Friends of Troop 7 (Pack 7′s sponsor) as teamed up with Gifts to Give to host a Bottle & Can Drive to benefit the pack! All Pull-Tabs Collected from cans will be given to The Shrine Club of Southeastern Mass to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children! Bottles and Cans may be dropped off at Gifts to Give during their regular business hours:

Gifts To Give
21 Cove Street, New Bedford 02744
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday & Saturday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

They may also be dropped off:
Tuesdays (as long as there is school) from 6:30-8:00 P.M-Tb
Thursdays (as long as there is school) 6:30-7:30 P.M.

Troop 7 Website

Dartmouth High School theater arts and guitar lab students are performing their final exams for the community! On Wednesday, January 15, 2015 at 7:00pm in the DHS Auditorium, Ms Rogers’s Theater Arts Class is performing four excellent plays:

1. “Suspicions” by DHS students Drew Kelly and Kelly Camara
2. “He Said She Said” by Alice Gerstenberg
3. “Fourteen” by Alice Gerstenberg”
4. “Please Have a Seat and Someone Will Be With You” by Garth Wingfield.

Juan Roderiguez’s Guitar Lab students will also be performing. Admission is $2 and proceeds will go to the DHS in-school charity, Helping Hands. For more information, contact Meg Rogers at meghanrogers@dartmouthschools.org.

This is a sad story that has a happy ending. Let’s start with the sad part.

Last month a German Shepherd mix was dumped in the south end of New Bedford near Willard Street. I called him Arrow (he would later be named Chance) because of his speed in getting away from anyone that gets near him – even those trying to feed and rescue him!

Some thoughtful south end residents did their best to leave food and water for Arrow, and even spend hours of their time trying to find him. A caring woman named Susan DaSilva Amorim alerted New Bedford Guide about Arrow and the adventure to catch him began on Facebook.

On November 19th, I posted on our Facebook page the details of a ‘Lost German Shepherd’ and that Susan was doing her best to care for the dog and she tried to get a photo for us, but Arrow was not fond of cameras.

Quickly reports started coming in and Brittany Oliveira provided more details on Arrow.

According to Brittany, Arrow was dropped off on East Rodney French near the bottom of Aquidneck. A blonde haired women dropped Arrow off, tied to a chain and rope. According to an eye-witness, the lady ran back to a green Honda Civic and took off. Brittany stated that Arrow has been out there wandering since the previous Thursday. On Sunday she spent four hours trying to find him in the rain with no luck. Reports from residents stated that Arrow returned to the beach everyday, likely trying to find his previous owner.

Another fantastic lady, Cathy Correia Oliveira, confirmed Brittany’s story and stated that many of the south end residents did their best to care for this dog.

New Bedford Animal Control was notified and Animal Control Office Manny Maciel sprung into action. He set a cage trap with food at 3:45 pm and Arrow was caught by 6pm. Arrow was taken to an animal emergency room in Swansea where they removed the chain and treated the infection. The chain had dug into the flesh and because it was so tight the skin fused with the metal chain and became infected. Arrow then returned to animal control where Manny cared for the dog until he was healthy enough to make his way to the Forever PAWS Animal Shelter in Fall River.

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Over night Arrow became the darling of the media. Stories about him appeared in newspapers and on the evening news. It was clear that Arrow may have been abused and dumped by his owner, but the New Bedford community cared for this dog and he would eventually find a loving home.

Now on to the happy ending!

Fast forward to today. I was contacted by the new owner, Andrea Hancock Meneses who adopted the dog and named him Chance.

Chance has finally come home today! He was the dog that was abandoned in New Bedford by the beach. He had the metal collar embedded in his neck. You would think he’s been part of our family forever. He has been running around playing with my daughter and my other dog Zeus (German shepherd). He’s doing absolutely amazing!! He’s such a sweet, well behaved dog! (I’m hoping he’ll show Zeus a thing or two. Lol) I’m happy he’s home in time to enjoy a real Christmas with a real family!

After picking up Chance Andrea treated him to a day at a local pet store:

We went to Melissa’s Pet Depot today where we bought him a nice leather collar with his name and new address engraved in it. And he also got to pick out his own bed!  happy holidays!

