I’m sure some people look forward to receiving them each week, but I’m not one of them. They creep into my mail box each week and quickly get tossed into my recycling bin. What are these menacing items? They are the ever annoying paper circulars. Some how these dastardly inserts have found their way out of the Sunday papers and into my post office box each week.

For me, it’s not really important to know that “Bottom round roast is going for $2.69 lb” or to see the details of “a missing teen from Dallas, Texas.” While I wish the missing teen a safe return to her family, I’m likely not going to see her in New Bedford. Also, I love to use coupons, but the ones that come in the weekly circulars seem to target items that I really have no use for. Besides, do we really need 50 cents off of Spam? The taste of this mystery meat sells itself!

Finally having enough, I figured out how to put a restraining order on these circulars – but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s back up a few days and let me tell the tale of how I learned about the source of these circulars.

In line at the post office recently, I saw an elderly woman march over to one of the service windows and asked the postal worker “Please stop sending these to me. I don’t want them.” The postal worker replied, “Ma’am, we don’t send them to you. It’s the Standard Times. We just deliver them.” It was obvious from the postal worker’s tone, that this was not the first disgruntled person wanting to put a stop to these unrelenting circulars. Unsatisfied and without a word, the elderly lady turned and stormed out of the post office. I couldn’t help but feel that she was not alone in this struggle to save some trees and put an end to this mail box injustice.

Armed with this valuable source of knowledge, I visited the Standard Times website today and found a number to their subscription services at 1-800-445-7482. I called the number and after battling their automated phone service, I finally got to an employee. I immediately shouted, “On behalf of disgruntled elderly ladies everywhere and to save the rain forest, I demand that you stop sending circulars to my home!” She begged and pleaded with me to reconsider, but I wouldn’t have it. As a last resort, she tried to convince me that with every circular delivered an angel gets his wings, but I informed her that I cared more about trees than angels and the price of bottom round roast.

Finally, after a few key strokes, she informed me that I was off the circular list. With just a few minutes of my time I saved pounds of unwanted paper being delivered to my door each year. Let the angels work for their wings.

Edit: I’ve learned that there are also the Red Plum circulars that get delivered to New Bedford residents. To stop them from being delivered fill out their unsubscribe form here: http://www.redplum.com/mailing-list.aspx.

The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced $869,833 for community improvement projects in Fairhaven. The grant is part of $26.8 million in federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that will support housing rehabilitation, public service projects and local infrastructure statewide.

“These grants are critical investments to help communities’ fix-up homes and roadways and provide much-needed local services for residents while putting people to work,” said Governor Patrick. “We thank the Obama Administration and our Congressional delegation for their continued support of our communities.”

“This investment will continue the important work that has already been ongoing in Fairhaven restoring public infrastructure that was in serious need of repair,” said Senator Mark Montigny.  “This is a clear case of public investment benefiting businesses and taxpayers while creating jobs.”

The flexibility of CDBG funds enables communities like Fairhaven to address their specific needs, improve the lives of residents and strengthen the local economy.  The grant award for Fairhaven will be used for housing rehabilitation and repairs to the Park Avenue/Main Street sidewalk, roadway, sewer and drains.

“The town is appreciative of another round of CDBG funding,” said Bill Roth, Fairhaven’s Planning and Economic Development Director.  “This money will allow us to continue to make necessary and drastic improvements to the Cushman Park neighborhood.”

The CDBG program is the Commonwealth’s largest available resource for neighborhood revitalization projects and helps meet the housing and public service needs of low- and moderate-income communities while building and repairing infrastructure vital to the health and safety of all residents. The infrastructure projects help communities create and maintain jobs while providing important improvements to the lives of residents in each city and town. Historically, 40 percent of CDBG funds distributed have been used for these job-creating projects.

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The maximum grant for a single community is $1 million.

Operation Clean Sweep, a New Bedford based anti-litter organization, will hold a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, June 16, 2012 in Ward 6 from 8:30 am until Noon. The Ward 6 cleanup will be held in conjunction with the Cove Street Neighborhood Family Fun Day. Headquarters will be located at the Loretta Bourque Park on Ruth Street between Salisbury and Ashley Streets. The cleanup will be sponsored by Me & Ed’s Family Restaurant.

Students, individuals, families and community service groups are encouraged to volunteer with Operation Clean Sweep to earn community service hours, demonstrate support for the neighborhood, and pride in the community.

Me & Ed’s Family Restaurant will provide breakfast for volunteers in the morning and lunch will be provided by Domino’s Pizza, “The Official Pizza” of Operation Clean Sweep.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.operationcleansweep.net or call (508) 979-1493.

Pre-registration is not required but it is preferred so that organizers are better able to plan for the needs of the day. Volunteers are asked to wear closed toe shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Tools and gloves provided. Walk-ups are always welcome and all volunteer names will be entered into a drawing for a covered trash barrel!

Anyone interested in hosting a cleanup is encouraged to call (508) 979-1493 for more information.

We at New Bedford Guide love AHA! No … really, we love AHA! and even wrote an article about how much we love AHA! If you are new to the AHA! experience we recommend you read that article to get up to speed.

This month’s AHA! is Thursday, June 14th with the “Walking Tours” theme (full schedule here.) There are eight walking tours scheduled, at least nine art galleries displaying art, lots of live music and tons of other programming that kicks off at 5 p.m. We recommend ALL of June’s AHA! programming, but realize visitors can’t always experience every AHA! event. As a seasoned AHA! veteran, I feel that I have enough experience to recommend the gems and help you maximize your experience. Here are my top seven June AHA! events.

1. 19th Century Neighborhood Architectural Walking Tour (6 p.m.)

Did I mention that this month’s AHA! theme is Walking Tours? Unless you have a time machine, there is no better way to experience the history of New Bedford than this 19th Century Walking Tour. The tour kicks off from the Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum (396 County Street) at 6 p.m. sharp and will be led by Bruce Barnes of the Preservation Society. Visitors are welcome to stop by the at 5 p.m. to check out the inside of the museum and the gardens in full bloom.

2. Underground Rail Road Walking Tour (6 p.m.)

The Underground Railroad is an important part of New Bedford’s history. Check out my article on the “Most Notable New Bedford African Americans” to learn more about some of the most famous African Americans to come out of our city. The tour will be led by the New Bedford Historical Society and steps off from Custom House Square (Fountain Side, across the street from Freestone’s) at 6 p.m.

3. A Lantern Tour with the 1850s ladies (7 p.m.)

After soaking up some history with Bruce Barnes or learning about the Underground railroad, hustle over to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitor’s Center (33 William Street) where Ruth and Abby will “dish the dirt” on their lives and times.

4. 100 Hiking Trails (5-9 p.m.)

Looking to add some hiking to your summer activities? The Buzzards Bay Coalition has information on over 100 hiking trails throughout the region. Visit their center (114 Front Street) to view our new interactive web map of trails and get information from conservation groups across the region.

5. Tarot Readings, Henna Tatts, Pottery and Paintings (5-8 p.m.)

MUSE Studio (516 Pleasant Street) is providing a wide assortment of entertainment to include Tarot Readings by Karen Allen, Henna Tats by Eric Grab, and Pottery and paintings by several artists. You may want to stop here first and ask Karen Allen if you are in for a good night and where to go next!

6. Q@X IV: Do Ask, Do Tell (5-9 p.m.)

Gallery X is hosting their 4th, “Do Ask, Do Tell” gallery to support lesbian and gay service members. From their website: “With the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy allowing lesbian and gay service members to serve openly in the military and same-sex marriage continuing to be hot political topics nation-wide, now more than ever, it’s important to make the visions, experiences and opinions of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning artists & their straight allies known in the community.”

7. Neal McCarthy Problem Live at the Pour Farm Tavern (9 p.m.)

Neal Mccarthy is one of my favorite musicians and is one of the best blues guitarists in the world. The Neal Mccarthy Problem brings together some of the best musicians the south coast has to offer. Swing by The Pour Farm Tavern (780 Purchase Street) for an amazing selection of craft beers and the best music in town!

In this installment we will delve into the background of Ashley Boulevard, particularly because it was requested by a reader. I’d again like to re-iterate the importance of reader feedback, correction, and contributions. By all means, let us make this an open discussion to keep the “wiki” accurate. To our more informed readers, and local historians the answer is perhaps an obvious one, however to be sure I had to rule out and other “Ashleys.” Let’s take a detective type of ride through the process of elimination.

The earliest mention in the region of an Ashley that I could find in the historical record was that of Edward Ashley who arrived the region in approximately 1628 and started a trading post in Penobscot, Maine on the George’s River, in what is now Thomaston. An interesting character, William Bradford mentions that he “…lived among the Indians as a savage and went naked amongst them and used their manners, in which time he got their language.” However, he is ruled out because there is no mention of his ever marrying or having children and he was arrested for dealing guns and ammunition to Amerindians…not exactly the type of person to create honorifics for.

From this date onward there are a number of Ashleys mentioned mainly in Plymouth Colony (Rochester and Freetown), Boston and Maine. Most likely the ancestors of the Ashleys that we have in the region today, originated with Joseph and Elizabeth Ashley who settled in Springfield in approximately 1639. The Ashleys that spread through the region did not make it to New Bedford proper before 1790 as they do not show up on the census.

The first mention of an Ashley in New Bedford after the 1790 census is that of Joshua Bishop Ashley, son of John Sherman, born in Rochester in 1820. Joshua Ashley married a Susan Sanderson and they had many children that were born here in New Bedford. Joshua Ashley is the Ashley in the name of the firm Brownell, Ashley & Co, “…manufacturers of fine grades of carriages of all varieties, excepting coaches.” which was started in 1848. This business was located on numbers 24 to 38 Fourth Street. Here is the beginning of the Ashley family name’s journey to prominence.

One of approximately nine of Joshua and Susan Ashley’s children, Charles Sumner Ashley was born in New Bedford on September 5, 1858. Here we have our “culprit.” Charles graduated from Parker School and Friends Academy. Instead of heading to college as his parents wished, Charles had business ambitions and was involved in many business ventures including Covell & Ashley on Purchase Street, dealing in produce and general goods and Ashley & Pierce Clothing & Furnishing Goods on 72-74 William Street.

Seemingly always looking for greater challenges, Charles carried his ambitions into the political arena, starting at the age of 26 in 1884 as a member of the “Common Council.” He would serve on the New Bedford Water Board, Board of Public Works, and the School Board, and served as Alderman, which in essence was a city council position, for two years. This prepared Charles for Mayorship which he would serve as more than a whopping 25 times and for thirty-two years between 1890 and 1936. In 1903 and 1910, he received nearly 50% of the registered vote, an astounding number. In between acting as mayor, he would serve as CEO and postmaster.

Charles would eventually marry Annie Butler Luce and have four children, before passing away in 1941. He is currently interred at Rural Cemetery on Dartmouth Street. In 1898 the Charles S. Ashley Elementary school was named in his honor.

Ashley Boulevard Timeline
1880: 99 Ashley Boulevard home is built as one of the earliest modern homes.
1884: Building that houses Sowle’s of Dartmouth (Florist) is built.
1898c: Pine Grove Cemetery is opened.
1900: Church that is now St Kilian’s Parish is built.
1905: 102 Ashley Boulevard home with the “tower” is built.
1908: Abraham Lincoln School is built, designed by Architect Louis E. Destremps.
1909: New Bedford Independent Industrial School opens to 59 students. Now called Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School.
1915: Richard’s Auto Sales building is erected.
1916: Calvary Assembly of God Portuguese Church is built
1918: New Bedford Independent Industrial School is renamed New Bedford Vocational School.
1930: St. Anthony’s School is erected. Brooklawn Liquors building is erected.
1934: Fire Department at 131 Ashley Blvd. is built.
1935: 2nd Spanish Church of God/Greek Orthodox Church built.
1940: Star Auto Sales building is erected.
1945: Gas station is built at 116 Ashley Blvd.
1946: New Bedford Vocational School is renamed New Bedford Vocational High School.
1947: Sixth District Social Building is erected. Costa’s Insurance building.
1948: Small plaza is built from 293-305 Ashley Blvd. Green Miles convenience and D&D Party Food sit here.
1952: At Lowe’s Auto building is erected.
1955: Diamond Triumph Glass building is erected.
1958c: JFK Memorial Highway/Route 18 development is begun as a downtown connector.
1961: Homlyke Bakery opens.
1963: Construction begins on Route 18 in conjunction with the I-195 construction project.
1964: What is now Lincoln Laundromat at 139-143 Ashley is built.
1965: Police Department is built at 781 Ashley. Cumberland Farm’s at 757 Ashley is built.
1967: Poirier Post is built.
1969: Tedeschi’s/Dunkin Donuts building is erected at 453 Ashley Blvd.
1971: Acme Liquors opens. Knowlton School burns down when a student broke into the school and set it on fire.
1975c: The Cemetery Board relinquishes part of their land at Pine Grove and sells it to the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational High School.
1977: Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School is built.
1974: Tiny building that houses Zar Dogs is erected.
1983: Gary’s Best Hot Dogs opens.
1984: Patenaude’s Aquarium is built and opens.
1998: Slade’s Ferry Bank is built at 833 Ashley.
2000: Dartmouth Dental opens.
2007: After a year long operation by Southeastern Mass. Gang Task Force, N.B.P.D., FBI, and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office “Operation Kingfish” nets 30 Latin King members. December snowstorm dumps 1 foot of snow.
2008: School Committee votes to close down West Side school program for troubled students. Public responds trongly.CVS is erected.
2010: Bristol County Savings Bank building is erected.
2011: The new Abraham Lincoln Elementary School is completed.

If you have any corrections, additions, advice or anecdotes to share please comment below or e-mail us at ngbarts@gmail.com.

Prometheus is a movie about a space expedition searching for a planet that they believe hosts the aliens that created human beings.  With this philosophical and controversial goal in mind, they take to the stars to arrive at this far distant destination only to find that something went terribly awry.  As they try to unravel what happened on the planet, horror ensues.

Over the past weekend, I had nearly a half dozen people mention the movie Prometheus to me and voice their desire to see it.  I was somewhat surprised by this, not because I wasn’t equally interested by the captivating trailers, but we all admitted to knowing little about the actual plot.  The trailer showed stunning images of spaceships and stars, and conveyed a suspenseful tone, but it told us little about what to expect.  This advertising tactic seemed to be rather effective in its endeavor to intrigue people as Prometheus had a solid opening, making $51.1 million.

For those of you who don’t spend time analyzing movie openings, $51.1 million is fairly typical for a big movie.  In fact, Prometheus didn’t even capture the coveted #1 spot in the box office this weekend, as Madagascar 3 comfortably took that honor.  Still, Prometheus is both a science fiction and a horror movie, two genres that only appeal to specific groups of people.  Consider the movie Pandorum which came out in 2009, a film which also fused these genres but only grossed a little over $20 million in its entire lifetime.

So, what made people pack the theatres this weekend for Prometheus?  A few things.  One was the big budget of $120- $130 million dollars.  This was nearly $100 million dollars more than the comparable Pandorum and it certainly shows.  The special effects were astounding, and while I didn’t see it in 3-D I am sure it had a lot of people jumping even more than usual.  Big budget also means big advertising, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it was nearly impossible NOT to see the adrenaline rush of a trailer that was plastered all over TV.

The next important thing to keep in mind is that Prometheus is a Ridley Scott film, and Scott is a legend in this genre.  His list of production and directing credits is astounding, and very heavy on the science fiction and action categories.  But most importantly, he is the director of what is arguably the most famed science fiction/ horror film franchise of all times; Alien.  For those of you who don’t know, it is no longer a secret that Prometheus contains secrets that relate to the creation of Alien.  And this has been driving Alien fans to the theatre in a frenzy to learn more.

Without spoiling anything, I will let you know that the connection between Alien and Prometheus is tenuous and not critical to any understanding of this movie.  To call it a “prequel” would be a stretch.  So, with the Alien connection aside, does Prometheus really deliver as a quality science fiction/ horror?  In my opinion, that’s debatable.

Every good science fiction movie requires cool special effects, advanced looking technology, and attention grabbing action scenes.  You can check all those off for Prometheus.  Horror movies require suspense, mystery, and often, gore.  Again, a check on all three, especially the gore.  Prometheus is not for those with a weak stomach.

Still, there was far too much that was confusing about this movie and left those in the theatre scratching their heads on the way out.  There have been rumors that this movie was intended for a sequel, but even if that is true, there were too many loose ends that needed to be tied up.  This is too often a failure in the sci-fi genre; creating too many questions and not enough answers.

As far as the scare factor of this movie I will admit I was on the edge of my seat a few times, but mostly I was just squirming in discomfort at the gory scenes that were peppered throughout.  Mind you, this wasn’t a Saw type of blood bath film, but it did have some very cringe inducing moments.  That being said, this was certainly not the scariest space horror I’ve ever seen.  Maybe in an era of video games like Dead Space and Doom 3 I just have high expectations for the creepiness factor.

I wasn’t thrilled with Prometheus as a horror or as a science fiction.  Visually it was impressive, and even the acting was better than the usual science fiction standard.  Yet the twists weren’t all that interesting, and the mysteries weren’t satisfactorily resolved.

New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has been selected to benefit from a $1.5 million grant received by NRPA from the Walmart Foundation to support summer feeding programs in 28 park and recreation agencies across the U.S.  New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches has received a $35,000 grant to support its food service program in New Bedford.

“Helping children and families in our local community is a key objective of New Bedford Parks and Recreation,” said Renee Dufour, director of New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches.  “We are thrilled to be a part of NRPA’s national effort to combat hunger, particularly in these troubled economic times, and are pleased that Walmart has lent their support to New Bedford.  Through Walmart’s generosity, over 2,000 of our area children will have better, more nutritious summer,” she continued.

Support for the feeding program is part of Walmart’s Summer Giving Campaign – a $20 million initiative aimed at filling the gaps created when schools close for the summer.  The initiative will help expand nutrition, learning and employment services to children throughout the summer months.

While many children look forward to the summer break, recent research shows that health may decline in children during the summer due to lower levels of physical activity and lack of access to healthy meals. Only one in seven of the low-income students who depended on the National School Lunch Program during the regular 2010-2011 school year received summer meals in July 2011 according to a report released by the Food Research and Action Center in June 2012.

“Park and recreation agencies are on the frontline in the fight to reduce hunger especially among children,” says Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of NRPA.  “The generous gift from the Walmart Foundation will help our local champions provide nutritious meals for millions of children and support the development of a healthy, connected and active generation of Americans,” Tulipane stated.

For the third year, NRPA has awarded grants to park and recreation agencies for feeding programs that have served more than 16 million meals to low-income children, an increase of 3.7 million meals over 2009 figures.

New Bedford’s Play in the Park and Summer Food Program is completely free and can be found in over 20 parks and playgrounds throughout the city.  Play in the Park sites are open Monday through Friday from 10am-2pm and in addition to snacks and lunch being served a variety of fun activities and special events will take place.  This eight week program begins on Monday, July 2^nd and ends on Friday, August 24^th.  No registration is required just stop on in to any of the sites.

Join Mayor Jon Mitchell and the New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches team for the kick- off event Thursday, June 28^th at Riverside Park at 11am.  A fun afternoon is planned with lunch served from the grill, musical entertainment from Mister G and give-a-ways!

For more information on New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches and the Play in the Park Program call 508-965-3015 or visit the facebook page –New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches.

For more information on NRPA’s summer feeding support, visit www.nrpa.org/feeding or contact Jimmy O’Connor, senior manager of corporate grants, at joconnor@nrpa.org.

For additional information on how Walmart is bringing its commitment to hunger relief to life this summer, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org.

I recently visited Silverbrook Farm in Dartmouth (article with pics here) and learned a lot about one of the oldest farms in Massachusetts. As someone that eats a lot of fruits and vegetables, I was happy to learn about Silverbrook Farm’s Community Sustainable Agriculture (CSA) program, which is a program where consumers purchase a “share” of a farm’s future crop and in return receive fresh, locally grown produce each week during the harvest season. Silverbrook Farms in Dartmouth, Masschusetts offers one of the best CSA programs in the area by partnering with other local farmers to offer a great variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, jams and mustard not always found in your local grocery stores.

It doesn’t get any fresher than a CSA!

When it comes to consuming fruits and vegetables, one of your primary goals should be freshness. Silverbrook’s CSA guarantees that the produce you pick up is harvested that day. It really doesn’t get any fresher than that. On average, produce in a large grocery store chain is several days if not weeks old. This is due to the global distribution of our food. Due to the low cost and longer growing seasons, large grocery stores import much of their fruits and vegetables from California, Florida, Mexico and other southern hemisphere countries and states. Once picked, it’s not uncommon for produce to take a week to completely harvest, pack, transport and finally become available to consumers in a grocery store. With a local farm, the produce is harvested and offered to the CSA member that day.

The Health Benefits of Fresh Produce

Fruits and vegetables provide the body with fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – all needed to live a healthy life. As produce ages the health benefits of consuming that produce diminishes. When you purchase your produce in a super market you really don’t know how old the produce is. The instant a fruit or vegetable is harvested, the vitamins (and health benefits) begin to deteriorate.  Additionally, produce shipped hundreds to thousands of miles can go through vast temperature changes, irradiation (to destroy microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, or insects before shipping across borders) and other harmful processes before reaching your plate further reducing its health benefits. Buying local produce helps ensure you are getting produce that is richer in vitamins and minerals.

Partnership with Other Local Farms

About 50% of the produce in Silverbrook’s CSA share will come from Silverbrook Farm with the rest coming from Mendes Sustainable Eva’s Garden (certified organic), Sylvan Nursery (sustainable grown fruits and vegetables), The King Farm (sustainable grown vegetables), Matte’s Orchards (conventional fruits and vegetables), and Hillside Farm (conventional corn grower). When you become a shareholder of the CSA, you are supporting a total of six local farms.

Costs and Schedule

Picking up fresh produce on a weekly schedule helps ensure fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate on a regular basis. The cost savings are also significant. Silverbrook Farm’s Summer Dartmouth CSA pick-up is every Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. starting June 20th and ending 24 October. That’s 19 weeks, or 19 total CSA pick-ups. The CSA is broken into a full/family shares ($611) or half shares ($367), costing the consumer $32.16 a week for a full/family share, or $19.32 for a half share. How much does $19 get you in the grocery store each week?

What do you get in a CSA?

The CSA evolves through the harvest season, but you will always get a mix of fruits, vegetables and during parts of the year honey, cheese, mustard and jam. Silverbrook Farm also offers a nice recipe section on their website to help CSA members prepare some tasty meals! Here is the 2012 CSA schedule for Silverbrook Farm:

Ordering your CSA

Ready to take the dive into a healthier diet this summer? Want to support local farmers that care about sustainability? Contact Silverbrook Farm today. They also offer gift certificates so you can give the gift of health to your friends and family.

Telephone: 508-991-5185 / Cell: 508-264-9064
Farm Address: 592 Chase Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747 (please call and make an appointment before stopping by)
Silverbrook Farm Website

Photos of Silverbrook Farm – Dartmouth, MA

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At a press conference today on the New Bedford waterfront, Mayor Mitchell and Chief Michael Gomes of the New Bedford Fire Department unveiled a 41-foot fire rescue boat which the City received at no cost through a federal excess property program administered through the U.S. Forestry Service and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control.

“At a time when City finances are tight, the acquisition of this vessel at no cost to the City is exactly the kind of creative and fiscally prudent approach we need. This boat will equip our firefighters with the tools they need to respond to emergencies on the waterfront and improve the department’s ability to protect our valuable infrastructure throughout the port,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation Bureau of Forestry and Fire Control administers the USDA Forest Service’s Federal Excess Property Program (FEPP). This program provides cities and towns with free fire fighting materials.

The 1978 41-foot rescue boat acquired through the FEPP by the New Bedford Fire Department will enable the department to better respond to emergencies in the busy commercial and recreational port of New Bedford. The rugged, seaworthy vessel, a former United States Coast Guard Utility Boat, was originally designed for USCG use on a variety of missions. The boat is welded aluminum, with a molded fiberglass superstructure and is outfitted with twin Cummins diesel engines with conventional shafts and propellers. The UTB boat was considered the work horse of the U.S. Coast Guard and was the primary search and rescue craft for coastal operations. The rescue boat also has the ability to tow vessels of up to 100 tons and 80 feet in length. This new asset will give the NBFD an increased ability to respond to emergencies in seas of up to 8 feet.

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes said the department has names the fire rescue boat for Edward C. Spooner Mr. Spooner, the first New Bedford firefighter to die in the line of duty in 1890. “While the boat itself came free, we also did our best to secure donations, in-kind services and the assistance of the Engineering Department at Coast Guard Station Woods Hole, the New Bedford Fire Department so the cost to make the boat operational was less than $4,000.00,” said Chief Gomes.

New Bedford has become a tourist destination for people all around the world. With some of the best history, architecture and art that New England has to offer, thousands of people visit our city each year by land, air and sea. New Bedford has the top fishing port in the world that provides an infrastructure for cruise ships to dock and pour a hundred tourists into our city on a single visit. For 2012, there are 17 cruise ships scheduled to dock.

Businesses should consider accommodating these tourists and residents should welcome them with open arms. These visitors inject much needed cash into our economy. Businesses should consider adding extra staff, provide water and dog food outside their establishment, and ensure their staff are friendly and accommodating. New Bedford residents should be helpful and friendly. How we act as a city will have a lasting impact on future cruise ship schedules. Let’s ensure that visitors leave New Bedford with a positive experience and want to visit our city again.

New Bedford Harbor Cruise Ship Schedule (Source: American Cruise Line)