Back in 2006, during his first visit to the Amalfi Coast off Southern Italy, Bill King stopped into an art gallery while the rest of his companions shopped. There he met a local man with a big, wide grin named Biagio Santoro. Biagio was a tour operator, and he was waiting for his tour group, who were busy browsing the local shops. They struck up a conversation and had a delightful time. Later,when Bill returned to the Gulf of Salerno, he contacted Biagio and was treated to a tour so memorable that it could only have come from a true local. He saw places you can’t read about in a guide book.

And the best part?
Bill was able to tell his clients, many of whom found themselves enjoying their own thrilling off-the-beaten-path vacation experience, the type that isn’t offered on discount travel websites. And here’s the real kicker: Bill’s clients didn’t even have to pay him for the tip. Or for booking their trips. There are no charges for his services.

Twenty-four years ago Bill King followed his passion, leaving a 17-year career in accounting to start his own travel business: Cruise Holidays of Lakeville. Ten years ago he moved to Middleboro, and this past December he relocated to New Bedford and renamed the business Cruise Holidays at the Port.

He knows your doubts. Is it safe to travel? Isn’t it cheaper to just book online? What’s really going to be different?

He also knows the answers: Yes, No and Everything. As with almost any business, the difference comes in experience and personal care. Bill has enjoyed close to 100 cruises. He has experienced first-hand what he sells. He knows the ships, the ports of call, the cabins, the itineraries, the food, the excursions. He even has a Master Cruise Counselor accreditation from the CLIA and advanced training
from several cruise lines.

“I will not sell a cruise that I am not comfortable with,” he says, “and I would never recommend a cabin that I would not stay in.”

With the connections he’s cultivated in nearly a quarter-century in the business, Bill saves his clients time and money while helping take the stress out of the decision-making process. “I truly believe I treat every client as I would like to be treated,” he says. “At the end of the day, when I put my head on the pillow, I have done all I could for my clients.” Bill is also constantly up to date on the latest travel restrictions and the safest places to visit. Every week, he helps sift through the latest news on cruises on Fall River’s WSAR during his Tuesday afternoon show, Cruisin with Bill, co-hosted by Missy Panchley.

“During post-9/11 and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been here to help my clients sort through the vast amount of information that we were all bombarded with,” he says. “I am here, I am local and I represent you.” While many travel agencies have shut down over the past decade, Bill is still, ahem, cruising along, which is a testament to his happy, faithful clients. He intends to be booking unforgettable vacations for the foreseeable future.

“I am truly amazed and blessed with my clients,” Bill says. “Some may have cruised only once, some maybe a dozen times, but I always enjoy getting to know them, and sharing this time together. So many clients have become good friends.” Since Bill doesn’t charge his clients a dime, his ultimate satisfaction is simple.

“It is especially rewarding,” he says, “when someone returns from a trip and stops by or lets me know what a great time they had, or how years after their trip they still remember the great experiences.”

With new cruise options being added weekly, now is your chance to meet your own Biagio while on your own mesmerizing, stress-free vacation, visit Bill’s Facebook page, Cruisin with Bill or call him at 508-947-5558.You can Visit his website: https://www.cruiseholidayslkv.com/ Book a 7 to 9 night cruise and receive a $50 on board credit. Book 10 nights or longer and get a $100 on board credit, valid on new bookings only. Stop by the office and say hello, Bill would love to talk with you about your dream vacation!

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD, and WAREHAM, Mass. – Southcoast Health announced on Thursday that its upcoming Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination clinics, offered across the region, will now be open to individuals 12 and older, while walk-up availability will continue at all of the not-for-profit community health system’s sites.

Southcoast’s decision follows the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds earlier this week, as well as the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation on Wednesday.

Minors will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign a Massachusetts consent form at the clinic or bring a signed copy downloaded from https://www.mass.gov/lists/ma-consent-forms-for-people-under-18-years-of-age, Southcoast officials said. The form must include a parent or legal guardian’s phone number in the event a staff member needs to contact them.

You do not need to have a Southcoast primary care provider to receive vaccination at a Southcoast clinic.

