New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell provides an update on the New Bedford Fire Department brownouts. 

New Bedford Police collected 376.8 pounds of unwanted and expired prescription medications during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Saturday, April 28, exceeding the amount gathered at the most recent event by more than 20 pounds.

Residents were encouraged to drop off unwanted and expired prescription medications during the event, which is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration and held at police departments nationwide.

Drug Take-Back Day allows the public to bring their medications for safe disposal. The events are held April and October of each year.

Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications. This ensures that the medications do not end up in the wrong hands or in the ecosystem.

The day’s activities are organized by detectives Kelly Almeida and Bryan Oliveira.

Medications can also be dropped off year-round at the New Bedford Police headquarters, 871 Rockdale Ave., the downtown police station, 572 Pleasant St., the north end station, 781 Ashley Blvd., and the south end station, 168 Cove St.

Accepted items include prescription patches, prescription medications, prescription ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, samples and veterinary medications.

Needles, syringes, and lancets can be dropped off at three New Bedford locations: Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, 874 Purchase St., 508-992-6553; and two locations of Seven Hills Behavioral Health, 1173 Acushnet Ave., 508-996-0546; and 589 South First St., 508-996-3147. Call the locations for specific hours and additional information.

The New Bedford Police Department welcomed four new officers to the department following a swearing-in ceremony Wednesday, May 2 at City Hall. Matthew Desrosiers, Terrell Parent, Robert Perry III and Kayla Sylvia were sworn in as the city’s newest police officers.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, Chief Joseph Cordeiro, Deputy Chief Paul Oliveira, City Councilors Linda Morad and William Brad Markey were on hand to congratulate the new officers, wish them well in their new positions and thank their families for providing ongoing love and support to them as they begin their work as New Bedford Police Officers.

Lt. Nathaniel Rodriguez served as master of ceremonies. Rev. Douglas Cederberg led the opening prayer.

The new officers were sworn in by City Clerk Dennis Farias.

Mayor Mitchell told the new officers that they hold a very important position, one that is the cornerstone of the city. “The first business of government is public safety,” the mayor said. Without safety, the important business of the city cannot be done, he said.

“I’m so pleased you decided to heed the call and follow through,” he said of the new officers.

Chief Cordeiro stressed the importance of officers reaching out to the community. “We’re not just police officers, we’re public servants,” said Chief Cordeiro. “We’re here to serve the public. Build those relationships with people.”

“You are now part of a unique family,” Chief Cordeiro told the new officers. “You will not walk alone.”

Officer Desrosiers grew up in Fairhaven and graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 2006. He has lived in New Bedford for four years.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Bridgewater State University in 2011. He worked at Child & Family Services in New Bedford for three years and for the Department of Children and Families for three years.

His experience with those dealing with mental health and substance abuse gives him insight into two issues that reflect a number of the calls he will answer.

Officer Parent grew up in Acushnet and has lived in New Bedford for five years. He graduated from New Bedford High School in 2008 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UMass Dartmouth.

He has a background as a victim witness advocate in the District Attorney’s Office, where he interned and later worked full-time. Through that work, he discovered that he really liked helping people and wanted to bring what he learned in his courtroom experience into the streets as a police officer.

Officer Perry grew up in Fairhaven and graduated from Fairhaven High School in 2011. He has lived in New Bedford for five years.

He joined the Air National Guard in 2013 and serves as a military police officer. He decided to join the New Bedford Police Department because he likes police work and wants to help people.

Officer Sylvia grew up in New Bedford and graduated from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School in 2011. She majored in legal and protective services, which was a new program at the time.

A month after graduation, she joined the Air National Guard. She also received her bachelor’s degree in history from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams.

She has a family history of service. Her father is a New Bedford firefighter and her mother is a master sergeant in the Air National Guard. Inspired to protect her twin 13-year-old twin sisters, she also joined the NBPD to follow her family’s commitment to public service.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced the off-ramp from I-195 eastbound to Route 18 southbound in New Bedford will be closed overnight beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018 and reopening at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018. The temporary ramp closure is necessary to perform bridge deck and joint repairs.

