Public Art Preference Survey:
What Art Would You Like to See?
Where Would You Like to See it?

The City of Brockton is looking for input from all our residents on public art. Please fill out this survey to let the city know your preferences for the different types of art forms and locations for temporary art installations.

The survey will ask for selections between visual art, performance art, audio art, digital art for enhancing our downtown Brockton experience.

The survey will also ask for opinions on several possible locations for art displays in Brockton.

Lastly, the survey will take any recommendations you have for artists that are interested in showcasing their work in public. The city will take everyone's input into consideration for planning the best art installations in the best Brockton spots. Share your thoughts in this survey and help shape our cultural landscape! Here are pictures of possible locations for art installations.

Photo Credits: City of Brockton
Story by: Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
Historical Tidbit:
Brockton Pioneer Stanton Davis

Skiing in the Northeast was a sport born of grit and self - determinism. Early skiers were farmers, loggers, working men and women; climbing mountains and strapping boards to their feet, challenging the weather and terrain, themselves and finally, others. They earned their confidence through physical coordination and endurance and mental prowess. This appealed to the American imagination as service people came home from WWII and then Korea. Independently we became strong so that together we could overcome. This is the timeline of how Stanton Davis, with his own Brocktonian grit, came to be on the forefront of skiing in the Northeast. 

In the winter of 1935-36, Ed Moody teamed up with friends to build a steel cable ski tow with ropes hanging from it behind his boarding house. George Morton, local mechanic, invented and created the lift. Phil Robertson, manager of the local electricity company promoted it. This was the first overhead cable lift in the United States on what would become Black Mountain Ski Area in Jackson, NH. 

10 years later, in the winters of 1946 and 1947, right after WWII, a rope tow was set up by a group of young veterans on a different Black Mountain pasture, adding to the ski activity on the mountain. Dick May, a former member of the Army’s 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops; Dick’s brothers, Bill and Jake; Rink Earle, and 1933 Tuckerman’s Ravine Inferno racer Bob Cann. “We were just back from the war. We bought it for a few hundred dollars with our Army bonus checks,” said May.

In Dec 1948, Brocktonian Entrepreneur Stanton Davis, President of Brockton Public Market, teamed up with his brother Halsey, president of George Shaw Co. (later, they combined to make Shaw's Grocery Stores) and inn owner Bill Whitney, to purchase and develop Black Mountain. They took down that rope tow, installed a new 3,500 - foot T-bar and opened up beginner, intermediate and expert trails on the mountain. In 1948, they were on the cutting edge of getting the sport of alpine skiing established in Mount Washington Valley. Black Mountain Tramways, Inc. was born; Bill Whitney of Jackson, President, Halsey Davis of Portland, Vice-President and Stanton Davis, Treasurer.

Story credit: J. Rose
City Hall
45 School St 508-580-7123
Check the city website for important updates

Brockton Public Library
Main Library - 304 Main St. 508-580-7890
East Branch - 54 Kingman St. 508-580-7892
West Branch - 540 Forest Ave. 508-580-7894

Council on Aging 
 Temporarily at The Shaws Center,
1 Feinberg Way 508-580-7811
Email coa@cobma.us & phone contact only
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
Brockton's
General Election
VOTE Tue, Nov 7 
7a-8p

The Brockton General Election is where voters decide on the next mayor and city councilor seats. It's an important event and your participation is essential, every vote matters! Mark the date, show up, and be a part of the decision-making process on November 7th

Poll Locations: Polls will be open 7AM - 8PM

For questions contact the Elections Commissions at 508-580-7117 or elections@cobma.us
WATD Political Forum:
Brockton's Mayoral Race
October 26th 2023
Video Courtesy of WATD
Interfaith Vigil For Peace
at Bridgewater State University
October 25, 2023
Video Courtesy of BTV Access Corp
Cultural Affairs & Tourism Meeting

Thur, Nov 9
6p
North Baptist Church
899 No Main St

All non-profits, service agencies, and volunteer organization are invited to the meeting to inform everyone about their upcoming activities.

