News about the RKIDs
Autumn 2025
Irish Hurling
in Upper Right
In memory of Obie's brother, Jack, the first annual Irish Hurling tournament was held on October 26, 2025 at Catholic University. Jack O'Brien was a deeply involved member of the Irish American community in the DC. area. He had a passion for history and preservation, and was a major contributor to the construction and dedication of several monuments honoring Irish heritage, in Antietam, Annapolis, and Washington. He also played a role in introducing the Irish-American community in the Capitol Region to the Catholic University's Hurling Team.
A number of RKIDs — Obie and Marilyn O. (naturally), Robin D, Emmett, Jack, Kathy O., David M., Nan and Dan M., Brian, Marie V., Michele, Bill and Maddy — as well as former member Jim Cu. were in the stands.
Here's a glimpse of the game:
Anderson House Tour
Larz Anderson House
With nearly 45,000 square feet and 50 rooms, the Larz Anderson house near Dupont Circle is one of the most intriguing yet little-known privately-owned mansions in D.C. It houses a museum and is the headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati, a group formed by senior American Revolutionary War military leaders, including George Washington. They are named after the ancient Roman Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who embodies civic virtue. The intent of the group is keeping the revolutionary spirit alive over time.
The tour was organized by Marilyn O. with ticket purchasing done by Kathy O. and was led by a very knowledgeable docent, Dennis Bass. He showed David M., Mary Ann, Sandy and Evan, Christine, Marie V., Obie, Bill and Maddy the intricate details of the mansion.
From a ballroom to a boardroom, traversing beautiful and varying marble and wooden floors, we learned about the Anderson couple and how this Gilded Age house pioneered the introduction of newfangled electrical technology and other items in the early 20th century. The art work on the walls is extensive. In the left image, our group poses beneath a portrait of Henry Knox, descendent of Ulster Irish-Scots, chief of the Continental Artillery and a Continental Army general during the Revolutionary War. Larz and his wife used the house to entertain powerful political figures and help his own diplomatic career along.
Schmankerl Stube Lunch
Continuing our nearly-monthly dining out sessions, Sonja, Tom, Connie, Mary Ann, Toni, David D., Barb and Jim Ca., Brian, Jim and Maureen K., and Marie V. enjoyed a great lunch at the Schmankerl Stube Bavarian restaurant in Hagerstown on Friday, October 10th. The food was delicious and the company was great. Afterward, Connie, Mary Ann and Marie also went to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown which had a wonderful exhibit of two centuries of American landscape paintings.
Game Day
Again genially hosted by Kathy O. and David M., a record number of 25 RKIDs, comprising Chuck and Clare, Sandy, Joan, Emma, Barb and Jim Ca., John, Alison, Barbara D, Mary Ann, Carole, Kathi and Dick, Marilyn W., Marie V., Sonja, Susan, Jean and Carl, Maddy and Bill and friend Colleen, gathered for a few hours, playing board and other entertaining games. This was the ninth time that Barb, Jim and Marie have participated in the contests, which is the most of anyone (save the hosts). Amusements such as Mexican Train, Sequence, Blokus and the often-challenging Bowl of Fun provoked much hilarity punctuated with intermittent shrieks and occasional sighs of puzzlement. Carole put it this way: "The laughter and fun of hanging out with people I enjoy and respect is invaluable to my well being." This video shows what some of that good therapy was like:
Once again, the Maryland Band Directors Band put on a great concert. It was held at the Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center in Silver Spring on October 16. Our David M. added his clarinet virtuosity to the "Sacred and Profane" program of new and old compositions. Attending included Kathy O. (of course!), Chuck, Bill and Maddy.