S. 2599, An Act to regulate bodywork therapy, filed by Sen. Montigny in conjunction with AG Healey and the DPL, will close a loophole that has exempted businesses that act as fronts for human trafficking from state oversight by adding bodyworkers, bodywork therapy and bodywork facilities and schools to the current state licensing structure overseen by the DPL.

“In case after case that we prosecute, human traffickers exploit the bodyworks loophole to oppress victims, escape oversight, and avoid law enforcement,” said AG Healey. “This legislation will allow the state to shut down fronts and illicit actors, while helping to legitimize law-abiding healing practitioners. We thank Senator Montigny and the DPL for their efforts to ensure that we have all the tools at our disposal to hold human traffickers accountable.”

“Human trafficking is an atrocious crime that inflicts an incomprehensible level of brutality and suffering upon victims. For too long traffickers have seized upon this loophole to perpetuate such heinous activity,” said Senator Montigny. “The Senate has again sent a clear message that we will do all that is necessary to further prevent, prosecute, and protect against human trafficking. I want to thank Attorney General Healey and DPL for joining this effort, which has resulted in strong measures to crack down on trafficking.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration has for years prioritized efforts and fought to close the bodyworks loophole and protect against human trafficking,” said Commissioner Chuck Borstel of the Division of Professional Licensure. “We appreciate the Attorney General and Senator Montigny for working together with us as partners to make Massachusetts a safer state for all residents.”  

“This legislation will allow law enforcement to better hold accountable those who make a profit off the sexual exploitation of others,” said Chief Brian Kyes, President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs Association. “The Massachusetts Major City Chiefs are happy to partner with these stakeholders on this important bill.”

The AG’s Office has investigated many establishments that purported to offer “bodyworks” or “bodywork therapy” but were in fact fronts for human trafficking operations. The individuals running these facilities characterized and advertised these businesses as providing “bodyworks” services to evade state licensing requirements that currently apply to massage therapy but are explicitly exempted for “bodyworks” under the current law. Through these sham businesses, defendants offered commercial sexual activity.

Under the current law, and unlike massage therapy, the practice of bodyworks therapy is not licensed by the DPL. “Bodyworks” is defined in the bill as the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body.

This legislation restructures the Board of Registration of Massage Therapy to include two bodyworks practitioners and a law enforcement representative specialized in human trafficking. The bill requires the Board to adopt regulations for the safe practice of bodyworks and allows practitioners and the public to participate in public hearings to assist the Board in setting training and certification requirements for each modality.

An Act to regulate bodywork therapy also authorizes the DPL to exempt certain modalities if the practice is otherwise licensed or accredited. Modeled after the current licensing structure for massage therapy, the bill sets out a license and application process, sets standards for advertising, provides a mechanism for reciprocity for out of state licenses, and authorizes the DPL to inspect and investigate complaints. Local police departments will also have the authority to inspect bodywork facilities. Under the legislation, current, legal bodyworks therapists are given time to comply with the new law. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Since January 2017, the AG’s Office has pursued indictments in connection with five separate criminal enterprises involving 10 individuals who set up illicit massage or bodyworks establishments as fronts for human trafficking. For example, in April, the Office charged Stephen C. Forsley and Liu Yang for human trafficking and money laundering with trafficking women for sex at the Day Spa and the Health and Relaxation Spa in Springfield, both of which were set up as fronts for illicit activity.

AG Healey has made combatting human trafficking a priority of her office. The AG’s dedicated Human Trafficking Division focuses on policy, prevention and prosecution and includes a team of specialized prosecutors, victim advocates and Massachusetts State Police troopers who handle high impact, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking investigations and prosecutions across the state. The Division also works closely with other state, federal and local agencies and NGOs in the development of policy initiatives and training programs. Through the Human Trafficking Division, the AG’s Office has charged more than 40 individuals in connection with human trafficking since the law went into effect in 2012.

