Submitted photo: Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. (1957-2021)

New Bedford’s Sea Lab building to be dedicated to former Mayor Kalisz

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Members of the community will gather on Saturday, August 13, 2022 for a dedication ceremony honoring a former Mayor, the late Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. A plaque and exterior sign will designate the Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center. A public unveiling will take place outside at 12:30 p.m. at 71 Portland Street. Sea Lab shares the building complex with William H. Taylor Elementary School.

The posthumous honor comes nearly a year after the New Bedford School Committee voted unanimously on a motion put forward by member Bruce J. Oliveira on September 20, 2021 to name the Sea Lab building for Dr. Kalisz, who as Mayor oversaw the construction of the Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center in 2005. The complex was later expanded to include Taylor School.

The School Committee action came after deliberation of the City Council Committee on Memorials and Dedications March 9, 2021 vote (4-0) in support of pursuing an official recognition of the civic and educational contributions of Mayor Kalisz by dedicating a public school building in his honor.

Tragically, Mayor Kalisz died January 27, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital due to complications from COVID-19, just three weeks before the vaccine would have become available to him.

In October 2021, a dedication committee formed with the endorsement of the Kalisz Family to oversee the project. Members include John Beauregard, Simone Bourgeois, Chief Joe Cordeiro (ret.), Dr. Joseph Costa, Stephen Furtado, Mrs. Patricia Kalisz, Michael Kalisz, Rick Kalisz III, Atty. George Leontire, Arthur Motta, Andrew O’Leary, Bruce Oliveira and Dr. Steven White.

The August 13 ceremony takes place on what would have been Mayor Kalisz’s 65th birthday, according to family members.

The public is invited to attend the 12:30 p.m. unveiling and tour Sea Lab’s summer student exhibits afterward. Free parking is available at the East Beach Parking Lot with free shuttle service to Sea Lab courtesy Trembley’s Bus Company. Refreshments will be served.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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