PUTNAM PICTURE PAGE

Call it the “Luck of the Irish!” Torrential downpours and gale force winds that caused havoc throughout the weekend across Putnam County dissipated just in time to allow Putnam’s 34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to proceed without a hitch.

Kelly Oster School of Irish Dance performs. While crowds of well-wishers were a bit smaller than in previous years, thousands of marchers comprising six divisions stepped off under gray skies with great enthusiasm and proceeded along Route 6.

Ted Dwyer, the 2010 parade grand marshal, beamed with pride as four of his ten grandchildren assisted him with the grand marshal’s sash: “I’m so proud and honored since I never expected to be so recognized.”

Dwyer, a spry 84, is a lifelong resident of Mahopac, having graduated from Mahopac High School in 1943 before serving in the Navy.

Following his military service, Dwyer attended Syracuse University and returned to Mahopac, where he became associated with the Leslie Dodge Agency. He acquired ownership in 1970 and continues today as president and CEO.

The Birthday girl—Mae Collins—105 years old, is a remarkable woman. Dwyer is a charter member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and is also past president of Putnam Hospital Center, Lake Mahopac Rotary, Putnam County Association of Realtors, and the Independent Insurance Agents of Putnam.

He and his wife of 58 years, Diana, have been blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.

Another “star” of the parade was Mae Collins of Mahopac, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day 105 years ago. Collins rode in the parade to the delight of well wishers who applauded as she passed by.

How does it feel to be 105 years young?

“I feel fine, thank God! I have lived a good life and a religious life,” she said.

The sound of the bagpipers is heard along the parade route. Mae, with a twinkle in her eye, asked: “Aren’t you going to ask me my secret for longevity? Each afternoon at 4, I take a nice shot of rye. It warms you right up and keeps you young. No smoking now…I have never had a cigarette in my life but that nip in the afternoon does wonders!”
Girl Scouts of Mahopac are well represented.
Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipe Band marches in the parade.
A jolly old leprechaun and his entourage marching.
The Cold Spring FD Pipes and Drums are well represented.
The MHS Marching Band performs with precision.
(Above) The Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick marches with pride.
(Right) Flag twirlers receive accolades from the bystanders along the parade route.
Below) Mahopac High School is represented in the line of march.