Creating Unity Amidst Diversity
The Ulster Project is dedicated to
promoting a peaceful parity of esteem between Roman Catholics and Protestants
in Northern Ireland
by building tolerance, trust, and ongoing positive relationships among
potential leaders from these Christian traditions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Open (Accepting Nominations)
Vice President: Father Joe Shippen
(770) 428-5841
Treasurer: Melinda Shannon Freels
(770) 509-0752
Secretary: Susan Cates (770)309-2966
Spiritual Advisor: Father John Kieran (770)483-3660
Chairperson, Host Families: Open
Chairperson, Public Relations: Open
Chairperson, Fundraising: Open
Mailing Address: 2905 Hembree Rd. Marietta, GA
30062
Email:
ulsterprojectatl@aol.com
Ulster Project Atlanta is registered in the
State of GA
as a 501(c) (3) organization.
Tax
ID: 58-2064188
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Our Ulster
Project Experience
By Kyle W. and
Laura F.
 The Ulster Project was definitely a month we will
never forget. From the first day we were integrated with our northern Irish
peers, we knew it would be a memorable experience. The teens that arrived
were from diverse backgrounds, and had many talents. There was a wide range
of musical talents, athletic capabilities, and academic knowledge. One teen,
Richard, played the cello, sang and danced. Eoin, a gifted piper also could
play the whistle with his nose, which was an entertaining experience for
all. As Americans, we were
surprised at their amazement at our multi-lane roads and highways as well as
the heat and humidity of Atlanta.
During
the first week, we went on a retreat near Sewanee, Tennessee.
We didn’t know each other at all, but by the end of the retreat we
started to learn about each other. When we got back to Atlanta,
we worked with refugee children and went to the Holocaust Museum.
The
following week was July 4th. The two of us went with some of the
other kids to Marietta Square
to watch fireworks. It was really fun. Over the next three weeks we went to
various places that explored the integrated (Protestant-Catholic) aspects of
American life and culture. The activities ranged from going to Little Five
Points, attending a Braves baseball game, and going to a Mosque. Some days
were not as interesting as others, but we still learned something from
everything we did.
The
month flew by, and in no time we were saying goodbye to our Northern Irish
friends. As Americans, we kept some of their Irish influence in America
after they left. We’re sure they brought a piece of American life home
with them too. The Ulster Project was a fun and memorable experience, and we
would recommend it to anyone that wants to have an unforgettable month!
Kyle and Laura are both honor students at Pope
High School in Marietta. This was Kyle’s second
summer as a host teen, and Laura’s first.
Class
of 2006
For more pictures, please visit the website of
Ulster Project Atlanta
at www.ulsterprojectatlanta.org. Click on Photo Journey.
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HELP WANTED:
Hardworking
persons who enjoy working with teenagers.
Must be dedicated
and dependable.
Must be able to
attend monthly meetings in Sandy Springs.
Excellent
long-term compensation package provided by God.
Interested? Contact any Board
Member.
“Meet me in St. Louis - Gateway to
Peace”
Ulster Project International Convention
St. Louis, M0
10/31 - 11/3/07
The UPdate is
Going Paperless!
To eliminate the high costs of printing and postage, the
UPdate is going paperless! Please let us know if you would like to receive
our newsletter. Go here: ulsterprojectatl@aol.com and type
“Subscribe to UPdate” in the subject line. Your email address
will be kept strictly confidential.
YOU MUST SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE FUTURE ISSUES OF THE UPDATE!
THANK YOU!
Words of Wisdom
Be compassionate and never forget how to
love.
Think inclusively.
Reclaim noble values such as truth, honesty, honour, courage.
Respect one's elders and look to what they have to teach you.
Be empathetic.
Look after the less fortunate in society.
Promote and protect diversity.
Respect the gifts of the natural world.
Set your goals high and take pride in what you do.
Cherish and look after your body, and, as the ancient Greeks believed, your
mind will serve you better.
