Musical intro: These Are The Days. 10,000 Maniacs Context: I grew up with Deirdre in the Pine Barrens of NJ. She is a gifted artist and has always been an outstanding human being and friend. Bio: My name is Deirdre Callaghan and I am originally from Jersey City, NJ I attended Saint Peters grammar school in Paulus Hook section of Jersey City. The school t. Peters Grammar School was built in 1861 and St. Peters Hall, also known as the auditorium building, was constructed in 1898. My great great grandfather was a solicitor for the land the parish and school was built on. He is named on a cornerstone of the original church. By the time I attended Saint peters it was a satellite school for Spanish speaking students. My friends were from all over the planet. It was so diverse and some of these friends have turned into family. My identity was my name and I was what Ellis Island left behind. NYC was my backyard and I knew more about Manhattan then the rest of Jersey City. My family moved to Lacey, NJ. When I was 10 years old. When I found out Long beach Island was our backyard I loved it. I currently reside here with my 2 cats, 2 chickens, 1 dog and we all live in Forked River. I am currently a commercial art teacher at Monmouth County Vocational school for the past 17 years. I have also taught at the Community School in Teaneck New Jersey which specializes in special education. In 2003-2004 I lived in Cork City, Ireland for 12 months as an advocate for the homeless at the Simon Community of Ireland. I studied visual communications at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, and received my alternate route teaching certificate from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I worked at Designation inc. for the artist/illustrator Mike Quon for several years creating award winning graphics. I also worked on the Betsy Ross to Sacajewa coin in 1996 in Philadelphia as the graphics department for pitney bowes management services. Besides teaching at MCVSD, I also teach classes at the Lacey recreation as well as Barnegat/Waretown recreation. I was in a community theater play “Godspell” in 2005 in Jersey City. I was part of JC Fridays in 2006 singing with the cast members. I have shown my fine art work at 313 Gallery in Jersey City, Jersey City Puerto Rican day Parade 2021-22, Barrow Mansion in Jersey City, Project Greenville in Jersey City as well as a chosen artist in JCAST a show hosted by the City of Jersey City. I currently curate local art shows in Ocean County showcasing local artists.