PACE is holding a community event on July 19th from 12:00pm – 3:00pm at the PACE Community Food Center Park located at 477 Park Street, New Bedford, MA.

Brooke L’Etoile, Health & Food Access Director at PACE, shared, “Join us for our 1st Annual Community Fair at the PACE Community Food Center, located at 477 Park St, New Bedford, on Friday, July 19th from 12pm to 3pm. This is a FREE family event featuring activities, music, and various community resources. Come explore what PACE and other organizations in our community have to offer!”

Programs attending include:

PACE Head Start provides part-time and full-day center-based services from birth age to 5 years old to families in the Greater New Bedford area. Services include early education that builds upon a child’s strength, care that addresses diverse family needs, parent involvement, and collaboration with community agencies.

PACE Fuel Assistance is partnered with the Massachusetts Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills for ALL sources of heat.

Diapers N’ Things is a PACE program entirely supported by community donations working to improve children’s health. Pick-up for supplies is available every Tuesday alternating between PACE and The Center for Economic Development Center (CEDC).

PACE Housing Opportunity Center offers programs and resources to help people in financial hardships keep their apartments or houses. They provide limited rental assistance and guide families in the right direction regarding local and state programs.

Other community organizations who will be at the event include:

Parents as Teachers support families by enhancing parental knowledge of child development, detecting developmental delays, and improving family health. They use an Evidence-Based Home Visiting Model to assess family needs and goals, aiming to prevent child abuse, increase school readiness, and strengthen community ties. For more information, visit Parents as Teachers.

Boys Town New England offers life-changing care through its Family Home Program, which supports children aged 12-17 with trained caregivers teaching life skills. Their Foster Family Services train and support future foster parents, while In-Home Family Services help parents learn new skills while children remain at home.

M.O.L.I.F.E enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders through career development, housing, and community inclusion. They offer residential services, a Community-Based Day Support Service, and individual support to help individuals live with their families or independently.

New Bedford Public Schools consists of 25 schools across the Greater New Bedford area and are dedicated to fostering academic excellence and opportunities for all students. They offer early childhood education as well as career and technical education.

MassHire connects jobseekers and businesses for employment opportunities. Their New Bedford branch assists employers in hiring and training, provides youth programs for employers and schools, career counseling for ages 14-24, and prioritized services for veterans. For more information, visit MassHire.

Join PACE for a fun-filled afternoon of community engagement and valuable resources!

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

This opinion is a response to the City of New Bedford requiring lodging house licenses and upgrades to the sober houses throughout the city.

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“Anyone who has dealt with or been up close to someone with cognitive decline, mental illness or dementia knows there are varying moods and connections to reality.

Biden apparently has episodes of confusion compounded by speech difficulties, but the effects have been minimal and his administration mostly positive during his tenure. And one could justifiably argue that he has wise and practical counsel who assist him, or limit any missteps, and that he is receptive to changing circumstances and directions.

On the other hand Trump’s behavior of whining, threatening, accusatory and constant bragging are indicative of a far more advanced stage of mental instability. Also, Trump’s entire theme is the United States is irreparably diminished and that he is the savior that can stem the flow of migrants, return the country to greatness, bend the will of our foreign adversaries and he therefore provides a constant flow of delusional accusations and promises.

Unmitigated anger, resentment and spite, frequently clothed in humor, are the mainstay of his bombastic speeches at rallies. His only consistency is denying reality and unabashedly fabricating lies.

Fear of losing the election has a stranglehold on supporters of both nominees and at this juncture changing candidates appears unlikely.

Thus the question becomes what is best for this country: voting into the White House a cognitively impaired, but positive, patriotic and receptive to practical advice candidate, or a delusional, greedy candidate receptive to malign and autocratic influences?”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

“New Bedford, MA – New Bedford Police Animal Control Officers rescued 12 Cane Corsos and 9 French Bulldogs from a residence earlier this week while investigating animal cruelty.

