Mayor Jon Mitchell announced today that the New Bedford Fire Department was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $89,122. New Bedford will use the funds to outfit its fire apparatus with a hearing protection system and to equip its frontline apparatus with automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant program is designed to help communities like New Bedford purchase equipment that will protect the health and safety of its firefighters.

“New Bedford firefighters are working day and night to protect the lives and property of the residents of our city. I am pleased that the City’s application for funding was approved. This grant will enable us to acquire new equipment that will not only protect our firefighters but also provide them with important lifesaving tools to better serve our residents,” said Mayor Mitchell.

New hearing protection headsets will be interconnected to the department’s existing two-way radio system and onboard intercom system. The new headsets are designed to reduce siren and air horn noise levels heard by firefighters riding in the cab of the truck. High-level ambient noise has been linked to hearing loss among firefighters and the addition of the hearing protection headsets are expected to improve the health and safety of our firefighters.

In addition, automated external defibrillators (AED) will be acquired for each of the ten frontline apparatus. When a person suffers from sudden cardiac arrest, an AED is the most important lifesaving tool for first responders.

“The New Bedford Fire Department is pleased to receive this grant award and the enhanced firefighter safety that comes with it. We are committed to protecting our residents and providing the highest levels of service to the New Bedford community. commitment to providing the highest levels of service to the community possible.Additionally, from a financial standpoint, this will allow us to further leverage our limited capital funds and provide us with the best possible return on the taxpayer’s investment. This is grant is welcome news for the City of New Bedford,” said Fire Chief Michael Gomes. “I also want to thank District Chief Joseph Barros for his continued success and expertise in this area. He has successfully prepared the department’s AFG grant applications for the last seven years.”

The Board of Directors of the Southeastern Massachusetts Veterans Housing Program, Inc. – better known locally as the Veterans Transition House (VTH) – will host Operation Clean Sweep for Ward 3 on August 15. Volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can pre-register by calling (508)979-1493 or visiting www.operationcleansweep.net and clicking on the volunteer page. Volunteers will meet at 20 Willis Street New Bedford, MA at 8:30am on August 15. Donuts and coffee will be provided to volunteers. The clean-up will end at 11:30pm with lunch generously provided by Domino’s. All participants will receive a free OCS t-shirt.

Operation Clean Sweep will also be hosting a fundraiser on September 20 at Applebee’s in Dartmouth, MA. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 11 and under, tickets include all you can eat pancakes, bacon and your choice of drink. All proceeds will benefit Operation Clean Sweep. Tickets can be purchased at the clean up on August 15 or by phone at 508.979.1493.

Operation Clean Sweep and Veterans Transition House have a history of collaboration with Veteran’s Transition House providing transportation and volunteers in past clean ups. Veterans Transition House is proud to support Operation Clean Sweep.

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 August 13, 2015:

1. Delivery Driver – Papa Gino’s (Fairhaven)
To provide quick and efficient service to guests by safely transporting orders to their homes or businesses. This position is also responsible for assembling orders, checking them for completeness and accuracy, and taking phone orders from guests. Full details and application process 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. Cook – Sippican School (Marion)
No experience required. High School/Trade School degree preferred. Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required. Full details and application process here.

04. Animal Care Intern – Buttonwood Park Zoo (New Bedford,)
Animal Care Interns work with animal caretakers in their areas assisting in the daily cleaning and disinfecting, diet preparation and distribution, enrichment activities, data collection, and exhibit maintenance. In addition, all interns are required to complete and present a project to the staff and attend at least one on-site seminar during their intern term. Project topics may include enrichment studies, animal training, animal behavior/ethograms, etc. Topics must be approved by Zoo Staff. Please note that direct animal contact is limited and is at the discretion of the Zoo Keeper. Full details and application process here.

05. 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.

06. Assistant Property Manager – Storage Pros (New Bedford)
Our Assistant Property Managers are responsible for the daily operations of their facility. This person reports to the Property Manager and District Manager. Our Asst. Property Managers are reliable, personable, motivated and self-sufficient individuals. Primary duties are leasing units, customer service and handles accounts receivable. These individuals have strong computer skills and the ability to handle customers efficiently. Full details and application process here.

07. Kitchen Manager/ Chef – Freestones City Grill
reestones City Grill, one of New Bedford’s most popular restaurants with its pub style concept, wants to bring our offerings to the next level. Ideal candidate is a team player and a great leader, with a great support staff, including management both FOH and BOH. Our company is growing and you would be a part of it. We are a pleasure to work with. Please send us your resume. All inquiries confidential. Full details and application process here.

