Please join the staff, volunteers, and community partners of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in celebrating and recognizing Judy Roderiques for 24 years of dedication and volunteer service.

A variety of National Park Service (NPS) employees, volunteers and partners were honored yesterday at a ceremony to Celebrate America’s National Parks and the Dedication of Those Who Serve. Many of the agency’s top awards were presented at the event sponsored by the National Park Service and its philanthropic partner the National Park Foundation.  

“The amazing accomplishments of the award recipients represent the diversity of outreach efforts that are connecting people to their national parks,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “Throughout the country, we are passionately expanding the national narrative by incorporating new voices and experiences into programs and exhibits. From floating classrooms on the Chesapeake Bay that provide multisensory experiences for inner city youth, to expanding partnerships with Tribes to share Indigenous knowledge and traditions, we are striving to present a more inclusive and complete story where everyone can see themselves reflected in national parks.”  

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park photo.

“National Park Service staff, volunteers, and park partners work tirelessly to protect national parks and connect people to the wonder of parks,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “Their service inspires people to connect with and protect America’s national parks, ensuring more people are able to see themselves in national parks and feel welcome in these places that belong to all of us. Thank you for all you do.” 

Following are the Volunteer Award Recipients: 

The George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service recognize the exemplary contributions that NPS volunteers make to their park and to their community. Nearly 300,000 volunteers contribute more than 6.5 million hours of service annually in national parks, for a value of more than $185 million. George B. Hartzog, Jr. served as the 7th director of the NPS and created the Volunteers-In-Parks program in 1970.  

• Judy Roderiques from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park received the Hartzog Enduring Service Award. Roderiques has been a volunteer in the park since 1998 and is an integral part of its award-winning living history program, “Ruth and Abby: the 1850s Ladies.” She also played a lead role in scheduling and reorienting park volunteers when the park reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  
• The Bighorn Brigade at Rocky Mountain National Park received the Hartzog Park Volunteer Program Award. The group’s central mission is to help bighorn sheep cross the road.  When not performing that duty, they engage with thousands of visitors sharing important park information. Bighorn sheep must travel down from higher elevations to reach minerals at natural salt licks, and these dedicated volunteers help these animals cross a busy park road. As increased visitation puts additional stress on wildlife, this program helps the bighorn sheep population and reduces the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions.   

• Rob Albercht-Mallinger from Indiana Dunes National Park received the Hartzog Individual Volunteer Award. He leads the River Restoration Crew that ensures the East Branch of the Little Calumet River in the park is accessible and appealing to paddlers. The volunteer crew focuses on log jam removal, trash cleanup, and creating new boat launches to offer paddlers more than 11 miles of scenic views through some of the most biodiverse habitats in the national park.  
   
• Sophie Schell from National Capital Parks-East received the Hartzog Youth Volunteer Award. An eight-grade student and member of Scouts BSA Troop 248 for Girls, she carried out her Eagle Scout project on the George Washington Carver Trail on the Suitland Parkway. She engaged dozens of volunteers to work on trail maintenance, beatification, accessibility improvements, and signage.     

• Chris Allieri and the New York City Plover Project at Gateway National Recreation Area received the Hartzog Volunteer Group Award. They educate and engage visitors about piping plovers, a threatened species that nests on the park’s busiest beaches. Last summer, the group of 50 Shorebird Ecology Ambassador volunteers, or SEA-VIPs, donated 1,200 hours, made over 7,500 visitor contacts, and launched a new beachfront visitor contact station.  

• Hawai’i Academy of Arts and Sciences Workplace Readiness Program at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park received the Hartzog Volunteer Youth

Group Award. The program engages developmentally disabled youth in stewardship activities. Working in the rainforest in all kinds of conditions, these stalwart volunteers have removed thousands of invasive Himalayan ginger which has enabled a thriving repopulation of native Hawaiian biota.  

To learn more about Judy, and her contributions to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, you can view her acceptance video on the park website.

Southcoast Health announced today that the not-for-profit community health system has named Christian S. Pope, DO, FACOG Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

A long-standing medical staff member at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dr. Pope specializes in providing high-quality women’s health care with clinical interests in medical complications of pregnancy, along with teaching and education in the field.

