OPINION: “What a nurse means to me and why BCC should have its pinning ceremony

“My nurse is my sister. When she first started nursing school I was jealous. I was jealous that she gave a book more attention than me. We were so close before nursing school. Always together. Two peas in a pod! Then, the devil came into our relationship…nursing school!

It took my sister far far away. No more late-night movies, no more shopping buddy (she’s broke ?), no more babysitter, no more hour-long phone calls, no more two peas in a pod! I was heartbroken.

Finally, after a year of the ‘devil’ being in my life, I realized I was selfish. I realized it takes a special someone to be a nurse, and I realized nursing school isn’t the devil (she has to graduate sometime?)! I realized my little sister is actually more than just a sister. She’s a nurse on speed dial! ?.

Once I realized that (mom of two), I started to be more understanding and nicer to her ?. I started to become super proud of my genius, book-loving little nerd of a sister.

That same sister has always talked about this special ceremony that the devil does once the nurses graduate. Yup, the pinning ceremony.

For those of you who don’t know what that is ?, it is a symbolic ceremony specifically for graduating nursing students welcoming them into ‘Hell part 2’ (or so I hear) ?‍♀️. Like I said, ‘special kind of somebody!’

In the US it has been happening for over 100 years ?… but it dates back to the 12th century ??. Tradition and a well deserved one at that!

Well today, I find out that my sister no longer gets that pinning ceremony (and no she didn’t fail out or anything… she’s the genius remember ?)! Bristol Community College decided today that they were getting rid of this 100+-year-old tradition starting with her class ???.

My blood started to boil! Can you imagine? I have been tortured, and I don’t even get to sit in these tiny back wrenching seats with my screaming children and watch my genius sister walk across a stage and get pinned! Fuming! All the hard work, all the blood sweat and tears I have put into the devil and I can’t even cry tears of happiness at that pinning ceremony!

Now, imagine my sister. She is absolutely devastated. Imagine her peers and friends… them too, devastated. If I am sitting here bummed out, I can only imagine what the rest of that graduating class is feeling. it’s probably something along the lines of… bullied, ripped off, lied to, and cheated! I’m sure a few cuss words as well! Did I mention that at the beginning of the devil, my sister’s class put together a fundraiser? Guess what that fundraiser was for? You guessed it, the pinning ceremony.

They raised $10,000 or more ?. Did you know that nursing students also pay ‘dues’ every semester? Do you know why?
Well I don’t, but I’m guessing it’s probably for the pinning ceremony. ?‍♀️

I wonder where all that money goes?

I bet the new president has an idea. ? ? I wonder why Bristol thought they should be one of the first schools to end a century-old tradition?

Nurses saved my daughter who was born at 34 weeks, and saved me as well (I suck at being pregnant)! I mean I’m sure the doctors had a little something to do with it too ?, but we aren’t talking about them ?.

I am writing this in hopes that this story is a little more eye-catching and we can try and teach the devil how to be a little more compassionate towards families ?? and give us our pinning ceremony back! So please help me help myself and spread awareness to this horrendous situation and get these students (and ME the jealous sister) their right to a pinning ceremony in May! Please share and like this post. #pinning104 #fox25 #pleasehelp #bristolcommunitycollege” -Jacqueline MacNeil.




Dartmouth’s Bishop Stang High School announces national merit commended students

Bishop Stang High School announces that the following students have been named Commended Students in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program:

• Kathleen C. Downey (Mattapoisett)
• Cameron T. Garde (Fairhaven)
• Quinn J. Sullivan (Westport)

About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”




41-year old New Bedford man charged in viral animal cruelty case

The following information has been released by the New Bedford Police Department:

Dogs do not appear injured, according to Tufts VETS; Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 in any emergency situation

NEW BEDFORD – Miguel A. Martinez, 41, has been charged with animal cruelty in accordance with Massachusetts general laws Chapter 272, Section 77, after alleged cruelty to a dog in New Bedford.

Martinez was charged after police responded to his residence, 472 Cottage Street, on Wednesday, October 9, in response to reports of cruelty to an animal.

