Mary Jo Martin honored as Fall River Icon for welcoming family with autistic child

Mary Jo Martin received a Fall River Icon Award at a community ceremony at Gina’s on Wilson Road on Jan. 13, 2026, recognized for intervening when a family with an autistic child was prompted to leave the restaurant.

The award citation, presented by Carly from state Rep. Carol Viola’s office, noted in part: “the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to Mary Jo Martin in recognition of receiving the Fall River Icon Award for your selfless act of standing up for others with kindness and compassion.” The citation is dated 01/13/2026 and is signed by Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, according to Carly.

Organizers said the recognition followed a recent incident in which — as the host recounted — a family with an autistic child was preparing to leave after other patrons "started muttering." The host said Mary Jo went out to the parking lot, told the family, “Come back in. You're welcome here,” and invited them to return to Gina’s anytime.

Mary Jo accepted the award and emphasized it was shared with her employees. "This award is not just for me, but also for the girls that work for me because they're all good people," she said.

Speakers at the event credited Lou/Louis (named in the transcript variously as "Louis LeDoux" and "Lou Ladue") with organizing the recognition and said the bat-shaped award is part of a series acknowledging local citizens. Hosts also encouraged patrons to visit Gina’s for breakfast or lunch.

The ceremony included a citation from the state legislature and brief remarks from community members. There were no formal votes or policy actions at the event.

The event concluded with further thanks and an unrelated commemorative presentation for a fallen marine, Adam Ahmed Khan, which organizers asked Representative Allen Sylvia to accept on the family's behalf.