On Thursday, December 12, 2013 Mayor Jon Mitchell joined with representatives from the Department of Public Infrastructure, New Bedford Police Department, SeeClickFix, and members of the local artist community to announce, Graffiti Free NB, the City’s new comprehensive approach to graffiti prevention and removal. As part of the announcement, the Mayor unveiled a new free app for smart phones that residents may use to report graffiti, and request tree trimmings and pot hole repairs.

“Graffiti can have a very negative effect on neighborhoods. It diminishes property values and invites further vandalism. As a community, it is important that we work together to address this quality of life issue,” said Mayor Mitchell.

The Mayor’s concern about the negative effects of graffiti led to his establishment of Graffiti Free NB, a prevention and removal campaign to combat graffiti. The initiative makes reporting graffiti to city government a quick, simple task and faster reporting will help city crews to respond and remove it more quickly.

New Bedford residents may now report graffiti to the City of New Bedford in three easy ways; through a mobile app program, via the City of New Bedford website, or by phone. NB Connect, the City’s new mobile app program is an extension of the Commonwealth Connect grant program that the City of Boston awarded to New Bedford. SeeClickFix, a Connecticut-based vendor partnered with the City of Boston to develop this unique, citizen-friendly mobile application. Simply search “Commonwealth Connect” in the Apple or Google Play Store and download the free NB Connect app onto a smart phone and use it to report non-emergency issues and upload related photos in real time.

Residents may also use NB Connect (http://newbedford-ma.gov/nbconnect/report_issues.html) to report pot holes and make tree trimming requests. With NB Connect, residents’ requests are transmitted directly to the city department and employee coordinating the City’s response to the issue. NB Connect adds a sense of transparency and accountability to the reporting process by enabling residents to monitor the status of their request as well as those submitted by their fellow citizens. Citizens will also receive email notifications regarding the status of their request.

Mayor Jon Mitchell stated, “When I first came into office, I kept paint cans in my car so that I could cover graffiti whenever I saw it on public property. Now, I can simply take a photo of the graffiti with my phone, and report it directly to the Department of Infrastructure through NB Connect and just wait for the email notification that it has been addressed. I use it. I encourage everyone else to use it too.”

Residents without access to a smart phone may still quickly and easily report graffiti. A web-based version of NB Connect is accessible on the City of New Bedford website at www.newbedford-ma.gov. Residents may also call Donna Amado in the Department of Public Infrastructure at 508-979-1550 Ext.506 to report graffiti.

This fall, the Department of Public Infrastructure acquired new equipment to help city crews combat graffiti. The new EcoQuip can remove graffiti from various surfaces including metals, concrete, brick, wood, and marble by using a fine abrasive grit, water, and an air compressor. With this new tool, the City is able to remove graffiti more quickly and effectively.

Graffiti Free NB also aims to deter graffiti vandalism. Through the Graffiti Reward Program, the City will issue a $500.00 reward to anyone who reports material information to the New Bedford Police Department that leads to the apprehension and conviction of anyone who has defaced public or private property with graffiti.

Mayor Mitchell added, “This is an additional incentive for residents to be vigilant, take pride in their neighborhood, and to report vandalism as soon as they see it.” Citizens must call the New Bedford Police Department to report this type of information.

Graffiti Free NB also seeks to distinguish vandalism from the art created by members of the City’s burgeoning artist community. New Bedford is home to many talented artists and in 2014 the City will call upon the artist community to design and paint public murals in designated locations. The Office of the Mayor will partner with 3rd Eye Unlimited, the UGLY Gallery, and NB Beautiful to organize and sponsor public murals in a variety of locations.

Mayor Mitchell stated, “The mural program will provide an outlet for artists to express themselves in a big way that will contribute to the community.” More information regarding the mural program and the submission process will be released in early 2014.

Tomorrow (Thursday, December 12), from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a private contractor for the City of New Bedford will install lights and signals at the intersection of Acushnet Avenue and Sawyer Street. During the installation, the intersection will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and follow posted detour signs. The completion of all major project elements for the road work being done in the Acushnet Avenue/Sawyer Street area is expected by the end of the week. For further information, contact the Department of Public Infrastructure at (508) 979-1550.

