Places To Go was founded by New Bedford native Ed Pacheco in October 2011

How would it feel to be able to paint the town red with some of your best friends or family and not worry about the driving part? Go to a baseball game, concert or bachelor/bachelorette party? Head to the airport without having to arrange parking or make arrange to be dropped off?

Imagine no stress over traffic. No clamoring to find a designated driver. No arrangements. Just time focused on what’s important: having a good old fashioned time. To memories.

What if I told there is a business dedicated to just that? Right here in New Bedford?

Founded in October of 2011 and managed by New Bedford native Ed Pacheco, Places to Go, LLC is a transportation company that will take you and your group to and from any special event. They will drop you off at T.F. Green airport (Massport Recognized) or at port for the Fast Ferry. At Providence Amtrak Station. Take you and the gals or guys out to celebrate your friend’s last night as an unmarried person. Have an elderly or handicapped friend or family that needs transportation? Done.

Going beyond event that, Places To Go has some rather unique services: they offer some great rates on Tailgate Packages allowing you and the crew to focus all your energy on rooting for the Sox or Patriots. If you are a oenophile like me, they will take you up and down the local wine trails, letting you sample the region’s best wines on their premises. They are one of the sponsors of the Dunkin Donuts center and get great deals on select family venues there and also at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Rhode Island. Stay tuned to their special rates page to keep updated!

They offer all of these services throughout New Bedford, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Fairhaven and Providence, RI. Best of all is that they do it in style. The fleet of vehicles includes a number of 6 passenger caravans, a 7 passenger van, and a 10 passenger van – dubbed “Big Manny” in honor of Pacheco’s grandfather – which has been converted into a luxurious limovan that will make you feel like you feel like you are in an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous! It has a large-screen TV, Blu-Ray player, bar, coffee maker and more amenities! Currently you can enjoy 3 hours in their limovan (holds 8 people) for only $225!

Mr. Pacheco’s 15 years experience in the management and healthcare industries means you get professional, organized, and thorough service that trickles down to his staff. All the drivers are not only CPR certified, but go through a rigorous interview process: background and reference checks, a drug screening process, criminal and driving record checks.

The biggest kicker of all, is that you get this fantastic, professional service at a rate that won’t break the wallet or purse. Ed’s affordable rates allow anyone and everyone to enjoy what Places To Go has to offer. Receiving a Places To Go gift certificate from a loved one will of course make it even easier to afford!

These factors are directly responsible for the skyrocketing success that Places To Go has experienced in less than 3 years. That sort of thing does not happen by accident. Read some of the many testimonials on the Facebook and website. Great service. Reliable, new vehicles. Backed up with a decade and a half experience at an affordable rate is clearly the recipe for a successful transportation business.

And that is just the beginning of big things, considering Place To Go has intentions of growing even further in the next 1-2 years as part of a strategic growth plan. Important to manager Ed Pacheco is that he gives back to the community that contributed to the success of Places To Go. He regularly gives back with an annual food drive and by supporting local, small businesses – proudly purchasing gas, supplies, and everything else needed to fuel his business right here in New Bedford.

So, if you have places to go and want to do so free of worry, you can have confidence that Places To Go will get you there and back home safely!

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Places To Go, LLC

651 Orchard St, New Bedford, 02744
PO Box 87081, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02748
Phone: (774) 202-7756
Email: ed_pacheco@placestogosouthcoast.com

Phone Hours:
Mon – Fri: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Sat/Sun: 5:30AM-2:30PM
Holidays: Weekend schedule.
ALL calls are returned within 24 hours!

Website: placestogosouthcoast.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Places-To-GoLLC/204375009636115

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What are your funnest and fondest memories with your parents as a child? What activities do you do today with your kids that entertains them for hours? In the day and age of distractions, it gets increasingly more difficult to find activities that kids will voluntarily engage in. When kids are bored, they will reach for their smartphones, tablets or laptops and tune out. Any loving parent finds this a real challenge to overcome. We value and want to establish and maintain important connections with our children. We want to form fond memories and the lasting bonds these create. Of course, the earlier we can begin to do these things the better!

Create Hands On is an innovate, fun, family-oriented experience that revolves around creating a number of high quality arts & crafts projects for boys and girls – whether as a drop-in visit or when you book one of their incredibly popular birthday parties. Not only is it an effortless and effective way to have fun and connect with your kids, but tapping into your child’s creative side his lifelong benefits! It’s also an opportunity for kid’s to practice their social skills – another important skill.

Proprietor of this ingenious concept, New Bedford native Mary Kelly absolutely adores kids and wholeheartedly understands the value in activities that families participate in together. Her inspiration comes from the powerful experience she had as a 7-year old when her parents took her to Disney World. It was a moment she would never forget and it’s this excitement that she hopes to convey with a visit to Create Hands On.

Seeing as there isn’t a Disney World or Disney Land here Create Hands On is the next best thing!

Imagine the look on your daughter or son’s face when he walks into a shop with gigantic, eye-bulging lollipops hanging from the ceiling, and ice cream decorated walls. Shelf upon shelf of ceramic sculptures of dinosaurs, dolphins, music clefs, donuts, butterflies, mermaids and scores more. Rubber balls, a full array of dazzling, sparkling jewelry, cars, and a zillion other toys. About to be stuffed animals with outfits. Wait until the gaze upon the Enchanted Ice Cave and wonder what mysteries it holds.

There are dozens of soaps with embedded toys, mosaics to build with all the trappings, and even a slew of diverse temporary tattoos.

Then they get a waft of the scented candle area – waves of birthday cake, pumpkin, vanilla, cotton candy, and more! All this and you haven’t even started yet – it’s just the beginning and what sets the tone for the experience and memories that are about to come. It’s maddening and exciting and if you aren’t a kid it will bring the kid out in you!

