UPDATE (9/19, 5:40 am) An earlier version of this story mischaracterized Christopher Silvia’s partner Nathan as his brother. The reference was removed from the story. I apologize for the error. Keith Thibault
Christopher Silvia has lived in Fall River for forty years. 18 months ago he opened Christopher’s, a cafe on South Main Street.
Soon after opening Mr. Slivia began taking an interest in cleaning up his neighborhood. That has opened the floodgates into a movement he has led to empower the community to take pride in Fall River.
Mr. Silvia has spearheaded clean-ups in neighborhoods across the city, recruiting dozens of volunteers to lend a hand. He has held free neighborhood events at the cafe while encouraging other businesses on South Main Street to participate. He also partners with community organizations to lend a hand in collecting goods and supplies for those in need.
He utilizes social media to promote the cafe and his community activities. He remains mystified by how well his actions have been received.
Mr. Silvia has leveraged his work to expand its impact. He formed the South End Business Collaborative Facebook Group to connect local small businesses.
Recently he formed a non-profit organization called Action which he hopes will drive expanded awareness of the attributes of Fall River.
Mr. Silvia says he’d rather take action on projects than attend meetings and is constantly trying to leave local politics out of his work.
I have had the pleasure of seeing the results of Christophor’s and I fully agree with their statement