Bishop Stang’s Owen Leary Named 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the selection of Owen Leary of Tiverton, Rhode Island who attends Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, as a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
Leary is one of 141 outstanding American high school seniors that have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. The U.S. Presidential Scholars will be honored for their accomplishments in Washington D.C., from June 22-25.
“The extraordinary young men and women being honored for the 50th anniversary of the Presidential Scholars have excelled in their educational, artistic and civic pursuits,” Duncan said.
“They show all of us that when students challenge themselves and commit themselves to excellence, the results can be astounding. These scholars will help move our country forward and will have a lasting impact on their families, communities, and on our society. They represent the potential of all young citizens to lift up America.”
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, appointed by President Obama, selects honored scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. Of the three million students expected to graduate from high school this year, more than 3,900 candidates qualified for the 2014 awards determined by outstanding performance on the College Board SAT and ACT exams, and through nominations made by Chief State School Officers or the National YoungArts Foundation’s nationwide YoungArts™ competition.
The 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and from U.S. families living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large and 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
Created in 1964, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program has honored more than 6,500 of the nation’s top-performing students with the prestigious award given to honorees during the annual ceremony in D.C. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts
Since 1983, each Presidential Scholar has been offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher. Each distinguished teacher is honored with a personal letter from the Secretary of Education.
The teacher chosen for recognition by Leary was Kathy Crosson of Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, MA.
Buying Local is More Important Than You May Think
by Michael Silvia
From time-to-time you hear the cliche “buy local.” You’re told it is important to buy local, but rarely hear about the real impact of choosing a local independent business over nationwide corporate chains. For example, eating at No Problemo in downtown New Bedford or La Raza Taqueria on Acushnet Avenue as opposed to Taco Bell or Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Most of the research points out that much more of your money is recirculated back into the local economy when you choose to spend your hard earned money at a locally owned business.
For example, Civic Economics, a private research firm, states that only 13% of money spent at a chain retailer gets recirculated back into the local economy compared to 48% with a locally owned independent retailer. So nearly half your money goes back into the local economy when you shop at The Bedford Merchant compared to Walmart or Target.
According to Civic Economics, the number is even higher for restaurants. Local restaurants recirculate 65% of the money back into the economy compared to 35% for chain restaurants.
Some Local Business are More Local Than Others
Not all independent locally owned businesses are created or operate equally. The more a business purchases locally owned products the more they contribute to the local economy. For example, if a restaurant buys everything from a national food distributor like Cisco they are not circulating as much into the local economy as the restaurants that purchase from local farmers. The same goes for retailers. Buy everything from China or other states and you contribute less than the retailer that buys locally produced products. For example, each December the UGLY Gallery hosts their CRAFT-O-RAMA offering holiday items produced by local craft makers.
Consumers Are in the Driver’s Seat
The consumer wields all the power and can drive change with even the largest corporations. One just has to look at the organic movement over the last decade to see how nationally owned retailers changed their purchasing. As more and more people demanded organic products, corporations like Walmart and grocery stores made more room on their shelves for organic products. Non-GMO products seem to be making headway today. If more shoppers made a conscious effort to shop from locally owned businesses and demanded locally produced products the major retailers would take notice.
The constant demand for the cheapest
As long as we demand the cheapest product made in China or the cheapest meal, not much will change. You’ll continue to send money overseas and less of your money will get recirculated into the local economy. Don’t be surprised when you open the newspaper and read that New Bedford has the worst unemployment rate in Massachusetts. The good news is it isn’t too late to change your shopping habits.
Ready to make a change? Ready to do more than just buy a ‘Buy Local’ bumper sticker? Here are 5 Tips for Buying Local:
1. Purchase a Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) farm share
Local farms are a great way to start. They hire local labor and grow their product near you. Buy your produce at a large chain grocery store and chances are the produce was shipping in from another country let alone from another state. CSAs are a great way to support local labor, local owners and of course eat healthy. When in season shop at your local farmers’ markets.
