Authors of Spinner Publications’ new book, A Picture History of New Bedford, Volume 1, will be on hand to sign books at New Bedford Folk Festival on Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The five authors, Joseph D. Thomas, Alfred H. Saulniers, Natalie A. White, Marsha L. McCabe and Jay Avila, will be situated near Spinner’s booth at the corner of William and Water streets, across from the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

The first extensive city history to be published in decades, A Picture History of New Bedford in two volumes captures the city’s journey with hundreds of photographs and stories. In this first volume, spanning the 1600s to 1925, Spinner Publications traces New Bedford’s story from native Wampanoag hunting ground, straight-laced Quaker enclave and world-class whaling powerhouse to Underground Railroad stronghold, prolific textile center and fledgling fishing port.

Spinner Publications is a New Bedford-based, award-winning publisher of books, videos, and calendars focusing on the history and culture of southeastern New England. Among its most popular titles are Lincoln Park Remembered, A Picture History of Fairhaven, Drifting Toward the Southeast, Portuguese Spinner, Cranberry Cooking for All Seasons, Brick by Brick, Branded on My Arm and in My Soul, The New England Fisherman calendar, Southeastern New England Historical calendar and the Spinner anthology series, People and Culture in Southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, contact Spinner Publications at (508) 994-4564, visit www.spinnerpub.com or look up Spinner Publications on Facebook.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your national park! On Thursday, July 11, the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP!) performs an opening set for Toe Jam Puppet Band at 5:30pm as part of Kids Rule AHA! night. YAP is a collaborative program where teens communicate national park themes through hip-hop culture, live events, and social media outreach. This includes creating music and videos about local, regional, and national themes and sharing them through sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. YAP! has tackled a diverse range of topics including the 54th Regiment, sustainability, slavery, immigration, and more. Toe Jam Puppet Band will follow at 6 and 7pm. Then, on Friday, July 12, from 10 AM-12 noon, enjoy music and movement with members of the Sea Chantey Chorus, and hands-on crafts with the New Bedford Art Museum’s Artmobile. All events take place in the park’s garden at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-3 PM. For more information about the park and about YAP!, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe, or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP

Check out YAP’s “Walk with Me” music video. They give a great tour of New Bedford!

Thanks to the New Bedford Police Department for providing this list.

Acton 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Behind Nara Park [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Amesbury 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Woodsoms Farm [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Andover 7/3/2013 9:20 PM Andover High School [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Attleboro 7/4/2013 9:20 PM Hayward Field [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Auburn 7/3/2013 9:15 PM Pappas Recreation Complex [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Ayer 7/6/2013 9:15 PM Pirone Park [Rain Date 7/7/2013]

Bellingham 7/4/2013 9:00 PM 100 Blackstone Street [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Beverly 7/4/2013 9:15 PM Barge off West Beach [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Billerica 9/14/2013 9:00 PM [Rain Date 9/15/2013]
Braintree 6/29/2013 10:00 PM Braintree High School [Rain Date 6/30/2013]
Bridgewater 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Legion Field [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Brockton 6/14/2013 9:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds
Brockton 6/21/2013 9:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds
Brockton 6/29/2013 10:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Brockton 6/30/2013 10:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Brockton 7/12/2013 9:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds
Brockton 7/26/2013 9:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds
Brockton 7/3/2013 10:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Brockton 7/4/2013 10:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Brockton 7/6/2013 10:00 PM Brockton Fairgrounds

Chicopee 6/29/2013 9:30 PM Szot Park [Rain Date 7/6/2013]

Danvers 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Plains Park [Rain Date 7/5/2013]

E. Longmeadow 7/3/2013 10:00 PM High School Athletic Fields
Easthampton 6/29/2013 9:30 PM White Brook Middle School [Rain Date 6/30/2013]
Edgartown 6/14/2013 8:30 PM Barge off Fuller Beach
Edgartown 7/4/2013 9:15 PM Edgartown Harbor [Rain Date 7/5/2013]

