It was a steamy day in the middle of August. Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson was in a canoe on a small lake in Canton, Massachusetts.

In an instant, he capsized, flipping over and dunking into the water.

A group of children in other canoes laughed and smiled as Sheriff Hodgson reached for his paddle in the water. The kids then helped him empty his canoe, get it upright and climb back in.

They worked together to get the Sheriff back in the canoe, and that was the whole point of the trip.

“When I got there, I saw a bunch of great kids who enjoyed being outdoors in nature,” Sheriff Hodgson said Tuesday. “School is important, we all know that, but these kids were learning lessons being in nature, and that’s important too.”

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson and Youth Outreach Deputies Mike Valler, Bruno Ventura, Mariah Carvalho and Tyler Oliveira celebrate with True Course graduate Aden Medeiros in Dartmouth recently. [Photo courtesy of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office]

The kids were part of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office True Course program, which uses the outdoors as a vehicle for change in at-risk youth. Youth Outreach Deputies Mike Valler, Bruno Ventura, Mariah Carvalho and Tyler Oliveira use outdoor activities to instill confidence, leadership and teamwork in kids.

For example, kids may get a classroom lesson in reading a map and following a compass, then head outdoors for a real-world application. The canoeing lessons started inside in a classroom and eventually turned into an all-out overnight camping trip with canoeing and more activities.

Youth are referred to True Course through the Family Resource Centers in New Bedford and Fall River, which receives referrals from school faculty and staff, including guidance counselors and resource officers.

Three New Bedford students — Aden Medeiros, Joshua Burgo and Matthew Burgo — graduated from the year-long program on Tuesday morning after a brief ceremony at the Dartmouth correctional complex. Joined by parents and other kids in the program who recently finished the summer portion, the kids enjoyed some Cornhole, Kan Jam, refreshments and a K9 demonstration.

Youth who graduate from the program have an opportunity to come back as peer leaders, something the Sheriff’s Office is hoping the three recent graduates will do.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson and Youth Outreach Deputies Bruno Ventura, Mariah Carvalho and Tyler Oliveira celebrate with True Course graduate Joshua Burgo in Dartmouth recently. [Photo courtesy of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office]

“We will always be there for you,” Sheriff Hodgson told the crowd of kids and parents. “This program is really a point of pride for the entire department. We think it should be modeled across the country.”

Grants and donations have allowed the True Course program to expand its offerings in the fall and next year. Deputies recently acquired mountain bikes and archery sets. This winter, kids will also build and fly drones.

Deputy Oliveira also celebrated his last days with the True Course program as he is moving on to become a police officer with the New Bedford Police Department. Damen Desmarais will be joining the True Course team starting in September.

For more information about the True Course program, contact Deputies Valler, Ventura or Carvalho at MichaelValler@bcso-ma.org, BrunoVentura@bcso-ma.org or MariahCarvalho@bcso-ma.org.

UPDATE: Our deepest condolences to the Baker Family. Lynn Irene Baker, 64, lost her battle with cancer and passed away one day before her birthday this Sunday. Lynne and husband Douglas satisfied bellies and hearts for decades with their beloved Pop Casey’s, a restaurant they inherited from Lynne’s grandfather and father who opened its doors in 1947.

A recent post on Pop Casey’s Facebook page broke the sad news about proprietor Lynn Baker’s health. Pop Casey’s has been serving their delicious fare to countless customers for decades – filling bellies, putting smiles on people’s faces at an affordable price. We wish Lynn and family the best of health and luck!

We sure will miss them!

“To our loyal customers, family and friends,

It is with my deepest regret to inform you all that Pop Casey’s will be not be reopening after our vacation. It has been a very difficult decision for my family and I to come to this conclusion, the most difficult decision I have ever had to make.

As most of you are aware, I have been battling Cancer for two years now. In April of 2019 I was told my cancer has metastasized to my liver and that is was not curable only treatable. I decided to embark on a journey to heal myself naturally with the help of my family. It is an extremely regimented and time-consuming protocol, called Gerson Therapy. My most recent scan on August 1st showed very positive and encouraging results, the cancer has stopped spreading and numerous tumors are shrinking!! I am determined to beat this horrible disease, but it is going to be a long road ahead.

