Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly organized a group of residents at the Mitchell Heights Apartments in the South End of Fall River to walk to the nearby Andrews Fruit and Produce Market on May 20, 2015. Part of a project funded by the Mass Council on Aging to explore ways to encourage walking among senior citizens in Fall River, the event included fifteen residents who walked to the market to purchase produce. The walk was about a third of a mile each way on a beautiful spring day. "It was really a good time. We all got together and walked together and had a lot of fun," reported  resident Carla Connell. "People didn't think they could make it, and they did!" stated resident Dorothy Francis who walks a lot herself.  "I'm so proud of them." Residents were offered a $5 gift certificate that they could use at the store, but most purchased items in addition to that amount. It is hoped that the walk will inspire residents to do more walking to the market, either individually or in groups. Click here for a Senior Walking Map. Click here for a five-minute video of the walk and the residents' reactions. For further information, contact Julie Kelly at 508-324-2405. (Photos or residents in the first three rows courtesy of Eric Andrade and Brian Moses)

(Top row) Residents are joined by Partners Outreach Manager Brian Moses as they head down South Main Street to the Andrews Market and then head back to the Mitchell Apartments. (Row two, right) Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly awaits the group's arrival with $5 gift certificates that the residents can use to make purchases. (Row three, left) Planning group member Richard Lopes looks around the market while residents shop. (Row four) Tenant Association President Bill Walker helped to get the group together by signing people up ahead of time, and resident John Bettencourt displays his gift certificate. (Bottom row) Project Assistant Eric Andrade shares his observations about the walk with Ms. Kelly and Partners staff members Marcia Picard and Brian Moses after the walk who discussed ways of making the walking route safer for residents.