No appointment will be necessary at the following Southcoast clinics, with walk-ups welcome:

May 13, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 14, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 15, 7am-3pn, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 15, 8am-12pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 17, 12-3:30pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 17, 3-7pm, Pfizer, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 18, 3-7pm, Moderna, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 18, 9am-3pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Onset Pier (182 Onset Ave., Wareham)
May 19, 2-6pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 19, 9am-4pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Pier 3 (51 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford)
May 20, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 20, 2-7pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Acushnet Council on Aging (59 ½ Main St., Acushnet)
May 21, 7-11am, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 22, 12pm-4pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 22, 8am-12pm, Pfizer, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 22, 9am-1pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Boys & Girls Club of Fall River (803 Bedford St., Fall River)
May 24, 1-3pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 25, 3-7pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 25, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 25, 3-7pm, Moderna, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)

For more information, please visit: https://www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccination/

“Getting your shot is more convenient and more important than ever,” said Tonya Johnson, RN, Vice President of Operations for Southcoast Hospitals Group. “All available vaccines are safe and effective. They’re our best chance at conquering COVID-19 once and for all. When we protect ourselves, we’re protecting our family, friends, and co-workers. Together, we’re protecting the South Coast community. We are grateful for all who have stepped up to help in this effort.”

About Southcoast Health
———————————————–
Southcoast Health a not-for-profit, charitable organization and the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region, serving communities in Rhode Island and across Southeastern Massachusetts. Southcoast Health is a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Out of the 2,743 considered hospitals in the United States, only 250 earned this recognition. In 2020 and 2021, St. Luke’s is a Newsweek and Leapfrog’s Best Maternity Hospitals. In 2019 and 2020, the Southcoast Health system also received seven awards, including Best Hospitals and Best Place to Work, in Southcoast Media Group’s Best of the Best Awards voted on by residents and readers.

As a network of more than 700 physicians, hospitalists, and mid-level practitioners, Southcoast Health is a system of three acute care hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, and also provides behavioral health services in partnership with Acadia at Southcoast Behavioral Health in Dartmouth. Southcoast Health’s System comprises seven Urgent Care Centers, two Centers for Cancer Care, visiting nurse association, and numerous additional ambulatory facilities that offer convenience and access to services for more than 724,000 residents in 33 communities covering over 900 square miles in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH

“Today, I adopted CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents. CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away.”

Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.

This official CDC recommendation follows Monday’s FDA decision to authorize emergency use of this vaccine in 12- through 15-year-old adolescentsexternal icon, and is another important step to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and closer to normalcy.

For vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part. That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible. This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation’s efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19. Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected.

Some parents have already made plans for their adolescents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Understandably, some parents want more information before their children receive a vaccine. I encourage parents with questions to talk to your child’s healthcare provider or your family doctor to learn more about the vaccine. And if your adolescent is behind on routinely recommended vaccines due to the pandemic or for other reasons, now would be a good time to work with your child’s nurse or doctor to make sure they get caught up.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is faster and more convenient than ever. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site. In the coming weeks, two popular ride-sharing services will offer free rides to vaccination appointments until July 4. To find the site closest to you, visit vaccines.gov; text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or call 1-800-232-0233.

**Update** Rescheduled to next weekend, no reason given~!

The MASS DOT announced on its twitter feed earlier today that parts of Rte 24, specifically those in Fall River will be affected by closures starting this Friday, May 14th. Earlier this week highway information signs were warning drivers that the on ramps in both direction off rte 195 heading on to rte 24 were going to be closed.

DOT Announcement:

“Beginning tomorrow, Rt 24 northbound and southbound #FallRiver closed for travel from 8:00pm Friday, May 14, until 5:00am Monday, May 17. Rt 24 closed for culvert work. Detour in place.”

Earlier this week the Fall River Reporter had more specifics on the closure: https://fallriverreporter.com/culvert-installation-on-route-24-in-fall-river-to-lead-to-multiple-detours-beginning-this-week/

As the MA DOT tweet lacks an real substance, here are the full details:

Traffic management will utilize 24-hour detours that will be in place until the work has been completed. Route 24 northbound will be detoured first, and then as work progresses the northbound lanes will be opened and Route 24 southbound will be detoured.

