Two former Newtown residents who met through AFS Intercultural Programs are holding a meet and greet to share their story and reconnect with the place they once called home.

Lorry Duffany Warner and Irma Del Carmen Zurita Garrido, who graduated from Newtown High School together in 1971, are excited for their meet-and-great on Sunday, September 21, at 1 pm, at Foundry Kitchen and Tavern, 1 Glen Road in Sandy Hook. All are invited. Attendees will be able to order food and drinks as they visit with Warner and Garrido; checks will be the responsibility of each guest.

Warner’s family took Garrido in during the fall of 1970 as part of an American Field Service (AFS) exchange program.

Now known as the AFS exchange program, the study abroad program lets secondary school students study at a high school in a new country during an academic year, semester, or trimester. These students are supported and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers while they make new friends, learn a new language, and live with a global family.

For Garrido, who was born and raised in Chile, Warner’s family quickly became a second family of her own. Garrido returned to Chile once she graduated, but she and Warner kept in touch despite the distance. They went through many communication methods over the years and excitedly shared stories about their day-to-day life. Even as Garrido traveled to Spain, fell in love, and started her family there, the time difference did not stop her and Warner from considering each other sisters.

Garrido only visited the United States a few times after graduating. She quickly planned a trip with Warner a few weeks ago to visit once again, however. The current trip, Garrido said, is her fourth time traveling to the United States.

After landing on Monday, September 15, Garrido is excited to spend time with Warner and her husband, Austin. She will stay until Tuesday, September 30.

Garrido and Warner both said they are excited for the meet-and-greet event this approaching weekend, and hope to see familiar and new faces alike.

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.