Late Monday morning there were reports of an apparent suicide at Fort Phoenix in Fairhaven. With no word from officials, we headed down to the area for confirmation and unfortunately came upon a scene of yellow duct tape, police officials, a hazmat crew, and several concerned citizens.

Individuals on the scene stated it was a man in his 20’s that suffered a self inflicted gunshot wound on the rocks near the cannon display at the park.

This tragedy has shined light on an issue that many in the area feel needs more attention; The stigma around mental health issues for men in America.

According to suicide data from the CDC, “The suicide rate among males in 2021 was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides.”

In a scientific article titled “Males and Mental Health Stigma” by Benita N. Chatmon, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, she connects this awful phenomenon to masculine Norms in our culture.

“American men are subjected to a culture where the standards of masculinity are literally killing them. One of the factors that contributes to the underuse of seeking professional help is masculinity norms.”

Among the outpouring condolences on social media, many men and woman were also specifically vocal about normalizing men speaking openly about anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

A New Bedford man shared on Facebook,

“Mental health for men needs to be talked about more. We go through so much and hold it all in, put on our masks with smiles and laughter when in reality we are tired inside drained or hurting and nobody realizes. Im not sure what the situation is with this guy but he was going through something and probably had no way to express it, lets do better for mens mental health.”

There were many other comments, posts, and shares with this same undertone. So the question is, what can we do in our community to stop this from happening? I am not a doctor or psychologist so I am not qualified to speak on a solution, but I am a man and feel sparking a public conversation is a good place to start.

There’s help out there if you’re in crisis: Suicide Prevention Crisis Hotlines

A list of mental health facilities in the South Coast can be found here.

During the month of July, the 46th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory of Joseph “Charles” Messier, formerly of Fairhaven who passed away April 9, 2023 at the age of 101. He served proudly in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 door gunner during WWII.

Known by his middle name “Charles,” he was born in 1922 and was raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Alphonse and Elmire (Vadeboncoeur) Messier. He moved to Fairhaven in 1956 and resided there for the next sixty-seven years. He was the loving husband of the late Mary (Borges) Messier.

Charles served in the US Army Air Corp earning the rank of Sergeant. According to his obituary, during his time in the military, he “participated in five major bombing campaigns as a B-17 door gunner, flying into the pre-invasion countries of Italy, France and the Balkans.”

After serving his country, he returned home and was employed by Firestone. He later worked as a presser at the Acushnet Company Golf Division where he was employed for over 30 years.

Charles was a very talented woodworker, which he learned at an early age. He perfected his skill and became a furniture maker as well. Over the years he attended craft shows with his wife, selling his wares. He was also a communicant of St. Mary’s Church and was a member of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club in Mattapoisett.

J. Charles Messier passed away on April 9, 2023, at the age of 101, at the Royal Nursing Center in Falmouth. He was the last of six children and was predeceased by his siblings: Leo, Adrien, Edmond and Robert Messier and Annette Hanks. He is survived by several nieces and nephews to include Lucille Kenney of Pawtucket, RI and Raymond Hanks and his wife Bernadette of Mattapoisett. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford of New Bedford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford of New Bedford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com.

Joseph “Charles” Messier, formerly of Fairhaven.

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Empire Ford of New Bedford

395 Mt. Pleasant Street, New Bedford
Phone: (833) 974-0098
Email: lferreira@buyempireautogroup.com

Facebook: facebook.com/Empirefordnewbedford
Website: empirefordofnewbedford.com/

The New Bedford Police Department is hosting an event Tuesday, July 25th from 4:30pm-6:30pm to help with homelessness and the problems surrounding the issue. The event will take place at the New Bedford Police Department’s public safety center located at 912 Brock Ave.

Poverty, unemployment, and lack of affordable housing are commonly recognized causes of homelessness. These risk factors can be exacerbated by personal vulnerabilities such as mental and substance use disorders, trauma and violence, domestic violence, justice-system involvement, sudden serious illness, divorce, death of a partner, and disabilities.

