‘Humbling honor’ for parade marshal

By G eorge L enker Special to The Republican

THE ST. PATRICK’S Day Parade may be a Holyoke tradition, but it really embraces the entire Western Massachusetts community.

This means that Holyoke’s neighbor to the immediate north, Northampton, has long been an integral part of the proceedings. While a coterie of ’Hamp honchos walk in the parade, two of the main participants are the parade marshal and the James Brennan Award winner, both chosen by the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association.

This year’s marshal is Tony Ryan, whose family hails from Ireland’s County Tipperary. Ryan has visited the Emerald Isle nine times. He called leading the Northampton contingent a “humbling honor.”

“It’s humbling from the perspective that I’m being placed in the company of past recipients to receive this award, some of our communities most recognized volunteers, civic servants, and leaders over the past 43 years,” he said. “And, needless to say, it’s an honor. I’ve been watching the parade as far back as the mid-’50s. In leading this year’s marchers as marshal, I feel I’ve come full circle, from an 8-year-old running up and down the sidelines to the person leading the city’s contingent.

“Yes, it’s a great day for the Irish but it’s even a greater day for our community to come together and celebrate Northampton.”

Harry Jekanowski, this year’s James Brennan Award winner, said he was “shocked and a little confused” when he heard he had been honored.

“I never expected to be recognized for my contributions — the little that I did was in line with what the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association has been doing for years, and I was inspired by all those who contrib - uted their time and talent,” he said. “Probably the biggest influence was my father-inlaw, the late Jack Dunphy (former Marshall Award winner and the inspiration behind the now annual Jack Dunphy Toy Drive.) He, along with many other enthusiastic volunteers, are an inspiration to the entire community.

“I am truly honored and humbled to play a small part in the charitable works of the St. Patrick’s Association and look forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, a day when everyone is Irish, with Marshall Tony Ryan and all the members of the association.”

Be A Voice For Ireland-

are marshal Jim Sheridan; Olde Mittineague Award — Collins Tavern; Ray DiStefano

Citizenship Award — Eastern States Exposition; and “Jinx”

SEE WEST SPRINGFIELD, PAGE E17

Mater Dolorosa School

OPEN HOUSE

This is an opportunity for families to discover and explore everything our beautiful school has to offer to students in Preschool through 8th Grade. We provide a faith-based education, and the school is accredited by NEASC. Our school also offers before and after school programs and tuition assistance, if needed. Families will be able to tour the school campus and receive enrollment information that day.

RSVP is preferred, but not required. Interested families may contact Mrs. Fedora at 413-532-2831.

If you can’t make it that day, call the school to schedule a private tour.

The