PACE is holding a community event on July 19th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at the PACE Community Food Center Park located at 477 Park Street, New Bedford, MA.

Brooke L’Etoile, Health & Food Access Director at PACE, shared, “Join us for our 1st Annual Community Fair at the PACE Community Food Center, located at 477 Park St, New Bedford, on Friday, July 19th from 12pm to 3pm. This is a FREE family event featuring activities, music, and various community resources. Come explore what PACE and other organizations in our community have to offer!”

Programs attending include:

PACE Head Start provides part-time and full-day center-based services from birth age to 5 years old to families in the Greater New Bedford area. Services include early education that builds upon a child’s strength, care that addresses diverse family needs, parent involvement, and collaboration with community agencies.

PACE Fuel Assistance is partnered with the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills for ALL sources of heat.

Diapers N’ Things is a PACE program entirely supported by community donations working to improve children’s health. Pick-up for supplies is available every Tuesday alternating between PACE and The Center for Economic Development Center (CEDC).

PACE Housing Opportunity Center offers programs and resources to help people in financial hardships keep their apartments or houses. They provide limited rental assistance and guide families in the right direction regarding local and state programs.

Other community organizations who will be at the event include:

Parents as Teachers support families by enhancing parental knowledge of child development, detecting developmental delays, and improving family health. They use an Evidence-Based Home Visiting Model to assess family needs and goals, aiming to prevent child abuse, increase school readiness, and strengthen community ties. For more information, visit Parents as Teachers.

Boys Town New England offers life-changing care through its Family Home Program, which supports children aged 12-17 with trained caregivers teaching life skills. Their Foster Family Services train and support future foster parents, while In-Home Family Services help parents learn new skills while children remain at home.

M.O.L.I.F.E enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders through career development, housing, and community inclusion. They offer residential services, a Community-Based Day Support Service, and individual support to help individuals live with their families or independently.

New Bedford Public Schools consists of 25 schools across the Greater New Bedford area and are dedicated to fostering academic excellence and opportunities for all students. They offer early childhood education as well as career and technical education.

MassHire connects jobseekers and businesses for employment opportunities. Their New Bedford branch assists employers in hiring and training, provides youth programs for employers and schools, career counseling for ages 14-24, and prioritized services for veterans. For more information, visit MassHire.

Join PACE for a fun-filled afternoon of community engagement and valuable resources!

“At the end of the school year, local students and their families joined the Southcoast Health Ambassadors, leaders, and donors at Southcoast Health’s annual scholarship luncheon.

This year, 28 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors across the region who demonstrated academic excellence and have decided to pursue higher education working towards future careers in the medical field.

“This program is truly special as it reflects Southcoast Health’s commitment to the community. I want to thank the Southcoast Ambassadors for their longstanding dedication to our region’s students, and our wonderful donors for their ongoing generosity. By supporting those who pursue careers in healthcare and medicine, we are ensuring there will be skilled caregivers to serve our region for generations to come,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO at Southcoast Health during the event.

The scholarships, totaling $42,000, were awarded on behalf of all three Southcoast Health hospitals and each student received $1,500 towards their education. This was the highest amount awarded since the program’s inception in 1941 and was made possible by a $1,000 individual contribution from donors, and a $500 match made by the Ambassadors.

Southcoast Health photo.

“Reviewing the scholarship applications this year was an honor. The stories students shared about why they wanted to pursue careers in healthcare were varied and profound,” said Meg Rogers, Chair of the Charlton Memorial Scholarship Committee. “Our committee hopes that the scholarship winners stay in touch and consider coming back to Southcoast Health to work once they’ve completed their courses of study.”

The committee received a total of 141 scholarship applications this year. Recipients were selected based on their cumulative GPA or class rank, written essays, guidance letters and their volunteer or professional work experience.

“This year’s applicants were all worthy of recognition, making our final decision a very difficult one. On behalf of the Scholarship Committee, we wish all of these students success as they begin their journey toward a medical career, and we want to congratulate our scholarship recipients on this achievement,” said Janice Sharp, Chair of the St. Luke’s Scholarship Committee.

“The Southcoast Health Ambassadors’ Scholarship Program is one that is vital to our mission. We are proud that each year the number of scholarships awarded to high school graduates through this program continues to grow,” added Elena Coffey, Chair of the Tobey Hospital Scholarship Committee. “Providing a scholarship is one way for the Southcoast Health Ambassadors to assist a future healthcare provider reach their goal and realize their dream.”

