Southern California Rose of Tralee

Southern California Rose of Tralee

Program & Events 2005

Rose Orientation 2005

Rose Orientation 2005 was a great success as the Rose Committee welcomed the newest class of candidates to the 2005 Southern California Rose of Tralee!

Thanks to committee members Annie and Lorraine who organized a beautiful and informative day for the Roses.  Other committee members provided refreshments and St. Lawrence’s Parish was kind enough to offer its facilities.

While Terry and Kathy discussed the Grand Ball, Paula, Emily and Christina talked about the different events, such as Garden Party, Pub Nite, and Heritage Day.  Sheena informed the Roses about the Rosebud program and Lorraine encouraged the Roses to collect sponsors.

With current Rose Suzanne busy at school at NYU, Mom Annie stepped in and read an e-mail from Suzanne to the Roses.  2002 Rose Anneliese stopped by to meet the girls and talk about her time as the Rose at home and in Tralee.

Bill and Christina kept the cameras clicking with pictures of the Roses and the Committee. 

There was a lot of information passed along about the Rose Program, the Rose Events, and the Grand Ball.  However, there were some laughs among the committee members as tales of the past were remembered and recalled.

Each Rose Debutante had the opportunity to introduce herself during Orientation and it didn’t take the girls long to strike up conversations with each other and the Committee afterwards.

Welcome Rose Class of 2005!

Irish Heritage Day 2005

Irish Heritage Day 2005 began early Sunday morning as the Roses braved the rain and freeways to

come to the Celtic Arts Center in Studio City.  Co-Chairs Christina and Emily started off the day

with a few business matters and then it was bagels and coffee—provided by Sheena and Vicki—to enjoy before the first speaker.

The first speaker of Heritage Day was Annie Singleton.  Annie gave an interesting discussion about

the Irish language and taught the Roses a few choice phrases.  She also translated the Roses’ names

 into their Gaelic form.  She concluded her presentation with an Irish song. 

Due to a schedule change, the Roses were given the opportunity to get to know each other a little better with a quick impromptu segment.  With three questions to guide them, the Roses paired up in twos and later presented their findings to the rest of the group.

Irish foods and cuisine were next on the agenda.  After a brief overview of Irish foods and definitions, the Roses shared their favorite Irish recipes.  The tempting cuisine ranged from soda bread and a pot of tea to several varieties of Irish stew.  Rose Ashley demonstrated the proper way to make a cup of tea and Rose Sharlene gave a humorous account of her favorite Irish dish—Rhubarb pie.

With all the discussion about food, it was easy to decide the next event—lunch.

Over warm Irish stew—eagerly welcomed on the cold day—the Roses continued chatting away with each other.  A few committee members provided tasty soda bread to enjoy with lunch, as well.

Lunch ended and it was back to Heritage Day.  Kevin MacDonnell, the next speaker, came prepared with props to explain Gaelic football and hurling.  After several demonstrations from Kevin, Rose Ashley volunteered to try it herself.

Coming to discuss Irish history and a little Irish literature, Professor Menaghan of Loyola Marymount, kept the segment lively incorporating personal stories into his lecture.  A lot of information was provided to the Roses including a list of important dates in Irish history.  Prof. Menaghan “quizzed” the Roses with questions about Irish history.

The last speaker of Heritage Day was Joan Kelly.  Joan taught the Roses two Irish dances.  The Roses caught on quickly and soon were mastering the steps.  Roses Rachel and Aisling gave an impromptu performance of their dancing skills.  By the time the music started, the Roses were dancing like pros.

Irish Heritage Day 2005 ended on a high note and a little exhausted from the day—and the rousing dancing—the Roses once again braved the rain and the freeways to return their nice warm homes and get ready for next week’s event…the Rose Garden Party!

Rose Garden Party 2005

The storms that have been blowing through Southern California decided to take a break and let the Rose Garden Party 2005 have a beautiful sunshine-filled day.  Irish Fair Foundation President Terry Anderson opened his home to host the Garden Party.  And Event Chairperson Paula Kelly—along with her hard working committee—once again provided a magnificent Garden Party to be enjoyed by all.

And it was. 

Conversations and laughter could be found in every corner of the yard as the Roses mingled with each other.  Families and friends enjoyed a day of good company.  There was entertainment from the Rose Debs as a few “auditioned” their party pieces for the Grand Ball.  Singing, a couple of Irish step dances, and a hula dance completed the program.

The 2005 Rose Debutantes made their “unofficial” debut to the Irish Community of Los Angeles. 

Also on hand were the Rosebuds—the newest program to the Rose of Tralee.  Now in their third year and growing strong, these future Roses were a delightful addition to the day. 

By the time the day ended in the late afternoon, the 2005 Garden Party was already hailed as a success for the ages!!!

Judges Interviews 2005

This year’s Judges Interviews were once again held at the home of Rose Chairperson Kathy Hughes.  In the “chat around the kitchen table” format, each Rose met with the Judges Panel for a little Q&A.  Later, the consensus among the Roses was that they were at ease and comfortable and pleased with the outcome of their interviews.

Judges Liaison Emily Burns kept the interviews on time and on schedule, and along with Kathy, helped both the Judges and the Roses with whatever needs occurred throughout the day.

While eagerly awaiting for their interviews, the Roses were entertained with video of 2004 Rose Suzanne’s performance in Tralee as well as the classic film Gone With the Wind…as research on proper ball gown wearing.

Thanks again to Kathy for offering her home for the interviews.

And finally, a special thanks to the Rose Judges for taking the time out of their busy schedules to conduct and participate in this year’s interviews.  Your commitment to the Panel and to the Rose Program is greatly appreciated by all the Roses and Rose Committee.

Rose Pub Nite 2005 

With the “business” event of the Rose Program over and done (i.e. Judges Interviews), it was onto Rose Pub Nite 2005!

Finn McCool’s of  Santa Monica was the locale for this year’s Pub Nite, where there was lots of good food, good drink and good cheer. 

The Roses, with family and friends in tow, enjoyed another event to mingle with each other and in some cases “rub elbows”. 

The Rose Committee was well represented with Event Chair Emily on hand to take care of everyone there. 

And a few old friends dropped by to share in the merriment of the evening.

A grand spread of food was provided and drinks were kept filled all through the night.  The laughter in the pub was contagious as everyone had an abundance of good times and good fun.

Thanks to all who came and made Rose Pub Nite 2005 a fun-filled evening and an extra special thanks to David and the crew of Finn McCool’s for sponsoring Rose Pub Nite 2005!

Rose Rehearsal 2005

Practice, practice, practice…

Rehearsal 2005 was another great evening for the Roses and the Committee.  There was lots of hard work, but there was lots of fun to be had, too.

Under the direction of Show Director Bill Hacket, the Roses prepared for their Big Night.  They learned and practiced the walk, the onstage interviews, party pieces, and all the other necessary ingredients for a successful Debutante Presentation.

Annie filled in for daughter Suzanne, the 2004 Rose, who is still in New York.  Emily and Bill Leahy helped out as escorts for the Roses.  Rosebud Coordinator Sheena played a Rosebud.  And Kathy and Lorraine took on the role of the Marine honor guard.

Rehearsal Night Coordinator Christina helped the Roses out with questions here and there.

Emcee Marty Maguire was on hand to meet the Roses and work with them on their interviews and mystery questions.  Everyone agreed they were happy to have Marty back in the show again this year.

As long and hard as the Roses and Committee worked, there were still some laughs and good times.  

The evening ended on a high note with Chinese cuisine and a rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the Roses to one of their fellow Roses.

22^nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Grand Ball &

Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation

It was a magical night for everyone there.

With the bright lights of  Universal City as the backdrop, the evening began with cocktails and chatting among family, friends, and guests.  Then it was onto dinner in the Grand Ballroom.

The Show Director Bill Hacket began the evening with introductions and welcomes.  The Marine Color Guard were present, while 2004 Rose Suzanne Paine sang the Irish national anthem—The Soldier’s Song—and the American national anthem—The Star-Spangled Banner.

