December 12, 2021
~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time
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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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The Brockton Board of Library Trustees unveiled a new portrait of former Trustee and US Olympian John Thomas on
Saturday, December 11th.
The portrait is the first new portrait to be displayed in the historic Carnegie library in several decades, and the first work in an initiative to highlight Brocktonians and local artists who have made a contribution to the city.
John Thomas was a tireless advocate for education and literacy and a valued member of the Board of Library Trustees. A two-time Olympic medalist in the High Jump, Mr. Thomas gave freely of his time and expertise and championed literacy and library services for all.
“John Thomas embodied what we celebrate in the City of Champions: he was a scholar, a world-class athlete and tremendously community-minded person who gave his time and energies to helping young people as a volunteer, coach and library trustee,” said Mayor Robert Sullivan. “His portrait will be visible to all and will serve as an inspiration to generations of library patrons.”
Originally from Cambridge, Mr. Thomas lived in Brockton for 45 years until his death in 2013. The first man to ever jump more than 7 feet indoors, his illustrious track career began at Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge, where he broke several world records. A 1963 graduate of Boston University, he was the NCAA high jump champion in each of his four years at BU and captured seven national AAU titles. In his career, he cleared seven feet 191 times and lost only eight competitions. Mr. Thomas’ Olympic career began in the 1960 Games in Rome, where he won the bronze medal; four years later, in the Tokyo, games, he won the silver medal.
The oil portrait, by local artist John Arapoff, depicts Mr. Thomas during the height of his athletic career. Commissioned by the Board of Trustees in 2018, the portrait is the first new acquisition by Library in more than 30 years.
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Historical Tidbit:
The invention of the Frisbee
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In 1938 Walter Frederick Morrison and his future wife Lucile discovered a market for a light-duty flying disc when they were offered 25 cents for a cake pan that they were tossing back and forth on a beach near Los Angeles, California. "That got the wheels turning, because you could buy a cake pan for five cents, and if people on the beach were willing to pay a quarter for it, well—there was a business," Morrison told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in 2007.
The Morrisons continued their business until Walter served in the Air Force in World War II. After the war, Morrison sketched a design for an aerodynamically improved flying disc. He and business partner Warren Franscioni began producing the first plastic discs in 1948 and named it the Flying-Saucer in the wake of reported unidentified flying objects. (Roswell was 1947).
Morrison and Franscioni ended their partnership in early 1950, and Morrison formed his own company in 1954 called American Trends to sell his Flyin-Saucers, which were being manufactured in flexible polypropylene plastic by Southern California Plastics. He soon discovered that it was more cost effective to manufacture his own disc. Morrison designed a new model, Pluto Platter in 1955, the archetype of all modern flying discs. He sold the rights to Wham-O on January 23, 1957.
In June 1957, Wham-O co-founders Richard Knerr and Arthur "Spud" Melin gave the disc the brand name "Frisbee" after learning about the New England college craze of tossing The Frisbie Pie tins. Frisbie Pie Company (1871-1958), of Bridgeport, Connecticut made pies that were sold to many New England colleges. Students all over NE who had tossed and caught empty pie tins on quads for endless hours of games, were now using the Pluto Platter and calling it a "Frisbie".
In November 1957, in what may be the first rock musical ever performed, Anything & Everything, written by visionary pioneer of information technology Ted Nelson (Theodor H. Nelson) when he was a junior at Swarthmore College. The game of Frisbee (spelled Frisby) is described in the song "Friz Me the Frisby,” as a frisbee was passed throughout the audience. This clever marketing of Frisbee playing as a new sport made sales explode. In 1964, the first professional model went on sale.
Ed Headrick , Wham-O inventor, patented Wham-O's designs for the modern frisbee (U.S. patent 3,359,678), developing the band of raised ridges called the Rings of Headrick, to stabilize the frisbee's flight. Headrick, who invented the Wham-O Superball that sold over twenty million units, held the utility patent for the modern-day Frisbee, a product that has sold over two-hundred million units to date. Incorporated over a ten-year period. U.S. patent number 3,359,678 was issued to Headrick on December 26, 1967.
Today, the 50-year-old Frisbee is owned by Mattel Toy Manufacturers.
Compiled: J. Rose
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Submit to the City's Events Calendar:
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City Hall
45 School St
508-580-7123
Check the city website for important updates
Brockton Public Library
Main Library - 304 Main St. 508-580-7890
East Branch - 54 Kingman St. 508-580-7892
West Branch - 540 Forest Ave. 508-580-7894
Council on Aging
10 Father Kenney Way 508-580-7811
There are 14 food pantries in Brockton.
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Congratulations!
