A delegation of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will join with Mayor Jon Mitchell and other elected officials for a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 9:00 A.M. The St. Patrick’s Day flag raising is in recognition of the many achievements, contributions, and successes of Irish Americans. This year’s ceremony will also include an acknowledgment of the recent “twinning” of New Bedford and Youghal, Ireland. Mayor Mitchell will read a proclamation recognizing the day as “Youghal Appreciation Day,” and will read greetings from Mayor Sammy Revins of Youghal.

The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick is a non-profit organization located in New Bedford, Massachusetts and is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the cultural achievements of the Irish. Each year, the fraternal association sponsors scholarships presented to deserving local high school students. The organization also contributes generously to various local and regional causes.

In addition to the flag raising on Monday, the Friendly Sons will conduct a special wreath laying ceremony at the Irish Monument (located at the intersection of East Rodney French Blvd. and Apponagansett Streets) at 12:00 noon.

On Wednesday, March 19 at 5:00pm, the City of New Bedford, through the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), will launch the CitiWorks Mini-Grant Program 2014. The program will be further described in an informational workshop at the Office of Housing and Community Development, 608 Pleasant Street, 2nd Floor conference room at 5:00pm.

Started in 2011, this very successful program has assisted dozens of neighborhood-based organizations with mini-grants that have contributed to making New Bedford a healthier, greener, and more beautiful city. The program provides seed grants of up to $2,000 to neighborhood groups, non-profits, schools and other local and community organizations for projects such as tree plantings, community gardens, public spaces, neighborhood signs, and other physical beautification projects.

Projects can be sited either on private land–as long as the site is visible and accessible to all neighborhood residents–or on memorial squares, portions of city parks, or other public lands, pending city approval. Existing community gardens and pocket parks are also eligible.

The goals of the program are to assist in bringing members of our neighborhoods together to improve the physical appearance of our city and promote cleaner, more beautiful neighborhoods. Encouraging residents to collaborate with other community groups and organizations is also a goal which helps develop local leadership while also enhancing partnerships throughout the city.

Eligible applicants include neighborhood / community groups; youth, parent or senior groups; volunteer groups and clubs; neighborhood watch groups; and schools/school-based groups. Applicants must have a federal 501©(3) designation, or work with an organization who does.

For more information about CitiWorks, please call the Office of Housing and Community Development at 508-979-1500 or visit the City’s website at www.newbedford-ma.gov/cd/welcome.html.

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An upcoming event will showcase the talents of area chefs and the bounty of local seafood in an effort to raise funds to support the restoration of the Mariner’s Home and Seamen’s Bethel which will ultimately house a “fisherman’s museum”. “Taste of the Port” takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th in the Jacob’s Gallery of the New Bedford Whaling Museum which is a major sponsor of the event. Retired Congressman Barney Frank will be the keynote speaker. Guests will enjoy an open bar and jazz provided by the Peter Arteaga Ensemble. Tickets are limited and may be purchased by calling 508-997-1776. The ticket price is $100 with all proceeds benefiting the project.

A number of area restaurants have generously donated food for the event with chefs to creating signature seafood appetizers featuring local seafood. Participating restaurants/chefs are Greg Morton of Morton’s Fork Catering (New Bedford Waterfront Jambalaya), Mike Melo of M&C Café (Monkfish Basque Style), Chris Bentley of Fathoms (Raw Bar), Chris Chaput of How on Earth (Mussel, Chorizo and Tomato Crepes), Henry Bousquet a culinary arts instructor at New Bedford Voc (Fish Tacos featuring Pollock provided by Bergie’s Seafood), Turks Sushi Bar Restaurant and Seafood Market (Sushi), and Freestones (Fish Chowder). For those who would like to sample the area’s Portuguese cuisine, Tia Maria’s European Café is providing Kale Soup. Guests will also enjoy a chocolate fountain courtesy of Dorothy Cox Chocolates.

