Newsletter
The newsletter, The Cairde Connection, begun in 2002 by the director at the time, Anne-Gerard Flynn, continues to be published bimonthly. In addition to the calendar of events, articles are printed about coming events or past programs; we also include articles by members and friends concerning their Irish connection. Some of our guest writers have included:
Kevin O'Hara, author of Last of the Donkey Pilgrims;
Mary Ellen Lowney, staff writer for the Springfield Republican;
George Lenker, staff writer for the Springfield Republican;
Lynn Eaton, Cairde member;
Robert Weiss, Cairde member;
Tim Allen, president of the board; (a 12-issue reflection of his love affair with Ireland)
Tom Moriarty, one of the co-founders and its first director.
Irish Language Classes
Several levels/classes of Irish language meet during the year. We offer several non-credit Irish classes through the Elms College: an introductory, as well an intermediate language class; an Irish Language Study group also meets during the academic year. An advanced group has met on Friday for many years to work on readings and translations. A variety of materials and books are used in these classes. Those interested in participating in a group should contact the Center.
Fall Semester Classes: Register for classes through Elms College
call 413 265-2218
"Introduction to Irish Language" meets weekly on Monday, early September (6:30-8:30 p.m.) through mid December
"Irish Language Study Group" meets weekly on Tuesday, early September (6:30-8:30 p.m.) through mid December
Spring Semester Classes: Register for classes through Elms College
call 413 265-2218
"Introduction to Irish Language" meets weekly on Monday, late January (6:30-8:30 p.m.) through mid May
"Irish Language Study Group" meets weekly on Tuesday, late January (6:30-8:30 p.m.) through mid May
Book Club
In the Fall of 2004, a group began to meet monthly to discuss books written by Irish or Irish American authors. They ordinarily meet on the third Wednesday evening of the month. Some of the authors and titles discussed include:
Michael White, Garden of Martyrs
Kevin O'Hara, Last of the Donkey Pilgrims
Cole Moreton, Hungry for Home - Leaving the Blasket Island
Edna O'Brien, Mother Ireland
Nuala O'Faolain, Are You Somebody; an Accidental Memoir of a Dublin Woman
Roddy Doyle, A Star Called Henry
Genealogy Help
Member Ed Callahan (413 527-5091) volunteers to answer questions and to give instruction on search techniques using the Internet.
The Center has the genealogy software, Family Tree Maker, and an assortment of companion CDs available to use for research on the Center's computer:
1850 and 1870 Massachusetts Census;
1900 New England Census;
1850 Connecticut and Rhode Island Census on microfilm;
Passenger & Immigration Lists 1846-1865 and 1803-1871;
Passenger & Immigrations Index 1500s-1900s;
Index to Griffith's Valuation 1848-1864;
Social Security Death Index 1937-1999.
