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Emerald Reflections Online

Table of Contents - November 2001

You are viewing the electronic version of Emerald Reflections,
the monthly publication of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin

Holiday Folk Fair 2001 - The Culture of Peace

Fox Cities Shamrock Club

Milwaukee President's Message

Dane County Shamrock Club

Shamrock Club of Rock County

Aoife Clancy Band: Hallamor Concert #3

Request for News From Our Chapters

Milwaukee's Annual Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner

Holiday Folk Fair Advance Ticket Sales

"Quiet Man" is 50!

The Tenors and Troubadors Christmas Concert at ICHC

Center for Celtic Studies Launched

An Invitation to Travel

Shamrock Club at the Milwaukee Museum

Wanted: Volunteers to Help with Museum Decorations

Share Your Snippets from Ireland

News Items from RTE

Donn's Poetry Corner

Welcome New Members

Milwaukee Calendar of Events

Wisconsin Calendar of Events


Holiday Folk Fair 2001 -
The Culture of Peace

Help Make the Irish Representation a Success!

by Cate Harris

It is time for the annual Holiday Folk Fair. This year, it will again be held at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds, 84th and Greenfield. The dates are November 16, 17 and 18.

Regarding the theme this year - it's called "The Culture of Peace" and this excerpt from the Fair's brochure says it all: "A world of cultures and customs are united in peaceful solidarity to be felt, listened to and tasted through a variety of honored family recipes, artifacts, ethnic music and spirited folk dances at the Holiday Folk Fair International."

The horror of what happened in September still is a part of our daily lives, and the theme is even more resonant in the irony of what has happened. A Culture of Peace is really exemplified by the wonderful gathering of so many ethnic groups. The Holiday Folk Fair has been helping to show the diversity of so many different people living together in peace for over a half a century. This year is the Shamrock Club's 41st as a participant, and it seems all the more important that we show the world that we are active participants in this display of peace and diversity.

To do that, the Shamrock Club will need volunteers for our retail, cultural, and food areas. We also need to sell tickets to the Folk Fair.

Admission is as follows: Adults $6 in advance; $8 at the gate. Children ages 6-12 $6; Children under 6 Free. Tickets will be available for sale at the November membership meeting. Please see Muriel Crowley. You can also use the accompanying order form (page 3) to purchase tickets via mail. As a sponsoring group of the Fair we need to sell a number of tickets or make up the cost elsewhere.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: EARLY AND LATE SHIFTS

The Holiday Folk Fair is open during the following times:

Friday, Nov. 16, 4-11 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

The annual Holiday Folk Fair will take place November 16-18, 2001 at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds. This is the week preceding Thanksgiving. We will be needing help in a number of areas.

If you would like to work a four hour shift at the Holiday Folk Fair, please contact the Shamrock Club's Holiday Folk Fair Chairmen, (Food) - Pete and Fran Dundon at (414) 242-8245; (Sales) - Noreen Barclay at (414) 695-8563 or (Cultural) - Mary McAndrews at (414) 276-8779. Or contact us at our e-mail address, shamrockclubinfo@aol.com. You will receive the annual Folk Fair participant pin, and a coupon for food from the Shamrock Club food booth.

The Holiday Folk Fair will have a number of special events during the course of the weekend. They will include:

• Dance Pavilion: a place to learn dances from around the world

• International Exhibits: view exhibits of Japanese wooden dolls, Mexican folk toys

• International Breakfasts: introduce yourselves to new tastes and smells

• Farmers Market: on Saturday take home farm fresh items for Thanksgiving

Also: Food from around the world; unique gifts for you and someone special; international entertainment; cultural exhibits to assist you in learning about your heritage; demonstrations and hands on opportunities. There will be an Interdenominational Religious Service on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Holiday Folk Fair International is produced by the International Institute of Wisconsin. The International Institute is a not for profit organization dedicated to international cooperation, understanding, and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural perspective through education, exchange, communication, social activities, and immigration and naturalization services.

State Fair Park
8100 West Greenfield Avenue
West Allis, Wisconsin 53214
Folk Fair Hotline 414-225-6225
or 1-800-FAIR INTL
www.folkfair.org

So, please, participate in this year's Folk Fair, either by working or just attending. We can show the world that we believe in this Culture of Peace. And as a result, perhaps, create more understanding in the world we find ourselves living.


Fox Cities

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NOV. 28 - Board Meeting, Conkey's in Appleton, 7 p.m. (all are welcome to attend)

• DEC. 10 - Quarterly Dinner Meeting. Note your calendars! More information in the December Emerald Reflections

Anna McGuiness' brother and sister inlaw arrived on September 10. They flew to Boston first to visit other relatives. In order to return to Ireland they had to change their return flight from Boston to Chicago. Quite an eventful first trip to the USA!

