The LGBTQ Voice – What can New Bedford do better for the LGBTQ community?

On last week’s The LGBTQ Voice episode, Dan asked if New Bedford is doing enough for the LGBTQ community.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.newbedfordguide.com/the-lgbtq-voice-show-episode-2-youth-and-elders/2018/01/14

Catch The LGBTQ Voice on New Bedford Guide’s Facebook page every Tuesday at 7pm.




Springfield Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

A Springfield man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession of child pornography. The defendant faced a mandatory minimum sentence due to a prior state conviction for statutory rape.

Alex Germaine, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In September 2017, Germaine pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

After Germaine accessed a Russian child pornography website, law enforcement executed a search warrant on July 29, 2016, and seized Germaine’s cell phone, which revealed multiple images of child pornography, including one involving a sex act perpetrated by an adult male against a prepubescent female. A subsequent search warrant was executed on Nov. 10, 2016, at Germaine’s residence in Springfield, where law enforcement seized computer discs containing child pornography.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Lelling’s Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.




2018 New Bedford City Council Committee Assignments

– COUNCILLOR LINDA M. MORAD, CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT
– COUNCILLOR JOSEPH P. LOPES, FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
– COUNCILLOR BRIAN K. GOMES, SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT

STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
– APPOINTMENTS & BRIEFINGS: Councillors COELHO, Chair; MORAD, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Markey and Rebeiro
– CITY PROPERTY: Councillors CARNEY, Chair; LOPES, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Markey, Morad and Rebeiro
– FINANCE: Councillors LOPES, Chair; ABREU, Vice-Chair; Carney, Coelho, Dunn, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Markey, Morad and Rebeiro
– INTERNAL AFFAIRS: Councillors GOMES, Chair; REBEIRO, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Coelho and Markey
– LABOR & INDUSTRY: Councillors DUNN, Chair; ABREU, Vice-Chair; Carney, Lima and Lopes
– ORDINANCES: Councillors DUNN, Chair; REBEIRO, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey and Morad
– PUBLIC SAFETY & NEIGHBORHOODS: Councillors GOMES, Chair; COELHO, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Carney, Dunn, Giesta, Lima, Lopes, Markey, Morad and Rebeiro
– VETERANS AFFAIRS, ELDERLY, YOUTH, HEALTH & HOUSING & DISABILITY ISSUES: Councillors GIESTA, Chair; DUNN, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Coelho and Lima
– AUDIT: Councillors LIMA, Chair; LOPES, Vice-Chair; Dunn, Gomes and Morad
– FISHERIES: Councillors REBEIRO, Chair; LIMA, Vice-Chair; Dunn, Giesta and Lopes

SPECIAL COMMITTEES
– THE AIRPORT: Councillors MARKEY, Chair; GOMES, Vice-Chair; Carney, Giesta and Morad
– ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Councillors REBEIRO, Chair; DUNN, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Carney, Coelho, Giesta, Gomes, Lima, Lopes, Markey and Morad
– MEMORIALS & DEDICATIONS: Councillors ABREU, Chair; CARNEY, Vice-Chair; Coelho, Markey and Rebeiro
– BUDGET REVIEW: Councillors LOPES, Chair; MARKEY, Vice-Chair; Abreu, Giesta and Lima
– DOG PARK (Feasibility of Creating A): Councillors CARNEY, Chair; COELHO, Vice-Chair; Emanuel Maciel, Director, Animal Control; Local Veterinarian; Greater New Bedford –
– Coalition for Animals Member; Two (2) New Bedford Residents
– LICENSING AND ZONING FOR CANNABIS: Councillors ABREU, Chair; GIESTA, Vice-Chair; Carney, Gomes and Rebeiro
– TRAFFIC COMMISSION: Councillors Gomes and Markey
– ENERGY RESOURCE COMMISSION: Councillor Carney
– SCHOOL TRAFFIC COMMITTEE: Councillor Rebeiro
– SIGN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD: Councillor Lopes
– MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL: Councillor Rebeiro
– WATER BOARD: Councillor Carney
– TIF BOARD: Councillors Lopes & Morad
– CONDOMINIUM REVIEW BOARD: Councillor Rebeiro
– EXHIBITION HALL COMMITTEE: Councillor Coelho




Dominican National sentenced to 12 years for distributing Fentanyl and over 1 kilo of heroin

A Dominican national, who led a large-scale heroin and fentanyl trafficking organization in southeastern Massachusetts, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston.