Aimed at restoring and preserving two of the city’s most iconic buildings, the New Bedford Port Society, Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE, and Working Waterfront Festival have joined forces to collaborate on the Port Society Complex. The project’s comprehensive scope envisions a complete restoration of the historic 1832 Seamen’s Bethel and the adjacent 1787 Mariners’ Home. Both buildings grace Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s nationally recognized historic district. When the restoration project is complete, both buildings will be fully handicapped accessible and connected with an enclosed walkway. Plans are to open the Mariners’ Home as a Fishermen’s Museum to tell the story of New Bedford’s development as the number one fishing port in the country.

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It’s a rare treat to hear a trio of internationally acclaimed guest artists perform as an ensemble with an orchestra and an even rarer treat to also hear each of the trio members as soloists with the orchestra. On Saturday, April 12, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, the Weiss-Kaplan-Newman Trio joins the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra to perform Beethoven’s great Triple Concerto and then take individual turns with the orchestra to perform works of Saint-Saëns (with Mark Kaplan on violin), Nobre (Clancy Newman on cello) and Franck (Yael Weiss on piano). The concert will conclude with the orchestra’s performance of Ravel’s incomparable Bolero.

Maestro David MacKenzie describes the program this way: “Four solo works for the price of one! This unique program begins and ends with fireworks with two Spanish-inspired showpieces, Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso for Violin and Ravel’s famous orchestral tour de force, Bolero. None other than Beethoven solidly holds down the middle of the program with his Triple Concerto. And rounding out the program are two lesser known, but marvelous works–Brazilian composer Marlos Nobre’s haunting Poema III and one of the most beautifully developed pieces of the piano repertoire from the Romantic period, Cesar Franck’s Symphony Variations. I am really excited about the potential “fireworks” when we put these excellent groups–the Weiss-Kaplan-Newman Trio and the NBSO–together!”

Tickets are $20-$55, students always $10. Call the Z Box Office at 508-994-2900, visit the Box Office at 684 Purchase Street (Tuesday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-3) or buy online at www.zeiterion.org. To learn more about the NBSO’s free ticket offer for first-time concertgoers, call the NBSO at 508-999-6276.

Prior to the concert, Dr. MacKenzie will present a free informal talk on the evening’s program at 7:00pm in the Penler Space, adjacent to the theater. Theater doors open one-half hour prior to performances. The theater is fully handicap accessible. Free parking is available in the adjacent municipal garage.

The NBSO is a professional orchestra performing a 7-concert series of classical and pops music annually, regularly performing with prize-winning guests artists from around the world. The NBSO is dedicated to building a community of music in the South Coast, celebrating music and music-making and collaborating with other music groups and cultural and educational organizations. For more information, please visit www.nbsymphony.org.

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Generally speaking, we’re in for another mild weekend. Nights will be slightly cold, with Sunday overnight dropping to a low 12 degrees. Other than that, we will enjoy very mild temperatures with a blistering, balmy, hot 51 degrees on Saturday. Of course, we can’t have it all, so on the warmest day of the weekend we will likely experience a shower in the morning. However, once it passes, the day is ours!!!

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar  where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Check out our tutorial. For more info, you can click on each title. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

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Friday, March 14th

Sippican Women’s Club: Songs, shamrocks and Irish culture (Marion) (12:30-1:30 pm)
The group will meet for tea and coffee, followed by a business meeting and finally the day’s program “It’s a Great Day for the Irish.” Songs, shamrocks and Irish culture will be celebrated. Contact Jeanne Lake, (508) 748 0619. Phone: (508) 748 0619. Handy’s Tavern, 152 Front St.

Dr. Who Night (Mattapoisett) (4-6:30pm)
The excitement is building for the library’s first Dr. Who Night! Join other fans on Friday, March 14 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm to watch episodes of Dr. Who. Enjoy lots of Dr. Who talk and snacks. Bring your friends. Make Dr. Who buttons on our new button machine. Everyone is welcome.

Indoor Yard/Rummage/Bake Sale (6-8:00pm)
Presented by Pilgrim Women’s Club of Pilgrim United Church of Christ. Bargains for all! Corner of Purchase and School Streets.

