Thursday, September 29, 2011

Edaville Season Opens Oct. 1

After a bid to sell the property, Edaville Railroad has instead decided to stay open and has revamped the park and reached out for new opportunities.
The popular fall and winter park opens Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS: Leader of the Pack Tour 2011
October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10
Thomas the Tank Engine is chugging into Edaville for six very special dates this fall! Spend the day immersed in the storybook world of Thomas and his Island of Sodor friends. Take a magical 20-minute ride on a 15-ton replica of Thomas, meet his kindly but stern boss Sir Topham Hat, and stay to enjoy the many rides and amusements Edaville has to offer – for kids of all ages.

CRANBERRIES ALIVE!
October 15, 16
Peak foliage collides with peak cranberry harvest for a weekend event that is sure to awaken the senses. Aspiring engineers of all ages will enjoy an authentic train ride through spectacular scenery -- oftentimes past actual cranberry harvesting -- as well as a wide array of carnival rides and amusements. Come see, taste, touch, and learn about the mighty cranberry, then stop by for a meet and greet with our celebrity hosts Curious George and The Cat in the Hat.

COUNTRY FAIR with THE BERENSTAIN BEARS
October 22, 23
Summer may be a distant memory, but the old time carnival is coming to Edaville for one last hootenanny! Fun for the whole family, this event offers live entertainment, carnival treats and diversions. And the rides! The Berenstain Bears will be on hand to host a traditional family picnic to which all are invited. Pre-order your delicious, themed meal and it’ll be packed and ready to go. All you’ll need is the blanket.

GHOST TRAIN
October 29, 30
Something seriously strange is going on out in the bogs at night, and we’re inviting the public to experience Edaville’s all too real ghost story – in a first ever, after hours excursion. Take a 40-minute train ride deep into the park’s far reaches, on rails we haven’t run for years. On the way, learn about Edaville’s enigmatic founder – Carver’s own Willy Wonka of trains – and his evidently enduring connection to these cranberry bogs he still roams.

The park and all amusement rides will be closed for Ghost Train. Come just for the train ride, and please leave the young kids at home because we’re not sure what we’ll encounter out there from night to night..

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE
November 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 30, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 24, 31
The Polar Express comes to life at Edaville this Christmas season! Inspired by the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg and the hit movie starring Tom Hanks, The Polar Express will transport pajama-clad passengers to the North Pole. There Santa will board the train and greet the children, each receiving their own jingle bell just as in the story. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served by costumed staff while guests enjoy a live reading and carols.


CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
November 25-27, December 1-4, 7-11, 14-23, 26-30, January 1
During the Christmas season, Edaville is transformed into a winter wonderland. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages can enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our Christmas park.

Kid Mtn. Bike Day, Blue Hills, Oct. 2

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The state Department of Conservation and Recreation will host "Take a kid mountain biking day," Sunday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Blue Hills Reservation.
The event is free and all are welcome.
Participants should bring their bikes and helmets. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Bikers can practice their skills on an obstacle course and then head out for family-friendly guided tours of the reservation or head out on your own along Blue Hills' numerous trails or check out the new bike trails around Ponkapoag Pond.
Participants should meet at Houghton's Pond picnic site #5 on Blue Hill River Road in Milton.
For more information, call 617-698-1802, ext. 212.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Upcoming: Oct. 18 Fall Fashion Show Supports Library Foundation

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Downtown By Design will present a Fall Fashion Show on Tuesday, Oct. 18beginning at 6 p.m. at the Brockton Main Library.
Moore Fashion will host the event and tickets will be available at the door.
Cost is $5 per person or two for $8 with all the proceeds benefiting the Brockton Library Foundation.
For more information please contact Anne at greenbeachab@yahoo.com or 508-584-6919.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