The detours will be as follows:

Route 24 north coming from I-195 east:

-Continue on I-195 east to the exit to Route 24 south (Tiverton RI/Newport RI).
-Take the exit to Route 24 south and continue to the exit to the Brayton Avenue exit.
-Take the exit to Brayton Avenue.
-Take right on Brayton Avenue to Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue straight on Eastern Avenue (Route 6) to north Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue on North Eastern Avenue to the rotary.
-Take the first right at the rotary to Route 24 north.

Route 24 north coming from I-195 west:

-Take the exit to Route 24 south (Tiverton RI/Newport RI) and continue to the exit to the Brayton Avenue exit.
-Take the exit to Brayton Avenue.
-Take right on Brayton Avenue to Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue straight on Eastern Avenue (Route 6) to north Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue on north Eastern Avenue to the rotary.
-Take the first right at the rotary to Route 24 north.

Route 24 north coming from Rhode Island:

-Take the ramp to Brayton Avenue.
-Take right on Brayton Avenue to Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue straight on Eastern Avenue (Route 6) to north Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue on north Eastern Avenue to the rotary.
-Take the first right at the rotary to Route 24 north.

Route 24 South coming from Freetown:

-Take President Avenue/Eastern Avenue exit to Route 6.
-Enter the rotary and take the second right to north Eastern Avenue (Route 6).
-Continue straight on north Eastern Avenue (Route 6) to Eastern Avenue.
-Continue straight on Eastern Avenue (Route 6) to Brayton Avenue.
-Continue straight on Brayton Avenue.
-Take the second left to Route 24 south.

New Bedford is losing one its most popular restaurants. On Facebook earlier today, the restaurant made the following announcement:

“Our journey started over two decades ago continuing and building upon the successes of the late original founders Carl & Edmond Pimental. Our families and staff have tirelessly committed ourselves to our mantra of quality food, recipes and customer service at a value that afforded us to see so many faces close and afar so frequently. Situated in the residential district of the south end, make no mistake it is home to some of the best faire around locally even with a distance to travel. Consistency has always been paramount to our vision maintaining excellence is no easy feat. We owe a great deal of gratitude to all current and former employees who also shared in equity it takes to take a vision, a recipe, a successful service and make it a reality time and time again. For those that critique and find fault in the efforts of the like, take a moment and realize no matter what the setting someone is giving up something to fulfill not just the responsibilities of the job, but as well the thankless adversity of what any given day may bring.

“These folks are expected to bounce back daily and give it hell so that way each of your visits never faltered from our mantra. Mother’s Day for instance the restaurant business busiest day of the year, one of my colleagues recently reminded me of how tactfully coordinated, timely and committed we have always been to our every patron no matter the day, time, dining in or taking food to-go our team has given it there all. Some of these same faces still today still continue to earnestly do just that. Our vision has never faltered but our families have weathered our time fulfilled. As our journey aged so did we along with the daily adversity each and every business faces with the inception of COVID-19. Likewise, with effectively and efficiently managing our same mantra two decades later with labor shortages, increasing business costs, taxes, commodities the list is truly endless. As in life in any facet you face realities, the reality today we are blessed in having been able to serve you all for the past two decades it is time for our families to enjoy life outside these founding doors.”

“Your sense of loss and memories not only resonates with oneself but within us all. We will miss the faces that have made our brand what it is today, that is you all collectively, but be certain continue to support small business and rather than critique one take a moment whether you care to understand ones’ flight or not, everything has adversity and rather give these folks still giving it hell daily give them gratitude for all they do. We truly appreciate each and every one of you, your patronage, your frequency, your smiles, your laughs and even your constructive criticism has collectively made us our best of the best.”

“We will be closing all operations after dinner service on Saturday May 29th in its entirety. We ask that you please respect our families and our team during these last two weeks as even in the wake of such notice they continue to stay obligated in serving you all for our last run. We wish you all the best life has to offer, we are glad to have been apart of yours for so long. With humbling gratitude and respect WE THANK YOU!”

Should Governors around the country consider this option? Do you think Gov. Baker should follow suit?

Earlier today Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced a unique incentive program for people in his state to get vaccinated — a $1 million prize! Five lucky Ohioans will be picked in all. DeWine, a Republican, stated that only people who’ve gotten the vaccine will be eligible to win the prize, which will be paid for by federal coronavirus funds. He went to say the following:

“Two weeks from tonight on May 26th, we will announce a winner of a separate drawing for adults who have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. This announcement will occur each Wednesday for five weeks, and the winner each Wednesday will receive one million dollars,”DeWine said in a series of tweets.

