Toddlers love to go places and have fun. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers free, engaging activities each week at Whales, Tales and Sails. This free, one-hour story hour takes place each Friday morning beginning at 10:00 AM. This weekly event features professional storyteller Jackson Gillman and includes stories, fingerplay, songs, and crafts at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s Corson Maritime Learning Center. Whales, Tales and Sails is geared for children ages 0-5. The park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.

The weekly Friday program’s upcoming themes are:

November 20: Thanksgiving

November 27: Cranberries

December 4: Whales

December 11: Holidays

December 18: Gingerbread

Dighton Police, State Police Detectives and Prosecutors from the Bristol County DA’s office are actively investigating the discovery of a female’s body this morning at the Hunter’s Hill residential neighborhood in Dighton.

Dighton Police received a call from a resident in the neighborhood around 8:15 this morning to report the discovery of the deceased female. Her body was located on a dirt road, adjacent to the completed section of the new residential development. An active unattended death investigation began at that point.

The deceased has been identified as a 47-year-old local woman. However, because next of kin has not been fully notified of her death, this office is unable to public identify her at this time. Once next of kin notifications have been made, this office will send out a follow up advisory to publicly identify the deceased.

The state medical examiner has taken custody of the deceased and will perform an autopsy to attempt to determine the cause and manner of death.

At this time, no official determination has been made regarding how the woman died.

The Greater New Bedford unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of Massachusetts, but believe it or not there really are a lot of available for qualified applicants. Sometimes the barrier to a new job can be the lack of information on available job openings.

To solve this, each week New Bedford Guide will pull jobs from our jobs database to inform job seekers about the hottest jobs in the area.

We will define “Hot Jobs” as those jobs that need to be filled by the employer immediately. For those looking to search some large job databases, checkout my Best Job Search Resources for New Bedford Residents article.

Here are the Hot Jobs in the New Bedford area from the NewBedfordGuide.com jobs database, as of November 19, 2015:

01. Bartenders, Host/Hostess, Servers & Dishwashers – Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub Team Members (Fairhaven)
We also provide team members the tools, education and opportunities for personal success. That means if you want even more than a fun job at a great place, Ninety Nine Restaurants offers excellent opportunities to advance.
We also offer: Medical insurance plans, Paid vacation, 401(k) retirement plan, Meal discounts & more! Full job descriptions here.

02. HVAC Service & Installation Technician
Brodeur & Sons, Inc., is currently seeking EXPERIENCED HVAC SERVICE & INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN for an immediate opening. Oil burner license and CDL/Hazmat license a plus, but not necessary. If you are a hard worker with dedication to superior customer service, please call our office for an interview. We can be reached at 508-995-5151 or at phbrodeur@aol.com. Or stop by our office at 525 Church Street, New Bedford, MA 02745, office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm. Full details and application process here.

03. Freight Handler/Receiver -FHI (Freetown)
Handlers unload trailers delivering product to general merchandise distribution warehouses and use powered industrial equipment (Powered pallet jacks, Fork lifts, Dock stockers) as the primary means of removing product from the trailer; however, hand stacking cases of product is an integral and repetitive part of the unloading process. Work is performed in a warehouse setting and is physically demanding. Full details and application process here.

04. Shipping/Receiving Asst Sr – Lockheed Martin (Marion)
Shipping experience in electronics field including printed circuit board assemblies and electronics sub assemblies and systems, including reading travelers & following process documentation. Must be able to use a work in process tracking system in the manufacture of printed circuit card and electronic subassemblies. Experience with shipping on MRP systems and performing all inventory transactions. Experience with commercial systems (UPS, FedEx, etc). Excellent attention to detail. Qualified candidate must be able to obtain & maintain a secret security clearance. Obtaining a clearance requires US citizenship. Full details and application process here.

05. Pizza Delivery Driver – Papa John’s Pizza
$18 an hour. Come Join the Better Ingredients, Better Pizza Team as a Delivery Driver for our restaurant…Where you can earn up to $18 hr Besides your enthusiasm and a great work ethic, here is what you need for this job: Full details and application process here.