The former Roses present—1992 Kari Ann Patterson Gerlach and 2004 Suzanne Paine—were recognized.  The Rosebud Class of 2005 was then introduced to the crowd.  These “future Roses” have become one of the highlights of the evening in recent years.

Then it was time for the show to start…

After five weeks of attending Rose Events, learning about their Irish heritage and bonding together into a circle of friendship, the Rose Class of 2005 was ready for their night…for their moment.

Each Rose took the stage as emcee Marty Maguire introduction the Roses’ backgrounds to the crowd.  With their escorts—fathers, mothers, good friends—leading them into the room, the Roses were greeted by the Marine Honor Guard and the current Rose Suzanne before taking their place with Marty on stage.

Each Rose had a brief impromptu conversation with Marty before moving onto the mystery questions.  The Rosebuds were welcomed back on stage with the basket of questions for the Rose to pick from and Marty read the questions to the Roses.

Several of the Roses shared party pieces with the audience.  Rose Sharlene Green sang “Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flats.  Rose Shannon Mayock showed her expertise as a hula dancer.  Rose Ashley Stanbury entertained the crowd with “The Kerry Dancers”.  Rose Elyse Lapre gave a performance of “Adelaide's Lament” from Guys and Dolls, complete with props.  And in their bright colorful costumes, Roses Rachel Ward and Aisling Thornton both did rousing Irish step-dancing routines.

After the presentation of the Rose Class of 2005, Marty invited the reigning Rose Suzanne onto the stage to regal her year as the Rose to the audience.  Suzanne shared a few stories, including one about her own mystery question from a year ago, in which she said that beforehand, she decided that no matter what her mystery question was, her answer would be “Tinkerbelle”.  As fate would it that evening, her mystery question was If you could be any Disney character, who would it be…any why?.  Suzanne thanked several people for her year as the Rose and wished the best of luck to the young women on the stage with her.

After Suzanne’s remarks, Marty began entertaining the crowd with his rendition of Tom Jones’ Delilah.  A favorite among many there, Marty engaged the audience into singing and participating and even the little Rosebuds, watching from their spot on the stage, got into the fun of the song.   Marty then sang “Danny Boy” and “Spancil Hill” before ending with “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” as a sing-a-long for the whole audience. 

Suzanne escorted the Rosebuds off the stage followed by the Roses themselves.  Marty reminded everyone that the crowning would occur at midnight, but in the meantime there was dancing and many more festivities to come!

The Music Connection Orchestra kicked off the dance music with a few well-known songs that brought the people out of their seats and onto the dance floor.  Throughout the evening they kept the variety of music going with something for everyone.  It was a play list to take anyone back to their Senior Prom…no matter what their age.  Nearly fifty years of music kept people rockin’ and rollin, groovin’ and jivin’ all night long.

At the first band break, Director Bill Hacket introduced the 2005 Irish Honorees to the crowd.  This year the honorees include IrishMan of the Year Tom Larkin, IrishWoman of the Year Sister Alice Marie Quinn, Irish-American Mother of the Year Geraldine Biggs McGrath, Mulholland Award Recipient Gerry Gewi and the Honorees Margaret Hayhurst, LAFD Captain Brian Jones, Kathleen Hollingsworth, Ed MacGilfrey, Barbara Sweeney Miklovic, Dan Fitzpatrick, Christina Barnes, and Noel Mulvey.  All of the honorees will be recognized at the Irish Civic Day Ceremonies on St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Los Angeles.

After the presentation of the 2005 Irish Honorees, the crowd was entertained with a performance from the Caber Feidh Pipe Band.

Then it was back to the dance music from the Music Connection Orchestra! 

The second band break of the evening brought about the Riverdance-style performance from the Kelly School of Traditional Dance.  Under the direction of Mrs. Joan Kelly, the school’s performances have become a highlight of the evening over the years.  The entertaining numbers, colorful costumes and inspiring energy of the dancers kept the crowd seated around the floor engaged in the performances.

The Music Connection Orchestra returned to play a few more numbers before the Midnight Hour approached and the Roses returned the stage.