Mayor Jon Mitchell recently met with the heads of the key City departments to ensure New Bedford is prepared to meet the challenges associated with the snow and ice anticipated this winter season. As of December 10, 2013 the Department of Public Infrastructure has made sand available to city residents at the following locations:

• Department of Public Infrastructure – 1105 Shawmut Avenue
• New Bedford City Yard – Corner of Smith St. and Liberty Street
• Brooklawn Park – Irvington Street Side
• Hazelwood Park – Brock Avenue Side

Residents are advised to bring their own small container to collect the sand at any of these locations. The City has also updated the list of designated parking areas where residents may find off street parking available in the event a snow emergency parking ban is declared. The City of New Bedford has designated the following areas as preferred parking areas for those residents in need of off-street parking while the emergency snow parking ban is in effect:

• Victory Park – Brock Avenue
• Hazelwood Park – Brock Avenue
• Roosevelt Middle School – Brock Avenue and Dennis Street
• Cove Street Parking Lot – Cove Street and Morton Court
• Orchard Street at Camara Soccer Field
• Congdon School – Thompson and Hemlock Street
• Buttonwood Park Parking Area – Hawthorn Street Side and Lake Street Side
• Former St. Mary’s Home – Entrance on Mill Street
• Coggeshall Street Parking Lot – Coggeshall Street and Acushnet Avenue
• Sawyer Street Parking Lot – Between Sawyer Street and Beetle Street
• Brooklawn Park Parking Area – Brooklawn Street (South Side)
• Normandin Middle School – Tarkiln Hill Road
• Jireh Swift School – Tarkiln Hill Road
• Campbell School – Phillips Road
• Riverside Park Lot – Coffin Avenue
• Coffin Avenue Lot- Across from Taber Mills Apartments
• Alma del Mar Charter School (former Ottiwell School) – 26 Madeira Avenue
• Former AVX site on Bellville Avenue at Hadley Street
• Philips Avenue School – 249 Phillips Avenue
• DeValles School – 120 Katherine Street
• Parker School – 705 County Street
• Elm Street Garage
• Zeiterion Garage – 688 Purchase Street

Mayor Mitchell also encouraged residents to take steps now to ensure they are prepared in advance to face significant winter weather.

“I am asking residents to ensure the safety of their family and protect their home in the event of a winter storm by taking steps today to develop a plan and get it in place before severe weather hits our city,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

The Mayor urged residents to review the list of winter weather preparedness tips that Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) released today.

• Understand the winter terminology used by weather forecasters:

1. Winter Storm Watch – Be alert, a storm is likely.
2. Winter Storm Warning – Take action, the storm is in or entering the area.
3. Blizzard Warning – Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill. Seek refuge immediately.
4. Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.
5. Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops or fruit trees.

• Ensure your Winter Emergency Supply Kit is stocked with supplies to enable you to survive on your own for at least three to five days. There should be a first-aid kit, essential prescription medicines, non-perishable foods (those that require no refrigeration such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts), a manual can opener, water (one gallon per person, per day), flashlights and extra batteries along with a portable radio or NOAA Weather Radio, baby-care or pet supplies items, extra blankets, sleeping bags and a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that your Winter Emergency Car Kit is well stocked to keep you and your vehicle safe.
• If a storm is coming that may bring power outages, fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and any other devices in advance of a power outage.
• Do not call 9-1-1 to report your power outage or to ask for information, use 9-1-1 only for emergencies. New Bedford residents may report power outages directly to NSTAR via the “Report an Outage” online tool or by calling 800-592-2000 Call 2-1-1 with other winter-related issues.
• Consider purchasing a solar-powered or hand crank charger. If you own a car, purchase a car phone charger to enable you to charge your phone if you lose power at your home.
• Download the free ping4alert! app to your Smartphone to receive important weather alerts and messages from MEMA. Easy instructions are available at www.mass.gov/mema/mobileapp.
• Trim dead tree branches and limbs close to your home. Ice, snow and wind can combine to snap limbs that can take down power lines or damage your home.
• Clean gutters. Melting snow and ice can build up if gutters are clogged with debris. When thawing begins, the water can back up under your roof and eaves causing damage to walls and ceilings.
• Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.
• Ensure that your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are working correctly and have fresh batteries. Check your outside fuel exhaust vents, making sure that they are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use cooking equipment intended for outside use indoors as a heat source or cooking device.
• Have your chimney flue checked for any buildup of creosote and cleaned if necessary to lessen the risk of fire.
• Have sufficient heating fuel, as regular sources may be cut off. Have the option of emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove or fireplace) so you can safely keep at least one room livable. Be sure the room is well ventilated.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide insulation.
• To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing.
• Know how to safely shut off gas, electric power and water valves.
• If your water supply could be affected by a power outage (a well-water pump system), be prepared to fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. Water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only, not as drinking water. Pouring a pail of water from the tub directly into the bowl can flush a toilet.
• If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
• If electric power is lost, do not open the refrigerator or freezer door. Food can stay cold in a full refrigerator for up to 24 hours and in a well-packed freezer for 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-packed). If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage.
• Review the process for manually operating your electric garage door.
• Be a Good Neighbor. Check in on friends, family, and neighbors, particularly those most susceptible to extreme temperatures and power outages such as seniors and those with access and functional needs.

