September 15, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

4th Annual Peace in Bridgewater and Beyond:

Week of Community Events (September 21st - 28th)

Bridgewater joins the global community in building peaceful and prosperous neighborhoods. This week celebrates the International Day of Peace and the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons with events and programs for people of all ages across the town.

Peace — safety, prosperity, and quality of life for all — is not just a hope; it’s a right.

Member Groups:

• Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters
• Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR)
• Diversity and Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE)
• Bridgewater Public Library
• Minnock Institute for Global Engagement (MIGE), Bridgewater State University (BSU)
• Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ), BSU
• First Parish UU, Bridgewater

Events starting the week:

Saturday, September 21

• 10:00 am: Standout for International Day of Peace
• Location: Bridgewater Town Common

Sunday, September 22

• 9:30 am: Rededication of Peace Pole
• Featuring music by the Social Justice Choir
• Location: First Parish UU Church
• 10:30 am: Church Service - “Developing a Culture of Peace”
• Location: First Parish UU Church

Monday, September 23

• Origami Crane Packets available at the Circulation Desks
• Location: Bridgewater Public Library and Maxwell Library, Bridgewater State University
• Book Displays on Peace and Social Justice
• Location: Bridgewater Public Library and Maxwell Library, Bridgewater State University

For more details on the rest of the events throughout the week, please refer to the flyer included in this post!

BCCR Stand out: Peace/Nuclear Disarmament/Decreased Gun Violence

Sat, Sep 21

10-11a

BW Central Square Intersection

Please make a sign and join us! For more information, please visit www.bccrcivilrights.org

Pathways to Progress Presentation:

Sep 4, 2024

Bridgewater's Community and Economic Development hosts a Forum on Pathways to Progress, focusing on potential improvements to Pedestrian and traffic Safety near the Town Common

Video Courtesy of BTV

Bridgewater Community Dance Fall 2024

Fourteenth Season

Fri, Sep 20

7-9p

10 Wally Kruger Way

Join us for mixers, international folk dance, squares, and contra. Most of all, come for the community, the fun, the smiles! Help keep traditional dance alive! No prior experience or partner needed.

Held at the Bridgewater Senior Center, 10 Wally Krueger Way, dances are on the first and third Fridays of the month through December.

The dances are appropriate for ages 10 and up.

$8 fee, ($5 for youth). If you sign up for the entire eight dance series ($48), you save $16!

Bring a water bottle.

Contact Sam at 774-208-2933 for more info.

BW Community Dance Event

Bridgewater State University Senior College: Lifelong Learning for Mature Adults

Welcome, Bridgewater residents! The Bridgewater State University Senior College is now accepting enrollments for a variety of engaging six-week courses, both virtual and in-person, beginning in September, October, and November. For just $95, you can choose unlimited courses in subjects ranging from history to language and personal growth.

In-person courses will be offered at both the Bridgewater Public Library and the Bridgewater Senior Center. Topics include "The Legacy of Greece," "Campaign 2024," "Spanish 1," and many more.

Registration is now open! Courses start on a rolling basis throughout the semester. The first courses begin on Monday, Sep. 5, and new courses will commence each month until November 2024.

For more details, visit bridgew.edu/seniorcollege or call 508-531-1052.

Don't miss this opportunity to keep learning and connecting with your community!

Recycle Your Textiles: Convenient Drop-Off Locations in Bridgewater

Looking to recycle your old or stained clothing? There are several convenient options in the area:

• Planet Aid Drop Box: You can find these at Bridgewater Liquor and Eastern Bank on Main Street.
• Bay State Textiles: They accept various textiles, even stained ones, and have bins located at the Middle School, Bridgewater State University, and BR High School.
• Periwinkle’s: They accept donations, but please ensure the items are not stained.
• Faith Chapel: Located at 340 Pleasant St., there’s a bin behind the chapel where you can leave old or stained clothing. They recycle these items to ensure nothing goes to waste.

These options make it easy to responsibly recycle your textiles while supporting the community.

Source: Bridgewater Residents FB

Thrive Music Festival

Sep 20 & 21, 2024

@ The Landing



Join the Thrive Music Festival, a two-day, not-for-profit event featuring incredible live music, local brews, food trucks, and much more, all in support of Veterans and First Responders! Organized by the Fire For Effect Foundation Inc., this festival brings together fantastic musicians across two stages, thanks to collaborations with Black Hat Brew Works and Root New England.

This event is not just a festival—it's a community effort to celebrate and support those who serve.

How You Can Help:

1. Purchase Tickets: Enjoy one or both days of amazing music and festivities. Get your tickets on Humanitix here.
2. Spread the Word: Follow, like, and share the Thrive Music Festival on social media.
3. Share Marketing Materials: Help us reach more people by sharing and tagging our promotional materials.
4. Sponsorship: We are still seeking sponsors! If you or someone you know might be interested in supporting the festival, please reach out.

