“I am trying to locate my cousin’s burial site. She passed away and I was not told.

I am just looking to pay respects and visit her from time to time. She was my uncle’s daughter. His name was Jose F. Cabral. Her name is Audrey A. Ellis (Cabral) she died 1/30/13.

She has a brother who was also not told of her passing. We just want to find her grave site. If she was not buried, we just want to honor her. If we can locate her ashes we will take care of the rest.

Her family wants to really locate her and her remains. Please share this. We want her with her parents, siblings and with Butch. Her true love.

Thank you! Also- No questions will ever be asked. Thank you all! My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/chris.cabral.334 and my email is mirthlady@aol.com” -Chris Cabral Martin.

Chris Cabral Martin photo.

Although Massachusetts Bat Week has passed, Life Scout Nicholas Cieri of Stoneham Troop 513 is doing his part to boost local bat survival in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

Nicholas launched a GoFundMe fundraiser for his Eagle project in which he will be constructing 6 bat boxes. He wrote, “These bat boxes will provide an alternative roosting habitat for little brown bats, which are currently an endangered species in Massachusetts due to White-nose Syndrome.”

Per the GoFundMe, the bat boxes will be located at the Botume House Visitor Center and around the Sheepfold Dog Park. Noah hopes to raise $800 for his project.

Troop 513 can be reached here: jack@troop513stoneham.org and (617) 957-4094.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife photo.

Donations will be accepted November 1 – November 21 at Bask

Bask, Inc. (“Bask”), a locally owned cannabis dispensary in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, has announced plans for their 4th annual Food Drive for Veterans.
Donations will be collected at Bask’s adult-use and medical dispensary between Monday, November 1st, 2021 through Sunday, November 21st, at 2 Pequod Road in Fairhaven, MA.

Bask, which is Veteran owned and operated, continues its commitment to the community with
donations going directly to the Veterans Association of Bristol County (VABC). The VABC provides
resources including a food pantry, counseling services, and support to the area’s Veteran population.
“This will be our fourth donation drive for Veterans since opening Bask in 2018 and we hope it will be
our biggest yet,” explains Bask CEO and Veteran, Chapman Dickerson. “Our goal is to collect enough
food to help Veterans enjoy a nice meal on Thanksgiving.”
“As a company, we are committed to helping those in our community. For those who have served our
country, it’s our turn to give back,” says Dickerson.

Bask will be collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, and grocery store gift cards at the
dispensary located at 2 Pequod Road in Fairhaven. Donations can be dropped off at either entrance
during regular business hours. The medical entrance is open from 9am to 7pm and the adult use
entrance is open from 9am to 9pm daily.

Bask has been serving registered medical patients at the Fairhaven dispensary since 2018. The multi-
award-winning cannabis dispensary, cultivator, and manufacturer was named Best Dispensary in 2019
by south coast residents and recently expanded its cannabis retail operations in Fairhaven with the
addition of recreational sales to adults 21 and older in February of 2021.

About Bask, Inc.
The founders of Bask are experienced medical cannabis cultivators, educators, and advocates. The team
came together over a shared vision to create an environment where patients could learn and have safe
access to quality products. Bask opened its doors to medical patients in February of 2018 as the first
cannabis dispensary on the South Coast of Massachusetts. In February of 2020, the company moved its
cultivation and processing operation to a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility in Freetown, MA in
partnership with AmeriCann, Inc.

Family comes first for Bristol County K9 Officer Ryan Isherwood. Family members on two and four legs that is.

Officer Isherwood, a Marine Corps. veteran and longtime corrections and K9 officer at the BCSO, stood at a podium in a function room on Friday. Family, friends, co-workers and others in law enforcement gathered for a graduation ceremony to honor Officer Isherwood and his new K9 partner Xeus (pronounced Zeus).

It marked the end of an emotional road for Officer Isherwood, whose first K9 partner Xiro (pronounced Zero) was forced to retire last year due to a medical condition at only 3 years old.

Bristol County K9 Officer Ryan Isherwood and his partner Xeus recently graduated from the apprehension and tracking academy. Over the last 16 weeks, the pair trained across the area in different environments and on different surfaces, including Battleship Cove in Fall River. Photo courtesy of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office.

“Having a dog that’s sick at home is a lot,” Officer Isherwood said before stopping to compose himself while looking at his wife, Ali, and two of his children in the first row. “She’s my rock and I wouldn’t be here without her.”