Congratulations once again to each of the scholarship recipients!

To learn more about the Southcoast Health Ambassadors and to help to serve our local community, please contact Jennifer Szabo at 508-973-5752 or SzaboJ@southcoast.orgor Kimberley Coon at 508-973-5006 or CoonK@southcoast.org.

To see the complete list of scholarship recipients go here.

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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.

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.“

“Someone in this photo is celebrating their 60th Birthday! It’s the gentleman in the middle of the photo!

Happy Birthday to Fall River and New Bedford’s Fire Chaplain Father Mike Racine.

Thanks for all you do.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

“NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell and Police Chief Paul Oliveira have agreed on a new three-year contract that keeps the head of the Police Department to 2027.

“Despite a decrease in police manpower, under Chief Oliveira’s leadership, violent crime in New Bedford has continued to decline with a 58% drop over the past decade,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Chief Oliveira has worked hard to build trust between the department and residents, which will set us up for still more improvement in public safety.”

“It is a great honor and privilege to accept this new contract as I continue to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of New Bedford,” Chief Oliveira said. “I am deeply grateful to Mayor Mitchell for this extended opportunity and his steadfast trust in my leadership. Serving this incredible community is a responsibility I hold with the utmost respect and dedication. I will continue to prioritize safety, transparency, and community engagement. I am equally fortunate to remain a member of this valued team and work alongside all of the amazing men and women who are its foundation. To them, I say, I will continue to support you, advocate for you, and ensure that you have the resources to continue to perform your duties safely and effectively. I look forward to continuing our work together in an environment of mutual respect and trust, to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Bedford residents.”

Under Chief Oliveira’s leadership, violent crime has continued to decline. According to the FBI, the city has experienced declines in the incidents of rape (-34%), robbery (-61%) and aggravated assault (-62%). Property crime also decreased 55% over the last 10 years with sharp drops in arson (-68%), burglary (-71%), and larceny (-57%).

Having grown up in New Bedford, Chief Oliveira began his career with the NBPD in 1992 as a uniform patrol officer before transferring to the Narcotics Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2000. Oliveira served as a Sergeant in Uniform Patrol, Detective Division, and the Narcotics Division. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2007, and served as Commander of the Professional Standards Division internal affairs), and as Commander of the Narcotics Division.

In 2012, Oliveira was promoted to the rank of Captain, and led the Professional Standards Division before his appointment as Deputy Chief of Police in 2016 and Chief of Police in 2021.

Chief Oliveira holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He also graduated from Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police program.

Chief Oliveira’s new contract runs through June 15, 2027.”

Updated on Wednesday, July 10 at 5:47pm: Bruno is now home safe and sound.

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“Hi I need help to find my son! He’s been missing since May 31 and I’m so worried.

I already made missing child report and gave his picture to ‘Missing and Exploited Children.’ Can you help me by sharing?

His name is Bruno Darosa and he is 15-years-old. We are from the north end of New Bedford and he hangs around New Bedford. He’s about 5’2″ inches and about 135 pounds. The last time he was seen was Brooklawn Park.”-Aldina Melo.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not 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.

This opinion is a response to the City of New Bedford requiring lodging house licenses and upgrades to the sober houses throughout the city.

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“New Bedford has been essentially a working class city for most of history. Save for whaling captains and factory owners the majority of residents have been hard working residents eking out a basic standard of living. That there are elected officials and monied interests that have aspirations to create an upperclass destination with high end residential properties is having a devastating impact on the working class that can’t afford the rents or an income to purchase a private home.

Not all the homeless souls wandering about or panhandling on roadways are in the situation by choice. Drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness, war induced trauma, and workers who are paid insufficiently to find permanent residence, constitute the majority of the homeless.

Homelessness is the major obstacle to combating addiction, mental illness and worker unreliability. Without permanent residence it is almost impossible to access the programs, medical services, and feeding venues that do exist in the community. And these services provide only immediate and emergency stopgap solutions.

For sustained stability having a permanent residence is essential.

From a purely practical perspective the investment in low or no- income housing would ultimately reduce the tax burden that subsidizes the emergency services that are mounting and are ultimately ineffective.

Gentrifying New Bedford may increase the tax base but it will also increase the high cost of medical and judicial interventions for those dispossessed and homeless. From a humane and financial perspective the Mayor and City Councilors must first concentrate on this issue before creating a Newport on the Acushnet River.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

Free School Readiness Program for Ages 3-5!

