Life is full of mysteries and no one is more curious than a child. In the early stages of life, children are searching for an identity, are full of wonder and have lots of questions…and children ask some of the best! Where do we go when we die? How did we get here? Why am I here? These simple questions do not come with easy answers.

Laying down a spiritual foundation early in life will pay lasting dividends throughout the rest of life. Developing a feeling of community and identity will help place a child within society and offer a sense of belonging. Encouraging independent thought and question asking as early as possible will provide the necessary tools for children to grow into adults that can think for themselves and meander effectively through the road of life.

We don’t need to navigate these answers on our own and can receive assistance from spiritual leaders within our community through participation in services or through many of the wonderful programs offered. One such place is the First Unitarian Church on 8th Street in New Bedford and their “Way Cool Sunday School Program.” Director of Religious Education Yasmin Flehfleh-Vincent feels that the most important element that contributes to the success they’ve been having is due to the cooperative effort of the teachers, assistants and parents.

Teachers Karen Andersen {Grades 3-6} and Audrey Cain {K-3}, teacher assistant, Sarah Dufort, and two honor society volunteer teachers from Fairhaven High School round out the educational staff. There is also a team made up of parent volunteers for communication regarding curriculum, programs and ways to bring wholesome education into the mix.

The First Unitarian Church’s covenant is “We come together as a religious community upholding freedom of conscience, right relationship, and the inherent worth of all people. We value our diversity and pledge to care for one another in the spirit of compassion, to speak and listen to each other with respect, and to promote justice and kindness in the world.” and the Sunday school program is a fine extension of just that. Based on the “Spirit Play” curriculum co-developed by Dr. Nita Penfold, Beverly Leute Bruce, and Rev. Ralph Roberts to reflect the Unitarian Universalist values, the purpose is help children find meanings in their lives.

The proven educational method addresses the aforementioned questions and others in a dynamic way. What makes the program particularly powerful and effective is that it engages each child through art (Montesorri) based activities, songs and compelling stories. Instead of planting students in seats and lecturing at them until they remember in a one size fits all method of instruction, the program supports multiple learning styles and challenges. That means your child is “seen” for who he or she is and the teachers adapt their instruction to maximize learning….and enjoyment.

The enriching program encourages independent thinking, not quells it. What is important is that each child develops an “…underlying sense of the spiritual and the mystery of life.” By keeping them immersed in activities, giving them a sense of belonging, and helping them think for themselves the children not only develop the sense of spiritual and critical thinking, but more importantly they develop a passion for these things. They want to be there.

Each Sunday they gather for an interactive worship focused on two elements: the monthly theme and a related ethical tale or sacred story from a world religion. Singing, greeting, mindfulness exercises, curiosity, and artistic adventures are woven throughout the morning.

The teachers at “Way Cool Sunday School” guide, rather than command. Since the teachers utilizing the curriculum are also the parents, the children see the parents as effective mentors, leaders and role models. They see their parents as sources of encouragement, reliability, and inspiration. In addition, the interaction with the other children means that social skills are developed and honed.

This wonderful program welcomes all children and families. “We are a covenantal faith community with no creed to which members must subscribe.” began Yasmin after I asked her if only people of a particular denomination were welcome. “We promise, however, to affirm and promote our seven principles: Each being is worthy so, have a kind heart while learning and accepting one another, explore freely, vote for justice, and work for peace in caring for the universe we share. In pursuit of these principles, we draw from the continuously-revealed sources: We have a sense of wonder, we learn from the past to be kind, we seek wisdom in ALL religions, we use the golden rule, we use the discoveries of science and we respect the circle of life! Our seven promises and six sources include much more detail than this snapshot!”

If you would like your child to benefit from this fantastic program, there are a number of ways you can get in touch or learn more. I’ve included these resources at the end of the article.

What Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent, the educators involved and the First Unitarian Church have with their “Way Cool Sunday School” program and curriculum is something genuinely special. In a day and age, when kids would rather be watching cartoons, playing video games or lounging on the couch – it’s good to have something that will not only pique and hold their interest, but something they will want to do!

Way Cool Sunday School Program

First Unitarian Church
71 8th Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts

Director of Religious Education Yasmin Flehfleh-Vincent
Phone: (508) 994-9686 (ext. 11)
Email: admin@uunewbedford.org or flefleh@gmail.com

Sunday School Schedule
11:00 Welcome & Worship in the Sanctuary
11:15 Way Cool Sunday School (Spirit Play)
12:00 Closing Celebrations

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/First-Unitarian-Church-In-New-Bedford
Website: uunewbedford.org/

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We have supermarkets that have prepared food that we need only heat up. It wasn’t till I had an experience with someone from another country at a grocery store that I realized how easy everything became for us.

Charity isn’t a seasonal thing. Although it may seem like it is. During the winter months we hear more about the importance of giving. Living in the northeast we sympathize with the fear of being too cold and not being able to find shelter. Or have a warm coat & warm clothing to get us through the winter. With the holidays we’re reminded by bell ringers that when we’re out shopping that others are out there hoping and praying for help.

