Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! Fleur de Lis will be performing French Canadian music in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, August 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, August 25 from 12 noon-2 PM, Ron Tor Bendiksen will be demonstrating the art of net-making in the garden, while Ruth and Abby, the national park’s 1850s ladies, offer a fun hands-on activity for children. The Saturday afternoon activities are part of the park’s Maritime Heritage series. The concerts and maritime crafts are offered free each week at the park during July and August.

In addition to the Thursday evening concert, there will be a video on life in Canada (5:30 – 6:30), artifacts of French Canadian life, as well as posters, and books pertaining to French Canadian culture.

Artists who are inspired by Buzzards Bay are encouraged to submit works for consideration for the exhibition titled, Interpretations: Artistic Celebrations of Buzzards Bay. The exhibit is the result of a collaboration between the Falmouth Artists Guild and the Buzzards Bay Coalition and will be displayed in both Falmouth and New Bedford.

The Buzzards Bay region has long served as inspiration for artists who interpret the Bay and its watershed, from headwaters to harbors, as a place for work, for play and reflection, and to understand the interaction between nature and man. This exhibit will celebrate works that capture the beauty, diversity, and character of the Bay and its watershed.

The call for entries is now open and artists may deliver works of all media for consideration to the Falmouth Art Center (137 Gifford Street) on Monday, August 20^th, from 9:30-4:00. Jurying will take place on the 21^st and the exhibit will open in Falmouth on August 23^rd.

Eligible art pieces must be recent work that has not been previously exhibited at the Falmouth Art Center. While artists may submit multiple pieces for consideration, only one piece per artist will be accepted. Accepted works are at the discretion of the jury panel and all accepted works will be posted on the Falmouth Art Center website upon the completion of the jurying process at www.falmouthart.org.

Additional requirements and downloadable prospectus can be found at www.falmouthart.org or by contacting the Falmouth Artists Guild at 508.540.3304 or info@falmouthart.org.

Without a doubt, New Bedford has come to host some awesome annual festivals.  Whether it’s the thousands of people cramming into Madeira Field for the Feast, dozens of bands taking the stage all weekend at Summerfest or locals providing demonstrations of the fishing industry at the Working Waterfront Festival; New Bedford can pride itself on being rich with varied cultural experiences.

However, even as we watch the final weekends of summer dwindle away, there is still much to look forward to for the fall.  One fall festivity that has become incredibly successful and is a must-attend community event of the year is the annual New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival.  Taking place on Sunday October 7th, the Chowder Festival tends to pack Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford and provides participants with tantalizing tastes from 25 regional restaurants.

If the idea of taste testing dozens of seafood chowder, kale soup, quahog and clam chowder samples sounds like something you’d enjoy, here’s the 101 on the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival:

1. When, Where and Costs

As always, the Chowder Festival takes place under a large tent covering Custom House Square in downtown New Bedford.  The tent allows for the event to resume come rain or shine.  This year the Festival will be on Sunday October 7th, which is the day before Columbus Day.  The combination of a three day weekend and cool early fall time weather should allow for people to be able to enjoy themselves all day long.

The festival starts at noon and ends at 5 PM.  Tickets for this event tend to sell fast, and the tent is often very crowded so buying tickets in advance or getting there early is recommended.  Tickets bought in advance are $15 and can be purchased at the Downtown New Bedford Office which is located at 105 William Street on the second floor.  Also, tickets can be bought on their website;  www.downtownnb.org or at other participating locations which will be announced soon. Tickets bought at the door are $18 and children ages 6-12 are only $5.  Children 5 and under are free.

2. Chowder Show Down

For those of you who have never been, the Chowder Festival is a competition between the twenty-five participating restaurants.  Over the past six years, local eateries have faced off to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in either the People’s Choice Award or the Judge’s Choice Award in five categories.  The categories are; best clam chowder, seafood chowder, kale soup, stuffed quahog and table presentation.

As with any similar food festival, participants are given a voting card to fill out once they have sampled to their heart’s delight.  The votes are submitted (usually at the center of the tent) and tallied later to determine the winner. The Judge’s Choice award is determined by a blind taste test, which eliminates the issue of favoritism.

Since 2006 the New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival has amassed an impressive Hall of Fame of past winners.  Last year’s coveted Best Clam Chowder People’s Choice Award went to Bittersweet Farm.  Freestone’s pulled off Best Seafood Chowder according to the people, River’s End Cafe was elected Best Stuffed Quahog, and Best Table Display went to Marlees Seafood.  Interestingly enough, the People’s Choice Award for Best Kale Soup went to none other than St. Luke’s Hospital, which also placed second in two other categories… now that’s some good hospital food!

