Southern California Rose of Tralee

Southern California Rose of Tralee

Program & Events 2006

Rose Orientation 2006

The Southern California Rose of Tralee kicked off its 2006 Program with Orientation on February 12^th at St. Lawrence’s Parish in Redondo Beach.

And things are off to a great start!

With close to twenty-one Rose Debutantes on the roster this year, the next six weeks will prove to be fun-filled and adventurous for all involved Orientation Day is traditionally a chance for the Roses to meet the Committee and the Committee to meet the Roses.  The Roses also get a bevy of information about the Rose Program and Events that will help them to have the best experience possible.

Once again, Annie and Lorraine did a superb job organizing and coordinating Orientation for the Roses and the Committee.  Led by Rose Chair Kathy, the Committee—Christina, Sheena, Nancy, Debbie, Caroline and Bill—relayed vital information for the Roses…and had a lot of laughs sharing stories of past Rose years.  Though she was absent, 2005 Rose Ashley sent her regards and a penned letter that Mom Nancy read to the Rose Class.

Afterwards, the Roses were invited to share in the sweets and treats and to bond with their fellow Roses.  Of course, the Committee was on hand to answer any questions and share more stories about the Rose Program in Southern California.

To all the Rose Debutantes—Welcome to the Class of 2006!!!

Irish Heritage Day 2006

Everything was Irish and more at the 2006 Irish Heritage Day!!!

Starting the day off was Irish Language with Paula Kelly.  Paula taught the Roses a few basic choice phrases of the Gaelic language and then translated their names into the Irish translation.

Next on the agenda were the Rose presentations of Irish music.  Each Rose shared her favorite Irish song and gave a little background and personal story to the song.  Some songs and bands were familiar to the Roses, while for the rest it was their first time being exposed to the songs and bands.

As a recent addition to Heritage Day, the presentations have quickly become a highlight of the day and one enjoyed by the Roses and the guests.

Wrapping up the segment on Irish Music was Hugh Lehane, a local musician on the rise, who took the Roses on a musical journey of Celtic music.  Hugh brought along a couple of instruments and demonstrated the bodhran for the Roses.  Then he let a few of the Roses give it a try…

Long time supporter of the Rose of Tralee, Grif Healy stopped by to talk about the history of

and kept the Roses enamored with his tales of years gone by.

A quick break for lunch with warm Irish stew followed, along with a little conversation and chatter and bonding among the Roses…then it was back to Heritage Day.

Kevin MacDonnell of the Gaelic Athletic Association—and another long time supporter—talked about Irish sports, such as hurling, with the Roses and showed them the different pieces of equipment used.

Irish films were next on the agenda with Irish actress Olivia Tracey on hand to talk about the genre…from the early beginnings to the present day…as well as some of the well known Irish thespians.

Finally, the day ended with Irish step-dancing.  Heritage Day favorite Joan Kelly taught the Roses a couple of dances, including the Siege of Ennis.  All the Roses gave it try and though there were a few “wrong turns”, they all had a lot of fun giving it a whirl.

A few Rose committee members stopped by to give a hand to co-chairs Debbie and Christina, who kept the day running smoothly.  Even a few Rose Moms stayed on throughout the day to enjoy the fun.

Though the Roses were a little exhausted by the end of the long day—they all agreed it was a fun and informative day—one that they wouldn’t trade.

Thanks to all the Roses who participated in Irish Heritage Day, as well as to the Rose Moms and Rose Committee for their assistance.  Thanks to the Brothers St. Patrick for providing this year’s location for Irish Heritage Day.  And lastly, a special thanks to all the speakers of Irish Heritage Day 2006!

Rose Garden Party 2006

It was sunny skies all the way as the Irish of Southern California gathered around the home of Irish Fair Foundation President Terry Anderson to take part in Rose Garden Party 2006.

Friends and family were on hand to support the day and the Roses as they all introduced themselves to the community.  Some even sang and danced as they auditioned their party pieces for the Grand Ball.

The Rosebuds were also introduced.  After four years of being part of the Rose Program, these little girls remain one of the highlights of the program.  And everyone looks forward to the day when they will return as Roses.

There was plenty of food on hand and lots of conversation in all corners of the yard throughout the day making for a wonderful afternoon.

Event Chairperson Kathy Hughes took a moment to introduce the hard working members of the Rose Committee while Terry Anderson introduced the 2006 Irish Honorees.  The 2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury gave a few words and entertained with a little song.

By the end of the day, everyone there could agree that the 2006 Rose Garden Party was a success and enjoyed by all who were there.

Judges Interviews 2006

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 Caroline Wilson 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 2005 Rose Ashley’s performance in Tralee.

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 2006

Skosh Monaghan’s of  Costa Mesa was the place to be for Rose of Tralee Pub Nite 2006!

Many Roses and families and friends braved the storms to be a part of the fun-filled evening, as the Southern California Rose Program made its Pub Nite “debut” in Orange County.

After enjoying the tasty food from the kitchen, the Roses “mingled” with everyone there…stopping by each table and visiting with everyone who had come out to share in the fun of the evening.  Lots of stories were shared among the Roses, along with a few smiles and laughs.

Of course, the drinks were plenty in hand.

Owner Gary Monaghan presented each Rose with a special rose during the evening and his staff kept everyone’s glass filled and the delicious appetizers aplenty for everyone to enjoy.

2005 Rose Ashley – and Pub Nite Chairperson – was on hand to make sure everything was running smoothly and that everyone was having a great time.

By evening’s end, the 2006 Rose of Tralee Pub Nite was hailed as a success!  Thanks to Gary and the staff of Skosh Monaghan’s for a memorable evening for the Roses and everyone there!

Rose Rehearsal 2006

For every show to be great, rehearsal must come first…

Rehearsal 2006 was a successful evening for the Roses and the Committee.  Much time was spent working and practicing, but a lot of fun was had, too.

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

2005 Rose Ashley handed out “practice roses”, while Bill Leahy served as practice escort.  Caroline kept things running smoothly as the door.

Rosebuds Greta and Elisabeth were on hand to rehearse their parts under the direction of Rosebud Coordinator Sheena. 

The Roses were able to work with the pianist – Caroline Kingston – to perfect their party pieces.  And 1987 Rose Kelly Browne offered some words of wisdom to the Roses throughout the evening.

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

Emcee Ken O’Malley was on hand to meet the Roses and work with them on their interviews and mystery questions.  Everyone agreed they were happy to have Ken as part of the show this year.

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

Irish Civic Day Ceremonies & Irish Day Luncheon 2006

Every where one looked on St. Patrick’s Day in Los Angeles, they were sure to find the Irish and shamrocks in full bloom.  And if they looked closer, they would have seen a few Roses, too.

The day began with the 131^st Irish Civic Day Ceremonies at City Hall.  Councilman Tom LaBonge began with a few words before turning the mike over to the Honorary Irish Consul of  Ireland Finbar Hill.

Visiting Southern California for her first time was the 2005 Rose of Tralee Aiobhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.  Aoibhinn received a commendation from the City of Los Angeles and remarked how honored she was to be able to participate in the festivities and to be an ambassador for Ireland.

2005 Southern California Rose Ashley Stanbury introduced the Rose Debutante Class of 2006 and remarked that one of them would be taking her place in Tralee in August.

Irish Fair Foundation President Terry Anderson then began the introductions of the  Irish Honorees for 2006 – Lorraine Foley, Griffin Healy, Sister Eymard Flood, Ollie Breen, Gemma McGuinness, Margaret O’Carroll, Jerry O’Keefe, Collette Schubert, Father Hugh Crowe, and Scott Walton.  Missing from the day were Irish Honorees Father Monsignor Michael Lenihan, Ken O’Malley, and Sister Eileen McGovern.

Next on the agenda was the introduction of Mayor Antonio Villaragosa.  The Mayor spoke and acknowledged the festivities of the day and declared March to be Irish American Heritage Month.  He also remarked, in the words of President Kennedy, “Our country has been so blessed by this great community.”

Councilman LaBonge continued with the introductions of the William Mullholland Recipient, Kevin Regan, along with Steve MacDonnell, the Irish Man of Year and the Irish Woman of the Year, Sister Judy Lichtenberg.

Concluding the Civic Day Ceremonies were a few remarks from some of the City Council members.

Following Civic Day Ceremonies was the St. Patrick’s Day parade through Downtown Los Angeles.  Waving to cheering crowds were the Roses and Honorees, among many others participating.  The streets were lined with people who were—if only for a day—Irish.  The skies stayed clear for most of the parade and the drizzle was hardly noticed as the parade came to its conclusion.

The Los Angeles Athletic Club was the setting for the Irish Day Luncheon.  Irish Fair Board member Allyn was pleased with the success of the luncheon and Rose Committee members Christina and Nancy kept things running smoothly at the door as guests check-in and purchased tickets.  Over a hearty meal of corned beef and cabbage, everyone there enjoyed the lively conversation and laughs.  And the Roses serenaded a couple of their fellow Roses who were celebrating birthdays.

It was a great St. Patrick’s Day for anyone Irish!

23^rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Grand Ball &

Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation

There was something coming up in the air…

Magical…

Wondrous…

Delightful…

Everything was coming up Roses at the 23^rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Grand Ball & Rose of Tralee Debutante Presentation.

