Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin and the Massachusetts State Police are proud to again support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program to help local families in need.

Members of the Massachusetts State Police and United States Marine Corps Reserve appeal to the public to support Toys for Tots through donations of toys or money. The donations will assist charitable organizations that provide children’s gifts for Massachusetts families in need.

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve’s leadership of the Toys for Tots Program. During this season of giving, as we have for the last 33 years, the Massachusetts State Police look forward assisting with the Toys for Tots drive.

Donors are asked to give new, unwrapped, non-violent toys, designed for either boys or girls, age’s newborn to 14. As in years past, toys can be dropped off in the lobby of any State Police Barracks through Wednesday, Dec. 13. (The Danvers Barracks is off to a head start with these five new pals pictured here.)

The State Police eighth annual “Fill the Cruiser” event is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are ten Toys ‘R’ Us locations statewide. The locations of participating stores are as follows:

Auburn, 416 Southbridge St.;
Dedham, 302 Providence Highway;
Framingham, Shoppers World Plaza, 1 Worcester Rd.;
Kingston, 8 Gallen Rd.;
North Attleboro, 1190 South Washington St.;
North Dartmouth, Dartmouth Towne Center, 492 State Rd.;
Peabody, North Shore Shopping Center, Route 128 at Route 114;
Springfield, 1686 Boston Rd.;
Swansea, 86 Swansea Mall Drive; and
Woburn, 366 Cambridge St.

During the Fill the Cruiser event, Troopers and Marines will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots. We hope that you will join us in kicking off this event and spreading the word of a worthy cause.

Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation can mail a check made out to Toys for Tots MA and mail it to MSP Toys for Tots Coordinator, 124 Acton St., Maynard MA 01754 or they may visit the program’s website at www.toysfortots.org.

Anyone needing assistance requesting toys, and who is not currently working with a nonprofit agency/organization or church, is encouraged to check with their local Toys For Tots county campaign. Every Toys For Tots county handles individual family requests differently. It is important that those individual families register in timely manner. The following website will assist with the selection of the individual Toys For Tots counties in Massachusetts:

https://toysfortots.org/donate/toys-city-county.aspx?txtState=MASSACHUSETTS

The following is a list of Christmas tree lighting events in New Bedford during the month of December in celebration of the holiday season:

Cove Street Neighborhood Group Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Friday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Park on the corner of Ruth Street and Salisbury Street

City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Pleasant Street in Front of Main Library Downtown

Join Mayor Jon Mitchell, New Bedford City Councilors and the New Bedford community for the annual tree lighting celebration! At 4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a parade up William Street to the Main Library. The parade will feature the award-winning New Bedford High School Whaler Marching Band and the All-City Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard. The countdown celebration will feature holiday songs, greetings from local elected officials and an appearance by Santa Claus! In addition, plans for City Celebrates! on New Year’s Eve will be announced. New Bedford Community Services Department will serve complimentary hot chocolate!

Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park
Date and Time: Sunday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Clasky Common Park at County and Pope Streets

Monte Park/A.J. Gomes Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Monday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Monte Park located at Acushnet Avenue and Cannon Street

Buttonwood Park Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida Street

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park on the corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Street

Here’s a list of 18 holiday events in New Bedford in December.

The following community events will take place in the city of New Bedford during the month of December in celebration of the holiday season:

Cove Street Neighborhood Group Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Friday, December 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Park on the corner of Ruth Street and Salisbury Street

AHA! Holiday Shop & Stroll
Date and Time: Friday, December 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown New Bedford

On Dec. 1 and 2, New Bedford area residents are invited to stroll the festively decorated cobblestoned streets of the Whaling City’s downtown, to shop locally for holiday gifts, hear caroling, dine out, jump aboard fire truck rides, meet Santa, witness the city’s tree lighting and more.
http://www.ahanewbedford.org/holiday-stroll.php

City of New Bedford Official Christmas Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 2 at 4:30 p.m.
Location: Pleasant Street in Front of Main Library Downtown

Join Mayor Jon Mitchell, New Bedford City Councilors and the New Bedford community for the annual tree lighting celebration! At 4:30 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead a parade up William Street to the Main Library. The parade will feature the award-winning New Bedford High School Whaler Marching Band and the All-City Middle School Marching Band and Color Guard. The countdown celebration will feature holiday songs, greetings from local elected officials and an appearance by Santa Claus! In addition, plans for City Celebrates! on New Year’s Eve will be announced. New Bedford Community Services Department will serve complimentary hot chocolate!

