Main Card (Pay-per-view):
185#: Anderson Silva (29-4) vs Chael Sonnen (28-11-1) wins by TKO in RD1!
205#: Forrest Griffin (18-7) vs Tito Ortiz (17-10-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!
185#: Cung Le (7-2) vs Patrick Cote (18-7) wins by Unanimous Decision!
170#: Dong Hyun Kim (15-1-1 1NC) vs Demian Maia (15-4) wins by TKO (Injury) in RD1!
145#: Chad Mendes (11-1) vs Cody McKenzie (13-2) wins by TKO in RD1!
135#: Ivan Menjivar (24-8) vs Mike Easton (12-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!

Preliminary Card (FX Channel):
155#: Melvin Guillard (46-11-3 1NC) vs Fabricio Camoes (13-6-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!
155#: Gleison Tibau (34-7) vs Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0) wins by Unanimous Decision!
185#: Constantinos Philippou (10-2 1NC) vs Riki Fukuda (18-5) wins by Unanimous Decision!
155#: John Alessio (34-15) vs Shane Roller (10-6) wins by Unanimous Decision!

Preliminary Card (Facebook):
155#: Rafello Oliveira (14-5) vs Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!

Ultimate Fighting Championship 148 takes place on Saturday, July 7th, 2012 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This bout was originally scheduled for UFC 147 and co headlined by Vitor Belfort and Wanderlei Silva, but changed due to scheduling conflicts and injury. Facebook Prelims start at 7 p.m. EST before switching to FX Channel for the rest of the prelims at 8 p.m. EST. PPV begins at 10 p.m. EST. To watch the FREE prelims on Facebook simply visit their Facebook page and “like.”

Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen
Since their fight at UFC 117 in August of 2010 both fighters have gone on and won all their bouts setting up an inevitable rematch. Anderson went on to finish Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami, and Sonnen finished Brian Stann and Michael Bisping by unanimous decision. The nature of how the first fight unfolded certainly created an interest in the rematch. In the first bout Chael Sonnen dictated the pace, and where the action happened and was en route to winning a unanimous decision when in the fifth and final round, he got caught in a triangle choke by Anderson Silva and was forced to tap. The UFC is providing the first Silva vs. Anderson fight video for FREE on their website. Sonnen, having knocked down Silva twice, landed more strikes standing, and taken Silva down at will shocked many people that expected Anderson to simply finish the fight quickly.

The first fight created a lot of questions. Was Anderson having a bad night? Was he playing ‘possum? Was he lucky he caught Sonnen in a triangle choke? Will this fight unfold the same way as the first with Anderson’s only hope to get a sneaky submission? Or was it a lack of motivation on Anderson’s part that allowed Sonnen to have his way? While the first fight should be a confidence booster for Sonnen, he should recall what Anderson’s strengths are and what his are. There is no comparison in wrestling ability and Sonnen should strike to set up his takedowns and clinch and take Anderson down and work his ground and pound. Anderson is a very special striker and should avoid the takedowns and work some of his virtuoso like striking.

Is this matchup simply a style makes fights matchup or was there an X factor that will be revealed on Saturday night? Sonnen, always the trash talker has seemingly gotten the always cool Anderson Silva very angry and making violent threats. Will this anger throw Anderson off his game or will it give him extra motivation? There’s no way of knowing however the NBG pick is Anderson Silva. While some may consider Anderson lucky for pulling off the submission, the same could be said about Sonnen surviving that long without eating a fight finishing combo from Anderson.

Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz
Here is a fight that is more about something the fans want, then about relevancy in the Light Heavyweight division. Both fighters have had lackluster performances as of late. Forrest is coming off of a TKO loss against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 134 in August of last year.

Ortiz is coming off back to back TKO losses against Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 133 and UFC 140 respectively. To their defense, they consistently fight top opponents and never have an easy fight. This is a rubber match or a third match between opponents who each have one win over each other. Tito won their first bout at UFC 59 in 2006, and Forrest won the rematch at UFC 106 in 2009.