For a full list of Hall of Famers in for both People’s Choice and Judge’s Award since 2006, click here.

3. Food & Drink

As previously mentioned there are 25 booths that will be participating in this year’s New Bedford Seaport Chowder Festival.  The booths are set up in a circle around the perimeter of the tent so that traffic can flow from one station to the next.  So far, announced participants include; Braza Rotisserie, Cedars Assisted Living, Cotali Mar Restaurant,  Emeritus at Dartmouth Village; Freestone’s City Grill,  Inner Bay Cafe & Grille,  Lafrance Hospitality,  M & C Cafe,  Madeira Cafe, Me & Ed’s,  Mike’s Restaurant, The Pasta House,  River’s End Cafe, The Sail Loft; Southcoast Hospitals Group, Seaport Inn & Marina; St. Michael’s Restaurant, Vivvy’s  and Whaling City Diner. Some of these eateries are new to the festival, while others have been competing every year from the very start.

For those who aren’t big on seafood, Cafe Arpeggio will be selling coffee, homemade ice cream and sandwiches.  There will also be drink vending available outside of the tent which features local beers and wines as well as soda and mixed drinks.  All food and drink items besides the samples are not included in the ticket price.

4. Entertainment

The Chowder Festival can get very crowded, but it is also dedicated to family fun for those with young children. 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 a very talented Eagles tribute band called Another Tequila Sunrise.  Another Tequila Sunrise is considered to be one of the premiere Eagles cover bands in the nation and have been touring the country for over ten years.  In addition to this band bringing an exciting musical experience, Another Tequila Sunrise also features Keith Brindle who is a New Bedford native.

Photos from the 2011 New Bedford Chowder Festival – Provided by Sally Spooner

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One of the root causes of youth obesity and crime is the lack of fitness and other programs offered to keep our youth active and busy. One of the biggest barriers to available fitness programs can be the cost. The New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts Center and NewBedfordGuide.com will be working together with local sponsors to offer a one-year tuition opportunity to low-income students under 19 years old.

As scholarships become available, the New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts Center (665 Orchard Street) will be offering a year of martial arts three times a week for Greater New Bedford area youths at no cost to the student. The program will be offered to low-income kids and young adults, and will be supported by local businesses and individuals. To get your child or teen on the list e-mail: kagekontrolmma@gmail.com. The three time a week martial arts and grappling/wrestling programs cost $60 a month or $720 a year, but will be sold to sponsors at a discounted rate.

Anyone can support the program by sponsoring a kid at a reduced rate of $500 a year. Your business, organization or name will get listed on the sponsor wall on the gym. If you sponsor two kids for $$1,000 you will get a month of FREE advertising on NewBedfordGuide.com worth $200. Businesses, organizations and individual sponsors of the program will gain positive media attention, get listed on the gym’s sponsor wall and support a great cause.

Students will have the option to attend classes Monday through Saturday. Currently, the classes are Kids Grappling and Self Defense offered Monday through Friday from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m , or Bully Prevention on Tuesday (4:30 – 5:30 p.m.) Wednesday (5-6 p.m.) and Saturday (9:30 -10:30 a.m.). The scholarship allows students to attend three classes of their choice each week.

This program can only happen with the support of local sponsors. If you have any interest supporting this program call 774-202-2297 or email kagekontrolmma@gmail.com. Use the same contact information if you want to get your kid on the scholarship list. More details on the New Bedford Fitness and Martial Arts can be found here and at www.kagekontrol.com.

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Instructor Daymon Smith is a 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Tim Burrill.

Instructor Radhames Familia is a purple belt under Tim Burrill.

Instructor Jeff Karam is a purple belt under Tim Burrill.

Joseph Botelho has his black belt under Tony Cogliandro and Dan D’Onfro.

Instructor Joe Silvia has over 15 years of Mixed Martial Arts experience.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

Training in the BJJ class.

Students sparring.

Training in the BJJ class.

The bully prevention program teaches kids martial arts, and builds confidence and discipline.

The bully prevention program teaches kids martial arts, and builds confidence and discipline.

Training in the BJJ class.

The facility has five heavy bags.

The facility has five heavy bags.

The facility has two bathrooms and a locker room.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

The Facility has its own Octagon for realistic training and sparring.

The training area is covered with mats.

The facility has five heavy bags.

