Thursday, December 22, 2016

December 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume Ten Number 10

December 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume Ten - Number 10



Having survived the longest night of the year, I guess I'm ready to survive the next four years.  That's as much as I'm going to say about the election.  I'll continue, as I have for 46 years now , working and singing for peace, justice, labor rights, feminism, equality and environmental justice.  I am so very grateful to have all of you in my life and thank you for your kindness, goodness, generosity of sprit, and dedication to progressive ideals. Merry Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Kwanzaa and any reason you can find to celebrate!

In the November Fellow Travelers' Advisory, I told you I'd have a big surprise for you this month. (No, not THAT one)

Now, I've always thought that I am a very difficult person to surprise.  .

Well, my dear readers and Fellow Travelers, you couldn't possibly be as surprised upon seeing this news as I was when my daughter presented me with this new CD. The beautiful CD cover is the work of my wonderful husband, Julie Leonardsson.



This surprise recording project was visualized by my daughter, Amy Sue Berlin, in early 2016. With hopes of a MayDay release, Amy sent a list of songs that I've written to a bunch of performers.The performers selected songs,  and in studios all over the country,  recorded them, and then donated the masters to Amy.  As the songs slowly began to arrive, Amy changed the release date from MayDay to my birthday (July 1st), then to Labor Day. All of this was a TOTAL secret from me until she handed it to me a couple weeks ago.  I am so overwhelmed, amazed and grateful that so many people in so many places put so much love and good energy into this project without breathing a word to me.
https://annefeeney.bandcamp.com/releases is the way to get your hands on this 16 song CD and I hope that you will.  None of my considerable life experience prepared me for this beautiful tribute.

My companera -  super-songwriter, ace musician, fashionista and fabulous organizer -  Evan Greer wrote this terrific piece for Huffington Post:
Please forward it to all your trouble-making and music loving friends!

Here's what some folks have Tweeted today --

Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine):
Few have raised as much hell with an acoustic guitar as has. Benefit tribute album for her out today!

From Roy Zimmerman:

Check out "War on the Workers," the tribute album to my friend, the magnificent songwriter / activist Anne Feeney. The CD features Holly Nearemma's revolutionDan BernPeter Yarrow and more, covering Anne's compelling incendiary songs.

From Peter Yarrow

For decades, I’ve held Anne in great esteem: for her determined heart, her passionate commitment to justice and the way she’s lived the messages of the folk tradition (just as Peter, Paul, and Mary did) putting her life and her presence out there to speak about and sing about what needs to be shared.

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I'm hoping to be driving/touring to Florida in March and then go (slowly) from SF to Vancouver/Victoria this summer. If you have any ideas about where I could perform, drop me a line.

Friday, January 13th, 2017 - Friday, December 15th, 2017 at 12:00 PM
Labor Campaign for Single Payer National Conference
Wyndham New Yorker
481 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10001
http://www.laborforsinglepayer.org/register-for-the-2017-national-single-payer-strategy-conference-join-hundreds-of-union-activists-and-leaders/
Price: $variable
I'll have my new CD with me!!
Saturday, January 21st, 2017 10:00 PM
Women's March on Washington
The Lincoln Memorial
Independence Ave SW and Third St NW
Washington, DC
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womens-march-on-washington-official-tickets-29428287801
Price: FREE - Be there!!
Friday, January 27th, 2017 - Sunday, January 29th, 2017 at 8:00 PM
People's Music Network for Songs of Freedon and Struggle's Winter Gathering
Greenfield Middle School
195 Federal St
Greenfield, MA
http://peoplesmusic.org/
Price: see website

I really need to get this out, so thank you for reading this.  I hope you enjoy my new CD and that our paths cross on the road in 2017.


