A new community center will officially open its doors next month. Originally an old chapel, 15 Cedar St has seen plenty of activity, from D & D games to events of all sizes. But it needed repair and upgrades in access, a new wheelchair ramp, and main floor bathroom facilities.

Two years ago Tommy Hogan, inspired by a need he witnessed unfulfilled, quit his pastor job and purchased 15 Cedar St. The idea came to him when he saw some students at a local pharmacy kicked out for loitering. The thought?: "Kids need a place to go after school, a supportive community space." Raw from our collective covid isolation, Cedar Street Community Center could also be a place that would bring people together from all walks of life. Providing programs would be key, allowing space to direct energy into creative or fun outlets. Re-Imagining Community; focusing on core values: relationships, service, kindness, and wellness. The major reason 15 Cedar is so perfect? Proximity to the University and downtown. Involvement in the community center would help a person feel that they have a place in society; that their impact on the world is something to be cherished, and that they are important. He is hoping to collaborate with other local non - profits, like The Well, and be; his Re-imagine Community is a collaborator.

Look for new happenings at the Cedar Community Center; weekly afternoon and evening clubs and college events. Concerts and movie nights; maybe even a gala in December. The Cedar St Community Center opens its doors in September, with drinks, snacks, and fun provided!

Photo Credit By Brian Coleman, BuzzAround Writing Intern, Bridgewater State University

Story by Brian Coleman and J. Rose

As I walked up the stairs, entering Cedar Street Community Center with other groupings of all shapes and sizes, I knew this event was going to be like none other. The large stage had plenty of room for the 8-piece band, Montello North ( and a few friends), including a bright blue cello, keyboard, drum kit & hand drums to complement the horn, harmonica and vocals I would hear from this awesome and very danceable soul & funk band. The highlight of be; social, an event for adults with disabilities to gather and have fun on August 5. It was the brain child of Lisa Hogan and Nicole Marie Garcia of be; a budding non-profit based in East Bridgewater dedicated to creating spaces for us humans to be.

There were comfy couches on one side and round tables on the other, leaving a good 30 foot dance floor. Checking in, I was asked for a $5 contribution to receive my pizza, drink and desert. "You are kidding me?" I said, amazed they could do all of this, the band, the hall, the decorations, the food, and charge only $5. With the tight budget many of these attendees are on, be; social collected donations to make it all happen. As the band filled the room with beautiful, pure sounds, us 50 or so attendees danced anyway we knew how. At this gathering, inhibitions were not an option. Then when the band had a break, we were entertained by Thomas J Kelley, Jr's acoustic hilarity. We just plain had fun, for hours!

Their next be; social for adults with disabilities is planned for November. be; sends out their thanks to all their amazing volunteers & sponsors!!!!: Cedar Street Community Center, Fredas West Bridgewater, Cape Cod Cafe•The Original Bar Pizza, Jason Verhoosky, Randie Wegener, Tracy DuBois Laurenhopp, Charlene O'Gara, Alison DeVasto, Dave Clemons, Brian Callahan, Julia Faith L'Esperance, William Lombardelli, Kyle Lee Sousa, Thomas J Kelley, Jr, Paul Gonyer @ryanbegley, Irene, nevaeh & lip.

Story by J. Rose

Video Credit: be;

A free family yoga class, presented by Maha Yoga. Family Yoga is a perfect way to get everyone together all while being an active participant! We recommend kids at 8 years old and/or older or kids that can follow directions along with their parents. Please bring your own yoga mat and dress in comfortable clothes. Please register EACH PERSON INDIVIDUALLY as spaces are limited for this program. Online registration opens on Saturday, August 12th at 9a

To register, fill out this Google form.

Contestants will drive a real-world Mario Kart through the library on a custom-built course. The event is best for kids ages 8-13. Spectators are allowed to come and cheer on the racers. The winner will get a 3D-printed trophy. To register, fill out the Google form provided by the library or visit the event page on the Bridgewater Public library.

Bridgewater Public Library, Flora T. Little Meeting Room

The Bridgewater public library hosts Lego play sessions for kids. It is free to anyone who wants to participate. Parents must stay with their children for the duration of their stay. for more information, visit the Bridgewater Public Library events page.

