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The Racket Fall - October, 2012

SaltSpring Tennis History lesson: These guys – recognize them - played Tennis with many of us on SaltSpring in the mid 80’s --- during the Camelot days of Tennis on SaltSpring and the formative years of SSTA. You just never know who you will meet on the Court on this island….

Editor’s Sidebar: This copy of the Racket is very long --- it has large print for the older readers, lots of pictures and lots of white space … so hang in there --- There is lots of interesting stuff for you too… MCB

Picture courtesy of the Parksville

Qualicom Beach News

David Foster & Wayne Gretsky Come on back guys try

out Centre Court…

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Editorial: Roy Rajsic royrajsic@saltspring.com What an amazing stretch of weather we have had since the last Racket. When summer came it lasted well past Thanksgiving and it is only now that the rain has finally come. The effects of the tent caterpillar infestation were felt right through the season with even the Island Apple Festival falling victim to them. You know that it has been a bad season when Ann Stewart has to offer some of her apples to Bob Weeden !!! Bob did admit though, that it was something of a relief to have the year off with respect to apples at least – time to work on his Tennis. Thanksgiving was a joy for more than the weather: how about that brand new, wonderful indoor tennis court! I just love that court; it is really a joy to play in there. We can all be thankful for the hard work of executive members and the everlasting generosity of club and community members for this great, great place to play. It was sheer coincidence when four of our lady members realized that they played on the indoor court on the very day of the 33rd anniversary of the incorporation of the Salt Spring Tennis Association. Congratulations ladies; what a long time coming! The official opening day ceremonies were great fun. The demonstration of kid`s tennis by Marianne Banman`s students was just a delight. For all of us it was just terrific to see that future tennis players were being developed and that the sport can really blossom. As one of our visitors observed, any big city tennis club would consider Marianne the jewel of their junior development program. We are lucky that we have her here on our own little island; something else for which to be thankful. Speaking of our visitors if you didn`t see the doubles game that visiting pros Kathy Fox, Peter Schelling and Marjorie Blackwood, along with Victoria magician Ranjan McArthur, put on for us you missed the best play that I have ever seen on the Island. What a treat it was to see these talented folks play the game. Peter and Marjorie are planning on spending more time here so we will have many more opportunities to see and learn from them. Peter is a very talented and personable coach who is looking forward to working with Island players of all ages and levels. As well as being a gifted teacher Marjorie is one of the most talented Canadian women to play in the professional ranks. Numerous doubles titles and a notable win over former British and world number one Virginia Wade are just a few her many

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accomplishments. The two have been married for thirty years and still have fun playing together. Now, there is something they could teach us right off the bat! I think in the coming years that we will be very thankful to have Peter and Marjorie here. Many of our members are off to their winter haunts; safe travel to you all. We shall miss you and will look forward to your return in the Spring. You will have to be ready for some awesome play from all the people who stayed behind to work on their game in our fabulous new court! … RR

Presidents Report: Erica Ross, President. leshirondelles@telus.net Fall being the traditional season for the harvest, it is fitting that the SSTA is finally enjoying the fruits of our labour, with the recent opening of Centre Court. It was an exciting day and an accomplishment of which we can all be proud. We plan to continue to care for our investment of energy, time, and money with the “Court Watch” program Fernando has introduced. Thank you to all those who have signed up so far to be part of the rota on the calendar in the Green Room….there are still some spaces left for those of you that have not done so yet. Many hands make light work!

SSTA membership is increasing. We are pleased to welcome several new members and some returning ones, now that winter tennis is here again. For those who would like a Fall “tune-up”, check our website (www.saltspringtennis.ca) for information on programs and coaching. Marianne Banman performs wonders, and new member, Peter Schelling, has been a high performance coach for 30 years. Please watch for notices about programs they will be offering.

Happy days are here again!

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On the Money Front: Doris St Germain sstennis@shaw.ca

Over the summer our club account looked after the usual expenses for varies social functions like the summer BBQ, interclub lunches and tournament prizes or food. Most of our club income is derived from membership fees and these pay for almost all the club operations. This year we have an extended fiscal year, as well as an increase in the membership fee, which will produce a significant change in the financial reports at the next AGM next spring. But for now our club account is growing and stands at $4,444.83. The next biggest club expense will be the Christmas Party – be sure to attend since you are paying for it!

