Spotlight on Edel MacBride, 2019 Straight Out Of Ireland Artist

Design N’ Ambition the key fabric of Edel’s Success

Edel MacBride is an award-winning designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and more. Having been involved in the craft and design industry since the tender age of 11, (to source funds for a trip to Dublin!) craft is in her DNA.

Edel’s story about business, the industry, involvement in a host of initiatives in the North West City Region (Donegal and Derry/Strabane districts), the award winning #PledgeScrubs campaign and support for initiatives like #BuyDonegal, is a fascinating one.

‘’I was lucky to following my dream of getting into Art School at LYIT. Back then courses involved lots of expensive materials and the 80s were a challenging time. But I had a focus and an eye for fashion, which thankfully has stayed with me.’’ This is something of an understatement considering throughout her career, Edel has consistently developed her own ideas and designs, to international acclaim. A further LSAD qualification at LIT in Limerick and early business training at Ulster University gave a solid grounding for her future success in design and business.

One of the earliest initiatives was developing a retail business in the city of Derry in 1989, and proudly the craft village connection remains over 30 years on. The benefit of getting instant feedback from customers was extremely valuable and as Edel jokes ‘’especially during the 90s in Derry, no-one spared your feelings!’’

Edel has achieved and evolved quite a bit since then. ‘’One of, and still is, our biggest events was the Showcase Ireland Trade Fair with a base of both Irish and International Retailers, it was hard work but great fun too. You’d want three heads to talk to buyers at times!’’ She’s been involved in countless fashion shows and saw a growing appreciation for Irish made designs, with a key catalyst being the recession of the late noughties.

During that time she started Knitfield, classes to act as a voice of inspiration to educate people to make their own garments. This led to the development of cultural experiences for visitors, which in turn led to the development of core tours in knitting experiences partnering with a leading Irish tour operator.

Collaboration has always been something inherent in Edel. She’s worked with models and founders such as Donegal’s own Faye Dinsmore to develop a clothing range, forms part of the Creative Coast, a collective of the creative sector in Donegal, and recently appointed to the Board of Directors with the Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCI), its only North West representative.

In the North West City Region she’s involved in a co-operative of craft making entrepreneurs from Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. She’s also a leading voice within the Culture Strategy for Derry City and Strabane Council and a key participant at the annual Milwaukee Irish Festival and Summer School, which has a strong connection to the Donegal and the North West.

‘’Growing up at times I wondered why my parents gave so much time to volunteering. I now know why’’ The #Pledgescrubs campaign started in March 2020 when Edel contacted Ray Doherty at Moville Shirts. Both were firmly committed to ensuring front line workers did not have to ‘buy’ scrubs for work. Their tireless dedication saw them raise €85,000 from over 4,000 contributors and make national news for delivering scrubs across the Island of Ireland to HSE and NHS staff. The campaign has received national acknowledgment through Today FM and recently Edel received an ‘’Above and Beyond’’ award from the Donegal Association for this work.

Edel’s dedication to all things local also saw her become a key contributor to the inaugural #BuyDonegal campaign in 2020. ‘’This came about very suddenly as I’d been focusing on launching a new website that was more relatable to my online audience in lock down. The Pandemic redefined ‘community’ and helped broaden the campaign’s appeal. During the campaign my website traffic and sales were good and for me it was important that the #BuyDonegal message reflected a quality standard my customer expects’’

Edel (unsurprisingly) has plenty of ideas for #BuyDonegal 2021 with competitions and different hashtags all considerations. ‘’For me it’s good to keep the content entertaining too. Shopping should have a recreational feel. There was great collaboration between companies involved last year and I’m sure that will be the case this year too.’’

#BuyDonegal takes place from 5th November – 31st December 2021. The official campaign launch webinar is on Wednesday October 27th for which you can Register Here

< Ends >

THE IRISH DIASPORA EDUCATION ALLIANCE WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR IRISH UNIVERSITY STUDY

Celtic Classic Irish Soda Bread Contest

Celtic Classic Irish Soda Bread Contest

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania — Do you have a favorite recipe for Irish soda bread?  Enter the Celtic Classic Irish Soda Bread Contest to win a blue ribbon, prizes and bragging-rights on September 25, 2021, at Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival in Bethlehem.

