On Thursday, June 5 at 6:30pm historian Ronald S. Coddington will discuss and sign his latest book “African American Faces of the Civil War: An Album” at the Ft. Tabor Community Center. This third volume in his series on Civil War soldiers contains previously unpublished photographs of African American participants – many of whom fought to secure their freedom. This event is sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society and partners including the New Bedford Civil War Roundtable, Ft.

Taber Military Museum and Dog Tags. The discussion is free and open to the public with light refreshments served at 1000 So. Rodney French Blvd. This event commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

A renowned collector of photographs and a prodigious researcher, Coddington combines compelling archival images with biographical stories that reveal the human side of the war. His groundbreaking study tells the story of the conflict through the images of men of color who served in roles that ranged from servants and laborers to enlisted men and junior officers. Their choices led to equal pay and advocacy for their rights as citizens. Critics have hailed this engaging narrative for its cast of characters and attention to this overlooked experience within the history of the soldier.

“With this year’s 150th anniversary of the Civil War, we are honored to host this reading and remember the men that risked everything for the case of freedom,” says Lee Blake, president of the New Bedford Historical Society. She points out that Coddington picks up where the 1989 movie “Glory” left off. The event will also support plans for a mural to commemorate the MA 54th Regiment in downtown New Bedford where many of the first soldiers of color enlisted for the cause.

Ronald S. Coddington is an assistant managing editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education. His work has appeared in USA Today, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and National Public Radio. He is a contributing writer to The New York Times Disunion series and writes a monthly column for The Civil War News.

This program is sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society and funded by a grant from the MA Office of Tourism and Travel. For more information, please contact the New Bedford Historical Society at info@nbhistoricalsociety.com or call (508) 979-8828.

Bishop Stang High School, a diocesan, co-educational, college preparatory school located on the Southcoast, announced its high school varsity sailing team took first place in the Figawi Invitational.

“We are incredibly proud of Bishop Stang sailing, and Chloe Kelleher and Caroline Downey, that brought home the trophy for first place from the Figawi Invitational,” said Bishop Stang sailing coach Jon Pope. “It is an incredibly competitive event and our Bishop Stang sailors proved their skills again as the defending champions.”

The 43rd Annual Figawi Race Weekend is recognized as a top sailing event not only on the east coast but is known nationally as well as internationally. Figawi Race Weekend kicks off the Cape Cod and Nantucket summer season. Entries include sailors from several states 240+ boats (including 30 power boats) and over 3,000 sailors and visitors, as well as locals, attend this
event.

The regatta hosts the Figawi Invitational where high school sailing teams from across the Cape and Islands are brought to Nantucket by Figawi Inc to compete for the coveted Figawi Jr. Trophy. The races take place off the docks of Nantucket Boat Basin. The kids race in double handed, one design boats called 420s.

The success of the Bishop Stang sailing team has created some exciting collegiate sailing opportunities. Alum Katherine Downey is competing in the Nationals next week; she currently sails for Boston College. Two Bishop Stang graduates just finished sailing their freshman season for Rogers Williams University (JJ Pope) and University of Rhode Island (Cam Tougus). Recent grads have also sailed for Salve Regina, Tufts, University of Vermont, Boston College and George Washington.

Yesterday morning I headed over to the Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Forum hosted by the New Bedford Democratic City Committee at the Zeiteron Theater. Five Democratic candidates fighting for the Democratic Party’s nomination were there to answer questions. It was a big deal and I wanted to hear what they had to say.

It took 20 minutes to find parking at the streets were jammed with activity and the city’s two parking garages were maxed. It was standing room only as 3,000 people tried to fill into the 1,200 or so seats at the Zeiterion Theatre. There was excitement in the air and the candidates were even seen peeking at the crowd from the red curtains that shielded them from view. These candidates were rock stars and whoever won the nomination would take New Bedford and the South Coast seriously.

Now let’s step back into reality and review what really happened.

