Monday marked the fourth year House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, who loves his dog but doesn’t play golf, has hosted a golf outing for the benefit of the Friends of the Warwick Animal Shelter and at least two other animal adoption agencies. But this year was different. Not only was the scramble held at Top Golf, instead of the Quidnessett Country Club, but it was not limited to 136 players. In fact volunteer non golfers were welcome, too and of course anyone wanting to help the cause. As Cranston Rep. Jackie Baginski, the event organizer, reported there were 250 “golfers” and another 50 who bought tickets for the reception following play. Judy Salvadore, chair of the seven-member Friends of Warwick Animal Shelter Board, praised Shekarchi for initiating the scramble that has become the Friends’ biggest fundraiser. Last year it brought in $31,000 that went toward medical procedures for dogs and cats at the shelter as well as providing needed materials. Sharing in this year’s proceeds that are anticipated to be even greater will be Anchor Paws and the West Place Animal Sanctuary. As it turns out, Jackie’s involvement inspired her parents, Joe and Brenda Baginski, to adopt a goat at the West Place Animal Sanctuary in Tiverton. No, they didn’t bring it home. The Baginski contribution ensures it has a place in the sanctuary. But that’s not to say the goat won’t pay a visit to the 5th Scramble. (Text and photos by John Howell)