Desert shamrock july aug 2014 online

July – August 2014 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper ~ Vol. 25, No. 4

Irish Arizonans Brock Baker, Singer, Songwriter, Actor in Hollywood

Nola Yergen, TV, Film, and Theatre Costume Designer

THE DESERT SHAMROCK

2320 E. Baseline Rd., #148-623 Phoenix, AZ 85042

Arizona Icons Bill and Sada O’Brien, Ranchers, Chairman Emeritus of Irish Cultural & Learning Foundation, Celebrating 66 Years of Marriage

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 1445

ONLINE EDITION Digital Shamrock Scan code with your mobile device and read as an eFlip magazine or visit www.issuu.com/ desertshamrock

NEW column: Bod yn Gymry... being Welsh

PAGE 13

DON'T MISS THIS

The Desert Shamrock – We’re on Facebook

W

e have a fabulous Facebook page – please “Like” us and follow along on all the Celtic happenings. We are now in 100+locations throughout greater Phoenix (“the Valley”) and growing, including many public libraries and Sky Harbor International Airport. Plus, The Desert Shamrock is in Flagstaff, Tucson, Sedona, and Prescott. Let us know if you have a location to add to our routes.

See the back page about our VERY exciting fundraiser launch with Indiegogo! Support the campaign for as little as $1 and be part of “I’m 1 in a million of Celtic ancestry in Arizona.” No restrictions, so join in if you’re a friend of a Celt, wanna be a Celt, or born a Celt located anywhere in the world. We sincerely appreciate your support as we endeavor to do GREAT things with the funding to keep the DS healthy financially and benefit a variety of nonprofits.

Here’s a photo of mine from the drive on Dingle Peninsula. Be sure and include this landmark in your travel plans this summer. Brian Hanrahan’s book review of The Islandman is on Page 9; the Blasket Islands Visitor Centre on the Peninsula is a must-see.

Our very own Sarah Hines, 2014 Arizona Colleen, carried her dual title as Arizona Rose to compete in the Rose of Tralee Regional Finals in Portlaoise, Ireland.

She advanced and now will be in the Rose of Tralee International Festival’s selection of a young woman to serve as a spokesperson for the Global Irish. If you are available to be in Tralee, Co. Kerry, the dates are August 15-19 with the televised finals the last two evenings.

Support and cheer Sarah on (See Page 12)!

The BIG news is that in conjunction with the Rose Festival, The Desert Shamrock will be printed and distributed among the 100,000 from Ireland, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East who will be attending a myriad of family events. Check them out at www.roseof tralee.ie.

Don’t miss July 19 and 20 at the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival in Foxglenn Park, Flagstaff. Besides all the Scottish athletics, terrific music and dance, as for me, I don’t want to miss the kids’ oopy, goopy Oatmeal Toss (see Page 19)!

Enjoy life and blessings, and a good read in The Desert Shamrock!

Ann Niemann

TICKET PROMOTION

Be among the first 5 to receive two tickets to your choice of Saturday or Sunday’s Festival. Send your name, phone, email, to info@desertshamrock.com OR text 602-568-3455.

2

The Desert Shamrock

ARIZONA’S ORIGINAL IRISH NEWSPAPER Serving the Celtic Community 2320 E. Baseline Rd., #148-623 Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 568-3455 Visit www.DesertShamrock.com e-mail: info@desertshamrock.com Owner & Editor in Chief • Ann Niemann Publisher • Niemann Publishing, Inc. Art Direction • Misty Voitovski Design & Layout • Gena Corcoran Masthead Design • Elaine’s Design Emporium Contributing Columnists

Brian Hanrahan • Carmelita Lee • Dan Magee Ellen Harrington • Gary Woodside Janice Bryson • Kathleen Walters • Katie Caufield Ginder Liz Warren • Lynn Herdman Mascarelli • Maureen Sullivan Publisher – Julie O’Mahar (2003 - 2013) Editor - Kathleen Wood (2003 - 2008) Publisher - Maureen O’Mahar (1996 - 2002) Founding Publisher - Robert E. Graham (1987 - 1996) Subscriptions are available at $15 per year, prepaid. Please mail your subscription request to the address above. Copyright©2014 - Niemann Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the writers, and not necessarily those of ‘The Desert Shamrock,’ the publisher or the editorial staff. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Publication of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement of a product or service. Unsolicited materials become the property of Niemann Publishing, Inc. All unsolicited materials are greatly appreciated and carefully evaluated although publication is not guaranteed.

Celebrate with the Celtic Community All Year.

Subscribe Today!

NEW Subscription RENEWAL Gift Subscription From

Payment Enclosed Check if seasonal.

Contact us with second address and dates.

Name (Please print clearly)

Phone Number

Address City

State Zip

Email

Subscribe Online: www.DesertShamrock.com

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO:

Rates are U.S. only & include sales tax

2320 E. Baseline Rd., #148-623 Phoenix, AZ 85042

July – August 2014

THE DESERT SHAMROCK 602-568-3455

May – June 2014 ~ Arizona’s Original Irish Newspaper

SPORTS

FLAGSTAFF

BUSINESS

SCOTS

4 Holy Water for Phoenix Irish Currachs

6

19 Celtic Music in the Air in July

5 INP Profile: Elaine Monaghan Price

24 Clan MacInnes Making Monumental Progress with Worldwide Clan Marker Project 25 Scottish Independence Referendum | 2014

ARTS

Celtic Artisan: Nola Yergen

6 Celtic Artisan: Nola Yergen 11 Book Review - The Islandman by

TV, Film, and Theatre Costume Designer

TRAVEL

Tomás Ó Criomhtháin

CULTURE

20

10 Keltic Kitchen - Rosemary & Leek Salmon in Parchment Paper 11 Humor –The Land of a Thousand Welcomes 12 2014 Arizona Rose Advances to Tralee!

12 Northern Ireland Internship

26 Bere Island Heritage Centre 27 Arizona-born In’tl. Rose of Tralee Hails from Bere Island 28 Driving Tips from Left Lane Maureen, Part 3

OUT AND ABOUT 33-35 Photo Galleries

WELSH

Arizona Icons: Bill and Sada O’Brien

CALENDAR

13 Bod yn Gymry...being Welsh

30-31

NEWS

14 Law Enforcement Fundraiser a Success

DIRECTORIES 36-39

HISTORY

15 Irish Tales from Arizona Territory The Truth about Frank and Annie White

SISTER CITIES

22

Brock Baker Singer, Songwriter, Hollywood Actor

16 Phoenix Youth Ambassadors head to Ennis, Co. Clare 17 Chandler Winner for International Art and Author Showcase 17 Grand Prize Essay Winner - “Unity”

NEXT ISSUE SNEAK PEEK

NORTH AMERICAN ROSES OF TRALEE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

SEDONA/NORTH AZ 18 News From Northern Arizona - Prescott 18 Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona 2014 Welcomes Highland Athletics!

The Desert Shamrock

Special edition printed in Ireland

July – August 2014

3

SPORTS

Holy Water

for Phoenix Irish Currachs

By Carol O’Regan

A

s a currach team rower, I recently returned from Ireland with holy water for the two Phoenix boats. Carrying holy water on an Irish fishing boat, the currach, is a traditional belief that the water provides protection. A currach would not go to sea without holy water because fishermen wanted protection and a divine presence with them.

The holy water brought from Ireland is a combination of waters from Saint Michael’s Well on Bere Island (Saint Michael is the Patron Saint there) and Berehaven Harbour, which is located between Bere Island and the mainland of the Beara Peninsula in County Cork. The waters were blessed on Good Friday at Saint Michael’s church on Bere Island. Saint Michael’s Well or Tobar Mhichil is said to have restored sight to a blind sailor. The sailor had lost his sight at sea. He dreamed that his sight would be regained, once he reached land.

The ship arrived in Berehaven Harbour and locals brought him to the place he described in his dream.

He washed his eyes with water from the Bere Island well and regained his sight. (The healing powers of water, such as from some wells, are known to have been worshipped by our pagan ancestors.)

In keeping with Irish tradition, the Phoenix currachs will carry this holy water.

If you are interested in rowing with the Irish Currach Team of Phoenix, please contact Paul Ahern, Vice President, Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation, at T. 623-572-5828; M. 702-4973655; paulahern@qwest.net.

View of Bere Island and Berehaven Harbour

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOANNA RIDDELL

Read more about Bere Island on pages 26 and 27.

Berehaven Harbour

Carol O’Regan Rascon descends from Bere Island, County Cork and maintains her Irish connections with annual visits. She is an engaged member in the community as a rower with the Currach team; volunteer at the McClelland Irish Library; and active member with the Arizona Irish Foundation and Friends of St. Patrick. Carol is a family member of Haley O’Sullivan, 2013 International Rose of Tralee.

4

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

Elaine Monaghan Price

By Lynn Herdman Mascarelli

W

hat more beautiful Irish name for a mum than Mary Brigid O’Shea...and from Tralee, County Kerry no less! With no work in Ireland, Mary Brigid

traversed the Irish Sea and trained as nurse in Birmingham, England where, at a 50’s dance, she met the love her life, Patrick Joseph Monaghan, a relation of the Wexford Kennedy’s and working his trade as an ESP electrician. They married and raised five beautiful children, their youngest, the vivacious Elaine Monaghan Price.

Mary Brigid would always be Mr. Monaghan’s Maureen O’Hara.

Our Irish Network businesswoman was born and raised in a large Irish enclave, schooled well in institutions of learning with fine sounding names like Olton Court Convent (now Our Lady of Compassion) and The Holy Child School for girls, Edgbaston, where the future graphic designer would win, with her illustration of a trendy eighties girl against a Birmingham skyline, the art competition to design the Lord Mayor’s Procession Program. At 17, she enrolled in Bournville College of the Arts then earned her B.A. (Honors) Degree in Media and

Production Design from the prestigious London College of Printing, Elephant and Castle, London.

Elaine would now be a designer with a title: Project Art Editor, for the publishing house Dorling Kindersley Books in Covent Garden for eight years. She would retrain as an educator, teaching Information and Communication Technology at Bexleyheath School in Kent, then art and design at St Thomas Aquinas in B’ham. And there would be Shenley Court School (now Shenley Academy) in Northfield, one of B’ham’s most deprived areas, where she found generations on the dole subjected to gun violence and crime, but discovered the most creative and talented kids she had ever met in all England. The bond they forged remains to this day.

Elaine added that one of her most satisfying experiences in the design field was awarded her when given total design control over the jacket, page layout and design of a Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa (2001), a book of over 500 pages... it was glorious. A reviewer on Amazon gave it five stars, claiming it was “a nice fat book jam-packed with beautiful and useful photos... so much work must have gone into producing this thing...the authors have my admiration for this achievement.”

There were hard life lessons learned, too, for Elaine in the death of her mother for whom she was primary caregiver; though relocating and changing employment to be close to her proved stressful, Elaine remembers it only as a privilege to have been near her then. But her life would brighten one day in 2008 when she met the handsome and talented Englishman, John Price, himself a technical writer and artist. He would draw Elaine and her three cats away from her homeland on a fiancé visa to the States and within 90 days they were married.

But America even in this age would be a strange, new world

The Desert Shamrock

and she would need to make her way in it. John and Elaine settled in Arizona. She’d reinvent herself, enlisting in the Arizona Home Baked and Confectionary Goods Program and obtaining her license as a Maricopa Food Handler. She’d carry on the “good baking stock” from which she came and would use again and again Grandma Monaghan’s Irish soda bread recipe, replicating her scones and fairy cakes to perfection.

Elaine would become owner/baker and designer at Elaine’s Afternoon Tea LLC. Her products and branding would be discovered at her elegant teas in places like Rosie McCaffrey’s Pub, the Irish Cultural Center, and in her own home. One afternoon at her table, she even taught the art of the tea to a group of thespians from Scottsdale Community College that they might replicate it in one of their plays. Her business took shape and she evolved into a presence at many charity events and personal engagements.

Elaine’s Afternoon Tea would prove invaluable, projecting her into a community in which she and her sweet treats were well received. As she remarked, “We were always smiling... we were eating cake!” This became nowhere more evident then in her own online Meet-up group, Elaine’s Afternoon Tea Group, Central Phoenix, where now almost 50 FABs (The Fairy Cake Advisory Board) meet for tea at least twice a month.

A huge boon to her business would be her beautiful, easy to navigate website www.elainesafternoontea.com immediately noticed by the web host i-page and featured on their Facebook page, thus attracting considerable attention especially among colleagues who requested her expertise in designing their websites; among them famous bagpiper, Len Wood’s www. apipingweekend.com and successful business owners, Jack and Maureen Sullivan’s www.sullivanstravels.com.

Encouraged by the demand for her design savvy, Elaine would expand her business and form a sister-venture, Elaine’s Design

July – August 2014

BUSINESS

Irish Network Phoenix

continued on page 8

5

ARTS

Celtic Artisan: Nola Yergen

By Lynn Herdman Mascarelli

I

t is truly the Celtic aesthetic that has influenced Nola Yergen’s ten-year romance with costume design and no doubt her Irish great-grandmother, Jenny Francis Martin Bird, would be proud of her Nola. An award-winning costume designer for theater, film and television, she was the child of artisans. Her father, a meteorologist/scientist, was a brilliant illustrator. He and her mother taught her to discern at an early age “the quality of good design and what wasn’t”; this of course would always include her Halloween costume; each year, the pièce de résistance of the neighborhood.