06. Assistant Store Manager – Autopart International, Inc (New Bedford)
Assistant Store Managers at Autopart International are primarily responsible for helping supervise an individual location which sources, stocks, sells, and delivers auto parts to local installers and other potential sellers of auto parts. Assist the store manager with meeting the stores sales and GP goals. Also, help the manager with all functions of store operations, which include personnel, credit, paperwork, payroll, deliveries, pricing, shipping and receiving, customer service, warehousing and distribution, security and safety, and maintenance. Often times responsible for the driving crew. Ensure that service standards are high and that complaints are quickly resolved. Maximize sales potential through identifying new ways to drive sales. Lead by example, inspire teamwork, and communicate company procedures and policies. Full details and application process here.

07. Bank Teller – Santander Bank (New Bedford)
As a member of Santander’s retail banking division you’ll help serve Santander’s retail and small business customers as part of one of the top banks in the United States based on deposits. With principal presence in the northeast U.S., Santander’s retail division offers consumer and lending products to help our customers reach their financial goals. Santander currently serves nearly 2 million retail customers and 5.2% of the 2.7 million small businesses in the US footprint have a transactional account with Santander Bank. Full details and application process here.

08. Production Manager – Zapp USA (Dartmouth)
The Production Manager for our 46-employee facility will manage all aspects of the manufacture of cold-formed stainless, nickel-based and titanium strip for high-requirement, niche markets. Responsibilities include management of P&L costs, coordination with sister operations in Germany, and formulating and implementing production and quality targets. The Production Manager will ensure compliance with health & safety/environmental guidelines and drive production to meet customer and market expectations. Full details and application process here.

09. Customer Service Representative [Part-Time] – David’s Bridal (North Dartmouth)
Are you a genuinely passionate team player who loves the pace of running the front of a store and providing a smile and service to all that enter? Are you ready to guide our customers in the first steps of choosing a dress to celebrate an unforgettable moment in their lives? Are you ready to hear her ring the bell once they’ve found the one? We’re committed to our employees’ development, and we’ve created a unique working environment you won’t find in traditional retail. Full details and application process here.

10. Host – Applebee’s (North Dartmouth)
1. Scans the windows for approaching guests, opening the door and acknowledging the guest immediately with a warm, friendly welcome. 2. Anticipates the next guest seating and continuously rotates guest placement throughout all sections. 3. Conducts a prompt table turn, flags tables, sorts items at the GU, wipes down table areas. 4. Opens the front door and says a sincere “Thank You” when the guest is leaving and invites them to return. 5. Maintains proper cleanliness, sanitation and safety standards at all times. Full details and application process here.

Be sure to also check out our Job Portal to find jobs by location on a map: newbedfordguide.com/map-page#pm_jobs_tab. Want to get e-mail notifications for new jobs? Checkout our e-mail subscription service.

New Bedford High School will host a Community Resource Fair on Thursday, November 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the NBHS gymnasium, 230 Hathaway Boulevard. Workshops will begin at 6:30 p.m. with academic, college financial aid, NBHS academies and immigration informational workshops available.

The fair is sponsored by GEAR UP and the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, along with New Bedford High.

Resources include educational, employment, health, human services, financial, and arts – among many others.

The College Financing Seminar begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Little Theater; all seniors, juniors and their families seeking information about the college financing and financial aid process, FAFSA, and scholarships are encouraged to attend. A representative from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) and NBHS guidance counselors will be available to provide information to students and families.

“We encourage all members of the New Bedford High School community to attend the NBHS Community Resource fair to learn more about available services and to get information about topics as important as the college financing process,” said Headmaster Bernadette Coelho.

Included resources:

•3rd Eye youth empowerment Music composition, art, videos, recording studio

•AHA Nights Free arts and culture nights

•Attorney General Consumer protection, wage laws, insurance

•Brick By Brick After school music and art for the youth

•Bristol Community College Higher Education

•Bristol County District Attorney Bullying, suicide, elder, substance abuse prevention

•Carabiners Climbing, and fitness

•Center Stage Studio Dance School, Ballet, Lyrica, tap, pointe

•City of N.B Dept. of Community Svcs City of New Bedford Human Services

•Coalition for Social Justice Voter Education/ registration, volunteer opportunities

•Comcast-Internet Essentials Low cost broadband for low income families of students

•Community Economic Dev Ctr Immigrant support, tax assistance, bus riders united, etc.

