The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (June 29, 2011) – Light rain and cool temperatures did not dampen the spirits of ninety golfers as they paid tribute to the memory of Wallace Berkowitz at the First Annual Golf Tournament organized by New Hope Community (NHC) at Grossinger’s Golf Club on May 23.

Greens were slick with rain, and many golfers could not keep the ball in bounds. Scores skyrocketed, but there was much more laughter than frustration. The contest set a perfect tone of light-heartedness for the entire day.

All players braved the afternoon weather and returned to the clubhouse after 5:00 p.m. to enjoy beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided by Albert’s of Liberty, who catered the dinner that followed.

The awards ceremony concluded the day’s festivities. New Hope’s CEO Art Moretti thanked everyone for coming to support the day. He introduced NHC Board Member Russ Heyman, who had suggested the golf tournament and naming it in honor of Wally Berkowitz for his ten years of service as Chair of the Board and his great vision in helping grow the facility.

Carl Santos, Briana Wood, and Brian Collette, organizers of the event along with Larry Schafman, presented awards to putting contest winners, three lowest net team scores, grand prize raffle winner, and dozens of door prize winners to participating golfers. The lowest net score went to Team Russell (photo above), comprised of (l – r) Kurt Wheeler, Tom Drobysh, Rich Schmidt, and Boomer Russell. Holding the Wallace Berkowitz Cup is Karen Russell, Boomer’s wife and New Hope Community Director of Corporate Compliance.

The grand raffle prize went to William Kerrigan, (seen in photo at right in gray, with (l – r) NHC Golf Tournament Team Head Carl Santos, NHC Tournament Team member Briana Wood, and NHC Tournament Team member Brian Collette. Mr. Kerrigan is a Board Member of Associated Mutual Insurance Corporation, which Wallace Berkowitz headed for many years in Woodridge, New York. His prize was a one-night getaway for two at The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania and a Callaway Golf Bag complete with Callaway X-22 graphite iron set –all sponsored by The Lodge at Woodloch

Other major sponsors included Crystal Run Village Inc. and Time Warner Cable Business, who sponsored the Callaway Golf shoes presented to each golfer; Rider, Weiner & Frankel and Jason Cornwell, who sponsored the golf carts; Provident Bank, Sullivan ARC and Hagedorn & Company, who sponsored the putting contest; and Tri-Star Financial, who sponsored the dinner and reception. Dozens of local businesses and friends of New Hope provided door prizes and other support for the event.

Special thanks go to Grossinger’s Golf Course Manager Kenny Cogswell and his staff; to the Berkowitz Family and close friends represented by Wally’s three daughters Dale Berkowitz, Wendy Marcus, and Amy Katz, his grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and his dear companion Audrey Altman; and to all the NHC volunteers that spent the day from early morning into the evening hours transporting, setting up, registering, cleaning and sprucing up, maintaining dry and comfortable surroundings, and taking care of everyone. That’s what New Hope and Wally Berkowitz represent—serving others and providing a special place for special people.