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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T140000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
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SUMMARY:Women in Social Services Panel
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, February 1st\n1:00pm-2:00pm\nJoin us for an incredible and lively panel discussion on Women in Social Services in honor of  Brigid’s Day. We will be joined by a group of phenomenal panelists who will discuss their experiences and the current healthcare climate. \nThere will be light food and warm beverages available for purchase. All are welcome for this free event! \nOur Panelists:\nCatherine Cooper\, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for VA Maine\nCatherine Cooper is a clinical social worker with more than 25 years of human services experience. She currently serves as VA Maine’s Program Manager for the Suicide Prevention Program and has been in this role since August 1\, 2022. Previously she was an Emergency Department Social Worker in Massachusetts and has held a variety of leadership positions for agencies serving adults with disabilities\, unhoused individuals and children involved in the child welfare system. Catherine also maintains a small\, part-time private practice as a therapist. She lives with her spouse and their cat in the 1840’s house of their dreams in Augusta. \nHannah Longley\, Clinician and Critical Incident Responder\, Dochas Wellness\nHannah Longley\, LCSW is a mental health clinician\, educator\, and advocate with nearly two decades of experience in crisis intervention\, trauma-informed care\, and statewide systems development. She is the Owner of Dochas Wellness\, LLC\, providing mental health training\, consultation\, and specialized support to organizations and communities across Maine. Hannah serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Central Maine Community College\, where she teaches public safety\, psychology\, and sociology courses and contributes to workforce development in crisis response.\nPreviously\, she was Director of Advocacy and Crisis Intervention at NAMI Maine\, leading statewide training initiatives\, advancing Platinum-level Crisis Intervention Teams\, managing state and federal grants\, and advocating for mental health policy and crisis system reform. Her earlier work includes leadership roles in crisis services and serving as Psychological Health Coordinator for the Maine Army National Guard. Hannah is nationally recognized for her work in law enforcement–mental health collaboration and has received multiple state and national awards. She holds a BA in Psychology from Wheaton College and an MSW from Boston College\nMary Ann Folley\, School social worker\, Bonny Eagle Middle School\nMary Ann Folley\, LCSW. I graduated with my master’s degree in Social Work concentration Child Welfare\, in 2003 from the University of Vermont. While in graduate school\, I started with grassroots social work\, working as a residential counselor for Northeastern Family Institute NFI. Upon graduation\, I went to work for SRS (current day DCF) in Vermont. I remained in that position in Vermont until 2009 when I moved to Maine. I worked for DHHS in Biddeford Maine from 2009 until 2015. After the death of my college friend and colleague Lara Sobel in Vermont\, I began to question the safety of my position. Lara was shot and killed in the parking lot of the DCF office I worked at\, by an angry parent. That same weekend\, a friend and principal at Bonny Eagle Middle School reached out and asked if I would apply for a job at his middle school. Although my heart lay with children in foster care\, I took the chance and got the job. This is my 10th year with Bonny Eagle Middle school as their General Education Social Worker. This means any student\, whether they have a special education identification or not\, can meet with me. We also have 2 other dedicated Special education social workers in our building.  I pull from all of my social work experience and schooling in each position I have held.  I thoroughly enjoy working with students in some of the most challenging schooling years of their life. If I can be a blip on their radar\, that they recall with fondness then I have done my job. \nKiley Wilkens-O’Brien\, Public health strategist\, death doula\, and leader in suicide prevention\, postvention\, and crisis system reform\, Covenstead\nKiley Wilkens-O’Brien is a public health strategist\, death doula\, and nationally recognized leader in suicide prevention\, postvention\, and crisis system reform. Her work bridges frontline care and systems change\, grounded in a deep commitment to dignity\, consent\, and meaning-making. She has led the development of Maine’s Suicide Mortality Review initiative\, supported the launch of 988 and oversaw creation of novel community-based crisis services\, such as the Living Room Crisis Center and Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care. She advises state and national partners on ethical\, person-centered approaches to distress. Through her community practice\, Covenstead\, she creates spaces for honest conversations about grief\, survival\, and the realities of being human.