The next hour or so, you’ll enjoy the special bond with your son or daughter, share a bunch of laughs, and take great pleasure in seeing the sheer joy they take in creating something unique. I think they will especially like the part where they get to make a mess and not get in trouble! Best of all they get to take home a memento that will always remind them of their time spent with you.

Keep in mind that this is just a drop-in visit! Mary Kelly has special events like breakfast buffets with someone like a superhero or a Princess. There are incredibly popular canvas painting classes which start back up this Fall. Best of all is the Create Hands On function room where you can celebrate that all-important birthday party or special event. Best of all, is that you get all this with a staff that exudes energy and enthusiasm at an affordable price that won’t bust the wallet or purse. In fact, you can save even more and enjoy all kinds of special perks, discounts and privileges by becoming a VIP member.

I’ve hyper-linked each of these categories in this paragraph for ease of access.

Where was this place when I was a kid!? I’m going to take my daughter this weekend and make her think it’s for her – I won’t need to pretend that I’m having fun!

Create Hands On is conveniently positioned next door to the Dartmouth Mall’s food court leaving you with all kinds of food, movie and shopping options. Parking? Clearly not an issue. Mary and staff are eagerly awaiting for you call or drop on in Wednesday through Sunday between noon and 5:30 pm. Create Hands On’s website allows you to explore all the possibilities, purchase VIP membership, contact, browse images, and easily reserve a party in seconds. The Facebook page has a large community and is regularly updated, vibrant and alive.

If you aren’t convinced yet, you can check out the hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials on her website and Facebook page. Then there are the pictures of smiling faces and happy families which is proof enough!

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Create Hands On
200 Dartmouth Mall (Across From the Food Court)
Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00pm-5:30pm
Phone: (508) 991-0047
Email: createhandson@yahoo.com

Website: createhandson.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/createhandson
Photo Album: facebook.com/createhandson/photos_stream

All photos unless where stated otherwise are courtesy of A Moment in Time Photography.

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Are you an archery enthusiast? Hunter? Hobbyist? If you’ve had anything to do with archery in the past two decades you know all about Trader Jan’s Archery Pro Shop. If you are thinking about getting into archery for whatever reason, you will soon know about them!

Since 1991 Trader Jan’s has been serving the archery community in the south coast Masschusetts area. Trader Jan’s is the longest running family owned and operated Archery Pro Shop in Southeastern Massachusetts and for darn good reasons: anything and everything archery related is found under one roof, serviced by a family with decades of experience done in a very friendly way. This is a place where everyone knows your name – as was evident during my entire visit. Current owner and Dartmouth native Jill Oliveira and the frequent customers that came and went, exchanged friendly banter and addressed each other by first name.

The pro-shop is in an unassuming mill building tucked away on the 2nd floor. Don’t be fooled however. You will be shocked when you walk through the mill and open the door to Trader Jan’s.

It’s like a mom & pop version of Dick’s Sporting Goods or a Bass Pro Shop. It’s a rather large spot and to be honest, I had no idea that there was this much to archery. The last time I shot an arrow was when I was a teenager, some time in the Pleistocene. Back then one shot at trees, a coffee can or Wooly Mammoth.

I was curious what had happened in the interim and Jill had explained that one wasn’t restricted to hunting or shooting around in your backyard. There were archery clubs, indoor shooting ranges, and even a 3D video range! Archery had come a long way since I was shooting at cans in the 80s – or since the bow was first invented 15,000 years ago for that matter. While archery was used for military and survival purposes for thousands of years, when firearms came into use, archery went into a steep decline.

It wouldn’t be until the 18th century that archery would undergo a revival through recreational activities. In the 19th century it became a legitimate sport and with the advent of the 20th century and the opening of Asia, the world had learned that it could also be an art form, as Japan practices with Kyūjutsu.

To this long list of archery activities, Jill mentioned that there are a fair amount of couples who go on dates to Trader Jan’s. Popcorn and a movie is way overrated!

Regardless of the reason one takes up the bow and arrow, there are a number of benefits. One of the obvious reasons attached to hunting is that it equals food for the family and perhaps a trophy. Recreationally speaking, whether indoor or outdoors, there is a fair amount of walking. Even in an indoor gallery one has to go back and forth to retrieve arrows to shoot them again. It’s not all “legs” though as there is some upper body strength that is developed from drawing the bow repeatedly.

There is a social aspect when accompanied by friends or family and mentally focus and attention are developed. All the while you learn a new skill. In a way, it is a martial art with all the discipline that comes with it.

In terms of archery gear, there are compound bows for youth and adults, longbows, recurve bows, a variety of sights and targets, arrow rests, bow cases, stabilizers, quivers, crossbows, and hundreds of other accessories. All these can be purchased in person at the shop, or through the online store.

In addition, Trader Jan’s offers a number of services. Want to customize your arrows or bow? Want to repair or refletch your arrows? Bow giving you issues? Want custom strings? No problem. Trader Jan’s has a full service bow repair shop, you bring it in and if it can be repaired Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop Bow repair specialist can fix it.

New to it all? Need some help? Trader Jan’s offers lessons. Have some questions? Check out the FAQ or better yet stop in. Want to get involved in the many events or youth/adult leagues? Check out their dedicated page.

If you aren’t the outdoors type, you can use the indoor ranges. There are 10, 20 and a 40 yard range which is marked from 5 yards to 40 yards. Trader Jan’s offers range rates are $10.00 an hour and $5.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person. $20.00 an hour and $13.00 per half hour with our rental gear, per person. Tuesday’s is their half price shooting day. The rates are $5.00 and hour and $3.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person and $10.00 an hour and $7.00 a half hour with their rental gear, per person.

Off-season hours (from January to August) are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 PM to 8 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Busy season hours (August to end of December ) they are open Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 PM to 9 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday & Monday.

