Special Town Election Unofficial Results
October 21, 2023
West Bridgewater Community Access Media
Special Town Election Results
for Board of Selectman Candidate!

The Special Town Election took place on October 21st. WB voted for a candidate to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Selectman. 9% of West Bridgewater residents came out to show their support and vote. It was a close race with a total of 266 votes for Jerry D.Lawrence and 271 for Michael Anthony Perez. There was a total of 539 voters. Every vote counts! Congratulations to Michael Anthony Perez, may he lead well.


Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
Historical Tidbit:

Flaggy Meadow Bridge

Flaggy Meadow Bridge on South Elm Street across Flaggy Meadow Brook is currently used as a secondary road bridge. It was built in 1852 out of native field stone and platform boulders. It is approximately 23 feet long with a width of 27 feet.

The earliest reference to the bridge can be found in old highway records. These records state that the town voted to pay for planks to lay on the bridge. The need for a stone bridge was realized as early as 1832. It was important to have a strong and sturdy bridge at the time to support heavy loads that came to and from the Alger foundry.

The roads that the bridge connected led to the swamp road that went to Raynham and the center of West Bridgewater. This bridge is one of the last stone bridges still used today, built in this style, and time period.

Story Source and Photo Credit: Macris.net
Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
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
Congratulations!
Carole Stoehr-Ware
She won her choice of a
Holiday Hair, Skin & Nail Care Gift Set
From Salon Esprit, East Bridgewater

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

Enter for this week's prize of:
a 9" Mum
Nessralla Farm Store
416 Plymouth St (Rt106), Halifax MA
New England Village Fair
Friday, Nov 10, 4p-8p
Saturday, Nov 11, 8a-2p
The First Church of West Bridgewater
29 Howard St

Looking to get into the Christmas spirit? Then stop by The First Church of West Bridgewater for its annual New England Village Fair. There will be many fun activities, including raffles, crafts, and more! Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. No reservations are needed. See below for each day’s menu. Hope to see you there!
Friday 4:30p: Chicken pot pie supper
Saturday 8a to 10a: Continental breakfast with muffins, donuts, and beverages
11a to 1p: Lunch of soups and sandwiches
For more information, please call (508) 587-3118 or visit www.firstchurchwb.org.
Check out

Johnny Macaroni's

November

Specials!
So much scrumptiousness, so little time!
Eat in our take out.

Council on Aging
Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift to delight the seniors in your life for the upcoming holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries? Your search ends here! The West Bridgewater Council on Aging is now offering Luncheon Gift Certificates designed for seniors to enjoy as gifts.

$5 certificates will buy 1 Council on Aging lunch.
$20 certificates will buy 5 lunches. Visit the West Bridgewater COA Center to make a purchase.

For more information, call (508) 894-1262 or visit the WB COA FB Post here.
Open Space & Recreation Survey 2023

The Town of West Bridgewater needs your help! The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) and West Bridgewater are partnering to create an Open Space and Recreation Plan. Share your thoughts on conservation, parks, sports fields, and more! Take the survey on the Open Space and Recreation Survey 2023 Website. If you have any questions please contact the town via email: openspace@wbridgewater.com or contact the OCPC via email: rdugan@ocpcrpa.com.

For more information, see the Old Colony Planning Council FB Post.
Interfaith Vigil For Peace
at Bridgewater State University
October 25, 2023
Video Courtesy of BTV Access Corp
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, H.3676 and H.3690/SB2104, now before the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, 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 Presented by Representative Michelle L. Ciccolo of Lexington, this bill seeks to modernize the Bottle Bill to meet current needs. 

Bill H.3690/SB2104: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill Presented by Representative Marjorie C. Decker of Cambridge, this bill aims to broaden the Bottle Bill's coverage to include any drinkable liquid intended for human consumption. 

Why the Expansion Matters
Expanding the Bottle Bill aligns with today's beverage choices. The original law covered soft drinks, mineral water, beer, and malt beverages. Today, our drinking 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 will include water, flavored waters, iced teas, coffee-based drinks, and sports drinks. 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 initiatives, such as municipal recycling, recycling transfer stations, source reduction, and public education.

