Chinese food is pretty much American food. Most of what is served at Chinese restaurants in America bears little to no resemblance to what you would find in China. Regardless, Chinese cuisine feels American – we order take out regularly, order it on Holidays when we don’t feel like cooking, and love sitting at the bar ordering cocktails with umbrellas in them, especially Borpion Scowls – which I believe sober people call Scorpion Bowls.

There is something so very American about sitting up late night with a special someone, cuddling and watching movies while having Chinese takeout. It’s delicious, affordable, and with an astounding array of choices, there’s surely something to appeal to anyone and everyone.

While you might have had one of these dishes, they rarely, if ever, pop up during a discussion of favorite Chinese dishes. Almost always, you hear General Gao/Tso/Tsao’s Chicken, Pu Pu Platter, boneless spareribs, Egg Foo Young, Chow Mein sandwiches or something similar. However, I’m willing to bet that most people would actually love the dishes on this list and even turn some into their new favorite, they just never hear about them.

We all know those friends who are terrified of leaving their food comfort zone. You know that one who has only ever order Luncheon Combo #5 and never tried anything else? I have friends who will not stray from the same 4-5 dishes no matter what. They just aren’t interested. We all have that strange friend who even orders a burger or French Fries when he goes to a Chinese Restaurant. I joke with my friends that I am pretty sure that if you order the burger enough times at you favorite Chinese restaurant, it will summon Jerry Seinfeld.

Anyhow, you may have never heard of these dishes (though the true foodies will scoff) but they are or were some of my favorite dishes to order. I intentionally only chose the ones that garnered a positive response from those who ventured out. So, nothing hardcore. You’re in good hands.

Mu Shi Pork

Mu Shi is, in essence, the Chinese version of a burrito or a wrap. Alternate spellings are Mu Shu, Moo Shu, or Mu Xu. This dish is an interactive one and in my opinion, a good gimmick to get your child to try it – getting some vegetables into his or her body without realizing it.

The dish is primarily shredded green cabbage, pork, thinly sliced carrots, scallions, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, and a small amount of scrambled egg. Though there are quite a few variations circulating. It is accompanied by a small dish of sweet, salty Hoisin sauce and a bunch of warm, steamed tortilla-like pancakes.

The interactive part is making the taco or burrito since, in my entire life, I have never had a restaurant explain the proper way to do it. I guess, it’s like a famous cookie, whereby there is more than one way. What I do is smear a little Hoisin sauce on the pancake, spoon in the deliciousness, roll it into a cylinder, fold the bottom flap up and then proceed to fail and embarrass myself. But at least everyone else gets to have a laugh.

All that aside, it is absolutely delicious and I have enjoyed every version of it from any restaurant I’ve eaten it.

Yu Hsiang (Tofu)

The version with tofu is one of my most favorite dishes of all time – it’s so good that when my daughter was growing up she always asked for it. You know something is delicious if you don’t have to twist a child’s arm to eat it. Yu hsiang is a sort of spicy garlic sauce but it also refers to a type of Sichuan cuisine – so you will find many variations of it, and utilizing a variety of meats instead of tofu.

Using a base of garlic, the sauce includes soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, vinegar, ginger, pickled chili peppers and doubanjiang – a fermented paste of broad beans and soybeans. I am pretty sure you could put this sauce on a section of old tire and it would be delicious. The typical vegetable medley consists of sweet red pepper, bamboo shoots, broccoli, scallions, snow peas, wood ears (a type of tree fungus – think tree mushroom) and comes with white rice.

Even though I had some yesterday and have leftovers in the fridge, I’m thinking about getting some tomorrow for lunch.

Shiitake Mushrooms w/ Black Bean Sauce and Tofu

I think I say this all the time: this is one of my favorite dishes of all time. I must be a foodie. Let me go further – this is perhaps my most favorite dish of all time – as in indubitably top three. This is one of the heartiest dishes ever created and has an abundance of what the Japanese call umami. Umami is what the Japanese consider the 5th flavor along with sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. If you blindfolded a typical meat-eater and gave him a few bites the savoriness, richness, and texture could fool him or her.

It has a few simple ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, soft tofu, and covered in black bean sauce. Of course, accompanied by white rice. So incredibly mouth-watering and satisfying. If you are a vegetarian or vegan this will fill any cravings you may have had for meat or if you are ever in some dark point in the early stages of becoming one, this will help you stay on course.