A New England Nutcracker, New Bedford Ballet
Date and Time: Ten performances will take place over two weekends.
– Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

– Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

– Friday, December 8 at 6:30 and 8:00 p.m.

– Saturday, December 9 at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

– Sunday, December 10 at 1:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Location: NBB Community Theatre, 2343 Purchase Street

New Bedford Ballet will perform its annual production of A New England Nutcracker December 2 through December 10, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Journey back to the 1850s, as this favorite holiday story is reimagined through New Bedford’s historic whaling era, and prepare for the “City That Lit the World” to light up your holiday season. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and children. Group rates for non-profit organizations are available. All proceeds from the ballet support the New Bedford Ballet Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Visit www.newbedfordballet.org for more information.

Cookies and Paws
Date and Time: Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn Street

Join in the holiday spirit! Let your kids’ imagination GO WILD as they decorate their very own paw print sugar cookies! Your child will enjoy up-close interactions with some of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors while they demonstrate their artistic abilities using candy canes, gum drops, brightly colored icing, and so much more. Continue to share the holidays by taking your creations home for family & friends. Each guest will be given two paw print cookies to decorate. Members: $5 per person. Non-members: $10 per person includes admission. Children 1 and under are free. Visit www.bpzoo.org for more information.

A Very Electric Christmas
Date and Time: Sunday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase Street

Brighten your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas! Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. Ticket prices: $10 / $13. To purchase tickets in groups of 10 or more (and secure a group discount rate), call 508-997-5664 x123 or email dlegge@zeiterion.org.

Festival of Lights Celebration at Clasky Common Park
Date and Time: Sunday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Clasky Common Park at County and Pope Streets

Monte Park/A.J. Gomes Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Monday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Monte Park located at Acushnet Avenue and Cannon Street

Buttonwood Park Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Buttonwood Senior Center, 1 Oneida Street

Children’s New Bedford Bookfest
Date and Time: Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10 from 12 Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Groundwork!, 1213 Purchase Street

This special kids’ edition of New Bedford Bookfest will feature 20 authors and booksellers and 10 specially selected illustrators in the Groundwork! Gallery. Children’s book authors interested in participating can sign-up below. Children’s book illustrators should email .JPG examples of their work to NewBedfordNow@gmail.com.

26th Annual Holiday House Tour
Date and Time: Saturday, December 9, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Tours begin at the Wamsutta Club, 427 County Street An elegant pre-tour brunch at the Wamsutta Club will be served on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with a holiday raffle and silent auction of beautiful gifts, art, antiques and handcrafted items. You will be inspired by the varied architecture and interiors, all beautifully decorated for the season. Always popular on the tour are the costumed historic interpreters greeting visitors at one of the historic homes. Reservations recommended but not required. Call the Wamsutta Club directly at 508-997-7431 to make your reservation.

A Christmas Carol
Date and Time: Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase Street

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: $19/ $27/ $37. To purchase tickets in groups of 10 or more (and secure a group discount rate), call 508-997-5664 x123 or email dlegge@zeiterion.org.

AHA! City Sidewalks
Date and Time: Tuesday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown New Bedford

– The United Way of Greater New Bedford hosts photos with Santa, snacks, and a craft in the lobby of the DeMello International Center (128 Union Street) from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Plus, check out a sampling of Portuguese classes being offered at the Center this winter, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

– Christmas crafts, caroling, and toy collecting at Pilgrim United Church of Christ:

Crafts from 6:00 to 7:30pm in the Church Home (634 Purchase Street). Hot cocoa will be served.

Caroling from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Church (635 Purchase Street) with Scott Alan Correia on piano.

Toy drive for children in need: visitors may bring an unwrapped toy to donate.

– Global Learning Charter Public School winter craft, cocoa station and the GLCPS jazz band:

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s Jacobs Family Gallery (18 Johnny Cake Hill).

