Stitching Futures Together: Raffling Cindy's Handcrafted Quilt
Tickets are now available for a beautiful quilt, lovingly handmade by Cindy Miga. Priced at $5 each, tickets can be purchased directly from Laurie Hartrey or via Venmo at venmo.com/u/Laurel-Hartrey. Upon purchase, Laurie will record your name and phone number on your ticket(s).

The raffle drawing is scheduled for March 16th. Please note, there will not be a breakfast event this month, but the drawing will proceed as planned.

All proceeds from the raffle will support the Robert L. Smith Jr. Scholarship fund, a 501(C)3 charity. This fund awards scholarships in memory of Bob to Bridgewater residents who are graduating from Southeastern Vocational School and Bristol Plymouth. It supports students pursuing trades such as welding, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing, helping cover further education costs, tuition, or purchasing tools necessary for their craft.

Written by Erin Payne Buzz Around Intern, SNHU
Source & Photo Credit: Laurie Hartrey
Historical Tidbit: State Normal School
State Normal School Buildings, as seen from the campus pond. The building in the center is Normal Hall, erected in 1869. Beyond Normal Hall is the Normal School Building. To the left are the old Tillinghast Hall and the old Woodward Hall.
The Albert Gardner Boyden Gymnasium (erected 1906) and the Unitarian Church (erected 1845).
Classroom interior, State Normal School. This room served as the assembly hall, where every morning the students would gather to hear principal Boyden during 'opening exercises.' During the morning assembly the faculty would sit at the long table at the front of the room.

From the Clement C. Maxwell Library Special Collections and Archives
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
Congratulations!
Julia Nanigian
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
Queer Open Mic w/ be;
Sat. Mar 9
6-9p
UCC
71 Central Sq

Come with your songs, stories, poems, and passion to share with other LGBTQ+ and allies. The featured artist for March will be in the form of a singer-songwriters circle.
Lisa, Nicole & J will be sharing their stories and songs! Event is bring your own drinks, and open to the public.
Girls Youth Lacrosse Expanding

The Bridgewater-Raynham girls' lacrosse program has experienced a significant increase in interest from K-2 since starting the winter clinic, leading them to commit to fielding two teams this season. Registration is now open, so if you're planning on signing up, do so now! If you have any questions about practice or games please reach out to brgirlsyouthlax@gmail.com.
A Forum on Trees
Tue, Mar 12
Bridgewater Public Library
15 South St

Bridgewater's brand new Tree Committee is excited to host their first public presentation! Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the trees that enrich our lives.

Hear from experts on:
  • The vital role trees play in our environment
  • The unique diversity of New England's tree species
  • Planting and caring for your own backyard haven
  • Local bylaws and regulations surrounding trees
  • The importance of tree care for their long-term health

This informative and engaging event is perfect for anyone who appreciates the beauty and benefits of trees. Don't miss this chance to learn more and get involved in protecting this precious resource!

You can receive one free sapling by registering at neighborhoodforest.org, with the ability to purchase more as well. Register by March 15th. This offer is available while supplies last.
BCCR Stand Outs
Sat, Mar 9
10-11a
Sat, Apr 20
9-10a
Sidewalk
4 Central Square

Join Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights for two important standouts!

Women's rights on Saturday, March 9th from 10-11am at the Walgreens sidewalk. Raise your voice, bring signs related to reproductive justice, the ERA, voting, or any other women's issue close to your heart.

Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 20th from 9-10am (note the different time) at the Walgreens sidewalk. Stand together for a healthy environment!

Join BCCR and make your voice heard on these critical issues. See you there!
Climate Can Do:
Addressing Climate Resilience through Fairtrade Chocolate

Do you love chocolate? If so, you're not alone. Americans eat 58 million pounds of chocolate during Valentine's week, lets look at some eco-friendly ways to enjoy it.

The supply of chocolate struggles with the increasing demand due to the impact of climate change on the cocoa industry.

Cocoa trees grow in humid climates and take up to a year to produce enough cocoa for half a pound of chocolate. Climate Change is a significant threat to countries around the equator, like Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast, where cocoa grows.
 
Sustainable cocoa farming promotes fair trade and climate-smart practices, helping farmers earn fair prices, prevent deforestation, and mitigate climate change. However, producing chocolate has a high carbon footprint due to transportation and requires over 1,180 gallons of water per pound.

You can reduce your chocolate's carbon footprint by taking simple steps:

  • Choose simple, recyclable packaging over fancy ones.
  • Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate for lower sugar content and a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Buy fair trade chocolate that guarantees sustainable cocoa farming and fair payment to farmers.
  • Choose local "bean-to-bar" chocolate for quality and eco-friendliness.

