April 12, 2020 ~ Building East Bridgewater Community One Positive Story at a Time
Our Love and Hugs Go Out to Theresa, Joe & the Whole McNulty Crew
by Jacquelyn Rose

Somewhere around 15 years ago my life was forever changed by a 'play-date" of my son's. We've all done this. Walked into a house to meet the parent of our child's newest friend. So there I was in the McNulty home.
I grew up with 8 siblings, so I understood the special kind of madness that comes with a house full of kids & animals. But I had never met anyone like Theresa before. All of the 7 McNulty Crew: Irene, Trista, John, Jordan, Rhiana, Josh, and dear Princess Zarghona were fostered or adopted. There was love and structure and support for each of them.. plus... Plus support and love for everyone else who walked through the door, including me. It continuously amazes me the energy and grace Theresa puts forth. Supplies for struggling families. Special needs advocacy. Seniors assistance. Food, clothing, shelter. Emotional & physical support. As long as I have known her, Theresa has consistently given all she could to everyone who asked.

When I read her Facebook post my heart broke:

March 27, 2020
"Today has been one of the longest, hardest days of my life. First and foremost to my husband and my children, and their partners. I love you all.
I want to thank everyone who called, texted, messaged and responded to my plea for prayers. I am so grateful for you all.
You are all amazing and I send my love and gratitude. Please keep those prayers and that healing coming. We will be needing them.
I don't normally share a lot of personal posts, but today I need to.
I got the call, one that no parent ever wants to get, telling me my son John was taken to the hospital and was in a coma. Nothing prepares you for that.
John has been battling demons for many years, depression, anxiety, and for the past few years, drug addiction.
He had been to rehab, gotten sober, relapsed, did rehab again. He was doing very well, and we thought this time he had beat it.
But for reasons only he knows, he chose to use again. The person he was with administered narcan, but that did not work."

I am sharing this, not for sympathy, but to raise awareness. Heroin is a plague, and it attacks all ages, all social classes, races, religions. It knows no barriers. It destroys lives and puts families through unbearable heartache.
As I sit here, waiting for the doctors to tell me he is officially gone, I wish that he made a different choice last night. I wish that I could wish him OK. But that is not to be.

So I am choosing to remember all of the blessings and joy of the years we did have with him.
I think of that sweet boy I've raised, and loved.
The boy who loved Nintendo, and baseball.
His wicked sense of humor, and impish grin. I think of all the heavy metal music blaring while he head-banged to his favorite bands, reading Harry Potter books over and over, eating his record 15 tacos! The boy loved food!
I think of all the things he loved...playing the saxophone, riding dirt-bikes, camping, roller blading, skateboarding, playing his guitar, hackey sack and basketball in the circle.
I think of how much laughter there was and how much fun he had with all of his friends in and out of our house over the years.
I think of how smart he was, how he could do complex math in his head, spell any word, do huge jigsaw puzzles without even trying.
We are blessed to have these memories.

And then I think about the huge hole it leaves in our family, to be without him.
I think of his sweet little son, who will not get to grow up with his dad around.

To say that we are heartbroken would be an understatement.
I felt I needed to be honest with our loss, because drug addiction is so horrific. If even one person hears or reads this and thinks twice about using, or gets help for themselves or someone they love, maybe it can make a difference.

I will wrap my arms around my other sweet children, and my husband, so thankful we were all together today, in spite of the restrictions at the hospital, and Covid-19, and battling with staff. They were all there, outside, waiting endlessly, with their partners, holding each other up, holding me and Joe up, while we waited for our turns to see our John. Tomorrow will be harder still, but we will lift each other up and get through it together.

Please know that we appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers and healing being sent.
We are so thankful."

And then as the days passed, and medical confirmation received:

"In the sadness, there is always something to be grateful for. I prayed that this would be possible..
Tonight we got word that all the tests are done, and my son John will be able to donate his organs to save several lives.
He would be happy.
We will get word when they know how many lives were affected and saved.
At least some good with come from our tragic loss. I am thankful for this blessing, and the wonderful people at the hospital and NE Organ Donor, for all of their kindness and support, and for guiding us through this process."

