It
was a picturesque golf day. Eighty degrees, slight breeze, blazing sunshine and
crystal clear skies. The golfers, all 161 of them entered the “Classic” grounds
of Doral Eaglewood Conference Resort and Spa ready to enjoy a glorious day of
laughter, friendship and golf. It has become a tradition that the golfers arrive
laden with discretionary income which is quickly emptied by the time they reach
the end of the registration table. With great enthusiasm, they bought mulligans,
raffle tickets, string and chances to play Medinah, Royal Fox or St. Charles
Country Club. After great applause and profuse thank you’s from the golf
committee for their fundraising support efforts, each golfer was handed an
amenity bag filled with fun and useful items and a delicious lunch prepared by
Usinger’s and sponsored by Flood Brothers Disposal-our Ultra Premier Sponsor.
This year Carol Stream’s Mayor Ross Ferraro joined our fun event. Although
wanting to appear anonymous, a special plaque was bolted to his golf cart
announcing his arrival. Waiting patiently, yet anxiously to begin the event,
they sat and listened attentively while Dolores Simon, Executive Director
announced the “Classic” rules of the day followed by the rules of the course as
presented by Doral’s Golf Manager, Andy Carr. Off they went, all 161 players to their assigned beginning holes. As the day progressed, tremendous golf shots were witnessed and applauded as grown men jumped into one another’s arms with that occasional thrilling shot. Was it the effervescent feeling of being able to escape the stress of today’s world, was it the beautiful course at Doral coupled with the perfect weather, or was it the delight of trying the tasty refreshments that were offered to each and every golfer that made for a great day of golf? What ever it was, it presented a euphoric feeling to everyone who participated. Happy, contented golfers, that’s what the Carol Stream Chamber likes to see.
The banquet room offered a packed house as golfers waited their turn to taste the delicious food Doral had to offer. Everyone wanted to join in the banquet. And the Chamber offered the opportunity to everyone who wanted to feast with fellow Chamber members and guests. Although it required setting up an additional two tables, no one complained. John Wheeler and Annette Murphy-Conti along with Dolores Simon began the banquet activities and announcements. John who has been chair of the outing for many years is famous for his funny quips and comments. Wheeler, you might say, is part of the “Classic” tradition. The previous year’s president, Bob McNees was ushered to the stage and presented a final golfers hat as is the Chamber’s tradition. Mike Hall, this year’s president continued the tradition by accepting a cowboy hat and his term of office.
The Board of Directors were then called to the stage and applauded for their guidance. As a surprise, Dolores Simon, Executive Director for the Carol Stream Chamber was officially recognized for her devotion, dedicated service and commitment to Carol Stream’s Chamber for the past ten years with an award. Amidst a standing ovation, Dolores thanked her board and the Chamber membership for their continued support. She expressed that the passion she offers for her job exists because of the members and the Board. She said, “We work as a team for the benefit of all.”
Moving ahead, the first, second and third place team winners were acknowledged.
Returning as the reigning champions, Steve Romanelli, Dave Romanelli, Dennis Sharkey and Claus Langgartner accepted the first place award with a score of 45.
It was told that they all illustrated their golfing proficiency as many attentive golfers witnessed their golfing finesse at the “Who can go the distance” hole when they individually succeeded in beating the pro. Being awarded the first place prize again came as no surprise to many.
Second place was again given to the returning second place winners, with a score of 50 who included John Wheeler, Bob Kribbs, Jim VanHam and Mike Brinales.
Third place, also with a score of 50 was awarded to Stan Celnar, Joe Halm, Ken Deligi and Dave Orr.
As the raffle prize winners were acknowledged, along with the event hole plaques the Country Club winners were announced. For a $50 raffle chance, the opportunity to play at Medinah, Royal Fox or St. Charles Country Club was announced. Medinah went to Terry Crosson, Royal Fox went to Curt Gulbro and the St. Charles Country Club opportunity went to Scott Billings.
This year the Carol Stream Chamber received an outpouring of support for sponsorship from our members. Additionally our raffle prize table was filled with excellent prizes for all to win. Without this tremendous support of our Chamber members, our very successful and ever popular “Classic” would be uneventful. Let us once again applaud our sponsors:
