Southern California Rose of Tralee

Southern California Rose of Tralee

Program & Events 2008

Rose Orientation 2008 

Rose Orientation 2008 started out with a beautiful sunny day in Southern California as the Rose Class of 2008 gathered at St. Lawrence’s Parish for the initiation event of the Rose of  Tralee program.  While some traveled miles and miles and others only a few minutes, the crop of Roses for 2008 showed up ready to give Southern California one of its best years yet!

Co-chairs Annie and Nancy worked hard to put together an informative Orientation for the Roses.  As Annie had to bow out early in the afternoon, 2005 Rose Ashley was on hand to assist with those last minute details.  The rest of the Rose Committee showed up to help Nancy and Ashley before the Roses arrived and the same thing was felt among the Committee members…

Can’t believe another year has gone by!

Christina started the day off with words of welcome – noting the returning Roses and the new Roses – and a promise that the Roses were about to experience some of the best times of their lives…compliments of all the upcoming events.  Several committee members talked about the various events and gave the Roses a sneak preview of the events.

Of course, the BIGGEST event of all – The Grand Ball – was showcased by Terry.  Building up the excitement of a new venue and a reunion of past Roses to celebrate the 25^th Anniversary, each Rose was listening intently to Terry describe the Grand Ball.  Terry also shared a little on the history of Southern California – recounting stories of many past Roses, including the “Three Graces” – and further noted the history in the current class of Roses.

During the event, the Roses introduced themselves to the group and each shared a little bit about their background.  In 2007 Rose Aileen’s absence, Ashley shared a little about her thoughts on being chosen as the Rose and representing Southern California in Tralee.

Afterwards, the Roses and Committee enjoyed the assortment of snacks and sweets and mingled amongst each other.  Scrapbooks, slideshows and photo collages were on display from the past few years and Bill Leahy shared the DVD highlights of the 2007 Rose of Tralee International Festival on the TV.  Paula took official pictures of the Roses, while Christina gathered up the paperwork from the Roses.

Finally, the hour was approaching four and it was time to wrap up Rose Orientation for 2008…and end what was a great start to a great year!

Irish Heritage Day 2008

Irish Heritage Day 2008 started off under a bright sunny Southern California sky as the Rose Debutantes gathered at the Brothers St. Patrick for the second Rose Event of the Rose Program.

The day kicked off with a breakfast spread of coffee, bagels, donuts, and assorted pastries prepared by Christina and Mary Lynn.  Christina reviewed a few business items with the Roses and explained her rules for Heritage Day – one of them being that all the Roses learn something new about their Irish heritage and the Irish culture and of course, have fun!

The first guest of Heritage Day – Paula Kelly – arrived soon after to introduce the Roses to Irish Language.  Paula focused her segment on more of the common phrases the Roses may hear in Ireland.  The Roses practiced – and struggled – a little with the pronunciation.  Paula also talked about the history of the language in Ireland.  The next segment of Heritage Day was the Rose Presentations.  Already a favorite of the Roses, the presentations this year focused on their family’s Irish history.  And continuing the tradition of “thinking outside the box”, several of the Roses showed off their creative sides in their presentations.  The presentations gave insight to each Rose and their family origins.

Following the presentations, the Roses were treated to a delicious lunch of homemade Irish stew and warm bread – compliments of Kathy Lleara and her team of hard-working cooks.  The meal was greatly enjoyed and immensely appreciated by everyone present.

After lunch, Heritage Day continued with the next segment of Heritage Day – Irish history.  Departing from the usual lecture-style, this year’s history segment was a “round-table” discussion.  The assigned topic was Irish immigration in the 20th century, but under the director of the discussion moderator Kate Selyum, the discussion expanded to include 19th century Irish immigration as well as the current immigration of cultures to Ireland today.

The new format for Irish history earned high marks from the Roses as well as the other guests present and looks to become a staple of Irish Heritage Day.

A slight adjustment in the agenda and Irish music was next with guest Chris Pierce, vocalist and drummer for the The Fenians.  Chris talked about Irish music and had brought a few instruments for the Roses to try out their musical skills on.  He ended with an acapella of “Grace” – and had all the Roses hanging on every note.

