Your Fall River

Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County recognizes their new home with Ribbon Cutting

Childrens Advocacy Center — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 01:00:44 +0000

Fall River, MA – The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Bristol County will be rolling out the red carpet on Thursday, October 18th unveiling their new home at 58 Arch Street, Fall River. For the past five years, the non- profit agency was located in the historic Cherry & Webb building in downtown Fall River. CAC Executive Director Michelle Loranger said, “Our new location and physical layout are improved and will better serve child victims of abuse and families who present to the CAC.”

The day’s activities will begin with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9 am with speakers to include District Attorney C. Samuel Sutter and Fall River Mayor William A. Flanagan. Open House and site tours will follow the entire day from 9am – 6 pm. All are welcome.

Thanks to property owners, Thomas Gosselin and Richard Almeida, the CAC occupies more than 3,000 square- feet of office and direct service space. The location is easily accessible from the highway and has dedicated parking lot and handicap accessibility—all important factors that contribute to the ease of access for children and families requiring agency services. The layout, designed by William Starck Architects, is well suited to meet the needs of our children and families.

Established in 2007, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Bristol County provides comprehensive forensic, health and medical, and support services to children who have been victims of sexual abuse, several physical abuse and witness to violence. Working closely with a number of area agencies, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s office, the center provides direct services to children and families from Bristol County towns and cities. It has also reaches thousands more in the community at health fairs, training programs and other outreach forums with prevention materials, sexual assault, personal safety, and child protection information.

“National statistics tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys will be the victim of sexual abuse by the time they reach 18,” said Loranger. Ninety percent of children are sexually abused by someone they know, love and trust. Last year, 441 Bristol County children were victims of child sexual abuse, representing a 30% increase over last year.

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County is a private, 501c(3) non-profit agency that provides comprehensive forensic, health and medical, and support services to children who have been victims of sexual abuse, several physical abuse and witness to violence. Since its inception in 2007, the agency has helped over 1,725 children and families from Bristol County communities from Easton to Fairhaven. The agency is located at 58 Arch Street in Fall River.

To learn more about child abuse and the CAC mission to empower children and families to heal from the trauma of abuse and violence through community partnerships, education and the pursuit of justice, call 508-674-6111, or visit us at www.CACofBC.org.

Sheila Wood, PhD, named Director of Microbiology for Southcoast Health System

Southcoast Health System — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:44:15 +0000

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast™ Health System has named Sheila Wood, PhD, as Director of Microbiology. In her new role, Wood will guide and oversee all processes and procedures in Southcoast’s Microbiology Lab to ensure complete and expert patient care.
Wood leads the continued development of molecular microbiology technology and its role in patient care at Southcoast Health System. She will play an integral part of the Infection Prevention, Antibiotic Stewardship, Infectious Disease, and Clostridium Difficile teams as they relate to the Microbiology Department.
Before joining Southcoast, Wood was Director of Microbiology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. She also previously served as Manager of Microbiology at Quest Diagnostics in Horsham, Pa. Her background includes 14 years of independent research in microbiology and DNA technology with the U.S. Department of Defense. Other aspects of her research involved molecular binding assessments for antigen-antibody and receptor-adhesin interactions.

Wood holds a Doctorate in Clinical Pathology with a specialty in Microbiology from Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., and holds a certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Wood resides in North Dartmouth.

About Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group:

Southcoast Health System is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and East Bay, Rhode Island. It includes the three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast provides advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, orthopedic surgery, advanced imaging services and is the only provider of maternity services in the region.
Southcoast is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.
Southcoast™ is a trademark of Southcoast Health System Inc.

SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT: ALIVE AFTER 5! A Cultural Celebration of the Fall River Arts Community and the Downtown Business District

Mayor William A. Flanagan — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:15:07 +0000

FALL RIVER, MA- October 10, 2012 – The City of Fall River is pleased to sponsor Alive After Five, an evening dedicated to local arts, entertainment and community, which will take place on Friday, October 19th, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm in the Downtown Business District.

A free entertainment celebration, Alive After 5 provides a unique destination for co-workers, friends, and families to gather at the end of the workweek and unwind, while enjoying a wide variety of special activities in a fun, safe and casual atmosphere. The evening will feature food and beverage specials from participating restaurants including Academica Restaurante, Adagio Piano Lounge, Bella Restaurant, Café Arpeggio, Caravela Family Restaurant, Club Toniq, JJ’s Coney Island Hot Dogs, Nick’s Hot Dogs, TA Restaurant, Taphouse Grille, and Trio Café & Lounge. Visitors can also enjoy live music and performances by local artists. Local artisan booths and stores such as Sole Central, Stillpoint Comics & Games and more
will offer shopping options throughout the night.