Friday, October 14, 2016

November 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume 10, Number Nine


Thank you for taking a look at my Fellow Travelers' Advisory.  I used to send these out monthly,   although I haven't sent one out since March. I encourage you to leave your announcements, thoughts, comments and suggestions.  I am sooo EXCITED to be part of this show-----



Rock Against the TPP! November 3 - 6PM-11PM
ANTI-FLAG
EVAN GREER
Mr. Small's in Millvale

I'm thrilled to be invited to be part of this important tour to mobilize folks to stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership.   This invidious trade agreement was negotiated in total secrecy, and is certain to undermine workers' rights and plunge hundreds of thousands, if not millions, into poverty and environmental degradation.  The show will be rousing, rollicking entertainment, education, inspiration,

Taina Asili

https://www.rockagainstthetpp.org/pittsburgh-pa/
https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2016-10-05-anti-flag-to-headline-free-rock-against-the-tpp/

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Sunday, November 6th - Election Day Countdown House Concert with
Anne Feeney and Andy Fite


The multiple personalities of jazz philospher and comic Andy Fite will manifest themselves at a house concert with me in the Friendship neighborhood of Pittsburgh on Sunday, November 6th at 4PM.

Andy is an expat Pittsburgher who has lived in Stockholm, Sweden since 1994.  I'm very excited to bring him home for this perfect concert and election day countdown.

Call 412-361-6051 for reservations and directions.  There are only 40 seats available for this fabulous show, so call now.  20% discount on prepaid tickets available at Paypal, Anne@annefeeney.com or call me at 412-727-6539.

Here's a sample of Andy's amazing work:

                                                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sfCTL7i-Gs&feature=share



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Stand-Off at Standing Rock



The media attention on this historic standoff has been pathetic.  All the major networks were using footage taken by Amy Goodman and the Democracy Now! Team covering this important story.

Tribes of indigenous people from South America, Central America, Canada and the United States have joined forces with the Sioux Nation in an unprecedented effort to protect and defend their sacred lands from pillaging by the Dakota Access Pipeline.  The excavation and drilling threaten the water supply for the reservation and anyone getting water from the Missouri River.  This peaceful protest met with brutal opposition and police and security firms released attack dogs and pepper spray on First Nations. men, women, children and hundred of allies from CODE PINK and other supporting organizations.  They are in desperate need of support and supplies.

This Mother Jones article http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2016/09/dakota-access-pipeline-protest-timeline-sioux-standing-rock-jill-stein contains an overview of the history.  The original plans had this pipeline running much closer to Bismark, ND.  When the dangers to the environment and the citizens triggered outcry, the route was changed through the heart of the Lakota Sioux reservation.

A warrant was issued against Amy Goodman requiring her to appear in North Dakota yesterday to face charges of defiant tresspass and riot.  The Judge dismissed all charges, as he certainly should have.

http://standingrock.org/news/call-for-support--stand-with-standing-rock/

At the bottom of the page, there is a donate link - You have to look for it to find it, but I hope you will.  I sent what it would have cost me to drive or fly there.  I am there in spirit.

SAMMIC PEOPLE FROM NORWAY IN N.D.  OPPOSING THE PIPELINE!


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Haiti is Suffering

Haiti has had a special place in my heart because of its revolutionary history and its resistance to slavery.  Paul Farmer's brilliant book - Mountains Beyond Mountains -convinced me that we owe our support to Haiti.  Hurricane Matthew has wrought terrible damages on this island.

Reuters
Partners in Progress, http://piphaiti.org/ is a fantastic organization and most definitely deserving of your support.  Please help.

Family Reunion!

Forty-one guests were on hand - first cousins, second cousins and a few third cousins and spouses and significant others  -to celebrate the 70th birthday of William Patrick Feeney.  This uncommon person is more commonly known as Father Bill, who serves as pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington, PA.