It’s a humbling experience to face the bleak realities of others who struggle day to day. Some of us have grown bitter from past experiences of helping someone who returned that kindness into a joke. So to those of us who have experienced that type of betrayal in trust and faith, we see everyone else who is asking for help as that one person who burned you. That is just not the case.

Sympathy is becoming a rare quality in society. Instead of helping the poor we rationalize the reasons we feel they put themselves in that situation. Most of the time they are faceless to us. We dehumanize them. Charities around the world spend millions to give them faces. To make us empathize. Money that is better spent on their causes are spent to make us aware, to feel something. Because they know that funds dry up quickly if they can’t get a knitch into society, a place in our consciences, without it they will cease to exist.

Most of us live in excess and some of us know that we do. We take these daily conveniences as not a luxury but as necessity. Such as a washer & dryer, microwave. Even A/C in the summer.

A cellphone to many is not something they need but rather want. Much less the type of cellphone.

We have supermarkets that have prepared food that we need only heat up. It wasn’t till I had an experience with someone from another country at a grocery store that I realized how easy everything became for us. She just wanted oats to make breakfast in the morning. I showed her the Quaker oatmeal packets and she was just astonished! Then she wanted bread and meats. I showed her sliced loafs and packaged chicken. This was all new to her. A luxury.

Where she is from they have a corner market and you buy meat to prepare within the next day or two and nothing comes prepacked. She pretty much “lost it” when I showed her the freezer section!

I remember going home and looking through my cabinets and fridge. Despite being a mother who knows how to cook well, I’ve certainly made it easier on myself and how I fed my family with the products I buy. Most people do. So I started to be more conscious of my shopping and that lead to me being more conscious of how I take things for granted.

We live in an area, a country, that sells food items that last a very long time. Despite your feelings towards that we know that there are people who have nothing. If we choose to eat fresh that shouldn’t stop us from picking up a non-perishable item each trip (especially if it’s on sale) and putting it aside for a shelter. Year round. Being cocky about how we’ve lived our lives whether its been an easy journey or a difficult one, should not impact our ability to help others.

For every blessing I have, I try to give. For every luxury I’ve taken for granted. We can not find an inner peace unless we become humble. As we live day to day, season to season so does everyone else the world. A very many people are just getting by and instead of judging them by forcing them to live in their own harsh existence why not find peace in yourself and give something? Starting now we can make things a little better in the world we’re giving to our next generation. Every season, everyday. Live for someone other than yourselves.

Are you one of those that hops from one diet to another? Trying any trend possible to trim off some weight? How about simply eating better or living a healthy lifestyle? Are you scheduled for bariatric surgery or have had it done already? Perhaps, you’re an athlete looking to supplement your activities, whether weight training, tennis, soccer or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Gone are the days when only people who were lifting weights would walk into a nutrition store. The nutrition stores of today bear little resemblance to the one of just a few years ago. In fact, they are altogether different animals.

Today, Faunce Corner Nutrition carries a wide variety of products supporting a range of lifestyles that go way beyond weight lifting. Faunce Corner Nutrition is a nutrition store par excellence. It’s like a small supermarket with shelves and rows of protein powders & bars, vitamins, snacks, peanut butter, low calories products and more.

The variety is astounding. One of the great benefits from the nutrition industry broadening its scope beyond weight lifting, means a larger audience. And that translates into more brands, allowing the consumer to participate in a healthier lifestyle regardless of budget. More selections mean you can choose between an affordable product and one that’s higher end, based on your needs. It’s a beautiful thing.

One of the best assets of Faunce Corner Nutrition is the staff. The customer service you get from the staff here is professional and showcases their experience and knowledge. Everyone on the staff is well versed in all of the products, particularly in serving the needs of their bariatric clientele.

Whether it involves sports nutrition, gastric bypass supplements or the Balanced Protein Diet, they not only answer your questions, but more importantly help to educate you on their products. They want to make sure that you receive the right product to meet your needs. There’s a reason they’ve been in business since 1993!

While they have been in business for over 20 years, their combined experience goes well beyond that. I think it’s safe to say that know their trade.

One of the services that I find particularly helpful is the pre-packaged Balanced Protein Diet Bundles. They have taken the guess work out of what you need to get your diet started. The Balanced Protein Diet is a self-managed diet plan that is designed combining three regular meals a day and three between meal snacks which are made up of their shakes, puddings, hot and cold drinks, soups, protein bars, snacks and more. Eating six times a day will keep you satisfied and boost your metabolism to help lose the weight.

Just walk in and tell them you want information on the Balanced Protein Diet. They’ll give you a FREE copy of the diet plan and a complete explanation of how it works. The diet plan not only helps you lose weight, but also teaches good eating habits, and you get to see and choose the products that YOU want.

Best of all, the Balanced Protein Diet products are very affordable and your consultation is free – there’s no membership or upfront fees and no appointments are required. Certainly is not an industry standard!

They offer the “Select” plan which comes in 2, 4 and 8 week bundles and their “Elite” plan which is available in 2 and 4 week bundles. There are 1,200 calorie plans for women and 1,500 or 1,800 calorie plans for men. You can also purchase these products individually. They also offer an In-Store special of Buy 5 Get 1 Free on the Balanced Protein Diet line.