Falmouth 7/4/2013 9:15 PM Barge off Falmouth Beach [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Falmouth 7/5/2013 9:00 PM West Falmouth Harbor [Rain Date 7/7/2013]
Fitchburg 6/23/2013 9:30 PM Bernardian Bowl
Fitchburg 7/3/2013 10:00 PM Rollstone Hill [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Foxborough 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Patriot Place parking lot
Freetown 7/3/2013 8:00 PM Off S. Main St., Adjacent to Cemetery [Rain Date 7/6/2013]

Gloucester 7/3/2013 8:30 PM Fort Area Stage Fort Park
Granby 6/15/2013 10:00 PM Dufresne Park [Rain Date 6/16/2013]
Groton 7/8/2013 9:30 PM 99 Main Street

Hanover 6/15/2013 9:00 PM Center School Ball Fields [Rain Date 6/16/2013]
Harvard 7/3/2013 9:15 PM Fruitlands Museum [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Haverhill 7/3/2013 Riverside Park, Fireworks 9PM [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Hingham 6/29/2013 9:15 PM Button Island [Rain Date 6/30/2013]
Holliston 6/30/2013 9:00 PM Holliston High School
Holyoke 6/28/2013 9:15 PM Holyoke Community College [Rain Date 6/29/2013]
Hudson 7/5/2013 9:00 PM 99 Park Street [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Hull 6/22/2013 9:30 PM Barge off Nantasket Beach [Rain Date 6/23/2013]

Ipswich 6/22/2013 9:00 PM Ipswich Country Club
Ipswich 6/29/2013 9:00 PM Turner Hill Golf Club

Lawrence 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Field across from High School [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Leicester 6/15/2013 9:00 PM Leicester HS track field [Rain Date 6/16/2013]
Leominster 6/15/2013 9:00 PM Doyle Field [Rain Date 6/16/2013]
Lexington 7/3/2013 at dusk
Lincoln 7/4/2013 9:15 PM Codman Field [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Lowell 6/19/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 6/20/2013]
Lowell 6/21/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 7/2/2013]
Lowell 6/22/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 7/11/2013]
Lowell 6/28/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 7/25/2013]
Lowell 6/29/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 8/1/2013]
Lowell 7/3/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 8/15/2013]
Lowell 7/5/2013 9:30 PM 432 West Sixth Street [Rain Date 7/7/2013]
Lowell 7/12/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 8/17/2013]
Lowell 8/2/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 8/29/2013]
Lowell 8/16/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 9/6/2013]
Lowell 8/31/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 9/7/2013]
Lowell 9/1/2013 9:30 PM 450 Aiken Street [Rain Date 9/8/2013]
Lynn 6/14/2013 9:00 PM Fraser Field [Rain Date 8/3/2013]
Lynn 6/28/2013 9:00 PM Fraser Field [Rain Date 8/3/2013]
Lynn 7/1/2013 9:00 PM Fraser Field [Rain Date 8/3/2013]
Lynn 7/19/2013 9:00 PM Fraser Field [Rain Date 8/3/2013]
Lynn 7/3/2013 9:00 PM Barge near Red Rock [Rain Date 7/5/2013]

Mashpee 6/30/2013 9:00 PM Willowbend CC Golf Course
Mashpee 7/1/2013 9:30 PM Mashpee High School [Rain Date 7/2/2013]
Mashpee 7/3/2013 9:00 PM Willowbend CC Golf Course [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Mashpee 7/4/2013 9:30 PM New Seabury Country Club
Mattapoisett 7/4/2013 9:15 PM Rebello Lane Golf course [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Milford 7/3/2013 10:00 PM Plains Park [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Monson 6/22/2013 9:15 PM Quarry Hill School ($5 Parking) [Rain Date 6/23/2013]

N. Reading 7/4/2013 8:00 PM Ipswich River Park [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Nahant 7/4/2013 9:00 PM Nahant Beach [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
New Bedford 7/4/2013 9:30 PM 7 Fish Pier [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Newton 7/4/2013 9:00 PM Albermarle Field
North Adams 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Joe Wolfe Field [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
North Andover 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Hayes Stadium [Rain Date 7/8/2013]
Northampton 6/22/2013 9:30 PM Look Park [Rain Date 6/23/2013]
Northbridge 6/28/2013 9:00 PM Lasalle Field [Rain Date 6/29/2013]
Norton 6/22/2013 9:00 PM Norton Schools ball field [Rain Date 6/23/2013]

