Senior Notes by

Cora Flood

Happy May Day to all our readers, Greetings for Bealtaine 2009. This year in conjunction with the organization “Age and Opportunity” in Ireland we have planned several fun, informative, engaging cultural activities to coincide with Irelands nationwide recognition of Bealtaine (May).

Bealtaine 2009 celebrates creativity in older age.

The guiding theme for all activities in Bealtaine 2009 is

“Go and open the door” from the poem ‘The door’ by Miroslav Holub.

It is an invitation to try something new, to explore something creative this Bealtaine (May) in recognition of the life enhancing joys of constant learning and our capacity for creativity at all stages of our lives.

(extract) Miroslav Holub, Poems Before & After, trans Ian Milner et al. (Bloodaxe Books, 2006)

The door

Go and open the door. Maybe outside there’s a tree, or a wood, a garden, or a magic city.

Go and open the door.  Maybe a dog’s rummaging. Maybe you’ll see a face, or an eye, or the

picture of a picture. Go and open the door. If there’s a fog it will clear.

Websites to check out for more information: www.bealtaine.com and www.olderinireland.ie

The Boston area program was facilitated by Maureen McNally volunteer at the Irish Cultural Centre and ourselves here at the Senior Program. We truly hope you can join us for some part of the scheduled activities. If you are traveling to Ireland anytime in the month of May keep your ears peeled for details of local events happening in almost every hamlet.

Monday May 4^th from 6:30pm onwards

Irish Cultural Centre Adult Set and Step Dancers Bealtaine Celebration

Individual Step Dancing 6:30-7:30PM. Group Set & Ceili Dancing 7:30-9:30PM

Experience the joy of matching your feet to a tune.

No Partner or prior dancing experience necessary. Contact: Cait 781-686-1951

Friday May 15th at 8:00PM/ Saturday May 16th at 8:00PM & Sunday May 17^th @ 2:00PM

Irish Cultural Centre of New England Drama Group presents the play “Too Close to Home” by Jimmy Keaney. Contact: Ann Donnay @ donnayharris@comcast.net for tickets/ information
Venue: Irish Cultural Centre of New England, 200 New Boston Drive, Canton

Thursday May 21^st from Noon to 3:00PM

Irish Pastoral Centre Senior Citizen Outreach Program presents

A special Bealtaine Monthly Mass with lunchtime social. Come celebrate Bealtaine together. Music will be provided by members of the Comhaltas Music School led by John Kearney, Tim O’Connell and friends. Feature presentation by members of Cumann na Gaelige i mBoston led by Peggy Cloherty. Contact: Cora Flood (617) 479 7404 x 13 to rsvp.

Venue: Irish Cultural Centre of New England, 200 New Boston Drive, Canton

Suggested Donation $10.00 payable on the day.

Mini bus transportation available from Brighton and Quincy areas.

Finally: thanks to everyone who has lent their support, sent donations, bought tickets and promised to join us for what only promises to be a wonderful night out for our annual fundraising banquet. See you Friday May 8^th, call (617) 479 7404 for last minute tickets.