U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Southcoast Hospitals Group, including Charlton Memorial and St. Luke’s hospitals, as a 2024 Maternity Care Access Hospital, an inaugural designation.

“We are honored to earn this recognition for the excellent maternity care and service we provide our patients across the South Coast region,” said Kim Pina, MSN, RN, Executive Director of the Family Centered Unit/Level II Nursery at Southcoast Health. “I am honored to work with our incredible staff in Fall River and New Bedford who continually go above and beyond for every patient and their family members who are cared for in our hospitals.”

This year, the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care evaluation recognizes 73 “Maternity Care Access Hospitals” across the nation. These essential hospitals provide quality care to expectant parents who would not otherwise have access to maternity care and serve communities that would otherwise be maternity care deserts. Southcoast Health is the only system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island to earn this recognition.

“Being named a Maternity Care Access Hospital is special recognition of hospitals across the U.S. which serve communities that depend on them for access to vital maternity care services,” said Jennifer Winston, health data scientist at U.S. News. “While an increasing number of maternity care deserts in parts of the country have left millions of people without local access to maternity care, these hospitals persist in providing this vital service to under-resourced communities.”

The U.S. News Maternity Care Access Hospitals designation is based on a number of measures including geographic isolation, number of obstetric providers per 10,000 births and hospital quality. Quality measures are outlined in the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care methodology.

“Earning this national recognition demonstrates the ongoing commitment and dedication of our providers, nurses, and staff to continue bringing the highest quality care to our community,” said Christian Pope, DO, FACOG, Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology for Southcoast Health. “We are proud to provide our community exceptional, essential maternity care close to home and will continue to make this a top priority here at Southcoast Health.”

In addition to this recognition, in November Southcoast Health celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the first Southcoast Health Obstetrics and Gynecology office opening in New Bedford, MA. Today, the experienced team of over 19 OB/GYN providers work with women of all ages.

To learn more about Obstetrics & Gynecology and Maternity services please visit Obstetrics & Gynecology Services | Southcoast Health.

Can you help find this deserving love-bug a new forever home? Thank you to NEW LEAF of Fall River for sponsoring our pet of the week!
Here are some facts about the new potential addition to your family~

Kita ? 1 year old, 35 lb. female mixed breed. She is underweight at this time, so she will weigh more.

Kita is confident, social, and has never met a stranger! When you come visit her, she will want to say hello right away and will offer many kisses. Are her manners top notch? Honestly, nope ? But she’s working on it and learns quickly!

Kita knows how to sit and we’re working on down. She is very food motivated and eager to please. Kita has excellent leash manners and is ready for all of your outdoorsy adventures.

Kita likes other dogs but she is a rough player so her best playmates would be dogs similar in size to her or larger.
She has not met cats but can be tested for applicants.

Adopt: www.lighthouseanimalshelter.org/adopt
Foster: www.lighthouseanimalshelter.org/foster

Thank you once again to NEW LEAF of Fall River, located at 2629 South Main st. and OPEN LATE until 11pm every day! Follow them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NewLeafCanna

Visit them online: https://www.newleafcanna.com/

New Bedford and Umass Dartmouth are at the center of groundbreaking scientific research that finds Cape Cod as one of the world’s largest hotspots for great white sharks.

In a scientific article named, “An open spatial capture−recapture framework for estimating the abundance and seasonal dynamics of white sharks at aggregation sites“ all 3 scientists are either working out of a New Bedford-based facility and/or affiliated with Umass Dartmouth.

The 3 cited scientists are:

Photo credit: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’ Megan V. Winton.
Megan V. Winton who is a ’23, PhD candidate at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) in New Bedford, MA 02744, USA and staff scientist at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) in North Chatham, MA 02650, USA.

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Photo Credit: Boston University.

Gregory B. Skomal PhD, is a leading Massachusetts shark researcher and an experienced aquarist and Marine Fisheries Biologist conducting this research out of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, New Bedford, MA 02744, USA.

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Photo Credit: The University of Washington.

Gavin Fay who is a professor at the Department of Fisheries Oceanography, School for Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, MA 02744, USA.