Painting with a Splash: Sailboat w/ Richa (7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

FMS Drama Club presents – Lost at Sea (Acushnet) (6:30-8:00 pm)
The Ford Middle School Drama Club will be presenting its annual musical. “Lost At Sea” tells the story of how the passengers of a cruise ship fare when they are marooned on a desert island inhabited by such diverse characters as a jazz musician, a witch doctor, a queen, and even a cannibal or two! The cast and crew are made up of over 50 students from grades five through eight. Tickets will be available at the door. Adult tickets $5 each, students and children just $2!

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Saturday, March 15th

Annual Pancake Breakfast/Vendor Fair/Art Show (Westport) (8:00 am-11:00 am)
The Westport Middle School Association is holding its annual pancake breakfast, vendor craft fair, and student art show at the Westport Middle School, 400 Old County Road, Westport. Tickets at the door are $5 for adults and $3 for children 13 and under. For advance ticket, contact WMSAinformation@charter.net.

Fishermen’s Flea Market – Day 1 (Westport) (8:00 am-3:00 pm)
$1 admission gets you entrance to fishing heaven. Everything you could possibly want in terms of fishing! Lures, rods, lines, tackle, radios, and more. There will be refreshments and raffles as well. All are welcome! VFW Post 8502, Route 6, Westport.

Indoor, multi-vendor yard sale (Acushnet) (9:00 am-2:00 pm)
Multi vendor, rain or shine, furniture, knick-knacks, glassware, clothing, children’s items and more. Phone: 508.998.0280. Email: acushnetcoa@acushnet.ma.us. Acushnet Senior Center 59 1/2 South Main Street, Acushnet, Mass.

Painting with a Splash: Luck of the Irish-Pot of Gold w/ Ann (7:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

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Sunday, March 16th

Fishermen’s Flea Market – Day 2 (Westport) (8:00 am-12:00 pm)
$1 admission gets you entrance to fishing heaven. Everything you could possibly want in terms of fishing! Lures, rods, lines, tackle, radios, and more. There will be refreshments and raffles as well. All are welcome! VFW Post 8502, Route 6, Westport.

St, Patty-Cakes Breakfast at the Zoo (9:00 am)
Delight in delicious pancakes at the first St. Patty-Cakes Breakfast! After finishing your mouthwatering pancakes, explore the Zoo to see what all the animals are up to for the day! Everyone’s a weeeeee bit Irish, so join in the fun! Zoo members pay $8/adult and $5/child. Non-members pay $13 /adult and $10/child. All children under 1 are free. Participants must pre-register at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qa75gzbab&oeidk=a07e8zvqom6ec8d9529.

Painting with a Splash: Poppy Flowers w/ Ann (4:00pm)
Welcome to Painting with a Splash Where you are the artist! Painting with a Splash is the newest addition to Historic Whaling City Downtown New Bedford. Bringing you an experience of art as entertainment. Add a little wine (BYOB) that will surely tap into your creative side. With step by step instruction and a little music, you and your friends will create the evenings featured painting with a splash of your own uniqueness. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just a desire to have fun.

St. Patrick’s Irish celebration at la Salette (Attleboro) (5-9:30 pm)
The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette presents dinner, dancing and show featuring the Noel Henry Irish Show band and Haley’s School of Irish Dancers. Tickets $20 and no tickets will be available at the door. Call (508) 222-5410 or click on event title.

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Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. 

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The Basketball Challenge started 22 years ago thanks to the efforts of Rick Jalbert, Jose Gonsalves and the guys in the Senior Basketball League who wanted to support the Boys & Girls Club where their games were held. It started as the Senior Challenge with the “old guys” playing the “young guys” in a game of hoops with a raffle and some donations. The event raised $1,800 the first year.
 
