In-depth profiles of the people who contribute to the South Coast community
‘The burger people’ on success, surviving the pandemic and the state of the downtown restaurant scene
DNB Burgers, Union Flats husband-wife team of Josh Lemaire, Amelia Ruvich thrive with big, out-of-the-box ideas.
Dan McCarthy helps keep New Bedford Half Marathon running strong
“It is the kickoff to the city’s tourism season. … Hope springs, there is a chance that we will have good weather, that people have been indoors all winter and they want to get outside.” — Race Director Dan McCarthy
New Bedford’s Janice Leao: Lessons on the volleyball court, lessons in life
“Playing sports — especially in college — has developed me into a more well-rounded person. It has helped me become a better team member and ultimately a team leader. … Being a Black female athlete has helped me come out of my shell and speak my mind.”
‘Mayor of Pizza’ Nelson Hockert-Lotz: A passionate supporter of the community
He calls a quote from Abraham Lincoln “words to live by”: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”
Alma del Mar’s DeLoach: ‘We are a school that serves all kids no matter what’
“I am a woman of color serving a community of children of color and that helps me understand challenges that they might be experiencing. But it also inspires me to see what happens when communities that have been historically underserved get the opportunities and resources to be able to reach their full potential.”
Rev. Donnie Anderson sees Pilgrim UCC, and New Bedford, as ‘special place’
What I’m emphasizing here … is the fact that they have called a transgender pastor. And part of that is to say: ‘Hey, this is a safe place for folks in the LGBTQ+ community, so safe that this congregation not only says you can come and sit in the pews, but we’ll even call you…
Going beyond the West Wing with Dartmouth native Pete Souza
There aren’t many people who can say the president of the United States has described them as “a friend, a confidant, and a brother,” as he wrote of Souza in the foreword to Obama: An Intimate Portrait.
The ‘1850s ladies’ bring New Bedford’s rich history to life
Judy Roderiques and Lucy Bly have been time-traveling back to the 19th century for 15 years, portraying Abby Almy and Ruth Bly at the Whaling National Historical Park.
Election commissioner DeBrito mentoring youth as a way to spark voter turnout
“I think that there’s an opportunity for them to just come in and make a change in society and the way that we’re headed. I think the future is obviously in their hands and we’re going to need them to step up.” — Manuel DeBrito
Tufts biology major turned baker, Brandon Roderick followed his heart
“I was raised by my great grandmother, who was an avid baker. I can remember her putting out her pie mat for Thanksgiving and rolling out her pie dough. … So I do feel very blessed to have those experiences.” — Brandon Roderick
Jeff Costa’s inclusive yoga community is a place to find your inner calm
Sangha New Bedford wants “to meet you where you’re at, to be comfortable enough that you can step into any class at the studio or any class in any studio and have a sense of belonging. And knowing what’s going to happen and how you’re going to be.”
From horror fan films to his own production company, Vincente DiSanti living his dream
The Westport native’s versions of the Friday the 13th brand have earned him admiration from fans and a reputation amongst peers, marking the start of a career that has taken him Hollywood to the fertile trappings of his South Coast homeland.
PAACA’s Carl Alves: ‘I’m focused on lives touched’
“It’s about living in gratitude, and I think that’s the No. 1 thing that I’ve learned in my experience here, is to live in gratitude, even during the dark times.”
The Korolenkos make the music happen at the New Bedford Folk Festival
“I can tell you how pleasantly amazed I am that it has become as generally popular as it is. I really wasn’t sure that a folk festival would catch on in the area, but it did.”
Acclaimed UMass Dartmouth Professor Jennifer Mulnix: Philosophy is an art of life
“One thing I like to focus on in my courses is having students understand what it means to live well and then give them the tools to succeed at doing so.”
Guitarist Quinn Sullivan riffs on growing up, producing his new album, and always striving to get better
“It’s never normal. Whenever I see Buddy (Guy) or spend some time with Carlos Santana or Joe Bonamassa over the years, you never feel like it’s a normal thing, because you looked up to these people and you have a certain thing in your head about who they are and what they mean to you.”
Dr. Patricia Andrade on race, gender, medicine and her ‘fix-it mentality’
“I’m not sure if it’s a gender thing or color, because I present with both issues … There aren’t many women in surgery, never mind women of color in surgery. … I’m the first of a whole host of things.”
Proud to be Portuguese: Maria Lawton’s journey from self-published author to TV personality
In the seemingly limitless universe of cooking shows on television, Lawton’s is the first to showcase Portuguese cuisine. “Maria’s Portuguese Table” is now available nationally.
Chapman Dickerson, CEO of Bask, talks about the future of cannabis
“I think it [cannabis] hasn’t plateaued yet, and there’s always new people getting into it. … They realize how good it made them feel in college. And they’re like, ‘hey, I want to feel like that again,’ and so they’re exploring it.” — Chapman Dickerson
Historian Timothy D. Walker helps tell story of Underground Railroad’s maritime route
“Sailing to Freedom,” which has a companion exhibition opening May 20 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, examines the critical role that coastal water routes played in enslaved persons’ successful escapes from the South.
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