Officer Isherwood spent the last 16 weeks starting over from square one with Zeus, a 16-month-old Belgian Malinois who weighs around 80 pounds. Starting with bonding and communication, the pair worked toward certification in tracking and apprehension over the last few months.

“It was extremely tough for Ryan to retire his first partner,” Supt. Steven Souza said at the graduation ceremony. “Xeus is a great patrol dog and will be an amazing addition to our K9 unit.”

Xiro is now a retired dog and fills the role of Isherwood family pet perfectly. He plays with the ball and the children, goes for walks and lounges in the yard as part of the family.

The tracking and apprehension academy was headed by Sgt. William Dillingham, who said Officers Xeus and Isherwood are more than ready to serve and protect the people of Bristol County.

“They’ve both put a lot of work in,” Sgt. Dillingham said. “Zeus is a great dog and Ryan is a true professional. This team will hit the ground running and help keep people safe across Bristol County.”

The BCSO has two K9 graduations scheduled for next month. Officer Filipe DaSilva and his partner, K9 Robika, are completing the drug detection program, and the town of Fairhaven will welcome its first law enforcement K9 team when Officer Jill Jodoin and her partner, K9 Blue, finish the drug detection academy.

“Last month on October 9, members of the New Bedford Police Union Cycle Team participated in the 2021 Police Unity Tour, where they biked from Parsippany, New Jersey to the National Police Memorial in Washington, DC totaling 320 miles.

The Unity Tour’s purpose is to honor our brothers and sisters in blue who made the ultimate sacrifice. ??”

New Bedford Police Department photo.

Ten dogs are now safe at Northeast Animal Shelter after being rescued from a “humane” society in Arkansas that was shut down following a police raid that uncovered dead and emaciated dogs, rat colonies and mountains of trash.

With your support, they’ll get the urgent care they need and deserve, so please make an emergency gift right away.

These poor pups were among a total of 240 dogs found living in filthy conditions. After being evacuated from the Humane Society of the Delta, they were transported to a shelter in Tennessee, where members of our staff then relocated them up to Massachusetts.

Amazingly enough, the dogs in our care are friendly despite all the trauma they’ve endured, and will be placed in loving adoptive homes after completing a mandatory 48-hour quarantine and undergoing medical and behavior evaluations.

Help ensure we have the food and supplies needed to care for these unexpected arrivals, in addition to any medical treatment they may need, by making a gift today. See how here.

Let’s show these abused and neglected dogs, who may have never known love, that humans can be trusted.” -Northeast Animal Shelter.

Northeast Animal Shelter photo.

Northeast Animal Shelter photo.

Northeast Animal Shelter photo.

Pediatric Vaccines Arriving in City; McCoy Rec Center a “One-Stop Shop” for Vaccinations and Boosters; Start Vaccinations Now to Have Safe and Healthy Holidays in December.

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for the next several days in New Bedford. No appointment is needed at these walk-up clinics. Available vaccines can change according to supplies. Clinics now are offering CDC-approved booster shots for eligible recipients, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines and, at some locations, pediatric vaccines. Details on boosters and pediatric vaccines are below.

Friday, November 5:

• PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., J&J, Pfizer and Moderna; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Saturday, November 6:

• Riverside Park (Belleville Ave., North End) – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer and J&J

Monday, Nov. 8:

• Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J; pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old

Tuesday, Nov. 9:

• Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (874 Purchase St.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J
• Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., J&J, Pfizer and Moderna

Thursday, Nov. 11:

• Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (874 Purchase St.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J

Pediatric Vaccines Available: COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 to 11 years old are arriving in New Bedford and will be available at upcoming clinics, including Friday, Nov. 5, at PAACA on Coggeshall Street and Monday, Nov. 8, at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center.

“Mondays at McCoy” are One-Stop Shop for Vaccines: With the arrival of pediatric vaccines at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, the center’s Monday clinics from 2 to 7 p.m. – upcoming dates include Nov. 8, 15, and 22 – are now “one-stop shops” for families and people of all ages seeking COVID-19 protection, whether it be first or second doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines, boosters, or pediatric vaccines.

