The Newtown Scholarship Association Inc (NSA) invites the public to join them for the 27th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble, Monday, June 17, with golfers playing at Newtown Country Club, 2 Country Club Road, and Rock Ridge Country Club, 214 Sugar Street. The 27th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble is in honor this year of Guy and Lynda Russo.

Guy and Lynda Russo were residents of Newtown for 24 years prior to moving to Jamestown, R.I. in 2018, according to information provided by NSA.

“They raised their children, Haley, Mitchell, and Lauren, in town and were active volunteers in both the Newtown community and New England... Guy and Lynda’s support of education for those with need has been inspired by the experiences of their parents. Lynda’s father would have not been able to afford his college education if it had not been for the generosity of a man in his boyhood town in New Hampshire. His education eventually led him to contribute to the success of the Apollo program putting a man on the moon. Guy’s father needed to leave school after eighth grade to help support his family. Together with his wife, they preached the importance of education to their children. They saved every cent they could to put their children through college and provide them with the opportunity for a better life.”

“The Russos started [three scholarships with NSA in 2014] in their kids’ names to teach them how to give back to the community,” said NSA Treasurer Glenn Nanavaty, as to one reason the organization is honoring the Russos this year. The scholarships reflect the interests of the couple’s children’s interests, he said, that of track and field and the graphic arts.

“They’ve been supporting three students each year for all four years of their college educations,” Mr Nanavaty added.

Golfers and nongolfers alike are welcome to support the Gold Scramble fundraiser that provides financial support to Newtown students continuing on to higher education. According to NSA President Pat Kelley at a recent Rotary Club meeting, through NSA, students receive scholarships based on need. More than $4 million has been awarded during the organization’s history to more than 3,000 deserving students.

“We just approved the 2019-20 awards allocation,” Mr Kelley said on May 22. “We are going to be supporting 165 Newtown students with $300,000.”

An entry fee of $225 per golfer for the Golf Scramble includes a donation to the NSA Scholarship Fund, a participant gift bag, a lunch provided by Butcher’s Best of Newtown, greens fees with golf car, entry into the team scramble, and an open bar and awards dinner.

The Golf Scramble is NSA’s largest fundraiser, said Mr Kelley. As of May 22, openings still existed for foursomes as well as sponsorship opportunities.

Registration at each course opens at 11 am, with lunch at 11:30 am. A shotgun golf start is scheduled for 12:30 pm.

Nongolfers are welcome to attend the reception and dinner at Rock Ridge Country Club following the day’s golfing, for $65 per person.

Diners will also enjoy a raffle and silent auction with items to include a foursome at golf at Hudson National Golf Club; two nights at the Ocean House in Watch Hill, R.I.; foursome of golf at Creighton Farms in suburban Washington, DC; two nights at The Westin in New York Times Square; and foursome of golf at Bull’s Bridge Golf Club in New Milford.

Sponsorship for Hole Sponsors is $225 and includes the sponsor's name displayed on tee sign; the Special Location Sponsors is $250, with first tee and official scoreboard. Donations of a gift for the gift bag, raffle, or silent auction are also welcome.

To register, mail check made out to NSA Inc to Newtown Scholarship Association, Inc, c/o Glenn Nanavaty, PO Box 302, Newtown CT 06470, or go to newtownscholarship.org to register online or for more information.

The tournament is limited to 15 foursomes per country club.