In fiscal year 2019, UMass Dartmouth increased externally funded grant awards by 26 percent over fiscal year 2019, bringing the university’s total research and outreach awards for the year to $16 million.

“This increase in research funding is testament to the expertise and passion for discovery of our world-class faculty,” said Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “Our faculty and the students they teach are applying their research to regional and global issues that will have impacts across generations.”

“The ability of our faculty to create new knowledge in service to society, from the SouthCoast to other continents demonstrates the power and value of being a national research university,” said Provost Mohammad Karim. “It is also important to note that the grant awards represent only one segment of our research enterprise, as our faculty also share their scholarship via national publications and conferences.”

The largest share of the awards – $10 million – focus on marine science-related topics.

The largest FY19 grant was $1.9 million from Vineyard Wind to assess the impact of wind farm construction on fish populations through surveys carried out pre- and post-construction. The research is being conducted by professors in the Department of Fisheries Oceanography (DFO) of the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) including Professor Pingguo He, Professor Steve Cadrin, Professor Kevin Stokesbury, and their staff. The aim of this research is to evaluate impact of wind farms on commercial fisheries through collaborative effort among offshore wind companies, the fishing industry, and SMAST, which gathered input from local fishing groups, policymakers, and academics to create a shared monitoring framework.

Already, UMass Dartmouth researchers are off to a fast start in FY2020 with a $2.1 million grant by the National Science Foundation to help elementary school teachers integrate problem-solving skills common for computer programming into their math and science classes. The initiative is led by Director of the Kaput Center for Research & Innovation in STEM Education and Professor of Mathematics Education Chandra Orrill, Associate Provost for Decision Support & Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Computer and Information Science Ramprasad Balasubramanian, and Assistant Professor of STEM Education and Teacher Development Shakhnoza Kayumova.

Other FY2019 highlights include:

• $1.48 million from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the Workers Education Program led by Workers Education Program Director Lisa Jochim, providing adult education and English Language Learner programs to hundreds of students in downtown New Bedford.

• $1.3 million from towns and organizations across the SouthCoast and Cape Cod to analyze and monitor coastal water quality as part of a project led by Professor Brian Howes.

• $857,061 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, and other organizations to Professor Changsheng Chen for ocean modeling research.

• $760,026 from the National Science Foundation for research related to the loss of Nitrogen in the Pacific Ocean and other ocean studies by Professor Mark Altabet.

UMass Dartmouth cultivates a vital and vibrant culture of research, scholarship, and innovation that reflects the expertise of our faculty, staff, and students; the strength of our academic programs; and the needs of our region, the Commonwealth, and the global community.

UMass Dartmouth achieved official recognition as a national research university in 2016 from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university achieved U.S. News & World Report national university ranking 2017, making it the only nationally ranked Massachusetts doctoral research university located south of Boston.

The following is a press release from the New Bedford Police Department:

The New Bedford Police Department and NorthStar collaborated almost 3 years ago to create the Diversion and Assistance Program (DAP), securing a more hopeful future for 60 young people in its first year of operation.

DAP is designed to divert youth and young adults (11-24 years old) with behavioral health and/or substance use challenges and who have committed minor offenses away from the justice system and toward community-based treatment and support options as a more appropriate response than confinement, and a more humane and effective way of addressing and preventing future delinquency. The program starts with 11 years old because this is the entry age for middle schools, and it is in middle school where underlining behavioral concerns and various mental health conditions manifest themselves in a more identifiable manner. Diversion programs have been proven nationally to be an effective model in treating youth and young adults by providing them with community-based intervention services rather than being detained in the criminal justice system.

NorthStar Learning Centers the originator of this diversion initiative in New Bedford, has provided this service delivery for the residents of New Bedford for the past several years with distinction and dedication. NBPD’s recent partnership with Child and Family Services only expands on services already being provided. Chief Joseph Cordeiro said, “This program would not have been possible without the original initiative, partnership, and collaboration with Maria Rosario and NorthStar Learning Centers, who have been doing this program with us for the past three years.”