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/women-in-social-services-panel/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T163000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
CREATED:20251222T235329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T183737Z
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SUMMARY:Multigenerational Writing Workshop with Irish Author Áine Greaney
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with The Telling Room!\nSunday\, February 1st\n2:30-4:30pm\nAll are welcome\, entry is free!\nJoin us at the Center for an exciting afternoon of storytelling and reflection with acclaimed Irish author Áine Greaney\, in partnership with The Telling Room. This multigenerational writing workshop invites participants to come just as they are—no prior writing experience required! \nRooted in the spirit of Imbolc\, this session will explore themes of looking back and looking forward\, drawing inspiration from personal memory\, family stories\, and hopes for the season ahead. The workshop will include guided writing prompts\, followed by an optional sharing circle. Áine will also share selections from her own work\, alongside participants who wish to read aloud. \nDesigned for middle schoolers and up\, this program is ideal for individuals\, families\, and friends who want to write together across generations. Expect an encouraging\, accessible environment that centers voice\, story\, and connection. All are welcome\, however\, and we will have activities for any young friends who may not be ready to engage in the writing but wish to attend! \nDetails:\n  At the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray Street\, Portland Maine\n  2:30–4:30 PM\nCoffee\, tea\, hot cocoa\, juice\, and light snacks will be provided! \nThis is a special opportunity to take a workshop with Áine Greaney and engage directly with an internationally published Irish writer in an intimate\, community-centered setting. \nAbout Áine Greaney: \nÁine Greaney grew up on a small farm in County Mayo\, Ireland. In the late 1980s\, she joined the 200\,000 (approximately) young Irish who left their native land to emigrate to the U.S.\, the U.K. and elsewhere. \nGreaney’s fifth published book\, “Trespassers and Other Stories” was released in spring 2025 and is now available to order from the publisher and wherever good books are sold. Trespassers is a transatlantic collection of literary stories about characters (mostly women) who feel perpetually displaced or stuck in misfit places. \nIn America\, Greaney’s work has been cited in “Best American Essays\,” and her second novel\, “Dance Lessons” was named a “great group read” by the Women’s National Book Association. Her essay\, “Sanctuary” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. \nIn addition to her books (Simon & Schuster\, Writers Digest/Penguin Random House\, Syracuse UP)\, her essays\, features and stories have appeared in Creative Nonfiction\, The Boston Globe Magazine\, The New York Times\, Books Ireland\, KevinMD\, Another Chicago Magazine\, NPR’s WBUR Radio\, Salon\, The Mindful Word\, IMAGE Magazine\, The Irish Times\, The Wisdom Daily\, Pulse: Voices from the Heart of Medicine\, Tendon\, Johns Hopkins Center for Medical Humanities and many other publications. \nA trained teacher with a master’s degree in English and certified in leading expressive writing workshops\, she has designed and led creative and wellness writing events for 20+ years. \nLearn more about Aine Greaney: https://www.ainegreaney.com/ \nAbout the Telling Room: \nThe Telling Room was founded in 2004 by three writers—Sara Corbett\, Mike Paterniti\, and Susan Conley—who imagined that getting in touch with the youth of Portland and their stories could be like putting your ear to a seashell and hearing the whole ocean. They were right! \nEnthusiasm and demand for our programs grew exponentially—The Telling Room now works with over 2\,500 young writers each year\, reaching students and teachers from over 50 schools and serving more than 100 communities across the state of Maine annually. \nOur accomplishments have been recognized with awards and major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts\, the Maine Alliance for Arts Education’s Imagination Intensive Communities program\, Maine Arts Commission\, and the Maine Humanities Council among many others. \nIn November 2015\, our Young Writers & Leaders program won a prestigious National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award as one of the top 12 youth arts and humanities programs in the nation. In 2024\, we were awarded the Golden Apple Award by the Maine Education Association. \nLearn more about the amazing organization and the programs they offer here: https://www.tellingroom.org \n  \nGenerously Sponsored by Holiday Inn by the Bay!
