Verde Sputters Labor Day Luncheon

BK Koch

Labor Day took away many of our Sputters who were enjoying other pursuits over the long weekend. However, 20 brave Sputters endured the weather and were blessed with a cooling breeze which, in the words of our president, Helen Bellacqua, “kept the bugs away and ruffled our hair like we were in a convertible … kinda.” Barb Rempel got two holes-in-one. Laura Berkley, Donna Bujnovsky, Debbie Flato, Donna Gruninger, Ellane Jepson, Jill Jepson, Lee Kump, Karen Martin, Sylvia Prokop, Sheelagh Simpson, Penny Stowe, and Mary Vandermast each got a hole-in-one.

With only 20 players, the meeting/luncheon started early with 38 attendees. A couple of us, like me, strolled in at 10:30 a.m. thinking we were early for lunch. We were late for the meeting, but in time for the delicious brunch buffet prepared for us and in time to sing “Happy Birthday” to September birthday ladies Donna Gruninger, Linda Lewis, Cathy Howard, Deborah Gryniewicz, Joanne Fairweather, Linda Malone, Trudy Miller, Laura Berkley, and Jill Jepson.

Since our last luncheon was in May, some well-deserved stars were due to be awarded to those who broke the score of 40. Donna Bujnovsky handed out stars to Laurie Miller, who scored 36 and five holes-in-one; Laurie Berkley, 39; and Elaine Jepson, 39. Last Monday, Donna Bujnovsky got a 38 herself, and Hazel Roper got not only five holes-in-one, but a low score of 31! She sets the bar high!

A new score sheet was handed out, which contains better instructions on recording scores. We started using it on Sept. 12. A game of Trivia was played, which Table 4 won by getting 15 of the 17 questions correct. Karen Martin, also at Table 4, won the free lunch. Lucky table!

A big thank you goes out to our Planning Committee composed of Lydia O’Connor, Valerie Green, Tara O’Donnell, Donna McPherson, and Karen Simmons and to our hostesses Sue Leasure and Jan Deere who greeted us with a smile as we checked in. A squiggly-eye cactus adorned each table as the take-home gift. The beautiful autumn centerpieces were made by Rosemary Topper.

Coming up fast is the Niners/Sputters Golf/Putting event scheduled for Nov. 8. This is lots of fun, so get your checks in early. The deadline is Oct. 31. Envelopes can be dropped off at Sue Leasure’s house. Be sure to write your name and any food allergies on the envelope. Check-in for the event is 8:15 a.m. and shotgun at 9 a.m. Lunch will be barbecue pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, and apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Mint juleps will be available at the cash bar. If you have any questions, contact Donna Gruninger or Donna Bujnovsky. Attire that day will be black shorts/slacks and your league shirt, nametag, and don’t forget to wear a fancy Derby hat!

Alert: There will not be any Sputters play through the end of October due to maintenance.

See ya in November!