The main focus of our financial operations throughout the summer has been in the Indoor Tennis Facility Account for the construction of Centre Court. We are very hopeful that the last bill has been paid, but we’ve had to revise our final total a few times! The total cost to build was $630,376.96, but that is adjusted by HST rebates to $567,843.07 – still a very big number! We have been very lucky to have eleven members who supported this project by loaning us $300,000 on promissory notes. We have ten years to repay them, but this has to be a priority.

Since mid September we have been in operational mode and it has been a very busy start. Thankfully most of the financial transactions have been incoming payments for leagues, block bookings and private game bookings. League fees brought in $5,184 for the seven leagues and the six block bookings added $3204 to the bank balance for the fall session and one winter session. Our current bank balance is $9,629.32 – but that is changing daily. We do have some outstanding receivables such as the HST rebate, Tennis Canada donations, a local grant and some coaching reservations that should add around $17,250 to the bank balance.

The on-line booking system for private games needed some rain to kick-start it! The payments are made through PayPal and our PayPal account balance is constantly changing. At some point we will electronically transfer some of those funds into our bank account. This whole process has been a learning experience for the executive as well as the members using it – but we’re getting there.

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Now that we are up and running, we will start to incur operational expenses, but luckily this is a very simple building with low operating costs. We know that monthly costs will include rent to the Golf Club, hydro for those fabulous court lights and the rest of the building, fees for PayPal transactions and the online booking service. HST will have to be paid for all the court bookings on a quarterly basis and annual costs will be insurance and perhaps some taxes. There will be some minor maintenance expenses for things such as bathroom supplies and drinking water, but it will take a year to get a complete picture.

Our Premium Savings Business Account has been dormant throughout the summer except for a patronage bonus which raised it to $177.86 and is to become our Reserve Fund once we have money to save.

Fundraising Activities: Doris St Germain sstennis@shaw.ca

Lobsterfest: Now an established SSTA Summer tradition. The LobsterFest held on June 10th, saw Fernando & Tami Dos Santos and Frank & Patricia Marrek working hard in Meadon Hall to ensure all the details of this event were looked after to guarantee another wonderful evening for all involved.. This has become an annual favourite with club members, their guests, tourist and the general community; the ticket sales are very brisk! It is the must have ticket for the social scene in June – Don’t miss it next year. The hard work of the Dos Santos and Marrek teams added $2,123.43 to the ITF account and provided a $160 donation to the Copper Kettle... Well done all of you --- Thank you for your hard work, good natures and generosity…

St Mary’s Paddle& Poker Monday August 9th, This year the annual St Mary Lake Swim morphed into a St Mary Lake Paddle and Poker Run that was managed by Doris St Germain. It was a successful day --- great weather, good Boatspersonship, great food, lively music and wonderful company. The event was held on August 6th and was followed by the summer BBQ at the home of Virginia and Jack Giles. The 13 paddlers collected pledges totaling $3785 for the building fund and the

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poker pot of $130 went to Grania Litwin who beat out her sister Erica Ross with her last card drawn. A very Successful SSTA day all round --- During the BBQ another fund raiser took place – the First Game Auction! Fernando Dos Santos acted as auctioneer and got the bidding up to $500 for a spot in the first game. The highest bidder was given the chance to buy more than one spot and then anyone else was allowed to buy the remaining spots at the same price. So $2000 was raised and the four players ended up being Rick Weatherall, Dan Phelan, Erica Ross whose husband bought the spot for her and Fernando Dos Santos, who wife bought the spot for him. Thanks to all those who worked so hard setting up, taking down, doing dishes, bringing food, paddling, passing out poker cards…. You all made it a lovely day… Country Grocer Tapes & Thrifty’s Smile Card The on-going fund raising programs of the Smile Card and Save a Tape are continuing to bring in a bit of money every month. They have brought in $1,451.29 this year – which is almost twice what we have seen in any previous years. Thanks to all our members for making this happen, keep stuffing those tapes in Box 77 at Country Grocer or using the Thrifty Smile Cards! In July Penny Sira decided she needed to step up and do something for the club – so she took over the Country Grocer tape box duties from Doris. Thank you so much Penny, every little bit helps make the Club run well for all of us… It is a big help and relieves some of the pressure from Doris..