With her mother, she attended her first Star Wars convention; this meant dressing up and designing her own costume. “It was a blast for the young,

awkward, skinny girl with fuzzy hair and glasses.”

Being “lost for words” was no longer a problem; her design savvy praised.

Nola shone bright at 14.

“People came to you... they wanted to talk.”

One of her first breaks was a call from Perfect World Entertainment to create costumes for the “Forgotten World” video game’s booth at the E3 Exhibition for video and gaming in Los Angeles. If you’re not in the indus-

Nola Yergen

Tyreal, Forgotten World video game character

Arms and the Man, a comedy by George Bernard Shaw

6

The Desert Shamrock

HMS Pinafore at GCU

July – August 2014

ARTS

Mary Stuart Elizabethan Detail

Nola is Wearing Jules Verne inspired Steampunk

try, there’s no admittance; this is where those in the business show off for each other. Recently she created Tyreal, the Demon Hunter from Diablo 3, for the annual BlizzCon, a huge Blizzard Entertainment venue for promoting its franchises. The preparation entailed 12-hour days for six intense weeks. Nola explained bringing video game characters to life in the real world is challenging. They’re not limited by the laws of physics; the costumes can be unrealistic. It’s her task to adapt their attire to resemble the game yet still be wearable.

But her days were not always about art when life called and a family move uprooted her from private schooling and the East Coast to rural Tennessee and public education. There’d be no Sarah Lawrence where she’d been accepted, but a major in World History at the University of Tennessee...it shaped her background in period design.

“It was meant to be,” Nola said, and so also her passion for environmentalism, protesting apartheid and freeing Mandela; her dedication at IJAMS Nature Center to animals and little ones and a two-year commitment to students in Japan teaching English.

Here she discovered Kabuki, its stylized drama and elaborate make-up; a venue in which Nola’s aesthetic was deeply informed, challenging the traditional ideas of what she considered beautiful.

She’d return home, taking a circuitous route on the Tran-Siberian Railway to Moscow and Prague then more travel in London and Scotland, her eyes filled with the patterns and designs of other places.

Later, a boyfriend’s penchant for making chainmail intrigued her and drew her back into art making. “Everything I’ve done, I’ve done backwards.” Purchasing a sewing machine, she taught herself how to sew, but...she’d sewn for

Green Enamel

years. She pursued a Masters in costume design at Cal State University, Long Beach, but...she’d been making costumes forever.

Formerly an independent contractor at Grand Canyon University, Nola Yergen is now full-time faculty, teaching Introduction to Theater and Fundamentals of Theatrical Design. With the help of her brilliant chief assistant, Sarah Levinson, she “builds’ seven shows a year.

Her costume shop at GCU is a glorious space overflowing with pieces completed; others yet to be finished, some encrusted with beads and fitted with metal, looking like armor. She sat in the midst of it all, holding court at her sewing machine. I loved Nola’s world.

Her most difficult costuming challenge to date was GCU’s recent production of Narnia. How many ways could she design animal characters? Driven by her Celtic aesthetic, Nola researched Celtic animals and Native American totems, their spirits. Finding it almost impossible to incorporate the Celtic knot, she employed both human and animal elements. She smiled and shared, “I must often scale back on my grandiose, original ideas.” But Nola will always think big. Might she not do the same with her dream project to “build” Alice in Wonderland?

Outside the university setting, there is another world where Nola makes art, tempered and enhanced by the sci-fi genre Steampunk, a movement inspired in part by the science fiction of Jules Verne.

Best of Show Award – Elizabethan also Worn as Nola’s Wedding Gown

Melding a Victorian look with elements reminiscent of the steam age and no electricity, there are no particular rules when placed in a modern space and time. “It answered that ache inside me for the perfect genre in which I could create a world for continued on page 8

Elizabethan Style on Stage

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

7

ARTS

Yergen... continued from page 7

myself ” as she did in “Destination Libation,” her first Steampunk piece, utilizing leather, brass and plastic and comprising three costumed persons plus a rolling bar designed on a walker. And there’s Nola herself wearing a miner’s lamp transformed into a hat and high fashion.

Nola’s other passion is costuming for film, among them: Parallax, the video gamebased Red Sand, and Valiant; but on a more encompassing level, she wants to break into an industry which has not seen its best days in Arizona. At the moment, she is working on “Pins and Needles,” a reality film about a costume shop. But would she tell me, of all the costumes she’d made, which one was her favorite? “It is always the one I’m working on at the moment.”

Nola loves Elizabethan: “I can make Elizabethan costumes like nobody’s business.” One of these, a singular piece, remains a precious memory, her own wedding dress, classic Elizabethan; her groom in a doublet.

On this she multitasked, “knowing then and there, I would later enter it in several com-

Steampunk as seen on “Castle” TV Episode

Lynn is a former high school teacher of art, history, and political science. She is a potter, illustrator, muralist in public venues and private homes, and wordsmith. Frequently a featured artist at the Irish Cultural Center, Celtic landscapes intrigue her. Her mom, a Williams, is totally Welsh with ancestry as far back as 1700s and the Isle of Anglesley.

Irish Network Phoenix...continued from page 5

Emporium LLC, side by side with Elaine’s Afternoon Tea LLC. She has been busy; her work therapeutic. Her most noticeable achievements to date, the re-design of the Irish Network website and changing the face of the Irish Cultural Center’s newsletter into a thing of beauty. It is her masthead design that graces the cover of our amazing new Desert Shamrock Celtic newspaper.

As its resident graphic and web designer, Elaine acknowledges one of her greatest supporters has been the Irish Network Phoenix, an Irish nationwide business networking and social group, of which she is now Vice President and Membership Chair of the Phoenix chapter. She explained she takes a philanthropic approach to life and her business as not only designer but as teacher, creating savvy clients who can maintain their

8

The Desert Shamrock

petitions.” It would take best in show. She would tell me her best memories in costuming were “winning.”

In closing, she told me her greatest satisfaction is when costuming another: “to literally watch the transformation take place in the personality of the one being costumed; they suddenly become what they are wearing.” Nola explained the ongoing debate between those who insist the designer can only copy an existing character; others ask if the character derives its traits from the costume and is thus, transformed. “They are somehow set free to be that other.” And I am convinced Nola Yergen is liberated as well with each new costume she pins, tucks and sews on another fortunate character.

So much more can be found about Nola at www.designbynola.com and Nola Yergen on Facebook. I was delighted to learn her costumes will be on display from November to June at Sky Harbor Airport Museum, Terminal 3, in the outer part of the building near Starbucks.

Nola Yergen’s show will be a must-see!

own websites with user-friendly software. “I don’t hold my clients for ransom but give them their files to take ownership of what is theirs...it’s not just about the art and making something look nice...the website is theirs, the design is theirs. I step aside. I guess you could say I’m a non-profit graphic designer, assisting non-profits to be more efficient with their time and funds. We get it done together.”

In closing, she told me she never realized how much peace she would find in working again with her first love, design, and hopes to be busy year round while furthering a side business in Send Out Cards, a natural extension of all she creates in her emporium.

Money aside, she will continue to bake and enjoy a cuppa at her Elaine’s Afternoon Tea meet-ups with her FAB friends of all ages.

Cheers!

July – August 2014

By Brian Hanrahan

ple to be alone. No pubs, no theaters, no rendezvous ounty Kerry’s Blasket locales where interlopIslands appear on ers couldn’t appear at a maps as minute slivmoment’s notice. What ers cast adrift from Dingle today might be called Peninsula in the West of Irearranged marriage was the land. The largest of them, the norm, although a couple Great Blasket, was birthplace usually had moments to The Islandsman’s author, where they might eye each Tomás Ó Criomhtháin other at sporting contests, (1856-1937), anglicized prayer gatherings or at as Tomás O’Crohán. Two other wedding ceremonies. hundred years of continuous There was no such thing Blasket habitation ended in as divorce.

1953 when the last of the When Islanders loaded residents who hadn’t previfood stores onto longboats ously emigrated to America, to barter in Dunquin, a departed for Dún Chaoin ( party atmosphere arose The Islandman, Published by Dunquin) in Country Kerry. among the boys and men Oxford University Press, 2000 Of the prolific storytellselected to make the daners hailing from the Great Blasket, author Tomás gerous journey. It wasn’t unusual for a few of the lads O’Crohán’s work, The Islandsman, is arguably the to sell their entire stash of salmon, ham and spun most memorable. English poet and scholar Robin wool linen at market and depart to the local pub to Flower assumed the tortuous task of translating quaff porter until they were broke, thus returning O’Crohán’s handwritten novel to English amid the to the Great Blasket with challenge of retaining lilt and charm of the cloistered only a hangover, and Blasket dialect. perhaps seasickness.

Tomás O’Crohán decided to “set down the charLinguist Robin Flower acter of the (Blasket) people so that some record of wasn’t the only scholar to us might live after us, for the like of us will never be arrive on the Great Blasket again.” His skill in capturing on paper with unique Island to chronicle the detachment the spirit of approximately one hundred unique Western culture. and fifty Island residents, might not have been posJohn Millington Synge, sible without arrival of the first school teacher on the Irish playwright who wrote Island, when O’Crohán was but a youngster.

The Playboy of the WestWhereas many fellow students considered achiev- ern World, arrived in 1905. ing literacy just a step above the misery of shearing Norwegian author and sheep, the author embraced education and felt forlinguist Carl Marstrander lorn during periods when teachers departed for Eire, came in 1907. recoiling at the harsh Island life.

English classical scholar The Great Blasket Island was a treeless, windand philosopher George swept and hardscrabble land where residents eked Thomson spent years on out a meager living fishing for salmon from primithe Great Blasket, ultimatetive, homemade boats. They raised pigs and sheep; ly marrying Islander Máire they hunted rabbits for trade and sale on the Dingle Cearnaigh , aka Mary Peninsula. Danger was a constant companion.

Kearney. French linguist Howling winds and impossible squalls swamped fish- Marie-Louise Sjoestedt ing boats, leaving men afloat with not the strength arrived with her adventurto swim to the Island, if indeed they could swim. ous traveling companion Islanders clubbed grey seals for food in caves made Seán an Chóta, who later dangerous by rising tides, where an angry bull seal ramrodded works of Island could take a chunk out of a leg, or a neck. Residents writers to print. lived in primitive, thatched hovels among their cows, Through all hardroosters and egg-laying hens. ships the Blasket people Courtship was rare; there was no place for a couremained a staunchly

C

The Desert Shamrock

religious, musical, fun-loving, storytelling culture.

Unflinchingly happy they were, as the mainland swirled in partisan, sectarian violence.

As Tomás O’Crohán noted, their like will not be seen again. They were a culture minus creature comforts available to virtually everyone in the Western world, people without physicians, drugstores, electricity, indoor plumbing, even churches. Priests had to travel by boat from Dunquin to marry and bury the residents, to provide communion and confession.

Today, from Easter to October and during agreeable weather, the Blasket Islands Ferry shuttles hearty adventurers to the Great Blasket Island from Dunquin, daily and on the hour. An ecological tour is also available. A quick Internet search will land you on the Islands Ferry site.

Brian’s great great grandfather arrived in Canada on a coffin ship out of Limerick in 1852.

After a year or two in frigid Montreal, he migrated to balmy Wisconsin where he joined dozens of other Irish immigrants to farm in Erin Township, which even today remains replete with Irish surnames.

July – August 2014

BOOK REVIEW

Book Review The Islandman

9

CULTURE

Keltic Kitchen

Rosemary & Leek Salmon in Parchment Paper

By Katie Caufield Ginder Diadaoibh a chaired! (Hello friends!)

S

ummer is here and the last thing you may want to do is use your oven to make dinner.

However, this leek and rosemary salmon recipe is a simple, healthy one-package meal that only requires using your oven for about 20 minutes. The salmon and zucchini are baked in parchment paper, leaving the fish and veggies moist and perfectly cooked. Feel free to experiment using different vegetables or fish. Just be sure to thinly slice your vegetables to ensure they are cooked all the way through.

Leek & Rosemary Salmon in Parchment Paper Yield: 2 servings

Sonoran

From “Kitchen Poems” by Dan Magee

Summer

The sun has lit the furnace... the Sonoran Summer is here...

INGREDIENTS: 1 large salmon filet (about ½ pound) 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 T. olive oil 2 T. white wine (I used chardonnay) 2 T. chopped leeks 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 rosemary branches 1 medium zucchini, sliced Salt & pepper

I’ve been covered by the sunshine I look back to see the rain Beware the heat of Summer...

Ahead with rays of pain.

Take care each time you trespass To the land where sun is king The desert waits with patience To burn most everything.

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Tear off two pieces of parchment paper. Each piece should be about 17 inches long.

Fold each piece in half lengthwise and cut paper into a large heart shape. Set aside. Slice salmon in half to make two filets. Mix olive oil, crushed garlic, and wine in a small bowl and set aside.

At first it’s glance is warming To fool you with heat’s charm But then attacks so suddenly And you suffer from its harm.

Arrange a layer of sliced zucchini in the center of each piece of parchment paper. Place one piece of salmon on top and sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. Top salmon with chopped leeks and rosemary branch and drizzle half amount of olive oil mixture on top. Place three lemon slices on top of the rosemary. Repeat with second filet on second piece of parchment paper.

Like seas that beckon sailors And bring them to their end The summer in Sonora Takes one more twist and bend.