Senator Montigny has long prioritized combatting human trafficking in the Massachusetts State Senate, filing one of the first bills in the country which ultimately became law in 2011. That legislation, which included a similar partnership with the Attorney General’s Office, criminalized human trafficking for commercial and sexual exploitation of people, including severe punishments ranging from five years to life imprisonment. It also provided survivors with affirmative protections and access to the Victims of Human Trafficking Trust Fund.

The Division of Professional Licensure works closely with state, local and federal government to combat human trafficking. The Division’s Office of Investigations participated in several joint inspections throughout the Commonwealth of Massage Establishments to ensure facilities were properly licensed and were not exploiting the existing loophole to engage in illicit and illegal activities.

Mayor Mitchell will hold neighborhood office hours for the Month of July on Tuesday, July 24 from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p .m. at Gary’s Best Hot Dogs, 958 Ashley Boulevard.

Mayor Mitchell announced he would set aside time each month to hold office hours in city neighborhoods so that residents could meet with him outside of normal business hours and in their own neighborhood.

In his State of the City this year, the Mayor announced that a new format of office hours would be established, inviting residents to join him at local restaurants in different neighborhoods of the city. Food will be available at the office hours.

City residents are invited to attend the neighborhood office hours to meet with Mayor Mitchell directly and share their concerns and ideas, as well as a bite to eat. The sessions are open to all New Bedford residents, no advance appointments are required and meetings with the Mayor will be done on a first come, first served basis.

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide?

Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Add it here. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

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Friday, July 20th

Taber Library Annual Book Sale (Marion) (3:00pm-6:00pm)
Come and support your local library. All funds raised from the book sale are spent on enhancing our programs and services. Hardcover books will be on sale for $3, and paperbacks are $2. Children’s books will cost 2 for $1, single DVDs will be $3, $5 for a DVD series, and $5 for any over-sized books. Gently-used book/CD/DVD donations will be collected at the library during our open hours. For more information on the book sale, please call the library at 508-748-1252. Marion Town Music Hall, 164 Front St., Marion.

City of New Bedford Summer Sound Series: Phunky Autokratz (Top 40’s, Funk, Dance, R&B, Alternative) (6:00pm-8:00pm)
The Summer Sound Series will feature live musical entertainment on Pier 3 in Downtown New Bedford’s Seaport Cultural District. Residents and visitors will dance to live music, enjoy beverages available for purchase, and relax along New Bedford’s beautiful working waterfront. Free parking and shuttle service to City Pier 3 is available at Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot. Additional parking is available at Elm Street Garage within walking distance of City Pier 3. The public is invited to bring their chairs and enjoy front row seating to performances.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (7:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

Movies in the Park presents “E.T.” at Buttonwood Park (7:30pm-9:00pm)
Phone home with E.T. on the big screen. Movies in the Park, an outdoor movie series staged east of the Buttonwood Park playground. The movie begins at sunset (approximately 7:30 p.m.); attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for seating. The mission of Movies in the Park is to promote New Bedford’s civic vitality and encourage the use and enjoyment of Buttonwood Park by city residents and visitors alike during the summer of 2018 and beyond.

“Funny Please” at The Bar (9:00pm-11:00pm)
Do YOU like funny?? Come on down to The Bar at 266 Dartmouth St in New Bedford, MA. and join us as Funny Please presents “Funnyfest”. A night of sketch and improv comedy; come be part of the show!

“Front & Center” Band at Pub6T5 (9:00pm-12:00am)
Front & Center is one of the finest live performance bands in New England. We provide completely live music for all occasions. What you hear is what we play and sing with dynamic choreography and audience participation. We give you a great variety of music, Top 40, R&B, Pop, Rock, Oldies, Jazz, Funk and Reggae. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

Saturday, July 21st

“Team Up To Clean Up” City-wide cleanup (8:30am-12:00pm)
Operation Clean Sweep is holding a City-Wide cleanup. Volunteers are encouraged to form Teams, choose from a list of areas in need of litter cleanup and work together in the spirit of community and camaraderie. They may also select an area they find needs litter clean up or join an existing Team. Hosted by AFC Urgent Care, meet in their parking lot located at 119 Coggeshall St. in the Market Basket Plaza. The host will provide a light breakfast, water and restroom facilities.

