WMVAC annual golf tournament is huge success

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TOURNAMENT — From left are Gene Bickford, co-chairman, WMVAC; Ron Snow, co-chairman, WMVAC golf tournament and Joe Cooney, co-chairman, WMVAC.

POLAND — On Saturday, August 25, 116 players converged on the course at Fair Lawn Golf Club in Poland for the second annual Western Maine Veterans’ Advisory Committee (WMVAC) golf tournament. The weather was perfect and all spirits were high for this major fundraiser of the group. The group earned in excess of $9,000, all of which goes to the Activities Fund at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris.

Many prizes were available to the players, thanks to numerous area businesses sponsoring holes for different prizes. Emerson Toyota of Auburn sponsored a prize of a new Calloway driver for the longest drive. Oxford Hills Funeral Services awarded an Odyssey White Ice Putter for closest to the pin on another hole.

A United States flag, which had flown over the Capitol Building in Washington was given by Maine State Congressman Mike Michaud, and was auctioned off at the banquet following the tournament. Two chances to win a cash prize of $100,000 for a hole in one shootout were offered by Oxford Casino and the WMVAC.

By purchasing a chance for $5, a total of eight persons' names were drawn to try their luck at sinking a hole in one. Goodwin Chevrolet sponsored a prize for each par 3 hole including a new Chevrolet Sonic, a set of Calloway irons, a set of woods and a golf trip to either Florida or Texas.

Additionally, there were prizes for free play at many local golf courses including Norway Country Club, Bethel Country Club, Naples Country Club, Bridgton Highlands, Point Sebago, Fairlawn, Spring Meadows and Augusta Country Club. Aaron’s Appliances donated a recliner, and for purchasing a ticket for $5, if the golfer got his ball onto the green, his ticket was entered into the drawing.

Give away bags were given to each player containing snacks and coupons for free or reduced rates at local businesses. Ron Snow, co-chairman of the Golf Tournament, stated that if each coupon or deal was used, the value of the bags exceeded $17,000.

A catered meal at the end of the tournament was held in the function room and was catered by Joel Kane of the Trolley House Restaurant in Norway. Mike Michaud spoke at the beginning of the banquet, as well as Joel Dutton, administrator at the 90-bed facility, Joe Cooney, co-chairman of the WMVAC, and Ron Snow, co-chairman of the Golf tournament.

Winners of the tournament were announced during the banquet and were presented with silver plates. Their names will be engraved on a plaque which hangs on a wall in the lobby area at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. First Place Gross, scoring 58, were John Allen, Darien Keaton, Joe Baker and Greg Roberts. First Place Net, also with a score of 58, were Bob McCartney, Brian Strickland, Bonita Strickland and Tim Hill.

WMVAC raises funds throughout the year to enhance the Activities Program for the residents of Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris. The 2013 third annual golf tournament is slated to be held again at Fair Lawn Golf course in Poland on Saturday, August 24.