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SSTA Clothing Line: Louise Devlin louisedevelin@hotmail.com Our clothing sales are an on-going fund raiser managed by Louise Devlin. She has set up her samples at fund raisers and at the events at Centre Court encouraging members to buy our tennis clothing. She sells from her supplies or places orders whenever a different size or colour is needed. Since the start the clothing line has been offered in white, navy or blue. However, you might see a new colour showing up soon and you might just have to have it!

She is hoping to have a permanent display in the Green Room at Centre Court in the near future, but for now call her at 537-4622 if you want to buy something. It’s great to see our members wearing our logo on the court and around town. Don’t forget they make great gifts for your tennis envy friends…

On SaltSpring we KNOW you have to dress Good to play Good…. But did you know…. Kids listen to this… When the first "revealing" ankle and forearm dress made its debut at Wimbledon in 1919, it was in stark contrast to the high-neck dresses and floor-length skirts favored by 40-year-old, seven-time champion Dorothea Douglass who was dressed in a high-neck dress which swept the floor. And for the guys – did you know… Henry "Bunny" Austin was the first player to wear shorts at Wimbledon in 1932, shocking many... including Queen Mary.

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Anyone Out There ????? HELP WANTED !!!!!!

Only more urgently !!!!! SSTA still needs of a Coordinating Committee in the Fundraising area. We really need someone or a team of someone(s) with good organization skills, enthusiasm and Volunteer Wrangling skills… we have lots of Volunteers, they just need some wrangling and poking. There is no shortage of great fund raising ideas, what we need is a team to shepherd them to completion and coordinate all the various efforts… Anyone out there ??? Contact Doris St Germain

Future Fundraising Ideas --- Anyone with some creative ideas for raising money for the Indoor Court, come forward… we need you and your ideas. It could be: a really sound stock tip in a gold mine, or RIM, a bake sale, an invention of some tennis technology the world needs desperately (score keeping thingy for the Golden Age technophobes), an event like the Lobster Dinner, a party for the whole Community - SSTA Style. Something unique, fun and raises as much money as quickly as possible – so we can stop fund raising, donating and working so hard and get back to just playing tennis, laughing, partying and enjoying SaltSpring – you know the real stuff of the club….

Congratulations !!!!! So far this year we have deposited $32,389.31 in donations for our new Centre Court. But we have spent it all! There are still some donations sent to Tennis Canada that have not come back to us and we are still waiting for a $5000 grant from SS Island Foundation to help cover the expenses of our wheelchair accessible bathroom. Now that the building is up and being used does not mean the end to fund raising. We have a $300,000 debt to pay off and donations are still needed. The Tennis Canada program for taxable deductions is still available and you might want to consider a donation for 2013 to help reduce some of your taxes next year while helping out your tennis club.

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Membership News: Doris St Germain sstennis@shaw.ca

“If you build it…they will come …and join our club” – seems to be the reason our club membership has been growing since Centre Court opened. We now have 166 members on our list, which is up from last year’s 147. However, we did change our membership year at the AGM in June to move the end date from September 30 to December 31st - so we could reach record numbers by the end of the year. All our members were given three free months of membership and the renewal date is now January 1, 2013. We are very pleased to welcome our newest members : David Baukol, Boe Beardsmore, Marjorie Blackwood, David Cummings, Janet Cummings, Mark Cutten, Diane Dumont, Kathy Fox, Karl Holmqvist, Bruce Housser, Paul Jensen, Daniel Kalf, Heather Kalf, Bernadette McAllister, Peter McAllister, Ranjan McArthur, Marie Mullen, Peter Phelan, Peter Schelling, Jean Southgate, Suzanne Tremblay, and Mary Waugh. The excitement of Centre Court has spurred some previous members to rejoin. Welcome back: Lorne Bunyan, Eugene Chung, Jim Dearing, Ruth Hopping, Colin Lawler, and Wayne Wrigley. At the AGM in June, not only did the membership term change, but a special resolution was passed to increase the annual membership fee to $25 which includes the HST. This new fee went into effect in mid September when the resolution was filed by the Registrar under the Society Act.