On Monday, July 8th, Animal Control, Patrol Officers, and detectives initiated an investigation that resulted in numerous animal cruelty and drug charges. At 184 Myrtle St., investigators were struck by the pungent odor of urine and feces and heard multiple dogs barking.

In the attic, 12 Cane Corso dogs were discovered in cages. The temperature in the attic was indicated to be over 100 degrees. An additional 9 French Bull-mixed dogs were then found in the 3rd-floor apartment. Some bulldogs were loose in the apartment, and some were caged. None of the dogs had adequate access to food or water. Some had overgrown nails, which prevented them from walking normally. Conditions in the cages were described as unsanitary.

Upon the initial arrival of Animal Control officers, the tenant, Mr. DERRICK AMBROSE, 35, fled from the house. As the investigation continued, narcotics were also discovered in the apartment. AMBROSE was found to possess over 9 grams of fentanyl, over 25 grams of crack cocaine, Adderall, Oxycodone, mushrooms, and marijuana.

AMBROSE also had vacuum sealers, packaging materials, and digital scales, all used in the processing and packaging of illegal narcotics for street-level sales.

Altogether, 21 dogs were rescued from the residence. A warrant has been requested for DERRICK AMBROSE for 39 counts of animal cruelty and numerous narcotics-related charges, including trafficking over 18 grams of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute classes A, B, C, D, and E.

AMBROSE has an extensive criminal history with 67 adult arraignments and convictions for a variety of offenses, possession and discharge of a firearm, and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has two previous convictions for dealing cocaine, one for dealing fentanyl, and one for dealing marijuana. At the time of this arrest, he had three open cases in Falmouth District Court and nine open cases in New Bedford District Court.

If you have information on DERRICK AMBROSE’s whereabouts or any other information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

“At the end of the school year, local students and their families joined the Southcoast Health Ambassadors, leaders, and donors at Southcoast Health’s annual scholarship luncheon.

This year, 28 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors across the region who demonstrated academic excellence and have decided to pursue higher education working towards future careers in the medical field.

“This program is truly special as it reflects Southcoast Health’s commitment to the community. I want to thank the Southcoast Ambassadors for their longstanding dedication to our region’s students, and our wonderful donors for their ongoing generosity. By supporting those who pursue careers in healthcare and medicine, we are ensuring there will be skilled caregivers to serve our region for generations to come,” said David O. McCready, President and CEO at Southcoast Health during the event.

The scholarships, totaling $42,000, were awarded on behalf of all three Southcoast Health hospitals and each student received $1,500 towards their education. This was the highest amount awarded since the program’s inception in 1941 and was made possible by a $1,000 individual contribution from donors, and a $500 match made by the Ambassadors.

Southcoast Health photo.

“Reviewing the scholarship applications this year was an honor. The stories students shared about why they wanted to pursue careers in healthcare were varied and profound,” said Meg Rogers, Chair of the Charlton Memorial Scholarship Committee. “Our committee hopes that the scholarship winners stay in touch and consider coming back to Southcoast Health to work once they’ve completed their courses of study.”

The committee received a total of 141 scholarship applications this year. Recipients were selected based on their cumulative GPA or class rank, written essays, guidance letters and their volunteer or professional work experience.

“This year’s applicants were all worthy of recognition, making our final decision a very difficult one. On behalf of the Scholarship Committee, we wish all of these students success as they begin their journey toward a medical career, and we want to congratulate our scholarship recipients on this achievement,” said Janice Sharp, Chair of the St. Luke’s Scholarship Committee.

“The Southcoast Health Ambassadors’ Scholarship Program is one that is vital to our mission. We are proud that each year the number of scholarships awarded to high school graduates through this program continues to grow,” added Elena Coffey, Chair of the Tobey Hospital Scholarship Committee. “Providing a scholarship is one way for the Southcoast Health Ambassadors to assist a future healthcare provider reach their goal and realize their dream.”

Congratulations once again to each of the scholarship recipients!

To learn more about the Southcoast Health Ambassadors and to help to serve our local community, please contact Jennifer Szabo at 508-973-5752 or SzaboJ@southcoast.orgor Kimberley Coon at 508-973-5006 or CoonK@southcoast.org.

