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Brockton BuzzAround
September 13, 2026
| | Massasoit Community College Celebrates $52 million Transformation Through Renovation Project | | |
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Massasoit Community College celebrated the milestone of its $52 million Transformation Through Renovation Project with a 3:00 p.m. ribbon-cutting event held at the Brockton campus's Science Building, 1 Massasoit Boulevard, Brockton.
Present at the ceremony were Massasoit President Bill Mitchell, Massasoit Chair of the Board of Trustees Tom Carroll, Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President and CEO Kirk Taylor. At the conclusion of the ribbon-cutting, attendees were able to participate in a first-look tour of the brand-new building, specifically drawing attention to its high-tech labs and learning spaces.
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Massasoit Groundbreaking Ceremony
September 8, 2026
Video Courtesy of: The Brockton Channels
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This event celebrated the halfway mark of the construction phase, which is bringing state-of-the-art classrooms and labs to the College's Brockton campus. The project also marks the first major renovation of an academic building at Massasoit since the campus was completed in 1978.
Written by: Caitlin Shea, Fairfield University BuzzAround Intern
Sources & Photo: Massasoit Community College Advisory
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Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.
In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks to earn a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories, and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.
People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities, and breaks.
As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, first appearing in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.
The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday,” celebrated on the first Monday in September, caught on in industrial centers nationwide, and many states passed legislation recognizing it. Congress would not legalize the holiday until 12 years later, when in June 1894, the American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of all Pullman railway cars, to add more power to a strike. It crippled railroad traffic nationwide. To break the Pullman strike, the federal government dispatched troops to Chicago, unleashing a wave of riots that resulted in the deaths of more than a dozen workers.
In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.
Written by J. Rose
Story Credit: History of Labor Day
Photo Credit: American Railway Union Wiki
| |  | Find City of Brockton resources including food pantry information on Hive Connect | |
To Commemorate the 25th Anniversary of 9-11.
We share the Public Broadcast System's "25 Years Later, How We Remember 9/11"
Also, transcripts of phone calls from Flight 93, the plane in which passengers took heroic action causing the plane to crash rather than reach the hijackers' target, can be found courtesy of our National Park Service
Check out www.911memorial.org
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In The Amazing Spider-Man, volume 2, number 36, published on November 14, 2001, written by J. Michael Straczynski, Spider-Man said: “The sane world will always be vulnerable to madmen, because we cannot go where they go to conceive of such things. We could not see it coming. We could not be here before it happened. We could not stop it. But we are here now. You cannot see us for the dust, but we are here. You cannot hear us for the cries, but we are here.”
These Superheroes are ordinary men and women “made extraordinary by acts of compassion, and courage, and terrible sacrifice.”
Heroes are all around us. As Fred Rogers famously said " “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
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Congratulations
Annmarie Carlozzi
you won
a Bridgewater Square Chiropractic Initial Soft Wave Treatment – up to a $125 value
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
johnnymacaronis.com
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Brockton Firefighters Complete 343-Mile Ride for Resilience | Nine members of Brockton Firefighters Local IAFF 144 recently completed a 343-mile bike ride from Fenway Park in Boston to Ground Zero in Manhattan as part of the First Responder Ride for Resilience. The five-day ride began Sunday, September 6, with a ceremony at Fenway Park's Gate B. | | | | |
Rocky Marciano Stadium New Field Opening
Brockton High's new field looks fantastic! Our athletes will shine. Click on the image for the City of Brockton FB reel.
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Warm Up Your Fall with BBQ!
Tender meats, bold seasoning, and fresh-made sides make every meal unforgettable. Order online for quick pick up and unbeatable flavor. Full service and food truck catering
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sarcasticswinebbq.com
988 Bedford St, Abington, (781) 871-0033
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*Your Mom's Favorite Village Bookstore *
*43 Years in Business*
*Gently Used & New Books*
Check out our website for free in-store gatherings & activities!
