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Where is the Value?
Our library director's blog from Nov. 13, 2015

If you are going to ask questions, you cannot avoid the answers.  We have had many answers to our questions in the Library Use Survey recently conducted as part of our ongoing discussion of library service in Raynham.  In the survey we asked how people use the library, asked them to rate the services they use, and to select the services and programs they would like to see the library offer during the next five years.  The results have provided statistics for us to analyze, evaluate and incorporate into the library's five-year plan of service.  However, as fascinating as those statistics are, they are not as interesting as the additional comments.


Statistics reveal analytical use of library service.  Comments reveal how people regard and value library service.  We are pleased to read comments such as "I have been coming to this library for over 30 years.  The staff has always been outstanding.  The library is one of the strongest assets we have in our community."  And, "It is a pleasure to come here."  And, "I've visited several libraries in the southeastern MA area, and this one (Raynham) has the friendliest, most welcoming atmosphere."  Also, "Wonderful resource for the community." We are concerned to read comments such as "A library needs books. Everything else is not the library's job."

Comments such as these cause us to pause and think about just what it is that libraries add to our communities.  Is a library just about books?  In libraries we are always talking about the value that we add to our communities.  But how do we enumerate that value?  Is it about the savings we make by providing access to a range of resources and services for free?  Is it about providing materials and space?  Or is there something else going on here beyond the obvious?

The comments from our library users tell us that libraries meet very human needs - the need to belong, the need to connect with information and people, the need to know and understand, and the need to have time to replenish energy and spirit and simply enjoy reading, viewing or listening to something that takes us out of ourselves.  Libraries contribute to the social web; they enrich the lives of individuals, and strengthen the bonds of community.

We are grateful for all the comments of our users.  As we move forward in the Five-Year Plan, their voices will be with us.
Link to take the:  Library User Survey 2015

Eden Fergusson, Raynham Public Library Director.
Reprinted from the Library Webpage

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November 15, 2015

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Prize Box
 


Congratulations
Patricia Mele

1.5 hr self-defense class for winner & 9 friends at MATA Karate in 
East Bridgewater 
 
You should play
our Historical Tidbit Trivia Game at the bottom 
of this column; you could win a facial and a $15 gift certificate of Mary Kay products from Jeanne Smith and Cindy Guarino, Mary Kay consultants.
Historical Tidbit: 
 
Raynham's Boston Post Cane  
 
  On August 2, 1909, Mr. Edwin A. Grozier, Publisher of the Boston Post, a newspaper, forwarded to the Board of Selectmen in 700 towns in New England 
a gold-headed ebony cane with the request that it be presented with the compliments of the Boston Post to the oldest male citizen of the town, to be used by him as long as he lives (or moves from the town), and at his death handed down to the next oldest citizen of the town.  The cane would belong to the town and not the man who received it. 
 
The canes were all made by J.F. Fradley and Co., a New York manufacturer, from ebony shipped in seven-foot lengths from the Congo in Africa.  They were cut to cane lengths, seasoned for six months, turned on lathes to the right thickness, coated and polished.  They had a 14-carat gold head two inches long, decorated by hand, and a ferruled tip.  The head was engraved with the inscription - Presented by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of Bridgewater - "To Be Transmitted."  The Board of Selectmen were to be the trustees of the cane and keep it always in the hands of the oldest citizen. 

In 1924, Mr. Grozier died, and the Boston Post was taken over by his son, Richard, who failed to continue his father's success and eventually died in a mental hospital.  At one time the Boston Post was considered the nation's leading standard-sized newspaper in circulation.  Competition from other newspapers, radio and television contributed to the Post's decline and it went out of business in 1957.
 
The custom of the Boston Post Cane took hold in those towns lucky enough to have canes.  As years went by, some of the canes were lost, taken out of town and not returned to the Selectmen or destroyed by accident.  In 1930, after considerable controversy, eligibility for the cane was opened to women as well.
 
  
 
Raynham continues the tradition.  Their original cane is currently sealed in a glass display case at the senior center.  Recipients receive a plaque.