Traffic will be detoured to Exit 16 as follows: travel west on Washburn Street, north onto Belleville Avenue, west onto Coggeshall Street, and south onto Route 18.

Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.

The schedule for these operations is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

A 48-year-old New Bedford man who raped his former girlfriend’s teenage relative was sentenced to serve 15 to 20 years in state prison yesterday, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Brian Hayde was convicted of rape of a child-aggravated by age after a three-day jury trial in Fall River Superior Court.

In 2013, the defendant was dating the victim’s older relative and was living in the same home with the woman and the child. On November 9, 2013, while the woman was at work, the defendant entered the bedroom of the teenage girl and sexually assaulted her. The victim testified at trial that testified that the defendant sucked on her breast, inserted his fingers into her vagina, and inserted his penis into her vagina.

The victim was treated at Saint Luke’s Hospital and underwent a SANE exam. The results of the rape kit showed that the defendant’s saliva was located inside of the victim’s vagina and on her breast. The defendant’s sperm was also located in the victim’s perianal area.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gillian Kirsch and Deputy District Attorney William McCauley. The 15 to 20 year state prison term was handed down by Judge Thomas McGuire.

“This defendant was an opportunist who preyed on a young girl who was 27 years younger. It was very difficult for the victim to testify in this case and I commend her for getting through this ordeal,” District Attorney Quinn said. “The conduct engaged in by the defendant is despicable and the sentence imposed by the court is justified.”

New Bedford, MA, – The 12th annual Mother’s Day Tiara 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 13, 2018, it’s time to register!

The first 300 to register will receive the official Women’s Fund Tiara 5K race t-shirt. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $5 for the kids fun run. Registration costs will increase to $30 on May 1 for 5K runners, Kids Fun Run participants will remain at $5. Register here: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=7902

Many friends and families have made Mother’s Day morning with the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K their annual tradition. A scenic course, festive t-shirts, music and kids activities draw an enthusiastic crowd. Through the efforts of these runners and walkers, and many generous sponsors, the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K has become the largest fundraising activity of the Women’s Fund, as well as its signature event. Last year’s event attracted more than 700 participants and raised over $56,000. Join the team now and register at www.womensfundtiara5k.com.

The race will start and finish at the Oxford Creamery in Mattapoisett. Registration opens at 7:00 AM, with the Children’s Fun Run starting at 9:00 AM and the 5K starting at 9:30 AM.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a different way this year. No breakfast in bed. No sleeping in. Instead, wrap around Ned’s Point lighthouse with your family and loved ones in Mattapoisett at the 12th Annual Women’s Fund Tiara 5K. You don’t have to clock your fastest time – just the best time with those you love! Check out their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/399176533868754/

Prizes will be awarded to the largest team and most creative team uniform in addition to the fastest runners in age and gender categories.

Tiara 5K is also seeking volunteers to support the race. Interested volunteers should email tiara5kvolunteer@gmail.com .

The mission of the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts is to advance the educational attainment and economic security of women and girls in Southeastern MA. Organized by a committed “Tiara Team” of volunteers, the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K began 12 years ago to offer women and their families the opportunity to engage in a philanthropic, family friendly, Mother’s Day activity on a day that celebrates women and motherhood. Revenue from the Tiara 5K will support all Women’s Fund activities.

For more information about the Women’s Fund, to become a sponsor, or to register for the Tiara 5K visit www.womensfundsema.org or call 508-717-0283.
Register online: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=7902

Local middle and high school students will once again have the opportunity to acquire new skills, learn about National Parks, and give back to the New Bedford community this spring. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park continues its support of New Bedford’s young people with its Youth Leadership Academy, or YLA. Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a free and immersive 3-month program for community members in Grade 5-12 from the Greater New Bedford area. This program offers experiential learning and volunteer opportunities for the youth of New Bedford.

The free program will offer these middle and high school students the opportunity to travel to a nearby National Park, volunteer at a hunger relief program, as well as learn about Frederick Douglass and what he accomplished while in New Bedford. Their culminating event will take place on June 14, AHA! Night, when they make a presentation about their experiences and share what they’ve learned in New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s theater.

