By Paddy McCarthy
Can you believe it? Christmas has passed us so fast as we have waited for it the whole year? Now in saying that as I did say in my previous Out&About, I love Christmas and then, bang, it’s gone so fast. The whole thing about Christmas is the build up to it with all decorations and the lights that are put up on houses and businesses that make it so beautiful. Again though, this pandemic put a damper on the whole holiday as we have so many restrictions that makes it impossible to go out and have some fun and that is what I have missed.
Oh well, let’s move onto New Year’s Eve that is part of the whole season’s holidays as we bring in the New Year 2022 but I cannot promise it will be the happiest as again, with all the restrictions, it will be very hard to celebrate it like we have done down through the years. All my life I have been a positive thinker and I also try not to let things get me down and I try to stay away from the negativity of what is happening as it does not help.
Here is the good news: 2022 is going to be better for all of us, you know why? Because it just can’t be any worse that it was in 2021. I am one of those for whom tomorrow is another day and it will better than the last day. I do feel so sorry for most of the businesses in the hospitality sector though, like restaurants, bars, cafés and delis as they depend so much on you who like to come in and relax, have a drink and a meal and meet up with friends.
We have a lot to look forward to though in the new year including Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day and lots more that again will not be affected by this pandemic as I have faith in what the medical people are doing, no politics, so look on the bright side of things as it will happen. Here I am rushing time ahead… I am just telling you what we can look forward to in the coming months that will put smiles on your faces and they are coming very fast.
I got some very nice letters in that I would like you to see as it gives me confidence in what we are trying to do with The Irish Examiner USA and it makes me so happy as well. This came from two beautiful people who are in the theatre business, a joy to meet up with and this is what Charlotte Moore and Ciaran O’Reilly said: “As we take stock of this past year, we cannot help but be grateful that we did it all together. We streamed together, we zoomed together, we waited together, and – at last – we re-opened our beloved theatre on 22nd Street TOGETHER. We are delighted that so many people have come through our doors to take in the magic of live theatre with us since we reopened. And of course, we know that so many aren’t ready to return to indoor theatre spaces.
“We are deeply grateful for every audience member at Irish Rep – online and in-person – and you’ll keep seeing new works on our Irish Rep Theatre @ Home platform so that we can stay together!
“We write today to ask you to consider making a year-end gift to support our continued in-person and online programming. This year, as we face more uncertainty, we’re asking you to dig a little deeper if you can. Whether you can give $1,000, $500, $250, or $100, your gift will help us keep the curtain raised this year and, in the years, to come.
We wish you and your families a very happy and healthy new year. We charge our glasses and offer a toast to you all: together, forever, once more. Le chéile!. With love and thanks, Charlotte and Ciarán.”
Isn’t that nice as this is an open letter for every one just not me, now that’s what it is all about. You can find all the information you need on how you can support The Irish Repertory Theatre at www.irishrep.org.
This is another nice letter that came to me on behalf of the Origin Theatre Company. It said, “every season, playwrights and artists from across Europe find their New York City home at Origin. Despite the challenges of the past year, we have continued to support the creation of new work, both online and in-person. We continued in our commitment to employ European artists from Vilnius in Lithuania to Bangkok in Thailand. From virtual conversations about topical issues to in-person play readings hosted at your neighborhood bar, we came together to make theatre happen!
“We are excited about what’s next but we need your support to bring our plans to fruition. Please make a contribution today and help us continue to create opportunities for European artists! Because, at the end of the day, we are a theatre company. It’s what defines the past 20 years of Origin: live performance of the best of new work from Europe. Your support makes it all possible.”
We here at The Irish Examiner USA support Irish Arts and Theatres all over and especially here in New York where they bring the best of talent on stage week after week for your enjoyment. We are one of many Irish media outlets here in the United States who will always promote Irish culture from far and wide with the latest news and gossip so you will read what’s happening and that is who we are.
Do you know all the volunteer work that goes on behind the scenes is unbelievable to make things happen and it does, how do I know? Because I have seen them and how hard they work. The reason I’m telling you all this is because The Origin Theatre Company needs your help right and it’s the start of their new season 2022 so visit www.origintheatre.org/support.
Good news comes in threes so here we go with news from George C. Heslin: “Dear Friends of New York Irish Center, when you walk through the doors at New York Irish Center, you will find another home on Jackson Ave. A place to gather. A place to share. A place to celebrate. Our mission has always been to serve our vibrant community and this year has truly illustrated why the Center is so vital. On behalf of everyone here at NYIC, thank you for being part of our community this past year.
“Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued to keep our doors open for everyone. Your generous contribution has helped us:·Serve over 50 lunches annually to seniors in our community;·Present concerts and performances throughout the year, including our new Speakeasy Jazz Nights, our play reading series Theatre Tonight, the Ireland Live… from New York concert series, and our ongoing conversation series Between the Lines, among many others; Host language and music classes and other cultural events for the young and young-at-heart, while providing access to free or low-cost space for many non-profits and essential services;·And so much more!
“We appreciate your generosity as a supporter of NYIC; every contribution—no matter the amount—does so much. If you wish to make an additional end-of-year gift, please [visit www.newyorkirishcenter.org/donate]
“Your continued support at this critical time means the world to us and to the community we serve. Thank you for being part of NYIC this year. A year when we demonstrated how we could come together in the face of many challenges. A year when we found new ways to stay connected, both to those in our neighborhood and to family and friends far away. A year when our community found new ways to celebrate our shared heritage. We look forward to a New Year full of hope and promise. And until we see you back at NYIC for one of our many exciting offerings and events, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!”
I will finish off with another event that should also be supported and I will attend because this society is also a big backbone to the Irish community so here, we go. Peter Whalen, President of the GCUES sent me this reminder. Another big event is coming up on Wednesday January 5th, the Grand Council of United Emerald Society’s 2022 Irishman of the Year Dinner. It will be held from 7 pm to 11 pm at Antun’s of Queens Village (96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village, New York.) The Honorable Edward Grayson Commissioner Department of Sanitation, City of New York is their 2022 Irishman of the Year. Check out their ad on our website or in this paper or visit www.gcues.org for more information.
That is my gossip for the end of the year, I would like again to wish all our readers and advertisers a very Happy New Year and I hope to see you all again when I am Out&About again in 2022…