“For the past 19 years, I have had the opportunity of serving the community at St. Luke’s,” Dr. Pope said. “Since graduating from residency, I have established a large community of patients and am now helping care for the next generation. I’ve been able to successfully do this with the collaboration of my colleagues, nurses and staff alike. While continuing medical care, I am honored to be given the privilege to be the Chief of Obstetrics & Gynecology for Southcoast Health, where I plan to continue our organization’s mission and commitment to providing excellent comprehensive women’s health care.”

Dr. Pope earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following his medical internship at Eastern Maine Medical Center, he completed his medical education with residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., through Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston.

“We are delighted to announce Dr. Pope’s new role at Southcoast Health,” said Ray Kruger, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “With his clinical expertise, experience and leadership, we believe Dr. Pope will help Southcoast Health continue to advance our Obstetrics & Gynecology services and continue to provide exceptional care to patients in our region.”

In addition to his role at Southcoast Health, Dr. Pope serves on the Faculty at Brown University School of Medicine, where he teaches at the Women and Infant’s Hospital in Providence, RI as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Dr. Pope has authored articles in notable peer-reviewed journals and books. He serves as an editorial reviewer for the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, while also serving as a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

He is also a contributing member in several organizations and societies such as The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, The Massachusetts Medical Society and The Society of Critical Care Medicine.

To learn more about Obstetrics & Gynecology at Southcoast Health, please visit Southcoast Health Obstetrics & Gynecology.

During the month of August, the 36th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Dr. Herbert R. Waters, a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps who passed away last year on August 4, 2021 at the age of 90.

Waters was born on October 8, 1930, the son of the late Herbert R. Waters, Sr. and Jane C. (Joseph) Waters. He grew up in the North End of New Bedford, on Hillman St. and attended New Bedford High School where he excelled in the ROTC program. Upon graduating high school in 1948, he attended Providence College where he ran track and cross country. After graduating from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in 1953, he earned a commission in the United States Marine Corps.

According to his obituary, LT Waters, also known as “Bert,” became only the 10th black officer in the history of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Korean War for 14 months and remained in the Marine Reserves, earning promotions ahead of his peers, eventually attaining the rank of Colonel. His primary duty station was at the Naval Air Station in South Weymouth, MA, where he became the first African American Commanding Officer of the Mass 6 Marine Air Support Squadron.

While serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, Waters continued his education, earning a Master’s degree from Bridgewater State College and a Doctorate from Nova University. He began working for the New Bedford Public School system and became a leading figure in education for the next 32 years, with the majority of his time as Principal of Sgt. William H. Carney Academy.

It was here that Dr. Waters made an indelible mark on his community and helped to shape education, not only in New Bedford but for the entire state. According to his obituary, “Through strong leadership, personal accountability and by introducing pioneering multicultural curriculum and celebrating diversity, Sgt. William H. Carney Academy quickly became the jewel of the entire school district. Presidential candidate and civil rights icon, Jesse Jackson, Governor Michael Dukakis and many other dignitaries routinely visited Carney while educators statewide began modeling Dr. Water’s innovative approach to academic leadership.”

A Standard-Times article written last year, after Water’s death, included quotes from many people who knew Dr. Waters and recalled the impact he made on the staff and students at Carney. NBPS Deputy Superintendent, Karen Treadup, wrote, “The man was great. Carney Academy benefited so much from his leadership, which was anchored in self-discipline, and which he imparted by example to his students. As principal, he engaged students with a sense of deep caring and firsthand knowledge of the challenges many of them faced.”
Mayor Jon Mitchel wrote in a statement, “As distinguished as his military career was, he is perhaps best known as the long-time principal of Carney Academy, where he developed a national reputation in urban education for setting high standards for personal accountability and academic performance.”

Once Waters retired as Principal of Carney Academy, he went on to open Carney Daycare, providing a safe learning environment for children in kindergarten through grade six.

Waters was extremely proud of his Wampanoag heritage and was a member of the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness. He was known as “Black Eagle” and was a highly respected elder within the Native American community. He often traveled as a representative of the Wampanoag Nation to powwows across the country including the “Gathering of Nations” in New Mexico, the “Crow Fair” in Montana, the “Seminole Powwow” in Florida, the “Schemitzun” in Connecticut and his beloved Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow in Massachusetts.