Out of these dishes, this is the only dish I have found in only one restaurant and that is at Gumbo’s in Dartmouth.

Shumai

While America has a love affair with Chinese dumplings, the “other” Chinese dumpling gets over-shadowed and neglected. Like dumplings, Shumai are little bundles of mouth-watering joy: a filling of either pork and/or shrimp, with green scallion, garlic, soy, ginger, a pinch of sesame wrapped in a wonton wrapper and steamed.

However, unlike traditional dumplings, Shumai are bite-sized which translates into trouble. You can’t just eat one. Variations of the meat may include scallop or crab, even vegetarian. Shumai are one of the cross-over foods from Dum Sum style restaurants. Dim Sum for those who have never been to a Chinese restaurant that serves this style of cuisine is the Chinese version of Spain’s Tapas. Considering the age of Chinese culture, it might be more accurate to say that Tapas is the Spanish version of Dim Sum.

Chicken w/ Curry Sauce

Chinese style chicken with curry sauce is a simple dish: sliced chicken, sweet green peppers, and onions in a savory sauce of yellow curry, turmeric, and garlic. Occasionally you may come across places that put a little coconut milk in the sauce. Don’t be fooled though since these few ingredients are all one needs.

Anyone who is a fan of Asian cuisine in general knows that curries are found across the cuisine and with an astounding variety. The Thais, Vietnamese, Laotians, Indians and everyone else has a love affair with curries. They are so popular that if you go to the UK, every pub serves a curry due to the cultural exchange between England and India.

As far as I know, this dish and the yellow curry is a standard and there isn’t any variation beyond what is paired with the chicken. I have seen it with potatoes, but not on the SouthCoast.

Love fish? Here’s a look at Waterfront Grille​’s pistachio crusted red snapper risotto special this week!

If you are proper foodie then a Cuban sandwich is on your radar – in fact, it is likely that a simple mention of this treat is enough to get the salivary glands revving into overdrive. If you are out of the proverbial loop and one of the deprived few that has never had the pleasure of devouring one of them, then you are about to learn about a Cuban delicacy that has become so popular, that in spite of there being so few Cubans or Cuban Restaurants on the South Coast, you will find the sandwich to is easy to come across.

So, that we are on the same page, let’s get to describing this bundle of happy in its classic form: it begins with a foot long section of Cuban bread which is a sort of cross between a traditional French baguette and an Italian bread. It features a crispy, toasted thin crust with a soft, flaky center that is cut horizontally, opened and given a light brush with olive oil and then tangy, yellow mustard.

Here’s where the magic happens – healthy layers of glazed ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, sliced dill pickles and a little more mustard are the standard. Put the halves back together and toasted in a plancha or panini press to get the turn the cheese in melty goodness and give the thin crust a little more crisp. Slice and share.

Well, maybe share anyway.

While traditionalists will blanch and balk at the idea, some folks like to add some lettuce, mayo, tomato and in Southern Florida where the sandwich is extremely popular, there will be the addition of salami. The sandwich is found wherever there are Cuban communities, like Florida, New York, or Chicago so you may find some variations. There can be quite a bit of debate on the proper way to assemble this sandwich and where it originated, which we’ll forgo the drama for discussing how good it is.

How good is it? Well, it’s here in greater New Bedford available in no less than 10 locations and not one of them is a Cuban restaurant, run by a Cuban, or has a Cuban serving you. It’s so delicious that it has sneaked its way on many menus and believe it or not, for the most part, the local restaurants are serving a pretty darn good sandwich.

In some cases, they might be considered blasphemous because they can stray from the traditional version, however, it’s still mouth-watering. Salami crept into the sandwich because of the Italian communities that neighbored the Cuban communities and we have other communities that would love to “get together” with this sandwich and make a contribution to it, e.g. Puerto Rican, Dominican, Portuguese, Guatemalan, etc. and it will likely change again.

Anyway, yada, yada, yada. I’m boring you and you’re here for the lip-smacking goodness, not my verbosity. So, if you have had a Cuban sandwich before and want to know where to get the best in the area, or I’ve piqued your interest to the point you want one, here’s where to get the best in the area.

