Bring the kids to downtown New Bedford and enjoy Downtown New Bedford Inc.’s All Treats, No Tricks event from 11am – 2pm. The following downtown businesses will have treats available for the kids.

• Ahab’s Wife – 761 Purchase St.
• be jeweled – 26 Centre St.
• The Bedford Merchant – 28 William St.
• Bristol Community College – 800 Purchase St.
• Buzzards Bay Coalition – 114 Front St.
• Café Arpeggio – 800 Purchase St
• Carter’s Clothing & Footwear – 55 William St.
• Celia’s Boutique – 111 William St.
• Connecting for Change – tent at Purchase & Spring Sts.
• Crush Fine Wine – 801 Purchase St.
• Destination Soups – 149 Union St.
• Dunkin Donuts – 231 Union St.
• Freestones City Grill – 41 William St.
• Gallery 65 – 65 William St.
• Harbor Cycles -98 William St.
• The Landing Gift Shop & Chandlery – 98 Front St.
• Moby Dick Gift Shop – 27 William St.
• Modern Exchange – 185 Union St.
• New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! – 608 Pleasant St.
• New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park – 33 William St.
• No Problemo Mexican Restaurant – 813 Purchase St.
• St. Anne Credit Union – 93 Union St.
• Tia Maria’s European Café – 42 No. Water St.
• TL6 The Gallery – 100 William St.
• Zeiterion Performing Arts Center – 684 Purchase St.

Bristol Community College’s NB Campus on Purchase Street will also host a special costume contest, with prizes in age groups of 0 -4, 5-9 and 10-13. Prizes to be awarded at 2 pm. So make sure to get there as you end your round of visits!

Bishop Stang High School hosted its 15th annual rock-a-thon event to support four local food pantries. The rock-a-thon resulted in over 6,525lbs of food collected.

Every year the members of the Bishop Stang High School Sr. Teresa Trayers, SND Chapter of the National Honor Society gather for a rock-a-thon food drive. The rock-a-thon has been a NHS activity since 1999. This year’s student-led event had 106 members with 12 student officers (6 seniors and 6 juniors) as the leadership. Each member gives about two hours of their time to the Chapter by soliciting donations of food items and then rocking in a rocking chair for 45 minutes.

“The rock-a-thon is one of our NHS Chapter’s many traditions. Participating in it is a privilege to me, not only because I’m honored to be a NHS member, but also because I’m fortunate to be able to contribute to the support of those who are economically less fortunate than I am,” said Theresa Gallagher, NHS president. “I love watching person after person file in with the food they’ve collected. We box it all and sort it into piles. It’s incredible to observe the piles grow and see how our small efforts can combine to make such a big difference. It prompts me to give thanks for the many blessings that I have received and above all, to realize my obligation to contribute to the support of our local community.”

Donna McDougal, NHS Advisor and Social Studies Department Chairperson closed with saying, “We beat last year’s totals, and I have never seen a more efficiently and smoothly run food drive.”

The Greater New Bedford unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of Massachusetts, but believe it or not there really are a lot of jobs available for qualified applicants. Sometimes the barrier to a new job can be the lack of information on available job openings.

To solve this, each week New Bedford Guide will be working with the New Directions Southcoast (also known as the Greater New Bedford Career Center) and pulling jobs from our jobs database to inform job seekers about the hottest jobs in the area.

We will define “Hot Jobs” as those jobs that need to be filled by the employer immediately. For those looking to search some large job databases, checkout my Best Job Search Resources for New Bedford Residents article. Unless noted otherwise, those interested in these positions or want more information should go to the Greater New Bedford Career Center at 618 Acushnet Avenue.

Here are the Hot Jobs from the Greater New Bedford Career Center as of October 22nd, 2014:

1. Hostesses #4883746
Must have excellent customer service skills. Experience helpful. Hours are flexible both day and night shifts.

2. Wait Staff #4883741
Wait Staff needed. Must be available for either afternoon shift or evening shift. Great customer service skills along with some experience required.

3. Industrial Mechanic #4883753
Maintenance mechanic for fast paced New Bedford seafood processing plant, must have experience in food automated packaging equipment, PLC, computers electric over pneumatic equipment, must be self motivated and have strong mechanical skills. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Plumbing, some fabricating, welding, knowledge and understand of Blast/IQF Freezers is a plus. Experience working with the Food Industry equipment such as bagging/packing equipment and conveyors.