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This study has deservedly made national headlines with researchers collecting nearly 3,000 videos of shark sightings from 137 trips to Cape Cod beaches which determined about 800 white sharks paid a visit to Cape waters between 2015 to 2018.

Sometimes we forget how truly lucky we are in the south coast to be surrounded by so many amazing scientific programs and world renown researchers.

Lets all tip the cap to these hard working individuals and look forward to all of the exciting research to come!

Everyone has come to love New Bedford for its fresh seafood, authentic Portuguese cuisine, and…coffee?

The local coffee scene specifically in the downtown area of New Bedford is turning into something special. From a European cafe on cobblestone streets to a small batch roastery on the waterfront, there is a uniqueness to the New Bedford coffee scene that is hard to match.

Many would say the downtown and waterfront areas of New Bedford are experiencing a renaissance. Between the South Coast Rail, Vineyard Wind, Cisco Brewery, Killburn Mills, and now luxury apartments. I believe there is no doubt that more amazing local coffee shops will be popping up with the growth we are seeing in New Bedford.

But until then I present to you the 5 best local coffee shops in New Bedford as of 2023!

5. Cafe Arpeggio

Established in 2004 and located in the heart of downtown New Bedford at the intersection of William and Purchase street, Cafe Arpeggio is a staple in the city and should make everyone’s list. They offer micro roasted coffee, liege style waffles, smoothies, smoothie bowls, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and freshly baked pastries!

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4. Green Bean

Located at 740 Purchase Street in Downtown New Bedford, the Green Bean has high ceilings, large windows, a minimalist aesthetic, and great coffee! They are vegan friendly and offer coffee, smoothies, fresh juice, breakfast & lunch sandwiches. This is a great spot to sit down and get some work done on your laptop!

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3. Tia Marias

Tia Marias is a European cafe nestled in the heart of the National Historical Whaling Park along the cobblestone streets of New Bedford. Some might get angry that I rank them so highly because they are really a full service restaurant rather than a “coffee shop”, but you can walk in and order coffee & pastries at the counter therefore they are a coffee shop in my eyes! They also just finished a major expansion which features a cozy bistro bar and fireplace.

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2. Groundfloor Coffee

Groundfloor Coffee is a small batch roastery located at 61 Merrill’s Wharf on the waterfront. Putting them at #2 could ruffle some feathers because they have only been open for about a month at the time of writing this article, but I am here to tell you that age is just a number. This coffee shop is phenomenal! Inside is a sleek modern aesthetic featuring a “Modbar Espresso machine” and a vegan friendly menu, although they do serve non vegan options as well! With a prime waterfront location, a beautiful interior aesthetic, and great coffee, this coffee shop answered the prayers of a lot of New Bedford coffee lovers!

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1. Dough Company (DoCo)

In my opinion Dough Company otherwise known as “Do Co” is one of the most underrated places in New Bedford. Dough Company is a local-focused cafe and eatery located in the Kilburn Mills in the south end of New Bedford. They are walking distance to West Beach and the New Bedford Cove Walk, and under the same roof as dozens of amazing local stores, art galleries, fitness studios, and many other exciting things the Kilburn Mills has to offer. Do Co has all sorts of craft coffee beverages made from locally roasted coffee, delicious pastries, as well as full service breakfast and lunch. Inside it has tall ceilings, tons of plants, and two floors of seating.

“The New Bedford High School Concert Band recently traveled to Washington, D.C. from April 28 to May 1 to participate in the Music in the Parks Festival in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The festival showcased talented student musicians from across the country, and the New Bedford High School Concert Band stood out among the competition.

The band earned a 1st Place rating in the High School Concert Band Division, Class AA, with a rating of Excellent and Best Overall Concert Band for the entire festival. In addition to performing at the festival, the band had the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital. “The trip was truly unforgettable for our students, performing in a prestigious venue and experiencing the history and culture of Washington, D.C.,” said Matthew C. Pacheco, Band Director of the NBHS Band. Sarah Fernandes, the Lead Percussion Instructor, reflected on the performance by saying, ‘we’re growing the program and these students are paving the way’.

