West Bridgewater Firefighters Pass the Helmet

On Monday, January 2nd, the West Bridgewater Firefighters had the opportunity to have Dale's Helmet ride with them. Dale is a recently retired Plymouth Firefighter who is fighting for his life as he battles frontal lobe dementia as well as ALS and a helmet is being passed from fire department to fire department throughout the commonwealth to show support for Dale and his family. . We wish Dale and his family well. The West Bridgewater Firefighters show their support to Dale's Family, the Plymouth Fire Local 1768, and Plymouth Relief Association by participating in "passing the helmet". A fundraiser is being held to help offset medical costs, to donate you may visit the gofundme link. Or check out the FB page for a Venmo QR Code

Historical Tidbit:
4-H
 
"I pledge my Head to clearer thinking,
My Heart to greater loyalty,
My Hands to larger service, and
My Health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country and my world."

Concerns that lack of economic prosperity within cities would darken future for generations of rural children, a 4-H youth club was started in 1902. A.P. Graham, a school principal in Ohio, began promoting rural vocational agriculture in out-of-school "clubs." Through learning-by-doing projects, group meetings, contests and exhibits, 4-H quickly grew. With involvement by the USDA, States' Universities, and local agricultural associations, by 1914 clubs were started in nearly every state.

In 1908, Massachusetts 4-H began. Between 1916-1941, 4-H work was guided by George L. Farley, the superintendent of schools in Brockton, MA. He was instrumental in developing a school garden program capturing statewide attention. 4-H was growing with America, and added horse and livestock programs in the mid 1950's, electric and science programs in the 1960's and urban programs in the 1970's. 4-H had reached five million members by 1980's.

After more than 100 years, 4-H continues to grow the Head, Heart, Hands and Health of American youth. Plymouth County alone has almost 40 clubs in 10 towns, making it easy to become part of a 4-H near you.
Submitted by Robert Lundquist
Information from:
hTown 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!
Jen McCarthy
You won a 45 minute Reiki Treatment with
Jacquelyn Rose
 
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.

Enter for this week's prize of
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman!
Genealogy Workshop with
Rev. Diane Badger
Saturday, January 14
1p
162 Howard Street

We will cover the basics; starting with what you know and moving you back into your past. What are the sources available online; what are the sources to explore that are not online? Most of the workshop will concentrate on New England research, other areas will be covered. Bring a notebook to take notes, and any information you might have and we will try pointing you in new directions for your research. The cost is only $5 and starts at 1p.
For more information check out the events page on the Old Bridgewater website
West Bridgewater Public Library 
Children's Programs

As the new year begins, the West Bridgewater Public Library introduces an array of children's programs to keep your little ones intrigued and engaged. To see a list of these events and to register, visit the West Bridgewater Public Library event page
Watercolor
Bookmark Craft
Wednesday, January 18
6p

Come on down to the West Bridgewater Public library to craft your own bookmark. Register online here
Spice of the Month Club

West Bridgewater Public Library presents the Spice of the Month Club. Our Spice of the Month for January is Paprika!

Come in during the month of January to pick up a bag of paprika and a packet of recipes to try!

Let us know what you made and what you think, and come back next month for another spice! We are taking suggestions for spices you'd like to try, so feel free to e-mail westbpl80@gmail.com your thoughts!
Start your future today at Massasoit
Corporate and Community Education
Disorganized, Forgetful, Inflexible, Frustrated? Strategies to Grow Our Kids' Executive Functioning
January 23
7 - 8:30p
Online free webinar

Inclusion Matters is proud to welcome Dr. Anjali Palav, a clinical neuropsychologist and clinical assistant professor at Brown University, for a free webinar designed to support our kids' executive functioning.
As the owner of Executive Functioning Advantage, Dr. Palav coaches students of all ages to learn skills that help them:
- strengthen their abilities to pay attention at home and school
- become better organized
- more effectively plan and manage their time
- grow their emotional resilience, even when they feel anxious or stressed at school or at home

For more information check out the Inclusion Matters website
Crafting with Elaine
Monday, January 23
1p
Council On Aging/Senior Center
97 West Center Street

Come join us for a fun afternoon of crafting this beautiful Valentine's Day candle. Keep it or gift it, you decide. Another "no talent required" project brought to you by WB COA. Please register by Friday, January 20. Call 508-894-1262 to register
Crocheting volunteers needed for the month of January

The West Bridgewater Council on Aging is looking for volunteers to help put granny squares together to make warm blankets for veterans and loved ones in their nursing homes.