Be sure to call me (920) 733-5254 with your address changes (moving or snow bird address and which months of Emerald Reflections should be sent there).

Thank you to Carol Felton for doing the October article for me. I'm now home.

Send your renewals to me at N3406 Hample Rd., Black Creek, WI 54106. Enclose the address label from your newsletter.

- Elaine Hoes (920) 733-5254


Milwaukee President's Message

After a slight lull in the activities, we are starting to gear up for another busy season. Bob and Katy Voss and Cate Harris are putting together teams for the Bradley Center. They are in desperate need of volunteers, as several people have retired after many years of service. The Club earns a lot of money for little output in this endeavor and it would be such a shame for the Club to lose out on this income. Please speak to one of the coordinators as soon as possible to join a team.

We also have Folk Fair to look forward to this month. Mary McAndrews will be heading up the Cultural Area once again this year. Noreen Barclay will return as the leader in the Sales Booth and Peter and Fran Dundon will spearhead the Food Booth. Peter would like to see people come forward to sign up as a manager for a day. If you are interested in volunteering in any of these areas, please contact Mary, Noreen or Peter and Fran as soon as possible. It will be very much appreciated.

I hope that most of you are taking in the concert series at the ICHC. What a wonderful season they have put together.

Siochain,

- Susan Dundon


Dane County

As the weeks pass by our thoughts and prayers still linger in our minds for the terrible tragedy of September 11. Remember the strength and love that comes to us with each Irish blessing in our time of need.

On November 10, 2001, the State Advisory Committee for all Shamrock Clubs of Wisconsin will be meeting for a noon lunch at Jingles in Madison. This is our Club's opportunity to exchange ideas and information about the workings of other clubs in Wisconsin. Other Clubs have already gone to a once a year payment of dues, usually at the end of the year. This is being considered by the Dane County Shamrock Club as a preferred method of membership payment as experienced by other clubs in Wisconsin. Follow-up on this transition will be in the next newsletter.

Hopefully, by now all members have received their third Dane County Shamrock Newsletter which keeps them informed about up-to-date events. Right now the emphasis is on the upcoming Christmas Party. Prior to this, Club members are planning to attend the Phil Coulter concert on Dec. 8, 2001 at the Orpheum Theater in Madison. For tickets call Patrick's Look of the Isles (608-271-1707) at the Hilldale Store in Madison. Concert tickets are priced at $27.50-$34. Our Club will have their own table for members who wish both dinner and show priced at $49 per person. Remember there is always room for more!

October 9 presented our first fun/fund raiser at Jingles lower level - a special room for this event. The price of $10 per person included a raffle, bingo with cash prizes, bagpipers, hor d'oeuvres and soft drinks.

Paul and Colleen find it refreshing and encouraging to see so many new members joining our club and offering their ideas and support to the board members and new co-presidents. Welcome and thanks to all our members, many of whom have been reaching out to us with a positive approach since we have assumed the co-presidency. This enthusiasm and heartfelt inspiration have made us recall and share with you this traditional Irish Blessing: "May you have... a song in your heart, a smile on your lips, and nothing but joy at your fingertips."

- Co-presidents Paul Buckalew and
Colleen O'Meara Schams


Rock County

UPCOMING EVENTS

• NOV. 20 - 7:00 p.m. General Membership Meeting

• DED 18 - 6:00 p.m. Christmas Party at Janesville Senior Center, 69 S. Water St.

• JAN. 15 - 6:00 p.m. Chili Mix; 7:00 p.m. Membership Meeting

Our meetings now start at 7:00 p.m. because we have to be out of the Senior Center by 9:00 p.m.

As I write this article, Ray and Mary Weigand are enjoying themselves in Ireland along with several other family members. They will be back before our November meeting and at that time will tell us about some of the highlights and experiences of their stay in Ireland.

Our Christmas Party will be a Christmas Potluck so plan on bringing one of your favorite Christmas dishes for everyone to enjoy. After dinner we will have a "white elephant gift exchange." There will be more details about this at the November meeting.

- Tom Kennedy


Hallamór Concert #3:
Aoife Clancy Band

Aoife Clancy is one of Ireland's best contemporary singers. Having been born into one of the great families in Irish entertainment history. Aoife has much to draw from. She began as a solo artist, often sharing the stage with others such as the Clancy Brothers and Christy Moore. After four super years with Cherish the Ladies, Aoife is again a solo artist with her own band.

