This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

RVC Woman to Lead Village's St. Patrick's Day Parade

For the first time in parade history, a woman will serve as Grand Marshal.

Kathleen Alcock was in Ireland last April when she got some news that caught her off guard. The Rockville Centre resident and business owner had just been selected as Grand Marshal of the 2012 Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“I was amazed. I couldn’t believe it. I was (both) ecstatic and humbled,” Alcock said, running down her emotions the moment she heard the news. “It’s very hard to put into words. It was just wonderful. It is something that will always be with me.”

Alcock will step off the 16th annual parade on Saturday at noon on the corner of North Long Beach Road and Maple Avenue. The steps will mark the first time that a woman has acted as Grand Marshal, a fact that isn’t lost on Alcott.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“That is very exciting for me,” Alcock said. “That’s something I’m very proud of. I hope that when I walk off Maple Avenue on Saturday, the people will realize just how excited I am and how happy I am to represent Rockville Centre and the Irish. It’s an honor that I don’t take lightly.”

Born in County Donegal, Ireland, Alcock settled in the United States 25 years ago. She has owned and operated Rockville Centre’s  Irish gift shop, on North Park Avenue, since her settlement.

Find out what's happening in Rockville Centrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We sell a lot of imported items, such as china, crystal, jewelry, and Irish knit sweaters,” Alcock said. “We also sell a large range of communion and christening wear and accessories         

In many ways, Alcock and the parade are a perfect fit because of their commitment to charity, both in Rockville Centre and abroad.

Each year, “the parade that cares and shares” donates its proceeds to three charities. This year, the committee selected the Association for Children with Down Syndrome (ACDS), Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD), and the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

Since 1997, the parade has raised $676,000 for 45 different charities, according to an official press release.

Alcock tries to emulate those same charitable values through her store.

“Anyone who comes into (our store) for a donation is never turned away,” she said. “Whatever amount we can give, we will always support (charities). We support the local police and the local hospital.”

Friday night’s Grand Marshal Reception won’t be the first time Alcock is publicly honored by the committee. She was introduced at many throughout 2012, making Saturday the culmination of one special year. 

“It’s been a tremendous experience for me and my family,” she said. “I still haven’t really grasped the idea that I was chosen. I’m trying to still justify that. You say to yourself ‘what did I do more than anyone else?’”         

Although she remains humble, those in charge couldn’t be happier with the choice.

“She has gone beyond the call of duty in her support of the parade,” Parade Board President Sean O’Rourke said. “She is proud of her Irish heritage and cherishes her adopted country. She’s a great Irish woman”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?