Below is the October Home Page
October Reflection
Could a greater miracle take place than for us
to look through each other's eyes for an instant?
Could a greater miracle take place than for us
to look through each other's eyes for an instant?
Thoreau, Henry David. (1995 [eBook #205]). Walden. Urbana, Illinois:. Project Gutenberg. Retrieved 9/4/2023 from https://www.gutenberg.org/files/205/205-h/205-h.htm
Below is the September home page
It's September
Source: Mathew, Philip. The International Journal of Servant-Leadership; Spokane Vol. 13, Iss.1 (2019) 391-399.
https://www.proquest.com/openview/7b4d00c03598235e1cdaa5593f56ba08/1?cbl=3887264&pq-origsite=gscholar
(accessed 7/20/23; access provided by Bridgewater Public Library)
https://www.proquest.com/openview/7b4d00c03598235e1cdaa5593f56ba08/1?cbl=3887264&pq-origsite=gscholar
(accessed 7/20/23; access provided by Bridgewater Public Library)
Third Annual Peace
in Bridgewater and Beyond
9/17-9/25 2023
The Third Annual Peace in Bridgewater and Beyond is presented by the Bridgewater International City of Peace.
International Cities of Peace, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to facilitating the establishment of Cities of Peace worldwide. .
In Bridgewater, the Committee members represent the Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters, Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR), Diversity and Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE), Bridgewater Public Library, the Minnock Institute for Global Engagement (MIGE) at Bridgewater State University, the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) at Bridgewater State University and First Parish (UU), Bridgewater.
Events run through 9/25/23. Please click below to download the flyer listing all events.
International Cities of Peace, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to facilitating the establishment of Cities of Peace worldwide. .
In Bridgewater, the Committee members represent the Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters, Bridgewater Communities for Civil Rights (BCCR), Diversity and Inclusion for Community Empowerment (DICE), Bridgewater Public Library, the Minnock Institute for Global Engagement (MIGE) at Bridgewater State University, the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice (MRISJ) at Bridgewater State University and First Parish (UU), Bridgewater.
Events run through 9/25/23. Please click below to download the flyer listing all events.
Below is August Home page
Thought for August
Source: The New Book of Runes. Commentary by Ralph Blum
www.angelfire.com/space/isots/EBooks/Blum.Ralph.The.New.Book.Of.Runes.eBook-EEn.pdf
Format: v1.5 (PDF - no security), Genera: Divination / Runes,
Extra's: Pictures Included, Copyright: 1990 / 1991, Scanned: September-18-2002
Accessed 7/12/23
www.angelfire.com/space/isots/EBooks/Blum.Ralph.The.New.Book.Of.Runes.eBook-EEn.pdf
Format: v1.5 (PDF - no security), Genera: Divination / Runes,
Extra's: Pictures Included, Copyright: 1990 / 1991, Scanned: September-18-2002
Accessed 7/12/23
August 28, 2023
BCCR Members Stand Out Against
Racism & Gun Violence in Jacksonville FL
BCCR members display signs condemning another racist shooting, this one in Jacksonville, FL on 8/26/23. "The shooter left behind several manifestos for media, his parents and law enforcement detailing his hatred for Black people, according to authorities, who said they may release the writings at a future date" (Reuters).
Signs remind passersby of previous victims and the correlation between gun violence, racism, and Black Lives Matter.
Signs remind passersby of previous victims and the correlation between gun violence, racism, and Black Lives Matter.
August 5, 2023
BCCR Members Were Present At:
A Nuclear Disarmament Standout in Bridgewater
and
A Story Hour Protest in Mattapoisett
Attend an in-person or virtual event memorializing bombing victims. For attendance info, scroll to the MAPA ARTS and PEACEBUILDING info below.
For a history of the bombings, click to read this page by History.Com editors (updated 4/18/2023).
For a history of the bombings, click to read this page by History.Com editors (updated 4/18/2023).
This sign represents some of the sentiments expressed by concerned citizens about the "See You at the Library" story hour that included a Brave Books book titled "As You Grow."
The library requested that no photos be taken, but you can see a photo and learn more about the protest by clicking here.
To see Brave Books Purpose and Mission, click here.
Thank You, BCCR Members, for your Social Justice Activism!
The library requested that no photos be taken, but you can see a photo and learn more about the protest by clicking here.
To see Brave Books Purpose and Mission, click here.
Thank You, BCCR Members, for your Social Justice Activism!
Below is July Home Page
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
This image, file name "Sisyphus Struggle," was selected deliberately, given our current discord, and modified with color for this page.
Quote accessed 7/2/2023: BlackPast, B. (2007, January 25). (1857) Frederick Douglass, “If There Is No Struggle, There Is No Progress”. BlackPast.org.
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/1857-frederick-douglass-if-there-no-struggle-there-no-progress/
Please take time to read this 1857 speech by Frederick Douglass.
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/1857-frederick-douglass-if-there-no-struggle-there-no-progress/
Please take time to read this 1857 speech by Frederick Douglass.