The Pour Farm Tavern

The Pour Farm Tavern is a local favorite watering hole. A place where hipsters, trust fund babies, bikers, artists, musicians, the elderly, the binge drinker, barfly and other denizens prefer to unwind. It is a veritable melting pot of all walks of life which is why it’s one of my favorite places to go.

While it is known for its astonishing variety of microbrews which are constantly being rotated, what it isn’t as well-known for, and should be, is the food coming out of the kitchen. I don’t know the story behind who is doing the cooking, but I do know that he sure as hell knows what he’s doing. This is restaurant quality fare being made by a genuine chef. I have mentioned in the past that I’ve had Cubanos all the way from here to Florida and the Cubano served at the Pour Farm Tavern rivals the best I’ve had.

“Smoked pulled pork, Cure 81 ham, Swiss cheese, pickle and a secret spicy sauce served on a toasted torpedo roll with choice of side.” is how the Pour Farm describes their Cubano. The amount of care that went into each ingredient, and in compiling them into a quintessential Cubano is to be applauded. This isn’t a slapping together of the ingredients between two slices of bread. This is someone who has passion and pride in what they are doing and by the craftsmanship, this is someone who has had their fair share of Cubanos. I want one NOW.

780 Purchase St
New Bedford
Phone: (508) 990-1123
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pourfarmtavern/

Quahog Republic’s Whaler’s Tavern “Cubano”

Photo by Alice S.

The Quahog Republic’s version was authentic and legit! It was described as “slow roasted orange cola pork, honey glazed ham, chopped pickles, marinated red onion, Swiss cheese, chipotle aioli, on French bread. Baked hot; brushed with butter, wholegrain mustard and grill pressed.” I’ve eaten a lot of Cubanos in my day, and the golden standard, of course, are the ones I’ve had in various places in Florida made by Cubans. This one was as authentic as any I’ve ever had, excepting the Chipotle aioli which was a nice, subtle variation.

I had high expectations when I ordered this sandwich and boy were they ever met. Nay, exceeded. It was also the largest one I’ve ever been served. There are so many flavors and textures going on that it’s like a Mozart symphony. Crunchy, soft, sweet, sour, spicy, salty, warm, hot, happy. OK, I took some liberty with that last one. No ethics probe, please.

24 N Water St
New Bedford
Phone: (774) 206-6303
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuahogRepublicWhalersTavern/

Mirasol’s Cuban Sunrise, Cubana and Ham & Cuban Roast Turkey Sandwich

Cuban Sunrise. Photo by Granuaile O.

Mirasol’s is a place I’ve been going to since it opened its doors. I’ve been bringing my daughter there since she was 4 years of age. I have a lot of wonderful memories there and one of them is having two of my favorite sandwiches (in my pre-vegetarian days) were the Cuban Sunrise, Cubana, and Ham & Cuban Roast Turkey Sandwich.

While not a true or authentically Cuban sandwiches, they have many of the ingredients that make the Cuban sandwich so delicious. Considering we aren’t exactly in an area with a large Cuban population where we have a lot of choices when it comes to getting a Cuban sandwich, I am including it in the list.

Maybe sneak some pickle in? Outside food is not allowed though, so you didn’t hear that from me. Maybe see if they’ll break out a little mambo, salsa or Cha cha cha too? Good luck!

The Cuban Sunrise is described as “Cuban-rubbed roasted pork, ham, 4-cheese blend and a fried egg, hot pressed in a flour tortilla.” It’s part of the regular breakfast menu, but Mirasol’s serves their breakfast and lunch items any time of day.

The Cubana is on the regular lunch menu and is described as “spice-rubbed pork loin, ham & Swiss cheese, topped with house-marinated onions, mustard, lettuce mix, and tomatoes.”

The Cuban Roast Turkey Sandwich is the least like the Cuban sandwich of the bunch, but does have many of the ingredients. It only shows up as a special, so you have to keep your eyes out for it. It is “Cuban rubbed turkey breast, turkey-ham, and Swiss cheese, layered with lettuce, tomatoes, marinated onions & mustard.”

Be sure to ask for some of their home-made sauces on the side: they come in three heats and colors: mild (white), medium (green), hot (orange).

