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January 28, 2024 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
The Brockton Area Branch NAACP proudly held the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Saturday, January 20th, with the theme of Peace and Righteousness. The keynote speaker was Joseph D. Feaster, Jr., whom Tiffanie Ellis-Niles introduced. The event also featured music director Greg Fernandes from Rose Conservatory and the introduction of United States Veterans. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and hear from Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez, Brockton Police Spokesperson Darren Duarte, Brockton Area Branch NAACP President Phyllis Ellis, and First Vice President Tony Branch.
The NAACP, the oldest, largest, most robust, and most influential civil rights organization in America, was established in 1909. The Brockton Area Branch was chartered in 1954 and has a history dating back to the 1920s with the Boston branch. In 1953, a drive began to obtain a local charter, and Attorney Bernard Cohen was elected branch president. The landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Brown of Education declared the "separate but equal" doctrine unconstitutional in 1954.
The Brockton Area Branch significantly made public housing available to low-income people in the 1950s and 1960s. Members administered programs, mentored clients, and participated in Brockton's "War on Poverty" movement initiated under President Kennedy's administration in 1963. The branch was active in housing, education, and employment.
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Membership flourished in the 1970s and 1980s under the leadership of Nan Ellison, who served as president for sixteen years. Education and youth participation were promoted during Ellison's years, establishing the solid youth program ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics).
Phyllis Ellis, current President and the whole committee of the Brockton Area Branch NAACP has published a January newsletter. From their website: "The Brockton Branch advocates for the protection of civil rights. We refer our community constituents whose rights have been violated to the appropriate entity for assistance and legal advice. We have helped numerous students and adults resolve and restitute situations that had complicated their lives. Through our volunteer committee structure, for example, our legal redress, education, economic development and our political action committees, we have continuously protected civil rights, encouraged students to stay in school, promoted equal access to jobs and business opportunities, registered and encouraged people to vote; and provided voter information forums. We recognize members and community friends for outstanding achievement."
Membership meeting s are held the second and fourth Monday of each month at Messiah Baptist Church, 80 Legion Parkway
Video Courtesy of The Brockton Channels.
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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George E. Keith & His Son, Eldon.
Here is a picture of George E. Keith headquarters building displaying a flag decorated with the stars of those employees serving early in World War I...the total at the end of the war was 544 of which 18 had died during the conflict. While in England in 1919, Mr. Keith's eldest son, Eldon B. Keith was stricken with pneumonia and died. The Brockton High School playing field on West Elm Street was named for him. It is interesting to note that when an employee was called to service, he left Keith's employ with a check for one month's pay. Great company.
~ Lloyd F Thompson
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ELDON B KEITH FIELD Given by shoe magnate George E. Keith in memory of his son, Eldon. Eldon was a long-serving member of the Brockton School Board, and died in a flu epidemic while on a U.S. Government mission in London in 1919. Keith had bought the land with a stream running through it with the intention of rerouting the stream and reworking the site to create an athletic field. In a letter dated January 8, 1920, George E. Keith gave notice of his intention to give the land as a memorial to his son, under provision of the deed that the school board has "sole charge of the management and use of said field for athletic games and other entertainments and purposes of a public nature as well as for school purposes."
~ Thomas Chew
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Submit to the City's Events Calendar:
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City Hall
45 School St 508-580-7123
Check the city website for important updates
Brockton Public Library
Main Library - 304 Main St. 508-580-7890
East Branch - 54 Kingman St. 508-580-7892
West Branch - 540 Forest Ave. 508-580-7894
Council on Aging
Temporarily at The Shaws Center,
1 Feinberg Way 508-580-7811
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Congratulations!
Kadison Ciffolillo
won a free 1.5 hour class at
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman
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Cultural Affairs & Tourism Meeting
The Second Thursday of Every Month
Feb 8 - Dec12
6p
North Baptist Church
This year, the meeting will be in a hybrid format, allowing individuals to participate in person or on Zoom. Attendees are encouraged to come and make announcements, as there will likely be much activity in the new year.
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Heights Crossing Assisted Living Celebrates Milestone
Purple Flag for Dementia Care Accreditation
On January 23rd, Heights Crossing was awarded the Purple Flag for Dementia Care Accreditation, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality dementia care. The accreditation program, developed by the Institute for Senior Living Education and the Connecticut Assisted Living Association, evaluates an organization's capacity to provide collaborative care in a safe, functional, and respectful environment. Heights Crossing's Executive Director expressed gratitude for the team behind the accreditation, and notable guests, including State Representatives and the Brockton Mayor, attended the flag-raising event. Congratulations to Heights Crossing on this impressive achievement!
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Pop-Up Art Market
Sat, Feb 3
4-9p
50 Centre St
Brockton Arts is excited to announce the Art Vendor Market, a beautiful opportunity to showcase your art, keep 100% of your sales, and be part of one of the most affordable art vending events in the area and country. The event will be hosted in a well-known gallery, offering snacks and music for a fun and lively atmosphere.
