LifeStream and Bridgewater State University (BSU) recently launched The Assistive Technology Academy, an Assistive Technology (AT) Training Certificate program for direct support professionals in southeastern Massachusetts.

The program format is a combination of online and in-person/classroom options. It includes classroom/lab activities at the BSU campus and in-context learning activities. The program is completed over a ten-week period, at approximately 1.5 hours per week.

Melissa Pepin, LifeSteam’s Director of AT and Therapy Services, oversees the program with Dr. James Feeney, Assistant Professor at BSU. “Assistive Technology has become a critical element in support services for individuals with disabilities, helping to increase independence and socialization,” said Ms. Pepin. “The program helps direct support professionals develop and implement a customized AT plan, provides access to training materials and other resources, and offers up to date information on a wide range of AT tools.”

Classes focus on topics including “What is AT?” and “Augmentative Communication,” as well as instructions on completing a screening assessment and developing a support plan. All classes are geared towards helping participants increase independence for those they support. At the end of each ten-week session, each participant presents a project related to AT and the support provided to an individual based on what they learned during the class.

The pilot program has been a huge success, with participants actively demonstrating the knowledge and skills they have utilized with the individuals they support. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is seeing how attendees are applying what they’ve learned to real-life situations,” said Dr. Feeney. “Many of them have noted how surprised they were with the abundance of available AT services, and how much they have learned from the program.”

For additional information please contact Melissa Pepin at mpepin@lifestreaminc.com.
Want to work for this amazing organization? They’re hiring: https://www.lifestreaminc.com/careers/

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of June 13, 2022 – June 17, 2022, and they are as follows

Eversource will be working on the gas main relays:

• Main Relay on Phillips Rd. from Holly Tree Lane to Route 140
• Main Relay on Nauset St. from Mt. Pleasant to Hathaway Rd.
• Main Relay on Wood St. & Belleville Ave.

Other:

• City (DPI) will be performing work at the intersection of Rockdale Ave and Allen Street for water main assembly. Detours will be in place during working hours. Water main shutdown to take place, all impacted services will receive 24-hour notice with specific date, time & estimate duration of the shutdown.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on the Union Street-Phase II road reconstruction project (Sixth Street to County Street).
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at the following roadways in preparation for top course repaving: Orchard Street (Union St to Arnold St), Weld Street (Summer St to Myrtle St), Gifford St (Morton Ct to terminus), and Valentine Street (intersection of Brock Ave and intersection of W. Rodney French Blvd). Previous week’s rainy weather resulted in a delay in the paving schedule.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at the MassDOT project, Kings Highway, new traffic signal operations and sign installations.
• Contractor (JH Lynch) will continue work at MassDOT project, intersection improvements at Rockdale Ave and Allen Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on sidewalk reconstruction along a portion of Cove Road from Padanaram Avenue to Orchard Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on various streets, citywide, completing minor repairs and installations.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on sidewalk sewer main installation on Cedar Street from Hillman Street to North Street.
• Contractor (INDUS) will be crack sealing various roadways city-wide.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us.

“If you’re driving on the Mass Pike over the next couple of weeks, you might notice a colorful sight on the westbound side.

As our Pink Cruiser continues to make its way around the Commonwealth, it’s currently parked at our State Police-Weston Barracks.

The cruiser is a symbol of support and solidarity for all who have fought, and continue to fight, breast cancer and all types of cancer. We hope you take notice if you find yourself passing by.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

On June 3, 2022, Jeffery E. Riley Stadium at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech was filled with family, friends and members of our school community as the Class of 2022 Artisans crossed the stage at our annual graduation ceremony.

The ceremony was opened with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem performed by Deysia Andrade, a member of the class of 2022.

The Mistresses of Ceremonies were the valedictorian, Abigail Borges and salutatorian, Kara Koska. Both remarked on the value of career and technical education and discussed their involvement in the school community throughout the years. In their remarks, they focused on the value that their education at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech has afforded them.

The keynote address was delivered by Fairhaven Selectboard Chair, Stasia Powers. She expressed her wishes for the graduates, “May you have the confidence to always do your best. If you do the work, you will be rewarded. All you need to do is have the confidence to try. Look inside yourselves and find what makes your heart sing” she said.