Heritage Day then moved outside as the next guest – Kevin MacDonnell – talked to the Roses about Irish sports – football and hurling.  He explained the basics and techniques of both sports and then the Roses had a chance to try out a few moves themselves with the football and the hurling stick.

Finally, Heritage Day wrapped with guests Joan Kelly and her daughter Clare teaching the Roses Irish step-dancing.  Though there were a few Roses with background in Irish dance, for most of the Roses, it was an experience to learn something new – and one that had the Roses laughing and smiling as Irish Heritage Day came to a close.

And as expected, the Roses DID learn something new about their Irish heritage and Irish culture…

and had fun!

Rose Garden Party 2008 

Complimented by sunshine and a bright blue sky, the 2008 Rose Garden Party brought Roses, Rosebuds, family and friends together for an afternoon of good food, good cheer, and good fun.

Paula Kelly and Kathy Hughes succeed in preparing and organizing another successful Garden Party for Southern California.  With assistance from the other committee members, Paula started the program off as everyone gathered to meet the Rose Committee, Rosebuds, and of course, the Roses.

Sheena, coordinator for the Rosebuds, introduced the little girls – and future Roses – to the crowd.  Rosebuds Brenna and Brittany then introduced the Rose Class of 2008.

As each Rose stepped forwarded, she introduced herself and gave a mini-bio about herself.  Many of the Roses remarked that they were returning Roses and were glad to be back again and see all the familiar faces.  The new Roses were pleased to be a part of the Rose Class and to be meeting so many people for the first time.

Paula then introduced the party piece selections.  Roses Jessica and Sharlene both sang, while Rose Kacey Irish step-danced.  And then as a new part of the Rose program, Rosebud Bridget played a piece on violin, while Rosebud Brenna did a aong-and-dance duet with Rose Brittany.  

All the performances were enjoyed by everyone there.The afternoon continued as people mingled, enjoying the delicious potluck food and the fabulous conversations as new friends were made.

Rose Interviews 2008

The 2008 Judges Interviews had a new home at the law offices of Shephard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP in Costa Mesa.

2007 Rose Aileen started the day off with the Judges Panel as the “first interview” and then the Roses followed suit, each spending about 15 to 20 minutes with the panel as a wide variety of questions on numerous topics were asked of the Roses.

For the most part, the Roses felt confident about their interviews, though there was some uncertainty about a few of the changes in the format and questions.

Committee member Christina kept the Roses at ease and the judges on schedule – somewhat – as the day went on.

Thanks to Isabelle Ord for offering her offices for the interviews and to her assistant Barbara Ray for her help throughout the day.

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 2008 

The Auld Dubliner in Long Beach was the scene for Pub Nite 2008….and was again hailed as another great Pub Nite by everyone in attendance!

After the long day at interviews, the Roses reveled in a night to celebrate “the hard part of the program” being over and of course, their Irish-ness, as Pub Nite marked the kick-off to “Rose Week” as the Roses headed into the home stretch towards the Grand Ball.

Roses…Committee…family and friends…and yes, even a few judges…were all on hand to “invade” the Auld Dubliner and add it to the list of Pub Nite locales that the Rose of  Tralee will be returning to in years to come.

The hard-working staff at the Auld Dubliner kept the glasses filled throughout the evening, while the Orange County bred Irish band “The American Wake” played a nice variety of Irish music with a few popular hits from the 80s and 90s.

2005 Rose Ashley kept tabs on the scene – working with the staff on preparations for the night and making sure that everyone present had a good time!

As the hours dwindled down, many Roses began to say their goodbyes and goodnights, yet there was a small handful that saw the night to the wee small hours of closing…

Rose Rehearsal 2008 

Practice makes perfect…

And so was the theme for Rehearsal 2008.  Another productive rehearsal led by Director Bill Hacket, gave the Roses the confidence and assurance for their BIG NIGHT.

