West Shore Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 40th Consecutive Golf Outing Sellout

Jim Chillemi, Ray Frank and Mayor Clough steady John Sobolewski as he lines up a putt.

By John Sobolewski, West Shore Chamber

On Monday, August 3, 128 golfers enjoyed beautiful weather and a perfect day of golf at Legacy golf course in Avon Lake. Every golfer received a fabulous gift bag, a door prize and the opportunity to win one of 60 other terrific prizes.

This outing has sold out for 40 years. Many golfers including Mayor Dennis Clough, Ray Frank and John Sobolewski (Executive Director) have played together on the same team for 40 years.

Ray Frank said “I basically have hung my clubs up about 10 years ago, however, I always dust them off and bring them out for this event each year. Of all the outings I have attended through the years, this is by far my favorite.”

John Sobolewski said in jest “I am such a terrible golfer that no one other than Ray and Dennis ever asked me to golf with them twice.”

Mayor Clough said “my wife Virgina asked me this year why we haven’t won this outing at least once since we have been playing as a team for 40 years!” My reply was “our goal is never to win this outing but to not come in as last place!” (that never happened by the way!)

We are proud to have so many golfers at our chamber due to the fact that some of our proceeds are used for scholarships for our annual scholarship fund. A young man named Dominic Peck, an employee from Njoku Strong, (a West Shore Chamber member), was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Cuyahoga Community College (another member of the West Shore Chamber). Joe Jasko, a board member and scholarship committee member said “we do everything possible to help our members connect and support each other.

Jenett Foster, a board member and membership committee chair commented on the amount of time and effort it takes to present a successful golf outing like ours. But it is all worth it when you see our members and guests having such a great time. The icing on the cake was seeing the smile on Dominic’s face when he received the scholarship.

A few of the foursomes already asked to sign up for next year’s golf outing so they would not get closed out. We are all looking forward to the 2027 event!