The strength of this family unit is a force that effects everyone lucky enough to brush it. Theresa's love for humanity is in this response. A love she has displayed consistently for as long as I have known her. It is quiet and powerful, a voice for the fragile, the marginalized and the struggling.

To raise awareness: Heroin is a plague, and it attacks all ages, all social classes, races, religions. It knows no barriers. It destroys lives and puts families through unbearable heartache.

To take care of those waiting for organs to survive, his were donated.

And also, to care for John's funeral & start a fund for his children gofundme.com/remembering-john-mcnulty

Please contribute what you can.
Remembering John McNulty - "Do it for Johnny"

John McNulty was a highly intelligent, handsome young man. He could put complex puzzles together in an instant and loved building lego sets. He also enjoyed playing video games, playing baseball and basketball, rollerblading, skateboarding,...

Read more
www.gofundme.com
Historical Tidbit:
 
Buried in Elmwood Cemetery...
William H. Osborne: Rank and Organization: Private, Company C, 29th Massachusetts Infantry. Place and date: At Malvern Hill, Va., 1 July 1862. 
Birthplace: Scituate, Mass. 
Date of issue: 1 April 1898. 
Citation: Although wounded and carried to the rear, he secured a rifle and voluntarily returned to the front, where, failing to find his own regiment, he joined another and fought with it until again severely wounded and taken prisoner.
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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.
Town Hall
175 Central St
508-378-1601

Email & Phone contact only
Check the town website for important updates

E. Bridgewater Public Library
32 Union St 508-378-1616

Email & phone contact only

Council on Aging 
355 Plymouth St 508-378-1610

Email & phone contact only
COA

Food Pantries
Union Congregational Church
105 Pleasant St
2nd Wednesday from 12:30p - 2:00p and last Saturday from 9:30a - 11:00a
Pre-Packed bags for pick up only

St Vincent dePaul Food Pantry
St. John's Catholic Church
210 Center St, EB
(508) 378-3760
Distribution 1st & 3rd Monday of Each Month
Pre-packed bags for pick up only
Congratulations!
Sandra Kendrick
 won a
$15 gift certificate to Pinches & Pounds Candy Store Rt 18, Whitman, MA!


You should play our
Historical Tidbit Trivia Game
at the bottom of this newsletter.

You could win
6 weeks of training (value $279) at
Get In Shape for Women, Bridgewater
for use after they re-open in May
Thank You Garden Club.

Two members of the E. Bridgewater Gardens club, Darlene Dupras and Pam Galligan made a beautiful display of flowers and other plants in a horse trough.

The green flowers on the right are Hellebores, and the long plant with fuzzy buds is Pussy Willow. Later on pansies will be added to the display.
Do you like to write? Do you have a good story to share? Could you use $75?
Enter our short story contest.
Write an original non-fiction short story related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman.

4 prizes of $75 each will be given out on May 1, 2020 to the best non-fiction short stories in these categories:
Popular vote: Vote on stories from April 17th till April 24th. The popular vote will include all short stories submitted that meet the above criteria.
Brockton : 3 Brockton librarians, Malice Veiga, Jennifer Belcher and Kevin Nascimento will judge stories submitted related to Brockton.
East Bridgewater, Halifax & Whitman: Michelle “Shel” Stephen (EB), Jean Gallant (Halifax) and Barbara Bryant (Whitman) from our public libraries will award a winner from stories submitted for Whitman, East Bridgewater and Halifax.
Bridgewater, Raynham, and West Bridgewater: Ann Gerald (Bridgewater),
Ellen Snoeyenbos (WB) , Jessie McKinney (Raynham) from our public libraries will award a winner from stories submitted for Bridgewater, Raynham and West Bridgewater.
What's Your Good News?

