New name reflects importance of the SouthCoast — a pivotal region in the transformation to a clean energy future

SouthCoast Wind Energy LLC, a joint venture of Shell New Energies US LLC and Ocean Winds North America, is the new name for Mayflower Wind. This change better reflects the company’s commitment to the people, businesses and communities of the SouthCoast, all of whom will benefit from the growing offshore wind industry.

“We are proud to call the SouthCoast home and recognize the importance this area has to the success of our project,” said Francis Slingsby, CEO, SouthCoast Wind. “SouthCoast Wind remains steadfast in its commitment to being an integral community partner and investing in economic development, education and training.”

From Rhode Island’s Sakonnet River to Buzzard’s Bay and beyond, SouthCoast Wind will provide jobs and opportunity for all who wish to participate—while providing support to low-income communities throughout the SouthCoast region.

“The SouthCoast region is serving as a strong anchor for the offshore wind industry and today’s announcement serves to recognize SouthCoast Wind’s growing presence, along with their many partnerships and investments in our communities throughout our region,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, D-Westport, 1st Bristol & Plymouth District. “Moving forward, I remain committed to continuing to work collaboratively with SouthCoast Wind, our communities, public higher education institutions, local businesses, and residents to further deepen our region’s thriving partnership with the growing offshore wind industry, ensuring we create and support opportunities that impact our SouthCoast region for many years to come.”

The company has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, leveraging its parent companies’ extensive experience in developing offshore wind projects across the globe. The joint venture is comprised of a diverse workforce of more than 80 employees dedicated to delivering a robust portfolio of offshore wind energy to New England. Click HERE to learn more!

SouthCoast Wind’s full offshore wind lease area has a capacity of 2,400 megawatts – enough electricity to power more than 1 million homes and businesses. The first 1,200 MW will connect to the electric grid at Brayton Point in Somerset, MA, the former home of the region’s largest coal plant. SouthCoast Wind also plans to connect to the regional electric grid at a second location in Falmouth, MA.

About SouthCoast Wind

SouthCoast Wind, a 50/50 joint venture between Shell New Energies US LLC and Ocean Winds North America, is developing an offshore wind lease area with the potential to supply 2,400 megawatts of low-cost clean energy to electricity customers in New England. SouthCoast Wind is committed to zero harm, innovation, and industry development, and investing in our local communities. For more information visit www.southcoastwind.com.

New Bedford Festival Theatre presents Welcome to the Theatre! 50 years of Performing Arts in Our City; a Tribute to Armand Marchand and George Charbonneau. The event will take place on October 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM at New Bedford High School’s Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium.

In 1972, the “new” New Bedford High School opened with the promise that Broadway caliber plays and musicals would be presented by Marchand and Charbonneau on the stage of its brand new auditorium… New Bedford has never been the same.

From 1972-2001 Marchand and Charbonneau produced and directed 60 plays and musicals on the stage of the Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium at New Bedford High School.
In September 1982 Marchand and Charbonneau began their 40 year association with the Zeiterion Theatre starting with the reopening night of the historic downtown theatre featuring Shirley Jones: In concert.

In the summer of 1983 the New Bedford High School Drama Club production of Jesus Christ Superstar was chosen to transfer to the stage of the Zeiterion Theatre, and in 1984 Marchand and Charbonneau were hired as co-directors of Zeiterion Summer Musicals from 1984-1989. In 1990 Marchand founded New Bedford Festival Theatre which is now entering its 33rd Season as the area’s only professional theatre devoted to musical theatre.

Welcome to the Theatre! will be a full evening’s entertainment including:
● The premier of Legends Among Us, a short documentary film about Marchand and Charbonneau shot in November 2019.
● Musical performances.
● Special tributes from alumni and special guests.
● A preview of the exhibit:
“Looking Back/ Looking Forward: 50 years of Performing Arts in Our City; a tribute to Armand Marchand and George Charbonneau.

Welcome to the Theatre! One Night Only! October 22, 2022 7:00 PM
at New Bedford High School’s Phillip Bronspiegel Auditorium. General Admission Seats are $25
All proceeds will benefit Festival Theatre’s Summer Academy Scholarship Fund and New Bedford High School Drama Club.

Tickets can be purchased online at nbfestivaltheatre.com, by phone (508) 994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office 684 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA 02740.

Drive around any neighborhood in New Bedford and you can’t help but notice roofs lined with solar panels.

That’s because solar panels are a win-win for everyone involved. They bring down energy costs for homeowners and provide renewable, sustainable energy for the planet.