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/multigenerational-writing-workshop-with-irish-author-aine-greaney/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
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SUMMARY:Maine Irish Author Talk: Betsy Cornwell
DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Patrisha McLean\nTuesday\, February 3rd\, 2026\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\n  \nJoin us for another Brigid’s Day program: a Maine Irish Author Talk with Betsy Cornwell! Focusing on her new memoir\, “Ring of Salt\,” Betsy will be in conversation with Patrisha McLean\, founder of Finding our Voices. We will have books for sale (and signing!) at the event from Print: A Bookstore! \n  \nAbout the Author:\nBetsy Cornwell is a New York Times bestselling author of six novels and founder of The Old Knitting Factory\, an arts residency and retreat space for single parents in Connemara. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from Smith College\, and currently teaches at the University of Galway. She serves as a mentor for the Irish Writers Centre and was the first recipient of their Blue Mountains (Australia) Residency in 2023. \nLearn more here: https://www.betsycornwell.com/about \n  \n\n\nAbout the Book:\n“Extraordinarily moving\, exquisitely written and socially revolutionary”—The Irish Times \n“Ring of Salt is so vast and tender and urgent\, it’s almost like reading a novel. I couldn’t put it down. I haven’t cheered for a heroine like Betsy in ages.” —Jen Hatmaker\, author of Awake \nFor readers of Maggie Smith and Stephanie Land\, an inspiring and lyrical memoir about a writer and mother who flees an abusive marriage and must learn to reclaim the story of her life through a search for home on Ireland’s wild\, western coast. \nAt twenty-four\, Betsy Cornwell runs away to Ireland for a fresh start. Leaving behind a painful past\, she chases her dream of becoming a novelist to the misty shores of the Aran Islands. There she meets a handsome and charming horse trainer\, and her life takes on the glow of a fairy tale when they elope to Gretna Green. \nFive years later\, her happy ending has twisted into a nightmare. Betsy is trapped in an abusive marriage\, isolated and afraid with a newborn baby. On her son’s first birthday\, she must flee home again\, this time turning to the women around her—her local survivor support group\, a trusted family friend\, and an online Smith College alumnae network—for help she’d never known she could ask for. \nAfter a brush with homelessness\, she struggles to scrape together a living for herself and her son. On sleepless nights\, she scrolls through real estate listings that might as well be castles in the air\, and starts to foster an impossible dream: What if she could use her writing to buy a home\, one that no one could take away from her and her baby? One that might become a haven\, not just for her family\, but other single parent artists and writers\, too? \nWhen she discovers a historic knitting factory and former cinema on Ireland’s rugged Connemara coastline\, left empty and crumbling for years\, that precarious dream becomes her lifeline. Over the next two years she works to crowdfund the old knitting factory’s purchase by sharing its story and her own\, in candid posts that range from the unexpectedly steep learning curves she encounters with home renovations and internet dating\, to her heartbreaking fight to keep custody of her son\, with her growing online community. But as the deadline to buy nears\, she realizes she will have to reckon with everything she believes about family\, survival\, and what happily-ever-after truly means for her dream to have any chance of coming true. \nRing of Salt combines a powerful and relatable narrative of survivorship and healing with lush writing about the windswept landscapes and rich mythology of rural Ireland to craft a real-world fairy tale about the ordinary\, but no less life-changing\, forms of magic we can all access: vulnerability\, community\, and the power of telling your own story. \n\nAbout Patrisha McLean:\nPatrisha McLean is the Founder+CEO of the grassroots nonprofit Finding Our Voices which is breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine.. She is also the host of the Let’s Talk About It podcast that is conversations with survivors of domestic abuse\, and an online book club featuring authors talking about the domestic abuse in their books\, lives\, countries. \nBetsy Cornwell is the guest of the online Finding Our Voices Book Club on March 24 at 1 p.m. Info and sign-up is here: https://findingourvoices.net/book-club \n  \nAbout Finding Our Voices:\nFinding Our Voices is the grassroots nonprofit breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine as well as providing resources and peer-support to women survivors. Its programs include preventive and educational outreach to students; access to donated dental care; financial assistance; and online support groups and Healing Together retreats. For more information visit https://findingourvoices.net \n 
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/maine-irish-author-talk-betsy-cornwell/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:book-talk
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T190000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
CREATED:20250806T215429Z