Fold over the top half of the parchment paper and crimp the edges together, creating a pierogi or dumpling-looking package. Make sure all of the parchment paper edges are crimped together. Set both packages on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the thickest part of the filet is 145 degrees.

Like souls long gone at waves end The love they thought they knew

A sea that kept them always Their ship who lost its crew.

Now seas can be most deadly The rapture of the deep The desert waits the same way For those it wants to keep.

Just give a thought to caring About what you might now need Go safely and return home This is the desert creed.

Intoxicating pleasures Of scenes that make you swoon See amateurs lost wandering Beneath the desert moon.

The lessons told to sailors The care you must believe Alive in searing sunshine If you then expect to leave.

Remove from oven, place each package on a plate, unwrap the edges, and enjoy!

Correction: For you “by-the-book cooks,” please add 1 ½ tsp. salt to last issue’s fabulous Irish Soda Bread recipe (May-June 2014).

Katie Caufield Ginder lives in Gilbert with her husband and son. Her background is in higher education program management, instruction and faculty recruitment. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, yoga, volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters and learning about her Irish heritage.

10

The Desert Shamrock

Dan is a licensed swimming pool contractor for 38 years, and owns Arizona Custom Pools in the Phoenix area, specializing in pool remodels. The poems are therapy for him at the end of a work day. His dad, Edward, was born in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland and emigrated to New Jersey in 1923. Dan is a Navy veteran and spent his active duty in Scotland, where he lived in a flat in a castle. He has been to Ireland 45 times. www.thekitchenpoems.blog.com

July – August 2014

By Carmelita Lee

I

was working on an American case. My colleagues didn’t like out-of-town work, and I was a sucker for it. What? I loved to go to little towns and villages for my job. This one took me to Ennis, County Clare, where my grandmother’s family was from.

We stayed at the Temple Gate Hotel, a four star, on The Square. The rooms were lovely and comfortable. The restaurant was in a high-ceilinged room with paintings and art pieces, and featuring a huge fireplace. While we were enjoying our dinner, I realized that two of the staff were standing in the corner of the room staring at me. They whispered, then got another person, continued to look my way, and whispered some more.

I asked my husband if I had my dress on backwards. I didn’t.

One of them finally spoke to me. “Ye’re from aronde here, aren’t ye?” she said.

No, I assured her, but I knew that my greatgrandparents were from Ennis.

“What would their name be?” she asked.

“Henry and Mittie Holland,” I answered.

“Ah,” she said in that delightful Irish way, motioning to the other lady. “Meet yer relative!

And I have to tell ya,” she says, “ye look like de ooders.”

A short dark-haired lady came to my table, shaking my hand. We spent a good few minutes talking about how we might be connected. She explained that I looked like her mother, and I noticed in her a resemblance to my Aunt Loretta.

One way or another, we’re related. We exchanged e-mails and phone numbers.

After that encounter, our table, then our room, were supplied with hot bread and butter, as well as a scrumptious dessert, compliments of my “cousins.”

The next morning I set up for the deposition (I’m a court reporter) – literally one of the funniest I ever took – and waited to begin. Within a few minutes there was a knock at the door, and one after another Holland relative peeked in, introduced themselves, even an old gentleman who swore he could remember my great-grandma. They alternatively shook my hand, kissed my cheek or handed me a package of candy or homemade jam.

“Our coosin froom across de wahter,” they would say to each other. In our short mini reunion they

The Desert Shamrock

would talk to me as though I belonged, telling me about Auntie Aine’s bad back or invoking saints to look after Cousin Brendan, who was lost to drink.

We were able to chat for about a half hour before I had to do the job I was there for, and arranged to visit afterwards.

It happened again during a criminal trial in Gort na Gopple. After noting that I wasn’t from “around here,” the registrar insisted that I looked like a neighbor. I mentioned my Holland roots, and he said, “Well, she’s a Holland too.” That afternoon he called her, and I was invited to another family dinner!

Oh to be in the arms of family…

CULTURE

The Land of a Thousand Welcomes

How does a gal named Carmelita claim to be Irish? Scottish, even?

Granny Holland’s family hailed from Ennis, County Clare, and Grandpa Maxwell from the Borderlands, Scotland. Her husband’s mother was a Dowdall, and he had a Grandma O’Higgins…ye can’t be more Irish than that!

July – August 2014

11

CULTURE

2014 S

Arizona Rose

ADVANCES TO TRALEE!

arah Hines, Arizona Rose, and 22 other Roses from around the world have been selected to represent Irish communities in their counties, cities, states and countries at the Rose of Tralee International Festival August 15-19.

Hundreds of people turned out in Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Abbeyleix and Barrowhouse to greet the 60 Roses, Rose Buds, their families and friends from all over the world at the Rose of Tralee Regional Festival over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

The Laois County Manager, Peter Carey, said, “It was an honour to once again host such a prestigious event on the Irish Festivals’ calendar. The fun and excitement that the Roses experienced would not have been possible without the support of our local sponsors. This event, now a Regional Festival, has been transformed dramatically since 2008 when Portlaoise first hosted the Roses and their families.”

Roses representing 29 counties in Ireland, 13 regions in the USA, Melbourne, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Canada, Luxembourg, Germany, Scotland and seven major cities in England, all took part in the Regional Festival in the company of RTÉ presenter, Dáithí Ó Sé.

After three sell-out selection nights, 23 Roses were selected to progress to the Rose of Tralee International Festival in Tralee.

These are 6 from Ireland, 4 from UK, 2 from Canada, 8 from USA, and 3 from the Rest of the World. See details, photos, and bios at www.roseoftralee.ie.

All 60 Roses will leave Laois with wonderful memories having enjoyed the three selection nights at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel, an Irish music evening at the Maldron Hotel Portlaoise as well as a Gordon Bennett Vintage Car Parade, High Nelly Harriers, street disco in Mountmellick,

Vintage Car Parade, Portlaoise

12

Regional Roses at Castle Durrow

CASTLE AND PORTRAIT COURTESY OF DOMNICK WALSH PHOTOGRAPHY/ EYE FOCUS LTD.

picturesque venue for Sunday lunch with the Roses, Judges and Rose Centre co-ordinators. The entire local business community deserve much praise for embracing this Festival and for their overall hospitality and kindness to all a parade through Abbeyleix the Roses and their families.” and a visit to the magnificent The Rose of Tralee Castle Durrow.

Regional Festival will return to The General Manager County Laois again from the of the Rose of Tralee 28th May to 31st May 2015 International Festival, Oliver when the global Irish commuHurley, nity will connect in the midsaid, “The lands for a great celebration.

Portlaoise The next event on the Heritage schedule will be this year’s Hotel is a Rose of Tralee International magnificent Festival from 15-19 August in entertainTralee. A full programme of ment venue FREE and affordable enterTV Personality Dáithí Ó Sé and Sarah Hines and ideally tainment to suit people of suited to stage an event of this magall ages awaits with three parades, two firework displays, nitude. The management and staff at fashion show, air show and live music featuring Union J, the Heritage and the Maldron Hotels Nathan Carter, Walking on Cars and Derek Ryan. never fail to meet the needs of all their Come to Tralee and support Sarah Hines! guests including the Roses, Festival Contact Erin Sweeney Morgan, Chair of the Arizona team, Judges and visiting supporters.

Colleen and Rose Programs, at info@azcolleen.org or The stunning Castle Durrow, was the 602-373-7931.

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

WELSH

Bod yn Gymry...being Welsh

By Lynn Herdman Mascarelli

W

elsh Musician John Good arrived in Phoenix in 1989 from L.A. finding little to remind him of his homeland until listening one evening to a visiting Welsh Male Voice Choir in Sun City. He also discovered its Welsh Club. He too would make a difference as a multi-instrumentalist/ composer, poet, participating at small international events and presentations by the International School of Business where he drew others together with his storytelling and workshops on Welsh language.

In Flagstaff, he’d promote “Welshness” with his workshops and music, playing flutes and whistles with harpist friend, John Piggott. He’d form Afan, a seminal Welsh-American band and start the Twmpath, the Welsh counterpart to the Irish ceili; Twmp meaning “small hill,” the word derived from a wonderful tradition when musicians would play atop a small hill and people would dance round and round it.

Today his own band Tramor meaning “over sea” has been the headliner at Welsh festivals in Minneapolis and even Oregon near Portland where Welsh settled in the 19th Century. From those times, John said, still stands a small wooden church, the venue for festivals now. In the fall, the Welsh League of Arizona will be a sponsor of the Celtic Harvest Festival in Sedona. He said, “It’s totally pan-Celtic”... with headliners guitarist Karl Jones and Dublin Soul, Glendale Pipes and Drums, and Scottish-American piper David Brewer. With the festival’s artistic director, Dorothy O’Brien, John is enthusiastic for a fine turnout on September 20.

In Minnesota and Oregon, he was a participant/ conductor of a Cymanfa Ganu meaning “singing assembly” which drew as many as 2,000 in the early

Tramor – John Good guitar and John Piggott on harp

20th century. He promoted such gatherings here, though as time passes, less and less Welsh attended.

John reminded me that just as Wales is a country of a mere 3 million so is its immigrant population is small in comparison to others here in the U.S. Many of Wale’s farmers and miners came to the

agricultural regions of Minnesota and Ohio, and even to Utah where Welsh Mormons settled close to the land. Where there was steel, tinplating and coal, there were Welsh in places like Pennsylvania

The Desert Shamrock

as well. But its heritage language would suffer, the immigrant was told he was American now, “speak English”...it drifted away.

And thus, there is a quiet desperation in John to retain what is Wales for the Welsh here in the States.

He’s even written about this for The Desert Shamrock as a column entitled The Welsh Corner in years past. Many remember the Welsh Heritage Weekend he attended in Tempe in an effort to stir up a revival in Welshness with music and language, workshops and discussion. Here he met Mary Gilchrist, a leading force and mainstay in the present Welsh League of Arizona today. Out of such networking begun fifteen years ago, the Welsh League of Arizona was founded.

Though still a fledging in the ongoing pursuit of a viable Welsh and Celtic presence in the Southwest, the League persists, inviting those with like roots to reconnect and be renewed by gatherings and classes in Welsh language. It is now affiliated with the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.

Arizona’s Welsh League comprises perhaps 400 members though monthly meetings on the first Saturday at noon draw a loyal gathering of about twenty-five. There’s no denying the Welsh fire inside John Good and the sincerity of his desire to promote the League, the language, the music of Wales and its culture. Its motto is “Hen waith, gwlad newydd”... old language, new land and John Good’s on a mission to bring Wales’ own together!

More info at www.tramormusic.com and www.welshleagueofarizona.org.

Iechyd da a hir oes!...cheers and long life!

Lynn is Welsh. See her full bio on page 8.

July – August 2014

13

NEWS 14

Law Enforcement Fundraiser a Success

By Corina Vanek

F

lowers, food, friends and fun came together May 3, 2014 to support Arizona Law Enforcement Emerald Society’s (ALEES) first floral workshop fundraiser.

ALEES was incorporated in 2004 to promote and celebrate accomplishments of Irish-Americans in law enforcement. Its members, families and friends support The Arizona Law Enforcement Emerald Society Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) created in 2012 to provide financial assistance to the families of injured and fallen brothers and sisters in Arizona law enforcement.

Friends and family, including five mother-daughter pairs, participated in the workshop, where they learned the basics of creating a seasonal table centerpiece. The group ranged in age from eleven years old to grandmothers, yet all felt a sense of community while creating their artwork.

Rita Vanek, award winning florist and owner of Rita’s Floral Designs in Phoenix, conducted the workshop at Irene Boland’s Arcadia home. Vanek called upon her professional contacts to donate the flowers and materials for the event, and Boland donated refreshments. The result: 100% of the registration fees were donated to the cause. Attendees enjoyed beautiful weather and good company while exercising their creative talents.

Each person made a centerpiece that included snapdragons, roses, gerbera daisies and greenery in a birch bark box, which created a colorful mix and a naturalistic look. No floral experience was required to participate, and while most initially doubted their creative prowess, all were proud of the beautiful and unique pieces they got to take home. Although each person began with the same types of flowers, each used their own creative eye and each arrangement turned out unique to its creator.

The ladies learned special tips about how to make a centerpiece last longer and look fresher, including

what types of flower food to use, how to cut stems to best allow flowers to soak up water and how to perk up a wilting flower by submerging it into water. They also learned some professional tricks, such as the technique used to wire delicate stems to make them stronger, how tall an arrangement should be as compared to the vase, and how to make the centerpieces look balanced and artistic in different types of vases.

The tutorial also provided participants with basic knowledge of floral arrangement, so that the next time they purchase a grocery store bouquet, they will be able to arrange the flowers to their liking. Vanek utilized three store bought bouquets to demonstrate how to create artistic arrangements. Those arrangements were distributed as door prizes. After the ladies had finished with the floral workshop, they were treated to tasty hors d’oeuvres and had the opportunity to get to know each other.

Since March 3 of this year, Arizona has lost five law enforcement officers in the line of duty. You can help ALEES in their mission by attending the autumn floral arrangement workshop, which will be held Saturday, October 25, 2014. Look for more details in upcoming Desert Shamrock articles.

Northern Ireland

Internship

By Glenda Walker

A

udrey Sullivan, 2014 Young Ambassador, enjoyed a rousing send-off party on May 18. The “Hats Off to Audrey” tea was held at the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix.

Sarah Hines and Kelsey Kelleher, 2012 and 2013 Ambassadors respectively, organized and emceed the entertainment portion of the afternoon.