You can even get your products shipped to you, so if you live a fair distance away from North Dartmouth you’ll still have access to the products that Faunce Corner Nutrition carries. They have three websites and they are all simple and easy to use. Purchasing can be done right on the websites and they offer Free Shipping specials as well as In-Store Pickup.

The site also lets you browse their full inventory by category, brand, or manufacturer allowing you to go directly to what you need. Name brands like BSN, Dymatize, Nectar, Celebrate Vitamins and more. All the familiar brands you trust are stocked and they are always adding more.

And YES – if you are trying to put on weight, particularly muscle mass, you will be adequately served. The owner, Marc Kaner and manager John Otero, have been running the business together for almost 19 years. Born and raised in New Bedford, Mr. Kaner started the business in 1993 because of his passion for weight training. This vast experience and knowledge benefits not only those who are training fanatics but also in the weight loss and bariatric community.

You can read their stellar reviews here and see what other people are saying.

So, whether you want to lose weight, have had bariatric surgery, want to live a healthy lifestyle or seeking sports nutrition, you’ll find a new home with Faunce Corner Nutrition. A professional, knowledgeable world class staff with a choice of products to match. Stop in and ask for John and tell him that Joe sent you!

Faunce Corner Nutrition
350 Faunce Corner Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747

Phone: (508) 998-2155
Email: customerservice@fitness-connection.com

Mon-Thursday – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Faunce-Corner-Nutrition
Photo Album: facebook.com/pages/Faunce-Corner-Nutrition/Album
Websites:
fitness-connection.com/
GastricBypassSupplements.com/
BalancedProteinDiet.com/

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By Brett McCleod

Christmas. It’s celebrated yearly by families across the globe, probably including your own and many of your friends’. A simple Google search defines Christmas as “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.” Growing up I questioned why my friends who were non-Christian and non-believers celebrated Christmas. I thought Jesus was a big part of it? Even I have my apprehensions about religion, yet yearly I buy presents for those around me, attend gatherings miles out of the way, begrudgingly leave the radio on for Dominic the Donkey, and eat foods that are only acceptable during the holiday season. In the midst of eggnog and aunt Evelyn, I beg the question: what is the real meaning of Christmas?

At a time the Christ in Christmas may have had more meaning, but Christmas has evolved into what Grazian refers to as a pseudo-event. David Grazian, author of “Mix It Up: Popular Culture, Mass Media, and Society,” defines a pseudo-event as any media ritual created for the sole purpose of being reported or reproduced. So Christmas is a pseudo-event, and I know this revelation is shocking. Who would have ever thought that Christmas was meant to bring in a metric ton of money into the economy, helping the families of the world ensure that their debt is just as thick as their wallet could be for the coming year, year after year?

Small pseudo-events within it, like Black Friday and Christmas Eve all thrust the idea of the pseudo-event that is Christmas. Foods, movies, music, coupons, sale prices, and more centralize themselves around Christmas. One day a year that allows families to spend thousands on the needless accessories in their homes for their children, spouses, and themselves.

The beginning of Christmas starts just after Thanksgiving on Black Friday.

With stores opening as early as 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, Black Friday attempts to bring the best deals of the year, often hosting enormous lines before opening many retailers’ doors. According to BlackFriday.com, “the term ‘Black Friday’ was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. ‘Black’ refers to stores moving from the ‘red’ to the ‘black,’ back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit.” The page continues, explaining that once retailers realized how large the crowds were when discounting prices, it became tradition. In 2012, Business Week reported in their article “What Black Friday’s $59 Billion Really Tells Us” that 247 million shoppers spent an average of $423. The pseudo-event of Black Friday merely feeds into larger pseudo-event of Christmas.

The pseudo-event of Christmas has undoubtedly helped our economy at a hefty cost to consumers. According to a report by Forbes, “How Big is Christmas For Retail?” electronics and appliances, clothing and accessories, and sporting goods and hobbies see nearly 30-40% above their average sales in the months of November and December alone. These numbers are staggering. So what is the hefty cost? Debt, and lots of it.

ABC News published an article called “Lingering Christmas Bills Can Lead to Debt Woes.” They report, “Consumer counseling agencies see a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking help in January and February, and most of that traffic is propelled to their doors by holiday bills that haunt consumers like the ghost of Christmas Past.” Credit cards become a large issue, as they mention “that while 40 percent of credit card users pay their bills in full each month, the remaining 60 percent roll them over – and over and over. [Robert Manning, a senior research fellow at the University of Houston and author of “Credit Card Nation – The Consequences of America’s Addiction to Credit] calculates the average balance of these ‘revolvers’ at more than $11,500.”

Christmas is a cultural icon that is exploited yearly as well, further cementing its position in popular culture as a pseudo-event. ABC Family just began its annual “25 Days of Christmas,” where they show a Christmas related film or show every night up until Christmas night. Nearly every year Christmas movies are released, some like “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” which according to Box Office Mojo is the highest grossing Christmas film with a lifetime earning of $260,044,825.