I would like to thank everyone of you personally for the positive thoughts, support and prayers during the difficult time. We plan on taking a few months to make some many needed changes and hope to be back serving you all soon. Your understanding during this temporary challenge is much appreciated by myself and my entire family.

Kindest regards,

Lynn Baker
Pop Casey’s.”

Pop Casey’s Facebook.

Pop Casey’s Facebook.

Pop Casey’s Facebook.

PACE’s Health Access Program announces that they have a Senior Health Specialist available on Fridays from 9:00am – 3:00pm (by appointment only) to assist seniors with their health insurance applications. There is no charge for this service.

The Senior Health Specialist will assist anyone over 65 with their applications for Medicare Part A, part B, and part D; Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid and Medicare.

In addition, Pace Health Access Program continues to assist anyone under age 65 with their health insurance needs. Trained Navigators assist clients who do not have health insurance by helping them apply for health insurance to the Massachusetts Health Connector and/or Mass Health. For more information for this free program or to make an appointment please call 508-999-9920.

PACE – People Acting in Community Endeavors, Inc.
The mission of PACE is to provide services and resources for people in need to improve their quality of life. Through work with community partners, P.A.C.E., Inc. develops and supports strategies that encourage self-sufficiency.

PACE programs include: Child Care Works, YB Youth Development Center, The Family Center, Head Start, Housing Services, Fuel Assistance, Clemente Course, Tax Preparation, Health Access, and Food Bank.

FIRST-YEAR STUDENT MOVE-IN DAY SEPT. 1
On Sunday, September 1, first-year students will move into residence halls and begin their academic journeys. Student and staff volunteers will help new students and their families with the move-in process. Click here for the full move-in schedule.

Chancellor Robert E. Johnson will be greeting new students and their families from 10 – 11 a.m. near Chestnut and Maple Ridge halls.

Media are asked to call John Hoey at 508.264.5920 or Ryan Merrill at 508.961.7876 prior to arriving for assistance with traffic and parking.

NEW STUDENT BREAKDOWN
UMass Dartmouth will welcome approximately 2,100 new students to campus this year, including undergraduate and graduate students. Approximately 4,000 will be living on campus.

THIS WE BELIEVE STUDENT ESSAYS
Incoming first-year students have been engaging with their peers on the university’s This We Believe blog. This UMass Dartmouth tradition gives new students an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and learn about the lived experiences of their peers. This year, winners of the Provost’s This We Believe essay contest hail from Taunton, Mansfield, and Raynham, Massachusetts and Cos Cob, Connecticut.

NEW STUDENT CONVOCATION
The Class of 2023 will be officially welcomed to the university during Convocation exercises on Tuesday, September 3 at 11 a.m. in the Vietnam Veterans Peace Memorial Amphitheater.

UMASS LAW CONTINUES TO GROW
UMass Law welcomed a record number of incoming first-year students for the 2019-20 academic year. In total, 113 new law students began their legal education careers – a 21.5 percent increase from last year. For the second year in a row, UMass Law applications grew by more than 20 percent, far exceeding the national average. At the same time, incoming student LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs increased across the board, making this incoming class the most academically qualified in the history of the school.

FACILITIES UPDATES
$1 million in grounds and facility upgrades

This summer facilities and grounds saw more than $1 million in upgrades such a nursing lab, engineering classroom, law school seminar room renovations; road resurfacing; stairway repairs; expansion of academic advising space in the Liberal Arts Building; and relocation of the Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in STEM Education to the Liberal Arts Building.

New battery storage system goes online

This summer, the university launched the largest public battery storage system in Massachusetts. The 520kW system will release stored energy at peak times to help reduce the University’s overall electric costs. The new battery storage system enters a robust ecosystem of campus sustainability infrastructure including a 1.6MWh Co-generation plant and 369 kW of solar photovoltaic panels.

New housing and dining facility on schedule

Last fall, the University broke ground on a $134 million student housing and dining complex project that will serve 1,210 first-year students. The new housing will feature academic classrooms, multimedia and study lounges, demonstration kitchens, and recreation space. The project is currently on schedule and projected to welcome new students next fall.

