New Bedford announces New Year’s Eve events and fireworks display

UPDATE: Due to extremely cold temperatures predicted for Sunday, several outdoor events have been moved indoors.

Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), through its charitable foundation, recently awarded a $20,000 grant to the City of New Bedford as part of the Bank’s role as overall sponsor of the current Holiday Happenings and City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve! festivities. The community has enjoyed several weekends of exciting and engaging programming which all lead up to a host of family fun activities to ring in 2018 on Sunday, December 31st, including the traditional fireworks display.

This year’s programming includes street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, living art, ice sculptures, fire spinning, music, family workshops, and more. A full listing of all events is located at www.DestinationNewBedford.org/holidays2017. The New Year’s Eve festivities will include a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront at 8:30 p.m. Please note that the east face of State Pier will be closed on New Year’s Eve, so fireworks viewers are encouraged to watch from lower Union Street, which will be closed at the intersection of Route 18 and Union Street to the intersection of Union and N. Water streets.

“New Year’s Eve City Celebrates in New Bedford is a wonderful opportunity for area families and visitors to enjoy many free, fun events for all ages in our historic downtown,” said Jon Mitchell, Mayor, City of New Bedford. “We’re grateful for the generous support of Bristol County Savings Bank for sponsoring City Celebrates which, along with the many important causes they support, demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to the community.”

“It’s hard to believe we have been the lead sponsor of City Celebrates! for eight consecutive years but it’s always exciting for us to be a part of what has become a great New Bedford tradition of engaging holiday programming for the community to enjoy and ring in the New Year,” said Patrick J. Murray, Jr., President & CEO of Bristol County Savings Bank and President, Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation (BCSCF). Murray added that since 2007, the Foundation has donated more than $4 million to 501©(3) organizations in southeastern Massachusetts.

Along with event sponsor Bristol County Savings Bank, City Celebrates! supporting sponsors are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Fireworks partners include Tucker Roy Marine Towing and Salvage, Inc. and AGM Marine Contractors. Local Partners Include: Southeastern MA Visitors Bureau and Southcoast Chamber of Commerce.

Bristol County Savings Bank is an active supporter in the communities in which it serves. The Bristol County Savings Charitable Foundation was established in 1996 as part of the Bank’s 150th Anniversary celebration. Its purpose is to fund needs that contribute to the economic and the social well-being of the people and institutions located in the greater Attleboro/Taunton Region, the greater New Bedford/Dartmouth Region, the Fall River Region and the Pawtucket, Rhode Island Region, with particular emphasis in the areas of education and literacy, economic development and housing for the low- to moderate-income population. Since the Foundation began, more than $19 million has been committed to hundreds of different non-profit organizations. In 2017, the Foundation has awarded over $1.8 million to various 501©(3) organizations.




Two Taunton brothers sentenced for attempted extortion, embezzlement of Suboxone clinic

Two Taunton brothers were sentenced yesterday in connection with attempting to extort and threaten violence against the co-owner of a suboxone clinic in Quincy as well as embezzling money from the clinic.

David Tkhilaishvili, 36, and Jambulat Tkhilaishvili, 46, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge Douglas P. Woodlock to three years and 18 months in prison, respectively. Both were sentenced to three years of supervised release. David Tkhilaishvili was also ordered to pay restitution of $3,500. In May 2017, following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted the brothers of one count of conspiring to extort and one count of attempted extortion. David Tkhilaishvili was also convicted of two counts of embezzlement.

In 2014, the brothers approached the co-owner of a Quincy suboxone clinic and asked him to invest in a new suboxone clinic. The defendants claimed to have many years of experience in running medical clinics, including suboxone clinics. To convince the victim to invest, the defendants promised to repay the victim 50% of his investment in the clinic within five years if the business failed, with 5% interest per year in the event that the victim did not recover his investment in the clinic.