He was also an avid runner and pilot. Waters competed in biathlons, half-marathons, countless road races and completed 27 marathons. He also enjoyed flying his personal aircraft “Bulldog,” logging several hundred hours, often taking friends and family up in his Piper Cherokee 140.

Dr. Waters was also actively involved in the Cape Verdean community. Former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang stated, “this fueled the whole idea of driving youth to reach the highest level of success, proving Waters to be a role model in all aspects of the community.”

Waters retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1984, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

“Dad was a genuine patriot who loved this country, the city of New Bedford, and his friends and family,” as family members remembered him. Mayor Jon Mitchell wrote in a statement, “Accomplished aviator, promotor of Wampanoag culture, and marathon runner were among the many roles he somehow fit into his extraordinary active life. His commitment to excellence in everything he undertook and his unwavering devotion to the Nation and the City, will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune of knowing him.”

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.

During the month of July, the 35th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of PFC David E. Allain, a combat veteran from New Bedford who served in the United States Air Corps, participating in 11 combat missions during WWII.

David was born on November 3, 1919 to Thaddee Allain and Marie Rose LeBlanc, the oldest of eight children. He attended New Bedford public schools and at the age of 17 left school to work and help support his family. At the age of 22, David joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941 and was assigned to Columbia, S.C. where he attended Aerial Gunner school. He was then assigned to Buckley Field and Lowry Field, Colorado, where he trained as an AP Armorer or Aircraft Armory Specialist.

PFC Allain was assigned to the HQ 309th Bombardment Group AAF in the Bomb Crew Section. He flew on nine training missions beginning February 1944 on a B25H Bomber, flying from Columbia Air Base in SC. to Elgin Field in FL and Hunter Field in GA.

These training missions were to prepare him for his combat missions during WWII which started in June 1944. PFC Allain flew a total of 11 combat missions on a B25G Bomber for a total of 65 hours as a gunner in the tail position. He was a member of the 345th Bomb Group from 1942 to 1945, serving in the Bismarck Archipelagos, group of islands located off the northeastern coast of New Guinea as well as the Southern Philippines and New Guinea.

Allain was honorably discharged at the rank of SSGT on October 20, 1945, at Westover Field, MA and earned the following awards: The Good Conduct Medal, The Purple Heart Medal, The American Defense Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with Bronze Star, The WWII Victory Medal, as well as The Aerial Gunner Aviation Badge.

According to his family, SSGT Allain received a certificate stating that “David E. Allain was a member of the 345th Bomb Group between 1942 to 1945, along the bloody trail from Port Morseby, New Guinea to Tokyo, Japan and is deserving of all Honors and Courtesies extended to veterans who have served their country well. And furthermore, as a member of good standing of the 345th Bob Group Reunion Association, who has attended one of the past reunions of plans to attend a future one – shall be known as “A Great American.”

Once retired from the military, Allain returned to New Bedford and married Doris (Lavoie) in 1947. They had three children: Bernard Allain, Ronald Allain and Doreen Wotton. David worked at Cherry & Webb department store selling shoes, working at three locations, two in Newport, RI and later in downtown New Bedford, MA. He also had a second job working at Wonder Bowl on Hathaway St. in New Bedford, working the control desk. His last job was as a security guard at the Mammoth Mart in Dartmouth, MA.

David was the oldest of eight children and five of Allain’s brothers proudly served in the military including Francois, Zoel, Rene, Arthur and Paul. He was also the brother of Cecile Silveira and Omer Allain. David’s son, Ronald Allain, is also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

David E. Allain passed away on May 14, 1995. He was the husband of the late Doris (Lavoie) Allain and was survived by his children, Bernard Allain and his wife Maureen of Dartmouth, Ronald Allain of Troy, NH, and Doreen Wotton and her husband Russell of Dartmouth; 5 grandchildren: Nicole Allain, Matthew Allain, David Allain, Brian Wotton and Jeffrey Wotton as well as 15 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Daniel Allain.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.

“So today from 1:30pm to 4:00pm I took my granddaughters to Harrington Park on Court St. New Bedford.

Amariannah has been bullied there a few times by children but because she is autistic it’s hard for her to understand what these children are doing or saying. This is her favorite park and if you know anything about Autism then you know that change is not easy for her.

I would like to thank the parents of another girl there today as coincidentally her name is also Amariannah. This other child stood up for my granddaughter and told the other kids to stop laughing and saying things to my granddaughter. She even followed her to tell her they have the same name.