Look for products with third-party certifications, like Fair Trade USA, or brands like Choceur Superberries, Chuao Chocolatier, and Bake Believe, to name a few. 


Jennifer Hernández, BuzzAround Intern and Southern New Hampshire University graduate student wrote this Climate Can-Do Article. 

Together, we can make a difference by taking action to live sustainably. Let's empower ourselves to create a better future for our planet, one step at a time.
You Are Invited to a Country Dance! March 9, 2024
Folk * Circles * Contra * Squares
Beginners Welcome * All Dances Taught * Live Music By Eloise & Company
5:30 - 6:30 Nibbles: Tasty Meatballs from Johnny Macs & Spinach pastries from Boundless Bean
6:30 – 9 pm. Dancing!
$17 in advance - only 15 tickets left!
Check the website for availability of $20 door tickets

Sponsors: Bluestone Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Bridgewater Trophy * Video Courtesy of BTV
Be involved ~ All are invited

Town Manager Meet Up
March 12th at 10a
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.
Drawing Animals
Tue, Mar 12
4p
BW Public Library
15 South Street

Unleash your child's inner artist with the BR Art Club's "Drawing Animals" class! Perfect for budding Picassos in grades 3 and up, this exciting event will be announced next week.

Sign up and secure your spot at bridgewaterpubliclibrary.org. Let's draw, create, and have some artsy fun!
Registration opens on Tuesday, February 27 at 9AM.
Music Alley Taking Performance Inquiries

The Friends of Music Alley are beginning planning for the 2024 season! They are looking for suggestions for great original, independent, musicians that you would like to see brought in for this summer's concert series. If you are a performer and would like to be considered, please submit your information through the form on their website.
BSU Seeks Student Speakers or Singers

To all BSU Graduate students, the university is offering an honorary role at the 2024 Graduate Commencement. You can apply to be a student speaker or student singer for this year's Commencement ceremony. Applications are open until Friday, March 15th, and applications can be found at Graduation Central under Leadership Opportunities.

Source: BSU FB page
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Community Sing
Sun, Mar 17
2p
First Parish UU Bridgewater
50 School St

All are invited to raise their voices in song to spread the message of peace and justice. Bring your guitars or ukuleles too! Lyric sheets will be provided, and no experience is necessary. Refreshments will be provided after the event. This event is sponsored by the Social Justice Choir of SE Mass and the Peace Committee at First Parish. For more information or any questions, reach out to smcquarrie@bridgew.edu or lisarue242@gmail.com.
Downtown Revitalization Meeting
February 22, 2024
Video Courtesy of the Town of Bridgewater
Disability Commission Meeting
February 27, 2024
Video Courtesy of The Town of Bridgewater
Bridgewater Youth Go Above & Beyond to Support Heifer International

The spirit of giving shone brightly at Central Square Congregational Church, UCC, on February 11th, as the Kids Church youth group held a successful "Living Gift Market" fundraiser for Heifer International. Throughout January, the young participants delved into the mission of Heifer, learning about the organization's work with smallholder farmers around the world to combat hunger and poverty.

Fueled by their newfound knowledge and compassion, the kids channeled their enthusiasm into crafting and preparing delicious treats, all themed around the Heifer gifts they wished to donate. From water buffalo-shaped cookies to vibrant seed packets adorned with messages of hope, their market stall was a delightful explosion of creativity and purpose.

On Sunday, the culmination of their efforts arrived. The church community and local residents eagerly flocked to the "Living Gift Market," eager to support the cause and purchase the unique items crafted by the young entrepreneurs. The response was overwhelming, with the market exceeding its fundraising goals, making $1,200!

This impressive achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of the Kids Church youth and their leaders. Their initiative not only raised crucial funds for Heifer's impactful work but also served as a powerful lesson in empathy, compassion, and the ability to make a difference in the world.

Photos & Info submitted by Diane Sheibley
Story by Kendall Fletcher BuzzAround Intern, Southern New Hampshire University
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:
What year was the Albert Gardner Boyden Gymnasium built?

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 March 6, 2024, before 2p, we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Kendall Fletcher, Erin Payne, Alexa Pennington, Jacquelyn Rose & Greg Venezia.
OK, It's take charge season! This is where we step into our power and voice our opinion. For the future of our communities, our children, and humanity, VOTE!

“It's not enough to just want change ... You have to go and make change by voting."
~ Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter

 "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate

"If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain.” ~ George Carlin, American Comedian

"Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote." 
~ Beyoncé, Grammy Award-winning singer
All the cool kids will be seen at the polls : ) ~ Jacquie
Your BuzzAround supports the dignity of all human beings, is actively anti-racist, and supportive of good law enforcement policies. 
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 3/3/24")
 
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.