The New Bedford Police Department is inviting city residents to attend a community info session so you can meet with service providers and guest speakers to discuss the resources available to support those of you who are at either risk of becoming homeless, or need immediate support.

Here is a list of agencies that will be presenting at the event:

• Catholic social services
• New Bedford Housing Authority
• New Bedford Office of Housing & Community Development
• North Star Learning Center
• Steppingstones – Project FAIHR
• The Women’s Center

New Bedford Police Department photo.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“I am writing to you on behalf of a friend who lives in New Bedford housing.

She has been on a waiting list for 9 yrs waiting for a bigger unit for her and her children. She is a hard worker and a great mom and all they want is to have more space. She and her kids are cramped in a small apartment and have been waiting patiently to no avail.

While unfortunately there are people currently living in bigger units whose children have all grown up and moved on yet they remain in these bigger units. It is not fair to families like my friend and others who are in need as well.

I would like to bring attention to it because it’s not right for them to keep going up on the rent but they don’t want to accommodate her families and other families needs.

Please help bring awareness so that maybe housing will make some changes and move people out who don’t need these big homes and give them to the ones who do!!! I would like to remain anonymous. Sincerely a good friend!!”

“Officers on patrol located a sea turtle entangled in fishing gear and were able to safely free the animal from the line. An evaluation found the turtle to otherwise be in good health and it was subsequently released.

Boaters are encouraged to keep an eye out for marine mammal and turtle entanglements when underway. Injured, entangled, deceased, or distressed sea turtles and marine mammals, from Maine through Virginia, can be reported to the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Network (24-hours a day) at 1-866-755-6622.

For more information, visit fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/marine-life-distress/greater-atlantic-marine-mammal-stranding-network.”-Massachusetts Environmental Police.

“Started at the bottom, now we’re here ? Talk about a glow up!

Remember those two shih tzus that were found on the side of the road in New Bedford? Look at our pretty girls now!

Opal (the one with more white) is a shy, nervous girl that needs some help building her confidence. She really enjoys the company of other dogs so a confident canine housemate would be perfect for her! It may take multiple meets for this girl to warm up to you but, given what she’s been through, she’s forgiven. She’s easily distracted by any “interesting” noises and likes to investigate new people once she’s comfortable around them.

Topaz (the one with more black) is more outgoing than her sister but also has an intense protective streak. She needs someone that won’t coddle or baby her too much so that behavior won’t escalate. Once she gets to know you, she’s a sweet, lovable, curious girl that loves to be snuggled in your lap.

Both girls are around 2-3 years old, are good with other dogs, good with cats, and both love plush toys! Both need to be homed with children 12+ as we don’t know their history.

These girls DO NOT need to go to their new home together. In fact…we would prefer that they didn’t. Topaz can be aggressively possessive of her sister so unless their new owner is someone that has a great deal of experience with that sort of behavior, we would advise against adopting them together.

If you’re interested in either of these sweet girls, visit foreverpaws.com and click adopt to download our application. Once complete, you can email it to us at fpas1@foreverpaws.com or fax it to us at 508-677-9175.”-Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

All photos by the Forever Paws Animal Shelter:

“A deer found its way into a tight space today at the water treatment facility.

Brockton Fire and Brockton Animal Control worked together to safely remove it. The members of the Brockton Fire Department train continuously for all types of incidents.”-Brockton Fire and Life Safety.

All photos by Brockton Fire and Life Safety:

“We are asked many times to recommend a dog breeder. Our answer is always that we don’t recommend any of them.

Lola is a 7 month old Golden Doodle. She has a birth defect that is most likely from over breeding. The breeder surrendered her when they realized that they couldn’t make any money off of her.

Her rear muscle system has not fully developed so she has a problem walking normally and unfortunately keeping her feces inside. She releases her feces randomly and doesn’t realize that she does it. The vets are hopeful that she will out grow this issue but it isn’t guaranteed. She could remain like this her entire life.

