AJ News

St. Patrick’s Day 2009

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

FACTORYVILLE- Sipping on the signature Lucky Charms smoothie or enjoying one of the many live entertainers are just a few celebratory options for patrons at Kissam Coffee House Caf�’s on St. Patrick’s Day.

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Molly Ratchford Malone leads her Irish Dancing class. They will perform at Kissam Coffee House on St. Patrick’s Day.

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The evening will feature live music by contemporary musician Justin Roth, coordinator of Kissam bi-weekly open mic nights. Roth is a member of the band Poverty Breeds, along with fellow bandmates Jay Druss and Ray Andrews. For a more traditional flair, folk musicians Abigail and Timothy Zieger and Sarah Thomas from Baptist Bible College will be on hand with vocals, guitar, flute, violin and an Irish drum called the bodhran. After a trip to Ireland last year, the musicians learned traditional Irish music. Zieger said they plan to play well-known folk songs such as “The Sally Garden,” “Cockles and Mussels” and of course, the Irish folk classic “Danny Boy.” Kissam said other musicians, both contemporary and traditional, will perform as well.

For a unique twist to the evening, Ratchford’s School of Irish Dance will be on hand to perform traditional Irish stepdancing. Molly Ratchford Malone, who has taught stepdancing for 10 years, said that this year’s class was the biggest, at 30 students. This performance should prepare students for their formal recital on April 21. “I like to get the dancers in front of the audience,” said Malone, “It’s a good experience for them to get used to performing in front of people.” Originally from Dalton, Malone drives each week from her new home in Stroudsburg to teach classes at the Our Lady of the Abingtons parish hall on Thursdays. “I took stepdancing when I was little, and I have a teaching degree,” said Malone. “Started a stepdancing class seemed like a good little side project for me because I enjoy teaching kids so much.” Malone accepts students that are five or older. For more information on Ratchford’s School of Irish Dance, contact her at 426-1954.

Kissam owners said that the evening is offered as a family-friendly event. Irish food will also be served. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration will be held on March 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at Kissam Coffee House and Caf� in Factoryville, located across from Keystone College. For more information call 945-7885 or visit www.kissamcoffeehouse.com.

Other area events

March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton. The Humane Society of Lackawanna County will be walking dogs in the parade

March 20: Poetry Reading at the Bottega Art and Book Boutique, 206 Depot Street, Clarks Summit, Friday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. Local poets celebrating their heritage. Light refreshments.