It was the first time that I knew the full weight of Irish America. Coming from a small country with few people, it’s difficult for an immigrant to grasp that in a place as big as America, the Irish could wield such power. I’m talking about the first Irish-American Presidential Forum in 1992. It was arranged by then-assemblyman John C. Dearie. I don’t remember the venue, but I … [Read more...] about First Word: Trailblazers Past & Present
Patricia Harty
First Word: The Gift of Heritage
Happy Christmas to all our readers. I love this time of year. New York is abuzz with lights and window displays, and good cheer. ’Tis the season… To make time for a little reflection to go along with a lot of celebration. To look back on the year, remember the highs and let go of the lows, and look forward to what’s to come. The holidays are a time when stories get handed … [Read more...] about First Word: The Gift of Heritage
Eileen Murray: An American Success Story
Is the American Dream still attainable? Eileen Murray thinks so. She herself is a prime example that hard work, a sense of humor, and perseverance can get you there. Every inspiring story has a starting point. And Eileen Murray’s story begins in the Dyckman Housing project in Inwood, a neighborhood on the northernmost tip of Manhattan. These were not the projects of … [Read more...] about Eileen Murray: An American Success Story
First Word: “Love More”
“Life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.” — The definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams, 1931 In this issue we turn from the turmoil swirling around the world and focus on the people – past and present – who have hunkered … [Read more...] about First Word: “Love More”
Podcast: Eileen Collins and Patricia Harty in Conversation
In this 45-minute podcast, Eileen Collins, the first woman to have command of a space shuttle mission and editor in chief Patricia Harty discuss Earth Day, April 22, and how the astronauts have helped spur awareness of forest clearing and environmental changes since the 1960s. Other topics include working with the Russians, what the future of space exploration looks like, … [Read more...] about Podcast: Eileen Collins and Patricia Harty in Conversation