The New Bedford Port Society held its 188th Annual Meeting on October 26, 2017 at the newly refurbished Semen’s Bethel. The society elected a slate of officers for the upcoming year. Four members, every five years, are rotated off the board of managers in accordance with the NBPS bylaws.
The principle officers for 2018 are: President: Frederick Toomey; 1st Vice President: Hon. Armand Fernandes, Jr. (ret.); 2nd Vice President: Dr. Brian Rothschild; Treasurer: Paul J. Stubbs; Asst. Treasurer: Bruce J. Oliveira; Secretary: Matthew Downey, Esq.; Asst. Secretary: Loring Weeks
Newly elected members of the Board of Managers: Patrick Sullivan, Charles “Chuck” Cotter, Thomas J. Walsh
Also, at the meeting, President Fred Toomey presented Mr. Bruce Oliveira with the George Fred Tilton Award for extraordinary service and volunteerism to the New Bedford Port Society. This award was established approximately 12 years ago to recognize members who have made major contributions to the preservation of the society and its historic properties, the Seamen’s Bethel and Mariner’s Home. The New Bedford Port Society is believed to be the oldest non-profit chartered organization in the state.
Upcoming events at the Seamen’s Bethel are all free and open to the public:
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Saturday, November 18, 2017, 4pm: Dedication of the Fishermen’s Memorial Plaque
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Sunday, November 19, 2017, 3pm: Harvest of the Sea
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Sunday, December 17, 2017, 4pm: Christmas Candlelight Service
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Sunday, December 31, 2017, 5pm: Interfaith Service in conjunction with City of New Bedford