 
  


Monday, November 16
Walking - 9:30a - Council on Aging (COA)
Singing - 11a - COA
Bridge - 1p - COA
Beginner line dancing - 1p - COA
Duplo Play - 1p - Library
Free Style Dancing - 2p - COA
Library Trustees - 7p - Library
Tuesday, November 17
Canasta/hand foot - 9a - COA
Chair Yoga - 10a - COA
Blood Pressure - 10:30a - COA

Whist - 12:30 - COA

Intermediate line dancing - 1p - COA 

Pokeno - 1p - COA

Film Club - 6:30p - Library

Board of Selectmen - 7p - Town Hall

Wednesday, November 18
Exercise - 9a - COA
Story Time - 10:30a - Library
Tai chi - 11a - COA 
Cribbage - 12:30p - COA
Mah Jong - 1p - COA
Library Planning Session - 5p - Library
Conservation Comm - 5:30p - Town Hall
Thursday, November 19
Canasta/hand foot - 9a - COA
Wii Bowling - 9a - COA
Busy Babies - 10:30a - Library
Device Advice - 11a - Library
Planning Board - 6p - Town Hall
Friday, November 20
Exercise - 9a - COA
Quilting/Knitting - 11:30a - COA
Painting - 1p - COA
Saturday, November 21
Apple Pie Making - 10a - Library
Kindergarten Art Exhibit - noon - Library
St. Ann's - 4p - Service
Sunday, November 22
Agape Chapel - 10:30a
First Baptist Church - Worship 10:45a, Sunday school 9:30a, AWANA program at 5:30 pm
First Congregational Church of UCC - 9:30a   
Lutheran Church of The Way - 8a, 11a Worship, 9a coffee hour, 
9:30a Sunday school
St. Ann's - 8a, 9:30a, 11a and 5p  
 
* Information Compiled in this issue from Town web sites
BRIDGEWATER FARM SUPPLY
 
CHIRP, WAG & WHINNY SALE!  ONE DAY ONLY 
SATURDAY, Nov. 21st

$2.00 OFF Blue Seal Nature's Choice Wild Bird Seed
20 lb. & 40 lb. 
$2.00 OFF Blue Seal Life Stages Adult Dog 40 lb. size only
$2.00 off Sentinel Performance LS Equine Feed 50 lb bag
Like our FB page & answer daily quiz questions 'til 11/21
Get 'em all correct 
for a chance to win a free bag of seed or feed!
Bridgewater Farm Supply
Like us on Facebook
1000 Plymouth St, (Rt104) 
Bridgewater
(508) 697-0357 
 

Apple-Pie Making

Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10:00 AM

Raynham Public Library

 

Sue Burns, expert apple-pie maker, joins us on Saturday to help you make the perfect apple pie just in time for Thanksgiving.  You'll need to bring a measuring cup, rolling pin, paring knife, two pie tins and spices.  All other ingredients will be supplied.
Please register for this special program.

Kindergartener Art Exhibit

Saturday, November 21, at Noon

Raynham Public Library

 

Join us for a special presentation of the Merrill School

Kindergarteners' art work.

Please stop by and show your support for our young artists! 

Bridgewater Square Chiropractic

18th Annual Community Food Drive
 to benefit the Bridgewater Food Pantry is 
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 
 8:00 - 11:45 a.m. & 2:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
All current and former patients:  Bring in a shopping bag of non-perishable food items as well as toiletries and receive an adjustment 
at NO CHARGE on Nov 18.
NEW PATIENTS:  For your donation of a BAG OF NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS AND/OR TOILETRIES, you will receive a gift certificate for a Complimentary Consultation and Exam!!

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                63 Main Street 
     Bridgewater
    (508) 697-0050
Raynham Lion's Club Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon
Sunday, November 22, at noon
Raynham Senior Center

Please join us for a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner.
$5 per person.
Tickets on sale at the Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street.
No phone calls accepted.

Please come to the "Holiday One-Stop Shopping Fair" fundraiser
 Raynham Middle School Parent's Organization on Thurs., Dec. 3rd, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at the Raynham Middle School cafeteria, 420 Titicut Road.  Shop from a variety of vendors showing their wares, such as Tastefully Simple, Silpada Designs, 31 Bags, Ava Anderson, Mary Kay, Stella and Dot, Jamberry Nails, Vantel Pearls, Cards by Margaret, Cleaning by Angela and many more!  A great night of shopping...get something for everyone, as well as a little something for yourself!  Win prizes in the vendor raffles, too! 


"W8 4 IT" Improv Show!
 
Hold on to your seats!  In the spirit of the Groundlings, Second City Theatre, and Upright Citizens Brigade, Bridgewater State University Lab Theater proudly presents W8 4 IT, a night of improvised fun and frolic. Through audience suggestion and unbridled imagination, our acting troupe will create a new show every night!  So bring your friends and family! 
This show is for everyone!

Community Impact Funding

The Community Impact Committee of United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton, Inc. (UWGAT) will hold an informational meeting on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 9am at UWGAT's office located at 247 Maple Street in Attleboro.  This meeting is mandatory for non-profit, human service, 501(c) 3 organizations, providing services in UWGAT's catchment area, interested in applying for FY17 community impact funding.

