The American Legion Arick L. Lore Post 274 held its 25th annual golf event on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Chesapeake Hills Golf Course in Lusby. Jon Baki, the chair of the tournament, checked in 35 teams of golfers while volunteers sold mulligans and 50/50s. Teams consisted of seasoned pros and newbies, with everyone ready for a great day on the course.
It was a beautiful day for golfers as they gathered near the cart barn to hear the rules of the tournament. Tony O’Donnell, Commander of American Legion Arick L. Lore Post 274, thanked the golfers saying their participation would assist with many projects the Post does for veterans and our local community. Commander O’Donnell then led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. A beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Christine Jones. The golfers were sent off to their holes to spend the next four hours having a good time.
The goal of the event is to raise funds that are used for programs and outreach for service members, veterans and their families. Jon Baki, the golf tournament chair, said, “All money raised goes directly into projects that the Post does each year. Annually the Post supports Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, blood drives, Boys’ State, the Oratorical Contest, programs and scholarships at Patuxent High School, and local charitable organizations.”
Hot dogs were served on the turn by Jim Carberry and his grandson, Massimo Vogel. Massimo entertained the golfers with his puppet, Tommy. Massimo and Tommy would later surprise The Post with a sizable donation made from the “tips” they received.
There was an extra incentive on the 16th hole, where Bayside Auto Group sponsored the hole-in-one contest. If a player hit a hole-in-one they would drive away in a brand-new car. Baki told us that “We are very proud to have Bayside Auto Group as a sponsor. Bayside has been with us from the beginning. They are strong supporters of our veterans and active-duty military. There was no winner this year, but there is always next year!”
Golfers turned in their cards and carts at the end of the tournament and headed to the American Legion Arick L. Lore Post 274 for a delicious hot lunch served by the American Legion Auxiliary. There were silent auctions and door prizes to keep them occupied while the score cards were tallied to determine the winners.
Winners of the tournament were:
- 1st Place – Jason Pardoe, Billy Wroten, Doug Chadwick, Matt Fox
- 2nd Place – James Brown, Vern Sylvester, Chris Fink and Billy Pawlowski
- 3rd Place – Astin Smith, Sheldon Scott, Wayne Clark, Sam Borgithous
On par three holes, golfers were invited to participate in “closest to the pin” contests. Winners of those contests included:
- Hole #2 – James Garcia
- Hole #4 – David Carr
- Hole #13 – James Brown
- Hole #16 – Sheldon Donaldson
Jason Pardoe won the longest-drive contest on hole #7. The closest to the string contest on hole #18 was won by David Lingle.
Jon Baki said the sponsors and volunteers are who need to be thanked for their support of the event. More than forty volunteers, all members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion, assisted over the days and weeks before the tournament.
Sponsors included Bayside Auto Group; State Farm Insurance – Wayne Shoemaker, Inc.; Radio Shack/Boyd King Electronics; Strength and Honor Motorcycle Club (Point Lookout Chapter); Adrian Abramson, Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Calvert Beacon; Buckets Bar & Grill; Jim Carberry; Gio & Chris Miller; Glenn Ford; Cary Gradle – Katy Gradle Loop PGA; Glenn Ford; ESI Engineered Services Inc.; The Tavern; The Pier; Vera’s; Diane Summers; Gilbert Construction; Boomerangs; Hair in the Square; Hems Site Solutions LLC; Kelly Cecil; Paul & Joyce Lombardi; Rick Sullivan; Edgar Bauer; Craig Kontra, candidate for Sheriff; Commissioner Mike Hart; Rick Piereck, candidate; Paul Harrison, candidate for County Commissioner; Tricia Powell, candidate for County Commissioner; Ricky Cox, candidate for Sheriff; Steve Jones, candidate for County Commissioner; Commissioner Chris Gadway; and Tim Gowen, candidate for State Delegate; Erin Ward; Jon & Joyce Baki.
At the end of the day, as Chairman Jon Baki sat down with a cold drink he said, “Thanks to everyone in the community that makes this golf tournament successful. Our veterans and active-duty military are important. If what we make at this tournament can help in any way, then this is worth it. They are the reason we commit to doing this.”
Please enjoy the pictures below.
Joyce Stinnett Baki / Special to Calvert Beacon
photos by Joyce Stinnett Baki and Margit Miller
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