4. Team Leader I #4883762
In this role, the incumbent will ensure that quality, safety, productivity and cost improvement efforts are met by establishing shift goals and maintaining team focus, capitalizing on associates’ skills, abilities and differences to implement a continuous improvement manufacturing strategy.

5. Custom Woodworker #4883766
Woodworking & Cabinetry experience: sanding, gluing, clamping, filing, staining, varnishing, machinery use. Neat, polite person with transportation. Will train the qualified applicants.

6. Furniture Assembler/Finisher #4883755
Scrape, sand, file, glue, clamp furniture parts. Mill parts.
Furniture hand-finishing: Stain & Varnish Polish. Must be dependable, neat, polite, quick, non-smoker. Must have transportation. Local craftsman preferred. Visit our website to view furniture: www.adriance.com

7. Secretary #4888775
Bachelors degree preferred – 2 years experience in human services. The primary role of the Secretary is to assist DYS Casework Staff in managing the various clerical functions associated with the case management function and supporting the District Office. The Secretary will act as a telephone and in-person receptionist for the site. Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

8. Order Entry/Customer Service #4888846
Well established warehouse in New Bedford offers a challenging CSR position. Accurate data entry, strong clerical skills, shipment scheduling, handling customer accounts, ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment. Candidate must have at least 2 years of related customer service experience, warehouse environment preferred. Ability to work well in a team environment. High school diploma or equivalent. Have a valid driver’s license. Be willing to submit to a drug and background check.

Here are the Hot Jobs in the New Bedford area from the NewBedfordGuide.com jobs database, as of October 22nd, 2014:

1. Traffic Control – PJ Keating (Acushnet)
Full details and application process here.

2.Programmer – UMass Dartmouth
Full details and application process here.

3. Retail Sales Associate – T-Mobile (Dartmouth)
Full details and application process here.

4. Banana/Avocado Ripening Specialist – Sid Wainer & Son
Full details and application process here.

5. Concert Photographer – AltRockLive.com
Full details and application process here.

6. OInventory Admin/Manager – Synerfac
Full details and application process here.

7. Loss Prevention Associate – Sears (Dartmouth)
Full details and application process here.

Be sure to also check out our Job Portal to find jobs by location on a map: newbedfordguide.com/map-page#pm_jobs_tab. Want to get e-mail notifications for new jobs? Checkout our e-mail subscription service.

A deer jumped into the Made Barber shop on Rivet Street early morning on Wednesday, October 22nd. It jumped into the shop and was injured from the broken glass. The business was taped off and police shot and killed the deer fearing it would do more damage to the barber shop or break free and injure people the the crowd. After examining the deer it had some bruising and may have been hit by a car before entering the shop.

CITY OF NEW BEDFORD
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT $46,420 – $56,620
FIRE DEPARTMENT

Manages the office staff including Fire Prevention; organizes workloads and develops new work processes to increase efficiency of the administrative functions within the department.

Assists the Chief and Deputy Chief in creating and disseminating administrative orders and directives. Performs confidential functional support of disciplinary actions taken and investigations conducted. Assists the Chief in the development of the department budget and tracking the ongoing financial performance through monthly tracking reports and projections.

Provides administrative assistance to the Chief in meeting management goals; prepares agendas and records action items for various meetings; prepares administrative policies as assigned. Develops, recommends and implements office systems to improve the efficiency of the department operations with a primary focus on automated systems.

Directs the human resource functions of the department including time-off tracking, collective bargaining agreement compliance and annual documentation. Prepares a variety of reports and related information in support of the performance goals of the department. Prepares reports and required documentation in support of the departments ongoing grant programs.

Knowledge equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, human resources, business management or closely related field, and two years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. Knowledge of municipal management and operations, financial reporting, automated office systems and procedures, office administration. Must be highly skilled in computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Ability to effectively meet and deal with employees, City officials, supervisors and the general public, ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to handle stressful situations.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 14, 2014

CITY OF NEW BEDFORD
ENERGY OFFICE MANAGER $44,991 – $54,880
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Coordinate and/or oversee all energy data related to the office’s activities. This includes, but not limited to, verifying and integrating the savings attributed the City’s energy efficiency efforts, the appropriate assignment of solar net metering credits and the tracking of our electric vehicle charging station use into a common database. Activities include updating the Mass Energy Insight tool and data population into EPA’s Portfolio Manager.

