August 25, 2024



~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time.

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

Planning Board Meeting

8-19-24

Video Courtesy of EB CAM

EB Community Coalition for Change Seeking Volunteers! 

Since 2019, the East Bridgewater Community Coalition for Change (EBCCC) has worked collaboratively with local partners to bridge racial and social divides that plague our society. In order to address issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion we have partnered with schools, law enforcement, parents, and local businesses to empower our community members to take action. .EBCCC is looking for more board members and volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more information, please send an email to ebcc4change@gmail.com

communitycoalitionforchange.com

Source: EBCC August Newsletter

Guns N Hoses Annual Golf Tournament Tees Off on September 16th

The highly anticipated Guns N Hoses annual golf tournament is right around the corner! This year, the event will take place on Monday, September 16th, at the beautiful Ridder Farm Golf Course. Hosted by the East Bridgewater Police Patrolman's Association and the East Bridgewater Professional Firefighter's Association, this will be the ninth year of the tournament. The tournament is nearly at capacity, with only a few team spots remaining. If you're looking to join in on the fun, be sure to call the numbers provided on the sponsor and entry form to reserve your spot before mailing in any payments.

In addition to team entries, the event is still seeking business hole and green sponsors, as well as raffle prize donations. Businesses and individuals interested in supporting this cause can still contribute up to a week before the tournament. The funds raised from the event will be going towards supporting important local causes, making it a great opportunity to give back while enjoying a day on the course.

Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this exciting community event!

For additional information, please reach out to Celia Cacciatore at (774) 826-5401

Source: Guns & Hoses FB Page

EBCAM is re-sharing retro Science Fiction Monthly shows hosted by John Grillo. Here is Season 1 Episode 1 from Nov 2004. Tons of fun for our EB Si-Fi Geeks. Bravo EBCAM!!

School on Wheels- Massachusetts, located here in EB, posted about their Bridge Mentoring Program:

"It was a heartfelt and rewarding day yesterday as we gathered with student recipients of our Bridge Mentoring Soaring Scholars scholarship - with respective mentors by their side.

Students shared stories of struggle and determination as mentors applauded the latter.

'I didn’t share my story of homelessness with anyone at my high school,' said one student. 'The stigma was too powerful,' she said. Eventually she confided in her guidance counselor, who referred her to SOWMA.

Another broke down as she talked about the loneliness of not having a place to go during holiday and college breaks. 'I will be forever grateful to SOWMA for lifting me out of fear and isolation - and for helping me stay focused' she said.

The scholarship was the brainchild of Bill and Annmarie Harlor of Norton, who launched the program after being mentors themselves - and seeing the life-changing transformation as they guided a struggling student.

'We left the brunch feeling great, and knowing that all of us are making a difference in these kids’ lives,' said Bill Harlor.

We are always in need of volunteer mentors, who help guide a high school or college-age student through post-secondary education or vocational training.

Learn more about the Bridge Mentoring Program and the many ways to share your heart - www.sowma.org.

Reposted: Annmarie Harlor, facebook.com/schoolonwheels

East Bridgewater Board of Health Meeting

8-19-24 Public Hearing

Video Courtesy of EBCTV

Guided Nature Walk at Sachem Rock 

Wed, Aug 28

10a

32 Union St 

Join East Bridgewater Public Library and Blake Dinius from Plymouth County Extension for a guided, slow-paced tour of the insect life in the gardens and grounds at the Sachem Rock Senior/Community Center.

Please park in the dirt parking lot to the right as you enter the driveway and meet at the COA entrance. Binoculars are encouraged! 

Source: EB Public Library FB

Reposted from the Rotary of the Bridgewaters FB: "It was a pleasure hosting the Bridgewater State University Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders at our Rotary Club meetings over the last two weeks. They shared their experiences for community engagement and international projects in Africa while learning about the work of Rotary in our region."

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

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

Sun, Sep 22

10a-2p

Town Common

Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22, 2024, and head to the East Bridgewater Town Common for the annual EBBA Expo! From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 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

Written by Megan Martin, BuzzAround Intern, SNHU

Volunteer Opportunities at

Fuller Craft Museum

Fuller Craft Museum loves our volunteers! In addition to having fun and supporting the museum, volunteers receive benefits including invitations to special events, educational opportunities, a 10% shop discount, and more. There are a variety of volunteer roles available with different hours requirements and timeslots. We offer volunteer types suited to a variety of different schedules, interests, and abilities.

If you are interested in any of the roles listed below, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page. If you have other questions, please contact Rachael Kane, Manager of Learning and Engagement at rkane@fullercraft.org, or call the museum for more information.

Welcome to East Bridgewater's New Drum Majors

Reposted from EB Music Parents Association FB page:

"Let's meet the new Viking Marching Band Drum Majors for 2024, Nick Jordan and Llewellyn Gaffney! Nick and Llewellyn attended the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy at Westfield State University this summer and today (8/12/24) was their first day leading the Viking Marching Band at Band Camp!"

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME



Have fun with us and bee entered to win:

a 45-minute Reiki Treatment with

Jacquelyn Rose healingstartshere.net

Historical Tidbit Question:

By 1889, the Carver Co. employees were working extended hours due to high demand for their machinery. Which regions did the company export their products to?

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 August 28, 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.

15 Years!

I feel like we've grown up together, you and I... especially when I look at the layout and tone of those early 2009 BuzzAround issues.

Not only did the newsletters involve more colors, with my design tendencies leaning toward Edwardian, but also saw myself as an unofficial cheerleader for everything that makes our village stronger:

Volunteers: " Thank you to the Girl Scouts for their food drive, HUGE wonderfulness!"

Small Businesses: " Congratulations  for your certification, Sandy, way cool!"

Civic Participation: “ Here's a link to the Warrant, the town meeting is​ Monday night, don’t miss it!”

Effective municipal services: "The DPW did an incredible job with tree removal after the storm!!!"

As the years went on, my writing style matured, and the design evolved. We streamlined our process and chose color accents that reflected our community. Your good news continued to inspire us.

Through growing pains and COVID, we dug deep and found stories that strengthened our communities. We highlighted volunteers, celebrated small businesses, informed the public about civic participation, and cheered on our essential and municipal workers.

Your BuzzAround has always been  a team of people who care about building strong civically minded communities and as we matured as an organization, we have instituted systems to ensure our vitality.  We train college interns on volunteerism,  local civics and corporate responsibility. They learn the importance of 

knowing their sources and care about their messaging, so we will have a next generation of positive storytellers. We measure our social entrepreneurship impact using three bottom lines:  People, Planet & Profits,  and, as a privately held corporation, our Board meets monthly to steer the BuzzAround direction. 

 Do stories of good works inspire you? Do you want a hand in building strong hives? Consider becoming a Hive Builder or joining our Board. Help us spread honey, so our communities continue to BuzzAround! ~ 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 8/25/24")

 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.