by Bea Peterson
On Saturday, September 6, the Sandbar was packed with folks of all ages. They were gathered to celebrate the lives of four people who were taken from them too soon. It began 15 years ago with Karen McGovern. She was a vibrant and valiant fighter who succumbed to cancer at age 32. Her friends found a way to honor her by creating the Karen McGovern Volleyball Tournament. [private]The Tournament and other events and donations raise funds to support residents of Hoosick and the surrounding area who need financial help while combating life threatening illnesses. Two years ago Karen’s sister Molly passed away at age 40 and many donations were added to the fund. The loss prompted the changing of the name to the Karen and Molly McGovern Fund.
Double Blow
This year those closest to Karen suffered the loss of two more dear friends who were associated with the Volleyball Tournament from the beginning. Both served on the McGovern committee. Matt Philpott, age 45, died in an accident, and Isabelle McGuire, age 48, lost her valiant battle with cancer. Both were honored at Saturday’s tournament.
Ron Jones said he knew Matt for 41 years. They met when they were four years old. “Matt was never too busy to help a friend,” Jones said. “He was loyal, spontaneous and a problem solver.” He also loved to win, Jones noted, adding that they won the Karen McGovern Tournament for the first three years. Karen and Molly’s mom Barb McGovern presented Kristin Philpott and their three daughters Elizabeth, Emily and Kaitlyn with a framed collage of photos of Matt. Emily Philpott has volunteered to fill her father’s spot on the McGovern committee.
This year the committee initiated the Matt Philpott Award, which was given to Mike Snyder. The Award was presented to the player who best exemplified the dedication and enthusiasm Matt showed for the game.
Todd Wysocki spoke for the Isabelle McGuire team, the Happy Campers. “Isabelle was so much a part of our lives,” he said emotionally. “She loved the tournament and loved this day. We never won, but we always had fun! She was full of life, passionate, talkative and bossy. She told you what to do – and you did it!”
“I know she would say – carry on and enjoy the day! Karen and Isabelle showed such strength and courage.” Wysocki added, “We said we would win a game for Isabelle today – and we did!”
Every year someone is presented an engraved silver tray to honor his or her brave battle with cancer. This year Barb McGovern presented the tray to Leo McGuire on behalf of Isabelle. McGuire told the gathering, “She loved all you guys. This is such a great cause and benefits so many local people.” He went on to describe Isabelle. “She loved her job, loved her kids and her family. She had such determination. She planned to teach this year.” He said she told her family, “I’ve done everything I wanted to do.”
“The best thing you can do is to continue this event,” McGuire concluded.
Following the presentations, Ron and Noreen Hall, who organized the Polish Hall Poker Run for the McGovern Fund, presented the committee with a check for $1,432, and members of the Polish Hall presented the committee with a matching check for $900.
The Fund also received more than $1,000 from area Quilters who held two gigantic tag sales.
Event organizer, Lisa Ferrannini, said this year’s Tournament was the largest ever with 16 teams participating. This year teams from Cambridge and Bennington, VT, participated. Some teams had to wait until after lunch to play. She thanked the Sandbar for once again hosting the Tournament and providing food and beer.
Fund Amount
The Committee estimates the fund has received more than $175,000 in 15 years. “It’s not about how much we’ve received,” said committee member Pat Hayes. “It’s about how much we’ve been able to give, and this year we’ve given out over $25,000.” She also noted that anyone suffering a life threatening illness who needs assistance should write to the Karen & Molly McGovern Fund, P.O. Box 132, Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.
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