Pittsfield 6/14/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park [Rain Date 6/15/2013]
Pittsfield 7/4/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Pittsfield 7/19/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park
Pittsfield 7/25/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park
Pittsfield 8/2/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park [Rain Date 8/7/2013]
Pittsfield 8/8/2013 9:30 PM Wahconah Park [Rain Date 8/10/2013]
Provincetown 7/4/2013 9:00 PM Barge off McMillian Wharf [Rain Date 7/5/2013]

Quincy 6/15/2013 9:00 PM Pageant Field Boat Landing [Rain Date 6/22/2013]

Randolph 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Randolph High School [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Reading 6/15/2013 9:00 PM Baseball field at Reading HS [Rain Date 7/7/2013]

S. Yarmouth 7/27/2013 8:00 PM Dennis-Yarmouth High School [Rain Date 7/28/2013]
Salem 7/4/2013 9:00 PM Derby Wharf [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Salisbury 6/29/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 7/4/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 7/6/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 7/13/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 7/20/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 7/27/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 8/3/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 8/10/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 8/17/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 8/24/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Salisbury 8/31/2013 10:15 PM Barge off Salisbury Beach
Sandwich 7/3/2013 9:00 PM Ridge Club Driving Range
Seekonk 7/7/2013 9:15 PM Behind Seekonk Speedway [Rain Date 7/8/2013]
Sharon 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Lake Massapoag [Rain Date 7/7/2013]
Somerville 6/27/2013 9:00 PM Trum Field [Rain Date 6/28/2013]
South Hadley 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Michael E. Smith Middle School [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
South Yarmouth 6/29/2013 8:00 PM Dennis-Yarmouth High School [Rain Date 6/30/2013]
Spencer 6/29/2013 9:30 PM Zukas Hilltop Barn [Rain Date 7/1/2013]
Stoughton 7/3/2013 9:00 PM West School Complex [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Sturbridge 7/4/2013 6:00PM Old Sturbridge Village (*fee to enter)

Upton 6/22/2013 10:00 PM Nipmuc Regional High School [Rain Date 6/23/2013]

Wakefield 7/4/2013 9:00 PM end of Beacon Street [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Walpole 7/3/2013 9:30 PM Joe Morgan Field [Rain Date 7/5/2013]
Wareham 6/22/2013 9:20 PM Barge in Buzzards Bay
Wilmington 7/4/2013 9:00 PM Wilmington High Field [Rain Date 7/6/2013]
Wilmington 7/6/2013 9:00 PM Wilmington High Field [Rain Date 7/7/2013]
Woburn 6/15/2013 10:00 PM DPW Yard off N. Warren Road
Worcester 6/23/2013 9:00 PM Worcester Country Club [Rain Date 9/1/2013]

Proud to be Cape Verdean (PTBCV): A Look at Cape Verdeans in the Golden State, a documentary about the Cape Verdean community in California, will screen on Friday, June 28 at 7:00 pm at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park theater, 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford, MA. The event is free and open to the public. PTBCV captures the essence of the Cape Verdean culture in California through an insightful look at individuals and organizations and their desire to maintain their cultural identity. The music of the Mendes Brothers, John and Ramiro, is featured. Actor/producer Michael Beach lends his voice talents as narrator.

The writer/producer/director of the film, Mike Costa, will be introducing the film. Costa has been a professional writer for over 15 years and is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America. His many credits include: Roseanne, The Steve Harvey Show, In the House and The Gregory Hines Show. His interest and experience in documentary film making resulted in collaborative works with other Cape Verdean film makers.

This one-hour documentary offers oral histories in conjunction with interviews, photographs and re-enactments that accurately depict the transition of small family gatherings where Cape Verdeans shared their love of their cuisine and music grew, inspired and eventually shaped the formation of non-profit Cape Verdean organizations dedicated to sustaining the legacy of their racially and linguistically rich culture while maintaining a strong connection to their East Coast ties and their home country of Cape Verde. Experts such as Gina Sanchez-Gibau, PhD, Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Indiana University/IUPUI, James Lopes, noted Cape Verdean Genealogist and Cape Verdean Ambassador to the United States, Fatima Veiga are featured.