08. Laboratory Assistant St. Luke’s Hospital
Under the general supervision and direction of the Manager, Laboratory Site or designee, obtain correct specimens and volumes according to current procedures. Insure that all specimens are appropriately and accurately labeled. Process and deliver specimens to correct laboratory departments. Enter all specimen and patient information in LIS or department logs. Generate accurate reports in a timely fashion and distribute appropriately. Perform phlebotomy on inpatient, outreach clients, home draws, nursing homes, and outreach locations. Maintain equipment and instrumentation. Full details and application process here.

09. Music Teacher – John A. Parker Elementary School (New Bedford)
The New Bedford Public Schools is seeking a dynamic music teacher to join our team of elementary arts educators. This general music position is available at the elementary level and includes grades K-5 classroom music and chorus. Some positions may include teaching beginning instrumental (band/strings) group lessons in addition to general music and choral. Full details and application process here.

10. Laborer / Maintenance Person (Acushnet)
P.J. Keating Company, an Oldcastle Materials company, is a leading manufacturer of aggregate and HMA products and Paving and Construction in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We operate aggregate and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) production facilities in Acushnet, Dracut, and Lunenburg, Massachusetts as well as Cranston, Rhode Island. Our modern facilities, veteran paving crews, experienced construction management team and large investment in plants and equipment make us one of the largest and most efficient producers in the state of Massachusetts as well as one of only two RIDOT approved stone suppliers in the state of Rhode Island. 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.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo (Zoo), the 12th oldest zoo in the country and one of only 229 Association of Zoo and Aquarium accredited facilities in North America, recently invited a panel of experts to perform an independent review of its Asian Elephant Program.

The panel has released to the Zoo a thorough report of its findings. Overall, the panel gave the Zoo a very favorable review. Of particular note, the panel found “The BPZ Elephant staff is stable, experienced, and fully supported by Zoo leadership… Further, the BPZ Elephant team boasts an impressive combined amount of hands-on experience in both the zoo profession generally, and specifically working closely with elephants.”

The independent review was recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture in response to animal welfare complaints filed by local and national animal activist groups regarding the care of the Zoo’s elephants. The panel of experts included a recognized industry leading elephant veterinarian with vast experience working with elephants in zoos and sanctuaries, a nationally renowned veterinary behaviorist, and a captive elephant management expert.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo is home to two female Asian elephants. Emily, 51 years of age, has resided at the Zoo since 1968. Ruth, 56 years of age, was brought to the Zoo in 1986 after being abandoned on the side of the road in a trailer by her previous owner. Ruth, who was subjected to significant abuse prior to coming to New Bedford, arrived at the Zoo with a partially paralyzed trunk and other significant medical issues.

Emily and Ruth have lived together for the last 29 years and Zoo officials have previously announced that Emily and Ruth will be the last elephants to reside in Buttonwood Park Zoo. The Zoo is about to begin construction on an elephant habitat renovation project that will provide a significant expansion of the elephant habitat, modernization of the elephant barn, installation of a heated outdoor shelter, enhanced guest viewing opportunities, creation of conservation messaging graphics, and aesthetic upgrades to the existing exhibit and barn.
The independent panel also, “thoroughly evaluated the medical and behavioral health, husbandry practices, and welfare status of both elephants at Buttonwood Park Zoo prior to, during, and subsequent to their site visit on June 15 – 17, 2015. In concert with the panels’ in depth, first-hand observations, the consultants were provided unconstrained access to the elephants, facilities, keepers, and records (medical records, daily reports, and video recordings) in order to ensure a comprehensive assessment on which to make their recommendations.”

The panel report contradicts complaints filed by activists that claim Emily and Ruth are incompatible and that Emily regularly demonstrates aggressive behavior towards Ruth. The panel reported “During all interactions with keepers as well as unstructured “elephant time”, no agonistic or aggressive behaviors were observed between Ruth and Emily throughout all hours of observation – directly and on videotape.” and “our meticulous review of videos labeled by BPZ critics as evidence of “aggressive” and/or “dominant” behaviors failed to reveal any signs of social conflict and were clearly misinterpretations of benign social signals and interactions.”

In addressing activists calls for Emily and Ruth to retire to an elephant sanctuary, the panel found: “Based on the long-established bond between the elephants and their caretakers, transfer of one or both elephants at this stage of their lives would expose the elephants to unjustifiable and undue stress. Likewise, with the strength of the affiliative bond evident between Emily and Ruth, transferring one or both to separate facilities would be ill-advised.”