Please sign up in the office or call 508-894-1262.
SENIOR TAX WORK-OFF PROGRAM 
West Bridgewater Council of Aging

We will once again be offering seniors 60+ years old who own their own home in West Bridgewater the opportunity to participate in the Senior Tax Work-Off Program. Applications and packets are available at the WB COA office and must be completed and returned to the COA by January 16th. A tax work-off participant will be credited a maximum of $1,250 per household for 83 hours of work to be applied directly to their February 2024 real estate tax bill. Please be aware there is no guarantee that all applicants will be placed. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need according to the income guidelines.  Call 508-894-1262 and speak with Fran Deibel at the COA for more information.

To read more about the program, visit the West Bridgewater Council of Aging website
1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) • Bridgewater •
(508) 697-0357
Save your floors from the ravages of winter! 
Durable black 4 ft x 6 ft x 3/4-inch rubber mat. Grooved underside, slight honeycomb pattern on top. Good for covering any concrete floor. We use this rubber mat to cover concrete floors in several areas and even in one heavy traffic office area. Popular as a rubber mat to put under gym machines.
WB Girls Basketball (2023 Season)

WB Girls Varsity Basketball: - vs Case (Dec 21st

Read more
videoplayer.telvue.com
WEB (WB & EB) Girls Hockey
Photo credit: Pamela Calabro-Walsh
Fusion Dolls
Doll & Toy Store in WestGate Mall 
Looking for that Special Gift?
Stop by Fusion Dolls in Westgate Mall.
Locally owned & created!


Located inside WestGate Mall
across from Kay jewelers
Logo & Link ad: 23, 760 views for $99 / mo subscription.



Read more
buzzaround.info
COED Flag Football Registration is now OPEN!!
Kindergarten - 8th grade
For boys and girls

Registration for West Bridgewater Youth COED Flag Football is now open. This is a 6-week session. Registration includes jerseys & belts for all players. Practices & games will be held on Sundays at West Bridgewater High School Football Field. The season starts on April 23.

To register visit the Wildcats website
“Daniel Shays’s Honorable Rebellion: An American Story” presented by Daniel Bullen
January 19
6 - 7p

Join us to learn something new every month! Our Talks will feature presentations by local authors, academics, business owners, and history buffs. January’s Talk features Daniel Bullen who will present on his book Daniel Shays’s Honorable Rebellion: An American Story.
His presentation will take place on Zoom.

For access to the virtual presentation about this book, register on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ochm-talks-tickets-498760424857 and you will receive a link for the Zoom meeting.

If you have any questions about registering, Zoom, or this program, please give the Old Colony History Museum a call at 508.822.1622 and a member of our staff will be happy to help!
Climate Can-Do:
Help save the Earth and your wallet!

In Massachusetts, we have access to free energy services that help save money. With the winter weather getting fiercer each day, we’ve been turning on the heat.

“How can I save money managing my heating and cooling ?” You might ask. 

MassSave provides an assessment of your household or business energy use. In Massachusetts - we’ve already pre-paid for it through a surcharge on our electric bill.
Check out the MassSave website, to schedule a no cost virtual or in-person home energy assessment and an Energy Specialist will assess the status of your energy use. They will also provide solutions to lead a more energy efficient household. MassSave collaborates with NGRID, Berkshire Gas, Eversource, and Cape Light Compact. MassSave provides these services and energy assessments for any category of property here in Massachusetts, whether that be residential, multi-family, or business oriented. Check it out!