Operation Clean Sweep provides gloves, bags, tools, t-shirts, and reusable water bottles (while they last) to participating volunteers. Returning volunteers are encouraged to wear their green tee and bring back their water bottle for each cleanup. Domino’s will provide free pizza to participating volunteers. Pre-register for the cleanup at www.operationcleansweep.net or by calling 508-979-1493. Walk up registrations are welcome on the day of the event. Community Service hours are provided. Youngsters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Working together, we are making New Bedford a cleaner, greener place to live, work and play!

“King & Queen For A Day” – FREE haircuts, snacks & drinks (9:00am-12:00pm)
King and Queen for a Day takes place downtown at the Iglesia Rebano Church at 205 Middle St. New Bedford. Free haircuts, snacks and drinks.

Taber Library Annual Book Sale (Marion) (9:00am-1:00pm)
Come and support your local library. All funds raised from the book sale are spent on enhancing our programs and services. Hardcover books will be on sale for $3, and paperbacks are $2. Children’s books will cost 2 for $1, single DVDs will be $3, $5 for a DVD series, and $5 for any over-sized books. Gently-used book/CD/DVD donations will be collected at the library during our open hours. For more information on the book sale, please call the library at 508-748-1252. Marion Town Music Hall, 164 Front St., Marion.

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities: Curious George! (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (7:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

“DJ Adam Demello” Band at Pub6T5 (9:00pm-12:00am)
70’s – 80’s – 90’s & Top 40 dance until 1:ooam. 21+ after 9:00pm. No cover.736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

“Outta Kontrol” at The Bar (9:00pm-1:00am)
The Summer fun continues at The Bar! Bring those dancin’ shoes, cuz you WILL be up & rockin’ with us!!! No cover & awesome food too!! We got your dance, rock, country tunes ready & some new ones too!!! The Bar, 266 Dartmouth St, New Bedford.

Sunday, July 22nd

FREE New Bedford Adult Wellness Program (9:00am-1:15pm)
Free wellness programming for all levels. Open to the public.

Martin House Farm Historic House Tour (Swansea) (1:00pm-4:00pm)
The Martin House Farm is a rare example of an 18th and early 19th century farm which still retains the character of its original setting. It consists of the house, two barns and cultivated fields surrounded by dry stone walls and woodlands. Full story: nscdama.org/about/.

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

New Bedford Festival Theater presents “West Side Story” (2:00pm)
This classic American musical adapts the story of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and places it in the alleys and tenements of 1950’s New York City. West Side Story follows beautiful Maria, newly arrived from Puerto Rico, as she falls for a young Caucasian man. Unfortunately, Maria’s brother heads the Puerto Rican street gang, while Maria’s beloved founded the rival white gang. Can true love between a boy and a girl from warring camps find room to flourish amidst racial tension? That is the age-old question explored in West Side Story, one of the best-loved musicals of the American stage. Zeiterion Theater, 684 Purchase St. New Bedford.

Sunday Night Karaoke at PUB 6T5 (5:00pm-9:00pm)
Join us for Karaoke on Sunday nights from 5-9pm. Hosted by Mario Figueirido. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

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

Meet Scott O’Brian, 27-year-old owner of Toyz4Boyz. Growing up in the area, Scott’s father had always been an entrepreneur, owning a bunch of different businesses. One of those businesses was a hobby store, where he sold, fixed, and repaired RC vehicles. Naturally, Scott fell in love with the vehicles and would race them, even competing in national competitions.

Over the years his father’s businesses brought them across the country, eventually landing them back in Fall River, where his father, along with his uncle, started Toyz4Boyz which specialized in RC vehicles and jet ski repair and sales. The company eventually relocated to New Bedford and Scott would work in the shop throughout his teenage years.