To date we have 74 new or renewed memberships for 2013. We are happy to receive your renewal anytime between now and the end of the year. Just send in your $25 cheque to our club mailing address or if you are playing at Centre Court, you may drop it in the payment box in the storage room. Just be sure to include a renewal form with the payment. Thanks…

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Upcoming Events: Christmas Party

Date: November 28, 2012  Time: 6:00 pm Meet & Greet – Cash Bar   7:00 pm Dinner  Where: Meadon Hall - Lower Legion Building    Cost: $10.00 – per person – payable at the door*  

Meal: Roast Beef Entree with Yorkshire Pudding & Veggies    will be provided by the Club  

To request a vegetarian meal - please notify Rose when you RSVP  

What to Bring: Appetizer - or - Salad –  or Christmas Dessert  

Music: By a DJ - bring your dancing shoes!    To reserve your seat, please RSVP by November 25th to:  Rose Heinekey at 538-5574,or by rose_heinekey@telus.net  *  If  you  plan  to  pay  your  2013  membership  at  the  door  –  please  bring  a  separate  cheque.             Please bring a little something for the Copper Kettle Gift Hampers… unused or gently used that would brighten someone’s day… just a little something nice…. Tasty treat or thoughtful trinket… There will also be a donation Kettle set up at the door. We all have so much and others so little… mark on a tag male or female… think older adults… Thanks… MCB Rose Heinekey - the wonder woman who organizes all of our yummy SSTA Feasts, would like to ask for some help decorating, setting up and a little clean up --- come on out and join the fun…. Just give her a call or email at rose_heinekey@telus.net

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Action on the Courts: Centre Court Watch: We will be looking for 60 of our members to volunteer to keep an eye on Centre Court for one day every two months. It will involve going to the court at least once during the day and also making certain that the facility has been properly closed up. In this way we can be certain that the facility is secure and successful.

Business Ladies: Outdoor: The summer saw some league play, but it was not as active as last year. The Wednesday Women’s Evening League was in operation throughout the summer. This league has a long history of serving the needs of the business ladies in the club who work during the day and look forward to their evening games. Sunday mornings saw a number of women out in a league organized by Leah Hartley. Contact Doris St Germain at 250-537-1635 or email sstennis@shaw.ca

Indoor Leagues: October 1st was the start of the indoor league season in our new Centre Court. The response for league players was great – but we can always add more. There are seven leagues set up – four for women, two for men and one mixed. We had tried to establish a few other ones, but did not get the players to make them work. Some were changed by group, some were reduced in time, and others were dropped due to the lack members. Those players who did turn up to play were thrilled to be in such a fabulous facility! They won’t be hesitant to sign up for the winter session. We do have lots of players already signed up for the next session – many signed up for both sessions right from the start. If you want to get your name in - just send Doris St Germain an email at sstennis@shaw.ca . Regarding the current schedules - to those players in groups of eight – I apologize for using the wrong schedules when I set up them up. I used the outdoor schedule which is not appropriate for a single court where time needs to be taken into consideration. So I searched my SSTA 2006 emails and found the right one that will be used for the winter session.

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Drop In --- Drop Ins’ have gone indoor to Centre Court for the Winter. As Doris

mentioned above --- there are leagues which are intended to be the Winter version of Drop In – some people didn’t understand what was going on, others couldn’t figure out how to do it on-line and then there were those who put it off because of the great weather --- any way anyone who signed up is either playing or sub-bing… To ensure that you are included in the next session starting in Jan. get registered early … there is lots of room and we can make more if the demand is there… come on out…. It is sooooo much fun!!!!! The court is beautiful to play on and makes you feel like a great player --- you remember like 10 years ago….

Men’s – Still Tuesday Morning… Women’s – still Thursday Morning… Mixed: still Friday Morning…

Tournament Results: --- Jennifer Morgan cradbone@telus.net Wimbledon Cup & Saucer - June 30th - Mixed Doubles with some wooden racket play and with the same allotted partner. White attire only please, think vintage. All in all a very dignified even. Wimbledon Champions on SaltSpring this year were Frank Marrek and Carol Wright. Well done it isn’t easying winning such a prestigious honour…. Well done all who played in another fun day with Strawbearries and Cream…. And cookies too… President's Cup – Men July 21st -   President's cup for men was won by Mike Leedham and Dave Rowse, runners up were Michael Powell and Allan Bruce.

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President’s Cup - Women July 22nd –

President’s Cup for Women was won by Justene Tedder and Doris St Germain, Runners up were Ann Stewart and Barbara Freitas.