Key Activities:

– General Activities

• Oversee development of Energy Data Monitoring and Oversight Data Strategy as well as assist in the broader Strategic Energy Plan for the City
• Develop information resources; maintain an energy database for all City operations to provide baselines for energy use and savings analysis

– Program Data Activities

• Oversee implementation of data management program, including efficiency, solar and transportation activities
• Manage related budgets
• Coordinate data gathering protocols between and align efforts amongst City departments, State, for-profit business partners, utility companies and other key stakeholders

– Procurement oversight for all related products and services
– Oversee the City’s final step in becoming a MA DOER Green Community

BA required, MA preferred. Experience with project management, database management and software programs. Familiarity with local, State and Federal energy programs, policies and regulations such as the MA Green Communities Act and Global Warming Solutions Act. Knowledge of the energy sector, particularly of energy efficiency and alternative technologies, and their components of cost. General knowledge of and a personal commitment to environmental and sustainability issues. Computer skills required including Excel, Word, Access. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license with good driving record.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the 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

CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014
**********
OPENING OF SESSION BY: CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT JOSEPH P. LOPES
**********
PRAYER LED BY: REVEREND DAVID LIMA, PASTOR AND EXECUTIVE MINISTER
INTER-CHURCH COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW BEDFORD
**********
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
**********
NOTE: DUE TO THE VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014;
THE AGENDA WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH AT 10 AM
AND BE RELEASED ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2014
**********
CITATIONS
1. CITATION, Councillors Martins and Morad, honoring LAUREN KUHN, Mass Massachusetts 2014, in recognition of her fourth place finish in the Miss America Pageant and her successful year representing our Commonwealth and Miss Massachusetts with many thanks.

2. CITATION, Councillor Martins and Council President Lopes, honoring SUZANNE RICHARD, Chief Photographer, New Bedford Cable Network, in recognition of her First Place Award in the Music and Performance Category, for the Music Video “Be A Hero” at the Annual Alliance for Community Media Regional Video Festival.

3. CITATION, Councillor Martins and Council President Lopes, honoring BEVERLY TAVARES, New Bedford Public Schools Educator, in recognition of her First Place Award in the Music and Performance Category, for the Music Video “Be A Hero”, which she also wrote, at the Annual Alliance for Community Media Regional Video Festival.

4. CITATIONS, Councillor Martins and Council President Lopes, honoring DAN CABRAL, SUZANNE RICHARD, KEVIN VIDINHA, ETHAN LOPEZ, KAITLYN MEDEIROS and ALEXANDRA SIEGEL, New Bedford Cable Network, in recognition of their First Place Award in the Sports Programming Category for their coverage of the 37th Annual New Bedford Half-Marathon at the Annual Alliance for Community Media Regional Video Festival.

5. CITATION, Councillor Martins and Council President Lopes, honoring DANA DEBARROS, Videographer, New Bedford Cable Network, in recognition of his Third Place Award in the Community Impact Category for his New Bedford High School Graduate Profiles, highlighting the wide variety of career choices available to New Bedford High School Graduates.

6. CITATIONS, Councillor Carney, honoring MARISSA PEREZ-DORMITZER, DIANE A. BERUBE, RUSS WOTTON, BRIAN WOTTON, ANNE WHITING, MARIANNE PHILLIPS and KELLI MUNROE, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to Operation Clean Sweep.

RESOLUTIONS
7. RESOLUTION, Councillor Carney, honoring LYNN COISH for her dedication to Operation Clean Sweep.

8. RESOLUTION, Councillors Alves, Bousquet, Carney, Coelho, Gomes, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Morad, Oliveira, Rebeiro and Winterson, honoring the INTER-CHURCH COUNCIL OF GREATER NEW BEDFORD on the occasion of the celebration of their 75th Anniversary.

MAYOR’S PAPERS
M1. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting AN ORDER for the TRANSFER of $500.00 from ASSESSORS, SALARIES & WAGES, to ASSESSORS, SUPPLIES & MATERIALS.

M1a. AN ORDER,

M2. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, requesting a ONE-YEAR WAIVER OF RESIDENCY for ELIZABETH TREADUP PIO, Acushnet, MA, Elizabeth has been employed in the Mayor’s Office since 2006 and is a dedicated employee, who as a Public Information Officer, makes invaluable contributions to the operation of the office and the City. (Current Waiver expires October 2014.)

M3. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the REAPPOINTMENT of ARTHUR B. TRUNDY, IV, New Bedford, MA 02740, as a CONSTABLE.

