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The Arc’s Platinum Sponsors

Fluid Coating Technology, Inc. had two teams, both teams in the picture. Ken Healey, Sean Bennett, Bruce Macleod, Earl Rosebrooks, John Stohlberg, Ron Therrien, Bob Poirier and Jim Logsdon. Courtesy photo.

 

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

The Arc Quinebaug Valley has been in existence for more than 60 years.  During that time the agency has provided uninterrupted service to families of individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Garner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament has been one of the reasons The Arc has been steadfast in its support of these individuals and their families.  Now in its 28th year, the tourney named after the man who was a loving father of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities, once again came away with record numbers.  Thanks to a large number of sponsors and a full field of golfers the agency realized approximately $38,000 in support of its programs.

“We can’t say thank you often enough to this great group of men and women who annually step up in support of our agency.  They not only support us financially but they are also advocates for the work that we do in the community.  It’s so rewarding to see this great turnout each year,” said Susan Desrosiers, the Arc executive director.

Following the opening ceremony in which tournament chairman Gene Michael Deary and Arc Board Chairperson Pam Brown welcomed and thanked the participants, Erica Salvas hit the ceremonial first drive.  The drive by the left handed young lady split the fairway, much to the approval of the approximately 150 people witnessing the shot. 

Blessed with ideal weather conditions the foursome of Ed and Matt Desaulnier, Kevin Marcoux and Bob Bernier, sponsored by Gerardi Insurance Services toured the par 71 Foster Country Club layout in 13 under par to capture the 2015 championship.

In what was one of the most tightly contested tournaments in the history of the event, three teams finished with identical scores of minus 13.  The eventual champions won by virtue of matching cards.

The second-place prize went to the threesome of Greg Martel, Jim Schiebler and Pat Papuga.  In third place was the Wireless Zone team of Dave Haggett, Mike Beausoleil, Joe Salan and Ryan Herrick.  Special recognition was accorded to the foursome of Mike Lamoureux, Romeo and Richard Blackmar and Tim St. Onge.  They received the “team effort’ award.

In special contests, David Andrews was closest to the pin on the par-3, 3rd hole.  Joe Salan was closest on the 7th hole; Matt Desaulnier on the 17th hole and Peter Deary on the 18th hole.  Greg Martel was the winner of a cash prize on the par-3, 7th hole betting contest.  The threesome of Martel, Schiebler and Papuga was the winner of the skins contest.

Prior to the start of the awards program Jeff Rawson, former chairman of the Arc Board, presented the Gardner Johnson Award for meritorious service to the agency and tournament to Gene Michael Deary.     

“It’s an honor to serve such a hard working agency that does so much for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  They perform each day with little or no recognition,” said an overwhelmed Deary.

“Every year, the support from the community continues to grow for The Arc.  We are truly blessed to have so many businesses and dedicated citizens of The Arc’s mission to help our agency thrive.  It is simply remarkable,’ said Desrosiers.

Working with Deary on the 2015 tournament organizing committee were Eric Quinn, Jeff Rawson, Earl Rosebrooks, Dave Stuyniski, Jeff Rizer, Julie Ann Dupont, Kristine Durocher, Lynne Bourque, Pam Brown, Rick Dion, Brandy Hapgood and Arc staff members Susan Desrosiers, Crystal Simonson, Linda Lamoureux, Sandi Riemann and Abby Snyder.