Legislator Kennedy To Lead 23rd Annual Ronkonkoma St.Patrick's Day Parade

Photo - Rebecca Tallman (click on photo to enlarge)On Saturday, March 2, 2013, Legislator John M. Kennedy, Jr., Republican Caucus Leader of the Suffolk County Legislature, his wife Leslie, family members and friends were honored by the St. Regis Knights of Columbus Council No. 4651 at the Knights Hall on Pond Road in Ronkonkoma.  Legislator Kennedy has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 23^rd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, stepping off at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2013.  More than 80 supporters were in attendance at this year’s Grand Marshal’s Ball, with an ample dinner of traditional Irish fare of Corned Beef, Cabbage, Shepard’s pie, potatoes and soda bread for all.

Legislator Kennedy wishes many thanks to the gracious hospitality of Grand Knight Tom Fawcett and Deputy Grand Knight Bob Powers as party goers were able to enjoy the full accommodations of the Council’s entertainment room.

The coordinator for the evening, James Tallman, directed all to dinner, and assembled an impressive slate of entertainment for the evening.  Supported by the generosity and the impressive musical stylings of DJ Mike Rutowitz and Debbie Lynch-Webber of the Mulvihill-Lynch Studio of Irish Dance Entertainment, all were roundly entertained by a contingent of step dancers from the Mulvihill- Lynch Irish Step Dancing School.  The girls all stepped lively, and were quite impressive in their beautiful costumes and smart kicks.  Following these energetic performers, all were treated to an outstanding performance of the bagpipes by the Suffolk County Police Department.  Among the powerful tunes was a rousing edition of “God Bless America.”

Filling out the evening’s events were a beautiful plaque presented by Parade Committee Chairman Martin Gaughan, and Proclamations from Legislator Tom Muratore (4^th L.D.) and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.  Jim Tallman presented John with an authentic Ronkonkoma Parade Irish walking stick, one of only 23 in existence.  Dancing followed, and the party went well beyond the scheduled time. 

Legislator Kennedy again thanked the Parade Chairman and the entire committee for their hard work in organizing the event, selecting him as Grand Marshal, his wife of 37 years Leslie for her love and support, his four children and 2 grandchildren, including the newest addition to the Kennedy Clan, Christopher Brian, only four days old.  In addition, John was very grateful to the many friends in attendance, including his utility infielder, Ali Nazir, and those who graciously gave to the journal congratulating John on his selection. Also present, and much appreciated for their support was George Frost and a contingent of the Long Island Right to Life Committee.

The main event is the 23^rd Annual Ronkonkoma St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is being held Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m.  The parade steps off at the intersection of Portion Road and Patchogue–Holbrook Road, travelling west to Hawkins Avenue, then south to Church Street and ending at St. Joseph’s Parish. Legislator Kennedy said, “Please pray for good weather. I wish everyone can come out and join me for the best Ronkonkoma Saint Patrick’s Day Parade ever!”

For further information please contact Legislator Kennedy at (631) 854-3735.