The state legislature passed a bill sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Rules Chairman Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford) that will crack down on animal abuse and cruelty. The legislation, an act to prevent animal suffering and death, will restrict dog tethering, prohibit leaving a dog outdoors during extreme weather conditions, and allow first responders and private citizens to rescue endangered animals locked in cars while penalizing the neglectful owner.

The bill prohibits persons from leaving their pet in a car when temperatures could endanger the animal’s health and safety. Penalties for violations are up to $500 and leave open the possibility of criminal animal cruelty charges in the most egregious cases. Protections are afforded to first responders and private citizens who take reasonable actions to rescue an endangered animal from the vehicle. Private citizens must first dial 911 to alert authorities and remain with the animal until first responders arrive at the scene. On hot summer days, cars can heat up rapidly, putting animals left in cars in extreme danger of injury or death. These measures will educate the public about the importance of not leaving their animals behind, give good Samaritans the ability to rescue the animals, and overall prevent needless animal suffering.

The Act also prohibits leaving a dog outdoors during harsh weather conditions such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, heavy rain and blizzard conditions. Dogs also cannot be chained or tethered outside for more than 5 hours per day or between 10PM and 6AM for longer than 15 minutes. Excessive tethering can result in significant behavioral issues, including aggression and barking, in dogs and can further jeopardize a dog’s safety due to strangulation. Violations under the tethering law include penalties up to $500 or relinquishment of ownership to protect the dog.

Last month, a 2-year-old long-haired German Shepherd, named Maverick, was found at a Middleborough home by animal control. The dog had chewed off part of his own paw in an attempt to escape after being left entangled on a leash for at least a day. Burns and scars upon the dog’s body also suggested previous entanglements many times before.

As the longtime leader in Senate efforts to prevent animal cruelty, Senator Montigny stated, “Pets who provide us with enduring companionship and love must be protected from cruel and abusive actions by neglectful owners. This legislation will crack down on such reckless treatment by empowering local authorities and the general public to take action while imposing stiff penalties on the perpetrators. Simply put the animal first. If you see one in distress call 911 and break the window. ”

If you suspect animal cruelty, these are the people to call or email: https://www.mspca.org/cruelty-prevention/

Here is a list of local animal control: http://www.newbedford-ma.gov/…/dept-h…/local-animal-control/

If you suspect a dog or other pet is in danger call your local police department.

New Bedford / Fairhaven Bridge:

•Please be aware of detours and traffic delays, follow signs posted. Acushnet Ave & Wamsutta St Railroad Bridge:

•Contractor will be working on miscellaneous items throughout the project.

•The roadway closure at Acushnet Ave & Wamsutta will remain closed. Please follow detour signs.

Coggeshall St Sewer Separation:

•The Contractor will continue installing the drain along Coggeshall St between Veterans Memorial Way and Mitchell St.  There will be access to all businesses within the work zone.

Other:

•MASSDOT will be performing bridge repairs at Phillips Rd. over the RT 140 location.

•Contractor will be building the Cove Walk between West Rodney French Blvd. and Cove Rd.

•Contractor will be working on miscellaneous items on Bessey St from Acushnet Ave to the Acushnet town line.

•Contractor will be working on miscellaneous items on Tacoma St from Wildwood Rd. Westerly to the end.

•Contractor will be working on miscellaneous items on Rotch St between Hawthorn St to Maple St.

•Contractor will be working on excavating and grading Maxfield St from Liberty St. to Lindsey St.

•Hydrant flushing on dead ends in the city. This may cause a temporary loss of water pressure.

Monument Beach, MA (August 5, 2016) – Partner Projects Studio and Gallery welcomes the community to celebrate their one-year anniversary with live music from Jim Decatur, sidewalk chalk, a collaborative community painting, snacks, refreshments, giveaways and 20% all apparel. The reception will take place during the monthly “4th Friday Open Studio” on August 26, 2016, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Partner Projects Studio, located at 18 Beach St. unit 2, Monument Beach, MA.

Tim Ellis Cole opened Partner Projects to serve as a working art studio and flagship gallery with high hopes for a wealth of community engagement. The first year has been busy with fun projects and this anniversary celebration aims to be a community event with collaborative art and live music from Jim Decatur, Pizza, Snacks and Refreshments. Tim is excited to invite neighbors and friends into the space to express gratitude for the support over the first year and to share ideas about the potential of what is shaping up to be a crafters district on Beach Street.

Partner Projects Studio’s visitors came in with a vast array of commissions this year ranging from murals and paintings for nursery walls to hand-illustrated wedding and event invitations. It’s been wonderful to get to know so many through the privilege of contributing artwork to really reflect them. Tim is a featured artist in two current exhibits(“Whaling in Massachusetts” at the Jonathon Bourne Historical Center and the Trustees of Reservations group show, “Maps and Legends”) have created a strong foundation for community centered projects.

Artists are inspired by the world around them, so it is vital that they participate in their communities as much as they can to foster beneficial cultural exchange that goes well-beyond commerce. Fine craft remains a big part of Beach Street as it is also home to Ryan Messier Fine Woodworking and Carousel Stained Glass Studio and Gallery. Tim sees the potential to establish this as a Crafters District and aims to speak to this point at 6:30. He aims to touch on a greater project to promote Bourne’s community of artists and the town’s wealth of historical sites and would encourages guests to continue the discussion as desired.

All are welcome to join in celebrating the studio’s first anniversary on Friday, August 26th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Fourth Friday Open Studio is always a family-friendly event with sidewalk chalk, a community collaborative painting, snacks and refreshments.

Partner Projects is the working studio and gallery of artist, Tim Ellis Cole. Work is environmentally inspired with an emphasis on free-hand executions. Tim works on private commissions, while producing mixed-media paintings, murals, installation art and a line of hand-pulled prints, cards and apparel. The studio continues to offer illustration and design service and participates in solo and group art exhibitions. Partner Projects Studio is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12:00-8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A hot, humid…and rainy weekend is in store this weekend. We’ll be as high as 90 degrees on Sunday, but both Friday and Sunday will have rain. Friday there will be a “Thunderstorm in spots” and on Sunday a “stray” afternoon storm. Saturday will be the only day without rain forecasted. Neither Friday nor Sunday will be rainy days per se, just days with intermittent precipitation. So get out there, hit the road and enjoy the many goings-on along the South Coast and beyond!

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, August 12th

7th Annual Good Shepherd Parish Feast (5:00pm-10:00pm)
The feast will feature Portuguese, Polish and American foods, live entertainment with Abbey Rhode, Kings Row and the Reminisants. There will be homemade malassadas, a Portuguese bazaar, a Chinese auction, games, jewelry, books, vendors and more all weekend. 1598 South Main St., Fall River.

Raven Cliff & Rebecca Correia @ Bennett Farm (6:00pm)
Hailing from Nashville with Texas roots Raven Cliff is what I like to call a mix between Zac Brown Band meets Guns n’ Roses meets Chris Stapleton. They will be making the 17hr hour trek for Nashville to play an intimate yet rocking set @ Bennett Farm Fri, Aug 12th @ 6pm! Rebecca Correia will be performing as well. This will be an exclusive Bennett Farm Barn Concert so we will only be releasing 75 tickets. We will provide some delicious treats for those who attend this show. $40. Bennett Farm, 339 North Ave. Rochester, MA.

N.B. Summer Sound Series: Hipshot Band (6:00pm-8:00pm)
The 2016 Summer Sound Series presents FREE Concerts on the Pier Fridays 6:00pm – 8:00pm! Hipshot band brings you the best dance music of “THEN & NOW”. Bring your own chair, sit back, and relax or get up and dance! New Bedford State Pier 3 Fisherman’s Wharf.

What Cheer, Shakespeare? presents the Complete Works of Shakespeare (7:00pm-10:00pm)
This is an hilarious play that has three actors demonstrating their knowledge (or lack thereof) of all of Shakespeare’s works, even the obscure ones like “Hamlet” and the more famous ones like “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”. This show will be performed “under the stars,” so bring a lawn chair/blankets, pack a picnic, enjoy Running Brook wine! $40 per carload or $20 per individual. (Please remember, RB wine is the only alcohol allowed on our property.) Running Brook Vineyards, 335 Old Fall River Rd., North Dartmouth.

