Iowa City Real Estate Blog: It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This… Iowa in January 2011

Generally January is the month when I ask myself what made me think relocating to Iowa was a good idea. That’s every year except this year that is! Today I took time out from my market reports and spent some time out in the sunshine. Brown Deer Golf Course in Coralville is a two minute drive from where I live and I figured I’d be sure to find some golfers out in this 50 something degree weather today. I did run into someone leaving the golf course when I took this shot, but other than that I struck out with that idea. I enjoyed the sunshine nonetheless. I’m starting to wonder whether winter is going to show up at all this year in Iowa. although I should maybe keep my mouth shut or I could jinx it!

Iowa City Real Estate Blog: It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This… Iowa in January 2011

Jetsettersblog » Championship golf in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

January 17, 2012 on 5:51 pm | in Beachbooker, Florida, Golf Resorts | Comments Off

Experience Championship Golf in the Heart of Ponte Vedra Beach! This incredible package includes one round at Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club at Sawgrass, lunch, range balls and a beverage during your round for only $65.

This tough par 70 layout, redesigned by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay features beautiful tree-lined fairways and mildly undulating greens, which demand proper shot placement and a deft touch with the short game.

Also included in your package:

Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club at Sawgrass is one of the finest golf courses located inside the Sawgrass community just minutes from the Marriott Sawgrass Resort.

Nestled in beautiful Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club at Sawgrass boasts an active membership and friendly, professional staff that make it an ideal setting to entertain family, friends or clients.

This tough par 70 layout, redesigned by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay features beautiful tree-lined fairways and mildly undulating greens, which demand proper shot placement and a deft touch with the short game.

This shot maker’s course measures 6,413 yards from the back tees and an enjoyable 4,839 yards from the forward tees.

Come and enjoy a truly unique course, Ponte Vedra Golf & Country Club at Sawgrass is the only regulation golf course in the Greater Jacksonville area that has 2 holes (#2 and #8) featured in the original “Dream 18″, which featured the best 18 holes in the city of Jacksonville. So come to the beach and see what you have been missing.

Packages start at $65/night.

For more information, please click here.

Jetsettersblog » Championship golf in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Reba McEntire’s Death Is A Hoax Folks

Reba McEntire is the latest celebrity to fall victim to a death hoax that spread through the Internet on Monday. But do not worry, country fans, because the Queen of Country is alive. the whole thing was one big misunderstanding. someone just forgot to read the fine print.

On Monday, the Global associated News posted an article announcing of Reba’s death:

“Preliminary reports from Austrian Police officials indicate that the actress fell more than 100 feet to her death in a remote area of the Hahnenkamm mountains while on set.”

What someone forgot to read was the fine print at the bottom of the website’s page, where it clearly states that the whole story is “100% FAKE.” the tiny box also reads, “this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes!”

It’s unfortunate that they have to pronounce someone dead to entertain the public, and gain attention. still, fans believed the news and didn’t take it very well. Reba’s Facebook page and Twitter account are flooded with pleas, asking if the story is false. still, no statement has been issued confirming she’s not dead, but then again, all we have to do is read the fine print.

Let’s just take this as another celebrity death hoax. It’s not the first, and certainly won’t be the last. Just last week, Cher was pronounced dead, and that too was a hoax.

Who will be pronounced dead next?

Reba McEntire’s Death Is A Hoax Folks

How come Mizuno Wave Creation Understood as The latest Ideal Running sneakers – Your Jobs and Classified Site

It could be that you’ve been aware of Mizuno Wave trainers however you are not sure what’s with one of these footwear combined with what precisely make certain they are preferred. Very well, Mizuno really is a popular label of sports gear and sportswear. The truth is, Phil mickelson being used Mizuno sports equipment just like golf irons when he what food was in faculty. Mizuno supplied the best high quality involved with athletic products and solutions, chiefly athletic shoes, and they were stick to the particular business for upwards of a century with regards to their continuing groundwork combined with invention. Presently, Mizuno works with a systems called Mizuno wave, which when the shock reducing method on trainers.

Thinking about all the down to the top Mizuno running sneakers a Mizuno Wave Creation is probably available online for because of the top. This can be because it is known many years Mizuno have been acquiring its logo and last but not least they have already cracked the latest shoe that can accomplish lower than a lot of ailments. It again functions easily fit into exceptionally well because of all new modern technology appearing invented within this valuable release.

