U.S. Department of Food Safety Issues Public Health Alert for HelloFresh Meal Kits

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns that ground beef products in HelloFresh meal kits may be associated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 illness. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase.

The meal kits containing ground beef for this public health alert were shipped to consumers from July 2-21, 2022. The following products are subject to the public health alert [view label]:

10-oz. plastic vacuum-packed packages containing “GROUND BEEF 85% LEAN/15% FAT” with codes “EST#46841 L1 22 155” or “EST#46841 L5 22 155” on the side of the packaging.

The ground beef packages bear “EST.46841” inside the USDA mark of inspection and on the plastic ground beef package.

FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state public health partners are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 and raw ground beef is the probable source of the reported illnesses. Traceback information identified that multiple case-patients received ground beef produced at establishment M46841 and distributed by HelloFresh in meal kits from July 2-21, 2022. Traceback of materials used to produce the ground beef is ongoing and FSIS continues to work with suppliers and public health partners on the investigation.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the public health alert can contact hello@hellofresh.com or by live chat.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via Ask USDA from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at Ask USDA or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.




The Pasta House to Close for Renovations and Re-brand with New Name & Updated Menu

Earlier today on their Facebook page, ‘The Pasta House’ shared the following:

“Our crew is ready for the last Sunday at The Pasta House! Be sure to join us this week before we close for renovations starting Sunday, September 18th.

“Just to clarify for everyone asking – YES, we will still honor all Pasta House gift cards! We are the same restaurant you know & love with the same amazing owners, staff, and menu. We will just be operating as the new brand, BOCCA. We can’t wait for everyone to see this amazing vision come to life!”

What say you, readers? Are you excited about the change? What favorites do you hope they keep on the new menu? Feel free to chime in!




MA Dept. of Revenue Reports Record Tax Haul in August

As the state of MA reaps another cash windfall will the taxpayers finally see a refund?

The Department of Revenue collected more than $2.6 billion in taxes last month, an increase of $108 million or 4.3 percent over actual collections in August 2021 as fiscal year 2023 continued its strong start for the state’s coffers.

August collections increased in most major tax types in comparison to August 2021, including increases in non-withheld income tax, sales and use tax, corporate and business tax and the ‘all other taxes’ category. Withholding decreased relative to August 2021 collections. However, FY2023 year-to-date withholding collections are more than collections in the same period of FY2022,” Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “The sales and use tax increase reflects continued strength in retail sales.

Through two months of fiscal year 2023, DOR has collected just more than $5 billion, and Massachusetts is running about $250 million or more than 5 percent ahead of the fiscal year 2022 tax collection pace that led to a multibillion-dollar surplus.

Last week, MA Department of Revenue reported to Auditor Suzanne Bump that it believes $2.94 billion from fiscal 2022 tax collections will be required to be returned to taxpayers under the Chapter 62F revenue cap law.

Typically August is generally one of the least significant months for state tax receipts (average of 6.7 percent of annual revenue) and DOR cautioned against drawing conclusions based on the monthly results. But so far, the continued strong pace of tax collections makes fiscal year 2023 appear likely to generate more than the $39.576 billion revenue expectation that the administration and lawmakers agreed to bake into the annual budget.




Dunkin’ is Hiring in New Bedford and Fairhaven

DUNKIN’ is NOW HIRING for immediate positions. DUNKIN’ is hiring for full/part-time positions at ALL locations in New Bedford & Fairhaven! Starting pay is $15 per hours PLUS tips! Click HERE to apply now.

If you are customer oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual AND goal driven, THIS is the job for you! We are currently seeking:

• BARISTAS
• CASHIERS
• SANDWICH PREP
• BAKERS
• SHIFT SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS

Perks include:

• $15.00 per hour/plus tips
• PAID VACATIONS, if applicable
• GROWTH IN COMPANY
• HEALTH INSURANCE, if applicable
• CREW INCENTIVES & CASH BONUSES

Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years of age
• Must present a valid photo ID and Social Security card or valid Passport at the time of interview

Applying Options:
https://www.dunkindonuts.com/en/careers
TEXT: APPLY to (508)-928-8378
email: now-hiring@dalykenney.com




Kraft Announces Recall of Capri Sun “Wild Cherry” Flavor Due To Contamination

Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 5,760 cases of Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drink Blend beverages.
The voluntary recall comes after diluted cleaning solution, which is used on food processing equipment, was inadvertently introduced into a production line at one of the factories. Only the Wild Cherry flavored Capri Sun products with the case/package information below are affected.

