“This week, we bid a very fond farewell to our beloved Animal Ambassador, Bitti! Bitti, the 2-year-old Fennec Fox, joined us when he was just six months old after being born at the Naibi Zoo.

Since then, he has delighted local students and our ZooCrew kiddos with his amazing adaptations and terrific training demonstrations, while BPZOO guests could often enjoy an adorable sneak peek of this big-eared ball of fur as he slept in the window of his desert habitat within the Buttonwood Barn.

Bitti is now settling in with his new family at the Bronx Zoo, where he has moved based on a breeding recommendation through AZA’s Species Survival Plan. Fennec Foxes are one of over 300 Species Survival Plan programs currently led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with the goal of managing the populations of involved species to “ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied AZA population.”

We wish Bitti the best of luck on his new adventure and miss him already!”-Buttonwood Park Zoo.

Video by Courtney Claunch:

All photos by Buttonwood Park Zoo:

“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 today by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in mosquito samples collected on August 30 in Douglas and Southbridge in Worcester 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 Douglas, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Uxbridge, and Webster in Worcester County.

“After the EEE outbreak cycle that occurred in 2019 and 2020, there was no EEE activity in Massachusetts in 2021 or 2022,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This is a late season emergence for EEE which should keep the risk level from rising too much or too quickly. However, some risk from mosquito-borne disease will continue until the first hard frost and people should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

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 and five human cases with one death in 2020. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021 or 2022.

“Transmission of EEE to a person late in the season can happen,” said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, State Epidemiologist. “Mosquitoes will be more active during warm and humid weather as we are forecast to have this weekend. I encourage everyone to use mosquito repellent when they are outdoors enjoying the last unofficial weekend of summer; you can also use clothing to cover exposed skin and if you notice that you are getting bitten, you should consider moving indoors.”

“The Cohasset Police Department were called to the Parker Avenue Boat Ramp for a rather peculiar call for service, a deer on a boat.

Two young men were out enjoying the calm waters near Minot Light around 1:30PM when they saw something frantically splashing in the water. The men investigated and found an antlerless deer in distress. The men captured the deer from the water, put it on their boat and notified CPD for assistance.

Cohasset Police Department photo.

Upon arrival of the boat to the ramp, Natural Resource Officer Kimball took the deer off of the boat and put it in his cruiser. The deer was examined and allowed to rest. It was not injured, just exhausted from the afternoon swim. The deer was transported to The Glades, where it likely came from.

With the help of Scituate Natural Resource Officer Keefe, the deer was monitored for a short time until it took off abruptly into the woods.”-Cohasset Police Department.

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of September 4, 2023 – September 8, 2023, and they are as follows:

City offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th in observation of Labor Day.

Eversource will be working on gas main relays and services on:

• Main relay on Church St from Carlisle St to Shaw St
• Main relay on Rockdale Ave from Allen St to Bluefield St
• Main tie-in on Clarendon St at Commonwealth Ave
• Main tie-in on Brownell Ave from Hawthorn to Fuller Memorial Parkway
• Regulator work on Potter St at Rockdale Ave headed east towards Nashua St.
• Services on Pauline St from Brownell Ave to end of road
• Services on Lynwood St from Brownell Ave to end of road

Other:

• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at varies locations throughout the city on roadway and sidewalk patches.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working at MassDOT project #609201, located at the intersection of Acushnet Ave & Peckham Rd/Sassaquin Ave.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on Elm Street from Pleasant Street to Purchase Street, Purchase Street from Elm Street to Middle Street, Middle Street from Purchase Street to Fredrick Douglass Blvd, and Fredrick Douglass Blvd from Middle Street to Elm Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will continue sidewalk work on Phillips Rd from Holly Tree Lane to Monica’s Way. Minor traffic impacts and lane shifts required.
• Contractors (PA Landers and various utility companies) will be working at MassDOT’s Kings Highway project. Minor traffic impacts and lane shifts required.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Acushnet Ave from Tarkiln Hill Road to Monmouth Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on a road reconstruction project at Wood Street from Acushnet Ave to Church Street.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on Braley Rd Sidewalks between Acushnet Avenue and Phillips Road. Minor traffic impacts and lane shifts required.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future pedestrian bridge across Route 18 impacting parking along Purchase Street between Willis Street and Pearl Street and at the Division of Career Services on Acushnet Avenue. Temporary detours may be in place pending construction activities occurring.  If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us
• Contractor (Middlesex Corp) will be working on Nash Rd between Church St and Mt. Pleasant St. Traffic will be reduced to one lane and will have police details on site to assist with traffic.