To see the complete list of scholarship recipients go here.

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About Southcoast Health
Founded in 1996, Southcoast Health serves communities across southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island as the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region. The not-for-profit, charitable system includes three acute care hospitals – Charlton Memorial in Fall River, St. Luke’s in New Bedford (a Level II Trauma Center), and Tobey in Wareham, Massachusetts with a physician network of more than 675 providers.

With upward of 7,500 employees, Southcoast Health is the largest employer in southeastern Massachusetts, and one of the largest employers in the Commonwealth, according to the Boston Business Journal. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org.“

“Someone in this photo is celebrating their 60th Birthday! It’s the gentleman in the middle of the photo!

Happy Birthday to Fall River and New Bedford’s Fire Chaplain Father Mike Racine.

Thanks for all you do.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

“NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell and Police Chief Paul Oliveira have agreed on a new three-year contract that keeps the head of the Police Department to 2027.

“Despite a decrease in police manpower, under Chief Oliveira’s leadership, violent crime in New Bedford has continued to decline with a 58% drop over the past decade,” Mayor Mitchell said. “Chief Oliveira has worked hard to build trust between the department and residents, which will set us up for still more improvement in public safety.”

“It is a great honor and privilege to accept this new contract as I continue to serve as the Chief of Police for the City of New Bedford,” Chief Oliveira said. “I am deeply grateful to Mayor Mitchell for this extended opportunity and his steadfast trust in my leadership. Serving this incredible community is a responsibility I hold with the utmost respect and dedication. I will continue to prioritize safety, transparency, and community engagement. I am equally fortunate to remain a member of this valued team and work alongside all of the amazing men and women who are its foundation. To them, I say, I will continue to support you, advocate for you, and ensure that you have the resources to continue to perform your duties safely and effectively. I look forward to continuing our work together in an environment of mutual respect and trust, to ensure the safety and well-being of all New Bedford residents.”

Under Chief Oliveira’s leadership, violent crime has continued to decline. According to the FBI, the city has experienced declines in the incidents of rape (-34%), robbery (-61%) and aggravated assault (-62%). Property crime also decreased 55% over the last 10 years with sharp drops in arson (-68%), burglary (-71%), and larceny (-57%).

Having grown up in New Bedford, Chief Oliveira began his career with the NBPD in 1992 as a uniform patrol officer before transferring to the Narcotics Division. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2000. Oliveira served as a Sergeant in Uniform Patrol, Detective Division, and the Narcotics Division. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2007, and served as Commander of the Professional Standards Division internal affairs), and as Commander of the Narcotics Division.

In 2012, Oliveira was promoted to the rank of Captain, and led the Professional Standards Division before his appointment as Deputy Chief of Police in 2016 and Chief of Police in 2021.

Chief Oliveira holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He also graduated from Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Institute for Police program.

Chief Oliveira’s new contract runs through June 15, 2027.”

Updated on Wednesday, July 10 at 5:47pm: Bruno is now home safe and sound.

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“Hi I need help to find my son! He’s been missing since May 31 and I’m so worried.

I already made missing child report and gave his picture to ‘Missing and Exploited Children.’ Can you help me by sharing?

His name is Bruno Darosa and he is 15-years-old. We are from the north end of New Bedford and he hangs around New Bedford. He’s about 5’2″ inches and about 135 pounds. The last time he was seen was Brooklawn Park.”-Aldina Melo.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

This opinion is a response to the City of New Bedford requiring lodging house licenses and upgrades to the sober houses throughout the city.

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SCOTUS Ruling and Debtor’s Prison

“Never in the history of crime and punishment has any place in the world ever incarcerated its way out of a crime problem. Jails and prisons deal with the aftereffect of crime, not the causes of crime. Needlessly incarcerating people is costly to taxpayers and can have a criminogenic effect on people incarcerated. The key word is ‘needlessly.’

Neither punishment nor incarceration are solutions to homelessness; they are intensifiers.

Why am I writing about this? I want to shoot down a bad idea before it gains traction.

