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February 11, 2024 ~
Building Community
One Positive Story at a Time.
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Bridgewater's Dress A Girl Around the World's Hopeful 2023
They dream of a world where every girl has a new dress, not just a symbol of respect and love, but a very practical item of clothing. Where many of these children grow up, to be seen with a new dress is to show that someone cares for this girl, and someone will miss this girl if she disappears. As much as the dress is pretty and gives girls who seldom have anything new a sense of pride, the dress is also a visual deterrent. This is the mission of Dress a Girl Around the World and the local Bridgewater / West Bridgewater chapter of the organization.
2023 was a year of remarkable growth for the Bridgewater chapter. Over 3,500 dresses, lovingly crafted by a dedicated team of "sewists" and volunteers, journeyed across continents, bringing smiles to girls in Liberia, Cuba, Zambia, and beyond. Operation Christmas Child received a heartwarming gift of 1,255 dresses.
But the impact goes far deeper than the numbers. Workshops held at senior centers, libraries, and even with Boy and Girl Scout troops fostered a spirit of community and shared purpose. The Mandela Scholars program brought together young leaders from Africa, who not only learned to sew but also returned home with over 100 dresses, ready to spread the love in their own communities.
It's also about empowering individuals. Local news coverage on Channel 5's "5 For Good" segment opened doors for new sewists, eager to join the mission. And it's not just sewing skills that matter. The chapter thrives on the dedication of non-sewing volunteers who donate fabric, trim, and essential supplies, ensuring every stitch is made with love and care.
As they step into 2024, the Bridgewater / West Bridgewater chapter is brimming with excitement. Their goal? To make this year their best yet, touching even more lives and spreading the message of hope, one dress at a time. If you're looking for a way to make a difference, consider joining their circle of sewists or volunteers. Every thread woven, every button sewn, is a thread of hope for a brighter future, stitched with love in Bridgewater and West Bridgewater.
**Information received from Evie, Gail, and Gloria via email
Image credits the FB Group
Story by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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Historical Tidbit:
Plymouth "shire town"
Plymouth County was part of the original 1620 Plymouth Colony, but it did not actually become a County until 1685.
Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, Hampshire and Dukes Counties were all formed before Plymouth. The reasons for a state to divide into counties are: it allowed for greater power and extended authority farther than an individual town; it also facilitated a Probate Court for civil and criminal matters; and allowed assigned officers to serve more effectively in regard to territorial conflicts.
In England, areas were divided into territories owned by an Earl or Count (County). Each Count assigned a representative officer referred to as "shire-reeve" (or sheriff). The town where the court for the county is held is called "shire town." The six original towns of Plymouth County were: Scituate, Duxbury, Marshfield, Bridgewater, Middleborough and Plymouth. Today Plymouth County encompasses 26 towns and one city.
~ Respectfully submitted, Robert Lundquist
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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!
Regina Shea
won
a $25 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni's Restaurant, East Bridgewater & Halifax
Bee sure to play our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom of this newsletter.
Enter for this week's prize of
a $15 gift certificate at
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Magician Ed Popielarcyzk
Tues, Feb 20
1p-2p
Flora T. Little Meeting Room, BWPL
15 South St
Join Ed Popielarcyzk, the hilarious magician who makes kids the stars of the show! This interactive magic extravaganza is packed with amazing tricks, silly stories, and tons of audience participation. Ages 3 and up will be mesmerized as Ed conjures up impossible feats and weaves them into spellbinding tales. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic happen right before your eyes!
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Deadline to Register to Vote for the March 5th Presidential Primary Election
Sat, Feb 24
9a-5p
66 Central Square
As the Presidential Primary Election on March 5th draws near, we urge all eligible Bridgewater, MA, residents to ensure they are registered to vote. The deadline to register to vote is on Februrary 24.
To register, you must be
- a United States Citizen
- a resident of Massachusetts
- at least 18 years old on or before February 24th.
For further information, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 508-697-0921.
