Vandal defaces New Bedford Harborwalk

Graffiti is illegal, but at least it is a form of art and in some cases, it is done well enough that it is nice to look at and actually beautifies a bland or even hideous structure or site. Yes, illegal but the intent is not a malicious one. The message is “This site was hideous and an eyesore, but now it’s something nice to look at.”

On the other hand simply grabbing a can of spray paint and writing your name, leaving a vulgar or inane message, declaring your love for someone, or otherwise leaving an absolutely non-artistic message, is just defacement and a form of vandalism that serves no purpose.

On our Harborwalk, some Einstein decided that the best way to declare his love for his adored Vanessa was not to buy her flowers, write her a poem, send her a text, or take her out on a date, but instead to deface the site including an art mural.

When Vanessa gazed upon the barely legible “artistry” from Hiram aka “Fifo” was she wowed? Did she think “Wow! Fifo is a real Don Juan! My knees are weak!” Did it make her want to visit the Harborwalk frequently to see all his hard work?

There’s no way of knowing what New Bedford’s Michelangelo was thinking when he decided to vandalize the site, but what is certain is that his girlfriend has incredibly low standards if she was impressed by his handiwork and lack of thought that went behind the canvas he chose.

Now at the cost of taxpayers, city workers will have to spend some time to clean up the site. Since Romeo also decided to “tag” the mural, the artist or an artist will have to repaint the section that was ruined.

There are many ways to show someone how much you care about them, vandalizing city property and defacing an art mural can’t be that high up the list.

Do you come across much vandalism about the city? Is there a problem area that comes to mind? Why do you think this vandal thought this was a good idea? Comment below.




2018 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Survival Guide (Aug. 2-5 )

The New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a.k.a. the Portuguese Feast, a.k.a. Madeira Feast is the largest event New Bedford has every year. More than that, it is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England. The feast was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants who wanted to recreate the festivities of their home island.

Here is an overview of the feast which has become a major attraction for visitors from all over who come to celebrate the Portuguese culture through food, drink, and entertainment.

1. Location & Schedule of Events

The “feast” is a four-day event, officially kicking off at 5:30 PM on Thursday, August 2nd with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue.

Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church which is located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. At the church, Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

Each evening the feast grounds will close at 11:45pm and open the next day at noon.

On Saturday, however the 5K road race will begin at 10:00am with a check-in time of 8:30am. The course goes through the historic north end and finishes through the famous arches at Madeira Field. The first 250 entrants get a free t-shirt, but all participants are treated to food and drink. The top three male and female winners will receive medals and cash prizes of $250.00 for 1st place, $150.00 for 2nd place and $75.00 for 3rd place. The age categories are 14 and under, 15-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

The road race is followed by Fun & Family Day from NOON-4:00pm. A ton of fun events and activities are planned including face painting, a traveling science museum, music by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, carnival rides, a free book, flash mob and routine by Dance Xtreme, and more.

The last day of the feast is Sunday and will feature a parade at 2:00pm.

Want to win some prizes like a trip to the Azores and Madeira with hotel and airfare, tickets to a Patriots, Red Sox or Celtics game, bicycles, a scooter, a golf package or up to $1,000 in gift certificates to your favorite local restaurants? Simply buy some raffle tickets for a donation of $2 or $5 will get you a book of 5.

2. Costs

There is no charge for admission and the entertainment is free thanks to the hard work of the committee members who comprise the 2018 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee.  Feast members come from all over the country to plan the feast each year, some as far away as California and Florida.  Some of the members will be traveling from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa to attend the feast, but in the meantime, they have had family members representing them at the committee meetings.

While admission is free to walk around and watch the entertainment or visit the Museum of Madeiran Heritage there are also many vendors on the grounds selling everything from handmade Madeiran souvenirs to cigars.  Of course, food, carnival rides, and beverages are also an additional cost.

