New Bedford High School

Jam sessions have ended ... unfortunately

2025-03-24T14:51:22-04:00

Due to some changes in available venues and waining interest, jam seesions as we knew them have ended. Many musical classmates have moved on, stopped attending, or otherwise lost interest.

There have been some other sessions that have popped up to replace what we had originally done, but the basic '65 sessions are over.

The greater New Bedford area, however, is still alive with music! There are lots of local venues to listen to local artists, open mics, and 'mini sessions' around town.

The old Tryworks Auditorium on 8th Street {in the First Unitarian Chirch} has become a project for refurbishing. Open mics have begun on 1st Sundays there and concerts to raise funds for the refurbishing project are being held in the Unitarian Church sanctuary.

InfinityProductionsNewBedford on facebook has info!

Our high school years -New Bedford history

2024-12-09T19:38:02-04:00

1962
Duke Ellington and his orchestra played a one night engagement at the New Bedford High School Auditorium

1962
The statue that today is in Tonnensen Park on William Street in New Bedford, is in the historic district that was donated by Ana Hyatt Huntington. The statue was offered as a memorial to seamen who died and were buried at sea.
The city publicly dedicated it as a memorial to the whalemen and fishermen.
The statue depicts a mythical sea god holding a codfish in one hand and a sturgeon in the other.
The statue also has depictions of a lobster, an octopus, a sea turtle, a scallop, a lobster, and a clam.

WHALE or the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE was founded.

November 17, Mayor Harrington, William H. Potter, chairman of the New Bedford-Fairhaven Hurricane Protection Project Committee, Representative Hastings Keith (R-Mass), State Senator Antone D. Silva (D-New Bedford), Colonel Peter C. Hyzer, division engineer, New England Division Army Corps of Engineers, and the late Charles J. Lewin, editor and general manager of The Standard-Times each turned a shovel full of earth to commence the building of the hurricane barrier. See 1966 for finalization..
See the page for a picture of the hurricane barrier.

1963
Palmers Island light was deactivated in 1963 and wasn't re-activated until 1999
It had been built in 1849, and made to run automatically in 1941.
It is 24 feet tall and made of stone, with a fifth order fresnel lense, made in 1857.

1963
WTEV-TV began broadcasting television locally on New Years Day of 1963 on channel 6 from its studio at 430 County Street on the corner of Union Street in New Bedford.

1963
"Chubby and the Turnpikes" release the record "(I Know) The Inside Story." They went on to become the band "Tavares." Here is a site about Tavares

1963
The New Bedford YMCA bought a 25-acre day camp called Camp Massasoit in Mattapoisett.

The Sharp-shooters club (Franc Tireurs) sold the Orpheum Building to an individual.

1964
In January Irv Vermilya committed suicide. In 1921, he was the first person to bring radio to New Bedford and started the first station.

He got a radio station license1ZE, and began doing radio broadcasts to entertain his neighbors in and around New Bedford and over into nearby Cape Cod.

In 1922 he made a deal with Slocum and Kilburn Company, and Irv was hired to build and run a station in the radio department of their store.

By the middle of 1922, it went on air as WDAU. That station has evolved to become WNBH.
The name change came because the studios were then located in the New Bedford Hotel.

He went on to stay in the broadcast business for many years, but after his wife died and his physical and mental health were not good he called it quits and committed suicide.

1964
The city's parks organized sports games and had competitions.
In this year, Leo Dumas and a partner won the city wide horse shoe throwing "doubles" championship competition.

The film "Rising Tide" was made about New Bedford hosted by Chet Brinkley

1964
American Cordage company was sold.
It had been founded in 1842 by a few New Bedford whaling agents.
The company was incorporated 1846.
At first the company specialized in whale line, used to connect harpoons to the ship. They became the leading supplier of that kind of rope. They also made other kinds of line. Sales increased in the later 1800's because pleasure boats had become more popular.
The company earned bigger profits so that by 1888, there were employed 250 people at the New Bedford factory. The company was sold in 1964 to Phillips Petroleum.

