SRPEDD is pleased to announce that the Regional Bicycle Parking Program is now available. We will be holding two public information sessions to launch the program, distribute required forms and to answer any questions. These public information sessions will be held at the following locations and dates:

• Tuesday February 18, 2014 – 4 pm at the Taunton Public Library, 12 Pleasant Street, Taunton MA
• Wednesday February 19, 2014 – 4 pm at the Southworth Library, 732 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA

These locations are is accessible to people with disabilities and are on a public transit route. Upon request, every effort will be made to provide accommodation or language assistance. Please contact SRPEDD’s Title VI Coordinator by phone (508 824-1367), fax (508 823-1803), or by email lcabral@srpedd.org. Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting.

This program, funded through the Federal Highway Administration’s Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Program (CMAQ) allows eligible parties to purchase bicycle securing devices from designated vendors at a discount and be reimbursed by SRPEDD for the cost of the racks. The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) and the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) are eligible to purchase bike racks from the designated vendors at the discounted rates, but these entities, however, are not eligible for reimbursement.

Two vendors were selected for the program, SARIS Cycling Group and Highland Products Group, LLC. For program guidelines, forms, catalogs and price lists, please visit www.srpedd.org/bike-parking.

Communities must register with SRPEDD, submit proposals for approval, order racks from the chosen vendors, install the racks and then submit for reimbursement for the cost of the racks only from SRPEDD. SRPEDD has developed a list of eligible locations where bike racks may be installed. Installation of bike racks MUST follow these guidelines in order to be eligible for reimbursement. Regardless of location, all racks MUST be installed on public property. Order proposals must be submitted by individuals authorized to contract on behalf of the city, town or agency.

Please feel free to contact Jacqueline Schmidt at jschmidt@srpedd.org or 508-824-1367 with any questions regarding the program. Para solicitar una traducción de este documento al Español, por favor llame 508-824-1367. Para solicitar uma tradução deste documento para o Português, por favor ligue 508-824-1367.

New Bedford has a higher than state average population of artists. Take a simple stroll downtown or through any of the many old textile mill buildings and you’ll certainly encounter an artist’s workshop or a gallery. New Bedford has some incredibly, amazing talent when it comes to painting, sculpture, drawing or any other medium.

If you’re like me, and struggle with stick figures you are likely stand-offish with art, and even in awe of some of the stellar creations from friends, family and strangers alike. Art can seem even mystical and out of reach. However, a new venue in town brings art to the “layman” and “laywoman” in an unexpected, creative fashion: Painting with a Splash. Owners Barry and Debra Trahan opened their facility at 772 Purchase Street near the end of November.

What makes this place rather unique is that you get step-by-step instruction on a specific piece of art by a local artist! There is a classroom atmosphere where you set the canvas on the easel, grab your apron, paint and brushes, roll up your sleeves and follow along with the artist. If you have trouble with a particular spot, he or she is there to assist and encourage you.

Seats are limited to 24 people, so you get more than enough attention and all your questions asked. Painting with a Splash is a BYOB venue, so when you head there with a few of your best friends and some good libation, you are not only guaranteed a great time, but you get to leave with a souvenir to proudly show off for the rest of your life!

But lest you think the fun is only reserved for the inner child with us adults, there are customizable children’s classes (8 and up) where you can develop your child’s artistic side and uncover their all important ability to be creative and social.

You can be like me, without an artistic bone in your body or you can actually have talent. If you are like me, you will find out something that you perhaps didn’t know: not only is art fun, but you CAN create a masterpiece! You not only learn techniques, but develop a greater appreciation for the mediums.

One of the aspects of the Painting with a Splash’s website that I particularly enjoy, is their calendar. Using a desktop calendar format, each day has a thumbnail image of the masterpiece that you’ll be creating along with the time and the name of the artist. You can move ahead to special personal dates like birthdays, fundraiser, anniversaries, bachelorette or office parties, or a girl’s night out.

It’s also a fantastic date idea to wow the socks off of your potential boyfriend or girlfriend. Once you go and see how much fun is to be had, you’ll realize how dull dinner and a movie is! You can use the calendar to make reservations, pay, or even schedule a private event or function.

In addition, they have a mobile unit, where they will bring the original concept, supplies, and artist to you!

You can read reviews of past events, check out artist profiles, join the newsletter, read a F.A.Q., grab some gift certificates or even see a photo gallery of future paintings so you can cherry pick.

The classes have proved to be incredibly popular and in demand. It’s simply a great concept, and no offense to city planners and local business owners – but finally something different. Attending a class, is a highly rewarding experience. It will restore faith in your artistic ability, reconnect you with your creative side, and infect you with art. You quickly find out why it is that New Bedford has so many artists!

Painting with a Splash New Bedford
772 Purchase St
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Phone: (508) 995-9095
Email: info@paintingwithasplash.com
https://www.facebook.com/PaintingWithaSplash

Painting with a Splash Taunton
31 Main Street
Taunton, Massachusetts
(508) 247-6479
Email: info@paintingwithasplash.com
https://www.facebook.com/PaintingWithASplashTaunton/

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By Alex Weiner

With Governor Deval Patrick stepping down at the end of this year, Massachusetts is going to have to elect its next Governor in November. The electoral process can be complicated so here is a quick rundown of what to expect and how to participate in the process.

So, who is running?

There is currently a 5-way race to be the Democratic candidate for Governor between state Attorney General Martha Coakley, state Treasurer Steve Grossman, former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Don Berwick, former national security advisor Juliette Kayyem and surgeon and former Wellesley selectman Joe Avellone. On the Republican side, Charlie Baker is the current front-runner and is being challenged by Tea Party member Mark Fisher of Shrewsbury.