These films center around Santa Claus, presents, and occasionally wholesome plots like family, the true meaning of Christmas, and more. But when a child is watching “A Christmas Story,” will they understand the true meaning of Christmas? Chances are, no. They don’t care about the parents’ scruples or the way the children learn how to appreciate the holiday. They care about when they finally give their son the famous Red Rider BB Gun that he strived for the entire film. It reinforces the desires for wants, and not needs. Christmas is all about wanting awesome presents, and these films reinforce that notion.

Even small parts of our cultures like food products are centralized around Christmas. Eggnog is only sold around Christmas time, for whatever reason. All of the candies emblazon their brands with holly and Christmas trees and Santa.

Popcorn tins with three kinds of popcorn, and a uniquely designed tin flood the pharmacies around America, and candy canes, which nobody likes, are everywhere.

‘Tis the season to spend frivolously, and since we bought that TV for our 12 year old son, why not buy him a Nestle Crunch Bar with Rudolph on it. That way we can reinforce that while he’s sitting on his couch playing video games, he needs to be eating candy too. It’s only fitting.

The circle of life exists within the pseudo-event of Christmas. Retailers make their prices lower to entice those parents, who have to buy a multitude of presents for their children because of how the media portrays Christmas to them. It’s not about getting together with family, celebrating the birth of Christ and relishing in the gift of giving. It’s all about receiving, spending money, helping our economy, and going into debt.

We have a relatively pleasant weekend in store for us. Friday and Saturday we will may only reach a high of 40 degrees, but it will be generally sunny. Sunday will be warmer than the first two days, but rain and drizzle is possible. That will hardly slow us down! With Christmas fast approaching, people are in festive moods and looking to unwind with the time they have off from work!

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, December 19th

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.

Partridge and a Pear Tree at Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens (5:00pm-6:00pm)
Dating back to the late 1700s, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” written by Frederick Austin, is a carol that enumerates the increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. The Partridge and a Pear Tree was the first gift of this classic holiday song.

Please join the Trustees of Reservations as we celebrate the holiday in honor of the late Allen C. Haskell, who would light the pear tree located along side the historic Hathaway home with his friends and family. Phone: 774-923-7796. Email: ACHaskell@ttor.org. Friday, December 19, 2014, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens, 787 Shawmut Avenue New Bedford, Mass.

Mindful Moms’ Christmas caroling in the west end (6:00pm)
The group will meet at the southeast corner (Rockdale Ave. and Hawthorn St.) of Buttonwood Park. Lyrics, candles, and cookies will be provided. All are welcome. MIMO organizer, Cynthia Roy (30 of New Bedford) is ecstatic about the event. “I can’t wait to see everyone’s face as we dance and sing down Hawthorn Street for the second year!” Last year’s caroling event was a huge success. “We were greeted with so much love and joy. One lady told us we made her week, as she had been feeling under the weather.” Read more: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/mimo-christmas-caroling-west-end/2014/12/02.

Rockdale Ave Neighborhood Association Christmas tree lighting (6:30pm)
The Rockdale Ave Neighborhood Association Christmas tree lighting celebration at Harrington Park in the west end of #NewBedford is this evening at 6:30pm. Santa will also arriving at 6:45pm to indulge in some hot cocoa and cookies with the children and parents. Full details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/rockdale-christmas-tree-lighting/2014/12/19

Painting with a Splash: Van Gogh Field and Winter Lighthouse (7:00pm)
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.

Dock-U-Mentary: In the Path of Storms (FREE movie) (7:00pm)
A monthly film series, presented by Working Waterfront Festival and the National Park, will take the third Friday of each month. Films will be shown in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center. Screenings will be drawn from the WWF’s sizeable collection of documentary films on all aspects of the working port.

Saturday, December 20th

XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.

3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.

NBSO Family Holiday Pops 2014: Magical Moments (3:30pm & 7:00pm)
The NBSO’s Family Holiday Pops Concerts are bursting with magical moments! With holiday music we all love played by a great orchestra, friends and family sharing the joy of the season, and festive holiday decorations, it’s no wonder this concert is a South Coast holiday tradition! The children’s matinee at 3:30 will feature a fun, interactive activity while the 7:00 performance offers a few more carols for a slightly longer concert experience; each child attending either concert receives a gift. Featured performers include soprano Patrice Tiedemann, the New Bedford Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Showstoppers performing arts troupe. Tickets: https://ticketing.zeiterion.org/public/Default.asp

Dedee Shattuck Gallery Masquerade Ball (Westport) (7:00-10:00pm)
Live music, mask making, photo booth, open bar and more.

Painting with a Splash: Santa (12+), Window Wreath, Snowglobe, & Window Cat (12:00pm, 3:00pm, 7:00pm & 7:00pm)
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.

Aine Minogue’s 20th annual Winter Solstice concert (Portsmoouth) (7:00pm)
A night of intriguing harp music, ethereal vocals, winter tales, and tales told out of school by one the the world’s most talented harpists. For some in the Common Fence Music audience, this is a yearly outing. Common Fence Music: Presents all-Ireland Harpist Aine Minogue’s 20th annual Winter Solstice concert. Phone: (401) 683-5085 for tickets. Common Fence Music, 933 Anthony Road.

Sunday, December 21st

XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.

3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights & Polar Express Train Ride (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.

Polar Express is inspired by the run-away hit movie! This holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.

Painting with a Splash: Holiday Martinis (6:00pm)
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.