“To be eligible to win, you must be at least 18 years of age or older on the day of the drawing. You must be an Ohio resident. And, you must be vaccinated before the drawing,” he added. The Gov. also added an incentive for its younger residents — they can be entered into a drawing “for a four-year full scholarship to any of Ohio’s state colleges and universities, including full tuition, room, and board,”

Stories from the #SouthcoastFrontlines: Michele Tsaliagos, ICU Nurse

The past year has brought unimaginable challenges to our community. As we each do our part to get vaccinated and continue to see signs of returning to a new normal, it is important to acknowledge the incredible work that many individuals across our community have done to help us get to this point.
Here at Southcoast Health, we are extremely thankful for everyone who has helped on the Frontlines of COVID-19. Michele Tsaliagos, another #SouthcoastFrontlines Hero, shared her experience working in the St. Luke’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) throughout the pandemic.

Michele has been an ICU nurse for about eight years at St. Luke’s Hospital. Since she was young, nursing was always something that interested her, and she knew she wanted to pursue it as a career. Once a nurse, she was especially interested in working in the ICU to push herself to continue learning and helping others when they needed it most.

In early 2020, no one could have predicted what ICUs across the world would face in the next year.
“As an ICU nurse, you want to bring people back to health. You want them to get better and go home,” Michele says. “During COVID, we didn’t see that as often. It was really hard.” Reflecting on this time now, Michele is thankful for the strong team she worked alongside. With no visitors allowed in the hospitals because of the COVID-19 guidelines, the nurses, physicians, and staff leaned on each other as would a family as they navigated the unknown.

“My team of fellow nurses — we all helped each other out. We shared our experiences and became a support system for each other, as we all were sharing the same feelings and were able to understand. Everyone jumped in and had each other’s backs, making sure everyone was protected from the virus.”

Continue reading Michele’s story at: https://www.southcoast.org/southcoast-frontlines-icu-nurse-tsaliagos/

GotChew continues to grow and needs motiviated drivers to join their team!

Drivers earn on average $20/hr, the more you work the more you earn. Set your own schedule if you like or choose guaranteed work shifts.

· Perks:

Get paid the same day you work
GotChew offers weekly bonuses and incentives, every week 2 drivers get $50 gift cards!
During busy times they offer sign-on bonuses!
$50 Bonus if you take 50 orders your first 2 weeks
Earn an Extra $2 per order Sunday 5pm-9pm

Do we have your attention yet?
Its very easy to apply, you can do it right online at: www.GotChew.co/driver

o Fill out a quick form, receive a follow-up email from us with instructions on how to get started.
o Drivers can get started in under an hour of applying!

· Requirements

o You must be 18 years old+
o You must have Active Insurance
o You must Own an Android/Iphone smart phone

Are you looking to work with a growing company? Come see what Blount has to offer you and add some spice to your work life.

Join Blount for one of their Onsite Job Fairs on May 11th, 18th, and 25th from 4 PM – 6 PM at their location at 630 Currant Road, Fall River. You can schedule an appointment or you can show up in person during that time. Can’t make it? Apply HERE: http://www.blountjobs.com/

Bring your resume or job history and have the opportunity to interview on the spot and hear about their superior benefits package, competitive wages and room for advancement. Many opportunities are available and all experience levels are welcome. A facility tour will be provided. See what Blount has to offer you!

Interested in the job fair? Head on over to their event page Blount Onsite Job Fair

Tuesday May 6th kicks of National Nurses Week!

Nurses Week is a time to officially recognize and thank our nurses for all that they do. Here at Southcoast Health we are fortunate to have a strong team of dedicated and compassionate nurses serving our community each day.

Over the past year our nurses have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to exceptional care and helped guide us through the pandemic, stepping up to the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19.

To our nurses, thank you for your extraordinary clinical skills and dedication to comprehensive care that saves lives and brings comfort to our patients. We are honored to celebrate you this week and are grateful for your care and commitment this week and always.

Please join us in recognizing our nurses this week and visit www.southcoast.org/nursesweek2021/ for more information. Southcoast Health nurses are More than medicine.