Out & About: Westmoreland Croquet Club Tournament aids area nonprofits
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Some say it’s a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day; others say the old rule no longer applies.
The topic was subject of a good-natured debate between Jim and Jo Rossi of Ligonier Township during the Westmoreland Croquet Club Tournament. The Rossis were among tent sponsors for the annual event, held Sunday at Westmoreland County Community College.
“This is so totally wrong, but I was told to do it,” Jim Rossi said.
“This is the only time you can get away with it,” Jo Rossi countered.
Right or wrong, the playing field was a sea of white as teams took their best shots to raise funds for area nonprofits, to be distributed by Old Joe Club Charities Inc., presenter of the tournament.
Traditionally held in June, the tournament was pushed back after the Old Joes had to move another annual fundraiser, Men’s Night Out, from February to April. Having two major event so close together wasn’t feasible, said croquet organizer Amy DiCesere, assistant to co-founder Ernie Vallozzi.
At the end of the day, these adult division competitors emerged victorious: Duke Versaw and Mike Tymoczko, first place; Mike Johnson and Ryan Thompson, second; and Akash Arun and Andrew Brey, consolation prize.
Winners in the youth division for ages 11-15 were Rocco Bates and Aiden Kerr, first; and Grayson Kase and Sofia Popivchak, second. Childrens’ division winners, ages 6-10, were Brooks Robertson and Jack Pauly, first; and James Katzeff and Collin Detweiler, second.
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The field was ringed by 26 tents, hosted by both businesses and nonprofits, some new this year and others longtime supporters. The competition wasn’t just on the field, as judges Kelli Brisbane, Kathy Sobota and Karen Gross evaluated tent decor and amenities.
Judges’ picks were Soldier Boy Beef Jerky, first place; Reese-A-Rosa by Michael and Jana Reese, second place; and Quatrini Law Group, third place.
The Old Joe Club supports Western Pennsylvania organizations providing life-enhancing services in the areas of human services; art, music and education; conservancy; education scholarships; and child protection and life enrichment programs.
This year’s recipients are Folds of Honor, Westmoreland Cleanways and Recycling, The Education Partnership, The Learning Lamp and Waypoint Youth and Community Center.
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In attendance at croquet: Mike and Dawn Rutigliano, Alex Rutigliano and Lauren Kinneberg, Jason and Jennifer Ross, Amanda Johnson, Fred and Melanie DePalma, Chris and Erin Prascus, Matt and Jamie Tamasy, JR and Judy Ross, Mandy Zalich, Toni Antonucci, Eric and Natalie Lloyd, Josh and Kary Milan with daughter Mila, Eric and Michele Bononi, Christian and Angela Bononi, Bob Kocian and Bob Nolan.
Also, Michael and Megan Quatrini, Rich Lopretto and Phyllis Bertok, Terry Graft and Linda Brown, Tom and Christen Mizikar, Joe and Allana Kondisko, Mark and Lisa Spitzer, Luke Harster, Scott Stinson, Anthony Polvinale, Scott Powell, Joe Suto, Sheila Hill, Dave Tinker, Dennis and Lisa Razza.