The “Best When Used By” date on the products is June 25, 2023.
The issue was discovered after Kraft Heinz received several consumer complaints about the taste of the affected product. The Company is actively working with retail partners and distributors to remove potentially impacted product from circulation.

Consumers who purchased these items should not consume the product and can return it to the store where it was purchased. Consumers can contact Kraft Heinz from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-280-8252 to see if a product is part of the recall and to receive reimbursement.




Solstice to Offer Community Solar to New Bedford Residents

Drive around any neighborhood in New Bedford and you can’t help but notice roofs lined with solar panels.

That’s because solar panels are a win-win for everyone involved. They bring down energy costs for homeowners and provide renewable, sustainable energy for the planet.

But whole swaths of people – 80% of Americans – have never been able to take advantage of the benefits of solar power.
Don’t own a home? Too many trees or other obstructions around your roof? Can’t afford the upfront costs?

Now there’s a new type of solar, specifically designed for under-served communities that aren’t typically given an opportunity to save money while doing good for the planet. It’s called community solar and it’s coming to New Bedford, thanks to Solstice.

Solstice was founded outside of Boston in 2014 by Steph Speirs and Sandhya Murali to offer every community access to clean solar energy at no cost to customers. Speirs was even named the 2022 Ernst & Young New England Entrepreneur of the Year award winner.

    So how does it work? What’s the catch? Nothing is truly free, right? Well, this is.

The way Solstice works is different from most solar companies. Instead of slapping solar panels on your roof and changing out your electric meter, Solstice builds solar farms and then offers customers a share of those farms. It’s a lot like a community garden where everyone has their own section. Except there’s no planting or weeding involved.

Eligible customers in New Bedford – mainly zip codes 02746 and 02740, or anyone living in the blue or green sections of this map – can save up to 20% off their electric bill with zero added costs.

“Community solar sounded like a great way to help the world in what little ways I can,” said Hilary Young, a Solstice subscriber from Orleans. “And when I found out I could save money, too, I thought that was amazing. When I compare my bills this year to the same time last year, my expenses are down.”

When starting Solstice originally as a non-profit, Speirs and Murali made a point of offering clean energy to homes with limited incomes. One in four American families spend 7% or more of their income paying energy bills.

“Energy should be a human right,” Speirs said. “However, millions of Americans struggle to pay for it each month. Low-income communities and communities of color spend up to three times as much of their incomes on energy as other households.”

So how does a community solar farm work?

In just five minutes, eligible New Bedford residents can enroll in a solar farm that is already built and has been generating local, clean power for two years. You don’t need to purchase any panels; through the state of Massachusetts’ community solar program, this solar farm’s benefits are open to the public. By enrolling with Solstice, you can claim a portion of the solar farm equal to your home’s energy use. You’ll get credits for the energy your solar share produces, which will get subtracted from your monthly electric bills. You’ll still pay for this energy, but at a 20% discount compared to Eversource’s rates. This means your costs will be lower every month with no added fees.“We hear from community members that they almost don’t believe how easy community solar is to sign up for and receive savings from,” said Solstice’s Sean Doucette. “Some folks don’t look into it because it sounds too good to be true. We’re here to share that this is a very real and awesome opportunity for New Bedford residents to go green and save.”

So give Solstice a call at (866) 826-1997 or visit their website to sign up. They’re more than happy to answer all your questions about your local community solar program and how you can save money while doing your part to help the planet.

“I’ve got a couple of kids and we talk about climate change and we don’t want them to think that there’s nothing you can do,” said George Palmer, a Solstice solar subscriber. “If we can spread this, if we can get people more involved, we’re really going to make a difference.”

Website: https://solstice.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarforgood




The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is Hiring for a Mechanic

The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District (the District) has an immediate opening for a Mechanic.

MECHANIC ($28.89/hour plus benefits)

JOB DESCRIPTION
The District offers a good work/life balance and training opportunities, including the opportunity to
learn to operate heavy equipment. The District offers a competitive benefits package including but not
limited to medical insurance, participation in the City of New Bedford retirement pension plan, paid
vacation, holidays, sick and personal days.

The District is a regional district created by the City of New Bedford and Town of Dartmouth. The District
owns and operates Crapo Hill landfill, a solid waste landfill in Dartmouth, MA, and manages recycling
public education and outreach in New Bedford and Dartmouth.

