Wake-up Bridgewater!: The Story of Coffee

Wake-up Bridgewater!: The Story of Coffee
Free presentation by Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan.
Date: November 8th
Time:10:30 a.m. and again at 12 noon.
Location: Bridgewater Public Library
Coffee and coffee cake will be served.
Please RSVP by sending an email to the library at BWPL@sailsinc.org if you plan to attend the coffee presentation.

A presentation by Michael Lundquist on Social Entrepreneurship

Mr. Lundquist is a BSC alumnus and CEO of the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development located in Petersham, MA. He will discuss his work with the Coffeelands Land Mines Victims’ Trust and other community-based programs in Massachusetts and Worldwide.

Date: Wednesday November 5th
Time: 12:20-1:20 PM

Location: Moakley Center Auditorium at Bridgewater State College

Cookies and Fair Trade coffee will be served.

This event is funded by a grant from the American Library Association and Frontline World. For more information call 508.531.2893 or 508.531.2023.

Central Square Church Youth Group Can Drive

The Central Square Church Youth Group will be trick or treating this Halloween not for the normal Snickers and Milky Ways. Rather, youth group members will be going house to house in the Red Wing Road and Robin Road area along with houses on Glenmore Lane to collect canned good.

The 7th to 12th graders will be dressed in Halloween costumes and will donate all of the canned goods they receive to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Craft Fair

Stone Meadow to hold its annual craft fair this Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stone Meadow Community Center, off of Plain Street. There will be crafts, a Victorian tea room, food court, baked goods, and raffles. Free admission. This event is hosted by the residents' association.

Pre-Town Meeting Planned

A pre-town meeting will be held this Tuesday, October 28^th at the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School Auditorium. This meeting will begin immediately after the Board of Selectman finish their meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Please make every effort to attend this meeting meant to make Town Meeting run more smoothly.

Community Preservation Committee Announcement

The schedule has been set for applications to the Community Preservation Committee for funding which will be voted at the Annual Town Meeting on May 4, 2009. The deadline for pre-applications, a mandatory step in the application process, is Thursday November 13, 2008.

The Community Preservation Committee urges anyone with a project that will create Affordable Housing, preserve/ restore Historical Resources or create/ preserve Open Space to submit a pre-application for consideration. The simple pre-application form may be found on the town web site at http://www.bridgewaterma.org/CPA/Pre-app09-amended.pdf Submissions must be made electronically by 5 PM on Thursday November 13^th to the Chair Marilee Kenney Hunt (Marilee@thehunts.org). For more information write to Marilee@thehunts.org or call 508-697-3681.

Schedule for CPA Applications presented at the Spring Town Meeting 2009

Thursday November 13 by 5 PM—Pre-applications due to the CPC by e-mail (marilee@thehunts.org)

Thursday November 20, 2008—Review of pre-applications by the CPC

Wednesday November 26, 2008—Letter of eligibility to pre-applicants from CPC

Thursday January 8, 2009 by 5 PM—Full proposals due to the CPC. One original, 9 hard copies and one electronic copy via e-mail (marilee@thehunts.org)

Thursday January 15, 2009—CPC first review of proposal

Thursday February 19, 2009—CPC meeting for grantee interviews

Thursday March 19, 2009— Final meeting of CPC to make recommendations

Friday March 20, 2009—CPC recommendations to the BOS

Monday May 4, 2009—Town Meeting vote on CPC recommendations

ATC Poll: Presidential Vote a Tie

The Around the Common poll voters have spoken and the outcome is a statistical tie amongst the respondents as to which Presidential campaign will win Bridgewater.

Obama/Biden: 49%
McCain/Palin: 49%
Other: 1%

Triad Public Safety Expo

On Tuesday, October 21, 2008 there will be a Triad Public Safety Expo at the Bridgewater Senior Center, 10 Wally Krueger Way from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a K-9 demo and free raffles as well as a free lunch for the first 100 Bridgewater seniors who attend. For more information call 508-697-0929.

Destination Imagination

What is DI? An after-school program designed to promote team-based creative problem solving. Teams work together to apply creative thinking and their individual talent to solve a Team Challenge. It’s a 16-week program where kids will learn skills that help them all through their lives.

What’s a Team Challenge? It’s an academically based process driven project aligned with National Education Standards that emphasizes teamwork, problem solving, creativity, and improvisation. The Teams present their solution at a tournament in March competing against other teams within their same age group.

So what’s different about this program? ALL WORK ON THE SOLUTION MUST BE DONE BY THE CHILDREN!! Let me put it another way…. Adults cannot tell the kids what to do!! Now how FUN is that?!? Their creativity, originality, teamwork and leadership is acknowledged and rewarded. They use ordinary household items, recyclables and trash to create their solutions.