For more information on the individual candidates and the issues you care about, we’ve made each of their names a hyperlink.

There are a number of hurdles for a candidate running for Governor. The first hurdle for the Democratic candidates in this election is the Democratic caucus.

What are the Democratic caucuses? 

In short, caucuses are the first step for Democrats to choose their desired candidates at a local level.

Throughout the month of February, citizens across Massachusetts who are registered Democrats will come together to elect delegates from their town who will then go on to attend the 2014 Massachusetts Democratic Convention in Worcester on June 13-14.

As noted by reporter Robert Rizzuto, “In accordance with party rules, the delegates selected to represent each town or ward within a city will attend the convention to pledge their support for various candidates for statewide office, including choosing one of the state’s five Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls. A candidate must have support from at least 15 percent of the delegates in attendance to qualify to appear on the ballot as a Democrat in the state’s Sept. 9 primary election.”

When and where are the caucuses? 

Here are the dates, times and locations for the caucuses in the Southcoast:

New Bedford: Saturday 2/15 at 9:30AM at Our Lady of the Angels Band Club on 1446 Acushnet Ave.

Dartmouth: Saturday 2/8 at 2PM at the Southworth Library.

Fairhaven: Saturday 2/22 at 10AM at the Millicent Library.

Westport: Saturday 2/15 at 10AM at White’s of Westport.
Can’t find your caucus? Click here: http://massdems.org/2013/12/04/find-your-2014-caucus/

Can I participate in the caucuses?

If you’re a registered Democrat, you can participate in this process. If you support a candidate, show up early to your town or city caucus, bring a lot of friends and family to support you and run to be a delegate. All you have to do is stand up, say who you support and explain why you support them. Any registered Democrat is eligible to be nominated as a delegate. The candidates with the most number of votes will be elected and will go on to Worcester where they will vote on their candidate for Governor at the Democratic State Convention in June.

There’s good news and bad news about this weekend’s weather: the bad news, is that it will drop below freezing and the good news is that it won’t be freezing, frigid temperatures, but between 31-37 degrees. Nights will dip into the teens, but the days back up around freezing or warmer. With temperatures like that, some thermals or a layer under your jacket should suffice. I’m sure some of our readers will have no problem wearing shorts. I’ve seen you! There is a possibility of snow on Sunday.

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, February 7th

Winter Fun Fridays (9:00 am-11:00 am)
Get out of the house and join the education staff in the warm classroom as we have fun and learn with unstructured play. Each Friday will have a different focus. Winter Fun Fridays are for preschoolers and their favorite adult. Feel free to drop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Pre-registration is not required for this program.

Kool Kids After School Program (Fairhaven) (2:30-5:30 pm)
Includes homework time, computer activities and various sports and games, transportation from all Fairhaven schools, including on early release days. Phone: (508) 993-9269. Fairhaven Recreation Center at 227 Huttleston Ave.

Southcoast Panthers Youth Hockey Association’s Comedy Night (Dartmouth) (6:00 pm-12:00 am)
Featuring the first annual Comedy Night. Adults-only show featuring host Tom Stewart, John Perrotta, Rockin’ Joe Herbert and Eddie Galvin. Dinner, music by DJ John Lima, Chinese auction and 50/50 raffle will also be available. Tickets $45 per person with proceeds benefiting the youth hockey association. Contact Melissa Kucharski (508) 330-4837.

“Little Shop Of Horrors” (Fall River) (7:00 pm)
The Matthew J. Kuss Middle School Theater Arts Program Fall River’s ONLY Middle School Theater Arts Program presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” featuring a cast and crew of over 40 students and a lice orchestra!

Audubon Society’s “Birds of Prey” (Marion) (7:00 pm)
Marion Natural History Museum to Host Blue Hills Audubon Society’s “Birds of Prey” program. An Audubon Society naturalist will be presenting live animals for inspection and discussing the unique adaptations of each animal with the audience. $6. Please pre-register.

Painting w/ a Splash: Wine Bottle and Glass on Window with Richa (7:00 pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

Saturday, February 8th

Storytime at the Lloyd Center (Dartmouth) (9:30-10:30 am)
Storytime occurs on the second Saturday of every month. Join us as we explore different nature topics by reading nature-themed books. Live animal demonstrations, specimens to observe and touch and crafts bring nature themes to life for our storytime guests. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen at 508-990-0505 x 14, or email jen@lloydcenter.org.

Country Club of New Bedford 2014 Bridal Show (Dartmouth) (11:00 am-3:00 pm)
The Country Club of New Bedford is hosting their Annual Bridal Show. All brides planning a wedding in 2014 or beyond are welcome to attend! The Country Club of New Bedford is home to one of the finest wedding and event venues on the South Coast. Our spacious, yet intimate Club House is the perfect location to host your reception. We offer complete banquet services and will work tirelessly to ensure your reception is one you will remember. Wedding packages, photo galleries and testimonials

Big Read: “Edgar Allan Poe’s Predicament” (2:00 pm)
The Big Read will kick off with a special free public talk hosted by the New Bedford Whaling Museum. “Edgar Allan Poe’s Predicament: Vision, Formula, and the Inevitable Corpse” is a humorous and interesting look at the macabre author and his works.

Presented by Dr. Samuel Coale of Wheaton College, this keynote presentation will begin the month of programming for the Big Read. No advance registration is required, but seating is limited. For list of all events and classes click on event title.

