September 1, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

Positive News from Our Librarians:



EB librarians unanimously ratified their first union contract.

"Congratulations to Teamsters Local 653 members at East Bridgewater (MA) Library who have their first Teamsters contract! These 10 workers now have a strong contract that includes scheduling and working protections, increased longevity, education incentives, better wages and the Juneteenth holiday.

As a group we were the only unit in town without a contract,” said Jennifer Finn, a 12-year-employee and shop steward. “There was no question who we wanted to represent us. The Teamsters did a fantastic job negotiating our contract and representing us at the table . We are proud to say we are now Teamsters !!!!”

This is the first union for the library which was built in 1896. Unions raise the bar for all employment as workers everywhere realize what makes a healthy working environment. Thank you for all of your hard work in keeping public libraries alive!

Written by: Regina Fontanelli, BuzzAround Intern & J. Rose

Photo and story source: Teamsters Join Council 10 FB

Native Plant Giveaway & Sensory Garden Opening

Tue, Sep 3

4-8p

East Bridgewater Library, 32 Union St

Come by to experience the sights, smells, sounds, tastes, and touches of the new garden and to receive a set of native plant plugs while supplies last.

The sensory garden is the result of a grant from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) whose goal is to build "strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries."

EB Public Library Event Keeper

TRWA Tide Calendar Photo Contest

Deadline: Tue, Sep 3

Taunton River Watershed Alliance

The Taunton River Watershed Alliance (TRWA) is hosting its annual Tide Calendar Photo Contest, offering a unique opportunity for local photographers to have their work featured in the 2025 TRWA Tide Calendar. This calendar showcases the beauty of the wildlife and scenery within the Taunton River Watershed.

The contest is open now, and participants can submit up to five photos through an easy online process. All photos must be taken within the watershed and can feature themes such as agriculture, wildlife, landscape, scenery, history, or recreational activities. The contest is open to submissions from all seasons.

The deadline for submissions is September 3rd, and the entries will be judged by the TRWA Board of Directors.

For more info: TRWA Web Page.

Audition for Massasoit Community College's production of 4-time Tony Award-winning musical, Pippin!

Wed, Sep 4 @ 7p

Thu, Sep 5 @ 7p

Buckley Performing Arts Center, Massasoit CC

Callbacks will be on Friday, September 6th at 7:00 pm if necessary. Auditions will include singing and being taught a dance combination.

You can email Mark Rocheteau at Mrocheteau@massasoit.mass.edu for more information.

Climate Can Do:  Overconsumption and Sustainable Practices 

What Is Overconsumption? 

Overconsumption is the excessive consumption or use of something. Without change we could eventually run out, or create more than we can dispose of. 

How Can We Help? 

Live sustainably, make lifestyle choices that help you and the planet. Small changes make a big impact: 

*Walk, bike or take public transportation whenever possible!

*Consider alternatives to single use items: 

•  A reusable shopping bag.
• Skip the plastic bottles; all sorts of reusable bottles can be found in metal, glass and recycled plastic
• Replace Saran Wrap with wraps made from beeswax, cotton, and tree oil that keep food fresher and can be reused repeatedly.
• Use reusable towels instead of paper towels.

*Consider eating 2 or 3 meatless dinners / week:

• Meat and dairy production account for nearly 14.5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions and meatless diets save people an average of $23 per week on food. 
•  Also, consider choosing grass-fed beef and / or local meats.   

Don’t throw away leftovers; eating leftovers will help you avoid food waste and save you money. Freeze pre-made meals for handy eating later.

*Rather than replacing, repair.

Do not automatically discard broken items when they break. Instead, try repairing it. Using this method can save you money and reduce landfill waste. Repair shops and Youtube Videos are readily available to help you fix things.

*Join Buy Nothing.

With Buy Nothing, you can get rid of unwanted things around your house and get things you need for free. As their motto states “Buy Nothing. Share Everything,” a sustainable living app aimed at the community.

*Shop local.

By shopping locally, you reduce the impact of transportation on the environment and support your local economy.

This article was written by Tiana Frias, Stonehill College BuzzAround Intern on overconsumption and ways to limit our resource usage. We’ve got this! 

Source: sentientmedia.org/overconsumption/

green-living.na.panasonic.com/articles/20-frugal-habits-for-an-eco-friendly-lifestyle

Board of Health Meeting 8-27-24

Video Courtesy of EBCAM

Teen Makeup Tutorial at East Bridgewater Library

Wed, Sep 18

3-4:30p

Teen Makeup Tutorial event hosted by the skincare specialists from Beauty Bar by Jen. The specialists will demonstrate proper makeup application and answer any skincare and makeup-related questions.

