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The Tri-Town RotaNews - November 2, 2005
President Peter rang the bell and Joe Carroll provided the blessing giving thanks for bringing us all together and that we keep those less fortunate, all over the world, in our thoughts.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Chandler Noyes from the Haverhill Club visited TBM today. Good to see you again Chandler. Also visiting today were the Friends Forever group from Ireland.
Make Ups:
There were no make up cards today.
Fines and Happy Dollars:
Happy dollars were collected by Todd Darling.
- Joe Long gave a fiver and told a story about his youngest and her sense of humor.
- Peter McAllister is once again happy about his ventures to the hockey rink. Son Kevin is at it again, this time it a trip to Lake Placid.
- Bob Murphy, just back from his own version of European Vacation is broke. Maybe next week we can past the hat.
- Joe Carroll gave up five dollars for Northwestern as they played poorly against Oscar Padjens Michigan Alma marter.
- Joanne Travers had a sad dollar as her son Matt is home sick from school and a happy dollar in honor of our guests for Ireland.
- Linda Parker had a happy dollar as her experience welcoming the Friends Forever group has been fantastic.
- Ira Singer had some cash for Spencer.
- Denver Wallace is heading to Lake Placid as well and plans on meeting Peter McAllister for a beverage.
- Oscar Padjen parted with a president. .
Raffle:
Neither Gretchen Marks nor Todd Dartling could find the 4 of hearts and the pot grows.
Announcements:
- Peter McAllister announced that the Christmas party will be December 3rd at 4 Mile Village.
- Please make sure you choose your meal when you arrive at the meeting!
Program:
We enjoyed a special meeting today with the Friend Forever participants. The kids we met from Northern Ireland come from Ballymena Ireland which is approximately 30 miles north of Belfast. Hugh and Mandy Kerr lead the group on their fifth trip to the states. Hugh thanked the Rotarians for their generosity and supportiveness. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of Friends Forever and Hugh is thrilled to see that the same excitement from year one is still evident.
Ballymena is a town of approximately 80,000 people. 60% are Protestant and 40% are Catholic. Despite all the talk of laying down arms, the summer of 2005 was one of the worst ever as bombings totaled 50 or better, all because of religious difference. It's still unsafe to cross "the line" at night.
Friends Forever allows these kids to get away from the fear and violence. The program gets these kids together for 2 weeks in the States. The program lasts a year and they take their experiences back to Ireland and speak at local schools.
The kids were so appreciative of Linda and Glen Parker, opening up their home to complete strangers and treating them like family.
Each of the kids introduced themselves. Three told of their life in Ballymena and how Friends Forever has helped them understand that their really not so different from one another.
Charlene treated us to a song.
Click here for a QuickTime video presentation. (9MB)
Rotary plays an important role in the program as does the YMCA.
Linda Parker was adorned with flowers as a thank you.
For more information please visit www.friendsforeverusa.org.
Upcoming Programs:
November 9: Bill Paisley Boxford Farmer
November 16: Inn Between Annual Soup Luncheon
November 23: No meeting, Thanksgiving
November 30: Dave Drislane, PDG - Nature Slideshow
December 14: Masco Chorale
Calendar:
Calendar of District Events
Membership News:
Ask a friend to come to lunch next week. Let's all pull together and support President Peter and help the Club grow this year.
Webmaster's Notes:
- Click here to view a window into the RI website, showing the listing of the 100% PHF clubs.
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