Buttonwood Park Zoo Director, Keith Lovett, in response to the report stated, “The panel performed a very thorough review of our elephant program. The panel confirmed what we have always known to be true: we are doing a good job caring for Emily and Ruth. Additionally, the panel provided excellent guidance and suggestions on how we can further improve our program. These recommended program enhancements along with the elephant habitat improvements we will be making over the next year will result in an even more stimulating and comfortable home for Emily and Ruth in their remaining years here in New Bedford.”

Copies of the entire independent panel review of the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s elephant program are available upon request.

Two students from Greater New Bedford Vocational-Technical School have been serving as interns at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park this summer. Sara Elmoussaoui and Richard Johnson, both of whom will be entering their senior year of high school, joined the staff to do research and assist with Something Fishy summer camp. The two have been carrying out water quality testing on the Acushnet River and offering programs to the public to share the information they have collected.

Richard Johnson, who studies environmental science at Voc Tech, says he has, “learned some valuable skills that will help me in the future.” Sara Elmoussaoui, also in the environmental science program, enjoys the “hands-on activities” of the summer camp and meeting new people. Johnson added that he recommends volunteering with the national park.

The park is currently seeking friendly volunteers to assist with front desk operations and the park bookstore. For more information contact Emily Prigot, the volunteer coordinator, by phone at 508-996-4095 x 6105, or by email at emily_prigot@nps.gov.

When you register, you can easily help our children by sharing your personal Walk page with friends and family (via email or social media), asking them to support your efforts. Registration is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Your participation makes a huge difference in the lives of our children! Every dollar we raise supports vital services to thousands of families throughout our community.

The Schwartz Center services at a glance:

•Early Intervention (EI), providing evaluations, therapeutic services and support for children birth to age 3 with (or at risk for) developmental delays.
•A year round school designed to educate and support students ages 3 to 22 years old with multiple disabilities and complex medical needs.
•Regional consultation services which allow our experts to share knowledge with families and childcare providers in matters involving children with complex medical care requirements.
•Onsite access to a variety of therapies, including physical, occupational therapy, and speech/language therapy, through our partnership with Southcoast Rehabilitation Services.

For nearly 70 years, The Schwartz Center has been a leading provider of education and therapy for children with special needs. This summer, we are proud to celebrate the one year anniversary of our partnership with Meeting Street. Together as one organization, we serve more than 4,000 children and families throughout Southeastern New England. The Schwartz Center is a 501 c(3) tax-exempt organization; your donation is tax deductible and supports services in your community.

WALK DATE
Sunday, September 13
LOCATION
Fort Taber, New Bedford, MA

CHECK-IN TIME: 8:30 A.M.
KICK-OFF TIME: 9:15 A.M.

Need help getting started? Want to learn about sponsorship opportunities? Give us a call: 508-996-3391.

How does two days of tax-free shopping sound? A recently enacted statute will allow just that for most purchases on what has been dubbed the Massachusetts “sales tax holiday weekend.” All Massachusetts businesses normally making taxable sales of tangible personal property that are open on August 15 or 16, 2015 must participate in this sales tax holiday.

If you are ready to put on your shopping shoes to take advantage of the newly enacted statute, read on.

01. When is the Tax-Free Weekend?
The tax-free weekend takes place from from August 15th-16th.

02. Who can take advantage of the “Tax-Free Weekend”?
The exemption applies to sales of tangible personal property bought for personal use only. Purchases by corporations or other businesses and purchases by individuals for business use remain taxable.

03. What items does the exemption apply to?
Single items of tangible personal property costing $2,500 or less, subject to certain exclusions. What is not included? All motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and any single item whose price is in excess of $2,500.

04. If I buy an item worth more than $2,500, will the tax exemption apply to the first $2,500?
No. Sales or use tax will be due in its entirety for purchases of single items worth more than $2,500.

05. Are there any exceptions?
Yes. For clothing items under $175, normal sales taxes apply. If you purchase an item of clothing that is more than $175, it is exempt from taxes up to the threshold of $2,500. For example, if you purchase a dress that costs $100, you pay regular sales tax. If you purchase a dress that costs $500, you pay no sales tax.

If you purchase an item of clothing that exceeds the threshold, you may deduct the first $175. For example, if you buy a dress that costs $2,550, tax is due on $2,375, which is $2,550-$175.

06. What about multiple or bundled items?
If you are purchasing multiple items, you do not need a separate invoice as long as each individual item is $2500 or less. Example: A customer purchases a television, a stereo receiver, and a computer. The three separate items costing $1,500, $1,200 and $2,000 can be rung up together, all tax free.

