Sept. 2, 2015

By Pam Broiles
Contributing writer

Wells - The fourth annual "Summer Heat" tournament, sponsored by St. Ann's and St. James in Lake Pleasant July 25, was true to its name. 

Although it was a sizzler of a day with lots of sunshine, that didn't stop 18 teams from teeing off at the Lake Pleasant Golf Course all for a good cause. Perhaps they also played with the hope that maybe they might make a hole-in-one at #17 and win a new Toyota RAV 4, donated by Steet Toyota, Johnstown, NY. 

At Mass the next day, Father Sony Pulickal, pastor of both churches, said that he "watched it, go and go but that it missed the hole by about six feet."

First place winners were Mike O'Rourke, Brianne O'Rourke, Ed Merendo and Lance Lindner.

The successful event raised $5,200 which will help people in Lake Pleasant, Piseco, Speculator and Wells needing heating assistance.  Last year's tournament helped out 16 families or individuals stay warm.

Requests for funds for heating assistance may be submitted to Father Sony at the St. James Rectory. They can be made in person or on behalf of a neighbor in need. The church council will review requests.

The tournament sponsors were J & R Eldredge, Alicia C. Miller Real Estate, Speculator Spirits, Inc., The Inn at Speculator and Speculator Lions Club. Hole sponsors were Chuck and Maryanne Keehn, G.A. Bove Fuels, Charlie Johns Store, Hamilton County Cable TV, Wells Wesleyan Church, Lawrence and Smith PLLC, King of the Frosties, Speculator Dept. Store, NBT Bank, Donuts & More and Sunrise Diner. 

Hole-in-one sponsors were Steet Toyota Scion and Northway Golf Center.

“Thank You Donators” were Speculator Lion Club, King of the Frosties, Hope Diner, James and Kathleen Rude, Belinda Germain and Dr. Lewis Britton II.

The Inn at Speculator, Robert Phillips Family and the Altar and Rosary Society provided food and volunteers who helped with setting and cleaning up.

Coordinators of this year's event were Sue Williamsen and Roger Snyder. Kathy and Fran Gramlich were food committee chairs while Edna Rew, Sandy Stuart and Mary Ellen Stefalano served on the fundraising committee.