Last week, UMass Dartmouth’s SouthCoast Corsairs headed to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics World Championships to represent the nation and region. Here the team shares their experience and results.

_________________________________

At the end of qualifications, we finished in 16th place out of 67 teams! Compared to last year, where we were 60th out of 65 teams, this was excellent. Unfortunately, we did not get picked for the playoffs, but we did extremely well considering we were not expecting to even make it to World’s.

Other than that, we had a great time, met teams from France, Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, and several other nations. We also met a whole bunch of teams from across the United States as well. In previous years we have met with teams from other countries, but because of the size of the FIRST programs, they’ve split up the World Championship between Houston and Detroit based on teams geographic location.

We have two off-season events, one at WPI on May 19-20, and another in Revere in October.

From now until next October, we will be working on recruiting new members from across the SouthCoast (as 12 of our 16 members are currently Juniors), raising funds for the next season, planning outreach events, and working on imagery for next year’s space-themed games (as put by several members of our team: SPAAAAAAACCCCCCCEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!). This is actually the first year in which all 4 FIRST programs have the same theme.

Additionally, if you know of anyone who would be interested in mentoring, sponsoring, or being a part of a FIRST Robotics team, feel free to direct them to southcoastcorsairs@gmail.com or @frc5846 on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat)

Thank you all for your support, guidance, and cheers this season- we couldn’t have made it this far without you!

-Andrew S. & the entirety of the 5846 family

Local favorite Acushnet Creamery announced on their Facebook page that they will be serving ice cream on Pier 3 in New Bedford soon.

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is announcing the first-of-its-kind Massachusetts Whale Trail, a major collaboration among Bay State tourism destinations for the promotion of assets stretching from Provincetown to Pittsfield. Telling the story of the Commonwealth through its connection to whales, the Massachusetts Whale Trail features nearly 40 stops along the coast as well as a literary tangent connecting sites in Western Massachusetts.

Whale Trail partners include museums, attractions, historic sites, educational centers, and tours. “We’re thrilled to announce the new Massachusetts Whale Trail,” says Francois-Laurent Nivaud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “The Whale Trail captures the maritime spirit of Massachusetts and offers a new way for visitors to engage with our long and storied connection to whales.”

The Massachusetts Whale Trail links nearly 40 regions, sites, and experiences associated with the marine mammal, of which there are currently 11 breeds off the Commonwealth’s coast and account for over 800,000 visitors annually. Sites include historic landmarks such as the Seaman’s Bethel and Mariners’ Home in New Bedford, whale watching tours from Provincetown to Newburyport, museums like the Nantucket Historical Association Whaling Museum, and educational activities such as the SEA SPACE
Marine Discovery Center in Provincetown. Beyond the coast, sites along the Melville Trail in Western Massachusetts are featured for their connection to the famous author Herman Melville’s renowned novel, Moby-Dick. Regional partners include the Massachusetts Regional Tourism Councils, as well as local tourism offices for towns from New Bedford to Salem.

In addition to traditional attractions, visitors are encouraged to embrace the broader cultural influence of whales. MOTT’s promotions feature galleries with whale art, such as Focus Gallery in Chatham, and whale-inspired IPAs with Moby Dick Brewing Company in New Bedford.

“This Massachusetts Whale Trail is a fun and engaging way to tell the story of our relationship with these magnificent giants of the ocean” said Tina Malott, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, New Bedford Whaling Museum “Our region’s past, present, and future is intimately connected to the sea, and to whales in particular. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is dedicated to teaching about humankind’s interaction with whales throughout history, as well as teaching about the world of whales today.

To promote the Massachusetts Whale Trail, MOTT has launched www.whaletrailma.com, and developed itineraries highlighting interactive experiences for visitors by theme. Early itineraries include a literary enthusiasts track, exploring a route dedicated to Herman Melville’s life and inspiration in Massachusetts, and another for family-friendly adventurers, with whale watching tours and sites to experience marine life first hand. Sites along the trail will also be launching special promotions and packages in support of the trail, using the hashtag #whaletrailMA.

For more details about the Massachusetts Whale Trail, visit www.whaletrailma.com ###

___________________________________

Massachusetts Whale Trail FAQs
The Massachusetts Whale Trail tells the story of the Commonwealth’s connection to whales. This first-of-its-kind collaboration among Bay State tourism destinations features sites across Massachusetts, from the tip of Cape Cod to the westernmost corners of the Berkshires. Massachusetts Whale Trail partners include museums, attractions, historic sites, educational centers, and tours.

