Looking to cool off? Here’s a look at the wave pool at Water Wizz at 3031 Cranberry Highway in East Wareham.

We all take pride in those things we worked hard to have. We paint, remodel and maintain our homes and apartments. Mow and groom our lawns. Water our plants, wax our boats, press, and dry clean our clothes.

The vast majority of us own vehicles and for many, it’s a possession we prize highly and perhaps, most. They are a reflection of who we are, we spend a lot of time in them, and they provide us with a lot of enjoyment, even memories. Some of us even have pet names for them!

Like all the things we have pride in, we like to show our cars off and we certainly aren’t happy when they are in poor condition, dirty or look horrible inside or out. Even if you are the type that owns a 4×4, truck or Jeep and enjoys taking it through mud, dirt, and rough terrain, you want your car to look nice in between mudding.

And just like any other possession, we don’t trust our cars with anyone and with those we do trust we hold them to high standards. Here in greater New Bedford there is a company that has burst onto the car detailing scene and making quite a name: Mobile Pro Detailing.

Now, I hear you: there are a lot of car detailing companies out there. Yawn. Not so fast.

There are a number of things that separate Mobile Pro Detailing from the other companies: their passion, attention to detail, know-how and get this: they come to you. They provide an exemplary mobile service!

Co-owners and Dartmouth residents, Molly Dreher and Yuri Lopes recently started the business because they both had extensive backgrounds in car detailing all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and even out west. Both have spent years as professional with major dealerships like Jeep, Kia, and Infiniti.

They struck out on their own for a few reasons: they felt while there were a lot of car detailing businesses, many of them were started by hobbyists, not professionals. In addition, while working for dealerships confined them to strict protocols and services they felt it left room for improvements. There wasn’t the freedom to add extras.

Finally, there was a demand for “house calls.” They noticed that no one was providing the convenience of having professionals come to your home or place of business and having your car detailed without interrupting our busy lives. You get your pride and joy taken care while you work, play, spend time with family and friends. Gone is the idea that you have to drop your car off and arrange for a friend pick you up, or sit bored in a waiting room.

How the service works is that Mobile Pro Detailing brings the machinery, tools, and equipment to you and that includes all over Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This is not simply cleaning and washing, but a full service that takes a serious amount of time (averaging about 2 hours) and attention. Your car gets washed, polished, clayed, waxed, and vacuumed out. Scratches get removed, tires get washed and treated, stains removed. Setting up an appointment is easy, just call:(857) 701-6095

“We do have our own water and electricity that we normally use when we are are a customer’s office/work, so that isn’t something they need to worry about.” states Molly. “We are also very good with communicating with our clients – we ask if we can be early, let you know if we finish the car earlier than anticipated or if we’re stuck in traffic and going to be a couple minutes late. Some companies will leave you hanging or reschedule on you, but we are very responsible and informative with our clients.”

This type of responsive, attentive service carries over into the detail they put into their work. You get the high standards. Best of all, not only is Mobile Pro Detailing competitively priced and affordable, but they offer number of options in varying price ranges – you can have just an interior treatment of you prefer. The packages are color-coded progressively with Green, Yellow and Red packages.

For example, with the “Green Interior Only” package they: “…vacuum seats, carpets, trunk and floor mats, shampoo carpets/seats, clean all interior surfaces (vents, cup holders, etc.), apply UV protectant to all hard interior surfaces to restore shine and luster, wipe down any leather surfaces and apply a conditioner, clean interior windows. 1 hour, 45 minutes.” Packages start at $130 for a Coupe, Sedan or Wagon.

Molly and Yuri find one of the most rewarding aspects of their job to be the customers’ reactions to finished results. “The feeling of taking something dirty, messy and in bad condition and with your own hard work and time, transforming it into something clean, new, and shiny feels really good. Getting the car to look and feel new again really makes people happy and I believe it changes their mood when they get into their cars to drive.”

If you want a team of dedicated, hard-working, reliable professionals to treat your car as if it was their own, then you will be thoroughly pleased with Molly and Yuri’s services. They love what they do so much that a “short” week to them is working a 6 day week and 8 hour day. They have rocketed out of the gate by going above and beyond customer’s expectations and know with clarity what it takes to make a business continue to prosper and grow: hard work, patience, and taking responsibility.

I’ll let them have the last word – word that sums up their enthusiasm, positive attitude, and business ethics: “It’s amazing all the different people we meet and fantastic cars we see. And I get to work with my best friend! We are a team in everything, work and life.”