Science and Engineering Building renovation to start in May

A $54 million renovation of 177,000 square-foot science and engineering building will begin in May, focusing on roofs, windows, heating, and ventilation.

ACADEMIC UPDATES
In August, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved a new Honors College and expanded the scope of the College of Nursing. The Honors College will provide an innovative, inter-disciplinary, and research-oriented community that will attract and graduate highly qualified learners. The newly named College of Nursing and Health Sciences will better position the university to respond to the need for a team-based health care workforce in the community, the region, and beyond. The new structure will bring together the departments of Medical Laboratory Science, Community Nursing, and Adult Nursing to add interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.

9/11 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND SERVICE
As part of the university’s commitment to service, UMassD students, faculty, and staff will participate in the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance at Sharing the Harvest Community Farm on Sunday, September 8. Shifts will begin at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Hosted by the UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement, the event will result in the harvesting of thousands of pounds of fresh produce for local food pantries.

The New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches has announced that East Beach has been closed to swimming today, Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

The New Bedford Fire Department along with other municipal and state agencies is currently investigating a potential oil sheen off of East Beach. East Beach will be closed until further notice from the Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches.

The water at all New Bedford beaches is tested regularly and will be tested daily until acceptable water quality levels are obtained and swimming can resume at all sections. Further updates regarding openings and closures will be made as water quality results are received.

On Saturday, August 24, 2019, an Officer on patrol in the vicinity of Wychmere Harbor in Harwich observed an individual loading fish pots into the rear of a pickup truck. Further inspection found the individual, who was commercially permitted, to be in possession of 384 pounds of black sea bass on a closed commercial fishing day. The entire catch was seized and the individual was criminally summonsed for failure to display catch, landing black sea bass on a closed commercial day, and over the limit possession of black sea bass.

For information regarding saltwater fishing regulations, visit https://www.mass.gov/marine-fisheries-regulations

To report poaching, please contact MEP Dispatch at 1-800-632-8075. Violations can also be reported online at http://bit.ly/MEPReport.

An exclusive dinner with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker will take place on Tuesday, September 17th from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at White’s of Westport, 66 State Rd, Westport, MA 02790. The governor will be addressing topics such as regionalism, early education, small business, and SouthCoast Rail. The dinner will occur during the region’s first “Celebrating Small Business Week” – a project co-managed by the SouthCoast Chamber and Bristol County Chamber of Commerce – starting Sunday, Sept. 15 and ending Saturday, Sept. 22. In addition, the Governor will unveil the new corporate name and identity for the integrated entity of the SouthCoast Chamber and Bristol County Chamber. The two chambers will integrate operations effective Jan. 1, 2020.

“Celebrating Small Business Week” will feature multiple chamber-sponsored events in addition to dinner with Governor Baker, including an “Off the Clock” event with the SouthCoast Young Professionals Network, a Small Business Workshop with SEED and BankFive, Business After Hours and a SouthCoast Business Builder’s Breakfast.

Governor Charlie Baker was sworn in for a second term as the 72nd Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on January 3, 2019, after a first term focused on moving Massachusetts forward through bipartisan, results-driven leadership.

Governor Baker has used public private partnerships to spur economic development, reformed the state’s regulatory environment, and delivered critical tax relief by doubling the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Ensuring Massachusetts continues to be a national leader in education, Governor Baker has made historic investments in K-12 education, increased support for vocational and technical schools, and expanded early college opportunities for high school students.

Governor Baker has spearheaded long overdue reforms at the MBTA that have led to significant improvements to operations and finances, and put the T on track to spend more than $8 billion on infrastructure over the next five years to improve riders’ experience.

Prior to his election, Governor Baker was a highly successful leader of complex business and government organizations, serving as a cabinet secretary to both Governor William Weld and Paul Cellucci, and leading Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, as CEO, from the brink of bankruptcy to one of the nation’s highest ranked health care providers.

Raised in Needham, Governor Baker and his wife Lauren reside in Swampscott, and are the proud parents of their three children, Charlie, AJ, and Caroline.

The cost to attend this event, which includes dinner, is $65 per person for members and $75 per person for non-members. This event is made possible with support from presenting sponsor Southcoast Heath. Corporate tables are available for $1,500 as well as additional sponsorship opportunities. For more information or to register for the event, please contact the SouthCoast Chamber at (508) 999-5231, info@southcoastchamber.com or visit southcoastchamber.com.

