“On Wednesday afternoon at around 12:53 pm, Easton Police received a call for service from two Summer Street residents stating that they had located a human skull in the stream/creek by their house.

When police arrived on scene yesterday, they observed the item and determined it was likely a human skull.

A further search of the general area was conducted yesterday and that search has continued today. During today’s ongoing search, more human bones have been discovered. The search of the area will continue.

The bones will be forensically tested to attempt to identify them in the coming days and weeks.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

“New Bedford, MA — On May 1st, Detective Jonathan Miranda concluded his investigation into a cocaine delivery service, which culminated in the execution of three search warrants. One for 385 Farm St., apartment #2, one for 189 Deane St., apartment #1, and one for a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee connected to the target of the investigation, Mr. GILBERTO COLLAZO, 31.

As a result of these searches, detectives made the largest seizure of cocaine in the history of our department. 17 kilos were located, boasting a street value of approximately one million dollars once cut and packaged for distribution.

“A seizure of this size, in this region of the country, is exceptionally uncommon,” said Chief Paul Oliveira. “It takes a dedicated detective working within a tenacious team to get this type of result. I’m always very proud of our narcotics unit, but I’m particularly delighted with them today.”

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.

Cocaine addiction is still a prevalent problem in Massachusetts. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Massachusetts is ranked fourth in the country for the overall rate of cocaine use (Moore, 2024)

“This is a major seizure by any standard, and it is the result of skillful police work,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I am grateful for the diligence of the department’s detectives in preventing this stash from ever reaching the streets, here, or elsewhere.”

COLLAZO was charged with trafficking in excess of two hundred grams of cocaine, which carries a potential penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison.

“I am very pleased with the efforts of the New Bedford narcotics detectives, which led to the seizure of an extraordinary amount of cocaine,” said Bristol County District Attorney Thomas A. Quinn. “This is the biggest seizure of narcotics in recent memory, if not in the history of New Bedford. This case highlights the large amount of narcotics that continues to be trafficked in our communities on a daily basis. My office will be asking the court to detain this defendant and hold him without bail.”

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by submitting a tip on our website or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”

Get ready to mark your calendars for a day of family-friendly fun and exploration at the annual Family Fest, scheduled for Saturday, May 18th from 10am to 1pm at the Andrea McCoy Recreation Center. Presented by PACE Child Care Works, Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance, New Bedford Birth to 3rd Partnership, and New Bedford Parks, Recreation & Beaches, this free event promises a memorable experience for families in the greater New Bedford region.

Family Fest is designed to bring families together for a day of enjoyment and to connect them with valuable resources available in the community. The event will feature a diverse range of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Highlights include:

● Zoo2You: Get up close and personal with fascinating animals and learn something new about wildlife conservation from staff from the Buttonwood Park Zoo.
● Family Yoga: Relax and rejuvenate with family-friendly bilingual yoga sessions by Yogaes Vida, perfect for all skill levels.
● Eric Carle Storywalk: Embark on a short family stroll while enjoying the beloved storiesof Eric Carle in multiple languages in a unique outdoor setting.

In addition to these activities, attendees can explore a resource fair featuring over 30 organizations, including Mass Audubon, Community Boating Center, Little People’s College, Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Discovery Language Academy, and many more.

“This annual event aims to introduce families of young children to the numerous organizations in and around New Bedford who are here to support them in their parenting journey,” says Tammy Desnoyers, Program Manager of Diapers N’ Things. “We invite everyone to join us for a day of laughter, exploration, and making cherished memories together.”

But that’s not all! Family Fest offers a plethora of free activities for families to enjoy together, including:

● Big Ryan’s Tall Tales: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of storytelling with captivating tales for all ages.
● DJ and Entertainment: Groove to the beats of a live DJ from 3rd Eye and enjoy lively entertainment throughout the day.
● Prize Giveaways: Don’t miss your chance to win exciting prizes, including gift baskets, games, gift certificates, and passes.

“We are thrilled to host Family Fest, a celebration of family and community,” said Mary Rapoza, Director of Parks, Recreation and Beaches. “This event embodies our commitment to providing families with opportunities for fun, learning, and connection, and is also a great opportunity to preview all the summer programming being offered by Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance members. The diverse programming offered this summer is sure to meet family’s needs for fun,safe and engaging programs.”

Event Details:
● Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
● Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
● Location: Andrea McCoy Recreation Center, 181 Hillman St., New Bedford, MA Admission to Family Fest is free, and all are welcome to attend. For more information, visit Family Fest 2024 Join us at Family Fest for a day of fun, connection, and community spirit!

“Enormous thanks to New Bedford Fire Department for the use of their Live Fire Prop and the staffing they provided for the Acushnet Fire & EMS Department to participate in live fire training evolutions!

The training provided gave valuable insight and practice to our members to keep our skills sharp! The videos attached show the technology available to us for searching under low light and smoke conditions to make our job more effective and safer! The videos were taken by NBFD to show progress and effectiveness of operations!