You can book an appointment by Phone: (857) 701-6095, Email: mobileprodetails@gmail.com or even conveniently through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mobileprodetail/ You can also gift their service with an e-gift card – a great gift. Mobile Pro Detailing frequently offers deals, promotions, and discounts so be sure to check their pages or call often, especially any time a holiday has come around.

“Excellent very satisfied” -Rob Q. Freetown, MA

“Fantastic job on my car, inside & out. Would highly recommend.” – Kim D. Amherst, NH

“They arrived early, introduced themselves, and did an awesome job, can’t believe how good my car looks.” – Sandra W. Watertown MA

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Mobile Pro Detailing
Monday-Sunday: 7:00am-6:00pm

Phone: (857) 701-6095
Facebook: facebook.com/mobileprodetail/
Email: mobileprodetails@gmail.com

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I’m a firm believer that genuine deeds of kindness, selflessness and generosity deserve to be recognized. While most people I know that possess these traits aren’t looking for the recognition, I think it is important to share because it not only shows the community the good that is therein but will become infectious. This is important for others to see, because it can soften the heart of the adult cynic, and will certainly be powerful in forming young minds and personalities.

Did you know that there is a program in the city whereby our youth can gather all summer to take part in supervised, safe and fun activities and also eat healthy meals to fuel up and have even more fun? There is and many aren’t even aware of it.

The “Play in the Park” summer food service program that the New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches operates is an absolutely stellar and generous program that has a powerful impact in the community. Promoting health, wellness, nutrition and outdoor activities are just a few of the objectives. What does that specifically entail for youth in greater New Bedford through the coming summer months?

It means that with over 20 outdoor sites throughout the city and new ones coming, there are many fun, safe, structured recreational and educational activities they can participate in and also enjoy a free snack or lunch. The goal is to get youth outside, stay active, make some new friends, sharpen social skills, and eat healthy during the summer months.

There is no need to sign up for anything – the only requirement is to be 18 and under and want to have a blast. Simply make plans and show up. These free youth activities take place at a variety of sites throughout the city that are strategically located in neighborhoods to maximize access for youth and/or are operated in collaboration with community partners who serve youth across the city. Want to plan to participate but concerned about rain? Not a problem as there are half a dozen indoor and covered sites. So, if you are a parent or guardian go right ahead and plan out the summer.

What I love about the way that the program determines the curriculum of a site’s activities is that they are not rote pre-determined activities, but the staff is so packed with creative ideas that they vary the day depending on the group of kids that show up that day. I call it “structured spontaneity” and it is a sure fire way to create a fun environment. A variety of crafts, games, and sports are utilized so as to appeal to every personality and interest. Even if your child is a bookworm there is something: the Art-Mobile and Book-Mobile also make visits to many of their sites.

A program of this caliber has to be spearheaded by people who care about the community and have a deep love for it. That way those characteristics trickle down to everyone involved. Like attracts like and if you have ever participated in any of the “Play in the Park” programs over the years, you know how evident this is and if you are planning on participating, you will find out.

“All of the staff in our program are New Bedford residents and it allows us to offer many summer positions and job training to them, especially to the many teenage employees we hire. For some of them this is their first job experience and then year after year they tell us how much they love working in our program and being able to give back to their community.” states New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches programs and events manager for Alexandrea Matthews.

The program which facilitates and operates over 65 food sites throughout the city has been a smashing success by serving tens of thousands of meals to low-income youth since it has been running – in 2014 alone they served well over 82,000 meals. Think about the impact on the community this outreach has considering that for many kids it is the only real nutritional meal they will have all week.

While the Summer Food Service Program runs throughout the country, here in New Bedford the program is called “Play in the Park” and it has been running since at least the 1960s. “We strive to reach more families and give out as many meals as possible.” explains Mary Rapoza, the Director of New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches. “Parents and grandparents come into our office all the time and tell us their first job was working in “Play in the Park” and let us know about all the great memories they still have of working in the program or they’ll tell us about their favorite thing they used to do with the staff as kids participating in the program.”

The powerful effect of a program that gets the local youth together, gives them an outlet, way to have fun and get fed can’t be stated enough. The positive impact on the community is articulated well by Summer Food Service Program Manager, Jasmine Vega “Many of the kids that show up at our “Play in the Park” sites come every single day and form a close bond with the staff in our program. It gives them a good role model to look up to and learn from. The staff knows most of the kids who come to their sites by name and what their favorite sports or crafts are and by the end of the summer the staff are always sad when the kids have to go back to school.”