2. Support your local grocery store FIRST, then your larger chains
In the Greater New Bedford area there are dozens of local ethnic mom and pop grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Get your linguica locally produced instead of purchasing something shipped in. It may be nearly impossible to buy everything you need at a local grocery store, but start there first before heading to Market Basket.
3. Stop eating at chain restaurants
As mentioned, eat at local restaurants and most of your money will stay local. Additionally, fast food restaurants are notorious for low quality meats and terrible wages and benefits. That dollar menu comes at a price.
4. Support local retailers
Due to the raw size of Walmart and Target, and fewer and fewer small retailers, it may be impossible to get everything that you need at a local retailer. One suggestion I would offer is to buy all your gift items for friends and family at local retailers. Again, pick the retailers that buy things that are produced locally.
5. Every time you spend money ask yourself, “where is this money going?”
Finally, the best way to ensure that most of your money gets recirculated back into the local economy is to stop and think every time you shop. Ask the question, “where is this money going?” Think of the purchasing cycle. If you buy a sandwich at a chain restaurant chances are all of the food was shipped in from out of the area. The restaurant workers are getting the lowest wage possible with few benefits. This question can be asked in ALL situations from website design, marketing your business to buying a car. Before you head out to spend your money make a conscious effort to ensure your money stays local.
1. Antonio’s Restaurant – 267 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA (59 votes)
2. Churrascaria Novo Mundo – 98 County St, New Bedford, MA (31 votes)
3. Portas Da Cidade – 231 State Rd, Westport, MA (22 votes)
4. Captain’s Place – 162 S Main St, Acushnet, MA (21 votes)
5. Mimo Restaurant – 1528 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (19 Votes)
6. Cotali Mar Restaurante – 1178 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (16 votes)
7. Caravela Family Restaurant – 635 S Main St, Fall River, MA (14 votes)
8. Roasted Pig – 98 Nash Rd, New Bedford, MA (11 votes)
9. M & C Cafe – 436 Belleville Ave, New Bedford, MA (10 votes)
10. Alianca Restaurant – 98 Cove St, New Bedford, MA (9 votes)
11. Cafe Europa – 1256 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (9 votes)
12. Bon Appetite – 703 Belleville Ave, New Bedford, MA (7 votes)
13. Estoril – 1577 Pleasant St #12, Fall River, MA (7 votes)
14. Top Shelf Bar & Grill – 1825 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (7 votes)
15. Royal Restaurant Cafe – 296 N Front St, New Bedford, MA (6 votes)
16. Cafe Portugal – 1280 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (6 Votes)
17. Inner Bay Cafe 1339 Cove Rd, New Bedford, MA (6 votes)
18. Restaurant Girassol – 1698 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford, MA (5 votes)
19. Cafe Restaurante Algarve – 128 County St, New Bedford, MA (5 votes)
20. Fall River Grill – 363 2nd St, Fall River, MA (4 votes)
21. Madeira Cafe Restaurant – 76 Church St, New Bedford, MA (4 votes)
22. Churrascarias Aveirense Restaurant – 175 Sawyer St, New Bedford, MA (3 votes)
23. Endzone Sports Pub – 218 Coggeshall St, New Bedford, MA (3 votes)
24. Tia Maria’s European Cafe – 42 N Water St, New Bedford, MA (2 votes)
25. Caldeiras Restaurant – 990 Pleasant St, Fall River, MA (2 votes)
26. Vasco Da Gama Restaurant – 85 Dartmouth St, New Bedford, MA (2 votes)
27. Cinderella’s Kitchen – 769 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA (2 votes)
New New Bedford Resident: Musings of a Southern Transplant
Find out what a recent transplant thinks of our New Bedford!
by Jennifer Hollie Bowles
In January of 2013, my husband and I moved from Knoxville, TN to Taunton, MA for employment reasons. Roughly one year later, we moved into our first home on Shawmut Avenue in New Bedford. I had lived most of my life in Knoxville area, attending college, becoming an editor of a literary journal, and eventually establishing myself as a writer and poet, but I longed to experience another culture. Some things are what I expected to fall in love with about the area, and other aspects of New England living have come as a shock.