The donation fee for a 4 ft table and space is $65; for a 6 ft table with space and power, it is $100. Please note that spaces are limited, and they will review applications and send invoices by February 1st. You will have 24 hours to secure your spot by paying, or we will move on to the next candidate.
Join Brockton Arts for this curated indoor event and take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your art and connect with the community. To participate, please complete the vendor application form by January 30th and include relevant marketing materials for your business. For more information, call Ally Boyle at 978-760-6162.
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Brockton City Council Meeting
January 22, 2024
Courtesy of The Brockton Channels
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Special School Committee Meeting
January 23, 2024
Courtesy of The Brockton Channels
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Pinches & Pounds
Old Fashioned Candy Store with a Twist!
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Stop in or order through our easy website.
Hard to find delectables & seasonal yummies. We make every occasion SWEEEEET!!!!
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GleeWorks
Holistic Coaching
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Better Decisions Get Results
Take our Goal Setting Workshop
Mon. January 29, 6-8pm
and Fri. February 2, 10-12pm
Virtual & In Person
BuzzAround readers: only $25
SMART goals is the smart way to go!
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Kindergarten Information Night
Wed, Feb 7
6p
Arnone School
135 Belmont St
Join the upcoming Kindergarten Information Night at the Arnone School. The event is tailored to Brockton families with a child who will turn five on or before August 31, 2024.
This information session will provide valuable insights into our Kindergarten curriculum, Dual Language offerings, and the registration process. Whether you're a first-time parent or have other children in our school district, this evening is an excellent opportunity to learn more about our school and how we can support your child's education.
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John and Abigail Adams Scholarship 2024
On Thursday, January 12, the Brockton High School community celebrated 220 seniors who earned the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, which covers tuition for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university.
Eligibility is determined by students’ scores on the 10th-grade Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test. During the ceremony, each student received a certificate of recognition and a t-shirt to be worn in the Adams Scholarship photo taken each year after the celebration.
Superintendent Mike Thomas praised the Class of 2023 Adams Scholars for their commitment and self-determination in achieving their goals despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Written by Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Climate Can Do: Updating Massachusetts' Bottle Bill for a Greener Future
In 1983, Massachusetts launched the Bottle Bill, encouraging recycling with a $0.05 deposit on soda and beer containers. It worked well, cutting litter and boosting aluminum, plastic, and glass recycling. But times have changed, and this old bottle bill needs a modern makeover.
Two new bills are now before the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy and aim to refresh the Massachusetts Bottle Bill, addressing the challenges posed by today's beverage consumption habits and recycling issues.
The Proposed Expansion
Bill H.3676: An Act to Update the Bottle Bill. This bill seeks to modernize the Bottle Bill to meet current needs.
Bill H.3690/SB2104: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill. This bill aims to broaden the Bottle Bill's coverage to include any drinkable liquid intended for human consumption.
Expanding the Bottle Bill aligns with today's beverage choices. The original law covered soft drinks, mineral water, beer, and malt beverages—products of a bygone era. Today, our options include bottled water, flavored waters, coffee-based drinks, juices, and sports drinks, which the outdated bill doesn't include. This gap has led to more litter and waste.
Updating the definition of "beverages" in the Bottle Bill removes this confusion. It's simple: water, flavored waters, iced teas, coffee-based drinks, and sports drinks should now have a $0.05 deposit. This expansion is expected to generate about $20 million in new revenue, with $5 million going to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). EEA will use these funds for various initiatives, such as municipal recycling incentives, recycling transfer stations, source reduction, and public education.
How To Support The Bottle Bill Expansion
Your actions can help Massachusetts move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Join the movement and be part of positive change!
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Jamie Puhi, and focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
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Air Duct / Vent Cleaning * Restoration & Rebuild * Water Damage & Mold
We are there when you need us!
(781) 910-5029
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2475 ad views = $99
Your Logo & Link ad receives 2475 views in a targeted hive(s) for $99. You decide the dates and the hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater & Whitman.
Read more
buzzaround.info
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African Wrap Doll Workshop
Sat, Feb 10
11a-1p
Lingos Auditorium
BrPL
304 Main St
The Doll E Daze presents a community African Wrap Doll Workshop for individuals aged 3-100 who love dolls. Each participant will hear the inspiring "Legend of Cecilia" and create their unique African wrap doll. This workshop is open to children and adults alike and promises to be a fun and engaging experience for all. Join us to unleash your creativity and learn about African culture through doll-making.
