Meet Vernon Miles, 38-year-old Area Sales Manager for Caliber Home Loans.
Vernon originally grew up in Central Massachusetts, but moved out to the area for school. He ended up getting into banking as a teller for Fleet bank. He quickly moved up through the bank and got involved with business banking.
After being swindled during the purchase of his first home, he decided to learn more about mortgages, leading him into the lender business. He began working as a broker and after getting married, ventured into the business full-time. Vernon took his own personal experience and used that as the catalyst of helping educate people on home ownership, so they wouldn’t make the same mistake that he had in the past.
After some time in the business, he was able to rise out of the recession in 2008, successfully growing the business he was working for and helping countless local families securely buy homes. Vernon also volunteers on several boards, including United Way and Junior Achievement. He has helped run the Titan Challenge at Umass Dartmouth with Junior Acheivement, which helps high school sophomores win scholarship money by teaching them how to run businesses with a simulated game.
Recent, Vernon has taken the role of Area Sales Manager of Caliber Home Loans, the second-largest mortgage servicer in the country. He is excited as this company, which is new to the area, is going to open up access to all new loan programs to current and potential local home owners, not previously offered by any other company.
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.
Follow Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton
Read more of the Faces of New Bedford series here.
Man sentenced for attempting to sexually exploit two minors over X-Box Live
An Illinois man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for attempting to sexually exploit two minors.
Zack Sawyer, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release. In June 2017, Sawyer pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of minors.
Around May 2010, Sawyer used X-Box Live to contact a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy in Hampshire County, Mass., and asked them both to send him nude photographs. According to the statement of facts, when the first boy refused, Sawyer threatened to rape and kill him. Sawyer then asked the second boy, and when he, too, refused, Sawyer again threatened rape, adding that he had a drug that would paralyze people.
The government told the court that Sawyer also enticed a third boy in Loudon County, Va., and asked him to pose for a sexually explicit picture over the internet. Sawyer met the boy while playing the online game Minecraft. Sawyer sent a sexually explicit picture of himself to the boy, and Sawyer continued to ask the boy for sexually explicit videos.
Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb; United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Dana J. Boente; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Michael Shea, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant of Weinreb’s Springfield Branch Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Prabhu of Boente’s Cybercrime Unit prosecuted the case.
The case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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/.
WOW! New Bedford moving into old Flagship Cinemas building
Per their Facebook page, “WOW! New Bedford will soon move to a completely remodeled and modern new space in King’s Crossing, directly behind our current location, in the old Flagship Cinemas building.”
Brockton man faces 19 charges after struggle with police
A Brockton man in possession of a loaded gun and drugs struggled violently with Massachusetts State Troopers during the overnight hours after one of the Troopers stopped the man’s car on Route 95 northbound in Dedham. The suspect began a violent struggle after Troopers got him out of the car and found illegal narcotics on him.
After Troopers located a plastic bag believed to contain suboxone in the driver’s pants pocket, the driver jumped back into his car, put it into gear, and began to drive away as Sgt. Walter Foley and Trooper Michael Murphy jumped into the car on top of him to subdue him and stop the car. The suspect, driving a 2000 Buick Century, drove about 12 yards with the Sergeant and Trooper hanging onto the outside of the car, struggling with the suspect, before the Trooper was able to bump the car into neutral, step on the brakes, and remove the keys from the ignition.
The driver, a 30-year-old Brockton resident, continued to violently resist the Troopers attempts to subdue him. At two points during the struggle, a Trooper deployed his department-issued Taser in drive-stun mode in attempt to subdue the suspect before the confrontation escalated further. The Sergeant and Trooper were finally able to pin the driver onto the car’s passenger seat and get him into handcuffs.
With the suspect cuffed and back outside his car, Troopers again conducted a pat frisk and located what they believed, through training and experience, to be another suspicious package concealed under his clothing near his buttocks. The driver’s began resisting again in an apparent attempt to prevent the Troopers from removing the package he was concealing. After another struggle Sgt. Foley was able to remove the package, which was found to contain an off-white rock-like substance in a clear plastic bag. The Troopers, through their training and experience, believed the substance to be cocaine, which was later weighed to be approximately 28 grams.
During an inventory search of the car the suspect had been driving, Troopers located a black, zip-style bag directly behind the driver’s seat and within easy reach of the driver. Inside the bag was a fully-loaded silver Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum handgun, along with four individually wrapped bags of a green vegetable matter believed, through the Troopers’ training and experience, to be marijuana.
Troopers determined that the driver does not possess a license to carry a firearm.
Trooper Murphy had stopped the Buick Century at approximately 2:17 a.m. after he observed that it did not have an inspection sticker. Upon initially approaching the Century, Trooper Murphy identified the driver, and made observations that led him to determine the driver was operating a motor vehicle while impaired. Troopers also took a pocket knife from the driver’s possession.
