SUPPORT GROUPS

ONCOLOGY

Southcoast® Centers for Cancer Care offer the following support groups free of charge to cancer patients and their caregivers. The staff at Southcoast wants you to know that you do not have to do this alone.

The following support groups will take place during the month of December and are offered at Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care, 206 Mill Road in Fairhaven or Southcoast Centers for Cancer, 506 Prospect Street in Fall River. Please call for dates and times:

FALL RIVER, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Support Group West
For patients with a breast cancer diagnosis
Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810 for details

Colorectal Support Group
For patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Call Susan Domingue at 508-973-7810 for details

Lung Cancer Support Group
A support group specifically for patients with a lung cancer diagnosis
Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810 for details

Support for Supporters
A support group for caregivers of patients with cancer
Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810 for details

FAIRHAVEN, Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Support Group East
For patients with a breast cancer diagnosis
Call Linda Casey, LICSW at 508-973-3000 for details

Under 50 Cancer Support Group
A support group for patients with any cancer diagnosis.
Call Linda Casey at 508-973-3000 for details.

Lung Cancer Support Group
A support group specifically for patients with a lung cancer diagnosis
Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810 for details

Support for Supporters
A support group for caregivers of patients with cancer
Call Susan Domingue, LICSW at 508-973-7810 for details

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP

A support group for people with ostomies, their family members and friends. Meetings usually include an educational topic and provide time for questions, discussion, and sharing among group members in a confidential, non-threatening environment.

NEW BEDFORD
Wednesday, December 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.
St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street
New Bedford, MA
White Home Living Room
Call Lisa Cyr at 508-973-5550 for details.

FALL RIVER
Friday, December 23, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Charlton Memorial Hospital
506 Prospect Street
Fall River, MA
Mooney Room on the ground floor (enter through the Center for Cancer Care entrance)
Call Tina McDonald, at 508-679-3131 x 27509 for details.

PARENTS ENDURING GRIEF

Offering hope and encouragement to families that have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other loss of a child. Experienced maternal/child nurses and a clinical social worker are available during the meeting.

NEW BEDFORD
Wednesday, December 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street
New Bedford, MA
White Home Living Room
Call Judy Graves, RN, at 508-679-3131, ext 27067 for details.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, known in the community as Southcoast VNA, offers free bereavement programs for grieving adults and children during the month of December. Registration is preferred for all groups. Please contact Bereavement Manager, Lindsay Coe, LCSW, at 508-973-3227 for more information.

General Bereavement Group

General Bereavement Groups are designed for adults grieving the loss of a loved one.

FALL RIVER
Tuesday, December 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue, Fall River
Multi-purpose Conference Room. Use main entrance.

NEW BEDFORD
Tuesday, December 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street, New Bedford
Library Conference Room. Use main entrance from Page Street.

WAREHAM
Tuesday, December 20, from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Tobey Hospital
43 High Street, Wareham
Stillman Library. Use main entrance.

Widows and Widowers Group

The Widows and Widowers group is designed specifically for adults grieving the loss of a partner.

SOMERSET
Tuesday, December 27, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Somerset Library
1464 County Street, Somerset
Shipyard Room

Children’s Bereavement Group

For children ages 6 to 13 who have suffered any type of loss.

NEW BEDFORD
Tuesday, December 6
Ages 6 to 13: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Ages 14 to 18: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Fall River
803 Bedford Street, Fall River
Second floor community room

ADDICTION AND RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP

Learn to Cope, a weekly support group offering peer-support, education, resources and HOPE for families dealing with addiction and recovery.

FALL RIVER
Every Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Mooney Conference Room
Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care
506 Prospect Street, Fall River

Child Birth and Family Education classes

Southcoast® Health offers a wide range of child birth and family education classes on an ongoing basis. Please call the appropriate contact listed below for more information on each class.

Childbirth Classes

Birthing Bootcamp
Childbirth Classes for Young Parents (ages 12 to 17 years)
Refresher Childbirth Classes

Pre-registration is required for all classes. We recommend calling to register during the 16th week (10 to 12 weeks for multiples) of pregnancy to assure placement in the class you need. Not all classes are offered at all locations. Many health insurance companies will reimburse the cost of classes. Be sure to contact your insurance company to ask about coverage.

