WESTFIELD – St. Patrick’s Day and the Sons of Erin go hand-in-hand for residents of Irish heritage.
Yesterday the Irish club was filled to the brim with those celebrating the holy holiday. From those who stopped in for a corned beef sandwich and a pint, to those who brought their family to enjoy live music, it was a day for celebrating.
Stephen Fredette, 67, is a Westfield native who now lives at Heritage Hall in Agawam. Although he no longer lives in his family’s home on Russell Road, which allowed him to frequently stop in for a quick cold one at the Sons, Fredette still comes home on St. Paddy’s Day.
“It’s a tradition I established years ago,” he said.
Known to his friends as “Pair,” Fredette enjoys his yearly trip to see his old friends.
Fredette gets assistance from Karen Provost each March 17 and she said it’s like watching an episode of “Cheers” when he walks in.
“Everyone yells ‘Pair’ and he really enjoys it,” she said. “He has a lot of friends here and he really loves coming to see them each St. Patrick’s Day.”
Patti Hatmaker also makes sure she stops in to wish her friends “Slainte” on St. Patrick’s Day.
“I come with my family and it’s a tradition,” said Hatmaker. “I want to celebrate my Irish heritage with my fellow Irishmen and women and pass that tradition on to my grandchildren.”
Patricia Bertram agreed. Growing up in New York, being Irish was special.
“We celebrated being Irish on St. Patrick’s Day – it was the way I was raised,” she said.
Karen Casey was also raised celebrating St. Patrick’s Day right at the Sons of Erin.
“My mom always brought us here and I brought my children,” she said.
For many years Casey serves as the Sons’ Colleen Committee chairperson. About eight years ago she took a leap and joined the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee.
“I wanted to make sure Westfield would be well represented,” said Casey.
Casey was later joined on the committee by her daughter and said while it is hard work volunteering on the committee, it is worth it.
“We do have a lot of fun and have made friends from other towns,” said Casey.
Apparently the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee members believe Casey does represent Westfield well because she was named this year’s Daniel J. Gallivan Award recipient.
The Gallivan Award is given to a longstanding member of the committee who, while not a resident of the City of Holyoke, has made significant contributions to the overall success of the parade and/or committee.
Casey said yesterday she was surprised with and honored the award and is looking forward to the parade March 23.
“We have a good contingent from Westfield – the Sons of Erin, Westfield On Weekends, Noble Hospital, the police and fire departments, American Legion and St. Mary’s Parish School,” said Casey, adding that for the first time members of the Southwick Fire Department would be marching.