Open to amateur bakers and sponsored by King Arthur Flour, the Irish soda bread contest has no fee to enter.  The top three contestants in the adult category will be awarded gift certificates in the amounts of $75, $50, and $25, respectively, to Kingarthurflour.com. The top three youth under 18 will be awarded a $40 gift certificate, $25 gift certificate, and a King Arthur tote bag (respectively.) Deadline to receive registrations is September 11, 2021.

The soda bread will be scored based on taste, overall appearance, creativity and texture by three judges: Patricia Rice, owner of Victorian Delights and Superintendent of the Farm to Table Stage at The Great Allentown Fair; Ken Walsh, President of the Lehigh County Division 1 Ancient Order of the Hibernians; and Kim DeLuca, a nurse and amateur baker. 

For more information about the Irish soda bread contest or to download the registration form, visit  https://www.celticfest.org/celtic-classic-irish-soda-bread-contest/  or contact Marcie Mulligan at mmulligan@celticfest.org.

Celtic Classic runs from Friday, September 24 through Sunday, September 26, 2021, in downtown historic Bethlehem.  For more information, directions, volunteering opportunities and the weekend’s schedule, log on to www.celticfest.org. For up-to-the-minute information and updates, follow Celtic Classic on Twitter (@CelticClassic) and friend them on Facebook (facebook.com/CelticClassic).

Marcie Mulligan
Director of Cultural Education
902 4th Avenue, Suite 2, Bethlehem, PA 18018
610-868-9599

www.celticfest.org

St. Patrick's Day Parade Association Golf Outing

IDC Executive Director to chair panel at Irish Campfire

Our Executive Director, Emily Norton Ashinhurst, will be chairing a dynamic panel, "Irish America Giving Back: A Shoulder to Lean on for The Irish Diaspora", at The Irish Echo's 2021 Big Irish Campfire on August 27th.

Attend in person or virtually! Click below for all details.

https://www.irishecho.com/events/campfire2021/

Diversity Lottery 2022

Free Naturalization Preparation Class this September

May is Mental Health Month

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.

Chester County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program

Announced on April 16, 2021 by the Chester County Department of Community Development (CCDCD).

What it is: This program serves renters in Chester County who are behind in rent or utilities due to COVID-19. This program has no citizenship requirement. This program is funded by the US Treasury and Chester County has received over $34 million to assist renters in our community. According to the CCDCD there may be programs at a later date for homeowners. Gateway Medical Associates will follow and announce updates as we receive them.

Funding will serve individuals and families that are obligated to pay rent and meet the following three criteria:

1. Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.
2. Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
3. Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. See examples of area median below (For additional income thresholds, see checklist linked below. Income limits are subject to change per guidance from the federal government).

Area Median Income Guidelines:
Family of 1 = $54,150/year
Family of 4 = $77,300/year

How to access the program:
Dial 2-1-1and press 2 for “Homelessness and Housing Crisis”, press 2 for “Chester County’, finally press 2 for “Emergency Rental Assistance Program.” You will talk with a helper familiar with the program. You will need to provide various documents. Below is a link for a checklist of items you will need.

Unfortunately, our offices are unable to help with this process. Please call or use the link below for assistance.

Application checklist link:
https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/62656/Chester-County-ERAP-Applicant-Checklist

Link to webinar explaining who is eligible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HDfnQG342Y

Return of senior lunches

A Balancing Act

The young professional’s guide to mental health while remote working and career planning

Remote working has unique challenges that are different from working in an office. Adapting as a young professional can be taxing, so how do you manage it?

• An unprecedented year

• Remote working on the rise

• The mental health toll

• Addressing the challenges as an employee

• What employers can do

Click HERE to read more.

Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship

Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended, the Minister for Justice has the power to revoke a certificate of naturalisation where an individual has been ordinarily resident outside of the State for seven years after naturalisation, unless;

They have registered annually in the prescribed manner their name and a declaration of an intention to retain Irish citizenship with an Irish diplomatic mission or consular office or with the Minister.

You must complete a “Declaration of Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship” if you reside outside of Ireland, by completing Form 5 annually.
Please complete this form if;

• You became an Irish Citizen through naturalisation

• If you have taken up residence outside of Ireland following naturalisation

Make sure you use the most recently published version of each form when making an application or declaration. If you complete an old version of a form, it will be returned to you and you will have to start again.

Click HERE for Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship form.

Clash of the Counties 2021

We're all proud of our roots. Whether drawn to the beautiful scenery, the fabulous food, or the friendly folks, Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of many. But beyond what the country has to offer, each county has a unique flair making those claiming ties back sure that their county is the best. 

Once you've donated, share your support on Facebook as well as your favorite story or photo from your county. Click HERE to support your favorite county!

Walk for Wellness Challenge - Fundraising Total

CHAT Committee

WRESTLING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES? HERE’S HOW TO GET HELP
IrishPhiladelphia.com

When it comes to anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm—and even thoughts of suicide, the act of suicide or the emotional aftermath afflicting survivors—no one is immune. Any of those issues can affect anybody at any given time.

During the pandemic, this has been particularly true. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19.”

Research also reports higher rates of mental health concerns among Irish and Irish-Americans compared to other ethnic groups, says Emily Norton Ashinhurst, executive director of the Irish Diaspora Center in Havertown, Delaware County.

“I think that’s something that we all need to face,” Ashinhurst says, “and we need to recognize that getting help is not a failure. It’s actually setting yourself up for success.”

If you fall into this group, know that there is help—easy and affordable referrals to an experienced mental health counselor—and it’s offered through the Irish Diaspora Center.

The program is called C.H.A.T.—short for Community Help Awareness & Trust—overseen by a Diaspora Center committee and courtesy of funds raised in the Solace Sunrise Walk. The counselor has been in the mental health field for eight years, says Ashinhurst, and has extensive experience dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, addiction and relationship difficulties. She has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

What’s more, the counselor is an immigrant—not Irish, but she has had the experience of immigration and understands the challenges of leaving your home country and the issues that arise from that difficult and often wrenching experience. Immigrants can be especially susceptible to mental health issues.

The Solace Sunrise Walk in Philadelphia began in 2016, then simply known as Darkness into Light, to draw attention to suicide and suicide prevention. Funds from that event, then spearheaded by previous Diaspora Center executive director Leslie Alcock, supported the New York-based Solace House. Roughly a year and a half ago, the fund-raising emphasis switched from support for the New York effort to a broader-based Philadelphia-area initiative. 

“The (local) committee decided that the money raised really needed to stay here in the Philadelphia community,” says Ashinhurst. “So we were able to get back some of the funds that were raised through the walk. And we decided to set up a fund that is available to anyone in the Irish community who, because insurance doesn’t cover it or they don’t have health insurance, needs help getting counseling. We have some money to put toward counseling appointments.” (The number of appointments is based on ability to pay.)

Una McDaid, chair of the C.H.A.T. committee, understands the need all too well.

“I had a few friends growing up that had passed away from suicide,” McDaid explains. “I’ve had family members who have lost loved ones to suicide. And so it was something I could relate to.”

The Solace Sunrise Walk, she says, had a big impact on the Irish community, she adds, and it was clear that she was not alone in her experience. “There were a lot of people who had been affected by suicide. And for me, it then became about giving someone a safe place to talk. For me, it was a steppingstone to why I really wanted to stay an active part in our community. I feel like our message is to value the life of the person and not to focus on what the form of death is. It more to highlight the life. The problem in our community is that not everybody wants to talk about it. I think Irish people in general talk through everything—but when it comes to private matters, private is private. We like to keep our problems to ourselves.”

