“Me and my family have been desperately looking for my brother.

He has been missing since Friday night. Can you please post on your page? Hopefully someone has seen him. We are all so worried!

His name is Sean Dealmeida. He’s 30. He is from New Bedford. There has been a police report filed. He will be seen walking since he does not drive.

My number is 774 473 1470 if anyone does she him please contact me or the New Bedford Police at (508) 991-6300.”-Veronica Vieira.

“Recently, humpback whales have been seen feeding close to shore from Maine to Massachusetts. In areas where baitfish are thick, humpback whales will gladly take advantage of the easy meal and may have little regard for what is on the surface, including boats.

When feeding, humpback whales can be unpredictable and active at the surface. Boaters are advised to steer clear of areas where whales are actively feeding to avoid entangling or colliding with a massive 80,000-pound whale as it rapidly surfaces.

You can protect your gear and avoid entanglement by not casting or trolling near or around humpback whales or bubble clouds. If a bubble cloud appears while you’re fishing, pull up your gear, if possible. Humpbacks create bubble clouds to corral their prey and then lunge through the center to swallow the small fish.

A collision with a vessel or entanglement in fishing lines can cause serious injuries to the whale and sometimes be fatal. Collisions with whales have also thrown boaters from vessels and caused serious injuries and even death to people. In areas where you suspect whales will be present, slowing to 10 knots helps to prevent collisions by allowing both you and the whale time to react.

Visit the NOAA website for more tips on boating and fishing safely around whales: https://bit.ly/458ypTo.”-NOAA Fisheries New England/Mid-Atlantic.

The median sale prices of both single-family homes and condos hit new all-time highs in Massachusetts last month, real estate market analysts said as a group of six Beacon Hill lawmakers attempts to produce a compromise housing production-inducing bill by the end of July.

There were 4,441 single-family home sales in Massachusetts in June, according to The Warren Group, an 8.9 percent decrease compared to June 2023. At the same time, the median sale price increased 8.1 percent year-over-year to hit $665,000, a new all-time high.

“It wasn’t that long ago that the prospect of the median single-family home price exceeding $600,000 seemed like a long shot, but here we are with a median price approaching $700,000,” Cassidy Norton, associate publisher of The Warren Group, said. “A lack of inventory is clearly driving this record-setting appreciation. Despite these record prices, higher mortgage interest rates have actually slowed price growth – the median may have been even higher without those changes – but it has also contributed to low inventory.”

The 18,451 single-family home sales in Massachusetts this year through June represents a 0.8 percent decrease compared to the first six months of 2023. But the year-to-date median home price has increased 9.8 percent compared to where it was a year ago, having climbed to $609,900, The Warren Group said.

Sales volume was down last month in every county, ranging from a 1.8 percent decline in Essex County to 29.2 percent declines in Berkshire and Franklin counties (Nantucket actually posted the largest percentage drop in total sales, 71.4 percent, but it represented a drop from 7 sales to 2 sales).

Not counting Cape Cod or the islands, Middlesex County had the highest median sale price in July, $885,510. And Hampden County had the lowest median sale price in July, at $325,000. The median price was $749,900 for Barnstable County, $1.245 million on Martha’s Vineyard and $2.875 million on Nantucket, The Warren Group said.

Once thought of as a more-affordable or more-accessible option in the red-hot Massachusetts housing market, condominiums followed many of the same trends as single-family homes here last month.

The Warren Group counted 1,938 condo sales in June 2024, compared to 2,324 in June 2023 – a 16.6 percent drop. Meanwhile, the median condo sale price was up 5.2 percent to $570,000 – a new all-time high for condos — last month.

“The median Massachusetts condo price may well exceed $600,000 in the coming months,” Norton said.

There have been 8,954 condo sales here so far in 2024, down 4.5 percent from the first six months of 2023 while the median sale price of $540,000 represents a 5.9 percent increase from one year ago, The Warren Group said.

Home sales across Massachusetts fell to a 12-year low in 2023 and housing here is inaccessible or unaffordable for many residents. Gov. Maura Healey last year identified housing as “the number-one issue facing this state” and said there is a shortage of 200,000 units across the state.