8 P.M. Saturday, November 10, 2001
Tickets: $15 Advance / $17 At Door
Irish Cultural and Heritage Center
2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. - Milwaukee
414) 345-8800


News From Our Chapters

Please send us your news. We have not heard from several chapters of late. We really want to share your news.


Milwaukee's Annual
Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner

The Milwaukee Shamrock Club's Annual Christmas Party and Potluck Dinner will be held on December 6, 2001 at the ICHC. Set up time will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The club will provide beer, wine and a meat entree. Please bring either a side dish or dessert to be shared.


HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR

November 16, 17, 18, 2001

The Shamrock Club must sell 125 Holiday Folk Fair Tickets
Any unsold tickets must be purchased by the club at full value.

HELP US MEET OUR GOAL!
SAVE NOW ON ADVANCE SALE FOLK FAIR TICKETS

Please send me _______ advance sale Holiday Folk Fair
Tickets at $6 each.

Name:_________________________________

Addres:________________________________

City/State:____________________ Zip_______

Mail your ticket request to:
MURIEL CROWLEY
1020 Georges Ave.,
Brookfield, WI 53045

Your tickets will be sent to you by return mail, and are good any of the three days of Folk Fair, November 16, 17, 18.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: SHAMROCK CLUB OF WISCONSIN


"The Quiet Man" is 50!

Irish American film director John Ford's classic "Irish western" The Quiet Man was released 50 years ago this year. Starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and a host of great character actors from the Abbey Theatre who joined Ford's own stock company of Irish American talent, this was the first major Hollywood movie to be shot in the west of Ireland - and in technicolor, too! To celebrate the movie's 50th birthday, we've set aside Saturday, Nov. 24 as "John Ford Day" at the ICHC:

• Fordfest all day in the bar - watch John Ford movies on our new big screen TV.

• Saturday evening 7 p.m. - talk on John Ford and The Quiet Man by Joseph McBride, author of "Searching for John Ford: A Life", the recently published and critically acclaimed biography of the Director. Joe is a native Milwaukeean, living in the L.A. film community, and is one of a very small number of people to actually have a meaningful interview with John Ford. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

• Then, we will screen The Quiet Man itself in the Hallamor, with a sing along of the songs featured in the movie. These include great old favorites like The Isle of Inisfree, The Wild Colonial Boy, and The Last Rose of Summer.

We will have prizes for John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald look alikes. You're encouraged to come dressed as characters from the movie. Donation of $5 is requested for the evening. This will go to the Cultural Arts Committee Fund, and used to foster and promote the Celtic Arts at the Center.


The Tenors and Troubadors
Christmas Concert

John Gleeson, Eamonn O'Neill, Geraint Wilkes, Sheila Larkin and Bob Harold, better known as The Tenors and the Troubadors, will be providing a special Christmas entertainment in the Irish Cultural Heritage Center Hallamor on Sunday afternoon, December 9th at 2 p.m.

Reminiscent of the Irish Christmas parlour concerts of good times long ago, there will be songs and stories for the season, and some very special guests. Don't miss this delightful highlight of the festive season! Tickets $10 each, available from the ICHC. Call (414) 345-8800.


Center for Celtic Studies Launched

Center for Celtic Studies

UWM Provost John Wannat, Irish Minister Mary Coughlan and John Gleeson at the launching of the new Celtic Studies program at U.W.M. The Irish Minister presented John with a beautiful Donegal parian bowl.

The UWM Center for Celtic Studies, a dynamic forum for the study of Celtic language, culture, politics, education and the arts was launched recently at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As Co-Director of the Center, John Gleeson introduced The Honorable Mary Coughlan, T.D., Irish Minister of State for the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, who offered, "Congratulations on what you have achieved. This is the culmination of a dream for a lot of people here."

Funded in part by a grant from the Irish government, the Center provides interdisciplinary international educational oppotunities for UWM students and members of the greater Milwaukee community. It includes a Certificate in Celtic Studies and study abroad programs, and a wide range of course and research topics relating to historical and modern cultures that share Celtic influence. These include early Continental Celts and the Breton, Cornish, Galician, Irish, Manx, Scots and Welsh people.

A number of these courses will be offered at the ICHC. It is also expected that the new Center and the ICHC will work together on various events. All classes are now free to auditors over 60 years of age, so we extend a Cead Mile Failte to you all!

Spring 2002 Courses include:

• Myths, Legends & Poems of the Celts
• Irish Women & the Law
• The Green Screen: Images of Ireland in Film
• The Irish Experience
• Civil Strife in Northern Ireland
• Second and Fourth Semester Irish Gaelic
• Irish Myth & Folklore
• Irish Literature
• Joyce
• Hume's Dialogues on Natural Religion

You'll find these courses listed in the Spring 2002 UWM Schedule of Classes. Please call John at (414) 229-2608, or Ina at (414) 229-6520, with questions.