With the bright lights of  Universal City as the backdrop, the evening began with cocktails and chatting among family, friends, and guests.  The First Annual Rose of Tralee Silent Auction kept the guests busy looking over the beautiful gift baskets and exciting prizes.

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 was present, while the 2005 Rose of Tralee  Aiobhinn Ní Shúilleabháin  sang the Irish national anthem—The Soldier’s Song.  Then Bill led the crowd in a heartfelt rendition of the American national anthem—The Star-Spangled Banner.  Sister Eymard Flood gave the blessing over the meal.

Terry Anderson took the stage to introduce the Irish Honorees – Lorraine Foley, Ken O’Malley, Sister Eymard Flood, Griffin Healy and Ollie Breen.  Each gave a few words to the crowd.

Guest Emcee Ken O’Malley started things off with the introduction of the Judges Panel, followed by the former Roses present – 1987 Rose Kelly Learman Browne, 1992 Rose Kari Ann Patterson Gerlach, 2004 Rose Suzanne Paine and 2005 Rose Ashley Stanbury.  Visiting Roses 1998 Texas Rose Caroline Wilson, 2005 Boston Rose Ellen Pyzik and 2005 San Francisco Rose Katie Watts were also introduced. 

Ken then introduced the Rosebud Class of 2006 to the audience.  Each Rosebud had her special moment on the stage.    Already in its fourth year, the Rosebud program has become an added delight to the Southern California Rose Program and these “future Roses” have become one of the highlights of the evening.

Then it was time for the show to start…

After six weeks of attending Rose Events, learning about their Irish heritage and bonding together into a circle of friendship, the Rose Class of 2006 was ready for their night…for their moment.

Each Rose took the stage as emcee Ken O’Malley introduced 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 Ashley before taking their place with Ken on stage.

Each Rose had a brief impromptu conversation with Ken 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 Ken read the questions to the Roses.

After the presentation of the Rose Class of 2006, Ken invited the reigning Rose Ashley onto the stage to regal her year as the Rose to the audience.  Ashley shared a few stories about her year as the Rose and remarked what an honor it had been to represent Southern California in Tralee.  Ashley wrapped up her interview with Ken and wished the best of luck to the young women on the stage with her.

After Ashley’s interview, the International Rose of Tralee Aiobhinn Ní Shúilleabháin  was introduced.  Southern California was pleased to have Aiobhinn as part of its selection night and Aiobhinn was just as delighted to be a part of the fun-filled evening.

Ken concluded the presentation with a rousing sing-a-long of Irish songs, including “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” which had the Roses and Rosebuds singing and swaying along with the music. 

As the Roses exited the stage, Ken reminded the crowd of the midnight crowning, but there was dancing and many more festivities to come first!

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, Bill Hacket announced that several of the Roses would be entertaining the audience with their party pieces.  Starting off was Rose Kelsey who performed her own arrangement of “She Moved Through the Fair” on tin whistle and piano.  Rose Megan then gave an electrifying performance of “Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked.  The next perform was Rose Diana who sang the pop ballad “Beautiful Disaster”, made popular by Kelly Clarkson.   “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom of the Opera was Rose Meghan’s choice of song.  Rose Sharlene sang the Josh Groban hit “You Raise Me Up”, while Rose Jessica concluded the singing portion with the oldie but goodie “Love Potion #9”.  She was accompanied by her father on guitar.  Roses Rachel, Shirley and Meggy, along with Rosebud Elisabeth, gave rousing Irish step-dancing routines in bright colorful dress.

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.

Ken introduced the President of the Irish Fair Foundation, Terry Anderson, to the stage, who in turn, thanked Ken for a wonderful evening as emcee.  Rose of Tralee Chairperson Kathy Hughes was introduced who thanked all those in attendance and the Rose Committee for their tireless efforts over the past weeks. 

The 2005 Rose of Tralee Aiobhinn Ní Shúilleabháin was introduced to the stage and then the 2005 Southern California Rose of Tralee Ashley Stanbury, in her final moments as the Rose, came to the stage for the last time to assist in the crowning of the 2006 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

But before the crowning, Terry thanked the judges for their participation on the Judges Panel, along with Bill Hacket and Christina Barnes for their hard work producing the Rose Show.  Terry wrapped up his comments with a reminder about the Irish Fair in June.

Finally!  The moment had come…clasped hands…a drumroll…and a name was announced…

And the young woman, chosen from sixteen 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 Meghan Phyllis Dixon.

Amidst cheers and applause, the newly crowned Meggy took her Rose walk down to the dance floor where she was presented to her father, James Dixon, for her first dance as the 2006 Southern California Rose of Tralee.

Congratulations to Meggy on her selection as the 2006 Rose of Tralee and to all the Roses and Rosebuds of 2006 for being the amazing young women and girls that you are!!!