In his welcome remarks, Superintendent Watson applauded the class of 2022 for their resilience in the face of adversity. “Reading, learning, and the relationships these artisans have built with one another are the tools that will build the foundation for everything they will do in their lives. Building this foundation has been nothing short of challenging” Mr. Watson remarked. He focused on how this particular class has overcome a myriad of challenges throughout their four years of high school as they had to adapt with the pandemic. In his closing, Mr. Watson urged the students to “Embrace your experiences, challenge yourselves every day with all your heart.”

All photos by Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School:

Clube S.S. Sacramento Inc., sponsors of the greatest Portuguese Feast in the World,

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

Rick Fernandes, President of the 106th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament and his committee have announced the 2022 Headliners!

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament features continuous live Portuguese & American entertainment at five performance locations. The 2022 Entertainment Committee has been hard at work to continue the tradition of top-quality, “FREE” Entertainment for folks of all ages!

“We are proud to announce that Get the Led Out, will headline the Feast on Thursday Night, The Great Escape (A Tribute to Journey) will headline Friday Night, On Saturday night a special guest is going to be announced very soon, and Danny Klein’s Full House will finish our celebration off on Sunday Night!”

Along with our headliners, we are proud to announce our full entertainment schedule which can be found on our website: http://feastoftheblessedsacrament.com

FREE ADMISSION! GREAT FOOD & OUTDOOR CONCERTS!

Fun for everyone with 4 DAYS & 4 STAGES of Free Live Entertainment! Enjoy Great Food, Carnival, Parade, Road Race, Family & Kids Day, Museum Cafe Entertainment and so much more!

Feast President, Rick Fernandes & 2022 Feast Committee – Keeping Tradition Strong!
Thank you and we can’t wait to see you August 4, 5, 6, 7, 2022!

http://feastoftheblessedsacrament.com

https://museumofmadeiranheritage.ning.com

Launching on July 16, 2022, 988 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Background
In 2020, Congress designated a new three-digit dialing code – 988 – that will route callers to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). The new three-digit code will take effect on July 16, 2022.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), is working to launch the new 988 code, which is expected to strengthen and expand the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Moving to 988 does not mean the current 800 number (1-800-273-8255) for Lifeline goes away. Dialing either number will route callers to the same services, no matter which number they use.

Benefits of switching to 988
Switching to a three-digit number means that callers who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts, who are at risk of suicide, or who are struggling with emotional distress will be able to call 988, an easy-to-remember number.

This will make it easier for Americans in crisis or who are worried about a friend or loved one to access the help they need, while decreasing the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues. Much like the use of 911 for emergency response, calling 988 will deliver a full range of crisis care services, essential to meeting behavioral health crisis needs across the nation.

Planning for 988 in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is working with a wide range of partner organizations and healthcare providers on the transition from the current 10-digit number (1-800-273-8255) to the new three-digit 988.

An implementation team has been formed with multiple partners who would be responsible for administration of services here in MA. These partners include: Call2Talk, Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands, Samaritans, Inc., Samaritans of Merrimack Valley, Samaritans Southcoast, Department of Mental Health, MassHealth, 911, Mass Behavioral Health Partnership who oversee the Emergency Service Providers, and the Mass Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

It is important to remember that while the number is shorter, it will still connect Massachusetts callers to the same compassionate, non-judgmental, confidential, support that has been available via the 24-hour Lifeline for many years.

988 job opportunities
The easier-to-remember number will expand access for callers, and that means staff and volunteers are needed more than ever. Working at a 988 Call Center provides an opportunity to get involved with meaningful work and truly make a difference for callers in need of support.

Centers are hiring now for paid positions, internships, and volunteer roles. Extensive training and supervision are provided, and remote opportunities are available. For information about current positions and how to apply, please visit each center’s website below:

• Call2Talk (Framingham):
Work as a crisis counselor to answer phones and respond to those who may be struggling. Volunteer, internship and full-time employment opportunities available. Positions at Call2Talk are located at their center in Framingham. Visit Mass 211 to send your cover letter and resume.

• Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands:
Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is hiring for Crisis Line Associates and On-Call Shift Managers. Part-time and Full-time opportunities are available. Visit Samaritans on Cape Cod to apply.
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley:
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is hiring for several positions, including full-time, part-time, and overnight Crisis Line Specialists as well as supervisory and management roles. Remote positions and signing bonuses are available for many positions! Visit Family Services of the Merrimack Valley to apply.

• Samaritans, Inc (Boston):
Samaritans, Inc. in Boston is hiring for several Helpline positions, including coordinator and supervisor roles. Full and part time positions available, with competitive benefits for full time employees! Remote positions are available. Visit Samaritans Hope to apply.

