Join the Irish community in Arizona at O’Connor’s Pub, 2601 W. Dunlap Ave. in celebration of Patty’s Day in August.  A fundraiser, in honor of Patty Boyle-McCrossan, will take place on August 2, 2009, at O'Connor's Pub (2601 W. Dunlap Avenue). The goal is to raise funds to offset Patty's extensive medical bills. A silent auction, 50/50 raffle, lunch buffet, and a full day of live entertainment, including Irish step dancers, Irish bagpipers, and musicians will begin at noon. Assistance in the form of financial contributions, silent auction items, the purchase of raffle tickets and product of services are needed. For additional information contact John Good (co-chair) 623.939.0209 or Jimmy O'Connor (co-chair) 602.509.0593.  Join Pat McCrossan, Brazen Heads, Ocean’s Apart, Sheila Maguire, Biffos, Brid Dower and many others. For a full list, see the blog spot at http://www.pattysday.blogspot.com.

The Center would like to send its condolences to the family and friends of retired Phoenix Fire Captain John Shadron.  John was an active member of the Phoenix Fire Emerald Society and its events including the 9-11 Remembrance and the Half Way to St. Patty's party.  John was buried on June 27 and is interned at St. Francis Cemetery.

The Irish Foundation of Arizona will meet on Wednesday, August 5th, at 7:00 P.M. at the Center. The IFA will have a short business meeting followed by another episode of Ballykissangel (an Irish television program filmed in Avoca, in the Wicklow area).  Everyone is welcome.

Please mark your calendars to join the Irish Foundation on their monthly Pub Sundays.  This month, it will be held on July 19 at the beautiful Lis Doon Varna, 16100 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center, Peoria, 1:00PM.  August 16, Dubliner Irish Pub, 3841 E. Thunderbird, Phoenix, 1:00PM.  September 20, Annual Fall Tea, The Center, 2:00-5:00PM.

According to this month's newsletter, the IFA Board and membership has in the past, expressed the desire to collaborate with fellow groups within the Irish community.  The decision has been made to join with the ICC Academy classes for their annual IFA Christmas Party.

Contra Dance, usually held the last Wednesday of each month, will be taking a holiday for the month of July.  Join them again at the end of August here at the Center.

Welsh League does not meet in July but encourages all of you to attend the annual Arizona Highland Celtic Festival in Flagstaff on July 18th and 19th.  We will have a booth there and would welcome a visit from you.  If anyone can help out for a few hours either day please let John Good know: 623-939-0209.  For more details regarding the festival visit the web site: http://www.nachs.info.

July's First Friday at the Center is scheduled for July 3, 2009. 

Our featured artist is Ann Griffin.  Ann Griffin grew up in a very rural area,in the far reaches of the North eastern United States, very near the Canadian border. Much of her youth was spent wandering the forests around her home. Regardless of the time of year, the contrasts of light and shadow drew her in and natures vulnerability kept her there. Even after nearly 20 years, nature is still her central focus. "Many days I feel overwhelmingly that I must vocalize in some way the tender needs that which surrounds us " Says Ann about her art. "We have such an amazing world; we need to continue taking steps to correct past mistakes and hopefully my paintings will encourage this."  July's dinner celebrates the United States Independence with beer bratwurst with kraut, Potato salad, cole slaw, macaroni salad. 

To top it all off red, white and blue berries and cream dessert.  Join us for dinner, art and the ever popular Irish Cultural Center seisiun musicians.

The Phoenix Gaels' mission is to actively participate in one of Ireland's most popular sports while promoting Irish heritage and culture throughout Arizona. We are committed to providing an opportunity to learn about and play one of Ireland's oldest Sport. We commit to providing an opportunity to meet new people and for the team and their families to gather, socialize and develop strong friendships. Who can join the Phoenix Gaels? Anyone and everyone! Roughly 50% of our team is made up of Irish-born players. The other 50% come from many different cultural and geographical backgrounds.

The Academy of Celtic Studies begins the third term in August.  The cost for music and language classes is $100.00 for the 8 week term. Private lessons are available in 30 or 60 minute time slots. The cost for private lessons is $20.00 per 30 minute class and $40.00 per 60 minute class. For further information, please call (602) 254-6094.The 3rd Saturday of most months, we offer Ceili dance lessons. This is a 2 hour dance-intensive workshop, geared towards both beginning and advanced dancers of all ages. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12.  Call Mary at 602-258-0109. Class days and times vary, and can usually be adjusted to suit your schedule.

Members of Four Peaks Irish Arts have expressed an interest in the possibility of forming a ceili band. Concertina player Flo Fahy will be heading up this project and lending her authentic experience and expertise. Having been a member of the Inis Og ceili band and
various other traditional music groups while in Ireland, as well as being the daughter of a great Clare concertina player who often played with the great Kilfenora Ceili Band musicians (as well as many others in the 50’s and 60’s), Flo is certainly an asset to our  local music community. Flo will be supported by a small committee to include our music director, Anita Arden.