Dogs involved appear ‘un-injured’ according to Tuft VETS

An adult female dog and three puppies were seized and transported to Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties (VETS) in Walpole. According to Tufts, the adult female appears to be physically uninjured although radiology reports are pending, and the puppies also appear to be physically uninjured.

Police seek further information from individual who recorded video evidence of animal cruelty allegations

On Wednesday afternoon, an individual arrived at the downtown New Bedford Police Station stating that he had video evidence of animal cruelty. The individual stated that he did not record the video and that it was sent to him anonymously. The individual shared the video with police, which shows an individual (allegedly Martinez) committing acts of animal cruelty. The video did not have a date or timestamp. The Animal Control Division contacted the Boston Animal Rescue League, which was working on a separate case in Bristol County, for assistance. The Animal Control Division contacted the Boston Animal Rescue League, and the downtown station was informed that Animal Control was investigating.

At approximately 5:02 p.m., New Bedford Police were dispatched to 472 Cottage Street to meet Animal Control officers regarding the report animal cruelty. Police had also received calls after the video had been posted to social media. When police arrived at the address, an individual at the address stated that she had arrived after seeing the video on Facebook and had driven there in order to confront the suspect. The individual stated she had parked in front of the address’s driveway in order to prevent the suspect from leaving the premises.

The individual who recorded the video has not been identified. That individual was not the individual who shared the video with police and has not come forward to police.

New Bedford Police ask that the individual who recorded the video, and anyone who may have further information on this case, contact Detective Division at 508-991-6300 ext. 79519 in order to assist in the investigation.

Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 in any emergency, never to wait
New Bedford Police urge residents to contact 9-1-1 the event of any emergency, including animal cruelty as it is happening. While recording a video can certainly help provide valuable evidence to the police, calling 9-1-1 during a suspected crime as soon as possible is the best way to ensure police are able to respond and to ensure public safety.




Deadline to register to vote in New Bedford’s municipal election is October 16

The New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners reminds New Bedford voters that Wednesday, October 16, 2019 is the deadline to register to vote in the November 5, 2019 municipal election, as well as to notify the Board of Election Commissioners of any change in voter name or address.

The Election Commission office is located at City Hall, 133 William Street, in Room 114. The office will remain open on Wednesday, October 16, from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in order to allow the public more time to complete their voter registration process and make necessary updates to their names or addresses.

In the municipal election on November 5, 2019, New Bedford voters may cast their vote for Mayor, Councillor at-Large, Ward, Councillors, Assessor, and School Committee.

Any voter who is unable to get to the polls on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot during regular Election Commission office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or may request to have an absentee ballot application mailed to their home address by calling the Election Commission office at 508-979-1420. The Election Commission will announce further information regarding absentee ballots as soon as they are available.

In addition, the New Bedford Election Commission office will be open on Saturday, November 2, from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon to give voters additional time to cast an absentee ballot.

Any New Bedford resident whose address has changed since the last election, would like to request an absentee ballot, or is uncertain about their voting status or designated polling location, should contact the Election Commission office at 508-979-1420.




Man arrested after assaulting Massachusetts State Trooper

Just after 2 p.m. today Massachusetts State Troopers responded to reports of a disabled vehicle on Route 91 Northbound blocking part of the right travel lane and ramp to Exit 3 in Springfield.

Upon the arrival of a Trooper assigned to State Police-Springfield, it was determined the vehicle would need to be removed expeditiously as it was impacting traffic. After a tow truck was dispatched to the scene the operator of the disabled vehicle began arguing with the Trooper and then assaulted the Trooper.

The Trooper requested backup, resulting in multiple State Police and Springfield Police cruisers responding. Traffic was severely impacted in the area for approximately one hour.

The operator of the vehicle, identified as ELIJAH HENDERSON, 27, of Bloomfield Ct., was eventually placed under arrest and transported to the Springfield Barracks for booking. The Trooper was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

HENDERSON will be arraigned tomorrow at Springfield District Court. He was charged with:

1. Assault and Battery on a Police Officer;
2. Disorderly Conduct; and
3. Resisting Arrest.




Two refuse treatment after rollover accident at “S” curve in Lakeville

“The S curves again…

Just before 10:00 pm last night, your Lakeville Firefighters responded to Rt 18 at the S curves for a rolled over vehicle.