In-Home Vaccination Available by Appointment: The city and state are offering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly for elderly residents or those not able to travel to a clinic. To schedule an in-home vaccination (Moderna or J&J) with the New Bedford Health Department, call the department’s main line, 508-991-6199, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

To schedule an in-home vaccination (Moderna, Pfizer or J&J) through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, call the In-Home Vaccination Central Intake Line at (833) 983-0485, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-in-home-vaccination-program

Booster Shots Approved for Eligible Recipients: The CDC has approved booster recommendations for Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines. Booster shots are available at local vaccine clinics, for people who are eligible under the following criteria.

For people who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

***Moderna boosters now available at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, Fire Station 11, and PAACA clinics***

For anyone 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, a booster shot is recommended two or more months after their initial shot.

Mixing & Matching: The CDC also has approved mixing and matching of vaccine types for the booster dose. When first getting vaccinated, people should still get two doses of the same vaccine type, but for the booster, a different vaccine from the initial series can be used, following the criteria above.

More info: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations, especially ahead of the holidays: Vaccination levels in the region remain low, and daily case rates remain high. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination is critically important ahead of the holiday season, when large family gatherings could lead to super-spreader events among people who are unvaccinated.

**Start vaccinations now to be fully vaccinated by late December and the New Year**

City leaders and health officials are urging unvaccinated residents to get their first shot and begin vaccination as soon as possible, in order to have safe and healthy holidays.

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of November 8, 2021 – November 12, 2021 and they are as follows:

ALL CONSTRUCTION CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY, THURSDAY NOV. 11th:

Eversource will be working on the gas main relays and services at:

• Paving temporary trench repair on Phillips Rd from Heritage Ct to Holly Tree Ln
• Replacing gas services on Elizabeth St, Bedford St and Taber St
• Abandoning gas main on Waldo St and Vernon St
• Tie in gas main and replacing gas services on Phillips Rd starting from Birchwood Dr to Hillcrest Dr
• Working on the regulators on Holly St at Belleville Ave
• Relaying gas main on Church St at Tarkiln Hill Rd

Other:

• Contractor (PA Landers) will be on Cottage St (Parker St to Sycamore St) for various sidewalk restoration areas. No Parking zone signs will be posted in areas as necessary.
• Contractor (PA Landers) to continue sidewalk roadway improvements on Weld St from Summer St to Myrtle St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be conducting test pits on Cedar St (Maxfield St to Hillman St) for upcoming sewer main installation.
• Contactor (AGS) will be replacing sidewalk panels at various utility pole locations throughout the city.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be repairing various roadway and sidewalks citywide.
• Contractor (JH Lynch) to continue work at MassDOT Project #608536, intersection improvements at Rockdale Ave X Allen St. Detours during working hours will be required for installation of new drainage throughout the project site. Signage will be posted for detour routes.
• Contractor (K.R. Rezendes, Inc.) to continue work at MassDOT Project #606718, roadway reconstruction and related work (including traffic signal installation) along a section of Hathaway Rd, Nauset St and Mt Pleasant St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) to continue work at MassDOT Project #606709 with roadway and sidewalk reconstruction and utility install related work along a section of Kings Highway and Tarkiln Hill Rd.
• 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.) Contractor will be performing test pits in Wamsutta St. Street closure from Acushnet Ave to N Front St. Detour signage and police details will be in place. If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Due to ongoing construction at the High Hill Reservoir residents may experience discolored water. The water is safe, and the discoloration will be temporary. We recommend allowing the water to settle for a few hours and then flushing your service line by letting the bathtub run for a few minutes until the water runs clear.
Hydrant Flushing:
• The City will be flushing hydrants Saturday and Sundays between November 13th and November 27th. Industrial Park (along Braley Rd, Church St, Phillips Rd, Duchaine Blvd, Samuel Barnet Blvd and John Vertente Blvd.), the Fish Houses (along Coggeshall St and North Front St, Herman Melville Blvd, MacArthur Drive from Front St to Cove St), Pier 2, Pier 4, State Pier and Downtown (between Maxfield St and Walnut St and from County St to the Waterfront)
Union St. Phase II Sewer Separation Project:
• Contractor (C. Naughton Corp.) will begin installing storm drain structures along Union St between Sixth St and County St. During working hours, Union St will be closed between Eighth St and Sixth St. Westbound traffic on Union St will be detoured via Pleasant St, Elm St and County St. Eastbound traffic on Union St will be detoured via Spring St and Pleasant St. Construction/detour signage will be posted and police details will be on-site to assist with traffic management.