439 State Rd
North Dartmouth
Phone: (508) 996-2323
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MirasolsCafe/

Hangman Hut’s Cuban Panini

The Cuban Panani at the Hangman’s Hut is described as “ham, mustard spread, turkey, Swiss and pickles.” It is sliced in half and plated so one half is on its side and leaning on the other. At first sight, I am glad that the cheese isn’t an inch thick and oozing all over the place. I love cheese, but in a sandwich I want it to compliment the other ingredients not overpower it.

I wrap my grubby little hands around a half and chomp right into it. The bread had a thin layer of crunch and crackle and the rest of it was appropriately soft. As I continue to bite down, I am hit with a wave of juicy deliciousness. The pickle going down the center has a snap to it, the ham tastes like high-quality ham, not the cold cut or bloated with sodium type that gets served up on Easter and/or Christmas. This is real ham. What a perfect combo. I was KOed. I was transported back to Florida at a mom & pop Cuban eatery with the sun beating down on my head.

Man, I wanted to break out the sunscreen and prop my feet up on the table. In the distance, I swear I heard a Rumba or Salsa playing faintly. This sandwich had no chance.

119 Wareham Rd
Marion
Phone: (774) 553-5161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HangmanCoffeeHut/

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Honorable Mentions:

I haven’t personally tried any of these so I can’t vouch for them and therefore did not include them in the main body of this article. Have you tried them? Let us know who we should visit and try!

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dNB Burger’s Very Limited Special
I only know of this being served once and am unsure if they ever did it again. Perhaps they should consider adding it to their menu? Were you one of the ones that had a chance to try it?

“Limited edition Lamb Cubano: Roasted local lamb loin from Creamery Farm, house cured and smoked ham, house pickles, homemade Swiss American, and mint yellow mustard piled high on Cuban bread baked courtesy of our friends at The Baker.”

22 Elm Street
New Bedford
Phone: (774) 202-0118
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dNBBurgers/

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Lorenzo’s Bakery
Tuesday Special: Cubano ham, pulled pork, mayo-Kktchup, lettuce, tomato.”

1533 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford,
Phone: 774.202.6201
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lorenzos-Bakery/1800943000144277

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M and C Cafe Restaurant and Catering Company
Portuguese Cubano Sandwich: Caçoila, ham, bacon, and cheese pressed with Chipotle aoli.

436 Belleville Ave
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M-and-C-Cafe-Restaurant-and-Catering-Company-266143427424/

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Kickin’ Cubans
I didn’t know about this place until I started writing this. I didn’t even know it existed and their Facebook page doesn’t even have an address, so I’m not sure where exactly it is. Their “About” section states “Our specialty is Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and much more!”

Illinois Street
Phone: (508) 863-6607
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KickinCubans/

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Lisa Chase – amazing Southcoast Health nurse, teacher and volunteer that is making the world a better place.

Looking for an amazing place to dine on Easter Sunday? Here’s a look at one of the items on Waterfront Grille’s Easter Menu. Contact 508-997-7010 to make your reservations.

Easter Brunch menu: http://www.waterfrontgrille.com/easter/

Here’s a look at the liver dish and some little necks at Churrascaria Novo Mundo at 98 County St. in New Bedford.

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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You can’t be a resident of greater New Bedford and not know about the organization called “People Acting in Community Endeavors” or who is known colloquially as PACE. In fact, PACE has been a staple of the community since its founding in 1982! With 11 separate programs, their outreach throughout the South Coast in general, and specifically the Whaling City, is a varied and potent one. From HEADSTART to help with health insurance to Fuel Assistance, PACE is there to serve the Greater New Bedford area.

These services and the positive impact they have on the area’s communities, are what drive Executive Director, Bruce Morell. On a daily basis he gets to meet the locals face-to-face, listen to the stories of families who are in a difficult spot and play an active role in making their lives and his community, a better place. In fact, if you’ve utilized any of the aforementioned services and met and of the team or staff, you know that they are all drawn to serving the Greater New Bedford community and have that identical care and passion. It’s infectious.

One of the oldest running programs that has had a powerful effect on the community is PACE’s Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible homeowners and renters in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester with their home heating bills during the winter months. Last year, the program served over 10,000 households in the Greater New Bedford area. PACE’s fuel assistance is a very important program in that it helps to reduce the burden of what can be very high winter heating bills.