4th Annual Teddy Bear Tea (12:00 am-2:00 pm)
Dartmouth YMCA Valentine’s themed Teddy Bear Tea at the Wamsutta Club. Tickets $15 for children, $30 for adults. Tickets must be purchased in advance, children are encouraged to bring a new stuffed bear or animal to the tea, which in turn will be donated to various Southcoast children’s charities.

Wild Winter Talks: Ocean Noise and the Great Whales (Westport) (2:00-4:00 pm)
What are whales listening to underwater? Join Denise Risch as she discusses the natural communication of some of the largest mammals in the world.

Painting w/ a Splash:”Couple” w/ Ann and “Canoe” w/ Josh (7:00 pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

NB Symphony Orchestra: The Spanish Soul (7:00 pm)
celebrated guitarist Jason Vieaux will perform Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez and organist Paul Cienniwa will join the orchestra for Camille Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (also known as the Organ Symphony) as the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra presents “The Spanish Soul.” Under the direction of Music Director David MacKenzie, the NBSO will also perform Manuel de Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat Suite No. 2.

Sunday, February 9th

Greater New Bedford Track Club: Sunday Striders (8:00 am)
Sunday Striders, weekly training runs starting at 8 a.m. on Sundays. All levels of ability welcome; non-members are encouraged to join group. Marathon training continues. Phone: (508) 994-7209. Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida St.

Painting w/ a Splash: Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser (12:00 pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

14th Annual Frederick Douglass Read-A-Thon (2-6 pm)
The 14th year running featuring the narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave written by himself in 1845. At the First Unitarian Church, 71 Eighth Street. If you would like to be a reader, please contact the NBHS office at 508-979-8828 or email John Centeio at info@nbhistoricalsociety.org.

Annual Lloyd Center “Owl Prowl” (Dartmouth) (3:30 am-8:00 am)
Are you an owl enthusiast or just enjoy a cold, New England winter’s night? Then this outing may be just for you. In addition to being fascinating birds, owls are mysterious creatures that are rarely seen, and heard only through keen observation. In winter, owls are building nests and establishing territories, and so are quite active and vocal against an otherwise quiet landscape.

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

The first Burger Chef opened its doors in 1957

Here is another installment in our Who Remembers? series. You can browse previous articles by using the search bar on the right. These articles are strolls down memory lane. In some cases the buildings, but new businesses have replaced them. In other instances, the buildings or even the properties have been razed. Instead of a building, it may be a TV show, personality, or commercial that no one longer exists. Either way, it can’t stop us from taking the Memory Lane stroll!

As always we would rather this be a discussion. No one knows this area better than those who grew up here! Please, leave constructive criticism, feedback, and corrections. We’d love to hear your anecdotes. Please share!

Any waxing nostalgic of food related topics is always popular. It’s not difficult to recall these memories because typically we’ve had the experience hundreds of times and gustatory recollection involves multiple sensory experiences; sight, smell, and taste. Lend me the liberty and even count audio as an experience; the conversation had with family and friends, ordering inside or at the drive-thru speaker, and familiar crash of ice into your paper cup and the click-click of the fountain gun being engaged.

Food and restaurants serve as an exemplar mnemonic anchor, because of the many childhood experiences that revolve around them. Mention a “forgotten” place like Barbero’s, A&W, or Howdy’s Beefburgers or Royal Hamburgers is to immediately evoke specific memories. “Remember that time when we were at Barbero’s and…”

Burger Chef is no different!! If you grew up in New Bedford, you’ll recall the one on Mt. Pleasant Street that became Popeye’s. If you grew up in Dartmouth, you may recall the one on Route 6/State Road. Fairhaven’s was opened by George Staffopulous in 1970, who I believe was his second store. I don’t recall where this one was.

The very first Burger Chef was opened in 1957 in Indianapolis, Indiana by Frank and Donald Thomas who incidentally patented the Frame Boiler. At this time a Triple Treat which was an order of fries, a burger and a milkshake (Vanilla, Chocolate or Strawberry) were an incredible 15 cents each. The family could eat out for about a buck and a half! Imagine that?!

The concept spread like wildfire West and East and within a few short years you could get the Super Shef -a quarter-pounder with cheese, lettuce tomato, onions and pickles with ketchup- or their signature double-burger called the Big Shef all advertised by mascots Burger Chef and Jeff, just about anywhere. Later they added the Top Shef, a 1/3 pound of beef, topped with bacon and cheese. You could also have your order “with” or “without” which meant that the servers could dress your burger or you could do it yourself at the “Works Bar.” In 1964 they debuted the Fish Sandwich and their first dessert item, the Apple Turnover.

Within a year Frank and Donald Thomas had opened seven additional Burger Chefs. As impressive and quick as that was, it wasn’t as impressive as the number of restaurant openings that followed: 100 by 1960, 250 by 1963, 500 by 1965 and their 1000th store opened in 1969.

When the 70s rolled around you could get the precursor to the Happy Meal, the Funmeal Platter or Fun Meal, which would include puzzles and stories about Burger Chef Chef and/or his sidekicks, the Fangmily: vampire Count Fangburger, Burgerini, Cackleburger the witch, and the talking ape Burgerilla. I can’t recall whether the little records, plastic frisbees, or fun money came with the Fun Meal or had to be bought separately. Do you?

For adults they had a few different types of platters: the Mariner Platter had two batter dipped fish fillets, fries and salad, the Rancher Platter was a 1/3 pound of beef, Texas Toast, fries and salad.

In 1968 General Foods bought it, but couldn’t keep up with its expansion and it was bought in 1982 by Hardee’s owners Imasco. They converted many of the Burger Chef’s into more Hardee’s. I believe, the last Burger Chef in the nation closed its doors in 1996. Want to relive the experience and have a Big Shef? You still can in Danville, Illinois, where a converted Burger hef that is now Schroeder’s Drive-In serves burger chef burgers and even has a works bar.

