The IACI participates in a myriad of Events, Parties, Festivals and Volunteerism
throughout the year. Here is a list of CURRENT and Past items.
Attention: CURRENT items are in [[Brackets]].
On Sunday, 2nd February, 2020 we had Imbolc, (pronounced Im as in him,
bol as in Molly and c would be ck sound as in pick) -- which is a Gaelic traditional
Festival marking the coming of Spring, and the coming into Milk of the Ewes, because
as I understand this is why Imbolc is associated with Sheep. (It is also the feast
day of Saint Brigid.) This event was held at Pascale's Bistro in Drumlin's Country Club,
800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse from 12 Noon - 4 p.m.
The Menu consisted of Chicken Piccata, Au Gratin Potatoes,
Penne Pasta w/ Vodka Sauce, Broccoli + Cauliflower
w/ Garlic Butter, Salad, Cheesecake, Coffee/Tea. Cost was
30 $ for Adults -- Kids -- 10 $ for the Dinner, and the meal
was superb. Entertainment was provided by a 3-piece
Irish Musical Group -- Wind & Wire, and they were
outstanding. The Attendees were lead in Song -
(names of) Parting Glass, Red is the Rose,
and Loch Lomond. We were treated, too, to a poignant
Poem about Alzheimers by Basil Dillon-Malone.
(As always for this event, send Checks to Helen
Jennings, 199 Skyview Terrace, Syr., N.Y. 13219 --
postmarked no later than 7 days prior to Event.
Also, R.S.V.P. by calling (315)-488-0006.)
[[In March, we participate in one of the HUGEST events of the year, the St. Patrick's
Day Parade in downtown Syracuse; always on a Saturday and always well-attended -
no matter how cold. 2020's Parade will be hosted by Sean Kirst and John
Francis McCarthy, the Grand Marshals. This year's theme is --
A Picture is Worth 1000 Words; honoring Story-Tellers.]]
[[Then comes Irish Dance Feis, (pronounced Fesh as in mesh), which is a traditional
arts and cultural festival, with heavy emphasis on Irish Dance. This year to be held
at the NYS Fairgrounds, in the Horticulture Bldg., Saturday 25th April, 2020 from
9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is ample parking
behind the Building.]]
We held our Annual Picnic on Tuesday June 18th, 2019
which was a Tuesday from 4 - p.m. to 8 - p.m. at Erie
Canal Park, which is in Dewitt. We served
Burgers, Barkers, Chips, Salad, Drinks and
Dessert, with entertainment such as
Irish Story telling, and Music.
ALWAYS a grand time!
In early September, forever on a Fri and Sat, there was the HUGE annual Irish Festival
held in Clinton Square in Syracuse, NY. In year, 2019, it was Fri 6 Sep - noon to 11 p.
and Sat the 7th - 11 to 11 p. We offered tin whistle lessons, beginning Irish lessons, Irish
Designs for Children to color, and free Irish Name Tags for all ages. Also, we had books,
jewelry pieces, paintings/postcards, knitted items and music CDs for sale. There were
several Irish Bands there, too; traditional + modern,
and Folks selling Irish and other type Foods.
In October, held at Jazz Central, 441 East Washington Street in Syracuse
on 13, 20 and 27th October, 2019 at 2 p.m. was our much loved Film Series,
showing three Irish Films with Popcorn and lively Commentary afterward.
In 2019, Oct 13th - was The Rising of the Moon, 1957, directed
by John Ford w/ Tyrone Power and Cyril Cusack.
On 20 October, we viewed Shake Hands with the
Devil, a 1959 film starring James Cagney, who plays an
Academic that turns into a die-hard opponent of the
1922 Treaty. Finally, on the 27th of October there was a
showing of the movie The Journey,
a recent 2016 film, depicting
Unionist Fire-brand Ian Paisley and
Sinn Fein Leader Martin McGuiness, who find themselves
in a long Car ride together, and the unexpected Twists
that follow! Tickets were $10.00; very reasonable -
purchased at the Door.
Btw, Street parking available.
Also, end of October, there is Samhain, NOT pronounced Sam Hain; (it is Sow as in now
and wen as in then). The American Halloween is patterned after Samhain, btw. Samhain
was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter).
At this time, the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest,
allowing Spirits to pass through. Treats were often left to appease these restless Spirits.
Samhain was at Coleman's Irish Pub in Syracuse, Sunday 28 Oct 2018 from 2 - 4 p.m.
There was a $ 10 cover charge at the Door - (Costumes Optional) - which included a
snack-plate, non-alcoholic drinks, and entertainment.
There were no organized Samhain Festivities in 2019.
Hope you had a Safe/Sane Celebration anyhow!
The Public joined w/ members of the CNY-IACI Saturday,
November 17th, 2018 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. for
an informative discussion of the role of Douglas Hyde
in shaping modern Ireland, and particularly the controversies facing
Hyde and the Gaelic League in the pivotal early years of the 20th Century.
It was in Community Room # 1 of the Community Library
of Dewitt and Jamesville, 5110 Jamesville Rd.,
Jamesville, NY. To reiterate, Members and Public
were welcome, with many in attendance.
A good time was had by all.
[[Throughout the year, we hold Casual Language Classes on a regular basis,
taught by a Native-speaker. These will be held at Onondaga Library,
starting in 2020 every Thursday at 9 a.m.]]
[[AND Formal Classes start at Oasis
beginning Monday the 24th of February at
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is Irish I Class.
On this same date, starting at 12:15 is
Irish Class II.]]
[[Also, once a month, on Saturdays, in 2020, Folks
gather to practice speaking the Irish Language
together that they've learned. E-mail for Addresses,
Directions etc; -- thetrumps1000@gmail.com.]]
[[Lucht Ceoil, music makers in Irish, (pronounced
Look-t Kyol -- o as in mole) is a monthly,
casual meeting, in 2020 of members interested
in playing and singing Irish music. There are
flutes, penny whistles, mountain dulcimer and
bodhran. Lucht Ceoil has done two musical
programs for Betts Library Summer Music
Series and two programs for the Centers at St.
Camillus. Bring your music instruments and join us
for some musical fun. Call (315)-299-8225 for
further Information. No pressure to be
professional.]]
[[On a regular basis, too, IACI does Volunteer work at the Samaritan Center,
215 N. State St., Syracuse on (Day varies month-to-month) for two hours, from
3 - 5 p.m. serving meals to deserving Folks in the Community. Frequently, we
serve between 250 and 500 Meals, when our group volunteers. The Center serves
over 9000 Meals per month. You may ask, what does feeding the Homeless have
to do with being in an Irish Group? I believe we have a Conscious or Genetic Memory
of the Great Famine in our ancestral Homeland, and this motivates us to give back;
we work to empower our City. Come Volunteer with us if you like. Contact Ann
by the 5th of each Month to find out Volunteer Day and Date (315)-299-8225.]]
[[Our Board Meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the
Hazard Library from 1:00 to 2 (ish) p.m.
ALL are welcome.]]
(There are other things we've done which may be a one-time
happening, not listed here.)
In conclusion, we are a VERY active organization and would
love for YOU to join us! For info on becoming a member and/or
participation in any of the aforementioned activities -- please e-mail
us at the following:
REMEMBER, you need not be Irish to join our Group,
you need only to have a love and appreciation
of Irish Culture! (Note: Mobile Users, scroll WAY down to
view Final Pic/Paragraph.)
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