This Climate Can-Do Article was written by intern Sean Fitzgerald from Lasell University. We focus on actions which will help mitigate the environmental changes of our climate emergency. Our goal is to keep the Earth's temperature from rising 1.5˚ C to lessen the impact. We can do.
The 39th Annual Christmas Sharing Program Gives Thanks
Dear Friends,

A few weeks ago, I spoke to you about our 39th annual Christmas Sharing Program and said that with God’s love and your faith the communities of St. Ann’s, First Church, Cochesett Methodist, and West Bridgewater would make miracles happen. Well, you did - again. You brought joy and love to the 32 families, 82 children, 16 teen mothers and their 19 babies, and the 71 senior citizens in our Christmas Sharing program.

The parishioners of St. Ann’s, First Church, and Cochesett Methodist, along with local businesses and families provided more than I could ever have imagined. The value of the gift cards and cash donations was more than $15,000. In addition, we received gifts for the seniors and teen moms. One lady who handmakes cuddly animals donated 24 of them to our program.

Each family received $100 in gift cards for each child and $50 or more in grocery cards, along with stuffed animals appropriate to the ages of the children. Each teen mom received $50 in gift cards, and a blanket sleeper, clothing, and a toy for their babies. Each senior citizen received a small bag of goodies and $50 in gift cards. Five lucky families received a Christmas tree delivered to them by The Angel’s Garden Nursery. And a group from the Department of Correction bought all the gifts and groceries for three families.

Local businesses, organizations, and families that have supported us in the past came through again with $5400, even as the economy became more difficult for them!
Turner Steel, Raleigh Auto Body, Peter O’Connor (South Shore Packing), Consolidated Plumbing, P & H Travel Inc., W.B Lions Club, W.B. Fire Department, Bluestone Bank, Hockomock Liquors, W.B Police Department, Southeast Cyclones Youth Hockey, Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters, The Lincoln AA group, Wheels of Time and several families all made generous donations through the WB Emergency Fund. The local Girl Scout troop donated five cases of their delicious cookies! Gift Cards and very generous cash donations from the community and the three churches made up the rest of the funds.

The families, teen mothers, and their babies, and senior citizens were all overwhelmed by your generosity. In these awful times, you all made a difference in their lives.

I can’t offer enough thanks to the elves who worked on the program this year: Lynne, Leslie, Jenny, Debbie, and Arlene from the churches; Joan from the WB Emergency Fund; Ana from Project Grads; Fran from the Council on Aging; and Nancy, Mary, Elaine, Ann, Tina, Meg, Jim, Paul, and Kristen who helped deliver senior citizen gifts. What a wonderful way to share God’s love!

Thank you all for helping us to make miracles happen! No matter what you did, even if it was just a prayer for our families, seniors, teens, or babies, it was, and is, important.

Bless you all.
Linda Santry
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win

$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds
Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman!

Historical Tidbit Question:
When did Massachusets 4-H begin?

Email us your answer at: 
Include your name, and phone number with your answer.

By entering, you give us permission to print your name in next week's Buzz Around.
On January 11, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
Listening

“Part of doing something is listening. We are listening. To the sun. To the stars. To the wind.”
~ Madeleine L'Engle, Swiftly Tilting Planet

“It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak and another to hear.”
Henry David Thoreau

“For a word to be spoken, there must be silence. Before, and after.”
~ Ursula K. Le GuinA Wizard of Earthsea

“The humble listen to their brothers and sisters because they assume they have something to learn. They are open to correction, and they become wiser through it.”
~ Fr. Thomas Dubay

“The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand.
We listen to reply.” ~ Stephen R. Covey
Shhhhh. I'm listening. Are you?
~ : ) Jacquie
The BuzzAround is brought to you this week by Jen Bellody, Mohamed (Moe) Ibrahim, Primrose Morrison, Janice O'Brien, 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 1/8/23")
 
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.