―The story of the Cape Verdean Diaspora is just as much a part of our own local history as the Golden State’s – we’re all connected, said national park Superintendent Jen Nersesian. ―We’re proud to host this screening and welcome the community into this exploration of Cape Verdean identity and culture.

This has been a collaborative effort of the entire California Cape Verdean community. The film will screen in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Atlanta, Ohio, California and throughout the Cape Verdean Diaspora. The documentary features Portuguese and French subtitles.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-4 PM. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov, or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP.

The weekend outlook is a FANTASTIC one! It will be as high as 81 degrees, and as cool as 55 degrees at night. Only Sunday has the tiniest chance of rain, with a 20% chance. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, June 21st

3rd Annual Fishing For A Cause (12:01 pm)
The third annual Fishing For a Cause® striped bass, bluefish, and fluke catch-and-release tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 21 12:01 a.m. to Saturday, June 22 at 4:00 p.m., culminating in a celebratory awards dinner on Saturday, June 22nd from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The tournament will once again be anchored at Pope’s Island Marina, located at 102 Pope’s Island, New Bedford, with fishing grounds from Cape Cod Bay to Block Island. Fishing For a Cause® is organized by and for the benefit of the Schwartz Center for Children. The Schwartz Center is a not-for-profit organization located in Dartmouth, MA that provides comprehensive medical and educational services for children with special needs. For more information about the Schwartz Center visit schwartzcenter.org.

South Coast Music Together, at the Padanaram Farmer’s Market (Dartmouth) (1:30 pm-5:30 pm)
South Coast Music Together will be at the Padanaram Farmer’s Markets again, this summer! Join us for some outdoor music making, and fun. Shop for local produce, baked goods, and handcrafted clothing, and more!! SCMT’s first day at the market will be Friday, June 21, from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM (the market is open until 6:00 PM). Hope to sing with you there!

The Portuguese Kids at the Seaport Inn (Fairhaven) (6:00 pm)
Looking for some medicine for the soul through laughter? The Portuguese Kids comedy act is coming to the Seaport Inn Friday evening!

New Bedford Baysox Home Game and Project Purple (6:30 pm)

On Friday June 21st the Baysox will be taking on the first place Vermont Mountaineers at Paul Walsh Field at 6:30. Friday is Project Purple Night in support of fighting addiction in our communities. Former Boston Celtic Chris Herren will be throwing out the first pitch and all fans wearing purple will get a free gift.

Saturday, June 22nd

Go Yard Sale Hunting! (All Weekend)

NewBedfordGuide.com now has a Yard Sale Portal (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/map-page#pm_yardsale_tab) for auction hunters! The data come directly from Craigslist and New Bedford Guide users. Want to add your yard sale? E-mail info@newbedfordguide.com.

SVT Cobra, Mustang and all Ford Car Show (10am – 1pm)

For the 9th straight year Ashley Ford Sales will be hosting their SVT Cobra, Mustang and all Ford Car Show. The event is FREE and will be happening tomorrow from 10 am-1pm at Ashley Ford (395 Mt. Pleasant Street in New Bedford). Free refreshments, door prizes and entertainment. In addition, they’ll be hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross during the event. So if you’re a mustang enthusiast, love muscle cars or just want to give back to save a life, check out this event.

“Art Marks the Spot!” (Fall River, MA) (10:05 am – 1:00 pm)
The Greater Fall River Art Association has organized a day of art making in Downtown Fall River. Discover your hidden potential by taking part in these FREE beginning workshops in drawing, painting, basket weaving, and mixed media assemblage. Create your personal “one of a kid” art masterpiece to take home!

Children’s Summer Festival (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
Family fun including a Michael Jackson show, games and prizes, pony rides, dunk tank, crafts, moon bounce, face painting, food tent and more.

New Bedford Gay Pride (1-7 pm)

New Bedford Gay Pride runs from 1-7pm. There will be special appearances by Motown recording artist Danielle Andrews and Mahogany Lite. This event is free and will be held on Purchase Street in downtown New Bedford.