While I was excited to see the candidates, the turnout was dismal. The event started at 9 a.m., but due to prior commitments I showed up at 11 a.m. knowing that the candidates wouldn’t start answering questions until around 11:30 a.m.

It was surprisingly easy to find street parking just one block away and the parking garages were empty.  It was easy to find seating, even in the front row. In total about 150 people showed up (organizers claim 280) and that included local politicians, local media and of course the candidates’ entourages. This group seemed to outnumber the everyday citizen and who the candidates were trying to win over. I’d estimate about 50-75 of these people showed up.

Let me explain why this matters and why this disinterest needs to change.

Candidates for governors are very smart people and the five I listened to today are some of the smartest candidates I’ve ever seen. They have great memories. This event was billed as a South Coast, Massachusetts event. That’s a few hundred thousand people with New Bedford and Fall River alone being 190,000 people. It’s all about the numbers with politicians. The South Coast area is known for low voter turnout and we just validated that with someone who has a great chance of being our future governor.

By its historical voting record, the people of New Bedford and the south coast have already told Republican candidates, don’t bother coming and now we’ve just told these five Democratic candidates that we are an irrelevant, disinterested people that only need attention because we are the #1 fishing port in America.

New Bedford has a history of parents uninterested in showing up to important school meetings. Earlier this year we had 15 and 100 people show up to two meetings with Superintendent Pia Durkin to discuss the turnaround plan at New Bedford High School with 2,600 students. Earlier this month “maybe 30 parents” showed up to the same style meeting to discuss the future of three middle schools. During last year’s New Bedford elections, maybe 30 people showed up each night to the City Council and School Committee debates hosted at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

There are lots of excuses to the low turnout to debates, important school meetings and elections. The ones I hear most often are people stating they didn’t get the word or that they had prior commitments. This may be the case for many, but the sad case is I can walk into Market Basket at anytime of the day and find 300 people. It’s a matter of priorities. If we want to be taken seriously by the politicians locally, we must show up to local debates and important school meetings.  If we want to be taken seriously by the politicians statewide and nationally, we need to show up to important debates and vote when the time comes. These politicians have great memories and will make decisions that affect us based on our actions and even more importantly inactions.

New Bedford JazzFest returns to Pier 3 on New Bedford’s historic waterfront presenting four hours of music by some of New England’s best jazz musicians on Saturday, June 14 from 2 to 7 p.m.

International performing vocalist and Whaling City Sound recording artist Shawnn Monteiro will be featured. The daughter of former Duke Ellington Orchestra sideman, Jimmy Woode, Shawnn has sung throughout the USA and Europe after being discovered by Latin jazz pop impresario Mongo Santamaria in a San Jose, California club. She toured with him for two years and shared the stage with such notables as Stan Kenton, Celia Cruz and Weather Report.

Ms. Monteiro will be backed by the John Harrison Trio. John Harrison III on piano is currently on the faculty of UMass Dartmouth and was the former musical director for Capitol recording artists, Tavares. Chris Poudrier on drums has been performing for over 30 years and is a drum set professor and musical director for the UMass Dartmouth Latin Jazz Ensemble. Rounding out the trio will be bassist, Ron Mahdi, an associate professor in the ensemble and bass department at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

The New Bedford JazzFest audience will also hear the exhilarating funky jazz of the MonteiroBots led by saxophonist Marcus Monteiro, the swinging 17 piece SouthCoast Jazz Orchestra and the modern and Latin jazz inflections of the UMass Dartmouth ensemble, Etymology.

The Artists’ Colony assembled by ArtWorks! of New Bedford will return with a larger display of original art and handmade crafts for sale. JazzFest 2014 T-shirts and CDs from Whaling City Sound will also be available. An assortment of food trucks will also be on site along with beverages.

Tickets are $15.00 in advance through the Your Theatre box office by calling 508-993-0772 or purchased on-line at NewBedfordJazzFest.com, or in person at Bridgewater Credit Union, 41 Fairhaven Commons, Fairhaven, MA and the Symphony Shop, State Road in Dartmouth. The day of the festival, tickets are $20.00 at the gate.