If you purchases several items for sale at a single price, the entire package is exempt if the sales price of the package is $2,500 or less. For example, a computer package including a CPU, keyboard, monitor, mouse, and printer with a single sales price of $3,500 would not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption because the single sales price of the package ($3,500) is more than the sales tax holiday threshold amount of $2,500.

Splitting of items normally sold together, voids the tax exemption.

07. Can I apply a coupon or discount?
If a store coupon or discount provided by a retailer or manufacturer reduces the sales price of the property, the discounted sales price determines whether the sales price is within the sales tax holiday price threshold of $2,500 or less. If a store coupon or discount applies to the total amount paid by a purchaser rather than to the sales price of a particular item and the purchaser has purchased both eligible property and taxable property, the seller should allocate the discount on a pro rata basis to each article sold.

Example: A furniture store customer has a coupon for 20% off her entire bill. She purchases a dining room table for $1,800, and a sofa for $3,500. The total discount available is $1,060 ($5,300 x .20), of which $360 is attributable to the table ($1,800 x .20), and $700 is attributable to the sofa ($3,500 x .20). No tax is due on the sale of the table. Tax of $175 is due on the sales price of the sofa, $2,800 ($3,500 – $700), as even its discounted price exceeds the $2,500 threshold.

08. What about exchanges, rain checks, layaway, special order items and rebates?

• Exchanges: If you bring an item back after the sales tax holiday, you may exchange it for an identical or similar eligible item, no tax is due.
• Layway: Tax exemption does not apply to layaway sales.
• Rain Checks: Exemption applies if the rain check is used on the tax holiday weekend, not if the rain check is given to you during.
• Special Orders: If you paid in full for an item by August 15, but its delivery is scheduled for after the tax-free weekend, you are eligible for the tax exemption.
• Rebates: Tax exemption only applies if the rebate is effective at the time of sale and it reduces the price to $2,500 or less.

09. How about rental items?
If payment has been made in full during the sales tax weekend, and the item rented is not a motor vehicle or motorboat. The rental cannot be for longer than 30 days.

10. Does the tax-free holiday apply to something I buy on the internet?
Yes, as long as it has been paid in full on August 15 or 16, 2015 Eastern Daylight Time.

Want more detail or information? Visit http://www.mass.gov/dor/businesses/help-and-resources/legal-library/tirs/tirs-by-years/2015-releases/tir-15-7.html.

Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced that a “Sobriety Checkpoint” will be implemented by the Massachusetts State Police on a Public Way in the Counties named below. The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public’s awareness to the need of detecting and removing those motorists who operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways. It will be operated during varied hours, the selection of vehicles will not be arbitrary, safety will be assured, and any inconveniences to motorists will be minimized with advance notice to reduce fear and anxiety.

THANKS TO A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE HIGHWAY SAFETY DIVISION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY, A “SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT” WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNTIES LISTED BELOW:

Suffolk Saturday August 15, 2015 into Sunday August 16, 2015

Last evening at approximately 6:01 p.m., Trooper Brandyn Henson of the Troop D Community Action Team (D-CAT), was on patrol in the city of Taunton. Trooper Henson observed a gray sedan commit several motor vehicle violations. Trooper Henson attempted to catch up to the vehicle, which eventually came to a stop on Paul Bunker Drive and two men fled from the vehicle. One of the two men was seen entering a home on Paul Bunker Drive.

While a perimeter was being established, Trooper Ryan Walczak located a Walther .380 handgun, which had been discarded by the fleeing man. As a result of the investigation, one man was identified as ALEZIO LOPES, 29 of Brockton, and was located in the home. LOPES was placed under arrest . Later, a second firearm, a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, was located by Trooper Walczak, in the area where the men had fled from the vehicle.

LOPES was charged with the following offenses:

1. Firearm without FID card, Subsequent offense
2. Possession of ammunition without FID card

In addition to the two offenses, LOPES also had an outstanding warrant for firearms violations from the Brockton District Court.

LOPES was brought to the Middleboro Barracks for booking then held without bail, pending his arraignment in Taunton District Court.

On Monday, September 21st,  the Bay Club in Mattapoisett will host its Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament to benefit Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford. The event will include lunch, a reception, a buffet and both a live and silent auction. Nativity is a non-profit, independent middle school for boys. Contributions support Nativity’s mission of providing tuition-free, quality education to families in the greater New Bedford area. For more information about Nativity, please visit:

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