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December 17, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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WB Students Shine in VFW Essay Contests ~ Congratulations Anthony & Mckenzie!
Two students from West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School have been recognized for their exceptional work! The school's social studies department with sponsoring Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2125 provided this opportunity for students. The students wrote award winning essays about our country’s freedoms and government.
Anthony DiMaggio tied for first place in the middle school VFW Patriot's Pen Essay Contest. Patriot's Pen is a yearly contest that challenges tens of thousands of students to analyze American history and express their views for a chance to win awards. The 2023-2024 theme was "How are you inspired by America?”
Additionally, Mckenzie Craig won third place in the Voice of Democracy Contest. Nearly 25,000 high school students enter this contest each year for the opportunity to be awarded scholarships. The Voice of Democracy tasks students with submiting a patriotic, audio-recorded essay. This year's theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”
Anthony and Mckenzie's ability to achieve such high rankings out of all the students who entered these contests is a testament to their hard work and amazing achievements. They have made their school proud!
Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Historical Tidbit:
December Holidays
December is a month-long holiday:
So many traditions enjoy special food, music & family; bringing our own light to these darkened days. Here are a few, thanks to National Geographic Kids
HANUKKAH
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah. For eight nights, Hanukkah is celebrated with prayer, the lighting of the menorah, and food. A Hanukkah menorah has nine candles, a candle for every night, plus a helper candle. Children play games, sing songs, and exchange gifts. Potato pancakes, known as latkes in Yiddish, are traditionally associated with Hanukkah and are served with applesauce and sour cream. The dates of Hanukkah change because this holiday follows the lunar cycle.
WINTER SOLSTICE
The Winter Solstice occurs on either December 20, 21, 22, or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere, the shortest day of the year. People all over the world participate with festivals and celebrations. Lighting bonfires is popular at the solstice.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas in the United States brings together many customs from other countries and cultures. Around the world, family members help to decorate the tree and home with bright lights, wreaths, candles, holly, mistletoe, and ornaments. On Christmas Eve, many people go to church. Also on Christmas Eve, Santa comes from the North Pole in a sleigh to deliver gifts. In Hawaii, it is said he arrives by boat; in Australia, the jolly man arrives on water skis; and in Ghana, he comes out of the jungle.
KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26 through January 1. It commemorates African heritage, during which participants gather with family and friends to exchange gifts and to light a series of black, red, and green candles. These candles symbolize the seven basic values of African American family life: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
NEW YEAR'S DAY
New Year's Day is January 1, the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. Fireworks are often set off at midnight to celebrate the new year.
Do you celebrate a holiday we've missed? Let us know. Here's hoping you have a wonderful month, sparkling with light and warmth. ~ Jacquie
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Town Hall
508-894-1200
WB Public Library
508-894-1255
Council on Aging
508-894-1262
Proof of residency is the only requirement.
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
1:45 - 3p & 5:30 - 6p
457 rear, South Main St., Suite #1
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Calling All Hive Builders
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BuzzAround will always bee free to our readers, and many have asked how they can help.
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Congratulations!
Carole Stoehr-Ware
won a 45 minute Reiki Treatment with
Jacquelyn Rose
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
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Holiday Walkthrough
Until Sun, Dec 24
(Weather dependent)
4:30p-8:30p
226 Turnpike St
South Easton
Veteran's Garden, Inc. asks that you support a great cause this holiday season -- the Richard Tucker Memorial Fund, which is a nonprofit organization that helps first responders and Veterans. Some of their amazing work includes sending care boxes to troops, financially supporting firefighters and police organizations, and making donations to patients in the VA Hospitals and their families at Fisher House.
At their walkthrough this year, there will be over a 1/4 of a mile of Christmas decorations, hundreds of thousands of lights, dozens of trees, and over 200 blowups. Please attend and show your support. For more information or to donate, visit the Richard Tucker Memorial Fund website or FB page. Contact 774-259-5290 with any questions.
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Check out these awesome events at the WBPL, 80 Howard Street!
Pokémon Club
Tue, Dec 19, 3p
Meet friends with similar interests and talk all things Pokémon. Bring your cards! Beginners are welcome. This is event is for ages 7-13.
Storytime
Tues, Dec 26, 10:30a-11:30a
Come by the library for storytime and crafts with Ms. Nanette! Great for ages 3-9 years old.
You can register for these events on the
Fantasy Book Club
Wed, Dec 27, 6:30p
Let's discuss A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid! Print copies are available at the front desk and digital copies are accessible via Hoopla.
New Moms Support Group
Tuesdays at 10:15a
New moms and their babies up to 12 months old can meet other new moms to share ideas and offer support. No registration is required.
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WB Middle-Senior High School Announcements
December 8, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBMSHS Television Studio
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Johnny Macaroni's
Gift Card Promotion! Make sure to get your loved ones a nice stocking stuffer!
Deals online and in person!
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12/22 -12/24 we are open for catering pick up, gift card and sauce purchases only. Check our website or Facebook for hours.
Our gift to you: for every $50 in Cards you purchase in person, receive a $10 bonus Johnny Mac's gift card!
Save 20% on-line with Promo Code: Holiday20
Closed 12/25 - 12/27/23 Happy Holidays!!!
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3v3 Soccer Jamboree: Kick Cancer with Kash - Register Now!
Mon, Jan 15
8a-6p
Bridgewater Sports Complex
350 Bedford St
Calling all WB Families! Join us in supporting Kash and his family as we kick childhood cancer at the 3v3 Soccer Jamboree Benefit. Registration is open, and we invite you to form a team for a day filled with exciting matches. Divisions cater to various age groups, from boys and girls U8 to U14, coed adult, and coed high school.
