All photos by Josh Souza.

Looking for a new hangout this summer where you can hang out with friends while enjoying the weather with fresh food and drink? Black Hat Brew Works in Bridgewater is the place to check out.

Black Hat offers a diverse variety of craft beer with a draft rotation that changes up weekly.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just a casual beer drinker, Black Hat has a beer for you. Their staple and most popular is the Bridgewater Blonde Ale, which is light and smooth and perfect for those that are “intimidated” about trying craft beer. Other selections include a variety of India Pale Ales, Saisons, Belgian-style brews and robust stouts and porters.

Regardless of what you order, you’ll surely be served with a smile by a growing staff behind the bar, led by owner and brewer Paul Mulcahy who’s joined by his brother Scott Galpin and childhood friend Jay Brown.

The brewery opened on Black Hat Friday (Black Friday) in 2015 and sold out of eight kegs in nearly six hours. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the following Christmas Eve they opened to a line wrapped around their building and sold out of eight more kegs in less than two hours!

From the early beginnings of brewing on a small homebrew system in a shed to celebrating a year and a half at a 2,200 sq. ft. building, Black Hat has just completed some major work expanding their production as well as their taproom for a huge summer.

A new concrete patio installed along the side of the building adds more space to the taproom and the perfect place to relax on a warm summer afternoon. The patio features custom picnic tables, rocking chairs and even a sectional couch.

If you begin to feel a little hungry as you soak up the sun on a Saturday afternoon, fret not as a variety of snacking options will be available for your pleasure. The brewery itself sill begin selling fresh baked pretzels along with prepared spreads of meats and cheeses.

If you’re looking for something a bit more wholesome, each Saturday will feature a different food truck throughout the summer. One week you can catch 10B Pasta Company serving up Italian fare, another week may feature grilled cheeses from Mom on the Go, or even a fresh pizza baked in a brick oven from Fiamma Bella.

All this fun is great for patrons, but some of the serious work is being done behind the scenes (although you can see a lot of the production area through a window in the taproom). As some shiny new equipment arrived over the winter, the brewery is now able to potentially triple production, jumping from 200 barrels of beer produced last year to possibly 600bbls this year.

Part of the increased production is thanks to a new partnership with Bog Iron Brewing in Norton, MA. Mulcahy gets to brew his flagship beers such as B’Water Blonde and Ambah at Bog Iron while utilizing his own system to focus on new beers to add into the rotation. This also opens up the possibility of increased draft accounts and Black Hat beer being served in more bars and restaurants plus an additional day of operation. Beginning in June, the taproom will be open Wednesday through Saturday.

What makes Black Hat a great place to visit is their commitment to their beer as well as their fans. They take the time to chat with everyone, and once you’ve visited two or three times, they know you by name and even a little about you. They take pride in friendly service and serving some of the best beer the Bay State has to offer.

However, in the craft beer industry, it’s not really a competition to serve the “best beer,” since everybody has different tastes and like certain beers over others. Instead, the craft beer community takes steps to expose as many breweries as possible to the public so none go unnoticed.

Mulcahy and his team have helped with this by creating the annual South Shore Farmers Brew Festival, which returns for its second year this September. Last year’s festival included a healthy balance of well-known brewers as well as those just starting out plus a homebrew competition for local homebrewers hoping to take the next step and open their own breweries. Oh, and all the proceeds are donated to area charities!

It’s no wonder why these guys are expending both their physical footprint and production less than two years into operation. Every weekend more and more people are flocking to the brewery to try the newest beer on tap, and then bring some home with them in a 32 oz. or 64 oz. growler.

If you’re not sure what to do one of these weekends, just grab some friends and head over to Black Hat Brew Works for an afternoon or evening of great beer and great company.

___________________________________________________________Black Hat Brew Works
25 Scotland Blvd. #1
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Phone: (508) 807-5172Thursday & Friday: 4:00pm-8:30pm
Saturday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Website: blackhatbrewworks.com
Facebook: facebook.com/blackhatbrewworks
Instagram: instagram.com/blackhatbrewworks

Did you make it out to R&W Rope’s Rope Fest in New Bedford this past weekend? Here’s a highlight reel of the event to include arborist demonstrations and a rescue demonstration …

Did you make it out to the International Portuguese Music Award show at the Zeiterion Theatre last weekend? Here’s a glimpse of what you may have missed …

Positions:

Pay: $13.00hr – $18.48hr

Picks up stray and unlicensed dogs. Makes and refers complaints against owners of dogs not properly licensed and collared. Enforces leash laws. Collects the bodies of small animals found dead within the City and disposes of them. Handles all matters and complaints pertaining to dogs and other animals. Performs all duties in conformance with appropriate safety and security standards.

Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record.

High school graduate or GED equivalent required. Three to five years of paid experience in animal control or related field. Ability to interpret and understand ordinances and laws. Must be available for emergencies, nights, weekends and holidays. Must possess a telephone. Must be courteous and have experience dealing with the public.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. EEO

New Bedford has a residency requirement.

Escape the summer heat with seven cool performances at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center June through August. From rock legends to folk favorites, this year’s “Summer Sizzle Series” includes: The B-52s on June 3, George Thorogood & The Destroyers on June 6, New Bedford Folk Festival on July 8 and 9, Dave Mason on July 11, New Bedford Festival Theatre’s My Fair Lady July 21 – 23 and July 27 – 30, Amos Lee on August 8, and The Magpie Salute on August 8. Tickets can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at www.zeiterion.org, or at the Zeiterion at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Group sales are available to select shows for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 508-997-5664 x123. More information is available at zeiterion.org.

The Zeiterion’s 2017 Summer Sizzle Series

The B-52s
Saturday, June 3, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $47.50 / $57.50 / $67.50 / $77.50
Nearly 40 years and more than 20 million albums into their career, there’s no doubt as to why The B-52s remain one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands. From groundbreaking songs like “Rock Lobster” and “Private Idaho” to chart-topping hits like “Love Shack” and “Roam,” The B-52s’ unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time their music begins. As they take their party-music revolution into the 21st century, The B-52s show no signs of slowing down, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of fans around the world.

George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Tuesday, June 6, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $43.50 / $53.50 / $63.50
With more than 40 years of touring and recording, 15 million albums sold, and 8,000 live shows, George Thorogood and his longtime band remain among the most relentless classic rock acts on tour today. The band has amassed a catalog of hits that includes “Who Do You Love,” “I Drink Alone,” “Move It On Over,” “Get A Haircut,” and the anthemic, “Bad To The Bone.” They’ve released 16 studio albums – including six Gold and two Platinum discs – but it’s their powerhouse live performances that have made GT&D legendary. On their Rocky Party Tour 2017, they will be joined by special guest Moreland and Arbuckle, who were nominated for Blues Music Awards’ Rock Blues Album of the Year in 2017.

New Bedford Folk Festival
Saturday, July 8, & Sunday, July 9
Early Bird prices through June 23: Single Day $22.50 · Weekend $30 · Premium Pass $125
Prices starting June 24: Single Day $30 · Weekend $40 · Premium Pass $140
The New Bedford Folk Festival and The Z present two full days of the best in contemporary, Americana, traditional, blues and Celtic folk music. More than 50 artists will perform on seven stages throughout historic downtown New Bedford – ranging from the 1,200 seat Zeiterion Performing Arts Center to the intimacy of the “Meet the Performer” area. In addition to the musical performances, the festival offers activities that are free and open to the public, including: Family Fun Tent, Food Court & Bar and seven-block craft vendor marketplace.

Dave Mason
Tuesday, July 11, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $29.50 / $37.50 / $45.50
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason returns to The Z to ignite audiences with his beloved rock masterpiece Alone Together, featuring fan favorites like “All Along the Watchtower” and “Feelin’ Alright.” His Alone Together Again Tour will include personal photos and stories to make one of rock n’ roll’s favorite albums come alive in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Best known for his soulful voice and unsurpassed guitar playing, Mason was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of the group Traffic, and continues performing as a solo artist with sold-out shows all over the world. A quintessential rock star, Mason has collaborated with numerous members of music elite, including Jimi Hendrix, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, and many more. He will be joined by special guests Don Dixon and Marti Jones on stage.

New Bedford Festival Theatre’s My Fair Lady
July 21 – 23, July 27 – 30, various times
Tickets: $40 / $50 / $55
Broadway’s most honored musical, My Fair Lady was created by the celebrated musical team of Alan Jay Lerne and Frederick Loewe, directed by the legendary Moss Hart, and starred Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews. After a successful run on Broadway, the show and original stars, moved to London where they became the toast of two continents! Several years later Warner Brothers brought My Fair Lady to the screen starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn. The film won 10 Oscars, including Best Picture! Join Henry Higgins, Colonel Pickering and Eliza Doolittle for this beloved tale of love and transformation.