M3a. AN APPLICATION,

M4. COMMUNICATION, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting the APPOINTMENT of DONALD CARPENTER, Rehoboth, MA 02769, as a SPECIAL POLICE OFFICER.

M4a. AN APPLICATION,

NEW BUSINESS
9. REPORT, Committee on Appointments and Briefings, recommending to the City Council APPROVAL of the APPOINTMENT of JENNIFER CLARKE, Dartmouth, MA, as ASSISTANT CITY PLANNER, at M9, Step 7, $62,369.00 and APPROVAL of a SIX-MONTH WAIVER OF RESIDENCY to relocate to the City.

10. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, on behalf of AHA! New Bedford, that the following street(s) be CLOSED: CENTRE STREET, from North Water Street to Front Street, FROM 4:00 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M., ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2014, for the purpose of AHA! Homecomings.

11. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Carney, requesting that the Traffic Commission install “NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER” signs on the north side of Tobey Street and Acushnet Avenue, on the side of Our Lady of Fatima Church, due to parishioners parking their cars too close to the corner and obstructing vehicular traffic. (To be Referred to the Traffic Commission.)

12. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Carney, requesting that the Traffic Commission consider changing the speed limit on Coffin Avenue around Taber Mills, 217 Deane Street, from 30 mph to 20 mph for the safety of elderly residents in the area. (To be Referred to the Traffic Commission.)

13. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Winterson, requesting, that a representative from NSTAR Gas Company, Inc., be invited to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meeting to discuss the possibility of installing gas lines in Tanglewood Drive, so that the homeowners on that street may heat their homes with gas, as residents on nearby streets do, oil heat is the only method at the present time that the residents of Tanglewood Drive have available to them and the cost is prohibitive.

14. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Martins, Morad, Alves, Winterson, Rebeiro and Bousquet, requesting that the City of New Bedford make the much needed improvements to our newly updated City of New Bedford website to include ADA compliance for our City residents that have physical disabilities, and are unable to use the services that our website provides.

15. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, Councillors Winterson and Gomes, requesting that the Committee on Appointments and Briefing review 501 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to allow for the establishment of the New Bedford Harbor Master under the New Bedford Police Department, and allow for the duties and responsibilities of the New Bedford Harbor Master to follow under the direction of the Director of the New Bedford Police Department’s Port Security Unit, said consolidation will ensure the continuity in the Chief Law Enforcement entity in the City, under the control and authority of the Chief of Police.

16. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Bousquet and Winterson, requesting, on behalf of the management of the Whaling City Golf Course, that Johnson Golf Management submit a letter to the City Council detailing their plan for reinvestment in the City’s premiere leased facility, since the City has invested in a new roof, the constituency would like to see some basic upgrade planning, like carts, bathrooms and lockers, etc. (To be Referred to the Mayor, the City Solicitor and Johnson Golf Management.)

17. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that two light poles be installed on Pleasant Street, between Wing and Bedford Streets, this area is located at the former Morse Twist Drill location, the ground connections were installed when demolition took place on that site, this request comes from residents in the area looking to keep the neighborhood a safe place and to deter criminal activity.

18. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, that the Committee on Appointments and Briefings meet with a representative from the Mitchell administration, along with Department of Community Services Director Wallquist, to discuss whether the City has formulated a plan to address and deal with the homelessness and vagrants across New Bedford; and further, if there is a plan in place, to please submit said plan to the City Council and to also include how much money the City has received to deal with the homeless problem.

19. WRITTEN MOTION, Council President Lopes, requesting that the Superintendent of Schools and the Interim Business Manager provide a detailed breakdown of all the text books that were ordered, as well text books delivered to the New Bedford Public Schools for the 2014/2015 school year with proceeds from the FY 2015 School Budget; and further requesting, that the New Bedford Public School provide the New Bedford City Council with a detailed reconciliation of funds allocated versus funds spent for textbook purchases for FY 2015. (To be Referred to the Committee on Finance.)

20. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, on behalf of Bonnie White, 112 Peckham Road, Acushnet, MA, that the Committee on City Property consider changing the name of Kathleen Street, from Acushnet Avenue to its terminus, to SPOONER FARM DRIVE in honor of the late Mr. & Mrs. Spooner who lived on Kathleen Street; and further, that said name change would be a great honor to their memory and to the family. (To be Referred to the Committee on City Property.)
21. COMMUNICATION, City Clerk/Clerk of the City Council, to City Council, on behalf of GABRIEL DAROSA, 56 Westwood Drive, North Dartmouth, MA 02747, d/b/a BLUEBIRD TRANSPORTATION, 1551 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740, hereby submit a copy of the Application requesting a RENEWAL of a Private Livery License, under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 159A, Section 1 and amendments thereto, and M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (Smoke Free Workplace Law) and all other laws applicable to such operation, to carry passengers for hire over the streets of New Bedford. (Current License expired October 10, 2014.)
22. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Morad, to Councillor Alves, Chairman, Committee on Appointments and Briefings regarding her anticipated absence or possible tardiness to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings held on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.

23. COMMUNICATION, Governor Patrick, to City Clerk Farias, responding to a letter dated September 16th and the City Council’s motion of September 11th, regarding the name change of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. (Copy all Councillors 10/17/2014.)

24. COMMUNICATION, State Representative Markey, to City Clerk Farias, responding to a letter regarding the name change of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. (Copy all Councillors 10/20/2014.)

25. COMMUNICATION, State Representative Markey, to City Clerk Farias, responding to a letter, requesting that Mass/DOT monitor the property around the overpasses and the State Highway Rt. 18, behind the Car Barn and in the vicinity of Logan and Weld Streets for illegal behavior. (Copy all Councillors 10/21/2014.)

26. COMMUNICATION, State Representative Markey, to City Clerk Farias, responding to a letter, regarding roadway maintenance of exits, entering and exiting the City of New Bedford, off of Rt. 195, east and west and Route 18, north and south. (Copy all Councillors 10/21/2014.)

27. COMMUNICATION, Buzzards Bay Coalition, to David Lederer, U.S. EPA Region 1, regarding the status of air quality monitoring for the New Bedford Lower Harbor CAD Cell. (Copy all Councillors 10/09/2014.)

28. COMMUNICATION, Department of Environmental Protection Waterways Regulation Program, giving public notice of a waterways application by the New Bedford Department of Public Infrastructure to construct and maintain a replacement storm drain at 20 Howard Avenue. (Copy all Councillors 10/14/2014.)

TABLED BUSINESS

01/23/2014 CITATION, Councillor Rebeiro, honoring REVEREND RUSS CHAMBERLAIN, Mercy Meals and More, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the homeless during the recent snow storm of January 2 and 3, 2014.

03/27/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Rebeiro, requesting, that the Department of Public Infrastructure which maintains the street lights provide the City Council with a report on the annual cost of upkeep including labor and materials; and further, whether it would be more cost efficient to contract the work to a private firm should be included in said report.

08/21/2014 CITATIONS, Councillors Martins and Bousquet, honoring NEIGHBORHOODS UNITED and JERRY PINTO, President of Neighborhoods United, in recognition of their planning and organizing NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2014 held at Riverside Park on August 05, 2014.

08/21/2014 CITATION, Councillor Alves, honoring LARRY ABREU JACQUES, President – 100th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, in recognition of his commitment and dedication to preserving the cultural traditions of our Madeiran Ancestors and in acknowledgment of his hard work and a successful 100th Feast.

09/11/2014 WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Martins, requesting, that the Attorney General and our City Solicitor, look into “Just Energy”, who have a bad reputation in Massachusetts for harassing people about their services, representatives from “Just Energy” are ringing door bells and telling people they are from the electric company, “Just Energy” has a troubled past in Massachusetts and in several other States, where they faced allegations of deceptive practices, convincing people to switch over once pressured and once people sign up, they are committed for five years and rates can change every month; and further, requesting, that “Just Energy” be seriously investigated and until they are, they should be banned from New Bedford to better protect our constituents.

CITY OF NEW BEDFORD
STAFF PLANNER $44,991 – $54,880
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING

Manages, initiates and coordinates the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and the permitting process for the City.

Responsible for the review and analysis of applications submitted to the Planning Board and ZBA for completeness and conformance with the City Code requirements. Includes the review and analysis of land development applications and building permits, and the related follow-up required to process and approve submittals. May prepare written and verbal presentations of findings related to land development applications to the Planning Board and ZBA as required. Primary responsibility is providing front counter customer service assistance, and processing of basic land development applications and building permit related requests. This position will have a great deal of public contact including answering questions in person, over the telephone and through e-mail.

The Staff Planner may also be required to perform a variety of general planning duties associated with other planning projects, including special projects, zoning and ordinance revisions and updates, and the development of City plans.