NorthStar started this program and have maintained it throughout during the evening hours. It has been through their courageous efforts and perseverance that a blueprint has been drawn for the City of New Bedford and NBPD to make further partnerships to meet the emerging needs of its residents during hours when NorthStar Learning Centers are not available.

The 25th annual Fire & Life Safety Education Conference took place September 24-25, 2019 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center in Marlborough. This year’s theme “A Quarter Century of Fire & Life Safety Education: Proven Successes and Future Challenges” looked at major accomplishments over the past 25 years and looked ahead to future challenges. In 25 years, the average annual number of child fire deaths has dropped 74%, hundreds of thousands of children have received fire education through the Student Awareness of Fire Education Program, thousands of seniors have had smoke or carbon monoxide alarms installed and received in-home fire safety education.

Over 200 firefighter-educators, classroom teachers, elder service workers and injury prevention professionals gathered for workshops on teaching fire, life safety and injury prevention to all segments of the community, from pre-school children to senior citizens.

The Dangers of Juuling and Vaping

Dr. Lester Hartman, MD, MPH from Westwood-Mansfield Pediatric Associates, spoke on The Dangers of Juuling and Vaping. Fire educators have long partnered with health educators to address the fire and health risks of smoking but now fear it will be replaced with this new epidemic. Dr. Hartman addressed the dangers of teen vaping and talked about how these products are marketed to them.

Keynote Speaker: Monica Colby

The keynote speaker was Monica Colby, a fire and life safety educator from Rapid City South Dakota Fire Department who spoke on The Future of Fire Safety Education: What the Fire Service Can Do to Prepare Communities for Current Fire Dangers. She is an active leader in many state and national organizations and is a nationally recognized leader in fire and life safety. Monica practices what she preaches and lives in a home with smart burner technology and fire sprinklers.

2019 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year Award

The 2019 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year Award was presented on September 25 to New Bedford and Dartmouth Fire District #3 Firefighter Anthony Poente for his decade of fire education in three fire departments with a combined population of about 130,000. The other remarkable nominees recognized for their efforts were: Joan Byington, Woburn Senior Center; FF Katie Harrington, Worcester Fire Department; FF Jeffrey Pugliese, Watertown Fire Department; FF Michelle Sacco, Chelmsford Fire Department; the Southwick Fire Department as a team; FF Alector Tavares, Boston Fire Department; and FF Vincent Zarella, North Reading Fire Department.

About the 2019 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year

New Bedford/Dartmouth Firefighter Anthony Poente

For 20 years, Firefighter Anthony Poente has been providing creative, engaging fire safety education to children and the elderly in three fire departments with a combined population of about 130,000. Anthony is a New Bedford firefighter where he is active in fire safety education and is also the lead fire safety educator in two Dartmouth Fire Districts. When Anthony teaches fire and life safety education, he takes other firefighters with him to assist. These helpers are regularly inspired to become fire and life safety educators themselves. Anthony’s skill and enthusiasm helps them understand the importance of the fire and life safety educator in a department’s mission.

In 2018, Kazin Chrisman, a 10-year-old student of Anthony’s in the Dartmouth Public Schools, earned the Young Hero Award. Firefighter Poente was recognized for teaching Kazin how to react in a scary medical emergency and saving his grandfather’s life. Anthony’s work with people of all ages has made, and will continue to make, communities on the south coast safer from fire and other perils.