The attendees were serenaded by Kelsey; Mallory Melton, of the ICC Academy Band; and Lyssa Horney and Holly

The Desert Shamrock

Sullivan, both 2014 Arizona Irish Lasses. Audrey joined her sister, Holly, in a beautiful duet, as well as performing a very moving contemporary dance.

The tables were beautifully decorated with darling hat centerpieces created by Audrey’s mother, Cyndi, and her Aunt Hazel. The candy favors were made by Ann Hines, Sarah’s mother and who is the ICC receptionist.

A dozen or so ladies entered the hat decorating contest which was judged

by Michael O’Hara, Myron Sullivan and Art Kelleher. Holly Sullivan won the basket full of Starbuck’s goodies donated

by Sharon Caruso. Jean McDermott won the 50/ 50 raffle and graciously gave the money back to the Friends organization. Everyone appreciated the raffle items and delicious food that was donated by so many people.

Audrey has returned from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland for her two-week internship. Follow her adventure by reading Audrey’s blog at http:// audreysyoungirishambassador.blogspot.com.

July – August 2014

from Arizona Territory

The Truth about Frank and Annie White

By Janice Ryan Bryson

I

n an August 2005 column, I wrote the story of Irish immigrants Patrick and Annie White.

Robert Mason had written The Burning based on their life in Arizona. While the author did note that it was “based” on the Whites’ story, I had checked some of the information and thought the fairy tale ending was wonderful. Unfortunately, I have recently learned that Annie’s life did not have a fairy tale ending.

Annie White’s story tells of the destruction of an Irish immigrant’s dream. Annie Dowling was born around 1840 in County Kerry, Ireland. Her family fled Ireland during the Great Hunger and settled in New York City. There she met fellow County Kerry native Patrick White who was on leave from the U.S. Army and the couple were married in 1858.

Patrick served in the 8th Infantry during the Civil War, even spending some time in the South’s Libby Prison before escaping. After the war, Patrick’s next assignment was Fort Russell, near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The White family would eventually include seven children. As Roman Catholics, the Whites saw to the baptism of their children, probably a challenge at the remote posts where Patrick was stationed. Their son Ned was born at Fort Russell and his godmother was Martha Jane Canary, better known as Calamity Jane.

In 1874, the 8th Infantry was transferred to Fort McDowell, Arizona Territory. The Fort commanded a number of important trails that served the Apache of central Arizona and was a place of embarkation of many expeditions to the east against the Tonto Apache.

Near the end of Patrick’s enlistment, he and Annie purchased milk cows, selling milk and butter to the Fort. The couple purchased land from Elisha Reavis that would enable them to stay near the Fort when Patrick’s enlistment was up. Captain Corliss, Fort McDowell commander, assured them that the Reavis property was off the military reservation. A recent homestead act had enabled soldiers to obtain 640 acres rather than the usual 160 acres offered to homesteaders. The Whites put up their homestead markers next to the land they had purchased.

Patrick retired from the Army after twenty years and was offered a civilian job at the Fort as blacksmith and wheelwright. This added income helped with improvements on their farm. The Whites expanded their holdings and by 1880, they had planted 200 acres in wheat, 60 in corn, and 40 in barley, potatoes and cabbage. They had 300 chickens, 280 cattle, 65 hogs, 6 horses and 3 donkeys. In the first six months of 1880, they sold 52 tons of hay and wheat to the Fort.

In 1879, Captain Corliss had been transferred and replaced by Captain Adna Chaffee.

He dismissed Patrick as post wheelwright claiming drunkenness which Patrick soundly denied.

The couple was allowed to continue as suppliers to the Fort.

On July 20, 1880, Captain Chaffee notified the Whites by letter that their homestead was on the military reservation and they had 30 days to vacate the property. Annie left for Prescott to request intervention by Territorial Governor John Fremont. On August 12, with Patrick in his fields, Lieutenant Kendall and a detail of troopers arrived at the homestead when the parents were absent. The children were sent up river and told to stay there. The homestead was burned with corrals and surrounding structures taken down.

The livestock was dispensed into the desert.

The Whites tried for years to obtain compensation for their loss. The Army stood resolutely behind their claim that the Whites were expelled from military land. The Department of the Interior and the Indian Bureau conceded that the Whites were not homesteading on the military reservation when they were expelled. They denied compensation as it was not a Bureau matter and a law for compensation introduced in Congress did not pass. No Army officers were held accountable for the destruction of the homestead or expulsion of the Whites.

The Burning ends with Annie given compensation of $45,000, escorted to the site of their ranch and an Army apology read after a bugler played “call-to-arms.” Unfortunately, none of that happened. Patrick died in the late 1800s at the Soldier’s Home in Washington, D.C. Annie continued tirelessly on her quest for compensation to no avail.

The Desert Shamrock

HISTORY

Irish Tales

She did see to the welfare of her children who were successful in their lives. One son became Sheriff of Cochise County, and two were Under Sheriffs with Ned becoming known as “The Bard of Brewery Gulch” for his poetry. Annie died in 1919 never realizing her dream of recovering the loss of her bountiful homestead.

Janice Ryan Bryson descended from Irish pioneers who arrived in the Arizona Territory in the 1880’s, she is co-founder of the Irish Arizona Project and co-author of the book Irish Arizona. Janice is a member of The First Families of Arizona, Daughters of the American Revolution and several women’s agriculture organizations, and serves on several Boards.

July – August 2014

15

SISTER CITIES 16

Phoenix Youth Ambassadors head to Ennis, Co. Clare

By Michelle Doyle

I

t’s an exciting time at Phoenix Sister Cities as two youth Ambassadors headed to head to Ireland June 9 for three weeks. The two girls chosen are Estephania Carillo Lopez and Emma Mertens who will represent the City of Phoenix exchanging with two host families in Ennis, County Clare. These host families in Clare will then come to Phoenix July 7 for three weeks. To be part of this program, these girls faced rigorous competition including writing essays, interviews and showing involvement within their community. We are very excited for them and wanted to share some information on both representatives Estephania is 16 years of age, a student athlete and a junior at Trevor G. Browne High School.

She enjoys reading, learning new topics and plays five different sports having basketball as her passion since the age of five. Her brother Martin is a Phoenix Sister Cities alum as he represented Phoenix in Hemeji, Japan last year. Estephania is very excited to follow her dreams of learning about new cultures and people and to have this wonderful opportunity to travel.

Emma is 17 and is a junior at Arizona School for the Arts. She plays the French horn, and in choirs both in and out of her school. She enjoys soccer, participating in mock trial and volunteering with her school. She is very excited to go to Ireland to experience its history and all that a new culture has to offer.

Emma also just won third prize in Phoenix Sister Cities under The Young Authors competition and is pictured, top right, accepting this prestigious prize from Jack Besch.

At the City of Phoenix Youth Ambassador Academy and Induction Ceremony held May 27, the photo includes (left to right) Alisia Smith (Youth and Education Chair), Ralph Marchetta (President Elect of Phoenix Sister Cities), Emma Mertens, Estephania Carillo Lopez and Jim Waring (City of Phoenix Vice Mayor).

If you would like to learn more, please take a look at www.phoenixsistercities.org or if you would like more information on the Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee, please contact Mary Hill-Connor from Ennis Co. Clare at 602-635-9760.

(Left to right) Alisia Smith, Emma Mertens, and Jack Besch of Veolia Transportation who sponsored the competition

The Desert Shamrock

City of Phoenix Youth Ambassador Academy and Induction Ceremony

July – August 2014

By Ellen Harrington

C

handler-Tullamore Sister Cities (CTSC) is pleased to announce that Brandon Thornton, Hamilton High School student, who is our own First Place Essay winner for the CTSC Young Artists and Authors Showcase, has been chosen as the Grand Prize Essay Winner for the Sister Cities International Young Authors Showcase. Along with the recognition, Brandon will receive a $1,000 check from Sister Cities International. In his essay, “Unity,” Brandon expresses that the “bonds of respect for man and friendship forged during the course of a life open our hearts to communities of any scale.”

For over two decades, the Young Artists and Authors Showcase has given youth from around the globe the opportunity to express their vision for a more unified, peaceful world through original artwork and literature. The 2014 Showcase encouraged youth to submit entries inspired by what Sister

Unity

By Brandon Thornton Student, Hamilton High School, Chandler, Arizona

I

n a culture often dominated by self-improvement, one of the most coercive unifying forces is a commonality, whether it is an interest, station in life, far-reaching goal, or important task in need of completion. These likenesses lay the basis for cooperation and conversation, but there is potential for something much richer when the groundwork for a community is laid. Respect and trust are bred through collaboration, while comfort and social fulfillment grow through positive interaction and the

Cities International’s tagline, “Connect globally. Thrive locally,” means to them.

The theme challenged youth to express how connectivity has impacted them for the better and enabled their community to thrive.

Brandon’s essay, along with the other national winners, will be on display at the Annual Sister Cities International (SCI) Conference in San Jose, California this summer. Following the Conference, the entries–art, essays, poems–will go on a tour to several cities across the U.S. Chandler’s Young Artists & Authors Showcase and Reception at Chandler’s Vision Gallery in April was made possible in large part due to a grant from Chandler’s Special Events Committee and the Chandler Cultural Foundation.

This is the third consecutive year that entries from CTSC have received Grand Prize recognition at the national level.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Wednesday, July 23 – Genealogy 101, 6:30pm9:00pm, Chandler Police Committee Room, Chandler. Miles Davenport, Genealogist at the

outpouring of conversational trivialities. A wholesome connectedness nestles within ourselves, and we form a web of interdependence and interrelation, linking those in our respective communities together with ties of friendship. Through it, we can rejoice together when spirits are high, support one another when they are low, and expedite group as well as individual improvement. Small and large manifestations of thoughtful kindness and communication, from students helping each other understand a concept, to volunteer firemen rushing to extinguish lifethreatening flames, can both arise from and further strengthen a sense of unity. A few personal relationships, a common cause, or a willing heart can spark transcendence from just making it through life on one’s own to thriving in a constructive community.

Even though our focuses may often narrow to those within our smaller social spheres, we all are most fundamentally connected through our humanity.

The mantra of the current day is far from the one of isolationism held

The Desert Shamrock

McClelland Irish Library, will acquaint participants with the basic genealogical process along with goalsetting, research source selection and documentation requirements using numerous resources available for discovering Irish ancestry. Donations gratefully accepted for the CTSC Student Ambassador Program.

August 25-September 5 – CTSC Membership trip to Ireland, with special time in Tullamore and County Offaly. Contact Ellen Harrington for trip details (see info below).

For more information on Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, please contact Ellen Harrington, President, at chan.to.tull@gmail.com, or (480) 600-8095.

Visit their website, www.chandlerirish.org, or on Facebook at “ChandlerIrish.”

Ellen Harrington serves as the President of Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities, as Secretary for Arizona Sister Cities, and is a Board Member of the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation.

Her Irish heritage descends from the Stewarts of County Down, and a recently discovered link to County Cork.

Her husband, Pat, is the grandson of Irish immigrants from Castletownbere, County Cork.

SISTER CITIES

Chandler Winner for International Art and Author Showcase

in the past. As a nation and as a world, we set up extensive education and nourishment programs to assist those in third world countries, draft legislation to protect the welfare of entire nations of people, and seek to understand the complexities of various altruism – an undying and perhaps growing passion for others ingrained in the human spirit that unifies us with those around the world. It is what allows us to commiserate with and unselfishly aid victims of poverty, starvation, natural disaster, and any of the tragically diverse woes thrust upon the mortal kind, while the bonds of respect for man and friendship forged during the course of a life open our hearts to communities of any scale.

July – August 2014

17

SEDONA/NORTH AZ 18

News From Northern Arizona - Prescott

By Kathleen Walters

s summer heats up the Arizona desert, Northern Arizona comes into its own as a festive destination. Even as we are grieving the effects of the devastating fire that burned 25,000 acres of some of the most beautiful country in the world, we are gearing up for our season of Celtic celebration.

A

The Arizona Highlanders Post 1297 of the Scottish American military Society leads the parade to open the Tenth Annual Prescott Highland Games

The season started in May with the Tenth Annual Prescott Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

Despite a windy Mothers’ Day Sunday, Prescott’s first two-day Games were a huge success. Featured performers--the Wicked Tinkers—thrilled the audience with their high-energy piping and drumming, and The California Celts delighted festival-goers with their unique blend of modern and traditional music.

Host Band and Honored Society--Southwest Skye Pipes and Drums—performed nonstop throughout the weekend, joined for one-day performances by the Glendale and Phoenix Pipe Bands. This year’s solo piping competition drew competitors in grades 2 through 5 from around Arizona, California, and Nevada. Highland dancers too held an excellent competition, and dancers and pipers were treated to great educational workshops.

This year’s Games had a record number of athletic competitors, and the most amazing athletic accomplishment was the new world record set by athlete Jacob Nicol, the 26-year-old lad from Peoria.

Jacob tied the world record for Weight Over Bar (Weight for Height) and set a new record in the heavy Weight for Height event. All this at 5,000 feet elevation!

Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona 2014

pete in Sedona at the Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona’s first Highland Games.”

Scottish Athletics are competitions of strength and skill, involving groups of men and women throwing heavy weights, stones, and poles for distance, or for height. The games can be thought of as similar to the Olympic decathlon, in which several events are contested and the winner is the individual who has scored the best in the most disciplines.

