Bridgewater

October 27, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

"A Modern Marie Antoinette Heads to BSU!"

Bridgewater State University’s Department of Theater presents Marie Antoinette, a semi-biographical play about France’s celebrity queen. Performances are held in the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium at 19 Park Ave in Bridgewater, October 25-27 & 31- November 2, with advance tickets available now at www.BSUtix.com!

Marie Antoinette is a contemporary look at France’s ‘butterfly queen.’ Mostly following her life through her final days, we see Marie as a constructed confection exalted but untimely villainized and devoured by a society worshiping and envying celebrity. The play takes liberties with Marie’s life, but serves plenty of cake to its audience with flights of fancy intertwined with the absurdities, indulgences, and indignities of the French court amid revolution.

This production is under the guidance of director Sarah Elizabeth Bedard, a BSU professor of theater. The production team includes set designer Janie E. Howland, Technical coordinator Al Forgione, stage manager Michael Eckenreiter, costume design by Miranda Giurleo , and lighting design by Emmett H. Buhmann.

For more information contact Professor Matt Greene at matthew.greene@bridgew.edu, Office Phone 508-531-6122, or Box Office 508-531-1321, and learn more about the Arts at BSU at http://arts.bridgew.edu/.

Story & Photo Credit: BSU Press Release & Matt Greene

Early Voting in Bridgewater

Check on your registration status here: Secretary of the Commonwealth of MA

Early in-person voting, at the Council Chambers at the Academy Municipal Building:

• Mon to Thurs , Oct 28th - 31st: 8 AM - 4 PM
• Fri, Nov 1st: 8 AM - 1 PM

Make your voice heard this election season!

Town Clerk of Bridgewater Voting Information

The Taunton River Watershed Alliance Annual Meeting

Sat, Nov 2

4-6p

Bristol County Agricultural High School

135 Center St, Dighton

The TRWA meeting will begin as a General Business Meeting then will turn to a presentation by the Great Canoe Loop Team. The team will share their 1,800-mile journey around the Northeast, re-telling their significant paddle through ancient waterways, including the Taunton River. The event will take place in the Student Commons Building, which is fully accessible, with parking available behind the building.

For more info: TRWA website

Photo Credit: Freddie Wilkinson

ebinsuranceinc.com • Facebook

East Bridgewater Insurance Agency

Simplifying Insurance, For Your Peace of Mind.



From car insurance to homeowners policies to coverage for your business, we’ll design an insurance plan that’s right for you. 

76 North Bedford St, East Bridgewater

(508) 378-3991

Old Colony Safe Streets for All - Interactive Map and Data Dashboard

Old Colony Planning Council, and our consultants, BETA Group, Inc, are pleased to announce the launching of an online Interactive Map and Data Dashboard through the Old Colony Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Pan. 

Through this map and dashboard, users can view the top locations that have been identified as high-risk for serious injury and fatalities, share their own location that may have been missed, and share their personal experience with the roadways and intersections in the region.

The goal of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan is to identify high-risk locations and propose countermeasures that can be implemented to prevent serious injuries and eliminate traffic fatalities using the Safe Systems Approach. Access the Interactive Map at Old Colony SS4A Interactive Map Tool. Please share with your contacts!

For questions or more information, contact Bill McNulty at wmcnulty@ocpcrpa.org.

Fall Harvest Fair

The Central Square Congregational Church, UCC Annual Church Fair is coming up! The fair helps to fund local community outreach. CSCC is proud to say that their building is home to girl scouts, boy scouts, twelve-step support groups, community music groups, the North River Collaborative, and the Bridgewater Food Pantry. They are completely self-supporting and receive no funds from the town, other government agency, or "greater church." Your contributions help directly support these important community organizations!

6:30p - 8:30p Fri, Nov 1, Join us for Pie & Coffee Night! Come enjoy a nice slice of homemade pie (or two!) and a cup of coffee, while catching up with old friends and making new ones. Shop the fair tables! Jewelry, the bake table, attic treasures rummage, handmade crafts and gifts; and take a chance on a raffle basket or two.

9a - 1p Sat, Nov 2, Shop all your favorites, and take a chance on a raffle basket or two. Homemade chili and other lunch treats available 11am-1pm!

5:30p Sat, Nov 2, The turkey supper is back! Limited space is available, so make your reservations early at www.csccucc.org/fair-2024.

Contact the church office with questions at 508-697-6016 or office@csccucc.com.