The coolest thing I saw while I was there was the area’s only 3D video range. This range has 500 different screens and scenarios. An animal is walking or running through the wild and you shoot specially tipped arrows at a Kevlar screen. Wherever your arrow strikes is lit with a color and recorded. A demo can be seen here. As of the date of this article, rates are $5 for half an hour or $8 an hour. Call ahead to be sure.

So whether you are already an archer or considering taking up a new hobby, you’ll find in Trader Jan’s a world class facility with everything you could possibly need under one roof. All serviced by a friendly, knowledgeable, experienced staff: Jill!

Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop

Jill Oliveira
288 Plymouth Ave
Fall River, Massachusetts 02721
Tues, Wed, Fri: 4:30pm-8:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm

Phone: (774) 627-7743
Email: traderjans@aol.com
Website: www.traderjans.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Trader-Jans-Archery-Pro-Shop/197241740347687

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Let’s face it–we all could use a little pampering thanks to our modern multi-tasking, often on-the-go lifestyles. Warmer weather creeping in warrants the perfect time to invest in your summertime style.

Besides, who doesn’t want to kick off the season with confidence? I’m sure some of us could use a bit of grooming before the swimsuit and skin shedding season starts. And I’ve got just the spot to share with you.

Invest in Looking & Feeling Your Best

Head over to Búzí Salon, located at 341 Acushnet Ave in Downtown New Bedford, and get glowing just in time for summer. Búzí is a full service salon and spa offering hair, nail and skin services for men and woman.

Salon owner Rosa Figueiredo opened her slice of serendipity four years ago and left no luxury out when it came to designing and decorating her little oasis. The beautiful brick building adds a hint of history while the serene décor creates an atmosphere of pure peace.

Búzí’s clean and private rooms help you relax and escape during massage and skincare treatments. Candlelit spa services are also available, adding ambiance to the already calming environment that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. I have to start by saying my favorite find at Búzí Salon–The shampoo chair.

It really is epic. You know that awkward, uncomfortable feeling you get while you’re trying to enjoy someone scrubbing your scalp clean while you lean your head back in the salon sink? How about an automatic, reclining shampoo chair rather than struggling to extend your neck and save yourself from a back bath? Do yourself a favor and try it out. You will thank me later.

Spring into Summer

In the mood for a new dew? Why not brighten up with some highlights? Feeling frumpy? Rejuvenate your skin with a coconut margarita facial. Refresh your existing style or tame your mane with a Keratin treatment. Say goodbye to stress with a deep tissue massage. Whether you need an eyebrow wax, manscaping, or a smooth and clean bikini area, Búzí offers a salon service for you. Ladies, you should know that Búzí is the only spot in downtown New Bedford where you can get a Brazilian wax. (You’re Welcome)

Take it from me… I’ve had my Cosmo license for ten years now. So I’m no stranger to the beauty industry. But now that most of my time is spent in mommy mode, studying and writing, I was a bit out of touch with self-care. After a long New England winter, I decided to get primped and pampered at Buzi.

I appreciate a stylist who takes time with my locks. There really is nothing like the soft patting of a color brush on my scalp and someone else blow-drying and styling my hair while I struggle to stay awake in the chair. It’s honestly one of the most relaxing things I do for myself every six weeks. (Confession) Got me some killer highlights and a sexy stylish haircut to match. Like I said, I know the industry; my hair is very healthy and I didn’t even make it to my car before I received a compliment on my new dew. The proof is in picture gallery below.

Massage Skincare & Wax Services

When it came time for my 90-minute facial including a 30-minute neck, shoulder and foot massage…let’s just say I felt like I was on vacation as soon as I smelled the warm coconut oil that Rosa gets from a local woman in St. Maarten who grinds the coconuts herself! My esthetician, Marta (skilled skin expert) seriously serenaded me with soft music, deep breathing exercises to relax pre -eyebrow wax and a fabulous facial experience. Star shaped soft lights, spa music and the warm massage bed was just what I needed to drift away from daily routine into sweet serenity.

Marta shared with me all the benefits and techniques of a facial; relaxation, smooth and radiant skin, deep cleansing and exfoliation, extractions (optional), even complexion, increased circulation, releases toxins, hydrates and protects skin from free radicals and sun damage, and brightens and tones skin for soft glowing results.

Protection from the sun is a major factor to consider now that I’m in my 30’s; it’s time to toss the straight baby oil and opt for some serious sunblock. I walked out of Buzi feeling like a boss. My skin is glowing and I couldn’t have asked for a better massage. Marta and Linda are excellent estheticians that can even set you up with a skincare regime.

Check out just some of the services awaiting you at Búzí:

• Hot Stone
• Sports
• Reflexology
• Bamboo Fusion
• Hot Stone
• Chair Massage
• Ear Coning
• Deep Tissue
• Spa Parties

Wax:

• Brows
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Facials

Búzí Salon Services (prices are based on hair length & thickness)

• Haircut & Style
• Root Touchup
• Color
• Gloss
• Full/Partial Highlights
• Face Frame Foils
• Perms
• Keratin Treatment

Búzí’s Favorite Summer Services:

Keratin-Express Blow Out: Cut down on the hot blow dry time, reduce volume and frizz for smoother shinier hair this summer.
Beach Wave Perm: Perfect summer style with little maintenance for hassle free beach wave.
Hair Feathers: Fun feathers make expressing your creative style easy and temporary.

****Spring Into Summer Specials****

$65—90 Minute Custom Facial: includes a sixty minute margarita, coconut facial and half hour massage hand and foot massage.
$59—Brazilian Wax: Experience a gentle hair removal service with a new cirepil wax.
10 % off Men’s Special: Includes an hour facial, back or chest wax

Why not look as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside? Make a hair appointment with stylist Shakira, indulge in a pregnancy massage by Kerri (she has chiropractic experience), see skin specialists Marta and Linda, or set up your nail and/or facial appointment with Jane.

