Summer Solstice Holistic Wellness Faire to take place this weekend in Westport!

Wholistic Heart Studio‘ with Jennifer Mello and ‘A Balanced Life‘ by Toni with Toni Cormier are excited to host the Summer Solstice Holistic Wellness Faire on Sunday, June 23rd.

This enriching event will take place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Westport Grange, located at 931 Main Road in Westport, Massachusetts.

As we celebrate the longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice Holistic Wellness Faire provides a perfect setting to honor the changing seasons and the natural rhythms of life. This event is an ideal way to mark the beginning of summer, a time of renewal, growth, and abundance.

The Summer Solstice Holistic Wellness Faire promises a full day of activities and offerings that cater to the mind, body, and spirit. The event will bring together over 20 local vendors and small businesses, each dedicated to enhancing overall well-being through various holistic practices and products. In addition, attendees can look forward to interactive classes, uplifting music, and a lively community atmosphere.

Explore Local Vendors and Small Businesses! The faire will feature a diverse array of vendors, including:


• End to End Oddities
• Resting Willow Candle Co.
• Moon Dark Boutique
• Sakonnet Therapeutic Massage
• Tarot With An Attitude
• Mystic Moon Bunny
• Psychic Medium Cheryl Tarateta
• Crystalline Portal Reiki
• The Garnet Heart Doula
• Zembo Apiary Honey
• Spread Your Roots
• The Holistic Hive
• The Freedom Center
• Intuitive Readings By Deb
• Rosie’s Simply Made
• The Healthy Essentials
• Jen Cummings Intuitive Art
• Reflex To Balance
• North Star Apothecary
• The Pilates Room
• Soph’s Botanicals
• Wild Bean Flower Farm
• Island Girl Catering
• Sorbae Frozen Treats

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in a series of wellness classes. Pre-register or drop in. SPACE IS LIMITED. Cash or Venmo accepted. Details for each class are listed below:

10:00 AM: Gentle Yoga for All Levels by Genevieve St.Michel from Spread Your Roots, LLC

11:00 AM: Kundalini Breathwork by Julie Silvia from The Current Healing Arts

1:00 PM: Guided Mindful Meditation by Kelley L. Cabral-Mosher from The Freedom Center

2:00 PM: Mini Sound Bath by Toni Cormier from A Balanced Life

These classes provide an excellent opportunity to explore different wellness practices and are led by experienced professionals in their respective fields. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, these sessions are designed to accommodate all levels of experience. From the invigorating movements of yoga to the deep relaxation of a sound bath, each class aims to enhance your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

For more information or to secure a spot in one of the classes, contact Wholistic Heart Studio at wholisticheartstudio@gmail.com.




New Bedford graduates receive $500 awards from firefighters in honor of Kristian Rose

“Each year, Local 841 member Bryce Fortes awards two graduating high school students a scholarship in honor of his cousin Kristian Rose, who tragically passed away in an auto accident in 2011.

This year, the Local matched Bryce’s contribution, allowing for a $500 award to each student.

Pictured are this year’s recipients, Alexia Thompson from New Bedford High School and Dania Alvarado Argueta from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Congratulations and best wishes!”-IAFF Local 841 New Bedford Firefighters.


IAFF Local 841 New Bedford Firefighters photo.


IAFF Local 841 New Bedford Firefighters photo.




Family, friends watch Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Class of ’24 Artisans graduate!

“New Bedford — On June 7, 2024, Jeffery E. Riley Stadium at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech was filled with family, friends, and members of our school community as the Class of 2024 Artisans crossed the stage at our annual graduation ceremony.

The ceremony was opened with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem performed by Jasmyn Duarte, a member of the class of 2024.

The Mistress of Ceremonies was the valedictorian, Faiza Rahaman, and the salutatorian was Kylie Lourenco.

