Bocce On! – Yountville – August 28, 2025 - Remembering Marty, Rolling On

I would like to start this week’s column by remembering Marty Cardone. Marty was a beloved member of the Yountville Bocce Club and a friendly neighbor to all who live in Rancho de Napa and Yountville. Sherry and Joel Breitigam, Wednesday night court managers, said it best, “Wednesday night lost a valuable player and friend with the passing of Marty Cardone. With his signature hat and subtle humor, Marty added fun and mischief from the sidelines. During play, his deep, dramatic bows after good, or bad, rolls kept us in stitches. Marty, you will be greatly missed!”

Monday, Aug. 11 – With only nine teams, the competition stayed lively. Patricia Hegner and Jan Horn topped the scoreboard with 24 points. Jim Cherniss and Mike Murrell followed close behind at 23, while Sharron O’Neill and Priscilla Hegner posted 22. Bellringers came from Bruce Orr, Sharron O’Neill, and Jan Horn.

Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Ten teams turned out for a busy night. Cindy and Guy Morgan had their best showing yet, sweeping all three matches and collecting 24 points—plus each landed a bellringer. Carol Shirmang and Don Olvarado also went undefeated. Pam Williams and Kathy Phillips celebrated bellringers of their own.

Thursday, Aug. 14 – Nine teams filled the courts. Mike Muters with Stella Williams, and Bob and Renee Garske, both swept their matches. Danny and Carolyn Brown and Rob Stout with Rita Simke followed with 18 points apiece. Ernie Cabral and Fred Espinoza tallied 13 points— that’s 6 points two times, plus a bonus, as Fred would say.

Monday, Aug. 18 – Cooler weather drew 12 teams. Larry Kamer and Jack Nelson went unbeaten. Nancy Caldwell and Charles Burke battled Giulio and Rosella Giuliani in a dramatic finish—down 7–4, Charles nailed a bellringer to win 8–7. The Giulianis still posted 23 points, keeping Giulio at the top of Monday’s rankings. Sharron O’Neill with Priscilla Hegner finished with 22, while Charles Ainsworth and Cheryl Grigsby secured 21. Two bellringers were thrown by Marco Pirondini. Cheryl Grigsby and Jan Horn each rolled one.

Wednesday, Aug. 20 – Despite the heat, ten teams gathered under the shade of the redwoods. Karen and Steve Zanetell turned in three flawless games. Kathy Phillips and Marilyn Cardone finished just one point behind with 23. The Morgans stayed strong with 20 points, boosted by another set of bellringers from both. Steve Zanetell also added his own. Mid-match, the group cheered happy news: congratulations to newlyweds Tom and Amy Bardessono on buying their first home!

Thursday, Aug. 21 – Official play was cancelled due to high temperatures, but diehard players including Carolyn Brown, Fred Espinoza, Dana Dellascio, and Rob Stout still came out for casual matches. Sometimes, you just can’t stay off the court.

REMINDER: Saturday, Sept. 27 is the year-end bocce tournament and dinner. Save the date—details to come!