New Bedford Cultural Council awards $70,749 in grants
The New Bedford Cultural Council is pleased to announce the awarding of $70,749 to local organizations and individuals for its 2014-2015 grant cycle. The New Bedford Cultural Council awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. New Bedford is the 4th largest local cultural council in the state.
The members of the New Bedford Local Cultural Council volunteer their time to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life in the City of New Bedford.
“This year we received over $170,000 in grant requests. With just $70,749 to distribute our decisions were very difficult.” said Jill Horton-Simms, Chair. “There were so many worthwhile project requests. It is undeniably clear that New Bedford Cultural Council needs more funding,” she continued.
The 2015 grantees are: AHA!, Cape Verdean Recognition Committee, Inc., Overhead Arts, Working Waterfront Festival, Your Theatre, New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!, New Bedford Free Public Library, WHALE, Community Leadership Team of Neighborworks SOMA, Dennison Memorial Community Center, New Bedford High School, New Bedford Ballet, Portuguese United for Education, Inc., New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, Southcoast Children’s Theatre, Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative, Community Economic Development Center, The Siren, Ryan McFee, Taylor School, New Bedford Festival Theatre, Brooklawn Park History, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Elizabeth Carter Brooks School, Reel Serious, New Bedford High Drama Club, NBPS All-City Concert and Marching Band, Pulaski Magnet School, New Bedford High Band Boosters, Global Learning Public Charter School, City of New Bedford Department of Community Services, Renaissance Community School for the Arts, Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School, New Bedford Folk Festival, New Bedford Historical Society, Marion Institute, UGLY Walls – Jeremiah Hernandez, New Bedford Open Studios, Nativity Prep, Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical School, Parker Elementary School, and Our Sisters School.
The NBCC will hold two information sessions during the fall, one of which is a workshop to help potential applicants through the grant application process. All standard and field trip applicants are encouraged to attend. Information will be posted in the Standard-Times, but all are urged to keep follow the NBCC on Facebook.com/nbculturalcouncil.
In Massachusetts, public funding for the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences is provided through a central agency, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and a network of local cultural councils that serve every city and town in the state. The New Bedford Cultural Council is the 4th largest Council in the state.
The MCC is funded by appropriations from the state Legislature and from the National Endowment for the Arts. The mission of the MCC and its local cultural council partners is “to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.”
Help Wanted: Parking Supervisor
CITY OF NEW BEDFORD
PARKING SUPERVISOR $12.21hr – $17.14hr
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Enforces parking regulations and restrictions. Receives daily assignments, which determine assigned area of responsibilities. Obtains information from the supervisor, or designee, requiring special attention. Patrols particular assigned areas at the supervisor’s discretion. Check for any and all parking violations, including, but not limited to: expired meters, parking abusers, expired stickers/registration plates, “No Parking” areas, loading zones, time zones, fire hydrants, driveways, handicap parking and handicap ramps.
High school graduate or GED equivalent. Ability to read and write English. Ability to reference codes for specific violations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a good driving record. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.
For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY JANUARY 16, 2015
New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown New Bedford (2014)
New Bedford area residents are invited to enjoy an evening full of free family-friendly programming on New Year’s Eve in Downtown New Bedford to bid farewell to 2014 and ring in the New Year!
Festivities will commence at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, with an Ecumenical Service at the Seamen’s Bethel, followed by entertainment by harpist Eva Macfarlane from 6-7pm.
Program highlights throughout the evening include:
The Seamen’s Bethel hosts an Ecumenical Church Service from 5-6 pm, followed by Eva Macfarlane Harpist from 6-7pm
Whaling Museum – Bill Harley children’s entertainer & storyteller, @ Whaling Museum 5:30-6:30pm
The best Toe Jam Puppet Band concerts at 5:30, 6:30 & 7:30 pm at the YMCA!
Take your kids for crafts and games with the 1850’s Ladies at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor Center (33 William Street) from 5-7pm. Special guests to include New Bedford Preservation Society’s costumed portrayers from NB Whaling Era.
Family Magic Workshop with Jedlie’s Magic Circus at the Art Museum/Artworks! 5:30 & 6:30pm
Winter Animal Activities from the Buttonwood Park Zoo at the YMCA
Oceans 18 Mini Golf course at Custom House Square 5-8 pm (weather permitting)
New Year’s wish art project with Dream Out Loud at Custom House Square 5-8pm
“Snowflake”, original art installation by Jessica Bregoli at Custom House Square
Check out amazing street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters
Jam out to music with DJ Anghelli in Wings Court 5-8pm
Photo Project “I am NB” by Nbbeautiful with U.G.L.Y. Gallery & Parks and Rec. in Wings Court 5-8pm
Jazz Music by Jim Robitaille, guitar, and Bill Miele, electric bass, at Star Store UMASS Dartmouth CVPA 5pm-7pm
West African Drum Ensemble “Kekeli” at State Pier – Ferry Terminal 7-8:30pm
Brett Sylvia Puppetry at State Pier 7-8:30pm
Folkies, head to Café Arpeggio from 5 to 8 pm for Open Mic Night.