Please call Anne at 774-297-4939 or
email her at ambeauregard@outlook.com for more information.
A Couple of the Many November Events at Brockton Pubic Library

Book Bingo
Fri, Nov 10 & Nov 24
3:30 - 4:30p
Children's Room 304 Main St

Join for some family fun! Bingo winners can pick from the library's selection of books and small trinkets for all ages. Contact 508-894-1431 for more info or visit the library website.

Tuesday Nov 14
6:30 pm
Driscoll Art Gallery - 304 Main St
Are you are a retiree looking to make an impact in our community?
Are you in your 20's and would like to showcase and develop a range of skillsets, adding to your resume?
Do you participate in our library's programs and want to contribute your talents?

Come meet us at our Pizza & Nominations Party and learn about volunteer opportunities with the Library Foundation.


Children's Book Reading
Sat, Nov 18
2p
304 Main St

The books Why America Matters by Ben Carson & Valerie Pfundstein and Because You're My Family by Missy Robertson will be read by Pastor Richard Reid. Activity sheets will be provided for every child! Contact 508-894-1431 for more info or visit the library website.
Join us for our Fall Open House


Brockton Campus | November 18, 2023 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

  • Are you looking for an affordable and high-quality higher education?
  • More than 60 degrees and certificates.
  • Taught by experienced faculty.
  • A variety of amenities and resources.
  • Many courses transferable to four-year colleges and universities.
  • Save money & jump start your future.

Brockton Finance
Committee Meeting
October 30, 2023
Video Courtesy of the Brockton Channels
Our Brockton 48:
Tribute to Coach Victor Ortiz
November 1, 2023
Video Courtesy of the Brockton Channels
Veteran's Day Parade
Sat, Nov 11
10a

The Veterans' Services Department will be hosting the Veteran's Day Parade Saturday morning. Come honor our veterans by attending the parade and ceremony! The parade steps off at 10AM and end with ceremony at 10:30AM at the Brockton City Hall Amphitheater.

Parade Route:
Start: War Memorial on 156 W. Elm St
End Brockton City Hall Amphitheater on 45 School St.

Questions? Call Veterans' Services 508-580-7850.
Voices of Veterans
Mon, Nov 13
6p
Lingos Auditorium
Brockton PL
304 Main St

Voices of Veterans is a poetry reading and visual arts event held at the library in honor of veterans who have served this country. Distinguished guests, Councilman Moises Rodrigues and Director of Veterans Services Kelly Young will be at the event. The Rose Music Conservatory will be performing the Star Spangled Banner. The event will also feature the poet and Vietnam Veteran, Ron Whittle. Veterans' friends and family are welcomed to read their poetry and display their art in an open mic. For questions, contact Jonathan at 508-894-1423 or visit the library website.
Brockton Rotary Collection

Deadline Dec 1

The Rotary Club of Brockton is collecting the following items until December 1st.
  • new toys (unwrapped)
  • wrapping paper
  • kids coats, hats, gloves
For questions contact Tina on the club website
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
Midday Music:
Drum Circle
Wed, Nov 15
12:15-1p
Christ Congregational Church
1350 Pleasant St

Come and join a Drum Circle, led by Greg Fernandes, Director of the Rose Conservatory at Midday Music at Christ Congregational Church. Free, free parking, handicapped accessible. Donations made will benefit Father
Bill’s/Mainspring. For questions call 508-586-3022.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Basket Drive
Drop off times: Non-perishables donations are accepted Nov 15th - 17th at normal business hours.
Perishables donations are accepted Nov 17th, between 8 - 9AM.
Drop off location: 18 Newton St.