This highlights their “Of the community, for the community, by the community” ethos that drives everything that the program and everyone involved with it does.

There are two big events to kick-off the Summer Food Service Program/Play in the Park. The first event is “Family Fun Day” at Harrington Park on Thursday, June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. which will feature Mayor Mitchell and the second is “Mad Science Day” at Gomes School Park on Friday, June 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Like all of their events, these two are completely free and include lunch for anyone 18 and under. There will, of course, be plenty of activities like face painting, henna tattoos, caricatures, the Bubble Guy, arts & crafts, sports, games and all kinds of hands-on fun.

Always with an eye on the future and looking to offer more to the community, a new site that will be accessible to all children including those with disabilities, called “Noah’s Place Playground” will open.

“We have so much going on this year at our kick-off events and we hope that lots of families will be able to come out and enjoy them!” enthused Alexandrea Matthews. I am confident that anyone that shows up for these kick-off events will get a glimpse of that enthusiasm which is shared by everyone at New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches. Once you get a taste of the kick-off events, you will be starving for more and your kids will be tugging at your coattails to make sure plans are made for the summer involving the “Play in the Park.”

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Annual partners in the Play in the Park and Summer Food Program are the Mayor’s Office, the New Bedford Public Schools Department, the New Bedford Housing Authority, the Boys and Girls Club, the YWCA, Community Boating Center, Trips for Kids, and many other community-based agencies. For more information about the program contact Alexandrea.Matthews@newbedford-ma.gov 508-961-3015.

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New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 27-August 24

Phone: 508-961-3015
Website: www.NBPRB.com
Facebook: facebook.com/NBParksRecreationBeaches/
Email: infoprb@newbedford-ma.gov

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Some good news for iPhone and Apple users! Our friends at Fast Phone Fix, located at 283 Union Street in downtown New Bedford have launched an innovative and inexpensive new service that will make your current insurance plan obsolete. On Monday June 11th, SouthCoast iPhone Repair goes live! We’ve had the pleasure of spotlighting them over the last year and have done several live videos where we learned about screen repair, battery tips & tricks, laptops and how important it is to use quality parts. It’s wonderful to see local businesses thrive and expand, so having them offer this type of repair plan to new and existing customers is exciting.

Why SouthCoast iPhone Repair Plan?

• Save 50-70% off standard phone insurance
• Save 55-80% off repair cost/deductibles
• Repairs done on the spot, typical wait times 10-15 minutes
• Experience = Combined 25+ years
• 1 year warranty on all screen replacements
• Free screen protector installed at shop when you sign up for repair plan

$2.99 a month for those who sign up in the first 30 days! Lock in the low monthly rate before it goes up.

And let’s face it, cell phone bills are expensive enough. Once you add on insurance premiums, claims, repair costs and everything else that comes with owning a phone, you’re looking at a car payment worth of expenses. At SouthCoast iPhone Repair their new plan eliminates unnecessary costs that come with phone repairs. So if you’re looking to save money and get your phone repaired quickly by experienced technicians this services seems like a no-brainer. This plan is also valid for most iPads.

So how does it work?

First, cancel your cell provider’s high-cost insurance plan, with expensive deductibles and repair costs. Sign up for SouthCoast iPhone Repairs $2.99 monthly repair plan and gain access to extremely discounted repair costs. Save an average of $150 per year on insurance, deductibles and repairs. With a iPhone 8, for example, the cost per claim is only $35 – compare that to what other people charge:

Next, simply contact one of their repair centers located throughout the SouthCoast. Give us a call at (774) 520-4524 and we can point you to the closest location. Do you live in the Greater New Bedford area? Go to their convenient downtown location at 283 Union Street.

What phones are covered by their repair plan?
Apple iPhones & iPads exclusively. This includes iPhone 8 & 8 Plus and all previous generations of the iPhone, excluding the iPhone X. For the iPad, they cover all models except the following: iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro.

Here is a good breakdown of what it would cost to fix a broken screen on several different iPhone models: iPhone 6 – $19.99, iPhone 6s – $25, iPhone 6s Plus -$29, iPhone 7 – $29.99, iPhone7 plus – $29.99, iPhone 8 – $29.99, iPhone 8 Plus – $35.00

If you want all the details on what’s offered and want to sign up, click HERE.
These guys work fast and have thousands of satisfied customers. Most repairs are usually done in 15 to 20 minutes and they can even come to your home or office.