Put back into the community as there have been those before you have done the
same and you are reaping what they sowed.
Participate in and protect democracy.
It does not thrive as a spectator sport.
Undertake due diligence in everything.
Seek balance and space, and solitude.
Don't be afraid to feel passionate about something.
Learn to be an advocate and an ambassador for good.
Be mindful of your limitations.
Indulge and nurture your curiosity as it will
keep
you vital.
Take charge of your life and don't fall into the
pit of entitlement.
Assume nothing and take nothing for granted.
Things are not necessarily what they seem.
-Loreena McKennitt
Peace...Siochain....Siochaint!!!
Fifteen Atlanta Celtic musical artists and bands have
collaborated on an unprecedented CD to support the Ulster Project. Brainchild
of LongDrop fiddler and former Tennessee Ulster Project family member,
Katherine Irwin Thomas, the CD consists of one song from each of the
contributing artists. Produced professionally by Border Collies’ Michael
Robbins, the CD represents the very best of Celtic Atlanta and clearly
demonstrates the depth of Celtic roots and culture in our city. The cover
design is by summer ‘04
NI teen, Elaine Gallagher from Omagh with graphic design by Beth
Pitchford. AND best of all, as
should be, the music is sensational!
Order online at www.ulsterprojectatlanta.org
Words About Peace
As many of you may be aware, the conflict in Northern Ireland
is a very old one, dating back to the early 1600’s and involves two
proud Celtic peoples, the Scots and the Irish. The conflict is so deep and
entrenched that even the name of a city, Derry or Londonderry,
can evoke heated, sectarian discussion. The Ulster Project works to find
“Unity Amidst Diversity” and strives to identify aspects which
both cultures have in common. Sometimes this is difficult as expressions of
each culture, such as step-dancing (too Irish) and piping (too Orange), also
take on political overtones. One thing that both sides have in common is the
rich heritage of their language, Gaelic. It is in this spirit of a common
heritage that we chose to gaelicize the word for peace as our CD title. You
may see it written the Scots Gaelic way or you may see it written the Irish
Gaelic way. We choose to use both. To our Scottish friends we wish you
Siochaint. To our Irish friends we wish you Siochain.
To all we wish you Peace.
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Board of Directors: Recruit, Rebuild, Rethink in 2007
On February 20, 2007, Ulster Project
Atlanta’s Board of Directors voted unanimously not to host a summer
program in 2007. This is the second time in its history that Ulster Project
Atlanta has decided to concentrate its efforts on fundraising, while
rebuilding its Board and volunteer base.
According to Treasurer Melinda Shannon
Freels, “The truth is that although many people embrace the Ulster
Project in theory, financial
contributions and the number of volunteers willing to donate time and energy
to the Project is at an all-time low.
For example, the Atlanta Celtic Community, long considered a mainstay
of the Project, contributed only 4% of donated funds over the past two years.
Additionally, with the exception of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
and the Greater Presbytery of Atlanta, we received no financial support from Atlanta area churches,
whose outreach programs are financially committed to other charitable causes.
2006 was a particularly difficult year due to Hurricane Katrina.”
Although forecasted sales of “Siochain,” the Ulster Project CD, were initially high, sales remain soft despite
the presence of UPA at numerous events and festivals over the past year. For example, over two days at Celtic
Christmas at Emory, just 4 CD’s were purchased.
Finding volunteers is another huge
challenge. People who typically participate in community service endeavors
stay busy. Others assume that someone else will step up. For the past several years, a very
small core group of dedicated individuals has been running the Project. In
fact, all of the recently retired board members doggedly stayed on for
“just one more year” over the course of several years!
Likewise, the number of host families
has dwindled. Teenagers are booked solid during the shortened summer break.
Camps and vacations are considered priorities. It’s difficult to find
families who are willing or able to donate the entire month of July.