About the Outstanding Nominees

Joan Byington, Woburn Senior Center

Joan Byington has been an integral member of the Safe Home Initiative, a program to increase older adult safety at homes in Woburn. She has been an instrumental volunteer for this initiative, assisting with programs, reports, and statistics. The Safe Home Initiative and the Woburn Council on Aging have helped a significant number of Woburn residents to make safety changes in their homes. Joan was instrumental in developing, administering and reporting on the results of a survey of almost 200 older adults in Woburn that asked about home safety. The survey asked about steps taken to increase home safety, and steps that residents needed to take. The survey made older adults aware of fire and fall prevention safety and also helped the Council on Aging know which fire and fall prevention safety behaviors to spend more time on promoting. The Safe Homes Initiative is funded in part through Winchester Hospital, a member of Lahey Health. Key partners in the project are the Woburn Fire and Police Departments, the Council on Aging, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of New England, Friends Helping Seniors, Inc., Professional Physical Therapy, and the Woburn Board of Health, Public Media Center and Rotary. The Initiative has been operating since 2017, reaching hundreds of older adults. Joan demonstrated leadership in the program not only by helping with the survey but also by encouraging videos to be filmed and shown on local cable of home safety visits and behaviors. She is also a leader in program planning and implementation. As with all volunteers, busy schedules are a challenge. Joan’s volunteer time and efforts have helped make older adults in Woburn safer.

FF Katie Harrington, Worcester Fire Department;

Firefighter Katie Harrington combines incredible dedication to fire and life safety education with a commitment to excellence. She has taken on the task of HUB-COR. This team of community and government agencies meets weekly to address clients facing elevated levels of risk. They provide supportive intervention before there is an incident needing an emergency response. This is community risk reduction at its best. Harrington has also built partnerships with many agencies including child protective services, elder care, the Sheriff’s department, and the Worcester Police Department. She has an extraordinary amount of energy and an astonishing ability to multi-task. Firefighter Harrington has taken on the third round of funding of their Assistance to Firefighters Grant. She installs smart burner technology in Worcester’s public housing. Harrington also delivers S.A.F.E. lessons in the Worcester Public Schools, and has expanded the program to additional schools. Firefighter Harrington is passionate about making Worcester safer for everyone in the community.

FF Jeffrey Pugliese, Watertown Fire Department

Jeffrey Pugliese is truly committed to fire and life safety education and fully recognizes the value of reaching the most at-risk populations. Pugliese joined the S.A.F.E. team in 2018 and his impact has been profound in just one short year. His background as an elementary school substitute teacher is evident in his ability to engage children, which is a valuable asset to Watertown’s program. Firefighter Pugliese also developed and delivered a 3-part educational series on the fire department to seniors. Each session includes a lecture on one aspect of operations coupled with a related safety message. With limited funding and often working alone, Firefighter Jeffery Pugliese is committed to delivering fire and life safety messages to the most at-risk populations. He continues to seek new and creative ways to reach a variety of audiences. Using his training, education, and experience, he leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets.

FF Michelle Sacco, Chelmsford Fire Department

Michelle Sacco joined the Chelmsford Fire Department in 2011. She took the fire and life safety education programs from stagnant to successful and has expanded programs to include people of all ages. Under Firefighter Sacco’s leadership, Chelmsford’s programs have become respected and accepted in the community, creating a safer place for everyone. One of the most creative changes Firefighter Sacco made was to revamp the annual open house. Michelle came up with the idea of a Halloween open house. Kids are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat in the station. They get a small treat and an important safety message at each “stop” in the station. The attendance at the open house has increased dramatically and the public looks forward to this popular event each year.

Department members respect Michelle and truly enjoy participating in the S.A.F.E. program. Because of her leadership, the depth and character of all those involved in Chelmsford S.A.F.E. programs forecasts a bright future. Michelle is the reason for Chelmsford public education success.

The Southwick Fire Department; Team Nomination

The Southwick Fire Department led by Chief Russell Anderson and Safety Officer Lisa Anderson, are dedicated to their work and their mission: to educate residents about fire prevention and safety. Their collaboration with the Southwick Council on Aging on educating and assisting seniors, has had a huge impact. Together they have launched a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation program; a house-numbering program; a Sand for Seniors program; and ongoing fire and life safety education. They have installed 200 alarms so far, reaching many who never had smoke or CO alarms in their homes. Sand for Seniors is another program partially funded by the fire department. Firefighters deliver buckets of sand for spreading on icy sidewalks to help prevent falls. Last winter, 40 homes received buckets. The Southwick Fire Department has shown repeatedly that they care about the community, and particularly about seniors. This is because of the leadership shown by Chief Anderson.

