Newsletter - Volume 7, Issue 29
* SECOND AND THIRD FRIDAY CEILIS NOW FEATURE SET DANCING
* CELTIC CRAFTERS AT THE ICC
* ACADEMY OF IRISH & CELTIC STUDIES TERM 3 STARTS JULY 12TH
* JULY FIRST FRIDAY JULY 2ND
* OUR COLLEEN/ROSE IS GOING TO THE ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN KERRY
* FUND RAISER FOR JANE HILTON
* ICC DOCENTS NEEDED BY GLENDA WALKER
* ICLF BOARD MEETING MINUTES
* IRISH FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA NEWS
* CONTRA DANCE AT THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
* ARIZONA DANCER AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS TCRG
* PHOENIX GAELS NEWS
* GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY
* PHOENIX SISTER CITIES NEWS
The Center will be presenting Ceilis on the second and third Friday of the month. Enjoy Irish social dancing in a relaxed atmosphere with live music and dance lessons. We will be learning set dancing at our second and third Friday Ceilis.
Admission is $6.00 with children under 12 Free (two with each paid admission) Ceilis start at 7:00 pm. The Ceili schedule for 2010 is as follows: June 18, July 9 & 16, August 13 & 20, September 10 & 17, October 8 & 15, November 12 & 19, and December 10 & 17. Ceili dance workshops at the Center are on the third Saturday of most months from 1:00-3:00 PM. These are two hour dance intensive for beginning and advanced dancers. Beginners will focus on basic footwork and simpler Ceili dances (Fairy Reel, Siege of Ennis, etc). Advanced dancers will learn more difficult figure dances (Cross Reel, Trip To The Cottage, etc). If you are an experienced Ceili go-er or if you have never danced before, this is the class for you! Make new friends and learn how to dazzle the spectators at the next ICC Ceili. Admission is $16.00 for adults and kids under 12 $2.00 RSVP required (602) 258-0109. 2010 dates for the third Saturday Ceili Workshop are June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18.
The Celtic Crafters at the ICC will meet Saturday, June 19th at 10:00 am at the Irish Cultural Center. For further information, please contact Patricia Prior at priorhomes@cox.net or 480-242-3500.
The Academy of Celtic Studies begins its third term on July 12th. If you are on vation for the beginning of therm term you can start later with pro-rated tuition. 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 Pat McCrossan at (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. If you are interested in participating in the Academy, it is not too late to begin.
Classes offered:
5-String Banjo (Clawhammer)
5-String Banjo (Scruggs Style)
Accordion
Bagpipes
Banjo (Irish Tenor)
Bodhran
Ceili Dance
Fiddle
Guitar
Harp
Highland Dance
Irish Language
Irish Step Dancing
Mandolin
Music Theory
Piano/Keyboard
Pipe Band Drumming
Slow Seisiun
Welsh Language
Whistle/Flute
Our Artist for the month of July will be Lynn Mascarelli. Lynn, a docent at the Irish Cultural Center , presents a multi-media exhibit in colored pencil, poster art, photography, and paintings on canvas. Having studied art at Skidmore College in upper New York State and other studios, Lynn is mostly self-taught. A former high school teacher. She taught Art, History and Art History. Lynn's penchant for early antiquities, Celtic medieval subjects, and especially the Irish journey is displayed in her works; thus, the title of her exhibit, 'inimirceach'.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, Chef Frank Hand's $10.00 of the month will be: Grilled Beer Bratwurst, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad and Cole Slaw. For dessert there will be
Red and Blue Berries with Cream
Congratulation to our 2010 Colleen/Rose Danielle McBurnett on winning the North American Regional Final on the weekend of June 4-6 in Portlaoise in Ireland. Danielle will now be representing Arizona at the 51st Annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee, County Kerry. The Festival runs from Friday, August 20th until the winner is crowned on Tuesday, August 24th. The Center wishes to extend our best wished to Danielle on this achievement.
The Arizona music community was shocked early in 2010 when Jane announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the years many of us have had the pleasure of knowing Jane Hilton; whether we took fiddle classes from her, watched her on stage or shared the stage with her, she has touched many lives with her music and her endearing personality. Jane is one of the most genuine and talented women I have met; her integrity, her passion for music and her compassion for people are all things that come to mind immediately when I hear her name.
The attached artwork represents a sticker that has been created as a fundraiser to help Jane throughout this difficult time in her life. These are available to anyone who would like to support Jane- there is a $5 minimum donation for each sticker. These are high quality 3” round vinyl decals that are suitable for indoor or outdoor use; put one on your car window and/or your instrument case to show your support for Jane around Phoenix. The cost to print these decals has already been covered by a small group of Jane’s friends and 100% of your donation will go directly to Jane. We have printed 1,000 of these decals and the goal is to raise at least $5,000 (1,000 decals at $5 each) to help Jane with medical expenses. The added bonus is that Jane will see the stickers around town and know that she is loved and supported by her community.
