“Centro de Ayuda y Esperanza Latina, Inc. today announced a grant award of $15,000 from Southcoast Community Foundation. Centro de Ayuda y Esperanza Latina, Inc.

(CAEL) is a community-based nonprofit organization with a mission to engage, educate, empower, and mobilize the Hispanic and Latino communities for positive social change. CAEL offers Spanish-language training and fellowship opportunities, emergency case management, mental health support groups, and translation services, among other needed services.

This grant award was provided to expand on existing Spanish language literacy programming held by Mujeres Victoriosas, a partnering community-based organization, and create an addition English as a Second Language program for New Bedford’s Hispanic and Latino residents.

“Through the Polaroid Fund, the Community Foundation is proud to support 10 local organizations, including CAEL, that will offer programs to help New Bedford residents find a pathway to success through workforce development and ESOL classes,” said SouthCoast Community Foundation President and CEO, Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares.”-Centro de Ayuda y Esperanza Latina, Inc.

“Our 2024 Feast Headliner will be…..Badfish!

The phenomenon known as Sublime, arguably the most energetic, original and uniquely eclectic band to emerge from any scene, anywhere, ended with the untimely death of lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Brad Nowell in May of 1996.

But encompassing the sense of place and purpose long associated with Sublime’s music, Badfish continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts.

Badfish make their mark on the audience by playing with the spirit of Sublime. They perform not as Sublime would have, or did, but as Badfish does!”-Feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

See the Feast’s full entertainment lineup here.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

_______________________________________________________

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Ave,
New Bedford, MA

Phone: (508) 992-6911
Email: clubesss@comcast.net

Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament
Website: feastoftheblessedsacramentcom.ning.com

“This year we will celebrate the 26st year of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities on June 6, 7, 8 and 9th .

Thursday, June 6 will be the raising of the flag in front of City Hall at 6:30 P.M. The program includes students from the Discovery Language Academy and the Children’s Folkloric group who will perform in front of City Hall and the Whaling Museum.

With some special guests, Dr. José Cesário, Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, along with Dr. Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of Ponta Delgada and Dr. Tiago Cabrita de Sousa, our Portuguese Consul in New Bedford.

At 5:00 PM there will be a concert by Sofia Almeida Quartet, well known for her musical talent that crosses the culture of Jazz, Portuguese and Brazilian. This event will be held at the New Bedford Free Public Library, 613 Pleasant Street. New Bedford. Public is invited to attend.

This will follow with traditional Portuguese “Comes e Bebes” or light refreshments at the Sala de Camoes, at the Portuguese Consulate, across the street from City Hall and Library, 628 Pleasant Street, New Bedford.

Friday, June 7, opening ceremonies on Acushnet Ave. starting with a blessing from the Immaculate Conception Street on Earle Street at 6:30 PM. The group will them march to the Feast Grounds at 81 Tinkham Street.

Feast closes at 12:00 AM on Friday. Local and Azorean artisans will be present their works.

Saturday and Sunday June 8 and 9th the feast continues with, local musical artists, and folkloric groups starting at 1:00 PM.”

See photos pf past year feasts here.

All photos by the “Day of Portugal”:

**In Memoriam: Bill Walton (1952–2024)**

The basketball world mourns the loss of a true legend as Bill Walton, former NBA player and beloved Boston Celtics figure, has passed at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on November 5, 1952, in La Mesa, California, Walton’s passion for basketball ignited early in his life. His towering presence and unmatched skills on the court propelled him to become one of the most dominant players of his era.

Walton’s basketball journey reached its zenith during his collegiate years at UCLA under the tutelage of the legendary coach John Wooden. As a Bruin, he achieved unprecedented success, leading UCLA to two NCAA championships in 1972 and 1973. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year award.

Selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton quickly made his mark in the professional league. In 1977, he guided the Trail Blazers to their first and only NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors for his stellar contributions.