She was just spayed last week so she is looking for a very understanding family that can adopt a special needs dog. She loves to play catch and jump into the pool. She loves everyone she meets. If you would like to meet her please stop by and say hello.”-Fairhaven Animal Control and Shelter.

Fairhaven Animal Control and Shelter photo.

“In the wake of a fatal March 2023 rooming house fire on Acushnet Avenue, Mayor Jon Mitchell directed the New Bedford Fire Department to launch an aggressive enforcement program to bring the City’s remaining 19 un-sprinklered rooming house operators into compliance with a state law mandating the use of sprinkler systems. As of this week, the New Bedford Fire Department’s enforcement program has resulted in:

• 6 operators having fully completed sprinkler system installations;
• 5 operators deciding to cease or reduce operations as rooming houses so that their facilities are no longer subject to the state sprinkler requirement;
• 6 operators currently installing sprinkler systems; and
• 2 operators facing court action brought by the City for their failure to respond to City directives.

In addition, since March 2023 the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau conducted inspections of 14 other rooming houses with existing sprinkler systems. Fire Inspectors verified that these existing systems were in good working order. The Fire Prevention Bureau is continuing its close scrutiny of rooming houses in New Bedford, with rooming houses periodically checked for compliance with all life safety code requirements.

“Rooming houses pose a unique set of fire safety challenges, and we must take extra steps to keep their occupants safe,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I am grateful for the work our code enforcement team and the fire department did to make that happen.”

“Our progress is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of Captain Kurt Houghton and his team of Fire Inspectors, and their effective collaboration with other City Departments, including Inspectional Services, the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, the Health Department, and the Solicitor’s Office. It has been a team effort to hold rooming house operators accountable, and I am proud of the role that the Fire Department has played,” said Fire Chief Scott Kruger.

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6 Locations With Fully Completed Sprinkler System Installations (Since March 2023)

• 116 County Street
• 485 County Street
• 45 Morgan Street
• 162 Sawyer Street
• 39 Sycamore Street
• 192 Walnut Street

5 Locations That Have Ceased Or Reduced Operations (No Longer Subject To State Law)

• 138 Deane Street
• 234 Earle Street
• 152 Williams Street
• 371 County Street
• 110 Eighth Street

6 Locations Actively Installing Sprinkler Systems

• 201-203 Ashley Boulevard
• 549 County Street
• 147 Eighth Street
• 49 North Street
• 550 County Street
• 134 Deane Street

2 Locations With Operators Facing Court Action

• 237 Collette Street
• 639 County Street

14 Locations With Existing Sprinkler Systems (Which Have Been Re-Inspected)

• 1751-1759 Acushnet Avenue
• 1842 Acushnet Avenue
• 434 Cottage Street
• 396 Middle Street
• 347 Pleasant Street
• 1050 Pleasant Street
• 1060 Pleasant Street
• 20 South Sixth Street
• 29 Tarkiln Hill Road
• 116 Lindsey Street
• 116 Ruth Street
• 493 Belleville Avenue
• 499 Purchase Street
• 242 Walnut Street”-City of New Bedford.

UPDATE @ 3:38PM, Monday, July 10:

“We are heartbroken to report that a Massachusetts Environmental Police boat crew and MSP divers recovered Anna, the missing Lowell girl, from the Merrimack River around noon today.

We and our partners from Lowell Police, the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Law Enforcement Council, and District Attorney Marian Ryan and her office, all whom worked extremely hard to try to find Anna, extend our deepest condolences to her family.

This is outcome everyone prayed would not come to be. We thank all members of the public who read and shared the initial posts about Anna.”-Massachusetts State Police.

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“Our law enforcement partners and we are resuming the search for missing 7-year-old girl Anna this morning on Lowell.

Anna is Black, 4’7”, 70 lbs., and was last seen wearing black shorts, a white vest, and a purple hair tie. She might be on a bike. She was last seen in the East Merrimack St. area, Belvidere section of Lowell.

Anna was last seen between 2:00 and 3:00 PM Sunday afternoon. She is autistic and nonverbal. If seen please keep her in sight and call 911.

Please share this post.”-Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.</center<