Fashion is another tool to help combat climate change and protect the environment.

First, how does fashion harm the environment? In efforts to meet demands and popularity for society’s trendiest clothes, many big clothing brands end up wasting fabrics and energy as they rush to pump out clothes for consumers at cheap prices. This is known as fast fashion.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, the “pollution, waste, and emissions of fast fashion are fueling the planetary crisis” as "plastic fibers are polluting the oceans”. In addition, the “wastewater and toxic dyes” from the industrial plants that are used to create the clothes only further contaminate the surrounding natural environments.

Sustainable clothing: While buying sustainable and organic clothing is a healthier alternative, it can also be expensive or inaccessible for many people. Fortunately, there are still many ways to limit your own fashion consumption and help the planet without sacrificing your wallet.

Diversify your clothing store options: Buying secondhand clothing from local thrift stores or on-line platforms such as ThredUp, Depop, and Poshmark is an excellent alternative for getting clothes.

Consider clothes before buying them: We all have that item, or a few, that sit in the back of the closet untouched for the past two years. This is why the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University suggests buying an item only if you can see yourself wearing it at least 30 times. Thinking twice is a good way to limit how much fast fashion and wasted clothing ends up crowding your closet.

Support brands that have good sustainability practices: This online directory: Good on You allows you to search your favorite brands and view their sustainability/ethical work ratings. The website also provides a wide range of stores that solely produce sustainable fashion that you can occasionally invest in.

By researching, staying mindful, and practicing eco-friendly shopping habits, you can reduce carbon costs and the impact of waste on our landfills and atmosphere!

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Video courtesy of Town of Bridgewater

Black Hat Brew Works, 25 Scotland Blvd

BW Music Alley website.

Music Alley summer concert series has been a staple in the downtown area of Bridgewater since 2018.

This year the event has been hosted next to Black Hat Brew Works.

The newsletter contains important information. Such as initiatives and upcoming town projects. As well as what each department in Bridgewater is doing Bridgewater this month. These include what is being replaced or updated and where construction is happening this month. The newsletter contains fun events that departments like elder services are holding. To check it out, visit the Bridgewaterma.org

The Brockton Symphony Orchestra is holding tryouts for open positions. Auditions are in person, with two short orchestral excerpts to perform. An audition request form needs to be filled out to participate.

The fall audition dates are on it - the first two dates will be August 28th and September 7th between 5:30 and 6:45p.

After your audition, you are invited to sit in during our rehearsal to get to know us (for auditions on rehearsal evenings). Rehearsals are Monday Nights between 7:15 - 9:45p, Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant Street, Brockton. For more information, visit: www.brocktonsymphony.org

 Annual Tide Calendar Contest 

The Taunton River Watershed Association (TRWA) is having its annual tide calendar contest. Open to all photographers.

The photo must have been taken within the last five years in the 42 communities that make up the Taunton River Watershed. It also should have the principles of conservation in mind. For more guidelines and where to submit the final photo visit the contest page at TRWA.

Saturday, Sep 9^th

Children who love trucks come to Bridgewater Middle to learn more about them. The operators of the trucks will be there to teach you all about the trucks they operate. The operators will also show how these trucks play a role in the community. Kids will also get the chance to explore, sit in the driver's seat and honk the horn. To learn more about this event, visit BridgewaterRayhamevents.com

Monday, August 28^th

After the showing of The Book Club early this month, the library will show the sequel. The movies follow the star-studded cast heading to Italy for their book club, girls' trip, and bachelorette party. To find out what happens to these ladies in Italy, go to the Bridgewater Public Library events page for more information. 

Help warm those left to the cold. The Seven Line Project is partnering with Angels in America to organize this clothing donation drive for foster care. Specifically, they seek kids' and adult underwear, socks, and sneakers. They are also looking for size 4T to adult clothes, diapers, and toys.

If interested, please visit one of the drops off locations or Seven Line Project FB

A Bridgewater State University News Share: Experiential Learning Opportunities Abound!

Story and photo credit by Heather Harris Michonski

Go to bridgew.edu/stories/2023/dog-days-summer to read the rest of the story.

Prizes@buzzaround.info

Prize Box Rules 

 On August 23, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.

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 8/20/23")