Thank you to the three members of @local841 who took the time on a Saturday morning to provide this valuable training to us!”-Acushnet Fire & EMS Department.

Acushnet Fire & EMS Department photo.

Acushnet Fire & EMS Department photo.

Acushnet Fire & EMS Department photo.

Acushnet Fire & EMS Department photo.

Acushnet Fire & EMS Department photo.

“Congratulations to our two newest firefighters!

Paige and Emily graduated last evening from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call Volunteer Recruit Training Program, Class #111 held at the Bridgewater Fire Academy. The ceremony was held in the Horace Mann Auditorium within Boyden Hall at Bridgewater State University. This 15 week program teaches the basics of all aspects of being a firefighter and involves both classroom and hands-on skill training.

Welcome to the Best Job in the World.”-Acushnet Fire & EMS Department.

“New Bedford, Massachusetts: For the last five years, guests at the Buttonwood Park Zoo have been delighted by the adorable antics of the red pandas that call the Zoo home. Now, thanks to a partnership with local IT company, Micro Technology Solutions, Inc in Fairhaven, those same red pandas are making their mark on the world wide web.

BPZOO’s “Red Panda Cam”, streaming live on bpzoo.org, showcases three red pandas – Jacob, Marie, and Sprout. Jacob has the distinction of being the first red panda at BPZOO and was introduced to the South Coast when his habitat opened in May of 2019. Marie arrived not long after the habitat opening, based on a recommendation as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Sprout the Red Panda. Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

She gave birth to her first cub, Kodo, in 2020, and in 2023 welcomed Pip and Sprout. Kodo, whose name is a Nepalese word for grain, left BPZOO in 2022 on her own breeding recommendation. Pip received a transfer recommendation in April of 2024, leaving Sprout as the only offspring remaining with Jacob and Marie. In the wild, red panda cubs leave their mother once they are self-sufficient. Breeding and transfer plans take into consideration the timeline of when cubs and parents are ready to separate.

Red pandas live in high-altitude temperate forests of Nepal, northeastern India, Bhutan and part of China. Listed as Endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature, the global red panda population has declined by 50% over the last 20 years. Primarily threatened by habitat loss, red pandas are also susceptible to climate change, poaching, livestock herding and disease. It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 and as few as 2,500 red pandas remaining in the wild. Currently, there are 219 red pandas at 87 AZA accredited institutions who are working together to save this endangered species.

Primarily bamboo eaters, red pandas need to eat 20-30% of their body weight each day due to the high amount of indigestible fiber present in bamboo. Thanks to the success of the Zoo’s Community Bamboo Program, the red pandas, elephants, and others enjoy various species of bamboo harvested from private landowners throughout the community.

BPZOO is a Partner in Conservation with the Red Panda Network by helping in their campaign to Plant a Red Panda Home in Nepal. Once restored, the critical forest corridor that connects Nepal and India will be part of the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung Red Panda Protected Forest in Eastern Nepal: the world’s FIRST protected area dedicated to red panda!”-Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Marie the Red Panda. Buttonwood Park Zoo photo.

“Fall River, Mass. – Nursing students from the University of the Azores School of Health visited Charlton Memorial Hospital as part of UMass Dartmouth’s participation in the Bridging the Atlantic (BTA) exchange program.

“We were delighted to have these nursing students visit Charlton Memorial to learn how Southcoast Health is working to address the barriers to healthcare across the region,” said Jacqueline Somerville, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Southcoast Health. “Throughout their visit we had the opportunity to showcase many of our departments and highlight our continued efforts in making sure that all members of our community have access to exceptional care close to home.”

Welcoming the students, Southcoast Health nursing leaders presented the many ways the organization has taken the lead in the efforts to enhance quality of care, patient and nursing safety, and the future of healthcare delivery. They also invited the students to scrub in and observe the Catheterization and Electrophysiology unit, the Family Care Unit and the hospital’s three critical care units.

After the clinical observations, Andrea Laliberte, DNP, RN, Pathway to Excellence Nurse Coordinator at Southcoast Health talked about the importance of a positive work environment, presenting their everyday efforts to create a workplace where nurses feel appreciated and heard. Charlton Memorial recently received designation as a Pathway to Excellence Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exemplifying its supportive culture.

“For some of our students, this is the very first time they’re visiting the United States. The opportunity to experience firsthand what an American healthcare system like Southcoast Health can offer patients is truly an eye-opening experience,” said Helder Pereira, Professor at the University of the Azores School of Health, “They’ve learned today not only about medical care, but about how a healthcare system can impact its community. It’s an amazing opportunity to offer these students and they’re very grateful.”

During the visit, the students also learned about Southcoast Health’s commitment to health equity and their dedication to make sure that each member of the community can access healthcare where, when and how they need it, even outside of the hospital. Stephanie Perry, RN CARN, Addiction Nurse Specialist and Team Lead for the Southcoast Health Community Wellness Program, explained how her work and Southcoast Health’s role in community partnerships make this possible.