– Family fun at the New Bedford Public Library (613 Pleasant Street):

Stop by Santa’s workshop!

Story time (The Last Christmas Tree) and ornament making with Little People’s College starting at 6pm.

Caricatures with New Bedford Park, Recreation and Beaches, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

– An evening of music at the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (396 County Street).

Get in the holiday spirit with the music of Our Sisters’ School Chorus performed in the museum parlors, 5:30 to 6:30pm

– Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Wheeler Bay Learning Center (114 Front Street) to learn all about plankton. Discover what makes this beloved cartoon villain and microscopic organism so important to your everyday life. You’ll also get the chance to build a plankton ornament and walk away with some big love for some small creatures. 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa & Friends
Date and Time: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17
Location: Buttonwood Park Zoo, 425 Hawthorn Street

Whether you’re naughty or nice, you’re invited to join us for Breakfast with Santa & Friends! Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, share your wish list with Santa and meet some of the Zoo’s favorite resident animals. Be sure to bring a camera to capture your visit with Santa. Free train and carousel rides, weather permitting, are included. Space is limited, so reserve your spot. Zoo Members: $20 per person. Non-members: $25 per person, includes Zoo admission. Children under 1 are free. Visit www.bpzoo.org for more information.

New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’s Family Holiday Pops Concert
Date and Time: Saturday, December 16, at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase Street

​Come celebrate the holiday season with the NBSO in this fun, festive concert!​ The Family Holiday Pops Concerts feature all the holiday music you love, played by our great orchestra. With our family-friendly atmosphere and choice of performance times, this is the perfect family holiday outing. Make your holiday season sparkle with a special experience only the NBSO can provide.

Bullard Street Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting
Date and Time: Saturday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park on the corner of Belleville Avenue and Tallman Street

Custom House Square Shop Saturday
Date: Saturday, December 17, 12 Noon- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Custom House Square (Intersection of William Street and Acushnet Avenue in the Historic Downtown)

Downtown will be full of holiday spirit, with an array of festive activities in and around Custom House Square including: Free horse drawn carriage rides, pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus on the big red sled, a complimentary gift wrapping station, The Trustees of Reservations Greens (swags/wreaths) sale, The Whaling City Knots will demonstrate and sell their decorative rope creations, plus Mass in Motion Winter Farmer’s Market! www.destinationnewbedford.org/events

Seamen’s Bethel Christmas Candlelight Service, featuring Sisters in Song
Date and Time: Sunday, December 17 at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Seamen’s Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill

City Celebrates! New Year’s Eve
Date and Time: Sunday, December 31
Location: Downtown New Bedford

Ring in the New Year with amazing street performers, stilt walkers, jugglers, fire-eaters, and much more. City Celebrates! details, including the spectacular fireworks display from State Pier on New Bedford’s waterfront, will be announced later this month.

Winter is officially here, but it seems like we have been making out in terms of temperatures. Our days have been uncharacteristically warm and pleasant. It isn’t until the mornings and evenings that we are reminded that it is, indeed, winter. That’s when we have to kick the heat on because temperatures often drop below freezing. So far, we haven’t had to utter the four-letter “S” word.

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 1st

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.

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.

Holiday Fireside Live Music Friday: Grayson Ty (6:00pm-9:00pm)
Sip and savor the your way into the holiday spirit overlooking our firepits while enjoying the tunes of Grayson Ty. Grayson’s eclectic blend of folk, pop, and soul will have you memorized, while you enjoy wine tastings, wine by the glass, beer and sangria, as well as light nosh from our kitchens. No ticket needed, we just ask you to RSVP, then come by and enjoy the vineyard in the evening by our fire pits, glass in hand. Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Rd. (Route 138), Middletown, RI.

Lighting of Benoit Square (6:30pm)
Join us at the Annual Lighting of Benoit Square. Christmas lights at the Square will be turned on for the season. Come sing some Christmas Carols and enjoy the lights. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance. NFIA, North Fairhaven Improvement Association, 267 Adams St., Fairhaven.

Brenda & Dan Roveda – Pubside (6:30pm-9:0pm)
Enjoy the acoustic sounds of this dynamic duo. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Saturday, December 2nd

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.

