April 5, 2020
~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time
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W
B School Lunches - Going Great!
USDA expanded the criteria so that any student under the age of 18 in need of food whether they are low income or not, can be served.
As a district we made a decision to start this program to help out students in need, and to continue the employment of our food service staff. We will continue to do this program throughout the school closure.
“WB Grab and Go” update (April 2).
We served 170 lunches and 170 breakfasts on Monday, 240 lunches/240 breakfasts on Wednesday. We expect more tomorrow.
I am in need of donations: monetary of course but also items such as whole fresh fruit, produce especially lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, celery, granola bars, paper lunch bags, large paper grocery bags.
Monetary donations can be sent to the Spring Street School at 2 Spring Street, West Bridgewater MA 02379 Attention: Ann Marie Grinder, Food Service Director. Checks will need to be made out to the West Bridgewater Public Schools but will be put into a separate account that I can pay bills from.
We are operating out of the Middle/Senior High M-F. Any donations can be brought to the back loading dock and left outside. There is a doorbell at the dock door that I can hear.
If you would like to learn additional ways that you can support this program please contact Anne Marie Grinder at
agrinder@wbridgewater.com
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Does your small business need help adapting to taking on-line orders?
BuzzAround can help!
Want to let our community know how you can service them?
BuzzAround publishes to 10,000 subscribers, it's a great time to advertise,
our readership is UP!
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Historical Tidbit:
In Memorium
Ervin Wellington Lothrop
4/10/1876 - 10/17/1940
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Ervin Lothrop was born in Bulwer, Province of Quebec, Canada. In 1885 he came to West Bridgewater and made his home here. He was a member of the Fire Department continuously. He joined the Police Department as a Patrolman and held that position until he was promoted to Chief in 1936. When overtaken by illness in 1939, he resigned.
He was of a quiet disposition, courageous in his duties and tactful in handling cases with sympathetic thought for those who may have violated the Law. He tempered his actions accordingly, choosing to advise and assist them rather than dim their self-respect with a court record.
He was a reliable Officer and a valuable Citizen who will long be remembered.
Information from: West Bridgewater Annual Report, Year Ending December 31, 1944
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We continue to bee here for our communities. Helping with good news and supporting our local businesses through this time.
It has never been more important...
buy local!!!
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Town Hall
508-894-1200
Check town website for needed updates
WB Public Library
508-894-1255
Council on Aging
508-894-1262
Food Pantry
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
3:15 - 5p
Spring Street School
2 Spring St, WB
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Congratulations!
Kristina Bunavicz
won a
$20 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Take out at any of their 3 locations.
You should play our
Historical Tidbit Trivia Game
at the bottom of this newsletter.
You could win a
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman, MA!
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Storytime!
Ms. Gail gives a story hour to kids during the COVID-19 crisis. Thanks go out to the publishers who have allowed these books to be read online: Little Brown, Scholastic, Penguin, Random House.
Video Courtesy of Ellen Snoeyenbos
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Notice from Town of West Bridgewater
*Town Hall Service, Council on Aging Services, & DPW services all are available. However, the offices are closed to walk in traffic and the COA in-person activities have all been suspended.
*Please note the
Meals on Wheels program will continue delivering Mon-Fri, make supermarket runs one day a week and regular wellness check calls.
*Please leave a message when you call into departments 508-894-1200. We are checking voicemail frequently! We will return it!
*This is a fluid situation and things may change or be updated as neede
d. Please check back to keep up to date
westbridgewaterma.org
.
*Police and Fire regular business can be reached through their business lines. COVID -19 questions can be answered at the
MASS website. If you think you have symptoms, call your doctor. For Emergency, dial 911.
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Communications from
Superintenden
t
Oakley
"The West Bridgewater Remote Learning Plan 2.0 was built on the recommendations of the DESE and our own strong core beliefs as a district.
Maintaining connections between school staff and students is paramount, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our school communities.
The safety and well-being of students, families, and staff has been and must continue to be our top priority as an educational community.
Nothing can replace the in-person schooling experience, and we should not expect that
remote learning can replicate the traditional school day. At the same time, with school closures now extended, the West Bridgewater Public School District has an obligation to engage students in meaningful and productive learning opportunities through an appropriately structured educational program.
The West Bridgewater Public Schools Elementary and Secondary Remote Learning Plans outline the specific details of our remote program moving forward. We understand that this is and will continue to be a challenging time for all of us and that switching to a remote learning model mid-stream has not been easy. However, we believe that our students will benefit from the continuation of learning outlined in these plans.