Monique Murad, Anne Feeney, Bill Feeney (standing)
Amy Berlin, Dan Berlin (

Ten First Cousins
Special thanks to my wonderful cousin Jill Weldon Merrill, who interrupted the organizing of her 40th high school reunion to help me plan this wonderful family gathering....
Steve and Jill Weldon Merrill

We gathered at the lovely Trent House Inn in the mountains of south western Pennsylania.  Our landlady Marianne and her totally amazing ,94 year old Mom, Violet, worked tirelessly for our comfort and Chef Jeff turned out some fine meals. http://trenthouseinn.info/welcome/
,
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David Williams, Rest in Peace
I'll be in Indianapolis on November 12 to sing at a memorial service for my pal, Dave Williams. Dave was a great union supporter, came on the 2012 tour of Ireland with me - He was a democratic party activist and Debs dinner regular.  I will miss him.  Rest in peace, my brother.

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Big Surprise Next Month!!

Can't tell you about it right now, but I am sooooooooooooo excited!!  Also, next month I'm doing the year in review. Please send me photos, remniscences and anecdotes about 2016.  Please reply directly to this blog.  It won't post until I organize next month's news....  I want to hear from Irish tourmates, friends, fans, family, folkies and fellow-travelers.  Sorry to have kept such a low profile for so long, but at this point I don't think I've felt or looked this good in years...  Love to all of you!


Thursday, March 24, 2016

March 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume 10, Number Eight

Happy Spring to all of you - my friends, family, folkies and fellow travelers!
This is by far the mildest winter I can ever remember.  It's supposed to be seventy degrees on Sunday! My bulbs are out.  I'm gearing up for the Ireland trip - just around the corner ... and I hope you have come through this winter as well as I have.  I got a rude surprise on St Patrick's Day with vestibular neuritis and "jumpy eyes" (nystagmus). It was very much like a cartoon, but I wasn't laughing. A few tests, IV meds and an overnight stay at Shadyside Hospital (thanks, 5th floor nurses!) and I was pronounced good to go. That collapsed my hopes for getting the newsletter out in time for St. Patrick's Day, though.

I have taken a lot of flak from Hillary supporters since I announced my support for Bernie Sanders. If the convention fairly nominates Hillary as the Democratic Candidate for president, I will vote for her. But why would anyone pass up the chance to cast a primary vote for a fellow who wants to break up the banks, tax wall streeters, deliver expanded medicare to all,end mass incarceration, get public financing for elections and end the $$$ that buys elections and candidates,  provide free public education through grade sixteen in all public schools, reinvest in our infrastructure??  My heart, my time and my very limited money are with Bernie - as long as he's in, I'm all in with Bernie.

March Wall of Fame 

I am forever grateful to those of you who responded to my plea for financial support. You kept me from defaulting on my obligations.  It's finally beginning to sink in that my career choice will no longer support me.  My health can no longer tolerate my constant touring.  The pension I receive from the Musicians' Union is $295/month. I receive $790 from Social Security. My mortgage is $700/month. My utilities average $600.  Even when my two rental properties are occupied and generating $1750/month, the taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance eat up a huge portion of that income.  I've got a lot of good work coming up at the Tommy Douglas Center in Washington, DC in April. I've got the Ireland tour coming up.  I've got a very nice festival in Michigan in July... that is all that I've confirmed. My fundraising style is very similar to Bernie's -- lots of small donors.  There's a Paypal "DONATE" button on the right hand side of this page.  If you'd rather send a check, please send a most welcome check:


Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Ave
Pittsburgh, PA  15218

This month's Twenty Wall of Famers: 

Dave H - UK; Janet A and Michael R - Oakland, CA; Nina F. - Piedmont, CA; Per Elis J. - Kopparberg, SV; Tom and Cookie D - Pittsburgh, PA; Ed D. - Seattle, WA; Pat H. and Sandy O;Virginia  F. - San Diego, CA; Janet, Judy and Carol W - San Diego, CA; Sue D. - Oakland, CA; John M and Deborah McK - Pittsburgh, PA; Bob and Barb I - Detroit, MI; Carol VH; Michael V, Janet T - Lexington, KY; Ruth F and Don W - Ontario; Dawn McD - Detroit,MI; Mary W- Seattle, WA; Ann F - Leverett, MA; Lee G - OKC, OK

I am so grateful for your help and support!