Saturday, August 13th

Outer Cape Shorebird Trip (7:00am-5:00pm)
From late summer into fall, migratory shorebirds congregate in the thousands on the vast beaches and intertidal areas of Cape Cod, which provide important stopover habitats for birds preparing for the long trip south. Come witness this annual spectacle and learn more about the various shorebird species found in the region. Participants will be transported to outer cape birding locations. Our focus area is Chatham in the vicinity of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and South Beach; recent sightings will determine birding destinations. If you have specific questions regarding the program, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 x 23, or email jbogart@lloydcenter.org. Lloyd Center for the Environment.

Oxford Book Haven & Cafe Book Sale (Fairhaven) (9:00am-1:00pm)
We have a large selection of books–most are 50 cents. We currently have a special section for our DOLLAR- A-BAG-BOOK SALE. Coffee, tea, soda and home-made coffee breads are available. We welcome anyone to join us in working on our puzzle. Computers and WiFi is available to the public. 357 Main Street, Fairhaven.

Learn to Quahog: Clarks Cove (10:00am-12:00pm)
Harvest your own quahogs in Clark’s Cove. Coalition educators will teach you the basics of local quahogging – what you need, how to do it, and where to go. This will be a fun and educational event for the whole family. We will provide rakes, peck baskets, and some waders for you to use. If you have your own rake, waders, or other quahogging equipment, please feel free to bring it. We suggest you wear clothing and shoes that can get wet and sandy, as we will be wading into the water up to our waists. Additionally, unless you have a shellfish permit for the City of New Bedford, this is a catch-and-release event. 55 West Rodney French Blvd.

God Belongs in my City Prayer Walk (11:00am)
We stop everything we are doing to gather as one body on city hall steps to pray for our city. New Bedford City Hall.

New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival (11:45am-8:00pm)
The long awaited return of New Bedford Whaling Blues Festival is over! The beloved outdoor concert at Fort Taber, overlooking beautiful Buzzard’s Bay, returns with the best in blues: Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, Quinn Sullivan, Jon Cleary and The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, Shemekia Copeland, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. Fort Taber, 1000 S Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford.

Family Maker STEAM Day (12:00pm-4:00pm)
Each station will encourage the children and youth to explore various STEAM projects. The day is intended to be a fun way to connect the community, anyone is welcome to drop-in and be a part of the hands-on invention time! Projects will be ongoing throughout the day, anyone can come in and leave as they please. Papercraft Pokemon ball with creature inside, glow in the dark Neon rice, 30 Thaumatropes, 24 Bristlebots, 20 Scribblebots, 10 Pendulum painters, 1 Pastel Bubble mural. New Bedford Art Museum, 608 Pleasant St, New Bedford.

I Love My City Fest (12:00pm)
I Love My City. Unite. Empower. Serve. Free concerts, basketball tournament, kids program, face painting, games, prizes, giveaways, food, clothes, and more! Fun for the whole family! Invite everyone! NB Well will be providing resources to #GetMovingGetHealthyBeWell. #bethechange *Rain date Saturday August 20, 2016. Buttonwood Park, 1 Oneida St., New Bedford.

Music and Wine- The Straight Pipes Band (1:00pm-5:00pm)
Pack some snacks and come enjoy our wine while you listen to free, live local music! Running Brook Vineyards
335 Old Fall River Rd., North Dartmouth.

7th Annual Good Shepherd Parish Feast (5:00pm-10:00pm)
The feast will feature Portuguese, Polish and American foods, live entertainment with Abbey Rhode, Kings Row and the Reminisants. There will be homemade malassadas, a Portuguese bazaar, a Chinese auction, games, jewelry, books, vendors and more all weekend. 1598 South Main St., Fall River.

