News of the deadly newborn abandonment in New Bedford has greatly saddened the members of Baby Safe Haven New England. Minutes after the story broke plans were put into motion so that a full response to the tragedy would come from our organization.

On Saturday one of our youth spokespersons will be responding at Baby Safe Haven location for a statement of how this tragedy in New Bedford could have been averted through utilization of the Massachusetts Baby Safe Haven law. At this time it is very important that the message about Baby Safe Haven law information, the hotline (866 814-SAFE) and the Mass Baby Safe Haven law web site (babysafehaven.com) be included in every news story.

The location is tentatively in Newton, at the Police Headquarters or the Newton Corner Fire Station, which both have Baby Safe Haven signs. The timeframe to look for this press availability will be between 3 and 4 PM. We will contact all media with the exact time and location around noon on Saturday.

Following this press conference Baby Safe Haven New England will renew the radio tour of Renee Marcou, our Baby Safe Haven spokesperson, that has helped us achieve a seven year and three month record of no deadly newborn abandonments. Plans will be made for the tour next week, and the appearances will begin on or around April 22.

Baby Safe Haven New England has also been vocal about the lack of youth involvement in messaging safe haven information across the country. Plans are now to accelerate the addition of many more youth spokesperson/communicators across the country.

January 6, 2014, marked exactly seven years since the last deadly newborn abandonment anywhere in New England. The last deadly abandonment in MA was in Milford on Jan. 6, 2007. This record of newborn safety is an almost exact opposite of the time period when most New England states were passing their Baby Safe Haven laws. In MA alone between May 1, 2000 and October 28, 2004 – while the bill was in the MA Legislature – there were 13 newborn abandonments, 6 were deadly, 4 babies were near death when found, and 3 were surrendered in ways similar to safe haven laws.

Baby Safe Haven New England promotes information to help women in a time of crisis through peer built trust, other states promote their authorities and their emphasis on saving babies. The Baby Safe Haven New England strategy works according to all statistics say Jean and Michael Morrisey.

New Bedford Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to this office and prosecutors are currently investigating the discovery of a deceased newborn baby in The City of New Bedford.

New Bedford Police received a 911 call around 6:30 p.m. this evening from a resident who discovered the remains of the deceased infant outside of a three-story home at 1065 County Street. Police and rescue personnel rushed to the scene, and upon discovery of the deceased infant, contacted this office and state police detectives assigned to this office.

The investigation into this unattended death remains in its early stages at this juncture in time. A representative from the State Medical Examiner’s Office is currently en route to New Bedford to take custody of the baby and will perform an autopsy this weekend.

Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the mother of the infant, who could possibly be in need of medical attention. If anyone has any information regarding the infant’s identity, the mother’s identity or her whereabouts, they are urged to contact New Bedford Police at 508-991-6300 or leave an anonymous tip at 508-961-4584.

Late this afternoon, a Bristol County Grand Jury returned separate indictments charging both Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace, both of Bristol, Conn., with murder connected to the June, 2013 homicide of Odin Lloyd in North Attleboro. Aaron Hernandez remains in jail without bail and is charged with murdering Lloyd.

Both men will be arraigned on the murder charge in the Fall River Justice Center on a date yet to be scheduled by the court. Once an arraignment date is scheduled, this office will send out a follow up media advisory.

The district attorney’s office will have no comment on the indictments prior to the defendants’ arraignments in open court.

On Thursday evening (4/10/14) at approximately 6pm members of the Organized Crime Intelligence Bureau executed a search warrant at a Nye Street apartment.

The targets of the investigation were taken into custody outside of the home without incident. Once a search commenced, detectives found a loaded .380 caliber handgun inside of a sweatshirt in the bedroom of the occupants. The firearm was loaded with 5 rounds of ammunition. Neither person has a license to carry firearms.

Scheduled to be arraigned this morning in New Bedford district court:
Nathaniel DePina age 24 of  New Bedford.
– Unlawful possession of a firearm
– Unlawful possession of a firearm (third offense)
– Unlawful possession of ammunition
– Career Criminal

Maegan Ann Brume age 21 of  New Bedford.
– Unlawful possession of a firearm
– Unlawful possession of ammunition

On Wednesday evening (4/9/14) at approximately 10:15pm, Officer Sasha Vicente of the south end station was in the area of Blackmer St. and South Second St. when she conducted a routine query on a vehicle traveling in front of her. The 2001 Toyota Avalon was reported stolen over night from a resident’s home in South Dartmouth.

