Mayor Robert Correia and the B.O.L.D. (Building Our Lives Drug-free) Coalition presented “Good Neighbor” awards to sixteen store owners and staff for not selling tobacco to underage youth, not selling drug paraphernalia and keeping their property clean and free of litter on August 26, 2008. Mayor Robert Correia also presented them a Mayoral citation recognizing their contributions. Sixteen of Fall River’s 160 convenient stores have not received a ticket for selling tobacco to underage youth during the past three years. The store owners, managers and staff were commended for consistently “carding” purchasers of tobacco to make sure they are not under 18 years of age.  The non-criminal citations range from $100 to $300 fines. During the press conference and award presentation at Government Center, speakers highlighted the importance of following the law prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to underage youth. “It’s important to note that while laws can be in place, it takes people to make them work. Working together we create a healthy community for the youth of Greater Fall River,” stated Kim Rodrigues, member of the BOLD Coalition and the event’s mistress of ceremonies. Click here to read the Herald News article. For further information, contact BOLD Program Director Karen Fischer at 508-324-3537.

(Top row, left) BOLD Coalition member Kim Rodrigues welcomes everyone to the award ceremony in the Fall River Room at Government Center. (Top row, center) Tobacco Control coordinator Marilyn Edge describes the teamwork that goes into the City's efforts efforts to reduce illegal tobacco and drug paraphernalia sales. (Top row, right) Fall River Police Lt. Jeffrey Cardoza, Sgt. Dan Dube, Officer Jay Huard and Officer Robert Jacob accept recognition for their role in enforcement of drug paraphernalia laws that has greatly reduced their availability. (Middle row, left) Fall River Health Department Head Clerk Heather Salva, Director Dr. Henry Vaillancourt and BOLD staff member  Susan Wolfson applaud the recipients. (Middle row, center) Karen Fischer and Mayor Correia present Becky Levitre and Lori Costa of B & B Variety on South Main Street with their award. (Middle row, right) BOLD Coalition vice-president Jasiel Correia II congratulates the award winners for helping to make Fall River healthier for the young people of the City. (Bottom row, left) Manny Chaves of Chaves Market on Columbia Street listens as Mayor Correia points out the Pride City Wide sticker included in his award. (Bottom row, right) Stacy Rezendes, Collen Freites, and Cora Costa of Costa's Fish Market on Columbia Street display their awards for the cameras.