Service Locations

New Bedford | Providence
Fall River | Dartmouth
Acushnet | Fairhaven
Freetown | Marion
Mattapoisett | Rochester
Somerset | Swansea
Wareham | Westport

SouthCoast iPhone Repair
283 Union Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
https://www.southcoastiphonerepair.com/
Phone: (774) 520-4524
Email: support@southcoastiphonerepair.com

Come join us at the Hampton Inn on June 20th for the 2nd International Cannabis Physicians Association seminar presented by Growing In Health! Dr. Kellie Roberge from Tricann Alternatives will be speaking on specific ailments and their focused treatment.

Dr. Ian Rivera, President of the ICPA, will be speaking on the role of medicinal cannabis when dealing with debilitating chronic pain.

Kathy Nobrega from Go Doggy K-9 Wellness & Rehabilitation will be putting together a video presentation on the medicinal benefits of properly administering CBD & THC to your favorite furry friend!

Growing In Health, Massachusetts’ premier cannabis home health aid agency, will be on site for any attendees that would like assistance with obtaining their medical marijuana patient card. You can visit Growing In Health at www.growthinhealth.org and schedule an appointment with one of our certifying physicians if you are in need of an MMJ patient card in the meantime. Hope to see returning attendees as well as new faces alike. Come learn about the healing power of cannabis and help break the stigma!

https://www.facebook.com/events/101576784050629/

Click here for tickets and to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-cannabis-physicians-association-tickets-45349907795?aff=eac2

Wed, June 20, 2018
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Hampton Inn
1 Hampton Way
Fairhaven, MA 02719

Are you interested in learning more about natural healing and relaxation techniques? Are you seeking a better balance between your mind and your body? Have you been curious but not had the opportunity to explore some healthier options? Well, now is your chance to seek out some new possibilities.

Mattapoisett Wellness Center – Mindful Medicine works to define wellness as a healthy balance of the mind, body, and spirit that results in an overall feeling of wellbeing using premier integrative holistic practice. The center bridges the gap between conventional and alternative medicine giving their clients/patients the best of both worlds, reaching with you, as one, toward optimum health and creating a continuum toward sustained wellness through yoga and holistic therapies.

The integrative philosophy, increasingly popularized by, among others, Deepak Chopra and Andrew Weil, believes that health is more than just the absence of disease; a person is more than their symptoms, and healing requires a whole-person approach. The Center offers reflexology, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, Reiki as well as traditional mental health counseling and physical therapy.

Now is your opportunity to check out their space and get to know their practitioners. they will be offering complimentary mini services and healthy snacks will be provided by Primed & Ready Meals.

There will be raffle prizes with the proceeds going to benefit the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts.

You can RSVP on their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1623597944361213/

Learn more about them by visiting: http://mattapoisettwellness.com/

Mattapoisett Wellness Center-Mindful Medicine
76 County Rd.
Mattapoisett, MA 02739
774-377-9692

Spring has sprung!

It’s time for you to get your gardening tools ready! Spring is here!
At Haskell Public Gardens they are always ready to get our hands dirty, and what better way to start the season off is with some new plants!

Members are welcome to come and shop at 9:00am. All are welcome at 10:00am – 1:00 pm on Saturday May 26th.

We will be extending the sale all week long but be sure to show up early for choice plants!

This year’s selection will feature time- tested Haskell favorites, some hot new introductions with a special focus on edibles, pollinator and native plants! Trustees staff members will be on hand to answer your questions.

FREE event and Open to the Public.

RSVP to their event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/230391044369753/
Follow their page: https://www.facebook.com/thetrusteessegardens/

Haskell Public Gardens
787 Shawmut Ave.
New Bedford MA.
Phone: (508) 636-4693

New Bedford, MA, – The 12th annual Mother’s Day Tiara 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, May 13, 2018, it’s time to register!

The first 300 to register will receive the official Women’s Fund Tiara 5K race t-shirt. Early registration is $20 for the 5K and $5 for the kids fun run. Registration costs will increase to $30 on May 1 for 5K runners, Kids Fun Run participants will remain at $5. Register here: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=7902

Many friends and families have made Mother’s Day morning with the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K their annual tradition. A scenic course, festive t-shirts, music and kids activities draw an enthusiastic crowd. Through the efforts of these runners and walkers, and many generous sponsors, the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K has become the largest fundraising activity of the Women’s Fund, as well as its signature event. Last year’s event attracted more than 700 participants and raised over $56,000. Join the team now and register at www.womensfundtiara5k.com.