A six-person conference committee began negotiating July 11 with the goal of sending a compromise housing policy and borrowing bill to the governor’s desk by the time formal sessions end July 31.

“In our divided times, we can do well by recalling America at its most united.

Today I paid a visit to Windsong Blake, a New Bedford native who enlisted in the Navy at 16 just after Pearl Harbor. A longtime chief of the Assonet Wampanoag Tribe and multiple-black belt in karate, he has lived a full life.

At 99 years old, his memory is remarkably vivid, and he is generous in sharing his stories from the war. He had me hanging on every word as he described the scene of Japanese surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri.”-Jon Mitchell.

“BOSTON – A Westfield woman was sentenced on July 18, 2024 in federal court in Boston for calling in a hoax bomb threat against Boston Children’s Hospital. 

Catherine Leavy, 37, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to three years’ probation. In September 2024, Leavy pleaded guilty to one count of making a false bomb threat and one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information that a bomb was on the way to Boston Children’s Hospital. 

In August 2022, law enforcement began monitoring threats made against Boston Children’s Hospital and its employees. Among the wide range of healthcare services it provides, Boston Children’s Hospital is home to the Gender Multispecialty Service (GeMS) program – a healthcare program focused on gender-diverse and transgender adolescents. 

On Aug. 30, 2022, Boston Children’s Hospital received a telephonic bomb threat in which the caller said, “There is a bomb on the way to the hospital, you better evacuate everybody you sickos.” As a result of the call, the hospital and surrounding area was placed on lockdown status and a bomb squad was dispatched. An investigation determined that there were no explosive devices located at the hospital. Subscriber and call detail records and location information for the phone number that called in the threat determined that the phone number was subscribed in Leavy’s name. In addition, cell tower data indicated the phone was nearby Leavy’s residence at the time the bomb threat was made. 

During a search of Leavy’s residence on Sept. 15, 2022, the phone used to make the threat was recovered. According to court records, in an on-scene interview with law enforcement, Leavy expressed disapproval of Boston Children’s Hospital on multiple occasions. Leavy also admitted that she called in the threat to Boston Children’s Hospital on Aug. 30, 2022, but stated that she had no plan or intention to actually bomb the hospital.
        
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Westfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared C. Dolan, Deputy Chief of the National Security Unit, prosecuted the case. “-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

From rising Director and Writer Alex Stulac comes a short-film, “The Hero In Us”, exploring the origins of the Friends of Jack Foundation. The upcoming release will make its world premiere at the Friends of Jack Foundation’s Annual Celebration on September 28 at Arch of the Meadow in Rochester, Massachusetts. 

Through a blend of animation and live-action, “The Hero In Us” is a superhero origin story like no other. After defeating his nemesis Chiari, the young superhero Jack Fearons faces a devastating setback, landing him back in the hospital. While his mother Jill Fearons looks for her inner strength to get through this tough time, Jack searches for his new place in the world, discovering his true superpower.

“We wanted to make a superhero film about a real-life superhero,” said Stulac. “We were very ambitious about the entire project, and the blend of animation and live-action is evidence of that. Besides the spectacle of animation and the superhero motif, the symbolism of animation and live action together helped drive home a few of the themes. The animated portion is reserved for Jill’s journey, who, as a mother with a child in the hospital, feels like this experience “isn’t real’ – this can’t be happening. When Jack, or any child, returns home, it’s time to face a new reality – live action.” 

This film reimagines Jack’s real-life struggles, detailing his development of Chiari Malformation, the complications of his surgery, his serious brush with death, his miraculous recovery, and the subsequent discovery of his talent for the piano in an adventurous narrative. All the while, Jill is by his side grappling with the fear and uncertainty of a mother with a very sick child. The hospital’s Child Life Specialists play a particularly important role in helping Jill cope with her new reality.

The goal of the film is to demonstrate the resilience of children who face medical hardships and to find silver linings in the struggles that they experience. In Jack’s case, the damage done to his brain from swelling due to hydrocephalus unlocked a hidden talent in him. Without any formal training, shortly after his surgery, Jack was able to sit at a piano and play music from his ear. In fact, the musical theme of the film was written and performed by Jack.

