The Bishop Stang Theatre Company will present everyone’s Christmas favorite, A Christmas Carol, adapted for the stage by Patrick Barlow. Nineteenth-century London comes to life and recaptures for audiences the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas with this timeless Dickens classic and all the favorite characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come—and everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge.

Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol originally in 1843 and stands as one of the most beloved and well-known Christmas stories today. It is the story of wealthy miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by a series of ghosts on Christmas Eve that takes him through the past, present, and potential future of his life. By the end, Scrooge’s view of the world, his community, and himself is left profoundly and permanently changed.

A Christmas Carol has had countless adaptations for virtually every medium, including stage, television, film, opera, and radio. Patrick Barlow’s adaptation is perhaps the most accessible version of the Charles Dickens classic. Part of the reason is that playwright Patrick Barlow injects a lot of humor into the piece. This comedy takes place because Barlow is able to mine the humor which can be found in the language, the situation and, of course, at times, the mood of the play. In the end, the play does capture the sincerity and joy of Scrooge’s redemption. It is an adaptation which works extremely well.

The Bishop Stang Theatre Company’s production brings together a talented cast including: Arianna Barboza, Phoenix Carreiro, Emma Chause, Gia Chessa, Emily Defreitas, David Habboosh, Neda Habboosh, Caleb Hughes, Philip Marcalo, Xavier Markey, Chicka Okafor, Allison Pereira, Lily Saulnier, Myra Wong, along with nine area children, featuring Luca Westgate as Tiny Tim

The curtain goes up on Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10 at 7:00 pm on the stage at Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Rd., North Dartmouth. General admission tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and seniors. Call the school at (508) 996-5602 for more information

PAY: $15.46hr – $20.92hr

Fabricates and installs all related piping as pertaining to water distribution and sewage collection systems. Cuts, bends, threads, assembles and joins water piping and fitting made of copper, brass, lead, cast iron, steel, plastic or other composition; threads pipe using threading machine; cuts pipe using pipe saw, joins piping and fixtures by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, bell and spigot, soldered, brazed or cemented joints; installs and checks valves, hydrants and other wastewater and water system accessories. Installs manholes, catch basins, shoots grade utilizing pipe lasers and related survey tools to establish a grade. Subject to call 7 days per week, 24 hours per day for emergency work, to fill in on emergency watch, holidays, sickness and vacations.

Vocational or high school graduate or GED equivalent. Experience in excavation and pipe installation preferred. Possession of a D-1 certification and knowledge of collection systems preferred. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013. This position is deemed essential personnel and must report for duty during emergency situations.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

The Wareham Police Department is pleased to announce an arrest in conjunction with the shoplifting incident at Walmart on Thursday, September 13, in which a 76 year old employee was dragged several feet by the suspects before fleeing the scene.

As a result of an intensive investigation by Wareham police detectives, David V. Pasquale, 25, of Providence, was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force on Friday.

On Tuesday, two Wareham police officers went to Rhode Island, taking Mr. Pasquale into custody from authorities there. The arrest of this man is a direct result of the public becoming actively involved, providing valuable tips. Wareham detectives working with the Providence Police and the Rhode Island State Police were able to take this information and build a case resulting in a warrant being issued and an arrest being made. Mr. Pasquale is charged with shoplifting and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60.

After being processed at the Wareham Police Station, the suspect was taken to Wareham District Court for arraignment. This remains an active investigation and more arrests are expected.

Acting Police Chief John Walcek said, “We are very grateful to our partners in the media and the public for assisting with this case. We would not have had a successful conclusion without their help.”

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center packs November with seven exciting performances, kicking off with two sold-out shows, Postmodern Jukebox and Boz Scaggs, and concluding with Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular to launch the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at https://zeiterion.org/, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Group sales for select shows are available for 10 tickets or more, which can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123.

The Zeiterion will celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 24 by waiving ticket fees to select performances.

The Zeiterion box office will offer extended holiday hours beginning on Black Friday. These hours are:

• Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 26, to Saturday, December 15: 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Monday, December 17, to Saturday, December 22: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Closed Sundays.

The full schedule of November performances is:

Postmodern Jukebox
Saturday, November 3, 8:00 p.m.

