By Paddy McCarthy
What a week it has been weather-wise, as it came with a bang, the heat I do mean! Not that I am the weatherman and yes, we were told about it, but did we plan for it? No, of course we didn’t. Now for the good news: it was just beautiful every day that I went to the beach on one day on Long Island that is really a beach county on all sides of it, north and south.
The beach I went to is called Cedar Beach, a public beach on the North Shore in the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. Cedar Beach is located in the hamlet of Mount Sinai, yes, a little bit confusing because they are all little hamlets on Long Island.
Yes, I had a dip in the water that was a little bit cold at first until I went under, ahh I love it as it was such a hot day last Thursday. I did have my umbrella, my beach chair and, of course, my bucket and shovel, just kidding.
I feel we are in for a long hot summer but I am not complaining as we had to wait for it for the last few months. I know what yea have to say, was he on Out&About? I suppose you could say yea I was, ha, ha, well somebody has to do right!
Last week I was interviewed by Treasa Goodwin Smyth on Ireland Calls and I am still in cloud nine after it. She is a first-class interviewer as I should know as she interviewed me and I can tell you that it was so pleasant to do it. The word went out like a house on fire that I was on Ireland Calls and I got a call from another famous Irish radio station host Eileen Cronin, from WRHU Radio Hofstra University FM 88.7. The Long Island Ireland Show that Eileen presents plays The Irish Music with a grand cup of tea every Saturday from 2 pm to 5 pm. I was Eileen’s guest at 3 pm for a chat about this digital paper, The Irish Examiner USA that is published every Wednesday and our website at irishexaminerusa.com.
Again, Eileen is another great host that deserves a lot of praise for keeping the Irish traditions alive in the USA alive with music from Ireland and beyond that she plays and announcements on all the events that are happening in the State of New York.
These two presenters are not competing with each other as they are both sensational, total professionals playing on different days and they both deserve all the credit in the world for what they do for our Irish heritage, so give them both all the support that we can all give them. I personally would like to thank both of them for giving me the time for my Out&About, and presenting The Irish Examiner USA, thank you, and please check them both out by listening in to their individual programs.
I have said from day one with my Out&About column that any organization that needs some publicity that I’m here for you. So here goes: The Irish American Heritage Center is running an urgent appeal for 2024 to help them preserve the Irish American Heritage Center and they need your help: “We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out with an urgent request for our 2024 Annual Appeal. As a valued community member, your contributions have been instrumental in sustaining our beloved Irish American Heritage Center through the years. Whether through your generous donations to our 2023 campaign or your participation in our many programs, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support.
“Now, we turn to you with a crucial need and a hopeful heart. In 2024, we must replace both the north and south parking lots—an essential project for the Center’s safety and longevity. Key Details: Project: Replacement of north and south parking lots, Total Cost: Approximately $542,000, Status: Significant progress made, but additional support needed for completion.
“Yes, it is a lot to ask so I am passing it on as any donation would be greatly appreciated, I am sure of that. How Your Contribution Helps: Enhances accessibility and safety of our historic building, Ensures the longevity and functionality of our facilities, Supports the vibrant cultural programming at the IAHC.
“By contributing to this appeal, you help preserve our historic building and sustain the vibrant cultural programming that makes the IAHC a cornerstone of our community.
“To make a donation, please visit the Annual Appeal page HERE or call our office at 773-282-7035, extension 10. Thank you for your steadfast support and generosity. Warm regards, The Board of Directors of the Irish American Heritage Center.”
All I can say is see what you can do for them as they do need your help. Now for another event that I totally support that the Irish American Writers and Authors are promoting: “Happy Juneteenth! It’s a day that celebrates liberation and freedom, a moment when we made strides toward being a more just society.
“Frederick Douglass, who was deeply affected by his visit to Ireland in 1845-46, was an outspoken defender of human rights and always emphasized the relationship between progress and struggle.
“June is also the season when we celebrate the struggles for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities, and so we are happy to invite everyone to our annual Pride Salon on June 28. Read on! Friday, June 28, 7 pm: IAW&A Pride Salon at Houghton Hall. Please join us for our special Pride Salon event, celebrating Irish LGBTQ+ creatives past and present, and all things fabulously queer! It takes place at Houghton Hall (22 East 30th Street, between 5th and Madison Avenues), from 7 to 10 pm.
“There will be a great lineup of talented individuals, and the salon will include readings, a ‘dramatic’ reenactment of real-life excerpts from Oscar Wilde’s libel trial, the performance of a new play, music, dancing, and more besides to enjoy and delight in! Author Yvonne Cassidy and IAW&A Board member Shelley Ann Quilty-Lake will host.”
I am sure that Larry Kirwan will be happy that I have announced this in my out and about this week.
Now for big, big news that I have to let you know about. What a super transformation they have made to Antun’s catering facility for all events. Since its inception in 1945, Antun’s of Queens Village has been synonymous with exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and cherished memories.
Founded by Frank J Antun and carried on by The King Family, this iconic establishment has grown from a small hotel to a sprawling venue that has hosted countless weddings, celebrations, and corporate events.
Now with Mickey King, the son of proprietor Joe King, at the helm of Antun’s and in keeping with its commitment to providing an unparalleled experience, Antun’s has recently undergone a transformative million-dollar renovation. This comprehensive upgrade has ushered in a new era of elegance, with modern amenities and luxurious finishes that seamlessly blend with the venue’s timeless charm.
From the grand ballroom to the intimate private dining rooms, every space has been meticulously designed to create an atmosphere of sophistication and allure.
From my perspective this venue Antun’s is the place that most Irish counties and societies have all their receptions and I should know as I have been to a lot of them and the welcome from this family run establishment is absolutely fabulous and they treat everybody with total respect and that is from the owners all the way down to all their staff who are just brilliant!
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About once more…