South African Educators Hosted by The Rotary Club of The Bridgewaters!
On November 1st, Rotarian Janet Dye of the The Rotary Club of the Bridgewater's welcomed and hosted "Rotary Global Grant Vocational Training" team members Pierre Horn, Jacqueline Horn and Cheryl Taylor.

Pierre, Jacqueline, and Cheryl are part of the Family Literacy Project in Underberg KZN South Africa. This program brings in early childhood professionals to help further their education by engaging with researchers, and working with organizations as well as program staff who work in these fields. Early childhood professionals will learn strategies to support reading for English language learners, identifying methods that offer students resources and support systems, among other strategies and practices.

This project hopes to establish a regional resource center for early learning at the Family Literacy Project site. Local and South African partners in the Global Grant will "strengthen family literacy and early childhood education at the Family Literacy Center in the foothills of the Drakensburg Mountains." Pierre, Jacqueline, and Cheryl are meeting with Bridgewater State University to develop their relationship with BSU. May they enjoy their stay!

2nd Photo: J. Rose ( Includes Rotarian Francis Jefferies)
Source: Preparing the Future: Family Literacy in South Africa Email from Rotary of the Bridgewaters
Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
Historical Tidbit:

Growing Up in the 1950's

Growing up in the 1950s, many things were different. The bath tub in front of the stove was not all that long ago. Many apartments did not have hot water heaters, so any hot water for washing had to be heated on the stove.

We had a bath tub in the bathroom, but you still had to heat the water on the stove for the tub. There were other times when my Dad would say "It's time for an Army bath." During his tour in France during WWll, he would often have to wash up in a helmet full of hot water. In our case, it was a small sink filled with hot water heated on the stove, a bar of soap and a face cloth. 

Some may remember the term, "pull the chain when you're done." Some toilets had a water tank mounted high up on the wall and there was a chain that hung beside it to flush it.

That was also back in the days when you had to get up and walk across the room to change the channel on the television. TVs back then, if you were lucky enough to have one, were smaller than most computer monitors; the picture was black and white; you only had four or five stations and it went off the air between midnight and 6:30 AM.
~Respectfully submitted, David Moore
Town Hall
  508-894-1200

WB Public Library
508-894-1255
 
Council on Aging
508-894-1262

Proof of residency is the only requirement.
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month
1:45 - 3p & 5:30 - 6p
457 rear, South Main St., Suite #1
Congratulations!
Erica Trenton
won a 9" Mum
Nessralla Farm Store
416 Plymouth St (Rt106), Halifax MA

Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.

Enter for this week's prize of:
a free 60 min yoga class of your choosing at Westbridge Counseling & Wellness, West Bridgewater
Traditional Turkey Dinner & Family Feud



Thurs, Nov 16
11:30a
West Bridgewater Senior Center
97 West Center St
Enjoy a scrumptious turkey feast and fun rendition of Thanksgiving "Family Feud." This event requires registration, and slots fill up fast! The deadline to register is Monday, November 13th. To register call 508-894-1262. There is a suggested donation of $6.00.
Kids Paint Class
with Ms. Sandy
Sat, Nov 18
10:30-11:45a
West Bridgewater Public Library
80 Howard St

Looking for a fun activity for the kids? There will be a painting class for ages 6-10 at the West Bridgewater Public Library (WBPL). It will possibly be turkey themed! To register visit the WBPL Registration Page

For more info: contact Nanette Ryan via email: nryan@westbpl.org or telephone at 508-894-1255 extension 810.
Brockton Holiday Parade & Celebration November 25 10am - 3pm
Council on Aging
Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift to delight the seniors in your life for the upcoming holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries? Your search ends here!

The West Bridgewater Council on Aging is now offering Luncheon Gift Certificates designed for seniors to enjoy as gifts.

$5 certificates will buy 1 Council on Aging lunch.
$20 certificates will buy 5 lunches. Visit the West Bridgewater COA Center to make a purchase.

For more information, call (508) 894-1262 or visit the WB COA FB Post here.
Open Space & Recreation Survey 2023

Your assistance is vital for the Town of West Bridgewater!

Collaborating with the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC), West Bridgewater aims to develop an Open Space and Recreation Plan. We want to hear your thoughts on conservation, parks, sports fields, and more! Your input will shape the future of our community's open spaces and recreational opportunities.

Take the survey on the Open Space and Recreation Survey 2023 Website. If you have any questions please contact the town via email: openspace@wbridgewater.com or contact the OCPC via email: rdugan@ocpcrpa.com.

For more information, see the Old Colony Planning Council FB Post.
Climate Can Do: How to be Sustainable During the Holidays
Our beloved holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years - are fast approaching. There is so much to celebrate but there is also so much more trash generated during these times than usual. With the holiday season soon upon us, let’s take a moment to consider all the ways we can be more environmentally friendly.

Gift Giving: When you plan what to gift for your loved ones, consider a handmade gift instead of buying new items. These thoughtful gifts will be sure to make your loved ones happy. Check out some ideas for handmade gifts below:
  • Bake a dessert! Check out this site for 15 quick and festive recipes of all sorts of baked goods.
  • Crochet something! There are so many easy to follow tutorials on YouTube that are beginner friendly. Click here to check one out!
Gift Wrapping: Please be mindful when wrapping your gifts. Wrapping paper with any metallics, foil, glitter, texture are not recyclable. Instead of using store brought wrapping papers, you can use any brown paper bag, newspapers, or even magazines to wrap your gift together beautifully. Check out this site for some eco-friendly wrapping alternatives with examples.

