A year or more has passed since I first met Judy Novak-Hrdy in Garrettsville, where my boyfriend's family lives, and she told me about the untimely passing of her brother in 2006.

Today I'm pleased to announce that she and her husband, Tom, have chosen the Portage Animal Protective League to benefit from their annual Stanley Novak Memorial Golf Outing, slated for 9 a.m. Saturday, October 17.

The Hrdys are currently seeking hole sponsors ($50 includes signage) and prize donors for the event, and hope to have 80 golfers for the gunshot start at Sugar Bush Golf Course in Garrettsville, rain or shine.

Golfers are asked to pay $90, $25 of which is tax-deductible. The cost includes 18 holes, 1/2 cart, lunch with two beverage tickets and a steak dinner with beverages, as well as a Longest Drive contest, a "New Car" Hole in One contest, a Closest to the Pin contest and other prizes. Non-golfers can also attend at 3 p.m. for a steak dinner and beverages at a reduced cost of $30, $10 of which is tax-deductible.

To reserve your spot by Aug. 28 - payment in full is due by Sept. 15 - please contact Tom or Judy at 440-527-4887, whstlpig@verizon.net or hrdy_t@ccbmrdd.org.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com