The Bench, 47 Broad Street Bridgewater, is a locally owned slightly used sports equipment store. They have sporting gear for all ages and all major sports at a discounted rate. Accepting consignments, donations and occasionally purchasing new, The Bench stays well stocked!

A Bridgewater native, Loreena Miceli, is the owner of The Bench, which opened in September 2016. She grew up around sports, playing softball and figure skating, went to Bridgewater- Raynham Regional High School, and knows the financial weight of sports costs through seeing it when she was young, but also as a mother. Check out this video to see the store!

The Bench came to be when one of Loreena's sons decided to play football. She bought him a pair of cleats that unfortunately did not fit. The store where she purchased them wouldn't let her exchange, so she had to purchase another new pair of cleats last minute. On the sidelines of a game, Loreena was talking with other parents about what had happened, how expensive sports equipment is and how they need a discounted sports store nearby. Parents suggested that Loreena should be the one to open it, and six months later, The Bench opened.

On The Bench's Facebook page, Loreena shared that she has "created The Bench to be a place where the gap is bridged between those who no longer have the need for their child’s sporting goods and can recoup some of the cost, while helping the next child with a chance to be a part of something that could possibly be too far out of reach financially, so they can get equipment at a reasonable price! It also helps that it is a storefront where parents do not have to rely on meeting strangers at neutral locations. The Bench also helps adults get back into sports they have missed."

Visit The Bench's Facebook to see some of what they are offering, and to stay up to date on details!

Source: Loreena Miceli via interview and The Bench FB

Written by Skylar Robles, BuzzAround Intern, UMass Boston

Come in and have some fun with Big Ryan! Big Ryan's toddler program focuses on Puppet Play and Music and Movement. Due to the unpredictability and short attention spans of very young children these programs usually run about 25 to 30 minutes.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Bridgewater Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

No registration required.

Reposted from: BWPL

Done with your solar eclipse glasses? Instead of throwing them out, consider donating them to Eclipse Glasses USA.

Eclipse Glasses USA's donation program is more than just a charitable initiative. It's a movement that aims to bring people together, irrespective of geographical boundaries, under the vast canopy of the universe. It's about sharing, caring, and ensuring that the wonders of the cosmos are accessible to all, especially the curious minds of the future. For instructions on how to donate, email info@eclipse23.com

Source: Eclipse Glasses USA

Frank Santos Jr. the R Rated Hypnotist: to benefit the Robert L. Smith Jr. Scholarship Fund

Frank Santos Jr. is an R-rated hypnotist that will amaze you, your friends, and even strangers across the room when they become the stars of the show as Frank makes everyone believe and act like they are singers, dancers, and much, much more. This is a performance where the audience becomes the show. Frank’s performance has limitless variations and can please every entertainment appetite. This is a hilarious energetic and unique show that you will never forget! Frank Santos Jr. has over 20 years of experience. His spectacular display of mind bending antics can turn any skeptic into a fan. His act is always fresh, energetic, and unique; no two shows are ever the same. The audience becomes the star! Non-alcohol venue, however, complimentary non-alcohol drinks and snacks will be provided. Free parking.

This is a charitable event that will benefit the Robert L. Smith Jr. Scholarship fund. This 501(c)3 organization raises money to give to Bristol Plymouth high school seniors that are entering a trade after graduation. Their award can be used for tuition or needed tools for their craft. We also acknowledge BR graduates that are entering the military after graduation.

 Purchase Tickets for this event at Frank Santos Jr. EventBrite

Source: email from Laurie Hartrey of Robert L. Smith Jr. Scholarship Fund

Learn self defense techniques with the Bridgewater Police Department and Precision Tang Soo Do Karate!

In this hands on workshop, participants will learn and practice self defense. Loose comfortable clothing, sneakers, and a bottle of water are recommended.

For ages 14 and up.

