15 Things to Do This Weekend

Michael Silvia
by Michael Silvia

TGICDW, or Thank God It’s Columbus Day Weekend! Hopefully, most of you have at least a three day weekend. If you are a boss and reading this, let your employees have a half day today. It will build morale and they just may stop talking about you behind your back. I’m serious. Stop reading this and send them home. The weather is predicted to be in the mid 70s Friday and Saturday, and drop down to the mid 50s Sunday and Monday with rain expected Saturday and Sunday. The good news is there are plenty of great events this weekend. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, October 5th

Postcards From New Bedford: A Photostory Project Exhibit (6-9 p.m.)

New Bedford is one of the most scenic cities in New England and we are fortunate enough to have some amazing photographers. There will be a photography exhibition featuring works by Beatriz Oliveira, John Hodgson, Robert Hughes, Frank C. Grace, Jennifer Chyten Jope, Dario Borim, John Wojtowicz, Audris Guerce, and several others. There will be music by Aoife Clancy. This is the official kick-off for an ongoing photography/community-building project. The exhibition will be up through the end of the month at ArtWorks on 384 Acuchnet Ave with the digital project online on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/PostcardsFromNewBedford. You can invite your friends here: http://www.facebook.com/events/393667167325336/.

The Electrofrieds at The Pour Farm Tavern (10 p.m.)

Let’s face it, while there are some great bands playing in New Bedford, the music scene can become stagnant with the same bands/musicians playing on the same days. The Electrofrieds is an 80s Rock cover band that will play songs from bands like The Cure and Sonic Youth.  If you are looking for a large selection of craft beer, good food and some different music head over to The Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street) tonight.

Saturday, October 6th

Buttermilk Bay – where pilgrims invented buttermilk pancakes.

Lyman Reserve Bird Walk (7 a.m.)

This event is for the early birds! Apparently, we are in the height of the local bird migration and the Buttermilk Bay and Red Brook areas of the Laymen Reserve (Head of Bay Road, Buzzards Bay) is the place to be to see some of the best action. Admission is FREE, but you need to pre-register by calling (508) 636-4693 ext. 13 or e-mail bioreserve@ttor.org.

Family Archaeology Day (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

This family-friendly event will offer corn grinding demonstrations, tours of evacuations with archaeology demonstrations and discussions. The event will take place at the Handy House (202 Hix Bridge Road) in Westport. Admission is FREE.

Sixth Annual Slocum River Regatta (9:30 a.m.)

The Lloyd Center for the Environment is hosting their annual kayak, canoe and other boat races in several categories on the Slocum River. The race begins and ends at the head of the Slocum River. To register call (508) 990-0505 ext. 22. Full details: http://lloydcenter.org/calendar/

North Woods Living History (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sunday)

The Rod and Gun Club of New Bedford (located on Collins Lane of North Hixville Road, South Dartmouth) is hosting their North Woods Living History weekend. The event will spotlight civilian and native American military history from 1620 to 1865. It’s a family-friendly event that will feature historic era camps, crafts, music, demonstrations and competitions to include vintage rifles, tomahawks, knife throwing and archery. There is a suggested donation for admission and there will be a turkey dinner at 6 p.m. for $8. To reserve your spot call Joyce at (508) 676-1478.

Our Pacific Cousins – A Taste of Hawaii in New Bedford (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Discover the connection between Hawaii and New Bedford at Our Pacific Cousins event with New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The day will be filled with activities for children and adults, including crafts, games, and a talk given by rangers Lucy Bly and Judy Roderiques entitled, “What we discovered on our trip to Hawaii.” Bly and Roderiques travelled to Hawaii last year on an Albright-Wirth grant, and will share the results of their research at this talk. The event is free and will take place at the park visitor center, located at 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford. Full schedule here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/hawaii-new-bedford/2012/09/23

Soul Food Kitchen (11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday)

Ready for some delicious southern food? The United House of Prayer for All People of New Bedford (419 Kempton Street) is serving fried chicken, meatloaf, ribs, collard greens, candied yams, sweet potato pie. Take out is also available. Call (508) 999-3682.

