News about the RKIDs
March 17, 2016
Club News
In case you haven’t heard, our dance group is now officially the “Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, Inc.” Due to Sonja’s urging and tremendous help from Dan O’C, Kate, and Bill, the Articles of Incorporation were written, filed, and approved in Baltimore. Kate and Sonja celebrated with lunch on the waterfront.
On Saturday morning, March 12 about 25 RKIDs gathered in the Washingtonian Center parking lot to prepare for the Gaithersburg St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Looking very spiffy, the group marched past the reviewing stand, under the direction of Emmett, and drew great applause from the crowd. Tom looked after the music. Our very own Linda P is on the parade committee and generously helped to sell some cookbooks at her souvenir stand.
After the parade, everyone gathered at the O’Brien’s for lunch and Irish entertainment. Everyone loved the corned beef which was provided this year by Sandy, Maura, Sonja, Joe, Sharon C, Michelle, and Evelyn. What a feast! Dancers from the Hurley School (including Declan---Marilyn and Obie’s grandson) showed us some of their high-flying steps, and Willie entertained the group with a few tunes. Colleen did her traditional rendition of The Unicorn Song and some of the RKIDs danced to “live music” as they did the Haymakers’ Jig.
The performance group had another outstanding show at the Friends House on Monday, March 14th. They did some dancing for the 44 residents who showed up. Some even joined in on Everyman’s Chance (which Kate rechristened Every Man’s and Woman’s Chance). Kate also got a sing along going. Afterward, the Friends House treated the dancers to punch and cookies and it gave us an opportunity to mingle with some of the audience. Bill was overheard saying, “They are very friendly at Friends.” Once again, thank you to Chuck and Maureen for organizing the group.
The Mini-Ceili at class was another successful event in a string of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Lots of people brought healthy, wholesome food – NOT. A couple highlights were Evelyn’s Irish Sweet Potatoes and Kate’s Spinach and Mushroom Pizza. A great time was had by all. Thanks to Sonja for organizing this event. Afterwards, she said, “This was fun! We need to do it more often.”
Irish Events
The Blackthorn Ceili at McCathran Hall in Washington Grove was a huge success this year. The music by Philippe, Tina, and Marc was energizing and Marilyn M’s calling superb. Kate arranged the potluck dinner perfectly. Sonja and Marilyn O stood guard over the door; Jim C handled the trash; Ann Marie provided four baskets for the raffle; Dan M conducted the 50/50. Lots of RKIDs pitched in to set up and clean up afterwards. A real group effort. Obie, the coordinator of the ceili, was pleased with the attendance and thanks everyone for helping to make the event a huge success. A big thank you goes out to our Washington Grove hosts, Mary and Charlie, for their continued support of the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers.
Tom and Sonja went to see the Teelin Irish Dance School Show, Celtic Storm, at the Weinberg Theater in Frederick. They were stunned by the amazing performance of this group of amateurs.
Travel
Emma and Jerry are back after a month in Mexico. They spent their time visiting Emma’s family.
Media
Maeve Binchy, a prolific Irish author died in 2012, but that didn’t stop her editors from gathering some of her unpublished short stories for a new release on St. Patrick’s Day. The book, A Few of the Girls, is a collection of tales with a “…compassionate note that was her signature….”