“We’re thrilled to offer the people of Fall River an opportunity to see the talent that we have within our city,” says Mayor William Flanagan, “the night offers an array of activities with something for everyone.” This event is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and the Fall River City Council.

The city will prohibit vehicular traffic on South Main Street between Pocasset Street (City Hall) and Bradford Avenue (Kennedy Park) from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Only pedestrian traffic will be allowed in the barricaded area.

For further information about Alive After 5, please contact Ann O’Neil-Souza, Chief of Staff, at 508-324-2600 or aoneilsouza@fallriverma.org.

Cynthia Cunningham Wicks named President of Southcoast Physicians Network

Southcoast Health System — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:47:07 +0000

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Southcoast™ Health System has named Cynthia Cunningham Wicks as President of Southcoast Physicians Network. Southcoast Physicians Network, a corporation with Southcoast Health System as its sole corporate member, is a community-based physician network of primary care and specialty care private physician practices and Southcoast affiliated practices.
In her role new role, Wicks will provide leadership and oversight of all financial and operational aspects of Southcoast Physicians Network. She will also play a key role in the ongoing growth and development of Southcoast’s accountable care organization.
“Cynthia brings exceptional expertise, years of experience and strategic vision to lead Southcoast Physicians Network as Southcoast continues to invest in building the region’s broadest integrated care network to care for the health of our communities,” said Keith A. Hovan, President and CEO of Southcoast Health System and Southcoast Hospitals Group.
Before joining Southcoast, Wicks was Vice President of Healthcare Network Strategy for Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan in Albany, N.Y., where she was responsible for establishing and executing provider network strategy, developing new payment models, and leading staff directly engaged in provider contract negotiations, credentialing, system set up and day-to-day relationship management. Prior to that, Wicks previously held the position of Senior Vice President of Operations for One Call Medical Inc., Parsippany, N.J.

Wicks received a Master in Finance from Rensselaer Hartford Graduate Center in Hartford, Conn., a Master in Health Administration from Duke University in Durham, N.C., and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa.

Wicks resides in Marion with her husband, Kurt, and their two children.

About Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group:

Southcoast Health System is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It includes the three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast provides advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, orthopedic surgery, advanced imaging services and is the only provider of maternity services in the region. Southcoast is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.
Southcoast™ is a trademark of Southcoast Health System Inc.

Southcoast Health System employees star in their own “Pink Glove Dance” video to support Breast Cancer Awareness

Southcoast Health System — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:56:08 +0000

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Pink Glove Dance has spread to Southcoast™ Health System — and we are asking for your vote!
More than 300 Southcoast employees are starring in their own “Pink Glove Dance” video to help spread the word about breast cancer awareness and prevention. The video was submitted to a national competition to determine the best “Pink Glove Dance” video of 2012.
“Once we saw the original video and all the ones from last year’s competition, we immediately wanted to get involved to help make a difference at our facility, in our community and even around the country,” said David Teixeira, Director of Interventional Cardiology for Southcoast Health System and co-captain of the video.
“Our employees were so excited and inspired to be part of our own Pink Glove Dance,” said Debra A. Desmarais, Executive Director of Radiology Imaging Services for Southcoast Health System and co-captain of the video. “Making the video brought the whole staff together from departments across the system. We had a really good time. It was a lot of fun for a really great cause.”

How to Vote for Southcoast
As part of the Pink Glove Dance 2012 competition, the public is invited to cast their votes for Southcoast’s video by visiting www.southcoast.org/pinkglovedance. Click on the “Vote Now” button. Scroll down to the “Southcoast Health” video in row 5, right column. Click on “Vote” underneath the video to cast your vote. After you vote, please share the like with your friends, family and colleges to help spread the word.
Voting requires a Facebook® account. Voting is open from October 12 through November 2, so time is limited. Share you vote with friends and family and encourage them to vote as well.
The top three winners receive a donation in their name to the breast cancer charity of their choice. Southcoast will donate its winnings to The FLY Foundation of Fall River, which provides a “Financial Lift for Young Adults with Cancer.”
The winners will be announced November 9 on www.pinkglovedance.com.
“Southcoast’s “Pink Glove Dance” video is centered on the journey our oncology patients go through — and the great care and compassion they receive from the entire Southcoast team,” Desmarais said.
“Parts of the video were filmed at each of our three hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham — and the Southcoast Centers for Cancer Care site in Fairhaven,” explained Teixeira.
Employees in pink gloves danced on the helipad at Charlton and by the parking garage at St. Luke’s, each time forming the shape of the pink ribbon used to symbolize the fight against breast cancer.
The video was conceived and produced by Southcoast employees with the assistance of two local businesses. The video was choreographed by Loralee Levesque of Loralee’s Dance Studio in Swansea and filming and editing was done by Franchise Studios of Dartmouth.
The annual competition is sponsored by Medline Industries Inc., manufacturer of the gloves and producer of the original Pink Glove Dance video.