Marty introduced the President of the Irish Fair Foundation, Terry Anderson, to the stage, who in turn, introduced the Rose of Tralee Chairperson, Kathy Hughes.  Show Director Bill Hacket was recognized for all his efforts to produce a successful Rose Show as well as the rest of the Rose Committee—Christina Barnes, Emily Burns, Sheena Delance, Lorraine Foley, Annie Paine, Bill Leahy, Dolores Nolan and Paula Kelly—for all their hard work and devotion to the Rose Debutantes, the Rosebuds and the Rose Program.  Terry then introduced the Chief Judge Kari Ann Gerlach and again thanked all the Rose Judges for their participation and commitment to the Rose Program.  And finally, the reigning Rose Suzanne Paine—who was moments from passing on the Rose title to her successor—came to the stage for the last time to assist in the crowning of the 2005 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

And the young woman, chosen from fourteen remarkable and wonderful young women, to represent her fellow Roses and the Irish Community of Southern California at the International Rose of Tralee Festival and Pageant in Tralee, Ireland was Ashley Renee Stanbury.

Amidst cheers and applause, the newly crowned Ashley took her Rose walk down to the dance floor where she was presented to her father, Corey Stanbury, for her first dance as the 2005 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

Congratulations to Ashley on her selection as the 2005 Rose of Tralee and to all the Roses and Rosebuds of 2005 for being the amazing young women and girls that you are!!!

Irish Civic Day Ceremonies & Irish Day Luncheon 2005

There weren’t any leprechauns running about the streets of Los Angeles, but there was the Los Angeles Fire Department’s 4^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The City of  Angeles showed its Irish side as Angelenos came out—wearin’ their green—to cheer on the parade.

The parade went through most of downtown before ending at La Plaza—considered the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles .  There, the 130^th Annual Irish Civic Day Ceremonies took place.

Councilman Tom LaBonge was on hand to welcome and host the ceremonies.  Newly crowned Rose of Tralee for 2005 Ashley Stanbury began the ceremony by singing the Irish and American national anthems—The Soldier’s Song and The Star-Spangled Banner.

Bill Leahy, one of the organizers for Civic Day, thanked all for attending and Bill Hacket from the Rose of Tralee Committee read the Easter Proclamation, in recognition of the Easter Rebellion of 1916.

Celebrity Grand Marshall Robert Patrick, star of Ladder 49 and Terminator 2, was on hand to participate in the ceremony.  Some of the cast and crew from Ladder 49 was also there as well.

The Los Angeles Fire Department was recognized and honored for their service to the city.

2004 Rose Suzanne Paine was honored for her year as the Rose of Tralee.  2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury spoke about how excited she was to be going to Ireland to represent Southern California and wished to take everyone with her.  Some of Ashley’s fellow Roses were in the audience to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and support their new Rose in her first appearance.  Miss Olvera Street was also there to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

The ceremony continued with the recognition of the 2005 Irish Day Honorees.   They include the recipient of the Mulholland Award Gerry Gewi and the Irish-American Mother of the Year Geraldine Biggs McGrath, whose son of the Irish band Wrath of McGrath serenaded her.  Other honorees who were recognized for their continuing service and contributions to the Irish Community of Los Angeles included Noel Mulvey, Dan Fitzpatrick, Barbara Sweeney Miklovic, Margaret Hayhurst, Ed MacGilfrey, Christina Barnes, Kathleen Hollingsworth and LA Fire Captain Brian Jones.  The Irish Man of the Year Tom Larkin and Irish Woman of the Year Sister Mary Alice Quinn were honored and gave a few remarks to the crowd.

The ceremony ended with Irish step dancers entertaining everyone there.

The St. Patrick’s Day festivities moved to the Irish Day Luncheon at Traxx Restaurant at nearby Union Station.  All there enjoyed a lunch of corn beef and cabbage and bread pudding for dessert.  The Irish Honorees were given a chance to speak to the crowd and thank everyone.  2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury provided the entertainment for the luncheon with a song—“Days of the Kerry Dancing”.

The luncheon was a great time for everyone to chat and enjoy the company of everyone there.  It was nice bookend to a day that began with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!