Officials from Fall River visited Funchal, Madeira, during the week of April 16, 2007, the first step in the process of establishing a "Sister Healthy City" visit. Fall River Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin and his wife joined Dr. Odete Amarelo from the Fall River Public Schools for a tour of Funchal, the capital city, and the opportunity to meet with Mayor Albuquerque and other officials. The meetings provided an opportunity to exchange information about steps that each of the cities have taken over the past few years to improve the health and quality of life of citizens. Funchal is especially noted for its flowers, beautiful parks and environmental policies. Fall River is working on measures to reduce tobacco and other drug use, to increase cardiovascular activity and to improve literacy. A meeting between the two mayors to sign a formal agreement is expected later this year.
 

(Top row, left) The hotel where Mr. Coughlin and his wife stayed during the visit. Dr. Amarelo stayed with relatives who have recently relocated to the island. (Top row, center and right) Some of the many gardens in Funchal. (Middle row, left) Dr. Amarelo and discusses politics with her driver, a native Madeiran. (Middle row, center) Dr. Amarelo, Mr. Coughlin and Susana Bradford, their guide and Aide to the Mayor of Funchal, at the top of Pico do Arieiro, the second tallest peak on Madeira. (Middle row, right) Touring the Levada Velha, irrigation channels that carry water from the sparsely populated north side of the island to the more heavily populated south side of the island, including Funchal. (Bottom row, center) An example of the terraced agriculture which is prevalent throughout the island. (Bottom row, right) A Santana hut, traditional home of Madeirans when the island was first settled in the 1500s.