By Paddy McCarthy
I have got a lot of praise for my comments last week about pubs and restaurants and it was all positive would you believe. Look outside of the stories of customers enjoying pubs and restaurants, and you’ll see that the staff have no jobs and we are talking about millions of people all around the United States that bring the unemployment numbers way up. There has to be a better plan on opening all these establishments and once again the Governors of each state should sit down with the vintners and brainstorm with them to see how they can progress. The man who always keeps us all up to date is the one and only Adrian Flannelly from the Irish Radio Network USA as he keeps the tradition alive with news, views, interviews and entertainment, Yes, he has been giving his listeners a bit of Ireland for their pleasure and comfort for over 50 years.
This Irish American Life hosted by Dr. Miriam Nyhan Grey airs on WNYE 91.5fm in the tri-state area and livestreams worldwide on irishradio.com. Last week, Miriam paid tribute to the late Pete Hamill by sharing audio of the December 2018 tribute to him organized by Glucksman Ireland House NYU. Speakers included Professor Kevin Kenny, Dan Barry, James McBride, Mike Lupica and Jim Dwyer. Part II will air on next week’s program. Visit www.irishradio.com for details of both their programs.
I got a little bit of good news that came to me from the Irish American Heritage Center who told me that Aer Lingus has a Friends and Family offer that is perfect for followers of the Irish American Heritage Center. Book by August 31, fly between September 1 and March 31, 2021 and receive $100 off roundtrip economy fares, or $400 off of Business Class. Goto www.aerlingus.com/html/planPage/planPage.html for information and to book your flights! Enter the codeword WELCOMEHOME. This offer is also offered to the Irish Business Organization so please check it out.
Here is something that should interest you that came from Corey Johnson, New York City Council Speaker who said that all New Yorkers are eligible for free COVID-19 testing, regardless of whether or not you have symptoms or are at an increased risk.
Tests performed at COVID-19 express sites are free to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, New Yorkers can now text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 to find a COVID-19 testing site. So, if you have not done it here is your chance and remember its free.
This is something that would be well worth your time donating to that came in to me from the Cork Association. They are making an urgent appeal for three well known Cork Charities: the Cork University Hospital Charity, Marymount Hospice and Cork Simon Community due to the fallout from COVID-19. They are appealing to individuals, families, businesses and communities to join together and help reach their target of €60,000 for these vital services. To donate please visit this link: www.idonate.ie/event/2467_camino-challenge-in-cork.html.
The Slainte 2020 organization is still in need of donations as they have already dispensed all monies they have received to date. Spearheaded by the Aisling Irish Center, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, NY GAA, New York Irish Center and United Irish Counties this is a collective fundraising effort assisting the Irish community in the tri-state area. If you are a member of the Irish community who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 crisis and have very limited or no access to other sources of fiscal aid you can apply for assistance. To make a personal donation, please visit: www.Slainte2020.org.
The great Andy Cooney sent me in word of an event that I am sure you would like to attend. It will be Andy Cooney’s Annual Halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner Show at The Irish Coffee House Pub in Islip, Long Island. This is one of the most popular days that is on September 17 with two shows as they will have an early show and a late show. Due to the CDC regulations because of the Coronavirus they have a limit of 50 people at each of the shows so book early. To book a reservation call (631)277-0007 and they are open every day at 12 noon.
Finally I had some new from from Ciarán O’Reilly at The Irish Repertory Theatre. After five original digital productions, and one online fundraiser, their Online Summer Season has come to a close. In the past four months, they have welcomed new audiences and connected with old friends from across America and the world.
They are extremely grateful for the generosity of their audience during this time. Donations in support of their free digital programming have kept them afloat and allowed them to maintain our administrative staff and to hire actors and creatives throughout the summer. Ciarán shared that they, “are excited to share that we’re hard at work on a Digital Fall Season and will be announcing new programming very soon. That being said, the arts industry is facing an existential threat. We can not let this happen. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that Arts and Culture accounts for over $877 billion dollars and 4.5% of the U.S. economy, contributing 5,107,889 jobs.
“Actors, directors, designers, and administrators are out of work. Today, we invite you to be an #ArtsHero! This intersectional grass roots campaign asks you to write to your Senators and ask them to allocate proportionate relief to the Arts and Culture sector of the American economy. We urge you to join us and support the theatre community by becoming an #ArtsHero. Please share the campaign on social media, and tell your friends and family.” For more information visit irishrep.org or call their Box Office at (212) 727-2737.
That what I have for you this week and I will see you all again WHEN I am Out&About…