Family and Community Resources is organizing a food drive to provide a wonderful holiday meal for children and adults. Any and all donations are appreciated. FCR is looking for cranberry juice, 2L sodas, apple cider, and canned vegetables in particular. For questions call 508-583-6498.
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

Your Ad Could Bee Seen HERE
Advertising subscriptions are perfect for getting the word out about your products or fundraisers
Dear Beautiful Humans,

Across MCAN (Massachusetts Communities Action Network), we are guided by the statement, “Until we all are free.” At the heart of this, we are saying that the world doesn't work for any of us, until it works for all of us.

As the Co-Executive Director of MCAN, I have felt called to respond to what is happening between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. But in times like this, I know myself to pause both in trepidation and reverence. The trepidation is about saying the “wrong thing,” and about buying into the false dichotomy that there is a wrong or right side that I must choose. The reverence is rooted in my spiritual tradition in that the words we say have the power of life and death and therefore we ought to be responsible in what we say.

So let me say this. I believe in a world where the Palestinian peoples deserve complete and true liberation of their minds, bodies, and spirits. I also believe in a world where the Israeli peoples deserve complete and true liberation of their minds, bodies, and spirits.

As we continue to witness the death and destruction happening in Israel and Gaza, we see just how truly the world as it is doesn’t work for any of us. In many ways, it never has. But in the midst of all the traumatic things happening now, it is hard to look away and ignore the age old cycle of illusive safety in which culture and those in power can trap us into picking a side and losing sight of the fact that we are all one people. We may think this is happening a long, long way from us here in Massachusetts, but it is touching our lives - or the lives of neighbors - in ways seen and unseen. If the news of the suffering of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples isn’t hitting our hearts, it is at least on our headlines. We have a choice to not become comfortable or numb. We can run from each other and go to our corners or we can do the opposite of what cultural systems of oppression often tell us to do; we can lean into the humanity of each other. Human life is being lost and when that happens we all actually lose.

Headlines and hearts could be full to overflowing for some time; the devastating destruction has been long in the making and reportedly is only just beginning. So what can that mean for us here when understanding and resolution appears far from the horizon? When we are missing answers, we ask questions.

  • How do we hold space for others believing a narrative we don’t hold?
  • How do we hold space for those who are grieving for lives lost or coming out of these conflicted communities?
  • Could the job of those not directly impacted by this be to listen and make sure our people who are impacted are okay and have space to heal?
  • If we are personally impacted by the conflict, what do we need from our affiliate communities to be able to lean into our relationships here for support and solace?
  • How do we listen to others rather than seeking to be heard?
  • How do we break out of the trap set forth by politicians, pundits, and the press that promotes an either/or and binary viewpoint, in order to freely consider a perspective that allows for multiple things to be true?
  • How do we make a distinction between people and politics and faith and fear?

Author Michael T. McCray has written, “If a moral compass has compassion only for the deaths of either Israelis or Palestinians, I believe that moral compass is broken. All the killing should grieve us.”

In the Bweté spiritual tradition rooted in my ancestral home of Gabon, we say “Life is the greatest gift from the Creator.” Massachusetts, our siblings are dying a world away. We have one more question to ask in this moment, “How might we learn to do life together differently?”

Love & Peace, Brother William

William Dickerson II
Co- Executive Director, MCAN
Brockton Lion's Club Eyeglass Cleaning
On Thursday, October 21st, volunteers gathered for the Brockton Lion's Club's monthly community service project, cleaning and preparing eyeglasses collected from across the South Shore. They dedicated that Thursday night to sort, clean, and determine prescription strengths before packaging the glasses for shipping. These eyeglasses were sent to people in need during eyeglasses dispensing missions to other countries, where Lions and eye care professionals conducted vision screenings and provided people the right eyeglasses at no cost.

Photo Credits: Brockton Lion's Club FB
Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

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


Historical Tidbit Question:
What sorts of people were the early skiers?


Email your answer to: Prizes@buzzaround.info
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: Queenie Chen, Siara Morel Ortiz, 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 Brockton. 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 Brockton 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.