Saturday’s weather was certainly not the least bit conducive for playing golf, especially since Connecticut National Golf Club is located high on a hill in Putnam, Ct. 

Amid a brisk breeze which resulted in a wind chill factor as if temps were in the 30’s, a total of 160 players – 40 foursomes - as well as many volunteers showed up for the 15th annual Johnston Memorial Cancer Events Golf Tournament that’s held to benefit the Oncology-Hematology Units at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. 

The day, which featured the JMCE’s always-awesome lunch and included chowder, pasta faglioli, as well as the famed charcoal grilled sausage and pepper sandwiches, wieners on the run and a hamburger with cheese if you wanted it, again set several records. 

Perhaps the most impressive fact was that at least 90 percent of the foursomes have played in the past 10 straight tournaments and the 2022 edition had an all-time total of nearly 200 business and memorial tee signs that will further boost the day’s net profit. 

Moreover, Chairman Vin LaFazia issued a heartfelt “Thank You” to each and every player – as well as host Connecticut National Golf Club – for the unmatched loyalty that continued Saturday during what a host of golfers referred to as “the respect and loyalty people have in an effort to provide care for children who are battling cancer.” 

As LaFazia and other members of the close knit group of friends that make up the JMCE noted: “We are ever so grateful for the support shown to us, even in these cold and windy conditions. We did not have one no-show.” 

Which speaks volumes about the organizing committee that has raised over $300,000 for Hasbro Children’s Hospital since the tournament’s inception back when the JMCE hosted the once highly-successful Campfires for Cancer inside Johnston War Memorial Park. 

There were a host of winners Saturday – the most important being the children’s cancer units at Hasbro Hospital – however, the day’s net profit will not be available until all expenses are paid in full. 

Meanwhile, Lisa and Chris Adler accepted the award for winning the Co-ed Division title while Jack Greenhalgh and Kod Greenhalgh’s team won the Open Division. 

Thus, the day’s winners were veteran players like Cal Calabro of Goodfellas Motorcycle Club, whose team included Nicky Cardillo, Tom Cabana and Adolf Piccoli, who took home the 2022 Senior Division crown. 

Dave Morse had the men’s longest drive while Michy Nanni won the longest drive and closest to the pin in the Women’s Division. Michael Tuorto had closest to the pin among men and Dan Ford captured top honors among seniors in the longest drive category. 

One of the JMCE’s committee members – Ernie DeAngelis – won closest to the pin in the senior’s category. 

One of the day’s highlights was provided by the award-winning Swing Juice of Pawtucket, which was represented by Marketing Manager Logan Bettencourt, Tyler Maxwell and Jeremy Montrod at Saturday’s JMC golf go round. 

After he had greeted and later thanked the 160-player field, LaFazia said “Thank you again for coming, we’ll see everyone in May, 2023.”