Búzí also offers gift certificates, free consultations and a premium selection of products to help you stay salon stylin’. Make time to unwind and stop in Búzí today. You will leave looking and feeling like new-I definitely did!

BUZI BEAUTY BONUS: The first five readers to mention this article will receive $10 off any regular priced service. (Sorry, not valid on products or any other merchandise)

Don’t forget to “Like” Buzi on Facebook and “Follow” on Twitter for updates on sales and services that change like the seasons in New England.

Facebook: facebook.com/BuziSalon
Twitter: twitter.com/BuziSalon

Walk-Ins Welcome —-Appointments Preferred.

**Now Hiring Experienced Massage Therapist & Hairstylist**

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Are you planning a wedding, sweet sixteen birthday, or corporate gathering? Have the family together for a special occasion and want to memorialize it for future enjoyment? Going to a half dozen or more companies to find the right photographer, DJ, lighting specialist, Master of Ceremonies, etc. can be a time consuming and often frustrating task.

Ensemble Events is a Southcoast entertainment company that prides itself on providing all of your entertainment needs under one roof (and then some) in a worry-free, FUN, and friendly atmosphere. One call – done. The DJ or MC can often determine the entire vibe of life of your special day – so you want to have the ultimate confidence in your choice. Spend one minute with co-owner (his wife Casey is the other owner) and New Bedford born Charles Vieira and you’ll know pretty darn fast that you have the right person. That’s exactly what I did one Wednesday afternoon to gain insight into a company I’ve been hearing a heck of a lot of word-of-mouth about.

I thoroughly enjoy being in the presence of creative, motivated, inspired and enthusiastic people and I had my hands full with Charles! Charles or “Chuck,” and I quickly dove into conversation about his passion: being relied on to bring his special brand of fun to your very special event.

I choose these words with certainty, because Chuck knows with supreme confidence that he will smack it out of the proverbial ballpark. So when he is relied on to be an integral part in the success of your all-important day, he welcomes it with gusto. As far as he is concerned it’s a done deal!

Chuck and his wife and Casey take their role seriously and fully understand that this is likely one of, if not the most important day of a person’s life up to that point. A lot of worry and concern goes into planning these events and they feel that it often detracts the planners from other important elements. After seeing friends and family go through frustrations of multiple phone calls, lackadaisical responses, and poor quality service, they saw a genuine need that had to be filled. Thus the inspiration for Ensemble Events.

Ensemble Events, will not only “MC” or DJ your event and set the tone for the entire day, but he will also provide an elegant photo booth and paparazzi wall to capture the fun, and ALL of your lighting needs: personalized monogram light, uplighting, dance floor, and more. One phone call; half a dozen worries dissolved. The paparazzi wall is great for proms, charity events, Black Tie affairs, or anyone who wants to feel like a celebrity if only for a few minutes! When it comes to his photo booth – this isn’t your chintzy “mall” version – but the fancy, superior version.

Chuck and Casey have the experience and expertise to help make one’s event something they will remember forever. Through the years, they have worked tirelessly to improve their products, services, and overall philosophies. They focus on the overall experience, and come up with plans and contingencies to keep guests informed, involved, and entertained.

They meet with all of the clients several times before the event and through those visits it’s not uncommon for Chuck to become friends with his clients!

Chuck is so passionate about Ensemble Events that all his spare time is spent with his family – wife Casey, and sons Carter (age 6) and Alden (age 7)…or with Ensemble Events. He is always trying to learn new ways to improve what he does, look for creative and innovate ways to ramp up your event, and the overall quality of his business and relationship with customers.

In just over a year Ensemble Events have established themselves as the premier photo booth rental company in the New Bedford area, provided services to hundreds of events and weddings, and donated over $5,000 in service and monetary donations to local charities and community organizations. Chuck and Casey’s burning desire is to reach their goal: for Ensemble Events to be the premier event entertainment company anywhere! They have thousands of happy clients from the Cape to Boston and growing, so they are certainly on their way!

As always, I would never expect one to take my word for it. You can read some fantastic testimonials, or check out the website or Facebook and see for yourself! Here are some fine, recent examples of his solid work:

• Wareham High School Prom
• Boston University School of Theology Student Association
• UMass Dartmouth Senior Roast
• Community Nursing and Hospice Gala
• Angela’s Sweet 16 
• Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah

Where Ensemble Events really shines is when Chuck brings all his wedding experience to bear. He understands that the moments that happen during the reception are going to the most memorable. So with that in Chuck places great emphasis on setting the tone for the entire evening.

Tone, atmosphere, environment are crucial elements to a successful wedding reception. It’s a responsibility he is thrilled to undertake and one he does in a superior fashion and with more enthusiasm than anyone else. He will not only communicate with you the customer on a regular basis, but he’ll make your life much easier by pro-actively carrying that communication process to other vendors and coordinators – saving you even more time and frustration. How’s that for customer service!?

So if you are having a special event and like the idea of making one phone call, then focusing on other aspects or even relaxing before the event day, then Chuck Vieira and Ensemble Events are your go-to entertainment company in the South Coast!

Chuck has one eye on the future and is working on adding a video booth and even live music – even more services under one roof.

Ensemble Events

Charles Vieira
Phone: 508-287-0146
Website: ensemble-events.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/ensembleevents
Online Contact: ensemble-events.com/#!contact-us/cj3d

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By Kaylie Krauzyk

A carved statue of a bear standing upright holding a fish in its mouth is tucked in the corner. Directly across, large cube and bag-shaped targets sit piled together adjacent to a wide counter filled with fishing hooks and lures. Bulls-eye mats and arrows made of fiberglass and plastic, some decorated with feathers, stand neatly packed in a row alongside carrying cases and totes. An entire wall is decorated with bows of all different shapes, sizes, and makes.