1964 - 1965
The Hurricane Barrier was built to protect the city and commercial areas from hurricanes and storm surges.

1965
New Bedford military men who died in the Viet Nam War :
Sgt. William "Willie" J. Wright, 40, of New Bedford, killed Dec. 5, 1965
Pvt. Edward J. Almeida, 18, of New Bedford, killed July 8, 1965.

Whale and the City Planning Dept cosponsor an 18 month study for an historic and commercial revitalization plan in the Waterfront Historic District.

US immigration act was amended that removed the barriers for southern and easter Europe resulting in an influx of nearly 500 immigrants in it's first three months of people mostly from Portugal and the Cape Verde Islands.

Between 1965 and 1981 WHALE spent nearly 3 million to rehabilitate some historic buildings.

New Bedford population was 100,176

RE: Coffee Syrup, anyone?

2023-09-05T12:44:51-04:00

I had the same experience in San Antonio.on 3dsdsy psss Whilevsrvboot camp at lack land went to the 5 + dime lucj counter woolworths orvkresge. Oderedcsccoffecmikkshskecsnd frie shebrotht me a cup of coffee and a vanilla shake an another empty glasss to mix them. She never heard of such a thing a as coffe shbeeelmauto crsftvhad and still has the little bird on the label I remained a loyal Silmo syrup customer to te very end i Ana get an off brand of coffe syruhrr in Rutland vermont not bad

Winter IS coming

2023-07-08T19:33:59-04:00

AND THEN IT IS WINTER

You know . . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years . . .

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is ... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise ...How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is ... my friends are retired and getting grey ... they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me .. but, I see the great change .... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant ... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

And so ... now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last ... this I know, that when it's over on this earth ... it's NOT over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ... things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet ... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life ... so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember ... and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.

LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER:....

"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

~Your kids are becoming you.......

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

~You may forget names .... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!

~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???

~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

~Everybody whispers.

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet .... 2 of which you will never wear again.

~But Old is good in some things:

Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.

The Story Behind the Song

2023-06-28T21:28:31-04:00

The Story Behind The Song: Simon and Garfunkel’s mesmeric ‘Sound of Silence’

Tom Taylor

TUE 13TH SEP 2022 10.00 BST

93.8K

Watch Karen Dalton performing 'It Hurts Me Too'

It is apparent in the anthem that the song is based on a real-life touchstone and that is borne out in the tale of how it came to be. Art Garfunkel had finished college and was pursuing music with Paul Simon at the time it was written, but the song goes back to his days at Columbia University in New York City.

Therein he met a fellow scholar called Stanford Greenberg. The pair quickly became close friends. Then, suddenly, tragedy struck when Greenberg was watching a baseball game and his vision descended into a blur. He was informed it was merely conjunctivitis, but when he completely lost his sight, it was clear that he had been misdiagnosed. Sadly, glaucoma meant that his optic nerve was no longer functional, and Greenberg was declared blind.

He became reclusive and left college in a slump of depression. However, Garfunkel willed him back. He offered up a hopeful beacon to Greenberg to show that he might have lost his sight, but everything didn’t have to perish along with it. Thus, Garfunkel promised to walk him to classes, guide him around campus, and offer up his constant support. The folk singer even adopted the moniker Darkness as a mark of empathy when he was with his troubled friend.

However, knowing that his time beside his friend was numbered, Garfunkel was keen to usher him towards independence. One day, while at Grand Central Station, Garfunkel had to urgently return to university for an assignment he had forgotten about.

This meant that Greenberg was abandoned in the hectic melee of New York at its busiest. Despite calling it the “worst couple of hours” of his life, Greenberg persevered and made it back to university where Garfunkel grabbed his arm and told him that the exam was a ruse and he had followed him home the whole way, congratulating him on his independence.

This tale would later inspire Simon’s lyrics surrounding the song. The folk anthem is a guide through troubled times, a mark of empathy in turmoil, and a beacon of hope that you are not alone—in short, the same support that Garfunkel offered to his friend.

