Friday, January 5, 2024

Donating Blood to the American Red Cross (Jan 5, 2024)


Donated Blood to the - Boston American Red Cross 

Friday January 5, 2024, for to celebrate my Birthday (January 9, 2024)

https://www.redcross.org/


      
  

 This morning I gave a blood donation to the Boston American Red Cross on Tremont Street in Boston Mass. I took the blue line train and got off at State Street then Walked over to 274 Tremont and GOSH is it COLD outside - it is like a winter polar VORTEX!  

The young woman who prepped me and drew my blood is 26-years-old (same age as my daughter), her name is Shannon. I appreciated her kindness, gentleness, and ability to help me feel calm and at-ease.

This is my second year of giving Blood. I started on January 9, 2023 because my big sister Mary needed a blood transfusion to survive. When she shared that with me - I felt an immediate need/connection to give blood so that I could help save OTHER people's lives to. This is my way of giving back in honor of my sister - and in honor to all those who give blood and are saving lives too! You can give too - here is how. Call 

1 (800) 733-2767

  American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters


Thank you to Calar Barton who started this organization years back! 


The American Red Cross (ARC), also known as the American National Red Cross,[5] is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It is the designated US affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the United States movement to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (Credit to Wikipedia)  

American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. started May 21, 1881  (credit to Wikipedia)

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Happy 3rd Birthday to my Grandson!


It's March 2, 2023 and my Grandson Desi is now THREE-YEARS-OLD! We are celebrating his party on Sunday and the theme is Lighting McQueen. I love you the bluest! Love Nana or as Des calls me "NiNah"!
 

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Celebrating 18-years in Toastmasters!


I am celebrating 18-years in Toastmasters! I joined February 2005! It has been an amazing journey. Here is to 18 more years! I have grown as a speaker and have been able to help others grow and improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. There are numerous stories and successes as well as challenges that I have experienced along the way. 
 

Friday, January 20, 2023

My Passport came in!


 YAAAY! My 2023 Passport came in the mail and is active for 10-years to 2033! That is an entire decade and I hope to be able to FILL IT UP with destinations outside of the United States. I have only been to Canada. This year I am planning on going to the Toastmasters International Convention in the Bahamas. 

Other "maybe" trips are - Barcelona in March, Ireland, and Netherlands in August. 

As Dr. Suess says, "Oh the places you will go"!




Emerson College Student Testimonials


Emerson College Student Testimonials 

What an honor to be able to teach Fundamentals of Communications to students at Emerson College - my alma mater (Class of 1990). Fall 2022 I taught two courses and was asked to teach two Spring 2023 courses. The curriculum is jam packed for students to learn the art of public speaking and communication skills. 

Thankfully two students wrote kind testimonials and with their permission I am posting them on my blog and other social media outlets. 

 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

November is National Adoption Month - Superman was Adopted

November is National Adoption month. Did YOU know Superman was adopted? Did YOU know Superman was adopted? As a former foster youth, I was "almost adopted". Unfortunately, some of us never find or forever homes. YOU can make a difference by adopting or fostering. 


Thank you President Joe Biden for Signing the 2022 Proclamation. 

A Proclamation on National Adoption Month, 2022

A Proclamation on National Adoption Month, 2022 | The White House


During National Adoption Month, let us celebrate families that create safe and supportive homes and families that are made whole through adoption, and let us continue working to ensure that every child has a loving family to call their own.

     I am committed to helping families pay for the costs of adopting a child, which is why I have called for the adoption tax credit to be made fully refundable.  This would enable devoted adoptive families to worry less about the costs of welcoming children into their homes and focus more on laying the supportive foundation for full and happy lives.  I have also proposed extending the adoption tax credit to legal guardianships — including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives — which would make it easier for loving family members to care for children who need their support.  This measure could also help reduce racial inequities in our country’s child welfare system, which too often render some children of color more likely to be removed from their homes and cut off from their families and communities.

     At the same time, my Administration is fighting discrimination in the adoption process.  As part of my Executive Order on Advancing Equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Individuals, we are partnering with State child welfare agencies to remove barriers and combat biases that can make it harder for LGBTQI+ families to adopt.  The Department of Health and Human Services will provide training and technical assistance to State child welfare agencies in order to better support LGBTQI+ youth, whose needs are often unmet in the foster care system, and take steps to ensure all youth are placed in supportive environments.  Additionally, we are committed to ensuring that older adolescents transitioning from the foster care system have access to housing and education and can pay their bills and prepare for adulthood, which is why I have proposed increasing funding for the John H. Chafee Successful Transition to Adulthood program by 70 percent.

     This National Adoption Month, we recognize all the adoptive and kinship families across America who change children’s lives for the better.  We give thanks for the foster families who love, care for, and provide for our Nation’s foster youth as well as the dedicated professionals who are invested in these children’s futures.  We send our encouragement to everyone still waiting for the chance to adopt and grow their family.  We rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all children have the unconditional love of a permanent home.

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2022 as National Adoption Month.  I encourage all Americans to honor this month by helping the children and youth in your communities find homes where they can thrive.  Through our collective action, we can connect children and youth with their forever families and give them a brighter future.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

                           JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Happy 98-Years Toastmasters!


