“Karen Stefanik a dedicated volunteer at C.A.R.E. Southcoast Animal Shelter came to Winslow School to talk to students about caring for animals.

The PBIS Ambassadors of Kindness started a community service project to collect items to help the animals at this shelter. With the help of the Winslow Families generous donations, PBIS Ambassadors of Kindness bagged “doggie bags” for dozens of animals. C.A.R.E. Southcoast is an all-volunteer, no-kill animal shelter in Acushnet.

Our animals rely on the generosity of the community to help with food, litter, vet visits and so many other needs. We always need volunteers (16 and up) to help with the cats at our shelter, as well as foster homes for our dogs and kittens. Our shelter building is being sold, so we are also looking to move into a new building before we become homeless!”-Kristen Nightingale.

The Wareham Police Association will be hosting its annual “Stuff-a-Cruiser” toy drive. It will be held on Saturday, December 7, at Target and Walmart from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Every year the association collects toys for underprivileged local families, and we look forward to another successful year.

We welcome everyone to stop by, say hello, and meet some of your local police officers along with members of the Department of Natural Resources.

The Fall River and New Bedford police departments, in partnership with the UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, will host “Guns for Groceries” events on November 23. The program was inspired by the late Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence who has orchestrated numerous gun giveback programs in Southeastern Massachusetts, removing more than 3,300 guns from the streets.

“Guns for Groceries” will take place on Saturday, November 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 634 Purchase St., New Bedford

The program will offer Market Basket gift cards and Domino’s pizza coupons for guns – no questions asked. Anyone returning a shotgun or long gun will receive a $50 gift card to Market Basket. Handguns returned will earn a $75 gift card. Domino’s pizza coupons will also be distributed.

Last year’s events saw 193 firearms exchanged, including 72 handguns, 93 long guns, and 28 pellet/bb guns. Police officers from the two cities also collected 4,000 rounds of ammunition and 20 knives.

“For 25 years, my husband was committed to making our communities safer by initiating the guns for groceries program,” said Elizabeth Duffy, Assistant General Counsel, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services and wife of the late Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence. “I am proud of what my husband stood for and thrilled that UMass Dartmouth values his ideals and is continuing this important program.”

“It is an honor to continue the legacy of Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence in the Guns for Groceries program,” Fall River Police Chief Albert F. Dupere said. “Even if only one gun, of over the 3000 collected so far in Fall River, saved one life, the entire program has succeeded beyond our collective hopes.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure our community’s safety by turning in firearms that individuals no longer wish to keep or have a use for,” New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro said. “It is equally important for parents to turn in firearms that their children or young adults may possess unlawfully. Let’s keep our community safe by turning in unwanted guns.”

“Pilgrim Church is pleased to cooperate with others in the community who are trying to make our streets and homes safer,” said Rev. Douglas Cederberg, pastor of Pilgrim United Church of Christ. “We see it as our contribution to making life better in New Bedford.”

“We at Blessed Trinity are looking forward to hosting Guns for Groceries in an effort to make our city safer by getting guns off our streets and to also honor this important work begun many years ago by the late Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence for the good of our community,” said Rev. Rob Nemkovich, pastor at Blessed Trinity Parish in Fall River.

“Many people purchase guns for various reasons but sometimes they end up not being used much, left unsecured and forgotten,” said Rev. David A. Lima, pastor of the New Seasons Worship Center and executive minister of Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford. “That’s when they can fall into the hands of a curious youngster, or, worse, a person contemplating harm to themselves or others. In recent years we have seen an increase in suicide by gun, an alarming trend.”

“Unsecured guns present a high risk of being stolen in house breaks, often by family members or acquaintances sliding into addiction or despair. Once on the street, they pose an unacceptable risk to everyone in the community,” said Nelson Hockert-Lotz of Domino’s Team New Bedford. “Gun Safety Exchanges, such as November 23rd’s Guns for Groceries, remind all gun owners of the critical importance of securing firearms properly, or turning firearms that might pose a hazard to a child, a family, or our community into the proper authorities, no questions asked.”

“The Leduc Center is proud to collaborate with many organizations in promoting the legacy of Rev. Lawrence of making our community a safer place to live,” said Dr. Matthew Roy, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Career and Civic Engagement. “I am particularly grateful to Domino’s, Attorney Scott Lang, Southcoast Health, and Durfee High students. We are counting on New Bedford and Fall River youth to lead the charge in marketing this program.”

Mayor Jon Mitchell today reiterated his opposition to a proposed location for an opioid addiction treatment facility on Brigham Street and pledged to work together with the City Council on options for protecting neighborhoods.

At its October 24 meeting, the Council adopted an order with the intention of immediately prohibiting the issuance of local permits related to opioid addiction treatment centers within 10,000 feet of a residential structure. A subsequent legal review by the City Solicitor’s Office found that the measure was invalid because the City Code requires that zoning-related matters of this nature take the form of a municipal ordinance rather than a simple order.