Thank you for raising your daughter to stand up for other kids and especially the special needs kids ? ? ?.”-Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas.

Jennifer Lee Staples-Villegas photo.

Lois Wilding, RN, will cap off a nursing career of more than 50 years when she retires from Southcoast Health this weekend.

Known throughout the not-for-profit community health system for her classic headwear – a nursing cap earned when she graduated from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing in 1972 – the Fall River resident will work her final shift at what is now Charlton Memorial Hospital on Saturday.

“I have had a wonderful nursing career,” Wilding said. “God has given me good health to continue my passion for 50 years.”

Wilding has worked on various units at Charlton Memorial, including medical/surgical and pulmonary. She has served as a nursing supervisor since 2007, first during evenings and then full-time. She has also held positions at the Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Center and in the practice of Southcoast Health Primary Care Provider Dr. Ronald Schwartz, along with stints in home care and school nursing.

“Few people in any profession can say they have dedicated their entire career to one community, and for a nurse, the achievement is even more impressive,” said Dr. Ray Kruger, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “Southcoast is fortunate to have thousands of outstanding nurses whose skill, talent and compassion place them firmly at the top of their field, and Lois has exemplified this. We will miss her, but we are grateful for her lifelong contributions and wish her all of the best.”

Wilding is famous among her colleagues for sharing inspiring stories and memories that are teachable moments, and she still keeps in touch with many of her patients and their loved ones, said George Barth, RN, Southcoast Health Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Site Administrator at Charlton Memorial.

“Lois has touched the lives of many staff and patients throughout her career,” Barth said. “Her mentoring and advocacy have been a major contributor to the profession of nursing. Lois’s dedication to Southcoast Health will be remembered forever.”

Meet Manny Hernandez, the 29-year-old executive chef, and part-owner of Barrels & Boards in Raynham, MA.

Manny was born in Puerto Rico and grew up as a child there until the age of eleven. His mother unfortunately had come down with a health condition and her best outlook had her moving to the United States with a family member until she got better. Manny was eleven years old and spoke no English. He would follow his mother to the United States, moving with his sisters, arriving in New Bedford in June 2004.

Manny attended school in New Bedford and got his first job when he was 16 as a dishwasher at Nephews in Freetown. After working hard, Ron saw his work ethic and desire to learn and gave him a shot as a line cook where he’d stay for another year and a half.

Manny’s next job would be under Chef Kevin Gibbons at UMass Dartmouth. During the first year, Chef Gibbons observed Manny working with him and told him he could see his potential for being an excellent cook and that could go far if he got serious about learning. With a passion for the kitchen, he seized this opportunity, learning everything he could.

Umass being a school meant Manny would find himself jobless during the summer, so he picked up a job at the Waterfront Grille, where he began learning from new chefs. He bounced between Umass during the school year and the Waterfront Grille for a few years, until taking a full-time sous chef position. He worked hard and paid attention to food costs and how to manage a successful kitchen for two years until his own opportunity came up where he took over as head chef for the Waterfront Grille.

He took on the new role as head chef and ran with it, his continued success found him an opportunity to open a new restaurant with his own designed menu, at a new place being opened called the Charred Oak Tavern where he spent 2 1/2 years making it a huge success. This got him noticed again, and he was approached with an opportunity that he couldn’t pass on opening yet another new restaurant called Barrels & Boards.

Manny continued on his path to success at the new restaurant, working hard as he always had, showing he was invaluable. This time, the new opportunity was to become a business partner at Barrels & Boards. His passion and dedication in the kitchen have continuously paid off and now his future also includes building a brand to a point where it can continue to expand.

Manny acknowledges the hard work he put in with different jobs and under different chefs has really helped his career get to where it’s at today, but more so his strength comes from his family who supports him and has made the long hours work, and the people who work with him in the kitchen. At least a dozen staff members put their faith and careers in his hands and have followed him from one kitchen to another because they see his dedication to not only doing a good job but making sure they’re learning and on a successful path to make a similar journey that he’s had.

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Faces of New Bedford is a New Bedford Guide project being undertaken by Josh Souza. If you’d like to nominate someone or ask a question you can inquire with him through email at josh@newbedfordguide.com.