B.S. or B.A. in Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture or related discipline plus two years’ relevant experience, or a combination of related experience and education equivalent to completion of a four-year degree in planning or a related field, which demonstrates significant knowledge of the principles of municipal planning and general office procedures; experience in municipal planning in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Working knowledge of GIS and Microsoft Office is required. Excellent writing, communication, research and decision making skills are required. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the 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

Finally a weekend without rain! Friday and Saturday could not be more pleasant days conducive to hitting the road and partaking of the many fun, family-oriented activities in the region. It’ll average 70 degrees on these two days and evenings will be cool, especially overnight Saturday. Sunday will change dramatically, but still not bad. 53 degrees, mostly sunny – however, a low of 32 degrees!! Sunday will call for turtlenecks…sorry, wrong decade. Sunday will call for thermals, sweatshirt or a warm “hoodie”!

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, October 17th

Edaville’s Pumpkins Aglow Festival (4:00pm-9:00pm)
Pumpkins, and Costumes, and Fun. Oh My! Pumpkin Aglow is back at Edaville Pumpkins AGLOW festival returns! Back by popular demand, come see the garden of endless jackolanterns. Dress in your Halloween costume and join the costume parades. You can trick or treat at your favorite ride, and go for a ride on our all new Haunted Train. THIS WEEKEND : $4 Off admission FOR KIDS ONLY when you bring in a carved or painted pumpkin. It’s slightly scary fun for all ages! Boo at the Zoo admission is $9/adult and $6/child for zoo members. Non-members’ admission for Boo at the Zoo is $14/adult and $11/child.

Boo at the Zoo @ Buttonwood Park Zoo (6:00-9:00pm)
There’s enough thrills and chills for everyone at Boo at the Zoo! Join us at Boo at the Zoo for an evening of Halloween fun! Rides are included in the Boo admission. Climb aboard for a spoooooky train ride or take a bewitching carousel ride!

Haunted Barn & Hayride at YMCA (Dartmouth) (6:00pm-9:00pm)
Join us for a friendly Halloween adventure that includes crafts, storytelling, pumpkin decorating, and a fun trick or treat trail. This haunted tour is perfect for those with a ghoulish spirit. Join us as we transform the Dartmouth YMCA and our fields into a haunted surprise. Recommended for children over the age of 5. Adults: $8.00. Children: $5.00.

Painting with a Splash: Happy Halloween & Covered Bridge (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.

Saturday, October 18th

Silverbrook ACUSHNET Harvest Festival!! (10:00am-4:00pm)
Silverbrook Farm heralds the arrival of autumn with two packed months of fall-themed family attractions included with admission. Parents and progeny crunch leaves underfoot as they hone their ability to navigate through carbs in the corn maze or head toward horse-powered transit for a hayride.

Family Farm Day to benefit the Dartmouth Dog Park (11:00am-3:00pm)
Delicious food, pony rides, face painting, Chinese auction, potato sack races, dog fetching contest, dog Halloween costume parade and more! Well behaved dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. FREE admission. Hixville Livery at 1153 North Hixville Road, Dartmouth. For more info contact Diane at dartmouthdogpark@yahoo.com.

Westport Lions 10th Annual Arts and Crafts Show (10:00 am-4:00pm)
This juried show will have many returning and new crafters. Our participants have varied products.Door prize, raffle and food are also available. Free admission and parking. Westport High School Cafeteria 19 Main Road Westport, Mass. 02790.

Buttonwood Park Basketball Courts Grand Opening (12-3pm)
Join the Friends of Buttonwood Park as they officially open the new basketball courts. There will be food, beverages and live music.

Painting with a Splash: Kid’s Halloween (8+), Garden Flowers (15+), & Fall Tree Scape (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.

Pony rides and proximity to resident farm animals enchant kids, as does Mother Goose story time, visits with Charlie T. Chicken, and the NEW Corn Caper Barrel Ride. Pumpkin-painting and face-painting booths doll up human and gourd counterparts in matching makeup, and one takeaway sugar pumpkin per guest extends the fall festivities.

Ocean Explorium Explorer Days (12:00pm-1:00pm)
Ocean Explorium presents their Explorer Days program at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Geology will be explored. Themed activities held throughout the day. For more information on move visit www.oceanexplorium.org or call (508) 994-5400. Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Edaville’s Pumpkins Aglow Festival (4:00pm-9:00pm)
Pumpkins, and Costumes, and Fun. Oh My! Pumpkin Aglow is back at Edaville Pumpkins AGLOW festival returns! Back by popular demand, come see the garden of endless jackolanterns. Dress in your Halloween costume and join the costume parades.