Since then the Basketball Challenge has grown to be one of the signature fundraising events for the Club. In keeping with the mission of the Boys & Girls Club the stars of the games are the very talented youth of our community. In addition to raising over $400,000 over the history of this event to support programming at the Club, it is the only opportunity for the male and female high school basketball stars to play together on one court. It is always fun to see the teams hit the floor and work together to create a new teamwork- all to help the younger youth attending the Club.

We have solicited many sponsors over the years. Seven years ago we were very pleased to have BayCoast Bank become our event’s sponsor and they have continued the relationship. Thnaks to BayCoast and numerous other local supporters we are aiming to reach $40,000 this year in funds raised.
 
This year’s event is held next Friday, March 21st starting at 6pm at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Greater New Bedford. Admission is $5 and gives you access to three games featuring the “future all stars” at 6:00 p.m., the local girls all star teams at 7:00 pm., and finally the local boys all star game at about 8:30 p.m. Many of these teams have players heading to Division I NCAA college basketball programs and will be an exciting night of basketball, fundraising, and community interaction. Please join us for this fantastic event and if interested in adding support, contact Rick Jalbert of BayCoast Bank or Wendy at the Boys & Girls Club at (508) 992-8011.

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Join the New Bedford Historical Society for the film premier of Over the River: The Life of Lydia Maria Child, Abolitionist for Freedom on Saturday, March 15th, 2014, 1-3 PM with an introduction by Ray Rickman, historian and expert on the writings of Lydia Maria Child.

The film will be introduced by Ray Rickman, who has collected all twenty of Lydia Maria Child’s books in first edition format and is one of the leading Child experts in America. Expect an informative and lively conversation with a man who thinks everyone in America should be introduced to Lydia Maria Child. Rickman is a former president of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. He is also a rare book dealer, is considered a leader in the promotion of African American History and conducts general and African American tours of College Hill.

Over the River . . . Life of Lydia Maria Child, Abolitionist for Freedom sweeps the viewer back into the social upheaval of 19th-century America and the tumultuous life of Lydia Maria Child, a popular writer of novels, children’s literature, and domestic advice whose books were burned when she entered the battle to abolish slavery with the publication of An Appeal in Favor of That Class of Americans Called Africans. Despite increasing hardships in her personal life, Child became one of the country’s most eminent anti-slavery, Indian rights, and women’s rights authors. Later, as editor of Harriet Jacobs’s autobiography, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Child courageously faced down public outrage for including the passages on sexual brutality. Over the River… rescues this important figure from obscurity, bringing her vividly to life.

Event is free and open to the public. 33 William Street, Corson Building New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford, MA. Co-sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. For more information contact the New Bedford Historical Society at 508-979-8828.

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On Sunday, March 16, 2014, thousands of runners will participate in the 37th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon. The race is hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a New Bedford based fraternal organization, and the City of New Bedford. The course is a challenging one that includes two major hills, waterfront views, and will be lined with hundreds of volunteers and cheering fans.

Organizers have taken great care to ensure that the New Bedford Half Marathon continues to maintain its reputation as one of the safest races in New England. More than 100 New Bedford police officers will patrol the course and ambulances staff by New Bedford Emergency Medical Services employees will be stationed throughout the city. The New Bedford Police Department has asked runners and spectators not to bring bags to the course as backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags will not be permitted near the start/finish area. The New Bedford Police Department is also asking spectators and runners alike to report any suspicious activity to one of the many police officers available throughout the course leading up to, during, and after the race.

In addition, the race course is closed to vehicular traffic and residents are advised to plan ahead as traffic will be restricted from approximately 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Bedford Police encourage residents who live in the south end of the city, especially those who live on the peninsula, to plan to leave before 10:30 a.m. and return after 1:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to avoid Route 18 southbound from Union Street south while the race is underway.

The New Bedford Police Department has identified two alternative routes for those who wish to gain access inside the course perimeter. Individuals looking to visit a patient at St. Luke’s Hospital or who need access to the inner perimeter for other reasons should consider the following routes:

1. Rt. 195 East bound to Penniman Street exit to County to Parker to Cottage St.
2. Rt. 195 Westbound to Downtown Exit to Rt. 18 Southbound to Rt. 6 exit (Downtown) to Mill Street to Cottage Street.