The keynote address was delivered by Mayor Jon Mitchell from the City of New Bedford. He began by acknowledging the efforts and achievements of the graduates, stating, “Your diploma represents a real accomplishment. You had to keep your grades up, you had to choose studying over going out with friends, you had to deal with peer pressure, and lest anyone forgets, having spent your freshman year enduring the disruption of the pandemic, you had to make certain individual and collective sacrifices.” He further encouraged the graduates to “choose not to be spectators in your world, but to be active participants in it,” and emphasized the importance of striving valiantly despite potential criticism, quoting Theodore Roosevelt: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.”


Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School photo.

In his welcome remarks, Superintendent Watson applauded the class of 2024 for their resilience in the face of adversity. He stated, “The past few years have been a testament to your strength and adaptability. The pandemic challenged us all, altering the very fabric of our educational experience. Yet, amidst the uncertainty and change, you not only survived—you thrived. You embraced virtual classrooms, hybrid learning, and the ever-evolving demands of a world in flux. Through it all, you demonstrated that education is not confined to the walls of a classroom; it is a dynamic, ever-changing journey that prepares you for the unpredictable currents of life.”

The presentation of diplomas was conducted by District School Committee Chair, Wayne Oliveira, who congratulated each graduate as they crossed the stage.

Senior Class President Annalise Applebee, Vice President Nia Rodrigues, Secretary Ava Silva, and the other senior class officers played significant roles in organizing the event, ensuring a memorable evening for all.

The evening concluded on a high note, with the graduates and their families celebrating under clear skies. The Class of 2024 leaves Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech with the skills and knowledge to embark on their next journey, ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Congratulations to all our graduates!”-Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.


Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School photo.




Dartmouth’s Bishop Stang High School appoints new principal

“Bishop Stang High School is pleased to announce Mr. Daniel Dias, with the support of Bishop Da Cunha and Superintendent Dan Roy, will be the next principal of Bishop Stang High School. Dan brings extensive experience and a passion for excellence to this new role. From teaching to counseling, directing student services, and most recently taking on the role of Vice Principal for Academics, Dan has been an integral part of the Bishop Stang family for the last ten years of his service with us. Dan was unanimously recommended as a finalist by the search committee made up of teachers and administrators.

Dan shared, “I am humbled and honored to serve the Bishop Stang High School community as the next principal. I believe so very deeply in the school’s mission and the value of Catholic education in society, and I consider myself fortunate to come to work each day and be surrounded by such kind, dedicated, and gifted professionals who pour into their students each day. I believe there is no place like Bishop Stang High School, and that is a testament to the teachers, faculty, and staff – it truly is a family. It is an honor to serve the community, and I am so grateful to the students and families, faculty, and staff, who make this community special. I am ready and excited to get to work with my colleagues, and believe the future is bright in Spartan Village.”

“I am excited that Dan has accepted this invitation to lead Bishop Stang towards 2030. Dan has shown an unwavering commitment towards bringing the best out of every student and educator that is part of the Bishop Stang community. The academic program in particular will grow in innovative ways under his direction. This is a very exciting time for our school,” shared President
James Benson.


Jen Lima Photography photo.

Campus Minister, Amanda Tarantelli, who was part of the hiring committee, shared “[Dan] not only believes in the mission of Bishop Stang High School, but more importantly, he lives the mission inside and outside of the school. He will continue to lead the faculty, staff and students in making sure that Christ is first.” While Dr. William Butler, Chair of the Science Department, added “[his] amazing leadership and dedication to our students and staff will continue to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity, making sure every student gets the chance to thrive academically.”

In taking the leap to become a school administrator while completing his Masters in Educational Leadership from Boston College, Dan has shown true dedication to our school community. He also holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of New England in Educational Leadership as well as a Masters in Education with a concentration in Psychology and School Counseling. Dan’s thirst for knowledge, dedication to Catholic Education, and support of all students and educators will allow him to continue to be a strong leader for Bishop Stang for many years to come.”-Bishop Stang High School.




Massachusetts Peregrine Falcon cam allows you to watch just hatched chicks grow up

“Can you believe these fluffy little chicks will grow up to be the fastest bird on Earth and fierce predators?

Yesterday, our biologists banded three recently hatched peregrine falcon chicks from a nesting box on MassDOT’s Gillis Bridge.

