“We have received several phone calls and messages from City residents reporting that E.L. Harvey did not pick up their trash this week.

Yesterday was the last day of E.L. Harvey’s contract with the City. The City’s new trash hauler, Capitol Waste Management, Inc., takes over on Monday.

If your trash, recycling, or yard waste hasn’t been picked up, please call the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management at (508) 979-1520. We have made arrangements with Capitol today to pick up the barrels and yard waste that E.L. Harvey left behind.

And a REMINDER, The Recycling Center located at 1103 Shawmut Avenue is closed and will remain closed until Wednesday, July 5th.

We thank you for your patience.”-City of New Bedford.

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.6 million in grants to support innovative approaches to enhance Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Twenty Massachusetts businesses and organizations are receiving funding through the Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program, supplemented by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grant program will fund projects that work to mitigate economic barriers resulting from climate change and promote sustainable, local fisheries development in Massachusetts.

“Massachusetts is a leader in protecting the health of our fishing industry, and this funding shows our commitment to keep the industry thriving by utilizing cutting-edge technology and the latest scientific research,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is taking a holistic approach to combating climate change, which includes supporting our fisheries, advancing green energy, and enhancing the state’s blue economy.”

“Having served as mayor of a coastal community, I know how much the fishing industry contributes to and impacts a city’s economy, character, and food security,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts’ commercial fishing and processing industries were hit hard and changed forever by the pandemic. This funding will support innovative, environmentally friendly efforts to grow the industry and support critical food production in Massachusetts.”

The Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program is administered by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The grant program aims to develop, utilize, and promote innovative approaches that enhance environmental benefits and encourage increased economic activity in Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Project outcomes, developed technologies, and data will be shared with the relevant industries and local and state natural resource managers to help grow and support critical food production. 

“The fishing industry is on the front lines of climate change, and it’s critical we make meaningful, long-term investments now to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of our marine fisheries,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding is two-fold in that we are helping fishers and their families recover from the pandemic while supporting new approaches that will safeguard our valuable marine resources from climate harm.”

“Our coastal cities benefit from a successful and vibrant fishing industry, and supporting these projects will give fishers, growers, and processors the tools to promote sustainably harvested local seafood,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “By investing in innovation, research, and technology, we’re building a more resilient workforce in the fishing industry.”

“Today’s funding announcement represents a significant investment in the future of our blue economy. This funding will support innovative approaches to enhance the marine environment, combat climate change, and promote sustainable, local fisheries development,” said State Senator Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “I commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to supporting our fishing industry and coastal communities, which play a vital role in our economy, local culture, and food security. This grant funding will help the industry recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and promote critical food production right here in Massachusetts.”

“Fishing is at the core of our cultural identity as well as the local economy in New Bedford,” said State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), who has long championed state programs to support fishermen and their families.  “The extraordinary researchers at SMAST have been an invaluable resource for this industry, and this latest grant funding will help our fishermen maximize their time while out at sea.”

“We are excited that the Healey-Driscoll administration has continued its support for our fishing industry here in New Bedford,” said State Representative Chris Hendricks (D-New Bedford). “This ARPA money for SMAST will provide additional support to our fisheries and give them accurate real-time information that will help New Bedford remain the most profitable fishing port in the United States.”

The Massachusetts Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program awards up to $100,000 per project.

School of Marine Science and Technology, UMass-Dartmouth, New Bedford: $99,290 to create a system that will give fishermen real-time information of the fish entering their net so that they can terminate a trawl immediately if they encounter fish they wish to avoid catching.”-Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game.

Please see the notice regarding residential and commercial trash pick-up in New Bedford due to Independence Day – Tuesday, July 4th, 2023.

City of New Bedford photo.

“The Bristol County Sheriff’s Office is lowering commissary prices for inmates, and providing shower sandals to inmates at time of admission.

Under an agreement reached between Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux and the Keefe Commissary Network, the BCSO’s vendor for inmate goods, those incarcerated in Bristol County will pay less for optional clothing, snacks, toiletries and other items.

The changes will go into effect in mid-July.

“One of the big complaints I heard about before I became Sheriff and after elected was the high mark-up on commissary items. Families and sometimes friends send money to an inmate’s account, and therefore, they are the ones bearing the burden of this commission,” Sheriff Heroux said.