About the design:
"Having known Jane for the time that I have, I know that she is not the kind of woman to be defined by cancer or any other disease. For this reason, the traditional breast cancer awareness “Pink Ribbon” is present but it takes up only a small portion in the design. I have no doubt that Jane will overcome this disease and, just like in this design, the cancer will one day be just a footnote in her life. The main focus of the design is an image that we can all relate to Jane by; a fiddle (or violin) depending on which musical circle you know her from!). The text within the banner is a simple expression of love and support for Arizona’s favorite fiddler." Says Johnny Kerr. Please contact Johnny Kerr for details kerr.johnny@gmail.com on how to get your decal. Decals are also available at the Irish Cultural Center.
Please note that I have proceeded with this fundraiser only after sharing the idea with Jane and receiving her permission.
What, you may ask, is a Docent? A docent is basically a friendly person who greets guests at the Irish Cultural Center and provides tours of the facilities. Training will be given about all the attractions we have. It’s a great way to meet people from all over the world. When not conducting tours, the docent may help in the gift shop or with office work. It’s a fun way to help the ICC, so please contact Mary Moriarty at 602 258 0109 to volunteer.
1106 N. Central Avenue
Attendees: Jim Cunningham, Paul Ahearn, Jim Daugherty, Jimmy O’Connor, Will Gaughan, Sean Prior , Bill O’Brien, Phil Giltner, Sean Lee, Royer Collins, Pat Prior, Bill McClelland, Paul Ahearn, Ann Odenwald.
Staff: Mary Moriarty, Pat McCrossan
Guests: Barbara McCoy Burke, Ennis Sister Cites Chair; Cate Russo, City of Phoenix, Ken Vonderscher, Deputy Director, City of Phoenix; Mary Hill Connor, President, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann FPIA; Sandra Carroll; Harry Carroll, Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee; , Rene Giltner,CPA.
Called to Order at 12:09
Jim Cunningham: Introductions: Pat and Jim presented flowers to Renee Giltner for all of her work in getting our books straight,
Financials were distributed, and are attached. Renee stepped us through it. As of today we have $18,000 in our checking account for general expenses.
Norman McClelland: Phil reported that Emerald Foundation $131,557 spent on preparations for getting Library construction permits.
Paul Ahearn: Not as far along as had hoped, but progress continues, finally at a point that electrical plan is ready for submittal. Working with Scottsdale Architect Robert Lynch on ADA accessibility requirements. Will be submitting in June for Building Permit, will probably take 6 to 8 weeks for review, should be ready for permit by end of August or early September. Jim followed with comments that Norm has insisted that the Library will have its own funding sources that will not negatively impact the ICC. Jim D. observed that it will enhance the ability of the ICC support cultural activities such as the academy. Sandra O’Carroll asked about the actual funding of Library Operations. Norm responded, get enough to establish endowment, commitment from Emerald Foundation, $100,000 in matching funds, and programs developed that would bring in funding. Primarily need funding for staffing and expenses.
Ann Odenwald: Now listed on ASU website for volunteers, and I has really been helping us get volunteers for events, including more adults. ASU downtown is also becoming more involved via their volunteers.
Sharon Caruso: Working with Vendors relationships.
Jim Daugherty: Minutes 2008, approved as distributed. Reported as Dance Director, on twice monthly Ceili’s, Ceili lessons, and other Ceili’s.
Jimmy O’Connor: Done with Chemo, and ready to go back to work.
Pat McCrossan: Irish Academy of Irish Arts: 85 students, first quarter, 2009, and made a profit, of approx $70. Next term is at 40 students. Gift shop did $13,000 which is down, about $60,000 in inventory. Nobody is discouraged from going to sesiuns.
Sean Prior: Winter solstice celebration Sean has been doing for 10 years, and would like to step down after this year. We need new ideas and new blood for it.
Harry Carroll: Phoenix St Patrick’s Day Parade donates whatever they have as surplus last year it was $5000.
Cate Russo, city of Phoenix: happy to be here
Ken Vonderscher, City of Phoenix Parks/Rec. Looking to leverage whatever existing resources we have to help the ICLF.
Barbara McCoy Burke: Ennis Sister Cities shared plans for upcoming year.
Mary Moriarty, Operations: “We are still here!” Great relationship with the City Parks and Rec, We have good working relationships with Japanese Gardens, Light Rail is bringing some new patrons. Tour of Ireland still has a few openings.
Mary Hill Connor, president, FPIA, CCE: mission to enhance Irish Culture, very similar to ICLF.
Bill O’Brien: discussed the number of different Irish groups in Phoenix. Looking to tie them all to the Irish Cultural Center, suggests we make them all affiliates via a membership card, free for first year.
Glenda Walker: New York Life, would like to have the $500 she gets from them and donates to the center to go to the academy.
Sean Lee: Councilor Liaison, the Irish Council thought he might be able to help with ring fort, but still up in air.
Royer Collins: Discussed the need to get the young folks involved at the directors level.
Patricia Prior: Bloomsday and Festival. 7 to 9 independent brewers will be here for that. June 6. We need new chair for Irish Festival this year, we will be able to do the festival this year per the city of Phoenix.
Elections for incumbent board members: Moved that all incumbent trustees be re-elected, Unanimously approved.
Treasurer, Brian Tobin Nominated for Treasurer, unanimously approved,
Nominees to the Board of Trustees: Mary Hill Connor, Sharon Caruso, were nominated and unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned at 1:36 pm
Respectfully submitted
Jim Daugherty, Secretary and Vice President.