4thAnnual Roger’s Rookie Juniors: July 28 Saturday, July 28th Rogers Rookie Junior Tournament Winners:

Age 6-8: Graham Fisher (SSI) Age 9-12: Maya Boucher (SSI) Age 13-15: A young lad from Arizona

Saturday, August 4th Le Petit Rogers Rookie MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Next year's Rogers Rookie Tournie Saturday,

July 27th at Portlock Park.

SSTA’s Future --- lovely to see -- good

going players, organizers and

parents…

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Gulf Islands Open Tournament – August 30th to September 3rd         The Gulf Islands Open was again this year was great success, largely due to the tremendous efforts of Jennifer Morgan, who maintained her composure and friendly nature no matter what challenges she was faced with. This woman is wonderful !!!!! Thank you so much for all your hard work and your good humour… Many thanks also to all those who played. It was full of great tennis, great sportsmanship, numerous close third set victories, great fun and blessed with great weather, except perhaps for some windy conditions during the finals. Our off island contenders all want to return next year for another try at defeating so many good SaltSpring players. Congratulations to the winners and on the great play by everyone involved.

Men's Singles Winner - David Barclay. Runner up - Markus Wenzel. Consolation - Adam Lawrence.

Women's Singles – Winner - Donna Wrigley. Runner up - Marianne Banman. Consolation winner - Eva Cassetti.

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Sadie Hawkins: Oct.13 on Centre Court Scheduled for Portlock the Sadie Hawkins was endangered of being cancelled due to a lovely long awaited rain. However through Jennifer Morgan’s creativity and persistence the Sadie Hawkins was the first Club tournament held in our new Centre Court. The tournament ran from 9 am to 12.30 - 6 teams played for two half hour games with a final between Colin & Erica and Markus & Justene. Markus & Justene won the final exciting match. It really went very well and would not have gone at all without that lovely court. Thanks everyone who organized and played so well – magic happened – it demonstrates beautifully that we can have some fun tournaments over the Winter…

Men's Doubles – Winners - David Barclay and Wes Bertch. Runners up - Peter Lamb and Fernando dos Santos.

Women's Doubles – Winners - Erica Ross and Elly McKeague. Runners up - Donna Wrigley and Marianne Banman.

Mixed Doubles - Winners - Colin and Erica Ross. Runners up - Markus Wenzel and Justene Tedder. Consolation winners - John Handy and Doris St.Germain.

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Interclub Report: Ann Stewart ann.stewart@teleus.net Oak Bay exchange to us was cancelled for the second time, so we decided to leave it to next year, but we did have a great time with them - taking 6 men and six women. The annual battle with Gabriola took place - we won when we went over there, and we also won when they came here, (host Jennifer Morgan). Thanks Jen. The trophy sits in majesty in the Green Room until next year!!!! That was for four men and four women… Well done all you have restored our honour… Arbutus cancelled any exchanges as not one Arbutusite signed up - lack of enthusiasm was deemed to be the cause! --- we will try again next year… maybe we have them nervous or they just haven’t heard how much fun we are and what great lunches we put on… Sept 14: SSTA to Langford: SSTA players were: Roy Rajsic, Ann Stewart, Jeff Bee, Jennifer Morgan, April Wright, Micheal Powell, Pat Lazenby

Papparzzi trying to herd CATS into organized picture form….. ah SSI folk

After corralling the CATS into some order --- a happy bunch of Tennis

Players….

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Sept 29th Langford comes to SSI…. SSTA was represented by: Michael Powell, Pearl Gray, Dave Rowse, April Wright, Roy Rajsic, Erica Ross, Bob Weeden, Donna Wrigley, Rick Weatherall , Derek Emmerson, Doris St. Germain and Jan Coates

SSTA’s Best Style Ann Stewart

Roy Rajsic & Micheal Powell

Jennifer Morgan

 

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Instructional & Coaching Opportunities:

Embarrassment of Riches in Tennis Teaching and Coaching

for SSTA and the SSI Community

After many years of having very little Tennis instruction and coaching on SaltSpring we are truly blessed to now have so many wonderful options: Marianne Banman It all started to change a few years ago with Marianne Banman’s Baseline Academy. All of those who were fortunate enough to be at our Grand Opening had a chance to see an example of her wonderful teaching skills and enthusiasm as she demonstrated how to teach juniors. She not only teaches juniors but also beginners of all ages. Ducky over the mountain, Shoot the Bunny and parent involvement were particularly popular with the crowds and looked like a lot of fun… Andrew Ross Collins We are also fortunate to now having Andrew teaching beginners to intermediates, as of last year. A very personable young man who was part of the Red Court Demo at the Opening. We also want to introduce the latest addition

to the SaltSpring Tennis Club and Community: Marjorie Blackwood and Peter Schelling, who will be offering their services on SaltSpring teaching private lessons as well as clinics. Marjorie and Peter (black shirts) treated us to a wonderful demonstration of tennis at our Grand Opening with their match against Ranjan McArthur

and Kathy Fox, the best tennis seen on SaltSpring in many years.