“Serving the Archery community proudly since 1991”

That’s the guarantee of Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop where veteran shooters and newcomers like myself are encouraged to learn and grow in the sport of archery. This isn’t your typical gym class experience. Proper stance, head straight, fingers tucked, and opposite arm up and out are just a few of the many things to remember when getting into the groove. Aim too high, and your arrow whizzes right over the mark and into the wall beyond. Aim too low, and your arrow could just make the outer rim of the oval, or fall with a thud to the floor.

With careful, steady aim and a quick release, move your elbow as if you were nudging someone out of the way. Get this down and you could be hitting your target in no time.

Being at Trader Jan’s feels like stepping into a small scale version of Bass Pro Shops, minus most of the deer heads, hunting weapons, and all-terrain outdoor clothing. Various string, bow, arrow, and target accessories are available for purchase. Compound, long, and recurve bows are neatly hooked and tagged along the wall. This display reminds me of a shoe display from Olympia Sports or Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Archery isn’t easy. I can’t even imagine how a stunt double managed to backflip and jump around a training course in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie (maybe it was just movie magic?). I’d poke an eye out like Ralphie from The Christmas Story for sure. Your arms and especially biceps, get a workout from holding the bow steady while you practice shoot four arrows at a time. The indoor range covers 20 to 40 yards of space. And we’re going for short range targets here on first visits. Nothing like the woods decor and advanced hunting targets that are staged next to the practice area.

Trader Jan’s offers range rates are $10.00 an hour and $5.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person. $20.00 an hour and $13.00 per half hour with our rental gear, per person. Tuesday’s is their half price shooting day; the rates are $5.00 and hour and $3.00 a half hour with your own gear, per person and $10.00 an hour and $7.00 a half hour with their rental gear, per person. Off-season hours (from January to August) are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4:30 PM to 8 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. Busy season hours (August to end of December ) they are open Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 PM to 9 PM and Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday & Monday.

A visit to Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop could be the idea you haven’t thought of when it comes to making plans with friends or even for a date night. Staff are courteous and professional, facilities are well-maintained, and you go at your own pace. Be care with those long bows and arrows; you don’t want to put an eye out!

Trader Jan’s Archery Pro-Shop is located at 288 Plymouth Avenue in Fall River within the mill; it’s just floors apart from Lazer Gate and Straight Shooters Billiards. Call (774) 627-7743 or check out http://www.traderjans.com/ for more information on their offerings which include bow repair services, hunting gear, and custom archery equipment options.

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Do you commute to Boston? Do you wish you could relax on the commute? Save some money and wear and tear on your vehicle? There is a new business in the south coast that can help: Yes! We Van, LLC.

Yes! We Van’s “pool of vans” is an absolutely brilliant and award winning idea begun on November of 2008 when 28 commuters led by Noel Ciminello started a grass roots movement to lower commuting costs to Boston. It was such a darned good idea that it spread like proverbial wildfire and caught the attention of other commuters with the same concerns and issues. In 2010, Noel Ciminello, Suzana Alves and one other member took the van pool idea and turned it into a business venture to offer an effective way to lease vans to the van pool with less complication and less liability to the commuters – Yes We Van, LLC.

Yes! We Van was the winner of the 2010 transportation Demand Management Award for Renovation for a reason. They have provided a much needed service that has a smaller carbon footprint, de-stresses your daily commute, and transfers savings to your wallet.

In the Yes! We Van sponsored van pool commuters lease semi-private vans, split the gas costs amongst themselves, and spread out the driving duties. If you have a daily Boston to commute, Yes! We Van offers a cost efficient, less stressful alternative. In a van pool everyone works together to make the commute a success.

The inspiration for a “pool of vans” was a practical one: with rising transportation rates and gas prices, a way was needed to reduce costs from the daily commute. It seemed a no brainer to extend this idea to fellow commuters.

Not only was this a fantastic idea with massive benefits for local commuters, when the idea was brought to the city, they were very receptive. This meant another commuting channel to Boston and perhaps other lanes. This could mean higher paying jobs to the greater New Bedford area. For those in the New Bedford area who were qualified for jobs in Boston, but did not have a reliable car or could not afford the fuel costs – they now had the opportunity placed back in their laps. This meant the greater New Bedford area had wider access to more jobs. The economic benefits are obvious ones for the citizens and of course, tax for the city.

So what are the cost savings for you the potential commuter who is taking the bus, commuting with a friend or taking the rail? After all, this is the bottom line isn’t it? Think about the impact a gallon of gas has on your paycheck. The price of gas has recently begun moving northward (January prices we were paying 3.31/gallon and recently I paid 3.64/gallon). As a commuter driving alone – or perhaps driving to the Commuter Rail you bear 100% of that increase. Being part of a van pool, the increase is shared across all other participants.

Even if the cost was the same there are other aspects that make it far superior: riding a semi-private van means you are in essence riding with the same “faces”. Of course, people may come and go, but the pool of people is smaller. That means if you aren’t the type to read the paper, bury yourself in your phone or take a nap, you can enjoy some friendly banter. Then there is the green aspect of placing a larger group over one exhaust. It’s a far smaller cost to the environment. These are great reasons to van pool as opposed to taking the rail or a bus and the fact that it is cheaper to do make it far superior in every way.

As an added incentive, each new rider whose company is a TMA member company who leaves their car at home to join the van pool will receive $220 toward their commuting costs. That is 220 more reasons to join the Yes! We Van van pool. With a proposed MBTA fare increase already planned for July 1st, this gives those thinking of switching their commuting methods another reason to join the Yes! We Van van pool.

And, with a proposed MBTA fare increase already planned for July 1st, this gives those thinking of switching their commuting methods another reason to join the Yes! We Van vanpool.

Here is an example of the savings of switching to a van pool. Each of these methods will get you from the south coast to South Station in Boston. South coast commuters can see an immediate increase in their discretionary income simply by switching which seat they sit in.

