The Rotary clubs of Marblehead and Marblehead Harbor were delighted to host Friends Forever teens from Northern Ireland for a day of fun and sharing. Started in 1986 by Rotarian, Bob Raiche, Friends Forever (FF) has spanned three decades with one goal: to create trust, empathy and friendships between cultures in conflict - ONE YOUTH AT A TIME. Having its roots in the Northern Ireland Protestant/Catholic conflict, FF has opened the gates to Palestinian/Israeli and Uganda youths as well as expanding the nature of the Irish program to new groups entering the area bringing even more differences. The year long commitment to work together toward a more peaceful world spans far beyond with these teens and their uncanny ability to really change their family and friends and all of the people they meet here in the US. Ironically, coming to the States as the “Life Raft Formula” to show the new groups how people of different religions, origins and backgrounds get along with no problem, now works both ways. The teens meet up with a delegation from MHS Interact students for the day and the conversations are most revealing - on both sides! They spend a very joyful day of discovery!
 
 
The whole group came together at MHS and then enjoyed a beautiful Harbor Tour aboard Capt. Mentuck’s Elizabeth M with hot cocoa & cookies waiting back at the BYC! After, they joined Penny Wigglesworth for a workshop in “Penny Bears”. Penny has been a shining part of the FF visit for several years with the Irish groups increasingly involved in delivering bears for world good. So, this year they decided to pay it forward with a “Friends Forever Bear” organization they will form, operate and deliver to those in need. Penny generously donated 50 bears to get them started and sweaters for dressing, ALL knitted by Helen Dilorenzo who is 104 years young and both ADORED by all of the youths! Penny and Helen are both featured in the picture along with the Irish and MHS teens and the many Rotarians who attended the dinner at the Gerry 5.

This visit every year reminds us all that we need to work together to show tolerance and peace. These teens are walking the talk and changing the world, one youth at a time.