“Our UMass nursing students had the opportunity to visit similar units in the Azores hospital and shadow their nurses. They were able to witness the differences and similarities in care that each healthcare system delivers and the important role each nurse plays,” said Maryellen Brisbois, Associate Professor at the UMass Dartmouth College of Nursing and Health Sciences, “Today’s visit has been great and all of the Azorean students have really appreciated the experience. It’s wonderful to witness this exchange every year.”

Bridging the Atlantic is concluding its eighth community nursing exchange between UMass Dartmouth and the Azorean university and it aims to create a sustainable international alliance in community health among American and Azorean nursing faculty and third year nursing students.

The program is made possible by the support of groups such as The DeMello Charitable Foundation, founded by local philanthropist James DeMello.

To learn more about nursing opportunities at Southcoast Heath please visit www.southcoast.org/careers/.

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About Southcoast Health
Founded in 1996, Southcoast Health serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals – Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham, Massachusetts with a physician network of more than 675 providers.

The system has established more than 55 service locations across the South Coast of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including six urgent care locations, a Visiting Nurse Association, the Southcoast Health Cancer Center, the region’s only Level II Adult Trauma Center and numerous ancillary facilities.

Southcoast Health has been recognized consecutively for six years in a row as a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital from 2019-2024 and named a Maternity Care Access Hospital for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. The organization was recognized as the best place to work for the sixth consecutive year by Southcoast Media Group’s community choice awards.

With upward of 7,500 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org.”

“Congrats to the New Bedford High School Community on the new athletic field, and thanks to the coaches, admins, students and City officials who helped us cut the ribbon and officially open this brand new field Tuesday morning.

“New Bedford’s student-athletes deserve first-rate athletic facilities,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said at Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting for the new athletic field.

Funded with $2.9 million of federal ESSER funds, the state-of-the-art field will be the new home for the NBHS field hockey and lacrosse teams. It’s the latest in a long line of improvements to the NBHS athletic program, including the new pool, softball field, and a weight room/fitness center that rivals what you’d find on a college campus.”

“NEW BEDFORD – Buttonwood Park will once again be home to a traditional senior center.

The New Bedford Council on Aging is shifting Adult Social Day Care services from Buttonwood Park to the Brooklawn Community Center in the North End and the Rosemary Tierney Community Center at Hazelwood Park in the South End. The Buttonwood Senior Center will revert to a traditional senior center and feature activities like bingo, wellness instruction, social gatherings, and educational offerings. The changes take effect May 13.

“We are constantly evaluating our programming and listening to the feedback of those served at our centers,” New Bedford COA Director Pamela Amaral-Lema said. “The return of traditional senior center programming to Buttonwood and moving social day care services to the North and South Ends of New Bedford will result in the COA offering better services to the City’s seniors.”

The last day for services at their current locations is May 10. Starting May 15, Buttonwood will only host traditional senior center programs and offerings, while Hazelwood and Brooklawn will only service Adult Social Day Care participants.

Special events will be held the week of May 13 to celebrate the new locations. Adult Social Day Care participants will enjoy a luncheon on May 13 at the Fort Taber Community Center, while the Buttonwood Senior Center will host a catered lunch and entertainment on May 17. Reservations are required for both events and can be made by calling the COA at 508-961-6250 by May 8. All City seniors are invited to stop by the Buttonwood Senior Center that week, grab a calendar of events, and fill out a survey indicating what programs or activities they’d be interested in.

The move comes a year after the COA consolidated the Adult Social Day Care services to Buttonwood and shifted traditional senior center programming to Hazelwood and Brooklawn. The COA decided to reverse this decision after achieving higher staffing levels, assessing current demand for services, and exploring the ability to use multiple locations to cater Social Day Care programs to seniors’ wellness levels.”-City of New Bedford.

“New Bedford, Massachusetts: The annual Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, the largest Portuguese festival in the United States, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated performance of the acclaimed folkloric group from Madeira, Portugal, Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha. Scheduled to take place from August 1st to August 4th, 2024, in New Bedford, Ma. This cultural extravaganza promises to captivate audiences with the rich traditions and vibrant performances of Madeiran folklore.

The 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament is proud to present the , Grupo Folclórico da Casa do Povo da Camacha renowned folkloric group from Madeira, Portugal, in an exclusive series of performances showcasing the island’s authentic music, dance, and heritage.

When: August 1st – 4th, 2024
Where: The 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament New Bedford, Massachusetts

About the Folkloric Group:
Hailing from the picturesque island of Madeira, Portugal, this esteemed folkloric ensemble is renowned worldwide for its captivating performances that celebrate the island’s cultural heritage. With a repertoire spanning centuries-old traditions, colorful costumes, and lively music, the group embodies the spirit of Madeiran folklore and transports audiences to the heart of this enchanting destination.

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About the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament:
The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, also known as the “Feast,” is a cherished tradition that celebrates Portuguese culture, cuisine, and community. Established in 1915 by Portuguese-Madeiran immigrants in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the Feast has grown into one of the largest and most beloved festivals of its kind in the World, attracting thousands of visitors each year.“