In December 2014, the victim agreed to invest in the clinic and, because of the size of his investment, insisted upon significant contractual protections, including that he would have full decision making authority over matters involving the clinic. The defendants agreed; however, shortly thereafter, the defendants began to demand that the victim surrender his ownership interest and, on multiple occasions, threatened him and his family with physical injury. One of the defendants told the victim that he had made nine people and their families, who had a problem with him in the past, disappear. Both defendants claimed to live the life of outlaws who associated with thieves. In addition, both of the defendants threatened physical harm to the victim and his family and to burn down the clinic if the victim did not comply with their demands. Furthermore, David Tkhilaishvili embezzled approximately $3,500 from the clinic.




Mayor Jon Mitchell throws support behind ‘Revolution Wind’ offshore wind project

This week, Mayor Jon Mitchell urged state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton to support Revolution Wind, an offshore wind project proposed by Deepwater Wind in response to section 83D of the comprehensive energy legislation passed on Beacon Hill last year (M.G.L. Ch. 188, Acts 2016).

Deepwater Wind’s Revolution Wind proposal under section 83D should not be confused with proposals submitted this week by three wind developers (Bay State Wind, Vineyard Wind, and Deepwater Wind) under section 83C of the energy bill.

Under 83D, Revolution Wind is the sole offshore wind proposal competing against dozens of Canadian hydro power proposals; land-based wind proposals from Maine and New York; and solar projects from around New England. Of these, Revolution Wind is the only project within the 83D competition that would bring significant economic impact to New Bedford and the surrounding region.

In his letter to Secretary Beaton, Mayor Mitchell endorsed Deepwater’s Revolution Wind proposal.

“After careful assessment and extended discussions between our offshore wind development team and Deepwater Wind, I have come to the conclusion that Deepwater Wind’s commitment to use the Port of New Bedford for assembly and deployment of Revolution Wind’s wind towers and turbines (as well as for ongoing operation and maintenance activities) will have a significant impact on the City of New Bedford and the entire region,” he wrote.

“The offshore wind procurement decisions to be made by the Commonwealth in coming months will have lasting impact on New Bedford. It is therefore without hesitation that I offer my enthusiastic support for Deepwater Wind’s Revolution Wind project. Selecting Deepwater Wind to provide a small portion of the total energy procured with the section 83D solicitation is a sound public policy decision, grounded firmly in concrete business commitments and quantifiable local benefits.”

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About Revolution Wind
Deepwater Wind is proposing the 144-megawatt wind farm paired with a 10 MW battery storage system in response to the Commonwealth’s request for proposals for new sources of clean energy in Section 83D of the Act to Promote Energy Diversity. Deepwater Wind also provided alternative bids for a larger 288 MW version of Revolution Wind and a smaller 96 MW version.

At 144 megawatts, Revolution Wind could be built in a single construction season, and developed more cost-effectively, and with considerably less risk, than a larger project.

Deepwater Wind will build Revolution Wind in the company’s federal lease site off the coast of Massachusetts. The site is located 30 miles from the mainland and about 12 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. The wind farm will be adjacent to Deepwater Wind’s South Fork Wind Farm, a 90 MW project serving Long Island. Fully-built, the lease site has the potential to host 2 gigawatts of offshore wind energy.

Revolution Wind is projected to exceed $250 million in economic impact associated with the project, as well as to create hundreds of construction jobs over a 2-3 year period, adding well-paying operations and maintenance jobs for more than three decades.

Deepwater Wind has committed its own staff to fishing-related matters during the course of developing Revolution Wind, and recruited the city’s Harbor Development Commission to serve as the principal liaison to the fishing industry.




New Bedford Emergency Overflow Shelter Open Tonight, Dec. 21

Due to the continued frigid temperatures, the overflow will be opened again tonight. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless




Two Framingham men arrested with 365 Percocet pills and $8,285 in cash

On Tuesday Trooper Ryan Sceviour was patrolling Route 190 southbound in the City of Worcester when he observed a black Toyota Rav4. A check of the license plate revealed it had an expired inspection sticker and the owner had an expired driver’s license. Trooper Sceviour stopped the Rav4 just south of exit 2.

