Due to the continued low temperatures, the overflow will be opened again tonight. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.

Not a very friendly weekend in store when it comes to the temperatures. An arctic front has walloped the Bay State and with wind chills in the negatives, it’s important to stay bundled and take this important advice from the State Fire Marshall about frozen pipes and bursting. Sunday will be the most frigid with wind chills pushing the temps to -18. Yes, that is a negative symbol placed before the temperature.

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? Add it here. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

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Edaville’s “Christmas Festival of Lights”

Friday, December 29th

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

Deck the Halls! Annual Holiday Open House (Fall River) (9:00am-4:00pm)
Featured on Chronicle and in publications including The Boston Globe, our acclaimed Open House lets visitors experience the splendor of a Victorian era Christmas past in one of the Southcoast’s grandest 19th century mansions. The house is lavishly decked out in an award-winning holiday display from room to room, including a series of dazzling themed trees. Admission is free. Fall River Historical Society, 451 Rock St., Fall River.

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions.

MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

Felix Brown Band – Live in the Vault at The Greasy Luck (9:30pm)
Felix Brown Band is back in the Vault! “Groove For Your Soul” Many years ago,seven creative minds came together to create sic that they loved to play. Eventually, these musicians put their minds together and created the band Felix Brown. Many hours were spent rehearsing, planning and creating music and a sound that was different from many other bands. This group was comprised of musicians from different walks of life and different musical tastes. Music fused with rock, blues, r&b, jazz and funk was the sound of the band regardless if they played the Rolling Stones or Stevie Wonder. This sound and energy caught on and spread throughout the Northeast beyond their imagination. This was the start of something special…. this was the start of Felix Brown.

There’ll be no tickets this time, but a $5 cover at the door for arrival after 9pm. Come in early, enjoy dinner, and pay no cover. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Saturday, December 30th

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

“The Ahead” employee store is now open to the public! (9:00am-7:00pm)
Thousands of first quality overruns and irregulars – men’s and women’s items to choose from. Caps, visors, toques, shirts, fleece, jackets, Polo shirts, divot tools, money clips, t-shirts, leather good, golf gloves, accessories, and more! New Bedford Industrial Park, 270 Barnet Blvd. New Bedford.

Friends Holiday Book Sale – Extended (Fall River) (9:00am-5:00pm)
The Friends of the Fall River Public Library Holiday Book Sale has been extended through the end of the year! Stop in any time from now through the end of December to pick up great bargains on gently used paperbacks, hardcovers, books for kids and teens, DVDs and CDs, and more! Buy two books, get one free, plus special discounts on certain categories. You can also buy book bags, which make great gift bags. All proceeds support the Fall River Public Library! The Friends Bookstore is located on the upper level of the library, across from the reference room. If it is not open, ask at the reference desk. Fall River Public Library, 104 N Main St., Fall River.

Chess Tournament (Fall River) (1:00pm-4:00pm)
The Friends of the Fall River Public Library are sponsoring a FREE, all-ages Chess Tournament! The tournament will be held from 1-4 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room. Pre-registration is not required. Sign up on the day of the event–doors open at 12:30 p.m. Kids (ages 6 and up), teens, and adult players are welcome. Players must know chess rules and notation. Our Tournament Director will be Lionel Desrosiers of the P.A.L. We are still accepting donations of chess clocks and chess pieces! Please contact David Mello in the Children’s Room with questions.

Breaking Up Christmas: 3 Hour Festival (1:00pm)
In keeping with the Appalachian tradition of “Breaking Up Christmas” celebrating the time after Christmas and before New Years, we’d like to invite you to an afternoon of between holidays fun. In the 4 rooms we’ll be occupying you can expect 3 hours of hosted fiddle jams, a full slate of children’s activities, fiddle and banjo workshops, cake walks, games, and contests for people of all ages, cContra dances for dancers of all experience levels with live music and experienced callers, a performance or two, light refreshments, good company, and a whole lot of fun.

Tune up your fiddle and rosin up your bow, or just bring your freaky self and let the good times roll because Santa Claus come, Santa Claus gone and we’re breaking up Christmas all day long. Groundwork! 1213 Purchase Street (use the Maxfield St. entrance) (use the Maxfield St. entrance), New Bedford.

Deck the Halls! Annual Holiday Open House (Fall River) (1:00pm-4:30pm)
Featured on Chronicle and in publications including The Boston Globe, our acclaimed Open House lets visitors experience the splendor of a Victorian era Christmas past in one of the Southcoast’s grandest 19th century mansions. The house is lavishly decked out in an award-winning holiday display from room to room, including a series of dazzling themed trees. Admission is free. Hours are 9:00 to 4:30 Monday – Friday and 1:00 to 4:30 Saturdays and Sundays through December 30. Located at 451 Rock Street, Fall River. 508-679-1071, ext. 1 or 2.

