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October 29, 2023 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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Bridgewater-Raynham High School Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand! |
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Last Saturday, a group of awesome volunteers at the Bridgewater-Raynham High School collected and sorted gently used regiftable items. These goods will used for both the High School shop and Youth Shopping Day on December 9th. The community has lended a helping hand being extremely generous with drop off donations.
The next drop off event is Saturday, November 4th from 8 to 11am at BRRHS. Items can also be dropped off at the school office window with BRRHS staff. Items should be of small size and able to fit in a student backpack as many kids carry these home on the bus. Please email Mrs. Kendall if you have any questions. akendall@bridge-rayn.org
Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
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Historical Tidbit: Halloween's Origins
When we think of Halloween today, images of jack-o-lanterns and witches come to mind, as well as memories—happy arms lugging bags filled with hard-earned candy and neighborhood streets flooded with costume-clad trick-or-treaters. But where did this holiday come from?
The beginning of Halloween dates back to the eighth century, when Pope Gregory III declared that November 1st would be All Saints Day.
The holiday was a time to honor saints, and it incorporated some traditions from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which included lighting bonfires and dressing up in costumes to send away ghosts.
The evening before All Saints Day was called All Hallows Eve. This day later became known as Halloween, which evolved to include all of the activities that we are familiar with today.
The Origin of Trick-or-Treating
American trick-or-treating traditions most likely come from All Souls’ Day in England, when poor citizens would beg for food. A family would offer those begging “soul cakes” if they promised to pray for the family’s dead relatives.
The church encouraged this practice, which was known as “going a-souling” because it replaced the Celtic tradition of leaving food and wine out for ghosts. Eventually, children participated in this tradition, going around their neighborhood to receive treats. Back then, these were ale, food, and money.
So Why The Costumes?
Wearing costumes also has European and Celtic origins. During this time, it was a commonly held belief that ghosts came back to Earth on Halloween. People worried that the ghosts would recognize them, so they disguised themselves in masks, hoping to be mistaken for spirits themselves.
Even though Halloween has changed over time, it is evident that many of the traditions we know so well today have come from ancient practices and beliefs.
Written by Alexa Pennington, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Academy Building Municipal Offices
66 Central Square
508-697-0921
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South Street
508-697-3331
Cole-Yeaton Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
508-697-0929
Food Pantry
Central Square Congregational Church
71 Central Square
508-697-6016
Thursdays - 10a - 1p
1st Monday of each month from 6 - 7:30p
St Vincent dePaul Food Pantry
@ St Thomas Aquinas Church
103 Center St
2 x month 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m
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Congratulations!
Patricia McCusker
You won a free 1.5 hour class at
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
your choice of a
Holiday Hair, Skin & Nail Care Gift Set
From Salon Esprit
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Potential Candidates Workshop
Sat, Nov 4
10a-12p
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
If you are interested in running for an elected office in April 2024, Bridgewater is inviting you to a Potential Candidates' Workshop. Nomination papers for all elected positions will be available in early January 2024. Do you want to be more involved with town decision making? Maybe you have organizational or leadership skills? Ideas to share with the library, schools, and town?
Consider coming to this workshop. For more information, please contact Marilee Hunt at Marilee@thehunts.org. |
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Ousamequin Club:
Conversation & Meeting
Mon, Nov 6
1:30p
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
The Ousamequin Club is hosting a special event to discuss the changing roles of women in the military from the past to the present. Featuring guest speaker Lynne Stader, the TOC extends a warm welcome to all who are interested in this fascinating conversation. As part of the club's commitment to community service, they will be collecting non-perishable food items and travel-sized toiletries during the meeting. These donations will go to the Bridgewater Food Pantry and Projectpak to support those in need. We appreciate your support and look forward to your presence! Ousamequin Club FB
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Central Square Congregational Church Fair and Pie Night
Fri, Nov 3, 6:30-8:30p (Pie and Coffee Night)
Sat, Nov 4, 9a-1p (Fair Day)
71 Central Sq
Central Square Congregational Church
The Central Square Congregational Church is hosting two awesome events! A pie & coffee night, and a fair day. Come on down Friday and catch up with friends while enjoying some coffee and pie. Fair tables will be available for shopping and there will be a few raffle baskets around.
