Remember and Celebrate – a look back at an exciting year at the New York Irish Center

A busy center with the mission of “mixing of the generations”

Here follows a selection of what goes on at the New York Irish Center:

Saturday Senior Computer Club – ongoing

The Saturday Seniors Computer Club continued its growth in 2012. 10-14 Seniors come together every week to share and learn from each other in our cozy downstairs Library space. James McHugh has developed a unique program where friendly computer savvy volunteers guide the Seniors through the virtual world of social media, email, YouTube, Facebook, Skype and much more besides. This is a relaxed mixing of the generations where computer tips and stories of bygone times fill the air over a keyboard and a cup of tea. There are two courses every Saturday at 10am and 11.30am.

Visit www.nyirish.org for further details.

Wednesday Senior Lunch Program – ongoing

One of the Center’s longest running programs is The Wednesday Senior Lunch, held Every Wednesday The Center warms to the sound of Seniors enjoying each other’s company over lunch. The food is provided courtesy of an ever increasing roster of New York Irish Bars and Restaurants, many of whom have supported this program since its inception in 2006.

Story Corps - February 2012

Modelled on the highly successful NPR radio series, one of our interns, Rachel O’Donnell produced our very own “StoryCorps” recordings. This was a unique opportunity to capture some of the oral history of our Seniors. Conor Murphy of Verbatim Studios contributed his time and expertise Pro Bono, helping to ensure a high quality product. Five participants were recorded; Frank Gordon, John Houlihan, Tom McCluskey, Tony Lambe and Patrick Morgan. New York Irish Center Board Member and Volunteer Padraic Feeney conducted the interviews. The recordings can be enjoyed on our website at www.nyirish.org.

Children’s Programs -ongoing

Jane McCarter, Arts and Cultural Director, is heading up our Children’s Programs at the Center. In 2012, she produced three distinct programs, laying the groundwork for the future development of our Children’s programming.

Jane’s most ambitious, collaboration with Christel Rice, Niall O’Leary and Vera Doherty, a two week Summer program, the Tír na Nóg Children’s Festival.

The Festival was a unique blend of the arts; visual, musical and theatrical, celebrated via one of the richest veins of Irish mythical folklore, Tír na Nóg. Jane also produced Oíche Shamhna, where children learned about the Irish roots of Halloween, and the Children’s Christmas Party.

All of our 2012 Children’s events were a great success and Jane has exciting plans for 2013. Watch this monthly space for details, bookmark our website at www.nyirish.org or check us out on Facebook.

Irish Movie Night Program -ongoing

Chris Deignan created the Monthly Irish Movie in 2011 and continued it in to 2012. We like to think we offer a unique moviegoing experience where quality Irish film meets unmatched Irish hospitality. Doors open at 7.30pm and moviegoers are encouraged to mingle and enjoy our pre-show downstairs hospitality where they can enjoy FREE tea, coffee, snacks and popcorn and a discount bar, hosted by our friendly team of Movie night volunteers.

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