We did it! Our inaugural storytelling/memoir writing group got together a week ago for what we hope will be first of many writing circles to come. We were back and forth for months about when to do it, where to do it, who would come, how many would actually show up on the day. Well, 16 inspiring storytellers, pens and copybooks in hand arrived at the Irish Pastoral Centre for two hours filled with tales of old, some contemporary stories and many witty reminisces of family outings over the years. Aine Greaney our ever cheerful teacher teased, inspired and prodded folks to begin by first telling their own stories and then practicing writing skills. Although a little difficult at first for some, ours was not an overly bashful group, once the tongues were loosened it was hard to get a word in edgeways. Naturally every good workshop ends on a high note and our pinnacle had to be the delicious lunch with thick warm apple pie and ice cream to celebrate.

If getting together with friends, potential friends isn’t reason enough to join a writing group perhaps these points might convince.

A few good reasons to write your own story-source Aine Greaney: www.AineGreaney.com

1. Your story is unique

2. Your story is important

3. Writing makes us happy

4. Nobody else has your voice

5. Writing helps us remember

6. Writing can give you a good laugh

7. Writing can help you understand and forgive

Thanks to all who participated and to those who helped with the set up and clean up.

The weather in the past week or so has been a wee bit on the frigid side but I know that hasn’t affected those around the Senior Program at all. Record numbers of people showed up for the Alzheimers Association presentation in Brighton and our monthly outing to ICCNE.

New arrivals on the scene and birthday parties have kept the energy levels high and distracted us from our typical weather obsession. Congratulations to first time grandparents Eileen and Billy Geaney, Brighton on the birth of their precious grandchild Andrew.

Congratulations also to Tom Clifford, Al Madden and Hugh Gaffney on their community service awards. To John Rattigan and Neil Hurley whose work to assist immigrants from all over the world, apply for US naturalization and become citizens is being recognized at the State House in Boston this week. A final reminder to all our readers if you missed the presentation on Alzheimer’s in Brighton, you can still learn more about the disease, hear what resources are available in MA by attending our presentation on Wed. Nov 26^th from 9:30am to 11:30am at the Quincy Coffee Morning. Everyone is welcome and preparations for Thanksgiving don’t equal an excuse to duck out! See you there.

I would like to wish our faithful readers a Happy Thanksgiving and Miss Maureen Rose a happy first birthday……Cora

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