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
Historical Tidbit:
Bridgewater Iron Works

Bridgewater, a major New England iron town, has a rich iron history, dating back from 1707. The town began iron manufacturing in the southern Titicut section in 1707, and by 1795, 445 tons of iron were cut, rolled, and made into hoop iron and nails. The business was incorporated as Lazell Perkins Iron Works in 1826; in 1836, it became the Bridgewater Iron Works Co. The Old Colony R.R. arrived in 1846, leading to prosperity and expansion. By the 1850s, Bridgewater Iron Co. ranked among America's leading iron concerns, producing heavy castings, forgings, ocean steamer shafts, yellow metal tubing, horse nails, and heavy machinery. The iron plating for the first Union gunboat "Monitor" was made during the Civil War. The foundry was the second sizeable strolling mill in the U.S. from 1893 to 1920.


Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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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!
Jeanie Runey
won
$25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.

Enter for this week's prize of
a free 1.5 hour class at
Relay For Life of Great South Shore
Mon, Jan 22
6:00p
15 South St

Are you or someone you know impacted by Cancer? The Relay For Life of Great South Shore invites you to their Kick Off event at Bridgewater Public Library. Learn about the upcoming Relay season and how you can get involved to support Cancer patients and their families. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a difference in your community.

For more information, visit Bridgewater Public Library website.
Source & Photo credit: Bridgewater Public Library
Dress-A-Girl Around The World Ships 130 Dresses
to Tanzania

In an update shared by Evelyn DeLutis on Friday, January 12th, Dress-A-Girl Around the World Bridgewater/West Bridgewater announced the delivery of 130 dresses to Tanzania. The boxes are heading to Tumani Mosha, a former Mandela Scholar and good friend of the organization. A big thank you to all the contributors who made this shipment possible!

This gesture not only reflects the group's commitment to global impact but also underscores the power of community involvement. Dress-A-Girl continues to make a positive difference, stitching kindness and compassion into every dress they send around the world! See more of their good works at www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com.

Caregiver Support Group
Thurs, Jan 25
10a
BW Senior Center 
10 Wally Krueger Way

Join the Caregiver Support Group every 2nd and last Thursday at 10 AM for a supportive community dedicated to those caring for spouses, parents, or other older adult loved ones. This regular drop-in session offers a welcoming space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and find solace in a community that understands the unique challenges they face. In addition to providing valuable information and advice, the group fosters emotional support, creating a strong network of connections.

For more in-person and virtual support group resources, visit www.alz.org/supportgroups.
You can also contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline by calling (800) 272-3900.
Greater Bridgewater Women of Today Comedy Fundraiser
Laugh for a Cause: Greater Bridgewater Women of Today Hosts Comedy Night Fundraiser
Fri, Jan 26
7:30-10p
The Bridgewater Vets Club
85 Cottage Street

In an evening that promises laughter, camaraderie, and goodwill, the Greater Bridgewater Women of Today invite you to their Comedy Night Fundraiser.

For $30 per ticket, attendees will be treated to an unforgettable night of comedy featuring three stellar comedians and headlined by former NHL Referee, Mark Riley. The event is not just about laughter; it's about supporting a cause that empowers and uplifts the Greater Bridgewater community.

Doors open at 6:30 PM, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy a cash bar, as well as partake in a 50/50 raffle for the chance to win exciting prizes. For those seeking to attend in groups of 8-10, email Bernadette Reed at Bernadette.reed@comcast.net for a table.

The Bridgewater Veterans Club provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of merriment, with its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and snacks.

Your attendance not only guarantees a night of laughter but also contributes to the Greater Bridgewater Women of Today's initiatives in making a positive impact on the community. Join us for an evening of humor, unity, and philanthropy ~ where every laugh is a step toward a brighter and more vibrant Bridgewater.

Image & Story Credit: Bridgewater Vets Club Facebook Event
Story by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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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
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!
Climate Can Do:
Climate Resolutions 
The new year is a time for fresh starts and new goals. Head into 2024 with climate resolutions.  

Help your personal & our collective environment by disposing of unwanted items properly. To avoid sending to the landfill; schedule a home textile pickup with CMRK. This company collects clothing, shoes, and household items. For more information, visit www.cmrkne.com. 

If you have unwanted, but still useable items, donate them to organizations or those in need. For example: 
  • My Brother’s Keeper: This organization accepts furniture donations and gives the items to underprivileged families. 
  • AMVETS: Schedule a pickup with AMVETS and help provide resources to veterans. 
  • Books: Donate to your local library 
  • Sports equipment: The Bench, located at 47 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA, is a sporting goods store that sells used sports equipment. 

Mass.gov also offers resources for disposal and donations that you can use. Here are some options to get you started: 
  • Beyond the Bin: This is a research tool that helps you find nearby drop off locations based on the type of material you’d like to recycle. This includes everything from electronics to clothing to toys! 
  • Cradles to Crayons: If you have goods suitable for children from ages newborn through 12, find a Cradles to Crayons drop-off location near you, and they will make care packages with the donations for local children in need. 
There are many ways to make a positive impact on both your community and the environment. Use these ideas to spark some of your own, and let’s make a resolution to bring sustainability into the new year!

This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Alexa Pennington, Southern New Hampshire University, BuzzAround Intern. BuzzAround focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
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Planning Board Special Meeting
January 10, 2024
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
Historical Commission
January 16, 2024
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
Bridgewater Community Dance
Feb 2, Feb 16, Mar 1,
Mar 15
7-9p
10 Wally Krueger Way
Bridgewater Senior Center 

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

Image & Story Credit: Sam Baumgarten Facebook Post
Fire for Effect Foundation: First Responders Day

The Town Council of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, has passed a law that claims the last Saturday in April as First Responders Day. This day will honor the selfless and brave heroes who risk their lives to protect the community, including firefighters, police officers, nurses, doctors, military personnel, and other healthcare workers. The resolution recognizes these individuals and their families' sacrifices to support their loved one's service. The Council urges all citizens to recognize and honor First Responders' sacrifices and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.

This year, First Responders Day will fall on April 27th. The celebration will include a parade, food, and music, and the public can interact with first responders in their community. 

For more information, visit Fire for Effect Foundation website.
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a free 1.5 hour class at

Historical Tidbit Question:
What type of iron products did the Bridgewater Iron Co. produce in the 1850s?

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 24, 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.
"Halfway between Boston and Cape Cod."

I told my Florida granddaughters, pointing to us on the map while we plan our adventures for their week -long stay.

I particularly enjoy living where we do:

Half an hour and we can be eating at a Brazilian Restaurant.
Half an hour and we can be walking on fielded acres of a nature preserve, feeling the sun on our face and watching the birds lift off.
Half an hour and we can be experiencing incredible art at Brockton Public Library, or Fuller Craft or Enzo Flats. 
Half an hour to a musical at Bridgewater State University or Massasoit Community College.
Half an hour and we can visit a farm, saying “Hi “ to the animals.  
An hour and we can be walking on a beach, spotting seals or snowy owls.
An hour to climb Blue Hills for a treetop view.  
An hour on the Commuter Rail to Downtown Boston.
Two hours and we have hit mountains. 
We can go snow tubing or skiing. 
Bingo! They chose; having never seen snow. Two hours and we were at Gunstock Mountain, trying on skis and throwing snowballs at each other. 
Yes, I particularly enjoy living where we do.
~ 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 1/21/24")
 
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.