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Class of '76 Brush ARC's 5th Annual Golf Extravaganza

Original Release: 9/1/2021

In 2016, as part of the Brush "Class of 76" 40th High School Reunion Weekend, the Class Reunion Committee approached Gary Rendlesham and Steve Pasquale to see if they would be interested in putting together a golf outing. Of course, the answer was "Yes!".

The first event was held at Manakiki Golf Course in Willoughby and 20 players participated. Each player was given a "goody bag" from Kathy Rapp and Karen Nowak that included golf balls, tees, a Fireball shot and a cigar. Everyone had such a great time, they wanted to do it again the following year.

So, every year since the 40th Reunion, Steve Pasquale has organized the "Class of 76" Brush ARC's Golf Extravaganza which happens on the last Saturday in August at the Manakiki Golf Course. Steve begins planning in February by reaching out to past and potential participants, reserving tee times and taking requests for foursomes.

This is not a typical golf tournament format. Every foursome can keep their own scores, play a scramble, play a shamble or do whatever they would like to do. The real highlight of the event is the 19th Hole where everyone gets together around the 18th green, then moves into the Manakiki Clubhouse, then into the parking lot and finally to the Firehouse Tavern to have fun catchingup and swapping stories about their days together at Brush High School.

There are quite a few non-golfers that meet everyone at the 19th Hole to join in the festivities. This event has become so popular that there are classmates that travel to Cleveland every year to participate. Some of the out-of-towners include Byron Garvey (Dallas), Gene Minichello (Ft. Worth), Gary Rendlesham (NYC), Bob Kassai (Pittsburgh) and Doug Lovas (Columbus).

Even with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the 5th Annual Golf Extravaganza took place on August 29th. Special items have been donated for the event like golf balls and face masks with Brush "Class of 76" logos (thanks Gene Minichello) and "Class of 76" Golf Visors (thanks Al Nixon). In the past, there have also been participants that dressed up in a costume, passed out homemade cannolis on the golf course and provided everyone their personal Cleveland Indians Baseball Trading Card. Everyone has so much fun and as a result, the participation has grown every year!

The 6th Annual "Class of 76" Brush ARC's Golf Extravaganza Event is scheduled for the last Saturday in August (August 28th, 2021). Everyone is welcome! The printing of this newsletter may be too late for this year. If you would like to play golf or just join everyone for future outings, please contact Steve Pasquale at : scutch@sbcglobal.net ✉ and he'll make sure you are included.