LITTLE COMPTON Gnome Surf’s newly opened store isn’t your typical surf shop. It’s a “sensory surf shop,” aimed at embracing neurodivergent children as part of the nonprofit’s mission of helping children through a unique tactic: surf therapy.
“When you walk into the shop, you feel it right away. The place is just filled with good vibes,” said Chris Antao, the founder of Gnome Surf.
The new store, on Main Street in Little Compton, sells surfing gear and apparel in an environment that’s meant to calm and engage children like the ones served by Antao’s nonprofit. There are interactive sensory lights that are beneficial for autistic people all over the shop, inspiring artwork and a fish tank perfect for kids to sit and stare at.
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FALL RIVER The inaugural We HeART Fall River festival will be taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 8, in downtown Fall River. The event offers three unique event areas located around the Government Center, creating a festive perimeter of free activities for all ages (and pets). We HeART Fall River is a community celebration that invites attendees to engage with community resources and with one another, while celebrating the City s creative spirit in a safe, outdoor environment. The schedule of events for the day appears below, with updates being made daily on the event Facebook page, bit.ly/weheARTfallriver.
FALL RIVER State Rep. Alan Silvia wants police officers as well as teacher aides in elementary and secondary schools to be better equipped in dealing with autistic children and adults.
“It’s very important that paraprofessionals are trained to deal with autistic kids,” Silvia said referring to certified teacher aides.
The 7th Bristol state rep also says police departments everywhere owe it to themselves and the public to require that academy recruits be given in-service training in how to interact with people diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.
“Police lack mental health disorders training,” said Silvia, who was a Fall River cop for 22 years and a major crimes detective before being forced to retire as result of an on-duty injury.
FALL RIVER Towels, pillows and surfboards aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath.
But it’s a solid match for a well-known Fall River manufacturer and a unique nonprofit group that uses surfing as therapy for children and adults with cognitive, physical and emotional challenges.
The Matouk home decor and linen company, located in Fall River Industrial Park, is now the flagship sponsor of Gnome Surf, according to Christopher Antao, the Fall River native who founded the nonprofit surf-therapy group.
Gnome Surf operates from mid May to mid October at South Shore Beach in Little Compton.
Antao, executive director of Gnome Surf, said Matouk president and CEO George Matouk, president and CEO of John Matouk & Co has pledged financial support for his organization.