By Ron P. Coderre

This week’s RPC column is dedicated to Rhonda Robinson.  When she’s not busy clearing brush, mowing lawns and doing general yard work, Rhonda is hard at work on youth activities at the Putnam Lodge of Elks.  She enjoyed a birthday on March 20.  Wish her a belated Happy Birthday when you see her.

Drive around northeastern Connecticut and one thing you’ll notice is snow- covered golf courses.  Despite the recent melting, golf courses continue to remain snow covered.  If and when they are free of snow, it’s obvious that by the time the courses are ready for play it may be sometime in late April.  This is not good news for area golf owners and operators as well as golfers.

Regardless of the snow cover there are individuals who are already planning golf tournaments that are scheduled for the month of May and early summer.

The initial major golf tournament of the season is the St. James Memorial Shootout scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at Foster Country Club.  This is the 18th edition of the event, which has been run by the inimitable Sam Markley, who likes to quote the pastor of St. James Church in Danielson Father John O’Neill when he says, “This is the best tournament in New England.”

For Markley, who almost single handedly runs the tourney every year, he’s indicated that this will be his final fling.  He’s been saying this for years but by all indications he’s serious this year.  The former Killingly High School three sport standout is working diligently to make this the best tournament ever, as he turns the reins over to a yet unmanned successor.

The Shootout employs the “scramble” format with a shotgun start scheduled for 10 a.m. sharp.  Known for the famous “Markley Long Drive Contest,” the tourney also features cash prizes, an unbelievable raffle, skins game and Markley’s usual wrinkle, which is a new contest every year.  The entry fee is $125 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf with cart, refreshments, and hot dogs at the turn as well as the noted Foster Country Club steak dinner.

In his final year Markley is striving to surpass last year’s high water mark of $40,000 with the proceeds from the Shootout dedicated to St. James School, which has become the regional parochial school.  St. James is the second largest Catholic grammar school in Eastern Connecticut.  

The tourney is offering a variety of sponsorship opportunities including the newly created Tournament Sponsor at the $5000 level.

“We recently secured an individual who has stepped up to the Tournament Sponsor level.  In the near future we plan on unveiling the identity of that generous person.  Meanwhile we’d entertain anyone interested in discussing any sponsorship opportunity,” said Markley.

In addition to the Tournament Sponsor there is a Platinum level at $2000, which includes two foursome entries.  Gold Sponsorship is $1000 and Major Sponsor is $600.  These two levels include one foursome entry.  The Shootout also offers sponsorships at the Patron Saint level ($500), Cart and Event sponsors ($300), Bronze Sponsor ($200) and Tee Sponsor ($100).  Unique to the St. James Shootout is the Memorial Recognition category.  Individuals donating $50 or $100 to honor a loved one will have that person remembered at a Novena Mass at St. James Church.  Markley will also recognize notable St. James graduates and other area benefactors who have made significant contributions to the community, church and school during the post-tournament program. 

Anyone interested in more information is urged to contact Markley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by telephone – 860 774-5167.  Checks should be made to “St. James” and mailed to Sam Markley, 102 Island Road, Dayville, CT 06241.

Tourney To Benefit Grads Pursuing Medical Careers

On Friday, May 15, Foster Country Club will host the 7th Trevor Palonen Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament.  The scramble format, shotgun start event will tee off at 10 a.m.  Entry fee is $100 per player and includes hot dogs at the turn and a 19th Hole steak fry in addition to golf with carts, raffle and awards.  Tee sponsorships are reasonably priced at $100 and $50.

The tournament proceeds will provide scholarship support for students pursuing a career in nursing or a related medical field.  Organizers Arvid and Pat Palonen (860 564-5965 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and Derek Cyrus (860 383-5047) are hoping for a record turnout this year.  Checks may be made payable to TPMSF and mailed c/o 500 Canterbury Road, Plainfield, CT 06374.

Out And About On Sports Avenue

If you see Putnam’s Jim Gothreau about town, it’s not a mirage.  Approximately one month ago Gothreau suffered three strokes, which hospitalized him at UMass Medical Center and later at Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital.  Despite suffering some setbacks during his rehabilitation, the courageous Gothreau is back in Putnam and walking Sports Avenue.

Although by his own admission he has “a ways to go before I can even start jogging,” Gothreau is optimistic about the future.  Currently he’s rehabbing and doing light exercise.  He’s regained his speech, which he lost with the occurrence of the initial stroke but will be going for more speech therapy beginning next week.

While he’s recuperating, Gothreau is living with his dad, Leon “Bing” Gothreau.  In a meeting with RPC, Gothreau noted he’d like to thank the many individuals who sent get well cards while he was hospitalized.  He would love to continue hearing from his friends.  Send him a get well note, Jim Gothreau, P.O. Box 22, Putnam, CT 06260-0022.

Racing For Camperships

The Putnam Rotary Club was graced by three individuals representing the Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp at its Tuesday, March 30 meeting.  On hand to bring Rotarians up to date on 4-H Camp progress were Louise Pempek, Sandra Ahola and Heather Logee.

The trio noted that one of its special event fund-raisers is scheduled for April.  The Camper Scamper 5K Race/Walk and 1 Mile Kid Run is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.  Registration fee is $30 with the youth fee set at $10.  

The race benefits campers by providing scholarship aid to families who are unable to meet the daily or weekly fee.  Runners are encouraged to get pledges in support of the event.  Any runner who has more than $75 in pledges will have their registration fee waived.  The walk and run competitions will award prizes in six categories in addition to the overall winners.

For more information or to register visit the 4-H website, www.4hcampct.org or call 860 974-1122.  The race, which is professionally timed by Last Mile Race Management, begins and ends at the 4-H Camp Lodge, 326 Taft Pond Road, Pomfret Center 06259.  Entry checks should be made out to WT4H Camp with 5K in the memo and mailed to the Taft Pond Road address.

All State Performer

Congratulations to Plainfield High School senior Steve Jankowski who was selected to the Connecticut High School Coaches Association All State boys basketball team.  Jankowski, who was the Panthers top point producer all season, was a Second Team All State selection.

RPC’s Closing Thought For The Day: “Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t go to yours.” Yogi Berra

(If you have news worthy sports information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

 

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