What were YOUR fondest memories of Burger Chef? Do you have any collectibles?

Slogans (Wikipedia):

• Early 1980s – “Nowhere else but Burger Chef”
• Late 1970s – “We really give you the works.”
• Mid 1970s – early 1980s – “You get more to like at Burger Chef.”</span>
• 1970s – “There’s more to like at Burger Chef” and “Burger Chef goes all out to please your family”
• Early 1970s – “We’ll always treat you right”

Short Commercial:

Commercial Montage:

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Get a load of these temperatures! Days where we won’t go below freezing, in spite of the fact that it’s the dead of Winter?! Sure, we’ll take it! Sure, the nights will drop drop below freezing, but that’s an excuse to curl up with a loved one or a good book near the fireplace, or if you are like me and don’t have one, in front of the “Fireplace For Your Home” on Netflix. No snow is forecasted though we may get some drizzle on Saturday and some morning showers on Sunday. Good news is a hoodie or your thermals will be all you need to head out and some stuff!

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, January 31st

Winter Fun Fridays (9:00 am-11:00 am)
Get out of the house and join the education staff in the warm classroom as we have fun and learn with unstructured play. Each Friday will have a different focus. Winter Fun Fridays are for preschoolers and their favorite adult. Feel free to drop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Pre-registration is not required for this program.

South Coast Chamber Music Society (Marion) (5:00 pm)
Presents Viola, Piano and Oboe concert at St. Gabriel’s Church, 124 Front St. Marion. Vaughan Williams: Romance for Viola and Piano, Charles Loeffler: Two Rhapsodies for Oboe, Viola and Piano, Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 no. 2 “The Tempest”, Benjamin Dale: Suite for Viola and Piano in D Major, Op. 2.

Scrabble and Chess (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)
Want to test your vocabulary or have a game of wits? Monthly Scrabble Night, now with the addition of chess. Beginners to experienced players welcome. FREE. Phone: (508) 996-1498. Pilgrim United Church of Christ Home, Purchase and School streets, New Bedford, MA.

Kool Kids After School program (Fairhaven) (2:30-5:30 pm)
Includes homework time, computer activities and various sports and games, transportation from all Fairhaven schools, including on early release days. Phone: (508) 993-9269. Fairhaven Recreation Center at 227 Huttleston Ave.

Saturday, February 1st

9th Annual Race Up Boston Place (Boston) (7:15 am)
Step up to the 2014 Race Up Boston Place! The stair climb is for just about anyone: from your everyday athlete to couch potatoes looking to get in shape. Together we will fight to improve lung health one stair at a time! So please join the ALA this February because we want YOU to experience the climb of your life and help us fight for air. One Boston Place, 201 Washington St. Phone: 781-890-4262.

“America’s Got Talent” Auditions (Providence) (8:00 am-7:00 pm)
Got some talent you want to show off? The NBC reality show “America’s Got Talent” will be holding auditions at the Rhode Island Civic Center on a first-come, first-serve basis.

These are NOT in front of the celebrity judges. You will have a minute and a half. You can pre-register online by clicking on the event title, though it’s not mandatory.

Free Krav Maga Self Defense Class (9:00 am-10:00 am)
Krav Maga Boston South Coast will be conducting a free introductory class. This is a great opportunity to experience the most realistic self defense system available. Whether you’re looking to gain a valuable tool to keep yourself safe, or looking to switch up your current work out regimen, this class is for you. This class is open to men and women and no martial arts experience is necessary to train. During this class you will learn basic strikes such as punches, elbows, knees and kicks, as well as a basic choke defense.

Experience New England’s first Krav Maga organization that has trained civilians, as well as local, state and federal law enforcement officers, and local professional athletes. Space is limited to twenty students. Contact us at (508) 259-1592 to guarantee your spot.

Groundhog Day Hike (Dartmouth) (10:00 am-11:30 am)
Will the groundhog see his shadow? Is spring just around the corner? Become a groundhog, look for your shadow and search for signs of these elusive creatures. Throughout this 90-minute hike full of games and activities you will find out where a groundhog lives, learn how a groundhog whistles and discover why we celebrate Groundhog Day! Pre-register online, or call the Center’s Event line at 508-558-2918. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jen at 508-990-0505 x 14, or email jen@lloydcenter.org. Lloyd Center For the Environment. $5 members and $15 for member families, $7 for individuals and $21 for families. Space limited to 15.

South Coast Chamber Music Society (Marion) (4:00 pm)
Presents Viola and Piano and Oboe concert at Grace Church, 422 County St. New Bedford. Reception to be held at Wamsutta Club. Vaughan Williams: Romance for Viola and Piano, Charles Loeffler: Two Rhapsodies for Oboe, Viola and Piano, Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31 no. 2 “The Tempest”, Benjamin Dale: Suite for Viola and Piano in D Major, Op. 2.

Sunday, February 2nd

Greater New Bedford Track Club: Sunday Striders (8:00 am)
Sunday Striders, weekly training runs starting at 8 a.m. on Sundays. All levels of ability welcome; non-members are encouraged to join group. Marathon training continues. Phone: (508) 994-7209. Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida St.

4th Annual Souper Bowl Fundraiser (12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
$7.50 suggested donation gets you two samples of soup and one bowl from that which you sampled! Soups this year are donated by Destination Soups, Shawmut Diner, Tia Maria’s, Cork, Wine and Tappas, Rose Alley Ale House, Voc. Tech School and Pub 6. Vote for the best soup! Bring your change to change lives, dollar bills, checks and credit card donations accepted also. Live Music! Take Homes will be available!