How To Support The Bottle Bill Expansion
To support the expansion of the Bottle Bill, contact your elected officials and let them know you want to see Massachusetts' Bottle Bill improved by House Bill 3676 and House Bill 3690/SB2104. The Conservation Law Foundation has made it easy to reach out with a prewritten letter available for the public’s use here. Your actions can help Massachusetts move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Jamie Puhi, BuzzAround Writing Intern at Southern New Hampshire University. Focusing on actions that individuals can do in the face of our climate emergency. We can do it!
Brockton Holiday Parade & Celebration November 25 10am - 3pm
Old Bridgewater Historical Society
Trail Walk
Sun, Nov 12
1p
Meet in the parking lot at Reynolds Landing on Ash St

Joan Pierce, Massachusetts Fish & Game Land Acquisition Agent, and Nick Anderson of the West Bridgewater Open Space & Recreation Committee will be leading participants on trail walks to Comfort Willis’ and Skim Milk Bridge.

Each bridge is 1/4 to 1/2 mile from parking, so be sure to wear footwear fit for walking. It will be a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and see West Briddgwater!

Lions Club Craft Fair
Sun, Nov 12
10a-3p
WB Middle-Senior High School
155 West Center St

The West Bridgewater Lions Club is having its annual Fall & Holiday Craft Fair! Stop by to see over 100 booths of amazing products!
Admission is only $2. westbridgewaterlions.com

Email WBLionsClub@aol.com for more information.
2023 Tri-Town Veterans Day Parade
Sat, Nov 11
10a
EB Town Common
225 Central St

A tri-town parade and ceremony honoring all veterans of all wars and conflicts is coming up. Ceremonial exercises will begin at 11a. Stop by and honor the hard work of our veterans on Veterans day!

A Background to the Arab Israeli Dispute: The History, Issues, & Impact on The World
Tues, Nov 21
6-7p
West Bridgewater Public Library
80 Howard St

Raymond Ajemian, with two history degrees from the University of Michigan, is set to guide this informative program. With a specialization in Middle East history, he has shared his knowledge at local high schools and community colleges. During this session, Raymond will offer insights into the ongoing conflict and address any questions related to the topic. It's crucial to emphasize that this program remains impartial and free from personal opinions. Its primary aim is to provide an educational opportunity for gaining a deeper understanding of ongoing global issues. Make sure to register WB Public Library Website HERE. This program is for adults. For more info, please contact: rwaitt@westbpl.org or call the library at (508) 894-1255.
PINCHES AND POUNDS
An old-fashioned candy store
with a TWIST
Celebrating 15 years of Sweetness!

Mon - Sat:
Open til 8pm • Sunday 'til 6pm
Come check us out!


Online orders!

(781) 447-2639
785 Bedford St, Rt 18, Whitman

Grow is a Charity Partner of the Flutie 5K
All funds raised by our team and supporters will benefit Grow.
Please donate!


Connecting people of all abilities to opportunities Grow Associates, Inc
WBHS Powderpuff Football Game
October 19, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
WB Varsity Football Senior Game
October 20, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
Dave Kubiak
Memorial Building
Keith House
A Big Thanks to Dave Kubiak for Beautifying the Properties of the Old Bridgewater Historical Society!

This past Tuesday, Dave Kubiak dedicated his time to the Old Bridgewater Historical Society (OBHS) Memorial Building Properties. This includes the Memorial Building, which is the location of the OBHS offices, archives, library, and meeting space and the Keith House, which was the home Reverend James Keith, Bridgewater’s first town minister. Built in 1662, Keith House is likely the oldest existing clergy house in the United States.

The OBHS aims to preserve the colonial history of Bridgewater. Dave Kubiak helped in this mission by planting, watering, weeding, pruning, and maintaining the grounds. Next year, he also plans to build a colonial-style garden at Keith House, so stay tuned for more of Dave’s amazing work!

Thank you, Dave, for helping take care of OBHS properties and ensuring that our history is carried into the future.

For more information about the Old Bridgewater Historical Society, to learn about Old Bridgewater’s history, or if you’d like to visit, check out the OBHS website.

Story Source and Photo Credits: OBHS FB, OBHS website.

Story written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a 9" Mum
Nessralla Farm Store
416 Plymouth St (Rt106)
Halifax MA

Historical Tidbit Question:
Where can the earliest reference to the Flaggy Meadow Bridge be found?

Email us your answer at: 
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 November 8, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
If There is to be Peace in the World...

“If there is to be peace in the world,

There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,

There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,

There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,

There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,

There must be peace in the heart.”

~ Lao-tse
I wish you peace in your heart. Our effect on those around us matters. We all must do our part to bring about peace. ~ Jacquie
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Queenie Chen, Siara Morel Ortiz, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia.
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 
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 11/5/23")
 
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.