Ella Dunbury Breaks Record for Wildcat XC

Congratulations to Ella Dunbury, senior cross country (XC) captain at West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School, for breaking the highest record by a Wildcat XC runner at the state meet!

At the MIAA State XC Championships on this past Saturday, Ella came in second in the Division 3 race with a time of 18:59. This is the highest placement ever recorded in Wildcat's history!

Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
Historical Tidbit:

Macy's
Macy's was founded by Rowland Hussey Macy, who between 1843 and 1855 opened four retail dry goods stores, including the original Macy's store in downtown Haverhill, Massachusetts, established in 1851 to serve the mill industry employees of the area. They all failed, but he learned from his mistakes.
Andy the Alligator, 1933 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Bettmann Archive / Getty Images
Macy moved to New York City in 1858 and established a new store named "R. H. Macy & Co." on Sixth Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets. On the company's first day of business on October 28, 1858 sales totaled $11.08, equal to $312.83 today.

As the United States prospered during the Roaring Twenties, so did New York City’s iconic department store—Macy’s. After going public in 1922, R. H. Macy & Co. started to acquire competitors.Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan’s Herald Square expanded in 1924 to cover an entire city block stretching from Broadway to Seventh Avenue along 34th Street.

To showcase the opening of the “World’s Largest Store” and its 1 million square feet of retail space at the start of the busy holiday shopping season, Macy’s decided to throw New York a parade on Thanksgiving morning. In spite of its timing, the parade was not actually about Thanksgiving at all but Christmas.
Which was the beginning of rolling out Christmas right after Thanksgiving. Macy's small business dream became big.
Shop your hometown small businesses. You'll be supporting dreams!

Story credit: J. Rose
Town 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!
Sharon Tozier

won a 16 oz Village Candle of your choice
~ many scents to choose from
(Value $18.99)
Duval's Pharmacy
Whitman Center


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!
Wildcat Toy Drive

In a collaborative effort, the West Bridgewater Fire Department, Public Schools, and Parent Teacher Organization have initiated a Toy Drive to collect toys and gift cards for local West Bridgewater families in need, covering ages 5-17. To contribute, drop off an unwrapped toy or gift card at the police or fire station lobby.

If you have a school-aged child, they can bring the item to their school, where collection bins are available.

If you schedule a Santa visit in December through the West Bridgewater Police Department, consider donating an item for Santa to bring back to the police department that night. Your generosity will make a a big difference in the community.

For questions, contact the School Resource Officer, Officer Pope at tpope@wbpd.com or 508-586-2525 ext 5119.
Johnny Macaroni's Restaurants.

East Bridgewater & Halifax

Make Holiday Dinner Reservations Now.
So much scrumptiousness, so little time!
Eat in our take out.

Open Space & Recreation Survey 2023

Survey Deadline: Dec. 8

The Town of West Bridgewater needs your help! Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) and West Bridgewater are partnering for creating an Open Space and Recreation Plan.
your thoughts on conservation, parks, sports fields, and more by filling out a survey!

Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/WBopenspace
before 12/8/23!

If you have any questions please contact the town via email: openspace@wbridgewater.com or contact the OCPC via email: rdugan@ocpcrpa.com.

For more information, see the Old Colony Planning Council FB Post.
Rock Your Socks!

Fri Dec. 1
WB Public Schools

On December 1st, students, faculty, and staff at WB public schools are encouraged to wear your most colorful, mismatched, fun socks to school and donate to Inclusion Matters to support efforts to include students with disabilities in schools.

All tax deductible cash or check donations help provide training for parents of special needs students: host workshops, conferences, and events; and provide feedback to the district.

Students bring donations to their classroom teacher. Checks should be made payable to "Inclusion Matters".

Check out Inclusion Matter's website for more info or to donate.
Climate Can Do: How to be Sustainable During the Holidays

Our beloved holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years - are fast approaching. There is so much to celebrate but there is also so much more trash generated during these times than usual. With the holiday season soon upon us, let’s take a moment to consider all the ways we can be more environmentally friendly.

Gift Giving: When you plan what to gift for your loved ones, consider a handmade gift instead of buying new items. These thoughtful gifts will be sure to make your loved ones happy. Check out some ideas for handmade gifts below:
  • Bake a dessert! Check out Martha Stewart's website for 15 quick and festive recipes of all sorts of baked goods.
  • Crochet something! There are so many easy to follow tutorials on YouTube that are beginner friendly. Check out this Youtube video!

Gift Wrapping: Please be mindful when wrapping your gifts. Wrapping paper with any metallics, foil, glitter, texture are not recyclable. Instead of using store brought wrapping papers, you can use any brown paper bag, newspapers, or even magazines to wrap your gift together beautifully. Check out Treehugger's website for some eco-friendly wrapping alternatives with examples.

Holiday Decor: Decorative lights are such a big part of home decor during the holidays. This year, try using LED lights instead of traditional incandescent lights. LEDs can use up to 90% less energy than traditional lights and there are many options on the market, making them very affordable.

Let's all do our part to have a fun and eco-friendly holiday season this year!

This Climate Can-Do Article was written by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern. BuzzAround focuses on actions we can do to live more sustainably. We can do!
Needle Felt Landscape Art
Sat Dec. 2
10:30a - 12:30p
WB Public Library
80 Howard St. WB

Interested in trying a new hobby? Learn the art of needle felting! All materials will be provided and you'll leave with a finished (or near finished) needle felted artwork!