But whole swaths of people – 80% of Americans – have never been able to take advantage of the benefits of solar power.
Don’t own a home? Too many trees or other obstructions around your roof? Can’t afford the upfront costs?

Now there’s a new type of solar, specifically designed for under-served communities that aren’t typically given an opportunity to save money while doing good for the planet. It’s called community solar and it’s coming to New Bedford, thanks to Solstice.

Solstice was founded outside of Boston in 2014 by Steph Speirs and Sandhya Murali to offer every community access to clean solar energy at no cost to customers. Speirs was even named the 2022 Ernst & Young New England Entrepreneur of the Year award winner.

So how does it work? What’s the catch? Nothing is truly free, right? Well, this is.

The way Solstice works is different from most solar companies. Instead of slapping solar panels on your roof and changing out your electric meter, Solstice builds solar farms and then offers customers a share of those farms. It’s a lot like a community garden where everyone has their own section. Except there’s no planting or weeding involved.

Eligible customers in New Bedford – mainly zip codes 02746 and 02740, or anyone living in the blue or green sections of this map – can save up to 20% off their electric bill with zero added costs.

“Community solar sounded like a great way to help the world in what little ways I can,” said Hilary Young, a Solstice subscriber from Orleans. “And when I found out I could save money, too, I thought that was amazing. When I compare my bills this year to the same time last year, my expenses are down.”

When starting Solstice originally as a non-profit, Speirs and Murali made a point of offering clean energy to homes with limited incomes. One in four American families spend 7% or more of their income paying energy bills.

“Energy should be a human right,” Speirs said. “However, millions of Americans struggle to pay for it each month. Low-income communities and communities of color spend up to three times as much of their incomes on energy as other households.”

So how does a community solar farm work?

In just five minutes, eligible New Bedford residents can enroll in a solar farm that is already built and has been generating local, clean power for two years. You don’t need to purchase any panels; through the state of Massachusetts’ community solar program, this solar farm’s benefits are open to the public. By enrolling with Solstice, you can claim a portion of the solar farm equal to your home’s energy use. You’ll get credits for the energy your solar share produces, which will get subtracted from your monthly electric bills. You’ll still pay for this energy, but at a 20% discount compared to Eversource’s rates. This means your costs will be lower every month with no added fees.“We hear from community members that they almost don’t believe how easy community solar is to sign up for and receive savings from,” said Solstice’s Sean Doucette. “Some folks don’t look into it because it sounds too good to be true. We’re here to share that this is a very real and awesome opportunity for New Bedford residents to go green and save.”

So give Solstice a call at (866) 826-1997 or visit their website to sign up. They’re more than happy to answer all your questions about your local community solar program and how you can save money while doing your part to help the planet.

“I’ve got a couple of kids and we talk about climate change and we don’t want them to think that there’s nothing you can do,” said George Palmer, a Solstice solar subscriber. “If we can spread this, if we can get people more involved, we’re really going to make a difference.”

Website: https://solstice.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarforgood

Mass Collective Pop-Up Shopping & Networking Events
This will be their 8th and biggest event yet! Saturday, July 30th from 12pm to 6pm at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford.
A showcase designed for all small brands, businesses, artists, and more. Shopping, Networking, Music, & Fun!

Establish your business and network with peers and potential customers. Great opportunity to spread brand awareness and make sales.
Some of our top vendors include Sneakers, Clothing Brands, Vintage, Collectibles, Custom Art, Daily Accessories, & More.

Now accepting all vendors! We have space for everyone to join no matter what type of business.
To check out photos and videos of our previous events & to reserve a vendor pass send a message to @masscollectivenb (our Instagram and Facebook page)
ALSO LOOKING FOR FOOD TRUCKS! PLEASE REACH OUT TO US

Or use this Eventbrite link to securely reserve a spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mass-collective-fest-at-buttonwood-park-shopping-networking-more-tickets-368707613397

Vendor passes start at only $70! We encourage all small brands and businesses to join.