“The making of this film grew from your basic fundraising video to something more than I could have ever imagined,” said Peter Cohenno, Executive Director of the Friends of Jack Foundation. “Alex has brought together an amazing team to tell Jack’s story in a way that goes so far beyond what is usually seen in the non-profit world. This has morphed into a short-film that I believe is going to connect new audiences to our mission, while spreading the message about underfunded child programs like Child Life.” 

The “Hero In Us” features Jack and Jill, both playing themselves. The debutant actors are joined by veteran Jordan Demario, who voices Jack’s doctor, and Jack’s younger brother, Liam Fearons, playing “Young Jack”. Chris “Gazelle” Arsenault, Darby Nolet, Mira Wellington, and Brendon McGlothin also make their debut in the film. Kaitlyn Deguzman provides the animation, with Noah Arnold (Cyan Lens) serving as Director of Photography and Brody Pazol (Sound Alchemist) handling the sound.

Additional screenings and festival appearances are being planned for the future with dates to be announced. 

More information about the film is available at www.friendsofjack.org/theheroinusfilm.

Malasadas, carne de espeto and Madeira wine, oh my!

The New Bedford Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, a.k.a. the Portuguese Feast, a.k.a. Madeira Feast is the largest event New Bedford has every year. More than that, it is the largest Portuguese feast in the world and the largest ethnic festival in New England. The feast was founded in 1915 by four Madeiran immigrants who wanted to recreate the festivities of their home island.

Here is an overview of the 108th Feast of the Blessed Sacrament which has become a major attraction for visitors from all over who come to celebrate the Portuguese culture through food, drink, and entertainment.

1. Location & Schedule of Events

The “feast” is a four-day event, officially kicking off at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 1st with the assembly of the Festeiros (Feast Committee Members) at the intersection of Earle Street and Acushnet Avenue.

Led by the Feast President, the Festeiros march in a special procession down Earle Street to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church which is located at the corner of Earle Street and Madeira Avenue. At the church, Father Daniel O. Reis celebrates a special Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

Each evening the feast grounds will close at 11:45pm. On Friday, the grounds will open up at Friday – 5:00pm, but on Saturday and Sunday they will open up at 12:00pm.

The Carnival will open all four days of the Feast. Cushing Amusements is a family owned and operated traveling carnival. You can visit their Facebook Page to see past events and a glimpse at some of their entertainment and rides.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.Walgreen’s Family Fun Day is from 12-4:00pm on Saturday. Children under 12 eat for “free”; a free burger, hot dog, French fries and a soda. A perfect weekend day for families to bring along the little ones and not worry about having to pay high prices. A ton of fun events and activities are planned including face painting, a traveling science museum, music by the Toe Jam Puppet Band, carnival rides, a free book, flash mob and routine by Dance Xtreme, and more. This year there are some new rides!

In addition, from 12-4:00 PM, the Main Pavilion welcomes all seniors to enjoy a choice-of-menu dinner at a 50% discount! Menu choices include roast beef, chicken, fish, cacoila, and the somewhat more exotic roast goat or rabbit, traditional Portuguese favorites. The buffet is arranged in a way that visitors are allowed to sample more than one entree with their ‘Caldo Verde’ (Portuguese green soup) and a “pop” (small) handmade bread. A coffee or soft drink is also included. Malassadas (sugared fried dough) dessert is extra and there may be a line, but the cost is low.

The last day of the feast is Sunday and will feature a parade at 2:00pm with over forty different organizations marching the one mile route from Brooklawn Park to the Feast grounds at Madeira Field.

This year organizers are pulling out all the stops and there will be Color Guards, Marching Bands, Folkloric Groups, Jugglers, Giant Puppets, Gigantic Clydesdale Horses,Steel Drum Band, Bagpipers, Veterans Groups, Community & Cultural Heritage Organizations and much more!

Parade Route:
The parade begins at Brooklawn Park and proceeds south on Acushnet Avenue to Earle Street, turns east onto Earle Street and continues to the Immaculate Conception Church.
It then turns north onto Madeira Avenue and proceeds to Madeira Field 
where it enters the Feast grounds and past the reviewing stand at Stage 1.

