Meet 58-year-old lawyer and musician from New Bedford, Rick Bennett.

Rick was born in Dorchester, MA, and furthered his education at North Eastern University, followed by Suffolk University Law School. While a lawyer by day, his passion for music has persisted throughout his entire life.

His story in New Bedford began about 30 years ago after he left Boston, taking a job with the city when John Bullard was Mayor while finishing up law school. A year later Rick took a job working for Lang, Straus, Xifaras & Bullard. He now works out of his downtown office independently, specializing in civil litigation representing local small businesses, especially in the construction industry.

When starting his career in law, playing music had cast aside. He found himself missing music, so he got involved again after he was more established in his career. His primary instrument being the bass guitar, but he also plays the banjo, mandolin, and rhythm guitar.

Rick was recently reminiscing his long musical career, and he’s played in some bands here that did reasonably well. Some of his most successful groups were The X-ToNeS, Urban Burn, The O’Tooles, as well as the current bands The NB Rude Boys and his probably best-known band, The Pourmen where most know him by his alter ego “Richie O’Toole.”

Surrounded by the deep history of New Bedford, Rick remains inspired and passionate thanks to the many cultures, art, and music this city has to offer. A family man first, he plans to continue staying busy with his two active bands making music and representing the city he adopted as his home.

“As a solo practitioner lawyer, I’ve had the flexibility to be there for my family, maintain my lifestyle, and my happiness. So I made a decision a long time ago that I would rather pursue the things that I enjoy, even if I make less money, it’s irrelevant. Money isn’t everything life is about enjoying your friends, family, and doing something you have a passion for.”

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Faces of New Bedford is a New Bedford Guide project being undertaken by Josh Souza. If you’d like to nominate someone or ask a question you can inquire with him through email at josh@newbedfordguide.com.

Faces of New Bedford began as a project by Colton Simmons. You can find Colton on Instagram: https://instagram.com/simmonscolton.

By Colin A. Young and Matt Murphy
State House News Service

As the state works to manage the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday issued his most forceful call yet for the federal government to allow private labs and hospital facilities to test for the virus as the number of cases statewide climbed to 108.

Testing has emerged as a key aspect of the national response to the outbreak of the newest coronavirus and the COVID-19 respiratory illness it causes. Without enough tests, public health officials are not able to wrap their arms around the full scope of the outbreak.

Guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control generally determine who should be tested, but anecdotal evidence suggests that not all people who have been exposed to the virus qualify to be tested at this point.

After meeting with local officials in Pittsfield, where it appears the coronavirus has spread among the community without a known link to an infected person or high-risk region of the world, Baker said Massachusetts recently got enough testing supplies to test an additional 5,000 people but still needs to significantly ramp up its testing.

“We certainly believe we have what I would describe as an adequate supply today, but as I said in my remarks, we need the federal government — the CDC and FDA in particular — to give hospitals and testing facilities here in Massachusetts that have the capacity to test the material and then the approval they need to actually begin to test themselves,” Baker said.

“The fact that the state lab is the single source of testing at this time is not adequate,” he said.

Baker would not say exactly how many people have already been tested in Massachusetts, but said the state now has the ability to test 5,000 people in addition to the “several thousand” it had the ability to test before getting the latest supply.

On Tuesday, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel said the state had recently received enough kits and supplies to test 2,000 new people and had already tested roughly 400 patients. Bharel said an approval from the federal government to automate part of the testing process would also allow the state to increase its testing capacity from 50 to 200 per day.

“Thankfully, the Massachusetts DPH lab is more advanced than some other states. That enables the lab to now process four times as many samples as it was last week,” Baker said Thursday. “But we need more testing capability. And we need the federal government to get there.”

Baker said his administration has been in touch with the state’s Congressional delegation and the Trump administration about securing approvals for additional testing sites, including hospitals and private labs.

“We have hospitals in eastern Massachusetts, central Massachusetts, western Massachusetts, we have labs not related to hospitals, independent privately operated labs, all of which have the capacity to do this if they can get several requirements and authorizations from the feds,” Baker said.

The number of cases of coronavirus in Massachusetts reached triple digits on Thursday, with the Department of Public Health reporting a total of 108 cases, including six confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. That’s 13 more cases than were reported on Wednesday.

A total of 82 cases, up from 77 a day earlier, are being linked to the Biogen leadership meeting at the Long Wharf Marriott in late February.

Worcester County was the only county with known exposure to COVID-19 to not see an uptick in cases Thursday, while there still have been no reported cases Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties.

Berkshire County, where Baker was in the afternoon, now has a total of nine cases. Public health officials also added a new category to its tracking to report that eight cases are associated with Berkshire Medical Center.

