Participants in the B.M.C. Durfee High School Peaceful Coalition, Fall River Youth Services, the Fall River Housing Authority Family and Youth Services, and Community Development Re-creation held a Kick-off to a Peaceful Summer at the Bank Street Armory on June 22, 2011. The event included remarks by CD-REC program director Jamison Souza, Family and Youth Services Director Joey DaSilva, Youth Services Director Christian McCloskey and Peaceful Coalition student advisors Tom Khoury, Michaela Hetzler and Paul Leite as well as a special guest appearance by Fall River basketball star Chris Herren. Each speaker emphasized the importance of getting involved with organized summer activities including an open gym every Thursday and Friday at CD-REC. Other activities during the event included break-dancing and a free cook-out. The event was supported by the Housing Authority, CD-REC and the Shannon Grant, Printing for the event was donated by Express Printing in Fall River. Click here for the video of the event. Click here for photos of last year's event. For more information about the Peaceful Coalition, contact student advisor Paul Leite at 508-235-2694.
 

(Top row, left) Peaceful Coalition advisor Michaela Hetzler signs a peace pole as advisor Paul Leite looks on. (Top row, center) Sean Pavao goes in for an underhand layup as he practices with others before a game. (Top row, right) Brothers Phearsom and Phearane Loch sign in and pick up a free tee-shirt provided by Express Printing. (Middle row, right) Durfee High School advisors Paul Leite and Tom Khoury speak to the crowd about getting involved in meaningful activity as a way to reduce opportunities for violence over the summer. (Bottom row, left) Basketball star Chris Herren talks with Jason Springer following his talk. (Bottom row, center) Peaceful Coalition member Kanha Khek demonstrates some of his break dancing skills to the group. (Bottom row, right) Youth Outreach Worker Peter Ried helps Paul Leite flip burgers to be served to the youth.