For more information, please contact the following:

Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA
Gina Kiser, RN, BSN, CCE
508-973-7308
kiserg@southcoast.org

St Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street
New Bedford, MA
Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE
508-961-5445
vandenberghepa@southcoast.org

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE
508-961-5445
vandenberghepa@southcoast.org

FALL RIVER/NEW BEDFORD

Breast-Feeding Basics
Learn about the healthy option of breastfeeding, basic skills to provide a good foundation and how to avoid potential stumbling blocks. Expectant mothers and their partners are encouraged to attend. Please call to register.

Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA
Call Gina Kiser at 508-973-7308 for details.

St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

DARTMOUTH

Infant and Child CPR for Families and Friends
This pediatric CPR course covers techniques for newborns to 8 year olds. The class is $40 per person or $60 for two people. Pre-registration is required.

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

Breastfeeding Support Group

A place for breastfeeding mothers to come for physical, mental and emotional support. The class is facilitated by a lactation consultant/councilor. There is no charge and registration is not required. Drop-ins and their female support people are welcome.

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

WEIGHT LOSS SEMINARS

BARIATRIC INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS

Southcoast® Center for Weight Loss will offer free informational sessions on the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, during the month of December.

The free informational sessions will be held at:

HYANNIS
Wednesday, December 7, at 7 p.m.
The Cape Codder Resort
1225 Iyannough Road
Hyannis, MA

FALL RIVER
Thursday, December 8, at 7 p.m.
Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA

WAREHAM
Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Tobey Hospital
43 High Street
Wareham, MA
Operating room waiting area

NEW BEDFORD
Wednesday, December 21, at 7 p.m.
St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street
New Bedford, MA
White Home conference room

PLYMOUTH
Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m.
John Carver Inn
25 Summer Street
Plymouth, MA

FALL RIVER
Thursday, December 22, at 7 p.m.
Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA

TAUNTON
Wednesday, December 28, at 7 p.m.
Holiday Inn – Taunton
700 Myles Standish Blvd
Taunton, MA

Millions of Americans fall into the category of clinically severe obesity — more than 100 pounds overweight with a body mass index greater than 40. Body mass index is a calculation of weight in relation to height.

Weight loss surgery has been endorsed by a consensus panel convened by the National Institutes of Health as the only effective means of inducing significant long-term weight loss for the vast majority of patients with morbid obesity.

The Southcoast Center for Weight Loss’s community-based program is designed to incorporate a thorough approach to weight loss surgery utilizing a team comprised of dietitians, psychologists, nurses and surgeons to provide a safe and comprehensive surgical weight loss program.
For more information or to register for a free seminar call 508-273-4900. For more information on the Southcoast Center for Weight Loss visit www.southcoast.org/weightloss/.

WEIGHT MANAGAMENT INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS

Southcoast Center for Weight Loss will offer a free weight management informational session during the month of December.

The informational session will review the different non-surgical weight loss options offered at the Southcoast Center for Weight Loss. The sessions will include information on Optifast, a weight loss program which combines lifestyle education, meal replacements, medical management and individual and group counseling. The sessions will also include information on a non-meal replacement option program called 3C’s for Success (Commit, Challenge, Change).

FALL RIVER
Monday, December 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Durfee Union Mill
283 Pleasant Street
Fall River, MA
Third floor conference room

For more information or to register for an informational session, call 508-525-3114.

MEDICAL FITNESS/REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

Southcoast Health offers medical fitness and rehabilitation programs

Southcoast Health will offer the following medical fitness and rehabilitation programs during the month of December.

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD & WAREHAM

Medical Fitness Program
This individualized exercise program is designed for those with cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, overweight and chronic orthopedic conditions. The program is offered for $60 per month at three classes a week or for $40 per month with two classes a week. A doctor’s prescription is required to participate.

Cardiac Rehabilitation
An ongoing, structured exercise and education outpatient program for individuals recovering from heart attack, heart surgery, heart disease or are high risk for the same. A physician referral is required. The cost of this program is covered by most insurances.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation
This is a structured exercise and education program with oxygen saturation monitoring during exercise. It is designed for individuals with pulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and COPD. The cost of the program is covered by most insurances. The program meets year-round. A physician referral is required.

These classes are being offered at Durfee Union in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham. Call 508-961-5435 for details.