Despite facing persistent injuries throughout his career, Walton’s resilience and determination never wavered. His journey took an unforgettable turn when he joined the Boston Celtics in 1985. As a pivotal member of the team, he provided invaluable leadership and experience, contributing to the Celtics’ 1986 NBA championship victory.

Off the court, Walton’s passion for the game extended beyond his playing days. Renowned for his insightful commentary and colorful personality, he became a fixture in the world of basketball broadcasting, captivating audiences with his unique blend of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Throughout his life, Walton embodied the essence of sportsmanship, humility, and resilience. His impact on the basketball community transcended the court, leaving an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Bill Walton will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his unwavering dedication to the game he loved. He leaves behind a profound void in the hearts of fans, teammates, and colleagues alike.

“Bill Walton was truly one of a kind,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams”

Rest in peace, Bill Walton. Your legacy will forever shine brightly in the annals of basketball history.

The following is a press release from Representative Christopher Markey:

Representative Christopher Markey joined the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing H4661 – “An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (HERO Act).” The legislation supports veterans by increasing their eligible tax credits and state benefits while modernizing the everyday services they rely on.

“The HERO Act is a transformative package of reforms that will make sure our veterans and their families have access to the benefits, resources and support they deserve,” said Governor Maura T. Healey. “As we approach Memorial Day, we are grateful to the House for advancing this essential bill today and look forward to our continued partnership with the Legislature to strengthen veteran services in Massachusetts.”

“In the Commonwealth, we have a duty to ensure that our veterans receive the best services and support. I proudly voted for this legislation because it takes substantive steps towards achieving that worthy goal,” said Representative Christopher Markey (D-Dartmouth). “This bipartisan legislation makes comprehensive improvements across the veteran support system in Massachusetts. We will continue to fine-tune our veteran services to create a community worthy of our veteran population.”
The HERO Act includes the following charges to veteran benefits:

• Medical assistance, dental and vision benefits: requires the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) to provide a medical assistance benefit, behavioral health assistance benefit, and dental benefit beyond other benefits available to veterans, including medical and dental visits, behavioral health assessments, procedures, prescriptions, and costs.
• Benefits for dependents of veterans: updates the definition of “dependent” to make it gender neutral and include children over the age of 18 that meet the criteria for emancipation. It also expands the pool of coverage by extending benefits to dependents who are mentally or physically unable to support themselves after reaching the age of 23. This section aligns the residential eligibility requirements of the dependent of a veteran with residential eligibility requirements of the veteran, granting benefits to the dependent of a veteran that has resided in Massachusetts for one day prior to applying for benefits.
• Veteran benefits income eligibility: clarifies that an increase to an otherwise eligible veteran’s income due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) made to social security, supplemental security
Page 2 Office of State Representative Christopher Markey
income, or social security disability insurance would not render the recipient ineligible for benefits in the year the adjustment was issued.
• Annuity for blind, paraplegic or veterans with disabilities: starting July 1, 2024, increases from $2,000 to $2,250 the annuity for blind, paraplegic, or veterans with disabilities. Starting July 1, 2025, increases from $2,250 to $2,500 the annuity for blind, paraplegic, or veterans with disabilities.
• Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries: codifies the authority of the recently created EOVS to operate, maintain and expand the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries in Agawam and Winchendon, and to add new locations, subject to the availability of funds, to meet the needs of veterans and their dependents.
• Reinstatement of benefits by Veterans Equality Review Board: requires the Veterans Equality Review Board (VERB) to ensure that veterans discharged due to sex, race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, disability, or any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs category eligible for upgrade, receive state-based benefits.
• Workplace benefits and services poster: the bill requires the Secretary of EOVS, with the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, to create and distribute a notice including information regarding the services and resources available to veterans to be posted in the workplace and provided on the employees first day by employers in Massachusetts with more than 50 full-time employees.

