Welcome to your Buzz Around Weekender, our regional "what's good" and more!
April 24, 25 & 26
Share your good news! Submit your original non-fiction short story related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman and you could win $100!
Last Day to Submit: May 8, 2020.
4 prizes of $100/ each:
1) Popular vote: Vote on stories on BuzzAround.Info from May 11 -17, 2020.
2)Bridgewater, Raynham, and West Bridgewater
3)Brockton 4)East Bridgewater, Halifax & Whitman
Your Buzz Around is excited to offer this exclusive weekly column with Paul Engle, Director of Brockton Public Library.
Prior to Brockton, Paul was the Director of Library Services at Berklee College of Music. An accomplished professional musician as well as librarian, Paul brings to the Brockton Area a unique view on library services; he is "passionate about diverse cultures sharing ideas, free and open access to information, libraries as a space for sharing artistic, scientific and cultural ideas, and promoting life-long learning skills." In this week's article, Paul continues to explore Jazz Fusion.

Rockers v Jazzers

For starters, fusion music usually refers to the combining of post-bop jazz with elements of rock, pop, classical music and the jazz avant-guard innovations of the 1960’s. Initially, Jazz moved away from the small group model as exemplified by Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie by introducing “implied” or sometimes called “broken” time in the rhythm section, and allowing for more interaction between the rhythm section and the soloists. Additionally, there were different harmonic ideas, derived from western art music that entered into the mix that can be heard in the music of Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck , John Coltrane , and Bill Evans (to name a few). Add to this the “Soul Jazz” sound which took the bluesier elements of jazz, still with the Parker influence, and combined it with pop-oriented early rock, funk, or “boogaloo” grooves ( Horace Silver’s quintet , Lee Morgan , Lou Donaldson and Jimmy Smith ). Another source of inspiration for fusion, although very subtle, was the Avant-guard movement. While not immediately associated with fusion, such innovators as Cecil Taylor , Ornette Coleman , and Albert Ayler devised expressive techniques on their instruments that ultimately did find their way into the fusion style.

Today, let’s take a look at a few of the rock artists that were very influential in shaping the father of the fusion movement, Miles Davis.

1) The Graham Bond Organisation
A British Rhythm and Blues group from the early 1960s, which featured bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker (who later formed, along with Eric Clapton, Cream ) and guitarist John McLaughlin, who in 1969 joined with Miles Davis on several seminal fusion albums, and in the early 1970s he formed the fabulous Mahavisnu Orchestra.

Jeff is a British guitarist who came up through Alexis Korner and the Yardbirds (who also featured Jimi Page and Eric Clapton). Jeff is important because when fusion broke, he was one of the few who took on fusion from the rock world, check out 1976 release Wired .

A serious funk band from San Francisco, fronted by Sly Stone, who Miles borrowed his 1970s fashion from. This band, along with Jimi Hendrix, really contributed to Miles’ 70s sound. 

4) Betty Davis (nee Mabry)
Mrs. Davis was once married to Miles. She is a terrific funk and soul singer, who, allegedly, introduced Miles to the music of Sly, Hendrix, and James Brown. Miles, intrigued by their selling out large venues and making bank, decided to, once again, change music forever. 
For business ideas on how to continue generating income is this new economy and access aid available:
Small Business ideas from Accion, in Cambridge, MA, a nonprofit community lender dedicated to helping entrepreneurs generate income, build assets, create jobs and achieve financial success through business ownership. Their approach: they work hand-in-hand with entrepreneurs to overcome every obstacle standing between them and their dream of owning a thriving business. us.accion.org

Staying Connected to Your Customers - your business can adapt during this time of uncertainty led by experts from Samuel Adams in branding, social media, and e-commerce.
Grant opportunity for restaurant employees in Massachusetts through Samuel Adams and the Greg Hill Foundation. Greg Hill is a Massachusetts radio personality who wants to provide restaurant employees some financial relief during the crisis. The goal is to provide $1,000 grants to as many people as they can through crowdfunding. Sam Adams made an initial donation of $100k to the fund and agreed to match donations through 3/31 up to an additional $100k. They have crowdfunded $419k so far for this fund.
Interested restaurant owners and workers must be a full-time tipped compensated employee (minimum of 30 hours total per week); be employed for three months or longer at the same location; work at a bar, restaurant, café or nightclub in Massachusetts; and submit their last two pay stubs.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) - PUA will provide up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not working as a result of COVID-19 and are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and others who otherwise would not qualify for regular UC or EB under state or federal law or PEUC. These individuals will not be able to claim benefits directly through the Unemployment Insurance Online System in Massachusetts, as of this time. The platform is expected to begin accepting PUA claims on or around April 30, 2020. Eligible claimants under PUA will be retroactively compensated with this benefit beginning February 2, 2020, or the first week a claimant was unable to work as a result of COVID-19, whichever date is later. The last week this benefit is payable is the week ending December 26, 2020. www.mass.gov/CARES act
Eligible claimants should continue to check for updates at mass.gov , on the new platform, which will be ready this month (April 2020). Once the system is up and running, eligible claimants will receive this benefit backdated to Feb 2, 2020, or the first week a claimant was unable to work as a result of CV-19.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund - LISC will use the Verizon funding to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
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THIS WEEKEND:

 Boston - Boston Family & Kids Events Fun things to do. Many events online.