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SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: February
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our inaugural season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly Writer’s Group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/maine-irish-writes-february-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T213000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
CREATED:20251230T230228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T183739Z
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SUMMARY:Brian Conway & Brendan Dolan Live in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, February 6th\n7:30pm\nDoors open 7:00pm\nJoin us for an evening of incredible music from two legendary artists: Brian Conway and Brendan Dolan! Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in some traditional Irish tunes. General Admission tickets are $25\, or you can snag priority seating for just $35! Don’t wait – General Admission prices go up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \nAbout the Artists:\nBrian Conway:\nNew York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the tastefully ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All- Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986\, Brian’s early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge\, County Tyrone and with Limerick born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However\, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later\, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York\, a direct student of Michael Coleman\, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument. \nIn 1979\, Brian recorded a duet album\, The Apple In Winter (Green Linnet) with fellow New York fiddler Tony Demarco. He released his debut solo CD\, First Through the Gate\, on the Smithsonian-Folkways label in July 2002. This CD was voted the Album of the Year by the Irish Echo. Brian is also featured on the CD\, My Love is in America\, recorded at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival\, and on the documentary “Shore to Shore” which highlights traditional Irish music in New York. He is considered one of the musical rocks of the New York area. \nIn 2007\, Brian released a CD titled A Tribute to Andy McGann on the prestigious Irish Label Cló Iar-Chonnachta. This CD pairs up Irish Music legends Joe Burke and Felix Dolan along with Brian in a CD which has received glowing accolades since its release in the summer of 2007. Brian followed this CD with a much-anticipated Solo CD titled “Consider the Source” in deference to the rich environment from which Brian learned his music. This CD was released in 2008 on the Cló Iar-Chonnachta Label. This CD features guest appearances by music greats Niamh Parsons\, Dan Milner\, Billy McComiskey\, Joannie Madden\, Felix Dolan\, and Brendan Dolan. Earle Hitchner of the Irish Echo described this CD as “Easily one of the best releases this year.” Brian followed up that recording with the highly acclaimed Pride of New York\, and last year\, in 2017\, recorded with the group Gailfean\, featuring John Whelan\, Mairtin DeCogain and Don Penzien. \nBrian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The distinctness of his tone\, the lift of his playing\, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style\, Sligo or otherwise. He has performed all over North America from San Francisco to New York and places in between\, such as Chicago\, Milwaukee and Colorado. His talents have also been enthusiastically received throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe. He is also considered one of the premier instructors of traditional Irish music who has mentored many fine fiddle players\, including several who have gone on to win All-Ireland championships. \nLearn more at www.brianconway.com \n“Certainly one of the finest Irish-American musician fiddlers…”\n– Dirty Linen Magazine  \nIrish Echo’s Top Trad Artist for 2008 \nBrendan Dolan:\nBrendan is the son of legendary pianist\, Felix Dolan\, and set dancer\, Joan Dolan. Brendan learned his music from his parents while growing up in Golden’s Bridge\, NY. playing frequently at events with their neighbors\, Eugene and Celia Clancy and their children at Irish events around Westchester County.  While at college at Brown University\, Brendan connected with local musicians in Providence\, Rhode Island and became passionate about the music.  With New York transplant\, Jimmy Devine and his student Tina Lech\, Brendan began playing ceilis and occasional sessions with the Providence Ceili Club.  After graduation\, Brendan starting playing regular ceilis with accordionist Kevin Killeen at St. Mary’s in Woodside where he was encouraged by accordion great\, Gerry Lynch. \nThroughout the 1990s\, Brendan worked in advertising and played ceilis\, sessions and concerts on the weekends\, most often with accordionist\, Patty Furlong and Mayo native fiddler\, Fiona Doherty.  At the same time\, Brendan regularly played for dance competitions along with his father throughout the year. \nDuring this time\, Brendan learned the whistle and the flute from his father and from the great flute players\, Joanie Madden and Catherine McEvoy.  