A friend who, ultimately, had a hand in helping the album get made. One day, Greenberg received a call from Garfunkel asking whether he could help fund the $400 that the folk duo needed to record their album. He only had $404 in his bank account, but he gave the full amount. The rest is a rather beautiful piece of history.

Rest in Peace Miss Ratcliffe.

2023-05-31T21:44:14-04:00

Janet A. Ratcliffe, age 105 passed away on May 29, 2023.

Born in Lowell, the daughter of the late William and Janet M. Ratcliffe. She lived in New Bedford since 1940 and was a member of Smith Mills Christian Congregation Church.

She graduated from Lowell High School in 1934. She graduated from Lowell State Teachers College in 1939 and taught briefly in Ludlow. In 1940 she accepted a position of Music Supervisor in the New Bedford School System. She built the high school music program adding courses and expanding the program. In 1961 she became the Director of Vocal Music for the city. She retired after 38 years.

Janet was involved in the music programs of the Inter-Church Council as soloist, choir and bell choir director. She was the choir director at the Pilgrim United church of Christ and led the Handbell Ringers, and conducted the Church Women United Choir for many years.

She was a volunteer in many organizations including YWCA, Quota Club and the Clement Yaeger Music Scholarship committee.

She went on to receive her MA degree in Music from Columbia University and attended many choral conducting workshops and conferences. She was a member of Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a women educator honor society.

She is survived by her nephew Kenneth B. Ratcliffe and his wife Ruby; two grand- nieces Heather Gray and Lauren Tobiassen; and grand- nephew Todd and his wife, Jennifer; two great-grand nephews Zachory Goldberg and Marshall Ratcliffe; and great grand- niece Abby Goldberg.

She was the sister of the Late G. Kenneth Ratcliffe and M. Ruth Ratcliffe.

Wilson Chapel 479 County Street at the corner of Elm Street, New Bedford provided burial in the family plot in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River.

Remembrance may be made in Janet's name to the charity of one's choice.

RE: Post Covid poll

2022-10-05T08:50:14-04:00

Results of the poll to date:

If you could pick one age forever, what would it be?

A:	5	forever 18
B:	4	forever 21
C:	9	Forever 29
D:	8	Forever 39
E:	14	No, thanks

RE: Post Covid poll

2022-10-05T08:50:10-04:00

Results of the poll to date:

If you could pick one age forever, what would it be?

A:	5	forever 18
B:	4	forever 21
C:	9	Forever 29
D:	8	Forever 39
E:	14	No, thanks

You know you are from New Bedford if you remember ....

2022-08-28T20:30:51-04:00

Okay, so you know you are from New Bedford if…

- You know not to eat fish out of the Acushnet River

- There are shoes hanging from many telephone lines

- Seagulls are EVERYWHERE!

- you love Ruth and Emily, the elephants

- You were forced to read Moby Dick in junior high and high school,

- You have the largest and oldest museum dedicated to Whaling in the entire country! With the largest fully rigged ship model in the world!

- You refer to the hurricane barrier as “the dike”

- You remember Saltmarsh's department store.

- You remember Saltmarsh's had listening booths in it's record department

- You sometimes refer to Acushnet as the 'boonies'

- You really admire the old fashion cobblestone streets downtown, even though you twist your ankle in them

- You remember Catching "waves" at South End East beach when the ferry went by

- You know New Bedford was once the richest city (per capita) in the WORLD.

- You wonder “what happened?” or “why did New Bedford get so poor?” -- there is actually a reason, I believe it has to do with the introduction of coal or oil

- You know that it is still the NUMBER ONE fishing port in the nation!!!

- You believe that Ma's Donuts has the BEST donuts

- You love your coffee milk - and pity others who don't know about it

- You know that our city's history is one of the coolest things about it .... Fredrick Douglas, Hetty Green, Fort Taber, Bartholomew Gosnold, 54th calvary, etc. !

- You’re at least 50% Portuguese or 50% of your friends are Portuguese, either or…

- You look forward to the Madeira feast every year.