Now for those of you like me who have …um … taken their lives into their own hands by taking a local cab, you may be wondering about the condition of these vans. We’ve included photographs in an album below so you can see that these vans are kept in immaculate condition inside and out. In addition they are maintained, washed & cleaned on a regular basis. Yes! We Van is 100% committed to providing safe, clean vans for their south coast riders.

Yes! We Van has such faith and confidence in what they do and that you will be hooked, they are letting you try out the van pool before you join! You can ride for FREE for 3 days and see what others are raving about!

Yes We Van is growing very rapidly and they plan to expand and offer more routes in the coming months and years. It’s a dynamic business model that is great for commuters, the economy and the environment alike. Check out Yes! We Van and join their growing family of happy, de-stressed commuters. Enjoy a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride to work. Produce a smaller carbon fingerprint, put a few extra bucks in your pocket and perhaps get that new job in Boston!

As well as their Boston “van pool run”, Yes! We van supports the SeaStreak Fast Ferry customers heading to Martha’s Vineyard through the New Bedford Terminal.

So for you vacation goers who regularly visit the Vineyard or perhaps finally want to head there you just got another opportunity and excuse to do it! At a cost of $65 – $100 (including round trip ferry ticket) you can go from your home/hotel to the island for an action packed day full of adventure and still be back by dinner!

They have packages available from Boston, Providence, Newport and even New Bedford itself. Traveling through the waters of New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard is not only a smoother ride but think of the time savings. You could already be enjoying the island instead of sitting in the Cape traffic!

For those of you who aren’t interested in Boston or the Vineyard, you can use Yes! We Van’s service for a day trip, weekend adventure, or business trip to just about anywhere! You can even schedule it online.

Yes! We Van has such faith and confidence in what they do and that you will be hooked, they will let you try it before you join.You can ride for FREE for three days and see what others are raving about.

Yes! We Van is growing very rapidly and they plan to expand and offer more routes with their livery service in the coming months and years. It’s a dynamic business model that is great for commuters, the economy and the environment alike. Check out Yes! We Van and join their growing family of happy, destressed commuters. Enjoy a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride to work. Produce a smaller carbon fingerprint, put a dew extra bucks in your pocket and perhaps get that new job in Boston!

Yes! We Van

Phone: (304) 462-9826
E-Mail: info@yeswevan.org
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Yes-We-Van/364981313580507
Website: yeswevan.org/websites/yeswevan/

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New Bedford is known for a lot of things. It’s known as the Whaling City and at one time it was known as the City of Light. Now it could easily be called the City of Art. When it comes to the percentage of population of artists Massachusetts is well above the national average and New Bedford is ranked even higher. In a recent article by the Atlantic Cities publication, New Bedford was named the 7th most artistic city in the nation. Alma DelMar has declared that New Bedford has “the most artists per capita of any place in America”. The sheer number of galleries, art studios, photography shops, design studios, and various other art businesses would certainly suggest it.

When it comes to the percentage of population that considers themselves an artist, Massachusetts is well above the national average and New Bedford even higher. In fact, a recent article in the Atlantic Cities publication named New Bedford the 7th most artistic city in the nation and Alma DelMar has declared that New Bedford “…has the most artists per capita of any place in America.” The sheer number of galleries, art studios, photography shops, design studios, graphic art businesses, etc. would certainly suggest it.

So, it would make sense that there are some innovative, creative and progressive ideas circulating in the community. One of those brilliant concepts is artist-led painting classes that bring the art to the people in a casual environment (read friends, fare, and fun.) If you’re like me and struggle drawing stick figures or handwriting that is legible, you have a healthy respect for art and artists, and may even feel that any chance of something resembling art couldn’t possibly be produced.

Well, we’d be wrong!

uPaint! Events is a mobile business that teaches “social” painting classes anywhere. They’ll come to your job, home, office, function hall, local restaurant or anywhere else. In fact, they feature many of their classes at local spots like Joe’s Cafe & Lounge.

But you don’t need a business establishment to enjoy what uPaint offers. Have a birthday or anniversary and want to do something a little out of the ordinary? Want to invite the girls over, order takeout, and bust open some wine? Having a slumber party for the kids? No special reason needed! You get your very own supplies and empty canvas and a talented and very capable artist willing to demonstrate, direct and inspire you to replicate the same piece of work that he or she is creating. All in an unintimidating environment. Each session is photographed digitally, so you can show your friends and keep a memento of the session!

Owner, instructor and local Miranda Pellegrino is an illustrator, photographer, artist, and graphic designer who has degrees in Graphic Design and Fine Art and is pursuing her third as an Illustration major at UMass Dartmouth. She was previously teaching classes in Rhode Island before relocating to New Bedford. She is passionate about bringing art and its social, cultural, and mental benefits to the people. She said that in spite of her years of experience she takes great joy, and is continually impressed but what people at the uPaint events create.

Miranda sums up one of the biggest misconceptions about social painting in her own words: “Usually the biggest misconception and/or fear that customers have is that it’s just too difficult to paint something ‘good’. They see the paintings and have anxiety about their abilities and skills or lack thereof. Customers start to relax as they learn step-by-step how to paint, how to mix colors, how to blend, and so on. I let them have enough independence that they don’t feel trapped in a rigorous lesson and give individual attention to all. It’s very important that the customers paint their own works as I don’t draw or paint anything for them. Their sense of accomplishment and happiness drives me. Everyone has an innate sense of design and is a capable of being an artist. I don’t believe that you’re either talented or not.”

What is a class like? A typical class is 2.5 hours long followed by a 30 minutes worth of digital photo taking. After donning your apron and parking your butt, an instructor will introduce themselves, welcome you, before a quick explanation about utilizing the brushes and mixing colors.

Then you dig in. The instructor then creates the painting one step at a time, with clear, concise instructions. Before the next step is started, the instructor will field questions and check everyone’s work. Half way through, there is a 15 minute recess before finishing the second half. Then it’s photo time for bragging, boasting, or laughing at your creations!