The driver refused medical attention following his arrest.
Trooper Murphy transported the driver to State Police Framingham Barracks, where he was booked on the following charges:
1. Carrying a loaded firearm;
2. Carrying a firearm while intoxicated;
3. Committing a firearm violation with one prior violent or drug crime;
4. Possession of a firearm without a Firearm Identification Card;
5. Possession of ammunition without a Firearm Identification Card;
6. Assault and battery on a police officer (two counts);
7. Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (two counts);
8. Possession of a firearm during a felony;
9. Resisting Arrest (two counts);
10. Improper storage of a firearm;
11. Possession of a Class B narcotic with intent to distribute;
12. Possession of a Class B narcotic, subsequent offense;
13. Possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute, subsequent offense;
14. Trafficking in cocaine;
15. Operating under the influence of drugs;
16. Possession of an open container of marijuana;
17. Carrying a dangerous weapon (pocket knife);
18. Disorderly conduct; and
19. Driving a vehicle with no inspection sticker.
A bail clerk set the driver’s bail at $500,000. He was expected to be arraigned today in Dedham District Court.
Eight youngsters graduate from New Bedford Police Junior Police Academy
The New Bedford Police Department is proud to present the eight graduates of the Junior Police Academy, who officially graduated from the program Dec. 6. Congratulations to Kalil Grady; Janpier Medina; Dalante Pelletier; Angelina Ptaszenski; Craig Ptaszenski Jr; Joseph Rebello; Shandaliz Rivera and Jacob Spooner.
The Drill Instructor’s Award, which is awarded to given to the recruit who gives 100% effort 100% of the time, was presented to Janpier Medina. The Academy Director’s Award was given to Kyle Medina, Janpier’s older brother. Kyle was not an academy participant but received the award because for every class he rode his bicycle from the north end of the city, escorting his brother to the program and then remaining on site the entire time so that he could escort him back home.
Parents, guardians and friends attended the graduation to cheer on the youngsters for their accomplishments. After the ceremony, refreshments were served courtesy of Domino’s Pizza.
The Junior Police Academy program began Oct. 4 and gave boys and girls ages 11-13 the chance to receive an inside look at the New Bedford Police Department. Academy members learned about a variety of law enforcement and safety-related topics, including crime scene investigation, radar detection, potential dangers of social media, rope climbing, first aid and CPR and police canine deployment. Participants also rode on a port security vessel and wore specially designed goggles to simulate the effects of impaired driving.
The academy was led by Sgt. Pamela Melo, supervisor of the Family Services Unit. Instructors were Detectives David Brown, Dominique Sherburne, Alberto Silva and Stephen Taylor of the Family Services Unit.
Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro and Capt. Amos Melo began the academy in 2000 when they were a lieutenant and sergeant respectively. The academy ran through 2006 before being reintroduced this year.
Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable
Have you bee to the Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable? We had a chance to stop by and get a tour of the museum dedicated to the amazing men and women who served.
The Coast Guard Heritage Museum is part of the The Cape Cod Museum Trail brought to you by First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union.
More: http://capecodmuseumtrail.com
New Bedford man arrested, held without bail for carrying loaded, stolen firearm
New Bedford Police took a loaded gun stolen out of New Hampshire off the streets Wednesday and arrested Sterling Robinson, 18, of 61 Kearsarge St. , New Bedford, on charges of carrying a loaded firearm, receiving stolen property over $250, possession of a firearm without a license and a warrant charge.
Police observed Robinson in a vehicle in the vicinity of Ellen Street and Brock Avenue and knew he was wanted for a warrant.
When the vehicle was stopped, Robinson exited the passenger side and attempted to flee. He was placed in custody soon after and was found to be in possession of an Iver Johnson Arms revolver loaded with five rounds of 9 mm ammunition. He does not possess an FID card or have a license to carry a firearm.
A check of the firearm revealed it had been stolen out of New Hampshire.
Robinson was arraigned Thursday in Third District Court and is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing Dec. 14.
20 Things To Do This Weekend (Dec. 08 – Dec. 10)
A rather mild weekend when it comes to temperatures – you should be OK with a good hoodie or sweatshirt with day-time temperatures in the low 40s. Mornings however, will be pretty brisk as we’ll start each day below freezing. So, dress warm as you head out, but perhaps use layers so you can take one of them off as the sun pops out. Last bit to mention is the “s” word – we may have some snow on Sunday in the form of a snow shower, but fret not because it won’t be enough accumulation to worry yourself.
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!
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.
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.
Enjoy the comedy of the Portuguese Kids!
Lawler Branch Fall Story & Craft Time (3:30pm-4:30pm)
Bring you children, grandkids, etc. and enjoy some spring themed pictures books along with a craft activity they’ll enjoy! Children of all ages welcome! Francis J. Lawler Branch Library, 745 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford.
