Posted by Lori Moresco on Oct 29, 2018

 

Rotary Hosts Young Men and Women from Friends Forever.

 
 
 
 
As the weather was desperately trying to clear, 17 Rotarians and 25 guests came together for a meeting with the Minuteman Interact Club and the Friends Forever group. Another delicious lunch of turkey burgers, beef, veggies, cold cuts, soup, salad, fruit and dessert was enjoyed by all.
 
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Past President Dominic S, the first verse of America by Past President Lori M and the invocation given by Past President Don S.
 
Past President Jim S introduced Veronica Tamurrini-Caira from Enterprise Bank. Veronica is also the treasurer for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and has submitted an application for membership to the Club.
 
Phil, Kylie and Rebecca were introduced with the Friends Forever group and Connie M attended as Interact Coordinator. Connie again thanked the Club for the help we have given and updated us on the activates of their Club. Interact intends to attend the Pack Out and participate in the Polar Plunge.
 
Charlie V led us in the Welcome Song which was much better than the first verse of America. Past President Don M gave an explanation of fines and happy dollars, making a donation himself.
 
  • Past President Spencer had some happy dollars for a supposed work event where they drank way too much beer. Sergeant at Arms Allan gave 10 happy dollars for the Red Sox World Series win.
  • President Michelle also had 10 happy dollars.
  • Past President Jim S paid a 10 dollar fine for mentioning the Colonial Times.
  • Past President Dan O gave 10 happy dollars for good singing of the welcome song, fining each member one dollar for the horrible first verse of America.
Announcements
  • 11/3 Veterans Breakfast 8-11am Keilty Hall Saint Brigids Church
  • 11/12 Veterans service and lunch at the Bedford VA 10am service, followed by lunch. A joint effort with the Concord Club.
  • 11/12 No meeting Veterans Day Celebrated
  • 11/16 Cash Raffle 6:30pm Lexington Golf Club Raffle donations needed
  • 11/18 Rise Against Hunger Pack Out 11am-4pm Lexington Minuteman High School
  • 11/19 Lexington Burlington Thanksgiving Joint Meeting 12:15pm Lexington Golf Club
 
The raffle gifts today were donated by Arlex Oil, Past President Bill C, Rotary Club of Lexington, Walpole Cooperative Bank and Busa Wine and Spirits.
Raffle gifts needed.
 
Today we were joined by the Friends Forever Group and the Rotary Club of Lexington Interact Club from Minuteman High School. Earlier in the day the Friends Forever came to Minuteman High School to have breakfast, making their own omelets in the restaurant with the culinary arts department. Breakfast was followed by a tour of the various shops in the school. Then off to Sunrise Nursing Home in Weston to visit and entertain residents there.
The Irish teens commit to a yearlong program including six months preparation at home. There are 5 students from Holy Family Youth Club (Catholics) led by Kylie and five from Mount Collyer Youth Club (Protestants) led by Phil. They agree to no technology or television for the entire trip. The group stays in New Castle, New Hampshire and enjoys many community service projects, including working with kids with disabilities, the Red Cross and Food Pantries. A favorite part of the program is helping others, working side by side with their new friends. Learning that teens everywhere are the same was a bit of a surprise to many of the Friends Forever participants.
Phil spoke to the situation in Northern Ireland and Belfast noting the absence of government. He spoke of the wall built in the park. The only one of its kind in all of Europe. It was built on the day of the ceasefire of the IRA as a Peace Wall. The area is very dangerous with police presence and cameras. Next, Ronan told us of his preparation for this trip, and his appreciation of working together in the group. He dreaded giving this talk but is interested in public speaking and leadership. He noted his inspiration comes from his Granny, Mahatma Gandhi and Donald Trump. Ronan spoke of the violence, mentioning a bombing, where eleven were forced to leave their home. Then, Michael spoke about his experience with the group and at home. He said he was encouraged to join Friends Forever by his family. He has worried endlessly about having to give this speech but hopes it will help with speeches in the future. He is learning a lot in the program including Ronan’s inspiration! Both young men addressed the focus, dedication and hard work needed to move forward. Since the beginning of the Friends Forever program the violence has decreased. The group hopes to continue working together in community service at home. All participants are looking forward to shopping!
 
The 50/50 raffle was $60.00. Bob C had the winning ticket and gave it to Michael, one of the speakers from Friends Forever.
PP Lori M