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Marjorie and Peter have taught tennis together for over 30 years. After 18 years as Tennis Directors at the Whistler Racquet Club, they moved to Galiano Island in 2010. They continue to deliver tennis clinics, lessons and camps on Galiano Island, Whistler and Vancouver Island. Marjorie Blackwood

• Former Top 50 WTA Tour player, competed at Wimbledon, US Open, Aussie Open, holder of 13 professional titles

• Past wins over Top 10 players, Virginia Wade, Pam Shriver and Helena Sukova

• Three time past Canadian Champion in singles and doubles • Former Federation Cup and National Team coach for Canada, has

coached all levels of play for over 20 years

Peter Schelling

• Two time Men's Masters National Doubles Champion • Coach 3 certification level • 30years of coaching all levels of play from top juniors, adults,

beginning and intermediate players Peter being the new guy on the block - would love to get some feedback from members as to what types if programming they might be interested in. He assures me he can offer anything from drill sessions, workshops, specific lessons, camps ,clinics, you name it. Just contact him at 604-698-6506 or peteschelling@gmail.com You can also check out their web site at www.westcoastennis.com He is looking forward to meeting everyone out and about the Courts…

And… all of these people are really skilled, fun folks who are going to help bring Tennis to a whole new level on SaltSpring…. Good luck all of you… and thanks all … MCB

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Baseline Tennis Academy Offerings: Marianne Banman baselinetennis@telus.net Baseline is a local SaltSpring company offering programs for adults, youth and kids. Marianne is a keen supporter of SSTA and is very interested in developing ongoing tennis for everyone on the island, especially young players. For the following programs contact her directly. baselinetennis@telus.net Le Petit, Tykes & Junior Indoor Tennis starts November 2nd.

Register now to avoid disappointment. Several spots left in each session. Le Petit: Ages 3-5. Registration: $59 each for 5 sessions

Nov 2 to Dec 7th at SSE GYM. Time: 12Noon – 12:45pm (no class on Nov. 16)

The following programs will take place at Centre Court (at the Golf Club): TYKES Tennis Ages 6-8: Registration $79 each for 6 sessions, Nov 2 to Dec 14, 2-3pm Junior Tennis I Ages 9-14 Registration $89 each for 6 sessions, Nov 2-Dec 14, 3-4pm Junior Tennis II Ages 10-14 (by permission of instructor): $89 for 6 sessions, Nov 2 – Dec 14, 4-5pm Note: There is no class on Nov. 16th as school is in session. Or if you are curious about Red Court – this is for you…. NEW: Adult RED COURT TENNIS Workshop: If you would like to learn to play and compete in red court tennis, please arrange your group of 4-12 adults and call Marianne to book your workshop. 90 minute red court tennis for Adults: Saturday afternoon time in November or early December works best for the Instructor. Participants pay the court booking fee and Marianne Banman will coach the workshop for a small participant fee of $12 each. First 30 minutes would be instruction and rules. Last hour would be fun, yet competitive match singles or doubles match play.

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Or Saturday November 3rd from 9:30 – 11:00 am. She will be available during these times to provide help with the rules and to answer any other questions. You can either use your own racquet or use one of the smaller racquets available at the court. $5/per/session. If it proves to be successful we will be looking for volunteers to come out on successive Saturdays to set up the nets and take them down. Email baselinetennis@telus.net to request a registration form. Or call 250-537-5870.

   

A  UNIQUE  DOUBLES  EXPERIENCE  WITH  

Marjorie  &  Peter  

Saturday  &  Sunday  November  17  &18  

Doubles 101, Saturday 9:00 12:00

(this is for players wanting to know the basics of doubles)

Theme: focus is on Serving Team, drills and jobs of Server and er as they work to hold serve, lots of drills and

doubles strategy

Doubles 101, Sunday, 9:00 12:00

Theme: Focus is on Returning Team skills.