On Saturday, the fair will take place. There will be jewelry for sale, the Hanson Farm Harvest table, handmade craft/gifts, a bake table, raffle baskets and much more! Homemade soups and walking tacos will be available from 11a-1p. Have some fun chowing down on some yummy food and shopping around with friends or family! If you have any questions, you can contact the church office at office@csccucc.com or call 508-697-6016. For more info: Church Fair and Pie Night FB Event Page
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Call to Comment for Phase IV of Lakeshore Center
The Lake Nippenicket Action Focus Team (www.lnaft.org) is getting the word out that a Supplementary Draft Environmental Impact Report has been filed with the MEPA office by Claremont Companies regarding Phase IV of Lakeshore Center. The project site is within the Hockomock Swamp Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) This area is habitat to extensive wildlife and includes wetlands and streams that serve as the headwaters of the Town River, a tributary and sub watershed of the Taunton River. Proposed work includes a 1-story, approximately 1,800 SF café with drive through; a 4-story, 225-unit 55+ residential community; a 5-story, 110 room hotel and a 179 seat restaurant on the shores of the Lake and within Priority Habitat. Public Comment Period is until Monday, Nov 6, 2023.
To Comment:
Town Of Bridgewater: Bridgewater Planning Board accepted Claremont's request to Withdraw the Special Permit for the Hotel project on Route 104 and has proceeded directly to Site Plan Review of the hotel project. The Public Hearing is still open. You can submit comments and participate in the next meeting.
Public Hearing Continued to:
Wed, November 1st @ 6:30 PM
Email Public Comments for the Planning Board regarding the Site Plan (Claremont Hotel 2023 /Site Plan 9/13/2023) to: ced@bridgewaterma.org
Photo credit: Joseph Silva
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Pasta Dinner Benefit for Robert L Smith Jr
Memorial Scholarship Fund
Sat, Nov 4
4-7p
VFW Post 2125
40 Orange St
Join us for a pasta dinner supporting the Robert L. Smith Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund! Mr. Smith, a WWII and Korean War veteran, was a highly skilled Navy welder who believed in the importance of mastering a trade. This scholarship aids Bridgewater residents graduating from Southeastern Regional Technical School or Bristol Plymouth Technical School, both of which emphasize vocational education.
The dinner includes homemade pasta, meatballs, salad, dessert, refreshments, and rolls. Takeout is available from 4-5 pm, while in-house dining is from 5-7 pm. Tickets are $15 each and must be purchased in advance. You can secure your tickets through email at lhartey@gmail.com, Venmo, or by phone at 508-697-2960. The event will feature raffles and a door prize, but please note that seating is limited. Be sure to purchase your tickets by October 31st to join us for this special evening! For more info, visit the Robert L Smith Jr Pasta Dinner Benefit FB Event Post. |
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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—products of a bygone era. Today, our 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 removes this confusion. It's simple: water, flavored waters, iced teas, coffee-based drinks, and sports drinks should now have a $0.05 deposit. 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 for various initiatives, such as municipal recycling incentives, recycling transfer stations, source reduction, and public education.
How To Support The Bottle Bill Expansion
To support the expansion of the Bottle Bill for the sake of our environment and the long-term sustainability of our state, 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 even easier 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. Join the movement and be part of positive change!
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!
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Physical Therapy University
Bridgewater * Middleboro * Buzzards Bay
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Happy Physical Therapy Month!
Celebrate by scheduling a Tune-Up appointment with our amazing PTs
Now is the time to start getting stronger!
You don't have to be injured to qualify.
Give us a call!
📞Bridgewater: 508-697-2000
📞Buzzards Bay: 774-247-4868
📞Middleboro: 508-807-0414
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Tell your favorite local business their ad should bee seen here!
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Veterans
Appreciation Event
Tues, Nov 7
11a
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
Join the Bridgewater Senior Center for their annual luncheon to honor veterans, alongside town leadership and guest speakers. A performance by The Singing Trooper will follow. Registration is required to attend this event and must be completed by November 1st. To register, call 508-697-0929. If you need transportation, make sure to let transportation services know ahead of time. Priority reservations will be given to seniors.
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Bridgewater-Rayham High School Track & Tennis Court Update
The Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School is undergoing some major construction projects. Five new tennis courts and a replacement track field! Prior to this construction, the track field was not usable for years. Also, five tennis courts are recommended to host interscholastic matches and the high school only had four. A new parking lot is also being constructed. All of these projects are expected to be completed later this fall, dependent on weather. Big thanks to the school committee and the good people of Bridgewater and Raynham for their support towards this project. We are so excited to see how it turns out!
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Town Council Meeting
October 24, 2023
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
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Cultural Council Meeting
October 24, 2023
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
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Share a photo, 40 words and link to your loved one's obituary.
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Grant's Rental
Landscaping Rentals
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Rent One of Our Aerators
288 lbs w/ foldable handles for easy transport or 420 lbs w/ free-wheeling outer tine system provides unparalleled maneuverability
Both units have removable weights which allow for improved ground penetration.
Work smarter, not harder!