- You don’t pronounce the letter “R” in most words

- You have attended events such as Summer Fest, Whaling City Festival, the NB Folk Festival, the Feast, Holiday Shops, and First Night downtown.

- You were born in St. Lukes

- You MISS Lincoln Park AND ATTENDED THE PROM THERE

- You LOVE the movie Passionada -- only because it was filmed in New Bedford.

- You describe the sections of the city as - “west end,” “south end,” and “north end” (there is no "east end" ...that's Fairhaven!)

- You remember the Star Store, Cherry's, Wing's and Thursday nights Downtown.

- You had fish and chips on Friday nights - take out wrapped in newspaper

- You refer to Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School as “Voc”

- You know about the historic mills in New Bedford and had a relative who worked in one

- You will NEVER have trouble finding malasadas, sweetbread (massa), and linguica (and know how to pronounce them)

- You rode the Union Street Railway

- You loved Sid Wainer's - fresh produce and friendly atmosphere

- You sometimes call New Bedford "New Beige"

If one of these statements was true for you .... than you are definitely from New Bedford.

New Bedford Hurricane Barrier

2022-05-09T20:35:52-04:00

HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND INFRASTRUCTURE: NEW BEDFORD HURRICANE BARRIER

By Michael Sullivan, PE, Sr. Project Manager & Business Development Lead, CME Associates, Inc.

Posted 11-19-2020 3:01 PM in Featured Projects

While the New Bedford Hurricane Barrier isn’t necessarily “historic,” it's still an incredibly interesting and important structure that’s provided storm surge protection to one of the nation’s busiest ports for close to 70 years. Since its completion and dedication on May 21, 1966, it has the distinction of being the largest man-made stone structure in the Eastern United States and the largest hurricane barrier on the East Coast.

The need to protect the port of New Bedford, the number one fishing port in the United States in terms of revenue, became necessary after violent hurricanes ravaged the region in 1938, 1944, and 1954, causing extensive damage. Initially, local interests mounted to build breakwaters in 1948, but the plan lost momentum. When Hurricane Carol, a category 3 storm, hit the region in 1954 and caused devastation to the region with a nearly 12-foot storm surge, plans for port protection regained momentum. In 1957, the Army Corps of Engineers approved and recommended the project to Congress. The estimated cost of the barrier was $18 million. In July 1958, Congress authorized 70% of the construction funds for the project under the Flood Control Act, with the anticipation that 30% would be funded through local governments. The Massachusetts Legislature authorized the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to cover half of the 30% local government funds through the New Bedford Harbor Hurricane Dike Bill, which passed on June 14, 1962. Finally, the remaining construction funds were split between assessments to three communities, with the City of New Bedford paying $3.15 million, the Town of Fairhaven paying $315,000 and the Town of Acushnet paying $35,000.

Location Map of New Bedford Hurricane Barrier (from ACOE)

Perini Corporation was the lowest bidder on the main portion of the hurricane barrier and was awarded the construction contract. At the time, Perini Corporation was a regional construction company out of Framingham, MA, and today is integrated as part of Tutor Perini Corporation, one of the nation’s largest general contractors. Loranger Construction Corporation out of New Bedford won the bid to build the Clark Cove Pumping Station. Construction began in October 1962 and commenced until it was placed into operation in January 1966.

The New Bedford Hurricane Barrier rises 20’ above the surface of the water, totals about 3.5 miles in length and is comprised of three separate structures: the Clark’s Cove Dike, measuring 5,800 feet in length, the Fairhaven Dike, measuring 3,100 feet in length, and the main Harbor Barrier and Extension Dike, measuring 9,100 feet in length. There are three street gates on Cove Road, West Rodney French Boulevard, and East Rodney French Boulevard that can be closed during storm events. The dikes consist of earth and rockfill section with stone armor protection. Approximately 899,00 tons of granite rock were used for the project and was provided by a quarry in the nearby Town of Dartmouth. Some of the ocean-side rocks used on the dikes are as big as automobiles and estimated to weigh between 2.75 and 4.5 tons!