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

1852 Portrait of Abraham H. Howland by William Allen Wall (N.B. Free Public Library)

Series Introduction
Welcome to the seventh installment of the series “Historical Personages of New Bedford.” The previous six installments can be found by using the keyword “personage” in the search window in the column at the right or click here.

My intention with this series is to shine some light on the lesser known names and figures of New Bedford’s past.

I won’t focus on the more popular and well-known figures since they have not only been covered in substantial depth, but information about these figures is something most people already have a cursory knowledge of. Though redundant to say, if any more information is desired, it is readily available and easily accessible.

Some of these great and popular figures got to be well known, wealthy, or famous on the shoulders of names vaguely recalled or ne’er heard. I don’t want to swing all the way to the other side and overcompensate by saying that these great figures would be no one without those you haven’t heard of. Perhaps they would have, but I think since history has traditionally ignored the lesser known figures, let’s give them their due!

Abraham Hathaway Howland (1802-1887)
A city’s success – or nation’s success for that matter – is indirectly due to the direction dictated by past city officials in a sort of generational domino effect.

While a politician typically spends the majority of his time remedying current issues, each spends a fair amount of time on setting up the future. Fertilizing the economic soil, if you will.

He or she places certain laws or bills into motion that may take a year, a decade or a generation to come to fruition. This makes some officials down the road look really good, but they unfairly get the credit for their predecessors work. Not all, some.

I begin the article with this point, because the economic, social, and educational climate of a city is a result of every mayor to come before. Now, a disclaimer…I am NOT saying that the people don’t play a role. In fact, they probably play a greater role. We vote the officials into office, we vote them out. We approve or disapprove of city proposals.

It is a union between politicians and the people, however you wouldn’t read an article on how John Doe cut out of work early to make it to the polls and played his part in being one of 6,000 that voted on town referendum! Besides, there’s no information on John Doe in 1840 that I could go by!

So, we’ll focus on the “names.” In the case, with this series, the “lesser” names in terms of familiarity. Very few know who the first mayor of New Bedford is, but I bet you’re familiar with his surname: Howland. If you consider yourself a historian or even a pet historian, it is a name you should be very familiar with. The city’s firsts should be an area of knowledge for anyone who professes to know anything about greater New Bedford history.

One of Eleven Children; Born of Quakers
Abraham Hathaway Howland was born of Quakers Weston Howland and Abigail Hathaway in New Bedford, March 2, 1802 – one of 11 children. Abraham H. was actually the second Abraham, named after his “older” brother who died before his second birthday.

His father Weston Howland was a well-known, respected figure in New Bedford; he was a business mogul who bought and sold grain and flour in the 18th century into the early 19th century. He also owned most of the vessels that carried his product to and from his storehouse on Rotch’s Wharf.

Abraham would follow his father’s footsteps, but refused to have things handed to him. Showing his character early on, he began as a clerk and worked in virtually every department of his father’s business. He even captained his father’s vessels at one point which eventually led him to dip into the whaling industry and captain vessels of his own, most notably the 279 tonnage “London Packet.” He maintained a counting room at 13 Middle Street.

This attitude, work ethic and experience would prove to be invaluable and serve him throughout his life. When whaling began to wane, he went directly into the petroleum refining business. He held high positions or was on the boards of many businesses, Burgess & Howland, director with the Whaling Insurance Company of New Bedford, director of the Western Railroad, Committee on Mercantile Affairs, and even the N.B. Fire Department.

Socially he was a member of the Eureka Lodge F. and A.M. which was formed by members of the Star in the East Lodge, and the Sutton Commandery of Knights Templar.

Business First, Politics After…then Business again
In the early 1840s, showing his continuing desire to be diverse, he jumped into politics, and became a member of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives and served from 1843-1846. All the while still running his many businesses, and even expanded his whaling company and increased his fleet with the aptly named Abraham H. Howland, built in 1845. Alas, this vessel would make three trips before being lost at Honolulu in 1852. In 1846, he obtained from the Legislature of Massachusetts a charter to begin to manufacture cotton, wool, and iron under the name of Wamsutta Mills.

Abraham fell in love with and married Mehitable Earle Russell Howland (1810 – 1892) and they had six children, Abigail, Hannah, Abraham H. jr, Alice, Horace and Mary. Abraham jr. would follow his masonic and political footsteps, and served as chief engineer for the city from 1871-1874 and as mayor of New Bedford (and president of the Water Board) himself from 1875-1876.

When the city of New Bedford decided to incorporate on March 18, 1847, he jumped ship from the House of Representatives and ran for mayor. Certainly his economic effect on the city combined with his political experience made him a shoe-in. The population of the city at this time was 22,000.

A.H. Howland became the first mayor of the newly incorporated New Bedford in 1847 and stayed in office until 1851. I’d imagine, his many businesses ventures suffered with his lack of time and direction. So his last term was in 1851 and he returned to his business life.

Helping the Whaling City become the City of Light
Gas for illuminating was first used in New Bedford in 1853. Howland, James B. Congdon and business associates from Pennsylvania helped obtain a state charter and city franchise to use gas for street lighting.

Eventually the Pennsylvania businessmen were bought out and Congdon became treasurer, and William C. Taber became president. Pipes were laid as soon as possible and the first gas lamp for street lighting was turned on on February 14, 1853.

Their first works were at the foot of Bush Street – today called Madison Street. It was a simple brick house with a gas tank that held 35,000 cubic feet, an office and coal shed. Within a few years, they expanded to three acres with three tanks holding a total of 200,000 feet.