The race will start and finish at the Oxford Creamery in Mattapoisett. Registration opens at 7:00 AM, with the Children’s Fun Run starting at 9:00 AM and the 5K starting at 9:30 AM.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in a different way this year. No breakfast in bed. No sleeping in. Instead, wrap around Ned’s Point lighthouse with your family and loved ones in Mattapoisett at the 12th Annual Women’s Fund Tiara 5K. You don’t have to clock your fastest time – just the best time with those you love! Check out their Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/399176533868754/

Prizes will be awarded to the largest team and most creative team uniform in addition to the fastest runners in age and gender categories.

Tiara 5K is also seeking volunteers to support the race. Interested volunteers should email tiara5kvolunteer@gmail.com .

The mission of the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts is to advance the educational attainment and economic security of women and girls in Southeastern MA. Organized by a committed “Tiara Team” of volunteers, the Women’s Fund Tiara 5K began 12 years ago to offer women and their families the opportunity to engage in a philanthropic, family friendly, Mother’s Day activity on a day that celebrates women and motherhood. Revenue from the Tiara 5K will support all Women’s Fund activities.

For more information about the Women’s Fund, to become a sponsor, or to register for the Tiara 5K visit www.womensfundsema.org or call 508-717-0283.
Register online: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=7902

Rope. Something we all take for granted. It’s ubiquitous throughout our lives, yet we barely notice unless we are undertaking some type of activity like sailing, rock climbing, or an arborist or if you are a member of the fire department, police department or in the military.

Without rope there’d be no hobby rock climbing, removal of trees, one wouldn’t be able to dock a boat, sail, rescue teams would be less effective, no tents for camping, no mountain climbing, construction, engineering, hammocks, clotheslines to dry clothes, no towing and many other things.

Vintage photos of rope manufacturing and supply companies in New Bedford are extant on just about any photo repository on the city. At one time they were dozens of them spread throughout the city. No rope, no whaling. No whaling, no whaling city! These companies have just about disappeared, but one that still exists is R&W Rope at 39 Tarkiln Place. The family owned and operated distributor of rope and cordage has been in New Bedford since 1985, and at their current location since 2005.

Started by the current owner, Rod McCollester as a “one man” operation out of the trunk of a hand-me-down car, they’ve grown into one of the most diverse stocking warehouses of rope, cordage, and related hardware in the industry. As a wholesale distributor of many of the world’s best ropes, R&W Rope offers wholesale pricing that easily beats “big box” marine and outdoors retailers. They also have the expertise focuses on custom designing solutions specific to a user’s needs. They can splice, swage, or fabricate a solution to almost any cordage or rigging problem.

But, don’t be fooled – while they work with some of the biggest commercial clients, they are just as happy to help an individual select the proper cord for a clothesline when they visit our shop. One of the areas that they are superlative with is their new expanded marine rigging capabilities. Whether your needs are marine, climbing, safety, crafting, architecture, outdoors, or utility – R&W Rope has the products, expertise, and discount pricing to make them a wise choice.

However, this article is about their association with the city they love so much, beyond their business: their annual Rope Fest which began as a huge warehouse sale a decade ago. However, over the years it’s evolved into something much more and is chock full of activities, instructional demos, safety personnel demos from the Boston Fire Department doing mock rescues, and arborists demonstrating their skills. You’ll see line splicing, knot tying that borders on magic, paracord crafting, and fitness experts having a lead contest called Battle Ropes. It’s a genuine festival atmosphere like any of the many festivals held in New Bedford.

The kids will have a blast on the climbing wall which is a great way to have fun and exercise for all ages. The lifesaving and rescue demonstrations by the Boston Fire Department trainers will appeal to everyone, and the kids will take great pride in the paracord crafts where they will learn how to make the cord and take it home to show their friends. There will be plenty of free food and refreshments to wet your whistle. If you are someone who loves a deal, R&W Rope will be offering 20%-40% off on EVERYTHING they sell.