Faces of New Bedford began as a project by Colton Simmons. You can find Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton.

During the month of June, the 34th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Manuel “Manny” Martin, Jr. of Wesport, a WWII Veteran and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Manny was the son of the late Manuel and Mary E. (Faria) Martin, Sr., and was a lifelong resident of Westport. He passed away on July 30, 2012 at the age of 90, just two months after being interviewed for a television series entitled, Heroes Among Us.

The late Joseph Langlois, former President of the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Historical Association,
produced this television series, in conjunction with the New Bedford Cable TV, which included a series of interviews with local citizens, who according to Mr. Langlois, “experienced the trauma, the confusion and drama of war. Ordinary individuals who were confronted by extraordinary events that demanded, at times, more than they may have thought they were capable of enduring.”

In May 2012, Mr. Langlois met up with Manny Martin, at his home in Westport, to get a firsthand account of Manny’s experience during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He wanted to know what Manny heard, what he saw, what he smelled and how he felt.

Manny explained that as a young man, he lived and worked on his family’s farm in Westport. As a young man, prior to the U.S. entering WWII, he told his mother that he was going to enlist the U.S. Army. At first, she didn’t take him seriously, but shortly after visiting a recruiting office in Fall River he was on his way to Hawaii. His goal had been to go to Honolulu, so he was assigned to the US. Army Coast Artillery Corps. Within a few days Manny was on his way to Boston to board a ship.

While in Boston, “I was asked to operate a forklift. I was told that I did a good job and I got a choice bunk for my labor,” which made his ride aboard the USS America more comfortable. “A lot of guys were sick, but I wasn’t. I enjoyed the ocean ride.” The USS America was one of the three Kitty Hawk class supercarriers. “I saw Florida and the Panama Canal. I was dumbstruck. I had never been farther than Fall River! The Panama Canal was quite an experience. We went to California and stayed a couple of days. The first time I had ever seen a burlesque show!”

Manny explained that while stationed in Honolulu, he worked on the telephone system in his outfit. There were a total of 52 telephones between the electric power plant, plotting room and two 12” artillery guns.
“A lot of people don’t know how to fire a 12-inch artillery gun. You don’t just pull a trigger. In order to control a 12-inch gun, we had four outposts. I had to maintain all of the phones in every station.” The job of the outposts was to “spot anything and watch and identify. Then they would let the commander know and we’d get the guns ready to fire.” Manny went on to explain that these artillery guns took about 8 men to fire and each had a specific job. The shells were close to 5ft. long and required 272 pounds of gunpowder.

Mr. Langlois compared that to the two 12-inch guns they had a Fort Rodman. Manny explained that these artillery guns were used primarily to attack ships, not planes.

Mr. Langlois began to question Manny about the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor and what Manny was doing at the time. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. I was slated to go on guard duty and I was a little upset because I didn’t like guard duty. That meant I had to get up and make early chow. I had just come out of the latrine and two guys and I saw a plane going by with a torpedo longer than the plane. Manny knew right away that it was a Japanese plane but couldn’t believe it. “Pretty soon, you could hear all of the shooting and the torpedo going off and there was one after another. Pretty soon I realized we are at war.”

He continued to explain, “The captain got on the phone and said ‘the Japanese are attacking Pearl Harbor.’ We had 3 anti-aircraft guns and they were banging away. A plane crashed into our machine shop. I don’t know how many men were lost from my unit. I went down to the harbor. Everybody was in shock and didn’t know what we were going to do next. All you could see was fire and smoke. Some of the (ships) were trying to get out of the Pearl Harbor Channel. It was very narrow and if you don’t stay in the middle, you’re going to hit bottom. I heard an awful lot of bombs going off and a steady roll of machine gun fire. So many airplanes, you wonder where they were all coming from.”

Manny described more of what he saw that day. “There was a lot of smoke and the water was nothing but oil with a big slick on top of it with loads of life jackets floating on top. Pearl Harbor channel took an awful shellacking. We took a lot of shellacking. All I know is that we took a beating.”
The following days and weeks “I was assigned guard duty right there on the beach, next to the channel. Our biggest thing was to make sure nothing came into Pearl Harbor without us knowing. We had 4 outposts reporting all the time what was coming in and going out. We expected another attack but it didn’t happen.”