Previously, an additional 31.75% was added to the cost of the commissary items. Starting in mid-July, the mark will be lowered to 20% with commissions continuing to be earmarked for inmate services.

The drop in markup means inmates will pay about 12% less for commissary goods.

Funds generated must be used on inmates; in other words, per state law, the BCSO cannot use it for salaries or vehicles that inmates do not directly use.

BCSO photo.

“I heard it over and over again on the campaign trail talking to folks around Bristol County that the commissary prices were too high,” Sheriff Heroux said. “Inmates echoed that when I got here and started meeting with them to hear their concerns. So I hope this drop in prices will ease the burden on them and their families.”

Upon arriving at a Bristol County correctional facility, inmates are given the basic necessities, such as clothing, socks, shoes, soap, under garments, toothpaste and more. Should they want better sneakers, clothing, shampoo or other items, they have the option to buy from commissary every week. The commissary system also has a large variety of snacks and drinks, should inmates want more than the three meals a day provided by the BCSO.

There are more than 300 items available for inmates to purchase, and they are similar to what one could find at a local store. Some examples of the price differences on every-day items include a 2-pack of ibuprofen (65 cents to 57 cents), a pair of tube socks ($1.90 to $1.68), a 7-ounce container of Cheez-It crackers ($4.60 to $4.06), Reebok running shoes ($65 to $57.36), a 2.5-ounce tube of Colgate toothpaste ($2.80 to $2.47), and a large pair of sweatpants ($12 to $10.59).

Sheriff Heroux said he was surprised when he found out inmates were not issued shower sandals upon admission.

“When I found out on Friday morning, June 23, that we were not issuing shower sandals to inmates but making them purchase sandals from commissary, I was shocked. That was unconscionable,” Sheriff Heroux said. “Monday morning, I directed the CFO to start looking into using commissary revenue to add shower sandals to the standard goods issued to inmates at time of admission, and to figure out how long it will take to order shower sandals for all current inmates. It will be done in about 30 days.”

The cost of providing sandals does not fall on the taxpayers because it will come from commission generated from inmate commissary purchases

“The BCSO commissary program has an accumulated balance of roughly $1.5 million. This was generated, and remained unspent on inmate good, over numerous years. I am doing things differently,” Sheriff Heroux said. “Getting away from needlessly ‘sticking it’ to the inmates is not only consistent with how most Americans want to rehabilitate inmates and the Eighth Amendment, it is in the best interest of the security staff who work with inmates every day.”

Sheriff Heroux delivered the news directly to inmates in Dartmouth on Thursday, meeting with groups of inmates in their housing unit and in the outdoor recreation area to tell them about the reduction in commissary prices, that shower sandals will be provided at time of admission, and hear other concerns.”

“The New Bedford police traffic Division reminds all that the CAPE VERDEAN’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, July 1st. The parade will form at Buttonwood Park at 9:00 AM and step off at 11:00 AM sharp.

The route will be:

• East on Union St. to Acushnet Ave.
• South on Acushnet Ave, to Grinnell St.
• West on Grinnell St.
• Then right North on Purchase St. ending at the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Hall, 561 Purchase St.

Parking is banned along the entire parade route and the ban will be strictly enforced.

Illegally parked vehicles WILL be towed at the owner’s expense. Please cooperate with the parking ban so we can keep this an enjoyable day for everyone involved.”-New Bedford Police Department.

Advocates push legislation to ban barbaric practice following statewide bans in Maryland and New York.

“On Monday, animal welfare advocates took to the State House to push for legislation filed by Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) to ban inhumane cat declawing in Massachusetts. Montigny has filed the legislation since 2019, and since then Maryland and New York have enacted statewide bans. This latest effort is supported by numerous animal welfare organizations including the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Paw Project, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“Declawing is an abhorrent practice that most veterinarians view as inhumane,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), a longtime legislative leader for the humane treatment of animals. “Massachusetts has an opportunity to be a leader in animal cruelty issues by joining Maryland and New York in implementing a statewide ban. This procedure is barbaric, and we have done far too little on Beacon Hill to punish heartless abusers and to pushback against a weak court system that has too often failed to hold these monsters accountable. Any further delay in enacting this legislation will only harm more innocent animals.”