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

Tower of Power at the Z (8:00pm)
Since 1968, Tower of Power has been delivering its unique brand of “Oakland style” music and maintaining a class of its own in sold-out shows all over the world! They have performed with some of music’s biggest names, including Elton John, Huey Lewis, Paula Abdul, Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart, and many more. Their rhythm section lays down a groove like no other band; the horn-driven sound is unique, from writing and arranging to mixing and performing. Join us in experiencing the global sensation that is Tower of Power!

We Are Hydrogen°~°Phish Tribute @ Greasy Luck Brewpub-FREE SHOW! (9:00pm)
We Are Hydrogen is mighty proud to be playing a FREE SHOW at the Greasy Luck Brewpub in Downtown New Bedford on December 30th! PLENTY of groove room, beats and beers! Eat, drink and be merry! Start New Year’s Eve weekend right by sharing the groove with our celebration of the amazing music of Phish. #justrelax #youredoingfine. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Sunday, December 1st

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

New Bedford Celebrates! New Year’s Eve! (5:00pm-9:00pm)
Ring in the New Year with amazing street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, and…
• An Interfaith Service from 5-6pm in the New Bedford Port Society: Seamen’s Bethel & Mariner’s Home featuring harpist Eve MacFarlane 6:00-8:00PM
• NEW for 2017! Living art: Vintage Captain by Ten31 Productions at the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center – plus free face painting by Overhead Arts 5:00-8:00PM
• A dynamic Toe Jam Puppet Band performance at 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30PM at the New Bedford YMCA!
• NEW for 2017! Living art: Harriet Tubman by Ten31 Productions at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park 5:00-8:00PM – plus free face painting by the Park’s Artist in Residence
• Holiday ice sculpture in Custom House Square 5:00-8:00PM
• Cirque de Light will heat up the night with improvisational fire spinning and LED hoop performances from 5:00-8:00PM in Custom House Square
• DJ Anghelli will be spinning dance hits in Wings Court 5:00-8:00PM
• NEW for 2017! Light Painting Booth by Pure Energy Entertainment at the Co-Creative Center New Bedford 5:30-7:30PM plus Face Art by Vera
• Jedlie’s Magic Circus presents a Family Magic Workshop at New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! 5:30 and 6:30PM
• Whaling City Sound provides Jazz music at the UMass Dartmouth CVPA/Star Store 5:00-7:00PM
• NEW for 2017! Pumpkin Head Ted plays at Gallery X 5:00-8:00PM
• Overhead Arts performances with stilt walkers, and glow hoops
(Purchase Street, Wing’s Court)
• NEW for 2017! Digital Graffiti Wall by Pure Energy Entertainment at the Zeiterion Theatre’s Penler Space 5:00-8:00PM
• “NYE 2017 Smile Cam” (live photo projection) by Sutherland Visual Media and Events in Wings Court 5:30 – 7:30PM (Pictures will be available for download later at

Don’t miss the spectacular FIREWORKS display from State Pier at the Port of New Bedford’s working waterfront, 8:30PM!

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

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said, “This bitter cold weather brings the risk of frozen pipes. As difficult as that situation is, it is important not to make a bad situation worse; many people cause fires trying to thaw frozen pipes.”

Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes
· When the weather is very cold outside, let the water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
· Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
· Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
· If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home or business set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.
· Shut off outside water.

Protect Sprinklers Systems
In order to protect sprinkler systems, check on your building during to the cold snap, especially if you don’t have a low temperature alarm. Make sure that all portions of the building remain heated to at least 40°F and not exposed to freezing conditions. Setting the thermostat higher -50-60 °F during this cold snap will help make sure pipes in concealed areas stay warm.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes
· If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the area of the water pipe that might be frozen. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
· Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
· Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
· Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
· Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
· Be careful using space heaters to warm up areas near pipes. Don’t overload circuits. Try not to use extension cords but if you must, make sure they are rated for the appliance. Heat producing appliances need stronger extension cords than lamps.
· Remember not to leave the door of a gas oven open; it will produce large amounts of carbon monoxide.
· Be sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home.

Due to the continued frigid temperatures, the overflow will be opened again tonight. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.

PAY: $15.80hr – $21.52hr

Conducts inspections, investigations and communication/outreach activities throughout the City to ensure compliance with all City, State and Federal requirements.

Assists with implementation of meter program, backflow prevention device testing and sewer deduct meter inspection program. Ensures customer compliance with City Ordinances, as well as any State and/or Federal regulations.

Issues Violation Notices to achieve compliance with regulations. Initiates litigation against parties who fail to comply with departmental notices.

Responsible for maintaining organized documentation and record keeping of Water Division programs. Assists with data management of Water Division, including but not limited to, digitization of existing records, distribution system maintenance and repair records, and the City’s data management program.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possession of a Backflow Prevention Device Testing/Inspection license and proficiency in digital data management preferred. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and 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. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

By Chris Fernandes

“Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple.” –Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Invention, in the most literal sense, is at the heart of the delightfully creative desserts crafted at the aptly titled ‘Donut Factory’ at 102 Rockdale Ave in New Bedford. The Donut Factory opened in October of 2017 and is the brainchild of Jackie Pinheiro, who says the film ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’ was a childhood favorite and played a large role in the style and decorum of her charmingly unique coffee shop. The Donut Factory team is even crafting a “Golden Ticket Giveaway” inspired by the film’s plot. (More to come on that. Patience, Veruca.)