Last night at approximately 6pm a 36 yr. old New Bedford resident was carjacked and robbed in the area of Kempton and County St. she was not harmed.

The woman was exiting a business when she saw a male near her car. He said to her, “do you recognize me?” and then pulled out a sharp object and ordered her into her car.

He then got into the passenger seat and told her to drive.

The woman believes she may have gone to High School with the suspect.

He then made her drive her vehicle for several blocks before telling her to pull over. He demanded her pocketbook at which time she exited her car and ran from the scene. She was able to flag down a passerby in the area of County and Sycamore St. and ask for help.

The suspect fled the area in the victim’s car. Taken was her pocketbook and cell phone.

Approximately 20 minutes later the victim’s auto was spotted parked on Mill St. east of County St. by a uniformed officer searching the area. It has been towed to the north end police station and will be processed for evidence.

Description:

Hispanic male in his 30’s
Approx. 5-9 and 170 lbs
Wearing a black coat and black knit hat

If you have information contact the New Bedford Police at (508) 991-6300 or anonymously at 508-961-4584.

The New Bedford Cultural Council (NBCC) will select the 2013-14 NBCC grant proposals to be awarded funding at a meeting on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 5:00 pm in the Ashley Room at New Bedford City Hall. Agencies and individuals that submitted 2013-2014 grant proposals are invited to observe.

Total funding available for this year is $73,430.45. The window of eligibility is July 1, 2013- December 31, 2014. Projects have one year from the award date for completion and reimbursement and must be publicized and handicapped accessible.

The New Bedford Cultural Council (NBCC) is a local funding agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) supporting programs that promote education, diversity and excellence in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. The NBCC is charged with making funding decisions that best meet the particular needs and priorities of the New Bedford community within the parameters of the broader MCC guidelines.

The NBCC determines its eligibility requirements based on a community input process and these are incorporated into their local guidelines and published to the MCC public web page. Grants are awarded to individuals and organizations, with a maximum amount of $4,000.00 per individual or organization, or $1,500.00 per school for field trip grants. For more information visit www.mass-culture.org/New-Bedford, their Facebook Page or email newbedfordcc@gmail.com.

Ryan Realty & Associates, a local real estate company, is holding a food drive to help residents in need this holiday season. All donations will be delivered to The Shepherds Pantry. The Shepherd’s Pantry serves an average of 120 people per week, not only from Fairhaven and New Bedford, but also from as far away as Taunton and Fall River, Marion, Acushnet, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Lakeville and Freetown.

The “CANS 4A CAUSE” food drive will be collecting non-perishable food items, as well as grocery store gift cards donations from November 21st through December 16th at its office located 39 Alden Rd. across from the Wal-Mart plaza in Fairhaven. “We understand that the holidays are one of the busiest for local food pantries and we want to help our neighbors who are less fortunate in any way we can” said Bill Ryan, Owner/Broker of Ryan Realty & Associates.

Ryan Realty & Associates will enter donors in a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card. For more details, call (774) 202-7060 or visit www.facebook.com/RyanRealty.

District Attorney Sam Sutter announced today that the 36-year-old New Bedford man indicted last month for the October 14th murder of 69-year-old Joyce Howland in Fairhaven, has now been arraigned in Fall River Superior Court.

Joshua Silva, 36, of 26 Oak Street, New Bedford, is charged with murder and armed robbery. He is accused of entering the Hamlet Street home of Joyce Howland, slashing her throat and stealing her jewelry. At the time of the slaying, Mr. Silva was installing insulation at Ms. Howland’s home. Mr. Silva has been held without bail since his initial October 30th New Bedford District Court arraignment.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn.