Kathy Collins has been working with Weymouth Youth & Family Services for over 24 years and has seen many changes. "Our building underwent a major renovation last year that included a new roof and windows. These renovations have resulted in our being able to offer Weymouth teens a wonderful space where they can enjoy a safe, professionally supervised environment. They can hang out with their friends, play pool, ping-pong, and video games. We have an exercise room and offer tutoring, and a number of special events, like band nights, dances, and trips to see Boston sporting events, like a Celtics basketball game."  (pictured above)

     The Teen Center is free and is open Monday - Thursdays, 2 pm - 6 pm and until 9 pm on Fridays. It is a drop-in center with no membership required. Kathy invites teens to "Give us a try. Stop by one day after school and see what the Teen Center is all about. Try it - you may like it!"

 

     The mission of Weymouth Youth & Family Services is to provide advocacy and social service programs to youth and their families in the Town of Weymouth in order to promote the welfare and social growth of these members of the community.  Another major focus of the WYFS is their Family Christmas Celebration. Kathy Collins is happy to report that this event was a wonderful success. She says, "I want to thank everyone who contributed to our Christmas Drive. This year we helped over 450 families in Weymouth enjoy a happy holiday."

 

     Starting in October, Kathy and her staff solicit cash donations and toys for the Christmas Fund and in December Mayor Susan M. Kay promotes the Christmas Fund on her regular cable TV show. Kathy commented, "Mayor Kay's 'telethon-like' show promotes the fundraiser all month long with the money donated going to utility expense help as well as the Christmas Fund. Weymouth is such a generous and caring community - businesses and individuals responded to Mayor Kay's fundraising efforts and gave from the heart. It's been my experience that any time we need help, I ask one person and before I know it, 30 people show up with donations!"

 

     This year, Weymouth Youth and Family Services also benefited from the annual Coat Collection sponsored by McDonald Keohane Funeral Home. "Many of those in shelters needed coats and we were able to distribute both children's and adult coats collected by McDonald Keohane," Kathy explained.

 

     To learn more about the Community Services and the Teen Center in Weymouth, visit, the youth and Family Services website.  or call

781-331-1719 ext 113.

 
       McDonald Keohane Funeral Home is pleased to sponsor Daffodil Days, a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. We join our "sister" location in Quincy which has participated for the past two years to raise money in the fight against cancer.  

 

     Dennis Keohane said, "We are so happy to be a sponsor here in Weymouth. It makes us smile to know that spring is coming and we can help usher it in by ordering daffodils that will arrive in mid-March. This simple act benefits the American Cancer Society and the recipient of the daffodils ... and it us warms our hearts to donate to such a worthy cause."

 

     "We've set a goal to raise $1,000 in Weymouth this year. For as little as $10 you can make a donation and give a bunch (or two) of daffodils to brighten someone's day! All you need to do is visit our website and click on the Daffodils Days button. You'll see a list of beautiful items available in exchange for donations, including everything from fresh-cut daffodils to an adorable Daffodil Days Boyds® by Enesco® Bear." added Dennis.

 

   Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's most popular campaigns. It has empowered people to help save lives from cancer by raising money and awareness to help beat the disease. Flowers will be delivered to McDonald Keohane Funeral Home in mid-March -- we will advise all donors of the exact date and times that they can pick up their flowers. Orders must be placed by March 1, 2013. Please visit our web site and click on the Daffodils Days button to donate today.

 

  

  Spotlight on Joe Reardon 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Joe Reardon is a study in dedication ...
He has known since the age of 12 that he wanted to become a funeral director. This year is the 26th that Joe has been in funeral service, now as Vice President of Community Development and Advance Planning at McDonald Keohane Funeral Home.  

 

      

     A eulogy is a speech in remembrance of the one who died and is one of the most important elements of the funeral service. Being chosen to give a person's eulogy is an honor, but it can sometimes be difficult. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and deliver a memorable eulogy:

 

1) Begin by writing a list of what you want to include in the eulogy, such as awards, accomplishments, hobbies, and interests. Include special memories you have of your friend as well.   

 

2) Speak with your friend's family and friends to gather more information.  

 

3)Try to tie the information you now have into a theme. If for instance, your friend was always happy or smiling, create your eulogy around her happy outlook on life. If you met at school and she was a great student, create your speech around how accomplished she was in all aspects of her life.    

 

 4)  Begin to write your eulogy and include personal remembrances, but avoid inside jokes that others might not understand. Highlight important moments in her life - make your eulogy a celebration of her life.  

 

5)Practice delivering the eulogy in front of a mirror. Make whatever changes necessary and then ask others who knew your friend well to hear you read it aloud to them. Ask for their input.  

 

6) When you are satisfied with your speech, write or type it out in large type onto cards or paper. This is helpful, even if you don't think you will need to reference your notes.  

 

7)  Bring tissues with you to the lecturn, just in case you need them. Don't be afraid to show emotion; you won't be alone.   

8) Take a deep breath and as much time as you need to compose yourself before you begin.  

 

9) Introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased. Acknowledge the family members present.   

 

10) Think of your loved one; picture his or her face and speak as though he or she were in the room. Speak from the heart.

 

     If you need more information on writing a eulogy or would like a sample template for creating a eulogy, your funeral director can help you. Contact us at 781-335-0045.