Docents wanted for the Irish Cultural Center - Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. Contact Mary Moriarty at mary@azirish.org or phone 602 258-0109 for information.
E.R.I.N. meets for Breakfast at 7:00am Second and Fourth Friday mornings at The Irish Cultural Center, 1106 North Central Avenue, Phoenix. We are working on a Guarantee basis. Reservations are necessary. No-Shows will be charged to E.R.I.N.
Make sure to contact each group to see if these meetings are open to the public. Many board meetings and planning meetings require RSVPs.
* The Welsh League meets at the Center the first Saturday of each month at noon.
* The Irish Foundation meets at the Center the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
* The Grove of the Rising Phoenix meets at the Center the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.
* St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire committee meets at the Center the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
* The CROFT meet at the Center the second Saturday of each month at 11 AM.
* The Daughters of Scotia meet the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM
The Irish Cultural Center provides information about Celtic-Irish activities throughout the Valley as a community service to our members and friends of the Center.
JULY MEETING
The Irish Foundation of Arizona will meet on Wednesday, 7 July 2010, at the Center 7:00 P.M. There will be a short business meeting, followed by a fun-filled episode of Ballykissangel (an Irish television program filmed in Avoca, in the Wicklow area).
The next Pub Sunday will be held on Sunday, June 27th starting at 1:00 pm at Padre Murphy's Pub located on the North West corner of 43rd Avenue and Bell Road. Hope you all can make it for a wonderful meal and some great conversation. In July, we will not have a Pub Sunday but invite everyone to come and join us at O'Connor's Pub on the South East corner of I17 and Dunlap for their 20th Annivesary celebration starting at noon.
REMINDER
It is time to renew our IFA memberships, they expired on 31 Dec 09. Memberships are $20.00 per family. You can send your check and any contact information changes to Mike Carney at: 12646 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Phoenix Friends of Old Time Music are now called Phoenix Traditional Music and Dance and they host the fourth Wednesday, 7:30 - 10:00 pm Contra dance at the Center.
All figures will be taught during the evening; no formal workshop. Non-dancing children must be attended by their parents at all times. Snacks are potluck provided by the participants; water fountain available. Dates for the dances are: June 23, No Dance in July, August 25, September 22, and October 27. Special events November 26, Burn The Calories dance and December 31, New Year's Eve Dance. Special Fifth Friday dance on April 30 and October 29. For more information join them on the web at http://www.PHXtmd.org.
Arizona’s newest Irish Dance teacher is the first to be born and raised in Arizona, and to have received all her training in the state. Alexis Hodel received her certification as an Irish Dance teacher after taking a rigorous, three-day exam given in Los Angeles this past January, passing two of the three sections with honors.
Hodel is the lead Irish dance instructor for the Bracken School of Irish Dance under the mentorship of Thomas Bracken, A.D.C.R.G., owner and director of the Chandler-based school. Bracken enthusiastically acknowledges her contribution to the success of his school.
“I am so proud of all that she’s accomplished in the midst of her academic workload at ASU and the limited time she had available to her. This is a real testament to our school, her character, and the dancers she’s inspired.”
The Arizona State University senior has been involved in Irish culture from an early age: she began Irish Dance at the age of 9 and has qualified to compete at the World Championships several times. In 2009, she represented the Arizona Irish-American community as the Arizona Colleen and as the Arizona Rose at the Rose of Tralee competition in Ireland.
Hodel's certification was officially announced on April 4th at this year's Irish Dance World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Her designation as a Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha, or T.C.R.G., allows her to train students to compete at all levels, from beginning through championship. Hodel is looking forward to training the next generation of dancers in Arizona, saying, “I’m very excited to have the chance to help these kids develop into champions and to be able to share such an important part of my life with them.”
During the summer, she will be offering an introductory workshop for new students who are interested in learning Irish Dance. For more information on the workshop and on the Bracken School of Irish Dance, please visit the school’s website at www.brackenirishdance.com.
Gaelic Football -- Phoenix Gaels V Setanta San Diego, Sat June 5th 2010. Freestone Park Gilbert AZ at 1pm
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.
In the off-season the Phoenix Gaels plays as a soccer team in the Phoenix Adult Soccer League (PASL). The team is named Celtic (we're so original).You can keep up to date with the teams progress at http://www.phxsoccer.com/. For information on playing for Celtic soccer, please contact Eddie Fredericks. For more information on Celtic contact denis.b.kelly@intel.com or jasonryan31@hotmail.com.
As Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy gears up for year 2 of operation, there is much excitement in all the preparations! As mentioned in our previous article, we have four incredible musicians (Myserk) to come instruct classes in fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute, bodhran, and sessioning! Our instructors from last year, Brett Lipshutz, Randy Gosa, and Devin McCabe are joined this year by multi-instrumentalist Asher Gray, all from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to our amazing music instructors, we are offering instruction in storytelling by Arizona's own Liz Warren! Last month I promised you her biography so here it is:
Liz Warren is a storyteller, teacher, writer and producer of storytelling events.
She is known for telling myths and folktales, especially those from Celtic traditions, and for her Arizona personal and family stories.