Amos Lee
Tuesday, August 1, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $39.50 / $49.50 / $59.50
Chart-topping folk-soul troubadour Amos Lee stops by The Z for a special one-night stand on his North American Summer tour. This Philadelphia-born former schoolteacher has toured with legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, collaborated with Norah Jones, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, and Zac Brown Band. He’s just released his new single “Vaporize,” which indicates a distinct musical evolution for the critically acclaimed singer and songwriter. Driven by expansive production, elegant keys, and his unmistakable soulful delivery, the song immediately enchants and signals a bright new chapter for Lee.

The Magpie Salute
Tuesday, August 8, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35 / $45 / $55
Rich Robinson, co-founding member of The Black Crowes, brings together two former Black Crowes bandmates – guitarist Marc Ford and bassist Sven Pipien – to create The Magpie Salute! The band instantly sold out its first performance at New York’s Gramercy Theatre in January 2017, and three subsequent dates were added and sold out within minutes. To create The Magpie Salute’s new sound, Rich and his ensemble have called upon their collective influences, from R&B, country and spirituals, to artists such as Sly Stone, Neil Young, and The Small Faces – a vast musical landscape which, at its core, is pure rock n’ roll. The band is comprised of writer/guitarist/vocalist Rich Robinson, guitarist Marc Ford, bassist Sven Pipien, drummer Joe Magistro, keyboardist Matt Slocum, and guitarist Nico Bereciartua. In addition, Rich has pulled together a fine cast of vocalists, including lead singer John Hogg (Hookah Brown, Moke), former Crowes singer Charity White, and background singers Adrien Reju and Katrine Ottosen.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and two hours before each performance.

New Bedford City Councilor Brian Gomes is requesting increased police presence at Hazelwood Park due to increased drug and other inappropriate activity. The following report is being presented at the New Bedford City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 27th, 2017 at 7pm:

8. REPORT, Committee on Appointments & Briefings, recommending that the City Council Follow the Recommended Actions on the WRITTEN MOTION, Councillor Gomes, requesting, an increase in Police patrols especially on weekends in Hazelwood Park, on the West Beach side of the park due to the amount of complaints from residents from the south and north side abutting the park of drug activity, inappropriate activity, including persons openly urinating on residential properties; and further, that the Police Chief consider using motorcycle Police patrols in these Park areas due to the fact that motorcycle patrols can get through the whole entire park; and further, that the Department of Parks, Recreation and Beaches consider putting up signage on both sides of the park reminding visitors of the rules and regulations of our City Parks.

04.27.2017_REPORT_-_POLICE_PATROLS_-_HAZELWOOD_PARK

By Sean McCarthy

Larry Keigwin’s performing career began when he executed a self-taught backflip at a junior high school dance. Building on his energy, skill and individuality he would go on to gain himself increased recognition from the dance world and in 2003 he founded Keigwin + Company, a New York-based dance troupe that would bring his choreography to stages throughout America.

Ultimately Keigwin creates works that are both unique and accessible.

On Saturday, May 13th, at 8 p.m. Keigwin + Company will take to the Zeiterion Theatre with a style that the New York Times described as a form of high art. Tickets for the event are $47, $42, $35, and $27. They can be bought by calling 508-994-2900, online at www.zeiterion.org, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase St. in New Bedford.

Waterfront & Episodes will feature four of Keigwin’s works two set to the music of Leonard Bernstein and two additional pieces that have earned the director praise for more than a decade. The Bernstein pieces celebrate the composer’s 100th birthday. They were originally commissioned by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Keigwin’s enigmatic style often draws on dichotomies and juxtapositions. His approach is a fusion of accomplished theatricality with elements of pop culture and smart wit.

The physicality of his dance is beautiful and well crafted, but it is also engaging, funny, and pleasantly entertaining, says Ali Kenner Brodsky, a choreographer who owns a dance studio in her hometown of Dartmouth. It’s a style that’s accessible to people who aren’t well versed in dance.

Sydney Skybetter is a professor of Dance at Brown University in Providence.

Larry is able to move his dancers from great delicacy and tenderness to swarms of bodies moving around the stage, Skybetter says. His works are known for being comedic with a highly physical element, and always with an edge. He’s capable of creating scenes of great meaning and he proves that modern dance doesn’t have to be boring.

Skybetter says that choreographers have chosen to use Bernstein’s music forever.

Bernstein can be lush and complicated, he says. He affords a bounty of musical choices and challenges.

The Bernstein selections are “On the Waterfront,” and “On the Town – Suite.” The additional pieces are “Love Songs” and “Portraits,” two of Keigwin’s most popular works.

I was told that when I did my choreography for the Bernstein songs I would not be able to reference any of the characters or the narrative from the shows they were originally composed for, Keigwin says. It gave me a sense of freedom because I didn’t want to duplicate something that had already been done.