Map of New Bedford Half Marathon Course
Mayor Jon Mitchell and the City of New Bedford Harbor Development Commission will offer complimentary parking and shuttle service for all runners from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free parking will be available at the Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot (Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry Parking, 532 Acushnet Avenue– Map) and the YMCA for authorized race official vehicles and staff  (where number pick-up and the Post Race Meal will take place– Map).

The entire New Bedford community is involved in welcoming the runners and their friends and families. Visitors will have plenty to do and see in New Bedford’s downtown business district throughout the day.

Downtown New Bedford Inc., has organized an opportunity for runners and fans to win great prizes from Downtown merchants including restaurants, shops, museums and galleries. Entry forms are available at participating businesses throughout downtown. Look for the large posters located strategically throughout downtown and visit any one, or all of the participating merchants!

For more information on the race and race day activities please visit: newbedfordhalfmarathon.com.

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If you’re reading this article chances are you are familiar with Downtown New Bedford and its many charms; the nearby working waterfront, the delicious restaurants and the quaint cobblestone streets.  In fact, if you are a frequent visitor of New Bedford, these sites might have become almost commonplace to you.  Yet there is one weekend in the year that even for those of us who work and live downtown, the streets becomes nearly unrecognizable to our eyes.

That weekend is the New Bedford Folk Festival and it is a time when those quaint cobblestone streets become filled with colorful arts and crafts vendors as food carts fill the air with savory aromas and vibrant music can be heard all around.  On average, 3,000 people buy tickets to the musical events and an estimated 10-20,000 people roam the streets buying goods and food.  If you’ve never been it is a sight to behold as it draws in talent and spectators from all over the world.

The 2014 New Bedford Folk Festival will take place the weekend of July 5th and 6th and while the talent is still being announced there are already some headliners of note that make the very affordable ticket price a worthy investment.  This year the New Bedford Guide is a proud media sponsor, and thus this article will hit upon some of the major things you’ll want to know about this year’s fest.

1. The Music

As with every year, the New Bedford Folk Festival brings a variety of different types of folk music to the stage.  This year there will be close to 50 bands performing throughout the weekend. Taking a look at the bands that have already been listed to the website it is clear that there’s great diversity in the style of sound.  Participating acts range from traditional jug bands to singer/songwriters to Celtic folk.  Festival organizer Alan Korolenko expressed that the festival tries to integrate folk sounds from around the world, including French Canadian music, “something which isn’t really heard around here despite the prevalence of French Canadian history in this region”.

While there are already many bands of note, a couple exciting new “roots” additions are drawing attention.  One is Poor Old Shine, a band that was described by the New York Times as “a roots band with a grassroots ethos” and features an eclectic mixture of instruments such as mandolins, the stand up bass and pump organs.  Another interesting act is Spuyten Duyvil, a 7-piece band with great energy and a traditional sound that dates back to over 100 years.

Of course, the two names that immediately draw attention for folk music fans are Jonathan Edwards and Chris Smither.  Edwards is best known for his Gold Record winner “Sunshine” but has 4 decades of musical experience, has recorded 15 albums and has collaborated with musical greats such as Jimmy Buffet.  Smither has had an equally long and storied career, including a close friendship with the legendary Bonnie Raitt who covered two of his songs, “Love Me Like a Man” and “I Feel the Same”.

In addition to the acts that you will see on stage all weekend, the fest integrates something they refer to as “workshops” and these are what make the New Bedford Folk Festival one-of-a-kind. These workshops are essentially jam sessions in which musicians from different bands come together and improvise based on a prompt or style given to them.  For music lovers, this is a rare treat as you can experience the raw talent and creativity of these artists.  This year, a couple established themes for the workshops include a tribute to Pete Seeger and a tribute to the Everly Brothers.