She is the director of the South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute, where she also teaches. Check it out at http://smcstorytelling.com
She produces the Mesa Storytelling Festival in Mesa, AZ and Myth-Informed at SMCC. She is one of the co-producers of Going Deep, the Long Traditional Story Retreat, held annually in Bethlehem, IN and of the Three Rivers Storytelling Festival held annually in Athlone, Republic of Ireland.
Her recorded version of The Story of the Grail received a Parents Choice award in 2004 and a Storytelling World award in 2006. The Path of Truth, her recording of Arizona family stories will be released in 2010.
Every summer Liz teaches storytelling in Ireland as part of Mesa Community College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program. Learn more about SAI at http://www.mesacc.edu/programs/sai/
Check out Liz’s Ireland Journal at http://irelandjournal.typepad.com
Check out www.GrandCanyonCelticArts.org in the coming days for more information on class schedules, extra activities, and registration materials! I hope you'll be able to join us this year for an awesome music and storytelling experience in Flagstaff!
Kari@GrandCanyonCelticArts.org
928-600-1365
The Sandra Day O'Connor Eagle Pride Band is scheduled to leave in less than a month and June 20th is the last day you can sign up to Adopt a Band Member !!
I am reaching out to you to ask for your support and assistance. The Sandra Day O’Connor High School Marching Band needs our help to ensure that 70 fantastic kids can meet their financial obligation to travel to our sister city, Calgary, Canada, to represent the City of Phoenix and the City of Phoenix in the 2010 Calgary Stampede.
These talented, young people were given the honor of being the only Arizona high school band to be invited to perform at the 2010 Calgary Stampede. The band will make the journey in early July to participate in the opening parade and perform in an international field competition. The students are thrilled to be able to march in the worldwide televised parade, compete in the field competition against fellow musicians from across the globe and represent our city and organization.
To date, they have done a stellar job of fundraising and their efforts continue. The students, families and Booster Club have raised $50,000 to date, but still need an additional $20,000. These funds are needed to help cover costs for travel, meals and transporting instruments and uniforms.
The band is offering a special “Adopt a Band Member” package. For a donation $100, you will be assigned a band member and will receive:
Contact information and short bio of your band member
Photo of the band
Scrapbook, handmade by your band member highlighting their trip to Calgary
DVD of their performances
Special access to their Calgary Stampede Facebook page with daily updates
Special invitation to a pot-luck dinner at Sandra Day O’Connor High School Gymnasium for review of their trip to Calgary and presentation of your scrapbook (time/date to be announced)
However, any contribution that you can make ($10, $25, $50) will help them meet the dollars needed, and your contribution is tax deductible.
To make a contribution, please contact P.J. Conover at 602-534-7357 or visit www.phoenixsistercities.org.
2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp of Arizona
2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Camp
Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee in partnership and collaboration with Phoenix Sister Cities, City of Phoenix, City of Taipei, Taipei City Council, Taiwan Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, Santa Ana Culture Center, Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy, Phoenix Chinese Week, 6 American Schools of Osborn School District #8 and local Chinese Schools present the Phoenix Mayor’s Partnership Award Winner Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp on June 28 to July 2 at Clarendon School 1225 West Clarendon, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp is open to the public for all children ages 6-18 and grouped by ages and teaching by ages.
The purpose of the award winning Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp is to educate, introduce, and promote understanding of culture and diversity and the beauty of Taipei, Taiwan culture. Students are able to have hands on experiences in numerous areas of Taiwanese culture and traditional 5,000 years of Chinese culture, including learning and practicing the skills of lion dance, classical and traditional dances, Chinese calligraphy and painting, paper folding, paper cutting, and paper arts, dough arts, folk arts and crafts, and kung fu. Students are able to learn special talents and skills from instructors from Taipei, Taiwan that especially came to teach students the unique and extraordinary art of traditional Taiwanese folk arts, folk dance, folk sports and Chinese yo-yo techniques. In addition, the splendor, beauty, and magnificence of Taipei, Taiwan culture for students to understand, experience, and feel the environment of Phoenix’s Sister City of Taipei.
City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sister Cities, officials, community leaders, media, school district and parents will attend the formal graduation where each student will perform and receive a custom ribbon and a t-shirt. Also, students will showcase and demonstrate their talented performances of breathtaking lion dance, skillful Chinese yo-yo tricks, powerful kung-fu punches and kicks, elegant dances, and proud displays of students’ artistic works of traditional Chinese calligraphy, Taiwan dough arts and creative Taiwanese folk arts and crafts.
For more information, please contact Lin Ling Lee at 602-418-8895 or linlinglee@hotmail.com
For more information, please visit: 2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Camp
* CELTIC CRAFTERS AT THE ICC
* ACADEMY OF IRISH & CELTIC STUDIES TERM 3 STARTS JULY 12TH
* JULY FIRST FRIDAY JULY 2ND
* OUR COLLEEN/ROSE IS GOING TO THE ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN KERRY
* FUND RAISER FOR JANE HILTON
* ICC DOCENTS NEEDED BY GLENDA WALKER
* ICLF BOARD MEETING MINUTES
* IRISH FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA NEWS
* CONTRA DANCE AT THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
* ARIZONA DANCER AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS TCRG
* PHOENIX GAELS NEWS
* GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY
* PHOENIX SISTER CITIES NEWS
SECOND AND THIRD FRIDAY CEILIS NOW FEATURE SET DANCING
The Center will be presenting Ceilis on the second and third Friday of the month. Enjoy Irish social dancing in a relaxed atmosphere with live music and dance lessons. We will be learning set dancing at our second and third Friday Ceilis.