The history of the Pink Glove Dance
The original Pink Glove Dance video premiered in November 2009 and featured 200 Portland, Ore., hospital workers wearing pink gloves and dancing in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention. Today, the video has more than 13.5 million views on YouTube® and has inspired hundreds of pink glove dance videos and breast cancer awareness events across the country.

About Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group:

Southcoast Health System is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It includes the three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast provides advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, orthopedic surgery, advanced imaging services and is the only provider of maternity services in the region. Southcoast is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.
Southcoast™ is a trademark of Southcoast Health System Inc.

The Friends of the Fall River Public Library invite you join Michael Tougias as he presents King Philip’s Indian War

Fall River Public Library — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 01:23:46 +0000

The Friends of the Fall River Public Library invite you join Michael Tougias as he presents King Philip’s Indian War on Thursday, October 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library-Meeting Room, 104 North Main Street. Author Michael Tougias brings local history to life through his lecture and slide presentation on the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76. Tougias is the co-author of King Philip’s Indian War: The History and Legacy of America’s Forgotten Conflict and author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip’s War).

For further information, contact Administrator Laurel Clark at 508-324-2700 ext. 111.

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Main Library, 104 North Main Street, Fall River, MA 02720 508-324-2700 FAX 508-324-2707
East End Branch, 1386 Pleasant Street, Fall River, MA 02723 508-324-2709
South Branch, 1310 South Main Street, Fall River, MA 02724 508-324-2708

Southcoast’s “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” monthly walking program scheduled for October 27 Wareham walk to be led by Southcoast primary care physician Robert McGowen, MD

Southcoast Health System — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:04:53 +0000

WAREHAM, Mass. — On Saturday, October 27, Southcoast™ Health System will host the October edition of “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc,” a community walk lead by Southcoast primary care physician Robert McGowen, MD.
Southcoast physicians want to help guide you on the path to good health with a new, monthly walking program that is designed to get people up, moving and enjoying some beautiful walks that can be found throughout the South Coast region.
“Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” October edition will take place on Saturday, October 27, at 1 p.m. at Southcoast Health System at Rosebrook, 100 Rosebrook Way in Wareham. The walk will be lead by Robert McGowen, MD, primary care physician with Southcoast Physicians Group’s Rosebrook practice and Chief of Primary Care Services for the Wareham region.

The community is invited to join Dr. McGowen for a brief presentation inside the Rosebrook building, followed by a walk through the nearby cranberry bogs guided by Dr. McGowen and staff from A.D. Makepeace.

“Taking a brisk walk can do wonders for your heath,” Dr. McGowen said. “In fact, walking just 30 minutes a day can decrease your risk of many health problems including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Join us on October 27 to learn about the local cranberry harvest and improve your health at the same time!”

All ages and levels of walking ability are welcome. Participants will receive a free pedometer and “Better Health Kits” that include information on nutrition and exercise. Registration is encouraged. To register call the Southcoast Wellness Line at 1-800-497-1727.

The “Take a Walk with a Southcoast Doc” program will conduct monthly walks with

Southcoast Physicians Group doctors throughout the South Coast region. Visit www.southcoast.org/walkwithadoc/ for more information about where Southcoast physicians will be walking next.

About Southcoast Health System & Southcoast Hospitals Group:

Southcoast Health System is a community based health delivery system with multiple access points, offering an integrated continuum of health services throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It includes the three hospitals that make up Southcoast Hospitals Group — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford and Tobey Hospital in Wareham.
Southcoast provides advanced clinical services, such as open heart surgery, angioplasty and heart rhythm services, comprehensive cancer care, neurosurgery, weight loss surgery, orthopedic surgery, advanced imaging services and is the only provider of maternity services in the region. Southcoast is a not-for-profit charitable organization that depends on the support of the community to provide services. More information is available online at www.southcoast.org. Connect to Southcoast through social media at www.southcoast.org/connect/.
Southcoast™ is a trademark of Southcoast Health System Inc.