There are a ton of benefits to tapping into one’s creative side, and when you add fun, social environment, and perhaps a little Lambrusco (or Spätlese), you get an experience that you will fondly remember…and certainly want to repeat. Having it at your home means that you get to avoid heading to the big city and dealing with its traffic and crowds. It’s you, your friends and family only.

Who knows, you may even turn out to pick up a new hobby, uncover a talent you had no idea about, or perhaps….just perhaps, you’ll be one of the new members of the growing art community that New Bedford is known for.

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Want more information? Miranda’s website has testimonials, an easy to use calendar, a photo gallery of sessions, and some images of some of the paintings you will create. You can keep updated on promotions, find out about fundraisers, purchase gift certificates, or even book a private event.

The next classes: 

Sunday, May 4th: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/636064

Sunday, May 11th: http://sunflowers.bpt.me/

uPaint! Events

Phone: (508) 685-1329
E-mail:contact@upaintevents.com
Mon – Fri: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

Website: upaintevents.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/upaintevents
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/upaint-events-new-bedford

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A few months ago we discussed Jonathan Abreu’s All Friends Catering and focused on one thing that they do better than anyone in the area: Bar-B-Que – unless of course, it’s your mom’s Bar-B-Que, in which case it’s the best on planet earth. That article, especially the images – pardon the pun – got the juices flowing and let people in greater New Bedford know about their mouth watering offerings.

However, All Friends Catering is so much more than authentic and New England Bar-B-Que. They have ways, tools, and methods to get those salivary glands popping and kick your special event up a notch! More importantly, they have ways to bring it to you, allowing you to divert time and energy away from cook preparation and put it into making that special function a memorable experience. For foodies and partiers like us, that’s great news!

We at New Bedford Guide are promoters and practitioners of the maxim “Buy local!” for reasons explained in an article we published early in April. Abreu re-iterated multiple times how important this was to him personally and it’s locked and loaded into his business model.

It is not only crucial, but in his mind mandatory, that a chef buys local produce, and the freshest ingredients to offer a superior dining experience. Anything less, and the menu suffers.

The meats, dairy, and produce come from only local farms, like Silverbrook Farm in Acushnet, and suppliers like local icon Giammalvos and the many Fisherman’s markets throughout the waterfront and beyond. He proudly serves Jim’s Organic Coffee as part of my full service menu. This is a man who is passionate about his food and what he lets past his guard to the diners.

All Friends Catering has a large and diverse menu, which allows them to cater to you, your friends and family regardless of restrictions, allergy sensitivity, or preference. They will effortlessly devise a full menu that accommodates those with food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets. Bar-B-Que? Check. New England Fare? Covered. Are you fanatical like I am about Portuguese food? Well, their Portuguese food rivals any full restaurant in greater New Bedford, Fall River or beyond.

All Friends “traditional” menu offers classics like:

• Bifanas– Seasoned pork loin, sliced and pan seared and baked with sliced onions. Topped with sliced red peppers.
• Portuguese Little Necks – Fresh littleneck clams cooked in a garlic white wine sauce with onions, peppers, and ground chourico.
• Kale Soup – A Portuguese favorite containing Yukon gold potatoes, Cannelloni beans, kale, yellow onions, seasoned beef and slice chourico simmered in a chicken stock with garlic and bay leaves.
• Chicken or Shrimp Mozambique-Fresh shrimp or sliced chicken breast simmered in a garlic and beer sauce with crushed red peppers, onions, bay leaves, and Goya seasoning.
• Cacoila– Cubes of pork loin marinated in white wine with garlic, cumin, and bay leaves and slow cooked with crushed red pepper, orange juice, and white wine until fork tender .
• Pork Alentejana – Cubes of pork loin marinated in white wine, garlic, and bay leaves, pan seared in oil then simmered in a garlic and tomato white wine sauce with sliced onions and fresh littleneck clams. Served with roasted potatoes.”
• Bacalhau Gomes Sa– Salted codfish seasoned and layered with sliced potatoes and onions. Oven baked and topped with hard boiled eggs, and black olives.

Salivating yet?

Abreu could easily rely on his ethnic credentials and authenticate his Portuguese dishes by saying “Hey…I’m Portuguese. I’m the genuine article.” But he is a “practicing,” proud Portagee! He belongs to to Clube Madeirenese S.S. Sacramento, and All Friends Catering is part of the annual Portuguese Feast, which he has been volunteering for these past 10 years. It’s likely that you’ve eaten his dishes and not even known it! The Portuguese Feast is celebrating their 100th Anniversary, this year and you will find Jonathan on the grill cooking the Carne D’Espeto in the booth right next to the malassadas. Be sure to stop in and say hi!

Before the feast arrives you can also get a sample of what All Friends does in the “Taste of South Coast” event in May.

They bring their delicacies to you and treat your special occasion with equal importance, whether it’s something as casual as a backyard cookout, a big game, birthday party, even bachelorette party or something very formal like a wedding or graduation. In essence, it’s like having a fine restaurant come to you in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by only your chosen friends and family.

Family, friends, food, and fine dining – it doesn’t get any better than that, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who brings it to you better than All Friends Catering.

All Friends Catering

1133 Fisher Rd
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747
*By appointment only!

Phone: 774.628.9735
Email: Jon@allfriendscatering.com
Website: allfriendscatering.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/pages/All-Friends-Catering-BBQ/136699856387438

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Edible Arrangements is a local business that specializes in putting smiles on people’s faces. While the Wikipedia definition of Edible Arrangements states that they “…specialize in fresh fruit arrangements, melding the concept of fruit baskets with design inspired by the floral business.” what they really do is make people happy. quite simply, they’ve taken the idea of gifting someone with flowers and improved upon it. Flowers are nice – you can enjoy their beauty and aroma, but a fresh-fruit arrangement you can also eat!