Most of the Ulster Projects in the United States
are facing similar problems. Because the situation in Northern Ireland has stabilized,
a common perception is that our work is no longer necessary. However, anyone
who is familiar with the current political situation will tell you that this is
absolutely not true. The good will that the Ulster Project facilitates is
critical to the ongoing peace process and further, it serves as a global
model for other peace and reconciliation projects, particularly those that
involve youth. Here in Atlanta, our Board is
solidly behind our organization, but we cannot continue our work without the
help and support of the community. We will be sending delegates from Atlanta at the Ulster Project International Convention
in St. Louis,
where we will discuss ideas on how to revive interest in the work we do.
The
bottom line is this: without volunteers, increased donations, and host
families, Ulster Project Atlanta may be forced to
shut down its operation.
Come
on Atlanta!
We desperately need your help!
CHALLENGE TO ATLANTA IRISH PUBS: WHICH OF YOU CAN RAISE THE MOST MONEY
FOR OUR WORTHY CAUSE? PLEASE CONSIDER HOSTING AN ULSTER PROJECT NIGHT.
CHALLENGE TO ALL
ATLANTA
CELTIC BANDS: WHICH OF YOU ARE
WILLING TO ORGANIZE A BENEFIT CONCERT JUST FOR US? CAN YOU HELP US BY SELLING
OUR CD?
CHALLENGE TO ALL
CHURCHES IN ATLANTA: IS THERE A PARISH WHO IS
WILLING TO OFFER US A CHURCH HOME AND
HOST ULSTER PROJECT FUNDRAISING
ACTIVITIES?
CHALLENGE TO ALL
PARENTS OF TEENAGERS: IS YOUR CHILD IN NEED OF A GREAT EXPERIENCE INVOLVING
GLOBAL PEACEMAKING AND COMMUNITY
SERVICE WORK?
2006 DONOR HONOR ROLL
CASH GIFTS & IN-KIND DONATIONS
(Fiscal Year: 10/1/05 – 9/30/06)
SUSTAINING
BENEFACTORS BENEFACTORS
($2000 and up) ($1000
and up)
1. Phil Hickey, Longhorn Steaks 1. Chris and Carol Moser
2. The Harland Foundation 2.
Bob and Lori Penter
3. Clay White 3.
Immaculate Heart of Mary
SPONSORS
($500 and
up)
1.
Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
2. John
Stephens, Theatre Gael
PATRONS ($100 and up)
- David Shaffner
- Jim Gaffey
- Chris and Karen Miller
- Del and Rich Halstead-Nussloch
- Greg and Melinda Shannon
Freels
- George Ude
- Beth Corry
- Richard and Cece Miles
- Larry and Christine Holt
- Prudential Financial
- North Decatur Presbyterian Church
- Ronald and Sara Reams
- Doug Murray
- Don and Anne Tedlie
- Jay McLendon and Dorothy
Mears
CONTRIBUTORS (Up to
$99)
- Jim and Marion Freels
- Noroma Shannon
- Jim and Michelle Mallard
- Paul and Ruth Nandico
- Dana K. Wachsmann
- Cynthia Palmer
- Michael and Carol Ann Clair
- Margaret Rightmyer
- Matthew and Therese Heneghan
- Katherine Chester
- Jesus Art
- Cynthia Palmer
- Susan Perz
- Stephen O’Hagan
- James Flannery
- William and Jennifer Taylor
Long
- Steve and Susan Gross
If you made a donation, but your name is not listed or you did not
receive a tax letter, please contact Melinda at (770) 509-0752.
HATS OFF TO OUR SPECIAL FRIENDS!
We salute
retiring Board Members: Beth Corrie, Karen Miller, Del
Halstead-Nussloch, and George
Ude. You guys are the best!
Many
thanks to Katherine Irwin Thomas
and Michael Robbins for producing
our CD, “Siochain,” and to all the
local Atlanta
musicians who contributed songs. Thank you to Elaine Gallagher in Northern Ireland for the cover
artwork.
Thank you
to Jim Donaldson for serving as
our brilliant webmaster and hosting our website.