Makenna Calvao, drum major and trumpet player, and Sarah Silveira, drum major and flute player, expressed their excitement about the band’s success at the festival. “The performance was one of our best and it showed in how we ended up doing! It felt great to hear our name for both first place and overall, representing New Bedford with so much pride!”

Superintendent Thomas Anderson praised students and staff, stating, “Their collective commitment to excellence is a shining example of the caliber of talent and dedication in our school district. We strive to create an environment that sparks creativity and cultivates the many gifts that our students have. Every day our outstanding educators do an excellent job facilitating the learning process and they are appreciated.”

Bernadette Coelho, NBHS Principal, celebrated the win, noting, “Our band exemplifies Whaler Pride and in this latest instance they’ve shined on the national stage at a very competitive event. We are proud of our students and so pleased to see their hard work recognized.”

Lynn Souza, Director of Fine Arts, New Bedford Public Schools, noted the band’s success at the festival is a testament to the dedication of the students and their instructors. “We are incredibly proud of the New Bedford High School Concert Band and their outstanding performance at the Music in the Parks Festival. Their diligence has paid off.”

For more information about the music programs at New Bedford Public Schools, contact Lynn Souza, lsouza@newbedfordschools.org.”

“The New Bedford Local Cultural Council (NBLCC) is pleased to announce the grant awardees for 2023. New Bedford was allocated a total of $140,200 to distribute during the 2023 grant cycle. This funding is granted to individuals, groups, and agencies whose projects enhance the arts, science, and humanities in the city of New Bedford.

Each year, volunteer council members sift through dozens of applications. The Council grants to those that: Promote and improve the quality of life for residents of New Bedford by providing venues that enhance education, diversity, arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Based on a survey of New Bedford residents in the summer of 2022, projects were prioritized that are free and low-cost, provide opportunities for education and skill-building, offer outdoor art and performances, and support local artists.

The Council strives to fund as many projects as possible. This year, 84 of the 117 applications were chosen for awards. The NBLCC salutes the creativity of all those that applied for grants and took the time to read and apply the Council’s priorities.

For those that would like to apply for next year’s grant cycle, go to the New Bedford Local Cultural Council website: https://www.mass-culture.org/new-bedford

Note that the present application dates and council priorities have not yet been updated from last year. These dates and priorities will be changed in August and the application opens in September. Deadline for applications is typically mid-October.

The council maintains a Facebook page that shares information pertaining to grant due dates. Follow them at Facebook.com/NBCulturalCouncil.

For those who would like to know more about other grant opportunities, along with arts and programs in New Bedford, log onto– NewBedfordCreative.org. This online destination showcases the artists, artisans, attractions, events, and venues which form the cultural fabric of this seaport city on the South Coast of Massachusetts.

New Bedford Cultural Council 2023 Awardees:

