On Thursday, July 11, AHA! (Art, History, Architecture) night, you’ll have the chance to walk the streets of 19th century New Bedford, hear the Youth Ambassador Program AND the Toe Jam Puppet Band, all in one evening! From 6:00-8:00 PM, travel to the past as the 1850s ladies Ruth and Abby, in conjunction with the Junior Ranger Service Corps, invite you to “walk” South Water Street as it was in 1852, and meet the people who lived and worked there. Out in the park garden, the Youth Ambassador Program (YAP!) performs an opening set for Toe Jam Puppet Band at 5:30pm as part of Kids Rule AHA! night, with Toe Jam Puppet Band to follow at 6 and 7 pm. The events take place at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park’s visitor center at 33 William Street, downtown New Bedford. Admission is free. YAP is a collaborative program where teens communicate national park themes through hip-hop culture, live events, and social media outreach. This includes creating music and videos about local, regional, and national themes and sharing them through sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. YAP! has tackled a diverse range of topics including the 54th Regiment, sustainability, slavery, immigration, and more.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1996 to help preserve and interpret America’s nineteenth century whaling industry. The park, which encompasses a 13-block National Historic Landmark District, is the only National Park Service area addressing the history of the whaling industry and its influence on the economic, social, and environmental history of the United States. The National Park visitor center is located at 33 William Street in downtown New Bedford. It is open seven days a week, from 9 AM-5 PM, and offers information, exhibits, and a free orientation movie every hour on the hour from 10 AM-4 PM. The visitor center is wheelchair-accessible, and is free of charge. For more information, call the visitor center at 508-996-4095, go to www.nps.gov/nebe, or visit the park’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/NBWNHP

Check out YAP’s “Walk with Me” music video. They give a great tour of New Bedford!

Authors of Spinner Publications’ new book, A Picture History of New Bedford, Volume 1, will be on hand to sign books at the Spinner Publications office, 164 William Street on AHA Night, Thursday, July 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. During the evening, there will be a preview showing of an original movie, “New Bedford Through the Years.” The film includes never-before-seen vintage film clips of New Bedford.

The first extensive city history to be published in decades, A Picture History of New Bedford in two volumes captures the city’s journey with hundreds of photographs and stories. Volume 1, spanning the 1600s to 1925 traces New Bedford’s story from native Wampanoag hunting ground, straight-laced Quaker enclave and world-class whaling powerhouse to Underground Railroad stronghold, prolific textile center and fledgling fishing port.

Spinner Publications is a New Bedford-based, award-winning publisher of books, videos, and calendars focusing on the history and culture of southeastern New England. For more information, contact Spinner Publications at (508) 994-4564, visit www.spinnerpub.com or look up Spinner Publications on Facebook.

Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced the 2013 summer concert series for seniors, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office. This lively free concert series will feature musical performances on Wednesday evenings this summer at New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park.

The 2013 Summer Concert Series is a great opportunity for seniors to enjoy a free evening of musical entertainment sponsored by the City of New Bedford. Artists will play jazz, swing and classical tunes. Upcoming concerts at Buttonwood Park include:

• Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 6:15pm- “Billy Couto and the After Hours”
• Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 6:15pm- “Jack Gomes Ensemble”
• Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 6:15pm-“Meadow Larks Combo” Swing Band & Dance Party

“We’ve received positive feedback on previous concerts and we’re pleased to be able to offer them again. The Wednesday evening concerts are a great opportunities for seniors to enjoy musical entertainment in New Bedford’s beautiful Buttonwood Park,” said Mayor Mitchell.

Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs or blankets. Should inclement weather occur on the evening of any of the scheduled concerts, the program will be relocated to the Buttonwood Park Senior Center.

For additional information, please contact the City of New Bedford Parks, Recreation and Beaches at (508) 961-3015.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum will host two free public concerts, a photo exhibit and program on July 4-5, celebrating American and Cape Verdean Independence Days.