Prices of food are kept reasonable, and there is a great deal of variety to choose from. Tickets cost a dollar each and can be purchased at many machines located throughout the grounds by placing a five, ten or twenty dollar bill inside. Tickets are non-refundable. There are also stands with employees who sell the tickets.

To give you a general idea of the prices of items at the feast, a full meal is 12 tickets, most sandwiches are around four tickets, and a soda or a water goes for one ticket. If you’re over 21, an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages is available to choose from.

On Family Fun Day – which is Saturday – food is FREE food for kids under 12: burgers, hot doga, French fries and a soda from noon-4:00pm. Also on Saturday in the same time frame, seniors get a choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount. Choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit, traditional Portuguese favorites.

3. Food

One of the greatest features of the feast is the delicious Portuguese fare. There are many food stands located throughout Madeira Field that serve your favorites from the simple delights of linguica and cacoila sandwiches to full on Portuguese cuisine plates of chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice, and vegetables.

Another major culinary draw is the Carne de Espeto, a massive, 40-foot barbecue pit where beef sirloin cubes can be cooked over an open flame on massive skewers. This is hard to miss since the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering. Visitors are able to buy the meat for eight tickets a pound and a delicious aromatic salt is provided to cook with.

Visitors are then able to roast their own dinner over the gas-fired lava rock grill. Mr. Camara, (who has been a part of the organization since 1982) advised me that if someone tells you to pour Madeira wine on the meat it is not advisable (it does not help the flavor and causes the meat to burn faster!)

Other items that will be featured at the feast include Milho Frito, fried cornmeal, garlic and finely shredded kale make this the perfect treat to go with Carne de Espeto, pasteis de Bacalau (codfish cakes), atum, cabra, favas, coelho, carne de vinho e alhos, malassadas, tremocos and other Portuguese classics. There will also be ice-cold fresh fruit cups, the perfect way to cool down for health-conscious attendees.

In case you are not accustomed to the flavorful cooking style of Portuguese cuisine, go to the Food & Drink page of the Portuguese Feast website for definitions of some of the food you might expect to see.

4. Drink

One of the draws of the feast is the consumption of Madeira wine, which is a central part of the festivities as it is part of a long tradition. Madeira wine is a sweet, fortified red wine. Genuine Madeira wine is made on the island of Madeira, and exportation of actual barrels are restricted due to regulations. However, thanks to a special agreement made between feast officials and the President of Madeira, casks are able to be delivered to New Bedford and served for the weekend, making this a very rare treat for those who attend.

For those who don’t find that the taste of Madeira wine suits their pallet, there are a great variety of additional options including a full liquor bar for mix drinks and frozen drinks. Alcohol stands also serve sangria and white wine and Budweiser beer is on tap.

If you wish to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, you will need to have your ID scanned when you enter the feast grounds in order to receive a wristband that proves you are legally old enough to be served.

There will be additional ID stations at this year’s feast due to the anticipated increase in numbers of attendees.

5. Entertainment

There is a great deal of quality free entertainment at the feast each year from Portuguese and American cultures. There are four separate stages of entertainment on the main grounds and a “Fado” stage at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage Courtyard Venue – these performances will be featuring a Portuguese genre of music that can be traced back to the 1820s but is believed to be even older than that.

One of the cultural acts that you may see take the stage at Madeira field is Groupo Folclorico Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento. This group of dancers presents traditional dancing performances to authentic Madeiran music and in traditional clothing. These performances are always very spirited and interesting to see.

There will be many bands on the smaller stages during the feast, but the largest stage is reserved for a special performance at 10:00 each night by a headliner band. For those old school metal heads, you will be excited to know that Queensryche will be headlining this year!