During the banding, biologists assessed the health of the falcon chicks and placed identifying bands on their legs. These bands provide useful information about the birds’ movements, lifespan, and injury recovery.

MassWildlife and MassDOT partner to provide nest boxes to protect both wildlife and infrastructure. Peregrine falcons are excellent at hunting pigeons, who are known for leaving acidic and corrosive droppings that wear away at our bridges and increase needed maintenance. When nesting peregrine falcons are near, the pigeons stay away and the bridges have a longer lifespan – a win for everyone!

Learn more about peregrine falcons, our efforts to conserve them, and a link to a nest cam at bit.ly/MA-peregrine.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.


Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.




Mayor Mitchell Recognizes Top 10 Academically Ranked New Bedford High School Seniors

Mayor Jon Mitchell unveiled the 2024 Mayor’s List at the New Bedford Art Museum on Wednesday, the 12th annual celebration of the top 10 academically ranked New Bedford High School seniors.

The ceremony recognizing the City’s highest achieving students also highlighted their extracurricular activities, the colleges they will attend, potential fields of study, and career goals. All of the awardees are enrolled in NBHS’ Academy of Honors. As in previous years, this year’s list includes students who reside in surrounding towns that elected to enroll in the Academy of Honors through the district’s “school choice” program.

“The Mayor’s List represents academic excellence, and it reflects the commitment of the City and School District to showcase high achievement,” Mayor Mitchell said. “I congratulate this year’s members, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish at the next level.”

The graduates and their higher education destinations are:

1. Kiva Bank, Yale University
2. Sophia Perry, Northeastern University
3. Isabella Colangelo, Cornell University
4. Carter Barbosa, Harvard University
5. Keyanna Jones, Columbia University
6. Amelia Davis, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
7. Lauren Mitchell, Harvard University
8. Angel Lin, UMass Amherst
9. Maria Oliveira, University of Southern California
10. Annabelle Huston, Springfield College

Due to forecasted rain, New Bedford High School graduation has been rescheduled to Friday, June 7, at 7 p.m. on Walsh Field.




Bristol Community College Veterans Center to host FREE off-base transition training workshops

“Bristol Community College’s Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center has partnered with the Department of Labor’s Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT) program to host the upcoming workshops “Your Next Move” and “Marketing Yourself” to better assist veterans, National Guard members and military spouses with the transition to civilian careers.

The free workshops will take place on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., in the Commonwealth College Center (G building), on the Bristol Fall River Campus, 777 Elsbree Street. Representatives from Bristol’s Career Services department and the MassHire Fall River Career Center will also be present.

Please register for the June 12 workshops, here: www.signupgenius.com/go/boston-multi-signup

Bristol Community College is the second community college in Massachusetts to host the OBTT workshops.

The college’s Joseph A. Marshall Veterans Center serves as a single point of contact for all Bristol and Veterans Affairs materials, educational benefit certification, academic counseling, essential resources, opportunities for peer connections and assistance with job preparation and placement services, including veteran-specific job fairs and recruitment activities.”




Greater New Bedford Regional Voc-Tech High School students win big at SkillsUSA competition

“Please join us in congratulating our students’ successes and recognition at the 2024 SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference! In addition to numerous medals, the SkillsUSA GNB Voc-Tech Chapter also earned the Gold Chapter of Distinction Award, a recognition of the achievement of the school as it relates to the integration of the SkillsUSA Framework in the chapter’s Program of Work activities. The GNB Voc-Tech Chapter was also recognized as 1 of only 24 nationwide chapters that earned the Models of Excellence Award and 2 GNB Voc-Tech students will represent Team Massachusetts at the National Leadership Conference.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School’s results are following:

Gold Medalists:
• Michael Silva (Dartmouth) – Cabinetmaking – Advisor: Joseph Arruda
• Keira-Lyn Dextraze (New Bedford) – Early Childhood Education -Advisors: Deborah Brightman and Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
• Ava Silva (New Bedford) – Extemporaneous Speech – Advisor: Ronald Quintin
• Jacob Reimels (Dartmouth) – Marine Service Technology – Advisor: Michael McConnell