My Big Fat Portuguese Wedding (6:00pm-11:00pm)
My Big Fat Portuguese Wedding will have you laughing, dancing and singing all night with an interactive dinner comedy where YOU are part of the family! Guests will be treated to a delicious meal and memorable moments at the table. When you’re at a Portuguese wedding, everyone’s family – just make sure you put enough money in the envelope! Tickets are only $40 and include dinner and show! Purchase online at Portuguesecomedy.com/events or call or visit Our Lady of Light, 508-672-1900. Holiday parties are welcome! Our Lady of Light Band & Banquet Facility, 664 Quarry St., Fall River.
BlockHead – Live in the Vault (9:30pm)
BLOCKHEAD is a fun, talented band from Newport, RI, who can cover an amazing variety of music. Live Music for Weddings, functions and parties; Wedding Band, Singer, Guitar Player. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.
Saturday, December 9th
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.
Fairhaven’s holiday spirit is all weekend!
“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.
Fairhaven Old-Time Holiday (ALL DAY)
The majority of the events take place on Saturday, when fairs and marketplaces and other activities are held in the Town Hall, the First Congregational Church, the Unitarian Memorial Church, Our Lady’s Haven and The Millicent Library in the historical center of town. Visitors can shop for for arts and crafts, gifts, food items, and enjoy holiday luncheons, musical entertainment and more.
Breakfast with Santa (9:00am-11:00am)
Come out and bring the entire family to the PTO’s Annual Breakfast with Santa. Ticket cost is Adult $4 and Children $2, Adult $5 and Child $3 and children under one eat for free. Photos with Santa and 50/50 raffle sold separately. We will serve pancakes, sausage, strawberries and a variety of drinks. There will be a craft table and coloring station. Please enter through the County Street doors. Parker Elementary PTO, 705 County Street, New Bedford.
Millicent’s Holiday Book Fair at Fairhaven’s Old-Time Holiday Event (10:00am-2:00pm)
The author will be signing and selling copies of her book “Great Horned Owlets Rescue” during Fairhaven’s Old-Time Holiday Event/Millicent’s Holiday Book Fair (an Old-Time Holiday event). The majority of the events take place on Saturday, when fairs and marketplaces and other activities are held in the Town Hall, the First Congregational Church, the Unitarian Memorial Church, Our Lady’s Haven and The Millicent Library in the historical center of town. Visitors can shop for for arts and crafts, gifts, food items, and enjoy holiday luncheons, musical entertainment and more. Dec 9th & 10th. Millicent Library Auditorium, 45 Center St., Fairhaven (Walnut St. entrance).
Don’t miss the holiday classic at the Z!
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.
Santa Paws! Holiday pictures for your entire family! (11:00am-1:00pm)
Please join us for holiday pictures! Pets and Children welcome! Pictures are $15.00 and will be available for pick up by 12/13. Please make sure all animals are on leashes or in carriers. All monies raised to benefit the homeless animals in our care! Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast, 31 Ventura Dr., North Dartmouth.
A Christmas Carol at the Z (7:00pm)
Nebraska Caravan Theatre’s celebrated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is an ensemble musical that thrills Zeiterion patrons year after year. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Greensleeves,” and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic. Tickets: https://zeiterion.org/a-christmas-carol/
Timmy Brown & Black Diamond – Live in the Vault! (9:30pm)
There will not be an up front ticket fee, but we will collect a $5 cover at the door for this performance. Modern Country. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.
Sunday, December 10th
Fairhaven Old-Time Holiday (ALL DAY)
The majority of the events take place on Saturday, when fairs and marketplaces and other activities are held in the Town Hall, the First Congregational Church, the Unitarian Memorial Church, Our Lady’s Haven and The Millicent Library in the historical center of town. Visitors can shop for for arts and crafts, gifts, food items, and enjoy holiday luncheons, musical entertainment and more.
Whip your body and soul into shape!
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.
New Bedford Pub Crawl – Toys for Tots Fundraiser (12:00pm-5:00pm)
Greasy Luck Brewpub is organizing a Pub Crawl for the service industry. To participate, you must wear an Ugly Christmas Sweater and pay $20, of which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots! The more people that participate, the more we can donate. Pub Crawl Stops: Noon – Cork, 1pm – Rose Alley Ale House, 2pm – Freestones, 3pm – Pour Farm Tavern, 4pm – Greasy Luck Bewpub. Rose Alley Ale House and Greasy Luck Brewpub will be donating food to participants of the Pub Crawl at their stops. At the final stop, Greasy Luck, DJ Jr Jay will be spinnin’ pub side tunes from 4pm – 7pm. For tickets, please stop by Greasy Luck at any point ahead of time if you wish to pay by credit card or bring cash with you to the first stop at Cork and we’ll collect it at that time.