This company eventually grew to purchase the New Bedford Electric Light Company and the Edison Electric Illuminating Company who had a plant on Middle Street. By March of 1888 Howland’s company controlled the entire production of light for electricity for the entire city.

In 1857 he purchased the Joseph Ricketson Works and and began to distill oil from coal, along with most of the city’s Alderman, including John Hicks, Weston Howland, and Joseph C. Delano. Kerosene was first distilled in New Bedford in 1858. He was one of many powerful businessmen – William C. Taber, Joseph C. Delano, William Penn Howland, Henry T. Wood and son Weston Howland (who owned Fish Island at one point) that erected a factory at the foot of South Street.

Weston’s factory on Fish Island distilled kerosene until it blew up in an explosion in 1861 which led to the death of two employees. It was quickly rebuilt and resumed turning a profit.

In 1865 he was wealthy enough that he purchased the Russell Warren designed William R. Rodman Mansion, built in 1833 for $25,000. He remained there until his death on May 24, 1887. Abraham and his wife Mehitable are both interned in the Rural Cemetery at the Abraham Howland Family Plot.

In many ways, Howland wasn’t only the first mayor, but the first real business mogul. Certainly there were some major business figures in the city’s history before him, but in terms of diversity, progressive and forward thinking, and success he was a massive figure.

At the beginning of this article I mentioned, the sort of domino effect political figures have. When you walk the “cobblestone” or Belgian Sett streets of he historic park, you can look at the faux antique street lamps and remember that you can thank the city’s first mayor Abraham H. Howland for lighting the Whaling City.

Welcome to next installment in the New Bedford Streets; A Piece of Americana series. Previously we covered William Street, Kempton Street, Middle Street, Centre Street, Ashley Boulevard, Elm Street, Coggeshall Street, and others. If you would like to read those or perhaps revisit them, they can be found by using the search bar to the right. You can also select the “Streets” category.

By all means, let us make this an open discussion to keep the “wiki” accurate.

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Mechanic’s Lane is one of those streets, where I’ve often wondered how it was named. My friend and I simply dubbed it “Mugger’s Alley,” since it was so narrow and dark. Was it a “side” street off the public thoroughfare specially designed for mechanics? Perhaps it was a street lined with them? Could it -as odd it is may be- a street named after a fellow with the surname “Mechanic”?

The clue to the origin of this street’s name is, well, in its name. In the Rodney French Boulevard installment we discussed the etymology and reasoning behind the differences between “Street,” “Avenue,” and “Boulevard.” In the case with “Lane,” it is defined as “A narrow passageway between fences, walls, hedges or trees,” or “A lengthwise division of roadway intended for a single line of vehicles.” It is derived, virtually unchanged, from the Old English lane, lanu meaning “a narrow hedged-in road.”

These days, people believe that the terms are synonymous and that city planners were rather willy-nilly with the differences in street labels. Avenue? Lane? Way? Court? Road? All the same, pretty much as far as most are concerned. However, through the 17th-19th centuries – or “olden days” as my daughter used to say – urban planners were quite the stickler with these labels. They were important, and for good reason: it let you know whether it was public, private or municipal, paved or unpaved, lit or unlit; whether it was a major carriageway that went through the heart of the city and would get you to your destination quickly or whether it was a nice drive through – ahem – “East Cutty.”

Anyhow, I digress. The earliest mention of Mechanic’s Lane in the records is on an 1834 map. It seems as far as records show, it’s been the same length “from Purchase street west to Eighth.” Then, a bunch of buildings “get in the way” and it continues as Dover Street -one of the city’s shortest streets- to the East and Morgan Street to the West, so to speak.

Seems like an odd bit of city planning on the surface, but when you take into account the surrounding grid of streets it makes more sense. It’s sandwiched between Elm Street to the North and William Street to the South and the aforementioned Purchase and 8th.

So what to make of this? The answer in an indirect way, is hinted at in the term mechanic. Today a mechanic is specifically the fellow that takes advantage of unknowing old ladies – no, wait. Sorry, I meant to say the guy that repairs automobiles.

In the real “olden days” let’s say a few thousand years BCE, it referred to any person who was “full of resources, inventive, ingenious.” Incredibly general. By the 14th century it was a term “pertaining to or involving mechanical labor.” We’re getting closer now!

In the 19th century it was still a general term, but within a narrower field. One could say it was synonymous with the term “craftsman.” It was a term that I suspect would be followed with the question “Which type of mechanic?” It could refer to seemingly related fields of study like engineering, repairing fire engines, blacksmithing, and seemingly unrelated fields of study like navigation, medicine, agriculture, and even hunting. The entire field was called Mechanic Arts. In fact, there are still school that exist today that are Mechanic Art Schools.

It grew into the term that is used today to specifically refer to car repairmen by way of those fellows that repaired fire engines. So how did this little, odd street get its name attached to this term? Well, if you have read the slightest bit of history on New Bedford, you are aware of the pivotal role of Quakers. Quakers, or Friends, seemed to favor the occupations involving tools and were “full of resources, inventive, ingenious.”

Mechanics were in such abundance and were responsible for so much industry early on in the city’s history that the name was attached to banks (Merchants and Mechanics, Mechanic’s National Bank), a Mechanics Insurance Company, industrial buildings (Mechanics Mill – a textile mill), there was a New Bedford Mechanics Association, a whaling vessel called the Mechanic, and one of the city’s first entertainment venues: Mechanic’s Hall. Which, incidentally, was the site of the first “negro” concert ever given in the city in 1845 with the “Sable Sisters and Ethiopian Minstrels” feature.