•DEAF Inc. Advocacy, skill training, I&R and peer counseling, ASL Ed, etc.

•Dental Dreams Dental Health

•EF Educational Tours International Student Tours

•Family Welcome Center-N.B.P.S Parent Support, referrals, centralized registrations

•Gear-Up Educational, College and Career readiness

•Gifts to Give Volunteering, clothing and shoes for low income families

•Greater New Bedford Career Center Career, employment, education, training, resume assistance, etc.

•H.O.P.E Collaborative Law Enforcement Youth Programs

•Hetland Arena Sports/Hockey

•Immigrants Assistance Center Immigration, referrals, elderly services, medical insurance etc.

•Kennedy Donovan Center Support for young first time parents under 20 years old

•MA College of Art and Design Higher Education

•MA State Police-Media Relations Law Enforcement

•Marines Military Services

•N.B Wellness Inactive Adult/Youth wellness

•N.B.H.S. Nursing Staff In School medical treatment , referrals and community liaisons

•New Bedford Public library Material loans, computers, programs for the whole family

•New Bedford Housing Authority Low Income Housing

•New Bedford Whaling Historical Park Guided Tours, free programs, story hours, concerts, etc.

•New Bedford Police Dept SRO Jr. Police Academy

•New York Life Financial Services, college planning, retirement planning, life insurance etc.

•Operation Clean sweep Anti-litter, neighborhood clean up

•PACE/Youth Build New Bedford Education, skill development, leadership

•Pace/Food Pantry Food pantry for low income families and referrals

•Parks Recreation &beaches After school Programs, sports and fitness classes for the whole family

•Shinning Lights Educational Programs

•South Coast Fair Housing Work to Eliminate Housing discrimination and increase equal housing

•Stepping Stones Substance Abuse treatment, Medical Case management, etc.

•Spherion Job placement services

•UMD Leduc Center For Civic eng Collaboration of non-profits that provides volunteer opportunities

•United Way MASS 2-1-1, family wize, volunteer South Coast

•United Way/Family Resource Center Referrals, parenting education, navigating schools support, parent support groups, etc.

•W.I.C Nutrition, consultations, free healthy foods, referrals

•Wellness Center G.N.B.C.H.C Wellness connection, healthy weight program, nutrition, smoking cessation

•Women’s Health G.N.B.C.H.C Women’s health, pregnancy test, family planning, birth control, teen confidential

•YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts Residential home for low income women, girls exclusive teen and preteen programming etc.

•Youth Annex MCAS Academy, job search.

•YMCA Swimming lessons, youth basketball league, wellness class, youth development etc.

programing etc.

On Saturday, November 21, 7:30pm at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents Paulus, Rachmaninoff & Beethoven, featuring interantionally acclaimed pianist Anne-Marie McDermott performing Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.The program also includes Stephen Paulus’s Sea Portraits, originally commissioned by the NBSO for our 90th anniversary and accompanied by a visual media presentation by John Robson, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. For more concert information, including ticket pricing and purchasing, visit www.nbsymphony.org.

Concert Q&A with Maestro MacKenzie

We asked NBSO Music Director and Conductor Dr. David MacKenzie a few questions about the upcoming Paulus, Rachmaninoff & Beethoven concert.

Why did you choose this music?

All three works, while distinctly different in tone, are celebrations in their own ways: The Paulus was commissioned to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the NBSO, and to celebrate the heritage of the sea in the life of the community. Its place in the Centennial season recaptures and enhances those purposes with the addition of spectacular visual imagery from media artist John Robson commissioned especially for this performance. Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 7 has been described as “the Apotheosis of the dance.” Each movement celebrates the inherent “moving-ness” of music exemplified by dance. The first movement is a “Gigue”, the second a “Pavane” the third a lightning fast scherzo based on the “Minuet” (don’t try to dance to this one though!) and the fourth, though the hardest to classify as a dance is bursting with exuberant, almost adolescent energy looking for an outlet. Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini celebrates the virtuosity of a great violinist through virtuosic piano-playing and orchestrational genius. Time to celebrate!

What makes this concert special?