The two main barrier gates that form the Harbor Barrier span across a 150-foot wide by 30-foot deep (at low water) navigation barrier. The main bypass channel was created by dredging approximately 800,00 cubic yards of material. Each gate door weighs approximately 400 tons, is as tall as a six-story house, and can be closed in 12 minutes to seal the harbor from storm surges. These gates are closed approximately 20 times a year. The gates ride on six 27-inch diameter wheels that are 7 inches wide, and while electricity to run the gates is provided through the municipal power supply, a diesel generator is onsite in case of emergency. The concrete abutments for the gates utilized 44,800 cubic yards of concrete, were founded on bedrock and were constructed in the dry utilizing cofferdams and then dewatering the area. The entire hurricane barrier was designed for a 16-foot storm surge, or the equivalent of a category 3 hurricane at high tide.

Photographs of New Bedford Hurricane Barrier (from ACOE)

Over 1400 acres of land in New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Acushnet are protected by the Hurricane Barrier. Most of the land is thickly settled with heavy industrial and commercial properties, particularly along the waterfront and along the shores of the Acushnet River. Almost 80% of this land was heavily flooded during the 1938 and 1954 hurricanes. The majority of the Hurricane Barrier is operated and maintained by the City of New Bedford, except for the main sector gates and the navigation channel, which are maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Fairhaven Dike, which is maintained by the Town of Fairhaven.

If you’re looking for a great day trip somewhere close in Massachusetts, I highly recommend you take a trip to the City of New Bedford. Check out the Hurricane Barrier. Grab some fresh air at Fort Taber Park and the Civil War era Fort Rodman. And most importantly, don’t forget to stop at Genes Famous Seafood for some clam cakes and stuffed quahogs!

Paul Boisvert Chemistry teacher has passed

2021-12-30T20:21:16-04:00

From:	Ray Ferreira

Paul R. Boisvert - Chemistry teacher

His photo is on page 20 in the NBHS 1965 Yearbook.

Paul R. Boisvert, 90, of New Bedford, died Friday, December 10, 2021 at St. Anne's Hospital following a brief illness.

He was the widower of Lillian R. (Dessert) Boisvert and son of the late Eugene and Leda (Renaud) Boisvert.

Born In New Bedford, Mr. Boisvert was a lifelong resident of the city. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal (G).

Mr. Boisvert was employed as a teacher at New Bedford High School until his retirement. He was also employed as a tour guide for Paragon Tours.

His family includes his daughter, Monique A. Craig of Dartmouth, and his son, Andrew D. Boisvert and his wife, Patricia Lacasse of Woodstock, CT; 5 grandchildren, Amanda Visconti, Eddie Craig, Amy Craig-Fournier, Matthew Craig and Julie Craig; 2 great-grandchildren, Noah Visconti and Lillian Fournier and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Eugene Boisvert and Pauline Dias.

His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford. Inurnment with military honors in Massachusetts National Cemetery is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Marie Poussepin Outreach Ministry c/o The Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, 3012 Elm St., Dighton, MA 02715.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to AUBERTINE-LOPES FUNERAL HOME, 129 Allen St., New Bedford. For online guestbook, please visit www.aubertine-lopes.com.

Posted online on December 30, 2021 Published in New Bedford Standard Times

Post Covid poll

2021-11-23T18:12:51-04:00

Results of the poll to date:

Is it over yet? What plans for a post-covid life other than family/friends are you looking forward to enjoying?

A:	1	Enjoying parks and beaches
B:	3	Restaurant meals
C:	15	Travel plans
D:	3	Enjoying concerts and shows again
E:	0	Salons and spas

Winter ... taken from Don G's Facebook

2021-07-12T15:53:15-04:00

THIS IS VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING. MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK.

AND THEN IT IS WINTER ...
 
You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.

It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is... the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise ... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is ... my friends are retired and getting grey ... they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me ... but, I see the great change .... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant ... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore ... it's mandatory! 'Cause if I don't on my own free will ... I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so ... now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last ... this I know, that when it's over on this earth ... it's NOT over. A new adventure will begin!