Once Scott had gotten older and was working for the U.S. Postal Service, his father was at a crossroad with the company, as he had a fish sales company that was taking his full attention. Rather than sell the company to someone else, he offered it to Scott and with his history in the industry, Scott decided to continue on his father’s legacy.

At Toyz4Boyz, Scott specializes in all types of RC vehicles, selling and repairing cars, trucks, drones, and boats. The shop is also the home to a race track, where they hold weekly and monthly race events. Recently, Scott has even held a charity race, where all of the raffle and entry fees went to the American Heart Association in memory of one of his customers who had passed of heart failure.

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Faces of New Bedford is a project by Colton Simmons. If you are interested in booking a shoot or getting prints from the series email all inquiries to colton@coltonsimmons.com.

Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.

According to Massachusetts State Police, a child pornography suspect with ties throughout Massachusetts and recently added to the Massachusetts State Police Most Wanted Fugitives list was captured this afternoon in New Jersey after the MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (MSP VFAS) and US Marshals developed information that he was hiding there.

Stephen C. Cote, 47, was arrested by New Jersey officers as he got out of a motor vehicle in the parking lot of the Westgate apartment complex in Lakewood, NJ.

Recently, MSP VFAS Troopers and US Marshals in Springfield developed information about COTE’s location and the vehicle he might be driving and forwarded it to the NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Members of that Task Force began working the case and today set up surveillance outside the apartment complex where COTE was believed to be staying. After several hours of surveillance, Task Force members, who were working with US Marshals and officers from the New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice, were rewarded when COTE drove into the lot in the suspected vehicle, parked, and exited.

Task Force members positively identified Cote and placed him into custody on an outstanding warrant.

Cote was wanted the Massachusetts State Police, the Northampton Police Department, and federal law enforcement authorities for receipt of material involving sexual exploitation of minors. An arrest warrant for Cote was issued in November 2015 after investigators developed evidence that he was in possession of child pornography, but Cote went on the run at that time and has been sought ever since.

MSP VFAS Troopers added Cote to the Department’s list of Most Wanted Fugitives on June 25.

Cote will be held until his arraignment in federal court in the near future.

“NOAA’s long-awaited decision to approve sector operation plans and allow limited groundfish operations to resume is an important first step and welcome relief to many New Bedford fishing families and waterfront businesses impacted by the closures of Sectors 7 and 9. I applaud all those industry leaders and elected officials who worked with the City and the Port Authority to constructively engage NOAA and highlight the economic consequences of the closure on innocent parties.

Our focus now will be to advocate for the timely conclusion of the remaining civil enforcement case against Carlos Rafael and the transfer of his vessels and permits to third parties in the Port of New Bedford. Only then can we move past lease-only arrangements and return to normal groundfishing operations and management.” – Mayor Jon Mitchell

On Tuesday, Troopers from the Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit, along with Troopers from the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and the C3 Policing Unit, and officers from the FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, DEA, and Holyoke Police, made simultaneous entry into four apartments in a residence at 1475 Dwight St. in Holyoke in culmination an investigation. The raids resulted in four arrests and the seizures of three long guns, numerous types of ammunition, several types of narcotics, and several thousand dollars in currency.

Two of the apartments were barricaded and fortified with heavy duty locks in attempt to prevent entry, but Troopers, Officers and Agents defeated them. All four entries were made without incident or injury.

One suspect, ALEXANDER VAZQUEZ, 31, tried to flee through the rear door of his third floor apartment but was apprehended by the team guarding the perimeter. The other three suspects were taken into custody by entry teams in their respective apartments.

In a first floor bedroom occupied by suspects DAVID NEVEU, 60, and ANNE BAKER, 57, Troopers, Officers and Agents seized two rifles and a loaded shotgun, all possessed and stored illegally.

Troopers and Officers also seized from the apartments illegally owned ammunition of various types, including 7.62mm, 223, 32 caliber, 9mm, 22 caliber, and 12 gauge, as well as $5,796 in US currency.

The investigation and arrests were an example of superb coordination by various law enforcement agencies.

Those arrested were as follow.