Obviously we are excited to bring Anne-Marie McDermott to our stage for the first time. A truly world-class artist, she is renowned for her sensitive artistry and passionate performances. This will mark the first time the Rhapsody has been performed by the NBSO. We are also extremely pleased to be collaborating with John Robson in the multi-media presentation of Stephen Paulus’s Sea Portraits.

How did you choose Anne-Marie McDermott for this concert?

I have followed Ms. McDermott’s career for many years, especially her work with Chamber Music from Lincoln Center, and appreciate her dedication to the works of two of my favorite composers: Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Prokofiev. I have tried to engage her a couple of times but the stars never aligned—until now. I’m very much looking forward to this!

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center present eight different shows between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to heighten holiday spirits! From nationally touring musicals, to Broadway stars singing cabaret and holiday classics, holiday memories are waiting to be made at The Z! Tickets from $15 to $99 are available at www.zeiterion.org, 508-994-2900 or at the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford.

Flashdance The Musical
Friday, November 27, 8pm
Tickets: $47-$65
The perfect Thanksgiving dessert! With electrifying dance at its core, revisit the inspiring story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day, bar dancer by night. Featuring a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll”, this screen-to-stage adaptation captures the sassy, sexy fun of the iconic film!

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Saturday, November 28, 3pm
Tickets: $15-$25
What could be fancier than Christmas? Based on the best-selling children’s book, this delightful family-friendly musical by Broadway’s Vital Theatre Company is filled with catchy, charming songs that tell a heartwarming story of kindness, generosity, and family traditions.

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
Saturday, December 5, 8pm
Tickets: $49-$99
Alan Cumming is a chameleon of stage and screen, slipping effortlessly into roles that range from emcee of the Tony Awards, to the wildly successful Broadway revival of Cabaret, to the straight-laced Eli Gold on The Good Wife. With his newest stage show, Cumming spans the world of pop and Broadway hit songs, infusing each with a new dramatic flair. Weaving each song together with personal anecdotes, this pop review becomes a synopsis of Alan’s wild ride through show business, his tumultuous personal life, and shows his audience exactly why he’s considered one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic performers.

Tania DaSilva
Thursday, December 10, 7:30pm
Tickets: $20
Fado Fa-la-la! Embracing both traditional and contemporary styles of Portuguese Fado, fadista Tania Dasilva will take the Z stage for the first time this season, accompanied by guitarristas António Lima, Abel Lima and Pedro Pimentel

A Christmas Carol
Saturday December 12, 2pm and 7pm
Tickets: $17-$37
The beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge is brought to life in stunning detail by the Nebraska Theatre Caravan. As the tradition grows with each year, The Z’s audience continues to celebrate this heart-warming and joyful production.

A Christmas Celtic Sojourn
Thursday, December 17, 8pm
Tickets: $25-$55
Brian O’Donovan’s A Celtic Sojourn has thrilled radio audiences for 28 years. For the last thirteen, the live Christmas-time version of the show has drawn on Celtic, Pagan, and Christian traditions to celebrate the music of this season. A Christmas Celtic Sojourn reflects the compelling and diverse offerings of the weekly national radio program.

New Bedford Symphony Orchestra: Family Holiday Pops!
December 19, 3:30pm and 7:00pm
Tickets: $15-$38
The Family Holiday Pops Concerts feature all the holiday music you love played by the fantastic NB Symphony Orchestra! The children’s matinee performance at 3:30 features fun surprises for the young at heart, while the 7:00 concert features a bit more music.

New Year’s Eve Bash
Thursday, December 31, 7-10pm
Tickets: $15 and $50
The Zeiterion and Whaling Museum invite revelers bid goodbye to 2015 with an exciting evening of live music in the Jacob’s Gallery and the Lagoda Room. Enjoy delicious food, dancing, roaming performers, children’s entertainment, mask-making and the absolutely best view of New Bedford’s spectacular fireworks at the Whaling Museum!

Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Box Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.

WHAT:
United Way of Greater New Bedford will host its first annual Hunger Heroes Project: Families Helping Families. Families are being encouraged to volunteer together on November 21st, National Family Volunteer Day, to help give other families a happy Thanksgiving. During this event, 400 Thanksgiving packages will be prepared to be delivered to food pantries in Greater New Bedford by United Way’s Hunger Commission. Food has been donated through a variety of local food drives including Cans Across the Park, Acushnet Company and the Christian Fellowship Center (these are the 3 tops local food drives) along with drives held at other organizations and businesses.

