Bridgewater Library:

Book: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

When: Tuesday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m.

East Bridgewater Library:

Book: The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner by Stephen Puleo

When: Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Underground Railroad Quilt Display

The recently constructed Underground Railroad Quilt will be re-hung in the gallery of the West Bridgewater Library. An informal explanation of the history and symbols featured in the quilt will be provided.

For information about the One Book One community project, contact Ellen: esnoeyen8@gmail.com

or visit Bridgewater Area One Book / One Community.

Economic Development Survey

In an exciting new initiative, East Bridgewater has partnered with the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) to provide the town with business assistance services aimed at driving growth and strengthening the local economy.

This funding has allowed the town to contract with OCPC, which is collaborating with the East Bridgewater Business Association (EBBA) to enhance local business development. These efforts will provide services that connect businesses with consumers, enrich the community, support new development opportunities, and position the town for economic growth.

To guide this process, a survey has been developed to gather input from both businesses and consumers. In addition to the survey, OCPC will create a Business Resource Guide, a Priority Development Site Inventory, and will work with the town to develop marketing materials and a business page on the town’s website. These tools and insights will help East Bridgewater align its economic development strategies with the community’s needs, supporting a more prosperous business environment.

To participate in the Business Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/EBBusSurvey

To participate in the Consumer Survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/EBConSurvey

Source & Photo Credit: Town of EB

Request for Proposals

The Town of East Bridgewater has issued a request for proposals to solicit pricing, qualifications, and project approaches for the installation (including all engineering, procurement, and construction) of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system and accompanying grid-connected energy storage system (“Systems”) on the closed Town landfill at 877 Bridge Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333 along with associated activities for this project including a lease of the subject property. To be considered, a response must be received on or before November 20, 2024 at 4:00p.

Additionally, a non-mandatory, pre-submission meeting will be held on October 23, 2024 at 10am starting at the East Bridgewater Council on Aging, 355 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater and will involve a tour of the site. Copies of the RFP are available on the Town’s web site at www.eastbridgewaterma.gov/bids - Interested parties should monitor the site for any addenda.

ADA Transition Plan

Under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Town of East Bridgewater is required to complete a Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. The self-evaluation reviews the town’s public facilities, programs, services, activities, and events to ensure compliance with the ADA and identify any barriers to accessibility. The Transition Plan is a fluid, rolling document that prioritizes the identified barriers and outlines how they will be addressed. The draft Transition Plan was provided to the East Bridgewater Select Board and is now open for public comment from September 20, 2024, to October 30, 2024.

For more information: www.eastbridgewaterma.gov

Huge Turnout at the EBBA Expo & Family Fun Day!

A successful East Bridgewater Business Association Business Expo and Family Fun Day, getting better each year! EBBA works hard to support and promote local businesses, and with the help of volunteers, vendors, and everyone who came out and enjoyed the festivities, they were able to provide numerous EB businesses with great community exposure. This year's expo featured food trucks, a 50/50 raffle and auction items, free fun games for kids such as "Pick-A-Pumpkin" and a "DJ Dance Party."

EBBA thanks their sponsors South Shore Bank, Bluestone Bank, Salon Esprit, We "R" Bananas, Glampology, Happy Frog Ink, EB Insurance Agency, and Little Discoveries, their vendors The Throne Depot, Joe's Crazzy Critters, Perfeclty Flavah'd Cafe, Party Right Rentals, Danny's Ice Cream and More, DJ Rennie Cato, and C.N. Smith Farm Inc., and first responders from the EB Fire and Police Departments. Lastly, thank you to everyone who came to the Sunday event for supporting local businesses and helping the EBBA to grow their outreach.

East Bridgewater Business Association is always welcoming new memberships and encourages attendees to their monthly meetings. For more information on EBBA and how to join, visit www.jointheebba.com.

Source & Photo Credit: EBBA FB

Story written by Sara MacKinnon, BuzzAround Intern, Providence College

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a #progressoverperfection tote bag from Unique Strides

Historical Tidbit Question:

What kind of plane did Keble S. Wilbur fly out of the field in East Bridgewater?

Email us your answer at: Prizes@buzzaround.info Please include your name and phone number with your answer.

Prize Box Rules

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



On October 9, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Sara MacKinnon, Megan Martin, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose, & Greg Venezia.

Imagine

In Celebration of John Lennon's Birthday 10/9/1940

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." 

~ Albert Einstein

"The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it."

~ J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan

"Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create." 

~ Maria Montessori

"Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning." 

~ Gloria Steinem

"Imagine all the people, living life in peace..." ~ John Lennon

To the poet & artist in all of us... imagine! ~ Jacquie

Copyright 2024 Buzz Around East 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 East Bridgewater 10/6/24")

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