“In a significant stride toward enhancing safety and security, the City of New Bedford has acquired state-of-the-art radiological detection equipment, thanks to the Securing the Cities (STC) program funded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO).

The STC program, spanning five years, is a vital initiative aimed at reducing the risk of radiological/ nuclear terrorist threats against major metropolitan areas within the U.S. Its mission is to establish sustainable capabilities within Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA) partner agencies, enabling them to effectively detect, analyze, and report nuclear and radioactive materials that may be out of regulatory control within their respective jurisdictions.

“I hope that we’ll never be in a position where we have to use this equipment,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “But if the situation arises, our police and fire departments will have access to it to keep our residents safe.”

New Bedford holds a pivotal role as a bustling metropolitan hub. It boasts a regional airport, a thriving maritime port that welcomes vessels from across the globe, and a soon-to-be passenger rail service.

The recent acquisition of radiological detection equipment equips both the New Bedford Fire Department and the City of New Bedford Police Department to respond effectively to potential radiological emergencies. These cutting-edge detection units will be integrated into marine units of both departments, as well as other primary response vehicles and personnel, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

The City has received 20 Personal Radiation Detectors and 6 vehicle mount kits, accompanied by a comprehensive training program encompassing both online and in-person components. In total, this equipment represents an investment of $60,000 in bolstering the City’s emergency preparedness.

Hazard Materials Coordinator Firefighter Travis Rebello played a pivotal role in securing this vital equipment. He will lead the training efforts, ensuring that the City’s first responders are proficient in the use and maintenance of this equipment.

This investment exemplifies the Mitchell Administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the community and fortifying its resilience in the face of potential radiological threats. Through collaboration with the STC program, the City continues to prioritize the safety and security of its residents and visitors alike.”-City of New Bedford.

“The Board of Election Commissioners advises the public that absentee/mail-in ballots for the Preliminary Municipal Election are now available.

Any voter can request to receive a ballot by mail, can vote absentee in the Election Office during regular business hours, or can Vote Early in person. The Election Office is located in City Hall, 133 William Street Room 114. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The last day to register to vote is Friday, September 22nd by 5:00 p.m.

Voters can Vote Early at the following locations prior to the Election:

Saturday, September 23rd – 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Main Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street
Wednesday, September 27th – 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Taber Mill, 217 Deane Street (Coffin Ave. entrance)
Thursday, September 28th – 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Hazelwood Senior Center, 553 Brock Avenue

Parents or family members can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of their children attending out-of-city or State Colleges and Universities. The deadline to apply for an Absentee/Mail-in ballot by mail is Tuesday, September 26th by 5:00 p.m. or in person in the Election office the day before the Election on Monday, October 2nd by 12:00 p.m. All Absentee/Mail-in ballots must be mailed out but can be mailed back, hand-delivered to the Election Office, or returned through the drop-off boxes outside of City Hall or on Elm Street outside of the bus terminal by 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3rd to be accepted. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In the Preliminary Municipal Election, New Bedford voters will be casting their votes for Mayor, Councilor-at-Large, and Ward 5 Councillor (Ward 5 only).

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election, or would like to request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.”

“Destination New Bedford and Pope’s Island Marina welcome Nao Trinidad, a replica of the 16th-century tall ship that sailed with Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet that circumnavigated the world. This year marks the 500th anniversary of Magellan’s historic trip.

“While at port, the ship is a floating museum and people are welcome to tour the ship, interact with the crew, and visit the exhibition on board,” said Ulises Custodio of the Spanish-based nonprofit, Nao Victoria Foundation. The ship will arrive in New Bedford on September 4th and will be open for tours at the marina from September 5th through September 10th from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in person at Pope’s Island Marina or online in advance. Purchasing in advance is strongly recommended.