Edible Arrangements in North Dartmouth and Fall River are two franchises that are owned and operated by the exuberant sisters Isabel Da Silva Levisee and Jessica DaSilva. The inspiration came via a fruit arrangement Isabel had received while pregnant. The New Bedford natives opened their Fall River store in 2006 where an existing Edible Arrangement store was available for purchase and the North Dartmouth location in 2009. It’s no surprise that the chain itself, and these two locations in particular, have enjoyed great success. There’s a reason the Connecticut based company that started in 2001 has become one of the most popular franchises on earth and has been voted first – yes, first – in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 seven years in a row.

Why should anyone pay for a fruit arrangement? For the same reasons one would buy a bouquet of flowers: to say “I love you,” to apologize, to say “I’m thinking of you,” get well, happy birthday or congratulate someone for an accomplishment like graduation or just “because.” These aren’t just for mom, girlfriend, wife, daughter, or ill friend, but that guy in your life likes chocolate whether he admits it or not. Besides, with all that steak and potatoes in his life, some fruit would be good for him!

In fact, Isabel and Jessica mentioned that arrangements have been ordered to thank people for plowing a driveway, getting a business promotion, getting out of the “Dog House,” a thank you to nurses for saving a life, ” rubbing in the UConn win w/ fruit in a basketball container,” a wedding centerpiece, and many other reasons. Certainly not just for birthdays!

One of the most common misconceptions that the two sisters encounter is that folks believe that arranged fruit is too expensive. However, a quick glance at the menu will show that just like a bouquet of flowers there are a range of prices depending on what you buy, from $15 on up.

Can you simply buy all the fruit and make it yourself? Sure, you can head to the supermarket, wait in line, come home, chop everything up, arrange it and in 2 hours or more you’ll have something special. I can brew my own coffee. I can easily make my own pizza. I can save money by laying in the sun instead of going to a tanning salon. I could do my own hair and nails, but…oh, wait. I can’t do that!

I think you get the point. It’s an unfair misconception. Regardless, you really can’t put a price on the end result, the smile it creates, the message it sends. You could buy flowers, balloons and a card or purchase a fruit arrangement for the same price.

The other misconception that was important to her to have cleared up: that everything arrives frozen and pre-arranged and Edible Arrangements is simply a re-seller. This is flat out untrue. Each morning a delivery of fresh fruit arrives and the fruit is arranged right there on the premises. In fact, they arrange many ahead of time, so you can call and head right over and pick them up right away! Each is hand-designed by a person, not a machine. I didn’t need to take her word for it, since I could see one being hand arranged nearby.

Each arrangement is made fresh to order from locally sourced farms to what is called Fruit Expert® standards. The brilliance behind Edible Arrangements is even though they retain the “mom and pop” feel because they are independently owned, being a franchise means that each is held to specific, high standards.

All the familiar, favorite fruits are there: aromatic oranges, succulent apple, pear, and banana. Juicy pineapple and strawberries. Honeydew, cantaloupe, kiwi, apples, grapes and more! The coup de grace, if you will is that these can be dipped in chocolate, one can add balloons, card messages, stuffed animals, or a variety of fun containers. There is an astounding variety to what Edible Arrangements offers, which means there will be something for everyone.

I spent 2 hours one afternoon with co-owner Isabel, asking her about the two locations and the motivation the two sisters had. She finds it an incredibly rewarding experience. She knows the effect that receiving a gift from Edible Arrangements has on people. She hears the anecdotes, since she has a large regular customer base. Once a person sees for themselves its effect, they return for each special occasion.

This was evident to me, once the shop had opened and the customer’s began to flow in. Each customer that came in she knew on a first name basis and some conversed with her in Portuguese – which she speaks fluently. She mentioned how rewarding the entire concept is, and wasn’t embarrassed in the least to admit that everyone that works at Edible Arrangements, from the worker to the driver to owners Isabel and Jessica, has shed tears. Isabel says it best: “We’ve cried with customers who’ve lost spouses and came in looking for a thank you arrangement to send to the nursing staff who cared so diligently before he passed, a friend who doesn’t know what to say when she finds out her best girlfriend has breast cancer so she sends our cancer awareness basket, the apologetic tearful neighbor who didn’t see the dog, the sympathy basket for the woman who meant so much to so many and how will we make it without her, the doctor who saved my life after so many treated me like a number, or the baskets we’re asked to send after tragic car accidents involving children…”

Franchise headquarters are affiliated with and donate to the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation and during the month of September and October 2010, 10% of the purchase price from the Awareness Celebration, Breast Cancer Awareness Bouquet and Heels for Healing BouquetTM are be donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.(“NBCF”). Isabel and Jessica go a step further and are actively and voluntarily involved in numerous local charities as a way to give back, i.e. school fundraisers, St. Vincent’s, and one that is a personal and dear to them both is Cerebral Palsy through United Cerebral Palsy Boston. This is a personal choice they have made.

So, if you want to put a smile on someone’s face, say congratulations, thank you or happy birthday; if you want to wish someone good luck, happy anniversary, get well or for no reason at all – there is something better than flowers to give: a fruit arrangement, dipped in chocolate (in my opinion), with some balloons and a creative container. It’s fun, it’s healthy, it’s something out of the ordinary. What Isabel has at her two stores is extra-ordinarily good – deliciously so!

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Edible Arrangements (North Dartmouth)
85B Faunce Corner Rd
Phone: 508-858-5450
Fax: 508-858-5453
Website: ediblearrangements.com/stores/dartmouth
Instagram: instagram.com/ediblearrangements

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

Edible Arrangements (Fall River)
Executive Plaza, 101 President Ave
Phone: 508-730-3410
Fax: 508-730-3413
Website: ediblearrangements.com/stores/fallriver
Instagram: instagram.com/ediblearrangements

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

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