KINGSTON- The Peter B. Mathews Honorary Irish Person of the Year Breakfast, hosted by the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, will take place Friday, March 15 at The Venue Uptown at the Best Western Plus, 503 Washington Avenue in Kingston. The Reis Group is once again sponsoring the event, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
This is the 54th Annual St. Patrick’s Celebration, which has become an Ulster County tradition. Entertainment will be provided by the T. McCann Band and the pipes and drums from the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. As usual, expect a hearty hot and cold buffet, including corned beef hash, Irish soda bread and the Chamber’s always special, green-tinted orange juice.
The highlight of the morning will be the surprise naming of the Honorary Irish Person of the Year. Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack, who was selected last year, said her heart skipped several beats when it was her turn to be in the spotlight before the packed room at the Best Western Plus in Kingston.
“I was totally surprised when my name was called out by (Chamber President) Ward Todd,” she said. “It was a very emotional moment for me. I was speechless as I walked up to the podium, looking out at a sold-out breakfast crowd. The thought that I was part of a 50-plus-year tradition honoring Peter B. Mathews was overwhelming. I truly was not prepared and spoke from the heart.”
“As someone who was born and raised here, the mystery surrounding who would be chosen as Honorary Irish Person was always one of the highlights of St. Patrick’s Day,” she said. “The individual was always a person who was involved, who cared and worked for the betterment of our community. As all the previous honorees would march into the room, I would feel a sense of pride that we live in an area where people truly care about their community.”
Postupack, who is proud of her Italian roots, said she nonetheless considers the Honorary Irish title as one of her most endearing awards and something she’ll cherish forever.
‘The best part is that I was Irish for the whole day. I thoroughly enjoyed it as St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays throughout the year,” she said. “Ward Todd and the Chamber do an amazing job with the monthly breakfasts. No matter what event they are doing, it is always a success. How lucky we are to have them in Ulster County.”
