New Bedford Festival Theatre announces historic 33rd season!

New Bedford Festival Theatre and Executive Producer Wendy Hall along with Artistic Director George Charbonneau and Associate Artistic Director Elizabeth Bettencourt have announced the company’s 33rd season. Festival Theatre will now be producing shows year-round. In this historic season, Festival Theatre will move from a single summer production to a full season of three (3) major musical
productions starting in November 2022.

The Festival Theatre kicks off the holiday season with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas for 8 performances only!

Based on the classic holiday film; a song and dance duo follow two beautiful singing sisters to a Vermont inn for their Christmas show. This holiday classic features a dazzling score filled with well known standards including the Academy Award winning title song. White Christmas is an uplifting musical to celebrate the holidays.

Performances:November 26, December 1,2,& 3 at 8:00pm and November 26,27, December 3 &
4 at 2:00pm.
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The Broadway classic The Wiz with Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls will “Ease on down…” to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center for 5 performances.
A beloved Broadway gem, The Wiz offers a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the land of Oz is a fun,
family-friendly modern musical.

Performances: April 27, 28, 29 at 8:00pm and April 28 and 30 at 2:00pm.
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A summer tradition returns! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for 8 performances! One of the most enduring shows of all time. Joseph… is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers, and the coat of many colors. Performances: July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:00 PM and July 23,29,and 30 at 2:00 PM.

Single Tickets: Ranging from $39-$65

Season Subscriptions: All 3 shows for one low price! Ranging from $110-$160 per person.

Single Tickets and Subscriptions are now on sale online at zeiterion.org, by phone (508)994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office.

For more information: Please visit www.nbfestivaltheatre.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.

Southcoast Health is thrilled to host the 5th Annual Nicole Podkowa 5k Run/Walk in person this year! The race will take place at the Southcoast Health Cancer Center in Fairhaven, MA at 9 am on Sunday, October 9, 2022.

For those that cannot participate in person but would still like to participate, you may still register and run/walk your 5K in the comfort of your own neighborhood, treadmill or local park.

Proceeds raised through this event will support the Nicole Podkowa Cancer Patient and Caregiver’s Assistance Fund. This unique fund supports patients being treated at the Southcoast Health Cancer Centers and their families who are in need of financial assistance to help with utility payments, food, housing, transportation, cancer related supplies and other necessities.

How to Participate in the 5K:

Step 1: Register by clicking HERE. By completing the registration form you are agreeing to both the media and liability release information found at the bottom of this page. Registrations can be made until 9am on October 9th, 2022.
Register Today!

Registration Fee

$35 adults
$25 youth (under 18 years of age)

Each registered participant will receive a long-sleeve Podkowa 5K race shirt as a thank you!

Registrants will receive their participant shirt upon check-in at race day. For those participating virtually, please contact philanthropy@southcoast.org or 508-973-5353 and we would be happy to mail it to you.

Step 2: Invite your family and friends to join you in completing the 5K and encourage them to register!

Step 3: Spread the word on social media! Hashtag #Podkowa5K2022 and tag @SouthcoastHlth when you post videos and photos of you participating is the 5K.

Step 4: Participants who are participating virtually can submit their time (picture of fitness device time) to philanthropy@southcoast.org for the top finisher in the following categories:

Top Male
Top Female
Top Senior Male (65+)
Top Senior Female (65+)

Earlier today on their Facebook page, ‘The Pasta House’ shared the following:

“Our crew is ready for the last Sunday at The Pasta House! Be sure to join us this week before we close for renovations starting Sunday, September 18th.

“Just to clarify for everyone asking – YES, we will still honor all Pasta House gift cards! We are the same restaurant you know & love with the same amazing owners, staff, and menu. We will just be operating as the new brand, BOCCA. We can’t wait for everyone to see this amazing vision come to life!”

What say you, readers? Are you excited about the change? What favorites do you hope they keep on the new menu? Feel free to chime in!

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

How do you make sure your child is prepared for kindergarten?

Preschool, of course!

But public preschool doesn’t work for every family. It’s not every day, and often it’s only half days. The schedule is inflexible for working parents. Many parents end up choosing daycare knowing their child won’t enjoy the same rigor to prepare them for kindergarten.

If only there was a preschool with hours akin to a daycare.

Kendall Sallar thought the same thing, so she took her eight-plus years of experience, her Early Education and Care license and decided to open Islands of Fun Learning Center in Dartmouth, fulfilling a lifetime dream of starting a center that is safe, fun and educational, with an open door policy where parents are involved in decisions regarding their children’s education.

Islands of Fun isn’t your average day care. It’s designed to promote school readiness of children ages 3-5 with an approach to enrich each child.

From a curriculum that allows children to develop literacy and math skills to developmental work in cognitive, social-emotional and physical skills, Islands of Fun is designed to create success not only in kindergarten, but throughout life.

Small group activities allow the teachers to assess each child in social emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and strive for the best learning for each child. The curriculum focuses on creative arts, gross and fine motor skills, cognitive learning, social and emotional learning, preschool mathematics and outside play.

Sallar, a UMass Dartmouth graduate who now lives in Fall River, has continued her postgraduate education in the early childhood education field, earning her director certification, while spending nearly a decade teaching at CFC Head Start. Islands of Fun is also actively looking to hire EEC qualified teachers, if you’re interested click here: Islandsoffun.com/employment

A Fall River resident, Sallar is opening Islands of Fun at 550 Russells Mills Road near Dartmouth High School, a space large enough to expand to three classrooms eventually.

Islands of Fun is looking for families with young children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are included and parents bring lunch. There are discounts for siblings and discounts for workers in the medical field, military and first responders. Pricing is available upon request.

Click here for information on the application process and here for the application itself.
If you have questions, contact Kendall Sallar at kendall@islandsoffun.com or 401-644-9525.
Visit their website: https://www.islandsoffun.com/

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

Field Day 2022

The Fall River Rod and Gun Club is pleased to announce our annual Field Day for the public on Sunday, September 18th with a rain date the following Sunday, September 27th. There will be many introductory events to allow both young and old to try their hand at trap shooting, skeet shooting, sporting clay shooting and archery as well as fishing on site. All ammunition will be provided free of charge.

The pistol house will be open and available for the kids to have an opportunity to be introduced to our Junior Club, and to try their hand at shooting. There will be 22 caliber rifles as well as pistols available for the public. We will also have an outdoor BB gun range for the kids. Field Day is open to the public with a focus on safety and introduction to the shooting sports. (All minors must be accompanied by an adult and we will provide all necessary eye and ear protection). We will have NRA Certified Range Safety Officers at all events.

There will be a free hot dog, soda and chips for the kids, (donated by the club) and the kitchen will be open all day for breakfast and lunch. Various vendors will also be on site to show off their wares and we encourage all to consider purchasing their products and/or services as appropriate on site. Vendors should contact John at (912)552-3314

Vendors should plan on setting up booths/tables around 7AM. There is no charge for vendors who wish to attend Field Day. Generators will be set up for anyone needing electricity. There will be membership applications available and if you sign up for membership on field day you will receive the rest of this year’s dues for free and will be paid up for all of 2023. Come and enjoy the outdoors and see what The Fall River Rod and Gun Club has to offer.

You will be amazed!
https://www.fallriverrodandgunclub.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.