Blue Christmas/ The Longest Night Service (Fall River) (6:30-7:00pm)
Is all the festivity and cheer of Christmas a little too much for you? Is Christmas going to be different for you this year or has it always been different for you? Are the days leading up to Christmas sad, frustrating, lonely? Here’s an opportunity to experience hope and light in these days. You are invited to our Blue Christmas/ The Longest Night Service. Phone: 508-676-3091. Email: unionunmc@verizon.net. Union United Methodist Church, 600 Highland Ave, Fall River.

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

This weekend is made up of pretty mild temperatures. While we will experience lows below freezing, each day will warm up into the 40s. If you’re a fan of wearing thermals, hoodies, or flannels, you will be thrilled. However, Saturday will experience something that only happens on few corners of the world – contradictory weather in the same day: “Periods of sun, with a snow shower.” No one in New England would balk at this of course. Rain, sleet, snow and sunny? Yeah, we call that “Tuesday.” Otherwise, the weekend will mixed clouds and sun – with no precipitation forecasted for Friday or 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, December 12th

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.

Sparkle! An outdoor family event! (Bristol, R.I.) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Festive fun for the entire family! Come, stroll through Blithewold’s illuminated gardens and Greenhouse, breathe in that crisp Christmas air, or join our carolers as they spread holiday cheer. Come, enjoy music, cocoa, and roasted marshmallows around a roaring bonfire in Blithewold’s Enclosed Garden. Carol singing begins at 6:30 p.m. around the bonfire. Hot Cocoa is free; S’mores kits will be available for $1. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809. Phone: 401.253.2707. Email: amillora@blithewold.org.

Painting with a Splash: Reindeer Fun, Starry Night, & Northern Lights (7:00pm)
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, December 13th

XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)

Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.

3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.

Explorer Zone Day at Buttonwood Park Zoo: Solar System (1:00pm-3:00pm)
Ocean Explorium Explorer Zone Days here at the Zoo. Join us to learn a little more about the critters that call the ocean home!

Cookie decorating (Mattapoisett) (1:00-3:00pm)
Come to the Mattapoisett Library as part of the Mattapoisett Holiday Stroll – listen to some holiday stories and decorate a cookie to take home!

Creative Auctions Holiday Auction (1pm – close)
Looking for some deep discounted NEW items? Creative Auctions is hosting their annual Holiday Auction. Doors open at 1pm and auctions start at 2pm at the Bank Street Armory on 72 Bank Street in Fall River. Get here early because we had a standing room only crowd this past Saturday! Preview of items to expect:

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays. For more info and/or tickets, click on event title.

23rd Annual Holiday House Tour (4:00pm-7:00 pm)
Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, costumed portrayers, spot the Peppermint Pig Scavenger Hunt, holiday raffle.
427 County St., New Bedford. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508.997.7431 to make your reservation. Details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-house-tour/2014/11/0

Parent’s Night Out (4:00-7:00pm)
With the holidays around the corner, “Parents Night Out,” gives parents the opportunity to drop their children off in a fun and safe environment while they run their errands. Fun fitness games, moves, and a pizza party are a few of the ways we will kick off the evening. Parents must register their children no later than December 12th. Ages 6-13. $5. Payment is due at the time of registration. Check or money order payable to “City of New Bedford.” Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman Street, N.B. 508.991.6298.

Painting with a Splash: Mr. Snowman(8+), The Eye (Advanced) & three other XMas themes (12:30pm, 3:00pm, 7:00pm)
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.

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting (7:00 pm)
The Bullard Street Neighborhood Association at Riverside Park on corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Avenue. Santa Claus is ccoming to town with Mrs. Claus for this special occasion to visit with all of the girls and boys.

Sunday, December 14th

New Bedford 5k Santa Run (11am)
The 4th Annual New Bedford 5K Santa run is expected to host 1,000 Santas running through downtown New Bedford. Still want to sign up? Head over to the YMCA downtown starting at 9:30am to race time. The 5K kicks off at 11am. Details: http://www.thesightings.com/event/santa-sightings/

XMas Trees!!! Silverbrook ACUSHNET Country Store – Holiday pies, cakes and cookies (9:00am-4:00pm)
Get your fresh cut XMas tree today! Thinking of the holidays and don’t want to bake? Let the Pereira Bread Co. (a tasty little division of Silverbrook Farm) do the baking for you by ordering one of our famous pies, cakes and cookies. Silverbrook Country Store also has a wonderful and unique line of crafts including their popular candle/potpourri items and a great selection of handmade Amish items that truly make great gifts for any occasion.

It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas at the Newport Mansions (10:00am-5:00 pm)
The glitter of gold and the sparkle of silver will dazzle you as you tour three magnificent mansions decked out in Yuletide finery. Music, tours, and spectacular decorations highlight the celebration of Christmas at the Newport Mansions. For more information, click on event title.

Santa Sightings 5K Race (11:00am)
To benefit the New Bedford Cultural Commision, Gifts to give of New Bedford and the Southcoast YMCA. New to this year, Youth Runs for 6 and under and 7-12. Registration takes place 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7 a.m. Dec. 14. $35, $10 for youth racers. For information visit www.the-sightings/events/santa-sightings. Race starts and finishes at New Bedford City Hall, New Bedford.