There was quite a Quaker neighborhood surrounding Mechanic’s Lane, some who were quite wealthy, notably Andrew Robeson who arrived in the 1820s from Pennsylvania, managed Rodman Candleworks, headed a few banks, invested in whaling, built a whale oil refinery and ultimately married into the Rodman family. He kept a stately mansion on Mechanic’s Lane’s false leg, Dover Street.

These Quakers were exceedingly talented craftsmen, many of whom would work on days that the more puritanical, Sabbath Day practicing Christians would not. This extra business day naturally led to more profit, hence such a strong financial presence in the city’s earliest history. In fact, Mechanic’s Lane is the oldest “alley” in New Bedford.

On the Northwest corner of Purchase and Mechanic’s Lane was the Central Fire Station. As firefighting technology progressed, and the engine began to come into use, it made a heck of a lot of sense to have a mechanic close by.

In essence, this lane was the destination for any craftsman or mechanics that you could possibly need. It was a service road, if you will, that assisted the city in its very beginning before and during the whaling boom. In context of the city grid, its placement makes a ton of sense – whether to repair fire engines at the Central Station, to provide in close proximity “mechanics” to assist anything related to whaling, or even the occasional wealthy citizen who could afford “mechanical” service.

So as they say colloquially, “Yeah, no…,” it’s not Mugger’s Alley, it’s Mechanic’s Lane and called so for a very good reason. Next time you are walking downtown, go a little of the beaten path and take a stroll down the city’s oldest alley. You’ll be walking down a street that people have walked down for over 200 years. But you know differently know. From a busy service street, to quiet “useless” shortcut – one of my favorite New Bedford Streets. Let’s keep it our little secret. 🙂

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After some serious snow shoveling -or snow blowing- and lots of sore backs, you’ll be happy to know that there is no substantial amounts of snow forecasted for this weekend! Saturday there is a slight chance of snow, but if it does snow, it will be anywhere from a coating to an inch. Friday will be rather frigid with a high of 15 degrees. Brrrrr. Saturday will “warm up” to 40 degrees. However, temperatures will drop into the 20s on Sunday and both days will bring wind. Bring your gloves, scarfs, and thermals! We are “only” 54 more days away from Spring!

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Painting With a Splash – BYOB – Step-by-Step Painting (Fri – Sun)

Looking to learn how to paint with step-by-step instructions? Here are this weekend’s classes at Painting with a Splash: http://www.rezclick.com/paintingwithasplashnewbedfordma/index.php?page=calendar.

Friday, January 24th

Winter Fun Fridays (9:00 am-11:00 am)
Get out of the house and join the education staff in the warm classroom as we have fun and learn with unstructured play. Each Friday will have a different focus and today’s will be “Play Clay Day: Everybody loves Play Dough!” Explore all the fun things you can do with clay and take home a recipe to make your own non-toxic play clay. Winter Fun Fridays are for preschoolers and their favorite adult. Feel free to drop in anytime and stay as long as you like. Pre-registration is not required for this program.

F.A.M.E., Inc.’s 7th Annual Music Coffeehouse (Fairhaven) (12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Performances by Fairhaven Public School students, parents, faculty and alumni. Tickets $5 adults, $3 students. First Congregational Church, 34 Center St.

Kool Kids After School program (Fairhaven) (2:30-5:30 pm)
Includes homework time, computer activities and various sports and games, transportation from all Fairhaven schools, including on early release days. Phone: (508) 993-9269. Fairhaven Recreation Center at 227 Huttleston Ave.

Community Drum Circle (Fairhaven) (7:00 pm-8:00pm)
Rhythm celebration (not a performance), fourth Fridays. Newcomers welcome. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cost: $4. Phone: (508) 636-3871. Email: trdrelm@rcn.com.Unitarian Memorial Church 102 Green St.

Saturday, January 25th

Animal Tracking in Copicut Woods (Fall River) (9:00 am-11:00 am)
Although the forests of the 13,600 acre Bio-reserve might at first appear uninhabited in winter, they are, in fact full of life. While a few animals do head south to hibernate away the winter months, most remain in New England and are active all year.

At the Bio-reserve, mammals are out and about, foraging for food and leaving their tracks in the snow. Rabbit, deer, fox, coyote, turkey, and fisher are just some of the animals whose tracks may be found. Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $5. Phone: 508.636.4693 x103. E-mail: bioreserve@ttor.org.

Annual Used Clothing Sale (Westport) (9:00 am-1:00 pm)
Clothing for all ages, accessories, bedding and curtains available. Fill large paper bag for $5 or plastic bag for $3 or purchase individual items. To donate, call Mary at (508) 636-4282. Phone: (508) 636-4282. Westport United Congregational Church at 500 American Legion Hwy.

School Choice Fair (1:00 pm-3:00 pm)
For families of Greater New Bedford. Learn what K-12 schools in your community have to offer in: academics, asmissions process, extracurricular activities, class size, and school culture. More than 10 area schools are participating. Andrea McCoy Recreation Center at 181 Hillman Street.

“Wild Winter Talks” lecture series (Westport) (2:00 pm-3:00 pm)
Westport Land Conservation Trust presents a “Wild Winter Talks” lecture series: “There’s No Place Like Home: Creating Wetlands for Fragile Creatures” taking place at the Westport Library. For information call (508) 636-3643. 408 Old County Road.

Venture Crew 7 Open House, Signup Night, and Meeting (4:00 pm-6:30 pm)
Join us! Venturing is a coed outdoor high adventure program for young Men and Women ages 14-20. Youth run the meetings and plan activities! Have fun! Make new friends! Hangout! Go on extreme adventures with us!