He got to know and play with many of the great New York musicians such as Eamon O’Leary\, Patrick Ourceau and Dana Lyn playing sessions at places like Mona’s and The Scratcher. \nIn the late 90s\, Brendan went back to school to study music at SUNY New Paltz and music education at Queens College.  After teaching at St. John’s Preparatory School in Astoria and at Franklin Central School in Franklin\, NY\, Brendan began teaching Irish music at the Mineola Irish Center and the New York Irish Center in Long Island City. He also started teaching and coaching groups in the Pearl River assisting the great musicians and teachers\, Rose Flanagan\, Margie Mulvihill and Patty Furlong. \nAfter earning a Master’s degree in Irish Studies at NYU\, Brendan spent the next three years as the main archivist on the Mick Moloney Irish-American Music and Popular Culture Collection. \nHe is currently Music Director at Avenues: The World School in Manhattan\, while continuing to play and teach Irish music. \nOver the years\, Brendan has recorded with Patrick Ourceau\, Patty Furlong\, Kathy Ludlow and Mary Coogan\, Billy McComiskey\, Brian Conway\, Mick Moloney and The Green Fields of America and the Pride of New York\, of which he is a member. \nBrendan also taught at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins West Virginia\, and continues to teach at the Irish Arts Week in East Durham\, New York. \n 
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/brian-conway-and-brendan-dolan/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T210000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
CREATED:20250708T214235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T214235Z
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SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads 'These Days' by Lucy Caldwell
DESCRIPTION:Maine Irish Reads\, our monthly book club\, meets every second Thursday here at the Center!\n\n\n\nFrom 7:30 – 9 PM in the MIHC Library. Bring a friend. The more\, the merrier. \nAbout this month’s book:\nTwo sisters\, four nights\, one city. \nApril\, 1941. Belfast has escaped the worst of the war – so far. Over the next two months\, it’s going to be destroyed from above\, so that people will say\, in horror\, My God\, Belfast is finished. \nMany won’t make it through\, and no one who does will remain unchanged. \nFollowing the lives of sisters Emma and Audrey – one engaged to be married\, the other in a secret relationship with another woman – as they try to survive the horrors of the four nights of bombing which were the Belfast Blitz\, These Days is a timeless and heart-breaking novel about living under duress\, about family\, and about how we try to stay true to ourselves. \nThese Days won both the 2023 Walter Scott Prize For Historical Fiction and the 2022 E. M. Forster Award
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/maine-irish-reads-february-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260601T124920
CREATED:20251126T234543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T234543Z
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SUMMARY:POSTPONED: The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island
DESCRIPTION:This event has been postponed due to inclement weather! Stay tuned for a new date!\nThe Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island:\nA Lecture with Loretto Leary\nFriday\, February 20th\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\nIn the wake of the Great Irish Famine\, thousands of men\, women\, and children crossed the Atlantic in search of survival and opportunity. For many\, the Port of New York represented the promise of a new beginning. Yet for countless others\, it marked the tragic end of their journey. \nAt the Staten Island Marine Hospital and Quarantine Station—now the site of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal—thousands of famine immigrants perished shortly after arrival. Their suffering and resilience are commemorated in two nearby burial grounds that remain vital to understanding this chapter of Irish and American history. \nJoin Loretto Leary on Friday\, February 20th at the Maine Irish Heritage Center at 6:30 PM for an illuminating exploration of Staten Island’s profound connection to the Irish Famine immigrant story and the enduring legacy of those who never reached the lives they dreamed of. \nAbout the Speaker:\nLoretto Horrigan Leary\, originally from Portumna\, County Galway\, has made her home in Connecticut for over three decades. A seasoned educator\, she has taught Language Arts at the elementary and middle school levels in Darien\, New Canaan\, Norwalk\, and Stamford. \nAs a freelance journalist\, her writing has appeared in publications such as The Irish Echo\, Irish Central\, Irish Examiner USA\, and Australia’s Irish Scene. \nCurrently\, Loretto serves as Educational and Cultural Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield and is also Co-Chair of the Connecticut–Ireland Trade Commission. \nLoretto is pursuing her PhD at Trinity College Dublin\, where her research focuses on Irish American Famine memory and the memorial landscapes of New York\, with particular attention to Staten Island’s role in this transatlantic story of loss\, survival\, and remembrance.
URL:https://maineirish.glacialsites.com/event/the-irish-famine-immigrant-experience-on-staten-island/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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END:VEVENT
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