By Paddy McCarthy
Who put the lights out? Now that is what happened on Long Island, New York last week and it was not too good now mind yea. Now I don’t want to be throwing stones only I have to as the electrical company, PSEG of Long Island, were asleep at the wheel I think? Did you know it took FIVE days to get the power back on and some residents had to wait for a week? Now tell me this, wouldn’t you think they’d be ready for the Storm Isaias or was it the name that frightened them or what?
Now this is modern day America who can put a man on the moon and they can’t turn on the lights, ha ha, I have seen it all. We already have enough problems with the pandemic going around now they have us in darkness as well, what next? All I can say again is that it’s a comedy show.
Dermot Kelly had just came back from Newport after having a great holiday with his family to Lynbrook with no lights now that is something, so sorry Dermot; next time check the weather as then you could stay in Newport.
Oh, and guess what? The Coffee man Pete Scalley of course was prepared as he had a generator. Now did he invite anyone over for tea or COFFEE? No as he was in his comfort zone and the rest of us were sweating it out.
What is happening with the pubs as I get a lot of requests for some news on the openings and its bad news as Governor Cuomo has still not made a positive decision yet so we still have to wait and see. Now he knows better than anyone that Irish pubs are a social meeting place for all of us expats and its a home away from home, so Governor it’s our way of life. Governor every day from your pulpit on TV you keep using the word be SMART and that is what we are because we emigrated from Ireland for a better life. All the publicans need is for you to talk to them with a plan and stop threatening them with suspensions and losing their licenses, they are one of the biggest taxpayers that you ever have. Why not sit down with them and discuss how to go forward and have a pint or two.
Now I did have this in my late Out&About last issue: The Irish Business Organization sent me this and I am sure they also would like me to attend or be sober on Saint Patrick’s Day 2021, miracles do happen right? So here we go Tami Ellen McLaughlin is a member of the Irish Business Organization of New York Executive Board. She also chairs the Women’s Networking Committee and has driven committee programming, project management, event structure, and social media strategy. Ms. McLaughlin has extensive experience in financial services marketing and a passion for nonprofit media and organizational support and has served as a volunteer and consultant for special events at Irish Arts Center, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Sober St. Patrick’s Day.
Sober St. Patrick’s Day has garnered much attention since its inaugural party in New York in 2012. Although the 2020 event was canceled like all other parades and events due to COVID 19, many of the world-class musicians, singers, and dancers who signed on back in 2012 were headlining once again, including: John Whelan – 7 Time All-Ireland Champion Button Accordion Player, Brian Conway – 5 Time All-Ireland Champion Fiddle Player, Donie Carroll – beloved Irish vocalist and “Cork’s 2015 Man of the Year”, Brendan Dolan – master keyboard player, Dylan Foley – 4 Time All-Ireland Champion Fiddle Player, Flynn Cohen – singer, guitarist, and mandolin, Liz Simmons – singer and guitarist and the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance, regarded by many as among the best step dancers in the Northeast.
Sober St. Patrick’s Day® was created by award-winning theater and television producer, William Spencer Reilly, who almost lost a member of his family to addiction in 2004. He first proposed the idea to leaders in the recovery and Irish American communities, a pitch that led, a year later, to the 2012 inaugural party. Now an annual event, Sober St. Patrick’s Day is held on parade day in New York City. It continues to grow throughout the world. SSPDF Board members Sis Gallagher Wenger, Patricia O’Gorman, and John Coppola are all recipients of the SSPDF Emerald Spirt Award. This award is presented annually to honor extraordinary dedication and devotion to improving the lives of family members of alcoholics and addicts. SPDF encourages collaboration with organizations and individuals interested in hosting similar events in the United States and internationally. In addition to the signature New York City event, SSPDF is proud to partner with organizations hosting Sober St. Patrick’s Day Parties in Belfast; Dublin; Richmond, Virginia; Centerport, Long Island; West Warwick, Rhode Island; and Mystic, Connecticut. Please watch the SSPDF “Reclaim the Day” video to see and hear more: https://youtu.be/OBshXz4A3YY.
The Sober St. Patrick’s Day® team invites you to join the community and learn more about ways to participate and support us in reaching our goal of providing non-alcoholic celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day around the world. Contact Tami Ellen McLaughlin at (646) 942-0234 for more information or visit www.soberstpatricksday.org for more information.
The Irish Repertory Theatre has another special for you to enjoy that can be seen on YouTube called Love Noël, the songs and letter of Noël Coward that will be performed on screen. Written and devised by Barry Day, directed by Charlotte Moore, filmed at The Players and starring Steve Ross and KT Sullivan it began on the 11th and finishes August 15. This is delightful and not to be missed. Get to know the life and times of one of the 20th century’s most dynamic creative icons – Noël Coward – through this intimate performance in which Steve Ross and KT Sullivan transform into some of the many characters that made up Coward’s unique life…
Through Coward’s songs, stories, and personal letters, cabaret legends Steve Ross and KT Sullivan will summon up timeless memories of an era that may be gone, but is never to be forgotten. After the sold-out run of the Irish Rep World Premiere production of Love, Noël in the summer of 2019, the Irish Rep say that they are delighted to present a reimagined production for the screen, filmed on location, with COVID-19 precautions, at The Players! This event is free to attend, but advance reservations are required. The event link will be emailed to registered attendees two hours before the performance begins. If you are in a position to support them, we ask that you please consider a donation of $25 per viewer. For more information, call their Box Office at (212) 727-2737 or go to www.irishrep.org.
Before I go, I have to send my best wishes to Mike Bowen, our Australia correspondent who has been hospitalized with the Covid-19. All of us here at The Irish Examiner USA send our hopes that you will make a quick and full recovery Mike!
That what I have for you this week and I will see you all again WHEN I am Out&About…