The Southcoast of Massachusetts may be ‘home’ for two local students, but Jeremy Dias and Ashley Bendiksen say that life in Argentina gave them both a ‘second home’ away from home since their return on June 18th. Dias and Bendiksen, both students at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, spent an entire month studying abroad in Mendoza, Argentina to fulfill Spanish language credits. The total immersion program offered the students daily Spanish classes, residency with a host-family, and multiple excursions to explore and experience Argentina’s culture.

Dias, a 20-year-old native of Dartmouth, graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 2010. He is currently a Junior at the university studying Nursing and belongs to the Student Nursing Organization (SNO). He currently lives in Newport. Bendiksen, a 25-year-old native of Fairhaven and 2004 graduate of Fairhaven High School, is a Senior majoring in Administration of Justice with plans to attend Law School. She currently retains a 4.0 GPA, has made the Dean’s List each semester, and has been inducted into the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. She currently resides in New Bedford, MA.

Dias and Bendiksen traveled with six other students and Dr. Linda Crawford, the Chairwoman of Salve Regina’s Modern and Classical Languages Department. While in Mendoza, classes were attended at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, through C.E.L.E. (Centro de Español como Lengua Extranjera), an institute dedicated to teaching Spanish as a foreign language. In addition to their studies, students participated in numerous program-sponsored activities. These included visiting a traditional gaucho ranch, hiking, horseback riding, and touring art and history museums, a wine vineyard, and an olive oil production site. In addition, the students visited natural landmarks and hiked the Andes Mountains, including a hike through Cerro Aconcagua, America’s tallest peak. When schedules were open, as new friends, students explored the city of Mendoza and put their Spanish-speaking skills to work, making friends with ‘the locals,’ taking tango lessons, joining a local running group, and sipping yerba mate together. Since their return, both plan to continue their Spanish-language studies and hope to someday return.

In addition to their studies and academic excellence, both Dias and Bendiksen are actively engaged in civic and philanthropic efforts throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. Dias is currently the founder of Beth’s Walk ‘2 Make Oral Cancer History’ an annual event engaged in partnership with the Oral Cancer Foundation. Bendiksen takes on numerous active leadership roles across the SouthCoast as a SMILES Mentor and Big Sister, a board member with the Miss New Bedford Scholarship Program, and currently holds a position on the Board of Directors of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts as well as being Chairwoman of the YWCA’s Leading Ladies.

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Whether you’re on a first date or are in a seasoned relationship, finding a romantic setting can pose a challenge. Too often you may find every date night ends in front of the TV with take-out or at the same old bar down the street. Whether you’re looking to impress someone with a memorable first date or in need of someplace spectacular to celebrate your anniversary, there are a number of places in Greater New Bedford that are sure to do the trick.

Each of the restaurants you’ll read about in this article feature a sort of atmosphere that make them stand out from your average eatery.  Keep in mind that ambiance often comes with a price tag, and these restaurants can be categorized in the high priced to fine dining category.  It also never hurts to make a reservation beforehand, as some of these spots get quite packed.  Therefore, plan accordingly but know that both the food and atmosphere you pay for won’t soon be forgotten!

1. Cork Wine and Tapas

90 Front Street, New Bedford, MA

Cork’s innovative menu features both tapas (a variety of appetizers) and full entrees that are unlike any other food selection around.  The menu is often changed to reflect exciting new options and always focused on fine cuisine. While Cork may be quite artistic with its culinary splendors, their menu has plenty of suitable options for a variety of pallets.  For example, they offer a dressed up bacon cheddar burger and other traditional favorites like fried calamari or Caesar salad.  If it’s exotic you’re looking for however, they also cater to that with items like their coconut curry lobster.

Aside from a menu selection that will appease both you and your date, Cork has a great atmosphere.  Along with an impressive selection of wine and aesthetic presentation of food, the restaurant is located in downtown NB in the Joseph Tabor building, a structure which has been a fixture of the area for over 175 years.  The heavy stonework and classic New England craftsmanship make for a spacy interior and a beautiful setting for your special night out.

2. Airport Grille

1569 Airport Road, New Bedford, MA

Located at the New Bedford Airport, the Airport Grille is quite secluded from the rest of the city and offers an upscale atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in Boston or NYC for the night.  The interior of this restaurant combines sleek and sophisticated architecture with cool dim lighting in a cozy and intimate sized package to make for the ultimate romantic dinner spot.  This restaurant also has a variety of wine options to assure you can find a great pairing with whatever you order, and the bar is a focal point of the design.

