New Bedford City Council honors local activists, small businesses and cultural groups at special meeting

The New Bedford City Council met in a special session on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, to present a series of ceremonial citations and resolutions recognizing local activists, small‑business owners, cultural organizations and community volunteers.

Council President Shane Burgo opened the meeting at 7 p.m., read a letter excusing Ward 5 Councilor Joseph P. Lopes and presided as councilors read and adopted a package of ceremonial resolutions by voice vote.

The council front‑loaded citations for long‑running community efforts. Councilor Naomi Carney presented citations honoring Brenda Grace and Renee Ribeiro, founder and co‑founder, respectively, of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Inc., in recognition of more than 20 years of work creating a support network for grandparents caring for grandchildren. "Their whole mission was keeping families together," Carney said as she read the resolution honoring the organization’s work in New Bedford and nearby communities. The council adopted both citations by motion and voice vote.

Councilors also recognized small businesses…