The July 4th concert features the best in Rhythm & Blues with the Mac Odom Band. Presented by Fiber Optic Center, Whaling City Sound and Hampton Inn Fairhaven/New Bedford, the concert begins at 6:00 p.m. on the museum plaza and concludes at 8:00 p.m. with plenty of time to see the city’s fireworks display, scheduled to start at 9:00 p.m. over the harbor.

The July 5th concert celebrates Cape Verdean Independence Day with performances by the John Miranda Band and the KabuJazz Ensemble featuring Candida Rose from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the museum plaza.

A photography exhibit and program titled “Cape Verdean Courage: Heroes of WWII” will take place on July 5 at 5:45 p.m. in the Jacobs Family Gallery and Cook Memorial Theater. Artist and photographer, Ron Barboza will exhibit more than 100 photographs of World War II veterans of Cape Verdean American heritage.

Presented in association with the Cape Verdean Advisory Committee, the Barboza collection includes many service portraits from the war years. Mr. Barboza will conduct a one-hour program to honor living Cape Verdean Vets of WWII; it will include remarks from officials and community leaders, and music from the era.

Judge George N. Leighton, age 100, will address the assembly. The centenarian will recall his WWII experience in the Pacific theater.

The program will include Mr. Barboza’s presentation of certificates of appreciation to 43 surviving Cape Verdean Veterans of the Second World War. Any surviving Cape Verdean Veterans of WWII that have not been contacted may call Ron Barboza at (508) 415-4381.

The July 5th concert, exhibit and recognition program is sponsored by the William M. Wood Foundation.

Bring a chair or blanket to the plaza. In the event of rain, concerts will move indoors. Family fun activities will also be offered July 4-5, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the plaza. Free parking is available at the Elm Street Garage, one block north of the museum.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world’s most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling, and the cultural history of the region. The cornerstone of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city’s historic downtown and is open daily. Wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit the Whaling Museum online at www.whalingmuseum.org.

The New Bedford Folk Festival will feature a number of artists whose reputations proceed them. Few, however, can match the pedigree of festival regular Brooks Williams. The Statesboro, Georgia native has a long list of critical accolades to his name (including raves from Rolling Stone and Guitar Player Magazine) in a career that has seen him release 19 albums. Williams’s 20th album, titled “New Everything”, is coming out later this year.

Williams is presently touring the United Kingdom, but will be making an appearance at the New Bedford Folk Festival on July 6 and 7. He was gracious enough to conduct an interview via email while still in the UK.

Where are you from?
I was born in Statesboro, Georgia and raised in the south.

Where did you get your start playing professionally?

I moved to Boston when I was 18 years old to go to school and it was in Boston that I got my start professionally, playing the little clubs and coffeehouses in the city and the suburbs.

Were there any guitarists at the time who particularly influenced you?
At the time I was particularly inspired by the likes of David Bromberg, Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Mark Knopfler.

You have played in venues around the world. Are there any particular places that surprised you, that had more fans o folk and blues guitar than you expected?

I’ve played some amazing venues throughout the world. Many of them are dotted around the USA and Canada, little hotbeds of folk and blues guitar fans in the middle of what appears to be nowhere – but is actually quite somewhere! From a purely surprising point of view, I was surprised by how switched on audiences in the UK are to Americana and blues music. They know American music better than many Americans! Equally, I was stunned by the responses I got to my music in Istanbul Turkey and Nairobi Kenya. Who knew they’d be so switched on to American roots music?

You’re spending a lot of time in the UK this year. How has that experience been? Are there any particularly memorable towns or venues that you’ve played in the UK?

One of my favourite venues in the UK is The Green Note in London. It’s a small venue but the vibe is huge. My other favourite is The Stables, halfway between Oxford and Cambridge. It was founded many years ago by jazz singer Cleo Laine and has a great vibe. My favorite festival over here is called The Shrewsbury Festival. It happens the end of August and wherever I am in the world, I always try and get back to it, even if just for a day. It’s my UK New Bedford Folk Festival, if you know what I mean!