What Cheer, Shakespeare? presents the Complete Works of Shakespeare (7:00pm-10:00pm)
This is an hilarious play that has three actors demonstrating their knowledge (or lack thereof) of all of Shakespeare’s works, even the obscure ones like “Hamlet” and the more famous ones like “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”. This show will be performed “under the stars,” so bring a lawn chair/blankets, pack a picnic, enjoy Running Brook wine! $40 per carload or $20 per individual. (Please remember, RB wine is the only alcohol allowed on our property.) Running Brook Vineyards, 335 Old Fall River Rd., North Dartmouth.

Sunday, August 14th

Miss New Bedford Info Session (10:00am-11:00am)
The MISS NEW BEDFORD pageant is seeking contestants for its September 2016 pageant! This year’s winner will receive a $3,000+ scholarship plus a year of a lifetime. She will promote her personal platform throughout the year, make community appearances, build an outstanding resume, develop leadership skills, AND have the chance to compete for more scholarship money and opportunities at the Miss Massachusetts pageant in 2017! Eligible contestants are women ages 17-24 (must be a HS senior minimum – if not, ask about our ‘teen’ pageant) and must live, work, or attend school in the ‘Greater New Bedford area’ which includes Acushnet, Assonet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, and Wareham. 731 Tarkiln Hill Rd, New Bedford.

FCC Bicentennial Picnic (11:15am-1:15pm)
Part of our 200th anniversary celebration! A picnic in the James Ward Memorial Garden and on the South Lawn!
Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and lawn games with prizes! First Congregational Church of Fall River, 282 Rock St., Fall River.

New Bedford Wellness Initiative’s Wellness Program For Adults (11:00am-3:00pm)
Free Sunday Wellness Program with lots of great offerings! AC for exercise and yoga. #GetMovingGetHealthyBeWell with us this Sunday at the NB Well program. Great classes and Healthy Futures Farm will be with us. Also check out qigong with Marcia and Steve. Boys & Girls Club of Greater, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford.

7th Annual Good Shepherd Parish Feast (12:00pm-7:00pm)
The feast will feature Portuguese, Polish and American foods, live entertainment with Abbey Rhode, Kings Row and the Reminisants. There will be homemade malassadas, a Portuguese bazaar, a Chinese auction, games, jewelry, books, vendors and more all weekend. Today, the Procession and Feast Mass begins at 10 a.m. with St. Cecilia’s Band. 1598 South Main St., Fall River.

Music and Wine- Saucy Jack (1:00pm-5:00m)
Call to see if we have any food vendors onsite, or as always, pack some snacks and enjoy our wine while you listen to free, live local music! Running Brook Vineyards, 335 Old Fall River Rd., North Dartmouth.

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

Meet Robert Mendes, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford.

Robert grew up in the cities south end, before moving into the house his parents bought just a few blocks from the program. Almost immediately his mother had him and his siblings signed up and they began attending everyday afterschool.

Soon after his time at the Club, he enjoyed helping the Gym Director, Chet Travers, gather equipment and form intramural leagues. Robert did this throughout his teenage years and started working as an aid in the Gym before he graduated High School. It was during his years there where saw kids from all walks of life coming together, some with no guidance besides the club, grow and see success they wouldn’t normally have.

He stayed on at the Boys and Girls Club and it morphed into a career for him. He’s worked as a basketball coach for the past 40 years. He took over the position as the Physical Director, transitioned to the Program Director, and eventually became the Executive Director, which he has been doing for the last 18 years.

He’s enjoyed being able to impart to them all of the things that his mentors had to him in his youth. When Robert became the Executive Director he knew he didn’t want to stay pent up in his office all day, but become apart of these children’s life and push them to be respectful and take advantage of every opportunity that is awarded to them.

“The kids are the most important aspect of this job and organization. You can never put yourself in a level where you aren’t in touch with the kids.”

