More than 250 Bridgewater residents, business owners, and stakeholders showed up at a community workshop on revitalizing downtown at Mitchell Elementary school last Tuesday September 26. The school's auditorium was filled to capacity, leaving only standing room. The initiative, "Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality" is a strategic community driven initiative, focused on transforming the Town's Central Business District. After a short presentation, attendees visited different stations where they were able to discuss said project with planners, town leaders, and engineers. The four stations focused on Central Square revitalization, re-development and housing, downtown circulation, and infrastructure.

Bob Rulli, Director of the Office of Community & Economic Development expressed his gratitude towards those who were able to attend, "The success of our first community workshop in support of the Vision to Reality Initiative exceeded our expectations. The large turnout and level of participation of attendees was wonderful". Additional details regarding the Revitalization of the Heart of Bridgewater Initiative can be found on their website.

Story and Photo credit: Bridgewater, MA Community and Economic Development

Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern

The Council on Aging will be hosting a hands on Reiki class conducted by Reiki Master Brenda Armand! Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction that promotes healing and relaxation. There is a five dollar fee to attend the class. To purchase tickets or if you have any questions reach out 508-697-0929.

For more info: Bridgewater Council on Aging Newsletter

Now through October 13th, all Bridgewater Cares Transit rides are free! Usually, it is three dollars each way. You can catch a ride to anywhere you'd like whether that be a friends house, a favorite store, school or even a doctors appointment. Bridgewater Cares Transit is available from Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm. Bridgewater seniors, people with disabilities (of any age), and BSU students are welcome. Simply let them know your pickup and drop off locations. Download the app or call BCT Transportation Coordinators at 508-697-0929.

For more info: Bridgewater Cares Transit Webpage

Marietta Apollonio, author of the new book Jack the Library Cat, will be reading, drawing, and leading cat-tactic fun to celebrate the launch of this new read! Ages 3+ are welcome to join this event. Registration is required and each child must be registered separately.

To register and for more info: Bridgewater Public Library Event Page

Back by popular demand, the Trinity Episcopal Church is hosting The Men's Breakfast. Stop by and get to know your fellow parishioners. What happens at breakfast, stays at breakfast! There will be donuts and coffee! For more info: Trinity Church Newsletter

Elections are coming up. Are you registered to vote? It only takes a few seconds to check if you are registered. Using this link you can also register or pre register to vote, update an address, or update your name. Voting Registration Link

The Bridgewater Public Library is hosting a book club with Kerrin Williams, the author of Strange Arithmetic. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the front desk. All are welcome and no registration is required! The event will take place in the Judith Gabriel room.

For info: Bridgewater Public Library Events

Video courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater

Video courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater

The Mass Cultural Council Distributes funds to local and regional cultural councils. BW funds are granted to arts, humanities, interpretive science projects for Bridgewater residents. Applicants must complete their applications online and submit them directly to the BW Council. Applications are due October 17, 2023. Instead of being reimbursed, grants will be given directly.

For more information visit the Mass Cultural Council Webpage

A rummage sale will be taking place at the Central Square Congregational Church. The church is looking for donations for the fall and winter seasons. Examples of items to donate include jewelry, glassware, home decor, books, games, toys linens, shoes, pocketbooks, and winter clothing. Please make sure the donations are in good condition and that there are no stains, holes, or rips. Beginning Oct 10th through the 13th, items can be brought to the church from 9a-1p. There will be homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods at the sale! The bag sale will begin at 1pm.

For more info: Central Square Congregational Church UCC Newsletter

The BN project exists to trade goods freely without purchasing them. Less of our earth's resources are used if we share what we already have. Less items like furniture, clothes, housewares and sporting goods end up in landfills. Over 6 million people around the world are in the Buy Nothing movement! Download the free app and within minutes, you can Give, Ask, and Share. It's instant and easy.

What goods can you give on Buy Nothing?: Anything someone else may want. Maybe you have a perfectly good chair to get rid of? You can list it on the BN app, and someone will take it. Do you see something you like, get in touch with the person who posted it, and it can be yours.

What is a Buy Nothing Community?: A BN community is the people around you. There are BN Communities in Bridgewater, Brockton, East / West Bridgewater combined one, as are Halifax & Hanson. Find the community that's right for you.

The easiest way is through the app.

Donate to the Project: Loving the money you are saving? Contribute here. Helping removes trash from the environment. The longer an item can remain out of a landfill, the better. The BN Project is run by donations by the community and sponsors. Buy Nothing Project is fiscally sponsored by Angels for Angels, a 501(c)(3), Donations are tax-deductible.

Getting involved: If you want to join, you can download the app on your phone or computer from the app store. Anything else you'd like to know? buynothingproject.org

 This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Ella Reddin, BuzzAround Writing Intern at Framingham State University. Focusing on actions that individuals can do in the face of our climate emergency. We can do it!

For more info: Bridgewater Public Library Events Calendar

Children can enjoy a free Halloween event at the VFW Post 2125! Trucks will be decorated in a fun Halloween theme, and children will be able to trick or treat at each truck. Inside there will be hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks at no cost as well as crafts, games, and other treats!! Take advantage of this great event, fun for the entire family! Make sure to stay alert and be mindful of children walking in the parking lot at all times. Everybody is welcome to join.

For more info: Trunk or Treat FB Event Page

On September 20th, Firefighter and Paramedic Joshua Anacki recently participated in the college and career fair held at Bridgewater-Raynham High school. He was able to interact with Junior students while providing information on how to pursue a career in Firefighting. Thank you Joshua for lending a hand and helping guide future seniors on how to secure a fulfilling and important career path!

Story and Photo Credit: Bridgewater Fire Department FB Page

Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston Journalism Intern

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