Boston - Beats for Braille Concert Viewing Party Sat, April 25, 7p. Music Lovers, join National Braille Press and 13 amazing blind musicians and braille music readers in a first of its kind virtual concert to support braille literacy. From rap to jazz and everything in-between. You won't want to miss it!

Bridgewater - Virtual Beginner Yoga Class Fri, April 24, 6:30p. Learn the basics of Svaroopa® yoga from the comfort of your own home. All you'll need are a folding chair, pillows, some books or yoga blocks and you're ready to get started. Enjoy two guided awarenesses and a breathing exercise, as well. Experience the bliss of an open spine and destress, all at the same time.

Bridgewater - An Evening of Musical Meditation with Julia Scott Carey Fri, April 24, 7p. Please join the Central Square Congregational Church this Friday evening, as we share a live-streamed Evening of Musical Meditation with you. Pianist Julia Scott Carey will be performing an assortment of beautiful and relaxing contemporary hymn arrangements, to help you find a moment of spiritual reflection during these troubled times. The program will include arrangements by Jim Brickman, Paul Cardall, John Carter, Richard Kingsmore, Michele McLaughlin, David Nevue, Larry Shackley, and others. Visit CSCC’s Facebook page this Friday at 7p to view our live-streamed event. We want to wish you peace and comfort, and we hope you will be able to join us!

Bridgewater - 2020 Crush Cancer Virtual 5K Sun, April 26, 7:30a. We are excited to present the 8th Annual Crush Cancer 5K this April in Bridgewater!

Bristol, RI - Live Feed Fridays: Arbor Day Tree Walk Fri, April 24, 10a. Take a virtual walk at Blithewold with the horticulture staff for Arbor Day. We will showcase some of the magnificent trees in our collection. Treat yourself to a walk through trees this Arbor Day!

Brockton - Live Stream for Arbor Day: In the Groves a Celebration of Trees Fri, April 24, 7:30p. Immerse yourself in nature with this story and music event celebrating the deep spirit of trees. Award-winning storyteller Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Margot Chamberlain on Celtic harp presents an exquisitely crafted performance of folktales and songs from around the world. Stories range from the humorous to the heartfelt. Refreshing and lyrical each piece is surrounded by evocative music from the culture, Celtic harp and song. Link

Brockton - Cutest Animal "Sheltering in Place" Photo Contest Ongoing through May 6th @ 8p. The Animal Protection Center decided to launch this contest to bring some PAWSitivity into the lives of our shelter community during these difficult times. Although we are advocating more social distancing right now, we still want our supporters to feel a sense of togetherness. Photos may be submitted for a $15 donation . Click on the following link for more details.
Brockton - Virtual Storytime with Brockton's Mayor Robert F. Sullivan Fri, April 24, 11a. Join us via Facebook Live for storytime. All ages are welcomed! Any questions, please email Samantha at swestgate@cobma.us Books published by Simon & Schuster will be read by Mayor Sullivan. We thank Simon & Schuster for granting permission for allowing us to do storytime via Livestream with their works!

Brockton - Digital Art Archive Fuller Craft Museum. This Digital Archive is a window into the Fuller Craft Permanent Collection. With a few clicks you can access images and information about a vast selection of craft works from the collection. Search by artist/maker, title, media, and more. Browse specific categories and perform advanced searches with key words or phrases.

Concord   -  Facebook Live - Ask a Ranger  Fri, April 24, 10a. Teachers and parents! Even though the park's visitor centers and on-site education programs remain closed during the Covid-19 public health crisis we are still here for you! Email your questions about the start of the American Revolution and the Battles of Lexington and Concord to  jim_hollister@nps.gov  or post them in the comments. We will address them during a Facebook live session held every Friday in April at 10a. Let us know what aspect of the history interests you! More information is available on our  website .

Easton - Borderland State Park Now open daily 8a - 7p. To ensure your safety and the safety of others please continue to:
  • social distance 
  • if the park looks busy, come back at another time or choose to go to another state park
  • stay a shorter time
  • carry in; carry out
  • keep your dogs on leash (and carry out any waste) 
  • the disc golf course, visitor center and restrooms remain closed until further notice
  • all programs and events have been suspended until further notice
DCR has closed all DCR beaches, as of now Borderland is open- but we need your help by not overcrowding the park.

Halifax - Audio books Holmes Public Library. Enjoy your favorite audio books in the mobile app or on your computer. Our desktop app supports transfer to a variety of devices.

New Bedford - Virtual Spring ZooCrew Fri, April 24, 9a - 9p. Welcome to our first ever Virtual Zoo Crew! Join us the week of April 20-24 as we explore nature’s most miraculous moms and daredevil dads in The Most Extreme: Parents Edition! We will be learning about all sorts of different animals and the amazing ways that they take care of themselves and their families. Recommended for ages 6 – 10. We are offering you this programming FREE of charge. Questions? Sara Doble sdoble@bpzoo.org .