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Painting with Paper Workshops
Wed, Feb 21
10:30-11:30a & 1:30- 2:20p
Lingos Auditorium
BrPL
Looking for a fun and mess-free way to explore your artistic side? Look no further than Painting with Paper Workshops! Led by professional artist Jamaal Eversley, these workshops offer a vibrant and engaging way to create beautiful works of art that people from all backgrounds and cultures will surely appreciate. With two workshops available, there's something for everyone ~ so why not sign up today and see what all the fuss is about?
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Find Your Place in History
Opening night: February 7
5:30- 7:30p
The Brockton High Classical and Modern Language Honor Society invites the community to the opening night of the Find Your Place in History exhibit at the Brockton Public Library. The exhibit features works celebrating BIPOC voices in classical studies and is open from February 5-29. The opening will include refreshments, raffles, prizes, a photo booth, and more. For more information, please contact juliefox@bpsma.org or nancyantonellis@bpsma.org.
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Phenomenal Women Award Nominations Are OPEN
The Brockton Area NAACP is officially receiving nominations for the prestigious award. The nomination period is open until February 11th at 11:59 PM. The Award Recipients will be nominated on February 24th. The event will be hosted in March, coinciding with Women's History Month.
For more information, please reach out to Courtney Henderson at
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The Grow Team is looking for individuals that are: |
- Person-Centered
- Caring
- Service-Oriented
- Passionate
Grow Associates is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities reach their full potential, to live lives enhanced by knowledge, by friendship, and by work.
We are hiring FT and PT, check out:
Grow Associates, Inc
68 Mazzeo Drive, Randolph MA
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Country Dance Tickets on Sale |
Folk * Circles * Contra * Squares
March 9, 2024
Social & Nibbles 5:30-6:30pm
Dancing 6:30 – 9 pm. $17 in advance
Cedar St Community Center
15 Cedar St , Bridgewater, MA
No partners or experience necessary, come ready to dance!
Instructed & called by Sam Baumgarten
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Architectural Access Online Discussion: Updates on Massachusetts & Federal Regulations
Tuesday, Feb 13
1-2p
MOD and the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) will host an online discussion on architectural access. The forum will cover the latest updates on access regulations in Massachusetts and federal architectural access regulation changes. A live Q&A will also be included. MOD is committed to providing accessible programs, meetings, and events and does not discriminate based on disability. To request reasonable modification to participate in the webinar, please get in touch with MOD General Counsel Julia O'Leary at Julia.E.QLeary@mass.gov or (857) 214-1081. Requests made after January 30 will be considered but may not be possible to fill.
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Come Meet Ariel
at BrPL!
Thurs, Feb 22
2-3p
Children's Story Hour Room
BrPL
304 Main St
Join Brockton Public Library for an exciting day with Ariel! They event is planned to be a fun-filled day with storytime, sing-alongs, and photo opportunities. No registration is necessary, so bring your family and friends for a magical experience. Take advantage of meeting Ariel and creating beautiful memories together!
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Free Home Covid Tests are Available.
Ask at the library - main branch Circulation Desk
304 Main St Brockton
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Fuller Craft Museum Awarded Million Dollar Grant! |
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In an exciting press release, Fuller Craft Museum (FCM) has announced that they are the proud recipients of an incredible $1,000,000 grant from an Anonymous Foundation. This landmark grant, among the largest in FCM's 55-year history, is sure to play a pivotal role in financing crucial upgrades to HVAC and generator systems, ensuring the museum's infrastructure is equipped for the future. The grant will also significantly contribute to the renovation of the roof and cedar shake siding on the museum building. For more details about how the grant will be utilized, read the FCM Press Release (pdf) here!
The BuzzAround extends a big thank you to The Fuller Craft Museum for their remarkable and ongoing contributions to Brockton and our whole South Shore region. We applaud their dedication and hard work, sharing imaginative and thoughtful craft installations and teaching us to nurture our inner creator. Congratulations to Fuller Craft on this well-deserved recognition!
Photo & Source Credit: FCM Press Release
Written by Jamie Puhi, BuzzAround Board of Directors.
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman
Historical Tidbit Question:
What was Eldon's role in the Brockton School Board?
Email your answer to:
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 31, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jennifer Hernández, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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An Unfinished Democracy
Here, from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in Cambridge is Amanda Gorman.
Poet, Visionary.
I am as mesmerized by her words as by her hand motions. Her delivery is so beautiful, it's captivating. Amanda brings us a clear hopeful message as she binds us all together to finish the work our founders started.
Even though the below poem was written for the Boston Pops, fireworks and Independence Day, it rings true for today and everyday. "Not to look at American Democracy as something that is broken, but as something that is unfinished."
We all have work to do. And that starts in our communities, home towns and neighborhoods and our vote. Everyday.
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Thank you for all you do, dear reader, it's a choice we make, our democracy. We move forward, together.~ Jacquie |
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Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. |
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Copyright 2024 Buzz Around Brockton. 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 Brockton 1/28/24")
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.
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