





VENUE & ENTERTAINMENT
Learn more about Anthony's Oceanview at their website: https://www.anthonysoceanview.com/
Learn more about the McLean Avenue Band at their website: https://www.mcleanavenueband.com/

2023 PARADE BALL AWARD RECIPIENTS
Joanne Conlan

2023 GRAND MARSHAL
This position is a working position of the parade committee, given to a member who has worked as a parade committee for several years and moved up the ranks in various positions.
Our 2023 Grand Marshal, Joanne Marie Conlan, was born in Milford, CT, the daughter of Robert and Donna Beckwith. Joanne is one of seven children: Cheryl, Bill, Pamela, Christine, Robbie, and Carla. She was born between Pam and Christine which puts her smack dab in the middle! Add Glenn’s siblings; Rob, Brad, and Darci as well as their
spouses, plus nieces and nephews and the Conlan household is overflowing with love at every gathering.
Joanne joined the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee in 2004, the year her daughter Moriah was Parade Queen. Once Moriah was crowned, Joanne became a member of the “Queen Mum’s Club” which is one of her favorite roles! As a member of the parade committee for the past nineteen years, Joanne has held multiple roles. She was the parade chairwoman for three years, an unprecedented event due to the spread of Covid canceling the 2020 and 2021 parades. She also held the office of Parade Secretary and Chief-of-Staff. Before becoming a Parade Officer, Joanne held a variety of roles. She was Chairwoman of the Parade Ball and Chairwoman of the Awards Committee. She was a member of the following committees: Corn Beef Dinner, “100” Club, Shamrock Open Golf Tournament, Fashion Show, Irish Ball committee, Queen’s Competition committee, and other committees too numerous to mention.
A proud member of the West Haven Irish American Club for the past twenty-six years, Joanne served as Secretary, Vice-President, and held a four-year term as club President. She is also a member of the Knights of St. Patrick, the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club/IACC, and the Irish Heritage Society of Milford. In 2011, Joanne and Glenn were honored to be named “West Haven Irish Couple of the Year”. Joanne graduated from Southern Connecticut State University, and holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, as well as a sixth-year degree in Elementary Education. She retired from teaching in 2019 but still finds her days extremely full. She keeps busy with her cookie business, participating on various committees, as well as spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite activities is spending time around the holidays with her husband Glenn volunteering as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Joanne has been married to her husband Glenn for forty-one years, living in the same house in West Haven that Glenn grew up in. They have two children; Glenn Jr (Nuris) and were predeceased by their daughter Moriah. They have two grandchildren: Orlando, son of Nuris and Glenn Jr., and Declan, Moriah’s son. At the Ball, Joanne will be presented with her 2023 sash which was lovingly made by her sister Cheryl. Imprinted inside the sash is Moriah’s name and angel wings so Moriah will be close to Joanne’s heart as she leads the 2023 parade as Grand Marshal. Joanne would like to give special acknowledgment to her fellow officers, as well as every member of the parade committee for giving of their time, dedication, and passion ensuring that the parade will continue on for generations to come. Joanne would also like to thank Past Grand Marshal Eileen Donadio (2004) and Past Grand Marshal Colleen Hines (2016) for their amazing, nonjudgmental, loving mentorship these past six years. To Glenn from Joanne ~ You will ALWAYS be the wind beneath my wings. I love you....xo