What I already love about living in New Bedford:
#1: The Environment – The coastline is so beautiful, and I’ll never tire of walking around Fort Taber park. The enormous amounts of snow are still a surprise, yet a welcome one. I lived in Kansas City, MO for about a year in my 20s, and the snow looked dirty and ugly within a few hours. Not here! The snow in New Bedford stays crisp white for days! Looking outside of my window is like looking at a snow-covered old-world fairy tale land. The houses in this area are so charming, with their amazing wooden grooves and stately presences.
#2: The People & Culture – After a week of living in our new home, my husband bought a huge flat of wood to burn in our fireplace, which was dumped right on the sidewalk, spilling into the street. Inexperienced home owners that we are, we didn’t even have a wheelbarrow. Within minutes of noticing our back-and-forth hand-carrying struggle, our kind, elderly Portuguese neighbors offered two wheelbarrows for us to use. Our other neighbors have even graciously snow-blowed our sidewalk several times when we were gone for most of the day. I love the Portuguese food and culture that is so rich and vibrant in this area, and Southern hospitality has nothing on the friendliness of the people in the New Bedford community.
What I’m learning to adjust about living in New Bedford:
#1: The Accents – Like visiting a foreign country, I listen keenly to the accents of the people who were born and raised here. The nuances of speech are fascinating, and the phrases are every bit as creative as in the South. I understand the dropping of the “r,” but that’s about it so far!
#2: The Dense Population – The sheer volume of people and traffic is a culture shock all by itself. I’m amazed every time we go anywhere by how many people there are everywhere! I’ve also never lived this close to people unless I was living in an apartment. The best thing about the dense population, however, is that it seems to connect to a wonderful vibe of “live-and-let-live.”
#3: Religion – All of my life I heard about how open-minded the North is because it’s not in the Bible-Belt, but I’m a bit perplexed. I must say that I’ve seen as many churches and proselytizing signs in one section of town as I did in all of Knoxville. This seems to be balanced by signs for Tarot & Psychic readings, but the sociologist in me is still attempting to understand the culture of religion in the area.
What I find difficult about living in New Bedford:
#1: Taxes – Before moving to MA, I had never in my life heard of an excise tax! That one is difficult to swallow, and the property taxes are about twenty times more than my mom pays in TN for her house. Even the state employment taxes are new to me! I also expected better road conditions with all of these taxes!
New Bedford Guide Seeks TV Show Hosts
New Bedford Guide will be producing several internet-based TV shows in 2014. We reach over 300,000 people a week on the internet and want to start producing popular travel-themed TV shows for our audience. We are casting for male and female TV show hosts. The TV show hosts will perform interviews and show off destinations in the south coast, MA area.
TV host personalities should:
Have a charismatic personality
Not be shy when approaching/talking to people
Be somewhat athletic
Have time in the evenings and the weekends
Must be at least 18 years old
If interested send photos, resume (or details of any past experiences), and a short paragraph why you would be a good TV host to info@newbedfordguide.com. Past experience NOT required. If you are ready to be a star contact us!
12 Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day
by Michael Silvia
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, men around New Bedford will be squirming to satisfy their lady’s need to be loved on 14 February. There is a good chance that some men will forget Valentine’s Day and suffer the consequence of sleeping on the couch. Most men will make a feeble attempt at declaring their love by simply going through the motions by taking their lady out to dinner at the same tired places.
Guys, here are 10 great date ideas to ensure your Valentine’s Day not only goes smoothly, but ensures your lady throws you into bed instead of the couch.
1. Carabiners Indoor Rock Climbing – Rock climbing can be a fun date. Since opening in 2004, Carabiners has been offering New Bedford residents a fun way to exercise. It also provides a great venue for an active date. I recently visited and posted a review with pictures here.
2. Ice Skating – Ice skating can be a fun, romantic time. The only problem is Hetland Ice Skating Rink in New Bedford (310 Hathaway Blvd, 508-999-9051) is only open to the public from 12:30 to 2:30pm on 14 February. If you are having a lunch date this may be the place for you. If you don’t mind traveling, you can also check out The Providence Rink for some outdoor ice skating that is open to the public most of the day and evening.
4. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery – New Bedford offers outstanding museums and galleries. Here are the places you should consider. Call ahead to get their hours.
Crowell’s Fine Art – 382 Acushnet Avenue, (508) 992-5231
5. Couples Massage – You can’t go wrong with a couples massage. The best location for a couple massage is Gloria and Company on 211 Alden Road in Fairhaven. It costs $170 per couple for 1 hour.
6. Take a Private Dance Class Together – Want to sweep a girl off her feet literally and figuratively? Schedule a private dance class and learn to Salsa, Tango or some other romantic dace. A quick Google Search shows plenty of dance studios in the area.
7. Head to A Comedy Club – What’s better than a night of drinks and a comedian making fun of you all night? Rhode Island Comedy Connection has two shows on Valentine’s Day. Calendar here.
8. Dinner at a Nice Restaurant – If you don’t have a reservation at one of these restaurant, you may be too late. These places offer some fine dining and the perfect atmosphere for your date.
Cafe Balena (24 North Water Street) – Romantic atmosphere
The Pasta House (Fairhaven) – Outstanding atmosphere and quality food..
9. Learn to Paint – Painting With a Splash is one of New Bedford’s newest businesses. They offer step-by-step painting with a local artist in a BYOB environment. Details and class schedule: http://www.paintingwithasplash.com/.
10. Visit a Book Store or Library – Don’t think book stores or libraries can be fun? Most libraries have some great art, artifacts and of course some amazing books. There are also some great books stores like Remains To Be Seen/Baker Books (2 McCabe St. in South Dartmouth) and fun ones like Newbury Comics (331 State Rd in North Dartmouth).
11. Cook Together – There is something amazing about discovering a new recipe and cooking the meal together. Dust off that recipe book you bought years ago or search the internet. The key is try something different and new and enjoy each other’s company.
12. Make a Reservation at a Nice Hotel – Here is a list of excellent hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area:
Fairfield Inn & Suites New Bedford
Hampton Inn Fairhaven
Davenport House Bed & Breakfast
Orchard Street Manor
Captain Haskell’s Octagon House
Melville House Bed And Breakfast
Wayfarer Bed & Breakfast
Baggins End Guest House
Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Extra Credit: Order Your Netflix or Redbox Movie Early – Don’t be a buffoon and wait until the last minute to order a romantic movie. I recommend Shakespeare in Love, The Notebook, Moulin Rouge, Casablanca, Ghost or Sixteen Candles. Here is a good Top 50 list.
Plan your Valentine’s day early and take your date out somewhere special. It’s up to you whether Cupid’s arrow strikes your lady in the heart…or you in the groin.
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The Best Bars for Watching the 2014 Super Bowl
This is a big weekend for NFL fans! The Denver Broncos will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl today at 6:30 p.m. EST. Finding the best place to watch the Super Bowl can really make a difference. Most bars provide food specials, but some really go out of their way to make sure your game day experience is enjoyable. Here is a list of bars in the Greater New Bedford that typically have great food specials, lots of HD TVs and management that really takes the playoff season seriously.