These Mizuno Wave Creation matches neutrals and additionally underneath pronators who require security not to mention support as part of their go. Dealing the best activity in this by making use of systems generally known as SmoothRide System (TM) fractional laser treatments basically decreases the abrupt acceleration and speed together with deceleration for the twelve inches. This technology in actual fact will mean you do not inflict difficulties for your own self and in actual fact helps to keep an individual’s ft firm to ensure you have a healthy flow.

So if instead you are athlete that may has problems through moisture and heat the moment performing the following trainers performs an outstanding position in order to avoid by investing in Mizuno Intercool (TM) products which generally in fact takes away dampness and additionally microorganisms particular medium is. Fractional laser treatments moreover keeps scorching upon your base that is quite often common with below pronators, while accomplishing this this task enhances comfort because of the shift about sizzling wet oxygen.

Cruising to choose would be the size in the heels. Whenever the sneaker you can be having is without a doubt the wrong way attached on your own base, people won’t have enough knowledge to go far jointly with your recreation. Mizuno wave has got the suitable installing every sorts of ankle; all you have to actually do might be ensure they may be outfitted adequately. A particular beneficial recommendation to take into consideration is usually that should you get hold of a kind of running footwear, don’t use the actual break-in length. Discover more comfortable the first time individuals dress in these footwear, don’t purchase them, and check out a different try that definitely.

Over-all This Mizuno Wave Creation is necessary cheaper than pronators as the toughness is certainly the very best and you will probably fight to obtain a runners that may safeguards you better. This particular athletic shoes will definitely look after that you exceptionally well for yourself if you’re seeking out the number 1 footwear within support this is it.

Tweet

How come Mizuno Wave Creation Understood as The latest Ideal Running sneakers – Your Jobs and Classified Site

Signing up for self-promotion

It’s a time-honored practice for elected officials to put their names on signs marking publicly owned property — parks, golf courses, beaches, marinas and the main thoroughfares leading into their municipalities.

So when eight new town supervisors and a new Erie County executive took office Jan. 1, it seemed crews in those communities had a bushel of signs to paint over or switch out.

But this year, two supervisors are balking at this taxpayer-subsidized self-promotion.

"I just think it’s the symbolism that bothered me. It almost seems like these people with their big egos, and they want to put their name on everything," said Lancaster Supervisor Dino J. Fudoli, who didn’t single out an offender. "And it’s not theirs — it doesn’t belong to them."

Fudoli and Mary S. Cooke, the new Grand Island supervisor, say they won’t put their names on signs marking town property.

Four other towns don’t post names of elected officials on their signs.

"We don’t waste money on that," said Margaret Orrange, the North Collins town clerk.

This leaves Clarence and Evans, as well as Erie County, updating their signs to replace the names of outgoing officials with their successors’ monikers.

The cost isn’t high, and these naming rights provide supervisors, mayors and county executives with a boost to their brands — and their egos.

But none of the officials signing up for this custom expressed much enthusiasm for it.

"I think it’s a little pompous," said David C. Hartzell Jr., the new Clarence supervisor, who added that, if it were up to him, he wouldn’t have his name on any signs around the town.

This is an age-old tradition that amounts to some free publicity for officeholders.

"There’s no question, it’s really a form of advertising. It’s a way for the elected official to get greater name recognition, at a time they’re not campaigning," said Bob Davis, president of the Partnership Ltd. ad agency and former chairman of the Erie County Republican Party.

The names typically go up on property associated with positive feelings — such as parks or beaches — and not parking-enforcement vehicles or sewer and water bills.

Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown drew some criticism from firefighters last fall after they found his name emblazoned on eight new firetrucks.

Previously, only firefighters who died in the line of duty had their names placed on city fire trucks, and Brown’s name was removed following some bad publicity. But he still has his name on dozens of office entrances, banners on light poles and other spots around Buffalo.

"Byron is the expert — I kneel at his feet," said Hartzell, a Republican, referring to the Democratic mayor.

Erie County has 23 signs at its parks and Grover Cleveland and Elma Meadows golf courses that bear the name of the county executive — Mark C. Poloncarz.

The Town of Evans has signs with officials’ names at four locations: Sturgeon Point Marina, Evans Town Park, the Senior Center and the Town Hall.

