March 29, 2020
~ Building Community One Positive Story at a Time
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I snapped this photo from the Merrill Elementary School garden the other day. We, too, shall rise! XO
~ Leslie Damish
Note of support from a Raynhamite. Thanks, Leslie ~ jACQUIR
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Letter From Superintendent of Schools Derek Swenson:
In response to the Governor mandating school buildings stay closed until May 4, 2020.
Dear BRRSD Families,
We hope that the information below provides some guidance on how to keep students active with academics during this time. This district-wide guidance was shared with BRRSD educators on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 as means of ensuring consistency in academic expectations.
Communication:
Teachers, service providers, principals, and district administrators will be checking their emails every weekday and will respond to emails within 24 hours. Teachers and service providers will reach out to their classes or caseloads at least once weekly with the purpose of maintaining connections. We have asked them to establish a predictable, routine check-in process in order to continue the important relationships they have with your children. This communication may take the form of whole-class or individual emails, phone calls, or Google hangouts/virtual meetings.
Academic Resources:
Teachers will provide resources and/or activities to families to help students maintain skills already taught and/or to offer options for enrichment. We encourage BRRSD families/students to continue checking their teachers’ Unified Classroom, Google Classroom, Class Dojo pages, as well as other designated educational sites for these learning opportunities. For the time being, there will be no new instruction for students or expectation of work completion, however again we are anticipating new/additional educational guidance from the DESE Commissioner and this is subject to change.
Technology:
While schools remain closed, we all need to rely heavily on technology to communicate and provide opportunities for academic activities. We understand that this poses a hardship for many families with limited access to devices and/or internet services. If your child needs a device, please contact me at (508) 558-5491 and we will arrange a pick up for a district Chromebook. Please know that Comcast is also offering free hotspots and internet access to families. Go to
www.internetessentials.com
for more information.
We realize that this unprecedented time has place strains on families and educators alike however, we must continue to work together as a team and community in order to do right by our children. I thank you for your time and please stay well.
Respectfully,
Derek J. Swenson, Superintendent of Schools
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Does your small business need help adapting to taking on-line orders?
BuzzAround can help!
Want to let our community know how you can service them?
BuzzAround publishes to 10,000 subscribers, it's a great time to
advertise, our readership is UP!
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Historical Tidbit:
Lyceum
Raynham's Debating Society c.1840
"An account of the educational and intellectual features of Raynham would be imperfect without an allusion to the Lyceum, or debating society, existing thirty years ago. Its organization embraced most of the intelligent residents at the centre, and the active minds of the time participated in its deliberations.
During the winter, for many seasons, there were debates upon the topics of the day and objects of literary interest, and once a fortnight a lecture was expected either from the gentlemen at home or from abroad."
"The meetings of the association were originally held in the hall which formerly stood where John A. Hall's house is now built. The hall was in the second story, curiously frescoed in the style of the day. When the house to which it was attached was taken down, the hall was removed to the rear of the premises where it is still standing.
After the town house was built, the Lyceum held its sessions there, and divided with the singing schools the social interest of the winter."
Information from:
History of Raynham, Mass.,
From the First Settlement to the Present Time
By Rev. Enoch Sanford, 1870
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Send us pix, video & stories - What are you doing with your free time?
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Town Hall
558 South Main St.
508-824-2707
Mon - Thurs 8:30a - 4:30p,
Fri 8:30a - 12 Noon
Tues eve 6 - 8p
Check your town website for needed updates
Public Library
760 South Main St.
508-823-1344
Mon - Wed 10a - 8p
Thurs 10a - 6p, Fri 10a - 5p, Sat 10a - 2p
Council on Aging
2215 King Philip St.
508-824-2740
Mon - Fri 9a - 3p
Food Pantry
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
9:00a - 11:00a
494 Church St, Raynham
774-406-5612
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Congratulations!
Lynn MacDonald
won a
$50 gift certificate to Beauty Counter products through Independent Consultant
You should play our
Historical Tidbit Trivia Game
at the bottom of this newsletter.
You could win a
$20 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni take out at any of their 3 locations.
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Town of Raynham News
- Town Hall and most town services will be closed through April 7.
- Police and Fire/EMS will maintain normal operations and those in need of emergency services should continue to call 9-1-1.
- Animal Control, and Inspection Services will operate on an as-needed basis.
- Payment of bills through the Treasurer/Collector’s office may continue to be done via mail or through online payment options.
- Board of Selectmen/Health will meet via the utilization of tele-meeting services on an as-needed basis. Meetings will continue to be posted on the town’s website.
Due to the fluid nature of the Covid-19 crisis, modifications both to this advisory and orders directed by the Governor may change at any time. We will strive to maintain accurate and up to date communication with residents and business of Raynham as quickly as possible.
So ordered:
Joseph R. Pacheco, Chairman
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Meals on Wheels is are distributed by Bristol Elder Services, housed in Fall River.
