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Winners
Top photo, first-place winners: Willie Davis, Mike Lowell, Corey Gaudette & Mark Lowell. Above, second place: Ray Duchesneau, Greg Martel, Jim Scheibeler & Dylan Deotte. Right, third-place: Rene Barbeau, Brendan Meehan, Michael Meehan & Peter Cooper. Courtesy photos.



The Arc Quinebaug Valley held its 31st Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament recently and grossed more than $47,000.
The tournament was  presented by Tournament Sponsor Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. Other major sponsors included Rawson Materials, Putnam Bank, Fluid Coating Technology, Inc., Byrnes Insurance Agency and Westview Health Care Center.
From complimentary massages provided by Westview Sports Medicine & Caroline D’Elia, L.M.T., acoustic music performed by Stanley & Libera, complimentary foursome portfolios taken by Clarus Studios, Inc., drawings and auction items, and a Hawaiian-themed dress code, the tournament proved to be an extremely fun and successful day.
Vehicles from The Gates Automotive Group, The Arc’s Car Sponsor, were displayed at the tournament entrance, encouraging all golfers to be the first to sink a Hole-In-One on hole four, for the chance to win a car.
“The Arc is able to uphold excellent supports and continues to thrive due to the continued help and kindness of this community, and for that, we are forever grateful. From our sponsors, golfers, volunteers, and donors of all facets, we are able to provide an enjoyable and lucrative event, which benefits individuals with disabilities.” said Susan Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.
With a score of 59 on the Par 71 Connecticut National Golf Club course, the foursome of Mark Lowell, Mike Lowell, Corey Gaudette and Willie Davis took first place.  Second-place winners were the foursome of Ray Duchesneau, Greg Martel, Jim Scheibeler and Dylan Deotte, also with a score of 59.  The foursome of Rene Barbeau, Michael Meehan, Peter Cooper and Brendan Meehan took third place with a score of 60.
Closest to the pin winners were Jack Restivo on hole seven, Rob McCool on hole nine and Ray Duchesneau on hole 15.
Best Dressed Hawaiian Team award went to the foursome of Adam Abram, Cameron Cormier, Bryan Walsh & Thomas Dalimonte, with each player winning a $50 gift card donated by Danielson Surplus.
Golf Committee member, Earl Rosebrooks, was unable to attend the tournament, therefore, was presented the Gardner Johnson Award at The Arc Awards Night held in May 2018. “The Arc is a tremendous organization and I’m truly honored to join a distinguished group of individuals who’ve received this award before me. I’ll work hard to ensure I earn this accomplishment by continuing to support The Arc in any way I can!  Thanks to the committee for thinking of me!” said Rosebrooks.
Gardner Johnson, for whom the golf tournament is named, was the father of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  He was a champion advocate for his son and The Arc Quinebaug Valley.  Gardner knew that all people, regardless of ability, should have the life they want, and to be cared for with dignity and respect.
Along with Rosebrooks on the golf tournament committee were Co-Chairs Lynn Bourque and Brandy Hapgood, as well as members Pam Brown, Tedd Hudon, Gene Michael Deary, Eric Quinn, Jeff Rawson, David Stuyniski, Jeff Rizer, Kristine Durocher, Geoff Bolte, Rick Dion, Bruce Bumpus, Jennifer Brytowski and The Arc staff Susan Desrosiers, Crystal Simonson and Abby Snyder.
“This golf tournament continues to ignite the generosity of the community and we couldn’t be more blessed to have such wonderful people stand beside us in our mission to support individuals with disabilities” said Crystal Simonson, Community Outreach coordinator of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.
Proceeds from The Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament help to enhance services provided by The Arc for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other life-affecting disabilities.

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