Volunteers who assisted in cleaning and maintaining the new Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Trail over the summer were honored at a picnic and band concert held in Britland Park at the end of the Trail on august 25, 2016. Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II was joined by City Councilor Linda Pereira and State Representative Carole Fiola to deliver citations and positive remarks about their work. Volunteers John Sousa and Janice Clarke received special recognition for their work in cleaning the river of over 200 discarded tires and removing trash from the Trail on a daily basis since the Trail opened to the public last June. "It's a small thanks for two very incredible people in our community," stated Mayor Correia. "These twp people represent what's best about Fall River, people who give of their time and really get to work," he added. Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) employee Janice Velozo, who organized the event, was also recognized by Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly for the extra time she has put in over the summer to connect with volunteers and organize a variety of events along the Trail. The Trail is part of a larger effort by Mass in Motion Fall River to introduce people to the new Trail and the adjoining Britland Park as a way of improving their overall health. The Trail consists of a bicycle and walking path that runs over a former railroad bed to connect with Britland Park and Rodman Street. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and by the Gateway City Park Program of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Trail will eventually open up nearly two miles of a natural habitat right in the middle of some of the lowest income sections of the City. Click here for a 16-minute video of the event. For more information about walks in the City, go to www.WalkFallRiver.org. 

(Top row) Volunteers, including John Sousa and Janice Clarke, center, are greeted by Mayor Jasiel Correia at the start of the Volunteer Recognition Picnic and Band Concert. (Row two) Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR) employee Janice Velozo, who organized the event, and Fall River Mass in Motion Coordinator Julie Kelly watch as Mayor Correia introduces himself to Nancy Fell before delivering his remarks to the group of volunteers. (Row three) Fall River City Councilor Linda Pereira and State Representative Carole Fiola also thank John, Janice and the other volunteers. (Row four) Julie and Janice uncover the food and invite people to eat while Julie talks to SSTAR Prevention Coordinator Eric Andrade. (Bottom row) Jambalaya Jammer band members Jim Rebello, Manny Cabral, Joe Pavao and Moe Cabral entertain the group with a variety of popular tunes.