Advocates testified in support of S190, An Act prohibiting inhumane feline declawing before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. The bill would prohibit declawing and tendonectomy, unless for the medical need of the feline. Declawing a cat involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which if performed on a human would be equivalent to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the physical side effects from declawing include both acute and chronic pain, improperly healed wounds, sudden loss of blood, and impaired immune response. Behavioral side effects include biting and an increased likelihood of urinating or defecating outside of the litter box.

“A declaw is not just a nail trim, it is amputation. Declawed cats suffer from pain and behavioral problems that severely decrease their quality of life,” said Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy at the Animal Rescue League of Boston. “There are a number of steps cat owners can take to deter unwanted scratching, such as offering scratching posts, cutting a cat’s nails, and using plastic nail caps.”

The Joint Committee has twice reported the bill favorably. A decision for this year’s legislation is expected later this summer.”

“Governor Maura T. Healey appointed Emme Handy, Aisha Miller, Carlos Aramayo, Meg Mainzer-Cohen, Sheena Collier, Gwill York, and Xiomara DeLobato to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Board of Directors. The new appointees bring a range of experiences and are majority women and People of Color.

Emme Handy, a senior leader at the Broad Institute and the former Chief of Administration and Finance for the City of Boston under Mayor Marty Walsh, will serve as Chair. The new appointees will serve along with current members Paul Sacco and Cindy Brown.

“Massachusetts is home to world-class convention centers and event spaces that bring people together, generate economic activity and drive our competitiveness. The MCCA Board of Directors has a critical role to play in supporting the growth of this industry and cultivating a welcoming environment for all guests, employees and vendors,” said Governor Healey. “We are proud to appoint this talented group of leaders who are committed to supporting the economic growth of our state and applying an equity lens to everything they do.”

“These seven appointees bring diverse experiences and backgrounds to the table that will be invaluable in supporting the equitable growth of the conventions, trades and events industry in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Emme Handy will be an excellent chair because of her vast experience in government finance and administration and her unwavering dedication to serving our state. Governor Healey and I are excited for this new chapter for the MCCA under her leadership.”

“I’m honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have placed their faith in me to leader the MCCA Board of Directors and for the opportunity to continue my service to the people of Massachusetts. Our convention centers offer limitless possibilities to attract people and businesses to our state, spark innovative ideas and actions, and bolster our economic competitiveness,” said Emme Handy. “This Board will be committed to supporting and growing this industry, and we’ll center equity and community each step of the way.”

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is an independent public authority of the Commonwealth that owns and operates several public facilities primarily for conventions, tradeshows, and industry meetings. It is governed by a 13-member board of directors. Nine members are appointed by the Governor, two members are appointed by the Mayor of Boston, and two (ex officio) members are the Secretary of Administration and Finance and the Collector-Treasurer of the City of Boston or their designees. The MCCA Board is responsible for appointing an Executive Director to serve as the MCCA Chief Executive Officer.”

“The Buttonwood Park Zoo is proud to announce the birth of two red panda cubs, the second successful litter in BPZOO’s 129-year history.

BPZOO’s female red panda, 5-year-old Marie, gave birth to two cubs on May 27, 2023. The cubs underwent initial health screenings at 3 days old with one weighing in at 58 grams and the other at 125 grams. Marie, now a seasoned mom, is spending time behind the scenes bonding with the cubs. Mom and babies are all doing well.

Red Pand cub at 15-days old. Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

The cubs will remain in the nest box, which is inside the red panda’s night house, for approximately the next two months. Red pandas are born with their eyes closed and they typically open somewhere between day 17 and 19; now 30 days, both cubs’ eyes have opened, and they have begun to explore the nest box. The cubs will venture outside when they can safely navigate the perching in their habitat.

The cubs will remain with Marie for at least a year.

Jacob, BPZOO’s 6-year-old male red panda, and Marie were brought to New Bedford based on a recommendation as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP), which the Buttonwood Park Zoo is actively participating in. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage animal populations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population while enhancing the conservation of this species in the wild.

Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

BPZOO is a Partner in Conservation with the Red Panda Network by helping in their campaign to Plant a Red Panda Home in Nepal. Once restored, the critical forest corridor that connects Nepal and India will be part of the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung Red Panda Protected Forest in Eastern Nepal: the world’s FIRST protected area dedicated to red panda!

