Rotarian Bob Murphy, as MC, welcomed all of us to this annual event and asked two students, Josue and Kong (KP) to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

 

INSPIRATION
Bob Murphy spoke about our Rotary custom to have someone speak about something meaningful and inspirational. Bob said that our visiting students from San Miguel were our inspiration in their high ethical and academic virtues.

 

Pete Brock gave 10 Happy Bucks, one for the San Miguel students who are fortunate to be a part of a great school and 9 Happy Bucks for the New England Patriots win on Sunday!

 

Anthony Landi gave Happy Bucks for our visiting students and the New England Patriots.

 

Walter Adamowicz gave a Happy Buck for our continued relationship with San Miguel at this annual Holiday lunch and the Fishing Derby.

 

Many of the students gave Happy Bucks for the great lunch, great cookies, great pasta, and great conversations with Rotarians!

 

Don Saracen gave 5 Happy Bucks for the long relationship with San Miguel and special thank you to Walter and Bob for planning these events.

 

Liz Messier gave a Happy buck for the generosity of all these impressive young people!

 

David Hunter gave 3 Happy Bucks for the great life of George H.W. Bush and his service to others.

 

Jan Feyler gave a Happy Buck for visiting Rotarian Marco Marinelli.

 

Bryan Cook gave 2 Happy Bucks for his daughter who is supporting the economy while she is studying in Europe and for President Bush.

 

Wendy Marcus gave Happy Bucks for the wonderful young students from San Miguel and to remember their faces who will be doctors, senators, Presidents. Also for visiting Marco and how her grandchildren call her Marco.

 

Mary Brewster gave 5 Happy Bucks for our inspiring student guests!

 

President Art Norwalk gave Happy Bucks for the Rotarians who have volunteered to Ringing Bells on Thursday!

 

Bob Murphy introduced the executive director of San Miguel, John Wolf, who spoke about their motto as attitude of gratitude and to always remember what we are grateful for. He talked about the long connection with Rotary and how service above self is important to the San Miguel community. The school is celebrating its 25^th year!

 

John Wolf introduced Armani Nunez, an 8^th grader as our speaker. Armani said that being part of the San Miguel school over the past four years has changed his life. He has consistently achieved high honors and hopes to attend Portsmouth Abbey for high school. He would like to become a lawyer. One important skill he learned is to have a firm handshake as a gesture of confidence and respect.

 

6^th grade teacher, Michael Joseph introduced his students who gave a spirited staged reading of The Grinch. It was a great presentation!!

 

Then Santa arrived, bearing gifts – a movie pass for each student!!

 

Later in the week, about 15 members continued another holiday tradition by ringing bells for the Salvation Army and generating nearly $375 in donations from shoppers at the Eastside Market. Thanks to Erica Busillo-Adams for organizing the effort.

 

At the cocktail hour on Thursday about two dozen members and guests gathered at Federal Hill Pizza to socialize and learn about the charitable activities of owners Billy Manzo and Shelley Peterson through their organization Chefs Feeding Kids.