5K Run/Walk For Domestic Violence Awareness, Sat. Oct. 1

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Family and Community Resources of Brockton hopes to raise awareness and money to meet the rising need of women and children suffering from domestic violence.
Family and Community Resources will host the "Hearts and Hands for Hope" 5K Run/Walk to End Domestic Violence, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 beginning with a 9 a.m. registration at Raymond Elementary School.
In recognition of October as domestic violence FCR, in a prepared statement, hopes to help those who seek services and counseling in order to escape the terror, physical abuse and potentially life-threatening harm they face each day from domestic violence.
Family and Community Resources has experienced a 20% increase in demand for their services over the last year, so fundraising dollars are needed more than ever. Support of this race will go a long way to help provide the necessary services to individuals and children effected in our local communities.
The start and finish line will be at the Raymond Elementary School, 125 Oak Street, Brockton.
Registration begins at 9 a.m.
At 10:45 a.m. a kids' 1/4 Mile Fun Run will begin. The kids race will be followed by an all ages 5K Run/Walk at 11:15 a.m.
There will be a post race party with free buffet at Mickey Malone's Sports Bar, 347 N. Pearl St., Brockton,
Costs for the run-walk are:
5K Walker: Suggested pledge donation $30. Children walkers 12 and under FREE.
5K Runner: $25
Student Runner: 12-17 years old: $10
Kids' Fun Run: 12 and under: FREE
Click here to pre-register online at Family and Community Resources website or to download a printable application to mail-in.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Lee, Old Time Baseball Thursday night

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Former Red Sox pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee, Brockton Rox coach Ed Noddle and Ron Shafer, a former Wall Street Journal writer-editor who has written a history of the Dodgers baseball club, will talk Thursday night at Joe Angelo's Cafe about Brockton's connection to the Dodgers through William "Gunner" McGunnigle, a Brockton native and early manager of the Dodgers who developed and wore the first catcher's mitt in the late 1800s.
A presentation will be held at Joe Angelo's beginning at 6 p.m., Sept. 22.
Cost is $20 and includes a buffet dinner.
Proceeds will help defray costs for a remembrance plaque to McGunnigle which will be displayed at Campanelli Stadium.
All are invited to attend.
Tickets available at the door.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Saturday, Sept. 17--Celebrate Learning

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Faith Family Life Church will host a celebration of education and learning, Saturday, Sept. 17 at East Middle School's Goodwin Park from Noon to 3 p.m.
The event, "School is Cool--Celebrate Learning," will feature free school supplies, hot dogs, chips, and lemonade.
There will be music by "Holy Hip Hop," and "Breakin The Chainz Crew."
There will also be raffles and prizes for students and teachers.
Free items while supplies last.
For more information, click here to visit Faith Family Life. www.faithfamilylife.org

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Upcoming: Rumsfeld At Old South, Sept. 26

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--Boston radio station WRKO will present a program with former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as he discusses the events of September 11th and the responsibility of protecting our nation, an event coinciding with his new book,"Known and Unknown."
The program will take place Monday, September 26 starting at The Old South Meeting House in Boston.
Rumsfeld's talk begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Cost is $50 per ticket.
Each ticket grants access to the event and includes an autographed copy of Rumsfeld’s, "Known and Unknown."
As the author of "Known and Unknown," Mr. Rumsfeld not only chronicles his life as a public servant, but provides insight into previously undisclosed details of the United States government that few Americans can offer.
At the end of the event, attendees will have the chance to participate in a question and answer session with Rumsfeld.
Click here to go to WRKO's website to purchase tickets...