The signature event of the games is the caber toss.

A caber is a wooden pole between 12 and 20 feet in length and weighing up to 120 pounds. The caber is ‘picked’ by the thrower who holds the tapered end in their hands with the pole leaning against their shoulder. After a short run, the competitor will attempt to turn the caber. Scoring (unlike other events) is not dependent on the distance thrown, but by the alignment of the pole after a turn. Other than the wearing of a kilt, there are no requirements to compete in the games.

Festival goers can look forward to experiencing a well seasoned traditional mix of all the Celtic Nations through music, dance, pipes, storytelling, sheepdog demos, falcons and Celtic Arts. Be prepared to smile, laugh, tap your toes, enjoy great food, drink, taste some whiskey, raise a pint or even dance a jig or reel.

The Fairy Village will delight children of all ages!

Celtic Harvest Festival Artistic Director and

Welcomes Highland Athletics!

By Dorothy O’Brien

I

n keeping with the traditional theme of the Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona, the Festival will welcome Highland Athletic Competitions on September 20, 2014 for the first time since the beginning Festival in 2009! The Verde Valley School offers a stunning vista and Athletic Director Mark Markley of the Highland Hammerheads says, “We’re thrilled to be throwing in the Red Rocks! We’ve got first class Athletes from all over the Southwest wanting to com-

The Desert Shamrock

But Prescott was only the beginning. Flagstaff will host the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival July 19 and 20, followed by the Sedona Celtic Harvest Festival on September 20. For the first time, this year’s Harvest Festival will feature an athletic competition, and plans are underway for a greatly increased piping presence.

The monsoons will be arriving in Northern Arizona, and cooler, wetter days will begin. Join us for the exciting events of summer in the Northland!

See more photos in Out and About on page 33.

Kathleen Walters lives in a log cabin in the woods near Flagstaff.

For several years she taught English on the Navajo Reservation and for 30 years owned and operated Aradia, an independent bookstore in Flagstaff. A strong advocate for Adoptee Rights, she wrote Coming Together: An Adoptee’s Story and the fictional Caitlin: Priestess of the Goddess (under the author name Martha Shideler).

Kathleen is fascinated by all things Celtic, travels to Ireland and Scotland as often as possible, and edits and publishes the monthly “Independent Celt Newsletter.”

In her spare time, she plays the bagpipes.

Welsh Master of Music John Good, welcomes back crowd pleasers David Brewer and Rebecca Lomnicky.

David Brewer is a Master Highland Piper and a highly entertaining showman. Rebecca Lomnicky is the Glenfiddich World Champion Scottish Fiddler.

Sedona’s own Dublin-born Karl Jones returns with his stirring Irish Ballads and stories. Festival activities will include Bagpipe and Drum Bands, Championship Irish Step Dancers from the Bracken School of Irish Dance and vendors to satisfy all your Celtic fancies!

Ryan O’Donnell of KTV 3 is our gracious Master of Ceremonies and always adds to the fun!

The special goal of the Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona is to bring the rich and joyful culture of the Celts into Sedona and the Verde Valley by some very special appearances. Artists involved with the Festival will be in our schools, senior residences, daycare facilities, businesses and performance spaces to create magical cultural experiences for as many parts of the community as possible during Festival Week.

The stunning setting of the Celtic Harvest Festival Sedona, The Verde Valley School, was the original home of Sedona Jazz on the Rocks. The panoramic views encompass Cathedral Rock and the sweeping majesty of the Seven Sisters. Please plan to join us for this special celebration of our traditional Celtic Culture. Tickets will go on sale soon and for more information please check the Festival face book page or the website: www.facebook.com/ celticharvestfestivalsedona or www.celticharvestfestival.com.

July – August 2014

By Jude McKenzie

L

ilting sounds of Celtic music, song and dance will soon be filling the Flagstaff air more than usual in the near future. Under the stewardship of the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society (NACHS), the public is invited to participate in three opportunities to celebrate and enjoy the musical heritage of the eight vibrant Celtic regions of Western Europe: Asturias and Galicia (both in Spain), Brittany (in France), Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall (in England), and the Isle of Man, nestled between Ireland and Scotland.

The 2014 Jim Thomson United States School of Piping and Drumming, July 11 through July 18, offers classes from novice level through experienced pipers and drummers. The curriculum offers a wide menu of essentials, from such basics as deportment and marching, to piobaireachd (“pee-brock”), classical music for the Great Highland Bagpipe. Seven world renowned instructors from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. will conduct the classes

from 8:30 am through 5:00 pm Saturday through Thursday and from 8:00 am to 10:45 am on Friday, with graduation at 11:00 am. On Wednesday, July 16, the massed bands will participate in NACHS’s “Concert in the Park” at Wheeler Park, followed by a Pub Night at Charly’s at the Weatherford Hotel.

The public is invited to join in the fun and tap a toe, clap hands, and let loose with a bit of Celtic spirit.

Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy is another program run by NACHS, also centered on music.

This year’s academy will see teens and adults choose instruction from a variety of programs including whistle & flute, bodhrain, percussion, fiddle, guitar, voice,

pm and a Tuesday evening workshop from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Instructors at the Academy include members of the Philadelphia-based Celtic band, Runa, and Los Angeles-based Celtic entertainer, Zac Leger. Leger will be in concert on Thursday and Runa on Friday, both at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

The living pinnacle of the NACHS mission statement, “… presenting, promoting, and preserving Celtic culture” occurs July 19 and 20 with the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival in Foxglenn Park. Traditional activities include competitions in Highland Dance, Scottish athletics, bagpiping, gathering of dozens of clans, Celtic purveyors of quality food and merchandise, and educational workshops.

Crowd favorites include professional entertainment like The Wicked Tinkers, sampling of whiskies, wines and spirits from each of the Celtic regions, the ever-popular Oatmeal Toss for kids (an oopy goopy fun way to learn about the importance of the food staple in Ireland and Scotland), an amazing Celtic labyrinth inviting guests to walk its concentric route in quiet contemplation, and tug o’ war competitions.

More information, specific times and locations, and ticket prices for all the above may be found at www.nachs.info or by calling 928.556.3161.

FLAGSTAFF

Celtic Music in the Air in July

Irish dance, song writing bouzouki, tenor banjo & mandolin, and Irish language. Classes will be held July 14-18 between 9:30 am and 4:30

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

19

ARIZONA ICONS: Bill and Sada O’Brien Boston. Sada loved being at the farm and has fond memories of being driven around it in an old Model A Ford.

Bill, a true cowboy in skill and accomplishments, he was raised in California but PHOTO BY BOB RINK PHOTOGRAPHY rode cattle trails as a teenager and rounding

By Ann Niemann up wild horses in Arizona as well. Heeding his father’s wishes, he settled into his studies at the here to begin? It’s one of those rare oppor- University of Arizona. Ever creative and resourceful, tunities in life to meet an “exceptional life Bill joined the U.S. Cavalry ROTC so he would be well lived” up close and in person. Bill eligible to play on the polo team. With several expeand Sada O’Brien are living legends although their rienced foreign students, Bill found himself practicaltruistic and humble approach to the world means ing every Friday night with a choice of three horses, that most readers will perhaps not have realized the preparing for a Saturday scrimmage and Sunday scope of their achievements until now. I count the game. “The horse makes you,” he shared. He finally O’Briens as friends and I’m the better for it. made Varsity.

In 1942 and WWII, he entered the U.S. Navy and Irish Heritage was assigned to the Underwater Demolition Team.

Bill is 91, born February 25, 1923 and Sarah “Sada” With his honorable discharge, he returned to Arizona Paine O’Brien will be 88 August 25 (1926). Their to finish his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a original wedding date is June 16, 1948, celebratMinor in International Finance. ing 66 years together. The term “original” is used At an anniversary celebration given by Sada’s parbecause for their fiftieth celebration, they renewed ents for their great friends Justin and Jane O’Brien their vows with an Irish Wedding date of July 4, Dart (Bill’s sister), Sada met Bill O’Brien (William 1998 in Ireland. A great story in itself.

Howard). This meeting resulted in a courtship and Bill flew Sada to Ireland and they were “martheir love of horses must have encouraged their interried” at the chapel at Dromoland Castle in County est. Sada asked Bill to join them on a fox hunt as one Clare. It is one of the most famous baronial castles of their outings. They were married at Apple Knoll in Ireland and the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Farm in Millis, MA. Barons of Inchiquin who are one of the few native As a wool merchant/buyer, Bill and Sada lived in Gaelic Irish families of Royal blood and direct South Africa for several years where they were introdescendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) high king of duced to the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed of dogs. A Ireland in the 10th century who died in the Battle of great temperament as a family pet, it served as a guard Clontarf in 1014. dog for Sada when Bill had to be away overnight.

Bill has a keen sense of seizing opportunity when Early Years he tells about hearing from a Dutch Raised in Massachusetts, friend that the Sterling Pound had just Sada is gifted with beauty, been devalued to the U.S. Dollar. He a sunny, positive disposidashed off the next morning at 4:30 tion, great energy, loyalty am to head for the Cape Town port to to friends and a love of life, buy all the wool he could while prices nature, and animals. An allwere low and the news had not yet around good athlete, horsereached America. It was a tremendous back riding was one of her boon in profit. With a full cargo boat most enjoyable activities. In full, he and Sada came back to the the Boston area, she rode in States earlier than planned. On the the Norfolk Hunt Club and deck of the boat holding the leashes was an extremely competent of three Ridgebacks, Sada is a natural equestrian. In addition to beauty. The very reluctant young their Brookline home, their woman to have herself in the media parents owned a small worknevertheless has a quite famous photo ing farm along the Charles that was picked up in newspapers then This photo made the cover River in a suburb outside and magazines since. of LIFE in 1956.

W

20

The Desert Shamrock

Back in Boston, two children were born to this union, Wendy and James Justin. Active in the Irish Community, Justin is married to Anne, who was born in Toronto and raised in Switzerland; they have a son and daughter, and two grandchildren Life Together I was honored to be one of Bill’s table guests this year at Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon’s 1st Annual Sister Cities’ Gala. During the conversation, I turned to Bill to ask, “How is Sada?” His immediate beaming response was, “Adorable.” Thinking I was asking about health and general wellbeing, what a delightful way to answer. Who doesn’t aspire to have a long, happy relationship with the love of your life?

They’ve lived in their four-acre Paradise Valley home for 40 years.

During the interview, Sada piped in, “I love it.” They gathered signatures to found the town. Their home is filled with original artwork and photographs, with a welcoming coziness. Sada is very creative and artistic in her own right. A series of needlepoint is on display under glass in the kitchen. Decha, the parrot, has been with them for over 30 years. Bunky of Red House (pedigree) is the personal Rhodesian Ridgeback still in their home.

Overcoming Tragedy Sada contracted polio after they were married. With the decision to move to Arizona, her recovery was remarkable without any lasting debilitation at all.

They were able to purchase 450,000-acre Eagletail Ranch to raise cattle. The design used as the O’Brien ranch’s cattle brand was also embroidered on the cuffs of Bill’s dress shirts (see photo).

July – August 2014

Wendy was a very gifted artist but suffered from what is now known as bipolar disorder. She took her life at age 30. A year later, Bill, Sada, and Justin created the Wendy Paine O’Brien Foundation to help emotionally disturbed youngsters. It’s now part of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Phoenix. The family continues to participate in the programs and attend events there.

Painting by Wendy

Additionally, Sada developed the famous “Sada’s Pepper Melody,” which a delicious blend of various peppers, seasonings, and LOVE used to promote the Wendy Center and ICC. At its peak, it sold all over the world and locally in Bashas’ Grocery Stores, as well as used in some restaurants. Her adult life is devoted to her husband, children and family and she gives completely of herself.

A Legacy of Humble Generosity When asked what business advice to share, Bill paused and then responded, “Don’t lie; don’t steal; don’t cheat.” He’s served on numerous boards and commissions in Arizona. Notably, he was a co-founder of the Irish Cultural and Learning Trust, which oversees the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Irish Library in downtown Phoenix.

Among his other philanthropic works, Bill is the founder of Los San Patricios de Arizona (St. Patrick’s Battalion). The organization honors the 150-year-old

Bill at the Hunger Memorial at Irish Cultural Center, Phoenix

bond of friendship existing today between Mexico and Ireland.

The “Stuff ” of Legends Photos of Bill with U.S. Presidents and a range of famous people line “The Shedd,” the separate entertainment and housing building on the property for guests. Don’t let the nickname fool you; it’s not a shed. Bill’s sister, Jane Bryan (stage name) was a Hollywood actress and dated fellow-actor Ronald Reagan.

Bill and Ronald became lifetime friends and would go riding together.

Bill has been an active member of some very prestigious trail rides in Arizona and California for over 50+ years and at two of these rides each year, an award known as the “Bill O’Brien All-Around Cowboy” is presented. Each recipient receives a “Chilean hat pin spur.”

There’s so much more to share. They were featured in the January 23, 1956 issue of Life Magazine, and more recently in Rhodesian Ridgeback, recognizing their accomplishments in introducing the new dog breed continued on page 37

Special thanks to Judy in assisting with background information, articles written about the O’Briens and photos.