As Trooper Sceviour requested the driver’s license and registration he observed the driver identified as SHAWN MCNAMARA, 34-year-old male from Framingham, visibly sweating on a cold December night and his hand shaking as he reached for his wallet. After informing the driver of the reason for the stop and his expired license status, the passenger DAVID AKASA, 29-year-old male from Framingham gave the Trooper his license so he could drive the vehicle away.

Trooper Scevior returned to his cruiser, Trooper Matthew Dunne arrived as backup. They both returned to the Rav4 and after an investigation found 365 Percocet pills and $8,285 in cash. Both the driver and passenger were placed under arrest.

Both were transported to the Holden barracks for booking. Bail was set at $40 + personal recognizance on the driver and $20,000 on the passenger.

MCNAMARA was charged with

Unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
Conspiracy to violate drug laws
No inspection sticker
AKASA was charged with

Trafficking in opioids
Conspiracy to violate drug laws




15 Things To Do This Weekend (Dec. 22 – Dec. 24)

While it seems that we will need a Christmas miracle to have a white Christmas, we will have all sorts of precipitation this weekend. Could be rain, could be snow, could be a wintry mix. This usually means that a slight change in temperature could lead to lots of one of those three. As of now the forecast says we will NOT go below freezing in terms of temperature, but the wind chill factor could make a decision one way or another. Either way, nothing very serious is in store – no, no blizzard of 2017. So, enjoy your time off and your 3 day weekend!

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, December 22nd

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

Santa VIP Train Ride at Edaville (1:00pm-2:00pm)
Another Train added! Enter the whimsical world of Edaville Theme Park an hour early with our Santa VIP Package Upgrade. This package includes admission to the entire park including Christmas Festival of Lights & Thomas Land. Join Santa Claus on the Santa VIP train for a fun and festive journey around Edaville. Each VIP package includes admission to the park and a name badge so that Santa will know each and every person!

Train ride w/ Santa at Edaville!
Every child will receive one on one time with Santa, along with a special wrapped gift. As the train arrives back at the station, select rides will be open! Elites receive 20% off. Please note: All guests 2 & over are required to have a ticket. Under 2 year olds that want a gift must purchase an under 2 year old upgrade ticket only. Edaville requests that all SANTA VIP Train Ride Package holders are in line for the train at the train depot by 1:10PM, as the train departs promptly at 1:15PM. All trains leave at the scheduled train departure time, no exceptions. A General Admission Ticket is included and does not need to be purchased separately.

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions.

MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

8th Annual Christmas Jam at The Greasy Luck (7:00pm)
Join us for the 8th Annual (2nd at Greasy Luck) Christmas Jam and a Happy Holiday Celebration Live in the Vault. With: Adam Lufkin, Jake Moses, Adam Hanson, Matt Chatigny, Ben Cardoza, Marcus Monteiro, Doug Woolverton along with Special Guest: Quinn Sullivan AND Many More! Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Saturday, December 23rd

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

“The Ahead” employee store is now open to the public! (9:00am-7:00pm)
Thousands of first quality overruns and irregulars – men’s and women’s items to choose from. Caps, visors, toques, shirts, fleece, jackets, Polo shirts, divot tools, money clips, t-shirts, leather good, golf gloves, accessories, and more! New Bedford Industrial Park, 270 Barnet Blvd. New Bedford.

Holiday Sweaters and Sip While You Shop!!

Holiday Sweaters and Sip While You Shop! (10:00am-5:00pm)
Wear your festive holiday sweater to visit this Saturday, December 23 and receive $5 OFF a purchase of $25 or more* in the Marketplace! Enjoy wine tasting then finish holiday shopping or enjoy a glass of wine while you shop. Saturday 12/23 Tasting Room & Marketplace hours: 10am – 5pm. *Discount valid Saturday 12/23 only. Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd. (Route 138)/ Middletown, RI.