The Airport Grille specializes in American and European fare and prides itself on having the best in fresh and local food.  As with Cork, there are both exquisite fine dining specialties and regular everyday fare to be found on the menu.  For example, there are salads, a burger option, several mouth-watering steaks and even a delicious take on the classic comfort food, Mac & Cheese.  For the gourmet adventurer, they have some very intriguing dishes such as duck carbonara.

3.  Waterfront Grille

36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA

Waterfront Grille is the only waterside restaurant in the downtown area.  This alone gives it a one-of-a-kind feel, with a seasonal deck for dining and a charming atmosphere that would fit right in as an upscale Cape Cod eatery.  This restaurant offers great views of the wharf and many of the boats that dock in the New Bedford Harbor.

True to the waterfront theme, this grille specializes in seafood ranging from a lobster dinner to sushi and even featuring a raw bar.  If you and your date are seafood lovers Waterfront Grille is a great place to get exceedingly fresh fish of all sorts.

4. The Candleworks Reastaurant

72 North Water Street, New Bedford, MA

Located in historic downtown NB, Candleworks is one of the most intimate restaurants in the area.  As with Cork, Candleworks is located in a historical building that still possesses all the charm of old New England architecture. The interior is cozy and quaint with stonewalls, fine dining place settings and a full bar.  There is also outdoor dining available seasonally and several tables with fire grates that provide a romantic ambiance you won’t find anywhere else.

Candleworks has a large menu that is best described by their Facebook “a casual affair with upscale flair”.  The menu is host to many of classic favorites such as filet mignon and baked scrod.  Along with great surf and turf options there are delicious options for pasta lovers, and even some basic sandwich options.  One thing is for sure; neither you nor your date will go hungry at Candleworks!

5. The Back Eddy

1 Bridge Road, Westport, MA

This is the only restaurant that I deemed simply had to make the list even though it is not located in New Bedford. The Back Eddy has become famous for its delicious seafood, beautiful waterfront views, and funky interior design.  The Back Eddy is very close to Horseneck Beach, which makes it a short drive from anywhere in Greater NB.  Since it is open seasonally anyways, the location of this restaurant makes it ideal for a taking a romantic stroll on the beach before or after dinner.

The Back Eddy defines itself as “a seafood restaurant that does things a little bit differently” and I couldn’t possibly put it better.  With an indoor and outdoor bar and seating, the place can get jam packed but you won’t mind sacrificing a little elbow room when you see the beautiful views of the Westport river.

The food at Back Eddy will also make it worth the short drive.  The Back Eddy is dedicated to using fresh and local ingredients, which makes it a truly unique to the region dining experience.  The produce is supplied from South Coast and Coastal Rhode Island farms, the seafood is caught by New England fisherman, and even wine, beer and cheese options are artisan made.  The menu is a mixture of both surf and turf, with recipes ranging from the standard lobster and butter to a few very unique options such as their lobster casserole.

Ten new digital cameras were donated this past week to ArtWorks! by the Photographic Historical Society of New England, in support of the Kids with Cameras side of the ‘Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project’. Project organizers have extended the registration deadline to Friday, August 17^th and encourage city youth ages 8-18 to participate. The donated cameras are available for city youth to use, but the project is open to all Southcoast youth interested in New Bedfordas a photography subject.

The Photographic Historical Society of New England is an organization of people interested in the collection and history of photographic equipment, processes and images. Its goal is to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the full legacy of photography and its relevance today.

“On behalf of ArtWorks! I want to thank the Photographic Historical Society of New England for their generous donation to support the project and invest in the artistic and educational growth of New Bedford’s youth,” said Deb Smook, Education and Outreach Director at ArtWorks!  “We look forward to the glimpses and the inaudible stories brought to life through the photographs. The Kids with Cameras event and exhibit is a tremendous opportunity for youth to see their city with fresh eyes. Composing objects through a viewfinder might be the easiest part of this project!” added Smook.

This photography project has sparked the interest of eight-year-old Charlotte Jope, and her mother Jennifer Chyten Jope, a professional photographer.  Charlotte is excited to pick up the camera for the first time to participate in this project. Charlotte’s mom stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed viewing the world through her photographs and seeing the things that she finds compelling. We are both looking forward to experiencing the different stories and striking images that are captured by others participating in the postcards project.”  The Jopes, transplants from Boston to the Southcoast, are delighted to embrace the city ofNew Bedford and its thriving art community.

All Southcoast area youth, 8-18 years-of-age, who are interested in participating should contact Alicia Moretti at ArtWorks! no later than Friday, August 17 by phone at 508-984-1588, email at aliciam@artworksforyou.org, or in person by appointment at ArtWorks! located at 384 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740. Additional camera donations wanted in order to allow a greater number of youth to participate.