2. Costs

There is no charge for admission and the entertainment is free thanks to the hard work of the committee members who comprise the 2024 Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Committee which in an historic move welcomed women. You can read about the decision here

Feast members come from all over the country to plan the feast each year, some as far away as California and Florida. Some of the members will be traveling from across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa to attend the feast, but in the meantime, they have had family members representing them at the committee meetings.

While admission is free to walk around and watch the entertainment or visit the Museum of Madeiran Heritage there are also many vendors on the grounds selling everything from handmade Madeiran souvenirs to cigars. Of course, food, carnival rides, and beverages are also an additional cost.

Prices of food are kept reasonable, and there is a great deal of variety to choose from. Tickets cost a dollar each and can be purchased at many machines located throughout the grounds by placing a five, ten or twenty dollar bill inside. Tickets are non-refundable. There are also stands with employees who sell the tickets.

To give you a general idea of the prices of items at the feast, a full meal is 12 tickets, most sandwiches are around four tickets, and a soda or water goes for one ticket. If you’re over 21, an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages is available to choose from.

3. Food

One of the greatest features of the feast is the delicious Portuguese fare. There are many food stands located throughout Madeira Field that serve your favorites from the simple delights of linguica and cacoila sandwiches to full-on Portuguese cuisine plates of chicken, beef, goat or tuna with potatoes, rice, and vegetables.

Another major culinary draw is the Carne de Espeto, a massive, 40-foot barbecue pit where beef sirloin cubes can be cooked over an open flame on massive skewers. This is hard to miss since the aroma is absolutely mouthwatering. Visitors are able to buy the meat for eight tickets a pound and a delicious aromatic salt is provided to cook with.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.Visitors are then able to roast their own dinner over the gas-fired lava rock grill. Mr. Camara, (who has been a part of the organization since 1982) advised me that if someone tells you to pour Madeira wine on the meat it is not advisable (it does not help the flavor and causes the meat to burn faster!)

Other items that will be featured at the feast include Milho Frito, fried cornmeal, garlic and finely shredded kale make this the perfect treat to go with Carne de Espeto, pasteis de Bacalau (codfish cakes), atum, cabra, favas, coelho, carne de vinho e alhos, malassadas, tremocos and other Portuguese classics. There will also be ice-cold fresh fruit cups, the perfect way to cool down for health-conscious attendees.

In case you are not accustomed to the flavorful cooking style of Portuguese cuisine, go to the Food & Drink page of the Portuguese Feast website for definitions of some of the food you might expect to see.

4. Drink

One of the draws of the feast is the consumption of Madeira wine, which is a central part of the festivities as it is part of a long tradition. Madeira wine is a sweet, fortified red wine. Genuine Madeira wine is made on the island of Madeira, and exportation of actual barrels are restricted due to regulations. However, thanks to a special agreement made between feast officials and the President of Madeira, casks are able to be delivered to New Bedford and served for the weekend, making this a very rare treat for those who attend.

For those who don’t find that the taste of Madeira wine suits their pallet, there are a great variety of additional options including a full liquor bar for mix drinks and frozen drinks. Alcohol stands also serve sangria and white wine and Budweiser beer is on tap.

If you wish to partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, you will need to have your ID scanned when you enter the feast grounds in order to receive a wristband that proves you are legally old enough to be served.

There will be additional ID stations at this year’s feast due to the anticipated increase in numbers of attendees.

5. Entertainment

There is a great deal of quality free entertainment at the feast each year from Portuguese and American cultures. There are four separate stages of entertainment on the main grounds and a “Fado” stage at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage Courtyard Venue – these performances will be featuring a Portuguese genre of music that can be traced back to the 1820s but is believed to be even older than that.

One of the cultural acts that you may see take the stage at Madeira field is Groupo Folclorico Clube Madeirense S.S. Sacramento. This group of dancers presents traditional dancing performances to authentic Madeiran music and in traditional clothing. These performances are always very spirited and interesting to see.

There will be many bands on the smaller stages during the feast, but the largest stage is reserved for a special performance at 10:00 each night by a headliner band. The 2024 Feast Headliner will be…..Badfish!

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.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.

BADFISH will be headling Thursday Night from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1.

Headlining Friday Night will be the FOOZ FIGHTERS from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1. The Award Winning Foo Fighters tribute band featuring dynamic frontman Nicky Rich, FOOZ FIGHTERS have blazed a trail to become the most sought-after Foo Fighters tribute band in the Nation.