Lincoln School Holiday Vendor/Craft Fair (9:00am-1:00pm)
Come join the Lincoln school PTO & many vendors from around the area and get some Christmas shopping done! You may park in our parking lot but you must enter from the back of the school the Brook St doors will be open!

“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 Shop & Stroll Happenings – Free! (10:00am-4:00pm)
Park in the Zeiterion garage (free!) for the Downtown New Bedford Stroll, and stop in The Z for holiday fun! FREE MOVIES 10AM-4PM too! Experience family holiday classics, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, on the big screen, running in a loop. head to the lobby for “STOCKING STUFFER CENTRAL” featuring 10 artisans and the Buttonwood Zoo gift shop pop-up. The Zeiterion’s Zukes ukulele orchestra perform holiday favorites, 12pm-1pm. Free. Snacks will be complimentary holiday cookies and hot cocoa will be served.

2017 Acorn Craft Fair (10:00am-5:00pm)
Join us for the 2017 Acorn Craft Fair, held at the Victoria Riverside Townhouse Lofts. Shop merchandise created by local vendors. Refreshments will be served. There will be a “Kid’s Craft Area” so children can express their creative side as well! We hope you join us! This event is free to attend and open to the public. Victoria Riverside Townhouse Lofts, 10 Manomet St., New Bedford.

33rd Annual Children’s Holiday Parade (1:00pm)
Parade Route: Kennedy Park down South Main Street ending at the corner of Central and Bedford St. Marchers are to check-in at the PARADE TENT at the corner of Bradford Ave and South Main St no later than 11:30 a.m. Floats and large vehicles should check-in no later than 10 a.m. at the corner of Middle St and Broadway. Highlights: One of the largest Children’s Holiday Parade in New England. A number of High School Bands throughout New England, Bagpipe Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, Brass Bands, including the Saints Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps from New York, the Hallamore Clydesdale Horses, 4 Giant Parade Balloons, Local Fire and Police Departments, 30 Beautifully Decorated Floats, 29 Marching Groups, 32 motorized units, 17 Bands and costume characters. 100% participation from the Fall River Public Schools. Santa arrives by helicopter heading up South Main Street towards Kennedy Park at 12:45p.m.

Photo Exhibit & Sale–Frank C Grace (1:00pm-4:00pm)
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a Photo Exhibit and Sale by Frank C Grace. Frank is a friend of the house and has taken many lovely photos and has graciously allowed us to use them. So we are thrilled he has agreed to be our first “Artist In Residence.” We will exhibit many of the photos Frank has done in and around Fall River and New England. He will have many prints for sale and many for order, including several editions on Metal. Lafayette-Durfee House, 94 Cherry St., Fall River.

Southcoast Brass Band – Pub Side (1:00pm-3:00pm)
The Southcoast Brass Band will be performing a special show Pub Side from 1 – 3pm on Saturday December 2 at Greasy Luck Brewpub, full of your favorite Christmas tunes. It will be a Trio of Dr. Mike, Paul and Bob and will be immediately following their Downtown New Bedford Holiday Stroll performance, so don’t miss out and come grab some lunch and listen to their show. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

FREE: Mayor Mitchell’s Classic Movie Series: “It’s A Wonderful Life” (7:00pm)
FREE! No tickets or reservations required. It’s a day for creating holiday spirit! Mayor Mitchell invites you to a free showing of this iconic holiday movie following the conclusion of the City of New Bedford Tree Lighting. Come inside the warm theater and relive the classic Christmas tale of a man who finds out what life would have been like if he had never existed. Starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Directed by Frank Capra. Run time: 2 hours. Zeiterion.

Pearly Baker Acoustic Trio – Live in the Vault! (10:30pm)
If you’ve been seeing live music on the south coast of Massachusetts in the last 28 years, odds are you have already experienced the Pearly Baker Band, a tribute to the Grateful Dead too dynamic to call a cover band. But if you’ve never seen them, or haven’t seen them for a while, they’re still playing together and still seriously playing their hearts out. Greasy Luck Brewpub, 791 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Sunday, December 3rd

Fall River Fire Museum Presents Breakfast With Santa Clause (10:00am)
Tickets $10.00 Adults $6.00 Children under 10. Proceeds to benefit the Fall River Fire Museum Restoraton Project of Anawan No. 6 Firehouse. To Purchase Tickets Please call 508-646-1700 or contact us via email at frfmanawan6@gmail.com. St. John’s Atheletic Club 365 Rodman Street, Fall River, MA.