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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

The first ever Buzzards Bay c420 championship was one of the biggest c420 regattas, 173 Boats, the class has seen in it’s history. The massive fleet was stored away in the beautiful Ft. Taber Park with The Community Boating Center of New Bedford running the show. Executive Director Andy Herlihy and his team of volunteers and staff were top notch in providing a great venue, beautiful racing, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Regatta was a three day event with the first two days sailed in a qualifying series and the last day was a Gold and Silver fleet final. Day 1 saw a classic Buzzards Bay Sea Breeze with a nice build all day maxing out at 15kts. The Race management team pushed the sailors for 4 races knowing that the next day could bring thunderstorms. The racing was tight in both fleets and the stage was set for a day 2 final day of qualifying. Day 2 arrived with big breeze starting in the morning left over from a front that had passed through in the night. Steep waves ruled the racecourse as the breeze eased and settled in a bit. Day 2 saw an average breeze of 10-15kts but with puffs much higher in the 20’s, so the sailing was challenging. The fleet battled the conditions well and the qualifying series ended with a tight regatta especially for the top 5 spots. On the final day the fleet was greeted with a nice NW breeze but the fleet knew that it would not last long and the best bet for racing was for the sea breeze to fill. The NW breeze died off to glass and the fleet floated in the bay until 11:30am when the sea breeze trickled in and slowly built. The sea breeze provided beautiful 12-15 kt conditions under sunny skies. At the end of the day Luke Arnoe and Mariner Fagan continued their consistency for the whole event with a solid 1, 4 last day helping them come from behind to win the first c420 Buzzards Bay Championship.

The c420 Buzzards Bay championship is the biggest stop in the Triple Crown series this year and the top points will make the series interesting going into the final event, North Americans in LA, next week. The Community Boat Center of New Bedford did an incredible job hosting this large fleet and putting on some classic Buzzards Bay races. The fleet left the park happy and excited for next year’s event.

2016 c420 Buzzards Bay Championship Top 5:

1. Luke Arnoe/ Mariner Fagan 22pts.

2. Connor Baylies/ Kimmie Leonard 25pts.

3. Truckie Greenhouse/ Jack Denatale 25pts.

4. Jack Brown/ Kelsey Slack 34 pts.

5. Jack Johansson/ Claudia Loaicono 36 pts.

The Rotary Club of New Bedford recently donated new computers set up with the ability to Skype to 4 local Nursing/Rehabilitation Homes in New Bedford. This program spearheaded by President Linda Silveira offers residents a way of contacting relatives and friends to have live chats right from their rooms. Computers were purchased with money raised locally and allocated to a segment of the community that we at Rotary feel could benefit greatly. Many elderly patients are often left with no way to reach out to friends and relatives that live out of the area. We made the computers mobile by setting up with carts for moving from one room to another without a problem, we also set up another version that is also mobile and offers touchscreen technology.

First-in-the-Nation Legislation to Provide Relief from Debilitating Condition

Governor Charles D. Baker signed into law legislation filed by Senate Assistant Majority Leader and Rules Chairman Mark C. Montigny (D-New Bedford) that will provide insurance coverage for patients afflicted with serious side effects from HIV medications, commonly known as lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition that results in abnormal fat accumulations around the head and neck or excessive fat loss in the face and limbs. This can lead to head and neck pain, inability to sleep, posture issues, and result in a poor quality of life. Excessive fat loss can also result in “facial wasting,” stigmatizing the patient and serving as a modern day Scarlet Letter for people living with HIV.

The Department of Public Health estimates that there are roughly 400 people suffering from the condition in the Commonwealth, and in New Bedford, the Community Health Center serves approximately 60 patients with lipodystrophy. In May 2014 the Center for Health Information and Analysis estimated that coverage for this treatment would result in a mere per person monthly premium increase of between $.01 and $.10 per year over five years.

“No longer can insurance companies deny humane treatment to patients, hiding behind the bogus claim that such care is merely cosmetic in nature,” said Senator Mark Montigny, Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. “What we are saying here today is that no person suffering from such a devastating condition should live without the basic feeling of self-worth, respect and dignity that many of us take for granted. Moving forward, this legislation ensures that treatments will be covered.”

“People living with lipodystrophy who have survived the AIDS epidemic will no longer be consigned to lives as shut-ins or objects of ridicule. This historic bill continues Massachusetts’ leadership ensuring sound and compassionate healthcare for people with HIV,” stated Bennett Klein, AIDS Law Project Director at GLAD, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.