Historical Commission Meeting 10/22/24

Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater

Youtube Channel

Holiday Fundraiser and Gift Raffle

The Fun Factory is holding a fundraiser on behalf of Children Across America! Purchase a $10 Holiday Calendar at the Fun Factory Web Page and be entered to win a prize almost everyday in November. Prizes include toys, games & dress up, as well as tickets to Platinum City gaming, Big bouncy party, indoor rock climbing, Monster mini golf, Little hands creative center, Altitude trampoline park, gymnastics classes, instructional paint night, Crispy's gift card for dinner, and more!

Source: Fun Factory Gift Raffle

Join the Bridgewater Community Dance

Fri, Nov 1 & 15

(and the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month)

 7-9p

Bridgewater Senior Center

10 Wally Krueger Way

$8 per dance

Get ready to dance and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere at the Bridgewater Community Dance Series! This exciting event series is perfect for individuals and families alike, offering a mix of Circle Dances, Mixers, International Folk Dance, and New England Squares and Contras. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, there's something for everyone.

The series is led by Sam Baumgarten, a professor emeritus at Bridgewater State University, who brings over 40 years of teaching experience to the floor. All dances are appropriate for ages 10 and up, using gender-neutral language, making it a welcoming space for all.

Don't miss out on the fun as we enjoy our thirteenth season! Join us for an evening of community, movement, and joy! For more details, visit the

Bridgewater Community Dance Facebook page.

Community Preservation

Plan Hearing

Mon, Nov 4

6p

Virtual Meeting

Join us for an important discussion on the 5-year Community Preservation Plan at the Bridgewater Virtual Forum. This event will feature a detailed presentation along with interactive activities where you can share your input and ideas. Whether you're passionate about historic preservation, open space, or affordable housing, your voice matters in shaping the future of our community.

To access the online meeting link or to learn more, visit www.bridgewaterma.gov.

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

Experience "The Crucible"

Fri Nov 8th at 7p

Sat, Nov 9th at 2p & 7p

Sun, Nov 10th at 2p

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

50 School St

Don’t miss the chance to see The Crucible, a powerful play by Arthur Miller, performed by the First Parish Players! This captivating production explores themes of justice, fear, and morality during the infamous Salem witch trials.

Tickets are available for purchase at

firstparishplayers.com. Come and witness this classic tale unfold on stage!

Foot Ball Meat Raffle Fundraiser!

Sat Nov 16

7-10p

Raynham American Legion Club 

The Bridgewater Raynham Football will be hosting a Meat Raffle to raise money for the program. Tickets are $15 for each individual or $25 for two.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. The entry fee will go towards 3 tickets in a door prize raffle basket. 



To register, fill out the BR Trojans Meat Raffle Fundraiser Google Form

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

October 23, 2024

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Bridgewater Veteran's Office's First

Veterans Coffee Hour!

Thank you to everyone who helped organize and coordinate Veteran's Services' first Veterans Coffee Hour. This small gathering brought together local Bridgewater Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan - every major conflict since WWII. From the the youngest veteran in attendance at 32 years old, to the eldest of 97 years, the Veterans Coffee Hour honored generations of veterans and local heroes.

As one part of their outreach strategy to reach every veteran in Bridgewater, the BW Veteran's Office will partner with local businesses and local non profit organizations to put together more events like this every month. If you have ideas, share them! The Office will consider any and all options to reach the most veterans and share the benefits and services available to them and their families. To learn more, visit BW Veterans Services Online.

This special event would not have been possible without the dedication of Jonathan Algarin and the Bridgewater Veterans Council; Dave Moore from Bridgewater Hometown Heroes for sponsoring, and Cafe Madeleine for hosting. A special thank you goes out, always, to our veterans.

Source & Photo Credit: BW Veterans Office FB

Story written by Sara MacKinnon, BuzzAround Intern, Providence College

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

1 hour Living in the Gift coaching from GleeWorks

Learn mind-body spirit practices with Marcy Venezia building a foundation for healing. ($80 value.) GleeWorks.net

Historical Tidbit Question:

What inspired the design of canopy beds?

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 October 30, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

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

Adventure

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

“One final paragraph of advice: do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast....a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it’s still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive..."

~ Edward Abbey

Everyday I work to make the BuzzAround better... and everyday I take moments to enjoy, to breathe the air, to swirl in a dance, or visually absorb the color of a leaf. It has been challenging and wonderful; life as a half-hearted fanatic~ 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 10/27/24")

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.