FF Alector Tavares, Boston Fire Department

Alector Tavares joined the Boston Fire Department in 2008 after serving five years in the U.S. Army. Now, he is a firefighter for Boston on Tower Ladder 10 in Jamaica Plain. Since his appointment he has encouraged, mentored, and successfully helped 16 young Bostonians to become firefighters. Mr. Tavares has been working with students in the Boston Fire Department’s Teen Academy for four years. He has taught over 120 students between the ages of 14 and 20 about what it takes to be a firefighter. Mr. Tavares has a wonderful rapport with children that visit the firehouse. He stops what he is doing to give tours and show off trucks, tools, fire gear, and ends each tour by sliding down the pole. He makes visits fun, educational, and interesting. Mr. Tavares loves his job and is incredibly dedicated to it. He enjoys helping and caring for the people in his community and his fellow firefighters.

FF Vincent Zarella, North Reading Fire Department

Firefighter “Z” – as the kids call him – has been active in fire and life safety education for 10 years. He teaches the S.A.F.E. program in the public schools and has educated hundreds of children in the past decade. He is also dedicated to teaching fire and life safety to seniors in North Reading using the Senior SAFE program. Vincent is passionate when it comes to educating all members of the community. He uses his high energy and charismatic personality to educate everyone he meets. Firefighter Zarella attended a workshop at the Public Fire and Life Safety Education conference a few years back with Tina Gorman, Director of the Westfield Council on Aging. He was inspired by her talk, and has become a strong advocate for senior fire safety. He is a frequent visitor to the North Reading Senior Center where he speaks about fire safety, fall prevention, and the file of life. He is a valuable asset to the entire North Reading community.

In an effort to give back to their community while creating career opportunities in the legal professions, Hispanic members of the New Bedford Police Department have begun a scholarship at UMass Law. On September 24, Banessa Gonzalez, a third-year UMass Law student, became the inaugural recipient of the Hispanic Police Officers of New Bedford Scholarship.

“Ever since I started working for the New Bedford Police Department, I have always wanted to find a way to give back to the Hispanic community. This summer, several Hispanic officers came together to fund a scholarship to support the next generation of local criminal justice professionals,” said Sergeant Samuel Ortega. “Collaborating with UMass Law was an easy decision – the law school is local, affordable, and has earned a competitive reputation in the state.”

“Words cannot express how grateful I am that the police department of New Bedford came together to support the hopes and dreams of a law student like myself,” said scholarship recipient Banessa Gonzalez. “It was truly an unexpected gift and I’m very thankful for everyone who contributed in order to make my dream of becoming an attorney a reality.”

From left to right: Front row: Sergeant Samuel Ortega, School Resource Officer Leanne Fisher, scholarship recipient Banessa Gonzalez, Patrol Officer Yesenia Miranda-Santiago, and Captain Frank Correia. Back row: Lieutenant Candido Trinidad, Patrol Officer Adam Amaro, Detective Michael Alers, Lieutenant Nathaniel Rodriguez, Patrol Officer Abraham D. Nazario Sr., and UMass Law Dean Eric Mitnick.

The scholarship looks to affect students both financially and professionally by offering mentoring and networking opportunities throughout the many agencies that make up the criminal justice system. More than fifteen Hispanic police officers are contributing to the five-year fund that gives first preference to a Hispanic resident of Bristol County with demonstrated financial need.

“UMass Law is thrilled to see members of our local community come together to expand opportunities for our law students,” said Dean of UMass Law Eric Mitnick. “At its core, this type of community-sourced scholarship is a true fulfillment of our mission to educate service-minded students who will in turn pursue justice within their communities.”

UMass Law is one of only eight law schools in the country to experience a year over year increase in applications exceeding 20%. At the start of the 2019 academic year, UMass Law welcomed 113 new students, a 21.5 percent increase over the previous year, and a 71% increase since the Commonwealth’s only public law school received full ABA accreditation three years ago. The incoming class is among the most diverse in New England, and academically qualified in the School’s history.

For the eighth straight year, Alma del Mar scholars have had a strong showing on state assessments. Of particular note this year, Alma’s third grade scholars were among the top-performing in the state on the ELA MCAS test and performed in the top quartile on the Math MCAS test. Middle schoolers at Alma were also the highest performing in the city on both tests.

