By Tony Callaio

For Sunday Dispatch

As Ross Scarantino putts on the 18th hole, Sam Marrancca, back left, Charles Dominick, center, and Charlie Shandra look on.

Care and Concern Clinic volunteers for the golf event are, from left, Bernice Ambrosino, Mary Ellen Hromisin, TJ Hromisin, Maureen Heffren, Gloria Blandina, Gina Rushkowski, Nancy Somers.

This foursome started the tournament on the first tee. From left, Joe Syernick, Joe Spiccioli, Steve Amico and Tom Medico, who served as the tournament chairman.

Bill Balchune, foreground, eyes up the line for Joe Chernoskaus, back left, Joe Balchune, center, and Frank Balchune.

David Granteed drives on No. 1 during the Fifth Annual Care and Concern Golf Tournament.

FALLS — After a torrential downpour this past Thursday, the Emanon Golf Course dried out Friday with the sun shining on the Fifth Annual Care and Concern Free Health Clinic Golf Tournament. The field of 116 strong began with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Tom Medico served as honorary chairperson.

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According to Gloria Blandina, Care and Concern Clinic director, this yearly event brings in a substantial amount of money. Last year the event raised $25,000.

“All of the proceeds go back into the clinic where the money will be used for x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, blood work and medications,” Blandina explained. The clinic partners with Geisinger Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre Imaging for testing and spends up to $45,000 annually for diagnostic services.

Blandina was quick to thank volunteers for helping, not only with the tournament, but also with contributions. Those volunteers include Didge and Paula Connors, Rich and Jackie Amico, Bernice and Carmen Ambrosino, Mary Rossi, Bill and Janet Joyce, Gina Rushkowski, Angelo Montante, Nancy Somers, Mary Ellen Hromisin, Carl Witkowski and Eric Beiler.

Maureen Heffren volunteers in the clinic’s intake department. “It’s wonderful and humbling to treat the patients as they come into the clinic and I’m very happy to be involved with the golf tournament,” Heffren said. “It was a very enjoyable day.”

At the conclusion of the golf tournament, a dinner was held at the old Seton Catholic cafeteria.

“The clinic holds two fundraisers a year — this event and the train ride from Duryea to Jim Thorpe that will be held on Sept. 13. It’s the friendships we make through these fundraisers that makes us humbled and honored,” Blandina concluded.

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