Sheila Whitaker is the Destination Imagination’s Coordinator for Bridgewater kids. Children in grades 2 through 8 interested in learning more about the program should contact Sheila at 508-697-6693 or jswhitaker@comcast.net. Also, check out Destination Imagination’s website: www.idodi.org or www.madikids.org). At these websites you can learn more about the program the process, team challenges, instant challenges and Destination Imagination’s history

Bridgewater Resident Conducting Survey on Library

From Stephanie Guarino: I am running an online survey for a class project regarding Bridgewater citizens' feelings about the library. The survey is open until November 7th and is anonymous. Your answers will be used for a final presentation in my graduate class at Suffolk University, and may be used by the library trustees to determine projects that should be continued/expanded.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Exoqa3utu5DLYK4xr_2fzwVw_3d_3d

If you know of anyone who would like to take the survey but cannot visit the blog, that link can be emailed. I will also have hard copies at the Library starting Tuesday, October 21st.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please email Stephanie Guarino at stephanieguarino@yahoo.com (please put Survey for Bridgewater Library Cardholders in the subject line). Thanks for your help!

Film Screening at Bridgewater State College

Frontline World presents:
Innovations That Change the World,
Connecting Communities with Social Entrepreneurs

Film Screening Of Guatemalan Coffee Country and Discussion with Dr. James Hayes-Bohanan

October 22, 2008
John Joseph Moakley Center
Bridgewater State College
12:20pm - 1:20pm

Fall Clean Up with Bridgewater Little League

The Bridgewater Little League Board members are looking for help down at the fields on Sunday October 19th starting at 8:30AM.

They will be grooming the fields in preparation of the winter. They have purchase infield mix to add to the Senior League and two Major League Fields. BLL also need to take down the batting cages and put away the L screens for the winter.

If you can please give us a couple of hours of your time on Sunday morning it would be greatly appreciated. The kids and parents will also appreciate the field conditions next spring because of your efforts.

Bridgewater Little League Awards Nighs

Bridgewater Little League is holding their annual Awards Night on Sunday October 19th @ 7:00PM at the BR High School Auditorium.

Come and congratulate the following teams:

2008 Senior League Champs
2008 Major & Minor League Champs
2008 Major & Minor League Runner Ups
All the 2008 All-Star Teams

Bridgewater Cub Scout Pack 88 Can Drive

Bridgewater Cub Scout Pack 88 needs your help. They are trying to raise money to replace their Pinewood Derby Track. Their current track is over 20 years old and can't be fixed any longer.

The Pack will be holding a can and bottle drive on October 18th at Bridgewater Bottle and Can Recycling on Hale Street near the RR Tracks from 9 am to 3 pm. You can bring them over and just drop them off and tell them they are for the Scouts.

If you need help or have too many call (508) 697-8078 to arrange a pick up.

The Magic Flute

The Bridgewater State College Theater Department is proud to present their fall production of W.A. Mozart's, The Magic Flute. The opera will be presented in English by various professional and advanced student actors.

Student, group and senior citizen rates available.

The dates of the performance are:
October 24 @ 8pm
October 25 @ 8pm
October 26 @ 2pm
October 30 @ 8pm
October 31 @ 8pm
November 1 @ 8pm

Tickets are $15 for General Admission and $10 for students with ID

For further information please contact the box office at 501-531-1321.

Bridgewater Residents Want to Change to Representative Town Meeting

Based upon last week's poll results, the consensus amongst Around the Common viewers is that the time has come to move from an Open Town Meeting to a Representative Town Meeting.

Change to Representative Town Meeting: 56%
Keep Open Town Meeting: 21%
Undecided: 21%

Spooktacular Halloween Carnival

Spooktacular Halloween Carnival
Thursday, October 30th, 5-8:30pm

Bridgewater Art
232 Broad Street, Bridgewater MA

Games, Refreshments, Treasure Hunts with a real pirate, and prizes!

Disgustingly Delicious Dessert Contest
Create the most disgusting looking, delicious tasting dessert and you could win a cash prize! Must call and register by October 25th.

Most Creative Pumpkin Contest
Carve it, Paint it, Stick things into it, Mold it, Sculpture it!
Bring your pumpkin the day of!
We judge based on creativity, not skill level! Winners announced at 8pm.

Costume Contest
Come dressed up! Winners announced at 8pm.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT!

This year there are over 15 volunteers helping with this event! Amazing ideas for games and decorations are being put into action, and most are handmade! There is even talk about a giant 'operation' game....but we cant give all the details away!!! Come by and find out!

Bridgewater Resident Releases Book

New Release
My Body, Their Baby
A true story by Laurie B. Miller

"My Body, Their Baby is the candid, bittersweet story of two women who pulled off a miracle, then had to face the consequences. With raw emotion, Miller describes the heartbreak of discovering that her long-time friend is a complete stranger."
~ Boston Literary Magazine

Can anything compare to the friendship between teenage girls? When Laurie and Meg met at camp in the summer of 1974, an immediate bond was formed. They giggled late into the night, had crushes on boys, and almost got caught smoking. As years went by, Laurie got married and had two children. Meg, dealing with a lifelong illness, married too, but conceiving and carrying a child was very risky. Laurie's idea to carry Meg's child for her led them down an amazing and magical path together, but triumph turned to tragedy in this powerful, engrossing account of friendship pushed to the limit.