Silver Medalists:
• Samantha Barboza (New Bedford) – Community Service – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Christopher Cecil (New Bedford) – Community Service – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Nia Rodrigues (New Bedford) – Community Service – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Ella DeMelo (New Bedford) – Costello Family Service Award – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Ryan Fernandes (New Bedford) – Costello Family Service Award – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Denisse Reyes Garcia (New Bedford) – Costello Family Service Award – Advisor: Stacey Martin
• Cameron Stapleton (Fairhaven) – Cabinetmaking – Advisor: Joseph Arruda
• Braden Duarte (Dartmouth) – Marine Service Technology – Advisor: Michael McConnell
• Sophia DeAlmeida (New Bedford) – Outstanding Chapter – Advisor: Lori Russell – Pelsue & Lauren Aubertine
• Jaelynn Sustache (New Bedford) – Outstanding Chapter – Advisor: Lori Russell – Pelsue & Lauren Aubertine
• Kylie Gagne (Dartmouth) – Outstanding Chapter – Advisor: Lori Russell – Pelsue & Lauren Aubertine
• Matthew Prezner (New Bedford) – Power Equipment Technology – Advisor: Paul Estrella
• Austin Hooda (New Bedford) – Robotics and Automation Technology – Advisor: Anthony Cabral
• Kylie Lourenco (New Bedford) – Robotics and Automation Technology – Advisor: Anthony Cabral

Bronze Medalists:
• Jesse Petitpas (New Bedford) – Automotive Service Technology – Advisor: Matt Talbot
• Evelyn Cardoza-Coj (New Bedford) – Career Choice Commentary – Advisor: Ron Quintin
• Sarah Barbosa (New Bedford) – Career Pathways Showcase – Advisor: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
• Angele Semedo (New Bedford) – Career Pathways Showcase – Advisor: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
• Kaelyn Medeiros (Dartmouth) – Career Pathways Showcase – Advisor: Yasmin Flefleh-Vincent
• Luis Pinto (New Bedford) – Cybersecurity – Advisor: Charles Glover
• Noah Cabral (New Bedford) – Cybersecurity – Advisor: Charles Glover
• Cody Amaral (New Bedford)l – Engineering Technology – Advisor: Robert Southerland
• Jacob Duclos (New Bedford) – Engineering Technology – Advisor: Robert Southerland
• Jackson Simmons (Dartmouth) – Engineering Technology – Advisor: Robert Southerland
• Lileigh Sharples (New Bedford) – Related Technical Math – Advisor: Micaela Shea
• Elizabeth Santos (Dartmouth) – Diesel Equipment Technology – Advisor: Neil Sinclair
• Ayva Gouveia-Furtado (Dartmouth) – Sticker Design – Advisor: Ron Quintin

Recognition:
• Jada Sanchez (Fairhaven) – State Officer Elect – Advisor: Meghan Lacasse
• Sophia DeAlmeida (New Bedford) – Janine Baker Scholarship Winner

Presidential Service Award Winners:
• Jordan Melo (New Bedford) – Bronze.”-Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech High School.




Massachusetts Div. of Fisheries & Wildlife “Fisher Cats are misunderstood creatures!”

“Fishers, sometimes called “fisher cats” are one of our most misunderstood creatures. Because they are rarely seen, many people don’t know much about them, which has led to some misconceptions about their behavior.

Can you separate facts from fiction?

Learn why they are called fishers, why they are important to our ecosystem, and listen to audio of critters who make strange sounds at night: bit.ly/fishers-fact-fiction.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.


Christina Radcliffe photo.


Christina Radcliffe photo.


Christina Radcliffe photo.


Christina Radcliffe photo.




New Bedford Police offer boating safety course to residents, surrounding communities

“🛥𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞🛥

The City of New Bedford Police Department will be hosting a boating safety course with the assistance of the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

The course is open to all New Bedford residents and surrounding communities.

To register, please click here.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.


City of New Bedford Police Department photo.