Neither fighter is unpredictable and certainly there will be no surprises in how this fight unfolds. Neither fighter possesses much in terms of punching power or submission ability. Ortiz’s last finish besides that of Ryan Bader was his TKO win over Ken Shamrock in 2006. Forrest’s last finish was a Rear Naked Choke win over Mauricio Rua in 2007. Having said that, Forrest is getting close to a ‘must win’ situation and Tito is near retirement. While Dana White would never cut Forrest, one of the fighter’s responsible for the popularity of the sport today, a loss for Forrest would paint him in the corner where he should consider resignation or retirement. Not being able to beat Ortiz, a fighter who is not remotely relevant in the division leaves little hope that Forrest will ever challenge for the belt.

What this fight should give us is two motivated guys with a history that want to beat the ever loving poo out of each other. Our only solid chance of an entertaining fight is if they stand in center of the ring and pound on one another for three rounds. Our pick for this fight is Forrest Griffin. With youth, better recent performances, and more hunger he has more reasons to will a win.

Cung Le vs. Patrick Cote
This is a fight that excites me. This is a very intelligent match-up in terms of styles. Cung Le is a San Shou fighter who came to MMA in 2006 and has had a relatively short career. Le has a very explosive, aggressive style and it shows in the fact that he has never heard a judge’s decision, win or lose. His powerful kicks and maintenance of distance combined with solid takedown defense pose a tough puzzle for many fighters to solve. Though he is coming off a loss against Wanderlei Silva at UFC 139 in November of last year, he is has a ton of potential and it doesn’t accurately portray how dangerous of a fighter he is.

Canadian Patrick Cote is simply fun to watch and like Le, he is also a finisher and has an aggressive style. Cote used to fight for the UFC, but having strung together 3 losses in a row, went down to the lower, local events where he has put together a four fight win streak. Unfortunately Patrick seems to have the big fight curse, going 4-6 in the UFC. He is known for the dynamite in his right hand and one of the more durable chins in the sport. Having come in and out of the organization on a few occasions, it is safe to say this is his last hurrah. A loss here would certainly mean a permanent cut from the UFC.

This fight has all the makings of Fight of the Night. I think Le is the younger, hungrier, more dangerous opponent and his unorthodox style will present too much of a problem for Cote and why Cung Le is the NBG pick. Cote’s chance to win is to use that durable chin to take a lot of punishment just to land that powerful right hand a few times. If he can turn it into an ugly war, his chances will be best.

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Demian Maia

Dong Hyun Kim or the Stun Gun, has really made massive improvements in his all around MMA game and put together some fantastic wins, most notably Amir Sadollah, Nate Diaz, and Sean Pierson. Kim is a very sound, solid well rounded fighter and will present a problem for anyone in the Middleweight division. Kim has only one loss against Carlos Condit, prefers to stand and strike, which is exactly how to beat his opponent Brazilian Demian Maia. Maia was at one point the supposed heir apparent to the championship. However, fans of many Brazilians show too much of an eagerness to declare this and it has often resulted in disappointment.

Maia is one of the best submission specialists in the sport today, however like many high level grapplers, they forget what their strength is stand and strike losing fights that they may have won if they had taken it to the ground more. For Maia to win this fight, he needs to do what he does best: grapple. For Kim to win, he simple needs to do what he does best: stand and strike and he may have an obliging opponent in Maia making it an easy night. Our pick for winner of this fight is Dong Hyun Kim.

Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie
All-American and Pac-10 Wrestler become fighter Chad Mendes, went 11-0 before finally challenging current Featherweight champ Jose Aldo. Mendes leading up to that fight had rarely lost a round and was expected to be a legitimate threat. However, Aldo made sure to let everyone know how much better he is than everyone else by KOing Mendes in one round. Mendes wants to maintain his top 3 ranking and get back onto the winning track. His style of taking opponents down and grounding and pounding them, is effective, but there is tremendous value in taking an opponent, especially a dangerous one, out of the fight as soon as possible. For him to evolve he needs to work on passing the guard and getting submissions.