St Patrick's Day 
a video of "The Sick Note" 
re-enacted by Legos People
            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA5RGI3zn20
Thanks to Loretta Santejka for the link!

At this point I'm not completely sure, but I think my tour may be sold out.  If you still want to go with me this year, check with Vicki Belinoski vbelinoski@austin.rr.com vbelinoski@austin.rr.com and she'll do her best to accommodate you.

So Mick is on his way home and he passes by his friend Rory's farm.  Mick is horrified to see his old friend stark naked and wildly gesticulating - dancing and pumping his hips as he runs in circles around his tractor.

Mick leaps from his vehicle and runs toward his old friend.  "What are doing, Rory - have you lost your mind??"

Rory says, "Not at all, Mick. I'm doing as my doctor recommended. You see, my wife and I have been having troubles in the bedroom, and Dr. O'Hara suggested that I do something sexy to a tractor."  (Read it aloud if you don't get it.)

Oscars 2016


My son, Dan Berlin and his fabulous wife, Monique Murad took on the challenge to cook the 2016 Oscars dinner. I've been hosting these parties since 1999, and couldn't have been more delighted when my son  offered to carry on the tradition for the 88th annual Academy Awards.

The dinners began when my husband Julie slipped into the kitchen during the 70th Academy Awards and cooked a simple but elegant meal for me and my cousin Bill.  We shared it with him on the couch as we watched the Oscars. Over the years the event evolved into five course dinners for eight, then ten, then twelve - with each course keyed to one of the five best-picture nominees. The $1 admission fee collected from each guest went to whoever picked the most Oscar winners on the ballots handed out on arrival.

Eventually my husband created an amazing scoreboard with removable categories and contestants' names.When they expanded the category for best film for up to ten films I began assigning menu items to the many talented cooks among out attendees.. Some of  the dishes were very complex. For Michael Clayton, Briget Shields prepared a saganaki appetizer. This flaming Greek specialty was a tribute to the Volvo that exploded in the film.  Barbara Lebeau almost revolted when commissioned to make Richard Nixon out of pate for FROST.  The dinners became so popular and so overcrowded -- one year I served a ten course dinner to twenty six with our new electronic score board designed by Daniel McTiernan.
2009 Oscars Dinner Folks
Bill Feeney
Julie's re-usable scoreboard
Barbara Lebeau's 
Nixon pate for "FROST"




















The 2016 Oscars Menu!!!

Appetizers:
THE REVENANT - Revenant Bear Liver Pate (well, it was really duck), but the pastry surrounding it made up for the absence of bear liver - SUPER YUMMY!

MAD MAX - THE FURY - Mad Max's Mother's Milk Baked Brie in puff pastry

Cocktail:
SPOTLIGHT - Mojitos served with flaming rum, creating the "Spotlight" (Benedicto's favorite)

BROOKLYN - Brooklyn brown bread

MARTIAN - Twice baked potatoes forced through a pastry bag, creating the canals which cover the red planet.

ROOM  - Mashed parsnips around the perimeter of a square serving dish filled with a variety of roasted mushROOMs.

THE BIG SHORT - our main event The Big Short Ribs.... mmm mmmm

STRAIGHT OUT OF COMPTON - Mac 'n Cheese  and Sauteed Greens.  requested by Sebastian and Nico.  Straight Out of Compton was one of my favorite films of 2015.

Dessert:
BRIDGE OF SPIES - Bridge of Pies - berry, banana cream, apple


So sorry, no pictures from our 2016 dinner -  our paparazzi fled to Ohio when they heard that Donald Trump might kick a dog .... I haven't seen any hard numbers, but it seems to me that 90% of the time when the media covers this campaign, (whether print, radio, video or online) the discussion focuses almost exclusively on Trump's latest antic.


