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May 7, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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1st Annual First Responder Kick-Off Event
On April 29th, the Fire for Effect Foundation, Inc., hosted a First Responder Day in Bridgewater! The event was a massive success, thanks to the involvement of many people. That list includes District Attorney Tim Cruz and his office, the Bridgewater Fire Department, the Bridgewater Police Department, and representatives from the Massachusetts State Police!
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Fire for Effect Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit organization designed to make an impact in helping to support veterans and first responders. Their mission is to honor and empower veterans, first responders, and their families by providing essential resources, support, and community-building initiatives that foster resilience, restore hope, and strengthen the fabric of our community. A powerful quote from Barack Obama resides on their website: “It’s about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they’ve earned when they come home. It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.”
The organization plans to host more events and strengthen bonds to promote positivity and engagement! They have greats things to come, so stay tuned. Thank you for all your work, with a special shout out to our event coordinator Kelly from The Craftpreneur. So many great things being announced soon so stay tuned. Wanna get involved? Join the Fire Team. Thank you to everyone who participated!
May the 4th was International Firefighters day, now HERE's a bunch of humans that have the Force.
Story credit: Tess Fiumefreddo, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Franklin & Marshall College.
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Historical Tidbit:
Juror's Box 1887
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In 1887, the process of choosing a jury was simple. All eligible town residents had their names placed in the Juror's Box. If your name was chosen, you would serve on a jury. This box was used for both Grand Jurors and Petit Jurors. |
Henry L. Crane, Bridgewater's Town Clerk and Treasurer in 1887, was the first to use this Juror's Box and the first to add his name to the inside. He also added Town Clerks who served between 1835 and 1887 on the right. Below his name on the left are others who also served this office.
1835 Joshua E. Crane
1859 Lewis Holmes
1873 Joshua E. Crane
1875 Henry T. Pratt
1879 Edward A. Hewett
1887 Henry L. Crane
1926 Edwin Keith
1947 Jennie W. Carroll-asst. Town Clerk
1953 Jennie W. Carroll
1972 A. Evelyn Nourse
1972 Arthur W. Blanchard
1975 Paul H. Lyons
1976 Patricia Ann (Forrest) Canepa-acting Clerk
1977 Ronald R. Adams
This item and others are on display at the Bridgewater Town Clerks' Office now located in the Academy Building at 66 Central Square.
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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
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Congratulations!
Shana Ferreira
You won a A Healthy Minds arts workshop
Any Tuesday 4-5:30p inside Westgate Mall (value $25)
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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Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive
Saturday, May 13th
Please Leave donation next to your mailbox by 8a
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will again hold their annual food drive to benefit Bridgewater food pantries! Simply leave your non-perishable food donations next to your mailbox by 8a on May 13th, and they will be collected and returned to the food pantry. Your kind contributions have helped many in need in the community, and thank you for your generosity.
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McElwain School Apartments: Open House
Saturday, May 13
2 – 4p
250A Main St.
The whole community is invited to the McElwain School Apartments for an open house and tour! The apartments feature a public nature-themed playground that is now open for use. Additionally, the community room will soon be available for residents to enjoy. Don't miss this chance to see the fantastic amenities available at McElwain School Apartments!
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Dress a Girl
Around the World
Wednesday, May 17
6 – 7p
Bridgewater Public Library
Are you and your friends or family looking to do some volunteer work? You’re in luck, because the Bridgewater Public Library is hosting a Dress a Girl Around the World dress kit workshop! Dress a Girl provides hand-sewn dresses to young girls in need in the US and around the world. At this workshop, you will be creating dress kits for future sewing workshops. This involves measuring and matching fabric trims and accessories and then bagging them. (No sewing involved!) All materials will be provided. Please join for a fun, but meaningful, activity for the entire family!
For more information, call (508) 697-3331.
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Our new dinner specials are getting us into a
sunshine state of mind!
Available at both dine in locations.
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The next BCCR stand out will be Sat 5/20 at 10 A.M. in front of Walgreens parking lot. We are have two focus’s this time that unfortunately are related. The continuing gun violence and BLM all are invited to join us as we keep issues in front of our thoughts. |
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Pride and Juneteenth Flags Being Raised
The Academy Building in Bridgewater Center
Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR) invite you to join your community for two flag raising events! The Pride flag will be flown from June 1st – 14th with its initial raising at 3:30p on June 1st, and the Juneteenth flag will be flown from June 15th – 30th with its initial raising at 3:30p on June 15th. Come take this opportunity to support members of your community and take part in these special moments.
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Visit to the State House
Friday, May 19th
Massachusetts State House
Senator Walter Timilty and Rep. Angelo D’Emilia invites Bridgewater seniors to the State House! They will show the group around the building, touring the Senate and House Chambers while teaching everyone about the history that has been made there. The group will cap off the day with a photo at the grand staircase and lunch for everyone! COA Van transportation to this event is by lottery. If you are able to, please ride with a friend or travel on the MBTA Commuter Rail.
Enter the lottery and lunch by Monday, May 15th. For more information, call (508) 697-0929.
