Senior notes

by Cora Flood

Write Well with Áine Greaney

A special word of thanks to Áine Greaney who made the schlep down from Newburyport on two occasions recently to meet our senior coffee morning and Cara Club regulars.

Áine is originally from near Cong, Co, Mayo (as one person approvingly mentioned sure isn’t that almost Connemara!”). She is a writer, author and published essayist. Áine shared a little about her own story, growing up at home, moving to Dublin, teaching in Co. Longford (which in the 1980’s seemingly was not unlike the Wild West”) and making the brazen decision to move to the States. Áine has always had a passion for writing. She explained the benefits of diary keeping and shared some of her own little tips on how to get down at least one page of thoughts a day.

Since moving to the US in 1986, Áine has published short fiction and personal essays, plus a novel “The Big House” and she has just signed a book contract for her next novel. Áine and I are working out the details of a writing workshop for our Irish seniors, more details to follow.

pension office updates

We have had a very full couple of weeks. Between follow up on pension applications and new applications being submitted to Sligo and Newcastle on Tyne we will keep the US postal service in business for another while! Feel free to call us here at the Irish Pastoral Centre with any kinds of questions you might have about your eligibility for an Irish or British pension. I also want to advise readers that patience is not only a virtue but a must when you are calling the Sligo pension headquarters. You are likely to be on hold for some time. You might try calling around 10:00 am Boston time, after lunch in Ireland usually the on hold time is shorter. Good luck.

A lot of kudos must be shared after a very successful Monthly seniors outing to Canton. Our musicians were really well received; the traditional airs, melodies and waltzes went down a treat. Thanks to John, Tim and friends from Comhaltas Music School. “You are never too old to learn to play an instrument is their catch phrase”. Maureen, Kevin, Rita, Peter, Angela, Mai, Josephine, Sean, Vera, Sr. Marguerite, Fr. John and Pat all played a critical role in the smooth running of our afternoon program. Your time and talent does not go unrecognized.

surprise guest

Deirdre Ni Fhalluin, new Vice Consul at the Irish Consulate in Boston popped down to Quincy this week and joined in the festivities of our Wednesday gathering. Deirdre was warmly received and all appreciated the opportunity to meet a member of our Irish diplomatic corp as well as learn about the work and services that are provided by their office. We look forward to a close working relationship in the coming months.

Our October calendar of activities has just been printed, call or email for your copy.

Have a wonderful week ahead…. Cora