The Mattapoisett Woman’s Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 15 at noon at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church, 17 Church St.

The program will feature a talk by Gerry Rooney about a 14-year-old boy named Manjiro, a shipwreck on Torishima Island and the John Howland whaling ship.

Rooney, president and CEO of Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society, Inc., will discuss the relationship with Manjiro's hometown, Tosashimizu, Japan, and the current programs at the society, which is located at 11 Cherry Street, Fairhaven.

Rooney first encountered the hospitality of Japan when he visited the country during a 3.5-year journey around the world by motor scooter. In 1987, she accompanied a group from the New Bedford area to Tosashimizu to sign the "Sister City" agreement.

After his retirement from a 35-year career in human services, Rooney decided to write a book on his journey across Japan. He will have a few copies of the book, “Hello Brother” for sale.

The meeting will include a light lunch. For more information or directions, call Barb at 508-864-5213.