DAVID NEVEU, 60, of Holyoke, charged with:
1. Possession or carrying a loaded firearm;
2. Weapon stored illegally/kept by owner, 3 counts;
3. Possession/carrying Firearm without a license , 3 counts;
4. Firearm/Ammo Possess without an FID Card;
5. Possession with intent to Distribute Class A Heroin; and
6. Possession with intent to Distribute Class D Marijuana.

ANNE BAKER, 57, of Holyoke, charged with:

1. Possession with intent to Distribute Class A Heroin;
2. Possession of Class A Heroin;
3. Distribution of Class D Marijuana;
4. Possession of Firearm without an FID Card;
5. Carrying/Possession of Firearm without a license, 3 counts; and
6. Weapon stored illegally/kept by owner, 3 counts.

ALEXANDER VAZQUEZ, 31, of Holyoke, charged with:

1. Distribution of Class A Heroin, 3 counts;
2. Possession with Intent to Distribute Class A Heroin;
3. Possession of Class A Heroin;
4. Possession of Class B Cocaine;
5. Distribution of Class B Cocaine; and
6. Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card.

JUAN CARLOS MENIER-RODRIGUEZ, 20, of Holyoke, charged with:

1. Possession of Firearm/Ammunition without an FID Card;
2. Possession of a Class A Substance with intent to Distribute, 2 counts;
3. Possession of Class A Heroin; and
4. Possession of Class B Cocaine.

PACE Head Start is currently accepting applications for the upcoming school year which will begin in September 2018. Head Start provides a free family-centered school readiness program for approximately 300 children ages 3-5 from income-eligible families living in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Acushnet.

Head Start children benefit from an individualized early education curriculum which supports their growth in a variety of learning domains and prepares them for kindergarten. The program’s comprehensive approach to learning includes a creative education curriculum, comprehensive health services, parent education, meaningful family engagement and support services. Part and full day preschool options are available at Head Start.

Children are free to explore, experiment, socialize, problem solve, master new skills and gain self-confidence while guided by qualified early childhood professionals in a classroom environment.

All children enrolled at PACE Head Start receive nutritious meals and snacks. Free bussing services are available to and from school. A small fee based on family income is charged to parents whose children are enrolled in the full day option. Child care vouchers are accepted for full day services. Ten percent of enrollment opportunities are reserved for children with special needs.

For more information and an application, call PACE Head Start Family Services Office at 508-999-1286 or 508-984-3557, or visit us at www.paceheadstart.org.

In August 1990 there were no contemporary art galleries in the city, so we decided to have a Public Hanging. 29 years later New Bedford is considered one of the most creative in the country.

Calling all artists to submit work for the showing through August 1st—26th. Aug 4th is the opening reception from 5-8 PM. Be part of the history. Submit some art to the 29th Annual Public Hanging at Gallery X.

Size limit guideline is 3ft by 3ft. You can submit up to 3 pieces. Entry fee for non-members is $10 each, 3 for $25. You can submit up to 5 pieces, and we will try to hang all, depending on space available. All work must have proper hanging hardware for inclusion in the show. For any pieces not exhibited, the entry fee will be refunded.

Last day for drop off is Sunday, July 29th, between 11 am and 3 pm. The show opens Thursday, Aug. 1st. The opening reception is Saturday, July 7th from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Special Thanks to the Island Foundation and Mass Cultural Council.

THIS JOB POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

PAY: $16.04 – $21.84

Performs, according to standard office procedures, a variety of duties requiring a moderately complex degree of decision making and knowledge of the functions of the department. Perform all levels of payment processing including cashiering, processing mail, Lockbox CDM and departmental turnovers. This position requires an in-depth knowledge of the department function and proficiency with the following software platforms – financial/billing system (MUNIS), credit card processing, second party payment processing and banking software and information used for payment and reconciliation purposes. Candidate must be willing to learn new processes and procedures, as deemed necessary.

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; two years of work experience in a financial institution or in a position that required money handling and customer service. 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