Yet another amazing event sponsored by Children in Balance!  Spencer Borden was the final Fall River elementary school to have its fun family health initiative, and it had the most amazing turn out of students and their families!  We saw some delicious healthy cooking take place, participated in some fun and awesome dance/exercise moves, and toured the booths of the amazing health-related organizations in Fall River.  What a fun (healthy!) night!!

Well, I’m about halfway through my South American visit to Uruguay where I am representing my country, city, and Rotary District.  It has certainly been an adventure so far!  My team and I have visited many schools and hospitals, met many gauchos (Uruguayan cowboys) both young and old, gave numerous presentations to Rotary Clubs and at the District Conference, tried some amazing new food and dessert, and even had our fun with meeting new furry creatures along the way.  Most importantly, we have experienced a beautiful culture full of warm and inviting people, amazing customs, and breathtaking scenery.  I thank Rotary International and the loving Rotarians of Uruguay so much for making this cultural exchange possible.

It was great to be visiting this week at Peaceful Coalition’s meeting!  The Peaceful Coalition is a program at B.M.C. Durfee High School in Fall River (that has additionally branched out into the middle schools) that provides options to students who are deemed at-risk and/or gang-involved.  It aims toward prevention and intervention with regards to violence in the schools, and the message of peace has spread far and wide as a result of these students’ and advisors’ efforts. 

As a past advisor to the group, it’s amazing to see how much they continue to grow.  While the issue of violence is certainly prevalent in our city, I cannot imagine where it might be without the determination of Peaceful Coalition.

Another great fundraiser at Spencer Borden Elementary School!  We had a blast cooking breakfast for the students and their families at this annual PTO event, and everyone had a delicious breakfast and a terrific time!

Mayor Flanagan of Fall River, MA unveiled a Peace Pole at Government Center today in an international initiative to promote peace.  I was priveleged to have painted this very Peace Pole with my colleagues and students from St. Vincent’s Home.  Each side of the pole reads, “Let Peace Prevail on Earth,” in the languages of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Khmer.  It was exciting to be part of an project that will hopefully grow city-wide very soon!

It is always a fun-filled time attending the Fall River Rotary Club’s meetings!  This week was no exception when I was invited to speak to share my upcoming trip to Uruguay and thank the Club for their support.  I’m so appreciative to have such an outstanding group of people who are always willing to give so much to others.  Thank you again for having me as your guest!

Over 125 years ago, the Sisters of Mercy established St. Vincent’s Home as an orphanage in Fall River, MA.  Today it celebrates still serving children and families in need so many years later.  We had a wonderful anniversary event to kick off our 125th anniversary, with the Bishop and the Mayor taking part in the festivities.

For more information on St. Vincent’s Home, please visit: http://www.stvincentshome.org/.

The Eagle Performing Arts Center hosted an intimate night of music with Cheryl Wheeler and PattyLarkin in a benefit for the Katie Brown Educational Program.  It was a night of great company, music, and mission!

I was so happy to attend the 2010 Miss America Pageant at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas to cheer on our Miss Massachusetts, Amanda Kelly!  She looked so beautiful up on the stage during the TLC live event.

Congratulations to our new Miss America from Virginia, Caressa Cameron!

This weekend I participated in a retreat for Rotary International’s District 7950 Group Study Exchange (GSE) trip to Uruguay.  I was chosen to be a member of this 5-person team that will visit District 4980 in Uruguay from April 14 - May 15, 2010.  The month will consist of living with various Rotarians in Uruguay; presenting on the United States, my community, my profession, and my family to various Rotary Clubs; shadowing Uruguayans in my profession to gain a new perspective on methods and theories; and developing a deeper understanding for a different culture.  I will return as a Goodwill Ambassador to Rotary International, and I am so proud I can represent my country, state, city, and family in this awesome opportunity.  My thanks to the Rotary Club of Fall River for their sponsorship!

Fall River hosted a great event that kicked off its Fitness Challenge and had wonderful, fun activities for the whole family.  It was the perfect day to visit CD Rec, Battleship Cove, the carousel, and so much more!

I was very enthusiastic when the Fall River Herald News asked me to be their first participant in a segment called “Ten from the Line”.  Local celebrities are being asked to shoot 10 freethrows, and as Miss Massachusetts 2006 and a former Varsity Captain for B.M.C. Durfee High School, they thought I might like to kick off the fun.

Now, I haven’t shot a basketball in many years, and while I used to be great from the free throw line, it definitely isn’t like riding a bike.  I was REALLY nervous to be back on the basketball court, nevermind being videotaped!  But, it was a great time, and I had a blast!  Also, very importantly, it was so great to take a step back into the sport I have always enjoyed so much.

Check out the video to see how many I made!

The Herald News - Ten from the Line: Click in

I’m so proud of our Miss Massachusetts 2009, Amanda Kelly, as she prepares to leave for the Miss America pageant.  Her send-off was a wonderful party of friends, family, and fans.  Good luck, Amanda!

I was grateful to be a part of supporting our troops who are leaving from Massachusetts to serve in Afghanistan.  This past weekend held a huge sendoff at TD BankNorth Garden in Boston where Governor Patrick wished our 600+ soldiers farewell.  The event was followed this week by our own Fall River soldiers saying good-bye for 12 months.  My thoughts are prayers are with all of our heroes…we are all so proud of you.  Lou, Brian, and Nick, we will be waiting for your safe return.

The weather was rainy, but the Christmas spirit was bright! 

I had a great time walking in the parade with Spencer Borden Elementary School, and it was a fun and unexpected surprise to be face-to-face with the Boston Celtics’ Championship trophy! Fall River put on an amazing parade!!
 

It was wonderful to visit the Katie Brown Educational Program’s new space on Purchase Street in Fall River, MA.  KBEP  is dedicated to the recognition and prevention of relationship violence through innovative, interactive educational initiatives. KBEP promotes respectful relationships and provides alternatives to violent behaviors.

Photo by David Weed

To learn more about the Katie Brown Educational Program:  Click In

Fall River’s Mayor-Elect, Will Flanagan, has asked me to be part of his transition team as he prepares to take office on January 4, 2010.  I will sit as a proud member of the Community Development Team with many other wonderful community leaders.  A press conference was held to today to announce the team, and I am very grateful for this opportunity to serve the city.

It was wonderful to see my old friend, Frank Devlyn, Past President of Rotary International, at this event.  Traveling from his home in Mexico, Frank was the honored keynote speaker at this prestigious event, and we were able to recall our great memories working together for Heartbeat International.

Many local Rotary Clubs’ accomplishments were honored on this evening, and I had the pleasure of singing the National Anthem at the event held at Venus de Milo in Swansea, MA.

I had a fantastic night celebrating with the two soccer teams I coached this fall soccer season!  It was an honor to sing the national anthem to the 1,500 participants in the night’s event.  Fall River Youth Soccer did an amazing job organizing this event, and I look forward to it in the years to come.  What a great league!

I was asked to return again to this year’s Fall River Police Ball to sing the national anthem and enjoy a wonderful evening honoring our city’s finest.  I was especially proud of my friend, John Lapointe, who earned the title of Police Officer of the Year.