• Samaritans Southcoast:
Samaritans Southcoast is hiring for part-time and full-time Helpline Managers and Specialists for remote-only work. Overnight, day and evening, and paid internship opportunities are also available! Visit Samaritans Southcoast to apply.

What is 988?
988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers. Beginning July 16, 2022, 988 will be available 24/7, 365 days a year. Trained counselors, who are not clinicians, are available to provide free, confidential emotional support for people in distress and answer all calls at local crisis call centers. With an easy to remember number like 988, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional crisis and connect those to services if needed.

Why do we need 988?
Suicide prevention is a critical need. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The adoption of the new three-digit number reflects a commitment to delivering necessary intervention services. Similar to using 911 for emergency calls, switching to an easy-to-remember 988 for suicide prevention and mental health crisis services will make it easier for Americans in crisis to access the help they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health issues.

Who is 988 for?
Anyone. 988 is for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. It is also for an individual who is worried about a loved one and not sure how to support that person or where to get them help. Trained counselors, who are not clinicians, are available to provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers.

When does 988 take effect?
988 will go live on July 16, 2022. Individuals who need help today should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling 1-800-273- 8255 (1-800-273-TALK) and through online chat, suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.)

Is 988 accessible to all callers and are there services available for specific groups?
Those who are deaf or hard of hearing may use the online chat function or TTY users may use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255. Additional information: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Language translation services are also available to all callers, specifically the Spanish Language Line can be accessed by pressing 2 after dialing. Additional information: Spanish Language services.

Service Members, Veterans, and their Families may reach the Veterans Crisis Line by pressing 1 after dialing, as well as by chatting online at veteranscrisisline.net or texting 838255.

LGBTQ youth may also use the Trevor Lifeline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting 678-678 to access information and support for LGBTQ youth.

Is the 1-800-273-8255 Lifeline number going away?
No. Moving to 988 does not mean the 800 number goes away. Dialing either number will get people to the same services, no matter which number they use. In the end, 988 is an easier-to-remember way for people to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers. The same centers who answer the 800 number will answer 988.

How will 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program interact?
Increased collaboration between 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program will give more options for those in crisis, such as dispatching mobile crisis teams to individuals in mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis rather than police, fire, or EMS, and greater coordination of care options like crisis stabilization units.

How is 988 different than 211?
Mass211 works to connect callers to a large array of health and human service organizations and providers that are convenient to where they live. This information and referrals are available 24/7/365 in over 150 languages. Mass211 is also home to one of the local Lifeline centers, as such, Mass211 call takers are highly trained to respond to callers experiencing loneliness, isolation, desperation, and potentially suicidal ideation and can provide support for people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress in the very moments they need it most.

Will text and chat capabilities be available for 988?
Chat is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat. People seeking chat services will be provided a pre-chat survey before connecting with a counselor that identifies the main area of concern. If there is a wait to chat with a crisis counselor, a wait-time message will appear. If demand is high, individuals can access the Lifeline’s “helpful resources” while waiting or call 1-800-273-8255 (or 988 after July 16, 2022). Once connected, a crisis counselor will listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.

Text will be available through 988 by July 16, 2022. When someone texts to 988, they will be responded to by a group of Lifeline crisis centers that respond to chat and text. Planning and developing infrastructure to increase local response to text and chat is underway. Once connected, a crisis counselor will listen to you, work to understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.

Paper Shredding Day is Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or until the shred truck fills up. The event is at the Dartmouth Highway Department, 976 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth. All are welcome; there is no residency requirement. Individuals may bring up to two boxes of paper.

The shred truck can only take a certain amount of paper, so the limit of two boxes allows Paper Shredding Day to serve more people. The event will end when the shred truck is full; it is possible it may be before noon. Each box should weigh no more than 30 to 40 pounds. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed, but please remove paper from folders and binders.

When each participant reaches the shred truck, staff will remove boxes from the trunk of your vehicle, empty them into a recycle bin, and return boxes to participants. The recycle bin is emptied into the Shred-it truck. Shred-it is certified by the National Association for Information Destruction and adheres to their stringent security practices and procedures. For safety purposes, participants are not able to watch the destruction of their paper.

“Identity theft is a growing concern. Everyone must be vigilant in protecting personal information. Shredding your documents is an excellent way to protect yourself and your family, NBCU is proud to sponsor these community shredding days.” said Berta Varao, President & CEO at NBCU.