Keith E. Dash, the new Evans supervisor, said having names on the signs could be helpful if residents are wondering who to contact if they have a question about town affairs.

"They’re where the public assembles," Dash said.

At the Senior Center and the Town Hall, changing the names means switching around some letters on a bulletin board. at the marina and the town park, the names are stenciled on the signs, Dash said.

The cost of updating these signs is minimal, with Hartzell saying Clarence will pay a modest amount — $9.51, he guessed — to put his name on six signs in Meadowlakes Park and elsewhere in the town.

Hartzell joked that he’s going to put up billboards around town with his picture and name on them. asked if they would look like the ubiquitous ads for two personal-injury lawyers, he continued the jest.

"Exactly, but I have more hair," he replied.

For Erie County, Robert Dececco handles the signs as an employee in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.

Sections of wood with the name of the county executive and the department’s commissioner hang on hooks from the permanent sign that states the name of the county property.

When new people take those positions, Dececco gets wood from the forestry division, routs the letters of the officials’ names and titles into it, paints it and then switches out the old piece of wood for the new one.

The cost for doing this work is about $3,000, said Peter Anderson, a spokesman for County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.

"That is done at the behest of the parks department," Anderson said. "That is not like a county executive’s directive, to do that sort of thing."

Of course, Poloncarz makes the appointments at the Parks Department.

While the sign-naming is a tradition in some places, West Seneca and other communities don’t customarily put an official’s name on town property.

"We don’t have that type of glamour," quipped West Seneca Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan.

A sign at the entrance to Veterans Memorial Park states, simply, "Town of West Seneca Veterans Memorial Park."

West Seneca is looking to replace some of its signs around town, but any new markers would carry the names of company sponsors, not elected officials, Meegan said.

Three of the least-populated towns that saw a change in administration in the new year — Alden, Collins and North Collins — also don’t put officials’ names on their signs.

"when I look at this, I say, ‘What a waste,’" said Orrange, the North Collins town clerk.

She said the town ordered two new name plates, one for the door to the supervisor’s office and one for the dais in the Town Board’s meeting room, for new Supervisor Rosaline a. Seege.

Combined with two vinyl signs for elsewhere in Town Hall, the total cost to the town was about $50, Orrange said.

It’s not the money they’re worried about, Orrange and other critics said, but it’s the principle of not using taxpayer money to boost their name recognition.

Cooke is still annoyed that the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation directed the Town of Grand Island to put up a $117 sign at Veterans Park, where state grants paid for some improvements.

The sign, attached to the backstop at a park ball field, credits the state Environmental Protection Fund and names Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, office Commissioner Rose Harvey and former Supervisor Peter a. McMahon.

"those are a complete waste," Cooke said. "I’m not going to pay $117 [to put up a new sign]. I’m fine with it."

Fudoli, the Lancaster supervisor, emphasized his objection to this practice in a meeting with Carmen Ciccarelli, an employee in the town’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry.

"That’s something that he wants — he’s the boss," said Terrence D. McCracken, the department’s general crew chief.

McCracken said he’ll have to talk to members of the Town Board, whose names also appear on town signs, to see how they want to proceed. There are four town parks, with one or two such signs at each park.

A sign at the entrance to Westwood Park, explaining the park’s rules and regulations, has the names of McCracken and four current and former Town Board members.

The word "supervisor" remains on the sign, but the space underneath is now blank.

Fudoli’s objection to this form of sign language applies to signs on four wheels, too.

The Lancaster Senior Center has two vans used to shuttle seniors to medical appointments, grocery stores and other places.

The van provided by the county carries the name of former County Executive Chris Collins, while the town-owned van has the names of former Supervisor Robert H. Giza and former County Legislator Kathy Konst.

The two vans will continue to carry the names of former elected officials.

Looking to the future, Fudoli wants to put a statement along these lines on town signs: "This park was paid for and is owned by the residents of Lancaster."

"no politician would ever want to come in and take something like that down," he said.

Signing up for self-promotion

Tough go for Nordic skiers

The cold arrived on Tuesday, allowing local ski areas to fire upthe snow guns and likely keep them going for days.

For area Nordic enthusiasts, the outlook might be a littlegloomier.

Bill Parks, coach of the Glens Falls High School Nordic team,seemed pretty dejected when reached on the phone Tuesdayevening.

