Newsletter No 11....................................................Summer 2014 Traditionally the Irish year was divided into two parts, Ó Samhain go Bealthaine is Ó Bealtaine go Samhain. Bealthaine – Good Fire, connected with the sun’s warmth and the consequent fertility of crops and cattle. Féile na Bealtaine aims to highlight and promote traditions, culture and the arts to people of all ages. Castleisland Day Care Centre marked Féile na Bealthaine with workshops from local artist Breda Galwey. Breda gave us a little introduction to art and you never know some hidden talents may have even been unearthed. A big thank you to all Breda’s art students from Wednesday who shared some of their art work. We believe that the pieces are in high demand with some of them now on display in the U.S.A. Local school will also help us celebrate Féile na Bealthaine with visits from Scoil Muire gan Smál on Thursday May 22nd and Gaelscoil Aogán Choir on Tuesday May 27th and Wednesday June 4th. The grand finale for our Bealtaine celebrations will be a visit from The Butterfly Theatre Company with their production “Musical sensations” on Friday May 30th at 2.oo p.m. This is a star studded event with songs from all your favourite musicians, Doris Day, Gene Kelly, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland . We would encourage anyone who wishes to attend (not just the Friday group) to come along on Friday 30th @ 2.00p.m. for a great afternoon of musical entertainment. Survey Thanks to everyone who contributed to our independent survey carried out on the first week of April. The full report on the survey is available to anyone who wishes to read it. Please ask a member of staff. Knitting Thank you to everyone who contributed to our knitting project in aid of Chernobyl. The knitting needles and yarn are safely stored away until 2015 when le cuanamh Dé we will be able to pull them out during Lent again. A big” Thank you” to Eileen Hanafin Ballymac and her family who will ensure the safe passage of all our blankets and teddy bears to those that appreciate them in the Chernobyl area. Alzheimers tea day We raised €180 from collection for Alzheimers. The money was passed on to Mary Murphy of Cordal who does great work every year raising funds on Alzheimers Tea Day. Staff We wish our chef Helen Greensmyth a speedy recovery from planned surgery. Welcome to Elizabeth Hickey who is replacing Helen until her return in mid July. Chiropodist will visit on the following dates Mon Jun 16th, Tues Jun 17th Wed Jun 18th , and Thurs Jun 26th. Events to watch out for Tours As in 2013 we have decided to hold our main tour later in the year probably in mid to late September. This is due to the fact that a lot of local groups hold their tours in early Summer and we sometimes end up clashing with other groups. We will however hold individual group day trips. These will be as follows: Tuesday June 3rd - Keanes Restaurant Curraheen Wednesday June 11th - Ballygarry House Hotel Thursday June 19th - Ballygarry House Hotel Friday June 27th - Keanes Restaurant Curraheen Monday June 30th - Ballygarry House Hotel Cost €20 will be collected on the day of the tour only. Social Sunday group will be holding their tour on Sunday 8th June to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Killarney. Reminder that the Social Sunday group will be taking a break for the Summer months returning on Sunday October 12th. Family week from Monday July 21st to Friday July 25th. We are extending an open invitation to any family members who would like to come along on the week beginning Monday 21st July All the young people are invited free of charge with a contribution of €5 for older family members. Family week is a great opportunity for clients to introduce family members to Castleisland Day Care Centre and for family members both young and old to meet the staff and get to experience what we do in the Day Centre. As in the past we will have a packed schedule for this week with a magic show by Sylvano, music, song, dance and games. Daniel O’ Donnell A letter of invitation has been written to Daniel O’ Donnell inviting him to visit Castleisland Day Care Centre. We were thrilled in August 2012 when Daniel visited our centre on a sunny Monday afternoon. Fingers crossed that he will be able to take time out from his busy schedule to call to us again when he is in the Killarney area doing his concerts in August. Sympathy to Daniel on the death of his mother. She always held a very special place in his heart. Cycle Castleisland Day Care Centre Annual fundraising cycle will take place as usual on the first Sunday of September. This cycle would not be possible except for the hard work of Currow Cycle Club who nominated Castleilsland Day Care Centre as their charity in 2008 and have been running this cycle on our behalf since then. It would be great if you could support us by taking a sponsorship card when they become available and by encouraging family members/friends to participate in the cycle. Heritage Week Watch out for events to mark Heritage week from 23rd to 31st August. The Day Care will celebrate the week with events and speakers. Summer Holidays. We are closing on Friday July 25th @ 4.00 p.m. and re-opening on Monday August 11th.

summer newsletterCastleisland Day Care Centre Castleisland Day Care Centre invites you to attend an environment awareness week at the Centre in Chapel Lane. Commencing Tuesday Apr 8th .We will have environment experts giving an informative talk each day. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend Guest Speakers Tues 8th April – Killarney National Park Education Centre – Animal Wildlife @ 12 Midday Wed 9th April – Killarney National ParkWalking guide – Natural Flora and Fauna @ 12 Midday Thurs 10th April Frank King Talk on birds @ 2 p.m. Fri 11th April – Micheál O’ CoileainEnvironment Officer Kerry Co Council @ 12.00 Midday