Go on library's website to register
For questions, contact Kati kbenoit@westbpl.org
Christmas Toy Drive

Through December 15
WB Public Library
80 Howard St. WB

The West Bridgewater Library is helping with the Let Them Be Foundation's Christmas Toy Drive. New, unwrapped toys, games, puzzles, etc. can be dropped off in the collection box at the circulation desk. New (tags on) clothing is also accepted. The collection box will be at the library until December 15th.

For questions, contact the library at 508-894-1255
PINCHES AND POUNDS
An old-fashioned candy store
with a TWIST
THE Perfect Holiday Gift

Mon - Sat:
Open til 8pm • Sunday 'til 6pm
Come check us out!


Online orders!

(781) 447-2639
785 Bedford St, Rt 18, Whitman
Grow, Inc
Giving Tuesday is November 28th, 2023.
We want to share how Grow is positively impacting the individuals we serve.


Connecting people of all abilities to opportunities Grow Associates/ Give
St. Ann’s, First Church,
& Cochesett Methodist West Bridgewater Community Christmas Sharing 2023

For the past 39 years, the community has provided Christmas gifts for the needy in our area through Community Christmas Sharing.

This year, please donate gift cards. These gift cards will be distributed to families in WB; "Project Grad Teen Moms" in Brockton, and senior citizens in WB. Gift cards should be put in an envelope marked “Christmas Sharing” and left at one of the churches or given to one of the coordinators. The following stores are preferred: Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Amazon. Cards will be distributed by December 1st, giving parents enough time to buy Christmas gifts.

Suggested Amounts:
For families please give any amount up to $50.
For the Project Grads Program for teen moms and babies in Brockton, Walmart or CVS gift cards in the amount of $25 are good. For Senior Citizens: Trucchi’s, Market Basket or CVS $25 gift cards are suggested. One of each will be given to each Senior Citizen on our list, along with a small goodie basket. 

Items for the goodie baskets are also needed, such as toiletries, slipper socks, boxed cookies, candy, or other items suitable for seniors. They may be dropped off at Linda Santry’s home. The address is 54 Tiffany Circle in West Bridgewater, or call Linda at 508-586-6535 for pickup (the deadline for pickup is December 5th) so they can be delivered.

For more info or any questions contact any of these church coordinators:
St. Ann’s: Linda Santry 508-586-6535 or email: linda@santry.org
First Church: Lesley Anderson, email: lesleyanderson52@icloud.com or the church 508-587-3118
Cochesett Methodist: Lynne Hopper email: hoppergl@aol.com

*Information for post shared via email
Drama Masks
Matilda The Musical JR.

Fri Dec. 1 7p
Sat Dec. 2 7p
WB Middle-Senior High School Auditorium
155 W Center St. WB

Save the date for WB Middle-Senior High School's fall drama, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR! Tickets will be $10 and can be purchased in the school office or at the door.

For questions, contact the school at 508-894-1220.
Giving Tuesday - Old Bridgewater Historical Society

The Old Bridgewater Historical Society is celebrating Giving Tuesday by joining millions of people around the world participating in the global generosity movement on November 28th.

The Old Bridgewater Historical Society is a totally volunteer organization that exists to promote education and research relating to the original township of Bridgewater, its inhabitants, and its history by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting material, artifacts, and information pertaining to “Old Bridgewater”.

Those who are interested in contributing to the Society’s Giving Tuesday initiative can visit Old BW Historical Society's website. A donation of $10, $15, $25 or even a more generous $50, $100 or $250 donation will help to keep OBHS fully operational.
Mold Guys Restoration
If your basement looks like this, don't let it go... call Mold Guys, we'll take care of it, fast!


Air Duct / Vent Cleaning * Restoration & Rebuild * Water Damage & Mold

We are there when you need us!




(781) 910-5029
HolidayHandmade
The Shop at Fuller Craft Museum
Expanded Shop Open til January 7, 2024
Your destination for all gift-giving needs this holiday season!
Find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from Artists both local and international.

Find sales on our Programs & Events page and our social media

WB Varsity Football vs. Amesbury: PLAYOFF GAME
November 10, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
WB Water Commissioners Meeting
November 6, 2023
Video Courtesy of WBCAM
Unified Bocce Tournament

On Tuesday, November 7th, a Unified Bocce Tournament was held at the WB Middle-Senior High School gym. This competition was put together by coaches, volunteers, and the Special Olympics for several bocce teams, including the West Bridgewater team. The picture on the top left shows the WB Wildcat bocce team. On the right you can see the game in play.

Bocce is a ball game that originates from Italy. The objective is to roll your ball closer to the target ball than your opponent. The side with its balls closest to the target ball wins. Bocce is one of the most popular Special Olympics sports due to its accessibility to people of all ages and abilities. Bocce provides an opportunity for all to enjoy team sports. Great job to everyone for making this tournament possible!

Story by Queenie Chen, Tufts University BuzzAround Intern
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:
Where was the original Macy's store located?

Email us your answer at: 
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 November 29, 2023, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
Shopping Local is S.M.A.R.T.

Smart use of your time. You'll drive around less. Time crunched? Call ahead: small businesses can often prepare your purchase in advance - Now that's service!

Maximum effective use of your money. More control over the quality of what you purchase & who you are supporting.

A+ customer service

Return benefit to your community; funding your local emergency services, schools, DPW, COA & Library.

Tangible benefits to you, your community & the shop owner.

Be a SMART consumer, make a difference, Shop near home!
TIP: When you look up a product, type your town next to the item in your search...that will provide businesses close to home.

Make a difference, Shop Local! ~ Jacquie
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Queenie Chen, Alexa Pennington, Jamie Puhi, 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 11/26/23")
 
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.