Emcee Marty Maguire was on hand to work with the Roses on their interviews and the mystery questions.  Christina worked with the Roses on their walking, turning and other necessary elements for a successful Debutante Presentation.

Kathy substituted for 2007 Rose Aileen, while Bill Leahy served as escort for the Roses.  Rosebud Coordinator Sheena had Rosebud Emma on hand to assist with the mystery questions

The day wrapped with a few word from Terry who remarked that each Rose should be proud of all that she’s accomplished and they are all considered winners.

Finally, the Roses closed out rehearsal with their rendition of “Happy Birthday” as two fellow Roses – Brittany and Sinead – both celebrated birthdays within days of each other.

Irish Civic Day Ceremonies & Irish Day Luncheon 2008

It was great day for the Irish as the 133^rd Irish Civic Day Ceremonies took place at the council chambers of Los Angeles City Hall.  Sponsored by Councilman Tom LaBonge, the Civic Day Ceremonies have become a fixture of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the city of Los Angeles.

Councilman LaBonge introduced Terry Anderson, President of the Irish Fair Foundation, who remarked on the longevity of the occasion, though claiming he was not at the first Civic Day Ceremony.  General Council of Ireland Finbar Hill spoke briefly on the Irish of  Southern California before the Irish Man and Irish Woman of the Year were introduced.  The selected for 2008 were C. Griffin Healy and Carmel Hill – both have been long standing fixtures in the Irish community and their contributions have been forthcoming in promoting the Irish culture in Southern California.

The rest of the Irish honorees for 2008 were introduced.  The 2008 Irish Honorees include Brigadier General (CNG, Retired) Ronald B. Flynn, author Patricia Owens Sheehan, child psychologist Ellen Fitzsimmons, publican Meave Coyle, Des McLean of  California Pottery & Tile Works, harpist Mary Ellen Fitzgerald and publican Chris Doyle.

In one of her last public appearances, the 2007 Rose of Tralee Aileen Whelan was introduced, who in turn introduced the 2008 Rose Debutantes, Anne Cawley, Caitlin Conway, Sinead Cunningham, Jessica Harrison, Christine Jones, Brittany Kelly, Kacey McManus and Karen O’Rell to the council members.  Aileen also remarked how the occasion of Irish Civic Day once again coincided with the Persian New Year and how it exemplified Los Angeles and Southern California as a place were cultures can mix as such and celebrate their heritages together.

Afterwards, the ceremonies were moved to the press room where several council members took a few photo ops with the honorees and the Roses.  Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa even stopped by for a few pictures.  He spoke about the Irish in Southern California and their never-ending contributions to the community, dating back to the early days of  Los Angeles.  Concluding his remarks, he spoke about the peace in Ireland, pointing out to one young man in the crowd the significance of the colors of the Irish flag on his shirt.

As Civic Day Ceremonies ended, the celebration continued at Casey’s Bar & Grill, host to the Irish Day Luncheon.  As the Roses and Honorees waited patiently for their orders to be taken, the conversation was flowing as well as the drinks from the bar.

After a long wait, lunch was served from a selected menu prepared by the staff of Casey’s Bar & Grill, which included corn beef and cabbage, Irish stew, or fish and chips as the entrée choices.

Terry once again introduced the honorees and gave them each a moment to say a few words.  IrishMan of the Year, Grif Healy took advantage of the moment – and the IrishWoman of the Year Carmel Hill’s absence – to give two speeches – one for Carmel and one for himself.   Brigadier General Flynn spoke about his pride in his Irish heritage and said pointedly to the Roses to not forget and to hold tightly to their own.

2007 Rose Aileen remarked how she had enjoyed her year as the Rose, representing Southern California, as well as how she looked forward to turning the crown and title over to one of the 2008 Roses.  The presence of a few former Roses – 1992 Rose Kari Ann Gerlach and 2000 Rose Erin Hart – were noted as those in attendance at the Irish Day Luncheon.

Soon afterwards, the day began to wrap as the Roses and Honorees and their family and friends

began to depart Casey’s Bar & Grill and headed for home…though the St. Patrick’s Day weekend

 celebration was far from over...