For more information on when and where events will be taking place, go to the Portuguese Feast Entertainment Schedule.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2018


Time, Act and Stage

6:30pm-7:30pm: D’Alma (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Freeze Pops (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Somethin’ Else (4)
7:45pm-8:45pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
8:45pm-9:45pm: D’Alma (2)
10:00pm-11:30pm: Queensryche (1)

FRIDAY AUGUST 3, 2018


Time, Act and Stage

1:00pm-3:00pm: Radio Honey (1)
1:00pm-3:00pm: Business Time (4)
3:00pm-5:00pm: No Way Out (2)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Shattered (3)
4:00pm-6:30pm: Ralph Kingsley (4)
5:00pm-7:00pm: Back In The Day (1)
7:00pm-8:00pm: Edge (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: LIKK (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Craig Demello (4)
8:00pm-9:00pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
9:00pm-10:00pm: Edge (2)
10:00pm-11:30pm: Wild Nites (1)

SATURDAY AUGUST 4, 2018


Time, Act and Stage

12:00pm-4:00pm: Family Fun Day (Kid’s Day)
12:00pm-1:00pm: Toe Jam Puppet Band (1)
1:00pm-2:00pm: Cool Banana Wig (1)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Breanna Pacheco (4)
3:00pm-5:00pm: Morissey Blvd (2)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Real Deal (3)
4:30pm-6:30pm: Giulianna Amaral (4)
5:00-7:00pm: Jammin’ (Bob Marley Tribute Band) (1)
7:00pm-8:00pm: Dead Til Friday (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Judas Rising (3)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Grace Morrison (4)
8:00pm-9:00pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
9:00pm-9:30pm: Dead Til Friday (2)
9:30pm-11:30pm: Eratoxica (1)

SUNDAY AUGUST 5, 2018


Time, Act and Stage

12:30pm-2:30pm: Steddie (2)
1:00pm-4:00pm: Bettty (4)
2:00pm: Parade
3:00pm-6:00pm: Whiskey Affliction (3)
4:00pm-7:00pm: Matt Silva (4)
5:00pm-6:30pm: D’Alma (1)
6:30pm-7:30pm: Get Lucky (2)
7:00pm-10:00pm: Ageless (3)
7:00pm-9:30pm: Carson (4)
7:30pm-8:30pm: Grupo Folclorico do Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento (1)
8:30pm-9:30pm: Get Lucky (2)
9:30pm-11:30pm: Ultimate Queen Celebration (1)

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Museum Café Entertainment

Thursday, August 2, 2018 (8:00pm–11:30pm)
• Sonya Bettencourt, Fado Singer
• Jeremias Macedo, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Friday, August 3, 2018 (7:30pm–11:30pm)
• Ana Vinagre, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Saturday, August 4, 2018 (7:30pm–11:30pm)
• Sonya Bettencourt, Fado Singer
• Carlos Furtado, Fado Singer
• Viriato Ferreira, Viola Classica
• Manuel Leite, Guitarra Portuguesa

Sunday, August 5, 2018
4:00pm-7:00pm: Rebecca Correia (Singer-songwriter & guitarist)
7:30pm-10:30pm: Jordan Paiva (Josh Groban)

To see more and keep abreast of changes, check out the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament’s entertainment schedule page.

6. Families

Since the Madeira feast involves alcohol consumption, some readers may be wondering if it is a family-appropriate event. You will be glad to know that family values are integral to the foundation of the feast. While it is probably not advisable to bring young children later in the night due to large crowds and loud music, it should be mentioned that there are many features of the feast that children will love. Also, the feast takes great measures to prohibit underage drinking. All who wish to consume alcoholic beverages are required to undergo a license verification process in order to receive a specially printed wristband.

Additional security precautions are always taken due to its size and significance. Few people realize this, but the Feast grounds are wired with such advanced cameras that all feast goers are on at least two cameras at any given time.

A cool part of the feast is that it features carnival rides and games all weekend. Saturday is probably the best day for families with young children thanks to Fun & Family Day which follows the annual 5k road race. Fun & Family Day kicks off at noon and ends at four, featuring special live entertainment for children, face painting, traveling science museum, Flash Mob, and routine by Dance Xtreme, Toe Jam Puppet Band, and more. Kids under twelve can also receive a free hot dog or hamburger, French fries, and a soda.

