Earlier today the State Police Barracks in Framingham was contacted about a concerning Facebook post. The person who published the post implied that he wanted to initiate a confrontation with law enforcement officers so that he could then force officers to kill him.

The Barracks contacted State Police Troop H Detectives, who immediately began an investigation. During the course of the investigation detectives learned that the suspect had been involuntarily committed for psychological evaluation earlier today by a local police department in Massachusetts for a different “suicide by cop” Facebook post.

The Facebook pages of several local news channels, as well as individual news reporters, were tagged by this individual. If any news agencies or journalists have information they believe will be helpful to the investigation please contact State Police H Troop detectives at 617-740-7867.

For any media inquiries please contact the State Police Media Relations section.

Two hundred forty swimmers dove into outer New Bedford Harbor early Saturday morning to celebrate clean water in Buzzards Bay during the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s 23rd annual Buzzards Bay Swim.

As of the start of the event Saturday, swimmers had raised $120,000 to support the nonprofit Coalition’s work to protect clean water, conserve land and educate youth and adults across the Buzzards Bay region, from Westport to Woods Hole. Members of the public who wish to support the Swim can still donate at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim.

“The Buzzards Bay Swim is a fantastic celebration of clean water in our community,” said Coalition President Mark Rasmussen. “The fact that nearly 250 swimmers came out this morning to swim across New Bedford Harbor – one of the biggest Swims in 23 years – shows how important clean water is to people here on Buzzards Bay.”

Calm, clear waters and bright sunshine greeted swimmers as they gathered at The Edge Seafood & Lounge beach in New Bedford’s South End. The first swimmers started at 7:15 a.m., and around 9:00 a.m. the final swimmers had covered the 1.2-mile course and arrived at the finish line at Fort Phoenix Beach State Reservation in Fairhaven.

“This is such a great event because it’s all about community,” said Laurie Hellstrom of Fairhaven, a masters swim team member at the New Bedford YMCA who completed her fifth Swim today. “It was a beautiful day. The water temperature was perfect, and you could see both the sun and the moon while you were swimming.”

The Swim drew participants from 120 communities in 15 states, including as far as away as Alaska, Washington and Florida. Swimmers ranged in age from 12 to 76.

First-time Buzzards Bay Swim participant and New Hampshire resident Peggy Chisholm grew up in Padanaram, and she swims in Buzzards Bay when she visits southeastern Massachusetts on weekends. “I love these waters,” she said after crossing the finish line.

Larry Fish of Falmouth was the top fundraiser this year, raising $5,000. Bill Muldoon of Mattapoisett raised $3,506, while Dan Vasconcellos of Pembroke raised $2,900 in memory of his father, Arthur. Rebecca Williams of Rochester was the top fundraiser for a new swimmer, raising $2,420. In addition to the top individual fundraisers, the Red Dory Restaurant of Tiverton, R.I. was the top fundraising team with a total of $4,026.

Vasconcellos remembers when water conditions weren’t so clear when he participated in his first Buzzards Bay Swim over 20 years ago. “You might have been able to see your hand in front of you. Now, the conditions are unbelievable. I like to think it’s due to the efforts of the Coalition.”

After the Swim, participants, volunteers and supporters enjoyed a finish line beach party with a pancake breakfast, complimentary massages, live music from El Caribe and a live radio broadcast with Michael Rock of FUN 107. The event concluded with an awards ceremony.

Fifteen-year-old Henry Keegan of Needham was the top finisher, completing the course in 22 minutes and 40 seconds. Eric Pauls of Westport came in second with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds. In third place was Frank Wuest of Boston with a time of 24 minutes and 10 seconds, a tie with the top overall female finisher, Morgan McCarthy of East Orleans.

The Wheeler Watershed Challenge Cup for the fastest team went to the “Salty Sea Dogs” (Alex Gallant of Lakeville, Nick Graca of East Freetown and Trevor Ragas of Lakeville) with an average team time of 25 minutes and 51 seconds.

The Quicks Awards for the fastest youth teams both went to MetroWest Aquatic Club. The boys’ team (Henry Keegan, 15, of Needham, Samuel Dawley, 15, of Dover and Benjamin Zeng, 14, of Weston) finished with an average time of 25 minutes and 12 seconds. The girls’ team (Molly Jordan, 14, of Mendon, Charlotte Moynihan, 14, of Needham and Riley Correll, 15, of Dover) finished with an average time of 29 minutes and 51 seconds. The two teams will each bring a $500 prize back to their swim club.

