RAY SWANSON \ Keystoner O'Rourke named Hickory VFW course manager

John O'Rourke is the kind of guy needed at any golf course. He's friendly, courteous, well-mannered and, above all, he knows his stuff.
That's why he has been named the new course manager at the Hickory VFW Golf Course in Hermitage.
He loves his work, which often begins in the wee hours of the morning, and often times runs into the early evening. His efforts have been showing in the huge play at the course.
O'Rourke is awaiting warmer temperatures with less rain so the golf season will finally get into full swing.
"It's been a tough winter," O'Rourke said, "but rest assured spring is coming and will be here before you know it. We're gearing up for what we hope will be another great year. We have lowered our Junior and Senior rates and have added a few other week-day specials."
The Monday and weekend-after-2 p.m. rates will once again be in effect.
Initiated this year is a new program which is entitled "Frequent Player Program."
"For every 12 times you play our course, your lucky No. 13th round will be on us," said O'Rourke.
The Wednesday VFW Golf League has already held a preseason meeting and had been scheduled for a practice round earlier this month.
"We have set a goal this year of reaching 100 golfers in the league," said O'Rourke, "so tell a friend and bring them out with you."
The VFW Junior League will open the season June 5 and this program has been very popular with the youngsters.
Check out the clubhouse for more information.
Working in the clubhouse with O'Rourke is Ken Anderson, who has been working the cash register, while Dave Goda is the greens course manager. Brian Porsch is the maintenance manager.
Chuck Werner
What can you say when you have lost a great friend?
Chuck Werner was not expected to die. He loved life, as he did his wife of 35 years, Carole, his daughters, Colleen and Tricia, and his two sons, Vincent and Daniel.
Chuck was a common man. That's the way he wanted it. He was not a social climber, nor a publicity seeker. He was just a plain, hard-working man, a family man who loved his God, his wife and his family. They were all the No. 1 priorities in his life. It showed.
On Easter Sunday, Chuck and Carole, along with other family members were at one of the son's homes in Lucasville, Ohio, for a holiday dinner.
Chuck died there of an apparent heart attack. He was 67. Chuck, who lived on Sharon-Hogue Road in Masury, was a 1957 graduate of Brookfield High and attended Youngstown State University.
He was an ardent sportsman who loved the outdoors. He loved farming and hunting, mostly turkey and deer.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
He had many pictures of his trophies.
He also bowled in several different leagues.
A popular man? You bet.
Hundreds turned out to pay their final respects for Chuck and his family.
The Shenango Valley lost a great man, "a common man." He's one I've been privileged to know for many years and one I've been proud to call my friend. Just talking to him for a short time could cast rays of sunshine on many years to come. We will never forget you, Chuck.
Our sincere sympathy to Carole, the entire Werner family, and to Chuck's sister, Ann Nicolls, of Hermitage.