EB Library Eventkeeper

EB Christmas Parade Committee

Harvest Fair

Thu, Sep 19

6-9p

The Meadow Brook Restaurant

1487 Main St, Hanson

Kick-off fall with EBCPC's Harvest Fair. This event is free admission and will have over 25 vendors: Each of whom has generously donated a raffle. Come to enjoy some shopping, good food, and festivities.

EBCPC FB Event

Join the EBBA Expo: A Day of Fun, Community, and Giving Back

Sun, Sep 22

10a-2p

Town Common

This event brings together local businesses, vendors, and organizations for a day full of community engagement, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

The EBBA Expo will feature local vendors showcasing their products and services, making it a perfect place to explore, shop, and support the East Bridgewater community. There will also be fun activities for all ages, so bring the family and enjoy a day on the common. For more information: EBBA

East Bridgewater School Committee Meeting 8-20-24

Video Courtesy of EBCAM

Supporting the Community: East Bridgewater CERT's Vital Role

The East Bridgewater CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a volunteer-based organization that equips local residents with the training and skills necessary to assist during emergencies. CERT volunteers are trained in basic disaster response, including fire safety, search and rescue, and first aid. Their goal is to support first responders in times of crisis and help ensure community safety in East Bridgewater.

While CERT is a national program, in East Bridgewater it operates locally under the direction of the town’s emergency management team. The program runs year-round, with volunteers attending trainings, community events, and responding to emergency situations as needed. CERT members are often seen supporting local events like the EBBA Expo or helping with storm cleanups and other crises that may impact the town.

In times of disaster, whether natural or man-made, having a trained team of volunteers ready to assist can make a significant difference. CERT members provide critical support to first responders, helping with evacuations, offering first aid, or coordinating logistics in emergency shelters. They also educate the community on disaster preparedness, ensuring East Bridgewater residents are more resilient in the face of emergencies.

One of CERT's key community contributions this year is the food drive at the EBBA Expo on Sunday, September 22, 2024. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., CERT will be collecting non-perishable food items, including canned goods, pasta, and other shelf-stable products, to help stock local food pantries. The goal is to ensure that local families facing hardships have access to essential supplies. Community members are encouraged to stop by the CERT tent at the East Bridgewater Town Common to donate and make a difference.

The CERT food drive is a prime example of the team’s proactive role in supporting the community. This initiative not only helps families in need but also fosters a strong sense of togetherness in East Bridgewater.

If you're ready to serve your community, East Bridgewater CERT offers volunteer opportunities for residents. No prior experience is required—just a commitment to learning valuable skills and helping those in need. Volunteers can attend training sessions and participate in both emergency response and community outreach activities. Whether you want to be involved in disaster response or help with planning events like the food drive, there's a place for you in CERT.

To get started, visit the town’s emergency management office or reach out via the East Bridgewater CERT page for more information on upcoming training opportunities and how to apply.

The East Bridgewater community is incredibly grateful for the CERT volunteers. Their selfless service, whether responding to emergencies or organizing community events, makes sure that the town remains safe and prepared. If you're looking to make a positive impact, consider joining CERT and becoming part of a dedicated team making a real difference.

Written by Megan Martin, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:



an exceptional Jersey T-shirt from Unique Strides Tutoring

Historical Tidbit Question:

Who built the Isaac Newton Keith House?

Email us your answer at: 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 September 4, 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, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose, & Greg Venezia.

Sisterhood

“Once upon a time there were two sisters. One of them was really, really strong, and one of them wasn't.' You looked at me. 'Your turn.'

I rolled my eyes. 'The strong sister went outside into the rain and realized the reason she was strong was because she was made out of iron, but it was raining and she rusted. The end.'

No, because the sister who wasn't strong went outside into the rain when it was raining, and hugged her really tight until the sun came out again.”

~ Jodi Picoult, Handle with Care

"Women who understand how powerful they are do not give into envy over meaningless things, instead they fight to maintain the beautiful bond of the sisterhood. These are the real women who know that we need each other's love & support to survive in this world. Love is the essence of being a woman. We must be that light of love that seals the bond & unique beauty of our sisterhood." ~ Bindu

Sisters, we must listen to each other, love one another and stand up for each other... if not us, then who? 

~ Jacquie

Copyright 2024 Buzz Around East 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 East Bridgewater 9/1/24")

 At the Buzz Around, we promote healthy community. We support the dignity of all human beings, are actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 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.