In 1974, industrious EB residents Ron Putt, Bruce Beaman, Bill Scott and Wayne Johnson sought to commemorate the country’s bicentennial by joining the Olde Bridgewater Minuteman Company and creating their own cannon. Ron Putt machined the barrel out of a piece of steel and the four of them hammered the wheels into place on the 300 lb cannon. Ron then became licensed by the state fire marshal to be a Competent Operator of Cannon and Mortar. This allowed them to shoot off black powder (no cannonball) in East Bridgewater with the fire chief's permission. In the mid - 1980’s, that included touchdowns at Viking Football games. Ron and company also traveled with the cannon for re-enactments and events, including weddings. Now that’s starting off things with a bang!  

Labor Day was created to recognize the social and economic achievements made by American workers in the nineteenth century. There was such excitement at the improvements in our quality of life, state and local celebrations around the country were organized by workers and unions. Between 1885 - 1894, 32 states had passed an official Labor Day holiday. Although there is not a clear founder, records show Peter J McGuire (General Secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners), and Matthew Maguire ( a machinist and Secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York) both played a role in the founding of a national Labor Day.

President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day national holiday, signing it into law, June 28, 1894 for the first Monday in September. Labor Day is often celebrated with parades, parties, and festivals.

By Siara Morel Ortiz, Intern, UMass Boston.

Source: U.S Department of Labor

The Soulful Women project will be holding a Coffee and Soul meet-up. There will be meaningful discussions as well as music. The suggested donation for this event is $5. To sign up and learn more, visit the Soul Project Website. 

Sharing a Community Coalition for Change FB post:

AFS is an organization that works to create a more just and peaceful world through facilitation of high school exchange students between 78 countries. At one time, there was a thriving AFS Club at East Bridgewater High School, and AFS volunteers recently hosted informational table at our June Celebration of Multiculturalism.

"Leave a lasting legacy by purchasing a brick with your name, in memory or honor of a loved one to be installed in the walkway in the front of the church. Bricks are 4" x 8" with engraving sandblasted, painted letters, and clear coat finishes for $100/each. All proceeds go to Saving Our Steeple!!" Reposted from Union Congregational Church East Bridgewater Facebook.

The September pick for the COA is The Invisible Life of Addie Laurue by V.E Schwab. The book follows Addie Larue, who, to escape a desolate situation, makes a deal to become immortal with the cost of no one remembering who she is. For hundreds of years left to wander through time, until one day in New York City, a boy remembers her. Multiple book copies, including large print and CD versions, will be available at the COA. You can also access an e-book version on Libby. To Sign up, call the COA at (508) 378-1610 and visit the Council of Aging on Facebook

The East Bridgewater Public School system has published it 2023-2024 school year. Now is the time to make your calendars and planning those holiday vacations. To see the Calendar, visit the East Bridgewater Public Schools Website.

The Tutu and Sparkle Fest is coming back in full swing! Everyone of all ages is encouraged to participate. Whether you are just learning to walk or in a stroller, all are welcome. Be sure the to wear tutus, sparkles, and pink. For any questions about the race visit email Leanne.tuturun@gmail.com, or SydneyCraven328@gmail.com. To Check out and Sign up for the event go to the event's Facebook page.

Fashion is another tool to help combat against climate change and protect the environment.

First, how does fashion harm the environment? In efforts to meet demands and popularity for society’s trendiest clothes, many big clothing brands (such as Forever 21 and Shein) end up wasting fabrics and energy as they rush to pump out clothes for consumers at cheap prices. This is known as fast fashion.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the “pollution, waste, and emissions of fast fashion are fueling the planetary crisis” as “plastic fibres are polluting the oceans”. In addition, the “wastewater and toxic dyes” from the industrial plants that are used to create the clothes only further contaminate the surrounding natural environments.

How can you practice sustainable clothing practices? While buying sustainable and organic clothing is a healthier alternative, it can also be expensive or inaccessible for many people. Fortunately, there are still many ways to limit your own fast fashion consumption and help the planet without sacrificing your wallet.

Diversify your clothing store options: Buying secondhand clothing from local thrift stores or on-line platforms such as ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark is an excellent alternative to getting your clothes.

Consider clothes before buying them: We all have that item, or a few, that sits in the back of the closet untouched for the past two years. This is why the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University suggests buying an item if you can see yourself wearing it at least 30 times. Thinking twice before buying something is a good way to limit how much fast fashion and wasted clothing ends up crowding your closet.

Support brands that have good sustainability practices: This online directory: Good on You allows you to search your favorite brands and view their sustainability/ethical work ratings. The website also provides a wide range of stores that solely produce sustainable fashion that you can occasionally invest in.