You have played the New Bedford Folk Festival (previously known as New Bedford Summerfest) before, correct? What brings you back to New Bedford this year? What has your past experience in the city been like?

I actually played the very first New Bedford Summerfest and have played the festival many times since, though not for a few years as I’ve been overseas so much. It’s actually my favourtie US festival. I see all my friends, hear great music, enjoy the lovely surroundings of a beautiful city. And I get to do the thing that I do, which is play my music to an appreciative audience. What’s not to love about all that! I’m back in the US quite a bit this year as I have a new CD, called NEW EVERYTHING, coming out in September. I’m doing a short New England tour the beginning of July – which includes the New Bedford Folk Festival –  to preview some of the songs. Then we’ll be back in October and November to properly launch the album….and we’ll be back again in the winter and spring of 2014 as well.

Are there any challenges you frequently come across on long stretches of touring?

The biggest challenge I encounter when on the road for long stretches of time is the toll that much touring and traveling takes on the voice. It takes a lot of work to keep the voice strong and healthy when touring.

What are you most looking forward to sharing on your upcoming album? Will the material reflect on your experiences since your last album?

I love the songs on my new album, NEW EVERYTHING. The lyrics and the melodies have come together in a way that I’m very proud of. The new album also features some of the musician/friends I have met since moving to the UK. Artists like Martin Simpson, Boo Hewerdine, Andy Seward and Neil McSweeney are at the top of the game here in the live music scene here in the UK and it was not only fun but also an honour to have them on my recording.

You can listen to music, see more photos and read more about Brook Williams on his website.

The Ocean Explorium announces that it has achieved 85% of the ‘Save Your Ocean Explorium, Build Your Future’ first phase fundraising goal of $100,000 by July 1. According to executive director Abbey Spargo, “We have four days left to reach $100,000 and qualify for a $50,000 matching gift. Contributions can be made in person at the Ocean Explorium this weekend, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., or on our secure website, www.oceanexplorium.org.

Ms. Spargo added “Thanks to an outpouring of support from members, friends and the community, the Ocean Explorium has raised $85,000 since the challenge match was announced on May 16. Every gift, large and small, helps the Ocean Explorium continue to provide education for all, prepare the teachers of the future, offer world-class experiences in our own backyard, spark interest and develop the workforce of the future, and connect to the SouthCoast’s most important asset – the Ocean.”

“We are so close to succeeding in this first phase of our campaign”, Ms. Spargo stated. “We can’t wait to share the great news that we reached this fundraising goal, but we still need your help to make that happen. Call our office, stop by over the weekend, or go to our website and contribute what you can.”

“Our next announcement will be that we have successfully met the challenge match, with your help, hopefully even that we have exceeded our initial goals! Soon after, we will share our vision for the Ocean Explorium’s future. We are developing a plan for sustainable, service-based opportunities, leveraging our success in education for all ages, career training, STEM and big data. Stay tuned!”

Mayor Jon Mitchell today announced the details for New Bedford’s July 4th fireworks display. The City’s fireworks display is made possible through generous donations to the Community Foundation by Hawthorn Medical Associates and Market Basket. The fireworks will be launch at 9:00pm on Thursday, July 4th from a barge located in New Bedford Harbor just off of State Pier. The public will have a clear view of the fireworks presentation from almost every point around New Bedford Harbor. The rain date is set for Friday, July 5 at 9:00pm

“New Bedford is grateful to both Hawthorn Medical Associates and Market Basket for their co-sponsorship of New Bedford’s July 4th fireworks display,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. In addition, Conrad Roy from Tucker-Roy Marine Towing & Salvage will supply the barge from which the fireworks will be launched.