Registration is required. Register at BW Public Library

The Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters will celebrate neighbors who have contributed as volunteers to help others in the towns of Bridgewater, East Bridgewater and West Bridgewater. Tickets are $ 20 and can be purchased at the door. We hope that you will be able to attend our celebration that recognizes these wonderful volunteers who make our communities a better place to live and work.

For the town of Bridgewater, the Rotary named Pat Neary. Pat is best known for protecting the environment, health and well-being of the town. As an environmental warrior she has gathered relevant and accurate information to identify key issues, always with her passion and persistence in educating the community.

Visit Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters

Video Courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

johnnymacaronis.com • Instagram

Balancing the Energies of Body, Mind, & Spirit for Health & Wellbeing Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient Japanese art of harmonizing life energy within the body. Gentle application of the hand at different points of the body unlocks or redirects energy pathways for optimum flow often resulting in pain relief better health, and well-being. The most common effect is relaxation and relief of stress. Participants will learn and practice this art in all five sessions. Instructor Pat Kane, Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner will lead the class. She has been practicing and teaching Self Help Jin Shin Jyutsu since 2002. Tuesdays, 2:30PM May 7, 14

Fee: $25 required at registration. Registration Required. Call the COA to register at 508-697-0929

Reposted from: BW COA April Newsletter(PDF)

It is with great pleasure, that we celebrate Bridgewater Senior Mothers to All at this very special event at the Senior Center held May 10th at 10AM. Please join for delicious food, activities and entertainment

Please RVSP by May 3rd to Maddy Jankowski at mjankowski@bridgewaterma.org or 508-659-1256

Source: Bridgewater COA via email

Join us for this 30 minute class designed for caregivers and their children (ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling) with certified yoga instructor Jennifer Lynn of Nurtured Roots, LLC.

Please bring a yoga mat for yourself and a blanket/car seat for baby.

Registration is required & space is limited.

Registration begins April 30, at 9am on BWPL website.

One of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas and carbon emissions in our atmosphere is the use of vehicles: according to Fuel Economy, “Highway vehicles release about 1.5 billion tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere each year—mostly in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2)—contributing to global climate change. Each gallon of gasoline you burn creates 20 pounds of GHG. That's roughly 5 to 9 tons of GHG each year for a typical vehicle.”

How we get from one location to another can have a massive impact on our carbon footprints, and our first goal should be to transition into the use of public transportation whenever possible. The type of vehicle we drive is also incredibly important. The use of gasoline has major implications for the climate because of greenhouse gases associated with crude oil and other petroleum liquids. Another environmentally-friendly option would be electric vehicles. Finally, consider making the switch to bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters to help reduce your carbon footprint (and help you reach your health and fitness goals!).

Source: Mass.Gov, US Department of Energy

Tiffany Gambill of Tiff’s Chariot, is a Bridgewater resident who loves to travel. Tiffany is in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop her from exploring the world. Her blog writes about the different places that she has travelled and how accessible these places were. She’s traveled all across North America and to Austria at the end of 2023.

At 15, Tiffany was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) which is a muscle condition. Over time, this condition has effected Tiffany’s eyesight, hearing, speech and muscles, but has not effected her travel bug. She grew up traveling with her family, and even after her diagnosis she has continued to travel. Through her blog, she wants “to show people, disabled or not, that traveling the world can be done; and to inspire others and show them that life is worth living in!”

One of Tiffany's goals is to share how accessible places are for varying mobility levels, as well as to spread awareness of the importance of making places and travel accessible to all. We are proud Tiffany was a 2012 BuzzAround Intern. It's fun to follow her as she never stops exploring new things.

For more about Tiffany and to follow her journey and travels, visit her blog across multiple social media platforms @tiffschariot and her blog website Tiff's Chariot

Source: Tiff's Chariot Welcome Page

Written by Skylar Robles, BuzzAround Intern, UMass Boston

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Bliss Through Yoga!

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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 4/28/24")