You can trick or treat at your favorite ride, and go for a ride on our all new Haunted Train. THIS WEEKEND : $4 Off admission FOR KIDS ONLY when you bring in a carved or painted pumpkin.

Psychic Faire (Middleboro) (12:00pm-4:30pm)
Featuring 15 readers, five Cape cod Psychics, spiritual healers and more. Cover charge is $2 and 15 minute readings $20. Event is a fundraiser for Theatre One Productions. Phone: (774) 213-5193. VFW Hall, Station St.

Boo at the Zoo @ Buttonwood Park Zoo (6:00-9:00pm)
There’s enough thrills and chills for everyone at Boo at the Zoo! Join us at Boo at the Zoo for an evening of Halloween fun! Rides are included in the Boo admission. Climb aboard for a spoooooky train ride or take a bewitching carousel ride! It’s slightly scary fun for all ages! Boo at the Zoo admission is $9/adult and $6/child for zoo members. Non-members’ admission for Boo at the Zoo is $14/adult and $11/child.

Spinner Publications Celebrates 33 Years – Public Auction (6-10pm) 
A Live Auction moderated by auctioneer, Dennis Broadbent and featuring art from some of the area’s most celebrated names will be the primary attraction at the Spinner Celebrates! 33rd Anniversary Fundraising Gala. Also included in the auction are pottery by Peruvian artisans from Colo Colo Gallery. The event is to be held at Fort Taber Community Center located at Fort Taber Park in New Bedford on Saturday evening, October 18, 2014 from 6pm to 10pm.

Gipsy Kings 25th Anniversary Tour comes to the Zeiterion (7:30pm)
The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is proud to host the 25th Anniversary celebration of the ever-popular, Grammy Award winning Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes and Tonino Baliardo on Saturday, October 18 at 8PM. Beloved the world over, the Gipsy Kings captivate fans with their unique and irresistible blend of traditional flamenco styles with Western pop and Latin rhythms. Tickets are $49-$79 and are available on-line at www.zeiterion.org or by calling The Z Box Office at 508-994-2900.

Sunday, October 19th

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Harvest Fair (8:30am-5:00pm)
Homemade food, crafters and vendors, basket, cash and quilt raffles and more! 4256 Acushnet Ave. New Bedford, Mass. (corner of Tobey St.).

Silverbrook ACUSHNET’S Harvest Festival! (10:00am-4:00pm)
Silverbrook Farm heralds the arrival of autumn with two packed months of fall-themed family attractions included with admission. Parents and progeny crunch leaves underfoot as they hone their ability to navigate through carbs in the corn maze or head toward horse-powered transit for a hayride.

Pony rides and proximity to resident farm animals enchant kids, as does Mother Goose story time, visits with Charlie T. Chicken, and the NEW Corn Caper Barrel Ride. Pumpkin-painting and face-painting booths doll up human and gourd counterparts in matching makeup, and one takeaway sugar pumpkin per guest extends the fall festivities.

2nd Annual New Bedford Hoedown featuring Phil Paleologos and the Jim Libby Band (1:00pm-5:00pm)
Please Come enjoy an afternoon filled with great country music. Also we ask that you bring a canned good or a pair of socks for our homeless/needy friends. Featuring the Jim Libby Band. Some of the guest singers include Juliett Dane, Joey Grieve, Jordan Nute and back by popular demand is Mr.& Missus. Special appearance by Rory Scott. MC for the event will be Philip Paleologos of WBSM. VFW Poirier Post located at 281 Appleton Street corner of Ashley Blvd. See poster below or click on event title for more info.

Painting with a Splash: Fall Lighthouse (1:30pm)
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.

Edaville’s Pumpkins Aglow Festival (4:00pm-9:00pm)
Pumpkins, and Costumes, and Fun. Oh My! Pumpkin Aglow is back at Edaville Pumpkins AGLOW festival returns! Back by popular demand, come see the garden of endless jackolanterns. Dress in your Halloween costume and join the costume parades. You can trick or treat at your favorite ride, and go for a ride on our all new Haunted Train. THIS WEEKEND : $4 Off admission FOR KIDS ONLY when you bring in a carved or painted pumpkin.