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ... things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet ... let me remind you that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off for too long!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will seethe fullness of all the seasons of your life ... so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember ... and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!

"Life" is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
 
LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER:....
"It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.
"LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!

LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you.......
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names ... But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!
~You realize you're never going to be really good at anything
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..
~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... "what?" . ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless"?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

Stay well, "OLD FRIENDS!"
 
It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.

Hello darkness ... ???

2021-05-23T19:55:05-04:00

RE: Covid poll

2021-05-23T15:38:30-04:00

LIVE POLL RESULTS

Results of the poll to date:

Looks like with the vaccine, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. We ask, what have you learned from the Covid 19 nightmare so far?

A:	2	I have a new appreciation for little things like toilet paper, a valuable commodity
B:	5	I have a new appreciation for a restaurant meal.
C:	1	Washing hands like I'm prepping for surgery is a new way of life.
D:	2	Zoom conference get togethers are a lot of fun, who knew?
E:	21	Hugging and being close are wonderful things.

This is from Ray Ferreira

2021-04-21T16:55:07-04:00

Our generation had some interesting happenings.

See what you may remember.

Have fun with this little test:

1. When did ''Little Suzie'' finally wake up?

(a) The movie's over, it's 2 o'clock

(b) The movie's over, it's 3 o'clock

(c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

2. ''Rock Around The Clock'' was used in what movie?

(a) Rebel Without A Cause

(b) Blackboard Jungle

(c) The Wild Ones

3. What's missing from a Rock & Roll standpoint?

Earth _____

(a) Angel

(b) Mother

(c) Worm

4. ''I found my thrill…’' Where?

(a) Kansas City

(b) Heartbreak Hotel

(c) Blueberry Hill

5. ''Please turn on your magic beam

_____ _____ bring me a dream,''

(a) Mr. Sandman

(b) Earth Angel

(c) Dream Lover

6. For which label did Elvis Presley first record?

(a) Atlantic

(b) RCA

(c) Sun

7. He asked, ''Why's everybody always pickin' on me?'' Who was he?

(a) Bad, Bad Leroy Brown

(b) Charlie Brown

(c) Buster Brown

8. In Bobby Darin's ''Mack The Knife,'' the one with the knife, was named:

(a) Mac Heath

(b) Mac Cloud

(c) McNamara

9. Name the song with

''A-wop bop a-loo bop a-lop bam boom.''

(a) Good Golly, Miss Molly

(b) Be-Bop-A-Lula

(c) Tutti Fruitti

10. Who is generally given credit for originating the term ''Rock And Roll''?

(a) Dick Clark

(b) Wolfman Jack

(c) Alan Freed

11. In 1957, he left the music business to become a preacher:

(a) Little Richard

(b) Frankie Lymon

(c) Tony Orlando

12. Paul Anka's ''Puppy Love'' is written to what star?

(a) Brenda Lee

(b) Connie Francis

(c) Annette Funicello

13. The Everly Brothers were.....

(a) Pete and Dick

(b) Don and Phil

(c) Bob and Bill

14. The Big Bopper's real name was:

(a) Jiles P. Richardson

(b) Roy Harold Scherer Jr.

(c) Marion Michael Morrison

15. In 1959, Berry Gordy, Jr., started a small record company called...

(a) Decca

(b) Cameo

(c) Motown

16. Edd Brynes had a hit with ''Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb''. What TV show was he on?

(a) 77 Sunset Strip

(b) Hawaiian Eye

(c) Surfside Six

17. In 1960 Bobby Darin married:

(a) Carol Lynley

(b) Sandra Dee

(c) Natalie Wood

18. They were a one hit wonder with ''Book Of Love''

(a) The Penguins

(b) The Monotones

(c) The Moonglows

19. The Everly Brothers sang a song called
''Till I ______ You.''

(a) Loved

(b) Kissed

(c) Screwed

(d) Met

20. Chuck Berry sang
''Oh, ___________, why can't you be true?''

(a) Suzie Q

(b) Peggy Sue

(c) Maybelline

21. ''Wooly _______''

(a) Mammouth

(b) Bully

(c) Pully

22. ''I'm like a one-eyed cat....."