Rose Alley Ale House: 94 Front St. New Bedford MA 02740 (508) 858-5123 www.drinkrosealley.com Number of TV’s: 9 HD Food Specials: All-you-can-eat wings for less than $8 Capacity: 149
Strikers Sports Bar and Grille (Wonder Bowl):66 Hathaway Road New Bedford, MA 02746 508-993-1746 www.strikerssportsbar.com Number of TV’s: 14 HD, including 115” Projection Food Specials: Daily specials. Capacity: 120
Knucklehead’s Bar & Grill:85 MacArthur Dr New Bedford MA 02740 (508) 984-8149 www.knuckleheadsnb.com Number of TV’s: 17 HD Capacity: 95
Ice House Bar & Grill: 136 Huttleston Ave. Fairhaven MA 02719 (508) 992-BEER www.icechestbar.com Number of TV’s: 6 HD Drink Specials: No Capacity: 196
Miller’s Homeport:24 Cove Rd New Bedford MA 02744 (508) 992-1311 Number of TV’s: 12 HD Capacity: 99
Rasputin’s Tavern: 122 Main St. Fairhaven MA 02719 (508) 858-5490 Number of TV’s: 8 HD Capacity: 99
Endzone Sports Pub:218 Coggeshall St. New Bedford, MA 02746 (508) 997-7309 Number of TV’s: 7 HD Food Specials: None Drink Specials: Call ahead. Capacity: 100
Buffalo Wild Wings: 186 Dartmouth Mall, North Dartmouth, MA
Carabiner’s 2.0 – New Bedford’s Indoor Rock Climbing and Fitness Center
Ashley Whewell and Jamie Macedo climbing one of the short top-rope walls.
by Michael Silvia
Carabiner’s indoor rock climbing facility was always on my list of things to check out, but I never found time to experience the joy of climbing until about 2 years ago. I’ve been addicted to climbing ever since.
I moved back to New Bedford about five years ago and drove by the 10,000 square foot facility often, but for some reason never ventured in. I finally decided to take the Belay Course and sign up for a membership in 2012 and have been addicted to climbing ever since. I’ve always found the key to staying in shape is to find fun ways to exercise and you’ll workout more often and for longer durations. Recently, Carabiner’s had a major makeover extending their gym hours to accommodate those that like to workout in early mornings and also added popular fitness expert Jeff Costa to head up the fitness program that offers Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Zumba and more.
The changes really make Carabiner’s one of the most comprehensive fitness places in New England.
Here is what a Carabiner’s membership offers:
Indoor Rock Climbing
The thing that makes Carabiner’s unique is the indoor rock climbing part of the facility. The staff really does make an effort to offer climbs for all levels and abilities, and change their routes often so climbs don’t get stagnant. Want to ease into climbing? Start off with bouldering, or short 10-foot climbs that are like solving a puzzle. Ready for tall climbs? Take the short belay class, harness up and climb some of the 65-foot walls! Unlimited climbing costs $15 – $49 a month depending if you are a student or take advantage of a family plan.
Weight and Nautilus Machines
Looking to do some strength training or improve your cardio? There are plenty of treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights and Nautilus machines. Carabiner’s offer most of the standard equipment that you will find at your local gym. This area is open to all members at no extra charge.
Fitness and Martial Arts Classes
Now on to the MAJOR upgrade to Carabiner’s! Fitness expert Jeff Costa and martial arts instructor Spencer O’Berry combine to offer as many as seven classes daily. Those who upgrade their membership get to take advantage of fitness and martial arts classes like Yoga, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, pole dancing, Pilates and more. The classes range from kids to adults and accommodate all levels of fitness. Unlimited fitness classes costs an additional $20 per month to your climbing membership or can be purchased separately as its own membership. Full fitness schedule can be found here.
Youth Programs
If you are looking for a fun way to keep your kids active, Carabiner’s offers an After School Youth Club, teams and birthday parties. Youth up to 12th grade get unlimited climbing for $15 per month! Full details on each program: http://carabiners.com/youth/.
You can register for free at the gym or online here: http://carabiners.com/online-registration/. Once you register you’ll want to either stop by to check out the place or call 508.984.0808 right away and schedule a belay certification course (http://carabiners.com/first-visit/). Cost ranges from $50 – $90 depending on how much training you need. If you want to ease into climbing you can always start with bouldering, or short 10-foot climbs without any required training. My suggestion is to get belay trained/certified and jump right into top roping!