“We are deeply grateful to Sen Montigny, Sen Pres Rosenberg, Rep Peake and Speaker DeLeo for their leadership and advocacy on this very important bill. Their actions today will improve the lives of hundreds of MA residents who have suffered for decades with this cruel disease.,” said Arline Isaacson, Co-Chair,Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus.

Earlier this year the Senate passed Montigny’s measure unanimously, sending the bill to the House where a similar measure had been filed by Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown). Governor Baker signed the bill into law this afternoon.

Mayor Jon Mitchell, Buttonwood Park Zoo Director Keith Lovett, BPZoological Society members and the community gathered at the Buttonwood Park Zoo this morning for the unveiling of a master plan for the long-term redevelopment of New Bedford’s 124 year-old zoo.

The 12-15 year plan details improvements and renovations of the zoo in three 4-5 year phases. Phase 1, part of which is already under construction, includes an enlarged habitat for the Zoo’s two Asian Elephants and a complete overhaul of the Aquatics Environment Center. The new Aquatics Environment Center is scheduled to open in the spring of 2017 and will include dozens of forest and ocean species from around the world.

Mayor Mitchell said, “New Bedford residents and visitors from around the region have been enjoying our zoo for more than a century and the zoo is an important cultural asset for this community. The master plan unveiled today utilizes the existing zoo footprint and employs a phased redevelopment of the zoo that will enhance visitor experience and offer families a meaningful connection with animals, nature, and the environment.”

Zoo Director Keith Lovett said, “Since the last renovation at the turn of the century the Zoo and Zoological Society staff has worked diligently to create institutional excellence. The master plan will continue that work and we are excited to become a more globally focused and connected zoo in the future.”

Other Phase 1 projects anticipated to be completed within the next five years include an Endangered Asia area of the zoo which will allow guests to be immersed in the naturalistic habitats of tigers, snow leopards, Amur leopards, red pandas and many endangered bird, reptile and amphibian species.

Lovett said, “The Zoo’s ability to provide the highest quality of care for a species, a species’ ability to thrive in our temperate climate, and its status as either threatened or endangered were factors considered when we selected the new species to be incorporated at the zoo. The Zoo will continue to actively work to raise awareness of our endangered species and will also do its part to help conserve them in the wild.”

Additional Phase 1 projects include the renovation of the existing Wildlife Education Center and Bear’s Den Café into a “Great Lodge.” The Great Lodge will significantly expand the Zoo’s food service programs and will offer diners at the new restaurant up close views of the North American bison habitat. Great Lodge will also serve as a unique event rental space unlike anywhere else in the region.

Other plan highlights include the transformation of the Buttonwood Farm to the Nature Connection Education Center which will include classrooms for educational programming, an indoor-outdoor- nature play area, a wildlife amphitheater and an Animal Ambassador building for the Zoo’s many education animals.

Lovett said the total cost to implement all phases of the zoo’s master plan is in the area of $22 million and will be funded by a combination of public and private dollars.

Private funds have already been raised to complete the enhanced Aquatic Environment Center and a mix of public and private dollars have been secured for the initial phases of the Nature Play Education Center.

Projects included in Phase Two and Three of the plan call for a new South American section that will provide homes for jaguars and giant anteaters, expanded North American Plains’ section that will create a new habitats for American black bears and prairie dogs, and upgrades of the Zoo’s otter and harbor seal habitats. Additionally, the Zoo will be improving its guest entrance, creating a dedicated children’s village around the carousel, and significantly expanding its botanical program throughout the entire ten acre campus.

Lovett stated in regard to the master plan, “The Zoo’s future is very bright and we are dedicated to making the Buttonwood Park Zoo the place where the community comes to spend time with family and learn about wildlife and how to become a more environmentally responsible community member.”

Larger image of the map can be seen here.

A 34 year old New Bedford homeless man, Brent Douchette, was arrested after being observed by officers on routine patrol checking car doors and entering into a parked car in the 100 block of Windsor street.

Nothing was taken from the vehicle as officers caught him in the act. Police are encouraging citizens to please remember to lock their car doors.