Fall Fest and Classic Car Show (12-6 p.m.)

Enjoy some seasonal craft beer and classic cars at Lees Market (796 Main Road) in Westport. The event promises Pumpkin, Harvest and Seasonal craft beers, and dozens of beautiful classic cars. Admission is FREE.

The International Oktoberfest in Newport, Rhode Island (Saturday and Sunday, 12-8 p.m.)

Those looking for a second Oktoberfest can head down to the beautiful waterfront of Newport.

Soap Box Social Late Night (7 p.m.)

Social butterfly Shelley Cardoos hosts “Soap Box Social,” a fun story time event where people tell personal stories with a specific topic in mind. Think of it like Karaoke, but instead of singing you tell a personal story. The theme for this month is “Late Night,” so if you have a fun late night story e-mail it to Shelley at soapboxsocialnewbedford@gmail.com. There is a Facebook event here: http://www.facebook.com/events/430375830341502/

Night Sky Viewing Session at the UMass Dartmouth Observatory (7:30 p.m.)

Ready to search for life on other planets, or discover a new star? Head over to the UMass Dartmouth Observatory (285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth) and gaze into space through their 16-inch telescope. Personally, I have no clue what to look for, but luckily the Astronomical Society of Southern New England will be their to navigate the night sky. This event will only happen if the skies are clear, so check their website or call at 5:30 p.m. to confirm that the event is a go. Admission is FREE.

Sunday, October 7th

New Bedford Chowder Festival (12-5 p.m.)

Does it get any more New England than dozens of restaurants providing all-you-can sample clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup and quahogs? The New Bedford Chowder Festival (Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford) offers patrons samples from dozens of local eateries for $15. The YMCA Lobster Races are always a big draw for children, and there will also be craft activities organized by the New Bedford Ocean Explorium and Global Charter School. This year’s musical entertainment will be provided by Eagles Tribute band Another Tequila Sunrise. More details: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-chowder-festival-2012/2012/08/15

Riverside Cemetery Tour (2 p.m.)

Fairhaven’s Riverside Cemetery (274 Main Street) was started in 1850 and was donated to the town by Warren Delano, President Franklin Roosevelt’s grandfather. The guided tour is 90-minutes long and led by Christopher Richard.

Take a Trip to The Maize (open daily from 11 a.m. to dusk)

Escobar Highland Farm (255 Middle road) in Portsmouth, Rhode Island offers an 8 acre corn maze for visitors. See how fast you can complete it. Admission is $7 for ages 12 and up, $5 for Children ages 5 to 11 and children 4 and under are free. There is a $1 off coupon here. For the Harry Potter fans, they are having a Harry Potter Day on Saturday, October 13th.

Monday, October 8th

It’s Columbus Day, so get out of the house and discover something new! For those that need suggestions check out the event calendar: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar

 




Greater New Bedford Career Center to Host Job Fair

The Greater New Bedford Career Center located at 618 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, will be hosting a job fair for American Seafood International (American Pride Seafood) on Thursday, October 11, 2012 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

American Pride Seafood is located directly on the harbor in New Bedford, the highest value seafood landing port in the U.S.A. American Pride operations include value-added fish processing facilities, a state-of-the-art scallop processing plant, and internally operated cold storage warehouse that serve as the distribution hub for all APS products. Beyond New Bedford, the APS procurement team’s network and operation span the globe.

Positions that are available at APS are Crew Chief, Forklift Operator, Mechanic, Packer, Floorman, Saw Operator, Label Table, Machine Operator and much more.

To learn more about the Greater New Bedford Career Center, please visit www.NewBedfordCareerCenter.org or for more information, please contact the Business Service Department at (508) 990-4123. The job fair is open to the general public.




New Bedford Teachers Agree to New Labor Contract

The New Bedford School Committee has approved the agreement that Mayor Jon Mitchell and New Bedford Public Schools Interim Superintendent Michael R. Shea reached with the leaders of the New Bedford Educators Association on a labor contract for New Bedford teachers.