** Please note: Contractors will continue to follow guidelines and protocol regarding COVID-19 social distancing while conducting work in construction zone.

A decade worth of institutional sustainability efforts were awarded by Princeton Review’s latest rankings

UMass Dartmouth was named one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges according to The Princeton Review Guide to Green Colleges: 2022 Edition. This is the tenth year in a row UMass Dartmouth has made the prestigious list.

The Princeton Review chose 420 schools for distinction based on its survey of administrators at 835 colleges in 2020-21 about their institutions’ commitments to the environment and sustainability. The company’s editors analyzed more than 25 survey data points to select the schools.

“UMass Dartmouth continues our efforts to support a broad portfolio of sustainable activities across the campus. We are honored to be recognized for the 10th year running and invite any prospective student who wants to attend a campus that is leading by example on sustainability, to check us out,” said Jamie Jacquart, Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability.

Over the past year, UMass Dartmouth has upgraded campus infrastructure to operate in a less-impactful way. This includes wrapping steam piping in removable insulating jackets that allow for valves to be checked while keeping pipes insulated during operations. The university has also partnered with Eversource to upgrade fluorescent lighting to more efficient LED bulbs. This includes a complete changeover at UMass Law, the School for Marine Science and Technology, the CVPA STAR Store in downtown New Bedford, and several buildings on the main campus. The lighting upgrade initiative is currently 50% complete and is anticipated to finish by the end of 2022.

“We strongly recommend UMass Dartmouth to students who care about the environment want to study and live at a green college,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief. “UMassD offers excellent academics and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that is exemplary on many counts.”

Franek noted that The Princeton Review has seen an increasing level of interest among students in attending colleges with green practices, programs, and offerings. Seventy-eight percent of the more than 11,000 college applicants that participated in The Princeton Review’s 2021 College Hopes & Worries Survey said that having information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend a school. This was a 12% increase over the 66% who felt that way during the 2020 survey.

The university operates a 520-kW battery storage system, in combination with other measures, that reduce the electrical load from the grid during peak usage times. The new battery was the latest in a series of campus sustainability infrastructure upgrades, including a 1.6MWh Co-generation plant and 269 kW of solar photovoltaic panels.

In 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) named UMass Dartmouth as the “College/University Partner of the Year” for the 2018 national WasteWise awards. The UMass Dartmouth Dining Services team was recognized for its proper management of purchasing and food production to minimize leftovers. Dining Services also donates unsold, prepared packaged foods weekly during the school year to local liturgical ministries serving the homeless. In 2017, Dining Services unveiled a new program called Meals with Dignity, in which student volunteers work to package meals made with wholesome, leftover food from the dining hall on a biweekly basis and to deliver meals to the on-campus food pantry.

Recently released data shows 65% of eligible UMassD students voted.

UMass Dartmouth students were part of a dramatic rise in voting participation during the 2020 Presidential Election, according to a recent report by the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE).

For UMass Dartmouth students, increases were seen across all metrics. During the 2020 election, 65% of eligible students voted, up 14% from 2016. The university also saw a large increase in students registering to vote. In 2016, 78% of students were registered to vote – a number that grew to 85% in 2020.

Groups across campus worked to improve the university’s student voter turnout, including “UMassD Votes 2020.” This collaboration of students, faculty, staff, and members of the Town of Dartmouth community aimed to increase student voting rates in the 2020 general election and details ways to create a sustainable culture of voting on the UMass Dartmouth campus. The group, with help from the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, adopted TurboVote to create an easy portal for students to find voting information. UMass Dartmouth also participated in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and Ask Every Student Campaign to boost voting awareness.

The 2020 NSLVE Campus Report studied roughly 9 million students across 50 states and more than 1,000 campuses. Of the participating campuses, 97% saw rate increases from 2016. The most impactful increase was the average institutional voting rate, which surged from 53% in 2016 to 66% in 2020.

NSLVE is an initiative by the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education (IDHE) at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. The mission of IDHE is to “shift college and university priorities and culture to advance political learning, agency, and equity. We achieve our mission through research, resource development, technical assistance, and advocacy.”

The collection of data included reflected the percentage of an institution’s students who were eligible to vote and who did vote in the 2016, 2018, and 2020 elections. The results are based on enrollment records submitted to the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) and publicly available voting files collected by L2 Political.