July 24, 2023 in Plymouth
BCCR Members Attend anti-Holtec Rally
|
|
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts environmental regulators have denied a request by the company [Holtec]dismantling a shuttered nuclear power plant to release more than 1 million gallons (3.8 million liters) of radioactive wastewater into Cape Cod Bay.
To learn more about this topic, click here.
To learn more about this topic, click here.
Saturday, 7/22/23
|
|
Read this BBC article, which presents both sides:
Cluster bombs: Biden defends decision to send Ukraine controversial weapons A navy veteran walked by as I was holding my sign. She thanked us for standing out, and particularly for clarifying support for Ukraine vs. opposition to cluster bombs, expressing her dismay at that decision.
I thanked her for her service, and she said, "I served all those years so you could stand out here today." rfc |
Also on 7/22
some BCCR members joined
the Women's Alliance and the Our Bodies our Loves Coalition
at a Reproductive Justice Rally in New Bedford
These rallies in New Bedford began after the passage of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
1 More Instance of BCCR Activism
on 7/22
Rally against sand mining in Wareham, MA
|
Statement from one of our members who attended the rally (see sign on the right):
I attended the “No Sandmining” protest in Wareham on Saturday, 7/22/23, along with others from surrounding towns that have had enough of the trucks, pollution, acquifer disruption, and more, in Carver, Wareham & Plymouth. I plan to continue to support the Community Land & Water Coalition as they work constantly to protect our fragile environment from abuses by big business. |
Please click here for more background and info on this rally,
|
Saturday, 7/22/23
BCCR was busy
BCCR Members Held a "Cluster Bombs Awareness" Standout
in Bridgewater Center
|
Read this BBC article, which presents both sides:
Cluster bombs: Biden defends decision to send Ukraine controversial weapons A navy veteran walked by as I was holding my sign. She thanked us for standing out, and particularly for clarifying support for Ukraine vs. opposition to cluster bombs, expressing her dismay at that decision.
I thanked her for her service, and she said, "I served all those years so you could stand out here today." rfc |
Also on 7/22
some BCCR members joined
the Women's Alliance and the Our Bodies our Loves Coalition
at a Reproductive Justice Rally in New Bedford
These rallies in New Bedford began after the passage of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision by the Supreme Court on June 24, 2022.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
Thank you to David Ehrens and Charlie Perry for the rally photos.
1 More Instance of BCCR Activism
on 7/22
Rally against sand mining in Wareham, MA
|
Statement from one of our members who attended the rally (see sign on the right):
I attended the “No Sandmining” protest in Wareham on Saturday, 7/22/23, along with others from surrounding towns that have had enough of the trucks, pollution, acquifer disruption, and more, in Carver, Wareham & Plymouth. I plan to continue to support the Community Land & Water Coalition as they work constantly to protect our fragile environment from abuses by big business. |
Please click here for more background and info on this rally,
|
Below is June Home page
BCCR's Stance on
Supreme Court's
Affirmative Action Reversal
6/29/23
On Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, erasing the policies that had been in place for the last 50 years.
Schools and universities can no longer consider race during the application process for marginalized populations. Now, many institutions of higher education will be allowed to deny qualified Black and Brown students the opportunity to be admitted to the colleges and universities of their choice.
Striking down Affirmative Action has also brought into question legacy admissions which favored students whose relatives had previously attended certain educational institutions.
We encourage colleges and universities to stay committed to equal opportunity for all students.
BCCR will continue to stand for equal rights and access for all.
Schools and universities can no longer consider race during the application process for marginalized populations. Now, many institutions of higher education will be allowed to deny qualified Black and Brown students the opportunity to be admitted to the colleges and universities of their choice.
Striking down Affirmative Action has also brought into question legacy admissions which favored students whose relatives had previously attended certain educational institutions.
We encourage colleges and universities to stay committed to equal opportunity for all students.
BCCR will continue to stand for equal rights and access for all.
Image credits to Avatar Vectors by Vecteezy
Modified for this page
June 30, 2023
BCCR Members Attended
Shabbat Service at Agudath Achim in Taunton
Pride Shabbat
Congregation Agudath Achim had planned a Pride Shabbat for June 30, 2023. The post on their website page said: Join us at Taunton’s beautiful, 110-year-old synagogue to celebrate our LBGTQ+ friends and family...
Racist Vandalism
In mid-June, homophobic, antisemitic, and racist graffiti had been spray painted at a home in Taunton and at the synagogue.
A Broader Shabbat Service
Responding to BCCR's question about how we could show support, Agudath Achim's President said, "The evening is [was] to celebrate the LGBTQ community but I feel the three communities have common ground and must support each other."
In a show of allyship and support for all, some BCCR members attended the 6/30 service. We were warmly received by Rabbi Reaboi and feel all who attended drew some comfort from his sermon and the evening's solidarity.
Congregation Agudath Achim had planned a Pride Shabbat for June 30, 2023. The post on their website page said: Join us at Taunton’s beautiful, 110-year-old synagogue to celebrate our LBGTQ+ friends and family...
Racist Vandalism
In mid-June, homophobic, antisemitic, and racist graffiti had been spray painted at a home in Taunton and at the synagogue.