At that hospital, Baker said from Pittsfield, officials are concerned about their ability to appropriately staff the facility given the fact that some workers have been quarantined out of concern that they might have been exposed to the coronavirus.

But because of the emergency declaration he ordered this week, Baker said the state’s Board of Registration in Nursing “put in place an emergency procedure that will make it possible for licensed out-of-state medical professionals and nurses to get licensed here in Massachusetts in one day.”

“One of the things we heard from the delegation and from the mayor about was a more aggressive process for nurses and other medical professionals who are licensed and qualified in other states to be able to get licensed and qualified in Massachusetts quickly,” the governor said after meeting with Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Sen. Adam Hinds and others.

Hinds tweeted Thursday afternoon that the steps the state has taken so far to help Berkshire County are only the start.

“The Berkshires is the first area of the Commonwealth where we are seeing community transmission of COVID-19 of unknown origin. Approving interstate medical licenses to practice in Massachusetts, supporting public and private labs to test and expedite COVID-19 results, and provide cutting-edge equipment to hospitals and healthcare organizations in our region is just the beginning of what is necessary for the Berkshires to mitigate and curb the virus’ spread,” the Pittsfield Democrat posted.

Reps. William “Smitty” Pignatelli and John Barrett III, both from the Berkshires, also have filed legislation to create a new fund to assist hourly wage workers who may have to miss work due to infection, quarantine or isolation related to COVID-19.

OFF: Thursday, March 12, 2020: Dual Enrollment Info Session at NBHS

The Dual Enrollment Information Session scheduled for tonight at New Bedford High School from 5:30-6:30 has been canceled. Information about the program will be posted on the New Bedford High School website nbhs.newbedfordschools.org along with the application. Please contact Mrs. Cardoza directly with questions regarding the program or application process at jcardoza@newbedfordschools.org or 508-997-4511 x20507.

POSTPONED: Friday, March 13, 2020: Pops Concert at NBHS

Out of an abundance of caution, the New Bedford High School Pops Night, which was scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020 has been postponed until further notice.

ON: Saturday, March 14, 2020: SAT Testing at NBHS

College Board SAT Testing at New Bedford High School remains on schedule for Saturday, March 14. Students registered to take the SAT are to report on time per College Board instructions. Students will be divided into small groups throughout the high school.

“For the health and safety of our audiences, artists, volunteers, and staff, we have decided to postpone or cancel all performances, classes and events through March 31.

We understand that many of you had concerns about gathering in a large group. We share those concerns and are taking the precautions necessary to stem the tide of this virus. For updates, please visit www.zeiterion.org/coronavirus-update.

If you are attending a performance, event or class in the month of March, you’ll receive an email about next steps. Right now, we are working with artists and their representatives to evaluate all our options, and will keep you informed as the details emerge.

We thank you for your continued support and understanding during these challenging times. Like all nonprofits, The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is dependent on its patrons, members and donors who are the heart and soul of our mission to bring people together to experience the magic of live performance.

Wishing everyone good health,
-Zeiterion”

Mayor Jon Mitchell and members of the New Bedford Complete Count Committee officially launched New Bedford Counts, the City’s 2020 Census efforts as the count gets underway starting today, March 12, 2020.

Last year at Mayor Mitchell’s direction, the City of New Bedford, in a comprehensive effort to ensure the entire population of the City is accurately counted in the 2020 Census, formed the New Bedford Complete Count Committee, a public-private partnership composed of 18 members (with 13 drawn from the community and 5 from City government).

The City also hired its first Census Outreach Coordinator, Lynn Coish, last year to organize the City’s focus on the Census. For the past 12 years, Ms. Coish worked for the Buzzards Bay Coalition as administrative assistant and volunteer coordinator. For the past 14 years, she has also served as the team leader of Operation Clean Sweep in New Bedford.

Census website launched
The Census is critical to all New Bedford residents. Census numbers directly affect the amount of funding the federal government directs towards New Bedford. The City has launched a Census website, www.newbedford-ma.gov/census, and will include reminders on radio, social media, and beyond for residents to receive important information about the Census.

Respond by May 12
The Census is here: it will begin arriving in the mail in New Bedford and nationwide over the next two weeks, beginning today. The self-response period ends May 12, so residents should complete their Census online, by mail, or by phone by that date. From May 13 through July 31, Census workers will visit neighborhoods across New Bedford and the country to follow up with those who have not yet filled out their forms. Residents may still respond on their own during this period, but may receive a knock on their door from Census workers.

The Census is easy! Fill it out online, by mail, or by phone

The Census forms residents receive in the mail will include instructions on how to fill out the Census online, by mail, or by phone. It consists of a few simple questions to ensure everyone in the household is counted.