Aside from a couple trips to the Schroon Lake Golf course and athird failed trip Monday that found only patches of snow left, theteam has been relegated to roller skiing.

Even though last winter took a while to get started for Nordicskiers, Parks said it wasn’t as bad as this season.

“We had a race at Cronin Golf course in late December last yearand we got a big race in at Crandall Park the first week ofJanuary,” Parks said. “We’re supposed to have a big race inCrandall Park on Saturday, but it doesn’t look like that’llhappen.”

Making things worse, Parks said, is that he has a very youngteam, with several who have never skied before and are in dire needof training on snow, not wheels.

Pat Cunningham, owner of Cunningham’s Ski Barn in North Creek,said his business is suffering as a result of the lack of snow. Inaddition to providing Nordic skiing on trails behind his NorthCreek store and a separate trail system 12 miles up Route 28 inIndian Lake, Cunningham’s also has ski gear and rentals for alpineskiers going to Gore Mountain.

“It’s hurting across the board,” he said,

The Indian Lake trail system, called Beaver Meadows, is openwith snow on the trails, although few are taking advantage of it,Cunningham said.

“It’s doable. It’s not great, not like 12 inches of powder, butit’s doable,” he said.

But while Parks and Cunningham seemed pretty down about thestatus of winter – like most of us outdoor enthusiasts – JayDeJesus at Garnet Hill Lodge’s cross-country ski center is tryingto remain positive.

DeJesus was quick to point out that last winter started slow andthen had a “ballistic” snowy finish. he said prior to the mostrecent rain, the trails were open. And that rain and subsequentcold temperatures allowed the trails to freeze up and create the”perfect base,” he said.

“Now we just need about six inches to make it usable,” hesaid.

Rather than not do anything outside, DeJesus pitched GarnetHill’s 30 kilometers of snowshoe trails and additional trails onstate land adjacent to the property. he said there are two amazingvista points on the state trails, including Hooper Mine, whichoffers a great view of the high Peaks, and the Balm of Gilead,which overlooks the Sacandaga River.

As for the return of skiing there, DeJesus said he is”optimistic.”

“At our elevation, we have snow cover and a lot don’t. it lookslike winter here,” he said.

For those who want to use the snowshoe trail system at thefacility, it’s $20 for a trail pass and $20 for snowshoe rentals,or $38 for both, he said.

Parks seemed like he was trying to be optimistic, but he saidit’s hard. he even apologized to his team Tuesday for the lack ofsnow, even though he hoped they realized it was out of hiscontrol.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed because we’re tired of rollerskiing,” he said.

Upcoming fundraiser

Parks said that the Friends of Cole’s Woods will soon host afundraiser to make needed upgrades to the lighting system on thetrails. some of the poles that hold lights along the trails needreplacing, as do lights in the start/finish field behind InsideEdge. The group needs to buy the poles, rent and auger to dig holesfor the poles and buy light fixtures, he said.

Parks said he’ll have more information on the fundraiser by nextweek, but I figured why not get the word out about their needs asearly as possible. Any local Nordic skier or snowshoer who has everbeen in Cole’s Woods in the winter at night knows what a gem thisplace is and certainly worthy of help.

David Blow may be reached at .

Tough go for Nordic skiers

25 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS TOUR IN NAPLES: Gary Player wins inaugural event in 1988

Editor’s Note: This story appeared in the Feb. 29, 1988 version of the Naples Daily News. The Daily News is celebrating 25 years of the Champions Tour in Naples by running a story from the final round online through Feb. 15.

NAPLES — Harold Henning — he led the ambush much of Sunday but finished third — made reference to “The Little Man.”

But actually it was Gary Player who was the “Little Big Man” at The Club at Pelican Bay.

The 52-year-old South African, decked out in his usual black shirt and trousers and white golf cap, used a string of four straight birdies on the final nine holes to charge to a one-shot win over Dave Hill in the inaugural $300,000 Aetna Challenge.

Player’s back nine of 31 sparked a final round of 67 and gave him a 9-under-par total of 207 for the 54-hole championship. It was Player’s second Senior PGA Tour title of the still-young 1988 schedule and his ninth Senior title overall.

Player’s thrilling charge — he birdied 14, 15, 16 and 17 and just missed a fifth straight on 18 — was the dramatic end to Collier County’s first full-bore men’s professional tournament. Player’s hot streak helped him overcome another golfer who turned red-hot in the stretch drive.