Headlining Saturday Night will be NELIA from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1. Nelia is a local singer determined to break down long-standing barriers in the Luso-American community. On stage, she manages to capture mature audiences with her ethnic-flavored music while captivating younger crowds with her amazing stage presence.

Headlining Sunday Night will be BAND FAITH from 10:00pm-11:30pm on Stage 1). With almost 3 decades of music under their belt, New Bedford, Ma based BandFaith has been performing their mix of Portuguese/Latin fused music for fans all over the world.

For more information on when and where events will be taking place, go to the Portuguese Feast Entertainment Schedule.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.
Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

6. Families

Since the Madeira feast involves alcohol consumption, some readers may be wondering if it is a family-appropriate event. You will be glad to know that family values are integral to the foundation of the feast. While it is probably not advisable to bring young children later in the night due to large crowds and loud music, it should be mentioned that there are many features of the feast that children will love. Also, the feast takes great measures to prohibit underage drinking. All who wish to consume alcoholic beverages are required to undergo a license verification process in order to receive a specially printed wristband.

Additional security precautions are always taken due to its size and significance. Few people realize this, but the Feast grounds are wired with such advanced cameras that all feast goers are on at least two cameras at any given time.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.

7. History

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament gains its roots from the island of Madeira which is located 390 miles off the coast of Morocco. Traditionally, each Roman Catholic parish in Madeira would observe a festival to celebrate their patron saint. A committee of four men called festeiros would be responsible for preparing the village for the celebration by decorating the streets, contracting entertainment (often in the form of a brass band and fireworks) and holding a ceremonial meal after mass on Sunday.

There are many versions of the tale of why the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament was first begun in New Bedford over 100 years ago. What is certain, however, is that the feast was initiated as a means of preserving basic values of the Madeiran culture. Of course, since it was first begun the feast has changed in many ways to accommodate thousands of eager participants and modern elements of the celebration.

While there have been many changes in the feast, many aspects still remain central to the celebration. The tradition of Madeira wine is a very old one, dating back to the 15th Century when the Malvasia vine was planted on the island of Madeira to see it would yield an alternative supply of wine for England. When growth was successful Madeira wine quickly took to the market, but did not become a major export until many years later. It wasn’t until the 16th Century that the flavor we know of today was created when they discovered that the flavor of the wine was actually improved by being repeatedly heated up. Follow the link for more information on the history of Madeira wine.

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament photo.The religious aspect of the feast also remains a part of proceedings. As it did in 1915, the feast still takes place near Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, which is located on the corner of Earle and Madeira Street in New Bedford. The Portuguese feast pays homage to its religious traditions by beginning the weekend festivities with a procession to the church where Father Daniel O. Reis gives a Benediction to the Blessed Sacrament.

The last day of the feast starts with Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and “the Festeiros, Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento, Inc. members, and all of the many volunteers receive the blessings of the church for their many hours of work devoted to achieving a successful Feast and for being respectful of its religious origins”. Throughout the weekend the church also hosts a wonderful musical series of organ music and vocalists. The details of this schedule are still being finalized.

8. Madeira Field

Most of the events take place at Madeira Field, which is a permanent location in New Bedford’s north end, which comes to life one weekend a year for the festivities. The address of Madeira Field is 50 Madeira Avenue, New Bedford, MA (88 Tinkham Street on your GPS). Parking can be a bit tricky, you may have to plan to search a bit to find a spot and walk a few blocks, or pay to park in a nearby private lot.

The grounds on which the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament takes place are quite expansive and easy to lose people in. Be sure you have a plan for finding lost party members whether it be by cell phone or a designated area to meet up at.

When entering the feast you will need to get in line for a wristband if you wish to purchase alcoholic beverages. One of the most prominent features you will notice upon entering the festival grounds is the Santana House. The house is designed after the colorful architectural styles of the homes in the village Santana, Madeira and is where the Madeira wine is served from.

Across from the Santana House is Stage One, which is massive and where the main attractions will be hosted throughout the weekend. There are also two other smaller stages, one that is inside the gates and the other which is outside and amongst the souvenir vendors. You will also see many food and drink stands throughout the grounds, and towards the back, you will find the barbecue pits for Carne de Espeto (or just follow your nose).