Sunday, January 26th

Greater New Bedford Track Club: Sunday Striders (8:00 am)
Sunday Striders, weekly training runs starting at 8 a.m. on Sundays. All levels of ability welcome; non-members are encouraged to join group. Marathon training continues. Phone: (508) 994-7209. Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida St.

Fish Bowl Tournament (12:00 pm-1:00 pm)
Ocean Explorium holding its fourth annual Fish Bowl tournament. Thirty-two lanes reserved at Wonder Bowl, bowlers of all ages welcome. Each bowler must raise $50 to participate and prizes will be given to bowlers in a number of categories. For more information or to sponsor event email Pat Cassan at pcassan@oceanexplorium.org. Wonder Bowl in New Bedford, 66 Hathaway Road.

Winter Warming: Jazz Concert (1:00 pm-3:00 pm)
Afternoons of great music presented by the Friends of the New Bedford Free Public Library and Whaling City Sound. Next performance, Jazz with Dino Govoni and Dave Zinno at the Downtown Library. Tickets $15 for non-members, $10 for members. All proceeds go to children’s programming at the library and its branches.

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

3rd Annual West Island 5K Run/Walk & Kids Mile Fun Run (Jim Mahaney Photography)

Running a 5K has never been so popular than the past few years. Once upon a time they were solely an athletic competition, but these days they are the perfect community event to unite people behind a cause. Why is this so? The relatively short distance (approximately 3 miles) is achievable by virtually anyone, not just by the athlete. As I mentioned in last year’s article, the best way to sum the concept up is as “…challenging, but not overwhelming.” The emphasis these days is on simply finishing regardless of your time. In fact many simply walk the course.

However, if you are someone who loves an athletic challenge there are records kept of each event. You can beat your personal best or you can try to break a local record. It’s a great way to stay fit, improve your health, help out a great cause and do something together with your family and the community.

FHS Cross Country program and the Crispin Demers Memorial Scholarship Fund
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, April 27 and will benefit the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program and the Crispin Demers Memorial Scholarship Fund. During the first two years, the West Island 5K team raised almost $26,800 allowing the town of Fairhaven to maintain and improve its Cross Country program and start the scholarship fund. Crispin Demers, a Fairhaven High School alum, was also a former FHS cross country runner and coach that lost his battle with cancer two years ago. The fund will go to his twins so they can have the opportunity for a higher education in the future.

Organizer and Race Director Lyle Drew is a Fairhaven High School alum. From the day he and fellow alum Sal Corrao conceived the idea for the West Island 5K, his motivation and focused were clear. He wanted to ensure the same opportunities that he was given were also available to future student-athletes. He is grateful for the opportunities he was afforded and believes giving back to the school and community that he grew up in is essential. When he learned that the Fairhaven High School Cross Country program was not being funded, he felt there was no better way than to tie in what has become a popular way to get the community behind a cause: a family oriented 5K run and kid’s mile fun run.

Race Details
The USA Track and Field certified (MA13007JK) course is described as “Mostly flat and fast loop throughout scenic West Island with a fast downhill start and a challenging uphill finish.” The Kids’ Mile Fun Run is described as “Flat and fast 1 mile course on paved and dirt roads with a little hill at the end.” Each mile will be marked and timed and a water station will be fully stocked at the 1.5-mile point.

Two noted improvements this year will be the implementation of chip timing that will provide each runner/walker with a super accurate and 5K technical race shirts will replace the cotton shirt.

Prize money for the 5K run will be awarded for the top 3 overall male and female finishers and for the top male or female runners that break the course. In addition, awards will be given for the overall male/female finishers, and the top three male and female age group finishers in the following categories: 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Technical shirts are guaranteed to the first 600 registrants.

For the Kids’ Mile Fun Run, dog tags will be awarded to the top 3 male/female finishers and each participant will receive neoprene commemorative wristbands. Lots of post-race refreshments will be available. Finally, the event will finish with an Awards Ceremony and Raffle at 12:15 P.M.

Last year Providence competitor Jeff Howley broke the previous year’s record by winning with a time of 16:09 and an impressive pace of 5:13. A local didn’t turn up until 4th place, Daniel Croteau of Acushnet – who held last year’s winning record that Howley beat. The first Fairhaven finisher William Pires and he finished an impressive 16th place.. The Kid’s Mile Fun Run was won by Jack Roche with a time of 7:03. In the female division, Anne Preisig from Falmouth captured the record with a stellar time of 18:49 and last year’s winner was Julie Craig of Mattapoisett with a time of 20:31.

Registration, Volunteering & Sponsoring Details
The 3rd Annual West Island 5K Run & Kids Mile Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2014 (11:00 a.m.) at 41 Causeway Road, West Island. The “Fun Run” begins at 10:00 a.m and there is a $5 entrance fee. The 5K race starts at 11:00 a.m. and there is $15 entrance fee for K-12 students. If you register by midnight April 13th the registration fee is $20. After that time, it is $25. Registration may be in person, by mail (download application .pdf or WORD) or online on the RaceWire website is open until 10 AM on race day.

For more information or to register visit the West Island 5K Run/Walk & Kids Mile Fun Run website: http://WestIsland5k.org or email info@westisland5k.org.

If you are a local business or individual and interested in donating, sponsoring or volunteering your time with the planning, please contact their team at info@westisland5k.org. If you would like to help out by making a larger donation or perhaps you cannot physically run or walk this race and would still like to help, you can make a donation online to either or both funds here: http://westisland5k.org/donate/

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