Sunday, February 28, 2016

February 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume 10, Number Seven

SEVENTY FIVE COMRADES

My inbox is flooded every day with urgent appeals for help - personal, local, national and international. There are so many people and animals suffering hideously from poverty, disease, climate change and war. That's the reason I find it so remarkable and humbling that you include me in your list of people worthy of your support.   From the bottom of my heart, many many thanks to:

Wayne L (MD), Alice C, Jimmy and Liz (NY), Kathleen O and Dave C.(CA), Terry B (FL), Dave H (UK), Bette and Drex (VT), Marty K (WI), Steve E (CA), Elmar D (CZ), David and Kathleen (WI), Amy N (CA), Emilie M. (WV), Lynn and Chuck (MA), Richard D, Steve H,, Sue D.(CA), Amy N. (PA), Mike Z. (MI), Matt M (WI), Susan S (PA), Wayne L, Robert S, Chris K, (BC), Dave and Katy E (MI), Brian N, Doug G (FL), David A, Clementi, Michael V, Karen McC (NY), Janet VF (WA), Ruth M (CA), Shelly & Tom (CA),Kay and Jim (NH), David M (CA), Don S (IN), Jeanne G (MA), Barbara L. (WA),  Martha C. and Jim R (WA), Susan N and Charlotte A (MA), Cynthia J (PA),Sal V (CA), Roberta S,(IN), Jay K, (VA), Dexter A. (NH), Jill F (CT), Margaret S (WI), Dixie M (FL), Bennet Z (NJ), Brian McW (CA), Peter R (MN), Martha L (NY), Eric S (CA), Marilyn A (OH), Ron K (NV), Gus and Joanne R (WI), Charlie K (MA), Lane P (OR), Danielle E (PA), Paul M (OR), Bill B and Joan J (MD), Sarah R (CA), Robert B (PA),, Art and Melanie McD (MA), Lou and Joan T (WA), Ceinwen K-S (PA), Jimmy O (PA), Carol S (CA), Gerald J and Kay J (MT), James Y (PA), Martina R (WI), The Seattle Labor Chorus (WA) , Christy M and Aodh Og (CA), Pat B (PA) If I missed thanking any of you, please let me know!

My February Wall of Fame honors the 75 generous spirits among my family, friends, followers, folkies and fellow travelers who answered the call last month. It's embarrassing to come to you hat in hand. I've worked pretty hard all my life.  The constant challenge to keep my head above water is wearying and demoralizing.

75 contributors represent one half of 1% of the people who received my request (I think Ben Carson has better numbers).  If you missed the message in the Nov/Dec/January Issue or if you forgot about it, it's definitely not too late!  I've gone through a ridiculous number of financial catastrophes lately (13,000 worth of plumbing repairs, $800 on my car, $1800 for hearing aids,  - none of which were in my folkie financial planning. I appreciate and need your help to keep going.  Please contribute whatever you can spare via Paypal, or by check to:


Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Avenue
Pittsburgh  PA  15218

Ireland 2016

are you on the bus yet??


We still have four seats available for my glorious May 1-10 Irish Tour.  And, in addition, a single room has just become available!.  This tour will include an intimate look at the 1916 Easter Uprising that led to the independence of Ireland. We will spend three nights in Dublin, three nights in Clonakilty in County Cork and three nights in Ennistymon in County Clare. We'll visit the Michael Collins museum, the Aran Islands, Kilmainham Prison, an ancient stone circle, the Famine Museum - an unforgettable experience!  


One hundred thousand welcomes!

http://fellow-travelers-advisory.blogspot.com/2016/01/novdec-2rer015jan-2016-anne-feeneys.html has lots more details and our mighty concierge,  Vicky Belinoski, can answer all your questions.