When prompted about what separates The Donut Factory from other coffee and donut shops, Pinheiro’s enthusiasm was evident. “Our atmosphere is pretty unique! The location is Steampunk-themed and we really try to craft an experience for customers entering our shop. We want them to sit and enjoy their time with us because customer service is such a huge part of the Donut Factory experience. You will always be greeted with a smile.”

Jackie runs the shop with a team of equally passionate employees led by restaurant manager Carla Duarte, whose ten years of experience in the industry and passion for customer engagement helps keep things running smoothly.

Said Pinheiro of her partner, “She is the mastermind behind the operation and comes up with some extraordinary recipes with our creative team.”

And creative they are. If you recall, Willy Wonka’s factory offered much, much more than chocolate (Snozzberries taste like Snozzberries!) Likewise, The Donut Factory serves so much more than their namesake. Beyond the numerous traditional and attention-grabbing donuts available (Strawberry Shortcake, Maple Bacon, Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake, Smores, Snickers, M&M, Chicken and Waffles, Buffalo Chicken, etc.) the shop also offers an impressive array of sub, sandwich and bagel options.

“We offer specialty bagels paired with extreme flavored cream cheeses, including S’mores Bagels with marshmallow cream cheese, Fruity Pebbles Bagels with tutti frutti cream cheese, even a Baked Potato Bagel with bacon, cheddar and chive cream cheese!” The shop also serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and “Steampockets” that are filled with mouthwatering ingredients like linguica and cheese, buffalo chicken and Portuguese steak.

The Donut Factory doesn’t cut any corners when coffee and beverages are involved either. They feature an eight-keg nitro coffee system from Massachusetts roasters ‘Church Street Coffee’ which offers flavors like peppermint, mocha, pumpkin, chai tea, cinnamon and dark roast. They also offer their own customized iced coffee called “X Factor” which is designed to be energizing and tastes like everyone’s favorite nostalgia-inducing New England staple, coffee milk.

Though they’ve only been open since October, The Donut Factory is already finding ways to give back to the community they credit for keeping the cogs turning. As mentioned, the shop is currently organizing a Willy Wonka-style “Golden Ticket Giveaway” wherein 100 prize tickets will be hidden in the shop between December 26 and March 31. If you find one, you will win one of various prize offerings including tickets to Disney on Ice and other events, Donut Factory tours, free donuts or coffee, discounts and more. Your “Golden Ticket” can then be entered into their grand prize drawing on March 31, 2018 for a chance to win a prize that would leave little Charlie green with envy.. a free trip to Disney World! Full terms and conditions can be viewed on The Donut Factory’s website.

rom their creative and friendly employees to their awe-inspiring menu options, their nostalic tip of the hat to a much adored film.. to their sense of community and spirit of giving, it seems that all engines are running at full steam at The Donut Factory. As nice as it is to see a new, locally run business succeed, it’s even nicer to see them share their success with the folks who helped to get them there.

As Willy Wonka stated upon seeing Charlie selflessly surrender his prized gobstopper, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

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The Donut Factory
102 Rockdale Ave.
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 425-4179

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday-Sunday: 6:00am-6:00pm

Facebook: facebook.com/therealdonutfactory/
Website: http://therealdonutfactory.com
EMail: info@therealdonutfactory.com

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The overflow will be opened again tonight. We are expecting a long bout of frigid temperatures over the next week and a half. I will confirm that the overflow is opened every day with the email blast by 12pm. Guests should plan to arrive at 6pm and not earlier so we have time to prepare and guests aren’t waiting as long to enter the facility. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.

Due to the expected temperature drop, the overflow will be opened tonight. I do expect to be near capacity tonight so guests should plan to arrive as early as 6pm. Plan accordingly and all inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.

At approximately 8:25 p.m. Saturday, troopers from the State Police barracks in Dartmouth responded to reports of a pedestrian struck on Route 195 westbound near Exit 1 in Seekonk.

Upon arrival, troopers learned that a Honda Odyssey van traveling westbound and being operated by a woman from Rhode Island had struck a pedestrian in the left travel lane.

Preliminary investigation by State Troopers indicates the man tried to evade a Seekonk Police Officer who attempted to stop his vehicle. The man drove behind the Motel 6 located on Fall River Avenue and fled his vehicle on foot.

The suspect ran onto Route 195. He ran across the right and middle travel lanes and was struck by the Honda Odyssey as he crossed into the left lane, according to a the preliminary investigation.

Neither the driver of the van nor her two occupants were injured. The victim was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, where he was pronounced deceased. His identity will be released at a later time.

The facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by troopers from the Dartmouth Barracks, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section (CARS), State Police Crime Scene Services (CSSS), and Seekonk Police.