Admission is $6.00 with children under 12 Free (two with each paid admission) Ceilis start at 7:00 pm. The Ceili schedule for 2010 is as follows: June 18, July 9 & 16, August 13 & 20, September 10 & 17, October 8 & 15, November 12 & 19, and December 10 & 17. Ceili dance workshops at the Center are on the third Saturday of most months from 1:00-3:00 PM. These are two hour dance intensive for beginning and advanced dancers. Beginners will focus on basic footwork and simpler Ceili dances (Fairy Reel, Siege of Ennis, etc). Advanced dancers will learn more difficult figure dances (Cross Reel, Trip To The Cottage, etc). If you are an experienced Ceili go-er or if you have never danced before, this is the class for you! Make new friends and learn how to dazzle the spectators at the next ICC Ceili. Admission is $16.00 for adults and kids under 12 $2.00 RSVP required (602) 258-0109. 2010 dates for the third Saturday Ceili Workshop are June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18.
CELTIC CRAFTERS AT THE ICC
The Celtic Crafters at the ICC will meet Saturday, June 19th at 10:00 am at the Irish Cultural Center. For further information, please contact Patricia Prior at priorhomes@cox.net or 480-242-3500.
ACADEMY OF IRISH & CELTIC STUDIES TERM 3 STARTS JULY 12TH
The Academy of Celtic Studies begins its third term on July 12th. If you are on vation for the beginning of therm term you can start later with pro-rated tuition. 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 Pat McCrossan at (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. If you are interested in participating in the Academy, it is not too late to begin.
Classes offered:
5-String Banjo (Clawhammer)
5-String Banjo (Scruggs Style)
Accordion
Bagpipes
Banjo (Irish Tenor)
Bodhran
Ceili Dance
Fiddle
Guitar
Harp
Highland Dance
Irish Language
Irish Step Dancing
Mandolin
Music Theory
Piano/Keyboard
Pipe Band Drumming
Slow Seisiun
Welsh Language
Whistle/Flute
JULY FIRST FRIDAY JULY 2ND
Our Artist for the month of July will be Lynn Mascarelli. Lynn, a docent at the Irish Cultural Center , presents a multi-media exhibit in colored pencil, poster art, photography, and paintings on canvas. Having studied art at Skidmore College in upper New York State and other studios, Lynn is mostly self-taught. A former high school teacher. She taught Art, History and Art History. Lynn's penchant for early antiquities, Celtic medieval subjects, and especially the Irish journey is displayed in her works; thus, the title of her exhibit, 'inimirceach'.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, Chef Frank Hand's $10.00 of the month will be: Grilled Beer Bratwurst, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad and Cole Slaw. For dessert there will be
Red and Blue Berries with Cream
OUR COLLEEN/ROSE IS GOING TO THE ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL IN KERRY
Congratulation to our 2010 Colleen/Rose Danielle McBurnett on winning the North American Regional Final on the weekend of June 4-6 in Portlaoise in Ireland. Danielle will now be representing Arizona at the 51st Annual Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee, County Kerry. The Festival runs from Friday, August 20th until the winner is crowned on Tuesday, August 24th. The Center wishes to extend our best wished to Danielle on this achievement.
FUND RAISER FOR JANE HILTON
The Arizona music community was shocked early in 2010 when Jane announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the years many of us have had the pleasure of knowing Jane Hilton; whether we took fiddle classes from her, watched her on stage or shared the stage with her, she has touched many lives with her music and her endearing personality. Jane is one of the most genuine and talented women I have met; her integrity, her passion for music and her compassion for people are all things that come to mind immediately when I hear her name.
The attached artwork represents a sticker that has been created as a fundraiser to help Jane throughout this difficult time in her life. These are available to anyone who would like to support Jane- there is a $5 minimum donation for each sticker. These are high quality 3” round vinyl decals that are suitable for indoor or outdoor use; put one on your car window and/or your instrument case to show your support for Jane around Phoenix. The cost to print these decals has already been covered by a small group of Jane’s friends and 100% of your donation will go directly to Jane. We have printed 1,000 of these decals and the goal is to raise at least $5,000 (1,000 decals at $5 each) to help Jane with medical expenses. The added bonus is that Jane will see the stickers around town and know that she is loved and supported by her community.
About the design:
"Having known Jane for the time that I have, I know that she is not the kind of woman to be defined by cancer or any other disease. For this reason, the traditional breast cancer awareness “Pink Ribbon” is present but it takes up only a small portion in the design. I have no doubt that Jane will overcome this disease and, just like in this design, the cancer will one day be just a footnote in her life. The main focus of the design is an image that we can all relate to Jane by; a fiddle (or violin) depending on which musical circle you know her from!). The text within the banner is a simple expression of love and support for Arizona’s favorite fiddler." Says Johnny Kerr. Please contact Johnny Kerr for details kerr.johnny@gmail.com on how to get your decal. Decals are also available at the Irish Cultural Center.