JazzFest 2014 is produced by Your Theatre, Inc. New Bedford’s 68-year old community theatre and sponsored by Bridgewater Credit Union.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum will host author and research scholar, Chet Van Duzer, on Friday, June 6, for a presentation on his book, Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps. The lecture takes place at 7 p.m., with a reception and book signing beginning at 6 p.m.

From dragons and serpents to many-armed beasts that preyed on ships and sailors alike, sea monsters have terrified mariners across all ages and cultures and have become the subject of many tall tales from the sea. Accounts of these creatures have also inspired cartographers and mapmakers, many of whom began decorating their maps with them to indicate unexplored areas or areas about which little was known. Whether swimming vigorously, gamboling amid the waves, attacking ships, or simply displaying themselves for our appreciation, the sea monsters that appear on medieval and Renaissance maps are fascinating and visually engaging. Yet despite their appeal, these monsters have never received the scholarly attention that they deserve.

Sea monsters are important not only in the history of cartography, art, and zoological illustration, but also in the history of the geography of the “marvelous” and of western conceptions of the ocean. Moreover, the sea monsters depicted on maps can supply important information about the sources, influences, and methods of the cartographers who drew or painted them.

On June 6, Van Duzer will present the history of sea monsters on medieval and Renaissance maps produced in Europe beginning with the earliest mappaemundi on which these monsters appear in the tenth century through the end of the sixteenth century. He will shed light on the sources, influences, and methods of the cartographers who drew or painted them.

This event is sponsored in part by the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University in Providence, R.I. It is free for Whaling Museum members and is $15 for non-members. To register, call 508-997-0064 ext. 100 or visit www.whalingmuseum.org.

About the Chet Van Duzer
Chet Van Duzer works on special projects in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress, and is an Invited Research Scholar at the John Carter Brown Library in Providence, Rhode Island. His book Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps was recently published by the British Library.

“The Bucket” at Gulf Hill is proud to celebrate our 2nd Season of Premium Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, Top-Notch Burgers, Fish N Chips, Lobster Rolls, Live Music, Beautiful Sunsets & More! Join us in celebrating Dartmouth’s 350th Anniversary! Opening for the Season May 30th!! Open daily 11am to 10pm.

This season’s schedule includes:

• Monday- weather permitting
• Tuesday- Dartmouth Community Band concerts
• Wednesday- 15th Annual Dartmouth Park Dept Concert Series begins 6/11
• Thursday- Rain date for Park Dept Concert Series
• Friday- Special Music events
• Saturday- Classic Car Cruiser Night with Cruiser Specials begins 6/14
• Sunday- Live Music by “The Bucket” & Lobster in the Rough Dinners begins 6/15

Performers include: Rebecca Correia, Butch & Dori, Mitchell Cardoza & Bron Don, Jillian Jenson of XFactor & more! Enjoy Amazing sunsets over the harbor, delicious food & great family fun!

“The Bucket” is located at Apponogansett Beach just over the Padanaram Bridge in Dartmouth.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is proud to announce the birth of two North American river otter pups born to first time mother, Dani, on March 19, 2014. Dani, 3 years old, arrived at the Buttonwood Park Zoo in April of 2013 from the Saint Louis Zoo and has since lived with the Zoo’s two 4 year old male river otters, Duncan and Donut. Based on behavioral observations by the animal care staff, it has been determined that Duncan is the father of the new pups. The birth of these otter pups are result of a breeding recommendation of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) North American River Otter Species Survival Plan (SSP). The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage otter populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population.

The Zoo’s veterinary and animal care staff has been monitoring the growth of the otter pups since birth. Shortly after birth, the two pups weighed about a quarter of a pound each and have steadily grown to their current weight of just over four pounds. Otter pups are born almost helpless and require significant care by their mother to survive. Although this is the first litter delivered by mother Dani, she has proven to be a caring mother and has done an excellent job raising the pups. As is normal for the species, the pups did not open their eyes until four weeks after birth.