• 11th Annual New Bedford JazzFest
• 2023 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
• African Drumming Music Class
• An Intimate Evening with the Author
• Art and Yoga Camp
• Artist and Designer in Residency Program
• Artists Share!
• Balloon Animal Twisting workshop
• Booker T. Washington Mural
• Breaking Rules to Help Humanity: Exploring the Possibilities of 3D Printing in Architecture
• Building Healthy Communities Through Dance
• Cape Verdean Recognition Parade
• Carving Out Your Story
• Celebrating Community in Placemaking
• Co-Creative Sessions
• Community Blooms
• Creature Feature
• dNB Holiday Stroll
• Draw Your Story
• Dyeing to Wear It: Color Across the Americas
• Field trip to Plimouth Patuxet Museums
• Field Trip to Round the Bend Farm
• Finding Your Voice Through STEAM
• First Annual Indoor Mural Slam
• Free Art Workshops for Children at NB Public Library
• Free Family Yoga at Wilks Library
• Full STEAM Ahead
• Gallery X Unplugged 2023
• Game UnPlugged: with Music on a Thursday Night
• GLCPS Drama Club – The Lion King, Jr.
• Go, Go, Go! New Bedford Festival Theatre’s Summer Academy 2023
• Gothic Ghost Tales by Candlelight
• Grade 3 Field Trip to Plimoth Patuxet Museum & Mayflower II
• Grade 5 Field Trip to the Zeiterion Theater
• Greater New Bedford Choral Society’s 2022-23 Season
• Happy Camp
• Helping New Bedford Students “Ease On Down the Road” to New Bedford Festival Theatre’s The Wiz: Funding Transportation Costs for a Student Matinee Opportunity
• Henna at the Library
• Hip Hop Chair Dance for Seniors!
• Historic Trees of New Bedford Walking Tour 1: Walk for Health
• Histories and Mysteries: Local Fishing History and Global Fishing Mythology
• I am Autistic I am Fantastic
• IGNITE Youth Art Showcase
• Jazz at AHA!
• Johnny Cash – Songs & Stories
• La Soul Renaissance -Black August Cultural Memory Celebration
• MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: TRIP TO THE SOLAR SYSTEM
• Magic School Bus: Trip to The Solar System
• Movement Through Color: Silk Yoga Flow
• MUSE Incorporated – Musical Visits for Seniors
• NBHS Drama Club presents The SpongeBob Musical
• New Moon Projects: BodyBodyBody, Riverside Beats, and New Moon Roller Disco
• On the Road to Creativity at YOUR Library!
• Origami Storigami
• Passport to History 2023
• Patio de Comida/Guatemalan Festival
• Photography Thesis Exhibit by Class of 2023 of Umass Dartmouth CVPA
• Plant Communities of Massachusetts
• POP-UP Projections
• Practice Best Practice Workshops
• PRIDE, June 14th AHA! Night
• Public Art Projects
• “Queer à Portuguesa” Being at Home Coming Out
• Scapeghost Presents: Unexpected Music
• SCCT Presents “The Addams Family Musical”
• Seaport Art Walk: 10th Anniversary
• Shakespeare in New Bedford 2023 – The Tempest
• Showcasing Local Musicians & Local Food
• Slow Stitch Folk Art Fridays
• Spreading Joy Through Singing – Cape Verde Connections
• Spring into Action & Song
• Stove Boat Concert Series
• Summer Show – Henry Martyn Robert
• Symmetry in Shapes and Sound
• Talking Puppets of my Heritage-New Bedford Alive!
• Teen Artist Internship Program
• The Magic Around Us
• The Seaport Sessions
• The Student Showcase
• The Tragedy of Carmen
• Unite with Love: Community, Self, and the Environment
• Walkways: Exploring the People and Places of Historic New Bedford
• Your Theatre’s Actor Workshop Series
• YWkids School Age Child Care Program”

“Yesterday my wife lost her wallet at Stop and Shop with all the credit cards documentation and a good amount of money.

After going there and talking to a few people and making a few posts we kind of accepted that the wallet was lost, money and everything in it. An one hour ago my wife got a phone call from somebody in is 20s saying that since yesterday he was trying to reach her because he has her wallet! Her license had the old address so today he insisted on going there and he got her phone number that our old landlord.

All the money was there, all the documents were there, and all of this from a young kid that could simply have taken the money and put the wallet in the trash.

I was so excited that I forgot to ask for his name so maybe he’s a member of this page and see this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! You saved us a lot of work to replace all of that and the money.

Edit: After talking to him and having his permission here’s his Facebook page. Thank you so much!”-Nuno Peixoto.

New Bedford (and all the local towns) should really do something like this.

As seen on the official city of Taunton Facebook page:

“Fall is in the air, and our Scarecrow Friends have arrived downtown! Take a ride around and see all of the creative work done by both Taunton Schools & Businesses. Cast your votes here on Facebook by “liking” your favorites. The Scarecrows (one school & one business) with the most ??/❤️ will be this year’s winners. Voting starts now and will end on Friday, October 28th at noon. Good Luck to everyone – these Scarecrows are ALL Awesome!” #ScarecrowContest #Vote #FallFun #TauntonMA

There are some truly spooky, scary and funny ones in the mix this year. Go cast your vote by visiting the page and click through the gallery: https://www.facebook.com/cityoftaunton/posts/pfbid02WssfLPnSuAtXqaRk1Ku2EgpBPnc92UwPdMsFoP6c5nEk1F3mBw7kJTCYF2i5Zfo5l

Here are some of our favorites:
Scooby Doo!