The three-year contract includes groundbreaking changes that will support the school department’s efforts to improve academic quality, increase the graduation rate, and close achievement gaps.

“This agreement represents a major leap forward for the New Bedford Public Schools. New Bedford teachers have really stepped up and put students first,” Mayor Mitchell said.

He added, “The contract provides teachers with the support they need. It gives schools the flexibility they need. And most importantly, it will put us on a path toward a higher-performing and more engaging learning environment for our children.”

Interim School Superintendent Michael R. Shea said, “This contract is part of a broad effort to put New Bedford schools on a path that educators on every level can support, from rank and file teachers, to principals, to administrators, to state level overseers.”

Highlights of the 3-year contract include:

  • A new teacher evaluation system: The teacher’s union agreed to the Massachusetts Department of Education model language on educator evaluations. Going forward, a significant portion of teacher evaluations will be based on student test data, with a combination of a teacher’s classroom data as well as whole-school data being considered.
  • Increased management flexibility for administrators: School leaders will now be able to select the right teacher for every classroom, replacing a system solely based on seniority. Teachers can no longer “bump” another teacher with professional status. The decision now rests with the Superintendent, and the principal of the receiving school has the right to weigh in on the decision, which may be based in part on student performance.
  • New Performance-based Pay for Advanced Placement (AP) Teachers: An anticipated expansion of the AP program at New Bedford High School will be supported by a new system of monetary awards to teachers through a grant account based on test scores in math, science and English and other subjects. This is designed to help close achievement gaps and increase the competitiveness of students applying for college.
  • Compensation Increases: 0% raise in year one, 1.5% raise for most teachers in year two, and a 1.75% raise for most teachers in year three. The contract will be in effect through June 30, 2014.



Umass Dartmouth to Host The Rocky Horror Picture Show

20 Cent Fiction, a student-run theatre group out of UMass Dartmouth, announces their 19th Annual Production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The production will take place Wednesday October 31st through Saturday November 3rd.  Doors open at 7:30 PM for an 8 PM curtain Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Friday doors are at 11:30 for a midnight curtain. Admission will be $5 for UMD Students, $10 for Faculty, Staff, and Alumni, and $15 for General Admission. Please note that while props and dressing up are encouraged, we ask that rice and toast are left at home.

The show will be held in the main auditorium and patrons should park in lots 4 or 5. UMass Dartmouth is located at 285 Old Westport Rd. in North Dartmouth. For directions please visit www.umassd.edu.  Contact 20centpromos@gmail.com or 20centrocky@gmail.com for more information.

About 20 Cent Fiction: 20 Cent Fiction is an off-beat, student-run production company at UMass Dartmouth.  They specialize in alternative theatre productions, along with other forms of creative entertainment, such as a literary magazine and a monthly movie screening.  Previous 20 Cent Fiction performances include Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, Reefer Madness: The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, mAlice in Wonderland, Evil Dead: The Musical, The Who’s: Tommy, and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.




North Atlantic Right Whale Featured at New Bedford Whaling Museum

The New Bedford Whaling Museum examines the plight of the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale and also celebrates this magnificent animal in a free public program that features a movie excerpt and a talk by Peter C. Stone on AHA Night, October 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Cook Memorial Theater.

The program begins with a 20-minute excerpt of the film, “Ocean Frontiers: The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship,” featuring historic collaborative efforts to protect right whales in Massachusetts Bay.

In 2009, armed with more than 25 years of scientific data, a coalition of industry, regulatory and research representatives moved the shipping lane in Boston Harbor. This decreased the chance of ship strike on whales by 81%. This Green Fire Productions film includes video footage, interviews, and state-of-the-art graphics – highlighting the work of individuals who are helping us better understand the right whale and the need to minimize manmade negative impacts on its chances for survival.

Following the film, an illustrated talk by author, educator and artist, Peter C. Stone, explores the evolutionary wisdom and interconnectedness of endangered creatures in a presentation titled “Waltzes with Giants: The Twilight Journey of the North Atlantic Right Whale.” His new book of the same title will be available at no cost to attendees while supplies last. The artist will be available to sign copies of his book after the talk in the Jacobs Family Gallery.