The SouthCoast Chamber is a private, non-profit business association based in the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Chartered in 1885, the Chamber serves nearly 1000 member businesses of all sizes from virtually all industries in the ten communities of New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Mattapoisett, Marion, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport. The Chamber supports and promotes the local business community through leadership in public advocacy, education, networking, information, and community development.

The mission of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce is to be the primary business and community information resource for its members and the public; to provide networking opportunities for its members; and serve as an advocate on behalf of its members at the local, state, and federal government levels. The Chamber has served nearly 700 members in all sectors of business since 1911.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) yesterday announced that laboratory testing has confirmed a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus infection in a horse from Methuen. This is the third horse case of EEE in Massachusetts this year. As a result, the risk level in Methuen has been raised to critical and Andover and Lawrence are now at high.

In total across Massachusetts, there are 24 communities now at critical risk, 24 at high risk, and 55 at moderate risk for the EEE virus. Here’s a map of the state’s current EEE risk levels:

Yesterday, DPH announced the fourth confirmed human case of EEE in Massachusetts this year, a woman over 50 from southern Bristol County. Based on the timing of the patient’s exposure, the elevated risk levels throughout Bristol and Plymouth counties, and the completion of the second aerial spraying in the region which concluded over the weekend, there are no risk level changes for communities in Bristol and Plymouth counties at this time.

DPH and the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) were scheduled to begin aerial spraying in specific areas of Worcester and Middlesex counties Sunday, August 25. However, the ability to spray is weather-dependent and as a result of low evening temperatures, spraying did not occur last night but will begin as soon as weather permits.

Residents are encouraged to visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019 for the latest updates on spraying in their communities.

“Although cooler weather will start to reduce mosquito populations, the season is not over yet,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “We are urging people across the state to remember that the peak time for transmission of mosquito-borne illness extends through September here in Massachusetts.”

DPH is working with several state agencies including MDAR, local boards of health, local Mosquito Control Projects, and other mosquito control experts on mosquito surveillance and appropriate public health response activities.

All residents throughout the Commonwealth should continue to use mosquito repellent and those in high and critical risk communities should consider staying indoors during the dusk to dawn hours to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE occurs sporadically in Massachusetts with the most recent outbreak years occurring from 2004-2006 and 2010-2012. There were 22 human cases of EEE infection during those two outbreak periods with 14 cases occurring among residents of Bristol and Plymouth counties.

EEE virus has been found in 334 mosquito samples this year, many of them from species of mosquitoes capable of spreading the virus to people.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

For the most up-to-date information available on spraying locations, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Aerial Spraying Map: https://massnrc.org/spray-map/

For other updates, Q&As, and downloadable fact sheets in multiple languages visit the DPH webpage www.mass.gov/guides/aerial-mosquito-control-summer-2019

Information including all West Nile virus and EEE positive results can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

PAY: $96,271 – $120,347

Responsible for all personnel functions of the City including employment, regulatory compliance, policy enforcement, recruitment, classification, compensation, grievances, benefits, training and performance management. Counsels, works, and advises Department Heads and various staff and employees on personnel transactions and all aspects of the personnel program; mediates problems between employees, works to improve communication within and between the Departments; answers questions from Department Heads and supervisors concerning personnel policies and procedures. Represents management at grievances, hearings, and investigations and participates with labor counsel in negotiations with duly certified bargaining agents and units of municipal employees. Develops health, wellness, and safety programs; oversees the administration of employee benefit programs and the monitoring of the payroll deductions for all benefits; makes recommendations to Mayor on health, safety, and benefit programs to promote economy and efficiency; enforces rules applicable to benefit programs. Prepares and oversees the preparation of the personnel services of the annual budget including Departmental, Employee Consulting, Employee Recognition, Employee Assistance Program, Unemployment and Health insurance budgets.

Bachelor’s Degree in human resources, public administration, business management or a closely related field; Master’s degree or Professional Certification as a Human Resources professional (SPHR) preferred. At least five years’ experience in personnel administration, human resources, or a related subject, including at least three years in an administrative or supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO