The first of more than forty-five Peace Poles created by 25 local organizations was "planted" at Griffin Park on May 12, 2010. The event was one of several initiatives aimed at creating a more peaceful community by raising awareness and promoting empowerment, collaboration and connection to reduce and prevent violence. "Throughout the City, both indoors and out, poles will be planted to serve as a constant visual reminder that peace is truly attainable if the community works together," stated United Neighbors director Wendy Garf-Lipp. The World Peace Prayer Society contributed handcrafted desktop peace poles to be given to Mayor  Flanagan, Acting Fall River Police Chief Dan Racine, Bristol County DA Samuel Sutter, and the Fall River Shannon Community Safety Initiative. That Initiative uses a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary five-prong approach to address gang and youth violence in the city of Fall River. Follow up activities will include a Gun Buy Back Program, the Peaceful Coalition’s Kickoff to A Peaceful Summer and the Heroes of Peace Award. Click here for the March 3rd unveiling ceremony. For more information, contact either  Wendy Garf-Lipp at 508-324-7900 or Youth Services coordinator Christian McCloskey at 508-324-2419.