Hill’s final-round 67 included not only back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15, but more importantly, a hole-in-one on the 160-yard, par-3 16th. At the time, the 7-iron ace gave Hill — he was playing one threesome ahead of the final trio — a one-shot lead over Henning and a two-shot lead on Player.

Just how sharp was the caliber of play during Sunday’s sun-drenched finale?

“I know if I didn’t play with these guys every week, I wouldn’t have thought it was senior golf,” lamented Henning, whose final round of 70 left him three in back of Player. “They tell me these seniors can’t play at all. well, that’s the rumor. but they certainly showed today that there’s plenty of good golf left in them.”

Plenty of good golf — make that great golf — indeed. Player earned a first-place check of $45,000, with runner-up Hill getting $26,000, and third-place Henning cashing $21,500.

Player’s 67 Sunday came on the heels of what he called frustrating and disappointing 70s both Friday and Saturday.

“It was a difficult day for me to have to face up to today because yesterday was, as I said, probably as fine a round as I had played on the senior tour,” he said. “Yet I came off with a 70 and was so frustrated and disappointed. The first day I played very average and shot the same score.”

Sunday, Player began the day four-under, with a pair of pars. but he bogeyed the 150-yard par-3 third by three-putting.

He got that stroke back with a birdie on the 514-yard, par-5 sixth, knocking a pitching wedge to within 10 feet and then sinking the birdie putt.

With the even-par 36 on the front, Player said he figured the law of averages would come into play on the final nine. He adjusted his attitude accordingly.

“I said to my caddie, I said ‘Rabbit, I’m going to come back in 30 and win this tournament. If I can do it at The Masters, I know I can do it here,’ ” Player said.

Winner of more than $2.5 million since joining the PGA scene in 1957, Player birdied the 548-yard 11th hole by chipping to within eight feet.

On the 305-yard par-4 14th, Player chipped to within 18 inches of the cup to set up his birdie.

He called no. 15, a 510-yard par-5, his biggest gamble of the day.

“That par-5 with the water in front, I took a tremendous gamble,” Player said. “Yesterday, I took a 1-iron off the tee and knocked it in the water. my wife said to me this morning ‘Have a go. If you’re going to knock it in the water, knock it in the water like a man.’ I said ‘Whether it’s in the water with a 1-iron or a driver, it’s the same thing.’”

Well, Player did use a driver, and Sunday he knocked it over the water and into a trap. but he exited the bunker to within 15 inches of the cup and still managed a birdie.

On the 16th hole that Hill had aced, Player tapped in from six inches after his 8-iron was just short of a hole-in-one.

25 YEARS OF CHAMPIONS TOUR IN NAPLES: Gary Player wins inaugural event in 1988

Sport

Looking ahead to the London Olympics later this year, the Reading Sports Personality of the Year awards marked its 21st year in style as Lucy Allen and Alan Porton report

The 2011 Reading Sports Personality of the Year awards at the Reading Hilton on the evening of Sunday, January 15 proved a record breaker.

More than 240 talented sportsmen and women together with a host of special guests including 10 Olympians attended the ceremony.

The guest of honour was the Mayor of Reading Councillor Deborah Edwards.

Special guests were welcomed to the star-studded night by Alan Porton, business development manager of the Reading Post, and included Sir John Madejski, Royals manager Brian McDermott, former Royals striker Trevor Senior, racing driver Johnny Mowlem, ITV Meridian sports presenter Sarah Gomme, and two Reading sports administrators Reading Swimming Club’s Roger Penfold and Reading Royals Synchro Club’s Jan Clayton who were honoured with MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.

The event sponsors were represented by Kiren Sharma from Gravity Personnel, Simon Edgley, managing director Trinity Mirror Southern, owners of the Reading Post, Ian Wood Smith of Field Seymour Parkes, Helen Gooden Provisional Grand Master of The Oddfellows, John McLaughlin of the Reading Hilton and Amanda and Howard Green of Astres Trophies.

TV presenters Chris Maughan and John Hindhaugh once again assumed their roles as Masters of Ceremonies.

The pair who have undertaken this role for the past three years kept the proceedings running smoothly throughout the evening.