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.
Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.
Normandin Middle School briefly evacuated due to gas odor in boiler room
A faint odor of gas was detected in the boiler room of Normandin Middle School this morning. As a precaution the building evacuated while fire officials and Eversource responded. Parents were notified via robocall. The New Bedford Fire Department issued an all-clear for students to return to class within 15 minutes. No odor was detected during a walkthrough of the rest of the building. The source of the odor was determined to be a gas regulator outside the building. Eversource is replacing the regulator.
South Coast Overhead Door brings to bear passion, service, and craftsmanship to greater New Bedford
Hard work and passion deserves to be recognized. When found in business it is a virtual guarantee that you are going to be treated properly. In a day and age where customer service can be lacking, service reps uncaring, and product of poor quality; a business that does it right demands to be recognized. They know that their reputation sinks or swims on those things and that by going the extra mile and making the extra effort it will be reflected in the work and their customers satisfaction.
New Bedford based, South Coast Overhead Door is one such business. Born, raised and having lived here his whole life – for 40 years – proprietor Kevin Silva is proud to serve all of greater New Bedford and beyond. You wouldn’t think that garage doors would be anything to get excited about, but speak with Kevin and see his passion for what he does and you’ll understand that while it may not sound like a big deal, to him every job is a big deal.
Kevin feels that since you are trusting him and his team with your house, that the work must reflect profoundly on that trust. The amount of care and attention to detail that he and the team put into every job is nothing short of remarkable. It is no different than the carpenter who makes sure everything is level, plum, tucked in, lines up and polished off. Quality work done by dedicated craftsmen is something to be valued and embraced.
South Coast Overhead Door went from a small operation to an elite team in a very short time. Kevin only hired those who felt the same way that he feels about workmanship. Every job requires the same dedication and effort, every client is important. Even so, he is not an armchair owner – he runs the company and is in the trenches working alongside his skilled team. Not some job. Not most jobs. Every single job. Every time.
When I asked Kevin about an experience where he knew “This is why I do what I do.” he said “Yes. I went an elderly couple’s home to repair their door because it would not go up and down properly. They had called another company previously to do the repair, and they could not afford the rate for them just to come out. I went out to the home, and saw right away that the sensor was blocked. I moved what was blocking it, and the door opener worked, just fine.
When I was finished, they asked how much they owed me – I couldn’t charge them for that. Instead, I was invited in for dinner, with a wonderful couple, that could have very well been taken advantage of. This is why I do it, for the people in my community.”
Just as a master carpenter will beam with pride when he or she sees the look on the face of a client when they gaze upon the finished product, Kevin is thrilled and rewarded with the responses and it fuels him for the next job or client. This is a niche that Kevin knows and enjoys. You’d be hard pressed to find someone with as much love and expertise for overhead doors. If the images don’t impress you with the amount of detail and care that goes into small and large jobs alike, call the company and speak with the folks there and find out for yourself. Check out the portfolio of completed jobs and you’ll surely walk away impressed.
Having spent the past 17 years strictly with garage door repair, installation, sales and service you can rest in the knowledge that you went to the right people for the job. Kevin personally trains the entire staff of the ins and outs of the industry so that his high standards are met settling for nothing less than neat, clean completed work and meeting the clients demands and desires.
For those interested, South Coast Overhead Door specializes in residential, commercial and new construction as well as repairs and replacements. So whether you are building a home or homes, starting a business, or just fed up with that rackety old overhead door that no longer wants to cooperate you’ll meet Kevin face-to-face. He find out what your needs are and match the perfect product with your affordable rates that meet your budget, making their services attainable by everyone. “I am not in it to get rich, just provide for my family. My goal is customer satisfaction and that leads to clients spreading the word.” explains Kevin.
Supporting a small, local business goes even further because South Coast Overhead Doors is actively involved in many local non-profits and other businesses. So you not only support local and small, but support a local, small business that gives back to the community in more ways than one. That giving back comes with the territory with the aforementioned passion and love for what you are doing.
Since Kevin has a pretty good way with words, I’ll let a quote of his sum everything up. “I always stand by the fact that if you work hard, and push yourself, you will make things happen. I am living proof of that. I pursued my goal, worked hard, and continue to work hard, and I am proud of the business that I have created. I am hoping SouthCoast Overhead Door will be in business for many more years, and look forward for the time when it turns into a family business, when my two sons come on board. Support Local businesses and you will support your community.”
Currently, South Coast Overhead Doors is offering a promotion for New Bedford Guide readers: $20.00 off installation of a new garage door opener, $50.00 off a single garage door and $100.00 of a double. $20.00 off a spring (as in what holds the doors up, not the season) service call.
Meet Vernon Miles, 38-year-old Area Sales Manager for Caliber Home Loans. 