From suicide awareness and prevention, she says, the Solace Sunrise Walk naturally bloomed into something broader.

“We just want to put it out there that you’re not alone and that we can find someone to help you if you need professional counseling or just someone to talk to.”

Siobhán McHugh, another member of the committee, has had similar personal experiences. 

“I had a cousin who took her life way back,” she says. “It was eight or 10 years ago. And this cousin, she was only 28. She was really close to my sister and niece. She got herself into a bad place. So that’s why I always felt like I wanted to try and do something and put some sort of help out there. I’m not the person to help them, but I can help get them in touch with someone who can help them. We’re doing all that we can on a small scale.”

And now, perhaps more than ever in recent memory, the need has never been stronger, McHugh adds. “I can’t imagine if I was out of work and I had three kids and I was trying to survive and pay bills. I can’t imagine how people must be feeling. Even if what we’re doing is small, if it helps one or two people in the community, then it helped those one or two people.” 

To seek help, contact Ashinhurst at 610-789-6355 or emily@icphila.org. All inquiries are confidential. Use this contact information also if you are able to help support the program financially.

Genealogy Group, 12 January 2021

Thank you to our special guest speaker, Emily Schmidt, author of The Galvin Girls. Our genealogy group coordinator, Aengus Lawlor, prepared the presentation in conjunction with Emily’s presentation on her family history and new book.

Click HERE to purchase a copy of Emily’s book.

Looking forward to 2021

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!

Ireland's Diaspora Strategy

September News

Dear Friends!
 
As I look at my social media posts and see the children gearing up for a new term of virtual learning, I am moved by the adaptability of the human spirit! More than anything, I continue to marvel at the Irish Community and the ways everyone has come together over the past 6 months to support one another. We are proud to play a part in that support through food assistance, hardship grants, and online legal consulting!
 
While we miss being able to sit for a cup of tea and a chat, we love seeing your faces on Zoom! This fall, we will increase our educational opportunities to include a seminar by Conor Donnan, Irish language lessons for middle school and high school students with Alene O’Malley, and videos of Irish stories for the younger children.  Our genealogy program consistently grows with fascinating sessions led by Lori Murphy, Aengus Lawlor, and Bill McCray. I hope you and your family can join us for some or all of the online series.
 
Please note that the cost for applying for US citizenship, changes of status, and other fees are significantly increasing very soon – by more than 80% in most cases. If you are interested in making applications, now is the time to schedule your appointment for our legal clinics. Be sure to reach out to Nicola to schedule at nicola@icphila.org,
 
As we move into the cooler weather of Fall, it may become more difficult for some people to get out of the house to run errands. If you find that you or someone in your life needs a helping hand to do the shopping or just needs a call or porch visit, please reach out and let us know. We are here to help!
 
Be well!
Emily Norton Ashinhurst
Executive Director

A Transatlantic Conversation - Irish and Native American Relations
Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm

In 1847 the Choctaw people sent $170 to help Irish people impacted during the potato famine. That was the start of a long and interesting relationship between the Irish and Native Americans that continues to the present.
Join Conor Donnan, a doctoral student in the History Department at the University of Pennsylvania, as he reconstructs the interactions of Irish Catholics and Native Americans from 1841 to 1924 over Zoom.
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome
 

Sign Up Here

Monday, September 21 from 2:30 pm  -  5:00 pm via Zoom video conferencing.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing. 
Please note that USCIS is increasing its fees in October. Get help with your US citizenship application now by contacting Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome.
Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.
 