10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
(508) 279-0950
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A Night at the Opera with Maryte Bizinkauskas
Fri, Nov 10
7p
Central Square Congregational Church UCC
71 Central Square
Do you enjoy the opera or listening to classical music? If so, you are invited to join us for an unforgettable evening with world-renowned soprano artist, Maryte Bizinkauskas. Ms. Bizinkauskas is a distinguished operatic vocal performer who honed her talents at the Boston Conservatory of Music and the Curtis Institute of Music. Her career includes performances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and venues around the globe. Currently, she is an educator in the Music Department at Bridgewater State University.
Tickets are available at $30 per person in advance, with a special offer of $20 for seniors (use promo code "Senior") and $10 for students (use promo code "Student"). Following the musical performance, a reception featuring light hors d’oeuvres will be served. You are welcomed to bring your favorite wine to enjoy. For more information, please visit the Central Square Congregational Church UCC Website.
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Camp Myles Standish POW
Camp Field Trip
Fri, Nov 10
9a
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
Join the Bridgewater Senior Center as you embark on a journey about the historical time period of World War II in Taunton. Individuals will carpool together and visit the grotto in Taunton constructed by Italian POW soldiers. You will also drive past Roseland Ballroom where Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Glen Miller entertained the troops, and visit the Old Colony History Museum to see photos and artifacts from Camp Myles Standish. Admission is $3.00 for Senior Citizens.
After this historical journey, there will be a lunch at Lorenzo’s Restaurant in Middleboro where Peter (Lorenzo's grandson) will tell folks the story on how his grandfather Lorenzo, a WW2 POW met his grandmother in Taunton and lived the "American Dream" together. The cost of lunch is not included. Registration is required and must be completed by October 31st. To register email: droza110@gmail.com
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2023 Tri-Town Veterans Day Parade
Sat, Nov 11
10a
East Bridgewater Town Common
225 Central St
A tri-town parade and ceremony honoring all veterans of all wars and conflicts is coming up. Ceremonial exercises will begin at 11a. Honor the dedication of our veterans. For more info: East Bridgewater Bicentennial FB Event Post
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Anime Club
Wed, Nov 15
4-5p
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South St
Hang out with friends, enjoy snacks, and watch the latest anime with the library's premium Crunchyroll subscription! Check out the newest manga and graphic novels before they hit the shelves! This club meets in the Flora T. Little Meeting Room and the club is for teens. No registration is required.
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BRRHS Raynwater Players Present:
The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition
Sat, Nov 18
2p, 7p
BRRHS
415 Center St
The Bridgewater Raynham Regional School District is putting on a magical musical that is sure to make a splash! There will be two performances on November 18, one at two and one at seven. General seating is $10, and VIP seating is $25. VIP seating includes a swag bag, meet and greet, and early seating. Make sure to bring your ticket receipt that will be sent through email to the ticket window when you pick up your tickets. To purchase tickets and find more info, please visit The SpongeBob Musical Tickets Website. |
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TJ² Robotics Team Triumphs at
New England District Competitions!
TJ² the robotics team of Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District competed in the New England District Southeastern Massachussetts Regional Robotics competition on Saturday, March 4th. They won the autonomous award sponsored by Ford making them a district event winner for this competition. In addition, they qualified for the first world champs for the Johnson Division of 2023! They won two more awards in two different competitions this year, the creativity award in the NECMP-Wilson Division, and the innovation in control award in the North-Shore NE District event. We are so excited to see what the future holds for TJ² and will continue to support them in their future endeavors!
Story written by Siara Morel Ortiz, Umass Boston BuzzAround Intern
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
your choice of a
Holiday Hair, Skin & Nail Care Gift Set
From Salon Esprit
Historical Tidbit Question:
What was the evening before All Saints Day called?
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 1, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Siara Morel Ortiz, Jamie Puhi, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Boo
"Have you come to sing pumpkin carols?"
~Linus, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
"By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." ~ William Shakespeare, Macbeth
"Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it!" ~ Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas
“On Halloween, witches come true; wild ghosts escape from dreams. Each monster dances in the park.” ~Nicholas Gordon
"I am the who when you call, 'Who's there?' / I am the wind blowing through your hair / I am the shadow on the moon at night / Filling your dreams to the brim with fright" ~ "This is Halloween," The Nightmare Before Christmas
"There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch." ~ Robert Brault
“Another of his sources of fearful pleasure was, to pass long winter evenings with the old Dutch wives, as they sat spinning by the fire, with a row of apples roasting and spluttering along the hearth, and listen to their marvelous tales of ghosts and goblins, and haunted fields, and haunted brooks, and haunted bridges, and haunted houses, and particularly of the headless horseman, or galloping Hessian of the Hollow, as they sometimes called him. ~ ― Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
"The farther we've gotten from the magic and mystery of our past, the more we've come to need Halloween." ~Paula Guran
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Bonfires, Costumes and Candy, Oh my. Have a be-witching time, Dear Reader. ~ Jacquie |
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Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. |
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Copyright 2023 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 10/29/23")
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.
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