In an effort to highlight the progress that Fall River has been making in addressing public safety issues, Senator Michael Rodrigues hosted a Public Safety Forum on October 12, 2011 at the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center on Martine Street in Fall River. Prior to attending the evening Forum, officials from the Executive Office of Human Services and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security were transported to the Department of Children and Families, the Youth Connection job center, Community Development Recreation, the Fall River Police Department and the Boys and Girls Club to learn first-hand about the many programs that help to prevent violence and the conditions that foster illegal behavior. The public was then invited to hear from officials and to ask questions relative to their concerns about public safety. The Fall River legislative delegation organized the forum to communicate to the citizens of greater Fall River how important state and city partnerships are in fostering effective community relationships, promoting environments of collective responsibility and making Fall River a safer place to live, work and raise a family. The video is a moving testimony about the influence of gangs and the power of local programs to make a difference in the life of 18 year old Michael Nehm. For more information, go to www.HealthyCityFallRiver.org or to www.cdrec.org
Erica Wheeler sang this lovely song at the annual Maryland Land Trust Alliance Conference, sponsored by the Maryland Environmental Trust. Erica performs concerts and leads workshops, fostering the emotional connection between people and place. She is a very special artist and person, and we were privileged to hear her sing. Find out more at www.ericawheeler.com