Shredding confidential documents helps to prevent identify theft, protect personal information, and prevent valuable resources from being sent to the landfill. The shredded paper will be recycled into new products such as paper towels.

Event is sponsored by NBCU and held in partnership with the Town of Dartmouth, the City of New Bedford, and the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.

For more information, please visit gnbrrmdistrict.org, call the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District at (508) 979-1493, or email Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.

Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District photo.

“It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of K9 Echo, the longtime partner of Lieutenant David Nims. Echo had just turned 10, and served the Massachusetts State Police K9 for 7 ½ years until her recent retirement, all of them spent working with Lieutenant Nims.

Echo first partnered with then-Trooper Nims in September 2014, beginning a long career in service to Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her career ended only when Lieutenant Nims was promoted to his current rank several months ago and re-assigned to a supervisory role in the Department’s Special Operations Section.

Smart, fearless, and tenacious, Echo loved going to work every day. Among the many highlights of her career, she once tracked down a stabbing suspect wanted for attempted murder.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

In another case, Echo located a fleece jacket worn by a murder suspect who had discarded the clothing in the woods. When Echo found it, inside the pocket were prescription bottles in the murder victim’s name, which proved to be key evidence.

Several times, Echo tracked missing suicidal persons, ensuring that authorities could get them help before they harmed themselves. She also alerted to hidden narcotics numerous times, resulting in multiple arrests of drug traffickers, and also sniffed out the odor of drugs on large amounts of cash several times, leading to the seizures of the illicit drug proceeds. Echo was a dedicated, devoted, and, most of all, loyal partner.

She made Lieutenant Nims, her unit, and the Massachusetts State Police proud, and we were honored to have counted her as part of our family. Please keep her, and all the hard-working police and military dogs who serve this great nation and its communities, in your prayers. Like their human partners, they, too, sacrifice of themselves so the rest of us can sleep soundly at night.

Play time, now and forever, Echo. You have earned it.” -Massachusetts State Police.

“New zoo baby! Buttonwood Park Zoo is now home to the largest bearded emperor tamarin group within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums!

Parents, Pepper and Jack, were imported from Europe in 2019, based on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan program, with the intention of boosting the relatively small population while enhancing the genetic diversity in North America – and they have done just that!

Pepper and Jack now have 7 offspring appropriately named Brie, Gouda, Feta, Cheddar, Parm, and Reggiano. What should their newest offspring be named!? Drop us a comment with your suggestion!

Bearded emperor tamarins can only be seen at 12 AZA-accredited facilities in the U.S. Native to lowland tropical rainforests of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru, these small, tree-dwelling monkeys are not currently endangered, but rapid deforestation, infrastructure construction, and wildlife trafficking are threatening this species. Their numbers are currently declining in the wild.” -Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Photo by Jessica Martinho.

Photo by Jessica Martinho.

“On Monday, June 6th, the Wareham Fire Department held a swearing-in and badge pinning ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

District Clerk / Treasurer Wendy Lemieux started off the ceremony with the official swearing-in for all 14 members. Chief John Kelley and Assistant Chief Patrick Haskell then recognized each call-firefighter who had graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy and was pinned with their badge.

There were three academy classes worth of call firefighters present at the pinning due to the pandemic. There had been earlier fire academy graduates who had not been able to be part of the ceremonial and traditional badge pinning.

Class #087 – Graduation date 11/04/20
• FF Joshua Shadan
• FF Anthony Visconte

Class #093- Graduation date 11/01/21
• FF Kyle Geggatt
• FF Lisa Pratt
• FF Devin Silva

Class #097- Graduation date 5/23/22
• FF Mason Freitas
• FF Savannah Kelley
• FF Ryan Langlois
• FF Hunter LaRochelle
• FF Wilfred Ouellette
• FF Paul Santos Jr.
• FF Andrew Sargood
• FF Marque Silva
• FF James Tokarz Jr.

All 14 firefighters completed an extensive and comprehensive training program of 240 hours on nights and weekends.

During this training, they became proficient in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. With this training, they are now certified as firefighters according to the standard set forth by the National Fire Protection Association.

Those sworn-in represent Chief Kelley’s commitment to strengthening the call firefighting staff, who work side by side with the career members of the Wareham Fire Department to provide optimum emergency services.” -Wareham Fire Department.

All photos by the Wareham Fire Department: