During the month of January 2020, Wareham Police Officers responded to 11 overdose calls. Three of these incidents would result in fatalities, and in eight cases the person was treated medically. On three of these calls, life-saving Narcan was used by the responding officers.

The following officers utilized Narcan to revive critical patients thereby having a direct hand in saving their lives.

• Sergeant Kevin Reilly and Officer Christopher Corner administered Narcan and utilized CPR to revive an individual overdosing.

• Officer Nate Aronson successfully revived a victim on another call with Narcan.

• Officer Eric Machado used Narcan to revive a victim.

In one incident Officers Aronson and Joseph Cardoza pulled an overdose victim from a car after cutting the seatbelt and performed CPR until the arrival of Wareham EMS. Despite the efforts to save this person’s life, they were pronounced deceased later at Tobey Hospital.

If anyone knows of someone who is in danger of being an overdose victim, please contact the Wareham Police Department, Detective Division. The call will remain confidential, and the detectives will arrange for the person to get help and services. They can be reached at (508)295-1206.

Acting Chief John Walcek said, “Our officers are on the frontlines of battling the opioid crisis, and I am proud of the work they are doing.”

The presidential primary election in Massachusetts will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, and the New Bedford Election Commission has announced that absentee ballots for this election are now available through the Election Commission Office at New Bedford City Hall.

Any registered voter unable to get to the polls on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot at the Election Commission Office during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or may request that an absentee ballot application be mailed to their home address. Parents or family members can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of their children attending out-of-city colleges and universities.

Absentee ballots may be requested up until 12 noon on Monday, March 2, 2020.

Election Office open Saturday, February 29 for absentee voting.

In addition, to allow voters to cast an absentee ballot, the City of New Bedford Election Office will open on Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon.

In the presidential primary election on March 3, voters may cast their vote for presidential preference, state committeeman and state committeewoman, and ward committees. On Election Day, polls will be open as usual from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Any resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election, or who wishes to request an absentee ballot, should contact the Election Commission Office at 508-979-1420.

“The Chief’s Report-Volume 5, Number 1

Hello Somerset,

This week’s report will not contain statistics, motor vehicle stops or calls. I would like to only pay tribute to CC. His untimely death has had a profound effect on all of us who knew him and had the pleasure of spending time with him. The Chief was an unselfish gentleman who was the epitome of a firefighter and fire chief. Scott was always approachable and always kind. Many of us are fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend time with him, have conversations with him, and enjoy his sincerity. Honesty and integrity are such important qualities in a Chief’s position; Scott was the personification of both those attributes.

Chief Jepson was born in New Bedford the son of Anne W. (Marsden) Bernard of Mattapoisett and Russell W. Jepson of Taunton. He graduated from Old Rochester High School. The Chief joined the Somerset Fire Department in 1992 as a firefighter/ paramedic; in 2004 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and eventually promoted to the rank of Chief in 2008. He was admired and respected by all who knew him personally and professionally. He is survived by his wife Angelina and son Ian. I hope all of you take some time to think of Scott, Angie and Ian during this difficult time.

Yesterday I had the honor of being part of a lengthy procession which brought Scott back to Somerset from the Cape. As we traveled the highways back home it was so impressive to see the honor and respect given by the firefighters who positioned themselves on every overpass with their apparatus. Many of the firefighters stood on top of their engines saluting the hearse as it passed beneath them. Those acts of respect are beyond words.

There are special people in our lives that never leave us even after they are gone. Scott is one of those special people. Coping with the loss someone like Scott may be one of the hardest challenges that many of us face. When we lose a person in an untimely manner the grief can be particularly intense. Loss is understood as a natural part of life, but we can still be overcome by shock and confusion, leading to prolonged periods of sadness or depression. The sadness typically diminishes in intensity as time passes, but grieving is an important process in order to overcome these feelings and continue to embrace the time we all had with Scott. Human beings are naturally resilient, considering most of us can endure loss and then continue on with our own lives.

I would like to share some lyrics from a song called “Hold on to Memories”. I believe these are appropriate…

“Listen, everyone
The time will come when all of us say goodbye
Feel that aching in your heart
Leaving you broken inside
But we’re never really gone
As long as there’s a memory in your mind
So now go do the best things in life
Take a bite of this world while you can
Make the most of the rest of your life
Make a ride of this world while you can
Take the ones you love
And hold them close because there is little time
And don’t let it break your heart
I know it feels hopeless sometimes
But they’re never really gone
As long as there’s a memory in your mind
And hold on to memories
Hold on to every moment
To keep them alive
The world’s greatest tragedy
Souls who are not remembered
Cannot survive

For those of you, who plan on going to the wake and/or funeral, please be aware there will a very large contingent of firefighters and police officers from many agencies so there will be challenges regarding parking and traffic which we are working on right now.

Here are the arrangements for Chief Jepson…

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 11am, in Saint Thomas More Church, 386 Luther Avenue., Somerset, with burial following in Nathan Slade Cemetery, Somerset.

Calling Hours for Chief Scott Jepson will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, from 4-8pm, in the Hathaway Community Home for Funerals, 900 Buffinton Street, Somerset.

In lieu of flowers donations in the Chief’s memory may be made to the Somerset Federal Credit Union c/o Chief Scott Jepson Memorial Fund, 740 County Street, Somerset, MA 02726.”

George M. McNeil
Chief of Police
Somerset Police Department

Until we meet again my friend…”

The Glass Horse Project, based out of New Bedford, MA, is set to open their fourth season, titled “Death and all His/Her/Their Friends,” with Eurydice, a retelling of the famed Orpheus myth, by Sarah Ruhl.

In the myth, Orpheus loses his bride, Eurydice, on their wedding day and creates the ballad as a form of expression. After many failed attempts of trying to find her, he braves the gates of hell and asks Hades if he can take her home. Hades agrees, with one minor stipulation: Orpheus cannot look back at Eurydice to make sure she’s following him. He must trust that she is, keep his eyes facing front, and only look back when he is sure they are safely out of the Underworld. All seems to be going according to plan until the anticipation and anxiety becomes too much for Orpheus. He looks back, breaking his deal with Hades. Eurydice rejoins the Underworld and Orpheus is not far behind her, having killed himself to be with her again. The myth has been debated by scholars as an allegory for patience, trust, the importance of music as a form of expression, and many other things, all the while, however, forgetting one major component of the story: Eurydice.

In Ruhl’s masterful retelling of the myth, the narrative frame is flipped to tell the tale from her perspective, ultimately allowing this often side-lined character to be the heroine with a newfound sense of agency. While in the Underworld, she meets a handful of interesting characters. No one more interesting, however, than her own father. The story interweaves movements and scenes in the Underworld and mortal world to blur the lines of time and space in order to ask questions about what it means to live a full life, to grieve, and the different ways that people confront loss and the courage it takes to move forward.

Co-Artistic Director of Glass Horse and Eurydice director, Taylor K. Corbett, adds, “as human beings, we always want to understand that which hurts us.” This is exactly what Glass Horse hopes to accomplish this season with Eurydice and the rest of their season. “Death, and all His/Her/Their Friends,” as a season, seeks to have audience members open themselves up to the same questions that philosophers and writers have been asking themselves since the beginning of time: what does it mean to truly live? Can we live a life without experiencing pain? Who or what is death: is it a mythical being, a state, or a collection of many things? What does it mean to “move on,” and how do we do it?

Glass Horse Artistic Director, Korey J. Pimental, adds: “Eurydice has us, as a company, pushing our boundaries by challenging us to see what is possible when creating theatre in a non-traditional space. I’m very excited for that. I’m also excited for audience members to come see the show and revel in Sarah Ruhl’s genius.”

The cast of Eurydice is comprised of: Maura Van Voris (Eurydice), David Adams Murphy (The Father), Dillon Medina (Orpheus), Korey J. Pimental (Man/Child), Jordan Daniel Smith (Loud Stone), Kerri Lamothe (Big Stone), Monica Hartford (Little Stone), and Megan M. Ruggiero (Eurydice Standby).

The production is designed by Taylor K. Corbett, with design assistance by stage manager Sev Marshall, and print and digital media assets by Brad Costa Design. Eurydice is being performed at Co-Creative Center on 137 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. The production opens on Friday, January 24, 2020 and runs Saturday January 25, 2020, Friday, January 31, 2020 and closes on Saturday, February 1, 2020. All shows begin at 7:30 pm. House doors open at 7:00 pm. The show runs approximately 100 minutes, no intermission.

As an organization, Glass Horse has a two-part mission: to give young theatre professionals a place to practice their craft and to alleviate many of the barriers that prohibit people from experiencing the performing arts. As such, it operates entirely on a pay-what-you-can model: there is a suggested door donation of $10 general admission and $5 for students, children, and seniors. Seating is limited and those interested in attending are advised to email theglasshorseproject@gmail.com to reserve seats with their desired quantity and performance date.

For further information, review requests, or to attend the industry-only preview on January 15, 2020 please contact Korey J. Pimental, Artistic Director, at kjpimental@gmail.com.

“The following is a conversation between two thieves sitting in a small gray pickup truck in the Walmart parking lot:

Female: Hon, I REALLY want to watch Post Malone on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest tonight.

Male: That stinks babe, because I got mad and broke my plasma last night after my Fortnite avatar got wasted, and my mom told me that she didn’t make meatloaf. It was a bad night all around.

Male: Babe, I have a great idea. Let’s steal one from Walmart!

Female: I don’t know. Isn’t that wrong?

Male: Well, yes, but how about if we make our New Year’s resolution to stop stealing in 2020? Would that make you feel better?

Female: HECK YEAH! That sounds like a great idea. Let’s do it!

If anyone would like to help us make sure that these two keep their resolutions by providing us with information that would help us identify them, they are encouraged to either send us a private message or call Detective Kyle Costa at 508-910-1755.

Thank you!”

PLEASE SHARE

Bristol County Savings Bank (BCSB), headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, has promoted David J. Medeiros and George J. Mendros to the positions of Vice President/Retail Banking Manager and Vice President/Specialty Relationship Manager, respectively. These changes will further drive the customer experience and deepen the Bank’s relationships within the retail and business sectors.

Medeiros, Vice President/Retail Banking Manager, will be responsible for the management of the entire retail branch network, including oversight of the branches, establishing business development goals, enhancing the customer experience and implementing strategic initiatives. Prior to his current position, Medeiros served as Vice President/Regional Banking Officer and AVP/Regional Branch Administrator for the Bank. Previously, he held the positions of Vice President – Branch Manager and Vice President – Area Manager for Sovereign Bank in the New Bedford, Massachusetts area and Vice President – Lead Branch Manager of the Downtown New Bedford Office for Shawmut Bank, NA.

Active in the community, Medeiros presently serves on the EICC Advisory Committee at New Bedford High School. He was previously a Vice President and Board Member with Downtown New Bedford Inc. and held board positions with Junior Achievement and the American Cancer Society, as well as committee and officer positions with the American Heart Association, United Way of Greater New Bedford and New Bedford Working Capital (PACE). Medeiros resides in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

As Vice President/Specialty Relationship Manager, Mendros will handle the execution of the Bank’s business development strategy, including the high-risk portfolio, oversight of the cash strategy and providing direction and enhancements for the Bank’s high school branches and educational programs. Prior to his new position, Mendros served as Vice President/Regional Banking Officer and Assistant Vice President/Regional Bank Administrator for the Bank and Branch Manager at the Bank’s North Attleborough banking office. Previously, Mendros held several positions for Bank of Boston and South Shore Bank.

Mendros serves on the Taunton Cable Advisory Board and is a member of the Rotary Club of Taunton, the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, the United Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. He volunteers for the Heart of Taunton, the American Heart Association – Southern New England Heart Walk and the Old Colony YMCA. Mendros earned his bachelor’s degree in History and Classical Studies from Boston University and resides in Taunton.

Due to the continued weather conditions, the overflow will be opened again tonight. All inquiries can be forwarded to Sister Rose House and 1-800-homeless.

All guests should plan to arrive for 6:00pm and the cutoff time will be 8:30pm. Dinner will be served between 6:00pm and 7:30pm and we wrap up between 9:45pm and 10pm.

