Benefit golf tournament raises money for Maplebrook scholarship

AMENIA — A record 110 participants helped to raise a record $18,000 at last Saturday’s 15th annual Maplebrook/Bank of Millbrook Open, held at Silo Ridge Country Club.

The tournament was held as a benefit for The Jane Fernandez Memorial Scholarship Fund, which, according to teacher Lori Hale, helps area students attend the school.

“So far we have raised in excess of $30,000 through the golf tournament,� Hale said. “We give the scholarship to day students who normally would not be able to attend the school.�

The private school was founded in 1945 by Serena Merick, and specializes in serving children with learning challenges. Hale said that the school currently has students from 26 different states and seven foreign countries. The scholarship is named after the school’s longtime reading teacher who passed away in 2001.

“Jane was a reading teacher and was my mentor,â€� she said. “When she retired she continued as a children’s advocate in the community, helping students in both private and public schools.  The school wanted to honor her in some way because she was beloved by all of us.â€�

Except for a 20-minute break due to thunder and lightening, the weather for this year’s tournament was in stark contrast from last year’s rained-out event — sunny and clear, with temperatures on the course reaching up to 89 degrees.

School staff, parents, alumni and students all participated in the tournament. Nigel and Beverly Hallett, who have a 17-year-old son at the school, drove 10 hours from Michigan to participate in the tournament.

“We drove here to take part because this school is a unique school for children who need special help,� Nigel Hallett said. “We’re not so sure how good we’ll do playing because we have a day job.�

Max Sillman from Bronx has a son who is a first-year student at the school, and said that he looked long and hard for a school that could help with his son’s needs.

“Some children have special needs that they can’t always get where they live,� Sillman said. “We happily found a place that is quite appropriate for him.�

After the tournament, Hale said she was impressed by the record number of people who entered this year.

“We are so pleased,� Hale said. “It was such a great day for golfers and a great day for the school. We are constantly amazed by the generosity of our friends and family.�

Results

First place — Alan Jacob, Eddy Jacob, Bob Kelly and Max Sillman with a score of 60.

Second place — Bill Braislin, Don Capalbo, Joe Prevuznak and Ken Hale with a score of 61.

Third Place — Mark Metzger, Tom Kiniski, Ken Hack, Brad Hack with a score of 62.

Winner of putting contest: Brian Cordella. Longest drive for men: Keith Scofield.  Longest drive for women: Jennifer Scully.