St. Patrick’s Day Committee to honor local award winners at event

Jan. 30, 2019 | Stephanie Trombley
stephanie@thereminder.com

2018 Senior Colleen Tina Wood posed with Mayor William Reichelt and 2019 Senior Colleen Carol Duffy.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – On Feb. 2, the St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield will host the 2019 Céad Míle Fáilte. The West Springfield Parade Committee will honor the 2019 award winners and crown the 2019 Colleen at the event.

“Céad Míle Fáilte” is an Irish phrase meaning, “A hundred thousand welcomes.” The phrase is fitting for the event, where the committee will honor several community members.

The 2019 Colleen pageant winner will represent the Town of West Springfield at a number of local functions, including a trip to the State House. Amie Ennis-Chrzanowski, West Springfield liaison to the Holyoke committee and Colleen coordinator, described what the qualifications are to compete in the Colleen pageant.

“The contestants must be single, meaning never married or had a child, no less than 17 years old by March 17, no older than 22 years old by March 17, a resident of West Springfield and claim Irish ancestry,” Chrzanowski said.

The Colleen contestants are scored on a number of areas. Chrzanowski shared, “The Colleen contestants are judged at the event for the poise and beauty portion of scoring. They each have submitted a bio and essay that has previously been reviewed and scored by the judges. There are also morning interviews that take place the morning of the event where contestants are judged on personality,” Chrzanowski explained.

Chrzanowski continued, “The essay is a 250-word essay about how your Irish family traditions and heritage have impacted your life and how will you use your knowledge to further Irish pride in future generations.”

For the 2019 Colleen pageant, 12 potential Colleens will be competing.

The 2016 West Springfield Colleen Lexi Griffin described being crowned Colleen as a dream. “Being chosen as the 2016 Colleen was a dream come true. Ever since I was a little girl, not only did I dream of being a Colleen, but my grandfather was certain that I would be a Colleen when I grew up. It was amazing to celebrate my Irish heritage through being a Colleen. It was the best experience of my life to represent myself, my family and most importantly, my town,” Griffin said.

On Jan. 26, the St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield crowned Carol Duffy as the 2019 Senior Colleen at the Dante Club. Duffy will receive an embroidered lap blanket and a gift certificate.?Duffy will also be given the opportunity to attend all Irish events in West Springfield and to walk with the Holyoke St.?Patrick’s Day Parade.

Four award winners will be honored at the Céad Míle Fáilte event. The 2019 Jinx Powers Award was awarded to Joan Patten. Chrzanowski explained, “The Jinx Powers award goes to a long-standing and active committee member, voted on by the other committee members.”

The West Springfield Youth Sports Association is being honored with the 2019 Ray DiStefano Citizenship Award. Chrzanowski said, “The Ray DiStefano Citizenship award goes to an individual of non-Irish ancestry and a resident of West Springfield or a non-profit group/association working within the Town of West Springfield.” Recipients of the award make substantial contributions to either the St. Patrick’s Committee or to the Town of West Springfield.

The 2019 Olde Mittineague Award was awarded to Sorrento Pizza, a small business located in West Springfield. Chrzanowski said, “The award goes to a ‘for-profit’ business within the Town of West Springfield that has made substantial contributions to the Committee or the Town of West Springfield.”

Al Howard is being honored as the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day Parade marshal. Howard is a retired West Springfield resident who has volunteered at the West Springfield Parks and Recreation for 46 years. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade marshal should be of Irish ancestry, a resident of West Springfield, and an individual who has contributed largely to either the St. Patrick’s Day Committee or to the town. Howard will be presented the Shillelagh at the Céad Míle Fáilte.

Chrzanowski said she feels that the Céad Míle Fáilte event is important to the town. “For the Town of West Springfield, it really signifies the start of the Green Season. All of the award winners are chosen, the Colleen and her Court are determined and the contingent is whole. It’s a wonderful evening that many town residents, young and old, look forward to,” Chrzanowski said.

Not only is the event important to the town, but Chrzanowski said it’s important to her personally. “No matter how many times I have been asked what I love about the parade or why it is so important to me, the answer has always been its ability to bring the community together. That is what this night is, the first of many ‘Green’ events, bringing the community together and celebrating our Irish heritage.” Chrzanowski said.

The 2019 Céad Míle Fáilte will take place on Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Springfield Country Club on 1375 Elm St. For more information, please visit the St. Patrick’s Committee of West Springfield Facebook page at www.facebook.com/westsidestpats.

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