“It’s on occasions like this that New Bedford really shines,” said Mayor Mitchell. He added, “With Independence Day, New Bedford Folk Festival, and Cape Verdean Recognition Week all happening within days of each other, we are reminded of what a lively and vibrant place New Bedford is.”

Visit www.destinationnewbedford.org for a full list of events this summer. Prior to the fireworks display, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will host free activities for families as well as a public concert in celebration of Independence Day at the Whaling Museum Plaza. For more information about the July 4th activities and concert presented by the Whaling Museum, visit www.whalingmuseum.org.

The Bay Sox won two out of three games during this week’s home stand at Paul Walsh behind some hot bats, timely pitching, and a couple of big homeruns.

Tuesday night the team held off a late rally by the Laconia Muskrats and hung on for a 7-6 victory. The Bay Sox took advantage of all of their 7 hits, stealing 5 bases and manufacturing just enough runs for the win. Newly recruited pitcher Trevor Lacosse from Bryant University threw a scoreless ninth to record the save.

Wednesday night was a tough loss, as the team tried to rally back from an early six run deficit falling a few runs short to the North Adams Steeple Cats 8-5. Home town favorite Catcher Chris Travers from Freetown went 5-5 in the effort and remains red hot with 7 hits in 11 at bats over the last three games. Travers raised his average to a team leading .438 on the year.

The Bay Sox turned it around on Thursday, behind a dominate start from right hander John Lieske who allowed only 2 runs on 3 hits through 6 and 2/3 innings. Slugger’s Chris Shaw of Boston College and Matt Lopez of San Jose State went coast to coast with Home Runs in the bottom of the eighth giving the Bay Sox a 4-2 lead. Trevor Lacosse threw a scoreless ninth for the second time in three days to bring home the win.

Thursday’s dominating pitching performance was just what the Bay Sox needed as they head into this weekend’s games. The bats have been hot all season, and the pitching seems to be finding a rhythm for the first time.

The Bay Sox travel to Plymouth on Friday, and they return to Paul Walsh Field to take on Laconia on Saturday night. The team is home again on Sunday for a showdown with the second place Mystic Schooners for Fan Appreciation Night. All games start at 6:30.

This weekend’s games:
Saturday at 6:30 the Bay Sox take on the Laconia Muskrats for the second time at home this week. The team looks to make it two straight over Laconia coming off an exciting 7-6 victory on Tuesday.

Sunday at 6:30 is Fan Appreciation Night at Paul Walsh Field as the Bay Sox battle the second place Mystic Schooners. Raffles, giveaways, and activities highlighting the fan experience will take place throughout the night. One lucky fan will win a round trip ticket from sponsor Jet Blue Airlines as part of the Bay Sox “Clod Control” social media contest.

Every major league baseball player has spent years learning their craft. They play ball in, and up through, an organized system of teams designed to teach the game, and to ensure that players with serious baseball talent play the game as often as they can. Learning the complexities of baseball is one of the hardest things to do in sports. A player needs to understand the nuance of the pitch count and feel the rhythm of the game. The only real way to do that is play, play a lot, and play against other gifted players. Major League Baseball has worked to create a system of teams – both professional and college amateur – to help young men learn this “perfect game”. The New Bedford Bay Sox are one of those teams.

This year, and every year, the Bay Sox field a roster of talented young players working their way along the path to the pros. So how good is a Bay Sox? The answer can be found on the diamond at Paul Walsh Field in June and July at 6:30. And, the answer is proven by looking at players from Bay Sox past.

Pitching phenom Stephen Strasburgh of the Washington Nationals was the first overall selection in 2009’s Major League Baseball draft and broke into the big leagues as possibly the most anticipated rookie baseball had ever seen. Long before his 2011 major league debut, Strasburgh’s journey to the big leagues featured a summer pitching for the Bay Sox organization in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL).