3rd Annual Holiday Zubilee at Buttonwood Park Zoo (11:00am-4:00pm)
Experience the holidays in a unique way at the Buttonwood Park Zoo’s third annual Holiday Zoobilee. Visitors will be able to learn how the zoo’s animals stay active through holiday themed keeper chats and animal enrichments. There will be opportunities to decorate a special holiday cookie, deliver your holiday wish list to Santa, and meet Queen Elsa and Princess Anna too! Explore the Zoo in search of our 12 Bears on the Branch hidden throughout the zoo. Both the train and wildlife carousel are included in the Holiday Zoobilee admission price.

23rd Annual Holiday House Tour (1:00pm-5:00 pm)
Enjoy historic homes decorated for the holidays, costumed portrayers, spot the Peppermint Pig Scavenger Hunt, holiday raffle.
427 County St., New Bedford. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508.997.7431 to make your reservation. An elegant pre-tour brunch at the Wamsutta Club will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items. $19 advance purchase, $23 at the door. All proceeds benefit the society. Details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/preservation-society-holiday-house-tour/2014/11/0

New England Irish Harp Orchestra (2:00pm)
Mark your calendars for a holiday performance in the beautiful upstairs reading rooms by the New England Irish Harp Orchestra at the Mattapoisett Library. This exciting and educational presentation, sponsored by the Library Trust, will be preceded by the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library downstairs in the community meeting room at 1:00 p.m.

Edaville: XMas Festival of Lights & Polar Express Train Ride (2:00pm-9:00pm)
Edaville’s Christmas Festival of Lights is arguably the most-loved festival of its kind, having earned generations of loyal fans. Passengers relax comfortably in warm and dry coaches while riding through a spectacular holiday setting featuring an explosion of lights. Kids of all ages will enjoy an array of vintage amusement rides and a visit with Santa in one of our indoor play areas. Stay for a delicious full meal or enjoy seasonal treats while roaming our sprawling and beautifully decorated grounds featuring thousands of Christmas displays.

Polar Express is inspired by the run-away hit movie! This holiday favorite comes to life as you and your family take a ride on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, families are sure to enjoy their trip to the North Pole, complete with hot chocolate and cookies served on board the train. Passengers will then be entertained by a reading of THE POLAR EXPRESS. Upon arrival at the North Pole, Santa will greet the children and each child will receive their own sleigh bell, just like in the movie, to those who BELIEVE.

A Christmas Carol 2014 (2:00pm & 7:00pm)
This beloved production with outstanding sets and lavish costumes from the nationally touring Nebraska Theater Caravan has become the gem of New Bedford’s holiday traditions. Starring miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge, this classic tale of love, generosity and the Spirit of Christmas stirs the hearts of audience members young and old. Join our Zeiterion family for a matinee or evening performance and experience the joy of the season! Tickets: https://ticketing.zeiterion.org/public/Default.asp

Painting with a Splash: Hot Cocoa (6:00pm)
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.

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

Firstly, I know this is a controversial topic so believe me when I say I am reporting everything here as objectively as possible. In fact, I would not have even considered doing an article on this topic, not because it doesn’t matter, but because until outgoing Governor Deval Patrick spoke on it, there wasn’t much of a connection to Massachusetts. Sure I’ve heard about protests here and there, and yes even on the UMass Dartmouth campus, but I haven’t witnessed them well enough to discuss them in any further detail. All I will be doing here is talking about Governor Patrick’s interview with Meet the Press and what if anything we can learn from this tragic incident where one man died and another’s life has fallen to pieces.

Governor Patrick believes that Darren Wilson should have been indicted and tried for the killing of Michael Brown making the case that it would bring comfort to the community and the family, and certainly I can see his point. Something that needs to be considered though is that a trial over the course of several months may have caused protests on either or both sides to intensify through its duration, and if Wilson had still not been found guilty it may have angered protesters even more and caused even more chaos.

In this case it may have been best to let this proverbial powder keg blow up sooner rather than later when it may have been more dangerous. On the other hand if true justice were to prevail in he end it could have resulted in a mass calming effect, and an easing of tensions across the nation. And if indeed Darren Wilson had committed a crime than he should have undoubtedly been held accountable.

I don’t know what truly happened in Ferguson. In cases like this all we can do is trust that the grand jury, which heard evidence and witnesses on the matter and spent a great deal of time deliberating, made the right decision. I don’t know anything about experiencing prejudice, but I do know that power needs to be checked otherwise it grows like a weed, getting more and more out of control and destroying anything beautiful in its path. Thus I would ask policy makers to equip police with cameras, not as an indictment against police for corruption, but as insurance.

One way or the other if Darren Wilson had been wearing a camera on him we would know exactly what happened and maybe could have avoided this strife. On the other hand there was also recently a case in Staten Island, New York where a man illegally selling cigarettes was strangled in a chokehold used by a police officer. The whole incident was caught on tape and ruled a homicide, but yet the grand jury refused to indict. Was it the white members of the jury and some sort of prejudice, or is there some other reasonable explanation for the reason they ruled as they did?