We are pleased to report that the two occupants were well enough to refuse treatment and transport to a hospital.

Be safe today, wind and rain conditions require additional caution!”-Lakeville, MA Fire Department.




The Airport Grille to get a brand new set of wings and reopen with new menu, pricing and look

While the Airport Grille is keeping its name, very little of the once very popular eatery will remain once it re-opens on October 22.

When it open about a decade ago the location was popular almost out of the proverbial, um gate. Pardon the pun. Many people will offer reasons why the Airport Grille’s popularity declined and one of the more common ones is that it was too expensive to eat at with any regularity and best reserved for special occasions.

On August 17th, 2019 they closed their doors but End Zone owners Troy and Ryan Demelo partnered up with investors Steve Furtado and David Slutz snatched up the property with a mind to improve and reinvent it.

The “new” Airport Grille will be far more affordable – affordable enough that you can stop in on any old day of the week at a whim and with regularity. A quick look at the new menu shows that most prices are in the $10-16 range with many appetizers under $10. There will alos be an “All items under $9” lunch menu and a loyalty club.

With the revamped logo, months of extensive interior and exterior renovations which includes 10 outdoor tables, a 16ft circular firepit which allows for lounging or even some leisure or tournament cornhole, a 12×20 outdoor stage with built-in 6x8ft drum riser and a musical line-up already booked (Thursdays from 6-8:30pm) it seems the new owners have big plans, hopes, and high expectations.

As you would expect with the restaurant to open soon, for those who are interested in work: The Airport is hiring for “experienced line cooks and kitchen staff for all back of the house operations.” You can apply here

_____________________________________________________________________

The Airport Grille

1569 Airport Road
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Open Every Day: 11:30am–11pm

Facebook: facebook.com/theairportgrille/
Website: theairportgrille.com/
Email: theairportgrille@theairportgrille.com

All photos from The Airport Grille Facebook:




Blount Fine Foods to host Job Fair in Fall River on October 16th

Are you looking to work with a growing company? Come see what Blount has to offer you and add some spice to your work life. Join Blount for their Onsite Job Fair on Wednesday, October 16th from 6 to 8pm.

You will have the opportunity to speak with supervisors at the event and hear about their superior benefits package, competitive wages and room for advancement. Several positions are available.

We are looking for:

Overnight Sanitation
Packers
Machine Operators
Data Entry

All 2nd and 3rd shift. English not required, we have Spanish speaking leadership in place. and much more! See what Blount has to offer you!

Can’t make the job fair? Apply directly at www.blountjobs.com
RSVP to the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2229363420509109/

Blount Fine Foods is an equal opportunity employer & prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, disability, marital, & veteran status.




New Bedford mourns loss of Firefighter Cory Combs

From New Bedford Firefighters IAFF Local 841:

“The New Bedford Fire Department along with New Bedford Firefighters Local 841 are saddened to announce the passing of active duty member Firefighter Cory Combs on October 8, 2019.

Firefighter Combs has been a member of the Department since 2012 and assigned to Engine Company 8 located in the City’s north end.

An Army Veteran, Cory proudly served as a Paratrooper assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and was dedicated to the New Bedford Fire Department and the citizens of this City.

We continue to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time and in the coming months.”-New Bedford Firefighters IAF Local 841.”




Andre Tippett visits New Bedford High School to recognize NBHS Coach Mark DeBrito

“Former Patriots star linebacker Andre Tippett visited New Bedford High School today to recognize NBHS Coach Mark DeBrito as the New England Patriots Coach of the Week.

Tippett, a Patriot for his entire pro career and All-Pro Football Hall of Famer, spoke to the Team. “I’ve been watching you from game 1. You’ve got the ability to do something special. Everything I am today is because of what I was able to do at the high school level.”

In addition to the special recognition, Tippett presented $1000 on behalf of the Kraft Family toward the Whaler Football Program in Coach DeBrito’s honor. Go WHALERS! #WhalerPride #WhalerSports #newenglandpatriots”-New Bedford Public Schools.

All photos by New Bedford High School.