Upcoming: ARTS at Christ Church Opener, Sept. 24

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--ARTS at Christ Church, entering its 17th year, will host its first event of the season, "Folk Café," an evening of traditional and contemporary folk music Saturday, September, 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Congregational Church, 1350 Pleasant St., Brockton.
The performance will feature Gail Finnie Rundlett
Gail Finnie Rundlett is a folk singer who has a strong following in the Boston area. She is a singer/songwriter who performs traditional to contemporary folk music and songs in the gospel tradition.
She has recorded a number of CD’s which will be on sale at the concert. Her latest CD is called “Heart of a Believer.”
Julian Rundlett, Gail's son, is a professional singer/songwriter. His music is a stylish mix of jazz, rock, pop, R&B, funk, and gospel. Julian plays with several local bands, churches and recording studios.
Admission is a free will offering and refreshments will be served.
Christ Church has handicapped access and ample easy parking. Situated on the Stoughton/Brockton line.
The following is the ARTS at Christ Church season schedule:
October
Saturday October 22 at 6.30 p.m. ‘Mystery Dinner Theatre’ – Once again the ARTS Committee is preparing a seasonal event. This year will see a performance of the mystery play ‘Death by Chocolate’ in a dinner theatre setting. The last two Christ Church dinner theatre events were absolute sell-outs and this presentation is not expected to disappoint. This is a ticketed event and seating will be limited. Advanced bookings only. Tickets will go on sale beginning Sunday October 2.
November
Sunday, November 20, at 3 p.m. ‘The Magic of Phil Smith.’ – Following the church's Thanksgiving dinner at 3 p.m. there will be a magic show for all ages. Phil Smith is a master magician and has long been entertaining children and adults with his magic act. Smith is a ‘kid at heart’ which makes his magic dazzle everyone. The admission is free with a freewill offering.
December
Sunday, December 11, 2.30 p.m. "A Dickens of a Christmas." Our traditionally popular Christmas concert will have all the usual Christmas sounds of singing, brass and bells but with the theme of a Victorian Christmas which Charles Dickens would have recognized. This is an all age event with free admission and freewill offering. Victorian style seasonal refreshments will be served following the concert.
January 2012
Saturday, January 14, Time TBD Jazz Café. Celebrate MLK weekend with a visit to the Jazz Café and hear Herbert S. Jones and the group Glorious play jazz and gospel music. Refreshments will be available. Admission free with a freewill offering.
March
Sunday, March 25 at 4 p.m. "A celebration of Mendelssohn." Our traditional Lenten concert will feature a combined choirs event with singers and choirs of the S.E. Mass. American Guild of Organists Chapter. There will be choral, piano and organ music by Mendelssohn. Admission free with a freewill offering.
April
Saturday, April 28 beginning at Noon "Carnival." An outdoor carnival with entertainment, games, fun and food. An all age family event.
May
Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. "Spring Melodies." Vocal and instrumental music on the lighter side. Featuring vocalist and pianist Matt Cunningham and soprano Kathleen Crooker performing wide a selection of show songs, duets, solos, and instrumental pieces. A soothing way to spend a Sunday afternoon and a relaxed end to the 17th ARTS season.
For information about the ARTS events and other Christ Congregational Church events, visit their website at www.brocktonucc.org.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Brockton To Remember 9/11 Attacks

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--The City of Brockton will hold a ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday, Sept. 11th at 11 a.m.
The event will be held at City Hall Plaza, 45 School St., to honor those who lost their lives, and to recognize the City’s public safety personnel for their continuing dedication to the community.
“It is hard to believe that we are marking the 10th anniversary of September 11th this year,” said Mayor Linda M. Balzotti in a prepared statment.
“While time has passed, the dramatic impact that day had on our nation remains vivid in our minds. This ceremony provides an opportunity for Brocktonians to come together and honor the legacy of the individuals who lost their lives on that day, and to show appreciation to our public safety personnel,” she said.
All are welcome.




The ceremony will include tributes by the Brockton Police Department Honor Guard, the Brockton Fire Department Honor Guard, and the Brockton Firefighters Pipes & Drums.




For more information about Brockton’s 9/11 ceremony, please contact Maysa de Oliveira at (508) 580-7123.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Sea Of White Fills Shaw's Center

BrocktonPost
BROCKTON--More than 200 men and women sporting all white suits, dresses, slacks and blouses created a sea of white during Emerging 40's "White Party," held last Friday night at the Shaw's Center in Brockton.
"I was really pleased with the turnout," said Drew Ambroise, founder of the non-profit organization that seeks to connect the area's professionals.
More than 200 of the area's young professionals, and business and homeowners sipped cocktails and mingled, during the inaugural event Friday, Aug. 26 that featured music, dancing and appetizers.
Among the partygoers was Mark Resnick, Brockton's new executive director of Brockton Redeveopment Authority, who gave a 10 to 15 minute synopsis of why businesses should reinvest in Brockton.
Also in attendance from Mayor Linda Balzotti's staff were Koren Cappiello, director of community and social services and Maysa de Oliveira, director of constituent services.
(Photos courtesy of Rayford Marshall)