Thanks to
all the 2006 Host Families and to the parents of the Omagh kids.
Our
gratitude to our 2006 Counselors: Clay,
Barry, Heather and Meg.
Much
appreciation goes to our these Atlanta
churches who donated space for our activities:
- Druid Hills United Methodist Church
- The Episcopal Church of St. Peter
and St. Paul
- Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church
- Oakhurst Presbyterian Church
- Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
- Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
- St. Ann’s Catholic Church
- St. James Episcopal Church
TREASURER’S
REPORT, 2006
Carryover from 2005:
$977.30
Private donations:
$4209.00 See Donor list above
Net Grants: $2708.81 Harland, Prudential
Net Fundraising:
$3289.08 High Tea, CD Sales, Raffles, Peace
Shares
Operations:
<$1577.83> State
Registration, Liability Insurance, Communications
Net Cost of Summer
Activities, not including airfare*:
<5558.65> Gasoline, Retreat, Tickets, Workshops,
Counselor’s Salaries, Petty Cash, Opening/Closing Ceremonies
END OF YEAR BALANCE: $4047.71
* Important Note: $5756 in airfare was
covered by Ulster
Project International. This
was a one time stipend that will not repeat.
Meet
our 2007 Board of Directors
The Rev. Joseph Shippen is the Assistant Rector at St. James’
Episcopal Church since June of 2006. He graduated from the General
Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church on May 17th, 2006 with a Master of Divinity
degree. Before going to seminary, Father Shippen attended Mercer University
in Macon, Georgia
and Presbyterian College in Clinton,
South Carolina, where he
studied physics and electrical engineering in a dual degree program. He then
joined his sweetheart, Suzanne Hobby-Shippen, in Mexico to direct an after-school
program for children ages six to sixteen. After a year in Mexico, he and Suzanne were married on July 20th, 2003 and then
moved to Manhattan
for Joseph’s three years of seminary at General. Joseph’s
interests include hiking, playing guitar, and theater.
Originally from East Tennessee,
Melinda Shannon Freels is a former
H.R. executive with BellSouth and is a professional writer and career
consultant for Execume Corporation. Melinda has worked on several different
historical and conservation projects, including John Anderson's musical
"On Eagle's Wing." She is presently the Associate Producer of
“America’s
Other Irish,” a new PBS documentary about the Scotch-Irish in America.
Freels is an expert genealogist and has traveled extensively through Ireland and Scotland. She graduated from Maryville College with a Bachelor's Degree in
History and is the Vice President of the Ulster-Scots Society of
America. She is also a member of the Scotch-Irish Society
of the United States, the East Tennessee Historical Society,
the Morgan County Tennessee
Genealogical and Historical Society, the East Cobb Civic Association and
the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
Government worker by day and Celtic rocker by night, Susan Cates has been involved in the local
Celtic music community for several years. Deciding that 2007 was the
year to give back to the community, Susan threw her lot in with Ulster
Project Atlanta to revive the organization’s spirits and
effectiveness. Putting her talent to find the perfect adjective for any
situation to good use, she has been invested as the Recording Secretary for
the Board of Directors in 2007. Her interests are listening and
performing most kinds of music, reading, ministering to sick and aging
animals, and generally finding fun in all that she does.
Father John Kieran is a native of Ireland
where he attended school. He comes from a family of six brothers and two
sisters. He graduated for All Hallows Seminary in Dublin and was ordained as a Catholic
priest in 1967. He served at several parishes in North Georgia and in the Atlanta area before
becoming the pastor of Saint Pius Catholic Church in Conyers. He was also the
founding pastor of Christ Our Hope Catholic Church in Lithonia. Father Kieran
is an active member of the Rockdale Hospital Chaplaincy and serves and the
Boards of Refuge Pregnancy Center, and Keep Conyers Beautiful. He is the
Co-Chaplain of the Rockdale County Jail. His hobbies include woodworking and
gardening.
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