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Highway Dept./Transfer Station
Update as of 3/27/20
Beginning on Tuesday March 31, 2020 and extending until Further Notice, the TRANSFER STATION will be Open to Raynham Residents ONLY as follows:
HOURS OF OPERATION
TUESDAY and SATURDAY – 7:00a - 4:15p
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY - 7:00a - 11:45a
CLOSED ON SUNDAY & MONDAY
GLASS RECYCLING IS CLOSED, OTHER RECYCLING MAY BE RESTRICTED OR CLOSED at any time to reduce the time required for Residents to unload trash and vacate the premise. Please be diligent in reducing the time of your visit to the greatest extent possible. Practice good hygiene and physical distance by maintaining at least 6 feet from staff and other resident’s!
BRUSH PILE REMAINS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Please check the Town Website and Highway Department Voicemail (508-824-2718) for Updates. The Highway Department Office is Closed to the Public through April 7, 2020 or until Further Notice.
DIAL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY
Thank You for your anticipated cooperation.
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See our amazing disappearing chicks.
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We have wood pellets, feed & grain and
we're open for essential items!
Please call with your order and drive up.
1000 Plymouth St (Rt 104) Bridgewater
(508) 697-0357
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Selectmen's Tele-Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Tele-meeting
Phone: (786) 535-3211
Access Code: 683 474 853
*Announcement: Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Raynham Board of Selectmen is being conducted via remote participation. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings as provided for in the Order. Despite our best efforts, we were not able to provide for real-time access, and we will post a record of this meeting on the town’s website as soon as we are able.
1. Department Heads / Committees – Matt Tanis, Board of Health, Jim DOnavan, Police Chief, Bryan LacCivita, Fire Chief
2. Town Administrator’s Report
3. Selectmen’s Report
4. Emergency Business
a. COVID-19 Related Items
b. Town Operstions post April 7
5. Performance of Administrative duties
Adjournment
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Veterans Food Pantry Distribution
Friday, April 3 from 10am to 12pm
In collaboration with the Veterans Association of Bristol County (
thevabc.com
).
Raynham Veterans or surviving spouses can come to the
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Phillip Street
parking lot, for a veterans' only drive-thru food pickup.
Please do the following prior to pick up:
*we will need a copy of their DD-214
*we will need a picture of a photo ID
*during the food pantry, they/you will need to sign our paperwork
For more information, call Office of Veterans' Services Director Micaila Britto, (508) 345-5185
PLEASE STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE DURING THIS PICKUP!
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Looking at the physical distancing statements in Gov. Baker's advisory:
For the sake of our physical health, we all know to stay away from each other, what the World Health Organization now calls "Physical Distancing" (yes, the term "social distancing" is a misnomer, and they have changed it.).
"Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary activities during this two-week time period. "
"The Baker-Polito Administration does not believe Massachusetts residents can be confined to their homes and does not support home confinement for public health reasons."
So PLEASE NOTE: we are
not
being told to stay inside. There are activities you can participate in that are outside and do not come in contact with others. Our mental health and physical health demand that. Sometimes going out in your neighborhood or community is a necessity to accomplish these things. Get creative. Take up jogging. Do art & music. Take a walk in the woods. Fly a kite. Pick up trash. Please be mindful and take care of yourself, eat right & comply with the physical distancing protocols. ~ Jacquie
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Bridgewater State University Scholarship Opportunity
It's that time of year again when University and Community Partnerships offers twenty-five $1,000 scholarships to students who are seniors that will be graduating this year. Students who are accepted to BSU, who live in Bridgewater or are attending Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School may apply.
For more information you can call or email the University and Community Partnership Director, Susan McCombe at
508-531-1794
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Message from Board of Selectman
*The March 31st Special Town Meeting will be convened, and immediately tabled until a future date to-be-determined, which will be advertised consistent with past practice.
*The deadline for all excise taxes, utility bills, and any other dues or fees will remain as printed.
*The Town’s March 31st deadline for submitting Spring Town Meeting warrant articles has been extended until a future date to-be-determined.
*The actions mentioned in the above order are inclusive of all town departments except for emergency personnel. Residents should continue to contact 911 for emergency situations.
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Census 2020
The time is now. Fill out By April 1st. Help shape your future, and your community's future, by responding to the 2020 Census.
The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.
School lunches. Plans for highways. Support for firefighters and families in need. Census results affect your community every day.
The official Census Bureau mailings include detailed information and a Census ID for completing the Census online, but your census can be completed with or without your code... just get it done!!!
Count yourself in the population now!
Click
here
to visit the official website.
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NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE?
For folks who have legal questions during this time. The state funds the Mass Legal Assistance Corporation which offers a range of legal aid programs.
sccls.org
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No Utility Shutoffs
The
Dept. of Public Utilities has prohibited utility companies from shutting off gas, electric, or water utility services for any customer while the State of Emergency Exists. That includes both residents and businesses.
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A note from a Raynham reader:
"Christine Harkins tracked me down to make sure I claimed my cosmetic prize on Raynham history. She went the extra mile. I look forward to using my mineral sunscreen lotion. It was such a pick me up during these stressful days. Thank You."
~ Karen from Raynham
Glad we could help, Karen. ~ Jacquie
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BEAUTY COUNTER
CHRISTINE HARKINS
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Clean Beauty makes a great gift for your Valentine!