Happy 98 Years Toastmasters! 
Toastmasters International turned 98 which means it is almost 100 years old! 
www.toastmasters.org


Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM-4, PDG & Dr. Ralph Smedley 

  "Ours is the only organization I know dedicated to the individual, we work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others." - Dr. Ralph Smedley


"While most of us may have entered Toastmasters to learn to make speeches, that benefit is but the beginning of the good which may come to us and the good which we may do for mankind." - Dr. Ralph Smedley


Dr. Sherri holding the Toastmasters International Flag.

 "We learn best in moments of enjoyment"
- Dr. Ralph Smedley

I have been in Toastmasters since 2005 and have enjoyed my journey in the speaking, competing, leadership tracks. One of my favorite quotes is from our first female international president Helen Blanchard. 

"If you get all you can out of Toastmasters, you'll never get out of Toastmasters 

 - Helen Blanchard 1985-86 International President


See story links below.

In Memory of Helen Blanchard, Toastmasters International President, 1985–1986 — Toastmasters District 58 (toastmasters-d58.org)


Helen Blanchard, 86, was first woman accepted into Toastmasters - The San Diego Union-Tribune (sandiegouniontribune.com)


 

Friday, October 14, 2022

Smedley Chapter One Advanced Club - Celebrating 98 Years of Toastmasters!


Photo L-R: Dr. Sherri Raftery, DTM-4, PDG & 
Dr. Ralph Smedley - Founder of Toastmasters International 


Smedley Chapter One Advanced Club is celebrating 98 Years of Toastmasters Since October 22, 1924.




 

Groundbreaking Ceremony Phase 2 East Boston Piers Park

Groundbreaking Ceremony Phase 2 East Boston Piers Park

Boston City Council Gabriel (GiGi) Colletta with Dr. Sherri

 Today October 14, 2022, at 2PM-EST there was a Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 2 of East Boston's Piers Park with Massport, Boston Politicians, Members of the Council, and Boston Mayor Michelle Woo. This is such an exciting event and opportunity to continue to build parks with open space right in front of the East Boston Harbor. The speakers who made us laugh, clap, and appreciate all who devote their time to making the city better place for all to enjoy.

Community Activist, Margaret Famer, Boston Mayor Michelle Woo, 
Dr. Sherri, Boston City Council GiGi Colletta

#EastBostonPiersPark


Former City 1 Council Sal Lamattina, with Aides of Representative Madaro, and my neighbor. 


Dr. Sherri, Community Activist Mary Beringer, 
Representative Adrian Madaro at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.

Dr. Sherri & Pat Capogreco


This is exciting for me because it is right in my neighborhood. I was enjoying hearing the speeches from those who were at the lectern. Some of the very same people who were there in December 2013 when we gather for the groundbreaking Topping Off Ceremony for Portside at Pier when former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was leading Boston. It brought back memories for me when I was the former East Boston Chamber Executive attending many ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, and supporting local businesses. Those were wonderful times, and it is awesome to see continued revitalization practices for the next generation to enjoy!



Wednesday, June 15, 2022

2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit - Featured Guest Speaker!

2022 Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit 

Featured Guest Speaker!

Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

Thank you, Toastmaster, Sensi Dave Armstrong. I am so honored to be speaking at the "Mentoring & Parenting Teens Summit" on Sunday June 26, 2022 at 3PM - (EST-USA).

I will be sharing my research and dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education!" By increasing foster youth chances in college we can help decrease their chances of incarceration.

Register at this link:

 Mentoring and Parenting Teens Summit (Unlimited Potential Network) (upna.net)

 

 Photo: Dr. Sherri Raftery - Standing at the Toastmasters International Convention Lectern

Dr. Sherri Raftery

Dr. Sherri Raftery (RAF TUR REE) earned her doctorate in Education Leadership in Higher Education May 2022 from Endicott College. Dr. Sherri's Dissertation "Foster Youth Mentorship Programs in Higher Education" will be published this year too. Dr. Sherri is a professor and teaches public speaking and communication courses to college students. Dr. Sherri served as the Toastmasters District 31 District Director and earned the 2016 Toastmaster of the Year Award. Dr. Sherri was honored by The Home for Little Wanderers in 2008 and also was the 2016 East Boston Times Woman of the Year. Dr. Sherri is Sabrina's mother and Desmond's Grandmother (Nana)!

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

District 31 2nd Place 2022 World Champion Public Speaking!


 I earned 2nd Place in the District 31 -- 2022 World Champion of Public Speaking!

This was an amazing journey, and I was thrilled to finally be a competitor in the District 31 International Speech Contest. I will continue to compete and improve my speeches.

Monday, March 7, 2022

Keynote for International Women's Day! Tuesday March 8, 2022


 I was invited to be the Keynote Speaker for Athena International Toastmasters Club by the President and Past International Director Vicky F, DTM. This is such an honor, and I am excited to share about some famous women who have made a difference in the United States and even the world.


The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “ Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow ”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters!


I am celebrating 17-years in Toastmasters -- "Where Leaders Are Made"! - www.toastmasters.org



Enjoying the President's Dinner Dance with PDG Ritchie C!

Competing and District 31 Area Speech Contest!


Attending and Toastmasters International Convention with the First Female International President  Helen Blanchard, DTM, and Fellow Toastmaster & Emerson College friend Rose S, DTM, PRA


Preparing for the Parade of Flags and I got to hold the Toastmasters International Flag for a brief moment!

 Sharing My Toastmasters Story Part.... --- coming soon!