An Invitation to Travel

Join Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and a team of UW-Milwaukee experts including noted Irish culture authority, John Gleeson, on a momentous journey to the Emerald Isle.

This early spring cultural mission will not only offer participants tourist highlights of the Dublin, Derry, Sligo and Galway areas, but will afford oportunities to experience the inner workings of both parliaments in Ireland and major Irish universities, not readily available to the general public. Add to this, that there is no better place to spend St. Patrick's Day than Dublin, Ireland, and you will agree that this is a once in a lifetime travel opportunity.

For more information, call Kim Beck at the Arts and Liberal Studies Program Office (414) 227-3321.


Shamrock Club At The Museum

On Sunday, December 2, 2001, the Milwaukee Shamrock Club will be making merry with an Irish Christmas celebration at the Milwaukee Public Museum, in the European Village. We will be making Irish snowflakes and doves. The Irish cottage will be open, and decorated for Christmas. The Glencastle Irish Dancers will be dancing in the auditorium at 1:30 p.m. So, visit us from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

And, mark your calendars for March 3, 2002 our annual St. Patrick's Day appearance. There will be lace makers, peat postcard displays, dancers, and more.

For more information, call (262) 782-4323.


Wanted:

4 People to make decorations for the Shamrock Club's

December Museum Display On Sunday, December 2, 2001

Call Muriel Crowley at 262-762-4323


Snippets of Ireland

If you have any tales of journeys to Ireland, of around 150 words, and would like to share them, please send them to Emerald Reflections, c/o Williamson Press, attention Brian Witt. 1909 W. White Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204.


RTE News Items

IRISH SCIENTISTS INTEGRAL TO GAMMA RAY STUDY

Irish scientists from UCD, Maynooth and Dunsink Observatory will be centrally involved in the operation of the European gamma ray space observatory, to be launched in a year's time. Details of the European Space Agency project were outlined at the Royal Irish Academy today. The observatory, called INTEGRAL, will gather gamma rays, the most energetic radiation that comes from space, pinpointing and studying their sources. It is also hoped to gather new information about stellar explosions, black holes, and the formation of elements.

DOCUMENT MAY EXPLAIN ORIGIN
OF NELSON'S PILLAR BOX

Historians at the National Museum have discovered a document which may explain the origins of a box that was found by archaeologists excavating the site of Nelson's pillar.

They say the document refers to the burial of a box with a brass plate in the foundations of the pillar on O'Connell St. The brass plate listed the committee of city merchants who financed the pillar. They included the Lord Mayor of the time and Arthur Guinness.

It had been thought that the box would be opened in October sometime. What was believed to be a copper box, measuring about two foot by sixteen inches, is embedded in a block of granite.

Staff at the National Museum laboratory at Collins Barracks have removed a stone lid and have discovered inscriptions in the copper underneath. They appear to be names.

The words Valentine and Lindsey are among them. The box will be X-rayed. Then mortar will be removed to examine the inscriptions.

Archaeologists were half expecting to find a "time capsule" because there were references to one in newspaper articles in the 1960s when the Pillar was blown up. Staff at the museum have still to decide how to open the box.


DONN'S POETRY CORNER

An Irish Child's View of Thanksgiving

I often wished as a child in Galway
for a holiday like Thanksgiving.
Food, like the cornucopia, spilling forth.
Indolence, sloth,
and a million matches to watch.

The Pilgrims, and their hats,
and the turkeys, so well crafted and drawn
and the Indian Corn, hung on the door.
These images held me,
made me jealous of Americans.

And a reason for the family to be together again.
To say a prayer of thanks,
And to share a meal.
And to be there, as one.
Until the arguements broke out.

            - Martain O'Flaherty

September 2001

The sounds of fall,
The smells, leaves dying, rustling in the wind.

The feel of the sun on your face,
in a last warming burst.

The quietness of the time,
as light goes dim and dark early.

The loss of innocence
As the planes crash and destroy all of our lives.

The need to hold on to the ones you love.
They may never walk in the woods again.

            - Martain O'Flaherty


New Members

MILWAUKEE - Margie R. Norton and Claire Friedl; Andrew Harris; Thomas and Karen O'Neil; Patrick M. Shay Family.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: MILWAUKEE CHAPTER

• AUGUST: 94 memberships up for renewal, 71 paid, 23 dropped for non-payment of dues.

• SEPTEMBER: 54 memberships up for renewal, 29 paid to date, 25 due

• OCTOBER: 43 memberships up for renewal, 16 paid to date, 27 due.


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