Over 200 people attended the 12th Annual Legislative Forum at White's Restaurant on October 21, 2011 organized by the New Bedford and Fall River  Community Health Network Area (CHNA) organizations Allies for Health and Wellness. and Partners for a Healthier Community. "We really went over the top this year," commented organizer Marcia Picard who is an active member of both organizations. Speakers included mayors of both Fall River and New Bedford, state representatives David Sullivan, Kevin Aguiar, Paul Schmid, and and U.S. Congressman Barney Frank. Community Recognition Awards were given to individuals from both communities to acknowledge some of the important work that has been done by local citizens to improve the health of those who live or work in the Southcoast. Keynote speaker Tony Geraci completed the morning with his story about how he helped to transform the way food is purchased within the Baltimore School System. Participants were invited to give fresh fruit to be donated to local soup kitchens. For more information about Partners, contact Wendy Garf-Lipp at 508-324-7900. 

(Top row, left) Cindy Climer, R.N., Joanne Arruda and Susan Oldrid of Saint Anne's Hospital talk with Marta Gonzalez of the New Bedford Community Health Center during the networking session. (Top row, right) Maria Grungo of UMass-Dartmouth School of Nursing speaks with Rev. Russ Chamberlain of Mercy Meals and More in New Bedford and Derek Christianson of Brix Bounty Farm in Dartmouth. (Second row) Partners chairperson Wendy Garf-Lipp welcomes the audience, including Joe Armenti and his staff of Whitson's School Nutrition and staff from the Old Rochester Regional School District who are speaking with New Bedford Mass In Motion Coordinator Pauline Hamel. (Row three) Mayor William Flanagan and State Representative David Sullivan and State Representative Kevin Aguiar make some brief remarks. (Bottom row) State Representative Paul Schmid and U.S. Congressman Barney Frank briefly address the group before keynote speaker Tony Geraci gives his presentation.