Although I am trying to stay optimistic that we will be able to return to school on May 4, 2020, I fear that may not be the case, and we may be in this remote world of learning throughout the remainder of the school year. As the national expert on infectious diseases, Dr. Fauci stated recently, “We do not create the timeline, the virus creates the timeline.”
I wish you all safety and good health. We will get through this, we are #WBwildcatstrong!
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WB Teachers: "We miss you, Wildcats"
Video courtesy of wbtvpro.
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“Altaring”
In these days of epidemic, which can bring about uncertainty, helplessness, and even fear, we find ourselves asking “what can I DO about it?”
Altering is a way to channel that into positive, peace-filled, and prayerful action.
Here’s what you do: The first rock is for you to unite your cares with your brothers and sisters in faith, as well as a conduit through which you can pour your uneasiness, fear or grief from lost events. Pray over your rock. A wonderful way to surrender those worries is to bring it to the front steps of Outdoor Stations of the Cross at St. Ann’s (or a place at your own Church). The sign featured in this post indicate the dropping-off points for your rocks! This will unite our worry together. I will gladly pray over the rocks each day. You can bring a rock every day if it helps. In doing this physical activity your are signaling to your heart to trust in God. He is carrying us and is by our side every step of this.
The second rock is to be decorated and left on the doorstep or on the side of the driveway for someone on your walk. Maybe you know a healthcare worker, first responder, or retail worker that could use a reminder they are loved and appreciated. Or maybe a local business that needs to be reminded their community is behind them in their efforts. Leave it where it can be seen and appreciated, but not where it can be tripped over.😮
Peace,
Fr. Paul, St. Ann's Catholic Church
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Volunteer for the Neighbor Brigade
The Neighbor Brigade is a volunteer organization that helps people who have a sudden crisis with the day to day task. Volunteers assist with tasks like transportation, meal preparation, and household chores.
Learn more about the organization and the West Bridgewater Chapter
here.
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See our amazing disappearing chicks.
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We have wood pellets, feed & grain and
we're open for essential items!
Please call with your order and drive up.
1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) Bridgewater
(508) 697-0357
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Top 10 Tips and Resources from a Reluctant
(at first) Homeschool Mom
“I’m not a teacher.” “I don’t have the educational background, the subject knowledge, nor the patience to homeschool my kids…”
Don’t worry! You’ve can do this. Let’s face it, your children will never forget this time spent in quarantine together. Learning will not only add normalcy and purpose to their lives, it can lead to a wonderful appreciation for each other. Experiential learning as a family has the power to inspire new interests and to create lifelong bonds among siblings.
Along with my tips and resources, I will share insights that will hopefully save you time and dispel any uncertainties you may have about your new job. You can do this! You have everything you need. At your fingertips. Literally. The internet offers a vast network of support for every academic subject imaginable.
• Be a student. When I first started homeschooling my kids, I spent many sleepless nights preparing lessons for the next day. You don’t need to plan extensively, and you don’t need to be an expert in any subject! You are a student right along side your children. We read the classics, learned (or relearned) Algebra 2, performed many chemistry experiments, and competed in an aerodynamic paper airplane contest together. (The teacher lost.) It’s ok to not know the answers. Your kids don’t need you to be perfect, just to be there for them. YouTube.com has thousands of videos to explain just about anything.
• Experiment! There are so many wonderful science experiments that you can perform with household items and minimal supplies. Our favorite science website is
sciencebob.com
. His experiments on the Jimmy Fallon show are amazing and hysterical! There are wonderful chemistry and physics experiments available at:
stevespanglerscience.com
;
interestingengineering.com
. Nothing beats experiential learning.
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An Assortment of Essential Educational items.
Taking Special Orders and Offering Curb Service
619 Washington St.
South Easton.
Proudly serving our community for 35 years. Trisha Peterson
508-238-3034
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Founded in 1990 as a Christian practice; the mission of Bethel Family Medicine is to serve God by providing compassionate, high-quality medical care for every member of the family in a warm, welcoming environment.
CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!
111 Torrey St, Brockton (508) 588-1200
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Help for Businesses
Dear Metro South Business -
I’m writing to encourage you and every impacted business to complete this simple application to receive up to $10,000 toward strengthening your business and helping our regional economy recover from COVID-19.
To receive a $10,000 forgivable SBA loan advance to help your business and our regional economy recover from COVID-19, follow this link...
covid19relief.sba.gov.