And following a short speech from the Mayor Deborah Edwards, she then presented the first of the trophies – her own award which was won by Reading Athletic club’s disabled athlete Rachel Emmanuel.

Jan Clayton and Roger Penfold presented the next trophy, the Schools Personality of the Year to joint winners Amber Owen and Maria Tsaptsinos.

Kiren Sharma and Olympic medallist Simone Jacobs presented the School Team of the Year award to Highdown School Year 8 and 9 Girls Football Team and followed this with the Primary School of the Year presentation to Emmer Green Primary School.

School Special Achievement Awards were made to Kendrick School trio Cecilia Mowczan, Emily Aldridge and Alisha Miller.

Royals manager Brian McDermott and former Olympic table tennis player Alison Broe then presented the Sports Teacher of the Year awards to Kendrick School’s Jan Richardson and Highdown School’s long-serving sports teacher Chris Fisher.

The same presenters then handed out the Senior School of the Year awards to joint winners Kendrick and Blessed Hugh Faringdon Catholic School.

The Improver of the Year award again saw joint winners with triathlete Louise Bardsley and synchro swimmer Hannah Green collecting their trophies from GB Olympic duo Katie Skelton and Katie Clark.

There were 12 winners of the Helper Loyalty Awards which were presented by Simon Edgley and Ian Wood Smith.

The recipents were Gordon Dart (swimming), Derek Bowley (triathlon), Heather Rothery (synchro), Brian Day (schools athletics), Michael Tierney (golf), Jo Anderson (netball), Helen Eaton (synchro), Gerry and Ray Stevens (athletics), Mike Mullett (cycling), Caroline Hitt (football) and Susan Porton (football).

Olympian Lucy Perrett and Helen Gooden presented the Disabled Sports Award to swimmer Chris Phillips while the same presenters then handed over a trophy to the Junior Team of the Year, the Reading FC girls under 10 team.

Lucy was then joined by her sister Suzie Brandwood, also an Olympic canoeist, to present Ben Fisher with his Coach of the Year trophy.

The Veteran of the Year awards were then presented by the sisters to Lucy Roper (Channel swimmer) and power lifter Dean Mikosz.

Then racing driver Johnny Mowlem talked about the main award of the night the Sports Personality of the Year which carries the name of Richard Burns, a world rally cross champion who died seven years ago. The raffle was in aid of his trust fund and Reading Sports Aid Fund.

After a short break and a video featuring Richard Burns, the second half opened with Councillor Marion Livingstone addressing the audience, before presenting the Clubman of the Year award to swimming coach Harry Wild.

Trevor Senior and Olympic swimmer Becky Cooke then presented player loyalty awards to Stacey Wiggins (football) and Shelley Bowen (athletics).

The same presenters then handed over the Commitment to Sport award to table tennis and football administrator Peter Charters.

Olympic synchro swimmer Joanne Jones helped Trevor Senior present the Junior Sports Personality of the year awards to Danielle Opara (athlete) and Hafsa Habeer (canoeing).

Hilton manager John McLaughlin joined Joanne Jones to present the Male Junior Sports Personality award to Reading Athletic Club’s rising star Jonathan Davies.

The Junior International awards went to Pippa Rogan (athletics) and Rhiannon Williams (synchro) and were received from Johnny Mowlem and Joanne Jones.

Reading Hockey club took both the Team of the Year awards and received their trophies from Olympic sprint medal winner Bev Callender and Royals manager Brian McDermott.

Reading’s golden girl of athletics Ann Brightwell who won a gold medal in 1964 then joined Bev Callender to present the Club of the Year to Reading Athletic club.

Bev and Ann then gave the International Female award to Irish international footballer Grace Moloney, while Sir John Madejski and Bev Callender presented Reading Rockets’ Azerbaijan coach Samit Muruzade with the Male award.

GB synchro stars Katie Skelton and Katie Clark received the Female Sports Personality of the Year award from Sir John and Ann Brightwell, while track cyclist Matt Gittings won the Male award but was not there to collect his honour as he is studying in the States.

The final award, the Richard Burns Reading Sports Personality of the Year trophy was won by GB and Reading Hockey club’s Alex Danson.

Unfortunately Alex is in Argentina so the trophy had been presented to her earlier in the week by Meridian’s Sarah Gomme, who stepped forward to re-present the trophy to a member of Reading hockey club.