For senior citizens in the community, there is “Senior Citizen Afternoon” which also takes place on Saturday from noon to 4 pm. During this time a shuttle is being offered (courtesy of the City of New Bedford) from the parking lot of Lincoln Elementary on Saturday so that seniors can attend the event without having to worry about parking. On this day they are also offered a special deal of choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount! Menu choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit – traditional Portuguese favorites. Only 6 dollars instead of 12 (eat in only). Special entertainment is featured as well.

7. History

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament gains its roots from the island of Madeira which is located 390 miles off the coast of Morocco. Traditionally, each Roman Catholic parish in Madeira would observe a festival to celebrate their patron saint. A committee of four men called festeiros would be responsible for preparing the village for the celebration by decorating the streets, contracting entertainment (often in the form of a brass band and fireworks) and holding a ceremonial meal after mass on Sunday.

There are many versions of the tale of why the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was first begun in New Bedford over 100 years ago. What is certain, however, is that the feast was initiated as a means of preserving basic values of the Madeiran culture. Of course, since it was first begun the feast has changed in many ways to accommodate thousands of eager participants and modern elements of celebration.

While there have been many changes in the feast, many aspects still remain central to the celebration. The tradition of Madeira wine is a very old one, dating back to the 15th Century when the Malvasia vine was planted on the island of Madeira to see it would yield an alternative supply of wine for England. When growth was successful Madeira wine quickly took to the market, but did not become a major export until many years later. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the flavor we know of today was created when they discovered that the flavor of the wine was actually improved by being repeatedly heated up. Follow the link for more information on the history of Madeira wine.

The religious aspect of the feast also remains a part of proceedings. As it did in 1915, the feast still takes place near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which is located on the corner of Earle and Madeira Street in New Bedford. The Portuguese feast pays homage to its religious traditions by beginning the weekend festivities with a procession to the church where Father Daniel O. Reis gives a Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament. The last day of the feast starts with Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and “the Festeiros, Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. members, and all of the many volunteers receive the blessings of the church for their many hours of work devoted to achieving a successful Feast and for being respectful of its religious origins”. Throughout the weekend the church also hosts a wonderful musical series of organ music and vocalists. The details of this schedule are still being finalized.

8. Madeira Field

Most of the events take place at Madeira Field, which is a permanent location in New Bedford’s north end, which comes to life one weekend a year for the festivities. The address of Madeira Field is 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA (88 Tinkham Street on your GPS). Parking can be a bit tricky, you may have to plan to search a bit to find a spot and walk a few blocks, or pay to park in a nearby private lot.

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The grounds on which the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament takes place are quite expansive and easy to lose people in. Be sure you have a plan for finding lost party members whether it be by cell phone or a designated area to meet up at.

When entering the feast you will need to get in line for a wristband if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages. One of the most prominent features you will notice upon entering the festival grounds is the Santana House. The house is designed after the colorful architectural styles of the homes in the village Santana, Madeira and is where the Madeira wine is served from.

Across from the Santana House is Stage One, which is massive and where the main attractions will be hosted throughout the weekend. There are also two other smaller stages, one that is inside the gates and the other which is outside and amongst the souvenir vendors. You will also see many food and drink stands throughout the grounds, and towards the back, you will find the barbecue pits for Carne de Espeto (or just follow your nose).

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Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Avenue
New Bedford, MA

Website: feastoftheblessedsacrament.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament/

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HELP WANTED: City of New Bedford Health Department is seeking to fill a Compliance Officer position

PAY: $51,693 – $64,622

Monitors and coordinates programs and activities and develops a strategic plan using the strategic prevention framework to prevent the use of alcohol, opioids, prescription drugs, and other drug use through local policy, practice, systems and environmental change. Under the direction of the Director of the Board of Health works with local partners and cluster communities to work on intervening variables identified by the strategic plan.