The park will be working with local artist and teacher Lauren Savoia to run the program this spring.

Lauren Savoia is best known for her implementation of 21st century art education programs, and for creating both bronze sculptures and mixed media paintings. As an accomplished artist, art educator, program coordinator, and researcher, Ms. Savoia’s passion for serving her community through art is self-evident. Ms. Savoia studied at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2006, and is completed her Masters of Art Education degree in 2017.

Ms. Savoia is a certified art educator in both public schools and community-based organizations, working hard to promote the arts by creating collaborative and interdisciplinary opportunities across diverse communities.

She actively promotes art partnership programs that she designs and implements. Ms. Savoia is a leader and an advocate for the arts through fostering 21st century curriculum geared towards innovative ideas, and contemporary approaches to learning.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP. Everyone finds their park in a different way. Discover yours at FindYourPark.com

The victim in yesterday’s fatal crash in Wareham has been identified as 30-year-old JACQUELYN PERRY from New Bedford.

This morning at about 10:50 a.m., State Police from the Bourne Barracks responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 195 West in Wareham which resulted in the death of the operator.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Nicolas Lorenco indicates that a 30-year-old woman from New Bedford was traveling on Route 195 Westbound in a 2001 Honda Civic when, for reasons still under investigation, the vehicle veered off the left side of the roadway. The operator then overcorrected to the right. The vehicle then traveled off the right side of the roadway and rolled over. The operator and sole occupant was subsequently determined deceased at the scene.

The cause of this crash remains under investigation with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, Troopers assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

State Police were assisted at the scene by Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Wareham EMS.

Here is another installment in our Who Remembers? series. You can browse previous articles by using the search bar on the right or by clicking here. These articles are strolls down memory lane. In some cases, the buildings, but new businesses have replaced them. In other instances, the buildings or even the properties have been razed. Instead of a building, it may be a TV show, personality, or commercial that no one longer exists. Either way, it can’t stop us from taking the Memory Lane stroll!

As always we would rather this be a discussion. No one knows this area better than those who grew up here! Please, leave constructive criticism, feedback, and corrections. We’d love to hear your anecdotes. Please share!

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The other day I showed my daughter an image that had a cassette tape and a pencil in it that was captioned “Kids these days will never know how these 2 go together.” It got me thinking about VHS or videotapes – remember “Be kind, rewind”?

It seems like a convoluted idea today, but the concept of going to a store to pay to borrow a movie or video game for a few days was once a common, accepted part of everyday life. In fact, hardly a weekend would go by without a trip to the video store to grab 2-3, or 6 movies, perhaps a game. Of course, you could get candy, popcorn, even soda to complete the concept of bringing the movie theater to your living room.

Ironically, the business model seemed to be one based on generating revenue on the reliability of human fallibility. Is it an urban legend that Blockbuster generated a significant amount of their revenue – even the lion’s share – from late fees?

Why was this even a “thing”? For the younger generation, it may be hard to believe but there was actually a time when movie theaters had ushers. If you talked a lot or were generally disruptive during the movie, an usher would ask you quiet down and being asked more than once, could get you kicked out. You could even be walked down the aisle to an empty seat – which was needed because an usher had a flashlight in an era before you could simply bust out your cell phone to light the way.

When theaters began to eliminate the usher job – sending it into the bin with pinboys, the milkman, caller-ups or one of the other forgotten occupations and services – anarchy ensued and the atmosphere in a movie theate deteriorated.

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This allowed anyone and everyone to do whatever they wanted in the theaters and how many of us have had a movie ruined by disruptive people? All of us. Now, it is just accepted as part of going to the movie theater.

Since people got fed up with disruptive people, Blockbuster and other movie rental stores saw a need and in 1985, Blockbuster Video opened their first store in Dallas, Texas. By the early 90s and a bunch of mergers and acquisitions, Blockbuster spread like wildfire across the nation and had hundreds of stores and continued to open stores until its peak in 2004 when they were found the world over in their 9,000 stores – half of which were in the US alone.