Fran Stubbs, the Fuel Assistance Director wants area residents to know that the time to apply for fuel assistance is sooner rather than later. Even though the program runs from November 1st through April 30th, it would be prudent to apply well before the final deadline. Don’t wait because you feel that you won’t reap the benefits of applying too early because PACE goes back and pays bills retroactively from November 1 on.

Behind the scenes, the staff of PACE’s Fuel Assistance program spends much of all and early winter devoted to processing the thousands of existing clients – which is a lighter paperwork load in comparison to that of new clients. If you have never applied, it has been some years since you have or you don’t apply because you think there’s no way you would qualify – you would be surprised: many people are eligible and don’t realize it!

So what type of household income are we talking about? A household of one with a gross income under $34,380 is eligible. For two, $44,958. For three, $55,537. For four, $66,115. So again, there are many, many working families in the city of New Bedford that could stand to benefit, but don’t realize they fit with PACE’s guidelines or think the application process is unwieldy and time consuming.

The application process is straightforward, simple and worth the time of applying. While no one wants to gather paperwork, wait in line, etc. here’s some motivation: how does having $500-$1600 towards your Gas, Electric, or Oil bill sound? A phone call will get you all the information you need and along with a quick quote.

Have children? You’ve likely benefited from PACE Headstart’s advocacy, family support services, mental health service, classroom environment for positive childhood development, reading or social skills, or health services which include “….screenings, preventative health education, resources and referrals.” Overwhelmed with the the differences in MassHealth or a ConnectorCare plans and need assistance in applying for or managing Medicare, Medicaid, retiree medical insurance or related prescription plans? You’ve found yourself a knowledgeable friend expert at PACE.

Need childcare or food? You know you can rely on the the childcare services or Emergency Food Bank. If you’ve had housing needs like searching for affordable housing, PACE was there. Help with preparing for GED completion, taxes, weatherization, bookkeeping and financial management to grassroots organizations? PACE had you covered. For decades, PACE has been there for region and its residents – through thick and thin, like a big brother or sister who has your best interest in mind.

You’re a phone call away from reaping the benefits countless thousands have since PACE’s inception in 1982!

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People Acting in Community Endeavors: PACE Inc.
166 William Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 999-9920
Fax: 508-999-3728

Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:15pm-4:00pm
Fridays: reserved for emergencies only. PLEASE call.

308 Cottage Street (wheelchair accessible)
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: 508-999-4473
Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-12:00pm & 1:15pm-4:00pm
Fridays: reserved for emergencies only. PLEASE call.

Website: paceinfo.org
Facebook: facebook.com/pacefuelassistance/
EMail: http://paceinfo.org/contact-2/

Bilingual staff members are available for those who speak Spanish, Portuguese, or Creole.

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With low temperatures across New England this winter, Massachusetts households and businesses are preparing for winter electricity supply prices that are close to all-time highs. However, thanks to pre-emptive action taken by New Bedford Energy Now (NBEN), the City’s energy office, a majority of New Bedford’s households are insulated from these high electricity rates through the City’s Community Electricity Aggregation program (CEA).

In 2015, New Bedford played a lead role with 22 local cities and towns to launch the municipally approved CEA, the third largest of its kind in the nation. Through aggregation, or in other words, bulk-purchasing our electricity supply, New Bedford is able to offer residents a responsible alternative to Eversource electricity supply rates that is both stabilized and cost-effective.

After completing a competitive bid process, the original contract began in January 2016, and ended in December 2017. Constellation NewEnergy was selected as the electricity supplier (previously Con Edison Solutions). During this contract period, New Bedford residents that participated in the program saved over one million dollars!

Renewal of Electricity Program Fixes Rate until 2020
As the original contract approached its end date, the 23 CEA community representatives met in the fall of 2017 to determine if it made sense to renew the program. All agreed it did. After following the same competitive bid process, a new electricity supplier, Public Power, LLC was selected. The CEA now has a new 3-year fixed rate term of 10.122 cents per kilowatt hour, beginning in January 2018 and running through the end of 2020.

The program is off to a very solid start – Eversource’s winter residential rate for the next five months is 12.888 cents per kilowatt hour, which is 21.5% higher than the CEA rate of 10.122 cents per kilowatt hour. For the average New Bedford household (using an average 450 kilowatt hours per month), the individual savings of CEA program participation over the first 6-month term are anticipated to reach nearly $80 by June!

Eversource is mandated by the state to purchase their residential electricity supply every six months at pre-determined dates. For the current 5-month Eversource winter rate, the CEA is 21.5% lower. While the program is confident to see savings over the duration of the 36-month contract term, it is important to note that there may be a few times where the Eversource supply rate could be lower (most likely during the summer months; Eversource rates are anticipated to rise again in the winter months). Again, the CEA program rate will never change through the course of the term, ending January 2021.

Besides the anticipated savings, what are other reasons you’ll want to consider participating?

• Residents who participated in the previous aggregation program or have Eversource as their current electricity supplier have been mailed the update letter including the option to opt out. If you received the letter and you would like to participate, you don’t need to take any action. If you would like to opt out, you will need to either send back the included opt-out slip or visit masscea.com/opt-out/

• Residents currently with another third-party supplier will not be sent the update letter, but may join the program if they wish.

• Participants may leave the program at any time without any penalties or fees.

• The CEA program will not change over the duration of the contract term and has no hidden fees, unlike some other third-party supplier offers (often found from phone offers or sales people knocking on your door).

• Budget Plan/Low-Income customers receive exactly the same benefits.

• No one from the City, Eversource, or representatives from the CEA program will ever call, email, or knock on your door about this program. Those who do so are not associated with the New Bedford CEA program.

• Only the supply portion of your Eversource bill will be impacted. (Please see a sample bill here.) Eversource will continue to deliver participant’s power, manage billing, and assist during emergencies as it has done in the past, but Public Power, LLC will be indicated as the supplier of record on the supply portion of your Eversource bill beginning in January 2018. There will be no change in the level of service you receive from Eversource as a result of participating in the program.

Other communities currently participating in the group include Acushnet, Attleboro, Carver, Dartmouth, Dedham, Dighton, Douglas, Dracut, Fairhaven, Fall River, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, Northbridge, Norton, Plainville, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset, Swansea, Westford, and Westport.

So join the community, because there’s power in numbers!

For more information about the program, go to masscea.com/new-bedford/. You may also contact New Bedford Energy Now at (508) 991-6193 with questions or for help understanding your Eversource bill. The Energy Office located at 149 Dartmouth St, New Bedford MA 02740 and is available to assist Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

Last year Micro Technology Solutions Inc. expanded its business and relocated to Fairhaven, bringing with them 20 years of experience in IT and E-Business operations. Since 1998, they have offered onsite services to the greater New England area. MTSi provides expert care to companies in Massachusetts and Rhode Island; including Westport, Dartmouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Providence, East Providence, Cranston, Taunton, Stoughton, Braintree, and many more.

As they enter their 20th year they are extending an invitation to the Southcoast community to come celebrate with them. You’re invited to meet the staff, ask questions and get a behind the scenes look at how they help local companies successfully navigate an ever changing technological landscape. Join them at the corporate headquarters located at 132 Alden road in Fairhaven, MA on Friday March 16th from 3 to 5pm for conversation, appetizers and a raffle! RSVP on eventbrite and receive 10 Raffle tickets that can be used at the event.

If you’re a local business considering their services you should hear what their customers have to say:
Micro technology is a great company for all of your computer support technology. Whether you have them to host your emails, off-site storage or just for PC upgrades and support, they do it all. We have found the support team very responsive whenever we had a problem with our PCs or server. If there is someone who is having trouble determining a problem, they will resource another tech’s assistance in order to resolve the issue. Very thorough, very responsive. We’ve hired other companies prior to MTSi and none of them can compare to their service. We are 100% satisfied customer! ~ Donald J. Medeiros

“I’ve worked with Jesse Cabral (CEO) and just about every one of his Technicians for over 10 years now. To describe their whole office personnel, and field techs, they are all professional in their approach with customers and work associates alike; respectful, courteous, and quite competent in all they do, just as a few adjectives to describe what you can expect.
If anyone has a need for their services, they are sure to satisfy your needs and more. That says it all.” ~ David Tremblay

Feel free to visit their event page on Facebook for additional details: https://www.facebook.com/events/220030591887584/

Micro Technology Solutions Inc.
132 Alden Rd.
Fairhaven, MA. 02719
508-324-9475
mtsifb@mtsolutions.net
https://www.facebook.com/MicroTechnologySolutionsInc/
http://www.mtsolutions.net