Zoning ordinances are governed by a separate procedure which involves approvals by the Planning Board, Council, and Mayor. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, which governs zoning ordinances, also mandates that the Planning Board and City Council hold public hearings on the proposals. In conjunction with his statement today, the Mayor returned the October 24 order to the City Council based on the recommendation of the City Solicitor’s Office. Mayor Mitchell thanked Councilors for their united opposition to the treatment center and pledged continued partnership.

“I am committed to working with the City Council to ensure that addiction treatment centers are operated with the interests of neighbors taken into consideration,” he said. “I understand that the Council intended to safeguard our neighborhoods, and I appreciate their concern and their efforts to protect the best interests of residents. We will also continue to work to ensure that those suffering from the scourge of addiction receive the care that they need. New Bedford has demonstrated itself to be a national leader in combatting opioid addiction, but it would be irresponsible for us to not also take steps to ensure the appropriate locating of substance abuse facilities. I am confident that together, we can find an effective solution with the best outcome for the residents of New Bedford.”

After a thorough review of surveillance video in the East Taunton area and discussions with witnesses, our office can confirm that the vehicle of interest connected to last night’s fatal hit and run​​​​ is a blue or dark colored pick-up truck. The vehicle is believed to be a GMC Sierra from model years 1999 through 2007. The vehicle may have sustained minor damage to its hood and/or windshield. Screen shots from surveillance video and a stock image of the vehicle of interest are attached to this e-mail.

Due to incorrect information provided by a witness last night, the information regarding a gray SUV being involved in the incident appears to no longer be credible.

Investigators are renewing their call for public assistance this afternoon. If anyone was driving or walking in the area of 305 Middleboro Avenue last night shortly before 5:30 p.m. or if anyone has seen the vehicle of interest, they are urged to contact State Trooper Brock Morrissette at 508-961-1904 or the Taunton Police’s detective line at 508-823-5000.

Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and Taunton Police are actively investigating this fatal incident.

Taunton Police responded to the area of 305 Middleboro Avenue last evening around 5:30 p.m. for a reported motor vehicle vs. pedestrian crash. When first responders arrived on scene, they located the victim lying in the roadway. The victim, identified as Jose Ferreira, 85, of Taunton, was rushed to Morton Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle that struck Mr. Ferreira is believed to have fled westbound on Middleboro Avenue after the crash.

Investigators believe there are other witnesses who were driving in the area of the crash at the time of the incident and are asking them to please come forward and contact police. Even seemingly minor details or observations could be helpful to investigators as they search for the driver.

On Monday, November 4th 74-year old Paul Vidal of Westport perished in his 1977 Cessna 150M as it crashed into New Bedford’s Rural Cemetery. By all accounts, Mr. Vidal was doing something he loved and was passionate and had nearly 25 years of piloting experience. In 2010, he had earned his private pilot license.

Eyewitnesses on scene said it appeared to them that he made every effort to avoid homes in residential areas. Wife Carol said that they had discussions in the past about what he would do if he was in trouble while flying and that he would do just that very thing: to avoid further loss of life he would do what he could to land it in an area away from the public.

This, however, was not New Bedford’s first plane crash with a casualty. On the foggy night of September 15, 1957, a Northeast Airlines DC-3 carrying 24 passengers and flying from Martha’s Vineyard (originating from Boston with a New York destination) crashed as it was approaching the New Bedford Regional Airport killing the pilot, copilot and eight passengers.

Incredibly, 14 passengers survived the crash and just as incredible they were alone for approximately 3 hours waiting for first responders. The plane went down in a swamp just half a mile from the airport making it difficult for emergency personnel to reach them as they had to carry their equipment and trudge through the oil and gas-filled mud swamp on foot.

Adding further delay was that responders had to make several attempts to find the safest, quickest path but had to track back when coming across impassable sections. Firefighters laid their rescue ladders in spots where they plunged almost up to their waists. Time was also spent trying to free some of the firefighters, paramedics, and doctors who were stuck in the mud.

According to court proceedings, the fog created dangerous conditions and the pilot was flying low enough to skim the trees. Pilot Vincent Pitts was a veteran combat flyer during WWII and had flown and became a captain for Northeast Airlines in 1953. Those who were alive at the time of the crash recall hearing sirens for hours in the night.

Spinner Publications photo.

When the rescuers arrived they came upon a horror scene consisting of injured, bleeding and battered survivors – some stuck in the mud and still strapped into their seats. The plane itself had been snapped in half 50 feet apart with both wings snapped free.

Some of the survivors walked away with as little as a fractured rib or broken leg, but the mental scars certainly lasted a lifetime. Charles Chase of New York those who managed to survive the crash succumbed to his injuries while in the hospital later the next morning.

