A Message from Our President

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!

Thanks to all those who marched and participated in any way in the Wappingers parade. The weather was very fitting, and we all enjoyed the parade very much. The social gathering afterwards was great fun! A big THANK YOU to Helen Boland for the pre-parade refreshments; they were very much appreciated and needed by all!

I am sorry that our February meeting had to be canceled due to the weather. Our March meeting will be on Sunday, the 22nd at 12:30; followed by the Ceili at 2:30—hope everyone will come!

We are diligently working to have events for the upcoming River Fest, celebrating the Hudson River’s 400th anniversary. Bill Madison & Mary Schmalz are on that committee.

The date for the annual picnic has yet to be determined; the ‘08 picnic was a great success with good food, singing, dancing, & a large turnout in thanks to Eileen & Pat Murphy!

All of our forms have been updated, and membership applications are available. I would like to see each member strive to work towards bringing at least 1 new member. Any Board Member has applications. Remember, I can be reached at (845) 331-1296 and . Please note the 2009 Calendar of Events in this Newsletter.

See you soon. Sláinte!

Carol Leiserson
President

An Irish Blessing

(an excerpt from The Breastplate of St. Patrick)

Christ be beside me,
Christ be before me,
Christ be behind me
King of my heart.

Christ be within me,
Christ be below me,
Christ be above me
Never to part.

REMINDER!

Annual membership fees for the 2009 season are due; please remit as soon as possible:  $15 (individual) or $25 (family). Mail your check or pay at the General Meeting. You must be a member in order to receive the Newsletter and attend club events. The grace period ends March 31st.

Condolence

Deepest sympathy is extended to Peter Connolly and family on the death of his mother, Peg, a long time KBIC member who passed away on March 4th. May she rest in peace.

A special Thank You to all KBIC members who attended the wake, funeral, and burial; it was very much appreciated.

Well Wishes

We extend get-well wishes to KBIC member Kitty Carroll, who is at Wingate in Fishkill. We encourage our members to visit her. If you know of anyone else who needs our prayers, please let us know.

The Irish Bakery

Irish Soda Bread

- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup raisins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tblsp. butter

Mix dry ingredients and crumble in butter by hand. Add buttermilk and stir lightly with a wooden spoon until a soft dough is formed. Turn dough on to a floured surface and form a flat circle approx. 1½” high. With a floured knife, cut a deep cross, almost from side to side. Bake at 425 degrees for ~35 minutes (or until done).

Sports NewsFlash!

Sean & Conor Brady—grandsons of KBIC members, Dot & Jim Cunningham—were in England for the college-level World Gaelic Football Championship. The brothers Brady play for the team representing New York. Regrettably, the team lost in the finals by 5 points! Congratulations to Sean, Conor, and the entire team on getting to the finals.