Bill is the founder of Los San Patricios de Arizona

PHOTO BY BOB RINK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Desert Shamrock

Mesa resident, Judy Radigan has been with Bill and Sada for 12 years managing whatever comes along. Her husband, Bob, is a gunsmith and provides a range of services (restoration, firearm safety training, etc.). Judy notes, “there is no way to manage a cowboy; you just ride along and watch out for the gopher holes.” Judy’s son, Robert Larrison, Jr., is President of Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospitals in Charlotte, NC, which includes four hospitals in the area. They have two grandchildren: Robert III who received a full academic honors scholarship to East Carolina University; and Michaela, an upcoming senior who was awarded “Best Offensive Women’s Soccer Player” at her high school and made All Conference in track for the 4x400.

July – August 2014

21

FEATURE

Brock Baker Singer, Songwriter, Hollywood Actor

By Ann Niemann

J

ust missing a St. Patrick’s Day birth, Brock Baker of Irish descent arrived March 19 in St. Charles, Missouri. However, Arizona would be home since the age of one, graduating from Pinnacle High School in Phoenix.

He started his musical journey at the age of four performing in front of thousands and participating in singing competitions. He is a singer, writer, musician including guitar and piano, and actor, but most of all he is an entertainer. From the man to the music, Brock’s connection with people brings them together.

Lead and supporting theatre roles in The Choice and Godspell with noted Phoenix director, Mark Stoddard, and performing in the huge annual Celebration of Christmas production at Phoenix First with Director Josh Yates are highlights of his local career. Winning top scores in the Fine Arts Festival in Arizona (2000-2006) in a variety of categories, he advanced to the National level each year where Brock achieved Best Male Vocal (6 top tens), Best Small Drama (2nd place), Best Band (5th), Best Small Vocal Ensemble (2nd), and Best Solo Drama (top 10).

Move to California A student at Arizona State University and staying super busy as usual with music but at age 20, Brock got confirmation to make the jump to Hollywood.

He shares, “I was driving down Cactus [Road] when I felt a stirring in my stomach...a deep guttural feel-

ing and a date and place came to my head and my heart: October 1, 2009, California. I haven’t really had that happen before, but when it was loud and clear, I had to follow.

After almost one year of not returning home since my move to Cali, I had not yet booked an acting job. I had been going out on casting calls regularly and had many call backs and final call backs with producers but still no bookings. When I woke up in Phoenix on my first day back, I received a call from the executive music producer of GLEE, Tim Davis, who offered me the job as a Warbler in its most watched second season. When I asked how he found me, his answer was simple “God...and Facebook.” He had randomly found my page on FB through one mutual friend, clicked on my picture, showed it to the executive producer, and called me up when they decided to hire me. It has opened many doors and changed my life forever.”

Who’s Who List in Singing Roles Besides the recurring GLEE role on FOX-TV, Brock has been a vocal back-up performer for The Voice on NBC, American Idol on FOX, The Sims on EA, and as part of the final episode of The Jay Leno Show on NBC. He has had the opportunity of singing with and opening for artists such as Katy Perry, Arizona’s Jordin Sparks, The Eagles, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Tye Tribett, Kristen Chenoweth, Idina Mendzel, Faith Hill, Stevie Wonder, and the list goes on...and on! Kids will recognize Brock’s character as Tuff Puppy on Nickelodeon. Besides all of the above, Brock served as the music worship leader at Family Church in Whittier, CA for almost four years. He just recently resigned to better meet the demands time-wise for singing and acting performances.

Songwriter/Singer Brock was recognized as the 2007 Best Male Vocal by the Gospel Music Association. He’s a prolific songwriter and had 300 in hand to narrow down to the top five to produce in Nashville. He notes, “Last November I just released my first EP “Young ‘n’ Stupid,” which made it to the front page of iTunes. It has been a dream come true. I was honored to work with Drew Orepeza as my producer.

22

The Desert Shamrock

His other productions/writings include Tpain, Colbie Callet, Hudson, and he really helped me find my current sound. The album is a Pop Rock album that features the soul of writers and singers such as Mickey Shiloh (who has worked for LL Cool J, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, etc.) and Nikola Beddingfield (who has worked with Natasha Beddingfield, David Archuleta, and others). I was privileged to write and record with an incredible team AND the music most certainly is so fun to jam out to.”

Integrating Life of Faith into your Work When asked how to put these two elements together, Brock responded, “As a writer, I can’t help but believe in the power of words. I am a big fan of writing songs with the purpose of challenging people of all ages, faiths/belief systems, and cultures. Writing gives us the power to create a piece of art that can uplift someone, meet them on their level, and make them even question who they are.

“As a performer, when playing live, I want the audience to feel what I’m feeling. My hope is that people are moved, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, connecting to the lyrics as well as the performance. To be successful in the entertainment industry, high ethics and a good heart, shown in a humble spirit, are absolutely necessary. I pray that these are qualities that I can possess to do things differently than everyone else. With pleasing God as my main focus, I hope that this can be an example to those that surround me.

“The best way to reach out to someone in need is to meet them right where they are, show them love, and respect them. I think that living by the Golden Rule is key to having success without burning bridges.”

July – August 2014

FEATURE

Ireland 2006 Brock, his dad, and 19 other youth presented Christian concerts when they toured Dublin, Gorey, Co. Wexford, and Tullamore, Co. Offaly. They especially enjoyed Charlesville Castle and had quite the adventure exploring there (small world since I was just there in early June), as he explains below. “The country was rich with culture and history. I would see all of these new buildings and restaurants right next to a 1,000-year-old caste. It really showed me how young my country was. We sang in the parks and hundreds of people surrounded me while I sang as loud as I could.

“During the trip we visited many landmarks and cathedrals, but one of my favorite experiences was walking into an old castle by the forest. There were beautiful long-limbed climbing trees that looked like something out of a Robin Hood film. The leaves were orange and brown and they were falling into a creek that flowed underneath. We jumped in and played around for hours; then we ran in the meadow right outside of the forest. There were flocks of sheep next to us and it was quite surreal. I loved every moment of that medieval experience. It took me to a different time and what seemed like a different world.

“We would stay in different homes across the country and found that every home was obsessed with one thing: SOCCER or “football.” Kids from all over the city would come to beat the American kids. I’ve always been athletic, but these kids made me look ridiculous. It was so cool that we were able to connect to the community through sport, music, and through our love for Jesus.”

For more information, visit www.brockbakermusic.com and YouTube.com/brockstarbaker.

Leading music worship at Christian youth convention

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

23

SCOTS

Clan MacInnes Making Monumental Progress with Worldwide Clan Marker Project

By Donna Copen McKinnis

T

he International Association of Clan MacInnes (IACM) is making its mark around the world. One of the oldest Scottish Clans, Clan MacInnes has created an ambitious, unique Clan Marker Project to acknowledge historic sites of interest to the Clan across the globe.

IACM’s placed its first marker placed in Scotland, “the auld homeland”, the second in Nova Scotia last summer to honor the first Scots on North American soil, and now planning its third site in the Southeastern USA. Clan MacInnes inaugurated its “Clan Heritage Marker Project” in May 2010 in Ballachulish, Scotland. IACM placed a granite memorial bench at the entrance of historic St. John’s Church in Ballachulish, to commemorate where MacInneses and fellow clansmen gathered to pray and take communion before the disastrous 1746 Battle of Culloden.

For its second marker, IACM chose Antigonish, Nova Scotia in Canada—known as the heart of the Canadian Highlands—to honor the pioneer Scots who settled this region in the late 1800s. Antigonish founded its Cairn Park in 1983. Clan Chisholm placed the first monument, followed by Clans Donald, Chattan, MacDougall, Stewart, MacLean and the Antigonish Highland Society. Clan MacInnes took the eighth spot in Cairn Park, then worked feverishly for nearly two years to fund and build the $10,000 cairn in time for the 150th Anniversary Antigonish Games, the oldest continuous games outside Scotland.

The MacInnes Cairn was unveiled and dedicated July 12, 2013 as a kickoff event for the historic Antigonish games. Over 100 local residents and games visitors gathered to celebrate the castle-shaped MacInnes Cairn, blessed with a whisky toast and bagpipes.

The MacInnes Cairn emphasizes the three most common of its 50-plus known spellings today: Gaelic Aonghais on the monument’s north and south faces…

MacInnis the most common spelling in Nova Scotia on the east face…and MacInnes the most common spelling in Scotland on the west face.

The east face also features rocks from donors and their home states in America and Canadian provinces, as well as a piece of mortar from the Clan’s Castle, Kinlochaline in Morvern, Scotland. IACM’s Arizona Convenors, Steve and Donna McKinnis of Tucson, donated two Arizona rocks with native turquoise and copper.

As the last drop of whisky was sprinkled around the new cairn, Nova Scotia piper Robbie MacInnis led the group a few blocks to its annual dinner meeting. IACM’s 43rd AGM drew a record attendance of 121 from across Canada and over a dozen American states.

The inaugural Clan MacInnes Marker, a memorial bench at St. John’s Church in Ballachulish, Scotland.

Clan MacInnes and Clan MacFie were named co-winners of “Best Tent” during the 50th Anniversary Phoenix Highland Games last month.

Clans Chairman Mark Pelletier (holding trophy) celebrates with recipients, from left: Amy Fee of Clan McFie, Tucson; and Clan MacInnes convenors Donna McKinnis, Tucson; Roy McKinnis, Keller, TX; and Steve McKinnis, Tucson The two clans have shared a hospitality tent at the Phoenix Games for 14 years.

Kilt Rental USA Scottish Made Kilts.

Rent - Sell - New - Used

www.KiltRentalUSA.com info@kiltrentalusa.com 15821 N 79th Street, Suite 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 1.877.KILT.SHOP 480.460.0907

My grandmother is from Tiree, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland

24

The Desert Shamrock

With two clan markers installed, Clan MacInnes is laying the groundwork for its third Clan Marker, a Southeastern USA location to commemorate the MacInneses who settled the early American colonies, the location to be announced at a later date.

IACM is celebrating its 44th year. Founded as the Clan MacInnes Society in 1970, the organization welcomed a Scotland/UK/Overseas association in 1997, and went global in 2002 as the International Association of Clan MacInnes. IACM has sponsored scholarships in the Scottish and Celtic Arts since 1972, published five clan-related books, and funded several historic renovation projects in Scotland. For more information, visit the clan website: www.macinnes.org.

July – August 2014

By J. Carro

A

referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent country will take place on September 18, 2014. As you can imagine, there’s much interest about why the Scottish and UK governments agreed to put this bill forward and how the passing of the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill will impact the future of Scotland, its government and the people.

On Thursday, August 14, 2014 from 6pm-9pm the Caledonian Society of Arizona will host a Town Meeting to discuss this topic and more. In classic debate style format, with equal time for each side to promote their point of view, prominent guest speakers have been invited and a moderator to control things if the debate “gets heated.”

On why it will or won’t pass -

JC: As a Scottish-American, and having lived in Scotland as an adult, what are your thoughts about why it will or won’t pass?

Mark: I’m not a betting man but I do believe there will be quite a few years of obstacles and political in-fighting should independence be achieved. Past official referendums showed a majority “yes” vote and you never know on the day how passions may lead the vote.

On the Military – JC: How will it impact the military in both Scotland and the U.S. (if at all)?

John: The Scottish Government’s policy is for an independent Scotland to have defense and security capabilities that “will, firstly, secure our territory, seas and airspace, our people and our national interests. The Scottish Government is committed to working closely with our neighbors – especially our partners across the British Isles, our trading partners, through bilateral relations with other nations and in key international institutions such as the European Union, NATO and the United Nations.”

JC: Talk about the history of Scotland’s independence and how relevant it is now, not only for those who reside in Scotland, but for Scots who live in other parts of the world? Will it have an impact on you and your family personally, and if so, how?

This event is open to the public and will take place at The Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central in Phoenix. To view the evening’s agenda visit www.

ArizonaScots.com. Scones and other Scottish nibbles will be available for sale and prepared by our friends at the English Rose Tearoom (www.carefreetea.com) whose proprietor is of Irish descent). A no host bar will be open.

Since there’s so much to cover on the subject, I reached out to two key board members of The Caledonian Society to share their insight.

Mark Clark was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to the United States in 1995.

Prior to taking on the responsibility as CSA President over the past year or so, Mark has played an integral part carrying out the Society’s mission by expanding the arts, educational and entertainment

offerings of the organization. Mark’s day job keeps him busy as an Aerospace Engineer.

John Clinkenbeard serves as the CSA’s Membership Secretary. He too was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. He moved to the United States in 2010 and became involved with the Caledonian Society of Arizona a few years ago. Although new to the Board, as an MBA and successful business developer and leader, John’s goal is to increase membership in the Phoenix community by developing the depth and range of events provided to members.

SCOTS

Scottish Independence Referendum | 2014

Enjoy an “abbreviated” Q & A below.

Mark: The recent history (and not the pitched battles of old) started out around 1913 when a request for Scottish Home Rule was presented to Parliament but this was pushed to the side with the onset of World War I. By 1949, after a petition signed by 2 million people in Scotland (out of a population of 5.1 million) in favor of independence, the main political parties ignored it. Since 1967, the Scottish National Party (SNP) grew in popularity and conducted national referendums always resulting in majority decision on YES for independence and eventually in 1997 the Parliament of UK approved a Scottish Parliament with control over only domestic issues.

Now the referendum promoted by SNP is for full independence. This is a western country that believes it can be better by breaking from the UK. This is relevant for any nation or state that wants to secede. The strength of conviction and the courage to take the risk in my mind is to be commended. The impact to me would be very minimal unless I were to be involved in the positive aspects that came from getting involved in increased tourism, trade or government positions with new embassies created in the U.S.