R&W Rope is steeped in the community as is evident by their Rope Festival – something they certainly don’t have to do, but host because they live and work right here on the SouthCoast. This is their community. So, it goes without saying that there will be other “locals” involved in the popular festival like the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Community Boating Center of New Bedford, Schooner Ernestina, New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, New Bedford Coast Guard Auxilliary, Fids & Fibers Arborist Splicing Workshop, Puzzle & Craft Factory, Busy Bee Nauticals, Paige’s Paracord, Bete-Fleming, Low Tide Yacht Club, The Black Leash, Susan Villarreal, Beetle Cat, and Arborist Patrick Dolan.

So, if the idea of something different to do with the family interests you, then take everyone to R&W’s Rope Fest and have a blast. The kids will have so much fun that they won’t even realize that they are learning a lot. Who knows, it may pique a future hobby like rock climbing or sailing and perhaps even a career in nautical, rescue, or with the fire department.

No matter what you’ll spend a rewarding, fun-filled day with friends and family! Don’t forget Saturday, April 28th from 8:00am-4:00pm!

Here are highlights of the food, events, items and more from last year’s Rope Fest:

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R&W Rope – Rigging Solutions
39 Tarkiln Place
New Bedford, MA 02745

Phone: 1.800.260.8599
Website: rwrope.com
Facebook: facebook.com/rwrope/
Facebook Event Page: facebook.com/events/218475395371413
Twitter: @rwrope
Instagram: instagram.com/rwrope
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rwrope/

Meet The People At R&W Rope:
Rod McCollester – Owner and President of R&W Rope. Over thirty years experience in the rope and cordage industry.
Ed Hebert – Sr. Director, R&W Rope. Oversees marketing, creative, and product design efforts across the business units. Former Sr. R&D Manager at Titleist, and holds over 150 US patents.
Corey Butlin – Rigging Solutions Shop Manager – 25 years of marine rigging experience, former head rigger at Hall Spars in Newport.
Joe Mello – Mobile Rigging Manager – 40 years of marine rigging experience. Former owner of Rigging Solutions, former head rigger at Concordia, former head rigger at Mystic Seaport.
Bob Dollar – Traditional Rigging Specialist. Lt. Commander USN (retired with 26 years active duty service), member of International Guild of Knot Tyers, member of Cordage Institute, and over 40 years maritime consulting experience.
Bob Glover – Traditional Rigging Specialist. Former Captain of Tall Ships “Pride of Baltimore II” and “Schooner Virginia”. Over 154,000 logged sea miles. USCG certified instructor and numerous maritime certifications.
Ken Hamel – Outdoor, Climbing, and Safety Specialist. S.P.R.A.T. Level 1 Technician, avid outdoorsman and member of several mountain climbing instructional groups.

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A diamond is said to be forever, but since we don’t live forever it’s hardly relevant. The value really comes from metaphorically speaking – forever is one’s lifetime. So, in that sense one can say that a picture – which is also said to be worth a thousand words – is forever.

The stark difference between the two is how affordable and replaceable pictures are. Lose a picture, tear it accidentally or spill something on it? No worry – reprint it. In addition, once you look or gaze at your diamond for a few moments, you are pretty much done with it for a while. Most begin to “forget” it’s there.

The value with images is you get to relive those moments when they were taken. You get to reminisce, or travel down memory lane. How often have you looked at old pictures only to catch yourself smiling or laughing? Maybe ask yourself “What the hell was I thinking wearing that!?!” One image is enough to bring back many moments, smiles and laughs, let alone an entire album of them.

Since diamonds and images are forever, you certainly don’t want them to be out-of-focus, off-centered, or of people with red-eye. While many people have hi-tech phones or cameras that would make Ansel Adams green w/ envy, it seems there are photographers everywhere. Social media is replete with photographers of any and every event no matter how small or slight. With inexpensive software you can have photos cropped, red-eyes removed and any other imperfections removed. Then there are more expensive software where one can even remove not just image artifacts, but actual imperfections, or…create a flawless look.

No matter how expensive or amazing the device and no matter how good the software, there is no substitute for a good, professional eye with the ability, knowledge and knack of capturing and producing the ideal moments. When you have the talent there is no need for supplementary software and no device can draw out and create moments like an experienced photographer can. Some of the most iconic images ever taken have had the photographer create the moment with a little direction, coaxing, or nudging.

How would it feel to know that you can actually have access to one of the nation’s best photographers? That you could hire one of them capture some of the most important moments and/or some of the most important people in your life? Did you know that you one of these experienced, knowledgeable, and talented photographer’s actually works right here in New Bedford?