With “On The Waterfront” I wanted to create something playful and youthful and have a good time with the dancers that would be transformed to the audience. But with “On the Town,” I wanted something more dramatic and more abstract.

“Love Songs” is based around couples in relationships.

I wanted to express different aspects of love and age, Keigwin says. There’s a comparison of two relationships, the playful, young-at-heart couple, and the older, angsty couple. One couple is independent and one couple is co-dependent.

“Portraits” hearkens back to the 1980’s, and is expressed by the use of five solo dancers.

The 80’s were an era of the individual and individual expression, Keigwin says. I’m using something very snappy and poppy, similar to pop art.

I want people to leave the show feeling entertained, rejuvenated and inspired.

A lot of people think that dance is something highfalutin, Skybetter says. But Larry’s work is hopeful and accessible. anybody can find something to enjoy about it. He is a choreographic sponge, he could talk about anybody’s work or imitate other people’s work but he doesn’t – he knows how to move bodies in space and make it his own.

And throughout his life Keigwin has shown a true-to-himself attitude. In his Long Island, NY high school he once skipped classes for an entire week to be a part of the MTV program, Club MTV. He would take a train two hours each way just to be a part of the show. He went on to study dance at Hofstra University on Long Island, and he would spend many weekends dancing at bah mitzvahs for extra money.

And if anyone is open to the idea of what it’s like to be an actual performer Keigwan and the Zeiterion will be providing that opportunity.

The morning of the performance Keigwin will be accompanied by some of his dancers as they host a FREE community dance class, “Let’s Make a Dance,” on the stage of the Zeiterion. Running from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., participants will get an introduction to the world of dance, using their creativity and physicality to transform themselves into performers.

Open to dancers and non-dancers from the age of 12 and up, reservations can be made via an RSVP to acubellis@zeiterion.org.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center presents the 22nd Annual New Bedford Folk Festival on Saturday July 8 and Sunday July 9, 2017 with an impressive lineup of the best in contemporary, Americana, traditional, blues and Celtic folk music. Aoife O’Donovan, Patty Larkin, Susan Werner, Catie Curtis and a 2015 finalist on NBC-TVs the Voice, Joshua Davis are joined by Lucy Wainwright Roche, Ellis Paul, Bill Harley, Jim Kweskin, Vance Gilbert, The Nields and many more. The festival runs from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. both days and is located in the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and throughout the 10 downtown city blocks that make up the Whaling National Historical Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Tickets ranging from day-passes to a full weekend VIP pass are $22.50-$140 and are available by calling 508-994-2900, online at www.newbedfordfolkfestival.org, or at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford.

The New Bedford Folk Festival presents 83 shows on 8 stages in and around the National Park that range from the 1200 seat Zeiterion Performing Arts Center to the intimacy of the “Meet the Performer” area. Performers are presented in concerts and in the popular festival “workshops” which feature 3 or 4 performers or groups on stage at the same time in one-time, unique shows. The festival also features a family performance and activity stage, an open mic stage and a high-quality crafts show with over eighty juried artisans. A food court features a variety of food vendors including the justifiably world famous New Bedford landed fish and scallops.

The New Bedford Folk Festival has been recognized as a “Critic’s Pick” and one of “New England’s Greatest Celebrations” by the Boston Globe. Yankee Magazine has selected the festival as an “Editor’s Choice.” Thousands of people from New England and across the nation attend the festival over the weekend, making it a major destination for this summer weekend. This year’s festival promises an exciting and memorable celebration which shows the city of New Bedford at its best.

The lineup of performers is: Anna and Elizabeth, Benoit Bourque and Antoine Pigeon-Bourque, Kevin Burke, Copley Street, J.P. Cormier, Catie Curtis, Jeff Davis, Joshua Davis, Yann Falquet and Pascal Gemme, David Francey, Vance Gilbert, Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes, Seth Glier, Jefferson Hamer, Ry Cavanaugh and Laura Cortese of Session Americana, Bill Harley, Winifred Horan, Joe Jencks, The Jeremiahs, David Jones, Pete and Maura Kennedy, Jim Kweskin, Patty Larkin, New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus, The Nields, Aoife O’Donovan, Chris Pahud, Ellis Paul, Steven Pelland, Pete’s Posse, Dan Plews, Harvey Reid and Joyce Anderson, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Sally Rogers and Howie Bursen, Art Tebbetts, Hiroya Tsukamoto, and Susan Werner. All performers are subject to change.

Tickets range from $22.50 to $140 and are available at www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com, 508-994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Box Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Children under 12 are free.