His opponent Alaskan native, Cody McKenzie is the unofficial king of the Guillotine Choke having twelve of his thirteen submission wins (including amateur bouts) by Guillotine Choke. At one point he put together ten in a row! Cody is 2-2 in the UFC and coming off a win (Guillotine Choke, of course) in his most recent performance against Marcus LeVesseur on the UFC on Fuel TV 3 card in May. Mendes who likes to take his opponents down, needs to be VERY careful about where he places his head when taking McKenzie down. If he can avoid the Guillotine, it’s an easy win for Chad “Money” Mendes as Cody has shown it’s virtually a Guillotine or nothing.

Ivan Menjivar vs. Mike Easton
Veteran and highly dangerous Salvadoran Ivan Menjivar faces Lloyd Irvin Black Belt Mike “The Hulk” Easton in another candidate for Fight of the Night. Menjivar has won all three of his outings recently (he lost a decision against Matt Serra at UFC 48 in 2004) in the UFC and is looking to continue on his streak. Menjivar is very strong and very dangerous as indicative of his 18 finishes in 24 wins.

Easton is on a seven fight win streak and 2-0 in UFC performances. Easton, like Menjivar prefers to stand and strike. He’s very athletic and very fast. He also puts together combos rather well. Our pick for this fight is Ivan Menjivar based on his greater experience, having faced tougher opponents, momentum and volatility.

Come back for the results, updates and animated gifs. What are your picks for the headline fight between Franklin and Silva? The main card bouts? Who wins the bonuses?

Summertime is the best time to enjoy free entertainment in your local national park! YAP!, or Youth Ambassador Program, will be appearing in the garden area of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford on Thursday evening, July 12, from 6:30 to 7:15 PM as part of its Thursday evening summer concert series. Then, on Saturday, July 14, from 12 noon- 2 PM, Ken Bizarro will be demonstrating model boat making 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. Keep up with events around the Greater New Bedford area on the New Bedford Guide event calendar: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/calendar.

YAP! is an after-school and summer program for New Bedford teens who communicate local and national history, and other national park-related themes to their peers through music, video, and social media outreach. They represent the youth voice of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and have created songs that introduce topics such as whaling and Underground Railroad history, as well as a song encouraging young people to “Get Outside and Move” which landed them a front page feature on Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move website www.letsmove.gov. YAP! is a collaboration between New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and Third Eye Unlimited, a local non-profit organization that works to engage and empower youth to become leaders in order to transform their communities.

Check out YAP’s “Walk with Me” music video. They give a great tour of New Bedford!

The 4th day of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in America. It’s the day America officially declared its independence from Great Britain, but did you know that July 2nd was the official legal separation of America from Great Britain? It’s the day when the Continental Congress approved the resolution of independence. After a few days of debate, it wasn’t until July 4th that the official Declaration of Independence was approved and signed. One of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and second President of the United States, John Adams thought that July 2nd was more significant that the 4th. Writing to his wife, he stated:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

I’m sure most of you don’t need an excuse to celebrate a holiday to the maximum, but now you have a valid argument and an excuse to celebrate our Independence most of the week. Here are 14 events you should consider attending this week. Check out the New Bedford Guide Event calendar for 100s of more upcoming events.

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

4 p.m.

The City Hall will celebrate 100 years with a Centennial Celebration at 4 p.m. Join Mayor Jon Mitchell and hundreds of city workers as they commemorate 100 years of the classical revival building housing the seat of City government. Full details and city hall history here.

6:30 p.m.

Sunset Yoga is held at Fort Taber each Tuesday and is a great way to start off the 4th of July vacation week. Sunset Yoga is an hour-long Vinyasa-style Yoga session starting at 6:30 p.m each Tuesday. Yoga practitioners are asked to bring a towel or mat, and water. There is a fee of $5 per drop-in. Full details with pictures here.

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

10:15 a.m

The Fort Phoenix Independence Day Ceremony and Cannon Salute kicks off at 10:15 a.m in Fairhaven. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances and the singing of the National Anthem by the Showstoppers followed by the firing of the fort’s five 24-pound Seacoast Defense cannons.

1 p.m, 6:30 p.m.

The Whaling Museum is hosting a 4th of July Concert in the Museum Plaza. There will be music by the Mac Odom Band featuring The East Side Horns. Celebrate the 4th with the best in Rhythm & Blues and Funk. There will also be FREE family activities and crafts will be available on the Museum’s Plaza from 1:00pm – 6:00pm.