After completing, also check out how the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loan can assist your business in recovery longer term with up to eight weeks of business and payroll expense forgiven.
Thank you for applying and spreading the word.
Chris Cooney,
President and CEO
Metro South Chamber of Commerce
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Baby Sing & Play with Miss Gail
Brought to you by the WB Public Library.
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Massachusetts Residents:
Check your symptoms for COVID-19 securely, online, for free.
Massachusetts residents can visit
www.Buoy.com/mass
to get advice from an online health assistant safely at home, for free.
Buoy will connect you with the appropriate health care resource based on your symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19.
Here’s how it works:
- Tell Buoy about your symptoms and risk factors.
- Figure out if you should be tested for COVID-19.
- Get directed to the most appropriate health care resource.
- Learn about the virus, access prevention tips, and more.
Buoy's online tool is not to be used in place of emergency medical care. If this is an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
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Dance Theater of New England
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Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence!
Summer Dance Programs for All Ages
Enroll Now!
Dance Theater of New England
25 Scotland Blvd, Bridgewater
(508) 697-5255
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Grant's sends out support & care to all of our communities.
We're all in this together.
10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950
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Let us know your good news! You Could Win $75
Write an original short story related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman.
Entries must be 1000 words or less.
We are accepting one story per person until April 14th, 2020.
4 prizes of $75/ each will be given out on May 1, 2020 to the best short stories in the following categories:
Popular vote:
Vote on stories from April 17th till April 24th. The popular vote will include all short stories submitted that meet the above criteria.
Brockton
: 3 librarians from Brockton Public Libraries will serve as judges. The Brockton judges will only vote on stories submitted related to Brockton.
East Bridgewater, Halifax & Whitman:
There will be one judge from each of these towns. The 3 judges award a winner from stories submitted for Whitman, East Bridgewater and Halifax.
Bridgewater, Raynham, and West Bridgewater:
There will be one judge from each of these towns. The 3 judges will award a winner from stories submitted for Bridgewater, Raynham and West Bridgewater
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West Bridgewater Food Pantry...
here to help!
During this unprecedented time of uncertainty WB Food Pantry is here to help! They provide food to those in need in our community twice a month. Many of these individuals rely on this food as a major part of the food supply.
In addition, many families’ incomes have been or will be affected as businesses, restaurants, stores and more temporarily close or cut hours. As a result, they expect that they will begin to see more people need our assistance for food and other sundries to help them through this difficult time.
While they receive generous food donations from members of the community frequently, monetary donations would be most helpful during this difficult time.
It allows them to purchase specific food that we need from the Greater Boston Food Bank and other groceries stores to help those in our community in need.
Donations may be sent to:
West Bridgewater Food Pantry
2 School Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
Thank you!
Members of the West Bridgewater Food Pantry
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Artist Interview
Interview with Allison Pratt, a Senior at West Bridgewater Middle/Senior High School whose art is on display at the WB Public Library.
Video Courtesy of WBTV
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Send us pix, video & stories - What are you doing with your free time?
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win a
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman, MA!
Historical Tidbit Question:
When was Ervin Wellington promoted to chief?
We are looking forward to giving you more opportunities to win!
By entering, you give us permission to announce your name in next week's Buzz Around Bridgewater.
On April 8, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The
Buzz Around is brought to you this week by:
Deena Anzum,
Jen Bellody,
Janice O'Brien, Megan Piche,
Jacquelyn Rose, & Greg Venezia
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Parents...
"They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Carl W. Buehner
"Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
~ Jim Henson
“Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” ~ Lady Bird Johnson, Former First Lady of the United States
"There is no need to be perfect to inspire others… Let people get inspired by how you deal with your imperfections.”
~ Robert Tew
"It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.”
~ L.R. Knost
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You are your child's first and most important teacher. Take care of yourself so that you can show up as your most compassionate self for your child. We are rooting for you!
~ Jacquie
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Playing For Change's
Teach Your Children Well
This powerful live performance from Adelaide, Australia, features Tula, Roberto Luti and the PFC Band. This performance embodies all that they believe in: "soulful music with an inspiring message helping us to move forward as a human race, one heart and one song at a time."
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Copyright 2019 Buzz Around West Bridgewater.
You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety or as much as you like. If you take it in part, please give credit: ("Buzz Around West Bridgewater 4/5/20")
Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. Occasionally, there will be links to town committees and other non-profit groups, as a way of sharing local information. Individual groups are responsible for how they represent themselves on their websites and in their promotional materials.
The Buzz Around does not claim to support any particular view.
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