News about the RKIDs
Spring 2024 Edition
Year-End Ceili
Light Up the Hall
We launched our ceili capping off the 2023 - 2024 school year at Sandy Spring's Lyceum building. There was a wonderful assortment of dances. Marilyn Moore expertly called the sets, while the musicians of the Last Night's Fun trio, Joe DeZarn, Pat Egan, and Seamus Wade, kept the audience in lively and constant motion.
Contributions
RKIDs Chair Kate and Co-Chair Tom recognized four special members who mightily contributed to the success of our organization over the last year. They were:
- Roger, for work on the syllabus, parades and with the PA system;
- Sonja, for Book Club and ceili planning;
- Marie V. for organizing dining-out experiences (see the Dining Out article, below); and
- David M. for piano playing at our social musical events.
From the great spread of entrees, side dishes and desserts (including a delicious cake from Wegman's, courtesy of Sonja and Tom), through the many sets on the dance floor, there was a jubilant atmosphere. The event got to the heart of the joy of Irish social dancing and the strong bonds of friendship within the RKIDs.
Had Many Takers
Setting up the Lyceum and Some of Dancing the Kilfenora Plain Set:
Last Winter-Spring 2024 Semester Class and Celebration
Fifteen action-packed classes, lots of smiles. Twenty-nine dancers turned out for the final class and gave a huge thank-you to Toni, our instructor. Toni again refined her teaching styles this semester to accommodate the range of experiences of her students. From the Cashel to the Pride of Erin, there never was a dull moment.
The thank-you speech:
Afterwards, most of us reeled away to the Gaithersburg Dogfish Alehouse for an impromptu get-together, sitting outdoors in the warm night air. Copious toasts, food, drinks and merriment followed, and we happily closed the place!
The Last Class
Sure it's in our name, but the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers also offers a variety of social activities other than dance. Here are some recent examples.
Game Day
Courtesy of hosts David M. and Kathy O., the Social Group continued the streak of table game events. Mary Ann, Kate, Dan O'C., Jim C., Barb, Sandy, Bill, Maddy, Marilyn O., Obie and Marie V. intrepidly tried their hands at Left-Right-Center (Kathy was the big winner), Mexican Train (dominoes), Farkle, Rummikub and, safely away from others, table tennis.
while Marilyn O. Keeps Score
The laughs just kept on coming, whether players were winning or losing. The event made for great cameraderie, underscoring the social strengths of the RKIDs.
An Evening With Danny Costello
the Charmed Audience
The RKIDs’ Book Discussion Group brought in a local musician and author, Danny Costello, to tell us about his life and current happenings. After Obie (Danny's friend since they were in their youth) introduced him, Danny recounted growing up in the DC area. He told us the meaning behind the humorous name of his band, Swampoodle (formerly an Irish enclave of Washingon, D.C. in the 19th century). Previously, he played with the acclaimed local group, Shannontide. We also learned about Irish fairy forts or raths and their protected status under Irish law, Cillín cemeteries (somewhat gruesome), and how he approaches composing novels. Danny is the author of The Rag Tree – A Novel of Ireland.
He entertained us with songs on the button accordion and six string guitar.
Fueled by Marilyn O.'s and Obie's snacks, in addition to Danny's tales and musicianship, the group peppered him with questions that he humorously answered. Later, Marilyn thanked him with an RKID's gift. The evening's mighty craic was spread among Sonja, Kathy O., John McC., Jack, Colleen, Dan O'C, Kate, Michelle, Dan and Nan M., Connie, Robin, Marie V., Kathryn, Maddy and Bill.
Dining Out
and Wine Glasses
At the Ready at Il Porto
Marie V. continues to arrange much-appreciated dining and conversational experiences. She finds a variety of cuisines for us to sample. In April, it was Gaithersburg's Il Porto Italian restaurant. Fellow nibblers included Liz and Kevin W, Jim C., Barb, Mary McC., Marilyn O, Maddy, Bill, Gina and Toni. Prior savorings included Taipei Tokyo (Asian), Outta the Way Cafe (American), Killarney House (Irish-American), Villa Maya (Mexican), Schmankerl Stube (German) and Silk Road Choyhona (Uzbekistan). Coming up will be Tandoori Nights (Indian). Yum!
But wait, there's more! At May's First Saturday Woodside Brunch, we had a record turnout of fifteen to chatter and chow! Filling multiple tables were Jim C., Barb, Tom, Sonja, Connie, Obie, Marilyn O., Roger, Mary Lee, Sandy, Michelle, Maddy, Evan, Jack and Bill.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
On a chilly March 16, 22 RKIDs joyously marched along the streets of the Gaithersburg Rio center in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Here is how they amused and dazzled the audience:
the Merchant Set
On May 5, at the final Emerald Isle Club ceili of the season and the last one to be held at the Atlantic Ballroom, Maddy, Bill, Mary Lee, Toni, David D., Connie, Obie, Marilyn O., Chuck C., Brian, Michelle, Tom and Sonja represented the RKIDs. The ballroom was nearly filled to capacity The range of experience was from absolute beginner to decades-long veterans. Judging by the smiles and laughter, all enjoyed it immensely.
Marilyn Moore's calling and the lively tunes of Peter Fitzgerald and the J. Patrick's All-Stars kept the dancers reeling, sliding and gliding on the wooden floor.
We led off with waltzing. Other dances included the Merchant Set, Kilfenora Plain and (of course) the Sweets of May. The middle photo shows four of us doing the Christmas, where we all revolve in a circle.
Waltzing Away the Night
Six members of the RKIDs assembled in a tucked-away spot in the Solid State Book Store on H St, NW on Thursday, May 9. Emmett, Robin, Evan, Sandy, Obie, and Marilyn O. were there, along with other friends and family, to hear authors Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy, Emmett's daughter, describe their newest book, Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do about Animals. After an informative discussion about the book, the entire group celebrated at the Dubliner.