Interested qualified applicants must submit a completed, signed application which is available here online: http://gnbrrmdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Fillable-Employment-Application-2017-05-12.pdf along with any supporting documentation, to: lferreira@gnbrrmdistrict.org
or mail to:

Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District – Administration Office
300 Samuel Barnet Boulevard
New Bedford, MA 02745

This position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their qualifications and applications as soon as possible.




Islands of Fun Learning Center Now Enrolling for Preschool in Dartmouth

How do you make sure your child is prepared for kindergarten?

Preschool, of course!

But public preschool doesn’t work for every family. It’s not every day, and often it’s only half days. The schedule is inflexible for working parents. Many parents end up choosing daycare knowing their child won’t enjoy the same rigor to prepare them for kindergarten.

If only there was a preschool with hours akin to a daycare.

Kendall Sallar thought the same thing, so she took her eight-plus years of experience, her Early Education and Care license and decided to open Islands of Fun Learning Center in Dartmouth, fulfilling a lifetime dream of starting a center that is safe, fun and educational, with an open door policy where parents are involved in decisions regarding their children’s education.

Islands of Fun isn’t your average day care. It’s designed to promote school readiness of children ages 3-5 with an approach to enrich each child.

From a curriculum that allows children to develop literacy and math skills to developmental work in cognitive, social-emotional and physical skills, Islands of Fun is designed to create success not only in kindergarten, but throughout life.

Small group activities allow the teachers to assess each child in social emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and strive for the best learning for each child. The curriculum focuses on creative arts, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive learning, social and emotional learning, preschool mathematics and outside play.

Sallar, a UMass Dartmouth graduate who now lives in Fall River, has continued her postgraduate education in the early childhood education field, earning her director certification, while spending nearly a decade teaching at CFC Head Start. Islands of Fun is also actively looking to hire EEC qualified teachers, if you’re interested click here: Islandsoffun.com/employment

A Fall River resident, Sallar is opening Islands of Fun at 550 Russells Mills Road near Dartmouth High School, a space large enough to expand to three classrooms eventually.

Islands of Fun is looking for families with young children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are included and parents bring lunch. There are discounts for siblings and discounts for workers in the medical field, military and first responders. Pricing is available upon request.

Click here for information on the application process and here for the application itself.
If you have questions, contact Kendall Sallar at kendall@islandsoffun.com or 401-644-9525.
Visit their website: https://www.islandsoffun.com/




Boston Celtics Legend Bill Russell has Died

*BREAKING*
As reported by the AP, Bill Russell, 11 time world champion with the Boston Celtics has died at age 88. A prodigious rebounder and consummate team player, Russell rose to prominence at the University of San Francisco leading the team to back to back NCAA championships and then winning a gold medal in the Olympics. From 1956 to 1969 he ruled the court. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player and a 12-time NBA All-Star, he was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

He was selected into the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971 and the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1980, named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996,one of only four players to receive all three honors, and selected into the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. In 2009, the NBA renamed in his honor the NBA Finals’ Most Valuable Player trophy to the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award. In 2011, Barack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments on the court and in the civil rights movement.

Here is a statement from Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA:
NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Bill Russell:

“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports. The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.

“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

“For nearly 35 years since Bill completed his trailblazing career as the league’s first Black head coach, we were fortunate to see him at every major NBA event, including the NBA Finals, where he presented the Bill Russell Trophy to the Finals MVP.

“I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Jeannine, his family and his many friends.”




Mass Collective Events is looking for Vendors for Their Upcoming Pop-Up in New Bedford

Mass Collective Pop-Up Shopping & Networking Events
This will be their 8th and biggest event yet! Saturday, July 30th from 12pm to 6pm at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.
A showcase designed for all small brands, businesses, artists, and more. Shopping, Networking, Music, & Fun!

Establish your business and network with peers and potential customers. Great opportunity to spread brand awareness and make sales.
Some of our top vendors include Sneakers, Clothing Brands, Vintage, Collectibles, Custom Art, Daily Accessories, & More.

Now accepting all vendors! We have space for everyone to join no matter what type of business.
To check out photos and videos of our previous events & to reserve a vendor pass send a message to @masscollectivenb (our Instagram and Facebook page)
ALSO LOOKING FOR FOOD TRUCKS! PLEASE REACH OUT TO US

Or use this Eventbrite link to securely reserve a spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mass-collective-fest-at-buttonwood-park-shopping-networking-more-tickets-368707613397

Vendor passes start at only $70! We encourage all small brands and businesses to join.

Any questions you can contact Mass Collective Events on Facebook or email to masscollectivenb@gmail.com