Mystical and provocative, “Waltzes” is inspired by a real North Atlantic right whale and her increasingly perilous migrations from Atlantic Canada to her calving grounds off the coasts of Georgia and Florida. In the spirit of marine biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson’s sea trilogy, the story evokes the wonder, the sorrow, and the conflicts associated with this member of the suborder Mysticetes (baleen whales). Blending science and art with a literary voice, Stone takes us beneath the waves to reveal how we have historically decimated many species of whales and other fisheries for material gain, even though they are an integral part of the ecosystems upon which we depend.

Many of the North Atlantic right whales that have spent their summer in Canadian and northern New England waters migrate south through the Gulf of Maine and around Cape Cod, to follow the Atlantic coast towards the waters of Georgia and Florida. Others will explore outer regions of the North Atlantic, some venturing farther than others. Most, if not all, will travel within 50 miles of the coast and all of the human-created hazards that such a trip entails. Nearly 75% of these animals bear scars of entanglement or ship strike.

The good news for this highly endangered species is that there are dedicated individuals paying attention to their movements. Dozens of researchers follow the whales using both simple and high-tech equipment, generating a clearer picture of their habits. In so doing we learn how to help these animals. Sometimes this means knowing how to avoid them. Artists and writers like Peter Stone also absorb the science and are inspired to create moving ways to communicate the challenges these creatures cannot overcome without wide-reaching human intervention.

Museum galleries are open on AHA at a discount – buy one admission, get one free.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. For events: www.whalingmuseum.org.




Fall Allergy Season is Here!

elsa yeung
by Elsa Yeung

Fall is here! And with it comes sniffly noses, itchy eyes, and sneezing. I’m not talking about the cold or flu. I’m talking about allergies, which affect one out of every five of Americans.

Allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system that reacts to things it doesn’t need to react to. The immune system usually does a good job of identifying harmful germs that have found their way into the body and launches attacks against them by producing mucus (causing your nose to run) and expelling germs out of the body (making you cough and sneeze). Allergies happen when the immune system starts attacking harmless substances, or allergens, such as pollen or dust.

Doctors still aren’t sure what exactly causes allergies, though it is probably a mix of genetics and environment. In recent years, scientists have proposed the hygiene hypothesis, which basically says that allergies may be the result of living in an environment that is too clean.

ragweed
Ragweed pollen is a common cause of fall allergies.

Humans evolved in environments where they were constantly in contact with microbes from the outdoors and from farms and farm animals. As humans have become more urban and more obsessed with keeping everything sterile (how many antibacterial products are in your house?), we may actually be keeping our immune systems from developing properly by preventing exposure to these kinds of germs. Studies have found that indeed, people that live in cities and highly developed countries tend to have more problems with allergies than people living in rural areas or less developed countries. The hypothesis is still being studied, but we may be on our way to solving the puzzle.

If you are currently suffering from allergies and reaching for tissues every five seconds, the likely culprit is ragweed, which starts producing pollen from late summer to mid-fall. Ragweed pollen is lightweight and travels far, so even if there are no plants around you, you can still be breathing in pollen from the air. Other common allergy triggers in the fall include dust mites and mold.

What can you do to battle allergy season? Weather reports often include a pollen count, which measures how many grains of pollen are in a cubic meter of air. Usually this is determined by putting a sticky sampling device on a roof and then analyzing the amount of pollen collected after 24 hours.

A high pollen count may mean it’s a good idea to take some allergy medication. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is helpful for many people. However, Benadryl causes some people to become drowsy. If this is the case for you, Claritin (loratadine) and other newer drugs may be a better choice. Of course, always consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what drugs are right for you.




1850s ladies offer Down and Dirty Lantern Tour

Ruth and Abby, the national park’s 1850s ladies, will take you on a lantern tour featuring the “Down and Dirty by Twilight” for AHA! night on Thursday night, October 11. This month’s AHA! theme is “Naughty and Notorious. ” The tour will leave from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center, downtown New Bedford, at 6:30 PM sharp, and is available on a first-come, first served basis. As always, admission is free.