George Waldron

JAMES J. DINNAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
This award is given annually to an outstanding resident of the State of Connecticut who is recognized for his/her unselfish dedication and contributions to fellow Americans.
George Waldron is the son of David and Mary Moran Waldron, both immigrated to America from County Mayo, Ireland. George grew up in New Haven and graduated from Wilbur Cross High School and the University of New Haven, where he was a member of the basketball team.
After teaching in New Haven for several years he went on to law school to get his Juris Doctor degree. After several years of private law practice he was appointed by Gov. William O’Neill to be an Administrative Law Judge for the Workers Compensation Commission and served as a judge and was a member of the Compensation Review Appeals Commission until his retirement. George was an Adjunct Professor for Quinnipiac University and the University of New Haven. George also studied and lectured in the ancient Brehon Laws of Ireland.
He has always been active in charitable, professional, and athletic organizations. He was the founder of the Supporters of Connecticut Hospice and served there for many years as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors. He was an officer and member of the Board of Directors at the Farnham Neighborhood House in New Haven, a founder and member of the Board of Ethnic Heritage Center in New Haven, is one of the founders and past president of the Connecticut Irish American Historical Society, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Father McKeon Div. 7 in New Haven, also, past president of the New Haven Boys and Girls Alumni Association. George is a longtime member of the Knights of St. Patrick, the Irish American Community Center and the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club. He also coached several youth sports teams in New Haven. George is a former member of the City of New Haven Civil Service Commission.
George has earned many professional and athletic honors including the Judge Robert Zampano Excellence in Arbitration Award, the Appreciation Award from the American Legion, recognition from the Connecticut Bar Association for his pro bono service to the community, Veritas Award from the New Haven Club of Providence College, citations from the City of New Haven in recognition of his charitable efforts for Hospice, the Hospice Patient Advocate for Life for his community leadership, the New Haven Public School Foundation Alumni Legacy Award, the Knight of the Year Award, the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club Irish Man of the Year Award, the New Haven Boys & Girls Club coveted Gold Ring Award and the New Haven Boys & Girls Club Distinguished Service Award. He has run in several marathons, including the Dublin Ireland race.
George joined the parade committee in 1980, has marched in several parades with various Irish organizations and has done some photography for the committee. George is responsible for setting up the Associated Irish Societies, Irish American Community Center, and the Knights of St. Patrick as cultural, educational corporations enabling them to receive 501c3 status from the IRS. Achieving nonprofit status was a pivotal point in the history of these organizations ensuring their ability to not only survive but thrive, continuing to educate and inspire future generations of Irish Americans to preserve and promote their Irish culture and heritage. He is proud to receive this award named in honor of James J. Dinnan and to join the list of prior distinguished recipients.

Pictured from left to right:
Nancy Goudemant
Saundra McCauley
Susan Walker

CORNELIUS DRISCOLL AWARD
This award is given for outstanding public service.
Nancy Goudemant was born in New Haven and has lived in the area most of her life. Her parents were George and Theresa Goudemant of Northrop Rd in West Haven. Nancy also has a sister, Claire and family, as well as a daughter, Gretchen, who is the light of her life. Nancy also has a fur daughter/dog named Becky, who is her best friend and keeps her company.
Nancy’s mother Theresa was first generation Irish, her mother being from Tuam, County Galway and father from Navan County Meath and Nancy still has ties with family there. Nancy’s father George took on Theresa’s Irish heritage as his own and Nancy’s parents were involved in the WHIAC during the 1960’s and 70’s where Nancy marched in the New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade as a child. Nancy has been marching in the parade as a Marshall since 2014 and marches with George’s blackthorn walking stick.
Nancy grew up in West Haven and attended St. Mary’s High School in New Haven. She competed a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Media from Southern Connecticut State University. Nancy did post graduate work in remedial reading and earned her 6th year in Storytelling and Oral Traditions.
Nancy taught in West Haven schools and participated in many after school, Saturday, and summer enrichment programs from 1975 to her retirement in 2012. Upon retirement, Nancy began working for West Haven Adult Education in the evenings and did permanent subbing in elementary schools during the day. Nancy eventually took on a position as a math tutor at Forest School in West Haven and still maintains that position. Nancy has also been very involved with the West Haven Federation of Teachers filling several positions over the years including Vice President of Communications. She was also a delegate to the Connecticut American Federation of Teachers and the National AFT.
In addition to education, Nancy loves the arts. She taught tap, ballet, and jazz at Kicks Unlimited Dancing School in West Haven and at Pizazz in Branford, CT. Nancy is an avid knitter and crocheter. She regularly donates handmade items to the unhoused and shelters and has made hats for chemo patients and infants.
Nancy has been involved in many organizations over the years including but not limited to the West Haven Irish American Club, the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee, the West Haven Historical Society, the West Haven Retired Teachers Association, the West Haven Counsel for the Arts, Folks on Spokes, and the Shubert Star Program. With these organizations Nancy has facilitated, organized and/or participated in events and fundraisers, generated publicity, and ran raffles benefiting them.
Nancy’s involvement with the parade committee is very near and dear to her heart and she is honored to be selected for this award.
Saundra (Sandy) McCauley was born and raised in Huntington, Indiana. She graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1965 and moved to West Haven, CT in 1966.
Sandy has two children: a daughter Terri, and a son Sean. She is the proud grandmother of three grandsons.
Shortly after moving to West Haven, she became involved in writing a newsletter for the development she lived in, which introduced her to local and CT history. That eventually led her to the West Haven Historical Society where she is currently treasurer and actively involved in fundraising events.
During her child raising years, Sandy was a Brownie and a Girl Scout leader volunteering many summers at a local Scout day camp. She was active in the WHHS band parents club, treasurer of the West Haven Park Rec. Swim Team Parents’ Club, and actively involved in the St. John Vianney Ladies’ Guild. She also taught CCD for about five years.
Sandy has been working in West Haven for over 30 years as a school nurse, often volunteering to work enrichment activities after school hours. She is a member of the West Haven Federation of Teachers’ and School Nurses’ Union and is past president of the School Nurses’ union. In 2012, Sandy was recognized by the American Federation of Teachers as an “Everyday Day Hero.” She is a member of the CT Association of School Nurses and was School Nurse of the Year in 2000.
Currently, Sandy is Co-Chair of the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee, whose goal is to raise money and obtain required permits for the annual West Haven fireworks show. She is also treasurer of the West Haven Carousel Committee and a proud member of the West Haven Irish American Club. That membership eventually led her to the Greater New Haven St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee where she has been involved in several fundraisers and has greatly enjoyed marshaling in the parade the past few years.

