Women golfers at Candler raise $1,000 for Hospice

By Mary Pat Giffin
Special to the Citizen

Some of the women instrumental in raising $1,000 for Hospice of Marion County are pictured from left to right: Kelli Brunner, Carol Clark, Connie Norris, Piper Thomas, Heddy Racinowski, and Marie Gillis.

Congratulations and kudos to Candler Hills women golfers for raising $1,000 for Hospice of Marion County. Piper Thomas and Connie Norris sold tickets during July on league day for the 50/50 drawing to raise money to support this worthy cause. And, several women, who won were generous enough to give part of their winnings back for Hospice.
The Marie Mastrioanni memorial tournament was held on July 28. Following golf, a delicious spread of homemade goodies was provided by members. Fund raising events that day included the raffle, mulligans, pay the pro for hitting drives, and for the cash bar. Dancing tunes were loaded on Kelli Brunner’s IPOD because Marie loved to dance. Since the nine-hole league supported the raffle, they were invited to the community center for refreshments.
Marie was an avid golfer, sang karaoke, danced up a storm. A member of the 18-hole CHLGA, she is fondly remembered by her friends and neighbors. She passed away a year ago and te league wanted to celebrate her life. That’s why the golfers rallied to raise money for Hospice of Marion County. It helps so many people during their decline.
Gail Banavige shares her memory of Marie. “How can I describe Marie,” Gail wrote. Outgoing, fun, full of the devil and one of the nicest ladies I have ever known.”
They met golfing when Gail first joined the 18-hole league and Marie took her “under her wing.” She invited Gail and her husband, John, to join her and Roger at the Arbor Club. “A close friendship was born.”
“Dancing, wine, golf, family and friends were what Marie was all about, with a bit of mischief thrown in,” said Gail.  “She was always ready to have fun and wanted everyone else to have just as much fun. She was the first one to try to make a new person to the area feel welcome and at home.”
Joan Gustafson remembers Marie for “always including everyone in the group. She was always smiling and laughing and enjoying hers, which made you feel good.
“Marie was always very welcoming and I never saw her without a smile,” said Heddy Racinowski. “She was the first person, who encouraged me to join the CHLGA.”

18-Hole CHLGA Winners
Two Best Balls of Three
August 11
1st place: 127 – Kelli Brunner, Piper Thomas, Blind Draw
2nd place: 131 – Connie Norris, Andrea Fratarangelo, Betty Weiner
Stableford
August 4
1st flight: 44-Su Freeman; Tie at 38-Iro Lisinski and Connie Norris
2nd flight: 40-Betty Dong; 37-Patty Ware
3rd flight: 43-Piper Thomas; 38-Marge Cowie
One Best Ball of Three
July 28
55-Su Freeman, Irmgard Anger, Heddy Racinowski
55-Joan D’Addio, Gina Bulloch, Donna Sauer
55-Kelli Brunner, Marge Cowie, Joan Gustafson
Crisscross (best of nine holes)
July 21
1st flight: 26-Connie Norris; 28-Su Freeman; 30 Iro Lisinski; 30-Tona Scheibal
2nd flight: 27-Toni Stevenson; 28-Judy McGrath; 29-Andrea Fratarangelo;
3rd flight: 25-Piper Thomas; 27-Joan Gustafson; 28-Marge Cowie

Shamble
July 14
111-Mia Kolar, Barb Masaschi, Mary Pat Giffin. 112-Iro Lisinski, Patty Ware, Carol Clark
114-Kelli Brunner, Gail Banavige, Marge Cowie.