Positioning, moving as team, lots of volleys

The Art of Doubles: Saturday, 2:00 5:00

Level: Players 3.5 and up with more advanced doubles skills

Intense and active doubles drills, transition to net, emphasis on the Serving Team

Art of Doubles: Sunday, 2:00 5:00

More advanced drills, Emphasis on Returning Team Team strategies and tactics. Fun drills and tactics to improve your doubles game.

$50.00 per day/$100 both sessions

Register at peteschelling@gmail.com or call 604 698-‐6506

Priority booking to people attending both days

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Court Maintenance Report: Pat Lazenby plazenby@saltspring.com Fulford Court: was well used this summer with many coming to spend bucolic tennis time in the Valley…. Nice to see it in use again… see you in the Spring… Portlock Courts: Pat had a chat and a walk about with our new PARC manager, Lorraine Brewster, last week. She was assured that no more courts will have pickle ball painting on them...The nets on courts 2,3 abd 4 will be repaired or replaced... As she is a tennis player herself, she will be wanting to play (hey another new member ?) when she finally has her house here on SSI. Seems like a great Director, with a huge load on her shoulders, so we might not be first in line, but we have her full support and that is definitely a plus. Thanks Pat for your efforts on our behalf. “ Wimble-down “ is the ball fluff that gathers in the corners of the indoor court…..

Centre Court: Pat Lazenby is looking for volunteers to clean our new indoor court, run the sweeper (it’s like a push mower, no power cords to slow you down – great warmup) to clean up the Wimbledown. Tidying up the greenroom and the bathroom, general straightening up etc. It is not a huge task and doesn’t require a huge commitment of time --- but every bit helps, we would like to keep the place tidy and looking new. Contact Pat plazenby@shaw.ca if you can help out with part or all of it….Thanks all….

Note To All : On going to court yesterday I took my tennis shoes

to put on there (as they are brand new) and it seems to me it might be a good idea with the bad weather arriving that all players do this whatever the weather. I think it would save getting grit and dirt on the court and cut down on the cleaning needed.,,, Sylvia Leedham

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SSTA’s Website: www.saltspringtennis.ca Well the Website is looking pretty cool these days. It has the Indoor Booking site, the catalogue of our fashionable tennis clothes, the schedule for tournaments and Interclub Activity and it even has sources for supplies like stringing, balls and grip wrap…. There was also a very useful and simple 'Online Booking' explanation by Michael Powell...complete with his pictures of the various screens people would see during the steps of the process

Check it out…. We are looking forward to seeing a section for the Racket and the back issues of the Racket…. Sort of an archive for posterity….

Who's that (French) Guy?

The French Open - also known as the Roland-Garros - is named after ... Roland Garros. While his name is most closely associated with tennis now, he was actually a world-famous aviator and World War I flying ace. He was the first to motor over the Mediterranean in 1913, using a Morane-Salnier Parasol monoplane. Even so, Roland Garros was also an avid sportsman and skilled tennis player.

Snippets: Got any news or kudos to…. Let me know… MCB Michael Powell is doing such an amazing job as our volunteer techno guru --- his help with the Website and the On-line booking system has been terrific and invaluable to all of us. He is indeed a WebMaster & Wonder Tech…. Thanks Micheal… and he plays a mean game of tennis too. Who’d have thought ????? There actually is a difference between men’s balls and ladies balls - okay stop giggling --- it’s really true and not what your are thinking… However personally, I really think that some people have way too much time on their hands to figure this stuff out… There is adifference in balls used by men and women at the US Open! Be

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sure to get to the end where there are some photos of the balls. Who knew!!! http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=346090 Michael Powell and Avril Kirby introduced Centre Court to the Photography Club in an interesting/unique way --- with a beautiful photography by Avril and some very fuzzy economic/accounting by both of them…. It seems the christening game cost each player between 14 cents and 30 cents/sec depending on the time of day of the calculation – it appears the sobering morning after is more correct. I’ve even heard a rumour that the $2000 game made it on to Youtube – though this techno peasant can’t find it. Micheal added that at the reduced rate of September it would cost 20 cents per minute per person for doubles… maybe we should stick to tennis rather all this higher math…. Ron Perring will be away from November to the end of January, so anyone needing a restringing job done should contact Peter Schelling at 250-539-3694. The Club stringing machine is now in the storage area of the Green Room and Peter Schelling will take over the stringing duties while Ron is away.