When discussing this birth, Director of the Zoo, Keith Lovett, stated that “This is an exciting birth for the Zoo! River otters are one of zoo guests’ favorite animals and this birth will allow the community to watch these pups grow to adulthood throughout the year while also learning conservation information about this local species.”

North American river otters can be found throughout the United States and Canada in freshwater ponds, lakes, and marshland habitats. The otters’ diet consist mainly of aquatic organisms, such as fish, turtles, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates. By the early 1900s, river otters had declined throughout large portions of their historic range in North America due to water pollution, habitat loss, and unregulated trapping. Reintroduction projects and conservation initiatives have allowed river otter populations to re-establish in their native habitats.

Dani and the pups are currently residing in an off-exhibit area of the Zoo as they continue to develop and learn how to swim. The pups are expected to be introduced into the Zoo’s otter habitat by the middle of June. While the pups are being raised behind the scenes, the Zoo’s male otters Duncan and Donut can be seen daily in the otter habitat. The Zoo will provide regular updates on the progress of the pups through its website and other social media activities. The Zoo plans to reveal the gender and conduct a community naming contest for the pups in the next few weeks.

Please direct any questions or requests for more information to Larissa Correia at (508) 991-4556 x 18 or email LCorreia@bpzoo.org.

TITLE: PARKING SUPERVISOR
LEVEL: GRADE 4 $12.21hr – $17.14hr
DEPARTMENT: TRAFFIC COMMISSION

FUNCTION: Enforces parking regulations and restrictions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Executive Secretary of the Traffic Commission.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 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.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Radio, meters, chalk-wand, electronic ticket machine and printer, ticket violations booklet, automobile.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

Work is performed mostly outside. Hand/eye coordination is necessary to operate electronic equipment and various other pieces of equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; stand; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and bend over from a standing position. The employee is required to stand and walk on a daily basis.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee almost always works in outside weather conditions. The employee is sometimes exposed to cold, wet, and/or humid conditions or airborne particles, thus requiring the proper dress attire. The noise level is moderate to loud in the field.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview; reference check; and job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Apply here: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/personnel/employment/employment-opportunities/

TITLE: POLICE CADET
LEVEL: $10.00/HR

FUNCTION: Works in the Police Station assisting Police Officers with administrative duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintains and files records, operates office machines, answers telephones, receives complaints, enters and indexes official documents, prepares routine reports, prepares and tabulates facts and figures for statistical purposes. Similar duties of an administrative rather than enforcement nature. Shall not carry arms, nor shall he/she have any power of arrest other than that of an ordinary citizen.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays.

AGE REQUIREMENT: The age requirement is regulated by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 147, Section 21A. Applicants must be between seventeen and twenty-three years of age to apply but will not be eligible for hire until age eighteen. Employment will terminate on the Cadet’s 25th birthday.

EDUCATION: High school graduate or possession of an Equivalency Certificate issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

RESIDENCY: The City of New Bedford has a residency requirement. Must be a New Bedford resident one year prior to the date of hire.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of the Commanding Officer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Computer, fax machine, copy machine, typewriter, calculator.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Hand/eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. While performing the duties of this job the employee usually works in an office setting.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview; reference check; and job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Apply here: http://newbedford-ma.gov/Personnel/employ.html

Two New Bedford City Council members are working towards reducing the use of  polystyrene foam in New Bedford. Here is the motion they filed on Thursday, May 22, 2014:

23. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Bousquet and Council President Lopes, requesting, that the Committee on Ordinances draft an Ordinance encouraging food services, supermarkets, and other users of expanded polystyrene foam to discontinue their use of the product and move to recyclable or recycled paper based materials, expanded polystyrene foam is a tremendous threat to our oceans and its ecosystems, and as a community who makes its living from the ocean we should be concerned for its health. (To be Referred to the Committee on Ordinances, the Chamber of Commerce and our State Legislative Delegation.)