St. Patrick’s Day Joy Neighborhood by Neighborhood

A councilman, an attorney, and a roofing contractor didn’t walk into a bar. With bars, restaurants, and other establishments closed on St. Patrick’s Day, and with residents urged to stay home to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, the three men, instead, took to the streets going neighborhood by neighborhood sharing Irish songs with anyone who wanted to listen.

The idea was the brainchild of Glen Cove City Councilman Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews. “As a councilman, I have been busy with my colleagues and the Mayor in working to address critical issues in the city related to the virus. I have also been making the rounds to check on residents and businesses, but I had a little time on St. Patrick’s Day and just wanted to do something to remind our residents that even in challenging times our spirits are not dampened,” stated the councilman. His response was to call two buddies - Robert Lynch, an attorney who also plays the bagpipes, and Alex Kern, a roofer who is the go-to guy when it comes to finding creative solutions in serving the community. The outcome of this collaboration? Kern took on the role as the set-up, break-down, and transport support for the duo, as Lynch and the councilman shared their performance talents with household after household and neighborhood after neighborhood - Lynch on the bagpipe and Stevenson-Mathews as Irish balladeer.

In being extra cautious, all three men not only wore gloves and masks when setting up the equipment, but also traveled in separate cars to close to 30 locations throughout the city. As soon as the caravan arrived at the new location, the first thing to go up was a sign reminding all to keep a distance of at least 8 - 10’. They also made a point of limiting the performance to two or three songs in order not to draw a crowd. “Yes, it was somewhat restrictive,” said Stevenson-Mathews, “but we all agreed that it was wise to be extra cautious.”

Kern was always the first to arrive at a home, responding to an address posted on social media. As Kern posted the sign on a lawn for all to keep a safe distance away and began setting up the sound system, Lynch would begin on the bagpipes with a familiar Irish tune. As soon as the piper finished his tune, the Councilman, who before entering public life was a professional singer and arts administrator, would sing Danny Boy or Irish Lullaby. Then the three hopped back into their cars and were on their way to the next house.

“I woke that morning sad that it would be my quietest St. Patrick’s Day ever.” said Lynch. “All my plans had been canceled except for a neighbor’s request to pipe outside her home. Gaitley’s wonderful idea to do the same thing on a grander scale made it one of the most meaningful and memorable St. Patrick’s Days of my life.” Kern felt much the same, “Anything for the community, especially during this time of crisis and concern.” Kerri O’Neill, who’s father Bob O’Neill is a WWII veteran and was one of the stops on St. Patrick’s Day said, “Based on my Dad’s smile, as Gaitley and Robert performed from the driveway and my Dad sat watching from his front door, I thought ‘In spite of this virus, St. Patrick’s Day has arrived at the O’Neill home.’” Stevenson-Mathews added, “It’s so very important to come together as a community, even as we have to stand apart.”