Mark Clark President The Caledonian Society of Arizona

John Clinkenbeard Membership Secretary The Caledonian Society of Arizona

For MUCH MORE and a complete transcript of the interview that touches on Scottish Independence and its relevance, pros and cons on both sides, the right to vote in Scotland and the overall voting process, go to www.desertshamrock.com to Read More.

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

25

TRAVEL

Bere Island

Heritage Centre

By Helen Riddell

W

hen the new school opened in Ballinakilla, Bere Island, Co. Cork in 1857, its first teacher was Edward O’Sullivan Martin, a man from Greenane on the southern side of the island. Little did he know that just over 150 years later, his humble schoolrooms would play host to a visit from the President of Ireland.

Located in the mouth of Bantry Bay in SouthWest Ireland, Bere Island in the mid 1800s had a population of 2,000. Education was hugely important to its people, and a number of “Hedge Schools” were located in townlands throughout the island, with local educated men and women passing on their knowledge to the island children. Following the National School System introduced by the Irish Government in the 1830s, the Hedge Schools began to die out and were replaced by a more formalized system of education.

President Mary McAleese at the official opening

26

Sadly, a fire in the late 1970s destroyed the school, leaving just the four walls and parts of the roof structure. A new school was built for the island children just a few yards down the road from the old Ballinakilla School.

For years, the fate of the old school was undecided until a group of islanders came together with the aim of restoring the building and opening it as a heritage centre. They formed The Bere Island Old School Group and with assistance from a local community group, the Bere Island Project Group, they forged ahead with their plans. Applying for funding and organizing the restoration work to be carried out by an island building company, it was transformed into the Bere Island Heritage Centre.

Following its completion in October 2010, the Heritage Centre was officially opened by President Mary McAleese. She arrived on Bere Island by Irish Aer Corp helicopter, which was piloted by islander Captain Michael Sullivan.

In 2013 it received another famous visitor, when the Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan visited the Heritage Centre, and planted a rose bush in the grounds where her own ancestors had once gone to school.

The Centre is now open all year round and employs four staff. A small craft shop selling local island produce and a café, make it popular with visitors. It is home to a database on the local graveyard, as well as genealogical information. The Heritage Centre hosts a permanent exhibition on the history of Bere Island and temporary themed exhibitions throughout the

year, which have included displays on the island’s maritime, military and sporting history. An exhibition on emigration in 2012 was officially opened by Professor Traolach O’Riordan from the University of Montana, a state to which many Bere Islanders had emigrated over the years. Traditional skills workshops are held at the Centre and the old school room now serves as a venue for visiting theatre groups to the island.

Edwin O’Sullivan Martin was my Great-GreatGrandfather. I often think of him as I visit the Heritage Centre, and how proud he would have been to see “his” school and how it is still a vital part of island life.

Helen Riddell currently works at a local community office on Bere Island, Co. Cork, implementing the Bere Island Conservation Plan, which seeks to preserve the island’s unique heritage as well as ensuring it continues to remain a viable place for its population to live and work.

Helen also works as a freelance journalist and is the Beara Correspondent for the Cork regional paper, the Southern Star, and the Castletownbere Correspondent for the Marine Times, the leading paper for Ireland’s fishing industry.

Helen began her journalism career in London working for leading fashion magazine Marie Claire, before branching into Television where she spent 10 years working for BBC World service News.

Originally born in London, Helen relocated to her mother’s native home of Bere Island, Co. Cork in 2002, and is a family member of Haley’s.

PHOTO BY HELEN RIDDELL

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

By Helen Riddell

A

s the 2013 International Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan, comes to the end her year’s reign, her name will go down in the history books of a small West Cork Island.

Haley’s grandfather, Joseph J. O’Sullivan, was born on Bere Island, one of a family of 11. In 1948, Joseph immigrated to Boston, later moving to San Francisco; he passed away in the 1980s. Haley’s parents, Joe and Lindsey, settled in Arizona where Haley and her siblings were born and raised. Haley attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 2010 with an honours degree in Elementary Education.

After graduation, Haley relocated to Dallas, Texas to take up a position as a marketing coordinator for an industrial chemical company. Although representing Texas in the Rose of Tralee, Haley’s roots are firmly in Arizona, where she still has family there.

Sadly, Haley’s Great Uncle Mick J. O’Sullivan, who still lived in the family home on Bere Island, passed away in April 2014, the last of his generation.

When Haley was announced the winner at last year’s Rose of Tralee Festival, Mick became an overnight celebrity, making the front pages of the Irish daily papers, as well as his first appearance on Facebook and Twitter.

On an unseasonably warm day last October, Haley along with her parents made her first visit to Bere Island since being crowned Rose.

A special function was held in the island’s hotel for her that evening, with her Great Uncle Mick proudly escorting her into the venue. Islanders presented Haley with a framed photograph of the O’Sullivan family ancestral home on Bere Island and a bouquet of flowers.

The following day Haley visited the Bere Island Heritage Centre.

Bere Island has long held its own in world history, being a strategic naval base during World War I, and over the years hosting visits from many historic figures, including the Duke of Wellington, Eamonn De Valera, and former Irish President Mary McAleese. In fact it was an ancestor of Ha-

The Desert Shamrock

TRAVEL

Arizona-born In’tl. Rose of Tralee Hails from Bere Island

PHOTO BY HELEN RIDDELL

ley’s, Maggie O’Sullivan, who worked for the White Star Line and was a cabin attendant for the family of Eamonn De Valera on his return to Ireland as a young child.

Adding to its long list of accomplishments, Bere Island is now the only Irish island to have its very own Rose of Tralee.

July – August 2014

27

TRAVEL 28

Driving Tips

Part 3

from Left Lane Maureen

By Maureen Sullivan CTC County Cork, Ireland

M

ay the road rise to greet you!

Taking a self-drive vacation in Ireland is the best to way to visit relatives, check family genealogy and walk the sod of one’s forefathers. With a car, you can visit the local parish, check diocesan records and graveyards to get family history. Many times when we have sent people to Ireland the local clerics, publicans, even taxi drivers have known of family names and home places.

But, if you don’t want to drive in Ireland or feel uncomfortable driving because of age, Ireland has a wonderful public transport system to acquaint you with all its highways and byways. Ireland’s national transportation provider has two services, Bus Eireann and Irish Rail. Genealogy tracing is more complicated and a bit more time consuming without a car, especially in the small out of the way areas, but still possible. Taxis and private drivers can help one accomplish this.

Bus Eireann has modern coaches which have panoramic windows, air conditioning and are built for comfort. In the United States we have a greyhound running on the side of the bus. In Ireland, the mascot of Bus Eireann is a running Irish setter.

The central Dublin bus station, Busaras, is located north of the River Liffey. In Limerick, Galway and Killarney, the bus and train stations are located beside each other. The bus and train stations in Cork City are about 8 blocks apart, so it is best to take a taxi between the stations. There are private coaches, as well as public buses, that run between Dublin Airport and Galway City. The express bus travel time between Dublin Airport and Galway City is about 2 ½ hours.

Irish Rail or Iarnrod Eireann train cars are set up with a table for 4 with 2 seats on each side. There is a compartment for your luggage in the train car, plus a car with food service where you can get a light meal and perhaps a bottle of Guinness. An attendant with a trolley goes through the cars offering snacks.

Dublin was built long before the trains, so they have two train stations, Connolly and Heuston. The trains from the north come into Connolly Station, the trains from the west and south come into Heuston Station. Ireland’s rail system is more than just transportation, it’s a lovely journey, so sit back, relax, and mix with the locals.

Arriving at Dublin Airport you can stay in Dublin’s Fair City and take day tours up to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, Newgrange, or down to Wicklow, Kilkenny and Cork. Visitors can take the train or bus to Galway where they may do day tours to the Aran Islands, Connemara, County Clare and the Cliffs of Moher. In Galway City or Killarney, there are car rental companies which will drop the car at the B&B or hotel for a few days of independent travel. This might provide an opportunity to visit the family homestead or do an overnight stay in a castle.

You could also take a train or bus to Killarney town. There you could take day tours to the Ring of Kerry and another day to the Dingle Peninsula.

As you travel, you will be charmed by the wit and humor found in the stories of the region’s history, geography and local folklore. And since tradition lives on the lips, this ease of communication will be much

The Desert Shamrock

to your advantage. The day coach for Killarney or Dingle picks you up at the B&B. I said to the B&B hosts, “It’s interesting that they come to the B&B to pick up the passengers”. She said “If they didn’t, it would turn our town into a parking lot”!!

So it is possible to journey through Ireland without driving a car, and we would be delighted to help you!

“To see a Leprechaun – you must have glasses – 2 glasses of Jameson Irish whiskey.”

To be continued…

Maureen and John (“Jack”) are the owners of Sullivan’s Travels, Inc. Maureen has been a travel professional for 23 years, moving their business to Phoenix four years ago. www.sullivanstravels.com

July – August 2014

TRAVEL

BEAT THE HEAT

with Summer Hours

As the summer heats up and your brain starts to sizzle, ask any Ph.D. for a remedy and they will point you in the direction of mental exercises, puzzles, and levity in order to work your frontal cortex.

Join us this summer at the Irish Cultural Center and the McClelland Library and give your brain a chance to escape the heat. Come in for a tour between 10am and 3pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays or during the library’s extended hours until 8pm on Wednesdays!

One of the most popular pursuits within the cool castle walls is searching for ancestors, and scoundrels that may or may not be claimed as official family members. Our literature and history collections can allow you to get as serious about Ireland as you would like, or enjoy a good story to make you question what in the world the author was thinking about.

Sunset at the McClelland Irish Library

PHOTO BY MIKE MOORE

Our computers have access to subscription databases, like the library version of Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest, and the Genealogy Centre is staffed with friendly, knowledgeable volunteers who can even read the tiny handwriting on your census documents! If the script is especially difficult, our trained genealogist is available by appointment for consultations.

There has never been a better time to come down to the ICC/Library and get out of the heat!

Slán go fóill, and remember if you don’t use it, you will lose it.

Jack’s parents were born in County Cork, Ireland, settling in 1920’s Chicago.

Phone: 480-671-0207 • Cell: 847-481-9194 Fax: 480-617-5961 maureen@sullivanstravesl.com • www.sullivanstravels.com Travel Europe, Mexico, Cruises & South Pacific

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

29

CALENDAR 30

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER/ MCCLELLAND IRISH LIBRARY

RUNA in CONCERT

SEE AD ON PAGE 29 2014 Summer Public Walk-In Hours June 3 – August 14 (Tours, Library & Genealogy) Wednesday & Thursday 10am – 3pm Wednesday Evenings (Library only) ▪ 3pm – 8pm Closed: August 15 – September 1 Open Other Hours for Scheduled Classes, Meetings & Events

JIM THOMSON UNITED STATES SCHOOL OF PIPING AND DRUMMING Classes July 11 through July 18 Wednesday, July 16 CONCERT Wheeler Park, Flagstaff – Public Welcome Followed by Pub Night at Charly’s, Weatherford Hotel See Page 19

GENEALOGY 101 WITH MILES DAVENPORT

Sunday, July 13 ▪ 7:00pm MIM Music Theatre 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix Tickets: $19.50-$25.50 www.mim.org or 480-478-6000 See ad on page 35

Wednesday, July 23 ▪ 6:30pm – 9:00pm Chandler Police Committee Room, Chandler Hosted by Chandler-Tullamore Sister Cities Donations gratefully accepted for the CTSC Student Ambassador Program

RUNA & ZAC LÉGER July 14-18, Flagstaff, AZ Classes for all Ages Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy Thursday & Friday CONCERTS Kari@GrandCanyonCelticArts.org See Page 19

ARIZONA HIGHLAND CELTIC FESTIVAL, FLAGSTAFF Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20 For full schedule, visit www.nachs.info See Page 19

The Desert Shamrock

DANCING THROUGH THE EMERALD ISLE: A History of Ireland through Song and Dance Fundraiser to honor 2014 Arizona Colleen & Rose Sarah Hines Saturday, July 26, 2014 at ICC Luncheon served at 12:30 Tickets $20 in advance; limited tickets at the door $25 www.azcolleen.org

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2014 Arizona Rose Sarah Hines competing August 15-19 in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland Tickets will be available at www.roseoftralee.ie

July – August 2014

CALENDAR

ROSE OF TRALEE INTERNATIONAL SELECTION 2014 Arizona Rose Sarah Hines competing Saturday-Sunday, August 18-19 Noon-3 pm Pacific Livestreamed via www.RTE.ie

DR. TIM CAMPBELL FROM DOWNPATRICK AND JANE ANDERSON. MILWAUKEE Friends of Saint Patrick – Arizona Chapter August 20 reception; For details, contact Glenda Walker, auntguck@gmail.com

Michael Londra’s

CTSC MEMBERSHIP - TRIP TO IRELAND

Sun. March 8, 2015 · 2:30pm

August 25-September 5 Special time in Tullamore and County Offaly Contact Ellen Harrington for details, chan.to.tull@gmail.com or 480-600-8509

Celtic Fire

On Sale to Members April 28 On Sale to General Public July 7

NOLA YERGEN’S FABULOUS COSTUMES

On Display at Sky Harbor Int’l. Airport Terminal 3 in the outer part of the building near Starbucks November 2014 – June 2015 See story on Page 6

w w w . C h a n d l e r C e n t e r . o r g • 4 8 0.78 2.26 8 0

Andrew Mirtich, publican, is son to Annie Mulally, whose family originally hails from County Galway

705 N. 1st Street Downtown Phoenix www.theturfphoenix.com The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

31

by Nola Yergen Story page 6

Belfast-born CS Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Heather and Holly

Holly Nordquist 2013 AZ Colleen and Rose as Narnia’s Ice Witch

OUT & ABOUT

Narnia Costumes

Little Miss Shamrocks

Chandler-Tullamore

Sister Cities Irish Connection Mixer at Coach & Willie’s

PHOTO BY ANN NIEMANN

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

33

OUT & ABOUT

Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Golf Tournament Tournament raised $2787.00 contribution to the ICC

PHOTOS BY ANDREA SMITH

Tenth Annual Prescott Highland Games and Celtic Festival

Record-breaker Jacob Nicol

34

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

Redheads at Rose of Tralee Regional Finals, Mountmellick, Ireland PHOTO: ANN NIEMANN

Redhead Convention in Co. Cork featured in May-June 2014 Desert Shamrock

OUT & ABOUT

Redheads at Rose of Tralee Regional Finals

Andrew Mirtich, publican, is son to Annie Mulally, whose family originally hails from County Galway

18 W. Monroe • Phoenix, AZ 85003 www.seamusmccaffreys.com The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

35

DIRECTORIES

ARIZONA COLLEEN PROGRAMS The Arizona Colleen and Rose of Tralee Selection, Arizona Irish Lass and Little Miss Shamrock programs select young ladies of Irish descent to participate as spokespersons at area events. Prize packages for each competition. The Colleen wins a trip to Ireland and $1,000 scholarship. For details, visit www.azcolleen.org or call Mary Corcoran Wnek, Chair, 623-221-2325.