The vehicle was stopped with the assistance of other south end units near the intersection of Rivet St. and Purchase St.

The operator was taken into custody without incident. Found in his possession was a folding knife, unauthorized prescription medications, and 4 credit cards that were not in his name. He was arraigned yesterday morning in New Bedford district court.

Brandon Edgerly age 22 of New Bedford.

– Receiving stolen motor vehicle
– Unlawful possession of a class B substance (Oxycodone)
– Unlawful possession of a class E substance (Trazodone)
– Unlawful possession of a class E substance (Alprazolam aka Xanax)
– Carrying a dangerous weapon

Last night at approximately 9pm north end officers were sent to the intersection of Sawyer St. and Bonneau Ct. regarding a male being stabbed.

Upon arrival they observed a 17 yr. old teen from Randolph, Ma. lying on the sidewalk. He sustained two stab wounds to the left leg and one to the right chest area. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he is in stable condition. Investigators determined that the altercation had actually taken place near the corner of Beetle St. and No. Front St. a block and a half away. A motive is not known at this time.

Upon arrival at Rhode Island Hospital, it was learned that the victim had given the hospital staff a false name. The victim has outstanding warrants from the Department of Youth Services. He is currently in their custody at the hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. William Sauve at 508-991-6300 ext. 130

The Parks Recreation & Beaches Spring Egg Hunt scheduled for Saturday, April 12th at Riverside park is being rescheduled to Thursday, April 10, 2014 at 6:30 pm at Custom House Square as part of the AHA! celebration. This change in schedule is due to low pre-registration numbers for Saturday’s event and the forecast of rain.

Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the City of New Bedford $1,824,990 in homeless assistance funding as part of a competitive grant competition under the HUD Continuum of Care (C0C) Program. The New Bedford Continuum of Care is administered locally by the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development and the New Bedford Homeless Services Provider Network (HSPN). The competitive grant is part of an annual process and is the direct result of the City and the HSPN successful partnership to address the issue of homelessness in New Bedford.

New Bedford was included in HUD’s announcement of nearly $1.6 billion in grants to renew support for 7,100 local homeless housing and service programs across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

This year, HUD challenged communities to evaluate existing programs and strategies and give greater emphasis to programs that provide a ‘rapid re-housing’ for homeless families with children and to provide permanent supportive housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness.

The competitive application was coordinated by the Office of Housing and Community Development and included a working group of the Homeless Service Providers Network (HSPN). The City’s HSPN is a collective of over sixty agencies, departments, consumers and organizations that represent the structural component defining New Bedford’s Continuum of Care. The mission and workings of the HSPN are a reflection of the needs and priorities of the homeless community and those who serve them.

These HUD grants help us serve the most vulnerable of our City and will allow us to continue to make a progress in ending homelessness in our community,” said Mayor Mitchell. “The funding will be distributed to programs administered by local organizations to offer critically needed housing and support services to homeless individuals and families,” Mayor Mitchell said.

Similar to last year, HUD made this announcement of renewal grants under the Tiered ranking system as soon as possible in order to prevent any interruption in federal assistance.

Patrick Sullivan, Director of Housing and Community Development added, “HUD’s Continuum of Care homeless assistance programs serve as the largest single source of funding for homeless services in New Bedford. The planning, coordination and implementation of programs and services by the city’s Continuum of Care through the HSPN was vital to this year’s application and the securing of almost $2 million in funding.”

The $1,824,990 grant award will allow for the continued operation of nine existing homeless programs administered by local organizations to offer critically needed housing and support services to homeless individuals and families. For the first time ever, HUD is quickly providing these renewal grants to local programs to prevent any interruption in federal assistance and will announce funding to new projects in early 2010. In 2013 the City’s Homeless Service organizations provided assistance to over 2,100 unduplicated individuals and families.

