New Bedford, Massachusetts- City officials today announced a development team has secured the development rights to Cliftex Mill #1, a key historic mill property located in the city's Upper Harbor Development District.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the next Good Morning SouthCoast! business breakfast program on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Hawthorne Country Club, 970 Tucker Road, Dartmouth. The October program is sponsored by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board. This fast paced morning program will help you start your business day with several interesting and informative segments.

Greater New Bedford & Fall River- (September 25, 2008) – Citing increased demand from the real estate industry for professional, high-quality marketing pieces that will help them execute their marketing efforts through a variety of channels, THE REAL ESTATE BOOK® OF Greater New Bedford &  Greater Fall River announces the launch of a new dedicated website to their needs, www.TREBStore.com. The easy-to-use site features top requested marketing materials such as print-on-demand postcards, business cards, flyers and brochures specifically designed for real estate agents and brokers.

The Whaling City Camera Club is seeking new members as we enter our third year of existence. We have a very ambitious agenda this year, focusing of basic education of photography skills in order to improve our individual talents. We are currently in the process of unveiling a website and will showcase some of our work and introduce members to the community.

North Dartmouth, MA- Responding to a growing number of children diagnosed with autism, UMass Dartmouth, the Evergreen Center, and Behavioral Educational Assessment and Consultation (Beacon Services), leading providers of education and services to individuals with behavioral disorders, will announce an educatonal partnership that will respond to the shortage of professionals in the field. The announcement will take place Thursday, October 2, at 1:15 p.m. on the 3d Floor of the Foster Administration Building at UMass Dartmouth.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- If you love the visual arts then New Bedford is the place to be to see new works in a variety of media. With the 4th Annual Open Studios and new exhibits opening in several galleries, art lovers have a variety of shows to choose from – most feature works by New Bedford area artists.

Two weeks after United Way of Greater New Bedford officially launched its LIVE UNITED movement, local volunteers spent a day putting those words into action.
Employees from 9 local companies participated in United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Day of Caring today, an annual event in which area businesses loan out employees to provide nonprofit agencies with much needed support.

New Bedford, MA— In today’s competitive environment, the ability to effectively, economically and lawfully manage a business’s payroll and leaves is paramount. You must stay current on the latest rules and regulations – such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and compensable working time – to keep labor costs down and consistent with legal requirements. Penalties and interest charges on even small errors can be extremely costly for a business owner.

GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN (R-AK) POWERED BY CHIPPI? The New Bedford Republican Party and the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth College Republicans are pleased to announce their co-sponsorship of a Vice-Presidential Debate-watching event to be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at Mirasol’s Café in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - The New Bedford Board of Health and the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will conduct a second round of mosquito spraying this evening between the hours of 6:00PM and 10:00PM in areas of the far North End of New Bedford. This second round of targeted ground spraying will focus on neighborhoods in the North End including Industrial Park, Braley Road, Briarwood, Pine Hill Acres and Sassaquin.

New Bedford, MA— In today’s competitive environment, the ability to effectively, economically and lawfully manage a business’s payroll and leaves is paramount. You must stay current on the latest rules and regulations – such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and compensable working time – to keep labor costs down and consistent with legal requirements. Penalties and interest charges on even small errors can be extremely costly for a business owner.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and “The Women’s Center” has a number of activities planned throughout the month to help increase community awareness. Members of the community will gather in front of New Bedford City Hall on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 7:00p.m. to illuminate a tree in support of victims of domestic violence and abuse. Mayor Scott W. Lang will proclaim October 2008 “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the City of New Bedford. The tree will remain lit throughout the month to commemorate victims of domestic violence. The public is invited to attend.