Each team will enjoy four 24-minute games. But the excitement doesn't end there! Bring the whole family for a day of fun with face painting, auctions, raffles, and more. This event is a great chance to unite with your community and make a meaningful impact. Registration costs $100 per team, and every penny raised goes towards supporting Kash and his family. Be part of this heartwarming event and let's score a victory against childhood cancer together! For more information. visit the Bridgewater Sports Complex website. |
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Saint Ann's Christmas Pageant
Last Sunday was Saint Ann's Parish's Christmas Pageant! The kids did an amazing job performing the story of Jesus' birth. Not only was this event a wonderful celebration, but the community also came together for a wonderful cause. Attendees brought donations for local food pantries. What a great way to embrace the holiday spirit! Great work everyone!
Story Written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Bravo! West Bridgewater Students Shine in Matilda Jr. The Musical |
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Last week, the talented students of West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School delivered an outstanding performance of Matilda Jr. The Musical! A big congratulations to the dedicated cast and crew of the West Bridgewater Drama Club. Their efforts truly paid off, making the show a delight and a whole lot of fun!
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Calling All Hive Builders
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BuzzAround will always bee free to our readers, and many have asked how they can help us continue.
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HolidayHandmade
The Shop at Fuller Craft Museum
Expanded Shop Open til January 7, 2024
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Your destination for all gift-giving needs this holiday season!
Find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from Artists both local and international.
Members Receive a 10% Shop Discount
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Free COVID Tests Available!
The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season.
Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time here at COVIDtests.gov. Those who received four of them earlier this year can order another four. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver them for free. Find more info at Free COVID Tests. |
Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
Individuals and families who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible for monthly fruits and vegetables from Holmestead Harvest through the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).
HIP puts money back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors, such as Holmestead Harvest. If you're in need, check your SNAP eligibility on the SNAP webpage of mass.gov. Find HIP vendors on the HIP webpage of mass.gov.
For more information, you can also contact the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. To check your SNAP balance and HIP monthly limit, contact 1-800-997-2555.
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Climate Can Do:
Recycling Trees & Electronics
While there is much to celebrate this time of year, it's important to remember that these times also generate more waste than usual. As we approach the holiday season, let’s take a moment to consider all the ways we can be more environmentally friendly.
Recycling Christmas Trees
If you are buying a real Christmas tree this year, please remove all decorations from it like tinsels, ornaments, metal rings and do not cover the tree in plastic bags when throwing them out. Some towns recycle natural Christmas trees into mulch that can be used for municipal landscaping projects. So please take a moment to clear your trees before tossing them out!
In West Bridgewater, Boy Scout Troop 15 will be collecting trees, signs with more information will go up after Christmas.
Recycling Electronics
Did you received a new phone or tablet during the holidays? Consider recycling your old electronics instead of throwing it out. Any Staples store accept old electronics everyday. Check out the Staples website for the list of electronics they accept. Below are some Staples locations in the area:
- 600 S ST W, Raynham
- 500 Westgate Dr, Brockton
This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern. BuzzAround focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
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A Beautiful Winter Concert Showcase by West Bridgewater Schools
On the evening of December 12, the collective talents of West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School, Howard School, and the MSHS chorus treated the audience to a winter concert. The collaboration showcased the dedication and skill of all involved, creating a memorable experience for attendees. Congratulations to each participant for their performance!
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West Bridgewater
Council On Aging
New Year's Party
Tues, Jan 2
1p
WB COA
97 West Center St
Celebrate the New Year with Tony Funches and start 2024 off with friends! The theme for this event is Black and White, and tickets are $5. Seating is limited, so make your reservation by Wed, December 27. It's sure to be a great time!
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On Monday evening, December 11, the talented athletes of the WEB Girls Ice Hockey team showcased their skills in a game against Stoughton. Cheers boomed from the crowd as the girls dominated with a remarkable 6-0 victory.
A big congratulations to the entire team for their amazing win!
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WBYAA Soccer Celebrates the Holiday Season
at the East Bridgewater Christmas Parade
The West Bridgewater Youth Athletics Association (WBYAA) participated in the East Bridgewater Christmas Parade on December 2! WBYAA soccer had their very own float that they rode on, decked out in their Wildcats gear and Santa hats! It was a fun, celebratory event that brought the community together for holiday festivities.
The WBYAA is a nonprofit organization run by parents who aim to support children's athletic participation in the community. This mission would not be possible without the collaboration of amazing volunteers! For instance, Kerin George and Stef McNeill who organized the event again this year. Clint Howard provided the trailer for the parade, and Selectman Mike Perez drove it. Additionally, Anthony Depaolo as Buddy the Elf, Denise Palling as the Grinch, and Kyle McNeill as Rudolph added extra Christmas spirit to the kid's experience. Thank you to the WBYAA for all that they do for the young athletes in our community!
For more information about the WBYAA and their sports programs, visit the organization's website. You can also see more photos from the Christmas Parade on their FB page!
Photo and Source Credits: WBYAA FB, WBYAA website
Video courtesy of EBCAM
Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a free 1.5 hour class at
Historical Tidbit Question:
What colors are the candles of Kawanzaa?
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 December 20, 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, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Friendship
“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”
~ Bob Marley
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.”
~ Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” ~ Jess C. Scott, The Intern
“How many slams in an old screen door?
Depends how loud you shut it.
How many slices in a bread?
Depends how thin you cut it.
How much good inside a day?
Depends how good you live 'em.
How much love inside a friend?
Depends how much you give 'em.”
~ Shel Silverstein
“Tis the privilege of friendship to talk nonsense, and to have her nonsense respected.”
~ Charles Lamb
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Ahhh I love that, nonsense respected. True friendship. Cherish it! ~ 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 West 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 West Bridgewater 12/17/23")
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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