The City’s grant funding will be distributed to the following agencies:

Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, Inc.
STEP-Up Program – Permanent Housing with supportive services $269,753

Catholic Social Services of Fall River, Inc.
Donovan House – Transitional Housing program with supportive services $194,425

Catholic Social Services of Fall River, Inc.
Portico Program – Permanent Housing program with supportive services for families $615,341

Catholic Social Services of Fall River, Inc
Prism Program – Permanent Housing program with supportive services for individuals $206,174

Steppingstone, Inc.
Welcome Home Program – Permanent Housing program with supportive services for individuals $162,865

Steppingstone, Inc.
The Graduate Program – Transitional Housing with supportive services $96,257

Reflections, Inc.
Family Preservation Program – Permanent Housing program with supportive services
$250,651

City of New Bedford’s Office of Housing & Community Development
New Bedford Homelessness Management Information System Project $29,524

For more information about the City’s efforts to address homelessness, please contact City of New Bedford Office of Housing and Community Development (508) 979-1500.

The Fairhaven Police responded to an assault and battery that occurred at a Laurel Street residence just before 9:30 Monday morning. When they arrived, they found a male party that had been struck in the head with brass knuckles by another male, identified as 35 year old Rene Cambra.

Cambra, of New Bedford, reportedly began kicking and pounding on the victim’s door. He then forced his way into the residence and punched the victim in the head with the brass knuckles knocking him to the floor. Cambra then began kicking the victim, and told him if he notified the police, he would kill him. It was also reported that Cambra claimed he had ties to the Sidewinders motorcycle gang.

Police arrested Cambra a short time later and charged him with home invasion, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, two counts of intimidation of a witness and threatening to commit murder. Cambra told police the argument started over stolen Percocet. He was arraigned at Third District Court later that afternoon.

For some reasons humans love negative stories and the media gives them what they want. At NewBedfordGuide.com we make every effort to promote the best parts of the Greater New Bedford area and make New Bedford a better place to live. Each Sunday, I’m going to find 10 positive stories of the week and share them. If you have a positive story to share e-mail us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

Here are the positive stories this week.

1. Taylor Swift Visits Families in Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence – Taylor Swift visited the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence with her father for five hours. Several families sent us their personal pics. You can see them here and here.
2. Bill Murray gets David Letterman to mention New Bedford – Bill Murray got Dave to say, “Special hello to Kevin, Rudy and Frank at Maaco in New Bedford.” Then Bill replied, “Thanks, they’re not going to charge me for the primer.” Apparently, Bill visits New Bedford from time to time from Martha’s Vineyard. 
3. Gin Blossoms Named as Portuguese Feast Headliner – The Portuguese Feast announced their headlining act, the Gin Blossoms. This is a major act for the 100th New Bedford Portuguese Feast and should draw a record crowd!
4. School Nurses Shop For Neediest New Bedford Students – The Health Services Department at the New Bedford Public Schools received a donation of $1,600 to assist homeless and needy families in our district. On Monday, March 24th, 2014, school nurses where invited to the Keith Middle School’s library to ‘shop’ for their most needy students.
5. To the Woman Behind Me in Line at the Grocery Store – The EBT machine went down at a grocery store and a woman had no way of paying for groceries for her children. A stranger stepped up and paid fer her groceries. No judging the woman’s situation. Great story of paying it forward!
6. 2014 Whaling City Festival is a GO! – The New Bedford Park Board decided to extend the closing time to 9 p.m. for the entire weekend on a trial basis. While some people are not happy about this decision, most people consider this a good thing for New Bedford,
7. Alma del Mar’s “Backpack Club” For Hungry Kids – A school nurse and parent at Alma del Mar stepped up and set up a Backpack Club to assist with the less fortunate students at the school. Tara Mendonca is a great example of someone stepping up and making a difference in New Bedford.
8. New Bedford Makes Public Beaches, Parks, Playgrounds and Zoo Smoke Free – Mayor Mitchell has decided to step up the awareness and prohibition of smoking in public area around New Bedford. My lungs are thankful.
9. Working Waterfront Festival Unveils Winning Design – The Working Waterfront announced the winner of their 2014 Design Contest – Jason C. Eckhardt of New Bedford. Clean and family friendly design and symbolic of the amazing FREE annual family-friendly, summer festival.
10. Healthy Dining New Bedford Good for You, Good for New Bedford – Bristol County is one of the unhealthiest counties in Massachusetts. Mass in Motion New Bedford is stepping up by getting New Bedford restaurants to offer healthy side dishes.
11. Gaming Commission Extends Casino Deadline – The deadline for casino applications in the south coast region (Region C) has been extended from July 23 to Sept. 23, giving New Bedford plenty of time to still get the $500-million casino developed in New Bedford.

What was YOUR favorite story? Post a comment and let us know!