For a full list of results from the 2016 Buzzards Bay Swim, visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org/swim. Photos are available for download and use via Flickr at www.flickr.com. Photos of swimmers from specific communities are available upon request.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is one of two signature outdoor events hosted by the Coalition. The other is the Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride, a one-day bicycle ride with 100-mile, 75-mile, 35-mile, and 10-mile routes from Little Compton, R.I. to Woods Hole, Mass. The 10th anniversary Watershed Ride will take place Sunday, October 2. Details and registration are available at www.savebuzzardsbay.org/ride.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is a Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Series event, presented by Toyota. For more information, please visit www.splashseries.org. The Swim is also sponsored by Amica Insurance, Anderson Insulation, Citizens Commercial Banking, Fiber Optic Center and Whaling City Sound.

reactives.com photo

A fishing tackle box containing several M-80 explosives was found in Fairhaven Thursday afternoon by a family member who was cleaning out the garage belonging to his recently deceased father-in-law. The M-80’s were wrapped in lead, and are believed to have been used for fishing purposes. An M-80 is a small, class C explosive the approximate size of a quarter stick of dynamite.

The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad was called in to safely destroy the items in a controlled environment. The tackle box was transported to a parcel of town-owned land in a remote location and detonated on-site. As a matter of protocol, as well as for safety purposes, the Fairhaven Fire Department was called in to have fire fighting apparatus standing by, along with an ambulance and a police cruiser.

There was no risk to the public during this operation and all precautions taken were for purposes of safety. Anytime items such as these are found, regardless of how small they may appear, people are strongly encouraged to notify their local public safety agencies so that they can be destroyed safely and properly by trained professional experts.

Fairhaven Police responded to a robbery that occurred at the Valero gas station on the corner of Route 6 and Bridge Street just after 9:30pm Wednesday night. When officers arrived they informed by the victim that a male party entered the store and demanded money. The victim opened the cash register and the robber reached into the drawer and grabbed some money, then fled from the store. The victim followed the suspect and watched as he fled on foot, eastbound on Bridge Street.

No weapon was brandished during the robbery. The victim described the robber as a 6 foot white male, approximately 20 to 25 years of age, with shoulder length brown hair, light colored eyes and a tattoo on his right forearm. The perpetrator was wearing blue shorts and a green colored t-shirt, which he had pulled over his face during the robbery. The suspect escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Any video surveillance or photographs will be released when they become available. Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Fairhaven Police Detectives at 508-997-7421. Callers can remain anonymous.

Your Theatre, Inc. is holding auditions July 12 at 7pm, for all roles in a possible upcoming 2016-2017 Season special production of a new work concerning the life of John and Mary Brown. The production would run on February 5 and 6, 2017.

Auditions are held in the playhouse located in St. Martin’s Church/Hall complex, 136 Rivet Street at Country Street, in New Bedford. The auditions are open to all actors over the age of 16.

The director is casting all roles. Auditions will consist of cold readings from portions of the script.

This developing production is an exciting and dramatic poetry reading of Veronica Golos’ Rootwork, an exquisitely written portrayal of the lives of abolitionist John Brown and his wife, Mary Day Brown. Those wishing to know more about the book are referred online for a description and reviews.

Roles are available for 3-4 male and 4 female readers, and several singers for spirituals onstage and in an offstage chorus.

We invite new participants, especially those with a bent for the drama of poetry.

Your Theatre celebrates diversity and seeks people of all backgrounds regardless of age, race, creed, or sexual preference. All are welcome!

For more information, call the theatre at 508-993-0772 or E-Mail your request to: info@yourtheatre.org. Also visit the web site at www.yourtheatre.org.

Founded in 1946, YTI is incorporated as a non-profit community theatre which seeks to enhance the cultural life of New Bedford, Southeastern Massachusetts, and nearby communities through the study and regular presentation of dramatic productions and other programs of high quality and professional standards.

The company also develops and encourages artistic talent through the establishment and operation of workshops, theatre productions and other dramatic training opportunities.

Earlier today at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell received the First Place 2016 Mayors’ Climate Protection Award. This program recognizes mayors for their energy and climate protection efforts, and awardees are selected by an independent panel of judges from a pool of mayoral applicants.

