South Coast Smiles Pediatric Dentistry of Dartmouth: “5 Tips To Keep your kids’ smiles shining bright!”

February is Children’s Dental Health Month! Here are 5 tips for keeping your kid’s smile shining bright, from Dr. Sean & South Coast Smiles in Dartmouth.

Let’s face it: Our little ones’ pearly whites are prone to tooth decay, one of the most common chronic but preventable childhood diseases in the U.S. Not to worry!

Aside from silly socks, giveaways, and a whole lot of comic book knowledge, SouthCoast pediatric dentist Dr. Sean Ghassem-Zadeh and the kid-friendly, experienced team of 20+ years at South Coast Smiles in Dartmouth has got your child’s back (and bite!).


South Coast Smiles photo.

As Best Pediatric Dental Clinic winner of the 2023 SouthCoast Community’s Choice Awards, and with 180+ 5-star reviews, you can trust South Coast Smiles as your local pediatric dentistry experts.

1. Start a Routine Early: Once those first baby teeth appear, brush them with an infant toothbrush and a tiny dab of toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, increasing to pea-size by age 3. Get the whole family involved in a brushing & flossing party. Maintaining good dental hygiene is easy when it’s a daily vibe! We’re also here to make brushing a positive experience with different techniques to try.

2. Promote Healthy Eating: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and opt for a well-balanced diet with fruits, veggies, and calcium-rich foods. Encourage your little guppy to drink plenty of water, especially after eating. This helps rinse away food particles and neutralizes acids in the mouth, reducing cavity risk and staining.

3. Nurture New Habits: Thumb-sucking, pacifier, and nail-biting habits impact dental development and alignment. When your child succeeds in quitting, tell Dr. Sean or your hygienist for a special reward! For little athletes playing contact sports, make a habit of using a mouthguard to protect those chompers from injury!


South Coast Smiles photo.

4. Watch & Lead by Example: Kids aren’t pros at brushing until about 6 or 7 years old. Make sure they’re hitting all tooth surfaces, and show them how it’s done! Let your mini-me see their hero (you!) happily brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly.

5. Don’t Skip Check-ups: Regular visits to a pediatric dentist are key for monitoring oral health and preventing or addressing any concerns early on. Many parents don’t know it’s time to call for an appointment with Dr. Sean if your child’s first tooth appears by 6 months, or around their first birthday.

Book an appointment today! Call (508) 997-2400 or visit www.SouthCoastSmiles.com. Serving Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fall River, Fairhaven, and beyond, South Coast Smiles specializes in pediatric dentistry for infants, kids, and teens, and offers quality pediatric dental services like:

• Preventive care for long-term dental health, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants

• Common dental procedures like fillings, crowns, and extractions

• Special needs dentistry, including behavioral management for autistic children and those with down syndrome, sensory conditions, or anxiety

• Dental emergency care

__________________________________________________________________

South Coast Smiles
92 Faunce Corner Road, Suite 150,
North Dartmouth, MA, United States, 02747

Phone: (508) 997-2400
EMail: frontdesk@southcoastsmiles.com
Office hours are Monday – Thursday: 8:00am to 4:30pm

Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084204024030
Website: southcoastsmiles.com/




New Bedford grandmother spreading awareness about social trigger for children with special needs

“Hi! Does anyone teach their families about special needs these days???

I was raised that we are all different in many ways and to not stare or make fun of others. I raise my autistic 13-year-old granddaughter Amariannah and she is the most loving and energetic person you could meet. You would actually love her back if you knew her.

My granddaughter seems to think everyone is her friend but as an adult seeing her being stared at while she is out in our community I know not everyone cares to be her friend. ? Breaks my heart that special needs kids and adults are just something for many to stare at or even just laugh at.

Parents should really be teaching their kids about the difference in others. We already live in a messed up world today and there’s no need for anyone to act as if they are better than others. We are in a world of many different types of people and special needs.

Please instead of staring, become a friend to someone who will brighten up your day like my Amariannah! Teach your kids please. Special needs kids deserve better than disrespect from adults and children. Thank you!”-Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas.


Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas photo.




Massachusetts awards $5 million to fire departments, including New Bedford, Fall River, Dartmouth

“STOW — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $5 million in awards to 321 Massachusetts fire departments through the state’s Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program.

“Every single day, firefighters across Massachusetts put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “They deserve our thanks and our support. The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program is just one way we can express our appreciation for that selfless dedication.”

“From structure fires and water rescues to hazardous materials and building collapses, firefighters never know what life-threatening risks the next call will bring,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will support the purchase of fundamental tools and specialty equipment to help them do a dangerous job more safely.”


Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of 135 different types of eligible equipment. Eligible items include hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, gear washers and dryers, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, communications resources, hazardous gas meters, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards. This is the fourth year that funding has been awarded through the program.