Again I don’t know, I’m no expert on prejudice or race relations, but these questions must be asked and these decisions must be analyzed because of what they could potentially signify. If we can approach the topic with some sort of reasonable, objective discourse than I’m confident we’ll find and be able to reach a solution that will benefit everyone in the long run.

Another thing I think police departments should consider is minimizing their reliance on army grade weaponry and vehicles. This isn’t some comic book universe where super-villains can strike anywhere at any time and it certainly isn’t the Middle East, and so there is little reason the police need to be equipped like soldiers at all times. I can appreciate being prepared, but how many armored vehicles that resemble mini-tanks do we need?

To this day we as a nation are still attempting to overcome the burdens placed on us by centuries of racism and prejudice, and one day we may very well be able to achieve the dream of complete equality and tolerance for all. Through protest great change can be accomplished, but only if it is peaceful, and so if you do choose to protest please follow the example of those who aren’t resorting to violence. If this is important to you, don’t be disparaged by setbacks, and don’t give up, even though this will probably be forgotten by the news media and most of America once the next crisis comes along.

As a kid I was more fortunate than most around the holidays, due to the fact that I got to celebrate both Christmas and Chanukah. Chanukah, or Hanukkah, or Hanukah or whatever other way you choose to spell it, is commonly known as the Festival of Lights and is one of the most famous of the Jewish holidays alongside Passover. Yet for some reason, it has been grossly underrepresented in the media compared to Passover, which has had several movies that have been made about it, the most recent being Exodus: Gods and Kings.

This is especially puzzling considering the story of Chanukah takes place immediately following one of Hollywood’s favorite things to make movies about, i.e. war and revolt, but I digress. Most people I think know the rest, but for those who don’t… basically after the revolt against the occupiers of the region succeeded, a menorah was to be lit each night however there was only enough oil to last for one. Miraculously the oil lasted eight days, long enough for new oil to be made, and so the holiday was born.

As with every holiday people celebrate in their own different ways. In my family the kids get some gelt or chocolate coins, we light a candle on our menorah each night and occasionally we’ll have latkes or fried potato pancakes. Of course, when I was younger I would get dreidels, little spinning tops with Hebrew symbols on them, and I would listen to Adam Sandler’s “Chanukah Song” which is one of the only options other than singing “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel”.

Doing this every year made me feel special, different from the other kids but in a good way like I had won some kind of lottery and gotten a prize to boast about. It was only later in my teenage years that I began to appreciate more the solemnity and tradition of the holiday when my family visited Temple Beth-El in Fall River. On the outside, it was a dull gray and rather unappealing building, but inside its main ceremonial hall, it was as ornate and wondrous as you’d expect from a place of worship. I didn’t spend much time there and eventually, my interest faded away with my visits there, but I still look back on the short time I spent there fondly.

While I’ve always liked Chanukah well enough, I’ve never really loved it in the same way I do with other holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Even though nowadays Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday I used to love Christmas and all that entailed. Spending Christmas Eve with my mother’s side of the family, the special sugar-frosted fried pancakes I would eat in the morning, and of course the rush of tearing open every present under the tree. Now though, as much as I try to recapture that feeling of excitement and pure unfiltered joy I just can’t. Sure there are good moments, and of course, I’m always happy, but it just doesn’t feel the same.

Outside of myself though there’s also been an argument stirring around this time of year about decorations and specifically if towns and cities should keep Christmas decorations off of public lands. I can certainly relate to people who may feel left out and alienated and would encourage any local governments setting up displays to try to include and represent every one of all races and religions, but at the same time I know that isn’t fully possible. Personally I enjoy seeing the decorations and have never thought much about their religious aspect when looking at them. I just marvel at the shiny lights and admire the dedication and effort it takes to try and make a place look good for the holidays, to try and make people smile. And honestly, how can you hate something that was meant to spread messages of goodwill, hope, and peace?

If you don’t like it, ignore it, or ask your local representatives to have something put up to represent your religion, but don’t resort to forcing someone to abide by your beliefs through something like a lawsuit. With that said remember to enjoy the holiday season, and don’t leave gift buying until the last minute.

Hmmmmm….smell that fresh brewed cup of Joe? The melted Boursin cheese? Aromas of a variety of fresh baked muffins? Ogle those grand bowls of salad packed with carefully trimmed and selected vegetables sourced from local farms? The rows of hand made ice cream. This is no dream. This is downtown’s Cafe Arpeggio!

Cafe Arpeggio is a downtown icon that has helped pave the way for the strong economic downtown that we have today. It was people like proprietor Suk Gould who had faith in the direction the city was going that lead the way for many to follow. She also clearly had confidence in her mouth watering fare and coffees – something that has born itself out true since she is still there ten years on. She has even opened two other locations in Fall River and Boston.

I’ve been a regular at Cafe Arpeggio since it opened. I spend so much time there it has become a second office of sorts. I love the coffee, sandwiches, ice cream and the friendly, candid service. Suk has the best scones on planet earth – no joking. Her blueberry scone toasted with butter makes me happy, happy, happy. I can’t imagine life without Cafe Arpeggio and I can’t imagine there is someone in the area that hasn’t been there. This is a spot that is too good not to share with the world.