Any questions you can contact Mass Collective Events on Facebook or email to masscollectivenb@gmail.com

New Bedford Festival Theatre shares “A Tale as Old as Time” with Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” live on stage.New Bedford Festival Theatre and Executive Producer Wendy Hall have announced the casting for their production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast which will be presented July 22-31, 2022 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center at 684 Purchase Street New Bedford, MA.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Leading the cast will be Miguel Vasquez ( NBFT’s “To Broadway, with love”) as
The Beast and Sydney Torres ( Morales in “A Chorus Line” at Seacoast Rep) as
Belle. Joining them will be Jesse Lutrell (National Tour of “Peter Pan”) as Gaston, Ron
Trenouth (Original Broadway Production of “Ragtime”) as Maurice, Courtney Dease
(National Tour of “Pippin”) as Lumiere, Gillian Bell ( “Les Miserables” at Merry
Go Round Playhouse) as Mrs. Potts, Conor McGiffin ( National Tour of “Finding
Neverland”) as Cogsworth, Carly Caviglia ( “Hairspray” at Priscilla Beach
Theatre) as Babette, Allyson Lynch ( “Le Nozze di Figaro” at Kentucky Opera) as
Madame De La Grande Bouche, and Noah Roderiques ( “West Side Story” at Manatee
Performing Arts Center) as Lefou.

The Production will be Directed by Diane DiCroce, Choreographed by Andrew
Winans, Music Direction by Steven Bergman, Associate Choreographer Kristy
Fuller, Lighting Design by Michael Wonson, Sound Design by Jason Choquette.
New Bedford Festival Theatre’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs
July 22-31, 2022 at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are available from $29-$49.
Tickets can be purchased online at zeiterion.org/events/beauty-and-the-beast,
by phone (508) 994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office 684 Purchase
Street New Bedford, MA 02740

National Grid invites project neighbors to a Virtual Event on July 14, 2022, from 6 to 8 P.M., to learn about the N12/M13 Transmission Line Upgrade Project. During the Virtual Event, community members will have the opportunity to learn about the project, talk to and ask questions of the project team. Construction, engineering, permitting and other subject matter experts will be present during this event.

Keeping the lines of communication open is an important part of our work in the community. This event is designed to give neighbors an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide comments.

The event will be virtual, a presentation will be made and followed by a Q&A
Link to Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88650941269

Dial by your location: +1 646 558 8656

Meeting ID: 886 5094 1269

Passcode: 305246

If you have questions please email National Grid at: Info@SouthCoastReliabilityProjects.com or call 833-233-7277.

Have you been frustrated by increased rents? Have you thought that instead of paying $1300, $1500, $1700 or more a month in rent, you might as well buy your own home? You can!
The home-buying process can be intimidating. Maybe you think you don’t have enough saved up for a down payment, don’t have good enough credit, or don’t make enough money. But even with a low or moderate income, there is a path for you. Down payment assistance of up to $50,000 is available!

Join us for a virtual discussion with partners from PACE, the City of New Bedford’s Office of Housing & Community Development, MassHousing, 3rd Eye, Neighborworks Housing Solutions, and State Representative Christopher Markey. Our panelists will present on the programs that are available to you, explain the process, describe their own experiences, and answer your questions.
You’ll come away from this event with an understanding of your path to homeownership, and knowing a few friendly faces you can reach out to when the time is right.

The event will be livestreamed on PACE’s social media pages at the time of the event, and recorded for future viewing. Join us! RSVP for the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/408909557855611
Questions for our panelists? E-mail them to help@paceinfo.org now!
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PACE is a leading non‐profit Community Action Agency serving Greater New Bedford since 1982. Responsive to community needs and true to its grassroots origins, PACE delivers innovative and effective programs and services to over 30,000 individuals a year in their pursuit of brighter futures. PACE provides a variety of services that support members of the community improve their and their family’s quality of life, through early childhood education, assistance with basic needs, adult education, workforce development, and other asset-building programs. For more information, please visit our Facebook page or website at www.paceinfo.org

LifeStream and Bridgewater State University (BSU) recently launched The Assistive Technology Academy, an Assistive Technology (AT) Training Certificate program for direct support professionals in southeastern Massachusetts.

The program format is a combination of online and in-person/classroom options. It includes classroom/lab activities at the BSU campus and in-context learning activities. The program is completed over a ten-week period, at approximately 1.5 hours per week.

Melissa Pepin, LifeSteam’s Director of AT and Therapy Services, oversees the program with Dr. James Feeney, Assistant Professor at BSU. “Assistive Technology has become a critical element in support services for individuals with disabilities, helping to increase independence and socialization,” said Ms. Pepin. “The program helps direct support professionals develop and implement a customized AT plan, provides access to training materials and other resources, and offers up to date information on a wide range of AT tools.”

Classes focus on topics including “What is AT?” and “Augmentative Communication,” as well as instructions on completing a screening assessment and developing a support plan. All classes are geared towards helping participants increase independence for those they support. At the end of each ten-week session, each participant presents a project related to AT and the support provided to an individual based on what they learned during the class.