Conduct data analyses and assist other program evaluators to provide empirical documentation for grant project activities and outcomes with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Responsible for timely submission of required reports. Implement SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) model to address the prevention of substance use and consequences.

Bachelor’s Degree in nursing, public health, public administration, or a related discipline. Must be working toward prevention specialist certification.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




State Pier Amendment Prevails Paves way for MassDevelopment to Implement Mixed Use

Tonight, Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Rules Committee Chairman Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford) secured his longtime New Bedford State Pier mixed-use redevelopment plan in the final Economic Development Bill.

Despite significant opposition by the House of Representatives, Montigny rallied his Senate colleagues and fought to secure his Amendment #299. The measure authorizes the Commonwealth to lease State Pier to MassDevelopment for up to 35 years for public purposes that include mixed-use development. Mixed-use development is permitted by Montigny’s 2014 $25 million State Pier bond authorization that permits an array of projects including cargo, commercial fishing, marine educational facilities, fresh produce and fish markets, and capital improvements related to tourism and public recreation.

Furthermore, Montigny successfully extended his 2014 bond authorization in the recently released Environmental Bond Bill (H4835) through June 30, 2023. This will ensure mixed-use development remains law and properly funded.

Since 2008, Senator Montigny has been a tireless advocate of restoring and redeveloping State Pier into “a multi-use facility for water-dependent cargo, commercial fishing improvements, commercial marine transportation improvements, marine educational facilities, a fresh produce and fish market and capital improvements related to tourism, public recreation and other economic development within the port of New Bedford.”

This project marks the third and final phase of an overall economic development vision Montigny has pursued, starting with his legislation to rehabilitate the Star Store into a thriving college arts campus followed by the extensive redevelopment of Route 18.

In 2016, Montigny advocated for MassDevelopment to manage the pier, which Governor Baker later endorsed. The Senator has continually worked with the Baker Administration to ensure proper management, modern refrigeration facilities, and now further redevelopment to ensure State Pier can generate revenues and ultimately become self-sufficient.

Montigny secured Amendment #299 in the Senate version of the economic development bill last week. The House three times rejected state pier measures through their committee process and debate in their version of the bill. Last minute attempts in the House this afternoon sought to place unduly restrictive measures on Senate Amendment #299. Montigny, working with his Senate colleagues and leadership team, fought back against the restrictions to ensure his original work proceeds to Governor Baker’s desk.

“We must maximize the true potential of State Pier, and this fight was worth every bit of the political capital necessary to finally connect downtown with our unique working waterfront,” said Senator Montigny. “Existing industry will remain intact and we can finally make much better use of what is essentially empty space right now. The public deserves enhanced access to the waterfront and this gives MassDevelopment and the Baker Administration the tools they need to get it done.”

Montigny’s amendment now moves to the Governor’s desk for his final signature.

S.2625, Economic Development Bill (2018)
Amendment 299
State Pier

Mr. Montigny moves that the proposed new draft be amended by inserting the following new section:-

“SECTION __.

(a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner of capital asset management and maintenance, on behalf of and in consultation with the department of conservation and recreation, may lease, for a term not to exceed 35 years, inclusive of any options for renewal or extension of such lease, all or a portion of the land, tidelands and piers, together with the buildings, structures and appurtenances thereon, known as the New Bedford State Pier and the Fall River State Pier located in the cities of New Bedford and Fall River, respectively, to the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency established in chapter 23G of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any affiliated or subsidiary entity controlled by the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency.