Help Centers and assistance available to City residents
As part of the New Bedford Counts effort, 25 Census Help Centers are also available across the city. These include the City’s five library branches and more locations. The full list is available at www.newbedford-ma.gov/census.

The Census affects funding and representation
Conducting an accurate Census is critical to ensuring that New Bedford gets its fair share of federal for the people, services and projects in the city. If individuals are not counted, important programs that city families rely on will not be adequately funded – for the next ten years.

These programs include:

• School funding (Title I)
• Hospitals/Medicaid funding
• Childcare subsidies and more

According to the Massachusetts Census Equity Fund, every person counted means $2,372 in federal funding (average state-level figure). Mid-size cities including New Bedford are among the hardest to count in Massachusetts, and New Bedford is at significant risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that New Bedford residents fill out their Census forms.

In addition, the results of the Census are used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives, determining how many congressional seats each state is assigned. The Census results in the redrawing of boundaries of congressional and state legislative districts to account for population shifts.

The Census is confidential
City residents should know that their privacy is protected in the Census process. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share residents’ information or answers with any other government agency. It is a federal crime to release census information; information is used for statistics only.

Members of the New Bedford Complete Count Committee include:

• Mayor Jon Mitchell
• Helena DaSilva Hughes of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center – Co-Chair
• Rev. David Lima of the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford – Co-Chair
• Corinn Williams of the Community Economic Development Center
• Adrian Ventura of the Centro Communitario Trabajadores
• Rev. Tony Youssef of Our Lady of Purgatory Church
• Rev. Robert Hughes
• Olivia Melo, Director of the New Bedford Library system
• Marci-Pina Christian, New Bedford Department of Community Services
• Patrick Sullivan, Director of City of New Bedford Housing and Community Development
• Manny DeBrito, City of New Bedford Election Commissioner
• Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Center
• Thomas Anderson, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools
• William Burns, Director of Government & Community Affairs for Southcoast Health
• Rick Kidder, CEO of the Southcoast Chamber of Commerce
• John Vasconcellos, President of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts
• Carl Alves, Executive Director of PAACA
• Pam Kuechler, Executive Director of PACE

For more information on how you can get involved with the New Bedford Complete Count Committee, contact Lynn Coish at 508.979.1410 or lynn.coish@newbedford-ma.gov.

Did you grow up in the 1980s or 1990s and have fond memories of spending a day at places like “The Dream Machine” playing games like Dig-Dug, Robotron, Centipede, Pac-Man, and others? Well, you’ll soon be able to take a stroll down memory lane and bring out that little kid inside.

Fairhaven residents Lauren and Adam Katz will be taking over downtown New Bedford’s Slainte Irish Pub and re-open the location as a coin and token operated 80-90s arcade with a kitchen, bar, function rooms, sidewalk seating, as well as the rooftop seating the Irish Pub was known for.

The husband and wife duo will feature dozens of stand-up arcade machines, skeeball, a bar offering among other things dozens of craft beers on tap, as well as a yet to be determined menu. Have a birthday, anniversary, work party or other special events to celebrate? You can utilize one or both function rooms which seat up to 50 people.

While the idea of an arcade will, of course, attract a younger crowd, anyone 18 or under will have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian up to 8:00pm, at which time it’s “Sorry kids! Game over.”

The Katzes are gunning for a Memorial Day opening pending approval by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and transfer of the liquor license.

The Baker-Polito Administration released policies restricting visitors to nursing homes and rest homes in order to protect older adults at higher risk for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory illness. Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel and their teams reviewed the guidance with long term care facility operators via teleconference today.

This action follows Governor Charlie Baker’s Tuesday declaration of a State of Emergency in Massachusetts that was ratified by the Public Health Council earlier today granting the Commissioner of Public Health with the authority to implement the Governor’s State of Emergency.

With this authority, the Commissioner of Public Health issued an order requiring all facilities – nursing and rest homes – to actively screen all visitors and to take measures to restrict visitors under certain circumstances.

“Everyone has a role to play to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts, and it’s particularly important that we take precautions to keep older adults and those with health conditions safe,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This new guidance for long-term care facilities is critical to protecting older adults from COVID-19 and we appreciate the public’s willingness to observe these important rules for the foreseeable future.”

“Today’s actions are being taken to protect older adults that are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus and other respiratory diseases, as we have seen as its spread across the world, including the United States,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Massachusetts, as we all know has an aging population – with 20% of residents being over 60 – and so we needed to act to protect our older residents, especially those in long term care facilities.”

“Our goal at DPH is to protect the health and well-being of all Massachusetts residents, especially those at highest risk for COVID-19,” said Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “We will continue to update our guidance as this outbreak evolves.”