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Bridgewater
Community Dance
Feb 23 ( note date change) , Mar 1, Mar 15
7-9p
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
Bridgewater Community Dance invites all to dance! Held on the first and third Fridays of each month through June, promising a lively mix of mixers, international folk dance, squares, and contra. Suitable for ages 10 and up, the dances promise not only traditional rhythms but also a vibrant sense of community and fun. Admission is $8 ($5 for youth), but savvy dancers can save $24 by signing up for the twelve-dance series at $72. Don't forget to bring a water bottle! For more information, contact Sam at 774-208-2933
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Need Help with Your Small Business? FREE Small Business Workshop
on Optimizing your Google Business Profile & Website
Wed, Feb 14
12-1:30p
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South St
This event is presented by the Town of Bridgewater's Community & Economic Development and sponsored by Rockland Trust Bank, led by Mark Collins of On Web Local. Attendees will learn how to optimize their Google Business Profile and website, including adding products and services, best practices for image and video uploads, and using Google posts for retention marketing and new customers. The session will also cover how website content drives Google page visibility in search and the importance of accurate categories.
For more information, email Nicole Salvo at nsalvo@bridgewaterma.org to schedule a meeting with the Office of Community & Economic Development to discuss your business needs and concerns!
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Be involved!
The next Town Council Meeting
February 20th at 7p
Academy Building, 66 Central Square. All are invited.
Town Manager Meet Up: The next meet-up is on March 12th at 10a at the Bridgewater Public Library, 15 South St. Town Manager Michael Dutton invites all residents to continue the dialogue on Bridgewater's progress. Meet-ups engage in discussions regarding key developments shaping the town's future. Topics range from the New Fire Station to the Bridgewater Vision to Reality.
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Teen Anime Club
Wed, Feb 21
4p-5p
Flora T. Little Meeting Room, BWPL
15 South St
Calling all anime fans! Join the Anime Club for an afternoon of fun! Watch shows on Crunchyroll, make new friends, and even suggest manga for the library to buy! Open to teens, no registration needed. Come and geek out!
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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 are now before the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy and 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. This bill seeks to modernize the Bottle Bill to meet current needs.
Bill H.3690/SB2104: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill. This bill aims to broaden the Bottle Bill's coverage to include any drinkable liquid intended for human consumption.
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
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, and focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do it!
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Staffing Issues?
Mayflower Junction HR Is Your Answer!
781-789-9750
➤ Talent Search, Recruiting and Interviewing
➤ HR Phone Service Helpline
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➤ Employee Performance Evaluations
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"...when you want effective advertising, use BuzzAround..."
"Johnny Macaroni's has advertised with BuzzAround since 2012. As our business grows, we keep a continuous presence in our local BuzzAround email newsletters.
Read more
buzzaround.info
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2024 Bridgewater Citizen of the Year Awards - Call for Nominations
The Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters will celebrate neighbors who have made contributions to our community. These achievements correspond to Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus --- peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and supporting the environment. Nomination forms may be found at the Rotary Club of The Bridgewater's Website or requested from Mike Kryzanek at (617)-922-0453 or mkryzanek@gmail.com. Deadline is February 23rd.
Former Bridgewater Citizens include: James “Ken” Moore 2000, Geoffrey A. Domenico 2001, Dr. Adrian Tinsley 2002, Robert J. Stearns 2003, Thomas Arrighi 2004, Brian Tatro 2005, Matthew Striggle 2006
William Callahan 2007, Katherine M. Doherty 2008, Betty Gilson 2009, Bob Wood 2010, Marilee Kenney Hunt 2011, Shirley Krasinski 2012, Evelyn DeLutis 2013, Patricia Oliari 2014, Carlton Hunt 2015, Sam Baumgarten 2016, Jim Quinn & Lisa Troy 2017, Peter Kelleher 2018, Lisa Buzzell-Curley 2019 , Ben Carson 2021, Gloria Moran 2023
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Dementia Friends Lunch and Learn
Thurs, Feb 22
10:30a
Cole-Yeaton Senior Center
10 Wally Krueger Way
508-697-0929
Become a Dementia Friend: Learn what it's like to live with dementia and how to support those affected. Join Kathy Hayes, Outreach Coordinator, for an interactive session on February 22nd at 10:30a. Gain valuable insights and practical actions to make a difference in your community. RSVP today!