9:05 p.m.

New Bedford’s July 4th fireworks display will start at 9:05 p.m. from a barge located in New Bedford Harbor just off of City Pier #3. The public will have a clear view of the fireworks presentation from almost every point around New Bedford Harbor. Full details here.

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

8 a.m.

The Moving Wall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be on display at Cushman Park on Green Street in Fairhaven from 8 – 11 a.m. It will remain on display through July 8th. “The Moving Wall” is the half-size replica of the Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial and has been touring the country for more than twenty years. The idea is to help bring healing to veterans and families and friends of those who died or are missing in Vietnam, especially those who may not have the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.

10 a.m.

The Henry Huttleston Rogers Tour starts at the Fairhaven Visitors Center on 43 Center Street. The  tour outlines the life of Fairhaven’s benefactor, Standard Oil Company millionaire Henry Huttleston Rogers (1840-1909) and his generosity to his home town. The tour includes visits inside two of the Rogers buildings—the Town Hall and the Millicent Library—as well as exterior viewing of Rogers’ boyhood home, the Unitarian Memorial Church, Our Lady’s Haven, Rogers School and the Masonic Building.

11 a.m.

The New Bedford Whaling Historic Park will launch the NB Line Park Shuttle service at 11 a.m. The official launch will occur at the Visitor’s Center on 31 William Street downtown. The NB Line is a new shuttle service that provides transportation around downtown New Bedford, to Buttonwood Park and Fort Taber. The service costs $1 for unlimted daily travel and is free for children under 12-years old or students with a student ID. Several businesses are providing discounts and free services for anyone with a NB Line wristband. Full details with schedules and discounts here.

Friday, July 6th, 2012

6:30 p.m.

The Greater New Bedford Summer Festival kicks off with a special show on Friday, July 6th at 6:30 p.m. with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Tickets are $15 for the Friday event. Full details with musician list here.

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

8 a.m.

The Buzzards Bay Swim is the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s longest-running fundraising event. Each year swimmers participate in a 1.2 mile open-water swim across outer New Bedford Harbor. The funds they raise to support their swim, along with the public awareness generated from the event, make for a great day for Buzzards Bay. While it’s too late to register, the swim is a great event to see.

9 a.m.

The Clasky Common Farmers Market kicks off for the season at 9 a.m. and remains open until 1 p.m. The market will run every Saturday until October 27th. Check out our New Bedford Farmers Markets article or South Coast Massachusetts Farmers Markets article for other farmers markets in the area.

11 a.m.

The main Greater New Bedford Summer Festival event with 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford’s authentic historic district runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Full details with musician list here.

Sunday, July 8th, 2012

11 a.m.

The main Greater New Bedford Summer Festival event with 70 renowned and emerging performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford’s authentic historic district runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Full details with musician list here.

1 p.m.

The Fairhaven Farmers Market offers fresh locally grown produce each Sunday from 1-4 p.m. There is access the parking lot off Main Street to the rear of the Academy Building. Handicap parking available and admission is free. Check out our New Bedford Farmers Markets article or South Coast Massachusetts Farmers Markets article for other farmers markets in the area.

Have a great, safe 4th of July week! Check out our event calendar daily and make sure you are a fan of our New Bedford Guide Facebook page!

Ted is a movie about a fuzzy and adorable teddy bear that comes to life after a lonely little boy wishes for a friend.  It’s a movie about love, friendship and learning to grow up.  Oh, and it’s also filled with jokes based on stereotypes, some nudity, plenty of drug use and lots of tasteless but hilarious jokes… depending on your sense of humor of course.  If you don’t find things like a talking, promiscuous, stoner teddy bear funny, then this is not for you.  Also, if you don’t find Family Guy funny this is also not for you.  This movie is Seth MacFarlane’s first motion picture and it uses plenty of the same over-the-top humor that has cracked up fans of Peter Griffin for years.

I find Family Guy funny, and so I had a good laugh seeing Ted in its opening weekend.  Clearly I wasn’t the only one to enjoy it since the MacFarlane comedy took #1 in the box office, grossing over $54 million dollars.  Aside from that, I can attest to the fact that there was much laughter coming from the audience, and who doesn’t like to have a good laugh every now and then?