Phyllis Krastanov
won three private voice or piano lessons for
ages 5 to adults ($100 value) at
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of a
1 hour (value $80)
Glee Works Holistic Business Coaching
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Phyllis Krastanov on Last Week's Silly Putty History
"My siblings and I loved silly putty. A favorite thing to do with it was spread it out and press it onto a favorite comic in the 'funnies' section and the picture would 'print' on the putty! It was fun. We
loved the stuff. We also spread it on our noses to reshape funny shape noses."
What a fun memory inspired by Buzz Around History Tidbit, thanks, Phyllis for sharing.
Check out this week's history and prize box question at the end of your BuzzAround East Bridgewater e- newsletter!
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BHS ALUMNI GOES TO BHS HOLIDAY CONCERT
The Brockton High School (BHS) Alumni Association is fortunate enough to be at the BHS Holiday Concert both Tuesday, December 14th and Wednesday, December 15th. Tickets are available at the door of the Fine Arts Building and the music starts at 7p. Come enjoy an annual holiday event and learn more about the BHS Alumni Association. Join us and get involved to where it all started. We will have an information table, so if you have any questions email Anne at ambeauregard@outlook.com or call 774-297-4939. Happy Holidays! |
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First Membership Meeting of the African American Association
Dec 16th
7 - 8p
Zoom
For more information contact Associatation President Jamie Hodges 508-423-9275.
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Midday Music - A Time of Peace and Beauty
Wed, Dec 15th
12:15p
Christ Congregational Church
1350 Pleasant St
FREE. Come and enjoy a program by organist, Mary-Katherine Fletcher, on the church's wonderful pipe organ. Building is handicapped accessible. Donations are accepted for the Arts & Music Fund or bring a winter hat or pair of mittens for the Mission Christmas Tree.
Parking in the rear of the building. For further information, call church office at 508-586-3022.
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Black Owned Brockton Holiday Market
Three Day Weekend: December 17, 18, 19
Christmas Week: December 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
8a - 5 p
Westgate Mall, in the former Payless space
Black Owned Brockton will partner with Westgate Mall to host a Holiday Market Pop-Up featuring a variety of local entrepreneurs showcasing curated art, apparel, beauty products, home goods, gifts and more. Over 20 vendors will be present for a series of weekends including Christmas Eve.
Some great vendors and great products that would make great Christmas gifts.💗
@pearlywhitesgemsz @thealchemistpott @sweetglam670 @cocaine_solez @shop.ririz @shoptalk2em @saraiyaeve_designs @samscmoss @reesiesmarveloushats @opulentqueenbeauty @kinkshaircare @karolsbstudio @janicamarcellecollection @goldenbeautyco24k @artbyfarra @empowernutritionma
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Mayor Robert Sullivan will host a toy drive in his office at City Hall on Friday, December 17, 2021.
Please bring unwrapped toys.
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DO HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT Brockton Library Foundation GIFT SHOP
The Brockton Library Foundation Gift Shop, located at 304 Main Street inside the Brockton Main Library will now be open Wednesdays 5 - 8p, Thursdays 12 - 4p, Saturdays 10a - 2p.
Free gift wrapping on purchases over $5 on Saturdays, Dec 11 & 18. Get holiday last minute gifts and more or something for yourself. All proceeds from sales benefit library programs for all ages. More volunteers are needed, please contact Manager Richard Duval, if you are interested or have any questions at brocktonlibraryfoundation@yahoo.com. Donations continue to be accepted.
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Support The Brockton Library Foundation!
- Literacy + Empowerment = Dreams Come True
- Diverse Artistic Creative Expression
- ESL & Nationalization Support
- Increased Access to Technology & STEAM Programs
- Local Living History Displays & Presentations
- Meeting spaces & community building
Brockton Public Library is making all this happen & more,
close to home!
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"Everyone Has a Voice"
Poetry Series at BPL
Sat, Dec 18th
2p
304 Main St.
Driscoll Art Gallery
Featured poets: Laura Lamb Brown-Lavoie, Emilia Engle & an Open Mic
Laura Brown-Lavoie was born along the river called Charles— daughter of an English teacher and a Storyteller, she descends from mountain and ocean people in Western Europe and the British Isles. She has spent her adult life growing food and medicine plants for her community on the homelands of the Narragansett people around Providence, RI. Former co-host of the Providence Poetry Slam, she has twice represented Providence as a finalist at national slam competitions. Laura was the 2018 Fellow for Merit in Poetry from the RI State Council of the Arts, and the 2018-2019 Providence Public Library Creative Fellow. She is currently in residency with the Brown Arts Initiative, developing a multi-media performance version of her book of poems Club Desire, forthcoming spring 2022 on Binch Press. Alongside her work with plants and poems, Laura serves as a birth doula and is in training as an ancestral medicine practitioner.