Tiger Nation

Corpse Bride

Crow-meo and Ghoul-iette!

Fortune Teller

Creature from the black lagoon

and this awesome Sponge Bob!

New Bedford Festival Theatre presents Welcome to the Theatre! 50 years of Performing Arts in Our City; a Tribute to Armand Marchand and George Charbonneau. The event will take place on October 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM at New Bedford High School’s Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium.

In 1972, the “new” New Bedford High School opened with the promise that Broadway caliber plays and musicals would be presented by Marchand and Charbonneau on the stage of its brand new auditorium… New Bedford has never been the same.

From 1972-2001 Marchand and Charbonneau produced and directed 60 plays and musicals on the stage of the Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School.
In September 1982 Marchand and Charbonneau began their 40 year association with the Zeiterion Theatre starting with the reopening night of the historic downtown theatre featuring Shirley Jones: In concert.

In the summer of 1983 the New Bedford High School Drama Club production of Jesus Christ Superstar was chosen to transfer to the stage of the Zeiterion Theatre, and in 1984 Marchand and Charbonneau were hired as co-directors of Zeiterion Summer Musicals from 1984-1989. In 1990 Marchand founded New Bedford Festival Theatre which is now entering its 33rd Season as the area’s only professional theatre devoted to musical theatre.

Welcome to the Theatre! will be a full evening’s entertainment including:
● The premier of Legends Among Us, a short documentary film about Marchand and Charbonneau shot in November 2019.
● Musical performances.
● Special tributes from alumni and special guests.
● A preview of the exhibit:
“Looking Back/ Looking Forward: 50 years of Performing Arts in Our City; a tribute to Armand Marchand and George Charbonneau.

Welcome to the Theatre! One Night Only! October 22, 2022 7:00 PM
at New Bedford High School’s Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium. General Admission Seats are $25
All proceeds will benefit Festival Theatre’s Summer Academy Scholarship Fund and New Bedford High School Drama Club.

Tickets can be purchased online at nbfestivaltheatre.com, by phone (508) 994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office 684 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA 02740.

The following was posted on a popular local foodie group: Hockomock Swamp Supper Club and was shared with the original posters permission after we reached out.

“I went out to breakfast this morning at a local restaurant and as I was sitting there contemplating the world, enjoying my coffee, I became aware of the conversations around me. The table behind me was watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon on their phone…the one featuring the crows and is you is or is you ain’t my baby sung by Louis Armstrong…I smiled remembering the cartoon from childhood.”

“Then I slowly became aware of the table in front of me. The woman came back from the bathroom and immediately started complaining about cold coffee, having to wait for cream, and because the waitress didn’t bring it to her immediately she got up to get it herself, the waitress is lazy, the service sucks, the food is not good, etc., etc. The man with her told her she was a brat and not that special…they were very loud and the woman very cruel. The woman insisted the waitress send over the manager and when she went to their table, the woman said, oh never mind, I was just told I was being unreasonable…then proceeded through her litany of complaints. The manager was gracious and offered to take her meal off the bill and the woman declined the offer. Just continued to complain.”

“They came in after me and were served their meals before me. We had the same waitress. I didn’t feel the wait was anything that warranted her reaction, especially such a public display, but i understand everyone has different expectations and I appreciate that. My meal was good, not as great as always, but good. Must have a different cook because crispy hash browns came out REALLY crispy and I got the wrong toast, but nothing that was life ending. They were doing their best with the staff they had on hand.”

“The point of my post is not to bash the restaurant or to say the woman was right or wrong in her opinion, because everyone feels the way they feel and has different experiences and perceptions and that’s perfectly okay!! I would never say anyone was wrong or invalidate their experience.”

“I just wanted to remind everyone that no matter what, it costs nothing to be kind. To belittle other people and call them stupid and lazy so the whole restaurant can hear is a little uncouth. You can handle things like this in a much more kind way. There’s no excuse for nastiness. We’re all human. We all have off days. No one is immune to that. In a world where criticism quite often reigns supreme, choose kindness!!”
Have a great Saturday!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Donna H.