For the first time, Goshen will charge parade committee for St. Pat's celebration

Night of Irish entertainment on Dec. 16 will raise funds for parade costs Goshen — To offset overtime costs, the Village of Goshen is for the first time charging the Mid Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee to have its annual parade in the village. Charging organizations for using town and village services is becoming more common in municipalities in the area. It’s the tenth time that the St. Patrick's parade, scheduled for March 11, is being held in Goshen. The board says controlling overtime will help control costs in governing the village. “Events not officially sanctioned by the village will be charged,” said Mayor Kyle Roddey. But he hastened to add that the extra charge is not to make a profit. “The charge is to cover the increase in police and department of public works costs so taxpayers don’t have to pick up the tab," he said. "We’re charging nothing more — there’s no profit for the village — and nothing less." He said expenses for past parades total about $50,000. The cost to the Mid Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for the 36th annual parade is $5,400. “We’re very happy to have our parade in Goshen, the county seat,” said Bill O’Donnell, president of the Mid Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. In the past, the parade was held in communities around the county. But since settling in Goshen, it has grown. “Goshen, as the central location in the county, draws people from all over,” said O’Donnell. "Plus, Orange County allows us to use the government center parking lot to line-up." Line-up for the parade is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 11. Kick-off is 2 p.m. Bill Boss is grand marshal Bill Boss is the grand marshal for 2012. Boss worked as a teacher and held various positions in the New York City Board of Education. He retired in 2007 after 38 years in education. He’s been active in promoting Irish culture through the Emerald Society of the Board of Education and marched in the New York City parade for many years. He is currently involved in the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural Society and helped plan and implement “Irish Night” on Greenwood Lake. He’s has been a school board member for 30 years — 12 years for Greenwood Lake and 22 years with Orange Ulster BOCES Cooperative Board. He and his wife have lived in Greenwood Lake since 1981. They have four children. Irish Christmas show to raise money O’Donnell said the committee understands why the village is charging, and already has an outstanding fundraiser planned that the committee hopes will cover the cost. Gail Edmonds and Mary Luciana are co-chairs of the upcoming show “Classic Irish Christmas” that stars well-known Irish singer Andy Cooney along with Irish wit George Casey, award-winning soprano Emma Kate Tobia, and Irish step dancing by the Darrah Carr Dancers. The show is planned for 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, at the Paramount Theater, 17 South St. in Middletown. Tickets for general admission are $25 and can be purchased from Gail Edmonds at 978-8483 and Mary Luciana at 591-8010.