In addition, Alma’s English Language Learners and scholars who are identified as ‘High Needs’ by the state outperformed their statewide peers on both MCAS tests last spring.

“We’re proud of what our scholars and teachers have accomplished,” said Executive Director Will Gardner. “Our teachers have worked hard and gotten consistently strong results on behalf of kids for eight years now. True to our ethos, we’re also the first to acknowledge that our growth results this year were not as strong as they could be. Our team has already identified a number of improvements we can make to our curriculum and instruction based on last year’s data.”

Alma’s diverse scholars continue to excel academically. Across all grade levels tested, the school averaged a 49 percent passing rate on MCAS English language arts (ELA) exams and 55 percent in math, compared to average statewide passing rates of 52 percent and 49 percent, respectively.

90% of Alma’s third graders met or exceeded expectations on the ELA MCAS, putting their performance in the 98th percentile of all third graders in the state. Likewise, 74% of Alma’s third graders met or exceeded expectations on the Math MCAS, putting them in the 91st percentile of performance statewide.
Alma’s demographics mirror those of New Bedford Public Schools and are significantly higher than the state average: 62% of Alma scholars come from economically disadvantaged households, 79% meet the state’s “High Needs” criteria, 59% are Latinx, and 16% are African American/Black. 24% of Alma scholars are English Language Learners (ELLs) and 19% are students with disabilities.

Across grades 3-8, Alma scholars in these groups excelled in Math and ELA:

● African American/Black scholars scored in the 87th percentile statewide on the Math test
● ELLs scored in the 86th percentile on the ELA test and the 67th percentile on the Math test
● Latinx scholars scored in the 81st percentile on the Math test and the 70th percentile on the ELA test
● Scholars identified by the state as High Needs scored in the 84th percentile on the Math test and in the 74th percentile on the ELA test
● ELLs at Alma passed both MCAS tests at more than twice the rate of their statewide peers

The following statement was issued by the New Bedford Public Schools administration:

“New Bedford Public Schools is aware of threats made to schools and is working closely with the New Bedford Police Department, which have determined them to be not credible. Police report that New Bedford is not the only city to receive such threats.

Superintendent Thomas Anderson said, “We are working aggressively with NBPD regarding a non-credible threat made against public schools in general. At this time we are remaining in session, and as a precaution we will be on high alert. As normal, we are supporting our schools through this process.”

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2019 Accountability Data and MCAS results. New Bedford Public Schools showed growth in many grades and multiple subjects in all schools. There are several metrics used to determine student performance including English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science MCAS results.  These results along with attendance, graduation, advance course completion and others comprise the Accountability rating set by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  The 2019 results illustrate that the students in New Bedford Public Schools continue to demonstrate increased growth in skills and knowledge in several areas across most grade levels.  

NBPS has implemented new strategies and key initiatives with an intense focus on increasing students’ overall literacy skills (i.e. reading comprehension, writing and critical and analytical thinking skills) and their social-emotional development to support overall learning and success in the classroom.

This past 2018-2019 school year NBPS saw improvements in ELA scores across all grade levels. Chronic absenteeism was reduced by 15.5% across the district from 46.2% in 2018 to 30.7% in 2019. New Bedford High School saw a significant (16.3%) decrease in chronic absenteeism from 45.3% in 2018 to 29.0% in 2019. This work has resulted in overall improvement.  

 Superintendent Thomas Anderson stated that, “Although our students and teachers, similar to many others across the Commonwealth, are adjusting to the more challenging exam, we are seeing gains.  Teachers are engaging students and sparking their interests in learning which is allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the assessed skills.”  