The recent Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson makes it easier for communities everywhere in the US, including in Bristol County, to fine, ticket, or arrest people experiencing homelessness, even when there is no adequate shelter available. Punishment as a solution throws gas on a fire we want to put out.

Let’s say a municipality passes an ordinance to fine, ticket, or arrest someone residing in a public space.

Now, what happens if someone residing in a public space without an alternative does not pay a fine or ticket?

A judge may sentence you to serve time for failure to pay. This is a debtor’s prison. This isn’t good for anyone.

Now taxpayers are paying tens of thousands of dollars to house, feed, and provide medical care to someone who didn’t have a place to call home and didn’t squat on someone’s private property. Moreover, once a homeless person adds a criminal conviction to his or her record, getting a job and getting back on his or her feet is exponentially more difficult.

We should build shelters with wrap-around services to get people back on their feet, not punish them.

When a community proposes the NIMBY ordinances of “no vagrants in our community”, remember that a solution to homelessness that leads to punishment and incarceration is the worst way to go.”-Paul Heroux, Sheriff of Bristol County.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

This opinion is a response to the City of New Bedford requiring lodging house licenses and upgrades to the sober houses throughout the city.

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“New Bedford has been essentially a working class city for most of history. Save for whaling captains and factory owners the majority of residents have been hard working residents eking out a basic standard of living. That there are elected officials and monied interests that have aspirations to create an upperclass destination with high end residential properties is having a devastating impact on the working class that can’t afford the rents or an income to purchase a private home.

Not all the homeless souls wandering about or panhandling on roadways are in the situation by choice. Drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness, war induced trauma, and workers who are paid insufficiently to find permanent residence, constitute the majority of the homeless.

Homelessness is the major obstacle to combating addiction, mental illness and worker unreliability. Without permanent residence it is almost impossible to access the programs, medical services, and feeding venues that do exist in the community. And these services provide only immediate and emergency stopgap solutions.

For sustained stability having a permanent residence is essential.

From a purely practical perspective the investment in low or no- income housing would ultimately reduce the tax burden that subsidizes the emergency services that are mounting and are ultimately ineffective.

Gentrifying New Bedford may increase the tax base but it will also increase the high cost of medical and judicial interventions for those dispossessed and homeless. From a humane and financial perspective the Mayor and City Councilors must first concentrate on this issue before creating a Newport on the Acushnet River.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

Defendant previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

“BOSTON – A previously convicted felon and member of the Boston street gang “D Street” was sentenced today for illegally possessing multiple firearms and ammunition. The defendant did so while under house arrest for a state firearm charge.

Freily Cabral, 26, of Boston and Quincy, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In August 2023, Cabral pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

In August 2021, Cabral was identified as the owner of a Snapchat account posting images and of himself in possession of five firearms: a Glock semiautomatic handgun with a flashlight attachment; a Walther semi-automatic firearm; a Taurus revolver; a semi-automatic firearm; and a silver revolver. In one of the videos, Cabral held three separate firearms to his face as if he were using the firearms to make a phone call.

Massachusetts Department of Justice photo.

A search of Cabral’s Quincy residence in September 2021 resulted in the seizure of a Taurus .38 caliber revolver, a Hopkins and Allen .32 caliber revolver, .38 caliber and .32 caliber ammunition, hundreds of grams of marijuana packaged for sale and $23,000 in cash. A search of Cabral’s iPhone showed that Cabral distributed firearms and narcotics while under house arrest and a June 2021 Snapchat post where Cabral offered to sell a pistol with an extended magazine for $1,700:

At the time of the offense, Cabral was on house arrest with electronic monitoring following a November 2020 arrest for his second unlawful possession of a firearm charge. Cabral was previously convicted in 2016 for unlawful possession of a firearm in Boston Municipal Court. In 2017, Cabral was convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Boston Municipal Court and was sentenced to one year in prison.

The operation was conducted is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Division; and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement. Special assistance in the investigation was provided by the Boston, Quincy and Lynn Police Departments and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.