Please note that I have proceeded with this fundraiser only after sharing the idea with Jane and receiving her permission.
ICC DOCENTS NEEDED BY GLENDA WALKER
What, you may ask, is a Docent? A docent is basically a friendly person who greets guests at the Irish Cultural Center and provides tours of the facilities. Training will be given about all the attractions we have. It’s a great way to meet people from all over the world. When not conducting tours, the docent may help in the gift shop or with office work. It’s a fun way to help the ICC, so please contact Mary Moriarty at 602 258 0109 to volunteer.
ICLF Board of Trustees Annual Meeting May 15, 2009, 12:00 noon
1106 N. Central Avenue
Attendees: Jim Cunningham, Paul Ahearn, Jim Daugherty, Jimmy O’Connor, Will Gaughan, Sean Prior , Bill O’Brien, Phil Giltner, Sean Lee, Royer Collins, Pat Prior, Bill McClelland, Paul Ahearn, Ann Odenwald.
Staff: Mary Moriarty, Pat McCrossan
Guests: Barbara McCoy Burke, Ennis Sister Cites Chair; Cate Russo, City of Phoenix, Ken Vonderscher, Deputy Director, City of Phoenix; Mary Hill Connor, President, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann FPIA; Sandra Carroll; Harry Carroll, Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee; , Rene Giltner,CPA.
Called to Order at 12:09
Jim Cunningham: Introductions: Pat and Jim presented flowers to Renee Giltner for all of her work in getting our books straight,
Financials were distributed, and are attached. Renee stepped us through it. As of today we have $18,000 in our checking account for general expenses.
Norman McClelland: Phil reported that Emerald Foundation $131,557 spent on preparations for getting Library construction permits.
Paul Ahearn: Not as far along as had hoped, but progress continues, finally at a point that electrical plan is ready for submittal. Working with Scottsdale Architect Robert Lynch on ADA accessibility requirements. Will be submitting in June for Building Permit, will probably take 6 to 8 weeks for review, should be ready for permit by end of August or early September. Jim followed with comments that Norm has insisted that the Library will have its own funding sources that will not negatively impact the ICC. Jim D. observed that it will enhance the ability of the ICC support cultural activities such as the academy. Sandra O’Carroll asked about the actual funding of Library Operations. Norm responded, get enough to establish endowment, commitment from Emerald Foundation, $100,000 in matching funds, and programs developed that would bring in funding. Primarily need funding for staffing and expenses.
Ann Odenwald: Now listed on ASU website for volunteers, and I has really been helping us get volunteers for events, including more adults. ASU downtown is also becoming more involved via their volunteers.
Sharon Caruso: Working with Vendors relationships.
Jim Daugherty: Minutes 2008, approved as distributed. Reported as Dance Director, on twice monthly Ceili’s, Ceili lessons, and other Ceili’s.
Jimmy O’Connor: Done with Chemo, and ready to go back to work.
Pat McCrossan: Irish Academy of Irish Arts: 85 students, first quarter, 2009, and made a profit, of approx $70. Next term is at 40 students. Gift shop did $13,000 which is down, about $60,000 in inventory. Nobody is discouraged from going to sesiuns.
Sean Prior: Winter solstice celebration Sean has been doing for 10 years, and would like to step down after this year. We need new ideas and new blood for it.
Harry Carroll: Phoenix St Patrick’s Day Parade donates whatever they have as surplus last year it was $5000.
Cate Russo, city of Phoenix: happy to be here
Ken Vonderscher, City of Phoenix Parks/Rec. Looking to leverage whatever existing resources we have to help the ICLF.
Barbara McCoy Burke: Ennis Sister Cities shared plans for upcoming year.
Mary Moriarty, Operations: “We are still here!” Great relationship with the City Parks and Rec, We have good working relationships with Japanese Gardens, Light Rail is bringing some new patrons. Tour of Ireland still has a few openings.
Mary Hill Connor, president, FPIA, CCE: mission to enhance Irish Culture, very similar to ICLF.
Bill O’Brien: discussed the number of different Irish groups in Phoenix. Looking to tie them all to the Irish Cultural Center, suggests we make them all affiliates via a membership card, free for first year.
Glenda Walker: New York Life, would like to have the $500 she gets from them and donates to the center to go to the academy.
Sean Lee: Councilor Liaison, the Irish Council thought he might be able to help with ring fort, but still up in air.
Royer Collins: Discussed the need to get the young folks involved at the directors level.
Patricia Prior: Bloomsday and Festival. 7 to 9 independent brewers will be here for that. June 6. We need new chair for Irish Festival this year, we will be able to do the festival this year per the city of Phoenix.
Elections for incumbent board members: Moved that all incumbent trustees be re-elected, Unanimously approved.
Treasurer, Brian Tobin Nominated for Treasurer, unanimously approved,
Nominees to the Board of Trustees: Mary Hill Connor, Sharon Caruso, were nominated and unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned at 1:36 pm
Respectfully submitted
Jim Daugherty, Secretary and Vice President.
YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Docents wanted for the Irish Cultural Center - Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-3pm. Contact Mary Moriarty at mary@azirish.org or phone 602 258-0109 for information.
