10th, and final, ‘Final Fore’ golf tournament is June 22

• Lance & Billy

Lance & Billy

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The following is another “Have Fun or Get Out of the Way” column by award-winning Don Leighton and his alter ego, Lance Boyle, which runs occasionally in The Superior Telegram.

If you are a sports fan, and aren’t we all, this is the best time of the year.

The NBA Finals are approaching; the Stanley Cup is about to be decided; the NCAA softball and baseball championships are in their final games; the NFL is gearing up for another Packer Super Bowl championship season; Major League Baseball is in full swing; Tiger Woods appears to be rounding his game into shape; and Superior and Northwestern track athletes and golf teams made appearances in their respective state tournaments.

I wonder if Australian Rules football is being played down under?

After a rainy and cool spring, let’s hope the weather warms up and the rains are light and only on selected nights. Local baseball and softball teams will hopefully take advantage of the nice weather for the next couple of months. The area golf courses are plush and green because of the amount of rain we have experienced.

Speaking of golf, there is a great event in a couple of weeks which will take place at Nemadji Golf Course.

June 22 is the date for the Breast Cancer Golf Classic “Final Fore” event, with all the proceeds benefiting cancer patients. The registration is $45 per person, plus greens fees and includes dinner, prizes and a team gift.

What an incredible event this is, celebrating the 10th and final addition. During the previous nine Classics, thousands of dollars have been raised while providing a great time for the members of each golf team.

What began in 2002 with only six teams gradually grew to 45 last year. The hope of Julie Nelson and the other committee members is for the last Classic to have 60 teams competing.

Nelson has some regret but a lot of enthusiasm for this year’s event.

“We’ve raised more than $150,000 over the last nine years and hope to bring it to $200,000 this year,” Nelson said. “All of the money we have raised goes directly to local breast cancer patients. Whether it’s travel expenses, babysitters, or cleaning help, we designate the monies to go directly to the patients.

“We have so much fun organizing this event, but this will be the final one. I am so thankful to the many friends that have made this a success.”

How many times do I have to brag about the great Superior and Douglas County residents and their willingness to work tirelessly to help others in need? This is another example of a group of people realizing the needs of others and doing what they can to help. Feel good about yourselves.

There are still spots available for teams in the Final Fore, but those spots are dwindling. Call 715-394-0266 to enter your team into the event of the new summer.

Golf with your friends on one of the most beautiful public courses in the country. Superintendent Steve Flagstad promises beautiful greens and manicured fairways. Pro Mark Carlson promises all the hospitality that is synonymous with the NGC.

I, Lance Boyle, promise great weather and Julie promises a great time for everyone who attends the final, Final Fore. See you there.

For more information, contact Julie at 218-343-8738 or julieanelson@charter.net.

If I ever get down in the dumps, I just remember what kind of people live in our great area and Julie is officially inducted, with all pomp and circumstance, into the Lance and Billy Hall of Fame.

• Speaking of great people, a week ago while purchasing some Kraft Colby cheese at my favorite Super One Food Store, I made the acquaintance of Heather Folk and her mother, Geraldine Godfrey.

Heather will be a seventh-grader at the Northwestern Middle School next year. She is a lovely girl who plays basketball and is on the dance team. I’m envious of her since she knows what she wants to be when she gets older. Becoming a doctor or lawyer is in her future. I’m honored to have met her and mom.

Have fun this summer, but keep reading because reading and learning is how we prepare for the future. I only wish I could figure out what I want to do with my future.

• Please say a prayer for Dr. Len Kavajecz and his family. Dr. Len passed away a few days ago and the funeral was held yesterday. He was superintendent at Northwestern High School from 1974-98. Not only was he a great administrator for the district, he was a great person and will be missed by his many friends and family members forever.

Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are extended to his wife Carlene and family.

They recently celebrated 49 years of marriage. So long, Dr. Len, and thank you for making a difference and influencing so many.

Those who knew you are truly blessed.

Opinions and/or story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com or wgranlund@centurytel.net.

Tags: have fun or get out of the way, collections, sports, updates, golf