“New Bedford Public Schools continue to make progress toward the goal of ensuring an excellent education for every student in the city, which is evident in the MCAS results that show improvements in grade levels across the district. I am proud of the strides the district has made thanks to the hard work of the educators and students of New Bedford Public Schools; as much as anything else, the results confirm how important it is we keep our foot on the gas pedal and continue to press forward with the necessary improvements in our schools,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

The trajectory of New Bedford Public Schools is moving in a positive direction and student performance continues to increase on the MCAS as 64% of schools across the district have made substantial progress towards their targets.  Among several highlights, NBPS is celebrating the continued success of James B. Congdon Elementary School students and staff:

• School of Recognition – Second consecutive year (1 of 67 elementary schools statewide out of over 1,100) 
• 91st percentile (up from the 85th percentile in 2018)
• 100% of 2019 targets met   
• Exceeded all targets: ELA, Math and Science 
• Exceeded all targets towards attaining English Language Proficiency  
• Exceeded typical growth in ELA and Math  

More Highlights: 

• 15 of New Bedford elementary schools met a minimum of 50% of their targets, indicating they are showing substantial improvement.   
• More than 95% of 2019 targets were met by: Pacheco ES (96%) and Congdon ES (100%)
• Parker ES met 86% of its 2019 targets, exceeding their targets in ELA, Math and Science 

New Bedford High School received kudos for reducing chronic absenteeism by 16.3% and the dropout rate from 4.4 in 2016 to 1.4 most recently and exceeding their target in ELA.  

• Exceeded or met targets for ELA in 6 out of 8 subgroups  
• Exceeded target for dropout rate for all students and all subgroups
• EL subgroup decreased their dropout rate by 3.5% 
• 16.3% reduction chronic absenteeism - from 45.3% to 29% 
• EL students progressing towards proficiency in English increased  
• 5% increase for 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in advanced coursework (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, and several other high-level courses designated by DESE)  

Middle Schools have made substantial progress toward meeting their targets.

• 66% of targets were met by Keith MS and Normandin MS compared to 7% in 2018
• 54% of targets were met by Roosevelt MS compared to 12% in 2018
• Normandin MS and Roosevelt MS met targets in ELA 
• Normandin MS and Keith MS exceeded targets in Math 
• Keith MS met targets in Science 
• Roosevelt MS exceeded chronic absenteeism targets
• All three middles schools demonstrated improvement in ELA, Math and Science

Elementary Schools continue to make progress towards meeting their targets.   

• 15 of the 19 elementary schools are making substantial progress towards their targets 
• 6 schools reduced chronic absenteeism 
• 72% of schools with an EL subgroup met or exceeded the EL target for attaining English language proficiency 
• 11 out of 19 elementary schools exceeded their targets for the lowest performing subgroup 

Deputy Superintendent Karen Treadup said “This year’s MCAS data indicates that the New Bedford Public Schools are headed in the right direction. Our schools continue to make progress towards achieving their targets.  The middle schools have made some improvements over the past year and will continue to receive focused support to keep the momentum.  I am proud of the work of our principals, teachers and support staff who are committed to providing high-quality instruction based upon student needs each and every day. This practice will lead to better outcomes for all of our students.”     

This year’s work is critical in supporting sustained student improvement through quality redesign plans.  The data clarifies that we must continue to support our middle schools and assist in the implementation of their plans.  The New Bedford Public School system is proud of its students’ effort.  NBPS recognizes the need for and is committed to continuous improvement in all areas at all levels.     

NBPS will continue to enhance the capacity of all staff and remain focused on key objectives: 

• Social Emotional Learning 
• Equity and early literacy  
• Benchmark Assessments 
• Strategic Data Meetings 
• District Instructional Walks 

NBPS will continue to strategically move forward with a sense of urgency to better support the teaching and learning process and eliminate the opportunity and achievement gaps.  Superintendent Anderson commented that, “Our continued progress reflects our staff being committed to the task at hand – eliminating what is not working and narrowing our focus to support our students.  Our 5 goals, High Quality Instruction, Effective Student Support Systems, Strong Family/Community Engagement, Organizational Team Excellence, and Impactful Community Outreach are at the core of this work.

The increased strategic use of student data and being more reflective has created an environment of collaboration, openness and a willingness to take risks to benefit our students.  Our team of support staff, teachers, administrators, and volunteers are working with our students in our pursuit of excellence.”    