Written by Wenhan Liu, Boston University BuzzAround Intern

Story & Image Source: Fire For Effect Foundation Inc. FB Post

Climate Can Do: 

5 Easy Steps Video Courtesy of GreenAmerica.Org 

Bridgewater Town Council

August 27, 2024

Video Courtesy of BTV

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Aug 28th, 2024

Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater

Youtube Channel

2024 AutumnFest

Sat, Sep 28

10a-4p

BW State University

Boyden Hall

Enjoy a vendor fair, food trucks, petting zoo, train rides, kids' activities, live music, and much more! Don’t miss the Bridgewater Fire Department display, Bridgewater Police K-9 demo, and the Black Hat Brew Works beer garden!

Sponsored by local businesses, this event promises a day full of fun for the whole family!

For vendor information, visit the eventbrite page here!

Source: BBA Facebook Page

VFW Post 2125 Announces Youth Essay Competitions:

Patriot's Pen & Voice of Democracy

The VFW Post 2125 is excited to announce two outstanding youth essay competitions, offering awards at the Post, District, State, and National levels. These competitions provide a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills and share their perspectives on important topics.

Patriot's Pen Essay Contest (For Grades 6-8)

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. Your invited you to join more than 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. The VFW's Commander-in-Chief selects the theme each year, and the 2024-2025 theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Prizes: The grand prize at the national level is $5,000. At the post level, prizes start at $100 for 3rd place, $200 for 2nd place, and $300 for 1st place. Multiple first-place prizes may be awarded based on the number of submissions. Visit vfw.org here for more information on the contest and to get the entry form!

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program (For Grades 9-12)

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW's) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students participate by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. The 2024-2025 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"



Prizes: The grand prize at the national level is $35,000. At the post level, prizes start at $100 for 3rd place, $200 for 2nd place, and $300 for 1st place. Multiple first-place prizes may be awarded based on the number of submissions.Visit vfw.org here for more information on the contest and to get the entry form!

To compete in either essay contest, completed entry forms must be mailed to VFW Post 2125, IVFW, 40 Orange St, Bridgewater, MA 02324

For any questions or more information about either contest, please email Commander John Sauvageau at post2125@vfwma.org

The submission deadline for both contests is October 31, 2024, and all entries must be received by VFW Post by this date. Don’t miss this chance to be recognized for your talent!

Source: VFW Post 2125 Facebook Page

One Book, One Community Events

Join us for a series of engaging discussions and lectures focused on local history, abolitionism, and community learning.

Author Visit: Stephen Puleo

Event: “The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union”

When: Tuesday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: East Bridgewater Library

Come meet Stephen Puleo, author of The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union.

Local History Lecture: “Early Black Settlement in Bridgewater”

Speakers: BSU Professors Jamie Huff & Emily Field

When: Monday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Bridgewater Public Library

Learn about the early Black settlements in Bridgewater and their significant contributions to the community.

Book Discussions:

West Bridgewater Library:

Book: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

When: Tuesday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m.

East Bridgewater Library:

Book: The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner by Stephen Puleo

When: Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Bridgewater Public Library:

Book: To be announced (discussion will take place in November)



Road Trip to Boston

Event: Black Heritage of Boston Tour with a National Park Ranger

When: Thursday, November 7

Cost: $40 per person

Meet at the Bridgewater Senior Center at 9:45 a.m. for a bus trip to Boston’s Faneuil Hall. Enjoy lunch at Quincy Market, followed by a 1:00 p.m. discussion with a National Park Ranger on Boston’s Black heritage in the basement of Faneuil Hall.

Sign up: Email esnoeyen8@gmail.com. Spaces are filling fast!

Underground Railroad Quilt Display

The recently constructed Underground Railroad Quilt will be re-hung in the gallery of the West Bridgewater Library. An informal explanation of the history and symbols featured in the quilt will be provided.

Jack Phaneuf: Feeding the Hungry with Music and Heart in Bridgewater

Jack Phaneuf, a dedicated local resident, has seen about town combining his love of music with his passion for helping others. He was outside the 7-Eleven in Winter Place, playing his guitar and raising funds to support two crucial local food pantries: the Bridgewater Food Pantry at UCC Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Jack set up a donation station at this location on August 21 as reported on the FB Residents Group. All proceeds were equally split between these two vital services. Many folks recognized Jack from his teaching days, town activities or Community Dance. Jack’s efforts provided much-needed financial support to the food pantries and create a sense of community spirit and togetherness. His initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another, especially in times of need.

Jack sets up his stand when time and weather conditions allow 3 -6 pm on Mondays or Tuesdays in Winter Place and then at Bernier's on Fridays. If you're lucky enough to catch him, stop by and say say "hi."

Source: Bridgewater Residents FB, Jack Phaneuf Interview.

Written by Megan Martin, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU & J. Rose

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME





Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

 a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax

johnnymacaronis.com

Historical Tidbit Question:

When was the Third Church of Bridgewater's meeting house raised?

Email us your answer at: Prizes@buzzaround.info

Please include your name and phone number.



Prize Box Rules

By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.

On September 18, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Megan Martin, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia

Changes



“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.” ~Roy T. Bennett

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ~ Rumi

“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ~ C. JoyBell C.

Love can change a person the way a parent can change a baby- awkwardly, and often with a great deal of mess.”~ Lemony Snicket

“And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.”~ Libba Bray

Are we ready, are we prepared, for the next great change? ~ Jacquie

Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 

Copyright 2024 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 9/15/24")

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.