Luzerne County Commissioners Declare March 17th, 2007 a Great Day for Irish-Americans

(Wilkes-Barre)-Over one hundred members of the Irish-American community in Luzerne County joined the Luzerne County Commissioners and members of county government for the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse on March 16th, 2007.  Members of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Mens and Womens Chapters of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Donegal Society took part in the ceremony which included opening remarks by Luzerne County Public Information Officer Kathy Bozinski, a traditional Irish Blessing from Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons "2007 Man of the Year" Rev. Patrick Sullivan of King's College, an address on Irish-American contributions to Luzerne County by historian John McKeown, and a resolution on the day presented by County Commissioner Todd Vonderheid.  Highlights of the celebration included traditional bagpipe medleys performed by Luzerne County Security Officer Roger Redmond, high-stepping performances by the Emerald Isle Step Dancers, which included the group's co-director, Shannon Peduto of the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office, and refreshments (including green bagels) courtesy of Luzerne County Clerk of Courts Bob Reilly.