E.R.I.N.
E.R.I.N. meets for Breakfast at 7:00am Second and Fourth Friday mornings at The Irish Cultural Center, 1106 North Central Avenue, Phoenix. We are working on a Guarantee basis. Reservations are necessary. No-Shows will be charged to E.R.I.N.
OTHER CELTIC GROUPS WHO MEET AT THE CENTER
Make sure to contact each group to see if these meetings are open to the public. Many board meetings and planning meetings require RSVPs.
* The Welsh League meets at the Center the first Saturday of each month at noon.
* The Irish Foundation meets at the Center the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
* The Grove of the Rising Phoenix meets at the Center the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM.
* St. Patrick's Day Parade and Faire committee meets at the Center the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
* The CROFT meet at the Center the second Saturday of each month at 11 AM.
* The Daughters of Scotia meet the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM
Other Celtic Events
The Irish Cultural Center provides information about Celtic-Irish activities throughout the Valley as a community service to our members and friends of the Center.
IRISH FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA NEWS
JULY MEETING
The Irish Foundation of Arizona will meet on Wednesday, 7 July 2010, at the Center 7:00 P.M. There will be a short business meeting, followed by a fun-filled episode of Ballykissangel (an Irish television program filmed in Avoca, in the Wicklow area).
The next Pub Sunday will be held on Sunday, June 27th starting at 1:00 pm at Padre Murphy's Pub located on the North West corner of 43rd Avenue and Bell Road. Hope you all can make it for a wonderful meal and some great conversation. In July, we will not have a Pub Sunday but invite everyone to come and join us at O'Connor's Pub on the South East corner of I17 and Dunlap for their 20th Annivesary celebration starting at noon.
REMINDER
It is time to renew our IFA memberships, they expired on 31 Dec 09. Memberships are $20.00 per family. You can send your check and any contact information changes to Mike Carney at: 12646 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022
CONTRA DANCE AT THE IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
Phoenix Friends of Old Time Music are now called Phoenix Traditional Music and Dance and they host the fourth Wednesday, 7:30 - 10:00 pm Contra dance at the Center.
All figures will be taught during the evening; no formal workshop. Non-dancing children must be attended by their parents at all times. Snacks are potluck provided by the participants; water fountain available. Dates for the dances are: June 23, No Dance in July, August 25, September 22, and October 27. Special events November 26, Burn The Calories dance and December 31, New Year's Eve Dance. Special Fifth Friday dance on April 30 and October 29. For more information join them on the web at http://www.PHXtmd.org.
ARIZONA DANCER AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS TCRG -
IRISH DANCE TEACHER'S CERTIFICATION
IRISH DANCE TEACHER'S CERTIFICATION
Arizona’s newest Irish Dance teacher is the first to be born and raised in Arizona, and to have received all her training in the state. Alexis Hodel received her certification as an Irish Dance teacher after taking a rigorous, three-day exam given in Los Angeles this past January, passing two of the three sections with honors.
Hodel is the lead Irish dance instructor for the Bracken School of Irish Dance under the mentorship of Thomas Bracken, A.D.C.R.G., owner and director of the Chandler-based school. Bracken enthusiastically acknowledges her contribution to the success of his school.
“I am so proud of all that she’s accomplished in the midst of her academic workload at ASU and the limited time she had available to her. This is a real testament to our school, her character, and the dancers she’s inspired.”
The Arizona State University senior has been involved in Irish culture from an early age: she began Irish Dance at the age of 9 and has qualified to compete at the World Championships several times. In 2009, she represented the Arizona Irish-American community as the Arizona Colleen and as the Arizona Rose at the Rose of Tralee competition in Ireland.
Hodel's certification was officially announced on April 4th at this year's Irish Dance World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Her designation as a Teagascóir Choimisiúin le Rinci Gaelacha, or T.C.R.G., allows her to train students to compete at all levels, from beginning through championship. Hodel is looking forward to training the next generation of dancers in Arizona, saying, “I’m very excited to have the chance to help these kids develop into champions and to be able to share such an important part of my life with them.”
During the summer, she will be offering an introductory workshop for new students who are interested in learning Irish Dance. For more information on the workshop and on the Bracken School of Irish Dance, please visit the school’s website at www.brackenirishdance.com.
PHOENIX GAELS NEWS
Gaelic Football -- Phoenix Gaels V Setanta San Diego, Sat June 5th 2010. Freestone Park Gilbert AZ at 1pm
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.
In the off-season the Phoenix Gaels plays as a soccer team in the Phoenix Adult Soccer League (PASL). The team is named Celtic (we're so original).You can keep up to date with the teams progress at http://www.phxsoccer.com/. For information on playing for Celtic soccer, please contact Eddie Fredericks. For more information on Celtic contact denis.b.kelly@intel.com or jasonryan31@hotmail.com.
Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy - July 13-15, 2010 - NAU
As Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy gears up for year 2 of operation, there is much excitement in all the preparations! As mentioned in our previous article, we have four incredible musicians (Myserk) to come instruct classes in fiddle, guitar, whistle, flute, bodhran, and sessioning! Our instructors from last year, Brett Lipshutz, Randy Gosa, and Devin McCabe are joined this year by multi-instrumentalist Asher Gray, all from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to our amazing music instructors, we are offering instruction in storytelling by Arizona's own Liz Warren! Last month I promised you her biography so here it is:
Liz Warren is a storyteller, teacher, writer and producer of storytelling events.
