Local Golf Pros Share Their Love Of The Sport

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Local Golf Pros Share Their Love Of The Sport

Friday, 16 November 2012 00:00

Charlie Grego, PGA, the assistant professional at the Garden City Golf Club (GCGC), spent his evening off instructing Bigs and Littles from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) on August 27 at Eisenhower Park Driving Range.

In fact, he planned and hosted the evening of golf instruction with the generous assistance of members of GCGC. Charlie secured a donation from Greg Burke of Lane Office Dirtt Knoll to purchase collared shirts for all participants, worked with Al Vanasco to obtain a permit to reserve stalls at the driving range and borrowed six sets of junior golf clubs with the assistance of Ron Furman. Additionally, Charlie enlisted the help of fellow golf professionals Matt Lavolsi, assistant professional/PGA apprentice of Cherry Valley Club and J.R Repetti, outside operations of GCGC to provide instruction for the 12 Bigs and Littles from BBBSLI.

“I have been so fortunate to be in the golf industry,” said Charlie. “Not only did I get to do something I love, which is to teach golf, but I also got to meet a great group of kids from BBBSLI. Some may not have had the chance to come out to a golf course or driving range before, so I used that as inspiration to plan this event for them.”

Bigs and Littles could be heard halfway down the range enjoying themselves - some cheering when they connected the club to the ball, others laughing at their awkward swings. Even despite the lack of too many long drives from the tee, Little Sister Keanne was the last one swinging, 90 minutes after getting her hands on a 7 iron.

“Even though it was only hitting golf shots on the range, seeing everyone smiling, laughing and enjoying something that they may not have experienced otherwise, was a reward for me,” remarked Charlie. “I’m glad that I got a chance to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters for the night.”

News

Father Sommer Coming To St. Bernard’s

Thursday, 13 June 2013 00:00

When Msgr. Ralph Sommer was growing up he found inspiration from the example of his uncle, Father Ralph Besendorfer. “He was a Brooklyn priest,” said Msgr. Sommer, who is known to parishioners as “Father Sommer” or “Father Ralph.”

“My uncle was a most powerful and delightful influence, happy, caring, and helpful,” said Father Sommer, outgoing pastor of St. Brigid’s Church, in Westbury. “I would look at him and say, ‘I could do that.’”

For a number of years, Father Besendorfer would come out to St. Bernard’s in Levittown on weekends to assist.

Now, Father Sommer finds himself about to become pastor of St. Bernard’s on June 26, succeeding Msgr. Gerard Ringenback, pastor of St. Bernard’s since 2001.

He doesn’t know if anyone at St. Bernard’s will remember his uncle, Father Sommer said, but “if I meet people who remember him from that time, it will be a nice thing.”

Born in Flushing, Queens, Father Sommer grew up in Garden City, attending St. Anne’s School. He advanced to St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary, a high school for young men considering the priesthood.

“It was a caring community,” with priest-instructors and students who shared an interest in exploring the priesthood.

For college, he left the seminary system for Adelphi University near his home. “I walked every day. We didn’t have another car.”

Adelphi offered an opportunity to test his vocation. He majored in psychology, “which I thought would help me if I became a priest.”

After Adelphi, he returned to priestly studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Huntington. Upon graduation, he was ordained a priest in 1983.

Sports

Semonella Signs

Thursday, 13 June 2013 00:00

Senior pitcher Anthony Semonella at Division Avenue High School has received a scholarship from the University of Bridgeport and has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at the collegiate level. He was joined by parents Donna and Ralph Semonella, Principal Dr. Francesco Ianni, Physical Education Chairperson Mauro Chiti and varsity baseball coach Tom Tuttle as he signed a letter confirming his acceptance to the university’s athletic program.

Photo provided by Syntax

Robert Naughton To Return To Cardinals

Thursday, 13 June 2013 00:00

St. Thomas Aquinas College freshman Robert Naughton, of Levittown, has made his impact known in the NCAA Baseball East Coast Conference. Naughton started out his 2013 campaign not allowing an earned run in the first 19 innings he pitched.

At completion of his first season Naughton pitched 58 innings compiling a record of 6-1, leading the East Coast Athletic Conference with an era of 1.54.