New Bedford, Massachusetts-The City of New Bedford has begun extensive renovations of the Sister Avelar Community Center, at 58 Crapo Street, that houses the Casa da Saudade Branch Library. As of Monday, September 29, the Casa Branch Library will be closed for approximately eight weeks. To continue serving the Portuguese-speaking community, a small part of Casa’s Portuguese collection will be sent to the Wilks and Howland Green branch libraries. Wilks, at 1911 Acushnet Avenue, will receive some magazines, adult fiction, adult nonfiction, and children’s books while Howland-Green, at 3 Rodney French Boulevard, will receive adult fiction and nonfiction and the majority of the newspapers and magazines. Casa da Saudade patrons will be able to pick up their on-hold items at Howland-Green.

DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Southcoast Hospitals is offering a free prostate cancer awareness program and screenings on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Southcoast Oncology Center, 480 Hawthorne St. in Dartmouth. Appointments required by calling 508-979-5858 Ext. 4001.

Who should attend?
According to the National Cancer Institute, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in the United States. The best defense against prostate cancer is early detection and annual screenings.
Men over the age of 40, and particularly men of African-American descent and men with a family history of prostate cancer, are urged to take advantage of these free screenings.
Physicians and health professionals who have extensive experience in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer will staff Southcoast’s free screenings. The prostate cancer screening tests consist of two parts, the prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and a digital rectal exam, both of which take less than five minutes to conduct.

 “Early prostate cancer usually does not have any symptoms and can go undetected without regular testing. By receiving simple blood screenings and exams, prostate cancer can be detected five or more years earlier than it would have been detected otherwise,” said Frances Fuller, RN, MS, Director of Oncology & Specialty Services for Southcoast Hospitals Gr

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - Southcoast Hospitals presents three stroke awareness programs during October. The programs are presented by physician stroke directors from each of the Southcoast hospitals and are aimed at educating the community on the risk, prevention and symptoms of stroke.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford Office of Community Services and the New Bedford Fire Department have joined forces to help local children in need by way of a new initiative called the “Pajama Project.” The organizers of the Pajama Project are collecting donations of new or “gently used” pajamas, as well as disposable diapers and baby wipes. Donation bins are located at all New Bedford Fire Stations and at City Hall. The City plans to give all of the donated items collected during through Pajama Project to the HarbOur House Family Shelter, which is located on Shawmut Avenue.

Volunteers needed for Hospice Program - Southcoast Hospice Volunteers serve Greater New Bedford and Wareham region.

Southcoast Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for volunteers in the greater New Bedford and Wareham areas to provide emotional support to patients and their families.

The hospice volunteer must participate in a free 18-hour training session held at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services located at 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven. The next training sessions are scheduled on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hospice volunteer training topics include patient care, family dynamics and spirituality. For more information, please contact Jo-Ann Richard at 508-984-0277.

“One thing all hospice volunteers have in common is a true desire to help,” said Jo-Ann Richard, Volunteer Coordinator at Southcoast Home Care, Hospice & Palliative Care & Infusion Services. “Some provide care and comfort to patients and their families while others prefer to assist with fundraising events, bereavement services, memorial planning, community networking, office tasks and other helpful duties.”

District Attorney Sam Sutter announced today that Lawrence Gelmete, 37, of New Bedford, was convicted in New Bedford Superior Court yesterday on four charges connected to the non-fatal shooting of two men on Purchase Street in New Bedford on August 23, 2006.

North Dartmouth, MA- Thelma Ruby, the celebrated English actress, will present her inimitable one-woman show, “That’s Entertainment,” on Wednesday evening, October 15, 2008, at 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Claire T. Carney Library Associates and will be held in the Library’s Browsing Area of UMass Dartmouth followed by a reception.

The spirit of volunteerism is alive and well in Bristol County. More than eighty employees (prosecutors and other various staff) of the Bristol County District Attorney's office came to New Bedford's Wamsutta Club today to learn about available volunteer opportunities.

The October 11th AHA! celebrates “Indie night”! The independent spirit of downtown New Bedford creates a setting for galleries, artist studios and individually owned and operated businesses. Visitors are invited to explore independent designers and artists, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that are part of the resurgence of downtown New Bedford. AHA! welcomes new partner Celia’s Boutique (800 Purchase Street) featuring casual and professional apparel for the sophisticated woman.