“As a prominent East Coast port, New Bedford has a lot at stake when it comes to sea-level rise and climate change. That’s why I’ve always thought it is important for us to lead by example. Whether it’s our nation-leading solar program or our efforts around offshore wind energy, we’ve tried to demonstrate that much can be accomplished when there is a strong local consensus and sustained commitment to big renewable energy goals. New Bedford is honored to receive this recognition for our efforts.” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Mayor Mitchell was chosen for this award because New Bedford’s solar and wind energy initiatives have established the city as national leader. With more than 16 Megawatts of solar projects having been constructed to provide power for municipal facilities, New Bedford, on a per capita basis, has more installed solar capacity than any city in the continental U.S. As a result, utility costs to city government have been cut by nearly $1 million, with $22 million in savings projected over the next twenty years. New Bedford has also been a leader in the conversion of its municipal fleet to electric vehicles; and the city is poised to play a prominent future role in the offshore wind energy industry as wind projects now in development look to the city’s specialized port terminal as a key staging area. ($15,000 for 1st Place in the Small City Category – population under 100,000)

• Watch Mayor Jon Mitchell Receive the US Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Award

• Read the US Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Awards Press Release

The Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūle‘a, built in the tradition of ancient Hawaiian wa‘a kaulua (double-hulled voyaging canoe), will visit the Port of New Bedford, July 5-8 as part of the Mālama Honua (“to care for our Earth”) Worldwide Voyage which began in 2013. Two Polynesian voyaging canoes, Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia, are sailing across Earth’s oceans, 60,000 nautical miles to more than 100 ports and 27 nations, to join and grow the global movement toward a more sustainable world.

“The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park is excited to co-host the Hokule’a as they make this historical stop at the Port of New Bedford,” said Judy Roderiques of the National Park Service. “In the past, Hawaii and New Bedford were closely connected economically in the whaling era; today, the two communities are working to protect their historical, cultural and environmental resources.”

The vessel is scheduled to arrive in New Bedford Harbor just after noon on July 5, dependent on weather and safety, since Hōkūleʻa utilizes traditional, non-instrument (no GPS, sextants, or clocks) navigation and has no auxiliary engines. A traditional welcome ceremony is planned for the same day at 1:00pm-2:00pm at State Pier. Canoe tours and dockside activities will be open to the public free of charge at Coast Guard Park, check DestinationNewBedford.org for hours.

Track the Hōkūlea’s voyage in real time by visiting http://www.hokulea.com/track-the-voyage/.

Meet Jess Bregoli, 32-year-old gardener and sculptor.

Jess moved to the area when she was a child from Oregon so that her mother could finish her Masters degree at UMass Dartmouth. Growing up she would work with her mentor, Emily Johns, taking care of the waterfront gardens at the Seaport in Downtown New Bedford. At the age of 16 she left school and backpacked through New England and ended up in Vermont. When she was 17 she realized that she needed to finish high school and came back home.

During her early 20s she attempted to complete a degree in Art History at several local colleges but left the area to pursue a relationship and business ventures in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Georgia she owned a coffee shop/art gallery and ran a high end clothing store. She then had her son, Sage, and it was around that time that she realized that she wanted to do large scale sculptures about environmental issues. Upon her split with Sage’s father, she moved back to New England.

Back home, she decided to go back to school and finish her degree, but got involved with the sculpture program at UMass, seeing she hadn’t had any formal training and wanted to start creating. Upon graduation from UMass, Jess has worked with several local committees, including being co-chair of New Bedford Beautiful, freelancing as the Art Administrator for the City of New Bedford, and working with the New Bedford Cultural Council. Working with these departments, she has worked for the last two years on the Seaport Art Walk, where local artists gather to bring to life our Seaport area with murals and sculptures of all shapes and sizes.

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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

Southcoast Health announced today that it has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite by the American Heart Association for helping employees eat better and move more.

“Physical activity and employee wellbeing are important priorities at Southcoast Health. We are honored and excited to be recognized by the American Heart Association as a Platinum-Level Fit-Friendly Worksite,” said Kristi Aimone, Wellness Coordinator at Southcoast Health. “We’re committed to providing the best workplace environment possible. This will benefit our employees’ health and produce even more positive results for our worksite overall.”