“For the second year in a row, many fire departments are using this program to provide their personnel with ballistic vests and helmets so they can make life-saving rescues in active shooter situations,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “As we confront this growing threat and other emerging hazards, we are proud of the way Massachusetts fire departments have risen to every challenge.”

“While smoke and flames are the most obvious threats to firefighters’ safety, occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service,” said Deputy Secretary Susan Terrey. “We now know that wearing the right type of protective gear and cleaning it properly can reduce that risk. This program will give many firefighters access to tools that will help protect them from the number one threat to their health and well-being.”

“The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants are an investment in the health and safety of Massachusetts firefighters,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “The flexibility of the program is especially valuable because it allows each department to make purchases based on their specific needs and resources. It has become a vital part of the way the Massachusetts fire service prepares for the constantly evolving threats in the world around us.”

“Firefighters who have the proper protective gear and contemporary rescue tools are much better able to protect themselves and the residents they serve,” said Hyannis Fire Chief Peter Burke, President of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts. “These grant awards will have immeasurable impacts on public safety in Massachusetts for years to come.”

A complete list of the awards by department can be found here. The 20 item categories most frequently funded through this year’s grants are broken down by Item and Quantity:

• Hoses, Nozzles, Fittings, and Adapters 1,262
• Coats 659
• Gloves 618
• Hoods 539
• Ballistic Vest 515
• Helmets 436
• Pants 409
• Ballistic Helmet 371
• Boots 351
• Combustible/Hazardous Gas Detectors 166
• Thermal Imaging Cameras 133
• Hand Tools 119
• SCBA Facepieces 104
• SCBA Bottles 102
• Portable (handheld) Radios 97
• Rescue Litters 76
• Cold Water Immersion Suits 63
• Extrication Tools 54
• Rescue Saw 49
• Vehicle Stabilization Struts 43″




7 fire departments recieve vital safety equipment including Fall River, Westport, Rochester

“I am delighted that all seven municipalities in my district received vital Firefighter Safety Equipment grant funding to protect our brave firefighting men and women.

They deserve the very latest in state-of-the-art equipment to make their perilous job as safe as possible.

• Fall River-$34,890
• Freetown-$15,500
• Lakeville-$18,880
• Rochester-$15,107
• Somerset-$19,000
• Swansea-$19,000
• Westport-$19,000”-Senator Michael Rodrigues.




City of New Bedford awarded $2,293,066 in homeless assistance funding

“NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell announced today that the City of New Bedford has been awarded $2,293,066 in homeless assistance funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as part of a competitive grant process under HUD’s Continuum of Care Program.

HUD’s Continuum of Care grants provide critically needed support to local programs that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The federal department recently announced a total of $3.2 billion in awards to renew and expand support to thousands of local homeless assistance programs across the nation.

New Bedford’s grant funds are awarded through a very competitive national application process, with local application efforts led by the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development. The office coordinates the City’s comprehensive response to homelessness, using a Continuum of Care methodology and working with the local Homeless Service Provider Network.

A Continuum of Care is a community’s plan or strategy to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are in a housing crisis and/or are experiencing homelessness, as they move toward stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. The strategy includes action steps to break cycles of homelessness.

HUD grant funding supports an array of interventions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those living in places not meant for habitation, staying in shelters, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Each year, HUD funding serves hundreds of people through a coordinated entry system, emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs.

“This funding will strengthen our efforts to address homelessness in our City,” Mayor Mitchell said. “I want to thank all the members of our Homeless Service Provider Network for their hard work and dedication, as well as our Congressional delegation for their support.”

“Our network’s success in competing for these funds is directly attributable to the willingness of our partner agencies to evaluate and modify our systems and practices to meet complex and ever-changing needs,” said Josh Amaral, director of the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development. “At a time when our state is experiencing an acute housing shortage, the provision of high-quality, safe, permanent housing, and first-rate programs and services is more important than ever. We are pleased to see this part of our work validated among the many strategies we are employing to address housing challenges at all levels.”

The grant funding will support eight local programs, along with data and strategic planning efforts.

Funds will be distributed to the following agencies and programs:

• City of New Bedford: HMIS Project 2.0, $74,524
• City of New Bedford: CoC Planning Project, $125,600
• SEMCOA: Family Preservation Program, $459,487
• PACE: Green Light Project, $145,045
• CCFR: Portico, $687,718
• PAACA: Step Up, $342,068
• CCBC: The Call Combined, $50,000
• CCBC: The Call Combined Expansion, $70,352
• Steppingstone: Welcome Home, $338,272.”-City of New Bedford.




After suspected fatal overdose, Westport Fire Department reminds residents of free Narcan

“It’s been a busy week for our firefighter/paramedics. Unfortunately, one of the many calls we handled, was a suspected fatal opioid overdose.

We wanted to remind our residents that through a grant funded program, we have doses of Narcan available, free of charge and while supplies last at either fire station. Just stop in and a staff member will assist you.