As a reminder, the overflow will be activated on nights that the temperature is expected to be at 28 degrees or less. If the temperature were to drop below 28 at 4 or 5:00am rather than 7 or 8:00pm as an example, it doesn’t ensure that the overflow would open. All guests are expected to get up at 5:00 am and exit the premises by 6 or 7:00am.

Also, precipitation or snow alone doesn’t ensure that the overflow will open but are taken into consideration coupled with the temperatures. We also view the feel like temps, so as an example if the temperature was expected to be at 30 degrees but the wind-chill coupled with rain or snow presents or “feels like” 25 degrees then the overflow would be activated.

Every year we always have grey area days but we do the best in our judgment to make the right call. On days that we are expected to open an email blast will be sent by 12pm.

Also, 1-800-homeless will notify any callers if the overflow will be open on expected days. This will be our 4th season and with all the challenges at any given time, we are hopeful to continue safe operations and save lives, especially on the coldest nights. We also are looking for extra help, especially if the number of guests expected on any given night reaches 30. We also have 25 guests on the main floor so manpower is very important.

“Did you see what Hathaway Elementary is up to? This is something positive to share about New Bedford Public Schools!! Thanks to King Arthur flour our fifth grade students have partnered with the United way to bake bread for the homeless this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Teachers are Mrs. Melissa Morin and Miss Denielle Sylvia.”

Congratulations to Massachusetts State Trooper Mark Concannon, second from right, who was named the Massachusetts Task Force Officer of the Year by the Drug Enforcement Administration yesterday.

Trooper Concannon serves on the DEA Strike Force, a joint team that includes federal, state and local law enforcement officers. Trooper Concannon was the case officer for several multiple-kilogram fentanyl cases over the past year. Seen with him at the award ceremony at DEA-New England Field Division Headquarters in Boston are, from left, Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge Jon Delena, MSP Lt. Colonel Dermot Quinn, and Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Boyle. The Strike Force plays a major role in interdicting narcotics trafficking throughout the state.

Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit Troopers, with assistance from MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Troopers, members of the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, and a Springfield Police K9 team this morning arrested a Springfield man while seizing an illegally-possessed handgun and ammunition and various narcotics.

Troopers and Officers executed a search warrant at 64 Lionel Benoit Rd., Apt. B, in Springfieldbased on an MSP Gang Unit investigation into narcotics distribution from that address. The target of the investigation, TODD CRUZADO, 32, is an acquaintance of the apartment’s occupant.

In the bedroom, Troopers and Officers located and seized a Kel Tec 9mm handgun with a magazine containing several 9mm rounds, multiple baggies containing suspected marijuana, multiple suboxone strips, approximately 120 tablets believed to be Concerta and Adderall, and materials used to package drugs for sale.

In the kitchen Troopers and Officers located and seized hundreds of empty glassine baggies, each stamped with the numbers 413, consistent with materials used to package heroin. Also found in the kitchen was an electric grinder with suspected drug residue and $745 cash.

During a sniff of an Acura sport utility vehicle that CRUZADO had been observed driving, Springfield Police K9 Dex alerted to the scent of narcotics. During a subsequent search of the Acura, Troopers and Officers located approximately 80 glassine baggies stamped “Dunkin Donuts,” consistent in appearance and packaging to heroin, additional suspected marijuana, and a digital scale.

The investigation and an interview with CRUZADO established that the firearm and ammunition, narcotics, and paraphernalia belonged to him. CRUZADO was charged with the following offenses:

1. Possession of a firearm without a license to carry, subsequent offense;
2. Unlawful possession of ammunition;
3. Firearm violation by a person with two prior violent or drug crimes;
4. Possession of a Class A narcotic (heroin) with intent to distribute, subsequent offense;
5. Possession of a Class C narcotic with intent to distribute (Adderall/Concerta), subsequent offense;
6. Possession of a Class D narcotic (marijuana) with intent to distribute, subsequent offense;
7. Possession of a Class B narcotic (suboxone), subsequent offense;
8. Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony;
9. Improper storage of a firearm; and an
10. Outstanding warrant issued p of Springfield District Court.

Troopers transported CRUZADO to State Police-Springfield for booking. He was then transported to Springfield District Court for arraignment.