North Dartmouth, MA- UMass Dartmouth is now accepting nominations for its 7th Annual Drum Major Award to memorialize the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Nominations must be received on or before Friday, November 7, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.

North Dartmouth, MA - The Marine Renewable Energy Center is hosting its first Conference on Ocean Energy for New England on Monday October 6, 2008 at the Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center in Fall River, Mass. 8:30AM-5:00PM. The purpose of the conference is to highlight new government initiatives, technology options, partnering opportunities and research needs for the emerging ocean energy business in New England waters. 

Since District Attorney Sam Sutter announced an innovative new volunteer initiative at his office last October, his prosecutors, managers and other staffers have spent more than 2,800 hours volunteering their time with 35 different agencies throughout Bristol County.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - The New Bedford Fire Department welcomes local families to participate in Fire Prevention Day on Sunday, September 28^th, 2008 from 12:00pm-3:00pm at the Buttonwood Park Zoo.  Fire Prevention Day, is co-sponsored by Domino’s Pizza, and is designed to teach New Bedford area families basic fire safety and prevention practices.

New Bedford, MA – In a move to benefit both organizations, the SouthCoast Human Resources Council and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce have agreed to join forces to benefit their collective members. Under an affiliation agreement recently approved by both organizations, the HR Council will become a formal affiliate of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. The Council will maintain a measure of autonomy but will be able to access the vast resources of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Chamber in turn will now be able to access HR Council programming focused on human resources, training, workforce development and legal issues. Other advantages to both organizations from this affiliation include a savings to members paying dues to both organizations, less competition for volunteer leadership and dollars, more opportunities for leadership development within the SouthCoast business community, and access to new programming made available to the members of both organizations.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the next Good Morning SouthCoast! business breakfast program on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Hawthorne Country Club, 970 Tucker Road, Dartmouth. The October program is sponsored by the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board. This fast paced morning program will help you start your business day with several interesting and informative segments.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Southcoast Health Van provides free education and screenings for the community addressing cardiac disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. It also serves as an off-site blood donation center for the Southcoast Blood Bank.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Despite cooler temperatures, mosquito activity continues throughout the late summer and early fall. This activity brings with it the risk for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes pools located in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

New Bedford Open Studios (NBOS) is an annual weekend event showcasing the work of over 100 professional artists including painters, sculptors, mixed media artists, textile and glass artists, ceramicists, jewelers, plus more.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding its next Business After Hours on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Catwalk Bar & Grille located at 34 Union Street, New Bedford. The September edition of the Chamber’s popular business networking event is co-sponsored by Atlantis Mortgage Corporation and the Catwalk Bar & Grille.

Everywhere one turns there are articles, books and interviews about the emerging green economy. The language of green is everywhere. It seems that all the big companies are reducing their ecological footprint, investing in alternative energy projects, and buying carbon offsets. But if you’re not the size of GE or Ikea or WalMart, it can be challenging to know which eco-friendly programs to pursue.

On October 1, Southcoast Hospitals Group will introduce a new healthy initiative that will limit smoking at its three hospital campuses. We understand that quitting smoking is a difficult challenge, and we are dedicated to supporting and encouraging you and your family members in your quest for a smoke-free lifestyle.

New Bedford, MA—September 17, 2008—SouthCoast Media Group announces the seminar and demonstration schedule for the Go Healthy! SouthCoast Expo, a special health and wellness event to be held on October 25, in the main lobby of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. - The Southcoast Blood Bank at St. Luke’s Hospital and Dorothy Cox Chocolates are teaming up this October on a sweet incentive. Anyone who donates blood at a Southcoast sponsored blood drive during the month will receive a free half-pound of Dorothy Cox
chocolate covered cranberries.