Platinum-level employers:

•Offer employees physical activity options in the workplace.

•Increase healthy eating options at the worksite.

•Promote a wellness culture in the workplace.

•Implement at least nine criteria outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition and culture.

•Demonstrate measurable outcomes related to workplace wellness.

“Southcoast Health is committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees as well as that of the communities we serve. To support this effort, we offer a variety of onsite programs and events to our employees such as, Mindfulness at Work, yoga, Zumba, Farmer’s Markets and CSA’s, as well as healthy choice options in our cafeterias,” said Aimone. “We also partner with Virgin Pulse which offers a platform that promotes gamification strategies that encourage our employees to not only be more physically active but also to make healthier lifestyle choices. Employees who participate wear an activity tracker that records their steps, miles and calories per day which allows them to monitor their progress and make improvements to their health and wellbeing. Employees are also able to keep track of their blood pressure and weight through onsite health stations.”

The Fit-Friendly Worksites program is a catalyst for positive change in the American workforce by helping worksites make their employees’ health and well-being a priority.

American employers are losing an estimated $225.8 billion a year because of healthcare expenses and health-related losses in productivity, and those numbers are rising. Many American adults spend most of their waking hours at sedentary jobs. Their lack of regular physical activity raises their risk for a host of medical problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Employers face $12.7 billion in annual medical expenses due to obesity alone. The American Heart Association is working to change corporate cultures by motivating employees to start walking, which has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.

For more information about the Fit-Friendly Worksites program and how it’s helping to improve the health of Americans by focusing on the workplace, visit heart.org/worksitewellness.

POSITION: Public School Electrician

DEPARTMENT: Facilities Operations

FUNCTION: Installs, maintains, tests and repairs all components of electrical systems. To perform routine maintenance and to respond to alarms and emergency calls related to mechanical systems and utilities. This position was established for the purpose of providing electrical services, per district/local/state/federal objectives and/or standards, with specific responsibility for identifying repair and/or replacement needs; installing, repairing, maintaining and upgrading electrical systems and fire alarm equipment; assisting other skilled trades; and ensuring that tools and materials are available at job site.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Assistant Facilities Manager (Supervisor of Maintenance) and/or Director of Facilities Operations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

DUTIES

1. Analyzes blue prints, schematics, and drawings of electrical systems for the purpose of determining the efficient installation of new or upgraded systems.

2. Coordinates with assigned trades for the purpose of completing projects and work orders efficiently.

3. Diagnoses causes of electrical problems or failures for the purpose of identifying equipment and/or systems repair.

4. Informs personnel regarding procedures and/or status of work orders for the purpose of providing information for making decisions, taking appropriate action and/or complying with health and building regulations.

5. Inspects electrical systems and their components for the purpose of evaluating condition, identifying necessary repairs and recommending preventive maintenance.

6. Installs electrical system components (e.g. lighting, alarms, electrical panels, switches, circuits, scoreboards, timers, fire panels, smoke detectors, etc.) for the purpose of providing enhanced and/or upgraded electrical capabilities.

7. Maintains assigned vehicle, equipment, and tools for the purpose of ensuring availability in a safe operating condition.

8. Monitors the electrical work of outside contractors (e.g. new school sites, electrical system upgrades/expansions, major remodels, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that the projects are satisfactory completed and within district specifications.

9. Participates in meetings, workshops, training, and seminars, as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.

10. Prepares written materials (e.g. repair status, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or conveying information.

11. Repairs electrical components and/or systems (e.g. motors, circuits, transformers, generators, compressors, switches, intercom systems, cafeteria kitchen equipment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe working condition.

12. Requests equipment and supplies for the purpose of maintaining inventory and ensuring availability of items required to complete the necessary installation and/or repair.

13. Responds to emergency situations during and after hours for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.

14. Transports a variety of tools, equipment and supplies for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required at job site.

15. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform single, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating equipment used in the repair and maintenance of electrical systems; planning and managing projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices; and handling hazardous materials.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: methods, techniques, materials, tools used in installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems/subsystems; troubleshoot/maintain mechanical, electrical, environmental systems/subsystems including control/balancing these systems; and blueprints and schematics.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working independently and with interruptions; and complying with OSHA regulations.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Responsibility
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 45% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment.

Education
High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience
Job related experience is required.