Caroline Rolfe accepts a token of appreciation for her annual contribution of the Invitational’s premiere door prize of a beautifully designed and hand crocheted afghan.
Hawaiian Fun Day costume winners Darlene Weprich, aka the Big Kahuna, and Barbara Turner, the tourist
Trudy Rossi
April 6 was the always popular annual Verde Sputters Fun Day with a Hawaiian theme. Mahalo many times over to Diana Carbone and her committee members, Sheila Abraham, Patsy Chase, Deborah Gryniewicz, Mary Kopp and Pat Somerhalder, for the outstanding job. High ho’onani (praise) to Deborah for designing, building and operating the mini-volcano in the center of the putting green. That centerpiece, surrounded by bright flowers, fish and birds swinging in the breeze on the hole markers, had us almost hearing the ocean waves crashing!
After putting, the colorful Hawaiian dressed ladies enjoyed a delicious theme appropriate lunch. Before, during and after lunch surprises abound with prizes awarded for most holes-in-one, top three scores and best costumes won by Darlene Weprich and Barbara Turner, the Big Kahuna and the tourist, respectively.
Finally, mahalo nui loa to Glenda Fredericks, a well-known SaddleBrooke resident and former seven year resident of Kona, Hawaii, who danced a lovely hula entitled I Kona that interpreted the cloud banks and calm seas, second to none in Kona. After Glenda’s beautiful dance she invited all to learn Hukilau and dance with her. Glenda teaches Hula on Monday afternoons at 12:45 and 1:30 p.m. (for beginners) in the SaddleBrooke One Fitness Center mirrored room for those interested in learning one of the most beautiful interpretations of our fiftieth state.
The final piece of business at the April monthly meeting was announcement of the results of the election of officers for the 2015-2016 year: Co-Presidents Lorraine Ezell and Trudy Rossi, Co-Vice Presidents Cathy Howard and Barbara Turner, Co-Secretaries Donna Gruninger and Mary Kopp and Treasurer Cindy Rutkowski. Terms for these new officers begin following their installation at the May 4 meeting.
On Sunday, April 19 the 23rd Founders’ Invitational was held. It was another outstanding event with the Sputters and their guests enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the putting green followed by a fabulous dinner in The Vistas. The members of this year’s Invitational Committee, co-chaired by Monica Light and Caroline Rolfe, were Judy Anick, Ilene Carter, Cynthia Chevalley and the set-up/take-down crew Joan Chorost, Fran Hampton, Chris McFadden, Sharon Powers, Wanda Schultz and Rosemary Topper with Betty Little playing the piano before dinner. Prizes were awarded for teams finishing first, second and third and door prizes aplenty were given out. Always a highlight is the drawing for the beautifully designed and hand crocheted afghan donated by Caroline Rolfe. This year’s lucky winner was Marilyn Palatas. Although with sadness, we were pleased to honor Caroline and thank her for her many years involvement with the Invitational as she and her husband Brian prepare to leave SaddleBrooke for South Carolina.
The Verde Sputters meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday mornings at the HOA1 putting green. Summer hours with an 8:30 a.m. starting time begin June 1. Membership is open to any resident of HOA1, 2 and the Preserve not belonging to a sanctioned SaddleBrooke golf group. For more information please contact Elaine Ackerman at 825-8123.