Soup kitchens, food pantries, and emergency assistance programs do not need to attend this meeting, as grant recipients will be notified in May 2016.

The purpose of this meeting is to review the FY17 community impact funding procedure and timeline.  UWGAT will explain the process of awarding grants to programs and initiatives that will "advance the common good."  The programs must meet current local needs while addressing United Way Worldwide's priority areas of:  Education, Income, & Health.  The funding process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent which will be evaluated by the Community Impact Committee, and will invite eligible programs to submit a full proposal for funding consideration.

UWGAT's eleven communities include:  Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Taunton.

This will be the only public forum to ask questions and receive detailed information regarding UWGAT's funding process.

For any questions, or additional information, please contact Melissa Vanhorn at 508-222-2337, ext. 106 or Melissa@uwgat.org.


 
Stone Church has a New Prayer Garden
Thanks to  our new Raynham Eagle Scout, John Gimler, the First Congregational Church has a prayer garden.

John is third from left in the back row 
 Congratulations for all of your years of hard work in achieving Eagle Scout, John.  This fantastic project was the icing on the cake. 
  
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." ~ Francis of Assisi
"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." ~ Jimmy Dean


Dance in the rain with me! : )   
~ Jacquie

Town Building Locations:

 

Town Hall

558 South Main St. 

 508-824-2707

Mon-Thurs 8:30a-4:30p,

Fri 8:30a-12Noon
 Tues eve  6-8PM

 

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 Street 

508-824-2740

Mon-Fri 9a-3p 

 
Local Businesses Rock.  Show them your support!

 
Viridian
Power With Purpose

Viridian Energy Sells Affordable, Responsible Energy to Residential & Small Commercial Electric, Natural Gas & Solar Customers.

Gail Mather, Viridian Representative
(508) 350-9755


Ms Beehaven 
Angel Alley

 * Workshops * Meditation
* Drumming Circles *Reiki
* Shamanic Healing Treatments
* Crystals & Supplies

10 West Union St. 
East Bridgewater, MA 
508-378-9699


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mention you read about them in the Buzz Around!!!

Fuel assistance applications available Nov. 1 at the Council on Aging
Fuel assistance applications are now being processed.  You must call 508-824-2740 to find out what documents you need in order to file an application.  Then you can make an appointment with outreach worker, Peggy Evers, who will assist you in filling out the application.
Lunch + Movie
Thurs, November 19
12 noon
Raynham Senior Center

Join us for a viewing of Mr. Holmes


$3.00 per person
WOMEN'S
BREAKFAST
Monday, November 23, at 9 am
Raynham Senior Center

$3.50/Raynham residents
$4.50/all others for a full breakfast.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Senior Center.

Medicare open enrollment
 
Open Enrollment for changing your Medicare supplement plans, and/or drug plans, is October 15 through 
December 7.  Outreach Worker, Peggy Evers, can see you by appointment. 
Call 508-824-2740
Open Lab Night:  A BSU event for the community, including K-12 students
Thursday, November 19, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
 
The Center for the Advancement of STEM Education and the Office of Community Partnerships at Bridgewater State University are excited to hold "Open Lab Night 2015" in the Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center!
 
Love science and mathematics?  Love learning in a hands-on environment?  Then please join us for Open Lab Night at BSU.  You can chat with BSU faculty and students, hang out in our labs, and even do a few experiments.  A wide variety of hands-on activities will be running throughout the night; anything from the "Virtual Reality Sandbox" to "Alien Substances."  The Observatory will be open from 5:00-7:00 PM (weather permitting).
 
Snacks and refreshments will be provided.  This event is free and open to the public.  All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Parking is available in the Bridgewater State University Parking Garage.  To view the campus map, please click here.

prize box  
WEEKLY TRIVIA GAME

Have fun with us
and beeee entered to win
a facial and a $15 gift certificate of Mary Kay products from Jeanne Smith and Cindy Guarino, Mary Kay consultants 

Historical Tidbit Question:  Who were the canes made by?

Email us your answer at: 
Please include your name, 
phone number & town
with your answer.
 
By entering, you give us
permission to announce 
your name in next week's 
Buzz Around Raynham.
  
On November 18, 2015, we 
will randomly pick a winner
from the correct answers.

The Buzz was compiled

this week by Theresa McNulty, Sarah Primack, Marla Prince,  Stacy Rancourt, Jacquelyn Rose, & Betty Stirling. 

  

Copyright 2015 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 11/15/15")

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 is not responsible for their website content.