Dedwin Cruz-Rivera, 41, a Dominican national residing in Fall River, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Cruz-Rivera will be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. In July 2017, Cruz-Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

In October 2015, Cruz-Rivera was arrested and charged, along with 24 others, for leading a heroin and fentanyl trafficking organization in southeastern Massachusetts. Cruz-Rivera obtained large quantities of heroin and fentanyl from local drug suppliers, including his brother Manuel Romero-Gonsalez, and Eric Matos, who distributed in and around Fall River and Providence, R.I. Cruz-Rivera used co-defendant Cristian Sostre as a courier and stash house operator in order to decrease the likelihood that he would be detected by law enforcement. During the course of their investigation, federal agents seized 295 grams of fentanyl that were en route to Cruz-Rivera.

An April 2016 superseding indictment brought the total number of defendants charged in the case to 26. All of the 26 defendants charged in the case have pleaded guilty, and 23 have been sentenced, including Romero-Gonsalez and Matos, who are serving 66 months and 121 months in federal prison, respectively.




HELP WANTED: City of New Bedford is seeking to fill a Mason vacancy

PAY: $17.16hr – $23.82hr

Performs work involved in the construction and repair of structures made of brick, stone, concrete blocks and tiles such as wall, floors and other structural projects. Performs masonry repairs and brickwork, pours new concrete sidewalks and installs blue stone (and is able to pour foundations.)

Thorough knowledge in laying bricks, stone, concrete blocks and tiles in construction, alteration or repair of walls, floors, passageways or other structures. Constructs and repairs brick work in sewers, catch basins and manholes. Lays and sets cut stone. Performs all phases of cement work.

High school graduate or GED equivalent preferred. Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record.

Requires two years’ paid experience in masonry trade. Knowledge of equipment, materials and supplies used in masonry work, and equipment and supplies used to do minor repairs. Skills in operation of listed tools and equipment. Ability to work independently and complete daily activities according to work schedule. Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions; ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions; ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors and the public.

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. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.




New Bedford cold weather overflow shelter open tonight, Jan. 16

Due to the expected temperature drop for this evening with a wind chill as low as 10 degrees around 10pm tonight. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.




Woman crashes into Pour Farm Tavern in Downtown New Bedford

A female driver backed into The Pour Farm Tavern this morning in downtown New Bedford around noon today. No injuries. Video by Michael Silvia.




National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warnings/Weather Advisories for MA

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for most of the region for tonight and Wednesday.

* WHAT…Snow expected. Plan on slippery road conditions. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 3 inches in New Bedford are expected.

* WHERE…In Massachusetts, Southern Bristol MA and Southern Plymouth MA Counties. In Rhode Island, Bristol RI, Washington RI and Newport RI Counties.

* WHEN…From 1 AM to 9 AM EST Wednesday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Light snow will overspread the region after midnight and may be briefly heavy toward daybreak. The snow will quickly change to rain by mid morning. Be prepared for hazardous travel late tonight and early Wednesday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, and use caution while driving. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.




CareOne is Hiring Full Time CNA’s and offering a $1000 sign on bonus.

The Care One New Bedford mission is to define excellence within the health care community. We are dedicated to Maximizing Patient Outcomes. We treat Residents, their families and each other with respect, dignity and compassion. Through a collaborative and consultative approach, we strive to provide a framework of strength and stability for our Centers and Communities. We work to maintain the highest standards of care and service for Residents, families and our valued employees.

We are HIRING for CNA positions. We offer competitive wages, weekend and overnight differential, comprehensive healthcare benefits, 401K Retirement Plan, paid time off, opportunities to advance and grow your career and more! Free training provided if needed at Coastal Career Academy. $1,000 sign on bonus for full time CNA’s if already certified. Available shifts are 3-11 and 11-7. Must commit to a job in New Bedford, classes start soon.

Call 508- 996- 4600 to schedule an interview.

If working with people who are dedicated, compassionate, and concerned about their patients is essential to you, then you’ll appreciate being a part of our team. We’ve built a strong reputation on the outstanding level of care that we provide. We have a graciously appointed facility with strong belief in patient care and service; join us at our beautiful facility!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

EEO/AA/M/F/DV
Competitive Salary
Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits
401k Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Opportunities to advance and grow your career
And More!




The LGBTQ Voice – coming out stories

Did you know that gay men and women were arrested for being gay in the 50’s? On last week’s The LGBTQ Voice episode, the LGBTQ youth and elders shared their coming out stories.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.newbedfordguide.com/the-lgbtq-voice-show-episode-2-youth-and-elders/2018/01/14

Catch The LGBTQ Voice on New Bedford Guide’s Facebook page every Tuesday at 7pm.