The Postcards From New Bedford: a Photostory Project is the brainchild of Beatriz Oliveira who has partnered with fellow photographer John Hodgson and the ArtWorks! organization to bring this project concept to life.  Oliveira is a local Marketing/Events Planning professional and Hodgson is a retired CPA and former partner at Hodgson Pratt, Pratt & Saunders; both share a passion for photography and a love for the city of New Bedford. ArtWorks! is a non-profit community arts center that develops and supports community through educational partnerships, classes, exhibitions, and outreach programming.

This photography project exhibition is planned for the month of October in the ArtWorks! gallery. The opening is scheduled for Friday, October 5, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A special opening for the Kids with Cameras side of the project is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, AHA! night, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners has announced that Friday, August 17, 2012 is the deadline to register to vote in the Massachusetts State Primary Election which will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2012.

To allow the public more time to complete the voter registration process, the Elections Office, located in New Bedford City Hall at 133 William Street, will remain open on Friday, August 17, 2012 until 8:00 p.m.  The voter registration deadline is also the deadline for voters to notify the Board of Elections of any changes in their address, name or party affiliation.

The September 6^th election is a Primary election and voters may only receive a ballot in the party in which they are enrolled.  Only Unenrolled (Independent) (Undeclared) voters have the option to select the party ballot.

Voters may cast their votes for the following seats:

• Senator in Congress ……………….     for this Commonwealth
• Representative in Congress ………..   9^th Congressional District
• Councillor…………………………..       1^st Bristol District
• Senator in General Court……………   2^nd Bristol & Plymouth Senate District
• Representative in General Court……  8^th, 9^th, 10^th, 11^th and 13^th Bristol Representative District
• Clerk of Courts…………………….       Bristol County
• Register of Deeds………………….     Bristol Southern District
• County Commissioner…………….     Bristol County
• County Treasurer …………………       Bristol County (to fill vacancy)

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Election Commissioners has changed the polling location in Precincts 6A and 6B.  The City Council voted to return the polling location to its original location at Hazelwood Park Community Center, 553 Brock Avenue.

The Board of Election Commissioners also reminds the public that absentee ballots for the State Primary are available.  Any voter unable to get to the polls on Election Day can vote by absentee ballot during regular office hours or can request that an absentee ballot application be mailed to their home address.  In addition, to allow the public more time to cast an absentee ballot, the City of New Bedford Elections Office will be open on Saturday, September 1^, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.

Voters can visit the City of New Bedford website at www.newbedford-ma.gov to view the official specimen ballot for their district.

Any city resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or would like to change their party affiliation or request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

The Working Waterfront Festival is pleased to announce the release of Something Fishy, a live recording of poetry and stories from the Festival. Over the past 8 years every Festival performance has been recorded. This CD compilation represents some of the best stories and poems and features festival favorites: Dave Densmore, Moe Bowstern, Jon Campbell, Charlotte Enoksen, Bob Quinn, Geno Leech and others. Please join us Thursday, August 9th at 7:30 PM at the Seamen’s Bethel to celebrate the release of this unique recording. Jon Campbell, Charlotte Enoksen, Colin Williams, and Dawn Clifton-Tripp will read their work. Signed copies of the CD will be sold at the event with proceeds benefiting the Festival.

This year, taking a page from the Astoria Fisher Poets Gathering, poets, prose writers, and songwriters are invited to craft an original, new piece incorporating the following phrase: “Fishing, it’s in the blood”. Participants will share their piece at the Working Waterfront Festival’s Fisherpoetry Finale on Sunday, September 30th at 4:00 p.m. on the Steamship Stage. The audience will choose the winner who will take home a Festival t-shirt and copy of the Something Fishy CD.

The Working Waterfront Festival is a project of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA, a non-profit organization. The FREE festival, a family friendly, educational celebration of New England’s commercial fishing industry, features live maritime and ethnic music, fishermen’s contests, fresh seafood, vessel tours, author readings, cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities and more. It all takes place in New Bedford, MA, America’s #1 fishing port, on the last full weekend of September. Navigate to us at www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org.

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! The Johnson Girls will be performing maritime music in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, August 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, August 11 from 12 noon-2 PM, Liz LeValley will be demonstrating the art of scrimshaw in the garden, while Ruth and Abby, the 1850s ladies, offer hands-on crafts for children. The Saturday afternoon activities are part of the park’s Maritime Heritage series. The concerts and maritime crafts are offered free each week at the park during July and August.