She is known for telling myths and folktales, especially those from Celtic traditions, and for her Arizona personal and family stories.
She is the director of the South Mountain Community College Storytelling Institute, where she also teaches. Check it out at http://smcstorytelling.com
She produces the Mesa Storytelling Festival in Mesa, AZ and Myth-Informed at SMCC. She is one of the co-producers of Going Deep, the Long Traditional Story Retreat, held annually in Bethlehem, IN and of the Three Rivers Storytelling Festival held annually in Athlone, Republic of Ireland.
Her recorded version of The Story of the Grail received a Parents Choice award in 2004 and a Storytelling World award in 2006. The Path of Truth, her recording of Arizona family stories will be released in 2010.
Every summer Liz teaches storytelling in Ireland as part of Mesa Community College’s Study Abroad Ireland Program. Learn more about SAI at http://www.mesacc.edu/programs/sai/
Check out Liz’s Ireland Journal at http://irelandjournal.typepad.com
Check out www.GrandCanyonCelticArts.org in the coming days for more information on class schedules, extra activities, and registration materials! I hope you'll be able to join us this year for an awesome music and storytelling experience in Flagstaff!
Kari@GrandCanyonCelticArts.org
928-600-1365
PHOENIX SISTER CITIES NEWS
The Sandra Day O'Connor Eagle Pride Band is scheduled to leave in less than a month and June 20th is the last day you can sign up to Adopt a Band Member !!
I am reaching out to you to ask for your support and assistance. The Sandra Day O’Connor High School Marching Band needs our help to ensure that 70 fantastic kids can meet their financial obligation to travel to our sister city, Calgary, Canada, to represent the City of Phoenix and the City of Phoenix in the 2010 Calgary Stampede.
These talented, young people were given the honor of being the only Arizona high school band to be invited to perform at the 2010 Calgary Stampede. The band will make the journey in early July to participate in the opening parade and perform in an international field competition. The students are thrilled to be able to march in the worldwide televised parade, compete in the field competition against fellow musicians from across the globe and represent our city and organization.
To date, they have done a stellar job of fundraising and their efforts continue. The students, families and Booster Club have raised $50,000 to date, but still need an additional $20,000. These funds are needed to help cover costs for travel, meals and transporting instruments and uniforms.
The band is offering a special “Adopt a Band Member” package. For a donation $100, you will be assigned a band member and will receive:
Contact information and short bio of your band member
Photo of the band
Scrapbook, handmade by your band member highlighting their trip to Calgary
DVD of their performances
Special access to their Calgary Stampede Facebook page with daily updates
Special invitation to a pot-luck dinner at Sandra Day O’Connor High School Gymnasium for review of their trip to Calgary and presentation of your scrapbook (time/date to be announced)
However, any contribution that you can make ($10, $25, $50) will help them meet the dollars needed, and your contribution is tax deductible.
To make a contribution, please contact P.J. Conover at 602-534-7357 or visit www.phoenixsistercities.org.
2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp of Arizona
2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Camp
Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee in partnership and collaboration with Phoenix Sister Cities, City of Phoenix, City of Taipei, Taipei City Council, Taiwan Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, Santa Ana Culture Center, Arizona Chinese Mandarin and Culture Academy, Phoenix Chinese Week, 6 American Schools of Osborn School District #8 and local Chinese Schools present the Phoenix Mayor’s Partnership Award Winner Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp on June 28 to July 2 at Clarendon School 1225 West Clarendon, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp is open to the public for all children ages 6-18 and grouped by ages and teaching by ages.
The purpose of the award winning Taipei Chinese Culture Summer Camp is to educate, introduce, and promote understanding of culture and diversity and the beauty of Taipei, Taiwan culture. Students are able to have hands on experiences in numerous areas of Taiwanese culture and traditional 5,000 years of Chinese culture, including learning and practicing the skills of lion dance, classical and traditional dances, Chinese calligraphy and painting, paper folding, paper cutting, and paper arts, dough arts, folk arts and crafts, and kung fu. Students are able to learn special talents and skills from instructors from Taipei, Taiwan that especially came to teach students the unique and extraordinary art of traditional Taiwanese folk arts, folk dance, folk sports and Chinese yo-yo techniques. In addition, the splendor, beauty, and magnificence of Taipei, Taiwan culture for students to understand, experience, and feel the environment of Phoenix’s Sister City of Taipei.
City of Phoenix, Phoenix Sister Cities, officials, community leaders, media, school district and parents will attend the formal graduation where each student will perform and receive a custom ribbon and a t-shirt. Also, students will showcase and demonstrate their talented performances of breathtaking lion dance, skillful Chinese yo-yo tricks, powerful kung-fu punches and kicks, elegant dances, and proud displays of students’ artistic works of traditional Chinese calligraphy, Taiwan dough arts and creative Taiwanese folk arts and crafts.
For more information, please contact Lin Ling Lee at 602-418-8895 or linlinglee@hotmail.com
For more information, please visit: 2010 Taipei Chinese Culture Camp