The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Click HERE for resources.
Our CHAT Committee has raised funds to launch and maintain a counseling program for community members. Click HERE to learn more.
As we prepare to turn the page on 2020, it is important to pause and reflect on the loved ones who will not be with us in 2021.
The Irish Diaspora Center responded early and decisively to the pandemic initiating a series of actions with a single purpose in mind … to eliminate or minimize risk to the people we serve in the local Irish community.
Our vision for 2021 is to continue to make the safety and welfare of our community our primary goal. We also recognize the void that the quarantine has created and the direct and indirect effects of long-term isolation.
In 2021 our plan is to adjust our strategy according to the progress made in flattening the curve, reducing the number of active cases, and distribution of the vaccine.
Winter is likely going to be a time of ‘hibernation’ and we will continue to offer online content to maintain and develop our spirit of community.
Spring may provide early opportunities for monthly outdoor gatherings with attendance determined by public policy guidelines.
Summer will transition to weekly outdoor gatherings with attendance continuing to be determined by public policy guidelines.
In the Fall we hope to resume onsite activities at the Irish Diaspora Center including Senior Lunches, Genealogy Sessions, Gaelic Language studies, Foróige Youth Club, and 25 Card Games!
2020 has been a challenging year and we are hopeful that 2021 will usher in a year of opportunity for reconnecting with old friends and making a few new ones along the way!
I hope you are all well and that you recovered from the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! We have finally seen a break in the cold spell and are looking forward to warmer weather. This is our first quarterly newsletter. We have lots of exciting activities lined up for you including a trip to Winterthur, where 40 costumes from the television series “The Crown” will be on display. If you are interested in participating please confirm before the end of April as places are limited. We also have a lot of musicians lined up this quarter.
Other exciting new programs happening at the Irish Immigration Center include our first evening Genealogy group presented by DNA guru Lori Lander Murphy. This will take place on the last Thursday of every month from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. All are welcome.
We are also starting a walking club twice a week in April. Check our Facebook page for details or give me a call on 610-789-6355.
Bingo at the Irish Immigration Center
Wednesday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m.
Join our legendary bingo caller Chickie Harvey and friends for a game of Bingo after the weekly lunch at the Irish Immigration Center. All are welcome.
Easter Lunch at the Irish Center
Monday, April 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00p.m.
The Irish Center will host their annual Easter Celebration at the Commodore Barry Club. All are welcome to join for some delicious food, and Easter fun. Please RSVP by calling 610-789-6355 by Thursday April 4. Tickets cost $5. Transport will be provided from the Immigration Center at 11 a.m., so let us know if you need a lift!
NEW Irish American Genealogy Evening Group at the Immigration Center
Thursday, April 25, May 30 and June 27 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join Lori Lander Murphy and friends to discover your ancestors in Ireland and America and to learn about their lives and experiences. All are welcome. All you need is curiosity!
Irish American Genealogy Group at the Immigration Center
Tuesday, April 9, May 14 and June 11 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join this group to discover your ancestors in Ireland and America and to learn about their lives and experiences. All are welcome. All you need is curiosity!
Music by Sean Durning at the Irish Immigration Center
Wednesday, April 10 at 12:30 p.m.
The wonderful Sean Durning will be strumming a few tunes after the weekly lunch at the Irish Immigration Center. All are welcome.
Easter Lunch at McGillicuddy’s with Terry Kane
Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 p.m.
We are hosting our Easter special weekly lunch in McGillicuddy’s on Wednesday, April 17 with the talented Terry Kane providing the music. Please RSVP by Monday, April 15 by calling 610-789-6355. Please bring a dessert to share. Hope you to see you all there!
Get in shape for the summer with Anthony O’Gara at the Irish Immigration Center
Wednesday, April 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Health and Nutrition Specialist, Anthony O’Gara for a talk on how to get in shape for the summer after the weekly lunch. All are welcome to join.
Professor William Watson discusses Duffy’s Cut at the Immigration Center
Wednesday, May 8 at 12:30 p.m.
Join Professor Watson as he gives us a fascinating insight into his findings and the history behind the Duffy’s Cut tragedy. All are welcome.
Lunch at the Irish Center
Monday, May 13 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
All are welcome to join us for some delicious food. Please RSVP by calling 610-789-6355 by Thursday May 9. Tickets cost $5. Transport will be provided from the Immigration Center at 11 a.m., so let us know if you need a lift!
Lunch at McGillicuddy’s with Vince Gallagher
Wednesday, May 15 at 12:00 p.m.
We are hosting our weekly lunch in McGillicuddy’s on Wednesday, May 15 with the Vince Gallagher providing the entertainment. Please RSVP by Monday, May 13 by calling 610-789-6355. Please bring a dessert to share. Hope you to see you all there!
Day Trip to Winterthur
Tuesday, May 21, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Winterthur, Delaware
In May, we are going to the stunning Winterthur House and Gardens to view a fantastic collection of costumes from the TV series “The Crown. Included is the house tour, the garden tram ride, entrance to the special exhibitions and a hot lunch of your choice. If you want to carpool from the Irish Immigration Center, the ticket price is $35.For those that want to avail of our transportation option the cost is $55. You must RSVP by April 25 by contacting Nicola on 610-789-6355 or nicola@icphila.org.
Potluck at the Immigration Center
Wednesday, May 22 at 12:00 p.m.
We have a number of talented chefs in our group and are always excited to see what delicious treats each potluck uncovers. Bring in a dish containing your favourite spring foods to share with the group.
In Bruges movie showing at the Immigration Center
Wednesday, June 5 at 1:00 p.m.
Join us for our weekly lunch followed by a showing of famous comedy “In Bruges” starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Glesson about two Irish hitman hiding out after a job goes wrong.
Bloomsday
Sunday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rosenbach, Delancey Place, Philadelphia
Join us to celebrate the Rosenbach’s annual Bloomsday, where we celebrate Leopold Bloom’s journey through the streets of Dublin in Jame Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. The day includes musical performances, readings from Ulysses and a beer garden. Admission is free and we will have a stand at the event. Be sure to drop by and say hello.
Lunch at McGillicuddy’s with music
Wednesday, June 19 at 12:00 p.m.
We are hosting our weekly lunch in McGillicuddy’s on Wednesday, June 19 with a mystery musician. Please RSVP by Monday, June 17 by calling 610-789-6355. Please bring a dessert to share. Hope you to see you all there!
Trivia with the Quizmaster of the Universe
Wednesday, June 26 at 1:30 p.m.
All are welcome to join us for the battle of the brains in the return of the Quizmaster of the Universe. As always, this will be a lot of fun.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes: For adults assisting young people
Note: the class is 8 hours and has been split into two 4 hours days
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Places are limited, so please enroll as soon as possible to ensure your place.
You can enroll by calling the Irish Immigration Center, Ph. 610.789.6355.
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