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Early Voting
Sat, Feb 24
9a-5p
Mon, Feb 26-Thurs, Feb 29
8a-4p
Friday, Mar 1
8a-1p
Academy Building
66 Central Square
Make your voice heard in the upcoming March 5th Presidential Primary Election by voting early at the Academy Building! Early voting begins Saturday, February 24th, resumes Monday, February 26th and continues through Friday, March 1st.
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Need a Change?
We're Hiring Van Drivers!
North River Collaborative
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Split AM/PM and Afternoon Shifts
*Sign on Bonus
Starting Salary: Drivers: $20 plus benefits.
Monitors: $15.85 plus benefits.
Benefits: health, dental, vision, life insurance & MA State Retirement.
Paid sick/ personal time.
7D license Training Provided
Contact: Deb Thompson
781-878-6056, ext. 162
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Country Dance Tickets on Sale |
Folk * Circles * Contra * Squares
March 9, 2024
Social & Nibbles 5:30-6:30pm
Dancing 6:30 – 9 pm. $17 ~ only 31 tickets left!
Cedar St Community Center
15 Cedar St, Bridgewater, MA
No partners or experience necessary, come ready to dance!
Instructed & called by Sam Baumgarten
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Town Council Meeting
Feb 6, 2024
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
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Planning Board Meeting
February 7, 2024
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
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4th Friday Coffee!
4th Fridays in Feb & Mar
10a
Bridgewater Senior Center
10 Wally Kruger Way
Join the Town of Bridgewater's Community & Economic Development team for a free monthly networking event called Let's Talk: Vision to Reality. The event is open to the public. Attendees can enjoy coffee, bagels, and conversations.
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Revitalizing the Heart of Bridgewater: Vision to Reality Project |
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Imagine a downtown that buzzes with activity, where historic charm meets modern convenience, and everyone feels connected. Well, this is the exciting vision for the heart of Bridgewater, as the Vision to Reality project works to make this transformation happen. |
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The Vision to Reality project is underway, aiming to breathe new life into our town's core. This initiative tackles key challenges, like car-centric streets and limited housing options, while preserving the area's unique character.
How this benefits you:
- More vibrant spaces: Picture lively plazas, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and inviting green areas.
- Thriving businesses: Expect a mix of shops, restaurants, and services catering to residents and visitors.
- Improved connections: Seamless travel between neighborhoods, the commuter rail station, and downtown will be a breeze.
- Housing options: Apartments, condos, and townhouses could bring a diverse community closer to the action.
The community is crucial in shaping the future of downtown, so join a workshop, sign up for updates, and spread the word: Talk to your neighbors, friends, and family about this exciting initiative.
Video Courtesy of Vision to Reality Youtube channel.
Story by Kendall Fletcher, BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win:
a $15 gift certificate at
Historical Tidbit Question:
What were the 6 original towns in Plymouth County?
Email us your answer at:
Please 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 February 14, 2024, 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: Jennifer Hernández, Jen Bellody, Kendall Fletcher, Erin Payne, Alexa Pennington, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia. |
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Valentine's Wisdom: Love Yourself
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” ~Brené Brown
"Intimacy, by its very nature, requires us to be vulnerable. Our partner, lover, or mate can know us to our very core, sometimes better than we know ourselves, and that can make any of us feel totally exposed. Intimacy can be intimidating. However, it is an amazingly freeing experience when you can be completely who you are with someone you totally trust."
~ Barton Goldsmith Ph.D.
"To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable; to make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.” ~ Criss Jami
Love will never be certain, but after collecting thousands of stories, I’m willing to call this a fact: A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all men, women, and children. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.”
~ Brené Brown
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I hope you spend this day, and every day, loving yourself, so that others can love you!
You are worth it! ~ 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 2024 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 2/11/24")
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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