The evening finished with the raffle which raised over £600, but Gravity’s Kiren Sharma generously offered to make it up to £2,000.

So on the night everyone proved a winner and the event was judged to be the best in its 21-year history.

Roll of honour

Sports Personality: Alex Danson

Male Sports Personality: Matt Gittings

Female Sports Personality: Katie Skelton & Katie Clark

International Male Sports Personality: Samit Nuruzade

International Female Sports Personality: Grace Moloney

International Junior Sports Personality: Pippa Rogan and Rhiannon Williams

Coaching Award: Ben Fisher

Male Junior Sports Personality: Jonathan Davies

Female Junior Sports Personality: Danielle Opara and Hafsa Habeer

Male Veteran: Dean Mikosz

Female Veteran: Lucy Roper

Helper Loyalty: Derek Bowley, Heather Rothery, Brian Day, Michael Tierney, Jo Anderson, Helen Eaton, Gerry Stevens, Ray Stevens, Mike Mullett, Caroline Hitt, Susan Porton and Gordon Dart

Player Loyalty: Stacey Wiggins and Shelley Bowen

Clubman: Harry Wild

Commitment to Sport: Peter Charters

Mayor’s Award: Rachel Emmanuel

Improver: Louise Bardsley and Hannah Green

Disabled Sports Personality: Christopher Phillips

Primary School: Emmer Green Primary School

Secondary School: Kendrick and Blessed Hugh Faringdon

Junior Team: Reading Football Clubs Girls U10s

School Team: Highdown School’s Year 8 & 9 football teams

Female Team: Reading Hockey Club Ladies’ 1st XI

Male Team: Reading Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI

Club of the Year: Reading Athletics Club

Schools Special Achievement: Cecilia Mowczan, Emily Aldridge and Alisha Miller

Teacher: Janis Richardson and Chris Fisher

School Personality: Amber Owen and Maria Tsaptsinos

Sport

How many golf clubs in a standard set?

According to the U.S.G.a. and for you to be within the “rules of golf” the maximum number of clubs is 14. More than that is a penalty of two shots per hole or a totoal of four shots per 18 hole round. Always count your clubs before play since there have been rulings where even the pros exceeded the 14 club limit.

As for club configuration that varies with the course being played and shots predetermined during practice rounds. for amateurs I suggest the following configuration based on amateur or what you can an average set. until a few years ago hybrid clubs were the exception rather than the rule. Easier to play, greater launch angle and the consequence of longer carry cuased this recent phenominon. however, average players do need basic clubs and they are a driver, fairway metal woood #3 and possibly a five or 7 wood. Two hybrids to cover the long irons such as the three and four iron then 5 through the pitching wedge, a sand iron standard iron and putter. If your having troule in what is called the “red zone, 100 yards in”) think about a gap wedge about 52 degrees or a lob wedge 60 degrees. the lofts mentioned must coincide with your other clubs as to not have two clubs with the same loft. by the way there is no minimum of clubs you can carry.

Visit a driving range to see is thee is about 6 to 10 yards differential between your clubs. If not I suggest a look at a new configuration of your set. be mindful of a course you may be playing. If it’s super tight then a three wood od the tee may be for you. Watch the pros play, sometimes they leave the driver in the bag for accuract but carry three wedges for the (“red zone or scoring zone”),

Finally try the hundreds of clubs available until your comformtable. your confidence will result in beter score and more fun. If your allowed 14 clubs then go for 14 clubs and don’t short change yourself. If you play an executive or par three couse that’s another topic altogether.

Best of luck and try the different clubs. the difference is astounding.

Be mindful the arrow is not the problem, it’s the Indian shooting it. That’s your mindset when making a set of clubs.

How many golf clubs in a standard set?

Tuesday’s Flint-area basketball forecast: Hoops slate shares spotlight with Singing Day

Flint Journal File PhotoDestiny Stephens and No. 1-ranked Goodrich put their unbeaten record on the line against a tough Midland team Tuesday.

It took long enough, but it appears winter has finally arrived in full force. Snow and cold temperatures have taken their place, but competition and conference races are heating up in gyms all around Genesee County.