This multi-talented collective reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various yesteryears, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown. Imagine marrying the 21st century party vibe of Miley Cyrus or the minimalist angst of Radiohead with the crackly warmth of a vintage 78 or the plunger-muted barrelhouse howl of a forgotten Kansas City jazzman.

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Boz Scaggs: Out of the Blues Tour
Friday, November 9, 8:00 p.m.

The voice who brought us “Lido Shuffle” and “Lowdown,” to name just a few. This tour supports Scaggs’ new album, Out of the Blues, which is appropriate since the blues is what first sparked his five-decade musical career.

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The New Chinese Acrobats
Saturday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.

Mixing new techniques and acts with ancient traditions, The New Chinese Acrobats present the opportunity to view the best of China’s ancient folk art, mixed with the style and virtuosity of today’s generation. With performers selected from across China for their high-level acrobatic skills and innovative staging, the show includes award-winning acts from prestigious circus festivals such as Monte Carlo Circus Festival and World Circus Festival of Paris.

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The Choir of Man
Sunday, November 18, 7:30 p.m.

The runaway hit of numerous music festivals is now on its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as “the ultimate feel good show,” The Choir of Man is a party and a concert set in a working pub that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live percussion with foot-stomping choreography. The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything – pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock – all to roof-raising heights.

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Something Rotten! National Broadway Tour
Tuesday, November 27, 7:30 p.m.

Set in the 1590s, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical.

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Future Rhythm Quartet at Stage Door Live
Thursday, November 29, 7:30 p.m.

The historic Zeiterion stage transforms into intimate concert club for Rhythm Future Quartet led by violinist Jason Anick and guitarist Olli Soikkeli. The group performs dynamic and lyrical arrangements of both Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions that draw upon diverse international rhythms and musical idioms.

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Christmas Wonderland Holiday Spectacular
Friday, November 30, 8:00 p.m.

Start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable journey featuring holiday favorites, including “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Chestnuts Roasting,” “Let it Snow,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “O Holy Night,” and many more.

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The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for South central Norfolk County in eastern Massachusetts, Northwestern Bristol County in southeastern Massachusetts and
West central Plymouth County in southeastern Massachusetts.

* Until 430 PM EDT.

* At 359 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Attleboro, or near North Attleborough, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD…Tornado.

SOURCE…Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT…Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

* This dangerous storm will be near…
Mansfield around 415 PM EDT.
Norton around 420 PM EDT.
Taunton, Easton and Raynham around 425 PM EDT.
Brockton, Bridgewater, Middleborough and West Bridgewater around 430 PM EDT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

PAY: $15.04 – $18.79/hr

Enforces parking regulations and restrictions. Receives daily assignments, which determine assigned area of responsibilities. Obtains information from the supervisor, or designee, requiring special attention. Patrols particular assigned areas at the supervisor’s discretion. Check for any and all parking violations, including, but not limited to: expired meters, parking abusers, expired stickers/registration plates, “No Parking” areas, loading zones, time zones, fire hydrants, driveways, handicap parking and handicap ramps.

High school graduate or GED equivalent. Ability to read and write English. Ability to reference codes for specific violations. Possession of valid Massachusetts driver’s license with a good driving record. Operates a motor vehicle on a regular basis. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

New Bedford Fire Department firefighters are now carrying EpiPens to assist with reviving victims suffering from anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions.

At the Miss New Bedford pageant singing talent helped Meighread Dandeneau win the crown. Interview by Paul Santos.

Some traditional ideas or concepts should have never died. Sure, progress is good but that’s when it comes to science, medicine, and technology and not the courtesies that used to be common.

What I want to highlight are some habits that used to be commonplace, even common courtesy. It seems these common social habits, common courtesies, and even common sense are no longer common. Either parents stopped teaching their kids or kids just didn’t really care. There is a swath of youth that proudly displays their apathy – the so-called “IDGAF!” and “YOLO” sub-culture. I could derail this entire article with scathing, derisive, and vitriolic commentary on the social Zeitgeist of today but I’ll refrain.

When I was growing up in the 70s and 80s many of my mom’s friends would carry a handkerchief. It was just a normal “guy” thing – at least I always recall men being the only ones that carried one. It’s not that women weren’t hygienic, it’s just that usually they preferred to “powder their noses” or blow their noses in the privacy of a restroom.

From the 90s through today the practice progressively died out and I think it’s a shame. Why would or should I or anyone care about something like a handkerchief?