For Visitors:

Where can I find more information about the Massachusetts Whale Trail?
Details about what to experience on the Massachusetts Whale Trail can be found at whaletrailma.com. Points of interest appear in easy-to-navigate map and list formats. Use the feature box at the top of the page to discover itineraries, promotions, blogs, an illustrated map, and more, to inspire your whale of an adventure in Massachusetts.

How long does it take to do the Massachusetts Whale Trail?
There are so many ways to experience the Massachusetts Whale Trail! Find points of interest on whaletrailma.com and plan the journey that makes sense for your vacation. Each point of interest has a description about the site or experience, including contact details and a map with precise location information. It takes approximately three and a half hours to drive between Gloucester and Provincetown and an estimated three hours to drive from New Bedford to Pittsfield. Many sites are within a few
minutes of one another. Boston Harbor Cruises offer several ferries to North of Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod. Both Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises provide fast island service. Additional ferry services can be accessed at massvacation.com/navigate/transportation/ferry-services/.

What time of year is best to experience the Massachusetts Whale Trail?
The Massachusetts Whale Trail is a year-round visitor experience. Many of the museums and historic sites included in the trail are open all four seasons. Whale watching season generally runs between April and October. Check the individual site listings on whaletrailma.com for openings and hours.

How can I share my Massachusetts Whale Trail experience?
Use the hashtag #whaletrailMA on all major social media channels.

Industry Information:

What can I do to promote my organization on the Massachusetts Whale Trail?
Sites along the Massachusetts Whale Trail are encouraged to use assets including the #whaletrailMA, the Massachusetts Whale Trail logo, and the website whaletrailma.com in promotions to increase awareness of your organization.

How can I connect with other Massachusetts Whale Trail sites?
Visit whaletrailma.com to familiarize yourself with other Massachusetts Whale Trail sites and organizations. Work together to create packages for travelers to encourage more than one stop along the trail. Reach out to your local, regional, and statewide tourism organization for ideas on partnerships.

How can I become part of the Massachusetts Whale Trail?
Join the fun! If your tourism business has a connection to these special sea creatures or if you’d like additional information, contact Shannon Healey at shannon.healey@mass.gov. For media inquiries, contact Abigail Phillips at abigail.phillips@mass.gov.

___________________________________

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism is the state agency dedicated to promoting tourism in the Commonwealth. MOTT’s mission is to promote Massachusetts as both a leisure and business travel destination for domestic and international markets and to contribute to the growth of the Commonwealth’s economy. MOTT works closely with 16 regional tourism councils across the state, and with larger tourism alliances such as Discover New England and BrandUSA.

Rain or Shine! Three Days!

Seven years and counting! Outdoor fitness is thriving at Cushman Park, Fairhaven, Massachusetts this summer! The South Coast community can keep fit and stay healthy with free exercise classes taught by three of the top fitness instructors in the area.

This summer, classes will be held RAIN OR SHINE! Charlene Conway, owner of Carousel Family Fun Center has generously offered Carousel Fun Center, 4 David Drown Boulevard, Fairhaven as an indoor venue for classes in the case of inclement weather.

Also — Fitness in Cushman Park will be offering thirty free classes in all —Well + Fit fitness class with Certified Fitness Trainer, Sarah Bates; Yoga in the Park with Kripalu Certified Yoga Instructor, Jeff Costa and Summer Bootcamp with Certified Functional Trainer, Wayne Goulart are held through the summer in Cushman Park on Green Street.

NEW on MONDAYS! Well + Fit fitness class will take place starting June 18, 2018 and continues for 10 weeks through August 20 every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Well & Fit classes offer strength & conditioning exercises to provide a true total body workout. Yoga in the Park will take place starting June 19, 2018 and continues for 10 weeks through August 21 every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. This is a gentle yoga series for all levels, designed to introduce newcomers to the basics of stretching and mindfulness and challenge yoga enthusiasts with a focus on compassion for the body. Summer Bootcamp, begins June 21 and continues each Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. through August 23. The Bootcamp class consists of various exercises that build functional strength and core stability with circuits utilizing light dumbbells and body weight exercises.

Well + Fit’s instructor, Sarah Bates is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Well & Fit Personal Training & Cycling studio located in Mattapoisett MA. Well & Fit offers small group & private training, cycling classes, and nutrition coaching. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, Sarah says, ” Opening my own studio has allowed me to bring all of the most interesting aspects of training into my own gym and offer variety and challenge to people who feel the same about fitness and wellness as I do.”