Emilia has been writing songs and poetry most of her life. She graduated from BHS in 2021, and has since spent much time helping those with mental illness. Emilia has volunteered for Amazing Grace, a non profit that gives camp, enrichment activities and support to children who have incarcerated family members. She loves her sister, her friends, her tattoos and is the master of Spotify playlists.
She lives at home with her family and schnauzer, Princess Vespa. This is Emilia's very first feature, hopefully not her last.
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Chocolate, Cheese & Wine - Celebrating Women Owned Businesses
Monday, December 13th
5 to 7p
Enso Gallery
50 Centre Street
Parking on Lincoln Street, Lot B
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, along with the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, would like to invite you to our first (of many) Chocolate, Cheese & Wine event. We are celebrating Brockton women business owners and all you have accomplished in 2021. It may have been a tough year, with the pandemic, but you powered through and showed the community that you are a force in the business world.
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Need a turkey this holiday season?
Mayor Robert Sullivan is supporting a free turkey giveaway. Come claim yours on Saturday, December 18th, at 9a, at the Belmont Street entrance of the Brockton Fairgrounds. This event is proudly sponsored by Chris and George Carney. Remember to bring your ID to verify your Brockton residency. City Of Brockton Facebook
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Find YOUR Bliss with
BLISS THROUGH YOGA!
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In Person classes at
The She Shed, Saturdays, 9 am!
Svaroopa yoga excels at releasing the deep tension in your body. While the benefits of this style of yoga are profound, it is very easy to do. We use the alignment of the body, rather than a lot of effort, along with blankets for propping to make the poses accessible, supportive and effective.
Gift Certificates Available!
(508) 331-3564
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Where Music Grows
“Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.”~ Kahlil Gibran
Music lessons in piano, voice, flute, clarinet, strings, brass, ukulele, and guitar
105 Washington St. (Rt 138)
N. Easton
(508) 297-1026
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Brockton Public Library Webb Space Telescope Inspired
Arts & Crafts Contest
Submit entries to the Circulation Desk on the first floor of the Main Library (304 Main St.) now through January 3, 2022.
Create artwork or crafts inspired by the James Webb Telescope. Artwork can include painting, drawing, sculpture, diorama, video production, 3-D design, jewelry, posters, etc. Browse the collection of Webb telescope video and images online for inspiration. www.jwst.nasa.gov
This exciting program is in collaborating with Peter Sooy, from NASA, and the Brockton Library Foundation will be sponsoring the contest with funding the cash prizes.
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Brockton School Committee Meetings
December 7, 2021
Video Courtesy of The Brockton Channels
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Brockton Finance Committee Meeting
December 6, 2021
Video Courtesy of The Brockton Channels
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Holiday Formal Banquet to Honor and Celebrate Cancer Survivors
Thurs, December 23rd
5 - 9p
20 Clifton Ave.
Team Veronica Cancer Resource Center will sponsor and host a formal banquet to honor and celebrate cancer survivors. This event will provide an opportunity for cancer survivors to candidly share their survivor experience, and at the same time offer information, education, and hope to those who otherwise believe that a cancer diagnosis is a declared “Death sentence.”
This ticketed event will raise awareness and funds to support ongoing information and resources to people, primarily in Brockton, who are directly or indirectly harmed by cancer.
For tickets call Dr. James Bruce, 617-259-4398.
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Holiday parade in downtown Brockton on November 27, 2021.
More celebration footage will be added in a future upload. Stay Tuned!
Courtesy of The Brockton Channels
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win 1 hour (value $80)
Glee Works Holistic Business Coaching
Historical Tidbit Question:
Where was the Frisbie Pie Company located?
Email us your answer at:
Please include your name, phone number with your answer.
By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.
On December 15, 2021 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, Amanda Guindon, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Michelle Montella, Janice O'Brien, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia |
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'Tis the Season of Giving
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” ~ Anne Frank
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” ~ Roy T. Bennett
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
~ Pablo Picasso
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” ~ Shannon L. Alder
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On visiting my aunt tomorrow, a woman who literally has EVERYTHING: An accomplished artist, world travelled speaker, I fret, what gift to bring her? I have no ideas when I call. We settle on a lunch date. At 90, she is more comfortable at home. "I would love an Italian Sub." She says. "Without the baloney with white specs" THAT I can do!
The simple gift of time & a sandwich means the most!
Happy Happy, all, wishing you lots of simple gifts. ~ Jacquie
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Copyright 2021 Buzz Around Brockton. 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 Brockton 12/12/21")
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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