Holiday Decor: Decorative lights are such a big part of home decor during the holidays. This year, try using LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lights. LEDs can use up to 90% less energy than traditional lights and there are many options on the market, making them very affordable.

Let's all do our part to have a fun and eco-friendly holiday season this year!

This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern.
Check out

Johnny Macaroni's

November

Specials!
So much scrumptiousness, so little time!
Eat in our take out.

St. Ann’s, First Church, and Cochesett Methodist West Bridgewater Community Christmas Sharing 2023

For the past 39 years, the community has provided Christmas gifts for the needy in town through Community Christmas Sharing. This year, please donate gift cards. These gift cards will be distributed to families in WB, "Project Grad Teen Moms" in Brockton, and senior citizens in WB. Gift cards should be put in an envelope marked “Christmas Sharing” and left at one of the churches or given to one of the coordinators. The following stores are preferred: Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Amazon. Cards will be distributed by December 1st, giving parents enough time to buy Christmas gifts.

For families please give any amount up to $50.

We suggest the following: $25 grocery cards are needed for families. For the Project Grads Program for teen moms and babies in Brockton, Walmart or CVS gift cards in the amount of $25 are good. For Senior Citizens: Trucchi’s, Market Basket or CVS $25 gift cards are suggested. One of each will be given to each Senior Citizen on our list, along with a small goodie basket. 

Items for the goodie baskets are also needed, such as toiletries, slipper socks, boxed cookies, candy, or other items suitable for seniors. They may be dropped off at Linda Santry’s home. The address is 54 Tiffany Circle in West Bridgewater, or call Linda at 508-586-6535 for pickup (the deadline for pickup is December 5th) so they can be delivered.

For more info or any questions contact any of these church coordinators:

St. Ann’s: Linda Santry 508-586-6535 or email: linda@santry.org
First Church: Lesley Anderson, email: lesleyanderson52@icloud.com or the church 508-587-3118
Cochesett Methodist: Lynne Hopper email: hoppergl@aol.com

*Information for post shared via email
Interfaith Vigil For Peace
at Bridgewater State University
October 25, 2023
Video Courtesy of BTV Access Corp
A Background to the Arab Israeli Dispute: The History, Issues, & Impact on The World
Tues, Nov 21
6-7p
West Bridgewater Public Library
80 Howard St

Raymond Ajemian, University of Michigan educated historian, will guide this informative program. Raymond's specialization is in Middle East history. During this session, Raymond will offer insights into the ongoing conflict and address any questions related to the topic. It's crucial to emphasize that this program remains impartial and free from personal opinions. Its primary aim is to provide an educational opportunity for gaining a deeper understanding of ongoing global issues. Make sure to register WB Public Library Website HERE. This program is for adults. For more info, please contact: rwaitt@westbpl.org or call the library at (508) 894-1255.
PINCHES AND POUNDS
An old-fashioned candy store
with a TWIST
Celebrating 15 years of Sweetness!

Mon - Sat:
Open til 8pm • Sunday 'til 6pm
Come check us out!


Online orders!

(781) 447-2639
785 Bedford St, Rt 18, Whitman
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
WB Board of Selectmen Meeting
November 1, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
WB Varsity Football Playoff Game
November 3, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
Mold Guys Restoration
If your basement looks like this, don't let it go... call Mold Guys, we'll take care of it, fast!


Air Duct / Vent Cleaning * Restoration & Rebuild * Water Damage & Mold

We are there when you need us!




(781) 910-5029
Let Your Favorite Local Business Know They Should Bee Seen Here.
Surrounded by WB's good news
Together in Christ Collaborative:
Sandwich Making

Mon, Nov 20
6:30p
St John Catholic Church
210 Central St, EB

Come together with the Churches of Saint Ann and Saint John to make sandwiches alongside Fr. Paul and the Capuchin Mobile Ministries team. We'll be distributing these sandwiches to the homeless in Boston. Everyone is welcome to join in this meaningful cause. Your help and support will make a positive impact!
Special Town Election Unofficial Results
October 21, 2023
West Bridgewater Community Access Media
Special Town Election Results
for Board of Selectman Candidate!

The Special Town Election took place on October 21st. WB voted for a candidate to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Selectman. 9% of West Bridgewater residents came out to show their support and vote. It was a close race with a total of 266 votes for Jerry D.Lawrence and 271 for Michael Anthony Perez. There was a total of 539 voters. Every vote counts! Congratulations to Michael Anthony Perez, may he lead well.


Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a free 60 min yoga class of your choosing at Westbridge Counseling & Wellness, West Bridgewater

Historical Tidbit Question:
What did many apartments not have in the 1950's?

Email us your answer at: 
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 15, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
Autumn

 "I sit beside the fire and think / Of all that I have seen / Of meadow flowers and butterflies / In summers that have been / Of yellow leaves and gossamer / In autumns that there were / With morning mist and silver sun / And wind upon my hair." ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

" Use what you have, use what the world gives you. Use the first day of fall: bright flame before winter's deadness; harvest; orange, gold, amber; cool nights and the smell of fire. Our tree-lined streets are set ablaze, our kitchens filled with the smells of nostalgia: apples bubbling into sauce, roasting squash, cinnamon, nutmeg, cider, warmth itself. The leaves as they spark into wild color just before they die are the world's oldest performance art, and everything we see is celebrating one last violently hued hurrah before the black and white silence of winter." ~ Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way
A walk in the autumn woods I count as one of my favorite things. The leaves shower off the trees and I feel bathed in color. Enjoy your color bathing, all. ~ Jacquie
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Queenie Chen, Siara Morel Ortiz, Alexa Pennington, 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 West 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 West Bridgewater 11/12/23")
 
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.