30th Annual Western Workers Labor Heritage Festival

January 15-17, 2016
Singing and playing along at Western Workers


The 30th Annual Western Workers Labor Heritage Festival was held in Burlingame, CA. I love this festival - I've been there almost every year since 1991.  It's one of the highlights of my January every year. I fell in love at this festival in 1995.  I've met so many people there-Jon Fromer, Dave Winters, Julius Margolin, Faith Petric, Utah Phillips, Herbert Aptheker, Tim Sampson, George Fouke and many others who have joined the ancestors. So many good friends to see this year - Shelley Kessler, Nina Fendel, Alex and Harriet Bagwell, Eleanor Walden, Hali Hammer, Kendyll Stansbury, Francisco Herrera, Nancy Schimmel, Aileen Vance, Chris Bricker, Chris Chandler, Sal Ventura, Pat Winters, Bernie Gilbert, Jimmy Kelly, Susan Lewis, Janet Stecher, Jimmy Collier (unable to attend this year), the San Francisco Rockin' Solidarity Labor Chorus, the St Paul Labor Chorus, my fabulous Canadian singing sisters, Bread is Rising Poetry Collective, Liliana Herrera and so many more!! The Sunday night concert was unquestionably the best ever!



The People's Music Network 
for Songs of Freedom and Struggle
Albany, NY - January 29-31

PMN's Winter Gathering was in Albany, NY. This year I drove up with Sydelle Pearl - a woman who lives near me and had attended last summer's gathering.  We didn't meet until the morning of the 29th, as we packed the car, but we enjoyed each other's company immensely on the 7 hr. drives there and back.  A new friend!
Sydelle Pearl

The Friday night concert was breathtaking - the best one ever.


                                                                                                           

Two of a Kind with Two of a Kind




Some Family Pics

My Valentine from Sebby
No wonder that my husband wants me to come to Sweden.
He lives on the first floor of the house on the left.

My Valentine from Julie

   
Sebby's ready to push the button!

Thursday, January 07, 2016

Nov/Dec 2015/Jan 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume 10, Number Six


Nov/Dec 2015/Jan 2016 - Anne Feeney's Fellow Travelers' Advisory - Volume 10, Number Six



I hope that 2015 was a great year for you.  I am very grateful for stable health and the many joys of friends, family and music.  I hope this holiday season has brought you boundless peace, love and happiness and a renewed spirit of resistance for the many struggles that lie ahead of us this year. I'm wishing us all an exciting, fun-filled, joyous, progressive and successful new year. I thank you for being a part of my life and my work.  

In this issue:
Tour Dates for 2016
The Ireland Tour - May 1-10
Solidarity wishes for IBEW Warrior Linda Horan
An Appeal for You Help


2016 Tour Dates
In January I'll be at the Western Workers' 30th Annual Labor Heritage Festival. Still looking for work.  Thinking about driving to Florida in March.  Looking for work on the way tthere and back.  Send me an email if you're interested and willing to put on a show.


May 1-10 - Dublin, 
Clonakilty (Co. Cork) and Ennistymon (Co. Clare)





Are you on the bus yet??
Ireland Tour Updates

I still have six empty seats for the 2016 Ireland Tour, May 1-10th. I'm certain that this will be my best tour ever. For this tour, fly into Shannon Airport (SNN) on arriving the morning of April 30th.  You'll take a cab to one of our favorite Bed and Breakfast establishments... Ashgrove House in Bunratty. 

Sheila and Frank Tiernan will welcome us to the the
Ashgrove House Bed and Breakfast in Bunratty on April 30th


Enjoy the picturesque village, and get a good night's sleep at Ashgrove House. No one is better at making you understand that you're not in the US any more.That first jet-lagged night is a great opportunity to meet your tourmates, too. We'll take a short nap after unpacking, and gather for an evening's adventure in Bunratty.  Our jet lag will keep us from staying out too late.  We'll retire back to the Bed and Breakfast for a comfy night's sleep.  

After our sumptuous full Irish breakfast, our wonderful tourmeister, bodhran player, turf-cutter, step-dancer and driver, Paddy Downes of County Clare will arrive so that we can begin our adventures.