New Bedford Baysox Home Game – Subway Fitness & Wellness Night (6:30 pm)

Saturday June 22nd is Youth Fitness and Wellness Night at the Ballpark sponsored by Subway of Rockdale Ave. The Bay Sox will be taking on the Sanford Mainers and kids will be invited to participate in Fitness Focused on field activities. Bristol Community College sports massage therapy trainers will be leading stretches and giving Free Massages at the field.

Strawberry Moon Walk (Dartmouth, MA) 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Head to the Stone Barn Farm at dusk for a hike and witness the “Strawberry” Moon rising over Allen’s Pond. Experience the evening wildlife and the gorgeous night sky. Dress for an outdoor adventure and be sure to bring a water bottle. Registration is required. Audience: All (suitable for children 5 – 17 years). Members: Adult $4.00, Child $4.00. Nonmembers: Adult $6.00, Child $6.00.

Celtic featuring Eddie Dillon 8:00 pm
Head to the Celtic Coffee House for another rendition of Celtic by Candlelight, this time featuring local favorite Eddie Dillon. Sip on beer or wine while you dine on an entrée from our new menu. Free admission.

Sunday, June 23rd

Go Yard Sale Hunting! (All Weekend)

NewBedfordGuide.com now has a Yard Sale Portal (http://www.newbedfordguide.com/map-page#pm_yardsale_tab) for auction hunters! The data come directly from Craigslist and New Bedford Guide users. Want to add your yard sale? E-mail info@newbedfordguide.com.

Acoustic Sunrise – Morning Glory Cafe 9:30 am – 12:30 pm In what is perhaps the most unique breakfast next to Leggs ‘n Eggs, you can enjoy breakfast and live music every Sunday at Morning Glory Café, in the South End. Amanda Rae will serenade you from 9:30-12:30 while you enjoy the best breakfast in town!

Farmer’s Market (Fairhaven, MA) 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday afternoons, June 16 through October 13 you can buy fresh local produce and other products from area farmers. Enjoy the local market with family and friends every Sunday afternoon! Entertainment will be available occasionally during market hours. Access the parking lot off Main Street to the rear of the Academy Building. Handicap parking. Free admission. Coordinated by the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee.

Family-Friendly Multilingual Karaoke 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Like to belt out tunes in the shower? Does your mom say you have the best voice that she’s ever heard? Head to “Family-Friendly Multilingual Karaoke” with dining and dancing, every Sunday from 5-9 pm. Hosted by Mariozation Karaoke. Pub 6 at The Sixth Bristol, 736 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. 508.998.3755.

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

Are you looking for fun educational programs for you or your children? The Andrea McCoy Recreation Center will host a Summer 2013 Programs Open House on June 22nd, 2013 from 10am-5pm. New Bedford residents are invited to enroll in classes at the Open House and meet the instructors from the 2013 Summer Program season.

2013 Summer Programs will include Theater Camp, Karate, Tai Chi, Piano and Guitar labs, Basketball clinics, Soccer Clinics, Art Labs, Hip Hop Dance for Kids and Beginners, Gymnastics, Sports and Games, and much more. Programming for adults includes Hip Hop Dance for Beginners, Zumba, Yoga, Guitar Lab, Volleyball, and more. A full program listing is on the Parks and Recreation web page under “City Offices” at www.newbedford-ma.gov or on Facebook at New Bedford Parks Recreation & Beaches.

In addition to the programming held at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, there are also Supportive Recreation programs offered in the parks, including Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer Camps, Yoga in the Park, Couch to 5K program and more.

The Andrea McCoy Recreation Center offers low-cost recreation programming for New Bedford Residents to encourage health and wellness in our community. City residents may join the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center as a member for FREE. Summer Programs start the week of June 24th and run once a week for 10 weeks.

Space is limited, so parents and adults are encouraged to complete and submit program registrations as soon as possible. Registration forms are available at the Andre McCoy Recreation Center located at 181 Hillman St on the corner of Hillman and Chancery. Please contact New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches for more information at (508) 961-3015.

The New Bedford 4th of July celebration and firework display will be at 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, 2013. The firework display will launch from a barge in New Bedford Harbor near the State Pier. Rain date Friday July 5th 9 p.m at the same location.

At 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning in front of the New Bedford Main Library on Pleasant Street, Mayor Jon Mitchell will join with members of the community to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the original dedication of the “Whaleman Statue.”