American Planning Association Designates Fall River’s Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood a Top 10 Great Neighborhood for 2012

Mayor William A. Flanagan — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:27:03 +0000

FALL RIVER, MA, October 3, 2012…THE CITY OF FALL RIVER is pleased to announce that the American Planning Association (APA) has designated the Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2012 under APA’s Great Places in America program. APA Great Places exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role that planning plays in adding value to communities, including fostering economic growth and jobs.

Mayor William A. Flanagan stated, “Fall River’s Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood is well-regarded for the large number of unique historic and architecturally significant structures and for its geographic location, on a westward facing slope overlooking the incredible vistas of the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay. The Neighborhood has welcomed and become home for a diverse population and is able to retain its character and sense of place as a result of committed citizens and an active Neighborhood Association.”

APA recognized the Neighborhood’s notable architecture, history and natural features. The Neighborhood boasts an impressive inventory of post-1750 architecture, including Greek Revival, Second Empire and Italianate-style homes and buildings. Approximately 100 properties and two historic districts within the Neighborhood are listed on the Massachusetts and National Historic Registers. The Neighborhood sits upon a large hillside overlooking the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay.

The Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood has a very interesting history and a very promising future. Efforts are currently underway to reconnect the Neighborhood to the City’s waterfront. Starting in early 2013, as part of the Route 79/I-195 Interchange Project coordinated by MassDOT, many of the two-tiered viaducts will be removed and a new Connector will be constructed. This will significantly improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the City’s waterfront, thereby creating new economic development and tourism opportunities.

To facilitate mixed-use development and promote intermodal transportation options, the City last year created a Waterfront and Transit Oriented Development District. This key addition to the City’s zoning will help to guide future development, including two proposed commuter rail stations that will connect Fall River to Boston.

“The Lower Highlands and Historic Downtown of Fall River stands out as a Great Neighborhood for many reasons,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP. “Here you’ll find not only historic architecture and beautiful vistas, but a history of social and ethnic diversity that extends back to the Underground Railroad,” he added.

Mayor Flanagan will be presenting a certificate provided by APA to representatives from the City’s Lower Highlands/Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association at a ceremony being held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Fall River Room located on the 6th floor at City Hall, One Government Center, Fall River.

For more information about this Neighborhood, as well as APA’s top 10 Great Streets and top 10 Great Public Spaces for 2012, visit www.planning.org/greatplaces. This year’s Great Places in America are being celebrated as part of APA’s National Community Planning Month during the month of October.

Contacts:
Elizabeth Dennehy, City of Fall River – Planning Division, Tel. 508.324.2561
Denny Johnson, APA – Washington, D.C., Tel. 202.349.1006

New England Construction provided construction services for Bristol Community College’s New Workforce Center at Commonwealth Landing in Fall River, MA

New England Construction — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 03:53:46 +0000

New England Construction provided construction services for the 10 week transformation of 20,000 sf of existing space for the new Workforce Center for Bristol Community College (BCC). The new Center will house the College’s corporate education services, community education, adult basic education and workforce literacy program. The new Center, located at Commonwealth Landing in Fall River, MA, included the restoration of the existing space, construction of a new stair tower and the rehabilitation of the existing lobby and elevator. In the new lobby, the wood flooring ramp and stairs were constructed utilizing reclaimed wood timbers from the existing mill. The 150 year old timbers were planed, finished and fitted for use in the floor. The new Center includes 28 offices, 11 classrooms, 2 conference rooms, 2 computer training rooms, a student lounge and a staff break area. The Commonwealth Landing project encompasses the renovation of the original Quaker Fabrics Corporation mill in Fall River, MA into a multi-use facility. Tenants will include the new Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, Red Cedar Italian eatery, Arbour Health System, New Life Worship, Community Connection, Brian Fox Studio, Bristol Community College, etc.

New England Construction Begins Renovations on Bayside YMCA

New England Construction — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 03:02:48 +0000

The final plunge in the pool was a bittersweet event on August 6, as members and friends of the Bayside YMCA in Barrington, RI said “farewell” to the existing pool as it closed for some exciting new changes. New England Construction is serving as Construction Manager for the renovation to the existing facility for the Greater Providence YMCA. To meet increasing demand for services, several enhancements to the existing facility will be executed to ensure handicap accessibility, including the addition of a new elevator. The total project encompasses more than 36,000 sf of space including the addition of a 24,430 sf Aquatics Center with a six-lane in-ground pool, as well as a shallow swimming pool for families. Renovations also include a new member-friendly reception and front desk area, all new locker rooms and significant improvements to the gym, fitness and wellness center. Careful planning, phased execution, consistent communications and a commitment to safety are critical to this project as the facility will remain operational for the duration of the project.