Boo at the Zoo @ Buttonwood Park Zoo (6:00-9:00pm)
There’s enough thrills and chills for everyone at Boo at the Zoo! Join us at Boo at the Zoo for an evening of Halloween fun! Rides are included in the Boo admission. Climb aboard for a spoooooky train ride or take a bewitching carousel ride! It’s slightly scary fun for all ages! Boo at the Zoo admission is $9/adult and $6/child for zoo members. Non-members’ admission for Boo at the Zoo is $14/adult and $11/child.

Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.

Do something unique this Halloween.

If Hollywood slashers aren’t doing anything for the hair on the back of your neck and tricks and treats are becoming commonplace, the Zeiterion Theatre is giving you some rare opportunities to enjoy Halloween on the silver screen.

On Friday night, October 31’st, the Zeiterion will be transformed into a movie house, showing fear fans the silent black-and-white classic, “The Phantom of the Opera” and the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the ultimate experience in audience participation.

The Phantom” will be shown at 7 p.m. and tickets are $7. “Rocky Horror” will be shown at 9:30 p.m. and tickets will be $15. They can be purchased at the Zeiterion box office or by calling (508)-997-5664.

“Rocky Horror” is an 18-plus event.

Filmed in 1975 as a spoof on 1950’s B-level science fiction movies, “Rocky Horror” brings viewers some adult themes, outlandish behavior and an unparalleled element of audience participation.

The movie has inspired a following of loyal fans from all walks of life. Approximately 70 percent of an audience will be repeat viewers. “Virgins,” as first-time audience members are called, cannot accurately prepare for the “Rocky Horror” experience, but it promises to be unforgettable.

And there’s another element that makes the evening even more unique – a cast of 11 actors who perform their own interpretation of the movie while it unfolds on the screen. They call it “shadowcasting,” and it is staged between the screen and the front row, occasionally stretching out into the aisles. While it mirrors the movie, at no time does it distract the audience from enjoying what’s on the screen. It merely contributes to the experience.

The troupe refers to themselves as the RKO Army, named after a theatre in the actual movie. They are based in Rhode Island and do approximately 40 shows a year throughout southern New England. They were founded by No. Providence resident Roy Rossi in 1981. Rossi, an Information Technology Professional, is 56.

But before the movie begins the RKO Army will do their “pre-show” routine where they perform to the musical backgrounds of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” the current hit “Bang! Bang!” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“’Rocky Horror’ is pure escape,” Rossi says. “It takes you to another universe. You’re stepping through the door of another world. It’s got shocking elements and it’s out of the norm.”

But the enjoyment will come not only from what the audience sees, but what it hears.

“Phantom of The Opera” will be accompanied by the Zeiterion’s Wurlitzer organ which was first installed in the theatre in 1923, providing a musical experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the region. The organ will be played by Bernie Anderson, a New Jersey resident whose part-time profession is playing organ for silent movies. He has been playing for silent movies for 30 years and has played “Phantom” nearly 50 times. He is considered a scholar of silent movies.

“The Zeiterion organ will give audiences an idea of what the original showings of the movies were like,” Anderson says. “The sound is powerful, melodic and orchestral. It can manipulate how an audience is affected by the movie.

“This kind of organ is rare.”

Organs like the Zeiterion’s were first installed to replace orchestras doing stage performances. The organ has 163 keys and hundreds of pipes. It can duplicate the sound of a multitude of instruments, including clarinet, tuba, trumpet, flute, piccolo, violin, cello, and more.

But “Rocky Horror” has a built-in soundtrack that will be coming from the theatre’s sound system. Rossi describes the songs as “fun, catchy, and upbeat, adding to the entertainment of the movie.

Tim Weisberg is the host of “Spooky Southcoast” which airs Saturday nights from 10 to midnight on WBSM radio in Fairhaven. The show is devoted to paranormal and horror topics and has been on the air since 2006.

“I think people like being scared because they like the adrenaline rush it provides, but they also like having it in a safe, controlled environment. Watching “The Phantom of the Opera” in the comfort of the Zeiterion is a lot easier to handle than being in an opera house with a masked madman running loose. You get the same endorphin release of fight-or-flight response without having to actually do either.”

Rossi claims that there is a communal element and a sense of release with “Rocky Horror”.

“There is definitely a like-minded community that fans feel comfortable with. They especially espouse freedom of expression, speech and dress. It’s a non-drug escape from the areas of life that might drain people. If you’re friendly and respectful of others, you will be welcomed.

Whether you’re looking for an old school thriller or a counter-culture shocker, the Zeiterion can provide it this Halloween.