DARTMOUTH, Mass. - Southcoast’s annual “Morning of Health for Women,” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Center for Women’s Health, 300B Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth. Free and open to the public, highlights of the free events include:

* A lecture with Lars Boman, MD, of “Age Management Medicine,” will speak on fibrocystic breast disease, iodine replacement and natural hormone therapy.

* Screenings for endovascular treatment of varicose veins with Dr. Salman Bashir and Dr. Michael Merport.

* Additional free screenings offered include posture screenings, bone density, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.

* Demonstration of mastectomy forms and bras, massage therapy, acupuncture and reflexology

* Representatives from the YWCA will share information on upcoming community programs.

* Southcoast Health Van will offer free blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, bone density testing and health information.

Light refreshments will be served and there will be free raffles and giveaways. To register, call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727. Walk-ins accepted day of the event.

New Bedford, MA – The New Bedford and Fall River Area Chambers of Commerce are hosting a meeting of the SouthCoast Electric Power Group (SCEPG), a collaboration of thirty-six large users of electricity in the New Bedford and Fall River area, on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. at Rachel's Lakeside, 950 State Road, Dartmouth, MA. The meeting will recap the group's combined savings for 2008 and update members on electricity contracts for 2009. Representatives of Risk Services Group and Con Edison Solutions will be available to answer questions from members. In addition, the group will be discussing the RFP process for selecting its next energy provider.

New Bedford, MA, September 15, 2008— The 2008 Working Waterfront Festival, an annual celebration of commercial fishing culture will feature cooking demonstrations by Smith Island crab picker Janice Marshall, expert baker of the renowned Smith Island Cake, a ten layer cake which is the official dessert of the state of Maryland. The Festival, a family friendly event takes place in New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, on Saturday and Sunday, September 27th & 28th.

North Dartmouth, MA-  UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Jean F. MacCormack was joined today by legislators, Cape Cod community officials, and representatives from environmental and planning organizations, to announce a major commitment by the University to the protection of the coastal environment. 

On September 19 and 20, 2008, The Center for Portuguese Studies and the Department of Portuguese at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will host the 6th Annual Conference on Portuguese Language Education on Friday and Saturday, 19-20 September 2008. The conference will take place at the Claire T. Carney Library (parking lot 13). Participants can attend one or both days; however, registration is required. All details, including registration forms, may be found online at www.portstudies.umassd.edu.

For more information on this and other activities of the center, please contact Gina Reis, by telephone (508 999 9270) or email (greis@umassd.edu). 

New Bedford, MA—September 15, 2008—SouthCoast Media Group is announcing Sylvia Group of Insurance Agencies as a major sponsor of the Go Healthy! SouthCoast Expo, a special health and wellness event to be held on October 25, in the main lobby of Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The Board of Election Commissioners would like to remind all registered voters that the 2008 Massachusetts State Primary is Tuesday, September 16, 2008. The polls will be open from 7:00A.M. to 8:00PM.

NEW BEDFORD, MA – Ocean Voice Speaker Series continues! Join us for dynamic speakers that will make you think! DIVE IN! Ocean Explorium at New Bedford Seaport, 174 Union Street, New Bedford and offers FREE admission. For additional information visit www.oceanexplorium.org or call 508 994 5400.

Ever wonder how they made that? Take a peek inside the working studios of artists that are open on New Bedford's AHA! nights. AHA! (Art, History, and Architecture!) takes place the second Thursday of each month; all activities are FREE and held rain or shine. The theme for AHA! on Sept. 11 is "Night of Walking Tours."

New Bedford, MA, September 8, 2008— The 2008 Working Waterfront Festival will feature fisherman and poet Dave Densmore of Kodiak, Alaska.  The free festival takes place in New Bedford, America’s largest commercial fishing port, on Saturday and Sunday, September 27th & 28th. 

United Way of Greater New Bedford celebrated the start of its Annual Campaign and officially launched the LIVE UNITED movement at a cocktail reception on Thursday, September 4th.