The following community events will take place in the city of New Bedford during the month of December in celebration of the holiday season:

Cove Street Neighborhood Group Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Friday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Park on the corner of Ruth Street and Salisbury Street

AHA! Holiday Shop & Stroll
Date and Time: Friday, December 2nd 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 3rd 12 Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Downtown New Bedford
On Dec. 2 and 3, New Bedford area residents are invited to stroll the festively decorated cobblestoned streets of the Whaling City’s downtown, to shop locally for holiday gifts, hear caroling, dine out, jump aboard fire truck rides, meet Santa, witness the city’s tree lighting and more.
http://www.ahanewbedford.org/holiday-stroll.php

City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 3rd at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Pleasant Street in Front of Main Library Downtown
Join Mayor Jon Mitchell, New Bedford City Councilors and the New Bedford community for the annual tree lighting celebration! At 4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a parade up William Street to the Main Library. The parade will feature the award-winning New Bedford High School Whaler Marching Band and the All-City Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard. The countdown celebration will feature holiday songs by New Bedford pop girls group “Preminishun,” greetings from local elected officials and an appearance by Santa Claus! Finally, the ceremony will conclude with a spectacular surprise—you don’t want to miss this fiery hot finale sponsored by the Office of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. New Bedford Community Services Department will also serve complimentary hot chocolate!

Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park
Date and Time: Sunday, December 4th at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Clasky Common Park at County and Pope Streets
Join the countdown celebration to illuminate festive displays of dazzling lights throughout Clasky Common Park. Members of the Parker Elementary School chorus will perform and Santa Claus is expected to join the celebration!

Monte Park Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Monday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Monte Park located at Acushnet Avenue and Cannon Street

Far North End Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Fire Station # 5, 3665 Acushnet Avenue

Ashley Park Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 13th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Ashley Park on the corner of Rivet Street and Bolton Street

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park on the corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Street

Harrington Park Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Friday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Harrington Park located at Court Street and Tremont Street (across from Hathaway School)

Custom House Square Shop Saturday
Date: Saturday, December 17th 12 Noon-5p.m.
Location: Custom House Square (Intersection of William Street and Acushnet Avenue in the Historic Downtown)
Downtown will be full of holiday spirit, with an array of festive activities in and around Custom House Square including: Free horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus on the big red sled, a complimentary gift wrapping station, The Trustees of Reservations Greens (swags/wreaths) sale, The Whaling City Knots will demonstrate and sell their decorative rope creations, plus Mass in Motion Winter Farmer’s Market! www.destinationnewbedford.org/events

A 48-year-old New Bedford woman was in critical condition Tuesday at Brigham and Women’s Hospital after being seriously injured in a fire Monday night at 1050 Pleasant St.

She was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and then transported by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Residents who evacuated the burning building told police that one of the apartments was occupied by a woman whom they had recently seen in the building and knew was inside.

Fire department personnel broke down her door, located her and carried her downstairs, where medics began working on her. She was then transported to St. Luke’s Hospital and from there taken by medical helicopter to Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The fire was reported at 8:22 p.m. All other residents of the building were evacuated safely. Police and fire personnel are investigating the fire.

Above: Students in grade 6 from St James-St John School worked cooperatively on creating a space vehicle that will explore a planet in our solar system. Along with creating and building, they will be writing an essay describing their space vehicle and the features it explored in outer space.

Students in Kindergarten and grade 7 work together on a Thanksgiving project.

Students in Pre-K and grade 5 p​repare Thanksgiving bracelets.

Cristina Raposo
Principal
St James-St John School
180 Orchard St
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508)996-0534
www.sjsjschool.com

By Emma Crosby

America is currently in the grips of an opioid epidemic. Opioids are a group of drugs that contain many frequently prescribed pain relievers, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine. The illegal drug heroin is also a form of opioid. It is estimated that 2.1 million people in the United States are currently suffering from substance use disorders related to the use and misuse of prescription opioid pain relievers.

This epidemic has been driven by the overuse and the over prescription of prescription pain relief by medical professionals: a common scenario is that individual patients were given opioid pain relief for a genuine reason (such as a sports injury or twisted limb) and then develop an addiction: this addiction was supported by their medical physicians who continued to supply the pain relief they needed, and by unscrupulous physicians supplementing their income by giving prescription pain relief to addicts.

In 2015 the Government cracked down on the illegal distribution of prescription opioids, and made it much harder for physicians to continually fill repeat prescriptions. Unfortunately this crack down lead many individuals already addicted to legal opioids to turn to more harmful illegal heroin in order to get the relief they needed. As a result, the number of heroin users in the country has more than doubled in the past decade, and we have been left with huge numbers of normal everyday people who are struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs.