This guidance outlines how these facilities should protect older adult residents, who are at higher risk for Coronavirus. The guidance includes the following restrictions:

· Banning visitors who show signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat)
· Visitors will be prohibited if in the last 14 days they had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, are under investigation for COVID-19 or has been sick
· Visitors will be prohibited if they have travelled internationally in the last 14 days or are residing in a community where community-based spread of COVID-19 is occurring
· Visitors will not be allowed to visit long term care facilities if they currently feel sick or exhibit symptoms

In addition to specific recommendations for long term care facilities, the Administration updated its guidance to the general public, specifically urging older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and events. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds to mitigate risk. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

The public is reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

· Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
· Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel
· Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

From the Brockton Police Department:

JOIN US IN ATTENDING FUNERAL FOR BROCKTON WWII VET WITH NO LIVING FAMILY MEMBERS

Visitation: 3/12/20 8:45-9:15 AM Conley Funeral Home/138 Belmont St., Brockton, MA 02301
Funeral: 3/12/20 10:30 MA National Cemetery/Bourne, MA

https://www.currentobituary.com/obit/241543

A police officer never knows what the day or night will ultimately bring. They could be involved in anything from an arrest to settling a domestic dispute, to checking on the welfare of an elderly resident, to saving a life or helping a mother deliver her baby.

Our officers train and prepare themselves to face whatever challenge may come their way as they work to protect and serve every day.

But one-day last month, service to others was indeed on the minds of our detectives and patrol officers who responded to a call at a home and discovered a 94-year-old deceased man. The investigation revealed that the man was Mr. Nathaniel Marshall, an Army veteran who served in World War II.

We also found that the Army awarded Mr. Marshall several medals and citations for his service to his country. What detectives could not locate were any surviving family members.

As one of our police sergeants put it, “Mr. Marshall lived alone and died alone. We want to make sure that he isn’t buried alone.”

In keeping with that sentiment, all are welcome to stop by the Conley Funeral Home at 138 Belmont Street in Brockton, MA, on Thursday, March 12, 2020, from 8:45-9:15 AM to pay final respects to a member of America’s Greatest Generation. Police will then escort Mr. Marshall to the MA National Cemetery on Connery Avenue in Bourne for a 10:30 AM Funeral.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell released the following statement after the passing of U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Kirby, a New Bedford native:

“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family of U.S. Army Pfc. Justin Kirby, a New Bedford native who was killed Monday in a training exercise at Fort Irwin, California.

Justin’s service to our Nation reflected his deep commitment to a cause larger than himself and the values of his family of public servants. It is my hope that the gratitude and reverence of our City for Justin’s dedication and patriotism may bring some measure of comfort to Justin’s family as they mourn his sudden loss.

I have ordered the flags at all City buildings to be flown at half-staff in his honor.” –Mayor Jon Mitchell

A Massachusetts State Police K9 team yesterday morning located and captured a man who stabbed a co-worker at the produce center in Wakefield where they worked. Trooper Daniel Purtell and his partner Neko tracked the suspect through thick brush, reeds, and water in a swamp where he was attempting to hide and apprehended him at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The sequence of events leading to the capture began at approximately 8:35 a.m. Tuesday, when State Police were notified that Wakefield Police had responded to a stabbing at Produce Connection on Audubon Road. The suspect had fled into a wooded and swampy area adjacent to Audubon Road.

Among the MSP units that responded to assist in the search were Trooper Purtell and Neko, who deployed on a track. Neko led his handler into thick woods and a swamp, and they crossed through chest-deep water and heavy brush that made visual observation difficult. Within a short time, Neko began pulling aggressively and displayed a proximity alert; Trooper Purtell issued two verbal commands telling the suspect to surrender but got no response.

At that point, Neko, who was out ahead of the Trooper, stopped pulling, and Trooper Purtell crashed through the brush and reeds, while still in waist-deep water, to reach Neko’s location. When he reached the dog he observed Neko had bitten onto the suspect’s pants as the man was trying to hide. Trooper Purtell ordered the suspect to show his hands and immediately removed Neko from the suspect’s clothing and, along with backup Trooper Scott Hayes, placed the suspect in custody and escorted him from the swamp.

The suspect, identified as ELVIN GUTIERREZ, 34, of Chelsea, was examined by an EMS unit, which determined no treatment was necessary.

The victim, a 25-year-old male, suffered non-fatal injuries stab and slash wounds and was transported to Lahey Clinic from the stabbing scene.

Wakefield Police, who have jurisdiction over the investigation, charged GUTIERREZ with assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and outstanding warrants and he is being prosecuted by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.