Let us know your good news! We are accepting original non-fiction short stories related to one of the BuzzAround Hives: Bridgewater, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Raynham, West Bridgewater or Whitman. Entry Form to Fill out is at the...

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buzzaround.info
Entries must be 1000 words or less.
We are accepting one story per person until April 14th, 2020.
See our amazing disappearing chicks.
BRIDGEWATER FARM SUPPLY
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

EB Finance Committee Meeting - 4-7-20

Meeting of the East Bridgewater Finance Committee via Video Teleconference

Read more
videoplayer.telvue.com
If you don't get enough of Frank,
EB's Turkey Mascot, no worries... now you can join the Facebook group entirely dedicated to tracking Frank's whereabouts. He never ceases to entertain... holding up traffic, not caring about horns or size of vehicle, Frank bends to no man (or woman)! Frank the EB Turkey Mascot Facebook Group
Photo Credit: Michele Dovell
Superintendent's Special Announcement - April 7, 2020



Read more
videoplayer.telvue.com
Summary of COVID19 Relief Loan Programs Available

State Senator Josh Cutler has compiled a chart to help people better understand the loan programs available to business who have been effected economically due to COVID19
Massachusetts Residents:
Check your symptoms for COVID-19 securely, online, for free
Massachusetts residents can visit Buoy.com/mass to get advice from an online health assistant safely at home, for free.
Buoy will connect you with the appropriate health care resource based on your symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19.  
Here’s how it works:
  1. Tell Buoy about your symptoms and risk factors.
  2. Figure out if you should be tested for COVID-19.
  3. Get directed to the most appropriate health care resource.
  4. Learn about the virus, access prevention tips, and more.
Buoy's online tool is not to be used in place of emergency medical care. If this is an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Dance Theater of New England
Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence!
Summer Dance Programs for All Ages
Enroll Now!

Dance Theater of New England
25 Scotland Blvd, Bridgewater
(508) 697-5255
GRANTS RENTAL
Grant's sends out support & care to all of our communities.
We're all in this together.

10 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
 (508) 279-0950

ruler-children-header.jpg
Family Engagement Needs Assessment
Massachusetts is the recipient of a Statewide Family Engagement Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

As a recipient of that grant and in order to learn more about the relationships that schools and families have with one another, DESE must annually conduct an assessment of families’ and educators’ needs related to family engagement. I encourage you to participate in this survey by visiting this website.

The Council on Aging Provides Limited Transportation
on Tuesday's for in-town errands to essential stores (CVS, Post Office etc..). On Thursdays the van will take you to either Trucchi's or Market Basket. Please call the COA between 8a - 12p (Mon-Fri) for more information. 508-378-1610.
Help for Businesses
Dear Metro South Business -
I’m writing to encourage you and every impacted business to complete this simple application to receive up to $10,000 toward strengthening your business and helping our regional economy recover from COVID-19.

To receive a $10,000 forgivable SBA loan advance to help your business and our regional economy recover from COVID-19, follow this link... covid19relief.sba.gov.

After completing, also check out how the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loan can assist your business in recovery longer term with up to eight weeks of business and payroll expense forgiven.

Thank you for applying and spreading the word.
 
Chris Cooney,
President and CEO
Metro South Chamber of Commerce
Internet Essentials from Comcast

First 2 months free after $9.99 / mo. Internet Essentials brings affordable high-speed internet to low income homes.

Read more
www.internetessentials.com
town hall
Annual Town Election - Updated Information
rescheduled date - Saturday, June 6th

Annual Town Election has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 6th - Absentee Ballots are now available
The following offices appear on 2020 ballot:
One - Moderator (3yrs); One - Board of Selectmen (3yrs); One - Assessor (3yrs); Two - School Committee (3yrs); One Housing Authorty (5yrs); Two - Library Trustees (3yrs); One - Board of Health; Three - Planning Board (3yrs) - specimen ballot attached below.
Last day to register to vote at Town Election is Wednesday, May 27th.
Click here to check your voter status.
Click here for Absentee Ballot Application. Mail completed application to : Town Clerk 175 Central Street East Bridgewater, MA 02333   
Voting Location: Jr/Sr High School Gymnasium 143 Plymouth Street

Image credit: James Weinfeller
Operation Brown Bag for East Bridgewater
Public Schools
Brown bag breakfasts/lunches served from 11a - 1p daily from the East Bridgewater Jr/Sr. High School’s main entrance .
Please take advantage of the nutrition program. Please call the Superintendent’s office at 508-
378-5956 if you need “Operation Brown Bag".
D'AGOSTINO INSURANCE

D'Agostino Insurance
111 Torrey St Suite #1
Brockton, MA 02301
Call (508) 586-0414

OLD COLONY YMCA
East Bridgewater
Virtual fitness workouts from Les Mills, MOSSA, and Y360 for the whole family! 

Download our app – Search for
Old Colony YMCA to get started!
Kids - do the online sport challenges found on our Facebook Page !
Join the weekly challenges and earn rewards for staying active!
#stayhomestayhealthy
E. Bridgewater Helping the Homeless Get Through This
This week there were a series of Facebook Posts from L Street Mission. L Street has been providing hot meals and helping the homeless in Brockton cope through this crisis. All public spaces that formally were available during inclement weather have been closed. Resources are limited. L Street Mission has been providing meals, clothing, support and hope to Brockton's homeless, motivated by their non-denominational Christian calling since 2019. Upon seeing these posts, Heather Beth of EB has volunteered to drive around East Bridgewater and pick up bags of supplies from our porches and deliver to Brockton. No contact needed.
Rob Basler, of L Street says: “ We are in great need of non perishable canned goods, anything tomato in cans, veggies, pasta, canned chicken or beef stock, beans, boxed Mac and cheese, canned soups, etc. We are Not seeking cooked items at this time for logistics reasons. Socks are always needed.
We are not taking other clothing items at this time because coronavirus has forced our operations to be outside, which has restricted distribution. Thank you for your help with this !!”
Any EB resident who can contribute, please private message Heather Beth for a pick up facebook.com/HeatherD1830.
Brutal!!
We have been on the front line serving food to our homeless brothers and sisters every day since the coronavirus situation began, but the strong cool wind and rain today added even more challenges. People came to us soaked to the core. Many who came to us today were shivering and barely able to hold on to the trays of hot food we were serving. We gave out many gloves today. People were forced to huddle close to exterior walls and in doorways in an attempt to reduce absorption of the wind driven rain. Blankets are soaked and clothing ceases to insulate. And this evening they will continue to find creative ways to keep warm. For most of us the hardship is unimaginable.
Please Please keep this community in your prayers.
Your servant
4/3/20
Creative!
Earlier I posted that folks would be creative in finding ways to keep warm this evening during this storm.
Many have negotiated with acquaintances to allow them to stay indoors with them at their place on this horrible night. Many of these negotiations are filled with their own brand of tragedy. And that is its own story.
Others find different ways to survive. The pictures below were taken this evening a short while ago. These are some of their creative survival solutions. Some are in doorways, and others are under bridges. There are others in the woods. Several needed and got dry blankets, hats and socks this evening.
We all need to thank the Lord for our blessings.
And while you listen to the wind rustling outside this evening, please offer a prayer for this tough community, that they may all survive another night.
God bless you!!
Your Servant
4/3/20
Photos were taken with permission of the subjects by Rob Basler of Bridgewater.
BETHEL MEDICAL GROUP
Founded in 1990 as a Christian practice; the mission of Bethel Family Medicine is to serve God by providing compassionate, high-quality medical care for every member of the family in a warm, welcoming environment.


CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT!
111 Torrey St, Brockton (508) 588-1200
NESSRALLA FARM
We're Open!