How did they go from such popularity to their demise in 2013? Starting with video on demand services, and then automated movie kiosks like Redbox, and of course, Netflix they slowly struggled. Don’t forget that when Netflix first started and was competing with Blockbuster they would mail you DVDs and weren’t known for what they are famous for now: streaming movies.

Have a memory to share about Blockbuster video? What do you miss most? A topic to suggest for the next “Who Remembers…?” Comment below or send an email to infor@newbedfordguide.com.

While students conducted their experiments, city leaders, faculty and guests were on hand today to observe and to laud the opening New Bedford High School’s state-of-the-art Biotech Lab as another significant addition to the school’s growing complement of STEM-focused offerings for students interested in pursuing careers in science.

The Biotech Lab and Biotechnology Training Program are made possible by a $110,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), which has enabled the high school to implement the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) lab series, a project two years in the making. The new lab is furnished with the latest biotechnology apparatus, equipment, tools, and supplies required of experimental protocols used by real-world scientists.

The Amgen Biotech Experience in partnership with Harvard University Life Sciences Outreach Program engages students in learning molecular biology using curricula, tools, and techniques that are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Massachusetts Science & Technology/Engineering (STE) standards.
Mayor Jon Mitchell observed “This is a university-caliber facility. It underscores how New Bedford High School stands head and shoulders above the rest in its focus on career readiness, in this case, the Life Sciences. The budding scientists we see working in the lab today will have the basic training needed to become capable lab assistants, even as they pursue their higher education goals.”

Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin noted that students are being trained in proper laboratory technique to industry standards and thanked MLSC for their critical support. “This project dovetails perfectly with our respective institutional missions: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center “develops and offers creative programs that fund innovation-driven economic development initiatives in the life sciences,” and New Bedford High School prepares students with real-world competencies, for their post-secondary education, while providing hands-on training with particular emphasis on today’s burgeoning STEM fields – and does it as only a comprehensive high school can..”

Dr. Durkin also commended school staff for their foresight and leadership in making the Biotech Lab a reality. “Lead science teacher Dr. Chu Kwen Ho deserves substantial credit for the inception and shepherding to completion of this state-of-the-art science laboratory, applying his vast content knowledge and pedagogical insights to fulfill a vision. Dr. Ho, “Ron” to his colleagues, established partnerships with leading organizations, such as Harvard University, Biogen Idec, and Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, who provided crucial technical and fiscal support. Along with Diana Cost and Jeffrey Longo, Ron has set a model for us to emulate and build on to ensure New Bedford High School makes its contribution to Massachusetts science and engineering workforce,” she said.
Beth Nicklas, General Counsel and Vice President for Academic and Workforce Programs, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, congratulated the students and staff, noting it was gratifying to see the work of MLSC in action in New Bedford.

“Incredibly proud of these young men and women who have matched their interest and curiosity in science and technology with hard work both in this new space and in the classroom,” said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “Our investment in New Bedford High School and others throughout the SouthCoast support our collective efforts to sustain a world class talent pipeline, as well as, open new career paths for young people interested in the life sciences field.”
Headmaster Bernadette Coelho thanked the science faculty for their hard work while noting the new lab “gives our students one more edge up as they develop the critical skill sets for higher education and job placement in today’s growing biotechnology and healthcare industries.”

Dr. Ho noted “This state-of-the-art science laboratory will provide an additional learning space for all students to engage in fun and meaningful experiences of scientific discovery and exploration. I am excited to see how this new facility motivates our students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are essential for 21st century STEM learning and careers. I would like to thank all of our parents, community members, and the entire staff at NBHS for their collaboration, hard work, and dedication to this project.”
Dr. Katie Ruggieri, Professor of Biology and Chair of the Natural Sciences Program at Bristol Community College, and who conducted the first class in the Biotech Lab, praised the continued close partnership of BCC and New Bedford High School.

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is an economic development and investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research & development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics, and digital health.

About The Amgen Biotech Experience
The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is an innovative science education program that empowers teachers to bring biotechnology to their classrooms. ABE provides teacher professional development, curriculum materials, and research-grade equipment and supplies to secondary schools. Funded by the Amgen Foundation, the international program features a hands-on molecular biology curriculum designed to introduce students to the excitement of scientific discovery.