Book Your Appointment

US Citizenship Application

Irish American Genealogy Group - The Curtis Family Letters
Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm over Zoom.
Before modern technology, to communicate with their loved ones back home, people wrote long and engaging letters depicting their new lives.  This genealogy session Lori Lander Murphy will take a look at the Curtis Family Letters. 
The mid-1800s letters were written between mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, and cousins of the Curtis family, between Ireland and Pennsylvania. These letters tell the stories of hardship and famine alongside opportunity and strength, as a family strives to maintain its connections from thousands of miles away. 
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org.  All are welcome to join

Sign Up Here

Free Irish Language Classes for Middle and High School Students
Start Date - October 21 - Wednesdays

Time: 4.00 - 4.30 pm  - Middle school students
Time:  4.30-5.00 pm -  High school students

Join us over Zoom for a  six-week course in the Irish language, introducing basic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and practical use in conversation. The classes are free and all middle and high school students are welcome to join.

Register Your Interest Here

July Programs

I hope that you are all keeping well and enjoying a quiet and restful summer. 

A few brief notes to highlight regarding the IDC.    

At the moment the office has reopened but is strictly by appointment only. We are limiting the traffic to ensure that everyone remains safe.  

Please note that the passport office in Dublin has yet to resume regular services so there are long delays with passport and citizenship applications. If you are eligible to renew your Irish passport online, that is the most efficient way to process the document. 

Consultations for the legal clinic still remain virtual and our volunteer attorneys stand ready to answer your immigration questions.  Take a look at our social media feeds for up-to-date information about the recent executive orders related to immigration. 

We are pleased to announce our first, monthly will  US Citizenship Day! Appointments can be scheduled for July 31 in the office to complete your application for the N-400 form requesting citizenship.  If you are debating whether now is the right time, be aware that fees are rising significantly in the fall.

All of our other programs will remain virtual for the time being. We have a two-part study group starting this month and genealogy continues over Zoom. 

For our teenagers, we have a fantastic Leadership for Life program (module 1) starting on Thursday over Zoom.  This will run twice a week until September. Students are eligible to receive a certificate from NUI, Galway on completion of the third module of Leadership for Life. This program is free but you need to get your application in by July 14 at 6 pm.

We are monitoring the current local COVID-19 recommendations and as circumstances change we will modify our programs. If there are any programs or seminars that you would like to see the IDC offer, please reach out to me at emily@idcphila.org.  

Please continue to stay safe and we hope to see you all again soon!

Emily Ashinhurst
Executive Director

Monday, July 20 from 2:30 PM  -  5:00 PM via Zoom video conferencing or phone.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing. Every Monday we have one of our Immigration Lawyers available to answer any of your immigration questions or concerns. All are welcome. Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.

Book Consultation

Leadership for Life. July 16 - September 3 
***A few places left. Sign up now ***
Sign up for Foróige's free virtual summer program - Leadership for Life today. Graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, which is accredited at NFQ Level 6 (National University Ireland, Galway). All are welcome

Module 1 Dates: July 16 - September 3
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday (3 PM - 4 PM over Zoom)

Learn more here

The history of An Gorta Mor and the Dust Bowl - Study group.   
Tue, Jul 28 and Tue, Aug 4, 7:00 PM  -  8:30 PM
Join facilitator, Bill McCray, for the first in our new study group series. This series encourages participants to work together to create an interactive Zoom session.

Each topic is a two-part program. The participants need to register in advance. They will receive instructions one week prior to commencing. Each lesson contains a brief summary of the event, questions to direct research and stimulate discussion, and a list of recommended resources including history, arts, and culture.

The first topic comparing and contrasting An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger, Ireland), and the Dust Bowl (US). Each participant will receive a certificate for completion.

Please register for this group by July 17 by emailing Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org.

Irish County Genealogy Resources - Evening Genealogy Group
Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM  8:30 PM
Join Genealogist, Lori Lander Murphy, as she discusses the different county resources available for Irish genealogy research. She will discuss some of the most popular tools available and how to access them to further your own research.
To sign up for this group please contact Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org. This meeting will be held over Zoom.

USA Citizenship Day - Friday, July 31, 2020, 10:00 AM  5:00 PM
Do you need some help with completing your U.S. citizenship paperwork? With U.S.C.I.S. fees about to increase in the fall perhaps now is the time. Book your appointment now at our free legal clinic to complete your documents and speak with an immigration lawyer.

Sign up here