Chess Tournament (Fall River) (1:00pm-4:00pm)
The Friends of the Fall River Public Library are sponsoring a FREE, all-ages Chess Tournament! The tournament will be held from 1-4 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room. Pre-registration is not required. Sign up on the day of the event–doors open at 12:30 p.m. Kids (ages 6 and up), teens, and adult players are welcome. Players must know chess rules and notation. Our Tournament Director will be Lionel Desrosiers of the P.A.L. We are still accepting donations of chess clocks and chess pieces! Please contact David Mello in the Children’s Room with questions.

Southcoast Brass Band – Pub Side! (1:00pm-4:00pm)
The Southcoast Brass Band will be performing Pub Side from 1 – 4pm on Saturday afternoons through Christmas Greasy Luck Brewpub, full of your favorite Christmas tree . Don’t miss out and come grab some lunch and listen to their show. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Deck the Halls! Annual Holiday Open House (Fall River) (1:00pm-4:30pm)
Featured on Chronicle and in publications including The Boston Globe, our acclaimed Open House lets visitors experience the splendor of a Victorian era Christmas past in one of the Southcoast’s grandest 19th century mansions. The house is lavishly decked out in an award-winning holiday display from room to room, including a series of dazzling themed trees. Admission is free. Hours are 9:00 to 4:30 Monday – Friday and 1:00 to 4:30 Saturdays and Sundays through December 30. Located at 451 Rock Street, Fall River. 508-679-1071, ext. 1 or 2.

Samantha Johnson at Greasy Luck Brewpub!

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

A Very Special Christmas Event with Samantha Johnson at Greasy Luck Brewpub (6:00pm & 9:00pm)
Known for her amazing voice, Samantha Johnson returns to her home town for 1 night only. She will be performing new music in addition to your favorite Christmas classics with her own spin on it. You have seen her on America’s Got Talent & as Rizzo in New Bedford Festival Theatre’s “Grease.” Now you can see her Up Close & Personal at The Greasy Luck Brewpub. Tickets are limited & will sell out very fast, so don’t miss your chance for this very special evening.

Sunday, December 24th

Eat, Shop, Explore, Stay! Destination New Bedford Shopping! (8:00am-9:00pm)
Looking for a unique gift, delicious culinary adventure or unique adventure? Visit New Bedford! It will be worth your trip! FREE 2 hour parking November 24-January 1.

Deck the Halls! Annual Holiday Open House (Fall River) (1:00pm-4:30pm)
Featured on Chronicle and in publications including The Boston Globe, our acclaimed Open House lets visitors experience the splendor of a Victorian era Christmas past in one of the Southcoast’s grandest 19th century mansions. The house is lavishly decked out in an award-winning holiday display from room to room, including a series of dazzling themed trees. Admission is free. Hours are 9:00 to 4:30 Monday – Friday and 1:00 to 4:30 Saturdays and Sundays through December 30. Located at 451 Rock Street, Fall River. 508-679-1071, ext. 1 or 2.

Christmas Festival of Lights (Carver) (2:00pm-9:30pm)
New England’s most memorable holiday tradition, The Christmas Festival of Lights is bigger, brighter, and better than ever – now with over 18 million lights, unlimited Christmas train rides, unlimited use of all rides and attractions and priceless memories! Admission includes Thomas Land, Christmas Festival of Lights, all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $10 by ordering date specific tickets online NOW! NH Residents save up to $10 by ordering November date specific tickets online NOW! Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St, Carver, Massachusetts.

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




New Bedford Homicide Suspect Apprehended in North Carolina

The New Bedford Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, United States Marshals Service, and Bristol District Attorney’s Office announce that the fugitive wanted for fatally shooting two men in October was captured yesterday in North Carolina.

CARMELO KERCADO JR., 35, was arrested in Concord, N.C., early yesterday afternoon. Task force officers had set up surveillance on an address there after Troopers from the MSP’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and members of the US Marshals Service in Boston developed intelligence that he may have been there. The United States Marshals Service North Carolina Joint Fugitive Task Force took KERCADO into custody at approximately 1:25 p.m.