In the place of handkerchiefs, we have anti-biotic hand soaps, travel packs of Kleenex or people either racing to a bathroom (never making it in time), stifling their sneezes, or – gross – using their sleeves to sneeze, cough into or even wipe their noses. Some people don’t even care to bother at all and just sneeze without covering at all.

Yes, it’s disgusting and creates a toxic environment in public, not to mention the damage to the environment through the mass production of tissue paper that gets dumped into landfills or tossed on the ground. Then there is the adaption of many viruses to the use of so many anti-biotic soaps that they have spawned super-viruses that are resistant.

When it comes to the public environment shops, stores and cafes become breeding grounds for the transmission of the bacteria and colds, flues and other nasties. Especially considering that people don’t cover up or use their hand or elbow sleeve as a handkerchief.

We all know that people are not clean. Any visit to a public toilet can demonstrate that. Often when I am approaching a restroom door I will hear a flush and a guy comes immediately out. He didn’t wash his hands, and more often then not he didn’t even lift the toilet seat to urinate. Amazingly, it is often on the toilet lid (why not use the standing urinal?) and even on the ground surrounding the toilet. Many women can attest to this sort of behavior from their sons, boyfriends and/or husbands.

The point of all this sleeve wiping, naked sneezing, and coughing, using Kleenex wipes that are never large enough so the germs get on your hands, etc. is that you are shaking hands with every person in a public space when you reach to grab that door handle. A person has lots of bacteria on their hands and when they wipe their face they then transfer those germs to the door handle and then you grab that door handle and then either touch your face or eat your food and now that bacteria is part of you.

The environmental cost of all these soaps and wipes combined with the increased spreading of bacteria leading to more sick people visiting clinics is a high one.

This is where handkerchiefs come in and why they were popular in the first place. They served a purpose for the individual user and society at large. The small act of using the handkerchief had a Butterfly Effect on society by significantly decreasing the transmission of these colds and cases of flu, placing less waste in landfills, less plastic from manufacturing plastic containers to hold the soaps, and fewer people in clinics meant less of a burden on the healthcare system.

All from the use of a simple handkerchief.

The handkerchief is ready at a moment’s notice, it is far larger than a small wipe and your hand never needs to touch bacteria, inexpensive enough to have one for each day (cheaper than socks and underwear we change daily) and will work wonders for cutting down on cases of flu and colds. Stop shaking hands or basically kissing everyone that uses the same door handle you use.

So how about along with barter, and mutual combat we bring back the handkerchief?

NGHIA LE, 18, of Manchester, NH, remains hospitalized at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after being shot in response to his attack upon a Massachusetts State Police Trooper Friday afternoon in New Salem.

LE is facing charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and is held on $1 million bail pending his arraignment sometime early this week. The time and location of the arraignment has yet to be determined.

The Trooper remains hospitalized as well, but is in stable condition and good spirits.

October 19, 2018 – Earlier this afternoon, a multi-agency motor vehicle pursuit along Route 2 ended at the intersection of Route 202 and Fay Road in New Salem, when the driver attacked and stabbed a Massachusetts State Police Trooper, and the driver was shot. Both parties were transported to area hospitals, where they continue to receive treatment.

Preliminary investigation has determined that the suspect in this incident was involved in a motor vehicle crash around noon in Walpole NH. In the immediate aftermath of that crash, he allegedly carjacked the vehicle of the other driver involved in the crash, a silver Toyota Camry. He then fled in that vehicle into Vermont and then down Route 91 south in Massachusetts. MSP patrols and local police located him driving the Camry he had carjacked and pursued him, with the pursuit ending at the intersection of Route 202 and Fay Road in New Salem, where the Camry crashed. The suspect’s attack on the Trooper followed that crash.

Multiple criminal charges against the driver are expected, including armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and failure to stop for police.

The Trooper who was stabbed multiple times is in surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester. He was alert when he arrived at the hospital.

The Trooper is 47-years-old and is assigned to the Athol Barracks. He has been a member of the Massachusetts State Police since 2006. He has a wife and children. His name is not being released at this time.

The suspect is an 18-year-old male from Manchester, NH. He is also receiving emergency treatment at UMass Medical Center.

The incident remains under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detectives Unit attached to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Identification Section, with assistance from the Orange and Erving Police Departments.