Contact me today to order yours!
Our Clean Promise: Over 1,500 questionable ingredients are never used in our formulations.
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BLISS
THROUGH
YOGA
is NOW open
in
Your OWN Home!
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Now Live Streaming ALL Classes!
Tuesdays @ 5:30p; Wednesdays @ 10a; Thursdays @ 7p; Fridays @ 6:30p;
Saturdays @ 9a
Contact Janice to register
Find YOUR bliss at Bliss Through Yoga!
Yoga for the Rest of Us!
(508) 331-3564
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Info on the $2 Trillion Economic Rescue Plan Stimulus Payments
:
Most adults will get a one-time $1,200, although some would get less. For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment would be an additional $500.
How much you get depends on your income:
Single adults with Social Security numbers who are United States residents and have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less would get the full amount. Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less would receive a total of $2,400. And taxpayers filing as head of household would get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less.
Above those income figures, the payment decreases until it stops altogether for single people earning $99,000 or married people who have no children and earn $198,000. According to the Senate Finance Committee, a family with two children would no longer be eligible for any payments if its income surpassed $218,000.
You can’t get a payment if someone claims you as a dependent, even if you’re an adult. In any given family and in most instances, everyone must have a valid Social Security number in order to be eligible. There is an exception for members of the military.
College students do not get anything if anyone claims them as a dependent on a tax return. Usually, students under age 24 are dependents in the eyes of the taxing authorities if a parent pays for at least half of their expenses.
Your adjusted gross income can be found on Line 8b of the 2019 1040 federal tax return. If you haven’t prepared a tax return yet, you can use your 2018 return. If you haven’t filed that yet, you can use a 2019 Social Security statement showing your income to see what an employer reported to the I.R.S.
If the Internal Revenue Service already has your bank account information, it would transfer the money to you via direct deposit based on the recent income-tax figures it already has.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he expected most people to get their payments within three weeks.
If you haven’t filed tax returns for "19 or '18 it would that affect your ability to receive a payment.
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Your Buzz Around is committed to sharing positive news, tips & ideas, to help us all through! Most local businesses remain open with adaptations to adjust for social distancing. Bee Kind & Shop Local.
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Freedom Food Farm - ready to get you your veggies!!!
They will be doing "window service" to keep the community and our workers safe. Just place an order at the window and they'll bag it up and hand it over!
Freedom Food Farm
471 Leonard St, Raynham (978) 884-7102
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Disconnect with Cyberspace.
Reconnect with
Open Space.
The mission of this initiative is to reconnect families and children with the great outdoors.
This
‘Take a Hike!’ Guide is for individuals, groups and families who are interested in exploring the State Parks and Forests of Southeast Massachusetts.
While the visitor centers are closed, all state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize. DCR reminds residents and visitors to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.... BUT YES!!!! GET OUT AND HIKE!!!
Here are more easy ones. Most trails are well marked. Trail maps & directions may be found at
mass.gov/dcr. You will also find directions to these parks at the above website. You will
need a good pair of sneakers or boots and a bottle of water!
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WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME
Have fun with us and bee entered to win a
$20 gift certificate to Johnny Macaroni take out at any of their 3 locations.
Historical Tidbit Question:
What is the Lyceum?
Email us your answer at:
Please include your name, phone number with your answer.
Prize Box Rules
.
By entering, you give us permission to announce your name in next week's Buzz Around Bridgewater.
On April 1, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
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The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody,
Janice O'Brien, Megan Piche, Deena Anzum,
Jacquelyn Rose, & Gregory Venezia
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You are the center of the universe AND you are a speck of dust.
This old Hebrew teaching about our ego speaks to me today. Rabbi Simcha Bunim, a great Polish Hasidic master at the turn of the 19th century, taught: “Everyone must have two pockets, with a note in each pocket, so that he or she can reach into one or the other, depending on the need.”
Every single day, we should feel worthy, loved, appreciated. If we don’t, we “should reach into the right pocket, and, there, find the words: ‘Bishvili nivra ha-olam’ The world was created for me." (BT Sanhedrin 37B). I will say it now to you, dear reader; you are worthy, loved, appreciated. Take care of yourself, eat right, exercise. Today, your smiling face is more important than ever.
And also, when we feel full of ourselves, unjustly put out by what our community needs of us right now, “one should reach into the left pocket, and find the words: ‘V’anochi afar v’efer’ I am but dust and ashes." (Gen. 18:27).
Walking in the forest, I feel both those at once. Feeling as tiny as an ant surrounded by great trees, and at the same time knowing how I affect those around me. Today and always, each of us has an important role to play in keeping our community strong. Making eye contact and smiling are important. Call each other, write notes, create public art. This is our challenge.
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Your impact is huge. Ants can carry up to 40 x their weight, we are a speck, but we are mighty.
~ Jacquie
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Copyright 2019 Buzz Around Raynham.
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 Raynham 3/29/20")
Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. There will be links to town committees and other non-profit groups, as a way of sharing local information. Individual groups are responsible for how they represent themselves on their websites and in their promotional materials. The Buzz Around is not responsible for their website content.
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