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Irish dancers entertain at Shepherd
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor.On St. Patrick’s Day, Karen Lambert’s (left) outfit had everyone referring to her as Boardman Shepherd of the Valley’s very own leprechaun. She decided to share her luck with facility resident Tom Filip.
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The senior students of Burke’s School of Irish Dance displayed impressive skill in a small group dance. Showing their fancy footwork were Kerra Loomis (left), Erin Loomis, Christine Kerrigan, and Rachel Kepley.
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The senior students of Burke’s School of Irish Dance displayed impressive skill in a small group dance. Showing their fancy footwork were Kerra Loomis (left), Erin Loomis, Christine Kerrigan, and Rachel Kepley.
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A group shot of the dancers of the Burke School of Irish Dance provided a rare few seconds of rest before the girls’ next performance. During a very busy St. Patrick’s Day, the group danced from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Helen Cipkala (left) received a visit from her son, Doug Cipkala, who drove from New Jersey for the Boardman Shepherd of the Valley St. Patrick’s Day party. Together, they enjoyed a pretzel and root beer.
By SARAH FOOR
For St. Patrick’s Day, the residents of Boardman Shepherd of the Valley enjoyed a laid-back, but entertaining celebration of Irish culture.
In the facility’s activity room, chairs and tables were pushed aside to create a makeshift stage for the talented girls of the Cornersburg-based Burke School of Irish Dance.
“We were about to clean the floor yesterday morning,” said facility employee, Arla Williams. “When we thought about our Irish Dance event, we decided to wait one more day. The fancy footwork of the dancers definitely gives the floor a workout,” she shared.
In the facility’s activity room, the girls performed in large group dances, showing off their high kicks and quick feet in Irish jigs. In two groups, the younger dancers were given a chance to shine, and then many of the school’s senior students demonstrated their skills in clogging solos.
“They’re really wonderful,” Boardman activity director Joan Testa said as she watched. “We had to book the dancers a year in advance — I can absolutely see why!”
Laura Kelty, the Burke School’s booking coordinator, said the girls especially love dancing at care facilities like Shepherd of the Valley.
“We know that many of the residents here have Irish heritage and love to see it celebrated,” Kelty observed. “Mostly, though, we feel the great appreciation the residents have for our performances. We don’t feel quite so valued anywhere else.”
The dancers had to leave the facility quickly to catch their next appointment on a busy St. Patrick’s Day. The residents and their families proceeded to have a small holiday celebration, eating pretzels and beverages.
Doug Cipkala visited his grandmother, Helen, for the celebration, driving in from New Jersey.
“We had a great time today,” he said of his visit.