(a) can't go into town no more

(b) sleepin' on a cold hard floor

(c) peepin' in a seafood store

23. ''Sometimes I wonder what I'm gonna do........'

(a) cause there ain't no answer for a life without booze

(b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues
(c) cause my car's gassed up and I'm ready to cruise

24. ''They often call me Speedo, but my real name is.....''

(a) Mr. Earl

(b) Jackie Pearl

(c) Milton Berle

25. ''Be Bop A Lula ...''

(a) she's got the rabies

(b) she's my baby.

(c) she loves me, maybe

26. ''Fine Love, Fine Kissing …..''

(a) right here

(b) fifty cents

(c) just for you

27. ''He wore black denim trousers and …..''

(a) a pink carnation

(b) pink leotards

(c) motorcycle boots

28. ''I got a gal named……....''

(a) Jenny Zamboni

(b) Gerri Mahoney

(c) Boney Maroney

Answers:

Scroll Down so you aren't tempted to cheat (as if cheating were needed here).

* * * * * * * * * * * *

1. (c) The movie's over, it's 4 o'clock

2. (b) Blackboard Jungle

3. (a) Angel

4. (c) Blueberry Hill

5. (a) Mr. Sandman

6. (c) Sun

7. (b) Charlie Brown

8. (a) Mac Heath

9. (c) Tutti Fruitti

10. (c) Alan Freed

11. (a) Little Richard

12. (c) Annette Funicello

13. (b) Don and Phil

14. (a) Jiles P. Richardson

15. (c) Motown

16. (a) 77 Sunset Strip

17. (b) Sandra Dee

18. (b) The Monotones

19. (b) Kissed

20. (c) Maybelline

21. (b) Bully

22. (c) peepin' in a sea food store

23. (b) cause there ain't no cure for the summertime blues

24. (a) Mr. Earl

25. (b) she's my baby

26. (a) right here

27. (c) motorcycle boots

28. (c) Boney Maroney

Covid poll

2021-01-17T15:39:03-04:00

LIVE POLL RESULTS

Results of the poll to date:

Hope everyone's well. We all have experienced a plague, the pandemic. How did you fare?

A:	2	Actually, the slowdown was welcome
B:	1	I hated being sheltered in place.
C:	23	Some inconveniences, otherwise fine.
D:	6	Hoping to move on soon
E:	17	Glad to have my health.
F:	1	Loss of a loved one, hard to bear.

Classmates (and friends) Jam sessions continue

2021-01-06T13:21:57-04:00

All Such Great Times, Thank You! May We Carry On and The Music Continue!

To 2021 and Beyond!

Lots of Love,

Kate Conway-Hickman

Classmates (and friends) Jam sessions continue

2021-01-06T09:18:03-04:00

Looking back and thinking back over our music nights ...

Do you realize that we began playing music together over thirteen (13) years ago at the NMI Maritime School after a few NBHS '65 classmates had gotten together at a cookout at Paul Cloutier's cottage after our 45th high school reunion.

We began with classmates Don Gamache, Paul Kenyon, Henry Laferriere, and Don Lyonnaise ... and it grew ... and grew ... and grew ... Classmates Gary Lefrancois, Rick Cote, and Bob Costa joined us ... We started with 'acoustic nights' every third week onTuesday nights, adding Don G's friend, bassist Walter Hotz on the washtub. We had locals Duke Dawicki, Johan Gunderson, Don Hoagland (my boyhood friend and Michaum Trio mate), and his cousin Russ Mello join us. Then we added an 'electric' night and classmate drummer Bob Costa his friend Bob Almeida and 'Fairhaven Shipyard friends' Bruce Benson and Leigh Carlson came along. Bob brought bassist Carl Soares to join us too, and he brought Al Freitas. Henry L. brought sax player neighbor Art Jones. Classmate Kate Conway Hickman joined on occasion. Local 'blues guy' Johnny (JB) Barnes joined in sometimes, as well. Other local players also dropped in from time to time: Fred Belanger, Scott Signer, Greg Rosario, Chris Waters, and Steve Redfern. Local singer Sharen Wendy Robinson came to join in; so did banjo player Brad Jenkins Local singer / player Dan Smith came and played the keyboard. Somewhere along came Louise Anthony, fiddle player, and wife of one of our former teachers, Paul Anthony. Anna Zimmerman, local NMI neighbor, stopped in one day ... what a voice ... and she joined us until her move back 'home' to Maryland.