Membership Cost
Basic Memberships
Unlimited Fitness OR Climbing: $49/month
Unlimited Fitness AND Climbing: $69/month
Student Membership (up to 12th grade)
Unlimited Fitness OR Climbing: $15/month
Unlimited Fitness AND Climbing: $45/month
College Membership – ID Required
Unlimited Fitness OR Climbing: $39/month
Unlimited Fitness AND Climbing: $59/month
Family Memberships (Two Adults) – Immediate family, same household
Unlimited Fitness OR Climbing: $69/month
Unlimited Fitness AND Climbing: $89/month
**Family Membership includes 2 Student Memberships at no charge
This is a big weekend for NFL fans, especially if you live in New England. The New England Patriots will be playing the Broncos in Denver today at 3 p.m. EST on CBS. Finding the best place to watch the Patriots game can really make a difference. Most bars provide food specials, but some really go out of their way to make sure your game day experience is enjoyable. Here is a list of bars in the Greater New Bedford that typically have great food specials, lots of HD TVs and management that really takes the playoff season seriously.
Rose Alley Ale House: 94 Front St. New Bedford MA 02740 (508) 858-5123 www.drinkrosealley.com Number of TV’s: 9 HD Food Specials: All-you-can-eat wings for less than $8 Capacity: 149
Strikers Sports Bar and Grille (Wonder Bowl):66 Hathaway Road New Bedford, MA 02746 508-993-1746 www.strikerssportsbar.com Number of TV’s: 14 HD, including 115” Projection Food Specials: Daily specials. Capacity: 120
Knucklehead’s Bar & Grill:85 MacArthur Dr New Bedford MA 02740 (508) 984-8149 www.knuckleheadsnb.com Number of TV’s: 17 HD Capacity: 95
Ice House Bar & Grill: 136 Huttleston Ave. Fairhaven MA 02719 (508) 992-BEER www.icechestbar.com Number of TV’s: 6 HD Drink Specials: No Capacity: 196
Miller’s Homeport:24 Cove Rd New Bedford MA 02744 (508) 992-1311 Number of TV’s: 12 HD Capacity: 99
Rasputin’s Tavern: 122 Main St. Fairhaven MA 02719 (508) 858-5490 Number of TV’s: 8 HD Capacity: 99
Endzone Sports Pub:218 Coggeshall St. New Bedford, MA 02746 (508) 997-7309 Number of TV’s: 7 HD Food Specials: None Drink Specials: Call ahead. Capacity: 100
Buffalo Wild Wings: 186 Dartmouth Mall, North Dartmouth, MA
2014 NFL Playoff Brackets
18th Annual Moby-Dick Marathon (2014) (Updated due to Snowstorm Hercules)
The 18th annual Moby-Dick Marathon, January 4-5 celebrates education during a weekend of activities surrounding the non-stop reading of Herman Melville’s literary masterpiece at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Pia Durkin, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools will lead the marathon on Saturday at noon. “We are pleased to welcome Superintendent Durkin as she reads from America’s most famous novel, written by one of its greatest authors. The museum stresses the importance of writing in our high school apprentice program; it is a life skill which is critical for success in every field of endeavor,” said James Russell, museum President and CEO.
Sponsored in part by Rockland Trust and Empire Loan Charitable Foundation, admission is free to marathon programs. Freewill donations supporting museum programs are gratefully accepted.
POSTPONED: “Martin and Moby” exhibit opening of works by Mattapoisett artist Peter Michael Martin is postponed until Sunday, January 5 at 1:00 p.m., immediately following the marathon.
Weekend activities begin on Saturday, January 4 at 10:00 a.m. with the a free public program, “Mast-headers and opera glasses: A conversation with librettist Gene Scheer about creating Moby-Dick the opera with Jake Heggie” in the Cook Memorial Theater. Scheer will discuss the opera, hailed “an undeniable success” by the New York Times. A book signing will follow the talk.
Scheer’s work is noted for its scope and versatility. With Heggie he has collaborated on a number of different projects, including “Three Decembers” (Houston Grand Opera), which starred Frederica von Stade; the lyric drama “To Hell and Back” (Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra), which featured Patti LuPone, and the lyrics for Wynton Marsalis’s “It Never Goes Away.” A composer in his own right, Scheer’s song “American Anthem” (sung by Norah Jones) was featured in Ken Burn’s Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary, “The War.”