About Red Pandas
Red pandas, Ailurus fulgens fulgens, live in high-altitude temperate forests of Nepal, northeastern India, Bhutan and part of China. Listed as Endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature, the global red panda population has declined by 50% over the last 20 years. Primarily threatened by habitat loss, red pandas are also susceptible to climate change, poaching, livestock herding and disease.

Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 and as few as 2,500 red pandas remaining in the wild. Currently, there are 240 red pandas at 85 AZA accredited institutions who are working together to save this endangered species.

Primarily bamboo eaters, red pandas need to eat 20-30% of their body weight each day due to the high amount of indigestible fiber present in bamboo. Thanks to the success of the Zoo’s Community Bamboo Program, the red pandas, elephants and others enjoy various species of bamboo harvested from private landowners throughout the community.”-Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

“New Bedford patrol officers made multiple arrests following a disturbance in the Ruth St. neighborhood.

On June 27th at around 5:30 PM, south-end patrol units responded to the area of the Ruth St./Roosevelt St. intersection for a large group that appeared to be readying to fight. Upon arrival, approximately ten individuals were observed that were immediately aggressive with police.

Sgt. Bruce Szyndlar was on scene and observed GILBERTO TORRES GARCIA, 22, who he knew to have active warrants for his arrest. While attempting to take GARCIA into custody, he fled. Three other individuals began to run after Sgt. Szyndlar to prevent him from giving chase. One of the males, REINALDO VILLAFANE, 25, of Fall River was placed under arrest for his attempts to interfere with the arrest.

While taking GARCIA into custody, the group in the street began to grow and multiple individuals became confrontational with the responding units. The volatile scene quickly became chaotic as people were fighting both with the police and with each other. At this time, a victim injured by a knife presented himself to police, and a 17-year-old juvenile was placed under arrest for the stabbing.

• ANGEL GARCIA, 22, of Fall River, was placed under arrest after interfering with an arrest and attempting to flee from police.

• DANNYSHKA FIGUEROA BERMUDEZ, 25, of 187 Harvard St., was observed kicking a male while he was on the ground and resisted officers before being taken into custody.

• ROBERT SYLVIA, 33, of 23 George St., attempted to drive his scooter through the crowd and nearly struck an officer who attempted to stop him. He was taken into custody and found to also have Suboxone and Gabapentin in his possession.

• EVELYN GARCIA, 45, of Fall River, was observed assaulting a male and was taken into custody.

• HILBERTO TORRES, 57, 1161 Pleasant St., was seen by officers kicking a male in the head who was laid out on the sidewalk. He was placed under arrest.

If you have any information concerning the possession or use of illegal firearms, the NBPD wants to hear from you. Anonymous information can be provided at 508-99-CRIME, or at our website, www.newbedfordpd.com.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), author of legislation to expand the U.S. Supreme Court from nine to 13 justices, released the following statement after the Court ruled to strike down Harvard University and the University of North Carolina’s affirmative action policies:

“It’s been nearly 50 years since Brown v. Board of Education made clear that education ‘is a right which must be made available to all on equal terms.’ Yet, today, the Supreme Court made it more difficult for students of color to achieve their educational dreams. The Supreme Court majority may think they are blind to race, but what they are truly blind to is inequality, blind to injustice, blind to progress.

“The realities of racial injustice are woven into every part of our society, yet the far-right, extremist majority on the Court is forcing colleges and universities to minimize the importance of diversity and equity among their student bodies. Considering race in college admissions is a key tool for diversifying campuses, increasing equity and fairness, and strengthening our education system with different perspectives and lived experiences. Operationally, ignoring inequality is ignoring race, whether that be in admissions, in our larger educational system, or in society.

“Equal opportunity for all is a bedrock, universal value in our country. We cannot allow this captured Supreme Court majority to turn back the clock on progress. Congress must act. We must make sure we continue to hold the doors of opportunity open to all. We must give people the just and equal opportunity to achieve their educational dreams. We must expand the Supreme Court and return legitimacy and balance back to the same institution that rightly ruled that education – and justice – should be made available to all on equal terms.”