I will again state that Ted is not for anyone who has a very proper sense of humor.  It’s certainly not the most graphic or crude movie this country has ever seen, but it definitely doesn’t bow to political correctness or any other sort of social niceties.  Now that I feel I have made this disclaimer clear, there were also many things about Ted that I found downright sweet.  First, there is the fact that while Ted’s relationship with main character John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) may be childish and centered on Flash Gordon, beer drinking and weed smoking, there is a closeness between them that is endearing in the way that is reminds us of the importance of friendship.  Second, there is the relationship aspect of the movie which features Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis as a long term couple at a critical point in their relationship where a serious commitment seems inevitable.  The romance between them becomes rocky due to a combination of Ted’s antics and Bennett’s reluctance to grow up, but there is a sweetness to their relationship that is very dynamic in the film.

The movie is fraught with sex, booze, drugs and a bit of downright idiocy, but it isn’t without some sincere emotional moments and meaningful messages.  Even though the idea of a walking, talking teddy bear may be ludicrous, the film was well written to reflect actual life scenarios we can all relate to. Ted portrays messages about the depth of friendship, the balance of growing up but staying young at heart, and finding what matters most in life– all thoroughly sprinkled with absurdist humor and some very funny actor and actress cameos, not to mention a few well placed Boston jokes and references which are sure to resonate with Massachusetts dwellers.

Ted is a great date movie, both for the romance aspect and the fact that you are likely to have a great time laughing together as you escape the summer heat.  It’s also not a bad movie to go to with a group of friends, or anyone for that matter.  Except children of course… and maybe your Grandma.  But who knows, maybe your Grandma has a twisted sense of humor.

Ted Official Movie Trailer

This Thursday, July 5th at 11 a.m. the New Bedford Whaling Historic Park will launch the NB Line Park Shuttle service. The official launch will occur at the Visitor’s Center on 31 William Street downtown. The public is welcome to attend.

The NB Line service will run from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily from June 29th through September 3rd and then on weekends (again from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) from September 4th through October 8th. There will be three optional routes: Downtown New Bedford (every 20 minutes), Fort Taber (every 70 minutes) and Buttonwood Park (every 70 minutes). See exact shuttle service routes and schedules below.

Patrons wanting to use the NB Line must purchase a one-day pass or wristband for $1. You are requested to have exact change. Children under 12-years old and students with a student ID are FREE. This is transferable to other NB Line routes, so your wristband will get you unlimited travel for the day.

To celebrate the opening of the NB Line, several businesses are offering free admission and discounts. On July 5th, patrons that show their wristband will get the following discounts:

• Arthur Moniz Gallery – 10% off print or framed print
• Buttonwood Park Zoo – Free admission
• Cork Wine and Tapas Bar – Free tapas with purchase of two entrees
• Crowell’s Fine Art Gallery and Fine Framing Studio – Win a $100 Gift Certificate
• Destination Soups – 10% off any meal
• Fort Taber Military Museum – Free admission
• Judith Klein Art Gallery – 5% discount on art work
• New Bedford Whaling Museum – Buy one get one free admission
• Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum – Free admission
• Seamen’s Bethel – Free admission
• Travessia Winery – Free tasting
• Whaling City Expeditions – $5.00 off harbor tours
• Fairfield Inn – Free tote bags available at the launch event

Downtown New Bedford NB Line Route and Schedule

The Downtown New Bedford line is dedicated to Herman Melville and will give visitors the option to see historic sites like the Seamen’s Bethel, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Schooner Ernestina, the Rotch-Jones-Duff House, the New Bedford Fire Museum and much more.

Buttonwood Park NB Line Route and Schedule

Buttonwood Park offer visitors a chance to visit the zoo (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or the park that is filled with a playground, arboretum, talking paths and tennis and basketball courts. The Buttonwood Park line is dedicated to Hetty Green or the “Witch of Wall Street.”

Fort Taber NB Line Route and Schedule

The Fort Taber line is dedicated to Frederick Douglass and offers visitors the option to visit Fort Rodman, East and West Beaches, Palmer’s Island and the Hurricane Barrier.