On Oct. 10, 2017, KERCADO fatally shot Stephen Bodden, 27, and Fabio Tavares, 28, in a vehicle in which they were driving on Central Avenue in New Bedford, according to evidence developed in the investigation. After the shooting the vehicle crashed into a parked car and KERCADO fled on foot. The MSP’s Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section soon added KERCADO to its list of Most Wanted fugitives and began working intensively with the Marshals Service to locate him.

“Investigators worked countless hours on this case, conducting surveillance, pouring through intelligence, and authoring and executing search warrants,” Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police said. “This suspect’s apprehension is another step closer to obtaining justice for the victims of his crime and their families.”

US Marshal John Gibbons of the District of Massachusetts added: “Although Carmelo Kercado thought he could flee the Commonwealth after allegedly committing a double homicide in an effort to avoid prosecution, our state, local and federal law enforcement partners proved otherwise by working collaboratively and tirelessly to bring him to justice. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families.”

New Bedford Police Chief Joseph C. Cordeiro stated: ““I am very appreciative of the hard work by the New Bedford Police Department’s Detective Division, MSP fugitive unit troopers, District Attorney’s Office and the US Marshals in apprehending Mr. Kercado and ensuring the safety of our community and justice for the victims and their families.”

The office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn 3rd will work with North Carolina authorities to arrange KERCADO’s rendition to Massachusetts to be prosecuted for the homicides.

“I am very pleased that this dangerous fugitive was apprehended,” District Attorney Quinn said. “I would like to thank the US Marshals and Massachusetts State Police fugitive unit for their persistence in tracking down and arresting the defendant. I would also to thank our State Police unit at the district attorney’s office and New Bedford Police for their tireless work in investigating this violent double homicide. This is great news, especially right before Christmas, for the victim’s family and the community.”

Marshal Gibbons commended “all the agencies involved in the investigation, manhunt and capture of Carmelo Kercado to include members of the Massachusetts State Police, New Bedford, Mass. and Concord, N.C., Police Departments, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, and the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Forces’ from the Districts of Massachusetts, Middle and Western North Carolina.”




Dartmouth man arrested for liquor store break, suspect has lengthy record

Quick work by the New Bedford Police Department led to the arrest of a Dartmouth man early Tuesday, moments after he smashed the front window of Barry’s Liquors, 573 Mill St. with a brick and stole items from the store.

Police responded to a call at that location at about 12:15 a.m. for a break in progress. Police searched the area and found the suspect in a yard on Lake Street with items that linked him to the break.

Erik Silvia, 39, of 19 Howard St., North Dartmouth, was arrested on charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony, vandalizing property, larceny from a building and trespassing.

Silvia has an extensive criminal record. He was sentenced to 30 days in the house of correction in 2010 for assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

He was found guilty in 1997 of operating under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to serve six months in the house of correction.

He was sentenced in 1996 to serve 59 days in the house of correction for breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, minor transporting alcohol, malicious destruction of property and breaking and entering in the nighttime. He was originally given a suspended sentence on that charge but violated probation and was sentenced to serve 59 days.

He was sentenced in 1995 to serve 59 days in the house of correction for breaking and entering in the nighttime.

Cash bail for the Dec. 19 charge was set at $500. He did not make bail and is being held at the Dartmouth House of Correction.




New Bedford Emergency Overflow Shelter Open Tonight, Dec. 20

Due to the expected temperature drop for this evening, the overflow will be opened tonight. By 7pm tonight it will feel like 24 degrees. Guests should plan to arrive early as the overflow has been at capacity many times already this season. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.




New Bedford family seeks missing at-risk teen

Name: Trin Kiefer
DOB: 12-15-00
MISSING SINCE: 12-18-17
RAN FROM: NB District Court
Contact: STEVENS TREATMENT PROGRAM – 24 MAIN ST , SWANSEA, MA – (508) 679-0183
VERIFY WARRANT/MISSING STATUS: NBPD 508-991-6300
LAST SEEN: NEW BEDFORD
MAY BE IN: NORTH END NEW BEDFORD/ACUSHNET