To purchase the book, please either shop directly from the publisher by clicking here or through Amazon.com by clicking here.

Potluck Deaf Social

There will be a potluck deaf social at the Conant Community Center on Nov. 1st from 12:00-4:00. This is a free event. Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to bring a hot or cold food item for the potluck buffet table. Also, there will be a collection for the Bridgewater food pantry and donations are gladly accepted at this event. This event is family friendly for all who use or are learning American Sign Language.

Any questions please contact Marianne Molinari 1-781-447-2470 or manny66@msn.com

Breast Cancer Seminar

Bridgewater State College presents "Breast Cancer: Learn More - Fear Less." This seminar is free to the public and will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Moakley Center. For details call 508-531-2045.

Town Government Study Committee Presentation Oct. 19

Citizens for a Better Bridgewater has invited the Town Government Study Committee to present a progress report to the community. This very important meeting will be held on October 19^th from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Senior Center. Everyone will be given an opportunity to ask questions directly to the Committee. In light of the recently released Division of Local Services report CBB encourages all citizens to attend this informational session.

This meeting will be held earlier than usual because should the Red Sox need a seventh game to clinch the American League pennant, that game will be the same night. We promise that you will be home in time for the first pitch! Please come dressed in red or your lucky Red Sox attire to show your support.

Friends of Library Clerk Position Open

The Friends of the Bridgewater Public Library are looking for an energetic and capable person to act as Secretary/Clerk for the group.

If you are interested in applying, please contact Mary O'Connell, Associate Director/Public Services and Liaison to the Friends at moconnel@sailsinc.org or 508-697-3331.

Edge Kick Off at St. Thomas Aquinas

"EDGE" Kick Off at Saint Thomas Aquinas

Edge, the new youth group for grades 6,7 and 8 at Saint Thomas will kick off

Friday, October 10 from 7 to 9 p.m., in the parish center gym.

Current Schedule

(All Edge events are Fridays and at the Parish Center unless specified)

October 10-- 7 to 9 p.m., Kick off meeting, open gym, pizza and games!

October 24-- 7 to 9, introduction to adoration followed by open gym, pizza and games
November 7-- Extreme East at LaSalette, Attleboro (transportation provided)
November 21-- 7 to 9 p.m., service project to make sack lunches for MainSpring
December 5—service project My Brother's Keeper in Easton (details TBA)
December 19-- LaSalette for Christmas Lights

www.whybcatholic.com/edge

10th Distinguished Canadian Annual Address

Date: Tuesday, October 7th
Time: 2PM
Location: John Joseph Moakley Center at Bridgewater State College

Speaker: Dr. John Hamm, co-chair of Democracy 250

For more information, please call 508.531.2421

Poll Question is Back!

With the recent release of the Town of Bridgewater Financial Management report along with the associated recommendations, do you support changing from Open Town Meeting to Representative Town Meeting?

Vote here on the site. And to read the Town of Bridgewater Financial Management report in full, click here.

Also, please feel free to leave your comments below and we will post them accordingly. Comments can be anonymous but will add to what people feel about the issue!

Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy is a program designed to give Bridgewater residents an opportunity to learn more about their Police Department and the services we provide. This program is not intended to train participants to perform law enforcement duties, but rather create better-informed citizens and develop a working relationship with the community to solve problems within the Town.

This program is designed to familiarize residents with the daily operations of the Bridgewater Police Department. Classes are held at the police station and are taught by Bridgewater Police officers. Topics include Domestic Violence, Use of Force, Patrol Procedures, Constitutional/Motor Vehicle Law, Sex Offender Registry, Narcotics Enforcement, Drunk Driving, the Satucket Regional Tactical Team, Canine Patrol, Courtroom Procedure and Criminal Investigation. Participants will also be permitted to ride-along with officers on patrol, tour the Old Colony Correctional Institution at Bridgewater, as well as view the proceedings at Brockton District Court.

Please click here for an application.

Soles for Souls Pledge Forms Available

Pledge forms for the Soles for Souls walkathon are available in Town Hall, the Board of Health/Academy Building, Selectmen's Office, Library, Central Square Boutique, Scholars', Noah's Pets, The Better Bean and the Rockin' K Cafe.

Or they can be obtained by e-mailing Maura Chappelle at MauraAnnette410@gmail.com or calling 697-2008.

The Soles for Souls walk , sponsored by the Bridgewater Council of Churches, will take place at noon on Saturday, October 11 at Saint Thomas Aquinas parish center on Center Street in Bridgewater. After the three mile walk there will be music, games for kids, pizza ($1 a slice), drinks and an opportunity to gather as a community. Rain or Shine.

Volunteers are welcome. We need crossing guards, people to hand out water, food, etc. If you're interested please let Maura know in advance.

Proceeds from the walk will be split between the Council of Churches and the Food Pantry in the Academy Building.

http://www.bridgewaterma.org/Government/FoodPantry.shtml