It isn’t all Glamour at the Exec level --- here are some hard working folks getting Centre Court ready for the Opening --- they all worked so hard --- thanks so much all of you --- you have built us a beautiful facility and we owe you a huge debt of gratitude….

Ahh !!!!! The Glamour of it all !!!!!!!

Erica Ross, Colin Ross and Doris St-Germain

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Colin Ross is not only an amazing Court Washer but also a very dignified Linesman, Netsman and Ball Boy… as he hosted the Champions Match at the Centre Court Opening. He is a snappy dresser and generally a nice man too --- Thanks Colin for all your support of the Club. Jennifer Morgan also deserves thanks for her dedication to the garden at Centre Court – she planted it and kept it watered every day through this lovely dry Fall…. Well done – Mother Nature is here to help you now Jennifer The Open House of “Centre Court” was well attended by SSTA members as well many others. Check out the Album below for all the action. Fernando dos Santos sends this for your perusal…   You are invited to view Tami's

photo album: Summer Opening of "Centre Court"

Summer Opening of "Centre Court" Aug 28, 2012 by Tami View Album Play slideshow

If you are having problems viewing this email, copy and paste the following into your browser: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=rustad.santos&target=ALBUM&id=5781784755136322929&authkey=Gv1sRgCPOVopfPmP7SfA&feat=email To share your photos or receive notification when your friends share photos, get your own free Picasa Web Albums account.

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Thanks to Marianne Banman for her Try Tennis Everyone !!! at Centre Court on September 29th…. New blood is a coming… Doris St. Germain and Fernando Dos Santo put on a super Orientation to Centre Court on October 22.23 --- they showed us how not to lock ourselves in or out of the washroom, how to work the lights, the side garage doors and the front lock… it was fun, informative and relieved some of the nervousness of meeting our new facility…. It is wonderful…. What a wonderful Treat to play tennis there…. Thanks guys it was great and helpful… We would also like to thank Jeff Bee --- because of his personal preferences he bought and installed a toilet paper holder in the washroom --- we would like to encourage anyone who sees something they would like taken care of or added to the facitlity (within reason and taste of course) to take the initiative --- It is our facility and we want it to be as cozy, comfy and clean for everyone… Waiting for “them” to do it doesn’t work --- the “them” is each of us guys and girls… Thanks Jeff. A Bit of Dick Dobell at Centre Court - The metal cable holding up the screens at the back of the court came from Dick. He had a spool of cable for lifting his boat and gave the leftovers to Ron Perring... who donated it to the club so that Dick Dobell could do his bit for Centre Court. We Recycle - Things we had for the bubble found their way to a new life at Centre Court.

• the main entry door and frame to Centre Court was the court door to the Bubble;

• the second door and frame from Green Room to the court was the emergency door of the Bubble;

• the water dispenser and cup holders were in the Bubble airlock; all the bulletin boards were in the airlock;

• the drop box was in the airlock; and • the court sweeper was brought back to life by Marianne and Menno

Banman to sweep up the Wimbledown in Centre Court! • The 2010 Olympic screens on the side garage doors were donated by

Avril Kirby and Doris St. Germain - Doris and Erica masterminded the hanging of the screens…. Nice work you guys – they are lovely.

• Joy Newtwon’s bench has migrated in from Portlock and we who knew her know she would be delighted..

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Newsletter: Margaret C. Benmore mcbenmore@saltspring.com and Roy Rajsic royrajsic@saltspring.com

Okay !!!!!! Okay!!!!!!! Enough already… My eyes are crossed and my brain is fried… Man this is one very busy little Club- ‘ The Little Club That Could “ Erica calls us… There is so much going one to report on; results, coming events, services, great work by all sorts of people and of course the gratitude to all for contributing to SSTA’s lifestream. I am sorry it is so long but it is just what is happening…. I didn’t even get in my two bits worth and you know how wordy that can be… But I didn’t dare – if you made it this far you get extra points… Well done… MCB Members are encouraged to send in all sorts of things for the RACKET: jokes, pictures, news, gossip, articles, and manifestos, Snippets. Anything that might be interesting or fun to share with the others in our Tennis community.... The help will be appreciated…. We’d love to hear from you… Cheers… MCB & RR