A Broader Shabbat Service
Responding to BCCR's question about how we could show support, Agudath Achim's President said, "The evening is [was] to celebrate the LGBTQ community but I feel the three communities have common ground and must support each other."
In a show of allyship and support for all, some BCCR members attended the 6/30 service. We were warmly received by Rabbi Reaboi and feel all who attended drew some comfort from his sermon and the evening's solidarity.
I snapped the above image when visiting the Embrace Memorial at the 1965 Freedom Plaza in Boston this year (2023).
The quote is embedded on a low granite wall inside the plaza area and is credited to Coretta Scott King.
To see the photo this memorial was inspired by and additional photos and information, click here.
The quote is embedded on a low granite wall inside the plaza area and is credited to Coretta Scott King.
To see the photo this memorial was inspired by and additional photos and information, click here.
"For there is always light
if only we're brave enough to see it..."
Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb
Presidential Inauguration 2021
As noted here, Amanda Gorman's poem begins with this question: “When day comes we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
We find ourselves asking this question repeatedly in these discordant times. We need to look to individuals like Gorman to help us find the light, as she does in this final stanza,
When day comes, we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Please visit this Library of Congress blog to learn more about Gorman and to watch a video of her recitation, "The Hill we Climb."
aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Please visit this Library of Congress blog to learn more about Gorman and to watch a video of her recitation, "The Hill we Climb."
Arbor Day Celebrated in Bridgewater
On 4/28/23 our Tree Committee Celebrated Arbor Day
|
Bridgewater's Tree Committee Celebrated Arbor Day by planting 2 new trees
at Marathon Park (75-77 Crescent Street- - behind the Police Station). You can watch the ceremony during the BTV Access News time slots on Channel 9, airing daily at 6am, 7am, 8am, 12pm, 6pm, and 11:30pm, on BTV's YouTube channel at BTV Access Corporation, and by logging on to btvaccess.com/watch. Click here for a direct link |
|
Learn about the many benefits provided by trees and forests, among them:
Clean Air
48 lbs of carbon dioxide are absorbed by mature trees in one year.
Clean Water
Trees are natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainfall before its released into rivers and streams.
Noise Buffering
Trees are effective sound barriers, buffering background noise.
Learn more about the Tree Committee at our Town Website here:
Read more about the importance of trees below in the Town Council's Proclamation declaring 4/28/23 Arbor Day in Bridgewater.
Clean Air
48 lbs of carbon dioxide are absorbed by mature trees in one year.
Clean Water
Trees are natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainfall before its released into rivers and streams.
Noise Buffering
Trees are effective sound barriers, buffering background noise.
Learn more about the Tree Committee at our Town Website here:
Read more about the importance of trees below in the Town Council's Proclamation declaring 4/28/23 Arbor Day in Bridgewater.
Town Council Proclamation
4/28/23 is Arbor Day in Bridgewater
At the 4/4/2023 Town Council Meeting, President Fred Chase read the Proclamation shown here.
Thank you to a hard-working Tree Committee
and
the Bridgewater Town Council.
4/29/23~9:00 a.m.-Noon
Town Wide Cleanup
Our Thanks to Town Councilor Dennis Gallagher
and WinWaste Management
for a successful Townwide Cleanup
Gloves, garbage bags & snacks provided by WinWaste Mgmt
and WinWaste Management
for a successful Townwide Cleanup
Gloves, garbage bags & snacks provided by WinWaste Mgmt
Bridgewater's Juneteenth Committee members visited InFocus to describe preparations for their 3rd annual Juneteenth celebration.
When: Saturday, June 17 from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Bridgewater Middle School, 166 Mt. Prospect Street
What: Entertainment, Food, Vendors, Raffles, Children's Activities
You can watch online at BTV access; download a copy at the BTV Access page here
When: Saturday, June 17 from 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: Bridgewater Middle School, 166 Mt. Prospect Street
What: Entertainment, Food, Vendors, Raffles, Children's Activities
You can watch online at BTV access; download a copy at the BTV Access page here
JUNE 15 PRE-JUNETEENTH
2 Events!
3:30 p.m. Flag Raising
3:00-8:00 p.m. Black Hat Buyback
2 Events!
3:30 p.m. Flag Raising
3:00-8:00 p.m. Black Hat Buyback
Black Hat Brew Works
25 Scotland Blvd
Bridgewater MA 02324
Proud to Support
Bridgewater's
3rd Annual Juneteenth
Buyback Night at Black Hat Brew Works
BHBW donates a percentage of their profits to Juneteenth!
June 15, from 3:00-8:00 p.m.
BHBW donates a percentage of their profits to Juneteenth!
June 15, from 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Grab a beer, a soda, or even water! |
Music Alley
at Black Hat Vance Gilbert & Avi Jacob |
Hungry?
We've got you covered Enjoy the Thursday Night Food Truck! |
Image of cans Illustration Vectors by Vecteezy
Image of food truck Food Truck Vectors by Vecteezy
Image of notes Music Notes Vectors by Vecteezy
|
Win a Raffle Basket Beach Theme and Picnic Theme |
|