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The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, is proud to award New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park a 2012 Impact Grant to support the launch of Having Our Say: From Civil War to Civil Rights, a project that will gather information of the African American experience in the local community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Each interview will be digitally recorded and transcribed and will become part of the National Park’s Oral History Collection. The grant is part of the National Park Foundation’s Impact Grant program which gives parks the critical financial support needed to transform innovative, yet underfunded ideas into successful in-park programs and initiatives.

“We are very excited about this project. It’s an excellent opportunity to capture the lives of a vibrant community that has made great contributions to both the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement in the City of New Bedford,” said Janine V. da Silva, Cultural Resource specialist.

Jasmine A. Utsey, oral historian, will serve as the project investigator gathering stories related to the African American experience in the local community of New Bedford, Massachusetts. She will conduct professional oral history interviews with ten individuals identified by the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park for their knowledge of important historical information pertaining to the 100 year period between the Civil war and the Civil Rights era, “With these strategic grants, we have been able to positively impact hundreds of national parks across the country,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “This unique program helps the parks enhance the visitor experience, engaging more people, and ultimately building a stronger community of park enthusiasts who share an appreciation and commitment to protecting America’s Best Idea, their national parks.”

The National Park Foundation, in partnership with ARAMARK through the Yawkey Foundation, The Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation and The HISTORY Channel, awarded Impact Grant grants to 62 national parks across the country totaling more than $500,000.
A full list of grantees is available on the National Park Foundation website.

New Bedford’s whaling days come alive all summer with Ruth and Abby, two New Bedford women from the 1850s ladies. You can listen as they discuss the issues of the day, chat with them about life in the 1850s, or make vintage crafts with them. They will be strolling the streets, picnicking in the park, and even playing a rousing game of croquet! The ladies offer these free programs Thursday through Sunday from July 12 through September 2. The park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford.

On Thursdays evenings, from 5:00-6:30, just before the weekly concert at 7:30 PM, they’ll be chatting with visitors in the park garden about almost any topic you can think of. On Friday afternoons, from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, they will be picnicking in and around the visitor center area. Bring your lunch and talk about whatever’s on your mind. On Saturday mornings, from 10 AM-12:00 noon, Ruth and Abby stroll the streets of downtown New Bedford. From 12:00-2:00 PM on Saturdays, they offer hands-on, fun crafts that complement the maritime craft demonstrations during that same time. On Sunday afternoons, from 2:00-4:00 PM, the ladies play croquet and other lawn games (weather permitting). All of these programs are free and open to the public.

Summer is the perfect time to learn a new sport or get back into a sport that you once played. New Bedford Community Rowing (NBCR) is offering everyone a chance to learn the great sport of rowing this summer. There are programs for both youth and adults with separate programs within each age group for experienced rowers and for people who have never rowed before. Here are a few reasons to come out onto the water with New Bedford Community Rowing this summer.

1. Rowing with NBCR is Affordable

While rowing seems like a costly sport due to the equipment required, NBCR makes it possible for everyone to join regardless of his or her ability to pay. The summer youth program meets 5 days a week and costs $225. Week-long rowing camps are also being offered this summer if you cannot commit to the full program. These are $50 for the half-day camps and $100 for the full day camp. There are also many scholarships available for those who qualify.

2. There are Many Programs to Choose From

Whether you are an experienced rower or a novice, NBCR has a program that will fit your level of expertise. If rowing is completely new, there are Learn-to-Row days and Learn-to-Row classes offered to both youth and adults. Learn-to-Row days are two-hour blocks where participants will learn all the basics of rowing as well as learning to use an ergometer and rowing with some experienced rowers. Learn-to-Row days are free for anyone under the age of 18 and $25 for adults.

The Learn-to-Row classes run for 3 weeks and meet twice a week for 2 hours. You will learn more about the rowing stroke and have a great time on the water. The cost is $75 for the 3 weeks, but adults who attend the Learn-to-Row day can use the $25 cost towards the class.

For more experienced rowers, there are summer long programs. Adult rowers have the option of rowing in the morning or in the afternoon. The morning program meets Tuesday and Thursday, from 5:30 to 7:30 am and from 6:30-9 am on Saturday. The evening program meets Tuesday and Thursday, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and combines with the morning rowers for the 6:30-9 am Saturday row.