At 11:30 a.m. the Melville Society will read selected “Extracts” from Moby-Dick in the Bourne building. At 11:50 a.m. there will be a welcome by James Russell, President and CEO. At noon, the marathon begins with Superintendent Pia Durkin reading the part of Ishmael. At 1:30 p.m. marathon participants walk next door to the Seamen’s Bethel, made famous as the “Whaleman’s Chapel” for Chapters 7 through 9, featuring Reverend Dr. Edward R. Dufresne as Father Mapple, with Gerald P. Dyck leading the hymn “The Ribs and Terrors in the Whale.”
2:30 p.m. – Marathon continues in the Jacobs Family Gallery. 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Chat with Melville scholars, Wattles Family Gallery
4:00-5:30 p.m. – Chat with Melville artist Peter Michael Martin, Centre Street Gallery. A retired educator of 35 years, Peter Michael Martin taught high school biology and special education, integrating art as an alternate form of student assessment. Many of his paper cut compositions reflect inspirations found in nature specific to the New England coast. He currently works out of his New Bedford studio in the historic district and is also one of the founding members of Gallery 65 on William Street.
At 6:00 p.m. London artist Vanessa Hodgkinson will discuss her recent work in a conversation with Christina Connett, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions in the Wattles Family Gallery. Titled “Self Portrait of a Sperm Whale,” the talk focuses on her work inspired by Moby-Dick, and coincides with an exhibition of Hodgkinson’s new watercolors at Crowell’s Fine Art and Framing in New Bedford. Hodgkinson lives and works in London, and studied History of Art at Cambridge University, recently completing her MA in Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art & Design, London.
On Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Culture*Park, a regional performing arts collaborative, will stage Chapters 35-40 – “Midnight, Forecastle” in the Cook Memorial Theater.
Chat sessions with Melville scholars in the Wattles Family Gallery again on Sunday 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Chat with Melville artist Peter Michael Martin again on Sunday from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the Centre Street Gallery.
Live streaming of the entire reading will be available on the museum’s website www.whalingmuseum.org. To view on Smartphones and tablets, download the free app. Use #MDM18 in all social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and Pinterest. Refreshments will be available for sale throughout the marathon.
A midwinter tradition, attracting hundreds of Moby-Dick fans from around the world, the marathon marks the anniversary of Herman Melville’s January 1841 departure from the port of New Bedford and Fairhaven aboard the whale ship, Acushnet.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. Winter hours, November through March: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on holiday Mondays. For more info: www.whalingmuseum.org.
REVISED: Moby-Dick Marathon Weekend Schedule of Events
Saturday, January 4
10:00 a.m. – Free public program, “Mast-headers and opera glasses: A conversation with librettist Gene Scheer about creating Moby-Dick the opera with Jake Heggie”, Cook Memorial Theater
11:30 a.m. – Moby-Dick “Extracts,” read by the Melville Society, Bourne Building
11:50 a.m. – Welcome, James Russell, President and CEO
12:00 p.m. – Moby-Dick Marathon reading begins, Bourne Building
1:30 p.m. – Chapters 7-9 in the Seamen’s Bethel
2:30 p.m. – Marathon continues in the Jacobs Family Gallery
2:00-3:00 p.m. – Chat with Melville scholars, Wattles Family Gallery
4:00-5:30 p.m. – Chat with Melville artist Peter Michael Martin, Centre Street Gallery
6:00-7:00 p.m. – A Conversation with Melville artist Vanessa Hodgkinson, Wattles Family Gallery
7:00 p.m. – Chapters 35-40 “Midnight, Forecastle” performed by Culture*Park
8:00 p.m. – Marathon continues, Jacobs Family Gallery
Sunday, January 5
9:30-11:00 a.m. – Chat with Melville scholars, Wattles Family Gallery
10:00-11:30 a.m. – Chat with Melville artist Peter Michael Martin, Centre Street Gallery
1:00 p.m. – Marathon finale
1:00 p.m. – Exhibit opening “Martin and Moby”, Centre Street Gallery
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced the selection of Owen Leary of Tiverton, Rhode Island who attends Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, as a 2014 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