Yoga in Cushman Park’s instructor, Jeff Costa, E-RYT 200 is a Yoga Alliance Nationally Certified Instructor and a graduate of the Kripalu School of Yoga and Health. Jeff has over 30 years experience in the fitness industry and a BA in Liberal Arts from Boston University. The strength of Jeff’s teaching lies in his attention to detail and his compassionate approach to students’ needs. Jeff’s authentic voice and classical approach to alignment create a class environment that promotes happiness, personal power, and peace of mind.

Summer Bootcamp instructor Wayne Goulart’s career in health and wellness began as a hobby when he started lifting weights with his brother in the basement of his family home. That hobby grew into a lifestyle and eventually a passion. Wayne is a certified personal trainer (A.F.P.A.) and has been working for ten years as lead trainer at the New Bedford YMCA. A certified group exercise instructor, Wayne’s specialty is functional training and his clients are from all walks of life, ages and fitness levels.

Attendees to the classes should bring a mat for Yoga and a mat plus set of weights for Well + Fit and for Bootcamp. Classes take place RAIN OR SHINE — weather determination is posted on the Fitness in Cushman Park Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fitnessincushmanpark .

Fitness in Cushman Park is once again presented free to the public, for the 7th year in a row, because of generous support from community contributions. Last summer’s classes were another resounding success with over one hundred fifty fitness enthusiasts attending sessions.

For more information about the fitness program or to sponsor Fitness in Cushman Park call 508-287-2482.

Three days after being released on a low bail for assault with a dangerous weapon despite a lengthy criminal history, Khaylon Cruz, 23, of New Bedford, was arrested yet again, this time on Thursday, April 26 for dealing Fentanyl.

Cruz was arraigned Monday, April 20 on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. Judge James McGovern released Cruz on $350 bail, despite the district attorney’s office request that his bail be set at $5,000.

Cruz posted bail and was let out into the streets, despite his long criminal record, including convictions for possession of a firearm and dealing cocaine.

Cruz was subsequently re-arrested Thursday, April 26 after being the subject of an investigation by the New Bedford Police Department narcotics unit into a Fentanyl distribution service out of his home at 164 Richmond St. Apt. 1 and his vehicle.

“I continue to be very proud of the work that the men and women of the New Bedford Police Department do on a daily basis, and appreciate their continuous effort to keep our community safe. Considering the recent events in Yarmouth and Maine, I am extremely disappointed with the judicial discretion exercised in this instance,” said Chief Joseph Cordeiro.

After a search warrant was executed, detectives located Fentanyl, a digital scale, packaging materials and cash.

He was arrested on charges of possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of Fentanyl with intent to distribute, subsequent offense.

On Friday, April 27, Judge McGovern held Cruz on the new charges on $50,000 bail, even higher than the $25,000 requested by the district attorney’s office. The judge also revoked bail on the previous charges.

Cruz has 40 adult arraignments.

Cruz was found guilty of illegal firearm possession and was sentenced on Dec. 11, 2017 to 30 days in the house of correction with the balance of the sentence suspended until June 2019.

He was also found guilty on Dec. 11, 2017 for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. He was placed on probation until June 2019.

His criminal history includes being sentenced to 59 days in prison in 2014 for breaking and entering and being placed on supervised probation for a year in 2014 for assault and battery on a police officer.

Another individual with a lengthy criminal history was arrested alongside Cruz Thursday, April 26 on a warrant.
Derell Turner, 25, of 85 Contoocook Falls Rd. Apt. 7, Hillsborough, N.H., was charged on a warrant charge.

Turner is also no stranger to the court system. He has 24 adult arraignments and was sentenced to serve three years and a day in prison in 2011 for armed robbery.

We asked New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell if the six overdose deaths in New Bedford in the month of April is an indication of concerning trend in the wrong direction. 

New Bedford Cops Episode 1: “I’m related to Jesus” – 17-year New Bedford Police veteran and artist Scott Carola discusses what it is to be a police officer in New Bedford and chats with a woman who thinks she’s related to Jesus.

Chris Resendes chatted with former New Bedford mayor Scott Lang on the possibility of him running for mayor or another political office in the future.

