Participants in the Fall River Fitness Challenge joined members of the Fall River Fire Department to be recognized by Mayor William Flanagan at the opening of a new art exhibit at the Staircase Galleries sponsored by Arts United and the Fall River Mass In Motion project on March 10, 2011. The Galleries are part of an initiative to encourage physical activity among employees and visitors to Government Center by providing a welcoming environment. Art was provided by Fall River Firefighters Vinnie Pavao and Ken Perry as well as B.M.C. Durfee High School students Abbey Richard, Cannyta Keo and Bryana Silvia. The exhibit also featured drawings of plans for future bicycle paths created by town planner Al Lima. Members of the Fall River Firefighters who took first place in the Providence "Peak the Plaza" race on February 26, 2011 were joined by Fitness Challenge participant John Belcher, who took first place in his age category, and Community Development Recreation director Grace Gerling, who took second place in her age category. "This was an unusual opportunity to bring local artists together with those who used stairs to demonstrate their fitness," commented Arts United president Sandy Dennis. The goal of the state-wide Mass in Motion  initiative is to create a healthier community through changes in policy, systems and environments. The Staircase Galleries are examples of environmental change. Click here for the   video of the event. For more information about the project, contact Mass In Motion coordinator Julie Kelly at 508-324-2405.  

(Top row, left) Mayor William Flanagan congratulates Peak the Plaza winner John Belcher as Mass In Motion coordinator Julianne Kelly applauds. (Top row, center) Fall River Firefighter Jeff Bacon holds his son as he praises his winning team from the stairwell race. (Top row, right) Julie Kelly listens as Arts United president Sandy Dennis applauds the participating artists. (Middle row) B.M.C. Durfee High School Art Department Chairperson Betty Yokell is joined by her students and artist Ken Perry and planner Al Lima as she takes the podium. (Bottom row, left) Firefighter artist Vinnie Pavao looks at one of his own pieces. (Bottom row, center and right) Christina Jorge of Dartmouth and Vinnie's mother, Hilda Pavao, pass by a painting of Ken Perry on their way to seeing another painting by Vinnie.