Specializing in maternity, newborn, birth, babies/toddlers, children and family, Abrah Zion of Miss Z Photography has had a studio on Union Street for years now and has been churning out some of the most amazing photography – as anyone who has seen her images can attest. But you don’t have to take my word for it – each year she wins accolades, awards and kudos from her peers and clients.

We’ve mentioned many of these awards in past spotlights on Miss Z Photography. This year alone, she won first place in the Best of the SouthCoast for Photographers, the Parents’ Choice Award from Beauty and Lifestyle Mommy Magazine for the 3rd year in a row, been published twice in the international magazine “TAoPaN – The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn” among others. In 2017, she photographed 87 newborns, 55 babies (6 months to 2 years) 26 maternity sessions, 9 sets of twin newborns, 27 children ages 3 and up!

Some of my personal favorite images and judging by responses, that of many others – is watching the fun “Smash and Splash” sessions for 1st birthdays. Abrah plans the session ahead of time with the parents and creates a theme – simple or elaborate – that is perfect for the family. Everything is provided – the whole setup, a matching cake from Pink Box desserts in Dartmouth, and a coordinating outfit so the parents don’t have to ruin their own clothing. “Grow with me” plans include newborn, sitter sessions (6 – 9 months) and the first birthday “Smash and Splash.”

Can you imagine the sheer joy that is elicited from the tykes as they are smashing away at the cake? And since you don’t have to concern yourself at all about the mess or the clean-up, you get to actually relish the moment to its fullest. It’s not done after the smashing! The baby then goes into warm water with bubbles and rubber duckies to splash around and allow Abrah to catch even more adorable photos and moments. Finally the session is completed with photos of family together.

The sessions are adapted as the kids get “older” – for the 18 month olds Abrah offers a “In my parent’s shoes” sessions where the parents bring their clothes – jackets, hats, shoes, sunglasses, and the kids dress up in them. For 2 year olds there is a fun paint session where she provides an outfit, an 11×14 canvas and the baby gets a bunch of non-toxic finger paints and a paint brush. The baby gets to paint the canvas….or themselves! The parents get to take home more than pictures, but their child’s artwork.

The 3 year olds get more variety with a choice between sessions: glitter, superhero, tea party, car, or train. Of course, all the outfits, props and are provided and that includes a massive wardrobe of gowns and dresses for the little ladies. Cleanliness and hygiene are a top priority: Abrah and her assistant wash their hands, keep hand-sanitizer handy throughout the session and all props are washed in free and clear detergent after each use.

Alternatively Abrah offers maternity sessions which include a complimentary professional hair and makeup job and she has a similar huge wardrobe like the one she has for the babies. Either parent can sit in on the session and that means, of course, dads don’t have to feel left out! She also offers a “Rainbow Session” for a baby that is born after a loss – either by miscarriage, stillbirth, or a baby that passed early on. She has props, setups and themes – both simple and elaborate – to commemorate the rainbow baby of hope.

The studio is fully stocked – diapers, wipes, brand new pacifiers, snacks, water, tea/coffee. All the parents have to bring is their family and adorable child(ren) and food for their newborn – everything else is supplied.

All the special moments that she captures can be placed on a variety of heirloom quality products – gorgeous canvases, metal prints, mounted prints, photo albums, acrylic blocks, personalized jewelry and more. Two weeks after your photo session, you’ll return for an in-person ordering session where we go over all of your images and she can show you exactly what your photos will look like on your own walls before they purchase anything.

Once a purchase is made, the images will be processed, checked for quality, developed, mounted if chosen, and then even delivered to you if you live within a hour away.

Curious about more? Make a no-obligation consultation today and only can you meet her, but you can see more of her work, check out the gorgeous products she offers as well as her full price list. Then if you decide to, you can schedule a session.

The diamond – the forever – is in the photographs and the feelings and memories they conjure. Abrah is one of the more capable, talented, friendly experienced photographers you will find in the region – even the country for that matter.

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The photographs in this article have been formatted to be functional for viewing on phones, tablets and computers. They have been compressed and re-sized to speed up load times. They are poorer quality versions of the originals and do not accurately portray the high quality of the actual photographs nor the talent of the photographer. Please click the following links to see the actual quality.

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Miss Z Photography
227 Union St #412
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Always open!
Phone: (508) 663-6544
Email: info@misszphotography.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MissZPhoto
Website: misszphotography.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/MissZPhoto

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