Opioid Addiction in New Bedford
Drug abuse is currently rampant in Massachusetts, and New Bedford is also struggling with the epidemic: in 2014 the city famously experienced 15 drug overdoses in a 24 hour period. In January 2016, the University of Massachusetts saw a fatal drug overdose take place and, as a result, a huge number of young people in the local community came forward seeking treatment and support for their own addictions. Drug addiction and abuse is a real problem that is hurting many people in our city, and taking far too many lives. As a result of drug abuse and the need to secure drugs, New Bedford has the highest crime rate in Massachusetts, with a crime rate of 48 per thousand residents: in fact, New Boston has been listed as one of the top 100 most dangerous communities within the United States.

Targeting drug use, and drug-related crime, by offering those with addictions support is a tangible way in which we can help to lower these statistics.

Seeking Local Help and Support
Making the decision to seek treatment and support for your opioid addiction is one of the bravest decisions you can make. Many individuals find it very difficult to admit they have a weakness, and societal judgments can often amplify feelings of shame and embarrassment. Taking that first step and entering rehabilitation or a support group could be the first day of the rest of your life. Continuing sobriety can be just as difficult, particularly in a world where prescription drugs are so easy to access, which is why healthcare professionals recommended treatment and support become a lifelong commitment. There are two useful support groups in the New Bedford area both for opioid addicts looking for support, as well as for their family members, who often suffer in conjunction with their loved one.

Help with Opioid Addiction meets every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.
Where? First floor conference room at Lowell General Hospital Saints Campus, 1 Hospital Dr., Lowell.
What? The group is run as a collaboration between Bedford Police and Bedford Youth and Family Services. The aim of the group is to will reach out to Bedford residents who are struggling with an opioid addiction and their families, and to provide access to vital resources. Family and loved ones can be enrolled onto a peer-led support which will teach them coping strategies, whilst addicts can be trained to administer Narcan: a drug designed to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. Participants receive two doses of Narcan free at their first meeting as well as assistance with any detox problems. For information: 508-801-3247.

Bedford Al-Anon Parents’ Group meets every Tuesday from 7.30-8.30pm
Where? Room 204, First Parish Church on the Common, 75 Great Road.
This is a support group for friends and family members who are affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. They aim of the group is to teach strategies for self-care in a welcoming group. For information: 781-275-0540 or 781-275-7994.

Massachusetts State Police Facebook

The Massachusetts State Police are urging motorists to be safe on the roads of the Commonwealth this holiday season. Holiday events and celebrations can be exciting times for family and friends to get together. As the holiday season is approaching, motorists need to be mindful of actions that will make their holiday travel safer.

The following holiday driving safety tips are recommended for safe travel:

Plan on needing extra time to get to your final destination.

Have your car serviced before undertaking a lengthy trip.

Plan regularly scheduled breaks when traveling long distances.

Make sure all vehicle occupants wear their safety belt.

Adjust your speed to road, weather and traffic conditions.

Leave the proper amount of space between your car and the car in front of you; (One car length for every ten miles per hour).

The Mass Pike, (I-90), Phase-I of the toll removal project is ahead of schedule. Motorists are advised to devote their full attention to driving through these work zones, as lanes of travel have been shifted.

Be prepared should your car become disabled. Have the proper emergency equipment with you. For example: spare tire, lug wrench, jack, flashlight, road flares or other illuminating devices, warm clothing as temperatures can dip well below freezing at this time of year. A cell phone is also invaluable in emergencies. You can reach the police and in turn all other emergency services in Massachusetts by dialing 911 on your cell phone.

Don’t drink and drive. If you plan on celebrating with alcohol, plan on staying over or plan on having a designated driver.

In an effort to encourage everyone to do their holiday shopping in New Bedford, Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced that New Bedford will again offer a special Holiday Parking Program. From Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2016 through Sunday, January 1, 2017, the City of New Bedford will offer FREE parking at your first metered space for up to two hours in both the Downtown and on Acushnet Avenue, or up to two hours FREE parking at the Elm Street Garage, and the Zeiterion Garage!

“We are pleased to again offer free parking to encourage area residents to shop local. New Bedford is home to many fine galleries, shops, and restaurants and I invite everyone to help support local small businesses by doing their holiday shopping in New Bedford,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Anyone parked at a meter in either the Downtown or on Acushnet Avenue while doing holiday shopping who receives a ticket as a result of parking in excess of the 2-hour limit, may mail or present their ticket along with a copy of a sales receipt for $10.00 or more from a Downtown or North End Business District restaurant/merchant to the City of New Bedford Traffic Commission Office. The parking ticket will be forgiven with the presentation of the same day receipt.

The Traffic Commission Office is located at 51 Elm Street and is open from Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Questions regarding the Holiday Parking Program should be directed to the Traffic Commission Office at (508) 961-3153.

The 2016 Holiday Parking Program is presented by the Office of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell in partnership with Downtown New Bedford Inc., and the New Bedford Economic Development Council.

United New Bedford & Centro Luzo Americano Club Inc., invite you to Thanksgiving Dinner from 12:00pm-4:00pm at 34 Beetle Street, New Bedford on Thursday, November 24, 2016.

The Southcoast Wellness Van upholds Southcoast Health’s mission to promote the optimal health and well-being of individuals in the communities it serves. Southcoast Health focuses its attention on increasing access to services and caring for the entire population through wellness initiatives and disease management that are designed to limit — and preferably prevent — the patient’s need for acute care.

The Southcoast Wellness Van travels across the region bringing health screenings into the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts. Free mobile health services available by the staff include:

-Cancer screenings and education.
-Blood pressure screening.
-Cholesterol screening
-Teen resource information
-Glucose (diabetes) screenings.
-Nutritional information and education.
-Health education services.
-Medical physician referral.
-Vaccinations.

Please note that screenings sponsored by the Southcoast Wellness Van are sometimes held at community locations and not always on the van. Look for signs when arriving at a location if you do not see the van outside.

For more information and to schedule free screenings, please call Susan Oliveira, RN, at 508-973-8740 or email oliveiras@southcoast.org. You can also check the schedule online or subscribe to daily notices on Twitter, Facebook and RSS feeds.

NEW BEDFORD
Thursday, December 1
New Bedford Fishing Partnership
New Bedford Waterfront, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WAREHAM
Sunday, December 4
Minot Forest School
63 Minot Ave., Wareham
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Tuesday, December 6
Bay Village
242 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Thursday, December 8
Ben Rose Gardens
662 South First Street, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WAREHAM
Friday, December 9
Wareham Crossing
2421 Cranberry Highway, Wareham
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Sunday, December 11
Boys And Girls Club of New Bedford
166 Jenny Street, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Tuesday, December 13
Brickenwood
Harvard St, New Bedford
Vaccines
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Thursday, December 15
Presidential Heights
Community Room Filmore Street, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Friday, December 16
Stop & Shop
1001 Kings Highway, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WESTPORT
Monday, December 19
Lees Market
796 Main Rd, Westport
Health Screenings & Vaccines
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FALL RIVER
Tuesday, December 20
Seabra Supermarket
440 Stafford Rd, Fall River
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NORTH DARTMOUTH
Thursday, December 22
Walmart
506 State Rd., North Dartmouth
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ROCHESTER
Tuesday, December 27
Rochester Plumb Corner
Plumb Corner, Rochester. Mass.
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NEW BEDFORD
Wednesday, December 28
Temple Landing
370 Middle Street, New Bedford
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WAREHAM
Thursday, December 29
The Good Shepherd Church
74 High St, Wareham
Health Screenings
3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

SEEKONK
Friday, December 30
Seekonk Square Mall
101 Commerce Way, Seekonk
Health Screenings & Vaccines
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This morning at approximately 1:40 a.m., State Police from the Dartmouth barracks responded to reports of a wrong-way operator on Route 195 in Fairhaven, which resulted in the arrest of the operator in Wareham.

Trooper Christopher Meleo observed a 2015 Nissan Altima travelling westbound on Route 195 in the eastbound travel lanes. Tpr Meleo, with his emergency lights activated, paralleled the vehicle from the eastbound travel lanes but the operator refused to stop and continued travelling westbound on the eastbound side at a high rate of speed. Troopers from the Dartmouth and Bourne Barracks along with local police departments monitored traffic to ensure the wrong way operator did not cause any crashes.

With assistance from Marion Police Officer Jeffery Habicht successfully deployed a tire deflation device in the area of Exit 20. The vehicle struck the device causing all four tires to deflate but continued to travel westbound on Route 195 east.

A short time later, the vehicle lost control and stopped in the median just prior to Exit 21. The driver, identified as, JOWAUN GAMBLE, 23 of Wareham was placed under arrest on the following charges:

• OUI Liquor
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Wrong Way on a State Highway
• Failure to Stop for a Police Officer
• Resist Arrest
• Speeding

GAMBLE was booked at the State Police barracks in Dartmouth and subsequently transported to the Bristol County House of Correction where he will be held pending his arraignment at New Bedford District Court on Monday.