We were able to do a few 'gigs' for our class in the summertime, playing at the West Island Improvement Association and at the Seaport Marina Inn outdoor facility 'tent'. We even did real 'gig' at the Seaport with a small group!

Frank Cairns came to us as a 'recommendation' from a neighbor / co-worker at NMI. Steve Gillum is a friend of NMI and former Green St. neighbor. George Hubert, who was class of '65 GNBV-T, and a friend to Don G and many other NBHS classmates joined us. Carl's friend, keyboard player Tim Cuzick has come on occasion.

Along the way we invited some local 'well-knowns' who still drop in occasionally. MaryBeth Soares, Truck Croteau, Eddie Dillon, and Tom Kennedy have joined us from time to time. MaryBeth also added her neighbor Seth Asser, (NBHS Class of '67?) a really fine harmonica player and guitarist singer/songwriter. We picked up local sax player Chuck Brillon (who eventually went and joined up with the Misfits uke group but has since rejoined the Tuesday crew). Local UMD English professor Eric Casero has stopped in. Gary Golas, another local, joined us from time to time. We found (or he found us) local singer/player Ron White who brought singer Cynthia Brenner and ukulele player Kate Driscol to drop by on occasion. We met Christine Homen at a local restaurant and she has joined from time to time. Our 'spiritual guide' Rev Russ Chamberlain was invited by Don G. Local 'businessman' Tony Roberts (and brother of classmate Dave Roberts) came by on occasion. We were joined by Misfits ukulele players Cal Wingate, Mark Costa, Jack Dean, and Zanna Camioni (Class of '67 and wife of classmate Ron Camioni). She also leads the Misfits ukulele group and brought that group together at the NMI building on Center St. ... (and that is yet, another story). Neighbor Paul Hadfield was added. And neighbor Wayne St. Pierre drops by once in a while.

New to the Fairhaven business neighborhood is Bryon Knight, owner of Fairhaven Frets, a music store on Sconticut Neck, who has come by with his family. Added through that Fairhaven Frets connection have been Bill daRosa, Mary Wolfe, Jeff Moore, Dave Wolfe, and quite a few others from the music store connection. And the list continues ... and the players just keep coming ....

We have invited (and the invitation remains open) local players Joan Akin, Barbara Phaneuf, Joanne Doherty, Mike Couto, Matt Borello, Art Tebitts, Aoiffe Clancy and a few others to stop by.

From time to time we played at the Northeast Maritime School's three different locations: 32 Washington St., Main St., and the Center St. former bank building... until Covid 19 shut us down in March 2020 (and continued to keep us from the NMI facilities) but we reemerged the summer of 2020 at the Fairhaven Shipyard tent and then, with the onset of cooler weather, we went to the North Star Marine Insurance building, a stop at Don G's house one night, my house another and, most recently, we have played at Paul Hadfield's home in Fairhaven where we have continued with a smaller group.

We were playing with the 'open' group on Tuesday nights at the Fairhaven Frets music store on Sconticut Neck Road in Fairhaven where you may have found anywhere from a small group of 5-6 to as many as 24 players.

In December of 2023 the 'circle' moved to the newly opened Shepherd Center for the Performing Arts which is located at 34 Center St., Fairhaven.

And, who knows where we will go from here ... but,......."let the music play on"...

Hey, Wait a minute ...

2020-12-05T09:28:25-04:00