Visit our website at newbedfordcommunityrowing.org to learn more about the programs offered.

3. We Have Great Summer Camps

This summer, NBCR is offering 3 week-long camps for youth rowers. Participants will get plenty of time on the water each day and will also spend time on stretching, yoga, team building, and other activities.  Participants will also receive lunch each day. The week culminates with the participants competing in a race on Friday afternoon. The camps are a great way for youth rowers to learn all the important aspects of rowing in a fun and structured environment.

4. You Get to Race and Compete

The ultimate goal of the youth program is to prepare to race and compete against other crews. By teaching youth rowers the fundamentals of rowing and improving their power and fitness, we hope to build a team that can compete against crews in the area. Cheyenne Bayse, the head coach of NBCR, has years of experience coaching youth and collegiate rowers. She learned to row at a young age and is a two-time All-American college coxswain, so she knows how to steer people in the right direction. Competing is the best part of any sport and there is no better feeling than pulling together with the members of your boat and winning a race.

5. It is a Fun and Safe Way to Spend the Summer

With an experienced and responsible coaching staff, great water by Pope’s Island, breakfast and lunch provided every day, and an on duty lifeguard, rowing with NBCR is a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy all that the sport of rowing has to offer and to meet new people in the process. We hope to see you out on the water soon!

The Buzzards Bay Coalition has added another four acres of land to the expanding Acushnet River Reserve, a major step forward in protecting the river’s remaining natural shoreline and wildlife habitats.

The Reserve stretches along the undeveloped portions of the river’s eastern shore, from the river restoration at the former Acushnet Saw Mills on the New Bedford/Acushnet line to the salt marsh restoration at Marsh Island in Fairhaven.

The newly protected four acres are spread across two properties in Acushnet and include a mix of forests, wetlands, salt marshes and 235 feet of river shoreline. They are at the center of more than a mile of natural waterfront that make up the view from New Bedford’s planned River Trail along the river’s western shore.

This land acquisition adds to the 15 acres that the Bay Coalition has preserved over the past two years, as well as about 30 acres of land already owned by the towns of Acushnet and Fairhaven.

“These properties are another piece in the puzzle of protecting the only remaining major stretch of undeveloped waterfront along the Acushnet River estuary,” said Brendan Annett, Vice-President of Watershed Protection for the Bay Coalition. “Despite all of the immense challenges associated with the contamination of New Bedford Harbor, it is a tremendous opportunity that the estuary’s eastern shore remains in such a natural state.  In the long run, protecting this natural shoreline will have great value for both the ecosystem and our communities.”

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 4:00pm, Mayor Jon Mitchell and hundreds of city workers will join together with city residents, current and former elected officials, and former city employees to commemorate 100 years of the classical revival building housing the seat of City government.

The building, completed in 1856, had housed the Free Public Library, and the current main library building was used as City Hall. The two buildings swapped functions decades later after a devastating fire ravaged the original City Hall. City Hall opened at its new location on July 3, 1912.

The July 3 “City Hall Centennial Celebration” will feature a photo display of City Hall through the decades, courtesy of Spinner Publications; performances of period and contemporary music; cake and refreshments; and, of course, rides on the historic elevator. In honor of both the Centennial and Independence Day, the building will be festooned in traditional red, white, and blue bunting, as it has in years past. The Mayor will also officially unveil new signs for the building as part of the celebration.

“Our City Hall is a special place,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “There aren’t a lot of cities in the Commonwealth and around the country where the seat of local government can boast such a rich history and real architectural significance. What we have is worth celebrating.”

The “City Hall Centennial Celebration” marks the mid-point of a busy week of summer fun downtown, with the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade marching down Union St. on Saturday, June 30; the July 4^th concert and fireworks on Wednesday; and Greater New Bedford Summer Fest kicking off Friday, July 6 and wrapping up on Sunday, July 8.

For more information about the City Hall Centennial or any of the week’s events, call the Mayor’s Office at 508-979-1410.

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1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

The New Bedford City Hall Building in 1910 (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).

1906 Fire at the New Bedford City Hall (Spinner Publications).