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Excerpts from Opening Golf Luncheon Speech on
November 8, 2016 Marleen Hacker, Chair FCLGA
When I spoke last year, I focused on the word “gratitude”. Grateful for living this wonderful life at
Frenchman’s Creek, grateful to all our past Presidents and board members who set the pathway for
this great organization, grateful to Ruth Karlin and Phyllis Hershman for again planning this beautiful
event. Grateful to the golf professionals, especially Rich Luchini, Rocco Panzitta, Chris Horne, Luis
Leon, Billy Burke, Todd Kitchen, head of the Caddie program, Richie our Starter, and pro shop staff.
And many thanks to Stacey for supplying the vendors today.
The past few months have been difficult with the passing of our much beloved Robert Bruno, our
Head Professional. He was our friend and teacher. Robert was very supportive of our organization,
and at this time I would like to have a moment of silent prayer to honor him. In lieu of a “welcome
back gift”, the Board has made a very generous donation in his memory to the Robert A. Bruno
Foundation. May his wife Sarah, and their children find some comfort.
This year, I want to focus on a different word: “transition”, as we continue to “move on”. Rich and the
staff have done an excellent job these past few months. The Advisory Golf Committee along with Mr.
Goswami has just announced that J.R. Congdon, will be our new Head Professional, and he will start
in January. J.R. is no stranger to Frenchman’s Creek, and has maintained his friendship with many
of our pros, as well as Robert. Robert is gone but not forgotten. Ladies Golf will honor his memory,
as we have voted to change the name of our President’s Cup Tournament held every February, to
the “Bruno Cup”. This 2 day Ringer Tournament will be held on February 14 and 16th this coming
season.
MIMI BERGEL
On Election Day, November 8, beautiful weather provided a lovely backdrop for the FCLGA Opening Day Tournament.
The nine and eighteen holers combined to play a nine hole ABCD step-aside scramble. With 160 women playing, both courses
were more than filled. The teams of four were divided into four flights, with one flight playing each nine. Rich Luccini and the
golf staff, as usual, did a great job of making sure all went smoothly.
Following golf was a lovely patriotic themed luncheon attended, also, by additional ladies who were not able to play golf
that morning. Thank you to Chef Berndt and to the fabulous dining staff for a delicious meal and wonderful service. Before,
during and after lunch everyone was able to shop at a lovely adjoining boutique.
Marleen Hacker, FCLGA Chair welcomed everyone and introduced the members of the ladies golf board and our new
golf members. Wendy Adler, Vice Chair, explained to everyone that in lieu of opening day gifts, the league made a donation to
the Robert Bruno Fund in loving memory of our wonderful Director of Golf. Tournament Chairs Ellen Goldstein and Jennifer
Weintraub highlighted the tournaments for the season. Many thanks to Luncheon Coordinators Ruth Karlin and Phyllis
Hershman who certainly did us proud this opening day.
BIRDERS FOR THIS MONTH
Rare Black Shiny Ibis. Picture by Dr. Bob Gleiber
Hawk on South Golf Course
Picture by Andrea Finkel
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