Melissa Cook's experience with grief and loss is an all too common one, but this heartbreak has

fueled her mission to want to help others.

At the 2022 Annual Overdose Vigil by Candlelight, Cook spoke openly about her experience

supporting her sister, Meghan, through her opioid addiction until the very end. "My sister was so

much more than her addiction," said Cook, a board member of Abington Copes, "She was a

good, sweet person who had some heavy burdens. She had a tender loving heart and loved her

family."

Cook was one of the hundreds of loved ones who attended last year's candlelight vigil, an event commemorating the lives lost too soon to overdose and honoring the families and friends who live with the pain that comes with losing someone to substance use disorder. The Overdose Awareness Vigil is an international initiative that is held simultaneously across the globe. Candles are lit all over the world in recognition of those lost to overdose. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the first memorial slideshow featured by the Collaborative in 2013.

available starting at 6:00 PM and the program will begin at 6:45 PM.

Too often, the identity of those fighting their substance use disorder is reduced to just their addiction. It is important to humanize these individuals and remember their lives are much more than their addiction. Much like the candles, their legacies shine bright beyond their time here on Earth. The aim of the vigil is to embrace connection with one another as well as reinforce the message to those struggling with substance use disorder or those in recovery that they are deeply valued. Many of the family members in attendance hope that by raising awareness around the realities of addiction, there can be more empathy and less stigma towards those who are suffering. "What I would want you to remember most about my sister is her pure, beautiful soul, and her easy gentle spirit. She just wanted to find some peace and happiness, and she wanted that for everyone" said Cook, "Megan's fight is now my fight, and we don't fight alone." For more information: Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative.

Written by: Cara Ferguson, Prevention Coordinator, High Point Treatment Center & Brockton

Area Prevention Collaborative

The South Middle School is holding an orientation. There will be a presentation of important information and what to expect. After, there will be a school tour for students to familiarize themselves with the building. For more information, visit the South Middle School on Facebook. Information also will be shared with families via phone calls. 

The final show of the Brockton Summer Concert series is coming up. A Town Favorite, Billy Couto will be performing. Billy Couto covers songs such as Fly Me to The Moon by Frank Sinatra. To check him out check out last year’s Concert series on The Brockton Channels. Visit the Heights Crossing website to learn more about the final concert. 

It's that time of the year again, and with it come similar needs. Thankfully, the Family Center at Community Connections is hosting a back to school event with free supplied. Supplies are limited, and registration is required to attend.

If interested in this wonderful event then visit Family Center FB or email any questions to Meghan Jeannetti.

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute needs your input. The survey asks people about their experience using the Internet in the state. Massachusetts can provide everyone with better internet service and digital support by providing your input. To fill out the survey, visit the Massachusetts Broadband Institute website.

The Brockton Adult Learning Center is hosting a backpack giveaway. The backpacks are free and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Come early to get what you need for the upcoming school year! For more information, visit the Brockton Adult Learning Center website or Facebook

The fourth annual Pop-Up Shop has arrived! Come September 2nd for a thrift shopping extravaganza. Free clothes, shoes, and accessories, prepare for school right at the Brockton Public Library.

For more info, visit Brockton Public Library

Animal Shelter Art Show & Open House on Saturday August 12 happen. Thanks to everyone who attended"

Early Voting For Preliminary Election Day

1 Feinberg Way, Brockton, MA 

The Preliminary Election for Brockton will be held on September 19th, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at your local voting center. If you can not make it on this day, the dates listed above are days when you can cast your vote. Make sure to mark your calendars or set a reminder for any of these days. Voting is important!

Questions? the kids road races website.

Reposted from Massasoit College on Facebook

Help to humanize the urban environment of Brockton! A grant has been provided by the Metro Area Planning Council and the NE Foundation for the Arts to create temporary public art in Brockton.

There are 3 ways to be involved:

1) Serve on Advisory Committee [developing the Call for Art/Artist concept]

2) Serve on Selection Committee [reviewing artist submissions and choosing grant awardee[s]

3) Would like to submit artwork[s] for potential selection.

Currently, an Advisory Committee is building a Call for Artists, which will be released in early January.

As we move forward, the Advisory Committee will engage in regular workshopping sessions throughout the rest of the year. These workshops will provide a platform for stimulating discussions, collaborative brainstorming, and the exchange of innovative ideas. We believe that this collaborative approach will help foster a dynamic environment where creativity flourishes, and exceptional public art concepts are born.

Interested in serving on a committee? Fill out this google form.

If you are interested in joining either the Advisory or Selection Committee please contact John Fay at jfay@cobma.us. If you would like to submit art, please await the Call for Artists. Please keep in mind that applicants can only apply to one of the three positions: advisor, selector, or artist. For additional info please visit Making it Public.

Start at the Brockton District Court Parking lot and end at City Hall Plaza.

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 BCA

Video Courtesy of BCA

The pounding summer heat did not stop the dedication of these car enthusiasts. The Wheels of Time Cruise Nights are bi-weekly car showcases featuring various cars depending on the theme, like 80s Night and Import Night. Each car had their own interesting story.

One of the enthusiasts had handmade his own car using a kit from Factory Five Racing in Wareham. Since he was a carpenter, the interface of the car was wooden, a rare sight. The car overall was beautiful, and encapsulated the antique car energy, even though it was new.

Another interesting showcase was in the back of an old Ford pickup truck. The pick-up was an early automobile, slightly post the era of Horatio Nelson Jackson's first cross country road trip. In the truck bed was an engine. The owner of both the truck and the engine explained that it was made to be strapped onto early and heavier bicycles, and was developed for the first motorbikes. The engine still worked, and he said " That what was the deal breaker when I bought it." If it still worked, he would buy it. And it did. It was started by igniting a lighter at the top and cranking a wheel.

The next story to be told was about a car that looked to be of a different future, but the man said it actually was an 80s model. He bought it for "a fair price of around $20,000." He’s been going to the events with his father fairly frequently, a bonding event for them. Other cars were passed down generationally, and looked in pretty good condition, the aged chrome blinding me with it's shine.

There were many more stories to collect; stop by and collect your own. They're here, waiting.

More info at Wheels of Time FB.

Photo & story credit: Brian Coleman, BuzzAround Intern Writer, Bridgewater State University

Edited by J. Rose

from Salon Esprit, EB

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Copyright 2023 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 8/27/23")