The list of those who perished:

• Captain Vincent L. Pitts of Wellesley
• Co-Pilot Roger W. Sweetland of Arlington, MA
• D.L. Chapman of New York
• Eli Schless of New York
• Alan Melhado of Nantucket and New York
• Phoebe J. Bradshaw of Elmhurst, New York.
• Althea Eccles of Jaima, New York
• Russell D. Bell of Montreal and New York
• Mary Brownell of Fall River, MA
• Charles Chase of New York

New Bedford’s per capita income is nearly half the state average. That would change if we started to tie Massachusetts legislator pay to the income of the communities they represent.

Two years ago, I reported that New Bedford Senator Mark Montigny received a whopping 79% increase, going from a $82,233 income to $147,548. New Bedford Representative Tony Cabral saw his total pay go up by 37% from $82,232 to $112,547. That’s an annual increase of $30,315. New Bedford/Acushnet Representative Robert Koczera (defeatd by Christopher Hendricks in 2018) saw his total pay go from $62,232 to $87,747 or 31%. New Bedford/Dartmouth Representative Christopher Markey saw his pay go from $74,732 to $97,547 or 31%.

According to the U.S. Census Burau, New Bedford’s per capita income is at $23,866 in 2017. That means Senator Montigny’s income in 2017 was more than 6 times the income of the New Bedford constituents he represents. Cabral earned nearly five times the income of his constituents.

I personally believe that state legislators should earn exactly the per capita income of their constituents with travel expenses and some other fees being reimbursed (just like the military). If we mandated this, they would feel the tax increase they voted on. They would feel the property tax increases year after year. And for certain, they would work hard at raising the income of their constituents because their pay raise would depend on it.

“This speaker Adolf Brown Professor, Dean, Master Teacher was brought here by our New Bedford Public School Superintendent to speak to all of New Bedford School Teachers and Staff.

What an amazing positive speaker. Came from poverty, his brother was murdered at age 11. He went to all these universities and earned all these degrees I think the public should meet this guy.”-Robin Monteiro.

“He is recognized as one of the top 10 most influential thought leaders in America. He is a servant-leader at heart, and is admired around the world for his simple and direct “Real Talk,” and powerful, universal and timeless teachings. r. Brown is best known for inspiring all who hear him to learn, laugh and lead, while simultaneously reducing implicit bias at every turn. He is the leading provider of anti-bias training in business and education.”

You can read Adolf Brown’s full bio on his here.

All photos by Robin Monteiro.

The Bishop Stang Theatre Company will present celebrated playwright Joseph Kesselring’s Arsenic and Old Lace. Welcome to the world of the Brewster family filled with colorful characters and witty plot twists, this quirky comedy is one for the ages.

Yes, the Brewsters are an eccentric bunch: good-hearted drama critic who hates the theatre, Mortimer Brewster (Caleb Hughes), appears to lead a normal, happy life. Recently engaged to be married to Elaine (Myra Wong), Mortimer visits his charming, spinster aunts, Abby Brewster (Phoenix Carreiro) and Martha Brewster (Ellen Scarano). However, shortly after Mortimer’s arrival, he discovers that his innocent aunts have a deadly secret buried in the basement—about a dozen older gentlemen.

To Mortimer’s dismay, Abby and Martha deem their poisonous habits as charitable acts; convinced that they are putting these men out of their misery. Attempting to protect society without sending Abby and Martha to prison, hilarity and madness ensues as Mortimer tries to wrangle in his crazy aunts, along with his brothers—Theodore (Xavier Markey), who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, and maniacal, murderous Jonathan (Philip Marcalo) along with his partner in crime, a phony plastic surgeon, Dr. Einstein (Lily Saulnier). This combination of characters leads to a mix of laugh-out-loud hilarity and macabre mayhem.

Rounding out the ensemble are Emma Chausse, David Habboosh, Nashwan Habboosh, Neda Habboosh, Andrew Magalhaes, Allison Pereira, and Ryan Saucier.

There is a special remembrance of Ryan Howarth ’99, whose classmates reunited in October and raised money for this production in his memory. Classmates and family members will be present at the Friday performance.

The curtain goes up on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 at 7:00 pm on the stage at Bishop Stang High School, 500 Slocum Rd., North Dartmouth. General admission tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for students and seniors. Call the school at (508) 996-5602 for more information.

In the event a deer is killed by a motor vehicle collision, the operator (as long as they are a Massachusetts Resident) may claim and take into their possession the remains for salvage. Upon doing so, the person salvaging the deer must contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

The accident should also be reported to the municipal police department or nearest State Police Barracks for logging purposes. The unprocessed deer must be presented within twenty-four (24) hours for tagging at either a Massachusetts Wildlife office or by the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

If it is to be tagged by the Environmental Police, the person salvaging it will be provided with instructions as to a location and time. If the driver does not wish to claim the animal, it may be released to a passenger in the car provided they are a resident of Massachusetts. This tag shall remain with the deer until there are no more usable parts of the deer.

No part of a salvaged deer shall be sold or bartered. There is no provision in the law that allows a resident from another state to claim a deer struck by a motor vehicle in Massachusetts.

The full law can be found under 321CMR 2.04 at http://bit.ly/2WQ9Kjt