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.

Neediest families Prize-A-Palooza (12:00pm)
An All Day Free Admission Prize Raffle Event!! In 1921, The Standard-Times founded the Neediest Families Fund to make the holidays a happier time for underprivileged children and their families in Greater New Bedford. Since then, thousands of dollars have been raised to help families and children by providing them with warm clothes, food and gifts for the holiday season. Over 250 prizes to be raffled off! DJ, Face Painting, a Prize Wheel, Celebrity bartenders, local singers, and so much more! Free food for all of our guests! Take your picture with a Red Sox trophy! Table raffles, Chinese Auction, Wine raffle and more. To Donate a Raffle Prize or Money: We will promote your business in our donor book, on our Facebook page and at our event! Contact Kristen Lancaster at Neediest1970@gmail.com or at 774-263-1412. Seaport Inn and Marina, 110 Middle Street, Fairhaven.

A Very Electric Christmas at the Z (2:00pm)
Brighten your holidays with Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas! Audiences of all ages will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky. As a young bird named Max tries to make his way home, he encounters friendly caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, Nutcracker soldiers, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King. This delightful holiday production combines theatre and technology in complete darkness with electroluminescent artistry that will make children wide-eyed with delight and warm even the smallest of hearts.

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

I would not want to be a New Bedford police officer – risking your life to arrest career criminals only to repeatedly see them released back into society the next day on a low bail or personal recognizance. It’s the same 1% of New Bedford committing the majority of the crime because criminals have no fear of our weak judicial system.

Tuesday was a perfect example – 37-year old Roberto Lugo-Gallardo was arrested with fentanyl and is being charged with intent to distribute it. Fentanyl is the synthetic opioid that is causing the vast majority of overdoses in New Bedford and across the country. The judge in this case doesn’t seem to care and released Lugo-Gallardo on personal recognizance.

A few weeks ago, Michael Viruet didn’t let 20 previous convictions stop him from being arrested with 10 grams of Fentanyl and more than $3,000 in cash. Police seized the drugs after Viruet led New Bedford police officers on a dangerous police chase which resulted in him crashing into a ditch. Again, Fentanyl is causing all the overdoses and this dealer wouldn’t be selling it if judges did their job.

Three weeks ago, an alert New Bedford police officer picked up 26-year old Ramon Sanchez while he was driving. He had open cases for two counts of assault and battery on a pregnant woman, two charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering in the daytime and breaking and entering in the daytime to commit a felony. Sanchez has a long criminal history, including charges of assault and battery on a police officer, assault with a dangerous weapon and cruelty to animals. How was he even on the street?

In August of this year, 52-year old Mark Salazar was arrested for at least the 87th time at the notorious drug den known as 358 North Front Street. This is the property that was raided three times by New Bedford police in a 6 week period this summer. Salazar had 52 convictions, but found his way back on the streets.

In January of this year, Ronnie Oliver, a New Beford man with 80 arraignments and 19 convictions, was given $500 bail after he was arrested for breaking into Buzi Salon and Hungry Whale Pub.

These are just a few examples of hundreds just this year alone on how our judges have allowed career criminals back onto the street to victimize us. There is absolutely no reason why criminals with double digit convictions should be given low bails or simply released on personal recognizance.

Our politicians have also failed us. They refuse to hold judges accountable or pass laws to be tougher on career criminals that menace society and burden our hard working police officers. If we want to make New Bedford a safer place, our representatives have to replace the judges that continue to allow career criminals back on the streets to terrorize society. Our police do their jobs very well, it’s time for the politicians and judges to do theirs or be replaced.

“I loved your article about addiction. The stigma saddens me. I’m a recovering addict and I know what it’s like to be bound by the grips of addiction and using drugs against my own will. It’s safe to say that some people will never understand and I’m grateful for that. I wouldn’t wish addiction on my worst enemy. So I pray for them to be relieved of all their hate and negativity.

Recently my ten year old daughter used the word junkie. It broke my heart. It also inspired me to write this I don’t know why I’m even sending it but I guess it was refreshing to see someone write something different about addiction. So thank you for that.”

Dear Stigma,

My name is Coralee, and I am recovering addict. I’m one of those “junkies”you say horrible things about whenever someone talks about addiction.

I get that it’s hard to forget what we did in active addiction, it’s hard for us to forget as well, but let me ask you something: “What’s the worst thing you’ve done?”

I know you won’t tell me, but just think about it. That thing you regret that no one knows about. Well, what if it wasn’t a secret? What if you were branded because of that thing you wish you could take back? That’s sort of what it’s like to be one of “US.” Being an addict isn’t the worst thing in the world, but you disagree.

Don’t be mistaken – if I could take it all back I would. “Poof!” It would be gone. But that’s impossible. I can’t even do as you do and pretend it never happened. In order for me to make sure I never make the same mistake, I have to work hard to make sure that I don’t. If I don’t put in the work, my disease will tell me it’s OK to have one drink, smoke one blunt, or shoot one bag, and my disease will now not resurface again and continue to progress and believe me it will.

Now you are probably saying “ADDICTION IS CHOICE, NOT A DISEASE!”, right? Yes, it does start with the choice. Just like all the choices you made in the past. You drink the same beer, smoked the same pot, maybe even sniff the same line that I did, but you were able to take it or leave it and just walk away. Myself, however? I was not so fortunate, and because I suffer from the disease of addiction (for which I might add there is no known cure) I will for the rest of my life either struggle to stay high or fight to stay clean.

We didn’t grow up wanting to be addicts. I wanted to be a songwriter actually. I never pretended my dolls were copping drugs or my trolls were dope sick. I never said “When I grow up I want to be a liar a cheat, homeless, and have my daughter taken away from me and be involved heavily with DCF. Nobody wants to suffer from the disease of addiction. Unfortunately there is no choice in the matter, we just do. We could have never predicted the havoc one bad choice could bring us. So don’t forget you made that same choice too. You were just lucky that it was me with the disease and not you.

If you are still doubting that addiction is a disease contact the CDC or the surgeon general – they classified it as one, but I bet you know more about it than they do, right? I hope and pray you never have to learn about addiction the hard way and find out someone you love suffers from the disease, but rest assured if they are we will welcome them into our community of recovery and help them, because we have a disease not a moral deficiency. We have found a new way to live. We want to keep it that way and help other addicts find the same way.

So the next time you are going to go on another rant on social media condemning someone who is suffering, stop and think about that. You are hurting people. People who have the disease and the people who love them. You have no idea how many people on your friends list that might be, odds are it’s more than a few, unfortunately. Some of which are suffering at this very moment. Why spread the hate and judgment? While you have the right to your own opinion, hurting people is wrong now matter how you look at it.

With nothing but LOVE,
Coralee DaCosta.

A New Bedford seafood manager pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failing to report $75,000 in earnings on his tax returns.

Orlando Cardoso, 44, of New Bedford, pleaded guilty to two counts of filing a false income tax return. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for March 8, 2018.

Cardoso swore on his 2012 and 2013 tax returns that the only income he had received was from his employer. However, Cardoso had received over $75,000 in cash and checks from his employer’s supplier and failed to report the income on his tax returns.

The charge of filing a false income tax return provides for a sentence of no greater than three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

For the 19th consecutive year, United Way of Greater New Bedford and the New Bedford Firefighters’ Union are asking you to donate new, unwrapped toys or gift cards to help bring Christmas joy to all children in our community. Donations are needed by December 12th in order for the collection and distribution to organizations that work directly with families in need.

“When most people think toy drive, they think a dolls, trucks, and games, but the need is more than that,” said Victoria Grasela, Director of Marketing & Community Relations. “Our drive collects items for infants to teenagers, and the need for teen gifts continue to grow. Consider donating a gift card, movie tickets, perfumes, hair accessories, or sports equipment to help fulfill this need.”
Thousands of toys are collected and distributed to agencies in Greater New Bedford each year. From trucks and dolls to games and books, items for all ages from newborns through teens are needed. Gift cards and movie tickets make great gifts for teenage recipients who are often left out of toy drives.