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BR Youth Road Race
Sunday, May 21st
Grades K–4: 2p; Grades 5–8: 2:20p
Check in at BRRHS cafeteria
One-mile road race for Bridgewater / Raynham children in grades K–8.
The race has been on hiatus for four years due to the pandemic, but The Town of Bridgewater Recreation Commission and Bridgewater State University, are excited to announce its return May 21st, under the direction of Northeast Race Management, and for the first time welcoming Raynham kiddos!
There will be two races, one for grades K–4 at 2p, and one for grades 5–8 at 2:20p. The races will be held on the roadway in front of BRRHS. All participants will receive a commemorative backpack, a finisher ribbon, and a certificate with their name and time. Pre-registration is highly recommended!
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Climate Can-Do:
Bay State Bike Month
From the Berkshires to the Cape, and everywhere around and in between, riders across Massachusetts are celebrating Bay State Bike Month this May! Today, Sunday, May 7th, is National Ride a Bike Day, and May 15th–19th is Bike to Work Week. Visit Bay State Bike Month website to find an event or register your bike - friendly event.
There are so many benefits to riding a bike, both for your health and the environment’s. Bicycles are a pollution-free mode of transport, use minimal fossil fuels, and reduce your carbon footprint! Cyclists decrease the need for the constant construction of roadways, allowing there to be more greenery than concrete. Riding a bike is also a great way to get in some exercise, giving you the serotonin boost you need to start your day! Let this be your inspiration to leave those car keys on the table, grab your bike, and enjoy a beautiful May day with the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and your pedal to the metal.
Bay State Bike Month is supported by MassBike, a non-profit dedicated to making bicycling an integral part of human-centered communities, policies, culture, and infrastructure. Healthy, resilient communities embrace lifestyles consistent with safe and rewarding environments. To build and sustain these environments, MassBike advocates for policies that encourage and support community wellness, equity, and inclusion, enable sustainable growth, drive economic vitality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Tess Fiumefreddo, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Franklin & Marshall College. We focus on actions which individuals can do in the face of our climate emergency. We can do!
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Conversations on
Day-to-Day Racism
Events in May and June
One Book One Community
Racism is an EXHAUSTING reality for people of color and different ethnicities in our society. By reading You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, you’ll laugh and cry at the many mundane and frustrating injustices that Lacey endures. Check out the book from the Bridgewater Public Library and join one of many events to discuss and bring about awareness of racism.
For more information and a list of upcoming events, visit the OBOC website.
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Volunteers Needed for Bridgewater Disability Commission
The Bridgewater Disability Commission is looking to fill a vacancy as soon as possible. This commission is tasked with addressing issues affecting people with disabilities, providing input on accessibility to town facilities and properties, and assisting the town in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you would like to learn more, please reach out with your interest to committees@bridgewaterma.org or call (508) 697-0919 and choose option #5.
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Have a big job to do?
Try our John Deere 318G Skid Steer Loader, with 72" Bucket, 1,945 lb Capacity, Air Conditioning / Heat, Joy Stick Controls.
Work smarter, not harder!
10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950
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In Massachusetts, you don't need to see your doc first, just give us a call!
Physical Therapy U
75 Scotland Blvd, Unit A,
Bridgewater
(508) 697-2000
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Bridgewater Tree Committee
Arbor Day Event
BTVAccess
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Bridgewater Now
April 26, 2023
BTVAccess
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Fortnite Online Tournament
Monday, May 22nd
6p
Virtual Event: Link sent upon registration
Compete with other players across Massachusetts in this virtual race! Players must have a copy of the game, a gaming platform, and an online connection. After registering here, you will receive a link via email to join in the fun!
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Bridgewater Holds Annual Benefits & Wellness Fair |
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On April 13th, the Town Manager's office and their human resources teams held an exciting event: the annual Benefits and Wellness Fair! This event was held at the Bridgewater Academy Building for our town's hardworking employees and retirees. It was also the first in-person fair since 2019, so the community was beyond thrilled to be back! Attendees had the opportunity to ask all their benefits and wellness related questions, while also having the chance to win some awesome prizes generously donated by local businesses. The participation of the benefit providers and local businesses has had such a positive impact on the community and the organizers of the event want to express much gratitude for their continued support.
Story by: Jamie Puhi
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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:
Who was the first to use the Juror’s Box in the image?
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 May 10, 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: Jen Bellody, Tess Fiumefreddo, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Janice O'Brien, Jacquelyn Rose, Fatina Mulumba & Greg Venezia. |
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Value
There's all sorts of people who like to share their wisdom. We can be overwhelmed, surrounded with voices. The tricky thing is not in finding answers, It's in deciding which source to listen to.
You will listen to what you value.
“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” ~ Albert Einstein
Our world values money, fame and often reacts in fear, calling out differences as dangerous.
“A highly developed values system is like a compass. It serves as a guide to point you in the right direction when you are lost.” ~ Idowu Koyenikan
However, a meaningful life is attainable and only costs your time. Understand what is truly valuable.
“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” ~ Kahlil Gibran
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Compassion, forgiveness, love, nature, kindness. creativity, music. Every day I strive to value these things. What do you value? ~ 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 2023 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 5/7/23")
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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