All interactions are confidential and no personal information is obtained or required.”-Westport Fire Department.


Westport Fire Department photo.




City of New Bedford to hold meeting on monument honoring veterans of post 9/11 conflicts

“The City is hosting a public meeting to gather feedback on the proposed monument in the South End to honor veterans of the Global War on Terror.

The monument’s advisory committee and professionals from Martha Schwartz Partners, the internationally renowned design firm chosen to build the monument, will meet on Monday, Feb. 12 at the Fort Taber Community Room at 6 p.m. Preliminary design concepts for the monument will be available for review and discussion.

Mayor Jon Mitchell announced the formation of an advisory committee to oversee the monument project at a 9/11 memorial service in 2021. The advisory committee, made up of members from the Veterans Advisory Board, local artists, and members of various City departments, has recommended the West Beach jetty as the location for the monument.”-City of New Bedford.


City of New Bedford photo.


City of New Bedford photo.




Massachusetts State Police raise $865,000 to benefit first-responders, military charities

“Earlier this week, our members, friends, and family came together as part of the State Police Association Benevolent Fund Team to take part in the 8th annual BFit Challenge hosted by the Boston Bruins Foundation at TD Garden.

We would like to thank all who came out in support of such a great cause that in total raised more than $865,000 to benefit first responders and military charities including the Benevolent Fund.”-State Police Association of Massachusetts.

All photos by the State Police Association of Massachusetts:




Construction for 52-unit New Bedford housing complex to begin; largest project in 38 years

“Alinea Capital Partners announced that it will begin construction on 10@8th, a new residential community in New Bedford. The transit-oriented development will include 52 units of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income working families. When completed, the project will be the largest new construction project built downtown in 38 years.

“The City continues to support the construction of new units in an effort to create attainable housing opportunities for all residents,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “I’m grateful to Duane and the Alinea team for their investment in New Bedford, and to our partners on the state and federal levels for their support. We’”10@8th”? Is that supposed to be 1028th?re proud of the team effort underway to ensure housing opportunities for residents at every income level.”

“After years of collaboration with the City of New Bedford and community leaders, we are pleased to begin construction of this landmark development. New Bedford’s working families deserve housing that is convenient, attractive, and affordable,” said L. Duane Jackson, Managing Member of Alinea Capital Partners, LLC. “This project would not be possible without the support of the Office of the Mayor and the public and private partners who invested time and capital to create a viable structure to achieve long term long-term affordability for the residents of the city. As New Bedford becomes a hub of America’s emerging offshore wind industry, we are proud to be a critical part of building the Whaling City’s bright future.”

Funding and financing for the project is being provided through a combination of city, state, and federal resources, as well as the participation of private partners. Funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other state and local resources are being used to finance the development. Mayor Mitchell awarded its funding through the city’s Housing Expansion Initiative. Additional state resources, including debt and equity, were provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Livable Communities, MassHousing, and the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. Construction financing is provided by Chase Bank.

Located at the former Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles building in the heart of downtown’s business, retail, and entertainment centers, the building will feature views of New Bedford Harbor and will be convenient to the new Southcoast Rail commuter rail station set to open in 2024.

“Increasing the supply of affordable housing in Massachusetts is critical to lowering living costs for our residents and bolstering the state’s economic competitiveness,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “Transit oriented projects in Gateway Cities are key to building the bright future of the Commonwealth. Communities and residents alike benefit when there are more places like 10th@8th to call home.”

The project was designed by Boston-based DHK Architects and was previously approved by the New Bedford Zoning Board. The new five story building will be LEED-certifiable, using clean energy including solar panels. It will have an underground parking garage for 19 vehicles with designated electric vehicle (EV) ready spaces. WinnResidential will manage the project upon completion, which is currently expected in mid-2025.

“To be able to redevelop an underutilized parcel in the heart of New Bedford into a new housing community that will be affordable to 52 households is an exciting opportunity for the city and the residents who will call 10 @ 8th home,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “MassHousing is pleased to be part of this effort that is going to provide the project’s new residents with housing stability and economic opportunities in greater New Bedford.”-City of New Bedford.


City of New Bedford photo.




Brockton Police seek help locating missing 14-year old with family in New Bedford

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“Good Evening, This message is from Brockton Police.

Please be on the lookout for a missing 14-year-old girl by the name of Leanni Dossantos. Leanni is four feet ten inches tall and one hundred sixty-eight pounds. She is a light-skinned black female and has brown hair and brown eyes.

She was wearing a Black tee shirt and leggings with brown boots and a gray sweater. She was last seen at The Plus School at 250 Crescent Street.

She has family in New Bedford. If you see Leanni please call Brockton Police at 508-941-0200. Thank you.”-Brockton Emergency Management Agency.


Brockton Emergency Management Agency photo.