575 South St. West
Raynham, MA 508-823-9696
www.anniesbookstop02767.com
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Brockton Finance Committee Meeting
September 8, 2026
Video Courtesy of: The Brockton Channels
| Fire Chief Brian Nardelli Accepts $1.245 million grant from MassDOT - City of Brockton | At the August 17 Finance Committee meeting, Fire Chief Brian Nardelli and Fire Department electrician James Donovan-whose team oversees all city traffic signals-announced a $1.24... | | | | |
Climate Can Do - Carpooling!
Looking for an easy way to save the environment and money? Look no further than carpooling! Seemingly simple in nature, the act of carpooling and sharing a ride with co-workers, friends, and others has a profound impact on both our ecosystems and wallets. Carpooling reduces carbon footprints and improves air quality while simultaneously lowering overall fuel costs, and in some cases qualifying eligible participants for tax incentives! For more information on carpooling, van-pooling, and other alternatives, visit Mass.Gov.
Written by: Connor Gerraughty, Bates College, BuzzAround Intern
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D’s Elite Nails Celebrates New Management
15% off! Walk-ins welcome.
Mani * Pedi * Waxing
Pamper Yourself! You deserve it!
27 Central Street, East Bridgewater, MA
(508)-378-8085
Text Wendy (617) 238- 8668
D's Elite Nails and Spa
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🌿Partner to behavioral
health, hospitals and human services organizations to improve wellness.🌿
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Did you know?
GleeWorks offers employee and client wellness programs customized to your needs. Positive programs to: *build resilient foundations *gain real tools *reduce burnout *navigate conflict *foster connection and community.
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Back To School
Checklist for a Successful Start to the School Year
Details: follow the link below.
☑ Complete important back-to-school forms online
☑ Activate your ParentSquare Account
☑ Learn more about how BPS is using ParentSquare by visiting www.bpsma.org/ParentSquare.
☑ Find your child's teachers and class schedules when they become available in the BPS Parent Portal, Infinite Campus.
☑ If your child takes a bus, bus and van assignments were shared via email and text on August 25, 2026.
☑ Talk to your child about pedestrian safety if they are walking to school or if they are waiting at a bus stop. Explain to them the importance of crossing busy roads at crosswalks and remind them to wait until cars on both sides of the road come to a complete stop before crossing.
☑ High school students try out for a fall sport. The full tryout schedule is available now!
☑ BVLA Students: Pick up your laptop before the school year begins.
☑ Save important dates, including Open Houses, orientations, school-family conferences, early dismissal days and vacation days, in your phone’s calendar or on an electronic calendar. You may also subscribe to our calendar on bpsma.org to automatically import dates to your calendar.
☑ Subscribe to the district and school calendars.
☑ Make sure important vaccinations and health exams are up to date.
☑ Avoid unnecessary absences by scheduling travel plans outside of school hours.
☑ Check the Parent Portal for updates on teacher assignments
Source: Brockton Public Schools
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Brockton Summer Concert Series: The Undaunted Professor Harp
August 19, 2026
Video Courtesy of: The Brockton Channels
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Nurturing Fathers Program
Begins Thu, Sep 17
5:30p-7:30p
Family Resource Center, 1041 Pearl St., Suite L
A 13-week interactive program for fathers, father figures, stepfathers, and men in parenting roles. Participants strengthen parenting skills, build healthy relationships, with their children and co-parents, and gain the confidence to lead with empathy and purpose. Dinner will be provided.
Source: United Way Greater Plymouth County
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Brockton Public Library Poetry Series: Everyone Has A Voice
Sat, Sep 19
2:00p
Driscoll Art Gallery, Brockton Public Library, 304 Main St.
Hosted by Queen of Ceremonies Hope Z. Fernandez and featuring inaugural Massachusetts State Poet Laureate Regie O'Hare Gibson. Any who are interested in performing are welcome to step up to the mic.