The pilot program has been a huge success, with participants actively demonstrating the knowledge and skills they have utilized with the individuals they support. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this program is seeing how attendees are applying what they’ve learned to real-life situations,” said Dr. Feeney. “Many of them have noted how surprised they were with the abundance of available AT services, and how much they have learned from the program.”

For additional information please contact Melissa Pepin at mpepin@lifestreaminc.com.
Want to work for this amazing organization? They’re hiring: https://www.lifestreaminc.com/careers/

Ericca Kennedy, a sixth generation Wareham, Massachusetts resident, is the first economic empowerment applicant to launch a cannabis delivery service with a Delivery Operator License in the state of Massachusetts. In partnership with Doobie, a leading cannabis delivery service, Kennedy will begin delivering cannabis throughout her home state starting today.

Ericca Kennedy, along with her husband Justin Kennedy, have been working with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission to obtain a license since 2018. Kennedy says, “It’s been a long road, but we’ve finally made it. As a sixth-generation resident, I’m so grateful to the Town of Wareham for their support. I’m excited to find ways to give back to the community that’s given me and my family so much. Most of all, I’m looking forward to delivering the first order to my grandmother – who has lived in Wareham for over 70 years.”

Doobie is a leading national cannabis delivery service that provides consumers with convenient and safe access to cannabis.

The Kennedys partnered with Doobie in early 2020 to become Doobie Massachusetts co-founders. Doobie is one of the first businesses to launch through the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity program, designed to support individuals and communities who have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. “We saw a lot of synergies between Doobie’s mission and our own values. Doobie is a family-owned business and committed to finding ways to give back to local communities,” Kennedy says. By obtaining one of the first Delivery Operator licenses in Massachusetts, Doobie can now serve over 3 million residents and will be delivering from Boston to the Cape.

Doobie offers delivery across Missouri, California, Arizona, and now Massachusetts. For any questions about Doobie’s services or menu, visit trydoobie.com or call 1-888-8DOOBIE (1-888-836-6243). For press or media inquiries please contact hello@trydoobie.com. To engage with Doobie on social media visit Facebook @trydoobie and Instagram @trydoobie.

_____________________________________________________________________

About Doobie
Doobie is a leading national cannabis delivery service that provides consumers with convenient and safe access to cannabis. Doobie’s carefully curated selection of products offers something for all consumers and takes the guesswork out of the cannabis purchasing process.

As a customer-driven cannabis platform, Doobie has implemented a user-friendly interface, to streamline both the ordering and delivery process. Customers can browse popular products by category or brand, and Doobie expert consultants are available via chat and phone to answer any questions.

If you don’t know what a 1440 Project is (and i did not!) you ask!

Joanna Tomasz, the Executive Director of The Collective was happy to fill me on one happening right here in New Bedford at Gallery X. “A 1440 Project is a performance concept where all the material, including 10 minute plays, music, and spoken word/poetry, are created, rehearsed and performed in the span of 1440 minutes, or 24 hours.”

On Friday night at 7pm a random writing prompt is given to all the participants, at 10am the next day each playwright has to submit their new 10 minute play, the plays are then cast through a draft of local actors, rehearsed, memorized, and then put live in front of an audience at 7pm Saturday night. There is a second showing at 9pm called the “stumble through” where the actors are encouraged to improvise and loosen up the performance. The poets and musicians have from 7pm Friday to 7pm Saturday to create a new piece of work based on the writing prompt and perform it live.

The Collective NB is producing three 1440 Projects this winter/spring and is taking the newly created material from these shows and developing a brand new full length theatrical experience for the summer series at Haskell Gardens and the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum, August 11-13th and September 22-24 respectively. The first 1440 was in February, the upcoming one April 16th is sponsored by Bask, and there will be a third in June, date and location tbd.

This particular 1440, sponsored by Bask, is a 420 themed show. Ticket price includes food provided by a local restaurant, there will be beer and wine for purchase, it is a 21+ event. There will be folks from Bask promoting their business and products, but no cannabis will be for sale at the event. Bask has been an annual sponsor of The Collective for 4 years, and for this event they are the headlining sponsor.

If you are interested they are taking reservations via email TheCollectiveNB@gmail.com

-Reservations are strongly encouraged, this is a popular event.
-Tickets are for sale at the door, cash or card $15
-21+ Event
-The doors open at 6:30pm and show begins at 7pm

Info is available on The Collective Facebook Events Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/5124115837648041/