Ensemble Events Photo Booth at Custom House Square – take home a New Year’s Eve picture! 5pm-8pm (NOTE: Inclement weather – photo booth will be at the Art Museum, 608 Pleasant Street 5pm – 7:30pm)
Batcuad So Da, Cape Verdean Drum Corp performing around Custom House Square 5:30-6:30pm
New Bedford’s New Year’s Eve festivities will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront at 8:30PM.
City Celebrates New Year’s Eve is presented by the City of New Bedford, Mayor Jon Mitchell, in collaboration with AHA!, Port of New Bedford, Destination New Bedford, and Downtown New Bedford, Inc. Events sponsored by Bristol County Savings Bank. Media sponsors: FUN107, WBSM. Barge provided by Tucker Roy Marine Towing and Salvage, Inc. Local Partners include NB Beautiful, Parks and Recreation, The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Buttonwood Park Zoo, UMass Dartmouth CVPA, New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, YMCA of Southeastern MA, New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!, New Bedford Historical Society, New Bedford Symphony Orchestra & New Bedford Cultural Council
New Bedford’s “Deck the Windows” contest winners announced
Here are the results of the New Bedford Cultural Council’s “Deck the Windows” Contest:
Best Municipal Masterpiece : NB School Committee
Best Holiday Spririt: NB Whaling Museum
Best NB Theme : Freestone’s
Best Overall : SMEC / SAIL
Kid’s Choice : St. Anne’s CU / St John’s – St. James School 8th grade artists
Council’s Choice : NB Police Dept – Scott Carola and AJ Farland
24 Things to do this Weekend (Dec 12- Dec 14)
Head to Buttonwood Park Zoo this Saturday and Sunday!
This weekend is made up of pretty mild temperatures. While we will experience lows below freezing, each day will warm up into the 40s. If you’re a fan of wearing thermals, hoodies, or flannels, you will be thrilled. However, Saturday will experience something that only happens on few corners of the world – contradictory weather in the same day: “Periods of sun, with a snow shower.” No one in New England would balk at this of course. Rain, sleet, snow and sunny? Yeah, we call that “Tuesday.” Otherwise, the weekend will mixed clouds and sun – with no precipitation forecasted for Friday or Sunday.
As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!
Friday, December 12th
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will 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 sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.
It’s that time of year!
Sparkle! An outdoor family event! (Bristol, R.I.) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Festive fun for the entire family! Come, stroll through Blithewold’s illuminated gardens and Greenhouse, breathe in that crisp Christmas air, or join our carolers as they spread holiday cheer. Come, enjoy music, cocoa, and roasted marshmallows around a roaring bonfire in Blithewold’s Enclosed Garden. Carol singing begins at 6:30 p.m. around the bonfire. Hot Cocoa is free; S’mores kits will be available for $1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809. Phone: 401.253.2707. Email: amillora@blithewold.org.
Painting with a Splash: Reindeer Fun, Starry Night, & Northern Lights (7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.
Save a boatload of money while getting your Christmas shopping done!
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.
3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.
Cookie decorating (Mattapoisett) (1:00-3:00pm)
Come to the Mattapoisett Library as part of the Mattapoisett Holiday Stroll – listen to some holiday stories and decorate a cookie to take home!
Creative Auctions Holiday Auction (1pm – close)
Looking for some deep discounted NEW items? Creative Auctions is hosting their annual Holiday Auction. Doors open at 1pm and auctions start at 2pm at the Bank Street Armory on 72 Bank Street in Fall River. Get here early because we had a standing room only crowd this past Saturday! Preview of items to expect:
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will 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 sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.
Parents, take a break or do some Christmas shopping while the kids have fun!
Parent’s Night Out (4:00-7:00pm)
With the holidays around the corner, “Parents Night Out,” gives parents the opportunity to drop their children off in a fun and safe environment while they run their errands. Fun fitness games, moves, and a pizza party are a few of the ways we will kick off the evening. Parents must register their children no later than December 12th. Ages 6-13. $5. Payment is due at the time of registration. Check or money order payable to “City of New Bedford.” Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street, N.B. 508.991.6298.
Painting with a Splash: Mr. Snowman(8+), The Eye (Advanced) & three other XMas themes (12:30pm, 3:00pm, 7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (7:00 pm)
The Bullard Street Neighborhood Association at Riverside Park on corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Avenue. Santa Claus is ccoming to town with Mrs. Claus for this special occasion to visit with all of the girls and boys.
Sunday, December 14th
New Bedford 5k Santa Run (11am)
The 4th Annual New Bedford 5K Santa run is expected to host 1,000 Santas running through downtown New Bedford. Still want to sign up? Head over to the YMCA downtown starting at 9:30am to race time. The 5K kicks off at 11am. Details: http://www.thesightings.com/event/santa-sightings/
XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.
It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.
Santa Sightings 5K Race (11:00am)
To benefit the New Bedford Cultural Commision, Gifts to give of New Bedford and the Southcoast YMCA. New to this year, Youth Runs for 6 and under and 7-12. Registration takes place 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7 a.m. Dec. 14. $35, $10 for youth racers. For information visit www.the-sightings/events/santa-sightings. Race starts and finishes at New Bedford City Hall, New Bedford.