It was the summer of 2007, and the Bay Sox, based out of Torrington Connecticut at the time, hosted a young Stephen Strasburgh as their closer. He pitched a total of 14 innings, racking up 8 saves while striking out 25 and walking only 1. Strasburgh’s numbers included a 1.45 ERA and earned him the honor of being named the NECBL’s top prospect. He went on to a stellar Junior season at San Diego State, won a bronze medal with Team USA in the 2008 Olympics and the rest is history. That’s how good a Bay Sox can be.

In fact, a total of nine former Bay Sox were drafted in this year’s MLB draft. This group included last year’s Luke Ferrell and the 2011 pitching standout Steve Janas. Luke Farrell, who is the son of current Boston Red Sox manager Jon Ferrell and a student at Northwestern University, was selected by the Kansas City Royals. Steve Janas, who posted a 1.63 ERA with the Bay Sox, was selected by the Atlanta Braves and has signed a minor league contract.

The NECBL as a whole has produced nearly 100 major leaguers since its inception in 2002. Current Boston Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey is a 2009 NECBL alum. Every summer, future big leaguers play ball at Paul Walsh Field in a league with a reputation for producing quality talent. The NECBL’s, wooden-bat, pro-style baseball is getting the attention of more and more major league scouts every year.

How good are the 2013 Bay Sox? The season is young, but there are emerging stars to keep an eye on. Slugger Chris Shaw from Boston College has started out with a bang hitting .385 and leading the NECBL in RBI’s. Shaw was drafted out of high school by the New York Mets. But, he chose college and the summer leagues to improve his skills and continue his education. He will re-enter draft better prepared and with greater visibility with more big league scouts. And, he has a chance to play with gifted teammates like Bay Sox catcher Matt Nogay from West Virginia University or pitcher Tucker Forbes from UCLA or the other 22 players who are the Bay Sox. This year’s team is just starting to get on a roll. Come to game and see how good these guys are . . . they may be, like players past, Major League Baseball good.

Troop 7 New Bedford has teamed up with BCC, and the New Bedford Folk Festival to sponsor an American Red Cross Community Blood Drive on Saturday July 6, 2013 from 10-3. It is the goal of troop 7 to collect 100 units of blood this year to help people in need of transfusions. The blood drive will occur at BCC’s EHealth Building (Cherry & Webb) 800 Purchase St. New Bedford on the 2nd floor.

All Presenting Donors will be entered for a chance to win one of five $3,000 American Express Gift Cards, and will receive a coupon for $2.50 off the purchase of a 48oz. container of Turkey Hill’s All Natural Ice Cream.

Troop 7 decided to take action and sponsor a second blood drive because of the great need for blood, which cannot be manufactured artificially. “Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood for various medical reasons which is over 3,000 pints of blood daily, and this is a great opportunity for our boys to learn about the importance of helping others and to learn how to present themselves and speak to new people.” Explained Cheryl Morrissette who is Troop 7’s Scoutmaster.

Troop 7 Committee Member Richard Brodeur further explained that, “each pint that is donated could save up to three peoples’ lives because the blood is separated into three parts: red blood cells, plasma, and platelets and each component is sent to patients who need it depending on their condition.”

Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate. If you would like to schedule an appointment to donate, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Boy Scout Troop 7 New Bedford is New Bedford’s Premier Scouting Organization and meets on Tuesday Nights (throughout the school year) 6:30-8:30 at Gifts to Give 21 Cove St. in New Bedford. Troop 7 welcomes all boys ages 11-18 from the Greater New Bedford area who like to have fun, make new friends, enjoy helping others, and want to become a better person. Troop 7 is lead by the boys and plans many fun and social activities as well as chances for personal growth, and service to the community. To find out more about troop 7 please visit one of their meetings or go to www.troop7nb.org, or their Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/troop7nb

For additional information about the blood drive or Troop 7, please contact Matthew R. Brodeur Chairman of Troop 7 by telephone (774) 263-5018, or by email info@troop7nb.org.