Reggie Wegman
Ann Rounthwaite
Oakwood Lady Niners are enjoying summer golf with Ironwood Lady Niners due to the renovation of the Ironwood course. Several women belong to both leagues, but those who don’t welcome the chance to make new friends while golfing and socializing afterwards at the Poolside Café.
There are two formats for play this summer. On July 19, 26 and August 2 golfers will sign up for a specific tee time beginning at 6:30 a.m. and simply tee off at their assigned time. This will accommodate both early risers and those who want to sleep a little longer. On all other Tuesdays until the end of September course maintenance mandates a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. and golfers should arrive by 7:10 a.m. In either case sign up in advance at the Pro Shop. Summer is a great time to join the OLNGA and meet other members during non-league play. You can opt to play a shorter game from the silver tees or the 150-yard marker. For more information call Margaret Johns at 480-588-1807.
Since scores aren’t recorded in the summer, it’s also a good time to profile OLNGA members who contribute to the league’s success. Since 2001 Regina Wegman has served as rules, etiquette and outside invitational chairs, newsletter publisher, and, since 2012, scoring chair. Her varied contributions demonstrate Reggie’s energy, versatility and ability to excel at whatever she takes on – qualities she’s displayed all her life.
Born in Jamaica, NY, Reggie started work early, cooking in her parents’ tavern while still in elementary school. Her father’s death when she was 15 taught Reggie to make every day count. She began clerical work for the FBI in Manhattan at age 17, met and married Jim on November 23, 1963 and had two daughters. Both have become strong, independent and talented women. “Having my daughters was the best thing I’ve done, after marrying Jim,” Reggie says. And she has a granddaughter to carry on the family tradition.
When her daughters were old enough, Reggie returned to work as a hospital unit secretary. She was selected for education in a field that was developing rapidly due to chest wounds suffered in Vietnam – respiratory therapy. There were few women involved at the time, but Reggie excelled in the program at NYU and Bellevue Hospital, and became a Registered Therapist in 1981. She then advanced quickly to serve as Director of Cardio Pulmonary Services at Franklin General Hospital in Valley Stream, NY for many years. When ready for a change she worked as a Malpractice Examiner, retained by lawyers defending physicians in lawsuits, for another five years.
Reggie’s husband Jim was a New York police officer and then a corporate security director. They moved to Sun Lakes in 1999 after both retired. But Reggie needed to stay active and involved. From 2000 to 2015 she worked part-time as a respiratory therapist at Chandler Hospital. She also volunteered on the IronOaks Rules and Regulations Committee, and for 12 years as a Unit Captain. This year she agreed to serve as Unit Captains’ Chair.
Reggie is a forthright optimist whose motto might be “Never give up.” Oakwood Lady Niners value her friendship, her positive attitude and her competence.