(b) The lessee may sublease all or portions of the piers and buildings and facilities located thereon to one or more public or private entities for commercial, industrial and other uses that the lessee determines will serve a public purpose, including without limitation the public purpose of generating revenue for the upkeep, maintenance and improvement of the New Bedford State Pier and the Fall River State Pier; provided however, neither the New Bedford State Pier nor the Fall River State Pier shall be used to support facilities for offshore energy exploration or development; provided further that no person or entity or group of affiliated persons or entities shall be permitted the exclusive use of either the New Bedford State Pier or the Fall River State Pier; provided further, that the unexpended balance in item 6720-1350, as authorized pursuant to chapter 286 of the acts of 2014, shall be made available for the purposes of and subject to the conditions stated in the original authorizations and any amendments to such authorization; and provided further, that the lessee may sublease up to 20 per cent of the square footage on the west side of New Bedford State Pier, adjacent to MacArthur Drive, for one or more accessory uses, as defined in 310 C.M.R. 9.12(3).”

2014 Environmental Bond Bill (Chapter 286 of Acts of 2014)

Mr. Montigny moved that the bill be amended by inserting the following:-
6720-1350….”provided further, that not less than $25,000,000 shall be expended on capital improvements to the state pier facility in the city of New Bedford, which improvements shall be made to further economic development within the port of New Bedford; projects may include, but shall not be limited to, a multi-use facility for water-dependent cargo, commercial fishing improvements, commercial marine transportation improvements, marine educational facilities, a fresh produce and fish market and capital improvements related to tourism, public recreation and other economic development within the port of New Bedford”




New Bedford Police share parking bans, shuttle service for seniors info, and safety reminders ahead of Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

SRTA buses will provide free shuttle service for senior citizens from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 from Lincoln School, 445 Ashley Boulevard, to the feast grounds.

A parking ban will be in effect along the entire parade route, including Tinkham Street between Madeira Avenue and Hope Street and Hope Street between Tinkham Street and Nash Road.

This ban will be strictly enforced. Vehicles will be towed if necessary. New Bedford Police reminds everyone to stay safe during the feast. Remain aware of your surroundings and notify security personnel if you see anything suspicious.

Items prohibited on the feast grounds include weapons of any kind, backpacks, coolers, large bags, outside food and beverages, cans or bottles, marijuana and other illegal drugs.

Other prohibited items include: Signs or banners that obstruct views or may seem offensive in nature; bulky outfits that extend beyond the body perimeter; noisemakers, horns and laser pointers; costumes or clothing that cover the face; pepper spray and mace; and animals.

Service dogs and baby food and supplies are allowed on the grounds. All bags, strollers and individuals are subject to search.

Keep the following advice in mind as well:

Drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive. If you plan to drink, have a designated driver or call a cab. Remember that heat can exacerbate the affects of alcohol.

Be courteous of the neighbors. Drive slowly, do not park across driveways and try to remain quiet when entering or exiting the feast grounds.

Be respectful of fellow feast-goers. Crowds can get large and lines can be long. Be patient, be polite and enjoy.




New Bedford Police issue warning about IRS telephone scams

The New Bedford Police Department is warning residents to be aware of scammers who are calling people at random and claiming to be from the IRS or other federal government agencies.

Remember:  The IRS does not call customers. They do not have the authority to issue warrants or make arrests.

Police urge the public to keep in mind a few basic points about the IRS.

The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.

The IRS does not threaten taxpayers with lawsuits, imprisonment or other enforcement actions. If you receive calls, call 1-800-366-4484. Visit irs.gov for more information on scams and schemes.

For more information, call the New Bedford Police Department at 508-991-6300, ext. 79519.




New Bedford car chase leads to drug, motor vehicle arrests

New Bedford narcotics detectives arrested a man on drug and motor vehicle charges after a vehicle stop led to a high-speed chase which damaged a police cruiser and a parked vehicle.

A second arrest followed after another individual was found taking drugs that were apparently tossed on the ground by the driver during the incident.

Detectives were patrolling in the west end when they observed a vehicle failing to stop at a stop sign at Cottage and Parker Street. Detectives stopped the vehicle at Willis and Cottage Street.

During the stop, the vehicle fled the scene.

