By Ron P. Coderre

Ideal weather conditions greeted the more than 120 golfers who came out in support of The Arc Quinebaug Valley 27th Golf Tournament.  The tournament is named in memory of Gardner Johnson who was the loving father of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  It was his initiative more than 60 years ago that nurtured the founding of The Arc.

A spirit of camaraderie, which would have made Johnson smile, was present as Erika Salvas teed up and drove the honorary first ball, signaling the start of play.  Once play began there was heated competition to see who would eventually bring home the first place honors.

After 18 holes of play the surge to the finish was closer than the 2014 Belmont Stakes.  When the cards were tallied two foursomes finished in a dead heat at minus 14.  After close scrutiny of the scores the foursome of Matt and Ed Desaulnier, Ed Morrissette and Kevin Marcoux sponsored by Gerardi Insurance were declared the 2014 champions by virtue of matching cards.

Also turning in a score of minus 14 and finishing second was the foursome led by Arc Chairman of the Board Jeff Rawson, Neil Bernier, Dan St. Laurent and Mike Greene.  The second-place finishers were appropriately sponsored by Rawson Materials.  The show spot went to the Wireless Zone foursome of Chris Krushefsky, Frank Lotti, Jeff Johnson and Brendan Meehan at minus 12.

The winners of the special foursome prize were the Linemaster Switch group, the Carlone family, Joe, Sr., Joe, Jr., Tim and Jim.   

“We’re very pleased with the turnout for our event.  This tournament is so special to Arc because it gives us the opportunity to inform people of our services while thanking them for their support.  We’re also very thankful for our sponsors and volunteers who make the difference in the success of this day,” said Linda Lamoureux, Arc director of Development and Community Relations.

The closest to the pin competition winners were Dan Handfield on the 3rd hole; Bruce McCloud, 7th hole; Greg Martel, 17th hole; and Peter Jacques, 18th hole.  Al Sanholm captured the prize on the betting hole and the DiZazzo foursome of Christi DiZazzo, Fran Knapik, Tony Pasiakos and Will McNicki had the only skin of the day.

The Gardner Johnson Memorial Award was presented to Denton “Denny” Gates of the Gates Group.  He was recognized for his work and support in the success of the recent capital campaign for the Arc that raised $309,000.  The Gates Group is also the annual sponsor of a new automobile for a hole-in-one at the tournament.

“The Gates Group and Denny in particular are so meaningful to our programs.  They along with the many sponsors and supporters of our agency help us in maintaining a high level of quality programs for the population we serve,” said Lamoureux.

According to preliminary calculations, the tournament grossed more than $35,000.  The money will support the many educational, residential, vocational, advocacy, retirement, recreation, day services and family services that Arc provides throughout the northeast Connecticut region.

The 2014 event was led by Chairman Gene Michael Deary.  Committee members included Rawson, Pam Brown, Julie Ann Dupont, Thomas Masso, Dave Stuyniski, Ron and Fay Beriau, Eric Quinn, Jeff Rizer, Earl Rosebrooks, Kristine Durocher, Lamoureux, Sarah Sansom and Sandi Riemann.