By researching, staying mindful, and practicing eco-friendly shopping habits, you can reduce carbon costs and the impact of waste on our landfills and atmosphere!

Join Dr. Kerima M. Lewis for a lecture on “Slavery and Freedom in Old Bridgewater.” Dr. Lewis will talk about the institution of slavery in Old Bridgewater and Easton, and the story of an enslaved family who went on to live in Bridgewater after they were freed.

Karima M. Lewis teaches history at Massasoit Community College and Emerson College. Having worked in the fields of Social Work and Law before becoming an Historian, she holds a B.A. degree from Northwestern University, an M.S.W. degree from the Hunter College School of Social Work, a Juris Doctor degree from New York University School of Law, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Lewis wrote her dissertation on the history of slave resistance in colonial New England. As a local public historian in the field of slavery in New England. Dr. Lewis makes presentations on this topic locally, across the United States, and abroad.

The Old Bridgewater Historical Society, a private organization, started in 1894 and is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and publication of history relating to the original Bridgewater township, which includes the towns of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, West Bridgewater, and the city of Brockton. For more information, visit the OBHS website

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts's is changing its flag state seal and motto.

A state commission in collaboration with UMass Boston sent out a survey for public input. All MA residents are encouraged to participate. The committee want the flag to be a representation of the citizens of MA. A final recommendation will be given to the commission in late November. Now is the time to give your input! to fill out the survey. To fill out the survey go to UMass Boston's Website.

For more information go to the Town of East Bridgewater's website.

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute needs your input. The survey asks people about their experience using the Internet in the state. Massachusetts can provide everyone with better internet service and digital support by providing your input. To fill out the survey, visit the Massachusetts Broadband Institute website.

Family and friends are invited to comment in Jack's memory book: Blanchard Funeral Chapel Photo credit: Dale Julius

Jackie O. Julius, 97, of East Bridgewater died peacefully August 19th at Good Samaritan Hospital with loved ones by his side.

Jack was born to Swedish immigrants, Oscar and Esther (Sevelius) Julius, on July 14, 1926. He grew up in Stoughton, MA until enlisting in the Army Air Force for WWII in 1944. He was stationed at Roswell, New Mexico as an aerial gunner of a B29 bomber. As part of the 509th Bomb Group he was involved in Operation Crossroads, a pair of nuclear bomb tests at Bikini Atoll after the war.

Jack was married to his beloved Ruthie (Emery) for 59 years until her passing in 2005. They moved to East Bridgewater in 1953 where they raised their five children.

Jack worked hard as a mechanic to support his growing family. For many years he ran his own shop, Jack's Service, in West Bridgewater. Through countless repairs, he not only mended vehicles but also built lasting relationships with those he served. He did thousands of dollars of charity work each year, most notably for "My Brother's Keeper" and for The Boy Scouts of America's Camp Squanto.

Jack's dedication also extended to his community. As Scout Master of Troop 32 for over 40 years he imparted wisdom, values, and leadership to generations of young scouts. His commitment earned him the prestigious Silver Beaver award. He continued to be involved with The Boy Scouts until his passing. He was also a dedicated Little League Baseball coach for many years. In the early 70's Jack was president of the E.B. Booster's Club, where he and his wife achieved equal recognition for girls' sports. He was the first Santa for East Bridgewater's Christmas on the Common and in 2010 was honored as Grand Marshal of their parade. He was voted "Citizen of the Year" in 2012 and he modestly thought it was a joke when the selection committee tried to inform him.

His Friday night gatherings with his pals at the shop gave him great joy and continued until his 97th birthday last month. Over the years, much beer, whiskey, stories and laughter were shared. He loved riding his golf cart down back to the river and going to Randy's cabin in Maine with the boys, cultivating cherished memories. He was Dale and the Duds' biggest fan attending nearly all their concerts. He was passionate about antique cars, planes and classic TV like “The Andy Griffith Show”, exemplifying his appreciation of the simple things in life. He reveled in sharing anything his children, grandchildren, etc. were interested in and he remained "sharp as a tack" until the end.

Jack loved to help others all the time. Many people and organizations depended on him. The world is a better place because of this extremely generous and humble man. He was a great role model and a faithful and true friend to so many.

Jack and Ruthie were blessed with five children: the late Randy (married to Mary) of East Bridgewater, Glen (married to Janet) of Oak Harbor, Washington, Dale (married to Carole) of East Bridgewater, Lisa (widowed by Richard Troy) of Avon, and Barry (married to Jen) of Brockton. The branches of their family tree extended to include grandchildren Becky, Beth, Rachel, Sam, Brant, Jessica, Luke, Hannah, Stephen, Karen, Brian, and Ben, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Reposted from Blanchard Funeral Home

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