Three women kicked off a new "Walk to Spring" series of ten walks, one a week at noon on every Tuesday from January 17th to March 21st, 2017 on the scenic Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail. "The idea is to keep people walking throughout the winter," commented Fall River Mass In Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly. "People forget that there are many very walkable days during the winter months, but only by getting out do people discover how enjoyable it can be. And what can be more enjoyable that the beauty that the Rail Trail offers walkers?", she added. The group meets at noon in the Wordell Street parking lot behind the Fall River Police Station before heading to the trail. The total distance is 1.7 miles to the current end of the Trail, but walkers can turn back at any point that they feel comfortable. The walks are cancelled only for serious snow or heavy rain. People with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes or diabetes especially benefit from daily exercise. Click here to see a two-minute video of the walk. Click here for photos of walks in the spring, summer and fall led by Southcoast Health clinician Michael See. For more information about the walks, contact Fall River Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly, at 508-324-2405 or.go to www.WalkFallRiver.org

(Top row) Mass in Motion Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly heads out to the Alfred J. Lima Quequechan River Rail Trail overlooking the frozen River with Debbie Elias, a retired Liberty Utilities employee, on a 45 degree day. (Row two) Julie and Debbie are joined by Stanley Street Treatment and Resources (SSTAR)  1422 Project Director Paula Beaulieu. (Row three) The trio crosses Quequechan Street and heads through the first of two tunnels under Routes 195 and 24. (Row four) Julie and Debbie pause to chat at the Brayton Avenue end of the yet-to-be completed section of the Trail, and Julie talks with a local photographer, Mike Cardoza, about entering some of his pictures of the Trail for display in the Staircase Gallery. (Row five) The group encounters wildlife and other walkers as they return to the Wordell Street parkimg area in Britland Park behind the Fall River Police Station. (Bottom row) Once back from their 2.5 mile trek, the women agree to return next Tuesday until March  and pass Ed and Pauline Breault as they head to the Trail for their regular walk.