The vehicle drove on Willis, North, Spencer and Parker Streets and Shawmut Avenue, failing to stop at numerous stop signs and traveling at speeds up to 70 mph. While eluding police, the vehicle struck a police vehicle and a parked motor vehicle.

In the area of Myrtle and Peckham Streets, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was observed tossing an item which was found to be a bag of Fentanyl weighing about 8.5 grams. Packaging materials and cash were found inside the vehicle.

Police arrested Jacob Isaac Matthews-Almeida, 20, of 104 Peckham St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, on charges of failure to stop for a stop sign, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and on a warrant arrest.

Upon further investigation, police located a .22 Long Rifle firearm, loaded with six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, on the ground along the route the car traveled. The firearm will be sent out for further analysis with possible charges pending.

Police observed another individual taking the item tossed by the driver who was fleeing on foot. The item was determined to be Fentanyl. As police attempted to subdue him, he became physically and verbally disruptive.

Police subsequently arrested Myles Benjamin Matthews, 32, of 569 Purchase St. Apt. 2, New Bedford, on charges of possession of Fentanyl, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and intimidating a witness.

The arrests were made at about 7:41 p.m. Monday, July 30.




Spraying for mosquitoes planned in New Bedford for Thursday, August 2

The New Bedford Health Department, working closely with the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is again this year conducting an annual monitoring program to track the potential threat from EEE and WNV carrying mosquitoes. Under the program, mosquito traps are put in place to collect pools of mosquitoes and mosquito populations are monitored throughout the summer months.

As part of the mosquito tracking program, the New Bedford Health Department will request that the BCMCP target key areas of the New Bedford for spraying, including public parks and locations that host large public events.

As such, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will conduct targeted ground spraying for mosquitoes early on the morning of Thursday, August 2, 2018. This round of spraying will target areas including Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Park, Ashley Park, the Poor Farm area, and the Downtown area as well as Pier 3 and Madeira Field (50 Madeira Avenue). Spraying will take place between 2:00 am and sunrise on Thursday morning, weather permitting. Residents in the vicinity of the targeted areas may wish to close their windows the evening prior to the spraying.

As it does with EEE and West Nile Virus, the New Bedford Health Department works closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to track other emerging mosquito-borne diseases such as the Zika virus. While Zika-carrying mosquitoes have not been identified the New Bedford area, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that the likelihood of becoming infected with Zika virus from a mosquito bite in Massachusetts is very low, residents are urged to take the general precautionary measures to prevent mosquito bites. In addition, travelers to areas where the Zika virus has been detected in mosquitoes or humans should take extra precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during their trip. This includes both females and males who travel to areas where the Zika virus is occurring. If you or your partner is planning on traveling, you should check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information about where Zika virus is occurring: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information.

The same precautionary measures are advised for EEE, WNV, and the Zika virus. These include the following:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Ø Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.

Ø Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Ø Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.




Spotlight: Restaurante Algarve’s baked stuffed shrimp (New Bedford)

Here’s a look at Restaurante Algarve’s baked stuffed shrimp – the stuffing is made with scallops, shrimp, and lobster! They are located on 128 County Street in the south end of New Bedford.




New Bedford man who defaulted on four drug charges arrested with Fentanyl

A New Bedford man who failed to appear in court on four drug charges, including possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute, was arrested by members of the New Bedford Police Department Gang Unit Saturday, July 28 on yet another drug charge, possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Xavier Barros, 23, of 525 North St. Apt. 1, New Bedford, was arrested on charges of possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and on four arrest warrants.

Members of the gang unit observed that Barros, who was known to them, was driving a vehicle on the 100-block of Ashley Boulevard on a suspended license. When police arrested Barros on that charge, they found nearly seven grams of Fentanyl in his possession along with almost $500 in cash.

Police also determined that Barros had failed to appear in Falmouth District Court on charges of possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of Fentanyl, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and violation of controlled substance act.

His bail was revoked on his open Falmouth cases and he is being held without bail.