By Indiana Reed
Special to The SUN
La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) will host its annual golf tournament at the Pagosa Springs Golf Course, Saturday, June 22.
Space is limited and registration deadline is June 19.
Organized by LPEA’s line personnel, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local IBEW 111 26A) based in Pagosa Springs, the LPEA Golf Tournament is open to all community members and will benefit the Darin Rome Memorial Scholarship for local music students. Rome, an LPEA journeyman lineman, lost his life in a tragic accident in 2011.
As a new addition following the tournament, a dance and silent auction, including live music with Tim Sullivan and Narrow Gauge, plus a cash bar, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center. Rome, a drummer, often performed with Sullivan.
“Even if you aren’t a golfer, plan to attend the dance,” said Laura Rome, LPEA executive assistant who has stepped up to help organize the events in the absence of her late husband. “Aside from having a great time, you’ll be supporting a really good cause.”
The Darin Rome Memorial Scholarship was formed to financially support aspiring musicians, as well as remind students that someone believes in them, knows they can succeed, and encourages them to look forward, with excitement, to a music career. The first $2,000 scholarship was presented in May 2013 to Pagosa High School student Megan Davey.
“Darin had a passion for music,” said Laura Rome. “He started playing drums at age nine and had his first professional gig at 17 while still a student at Pagosa Springs High School. He played with numerous bands over the years, from rock to country and continued working at his music. At the time of his death, Darin had become an accomplished recording artist, singer, songwriter, drummer and guitar player. He was also a very giving person and always on the lookout to help others in need.”
“The LPEA Golf Tournament is definitely golf for a good cause,” said Mike Alley, LPEA district supervisor and event organizer. “Golfers can enjoy a day on the links, plus lunch, and are eligible for some $5,000 in prizes, and we will contribute to the scholarship fund established for our friend and colleague, Darin Rome.”
The tournament is a four-person scramble, with four flights beginning with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, rain or shine. Entry fee is $65 per person, which includes lunch, golf cart, prizes and more. The field will be limited to 36 teams. Hole sponsorships are available for $150, $500 and $1,000, and independent donations are welcome.
Tickets for the post-tourney dance — $15/person, $25/couple — will be available at the door. Cash or checks only. No credit cards.
To register, or for further information regarding the golf tournament, contact Mike Alley, 749-0260 or malley@lpea.coop. To donate directly to the Darin Rome fund or contribute to the silent auction, contact Laura Rome,382-3508 or lrome@lpea.coop.
Since the LPEA Golf Tournament’s inception in 2003, the event has become a tradition and raised more than $40,000 for a variety of non-profit entities in Archuleta County, including the Hospice of Mercy, Pagosa Early Learning Center and Archuleta County Victim Assistance.