The Joe D’Avanzo Golf Outing for Branch 6000
Here we go once again. It is time to dream about being out in the sun playing golf with your friends and co-workers.
The Joe D’Avanzo Memorial Golf Outing for Branch 6000 is set for Monday, May 24, 2021. Once again, and for the 27th year, we have scheduled the golf outing at the Rock Hill Country Club in Manorville. The continental breakfast starts at 8:00 AM followed by a shotgun start at approximately 9:00 AM. Due to the possibility of over-crowding, it would be a good idea for anyone wishing to play in this year’s outing to sign up as soon as possible. After having to move the date of last year’s outing due to the pandemic, I was also asked to limit the number of golfers to 80. Unfortunately, we were forced to leave 8 golfers out. I do not anticipate that to happen again, but you never know. As I state in every year’s announcement, First come (including payment) - First served.
The cost of this-years outing will remain the same as the past two years, $165.00. Included in the price are a continental breakfast, hot dog/hamburger and beverage at the turn, 18 holes of golf, cart, and a buffet style lunch immediately following the outing.
As always, a 50/50 hole will be on the course as well as a prize raffle held during our luncheon. Longest drive and closest to the pin awards will be handed out. Come join the fun! What a way to start the summer season.
Even after the problems with last year’s outing, we still had a great success for our charity fund. We were able to add significantly to our contribution for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. With a little help this year I believe we can do even better.
Another way you can help us raise money for MDA is that any carrier who knows of a business that would like to sponsor a hole, let me know. The price of a business sponsorship will be $100. A professional sign will be placed out on the golf course at a tee-off area. The sign will show the business’ name, address and phone number. So check around and see if you can help us by getting a few sponsors. Letter Carriers have a special relationship with their patrons. Most would be happy to help with our mission to eradicate this terrible disease.
If you have any questions, please call me or Vincent Calvanese at the union office.
Remember, anyone wanting to play in this year’s outing (all are welcome), please fill out the coupon in this months Limb Leader (or listed in the EVENTS page) and mail it in as soon as possible. I hope to see you on the “Sunny” golf course!
To those who do not know, our golf outing is named after Nick D’Avanzo’s wonderful son Joe. Joe was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at a young age. This young man was a fighter. He enjoyed life to its fullest with his father. He never let the disease stop him in doing the things he wanted to do. The disease took Joe a number of years ago, but he left an imprint on the many who came in contact with him.
Nick and I started together as full time officers in 1997. We were joined at the hip and came to be known as the “cherry boys”. I watched Nick take care of his son like very few fathers do. I consider myself a good father and husband, but not in Nick’s area code. His patience and caring attitude with Joe were a wonder to see. I also watched him in wonder as we worked together at his tenacity, he attacked every issue. Nick checked, double checked and even triple checked his facts while representing his members. He is the only person I know who would work hours on an issue even if it meant he would only gain 2 minutes for the carrier. His members were in great hands. I stand in awe of his work ethic and caring nature.
With that said, I am happy to see that he has finally retired from the Branch as an officer after 23 years full time. He has earned his retirement and I hope he enjoys it. I know he will not sit still. He has many projects on his plate and I hope he gets to enjoy them all. His wife Cathy is a former carrier out of Massapequa, and she will have her hands full with Nick around all day, but I know she has the same tenacity as he, so I am also sure that they will succeed and prosper in whatever project they get involved with.
Nick, I wish you the absolute best. It feels a little unsettling here now without your loud bellowing voice. I miss your presence daily. After working in the same office together for 23 years my days seems a little empty. You are a great friend and co-worker to all, but your gain is our loss. The office is a little more subdued now.
The only good thing for me with you gone, is that there are now a few more donuts and snacks for me and the gang.
Love you Nick, enjoy your retirement.