Source: Brockton Public Library
| | Vineyard Farm Tips To Make the Most of Your Visit! | Come enjoy the farm! We want your experience to be comfortable, fun, and full of special moments with family, friends, and our animals. | |
175 East Center Street (Rt 106)
West Bridgewater, MA
*SNAP & HIP Benefits Accepted*
vineyardfarm.com
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A $5/ month voluntary subscription Keeps Us Connected. BuzzAround is always FREE for all. If you are able, a monthly $5 support helps us Buzz Around weekly news, events, and activities that show the value of community. With you, we build bridges: spotlight neighbors helping neighbors and support organizations. Keeping our common spaces open and accessible to all. Thank you!! | | | | | |
2027 Brockton Shannon Project Request For Proposals
The Brockton Police Department is accepting proposals for the 2027 Brockton Shannon Project, which supports community-based programs that help at-risk youth ages 10–24.
Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are especially encouraged to apply.
Funding may support programs focused on:
▪ Social intervention and youth violence prevention
▪ Educational and positive opportunities for young people
▪ Community engagement and outreach
▪ Substance-use issues affecting youth or their families
▪ Inclusive, trauma-informed services that provide direct support to youth
The deadline is Fri, Sep 18.
For questions and concerns, please contact the Brockton Police Department's Grant Coordinator via email at Felicity.Oliveira@brocktonpolice.com.
Source: 2027 Brockton Shannon Project Application
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The Read & Feed Community Dinner
Wed, Sep 30 (Last Wednesday of Every Month)
4–7p
Lingos Auditorium Lobby, Thomas P. Kennedy Main Branch Library, 304 Main St.
A free grab-and-go dinner.
Food security is a basic human right, vital for individual health, societal stability, and economic growth. Brockton Public Library believes in ensuring everyone has consistent access to nutritious food to support an active life, prevent poverty cycles, and build resilient, peaceful communities. This initiative aligns with the library's mission to serve as a community hub for all its patrons' needs.
Source: Brockton Public Library
| | Brockton Native Kelsey Cook Named Director of Denise Buote Dance Studio | | |
For Brockton native Kelsey Cook, a lifelong connection to dance has led to a new opportunity to help shape the future of a studio in the community where her own dance journey began.
Cook has been named Studio Director of Denise Buote Dance Studio, where she has been an instructor for more than five years. She first began dancing at age 3 at The Gold School in Brockton, later training and competing in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, and contemporary dance.
Alongside her career in dance, Cook is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) who works with children. Her experience has influenced her approach in the classroom, where she aims to create a positive and encouraging environment where young dancers can learn, build confidence, and feel comfortable being themselves.
“Dance has been part of my life since I was 3 years old, so having the opportunity to now lead a studio in the community where my own dance journey began is incredibly special,” Cook said. “As both a mom and a BCBA, I’m passionate about creating an environment where children feel comfortable being themselves, are excited to learn, and know that their individual successes are celebrated.”
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As Studio Director, Cook plans to build on the foundation Denise Buote Dance Studio has established in Brockton while continuing to give dancers opportunities to develop their technique, confidence, creativity, friendships, and love of dance. She will work alongside a team of instructors who collectively bring more than 100 years of dance and teaching experience to the studio.
Denise Buote Dance Studio offers classes for children beginning at age 2, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and tumbling. For information about classes and registration, visit Denise Buote Dance Studio.
Written by: Justine McConnell, BuzzAround Intern
Source: Denise Buote Dance Studio / JH Marketing
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
johnnymacaronis.com
Historical Tidbit Question:
In which of his two terms did Grover Cleveland sign the act that made Labor Day a nationally recognized holiday?
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 September 16, 2026, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
| The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Gabriel Michael Alexander, Jennifer Bellody, Justine McConnell, Jacquelyn Rose, Caitlin Shea, and Greg Venezia | | | |
Adventure.
'Don’t be afraid to try something. It never hurts as bad as you think to fail. You seldom regret what you do. You regret what you didn’t do."
~ Hugh Downs
“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
“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.”
~ G.K. Chesterton
| Enjoy the things that go "not quite right!" Those are the adventures that bring richness to life. ~ Jacquie | | | Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. | | | |
Copyright 2026 Buzz Around Brockton. You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety as much as you like. If you do, please give credit. ("Buzz Around Brockton 9/13/26")
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. At the Buzz Around, we promote community. The links provided are for informational purposes. BuzzAround is not responsible for the media content of other organizations.
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