Also, I'm thrilled to report that my dear friends Danny Donnelly and Caitriona McConnell Donnelly will be awaiting our arrival in Dublin.  After you've settled into your rooms you can join them for the first of the three banquets included in the cost of the tour.


Caitriona McConnell Donnelly, Me, Donal Donnelly




May 1, 2 and 3 -  The Harding Hotel, Dublin
http://www.hardinghotel.ie/


May 4,5 and 6 - The Clonakilty Hotel, Co. Cork

http://www.theclonakilty.com/index.html
"Welcome to our family run boutique style hotel in the heart of Clonakilty"
                                                                             Christopher and Patricia Byrnes


  May 7, 8 and 9 - The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, County Clare
http://www.fallshotel.ie/ 

The link to our driver +++ Paddy Downes' website:  http://www.downescoaches.com/II

The cost of the tour is $2300 ($500 single supplement) and includes nine nights in lovely Irish-owned hotels, all ground transportation, all breakfasts, three group banquets, admission to all heritage sites and all musicians' and docents' fees.

You'll pay for your transportation to and from Ireland, and to the Bed and Breakfast, as well as the first night's charge for the Bed and Breakfast.  You'll pay for your lunches, your beverages, and the other six dinners. You'll love every part of this tour - especially your tourmates and tourleaders.

If this sounds like I designed it for you (and I did!) Contact our tour concierge, Vicki Belinoski vbelinoski@austin.rr.com
and she'll be able to answer any of your questions. There are six seats left.  I hope that one of them is yours! You''ll be welcome indeed!


Friends and Family

Linda Horan, a dear friend and union activist/warrior, is receiving hospice care in Alstead, New Hampshire.  She is a great advocate of Labor History and Culture, workers' rights, and she has done so much for her friends, her community and her union.
Send a card to: Linda Horan, 7 Summer St., Alstead. NH  03602  

My husband suffered a pretty severe heart attack at the end of November.  He was able to return to Sweden on December 15th and he's convalescing there.  I am very afraid that his transatlantic travel has come to an end.  I knew this day would come, but I sure wasn't expecting it this soon.  I'm sad and lonely and broke.

The joy in my life comes from having my son Daniel and his wife Monique living 11 miles from me instead of in Zimbabwe!  Sebastian and Nico are so dear.




2016 Appeal - Please Read!!



It was August 16 of 2010 when the amazing doctors at Pittsburgh's Hillman Cancer told me that I had small cell lung cancer - a deadly killer.  They told me that they would do everything they could do give me "a good year," but they made no promises after that.

The 1 year survival rate is 20%... there is no 2 year survival rate. To make matters much worse, the cancer spread to my brain.  I was fairly certain the end was near. Chemotherapy is useless on brain cancer.  There's an impenetrable barrier to the brain.  The only treatment is radiation.  After more than 20 radiation sessions, they released me. Radiation causes fatigue and memory loss. Rather than abating over time, my fatigue and memory loss seem to be increasing.

I've just celebrated the 5th New Year's Eve that I thought I would never see. Four birthdays that I thought I would never see.  I've gotten to spend time with my two grandsons - whom I feared would have no memory of me. I am grateful beyond belief...  especially to you, dear readers.

But my unexpected survival is posing new, but I hope, solvable problems. Over the last 5 and 1/2  years I  have spent the $130,000 that arrived here in mostly $50 contributions from more than 2000 of you.  My current financial situation is not nearly as dire as it was in August of 2010, but it's pretty rough.  

I can't work as often as I have in the past - I don't have the strength or stamina to keep the crazy schedules I used to keep.  I need your help to make ends meet, and to pay off the substantial debt that I incurred in 2015. I hope you can send a $20 contribution to me. 
by check:


Anne Feeney
2240 Milligan Avenue 
Pittsburgh  PA  15218

Or by Paypal to:           anne@annefeeney.com

If times are tough for you, please disregard this message. I know lots of folks are really up against it. I hope I get to see you somewhere in the coming year and thank with with all my heart for your generosity, kindness and support over the years.