Plymouth - Plimouth Plantation Virtual Field Trip Take a virtual trip and learn about a 17th-Century English Village and Wampanoag Homesite. Also find an award-winning interactive web activity with this link.
THIS WEEKEND Continued:

Providence, RI - The Show Goes On Virtual & Live Fri, April 24, 7p. Join us for a night as the theatre community comes together to support the Rhode Island Pride Food & Supply Drive by performing monologues written by Epic Theatre’s Kevin Broccoli!

Raynham - Local Trails Hewitts Pond Conservation Area – North Main St: Pond, trail, dam, bird watching (No hunting is allowed at the Hewitt Pond Conservation Area located on North Main St or the Kransberg Conservation Area located on King St at Dam Lot Brook.). Forge River Conservation Area – South Main St: River, forest trail, historical site, bird watching. Raynham State Forest – Locust St: Upland forest, trail.

Taunton - How NOT to Network Fri, April 24, noon. Please join award winning networker Mitch Zucker for an action packed and content rich webinar on how NOT to network. He'll be providing best practices for both online/zoom calls and in person networking. Topics included will be setting up your zoom for success, lead generation groups, business after hours meetings, and trade shows/craft shows. 
DCR Programs and Events
Educational Resources
Exploring outside is a natural way to relax and to learn while being safe.  “Outside” can be almost anywhere - out our windows, on our streets, in a park. Here are some of our favorite resources for families, kids and students:

Looking for hands-on, minds-on learning fun?  Check out these free resources. 
Let trees and forests be a window onto the world. Discover nature. Engage with science. Create with art and language. Project Learning Tree’s free, family friendly online resources and downloadable activities are a great way to get outside or look outside, learn and have fun.
Project Learning Tree (PLT) Environmental Education resources
Interested in “STEMing” it up?
Trees work hard for us all. Explore how trees improve the environment in communities big and small, urban and rural… even in our own backyards! 
Teaching with iTree perfectly blends science, technology and math in real-world settings, including right where you live!  
Science journal just for kids!
The Natural Inquirer is a free science series featuring journals and hands-on activities written specifically for students in grades: preK- second grade, upper elementary grades and middle through high school age students. There are even resources for outdoor and non-formal education like campgrounds, nature centers and after-school programs. The Natural Inquirer is where scientist share their research with students at all ages. 
Running out of things to do?   
The Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) has gathered lots of free, fun, easy activities and ideas. Visit  massmees.org.
Taunton - Old Colony History Museum Virtual Tour 66 Church Green. Thanks to TCAM TV, if you can’t join us in person enjoy a walking tour of some of Taunton’s oldest homes and buildings hosted by the OCHM’s Community Programming Coordinator Saria Sweeney. Check out our blog.

Taunton - Local Parks Links to parks in your area: Hopewell Park, Playground & Splash Pad ;

West Bridgewater - Free Public WiFi WB Public Library. Access right out side the library even when they are closed. Network: WB-Library-Guest, Password: hoWard80

West Bridgewater - Old Bridgewater Historical Society Lectures You can check out some of our fantastic lectures on YouTube! The Memorial Building is closed.

West Bridgewater - Conservation Area Trail Maps Wondering where you can walk and keep your distance while staying close to home? Enjoy some of our towns open spaces while getting some much needed exercise and fresh air. 

Whitman - Libby by Overdrive Whitman Public Library. Access to thousands of eBooks and audio books. You can borrow them, instantly, for free, using just the device in your hand.

Whitman - Digital Magazines Whitman Public Library. Download a wide range of magazines including areas such as sports, entertainment, travel, business, & more. iPad®, iPhone®, Kindle Fire, and Android® compatibility.
The Children's Museum in Easton daily #socialdistancelearning challenge
can be completed at home with everyday materials, If your child gives one of our activities a try, tag us on social media and use the hashtag #socialdistancelearning and we will share your child's project!

Today's Project: Cloud Dough
This silky smooth play dough can be made in just a few minutes with stuff you already have in your house–hair conditioner and cornstarch!

YOU’LL NEED:
Cornstarch, hair conditioner, a large mixing bowl and food coloring (optional).

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Pour 2 cups of cornstarch into the mixing bowl.
  2. Add 1 cup of inexpensive hair conditioner and begin mixing with your hands. You will notice how the ingredients come together nicely and become pliable and very smooth.
  3. Divide the dough if you want to color it with food coloring.
  4. Store the dough in a plastic bag or air tight container. It should last a couple of days. If it starts to dry out, add a small dollop of conditioner until you reach the right consistency. 
 
LEARNING TIPS:
Super soft cloud dough is designed for its sensory experience, as an alternative to other play doughs that quickly become flaky and dry out. While your child creates and manipulates the dough, they are developing eye-hand coordination while improving strength and dexterity in their little hands and fingers. This fine motor skill development is a great head start for later skills like holding a pencil and using scissors!
Remember, sometimes the best inventions come from mistakes! Take a look at what happened when Krissy, Director of Education and Outreach used a little too much conditioner!