New Bedford Police arrested 32-year old Derek Brent Caron of New Bedford on nine charges of assault with a dangerous weapon after a run-in with three people in a vehicle at about 10 p.m. Sunday, April 29 in the area of Shawmut Avenue and Hathaway Road.

Police received a report that the occupants of two vehicles got into a verbal argument.

One of the vehicles then followed the other. Caron, the driver of one of the two vehicles, swung a metal bat at the second vehicle, threw the bat at the vehicle, causing front fender damage, then reached back with the bat again as if to strike again.

Caron was charged with nine counts of assault with a dangerous weapon because there were three occupants of the vehicle and to reflect the three separate incidents. No one was injured.

Caron was also charged with malicious damage to a motor vehicle.

The Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford will be having its 19th Annual Pet Fest and Walk for Animals on Sunday, May 6th, at Buttonwood Park (next to Lawler Library, 745 Rockdale Ave) in New Bedford from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm, rain or shine. It’s a fun-filled day for people and their companion animals to come and join us for a 2-mile walk around beautiful Buttonwood Park as well as see lots of entertainment! Animal lovers without dogs are also welcome!

We need your help to raise funds to help injured, sick, homeless, abandoned and neglected animals in our community!

There is a $15 Registration fee, but please help us raise as much as you can by asking friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to sponsor you for the Walk for Animals. Check to see if your employer has a Gift Matching Program. We have great prizes for kids raising the most amount over $200 and adults raising the most amount over $500!

Last year, the event was attended by approximately 800 people and 300 dogs! Each year we try to make it bigger and better! This year we are expecting over 60 vendor and information booths, including rescue groups, shelters, face painting, raffle items and other fun activities. Come to the Puppy Kissing Booth and get a smooch for $1! Get a pet ID tag at Mellisa’s Pet Depot booth. Check out the Raffle tables with all the awesome raffle baskets and items. Center ring demonstrations will be provided by Buttonwood Park Zoo, the New Bedford K-9 Police Unit and Harmonious Hounds dog trainers, which are just part of the day’s entertainment. There will also be awesome music, refreshment, and food vendors!

The event will be hosted by WBSM legendary radio show celebrity Phil Paleologos, and music will be provided by the very talented Dave Antunes Sound Company. Registration will be between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 pm and the Walk will begin at 12:00 pm with a Blessing of the Animals.

We are proud to announce our very generous Pet Fest sponsors this year: BayCoast Bank, Blue Buffalo Pet Food, , Carabiner’s Fitness Centers, Rockland Trust, Mellisa’s Pet Depot, Harmonious Hounds, Merrick, Midwestern, Mr. Cesspool Sanitation Service, St. Anne’s Credit Union, Top Shelf Bar and Grill and World’s Best Cat Litter!

100% of all the proceeds from the event will be used to support our many programs, including our newest, Pets Beside Vets Adoption Program, in which we subsidize the adoption fee for a local veteran who has served in a war and is under a doctor’s care so he or she can adopt an animal from a local participating shelter. Studies show that veterans who experience post-traumatic stress syndrome have lower blood pressure and fewer suicide attempts when they own a pet. With your support, this program can help veterans and shelter animals find the perfect, needed match!

The Coalition For Animals is an all-volunteer nonprofit charitable organization of individuals and local animal rescue groups dedicated to helping animals. Our mission is to create awareness in the community for the humane treatment of all animals, to help end the problems of companion animal overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, to promote the adoption of homeless companion animals and to provide people with the educational information they need to help keep their animals safe and healthy. Visit our website at www.coalitonforanimals.com and ‘Like” us on Facebook!

The Pet Fest and Walk for Animals is a fun-filled ‘dog day’! It’s a great way to celebrate the animals in our lives and help animals in need in our community. Walk brochures and sponsor sign-up sheets are available at Mellisa’s Pet Depot in Dartmouth and Fairhaven, and at the larger parks throughout New Bedford, You can also log onto www.coalitionforanimals.com to download the registration form and sponsor sign up sheet. The vendor booth application is also on our website. Check out our Facebook event page for more details www.facebook.com/events/377156409415257/

Create an online fundraising page to maximize your impact: https://www.razoo.com/fundraise/start
Select “Humane Coalition for Animals of Greater New Bedford” as your certified charity! Not sure what to write?
Check our sample page here:https://www.razoo.com/story/Samplepetfestfundraiser
Please contact us for event sponsorship opportunities. Participate in the Walk for Animals by getting people to sponsor you to help raise money and help animals!