To read more about the musical performances and to see video clips of the performers, go to newbedfordfolkfestival.com/videos/.  To stay up to date on the newest acts as they are added go to the festival’s Facebook page: facebook.com/NewBedfordFolkFestival.

2. The Crafts

Aside from the vibrant musical atmosphere found at the Folk Festival, the event features nearly 100 artisans who display their wares throughout the streets from 11 am to 7 pm.  Items being sold will include; art, jewelry, furniture, decor and much more.  It’s a great chance to purchase unique items that you cannot find anywhere else.  Vendors are still being encouraged to submit applications to sell their goods, so if you or anyone you know is interested click here (http://www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com/food-crafts-2/) for more information!

3. The Food

Of course, no festival is complete without food and beverage offerings.  In years past street vendors and food trucks have sold a variety of delicious items that range from snacks to full out BBQ and even seafood and vegetarian options.  The event also features beer and wine sales for those who like to enjoy an adult beverage whilst taking in the sights and sounds.

The list of food vendors is still being finalized, but you can always be assured that Downtown New Bedford does not lack great restaurants, cafes and bars for you to stop into to grab a drink or a bite to eat.  Location wise, the festival could not be better positioned for foodies.

4. Tickets, Time, Location and Parking

Tickets will be priced the same as last year and will go on sale in April.  The “We Love New Bedford” tickets can only be purchased at the Whaling Museum or the Zeiterion Theatre and are discounted at $15 for the weekend pass.  These special tickets allow more of the local community to attend and be involved.  Tickets purchased online are $21 for the weekend pass if purchased in advance.  They rise to $25 if purchased closer to the date.

This year’s festival will also feature a VIP ticket option.  Festival organizer Alan Korolenko explained that many attendees wish to contribute to the event in a greater way, and this is how they can do so.  VIP tickets are $100 each and will give patrons reserved seating, discounts at participating restaurants and other goodies like a festival tee-shirt.  Korolenko noted that the reserved seating is especially beneficial for assuring seating at the Whaling Museum workshops, which tend to fill up quickly.

The festival starts at 11 am on Saturday July 5th and the Zeiterion Theatre and outdoor stages will feature music all day until around 6:30 PM when the music will move into the Zeiterion Theatre, wrapping the night up at around 9:30 PM.  The same schedule will occur on Sunday July 6th.

The New Bedford Folk Festival will once more take place right in the heart of Downtown in the region known as New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.  Several stages are located throughout the downtown region, all within walking distance of each other.  Click here to see the festival map (newbedfordfolkfestival.com/festival-map/).

Parking is free at both the Elm Street Parking Garage and the Zeiterion Theatre.

For the latest updates on music, vendors and ticket sales like the New Bedford Folk Festival Facebook page (facebook.com/NewBedfordFolkFestival).

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The Dock-U-Mentaries Film Series continues this month on Friday, March 21st at 7PM with an illustrated talk, Fairhaven Coasters: The Story of Captain Claude S. Tucker and the Schooner “Coral” by Robert Demanche, Donald F. Tucker and Caroline B. Tucker. Dock-U-Mentaries is a co-production of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and the Working Waterfront Festival. Films about the working waterfront are screened on the third Friday of each month beginning at 7:00 PM in the theater of the Corson Maritime Learning Center, located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. All programs are open to the public and presented free of charge.

From colonial days through the early 1900s, the cargo-carrying coasting schooner was crucial to our nation’s growth. Several thousand of these wooden sailing vessels once frequented our harbors, but by the late 1930s, only the 60-year-old Coral and a handful of other working coasters remained. Join authors Robert Demanche, Donald F. Tucker (the son of Captain Claude S. Tucker), and Caroline B. Tucker as they present an evening of stories about the last of the Fairhaven coasters. We welcome you aboard as Captain Tucker and the Coral sail to the working waterfronts of familiar southern New England ports, crossing paths with the likes of schooner men Zeb Tilton and Charlie Sayle, artist George Gale, marine architect William Hand Jr., rumrunner Bill McCoy, Clifford Ashley (The Ashley Book of Knots), and even Dr. Seuss.

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