Korean born Suk attributes her success to using the finest and freshest ingredients. Vegetables and fruits sourced, of course, locally from the South Coast’s finest farms. Her coffee is brought in to the cafe after being micro-roasted in her own roasting facility to her usual high standards. The baked goods are made fresh in the wee hours while most of us are fast asleep. She felt from the very beginning that customers would notice the difference.

She was right.

Cafe Arpeggio is the place to go for breakfast or lunch. There is a saying, “You can’t have fast food and healthy. It’s one or the other.” That is not true! If you only have a half hour for lunch you can do exactly that. Whether choosing from the heaping salads prepared ahead each morning, the gluten-free baked good choices, from the many vegetarian selections, homemade soup, daily blackboard specials or a fresh made sandwich like the Vulgarian – Turkey breast, roast beef, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes, melted Swiss and cheddar cheese, choice of bread – you will get served quickly and the only delay will be how long it takes you to devour the mouth watering plate!

One of my go-to sandwiches is the Boursin Spinach Melt: “Spinach, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, homemade boursin cheese, and havarti cheese on pita bread.” Oh man. I alternate that with the Vegetarian Melt – Romaine lettuce. tomatoes, carrots, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, & spinach with your choice of dressing and cheese on pita bread.

Funny thing is that I am not a vegetarian. Not even close. These sandwiches are so savory that you don’t even notice the absence of meat. However, if you are a carnivore at heart, don’t fret. You will be more than satisfied with the classics like Hot Pastrami, cold or hot Roast Beef, BLT or the special Tiger Beef: Roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, our famous tiger sauce and melted cheddar cheese with your choice of bread.

What I also enjoy is the varieties of cheese, including uncommon ones, that one can choose from: Havarti, cheddar, Swiss, American, provolone or the aforementioned boursin.

Those salads I mentioned? They are all served with white or whole wheat pita bread and your choice of Italian, sweet basil, thousand island, honey mustard, creamy cucumber, Greek, creamy ginger, or fat-free raspberry vinaigrette dressing. All the standard salads are available like the Garden, Greek, Tuna, Chef, Caeser, or Chicken but you can also get a home-made Tabouleh-Hummous Salad.

I’m getting worked up here. My mouth is salivating, just thinking about it.

If you have little ones with you, there are kids’ menu options like peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter & banana, grilled cheese & tomato, and plenty of breakfast items.

Of course, one cannot mention the HOMEMADE ice cream – all 103 flavors. Anyone who is a downtown denizen, knows there is not a better spot around to get genuine homemade ice cream.

Every Wednesday the ice cream is made fresh at the Fall River location and delivered to each location.

Cafe Arpeggio is also the place to go on Thursday evenings, as open mic which is run by Art Tebbetts, who is a New Bedford icon himself. Word of warning: get there early because it will be PACKED.

What I love most about Cafe Arpeggio is that while it is a superlative cafe with all the regular options, it is representative of melting pot that is America. Suk, being a Korean immigrant seized the opportunity presented and merged the culture she came from with the culture she came to love. She offers a variety of kimchis now. A healthy, delicious lunch option. Since I think Korean cuisine is the best on the planet, I am super excited that Suk is offering kimchi. In fact, she is not only making it for her three locations, but mentioned that she is going to have a facility solely to produce Korean delicacies in the near future. The focus will be on wholesale, and to supply local restaurants and eateries, but some items will make their way to her Cafe Arpeggio menus.

If you haven’t been in a while or – gasp – never been, here is your reminder or eye opener. If you are a regular and ever in Fall River or South Boston, you can get your fix at one of the other spots. In addition, to the three locations if you love what Suk offers at Cafe Arpeggio, you will really enjoy her catering service.

Cafe Arpeggio
800 Purchase Street
Phone: 508.679.3333.
Thursday 7:00am-10:00pm
Saturdays: 8:00am-5:00pm
Closed Sundays

Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Arpeggio-of-New-Bedford/481614641974674
Website: cafearpeggio8.webnode.com/
Menu: cafearpeggio8.webnode.com/menu

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Over the past ten years the Working Waterfront Festival has recorded every performance and conversation on our stages, creating a rich audio archive of music, fisher poetry, storytelling, and more. This year we were fortunate to receive funding from Mass Humanities to support the work of a Scholar in Residence, Diana Lempel, to listen to our Narrative Stage audio recordings and help us use them to understand family and community identity in the commercial fishing industry.

Diana will be sharing some of the most compelling moments from the Festival’s Narrative Stage as part of the December AHA, Thursday, December 11th at 7:30 pm at the National Park Theater (33 William Street). A multi-media exhibit of Diana’s work can be viewed at https://shiptoshore2014.wordpress.com/.

This work is part of the Festival’s Community Documentation Project which has also collected over 120 oral history interviews with a wide range of individuals connected to fishing communities in New England and beyond. Many of these interviews were incorporated into a series of 24 radio programs called Voices from the Port and a book, Voices from the Waterfront: Portrait of the New Bedford Fishing Industry. All of the oral histories have been transcribed and are archived as part of the NOAA Voices from the Fisheries web-based archive: http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/voicesfromthefisheries/ .