Some FYIs to our loyal customers: we’ll be following social distancing guidelines and taking all possible safety precautions to protect you and our staff, so be patient shopping! See you soon!

318 Plymouth St. Halifax

(781) 294-1767
Top 10 Tips and Resources from a Reluctant
(at first) Homeschool Mom
Cynthia Polakovic, M.S.  SouthShoreHealth.org/Youth Health Connection

“I’m not a teacher.” “I don’t have the educational background, the subject knowledge, nor the patience to homeschool my kids…”

Don’t worry! You’ve can do this. Let’s face it, your children will never forget this time spent in quarantine together. Learning will not only add normalcy and purpose to their lives, it can lead to a wonderful appreciation for each other. Experiential learning as a family has the power to inspire new interests and to create lifelong bonds among siblings.

Along with my tips and resources, I will share insights that will hopefully save you time and dispel any uncertainties you may have about your new job. You can do this! You have everything you need. At your fingertips. Literally. The internet offers a vast network of support for every academic subject imaginable.

• Be a student. When I first started homeschooling my kids, I spent many sleepless nights preparing lessons for the next day. You don’t need to plan extensively, and you don’t need to be an expert in any subject! You are a student right along side your children. We read the classics, learned (or relearned) Algebra 2, performed many chemistry experiments, and competed in an aerodynamic paper airplane contest together. (The teacher lost.) It’s ok to not know the answers. Your kids don’t need you to be perfect, just to be there for them. YouTube.com has thousands of videos to explain just about anything.

• Don’t underestimate your child. Kids are so smart! Some awesome online materials, such at the American Chemical Society’s curricula  acs.org/content/acs/en/education/educators; The Physics Classroom  physicsclassroom.com/about; Tom Henderson’s ebooks (available for $.99 each)  books.apple.com/us/author/tomhenderson; and CK-12 for science, math, English, social studies, and more!  ck12.org/teacher.

• Experiment! There are so many wonderful science experiments that you can perform with household items and minimal supplies. Our favorite science website is  sciencebob.com. His experiments on the Jimmy Fallon show are amazing and hysterical! There are wonderful chemistry and physics experiments available at:  stevespanglerscience.cominterestingengineering.com. Nothing beats experiential learning.

WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME  

Have fun with us and bee entered to win a
6 weeks of training (value $279) at
Get In Shape for Women, Bridgewater
for use after they re-open in May

  Historical Tidbit Question:
Where was William H. Osborne born?

Please submit your answer through our website here . It's easier for us to run more contests & distribute prizes this way.
We are looking forward to giving you more opportunities to win!

By entering, you give us permission to announce your name in next week's Buzz Around East Bridgewater

On April 15, 2020 we will randomly pick a winner from the correct answers.
The Buzz Around is brought to you this week by: Jen Bellody, Theresa McNulty, Janice O'Brien, Megan Piche, Deena Anzum, Jacquelyn Rose & Gregory Venezia
April is Poetry Month
In honor of Maya Angelo, a poet and activist who served on two presidential committees: Gerald Ford in 1975 and Jimmy Carter in 1977. In 2000, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton. In 2010, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., by President Barack Obama. More than thirty health care and medical facilities have been named after Angelou. She was awarded more than 50 honorary degrees. April 4th was her birthday.

Here are some of her quotes to ring your bell.
"When you know you are of worth, you don’t have to raise your voice, you don’t have to become rude, you don’t have to become vulgar; you just are. And you are like the sky is, as the air is, the same way water is wet. It doesn’t have to protest."

"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass."

"Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option."

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
Give it your all. You have everything you have ever needed to live life completely.
~ Jacquie
Copyright 2019 Buzz Around East Bridgewater.  You have our permission to share and copy this issue in its entirety or as much as you like. If you take it in part, please give credit: ("Buzz Around East Bridgewater 4/12/20")

Disclaimer: At the Buzz Around, we promote community and family. Occasionally, 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 does not claim to support any particular view.