Parking at Pope’s Island Marina is limited, especially on weekends. Visitors are advised to park in New Bedford’s historic downtown at the Elm Street Parking Garage. A short walk to New Bedford’s waterfront Pier 3 will take you to the New Bedford Launch, an affordable boat ride for the whole family that connects you with attractions, restaurants, and more for only $4.00 per person. Be sure to bring a camera — the launch will provide stunning views of the ship and New Bedford’s waterfront from the harbor, allowing passengers the chance to capture photographs before arriving at Pope’s Island Marina where the ship will be docked.

New Bedford is home to many restaurants offering fresh seafood, cultural cuisine, and waterfront dining. Restaurants accessible from the launch include The Whale’s Tail Clam Shack, The Black Whale, Mirasol’s Café, Merrill’s on the Waterfront, Fathom’s Waterfront Bar & Grill, and Acushnet Creamery. The launch also offers pick-ups and drop-offs in Fairhaven.

“The arrival of the Nao Trinidad is a great opportunity to educate visitors and residents about Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe. The explorer’s Portuguese heritage resonates with the City of New Bedford’s Portuguese and maritime history,” said Ashley Payne, Director of Destination New Bedford.

“What better way to experience New Bedford than by enjoying any of our authentic Portuguese or seafood restaurants, learning about the City’s whaling, fishing, and Portuguese history at the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, taking a stroll through the New Bedford Whaling Historical National Park, and finally, enjoying a scenic ride on The Launch to tour the tall ship at Pope’s Island Marina. When you come to New Bedford, you’ll realize you need more than one day to experience the City’s history, art, and burgeoning food scene.”

Those looking to extend their visit to New Bedford can make accommodations at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott or the New Bedford Harbor Hotel located just minutes away from New Bedford’s Pier 3.

Tickets for the tour are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages five to 12. Children under five are free. Family passes are available for $35 and include admission for two adults and three children.

For more information, contact Destination New Bedford at tourism@newbedford-ma.gov.”

New Jersey’s original acai shop “Playa Bowls” will be opening soon in Dartmouth! It will be located within the Dartmouth Towne Center shopping plaza at 380 State Rd Unit 406 (what used to be “Yogurt City”). There is no official date set for the grand opening, but we will most definitely let you know as soon as we find out!

Playa Bowls offers a variety of healthy, delicious açaí, pitaya, coconut bowls, smoothies, cold brew coffee, and pressed juice with sustainability and community in mind. See the menu here.

Founders of Playa Bowl photo.

The founders Robert Giuliani & Abby Taylor were inspired by chasing summer on surf trips to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, California & Hawaii. Almost every exotic surf town they visited offered their own unique version of an acai or pitaya bowl. They decided to recreate their favorite recipes with their own twist at home at the Jersey Shore.

They made a deal with the owner of the pizza shop they lived above on 8th Avenue in Belmar, NJ. They bought a blender, a patio table, a fridge & a freezer and set up a makeshift pop up stand on the sidewalk in front of the pizza shop. Fast forward nine years and they have spread to over 190 stores nation wide!

Playa Bowls Instagram photo.

Steven Richard photo.

“? THE PRINCETON POLICE DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE!!!?

This pup needs a name!

We are requesting your help with naming our newest member of the Police force. This little guy will be reporting for duty very shortly.

He will be attending the Puppy Police Academy and as soon as he it fit for duty, he will be hitting the streets of Princeton. He is very much looking forward to meeting you while he is on patrol. Special thanks to Belhaven Labradors for making our dream a reality!

Please post name suggestions in the comment section here. Thank you.”-Princeton Police Department.

Princeton Police Department photo.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will conduct daytime bridge inspections in New Bedford.

Between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, MassDoT crews will perform inspections on Route 6 over Route 18 north that will require temporary traffic changes.

Drivers should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution when traveling through the affected area. Signage will detail the route that commuters should take.