The HERO Act includes the following tax initiatives:

• Veterans’ property tax abatement and exemptions: creates two local options, a) municipalities may annually increase local property tax abatements for veterans in an amount equal to the increase in cost of living determined by the Consumer Price Index for the year and b) municipalities may offer an additional exemption to veterans that qualify for local property tax exemptions up to 100 percent of the amount of the exemption for which veteran qualifies.
• Employer tax credit for hiring veterans: increases from $2,000 to $2,500 the amount of a tax credit for each qualified veteran hired by an employer and for subsequent years of continued employment of each veteran. This applies for taxable year 2024.
• Motor Vehicle Sales Tax exemption: adds veterans with disabilities with a Purple Heart recipient plate to those allowed a sales tax exemption for the purchase of a motor vehicle for personal use.

The HERO Act passed the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Media Contact: Jeff Illsley, Legislative Aide (jeff.illsley@mahouse.gov)

A man whose true identity is unknown was arrested yesterday for allegedly using the stolen identity of a deceased individual to obtain government-issued identification documents, employment, and professional certifications.

John Doe, age unknown, of Quincy, was charged with one count each of false statement in a passport application and aggravated identity theft. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston yesterday, Doe was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 29, 2024 at 2 p.m.

According to the charging documents, Doe used the name, date of birth and Social Security number the a victim who passed away in 2002 to obtain and use multiple government-issued identification documents in the victim’s name, including Massachusetts driver’s licenses as well as copies of the victim’s birth certificate and Social Security card. Using these documents, it is alleged that Doe posed as the victim to apply for employment as a paramedic, obtain an EMT-Basic Certification, attend and graduate from a Firefighting Academy, and obtain employment with the Melrose Fire Department. It is alleged that, in March 2023, Doe applied for a U.S. passport using the victim’s stolen identity. However, according to the charging documents, a passport application for the victim had already been executed by the victim’s mother in 1989. Therefore, a passport was not issued to Doe.

During the investigation, facial recognition allegedly identified a second Massachusetts driver’s license issued to Doe under the name of Truong Nguyen. According to the charging documents, Nguyen entered the United States from Vietnam in 1979 and was ordered deported in 1991 following a second-degree burglary conviction. According to court documents Nguyen was never physically deported to Vietnam. In 2010, Nguyen was arrested for embezzlement and larceny for allegedly stealing over $46,000 from the Norwell Firefighters Union while working as an officer for the union.

The charge of false statement in a passport application provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charging statute for aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the United States Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Boston Field Office; Quincy Police Chief Mark Kennedy; Melrose Police Chief Kevin M. Faller; Acting Melrose Fire Department Chief John White; Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan; and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“Districtwide SPECIAL OLYMPICS was held at New Bedford High School on Friday.

The Andrea McCoy Field was the scene of multiple stations and activities. Athletes from all three middle schools and high school competed.

Congratulations, athletes!”-New Bedford Public Schools.

All photos by New Bedford Public Schools:

“On Saturday morning at 10:30am, the NBFD responded to NORPEL, located at 4 Fish Island for an anhydrous ammonia alarm activation.

Command Unit 2 arrived on scene and reported an anhydrous ammonia leak inside the building. Fire crews evacuated the building and confirmed all personnel were accounted for. The Hazardous Materials Coordinator responded and called for a Tier 2 response from the MA State Hazardous Materials Team.

Hazardous Materials Technicians conducted a Level A entry and were able to stop the leak by isolating several valves under the direction of a refrigeration technician who was familiar with the system. Engine provided a water supply and support for the entry team. NBPD, NBEMS, the Providence Canteen, and the MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) also provided assistance.

There were no injuries reported.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department:

“I am his father and have full legal custody of him. His name is Shia and he took off about 9am on Thursday and was last seen at Brooklawn Park basketball courts about 1pm during the rain storm.

He had on white and black Nike dunks, gray and black Jordan shorts and a gray Champion hoodie.A police report has been filed so you can call the New Bedford Police at (508) 991-6300 or me at 774-305-5972.”

“Marion Fire/EMS responded to 195 for a motor vehicle crash. One person was transported to a local Hospital.

Responding units:

• C-1
• A-1-2
• E-1-3.”-Marion Fire/EMS.

Marion Fire/EMS photo.

Marion Fire/EMS photo.