As part of Smithsonian Magazine’s 15th annual Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, visitors can get a FREE pair of tickets to the New Bedford Whaling Museum or over 1,000 other museums across the county.

To get your free Whaling Museum tickets go here. For other tickets, go to this list: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/search/?q=

The New Bedford High Whalers football team defeated Taunton High School 24-13 last Friday and now Taunton’s Superintendent will wear a Whalers jersey.

New Bedford Schools Superintendent Thomas Anderson was pictured giving Taunton’s Superintendent John Cabral a Whatler jersey on Twitter:

Supt Anderson cashes in on bet. Taunton Supt. John Cabral ready to sport New Bedford gear after Whaler’s football victory! #NBPSpride pic.twitter.com/jzMGZEtqb6

— New Bedford Public Schools (@NBPublicSchools) September 13, 2019

New Bedford High School football players after their victory:

The SouthCoast Chamber is proud to introduce business education seminars led by Don Wilson, Sales Educator and Public Speaker, to the South Coast business community. The first in a series of six seminars with take place on Friday, October 18, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Chamber, 227 Union Street, Mezzanine 2 New Bedford, MA 02740. Share some laughs, be inspired, and learn something new!

Included in the lineup are Don Wilson’s musical lessons on goal-setting, follow-through, referral communication, and strategic change. Lessons are colorfully titled, with names such as “Do I Listen to My Heart, My Brain, or BOTH?” and “Here’s my card…WHERE’S MY BUSINESS?”

Here are the six seminars coming to the SouthCoast Chamber from October 2019-January 2020:

• Oct 18, 2019 “Do I Listen to My Heart, My Brain, or BOTH?” – Learn how your motivation behind WHY you do what you, and your mindset that dictates your behavior, contribute to your ability to build business and accomplish goals.

• Nov 1, 2019 “There’s GOLD in Them There Hills!” – Learn how to become an Active Prospector by creating more consistent daily habits that inspire growth by referral.

• Nov 15, 2019 “Here’s my card…WHERE’S MY BUSINESS?” – “93% of customers would refer their salesperson, but only 11% of sales people ASK for referrals” – Dale Carnegie. Enjoy a workshop that helps you create your very own referral ask, personalized to your goals and reflective of your style.

• Dec 6, 2019 “I Can’t Talk Right Now… It’s the HOLIDAYS!” – Clear Expectations + Better Communication = Outstanding Service! We define the value of customer service, how it’s delivered, and how to earn REVIEWS online, while being successful, even during the season of excuses: The Holidays!

• Jan 10, 2019 “Liquor, and Coffee, and Lunch…OH MY!” – Learn how to network with more focus and purpose using simple concepts that save time and produce more referrals from your network.

• Jan 24, 2019 “What’s YOUR Woobie?” – Learn how to apply a simple strategy that helps you embrace uncomfortable change, creating new constants that produce new opportunities in life and in business.

All are welcome to this Chamber event. Seminar tickets can be bought individually at $25 or in a package of all six seminars for $125. Visit www.southcoastchamber.com or contact Deven Robitaille at (508) 999-5231 for registration information.

Don Wilson earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Bryant University, and he’s a 20 plus year veteran of the ever-changing mortgage industry. As Director of Corporate Relations, Don coaches mortgage professionals, delivers sales education, and helps to produce creative marketing and community outreach programs. Prior to his mortgage career, Don was a full-time musician playing acoustic guitar and singing all over New England to help fund his college education. In 2010, Don wrote and produced an album titled, “Sedated Echo” which helped to raise funding and created awareness nationwide when his son, Jacob was born with CHD (Congenital Heart Disease). His entertaining and simple approach to helping sales professionals, networking groups, and fundraising organizations discover better results inspired him to launch a new venture in 2018 titled, Prospecting Intel. Don lives by the simple credo that he’s taught his three children for years, “I try to make a stranger smile every day!”

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The SouthCoast Chamber is a private, non-profit business association based in the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Chartered in 1885, the Chamber serves nearly 1000 member businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the ten communities of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport. The Chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development.