International Walk and Bike to School Day (Oct 3rd)

Wednesday, October 3rd, New Bedford will be participating the International Walk and Bike to School Day. This is a wonderful day for parents, grandparents and family to bike or walk with their child. Also, ask your local school if they are planning any special event on this day. Mass in Motion New Bedford hopes to see you all participate next Wednesday!

This years “featured” school will at Normandin Middle School on 81 Felton Street. Hundreds of students from Normandin Middle School will be walking and rolling to school with Mayor Jon Mitchell, Principal William Burkhead, Normandin Health Educator Darcy Aungst, New Bedford Health Department Director Dr. Brenda Weis, City officials, Mass in Motion New Bedford Coordinator Pauline Hamel and the Mass in Motion Kids team, as well as parents, teachers, school staff, community leaders and Mass in Motion New Bedford coalition partners.

The event will begin at 8:15 a.m. with Mayor Mitchell, Normandin Middle School students, parents and community leaders. Following the walk, we will hear a few brief speeches about the importance of Safe Walking and physical activity throughout New Bedford.




Women’s Center Events to Mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in New Bedford and the Women’s Center has planned several community events to help raise awareness of domestic violence and to offer community-wide support for victims of violence, abuse, and trauma.

Monday, October 1 – Tree-Lighting Ceremony
7:00 PM – New Bedford City Hall 133 William Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Join the Women’s Center in commemorating the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Mayor Jon Mitchell and other public officials on the steps of the New Bedford City Hall. The purple lights illuminating the tree in front of City Hall will signify domestic violence awareness will stay lit throughout the month of October to support survivors and remember victims.

Tuesday, October 23 – Candlelight Vigil
6:00 PM – New Bedford City Hall 133 William Street, New Bedford, MA
6:30 PM – First Unitarian Church 71 Union Street, New Bedford, MA
Join the Women’s Center in honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence and their loved-ones with a march in silence from City Hall to the First Unitarian Church. A program featuring singer/songwriter Susan Lainey and a display of the Clothesline Project will take place at the First Unitarian Church at 6:30 pm.




14 Things to Do This Weekend (28-30 Sept)

Michael Silvia
by Michael Silvia

Last weekend kicked off the major fall event schedule with Oktoberfest, WHALE’s International Wine Festival and several other great events. This weekend is sure to be just as enjoyable! The weather doesn’t look great, but that shouldn’t stop you from having a great time this weekend. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, September 28th

Music at the Running Brook Vineyard (6-8 p.m.)

Listen to Jeff Dunn for free at the Running Brook Vinyard (335 Old Fall River Road, Dartmouth). For more info call (508) 985-1998.

Live Funk/Soul/Rock Show at Miller’s Homeport (9 p.m. – 1 a.m.)

Sometimes I feel like Bill Murray in Ground Hog Day when checking out live music in the New Bedford area. While we have some GREAT local musicians, it’s always nice to experience a new band or style. Miller’s Homeport (24 Cove Road, South Dartmouth) promises, “explosive funk, soul and rockin’ music of the B.O.C. Allstars feat Nikki Glaspie and Nigel Hall.” For those that don’t know much about these performers: “Nikki G is considered the best female funk drummer in the world and has played for Beyonce, Chaka Kahn, Dumpstaphunk, State Radio, Sam Kininger, and hundreds of other incredible musicians. Nigel Hall is a sensational singer and keys player who performs with Warren Haynes, Soulive, Lettuce and Adam Dietch.”

Saturday, September 29th

The Working Waterfront Festival (29-30 September)

In 2010, the Working Waterfront Festival was selected by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as a top 30 must attend event. The festival continues to improve each year with more entertainment and activities. The FREE event takes place September 29th and 30th on the working piers and waterfront parks of the historic Port of New Bedford. Free parking is available at the Elm Street Garage with a free shuttle to the Festival. Full details on the Festival can be found here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/working-waterfront-festival/2012/08/06

The Great Pumpkin Beer Festival (3-10 p.m.)

The Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street) is hosting this beer festival in Wings Court just behind the bar. Tons of regional breweries will be showcasing their pumpkin flavored beer and other alcoholic beverages, and the live music includes Weezah (4 p.m.), Rhythm Whores, Chris Evil & The Blood Moons and Horror Business (8 p.m.). Brown Jug will continue the music inside Pour Farm at 10 p.m. Admission is free, but the beer costs money!

The 8th Annual New Bedford Open Studios (29-30 September)

This once-a-year event showcases a wide array of art and artisanry in the Massachusetts South Coast region. Come tour artists’ studios, watch demonstrations, and purchase unique gifts and fine art in one of America’s most artistic cities. Visit their website for studio locations and artist lists. Full details: http://www.newbedfordopenstudios.org/

The New Bedford Unopen Studios Tour (29-30 September)

Branded as add on event (some would say an alternative) to the Open Studios weekend, Unopen Studios will feature dozens of artists showing off their work at 127 W.Rodney French Blvd. Door #4 on the second floor. Full details on their Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/events/468130443221553/

The 8th Annual Lakeville Arts & Music Festival (10 am – 4 pm)

Those looking for something similar to the New Bedford Summer Fest will want to check out the Lakeville Arts & Music Festival located at the junction of Routes 108 and 18 and Precinct Street. There is a wide range of music to include blues, folk and Celtic harp, flute, and other instrumentals. There will be tons of artisans selling art, sculptures, jewelry, pottery and other goods. More details with a schedule of events at lakevillearts.com.

Wild Edibles Walk (10am – 12pm)

Sponsored by the Seekonk Land Conservation Trust and the Rehoboth Land Trust, this free 2-hour walk will explore natural foods along a path starting from the home of Tom and Joan Webb. If the weather cooperates, this is a great way to learn about the natural foods that surrounds us all. You must register by calling (508) 636-4693 ext 13 or e-mailing bioreserve@ ttor.org.

100 Thousand Poets For Change (1-4 pm)

Gallery X (169 William Street, New Bedford) is bringing together poets, artists and musicians from around the world to call for environmental, social and political change. Open Mic begins at 12:30 p.m.

Aaron Alves, Dori Legge, Hannah Devine, and Shelley Cardoos Live (7 pm)

Here’s another event where you can catch some new music. The event will be in the hallway of the Bristol Building in between the Travessia Winary and Green Bean. This is a non-alcohol event, so you’ll be enjoying the music with coffee or tea. There is a $5 cover charge. Details here: http://www.facebook.com/events/271416546302230/

Journey with Pat Benatar and Loverboy (7:30 pm)

Looking to relive the 80s? Journey, Pat Benatar and Loverboy are playing at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center (1 Lasalle Square, Providence, RI) starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $34.50-$84.50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Sunday, September 30th

3rd Annual Sharon’s Walk (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

The 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) walk will be at Fort Taber (1000 Rodney French Boulevard). Proceeds from the event will benefit the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care. Registration begins at 9 a.m with the event kicking-off at 11 a.m. Participants are welcome to join the walk at any time during the event. The family friendly event includes entertainment, refreshments, children’s activities, raffles and more. Free health screenings will also be provided by the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care and the Southcoast Health Van. Full details: http://www.southcoast.org/sharonswalk/

Take the NB Line Shuttle to Fort Taber, Downtown New Bedford or Buttonwood Park (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Until 8 October, the NB Line shuttle will run Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $1 gets you unlimited travel on the shuttle to Fort Taber, around Downtown New Bedford or to Buttonwood Park. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. Full details with bus routes and schedules here: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/new-bedford-line-shuttle/2012/07/02.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown in Boston

This weekend is the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, and what better way to explore Chinese culture than a visit to Chinatown in Boston?  Here’s a background on the Mid-Autumn Festival and moon cakes, and a list of four of the best places to eat in Chinatown this weekend.: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/day-trips-boston-chinatown/2012/09/28