FRIENDS OF SAINT PATRICK CENTRE – ARIZONA CHAPTER The nonprofit organization was formed in 2011 to promote positive relationships between Arizona and Northern Ireland.

Through education, cultural exchanges and charitable events, the Chapter nurtures St. Patrick’s legacy. Meetings held quarterly at the ICC. Contact: Glenda Walker at 602-277-1376, www.saintpatrickcentre.com

GRAND CANYON CELTIC ARTS ACADEMY It offers classes in Irish music, dance, and language to children ages 7+ (July 14-18, 2014) and adults (July 15-17, 2014). Come learn something new or improve your current skills with members of Runa and Zac Legér. Classes in fiddle, whistle, guitar, bodhrán, Irish language, dance, and more!

Contact: Kari Barton, 928-600-1365, kari@grandcanyoncelticarts.org

IRISH AMERICAN CLUB WEST VALLEY Our purpose is to bring together individual of Irish descent and others interested in Irish culture through our monthly socials. Everyone is welcome; it is part of our Irish hospitality.

The Club meets monthly October through May for dinner and dancing at the Sun City Country Club. Dues are $10 per year. For information or a complementary newsletter, contact Maura McConnell, Secretary, 623-933-3698, hummel4fun@aol.com.

IRISH CULTURAL CENTER The mission of the ICC is to provide a link between the people of Arizona and the people of Ireland and other Celtic cultures. The Academy of Celtic Studies and the Celtic Concert Series are major programs. The Center is available for private rentals; call direct to 602-258-0109. Info and tours: 602-392-7850, www.azirish.com

IRISH FOUNDATION OF ARIZONA Formed in the 1970s to bring together people of Irish heritage in Arizona, the group sponsors social events throughout the year. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm at the ICC. Contact: Anna O’Hara, President, 480-345-9517

JIM THOMSON U.S. SCHOOL OF PIPING & DRUMMING This bagpipe and drum school is dedicated to excellence in bagpiping as well as camaraderie and fun. All levels of students are welcome! Instructors are brought from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S. Contact: Eric Poleski, Administrator, ericpoleski@cox.net, 702-270-8974 home, 702-340-8859 cell, 928-556-3161, www.nachs.info

LOS SAN PATRICIOS DE ARIZONA (ST. PATRICK’S BATTALION) The organization honors the 150-year-old bond of friendship existing today between Mexico and Ireland. Each year, a fiesta celebrates with a dinner saluting those of Irish and Mexican heritage. Contacts: Wm. Howard O’Brien, El Capitán, 480-951-1152, whoco@cox.net; John Reilly, Captain, 602-242-1555; Héctor Corona, el Teniente (Lieutenant), 602-722-7589; Felix Corona and Ernie Patino, El Tenientes.

5628 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 Bus.: (480) 990-1900 Fax: (480) 481-9551 E-Mail: daveb@isugsw.com http://www.isugsw.com

36

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

Dave Binsfeld, CIC, ARM

Vice President

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to presenting, promoting, and preserving Celtic culture. Each year we host the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival (July 19-20, 2014), the Jim Thomson U.S. School of Piping & Drumming (July 11-18, 2014), and the Grand Canyon Celtic Arts Academy (July 15-18, 2014). Contact Jude McKenzie, information@nachs.info, 928-556-3161, ww.nachs.info.

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE & FAIRE COMMITTEE

PHOENIX-ENNIS, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Mary Hill-Connor, Committee Chairperson 602-635-9760, mary.hillconnor@gmail.com www.phoenixsistercities.org

TUCSON-ROSCOMMON, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Colleen Kelly Beaman, Chair 520-743-7979, Ckbeaman@hotmail.com P.O. Box 42543, Tucson, AZ 85745; and Facebook

CELTIC DANCE SCHOOLS

Formed in 1983, the Committee has the responsibility for organizing the annual Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Faire that follows, which are held on Saturday (the closest before or falling on March 17); and the Arizona Colleen Programs throughout the year. It is entirely volunteers and meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the ICC. Contact: Harry Sexton, President, 602-863-9198.

MASCHINO SCHOOL OF HIGHLAND DANCE

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

MPGirishdance@yahoo.com, www.mpgirishdance.com Michael Patrick, TCRG, ADCRG, 602-896-4078 Ann Paitel, TCRG 602-316-3199

It is one of the largest parades in Arizona! Celebrate being Irish with the entire Valley. Coming up Saturday, March 14, 2015, 10am; route is Third Street south from Sheridan to Moreland, FREE. Contact: John Corcoran, Chair, 623-939-1183, www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

PHOENIX ST. PATRICK’S DAY FAIRE Fun for the entire family, it showcases Irish music, step dancing, Irish and Celtic arts and crafts, plus traditional Irish foods and beverages. Coming up Saturday, March 14, 2015, 10am-5pm at the Irish Cultural Center and Margaret Hance Park grounds. Contact: Mary Moriarty, Chair, 602-258-0109, www.stpatricksdayphoenix.org.

ARIZONA LAW ENFORCEMENT EMERALD SOCIETY (ALEES) ALEES was incorporated in 2004 to promote and celebrate accomplishments of Irish-Americans in law enforcement. Its members, families and friends support ALEES Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) created in 2012 to provide financial assistance to the families of injured and fallen brothers and sisters in Arizona law enforcement. If interested in becoming a member or volunteering, contact us at http://azemeraldsociety.org.

Kari Maschino, 480-242-7760 Kari@maschinodance.com, www.maschinodance.com Gilbert, Tempe, Peoria

MICHAEL PATRICK GALLAGHER SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

CELTIC MUSICIANS

The Strand Traditional Irish and Irish-American Music, 480-208-4687, info@thestrandmusic.com, www.thestrandmusic.com, www.facebook.com/thestrandmusic

...continued from page 21

Arizona Icons: Bill and Sada O’Brien

DIRECTORIES

NORTHERN ARIZONA CELTIC HERITAGE SOCIETY

CELTIC SISTER CITIES

CHANDLER-TULLAMORE, IRELAND SISTER CITIES Ellen Harrington, President 480-600-8509, chan.to.tull@gmail.com www.chandlerirish.org

WONG FUJII CARTER, PC An Arizona Professional Corporation

Counselors & Attorneys

Phoenix Corporate Center 3003 North Central Avenue Suite 1000 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 Telephone (602) 287-3360 Facsimile (602) 287-3365 www.WongFujiiCarter.com

Heritage includes grandfather, Joseph Patrick McGurk I, who emigrated in 1926 from Co. Tyrone (Upper Strabane) with his wife, Anna O’Reilly from County Cork, Ireland.

Joseph P. McGurk, Esq. jmcgurk@WongFujiiCarter.com Shareholder

The Desert Shamrock

officially into the U.S. A publication called Arizona Angels had an article several years ago about Bill and Sada and the Wendy Center.

Phoenix Magazine’s article, entitled “Top O’ Mountain” (2009) tells about Bill and their donation of land to the City of Phoenix to create the Save the Camelback Mountain; his efforts ensure that there is no construction at 1,800-foot elevation and up so the public can enjoy the views. READ MORE about the O’Briens by clicking the link at www.desertshamrock.com.

Generous, a true, enduring friend—that’s Bill and the bonus is getting to know Sada and all the grace and warmth she brings to any relationship.

July – August 2014

37

BUSINESS

AMERICAN SAFETY SHOE CO. • SHOEMOBILE AVAILABLE • ESD SHOES • STEEL & NON-STEEL TOED SHOES • SLIP-RESISTANT SOLES

Watch Those Doggone Toes!

1605 W. University #108 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 894-1881 FAX (480) 967-8865

SALEM, NH PHOENIX 603-898-5130 602-944-5400 FAX 603-898-5113 FAX 602-944-3154 Formerly O’Dowd & Associates Mortgage Co. Long-time Phoenix Lender

The O’Dowd Team

JOE LEWIS

Whether you are buying a new home or want to refinance your current home, call your neighborhood lender Pete O’Dowd or Colleen O’Dowd Cutler to get pre-approved.

P.O. Box 1768 10611 N. 11th St. Salem, NH 03079 Phoenix, AZ 85020 jhlreps@aol.com

FHA, VA, Conventional and Reverse Mortgages

Electrical, Mechanical, Plastics, Metals, and Contract Mfg.

602-248-4200

1599 E. Orangewood Ave. #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020 MB092214 • NMLS# 1007154 • Pete O’Dowd NMLS# 166309 • Colleen Cutler NMLS# 852437

38

MANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES

The Desert Shamrock

Joe Lewis Cell 617-510-9260 Joe Jr. 603-365-1301

July – August 2014

BUSINESS

Emigrated from Ennis, Co. Clare, Ireland in 1972

My grandmother is from Tiree, an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland

Maternal side “Murphy” came from County Cork and father’s side “Morrison” arrived from County Waterford

When Your A/C Throws a Tantrum, Better Call Antrim

Valleywide Service Family and Locally Owned Authorized Independant Dealers of Trane and Goodman

“Treating our customers like family with the highest level of honesty, integrity, and quality.”

Anthony Gilmore’s ancestry is from Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland and wife Talitha’s great grandmother is from Co. Cork, Ireland.

Siobhan O’Connor Tobin’s mother, Mary, is from Kilmore, Co. Roscommon, and her dad, Jimmy, was from Ballinmore Bridge, Co. Galway

PO Box 7264 Chandler, AZ 85246 • 480.664.6575 antrimair@gmail.com

www.antrimair.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC#272807

The Desert Shamrock

July – August 2014

39

We’re on the hunt for the one million of Celtic descent in Arizona. You know who you are--Irish, Scottish, Scotch-Irish, Welsh, and some other groups that qualify--no matter how far back you have to go in the ancestral line. If you have a wee bit and proud of it, you’re in!

The Desert Shamrock has BIG plans this next twelve months to sponsor a variety of events and to support nonprofits like the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Irish Library in Phoenix. The more successful the campaign, the more philanthropic we can be, going national and international. Hey, we could even help restore castles!

As the campaign moves along, we’ll update with what we can and will do!

You can say you were a part of that.

We’ve set a goal of $15,000 with the desire to blow right past it! The funds will help ensure the legacy of this communication mainstay in the Celtic Community with articles of interest to non-Celts as well AND we’ll be able to do a whole lot of good!

Open to Arizonans and friends worldwide.

Not leaving anyone out!

There’s a variety of giving levels:

$1 Count Me In

Register as “I’m 1 in a Million!” We’re counting on our website’s homepage! Once you select this perk, you can increase your contribution to include each person in your family at $1 each. So, a family of five would be $5.

Receive a beautifully designed Certificate.

$15 T-Shirt

Receive a commemorative T-shirt and wear it proudly!

Plus, receive the perk above.

$25 Subscription & Luggage Tags

Receive one-year print subscription mailed to your home or office and stay connected! And, pack your bags for your next adventure with our luggage tags. Get going!

Plus, receive the perks above.

$50 Your Name in Print

See your name in a special section of an upcoming edition of The Desert Shamrock! Plus, receive the perks above.

$100 Newbridge Jewelry

Designed and crafted in Ireland, receive one Celtic piece among a choice of six. Plus, receive the perks above.

500 VIP St. Patrick’s Parade Pkg

$

You and your immediate family ride in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, March 14, 2015; free passes to the Irish Faire that follows.

Plus, a T-shirt for each person AND receive the other perks above.

Join the count!

Starting NOW through August 21 Go to www.Indiegogo.com and search “Desert Shamrock.”

PHOTO: IRISH CULTURAL CENTER, PHOENIX, AZ; CREDIT: BOB RINK

NEW site launching at www.desertshamrock.com Online eMagazine editions at www.issuu.com/desertshamrock “Like” us at www.facebook.com/desertshamrock