When asked how he felt about the experience, he replied “Everybody felt the same. (Here) we are in a beautiful place and now we’re at war.”

According to Mr. Langlois, the goal of this television series, Heroes Among Us, “was to keep the memory of these brave individuals alive as they experienced these hellish events. We must remember the price of freedom and the sacrifice that these individuals have given, for the people and the country that they love. Their courage serves as a role model for individuals of all ages that when confronted with stress and seemingly insurmountable problems, that we must face them boldly and with courage.”
Prior to his retirement, Manny worked as a carpenter and Union contractor for Local 1305. He was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church in Westport and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

According to his obituary, survivors included his son: Dean Martin and his wife Karen of Westport; his daughter: Kathleen A. Coutinho and her husband Paul of New Bedford; 2 sisters: Louise Costa of Somerset and Angiemae Cane of RI; 7 grandchildren: Steven, Ryan, Holly, Dean, Jacob, Shawn and Nicole; 2 great-grandchildren: Dylan and Thomas and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Martin was the brother of the late David, John, Ernest, Joseph and James Martin, Mamie Vieira, Lily Smith and Alice Cordeiro.

Linda Ferreira, of <a href="http://Empire Ford of New Bedford“>Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.

“Recently, The New Bedford City Council honored several of our members for saving the lives of several people over the last six months.

Paramedics Grasela, Hughes, Botelho, Brody, Selley, McCauley, Stys, and Erin Sousa as well as EMT Noonan, Leaver, and Reis were recognized by the City Council for the life-saving work.

One gentleman in particular who suffered and survived a sudden cardiac arrest was present to shake our hands and say thank you. Other incidents involved a child and an adult male who was found in cardiac arrest while driving. Director McGraw was also honored for his 30-plus years of service to the city.

New Bedford EMS is comprised of nearly 50 EMT and Paramedics who respond to approximately twenty thousand calls for service each year in the City of New Bedford. We work closely with our public safety partners from New Bedford Fire Department and City of New Bedford Police Department (Official) to save lives and protect the citizens of New Bedford.” -New Bedford EMS.

New Bedford EMS photo.

New Bedford EMS photo.

New Bedford EMS photo.

New Bedford EMS photo.

New Bedford EMS photo.

Ericca Kennedy, a sixth generation Wareham, Massachusetts resident, is the first economic empowerment applicant to launch a cannabis delivery service with a Delivery Operator License in the state of Massachusetts. In partnership with Doobie, a leading cannabis delivery service, Kennedy will begin delivering cannabis throughout her home state starting today.

Ericca Kennedy, along with her husband Justin Kennedy, have been working with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to obtain a license since 2018. Kennedy says, “It’s been a long road, but we’ve finally made it. As a sixth-generation resident, I’m so grateful to the Town of Wareham for their support. I’m excited to find ways to give back to the community that’s given me and my family so much. Most of all, I’m looking forward to delivering the first order to my grandmother – who has lived in Wareham for over 70 years.”

Doobie is a leading national cannabis delivery service that provides consumers with convenient and safe access to cannabis.

The Kennedys partnered with Doobie in early 2020 to become Doobie Massachusetts co-founders. Doobie is one of the first businesses to launch through the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity program, designed to support individuals and communities who have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. “We saw a lot of synergies between Doobie’s mission and our own values. Doobie is a family-owned business and committed to finding ways to give back to local communities,” Kennedy says. By obtaining one of the first Delivery Operator licenses in Massachusetts, Doobie can now serve over 3 million residents and will be delivering from Boston to the Cape.

Doobie offers delivery across Missouri, California, Arizona, and now Massachusetts. For any questions about Doobie’s services or menu, visit trydoobie.com or call 1-888-8DOOBIE (1-888-836-6243). For press or media inquiries please contact hello@trydoobie.com. To engage with Doobie on social media visit Facebook @trydoobie and Instagram @trydoobie.

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About Doobie
Doobie is a leading national cannabis delivery service that provides consumers with convenient and safe access to cannabis. Doobie’s carefully curated selection of products offers something for all consumers and takes the guesswork out of the cannabis purchasing process.

As a customer-driven cannabis platform, Doobie has implemented a user-friendly interface, to streamline both the ordering and delivery process. Customers can browse popular products by category or brand, and Doobie expert consultants are available via chat and phone to answer any questions.