PACE Head Start is accepting applications now for the 2024-2025 school year which will begin in September 2024. Head Start provides a free family-centered school readiness program for children ages 3-5 for income-eligible families who live in New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Acushnet.

Part and full-day preschool options are available at Head Start. In addition, there are reserved opportunities for children with special needs.

PACE Head Start offers a safe, healthy, and fun learning environment for children. The Head Start early education curriculum supports children’s development and prepares them for kindergarten. The program’s comprehensive approach to learning includes a creative education curriculum, comprehensive health services, parent education, meaningful family engagement, and support services. Children are free to explore, experiment, socialize, problem solve, master new skills, and gain self-confidence while guided by qualified early childhood professionals in a classroom environment.

All children enrolled at PACE Head Start receive nutritious meals and snacks. In addition, free bussing services are available to and from school. A small fee based on family income is charged to parents whose children are enrolled in the full-day option. Childcare Vouchers are accepted for full-day services only.

For more information and an application, call Family Services today at 508 999-1286 or 508 984-3557 or learn more at https://paceinfo.org/programs/head-start/.

About People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE)

PACE was incorporated as an anti-poverty Community Action Agency in 1982 to mobilize and utilize both public and private resources to improve the economic and social quality of life for low-income residents of the Greater New Bedford area.

It is the mission of PACE to deliver innovative and effective services and programs to members of the Greater New Bedford Community in their pursuit of brighter futures.

PACE programs include Head Start, Child Care Works, YouthBuild New Bedford, Workforce Development Center, Lead Prevention Program, Housing Opportunities Center, Fuel Assistance, Clemente Course, Free Tax Preparation, Community Food Center, and Health Access. 

Are you ready for the annual Cape Verdean Recognition Parade in the City of New Bedford?

Saturday is the annual Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, which steps off from Buttonwood Park at 11 a.m. It travels down Union Street to Acushnet Avenue, then to Grinnell Street up to Purchase Street before ending at the Cape Verdean Veterans’ Memorial Hall.

We hope to see everyone along the route!

Be advised there is a parking ban in effect along the parade route as of 7 a.m. on Saturday, and there will street closures and traffic delays in the area.

Here’s a look at last year’s parade – photos by Andrew Kepinski for New Bedford Creative:

“BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year. The presence of EEE was confirmed in mosquito samples collected on June 30 in the town of Carver in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE have been detected so far this year.

Today’s finding increases the risk level of EEE to moderate in the communities of Carver, Kingston, Middleborough, Plymouth, Plympton, and Wareham.

“The last EEE outbreak cycle in Massachusetts occurred in 2019-2020 and since then, there have been no human cases of EEE reported in the state,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Today’s finding alerts us to the presence of EEE in Massachusetts this year. Combined with yesterday’s announcement of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Massachusetts, we are asking everyone to take the necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend that people use mosquito repellent when they are spending time outdoors so they can celebrate the July 4th holiday and enjoy the rest of the summer without being bitten.”

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths; in 2020, there were five human cases and one death. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021, 2022 or 2023.

“EEE activity in Massachusetts tends to occur in outbreak cycles,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “When EEE is found in mosquitoes like this at the start of the season, the risk may increase throughout the rest of the summer. We rely on our mosquito surveillance program to monitor for the presence of virus to let people know when and where the risk is occurring.”

“*** 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 ***

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, the New Bedford Police Department (NBPD) would like to extend our warmest wishes for a fun and joyous holiday. Our primary goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities in a safe and secure environment.

To that end, we want to remind everyone that privately owned fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts. Possession or use of fireworks will result in immediate seizure, and individuals may face criminal charges.

We will be in full force tomorrow night, patrolling and keeping our community safe.

Please be aware that setting up fireworks displays in public areas such as parks, beaches, and streets is strictly prohibited. The NBPD will confiscate any fireworks found in these locations, and those responsible may be subject to enforcement actions.

City of New Bedford Police Department photo.
We also want to inform you that the city’s official fireworks display will NOT be visible from East and West Beach. The best viewing area will be around the State Pier. Additionally, parking around the beaches will be strictly enforced.

Our ultimate wish is for everyone to have a wonderful holiday. With your cooperation, we can all enjoy a fantastic and safe Fourth of July.

Thank you for your attention, and we hope you have a great Independence Day!”-City of New Bedford Police Department.