Have fun painting “XMass Candle” at Painting w/ a Splash!
3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.
23rd Annual Holiday House Tour (1:00pm-5:00 pm)
Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, costumed portrayers, spot the Peppermint Pig Scavenger Hunt, holiday raffle.
427 County St., New Bedford. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508.997.7431 to make your reservation. An elegant pre-tour brunch at the Wamsutta Club will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items. $19 advance purchase, $23 at the door. All proceeds benefit the society. Details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-house-tour/2014/11/0
New England Irish Harp Orchestra (2:00pm)
Mark your calendars for a holiday performance in the beautiful upstairs reading rooms by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra at the Mattapoisett Library. This exciting and educational presentation, sponsored by the Library Trust, will be preceded by the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library downstairs in the community meeting room at 1:00 p.m.
Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights & Polar Express Train Ride (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will 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 sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.
Polar Express Ride and XMas Festival of Lights at Edaville USA!
Polar Express is inspired by the run-away hit movie! This holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.
A Christmas Carol 2014 (2:00pm & 7:00pm)
This beloved production with outstanding sets and lavish costumes from the nationally touring Nebraska Theater Caravan has become the gem of New Bedford’s holiday traditions. Starring miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge, this classic tale of love, generosity and the Spirit of Christmas stirs the hearts of audience members young and old. Join our Zeiterion family for a matinee or evening performance and experience the joy of the season! Tickets: https://ticketing.zeiterion.org/public/Default.asp
Painting with a Splash: Hot Cocoa (6:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.
Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.
*All winter coats provided will receive one free class toward any of the desired course curriculum offered at Northeastern Institute of Cannabis as well a 20% off coupon from Whaling City Glass. Whaling City Glass is also having a 10% store-wide sale through the month of December.
New Bedford’s 4th Annual Fill The Bus Toy Drive
From the New Bedford Police:
The New Bedford Police Department, Safe Zones, and Tremblay’s Bus have teamed up and combined their efforts to bring Christmas Cheer to local children.
Join us at Police Headquarters December 13th from 8 am to 5 pm and help us achieve our goal of filling 3 school buses with unwrapped Christmas gifts that will be distributed accordingly to New Bedford children before Christmas.
If you are unable to make it on the 13th you may drop off any unwrapped gift(s) to any one of our stations through the 19th of December. We thank you for your support.
Any questions please contact Lt. Rezendes (508) 207 5962
– Police Station One: 572 Pleasant St.
– Police Station Two: 168 Cove St.
– Police Station Three: 781 Ashley Blvd.
– Police Headquarters: 871 Rockdale Ave.
Public Meeting: Route 6/Pleasant Street (Octopus) intersection Imptovements
The New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure and the Department of Planning, Housing & Community Development, will host a public meeting on the planned improvements to the Route 6/Pleasant Street (Octopus) intersection.
Join the City team and CDM Smith Consultants to learn more about the next steps in the redesign of the intersection, focusing on pedestrian safety, improved timing, and overall upgrades to this important gateway to the city.
CDM Smith will present designs and simulations to the public demonstrating how pedestrian movements will be enhanced, increasing safety for both vehicles and people. The City will also provide an update on the status of the pedestrian overpass that spans Route 6.
Thursday, December 18 at 5:30 P.M. at Melville Towers Community Room, 850 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA.
For more information, please contact Jill Maclean, City Planner, jill.maclean@newbedford-ma.gov. For translation services, please contact the City of New Bedford Office of Community Services at (508) 961-3136.
Threatening note found at New Bedford high school
On Friday, December 5th at approximately 11:40 a.m., New Bedford High School officials discovered a note inside the high school indicating a threat to the building.
New Bedford Police were notified and responded to the school immediately; based on their counsel, the threat was considered low-level and non-specific. Police determined that given the situation, the best course of action was to conduct a sweep of the building as the school day proceeded.
Soon after the start of their investigation, a thorough sweep of the building was completed by police and school officials. Police deemed the threat not credible, and students continued their school day as usual.
“Student safety is a top priority for New Bedford Public Schools and we take absolutely no threat lightly when it comes to the well-being of children in our schools,” said Superintendent Pia Durkin. “This threat was not considered credible by police from the start, but naturally we took every precaution necessary in responding to it. The staff at New Bedford High School dealt with this threat professionally, and the New Bedford Police were immensely helpful as always in responding to concerns about the safety of our students.”
City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting Rescheduled
Officials have announced that the City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. due to the inclement weather forecast for tomorrow evening.
Residents are invited to join Mayor Jon Mitchell for the annual lighting of the Official City Christmas Tree on Pleasant Street in Downtown New Bedford in front of the Main Library. New this year – special entertainment and a holiday surprise!
The New Bedford Cultural Council is pleased to announce the awarding of $70,749 to local organizations and individuals for its 2014-2015 grant cycle. The New Bedford Cultural Council awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. New Bedford is the 4th largest local cultural council in the state.