The iconic bronze statue was sculpted by Bela Lyon Pratt, commissioned by William W. Crapo, and dedicated by Mayor Charles S. Ashley on June 20, 1913. The Whaleman Statue serves as a proud tribute to the whalers who made New Bedford the world’s most famous whaling port in the nineteenth century.

In addition, the concept plan for the New Bedford Fishermens Tribute Plaza will be presented during the centennial program. This tribute will honor the generations of New Bedford fishermen and their families whose work and support have made New Bedford the number one fishing port in America.

Child Birth and Family Education classes

Southcoast® Health offers a wide range of child birth and family education classes on an ongoing basis. Please call the appropriate contact listed below for more information on each class.

Childbirth Classes

Birthing Bootcamp
Childbirth Classes for Young Parents (ages 12 to 17 years)
Refresher Childbirth Classes

Pre-registration is required for all classes. We recommend calling to register during the 16th week (10 to 12 weeks for multiples) of pregnancy to assure placement in the class you need. Not all classes are offered at all locations. Many health insurance companies will reimburse the cost of classes. Be sure to contact your insurance company to ask about coverage.

For more information, please contact the following:

 Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA
Gina Kiser, RN, BSN, CCE
508-973-7308
kiserg@southcoast.org

St Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street
New Bedford, MA
Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE
508-961-5445
vandenberghepa@southcoast.org

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Patty VanDenBerghe, RN, BSN, CCE
508-961-5445
vandenberghepa@southcoast.org

FALL RIVER/NEW BEDFORD
 Breast-Feeding Basics
Learn about the healthy option of breastfeeding, basic skills to provide a good foundation and how to avoid potential stumbling blocks. Expectant mothers and their partners are encouraged to attend. Please call to register.

Charlton Memorial Hospital
363 Highland Avenue
Fall River, MA
Call Gina Kiser at 508-973-7308 for details.

St. Luke’s Hospital
101 Page Street, New Bedford, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

DARTMOUTH
Infant and Child CPR for Families and Friends
This pediatric CPR course covers techniques for newborns to 8 year olds. The class is $40 per person or $60 for two people. Pre-registration is required.

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

Breastfeeding Support Group

A place for breastfeeding mothers to come for physical, mental and emotional support. The class is facilitated by a lactation consultant/councilor. There is no charge and registration is not required. Drop-ins and their female support people are welcome.

Center for Women’s Health
300B Faunce Corner Road
Dartmouth, MA
Call Patty VanDenBerghe at 508-961-5445 for details.

About Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group
Southcoast Health System is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It includes the three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.

Southcoast provides advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, orthopedic surgery, advanced imaging services and is the only provider of maternity services in the region. Southcoast is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.
Southcoast™ is a trademark of Southcoast Health System Inc.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has approved the second phase of a grant to the City of New Bedford’s Pathways DrugFreeNB Coalition for the implementation of a program designed to help reduce non-medical use of prescription drugs across the community.

The DrugFreeNB Prescription Drug Program is designed to educate and spread awareness about the consequences of prescription drug misuse in an effort to reduce opioid dependency, addiction and overdose. Organizers spent the last six months engaging in a Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) planning process that yielded an initial strategic plan to address the issue. The DrugFreeNB advisory team conducted research with Roger Williams University evaluators who gathered feedback and data from community-based agencies, city departments, Southcoast Hospitals, faith community leaders and city residents.

“In New Bedford, we are working as a community to find ways to address this issue. DrugFreeNB Coalition is raising public awareness of how legitimate pain medication prescriptions often lead to dependency.” said Mayor Mitchell.

DrugFreeNB will facilitate several upcoming education and outreach events in the coming weeks. On June 26, the group will host a Prescription Drug Conference at Whites of Westport from 9:30 am until 1:00 pm. Guest speakers will address prescription drug misuse and offer prevention strategies. The conference includes complimentary continental breakfast and lunch and is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required through the program website: www.drugfreenb.org or by calling (508) 979-1796. The DrugFreeNB team will also be on hand at the 3rd Eye Open at Buttonwood Park on Sunday, July 21 from 11:00 am until 2:00pm. For more information about the program contact Luisa Paez-Espinal at (508) 979-1796.