New Bedford Folk Festival Community Partners include The City of New Bedford, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The New Bedford Folk Festival is supported in part by a grant from the Cultural Council of New Bedford, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

150 star-studded teams of all ages will take court for first Northeast 3×3 Basketball Federation tourney, Aug. 4-6 at Burgo courts

By Jonathan Comey

The Greater New Bedford area has long had a love affair with the humble game of basketball.

From Fall River to Wareham, high school gyms and college arenas have been the place for boys and girls to chase their hoop dreams — large and small.

Now there’s a new player on the court, one that shapes up to be a signature event on the local basketball scene: the inaugural Northeast 3×3 Basketball Federation summer tournament, Aug. 4-6 at Burgo Basketball Association courts in Dartmouth.

“I’m extremely excited to be part of this event,” said former New Bedford High star Marques Houtman, who played over 10 years professionally overseas and for the Cape Verdean National Team and is one of the organizers. “Man to man, in your face, show and prove. I’m happy something this big is coming to my hometown area.”

The outdoor tournament is expected to feature 150 teams and 600 players during a three-day weekend family-friendly festival. There are competitive divisions open for players of both genders; as young as nine years old all the way through to an age 30-plus ‘Legends’ division.

For spectators, in addition to a whole lot of good basketball being played by what will be familiar names and up-and-comers, there is a dunk contest (expect some vicious jams from one entrant, Mike Kaufman) and a four-point shooting contest that takes long range shooting to a new level.

Check out the NE3x3 “hype video” to get a sense of what’s going to be happening in Dartmouth.

Sponsored by adidas and scheduled for the same weekend as the legendary Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford, it’s a great companion event: hoops by day, celebration by night.

The area’s “who’s who” of basketball leadership are on board with this event and the Northeast 3×3 Basketball Federation: Steve Burgo (Burgo Basketball), Manny DeBrito (A’s Before J’s), Bill Shea (Southcoast 3on3 founder) and Houtman all have leadership roles.

“It’s not often organizations get together to do something of this magnitude,” said DeBrito. “I’m excited for the collaboration and I know this is just the first of many.”

It’s led by Zach Rocha, a New Bedford High grad who has been the driving force behind the Sidekick Sports Academy since 2012. A believer in the power of sports to inspire and unite, he sees 3×3 hoops as the future.

“By working together, the greatest things can be achieved,” Rocha said. “I think this tournament will be an annual showcase event, and the leaders involved are what will drive its success.”

According to an International Olympic Committee study, 3×3 Basketball is the fastest growing urban sport in the world, and FIBA, the sport’s international governing body, wants 3×3 to be its own stand-alone Olympic sport. This past winter, the Junior NBA launched a 3v3 initiative within its curriculum.

The Northeast 3×3 rules are simple, and lead to exciting, action-packed basketball. The games are halfcourt, with 3- and 4-point zones. At the August tournament, every team that signs up is guaranteed to play at least three games

Rocha, whom is also the co-founder and executive director of Sidekick Sports Academy, has seen the global rise of 3×3 basketball (also known as 3v3 or 3-on-3) internationally and can’t wait to see it become a part of the SouthCoast sports fabric.

“Our leadership team has made successful careers out of providing fun education and family-friendly entertainment opportunities through sports,” Rocha said.

Registration for the Northeast 3×3 Basketball Federation can be found online at ne3x3hoop.com. There are early-bird deadlines of May 1 ($150/team), June 1 ($175/team) and July 15 ($200/team).

Prizes for winning teams include customized adidas James Harden Volume 1 shoes, designed by Sidekick Illustrations’ Ethan Weinstein.

Country Whip INC is a family-owned, seasonal ice cream parlor & full service restaurant located off Route 105 in Acushnet, MA. We are seeking (2) part time (15-20 hrs/week) employees with the potential for more hours if they want it. We are looking for a candidate with flexible availability, with a mix of weekday and weekend shifts. Shifts run either 11am-4pm or 4pm-9pm. We are open 7 days a week. We are a small mom & pop restaurant & looking for someone to join our family.

Requirements & Qualifications: We would like someone with some type of kitchen experience, as the position requires cooking with the fryolater and grill. The job also entails light cleaning & dishes. Our menu consists of burgers, sandwiches & fried seafood. We are a fast paced environment but we don’t serve fast food – we serve good food fast & we want someone who takes pride in their work and what they serve.

To apply for the position, we ask that they come into the restaurant any day between the hours of 10am – 7pm, to fill out an application & speak to our head chef. Please ask for Amanda or Ruben when you come in.

Our address is: 1173 Main Street, Acushnet MA 02743, so APPLY IN PERSON ONLY, no calls or email.