_________________________________________________________ 

Feast of the Blessed Sacrament

50 Madeira Avenue
New Bedford, MA

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

Website: feastoftheblessedsacrament.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FeastOfTheBlessedSacrament/

__________________________________________________________________________

A 22-year-old New Bedford woman was arraigned in New Bedford District Court on a single charge of Improper Disposal of a Body connected to the male infant found at Fort Taber Park on December 9, 2023.

Daniela Michell Escobar-Mejia, who is the mother of the deceased infant, was released on personal recognizance and ordered to abide by all Department of Children and Families orders during the pendency of the case.  She is due back in court for a pretrial conference on September 12.

The defendant was summonsed into court after a lengthy investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the district attorney’s office and prosecutors.

 On Saturday, December 9, 2023, New Bedford Police responded to Fort Taber at approximately 12:40 pm after receiving a 911 call regarding the discovery of a deceased infant.   When police arrived on scene, they learned that an adult female was walking along a path near the water with her pre-teen niece when she made observations of a blanket near a thicket of bushes adjacent to the walking path. The woman also detected an odor of decay.  The woman approached the blanket and found a white plastic bag wrapped inside of it. The decomposing deceased infant was located inside the plastic bag. When the woman made the discovery, she immediately yelled out about her discovery to two nearby men who were out walking their dog.  Subsequently, one of the men called 911.

DNA analysis, review of surveillance footage in and around the park and other investigatory methods led detectives to the defendant. Subsequent DNA testing determined she was the infant’s mother.  Due to the state of decomposition the infant was found in, the medical examiner was unable to determine if the baby had been alive prior to the alleged dumping of the infant in the park. No cause and manner of death could be determined.

Investigators have determined the infant was allegedly left in the park on November 6, meaning it was there for more than a month prior to it being discovered.

A full statement of facts was filed with the New Bedford District Court Clerk’s Office.

“I want to thank investigators for their efforts in this very sad and tragic case,” District Attorney Quinn said

Dash Laundromat is excited to announce their much-anticipated event of the year: the 2nd Annual Free Laundry Day! On July 28th, from 7 AM to 9 PM, we invite the community to join us at our location on One State Rd., North Dartmouth, for a day of complimentary laundry services.

To participate, simply download the Speed Queen mobile app and enter location code DASH01 to claim your free wash and dry cycles. As a special treat, every visitor will receive a refreshing free Del’s Lemonade, perfect for beating the summer heat while your laundry gets done.

The festivities don’t stop there! Engage in the excitement with chances to win special prizes throughout the day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular customer, everyone is welcome to enjoy this day of community, cleanliness, and celebration. DASH is also doing a clothing drive with Walt’s Mobile Closet!  Bring new, unopened socks and underwear to donate to a worthy cause.

Remember, the last wash cycle starts at 8 PM, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience Dash Laundromat’s top-notch facilities and hospitality, all completely free of charge.

Join them on July 28th for Free Laundry Day at Dash Laundromat – where clean clothes and community spirit come together!

For more information, visit https://dashlaundromat.com/

Ray Genereux, a talented collage artist based in New Bedford, MA, creates unique pieces that are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Ray’s artistic journey began with photography, but he soon expanded into creating intricate collages, incorporating his photographs and experimenting with various techniques.

Ray’s diverse array of artworks includes local collages, cabinets, collage postcards, cigar box collage art, and encaustic wax collages. His dedication to his craft has led him to participate in numerous shows and festivals. However, his recent move to Kilburn Mills in New Bedford has provided a stable base to continue creating and showcasing his unique pieces.

One of Ray’s most touching creations is a custom cigar box he made for his sister. Filled with photos and memories from their life, the box serves as a cherished keepsake. Despite her Alzheimer’s, his sister still looks at the box and recognizes those precious memories, highlighting the emotional impact and personal connection that Ray’s art can provide.

Ray’s work makes for great gifts, and he can customize all of his creations to fit any person or topic. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece for a special occasion or a personalized gift that tells a story, Ray’s art is sure to inspire and captivate.

For more information or inquiries, email him at rgglimpses@comcast.net.

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