Kathleen Bowery

APPRECIATION AWARD
This award is presented to an individual whose dedication contributes to promoting Irish culture in the community. The recipient must be a member of one of the four Irish Societies.
Kathleen “Kat” Bowery is the daughter of Alberta and Robert “Red” Bowery. Kat is a native of East Haven, CT. After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelors of Science in History, she began her career in investments, insurance and banking. While working at NewAlliance Bank she continued her education at Albertus Magnus College completing a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Science in Business Management both with honors distinction.
Kat is currently employed by TD Bank N.A as a Associate Vice President in Credit Management & has had a successful career in banking over the last twenty years. Throughout her career she has made a commitment to serve the Greater New Haven Community. During this time she has participated in numerous volunteering roles from the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, New Haven Arts & Ideas Festival, New Haven Road Race to the Pat Kelly Thanksgiving Dinner Delivery. Kat’s family has a long tradition with the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade with her cousin Bill O’Brien being the 1994 Grand Marshal and former Treasurer. In 2016 Coleman Walsh Jr. & Bernadette LaFrance were instrumental in moving Kat into a larger role within the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Treasurer. She was elected and had the privilege to serve six years in a dual role for both the Executive Committee and Parade Officers & General Committee through June of 2022.
In addition to the Parade Committee, she is a member of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, The Knights of St. Patrick, Irish American Cultural Club/New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling
Club, West Haven Irish American Club, and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #25.
Kat is honored to be recognized by the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. She extends congratulations to her fellow honorees, George Waldron, Nancy Goudemant, Susan Walker and Sandy McCauley.


Interested in joining the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee?
Contact our Chairperson at chairperson@stpatricksdayparade.org.
DONATE
The Associated Irish Societies is an IRS recognized non-profit with 501(c) (3) status. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations are payable to the Associated Irish Societies.
ABOUT
The Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Connecticut’s largest single day spectator event attracting more than 325,000 people to the streets New Haven each year. The Parade is a longstanding tradition in the New Haven community, and the members of the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee volunteer to ensure the tradition continues.
© 2022 Associated Irish Societies, Inc.