Volunteers will work for 2 hour shifts completing a variety of tasks including sorting the food from local drives, assembling the packages, wrapping the packages and repacking them on the Hunger Commission Truck. We will also have Thanksgiving Card making for kids that may be too young to help with the general packaging.

WHEN:
Saturday, November 21st
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Packaging will take place from 11-3

WHO:
Community Volunteers

WHERE:
Dennison Memorial Community Center
755 So. First Street
ew Bedford, MA 02740

CONTACT: On the day of the event, contact Victoria Grasela at 774-526-9423 (cell).

Yesterday evening at approximately 5:00 p.m., troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Framingham Barracks responded to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian on I-95 South in the area of Exit 15B in Dedham. Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2014 Ford Fiesta struck a 44-year-old female from Roslindale who, for reasons still under investigation, was in the traveled part of the roadway.

The operator of the vehicle, a 56-year-old male from Walpole, sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to Norwood Hospital. The facts and circumstances remain under investigation with the assistance of troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, and troopers assigned to the State Police Detective Unit attached to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office. The victim’s name is not being released, pending notification of next-of-kin. Troopers were also assisted at the scene by personnel from the Dedham and Westwood Fire Departments, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highways Division. The right two lanes of I-95 and the Exit 15B South ramp were closed for the duration of the investigation. All lanes were opened at approximately 7:30 p.m.

It is not anticipated that the victim’s name will be released tonight. No further information is available at this time. Please do not call the barracks directly.

At 8:10 p.m. Saturday evening, troopers from the State Police Barracks in Middleboro responded to Route 495 southbound at exit 7 in Raynham for reports of a vehicle off the road into the median.

Troopers located a 2013 Lexus sedan in the median with an unresponsive man inside the locked vehicle. The troopers forced entry into the vehicle. They found the operator, a 60-year-old Plymouth man, had no pulse and they began CPR. Raynham EMS arrived on scene and transported the man to Morton Hospital in Taunton where he was pronounced dead. The initial investigation indicates the vehicle was not involved in any collision prior to coming to a stop in the median. Troopers from the Crime Scene Services Section and the Bristol Country State Police Detective Unit are assisting with the investigation.

No further information is available at this time. Please do not contact the barracks.

The City of New Bedford has partnered with 22 municipalities in the region through the Southeast Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to launch a regional Community Electricity Aggregation Program. By the combining purchasing power of customers in the participating communities, the program allows residences and small businesses to receive significantly reduced electricity rates through a bulk-purchasing contract.

“Rising utility costs continue to pressure city residents and small businesses,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. “As a city, we are actively looking for innovative ways to help keep those electricity prices down. This year, New Bedford has joined forces with other area communities and worked closely with SRPEDD and our consultant Good Energy to lock in a favorable electricity rate for our residents and small businesses that will be held constant for the next two years.”

Earlier this week, the participating communities entered into a contract for a 24-month period beginning in January 2016 at a fixed electricity supply rate of $0.0949/kWh. Based on this new rate and historical utility usage data, the aggregate is expecting to see an estimated $15 million in aggregate savings in the region when compared to the current Eversource and National Grid published winter utility rates.

As a result of this program, residents and small businesses in New Bedford and the participating communities whose electricity is supplied by Eversource will experience electricity costs that will be 14% lower than would have been the case if the aggregation agreement had not been implemented, avoiding the annual spike in electricity costs that customers have come to dread.

To learn approximately how much this initiative could save your family or business on a monthly basis, use the savings calculator available Here

Community Electricity Aggregation Program

Working with the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), 23 communities in the region succeeded in using their combined purchasing power to establish new power rates that will bring savings to area residents and businesses in participating communities this winter. Communities participating in the SRPEDD program include Acushnet, Attleboro, Carver, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Northbridge, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Westford, and Westport for a combined 225,000 eligible households and businesses, making the SRPEDD aggregation the third largest in the country.

To learn more about the program, contact (844) MASSCEA (627-7232) info@masscea.com or New Bedford residents and business owners are encouraged to contact New Bedford Energy Now (NBEN) for more information at (508) 991-6193.