That’s a rite of passage for February hoops as teams prepare to get in tournament shape for March. Also a February tradition: National Signing Day. It’s Wednesday, Feb. 1. For us here at the Flint Journal, the timing couldn’t be better. Coming Feb. 2, the website and print product here and across MLive Media Group will be different. It’s the perfect opportunity for us to showcase the local athletes from around Genesee County who will be moving on to compete in the college ranks next season. For us to do this as effectively as we’d like, however, we’ll need our community to help.

If your school is hosting a signing day event, please let us know about it. if you’ve got photos you’re willing to share from a signing ceremony, please send them our way. Also, if there’s not an actual signing day ceremony being held, but you have information on an individual athlete signing a National Letter of Intent, by all means let us know.

Information and or photos can be sent to me at rmaghiel@mlive.com or fellow Flint Journal sports writer Eric Woodyard at ewoodyar@mlive.com. if signing day comes and goes and an athlete’s NLI announcement goes unmentioned, we want to know about that too.

Also, to see the full prep schedule as well as last night’s results, check out our daily prep roundup post generated from the MLive.com high school sports page. With that public service announcement out of the way, let’s move on to the picks for tonight’s boys and girls basketball action:

Boys

Burton Bentley at Durand — Let’s face it, with the way he’s been playing Bentley’s Kyle Kuzma might be able to outscore the one-win Railroaders from Durand on his own. if not, teammates Cody Beebe and Nate Boone can provide more than enough cushion. Prediction: Bentley by 17.

Clio at Holly — the Bronchos have yet to lose a home game this season. that won’t change tonight. Prediction: Holly by 14.

Flint Northern at Powers Catholic — both of these teams are better than their records show. should be a good game but the Vikings’ momentum from knocking off Bay City Western on the road last Friday will carry over into another road win tonight. I’ll have full coverage from this game so be sure to check MLive.com for the story and video. Prediction: Northern by 5.

Flint Northwestern at Carman-Ainsworth — there will be a few football players from Carman-Ainsworth signing National Letters of Intent Wednesday, but the basketball team will hold down the spotlight tonight. the Cavaliers have won four in a row and Denzel Watts and co. will keep that streak going. Prediction: Carman-Ainsworth by 6.

Grand Blanc at Brighton — the Broncos have not won a game away from Grand Blanc this season and I’m sure coach Chris Belcher is getting tired of that. They’ll snap that streak tonight. Prediction: Grand Blanc by 7.

Lapeer East at Flushing — the Raiders have been putting in the effort, but not seeing the results so far this season. Expect seniors Andy Kujat, Dominique Marshall and Brent Myers to start turning this team in the right direction in the second half, starting with a win tonight. Prediction: Flushing by 3.

Girls

Holly at Clio — Breanna Pennington and Allison Kitchen are one tough duo for Clio. Oddly enough, David Hall’s Holly team hasn’t lost on the road this season. It’ll be close, but I see Clio coming out a tad short tonight. Prediction: Holly by 3.

Brighton at Grand Blanc — another good meeting on what is a loaded night for girls basketball in the metro Flint area. I say the Bobcats do just enough to hold off the Bulldogs tonight. Prediction: Grand Blanc by 5.

Carman-Ainsworth at Flint Southwestern — two pretty evenly matched teams, I say the advantage goes to Lariah Stevens and the home Southwestern team. Prediction: Southwestern by 4.

Powers Catholic at Flint Northern — Emily Sweet won’t sugar coat her game tonight vs. Northern. Expect her to put up big numbers in a Chargers victory. Prediction: Powers Catholic by 8.

Flushing at Saginaw — Saginaw will have a nasty time trying to control the girls from Flushing tonight. the Raiders will get in and out of town with a ‘W’. Prediction: Flushing by 16.

Lapeer East at Flint Beecher — Conyana Robinson is a double-double waiting to happen on a nightly basis for the Buccaneers. Combine that with the fact that Lapeer East hasn’t won a game and it’s a winning formula for Beecher. Prediction: Beecher by 13.

Midland at Goodrich — Goodrich is the No. 1 team in Class B and boasts one of the state’s best teams. However, if there was team capable of beating the Martians, Midland might be it. that being said, there’s no reason to believe anybody will beat Goodrich this season, especially at home. the Flint Journal’s Eric Woodyard will be in the house for this one. Prediction: Goodrich by 3.

Follow me on Twitter @maghielse.

Tuesday’s Flint-area basketball forecast: Hoops slate shares spotlight with Singing Day

Next Page »