Every year, the St. Pat’s Ramble Committee chooses a resident to lead the Village of Montgomery’s St. Patrick’s Day parade as grand marshal, spotlighting an outstanding citizen who is deeply involved with the community and its happenings. This year’s grand marshal is Darlene Andolsek, the village’s deputy supervisor and a lifelong resident who has extensively served her community through governing and volunteering.

Born and raised in the village, Adolsek has lived in Montgomery for 77 years. She attended Valley Central High School and graduated in 1964, being part of the school’s third graduating class.

“I was in the third graduating class; I attended their sophomore, junior, and senior years. We were in the new building,” she said. “This year is our 60th anniversary.”

Through the years, Andolsek has served many roles in the village; she is a lifetime member of the Holy Name of Mary-Assumption Parish, a former member of the Montgomery Fire Department’s Board of Commissioners who served for 12 years, and a current member of the Montgomery Free Library Board. Andolsek loves the village and its people and she wishes to give back to her community however she can.

“We were all just raised to not take for granted this community; it was our duty to give back and serve in any way that we could. That’s how our parents raised us,” she said. “We didn’t just move somewhere and expect them to do everything for you. You were supposed to join and help.”

Andolsek joined the village board in 2006 after then-Mayor Steve Brescia asked her to become a trustee; she saw the position as another opportunity to support the community and agreed, eventually becoming deputy supervisor. Since then, she has gained a lot of experience in government and enjoys working with trustees on various projects.

“It’s been exciting, we’ve done lots of projects. It’s been frustrating at times, as the wheels move slowly,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from the people I’ve worked with, it’s been a positive experience. I don’t have any agenda, not looking to move up anywhere, I’m just looking to serve my community.”

The St. Pat’s Ramble Committee, in honor of Andolsek, will host a mass and cocktail reception on Sunday, March 10; the mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy Name of Mary-Assumption Church, followed by the reception at 1:30 p.m. in Ward’s Bridge Inn at 135 Ward Street. Tickets for the reception will cost $40 per person.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 1 p.m. in the Village of Montgomery.

For more information on the reception or parade, visit the committee’s website at stpatsramblemontgomeryny.com.