All of the items collected will be separated and delivered to local nonprofit organizations that serve youth. Some organizations that have received toys from the drive in the past include: Greater New Bedford Women’s Center, Meeting Street/Schwartz Center, NorthStar Learning Centers, Donovan House and HarbOUR House/ Family Preservation Program. These agencies will distribute the toys to children through their various holiday activities.

“We are fortunate to have so many local businesses willing to help collect the donations which can also be dropped off to any New Bedford Fire Station from 8 am to 6p.m.” explains Victoria. The firefighters do an amazing job collecting, sorting and delivering the toys for distribution to families in time for Santa’s big day.”

In addition to the fire stations you can bring your donations to: Acorn Management Properties, Ahead, American Family Care, Ashley Ford, Baarsvik Souza Orthodontics, Bonville’s Market, Buster’s Sports Bar & Grille, Century House, Desert Sun, Dollar General, First Citizen Credit Union Branches, Gentle Dental, Glaser Glass, Honey Dew Donuts (Church St.), Knuckleheads Bar & Grille, Lowe’s (Wareham), New Bedford Credit Union, New Bedford Housing Authority Office, Rose Alley, Southcoast Fitness, Star Oil Co., Tabor Nursing Home, The Donut Factory, The Lottery Commission, TJ Maxx (Dartmouth), Treeland Nursery, Webster Bank (New Bedford), and Zapp.

Please do not contact the New Bedford Fire Department with toy requests. Please contact United Way of Greater New Bedford with any questions at 508-994-9625 ext. 210.

MariMed Inc., today announced the purchase of a 137,500 sq. ft. industrial building on 17 acres at 167 John Vertente Blvd., in the New Bedford, Mass., industrial park for a purchase price of $6,895,000. MariMed will develop approximately 70,000 sq. ft. into a full service state of the art medical cannabis cultivation and production facility that has been leased to ARL Healthcare, Inc. (ARL), a Massachusetts not for profit corporation. MariMed assisted ARL Healthcare in its successful application to be awarded a Massachusetts Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) License for cultivation, production, and dispensing of medical cannabis. Under the license, and in agreement with the City of New Bedford, this facility will be used solely to cultivate and produce cannabis medicine and related products. These products will be distributed to patients licensed by the Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health at three ARL dispensaries in other municipalities.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell stated, “The acquisition of the John Vertente Boulevard site is an important milestone because it brings us that much closer to the day when the City is able to share in ARL’s success under the Host Community Agreement we negotiated in 2016. Under our Agreement, once the facility is operational, ARL will provide substantial annual benefits to the City and residents of New Bedford, including significant mitigation payments, the hiring of local workers, and the use local small businesses. Based on the company’s community-oriented approach and the effective working relationship we have developed, I have every expectation ARL will succeed here in New Bedford.”

MariMed will assist ARL in the development and ongoing management of this cultivation and manufacturing facility. ARL expects to employ 50 to 100 people and commence cultivation in the first quarter of 2018, with the first products in dispensaries in second or third quarter of 2018, pending receipt of state approvals.

“As a Massachusetts-based company, we congratulate our neighbor ARL on their successful license application and are eager to help them become the best medical cannabis company in this State to provide high quality, safe cannabis medicine and treatments to licensed patients in need of consistent relief,” stated Jon Levine, MariMed CFO. “This property purchase represents the continuing execution of MariMed’s strategy to acquire assets that will, in turn, increase revenue and earnings for all of our business units and generate tax revenue for the state.”

“There is no substitute for experience, and that is why we chose MariMed to design, build out and optimize our cultivation, production and dispensary facilities,” noted Kenneth Housman, president of ARL Healthcare, Inc. “MariMed’s standard operating procedures and best practices have proven successful with its medical cannabis clients in multiple states.”

Today, Facebook unpublished controversial, yet popular Turtleboy Sports page. They wrote a blog about it here.

According to Turtleboy Sports, Facebook unpublished their page for bullying.

What are you thoughts?