The Racket Spring, May 2014

The most humbling thing about tennis is that you will never get to be as Good as a Wall or

Ball Machine.

Editor’s Sidebar: Well I tried to get it down to 20 pages but there is too muchnews and too much activity to leave anything out and of course we have lots of pictures to remind us of all the fun SSTA is having… but I did reduce it by at least 7 pages… Enjoy… MCB mcbenmore@saltspring.com

Editorial: Roy Rajsic royrajsic@saltspring.com

The second winter of indoor tennis has proven to be even more popular than the first. League play, block bookings and a number of indoor tournaments organized by Peter Schelling and Jennifer Morgan made for a busy season. This is, happily, reflected in even more court bookings than year one.

It was also reflected in the mood of this year’s AGM. A very happy group assembled to hear that all continues to go well: the tennis association, with a record 185 members in 2013, and the indoor tennis facility able to reduce its debt by $30,000.

The growth of island tennis in recent years has been great to see. I think we all realize thatthe energy that has driven that growth has been the kind of volunteer energy that every organization dearly wishes for. Every now and again a person makes such a valuable contribution to tennis on the island that they are given life membership in the association. Itis a measure of how fortunate we have been that four people were awarded life memberships this year. Erica, Fernando, Doris and Jennifer are the kind of volunteers that associations like ours dream of; thank you one and all.

So many people are coming down with atrial fibrillation these days we may have to start a league of our own. Jay Macaulay tells me they have a winter tournament in Mexico that requires you to have at least one artificial part to qualify so we may be on to a new trend insenior’s tennis.

One unfortunate aspect of senior’s tennis is the increasing amount of time spent on recovering after injury or illness. After being off for four months myself I had a couple of short sessions with Peter Schelling to get restarted again. It turned out to be a great idea. Peter’s ability to feed the ball right back to you let’s you hit ten, or twenty or thirty shots in arow without having to stop. It was also a good, gentle way to get back into hitting a tennis ball. I do need to book few more sessions with Peter: both good practice and great fun.

Many of us would like to be Roger Federer. Who does Roger want to be? “I would so like to be (singer/musician) Lenny Kravitz” he has said. With the birth of twin sons this week (isthis another record Roger is after?) he has moved one step closer. The boys will be named Lenny and Leo.

See you on the outdoor courts, unless it is raining then we can play inside (I just love to hear that!). Pat Lazenby, recently retired after 15 years of court maintenance responsibilities, tells me the windscreens should be up this week so we should be ready for another great summer tennis season.

Tennis on SaltSpring is a sport in which two or more people compete to see who has the:

- shortest attention span, - the worst memory and - the poorest eyesight.

Presidents Report: Erica Ross, President (still & again – Thank you)

leshirondelles@telus.net

Spring was officially declared by the terrific Opening Day tournament and lovely potluck lunch followed at the Morgan’s. We are all happy to see a bit more sunshine these days! However, the winter tennis definitely kept Centre Court hopping, and we are delighted to have been able to reduce our debt to the Founders by $30,000 this year! We now owe them under $250,000 — a great accomplishment, congratulations to all.

Plans are afoot for expanding last summer’s successful Junior Golf/Tennis Camp, so someof this year’s fundraising will go to support that. Ginny and Jack Giles have once again generously offered their home as the venue for the Club’s Summer BBQ, so save Monday,August 4th. Rumors are that the popular “Poker Paddle Run” will be part of the fun and frolic at the lake that day too, so dust off your dinghies, polish your paddle boards and klean your kayaks!

We hope the “Bids and Bites” bridge players will enjoy setting up on the new roll out carpeting at Centre Court for one of their competitions too, while tennis is flourishing outdoors.

In my view, one thing that has always made our Club special, is a great spirit of volunteerism. While it continues to this day, we really need to see some new faces. Anyone interested in learning how to run a Club tournament could understudy with Jenniferto see how it is done, she is a Master. Those who have spare time here and there could give their names to Peter McAllister, our new Maintenance director, to help with cleaning orsupplying Centre Court once in a while. There is no truer saying than that old standby, “Many hands make light work”. Our Club cannot function without its volunteers.

At the AGM April 23th it was unanimously passed to keep the annual membership fee at $25/year, Centre Court rates at $24/hr, with a special rate of $16/hr for the summer season(July to September)…

Last of all, I sincerely hope that someone might be able to find the time to relieve Doris of the Centre Court Treasurer job. She has given outstanding service for the past eight years, and it truly is someone else’s turn. We do not really have the funds to spare for hiring someone. Think it over…where can YOU help make our Club even better? Thank you.

And enjoy your summer Tennis!!!

On the Money Front: Jeff Bee, SSTA Club Treasurertreasurerssta@gmail.com

At the AGM Jeff Bee told us that the Club and Indoor accounts are in fine financial condition. He presented the financial reports for both the ITF and the Club since Doris wasaway. There was a change to the look of these reports from previous years in that the financial statements have now been reformatted to conform to Canadian generally accepted financial statement presentation.

Jeff also presented budgets for the Club and ITF for 2014. The ITF budget projects a moderate increase in Court revenue, and includes a payment of $30,000 to the holders of Promissory Notes.

If you are interested in the fine details of the Club Finances, Jeff has some beautiful spreadsheets he would gladly share if you just email or call him…

Good-bye and Hello, again: Our wonderful retired and reluctantly stillworking on the Indoor Court Accounts: Doris St Germain

Yes, Doris is still doing the Indoor Court accounts – someone please come forward to release her… It seems no one wants to take on this position and it is not the kind of job that can sit vacant until a replacement is found. So here is her report… Thanks Doris you are indeed wonderful…

Our Centre Court ledger balance is currently sitting at $11,932.12. The 2014 budget for the indoor court was passed at the April 23rd AGM and on May 1st we paid $5,452 in interest payments as well as $30,000 on the principal to the Founders Group. Our building debt has been reduced to $242,600. Payments for the on-going expenses such as Hydro,Golf Club lease, clothing supplies & GST, and our annual insurance, will be made throughout the rest of spring and summer. A $1000 transfer will also be made into our Reserve Fund. We are in good shape.

Fundraising Activities:

Our fund raising efforts have diminished to some ongoing earners. These include the club clothing sales and the Smile Card and Save a Tape programs. We all know how much more food costs these days – so using the Thrifty Smile Cards or stuffing your grocery tapes in our box at Country Grocer, are easy ways to help out the tennis club reduce the debt. If anyone wants to do something this spring or summer to raise some money, just letus know and we will gladly help out.

However despite limited fundraising efforts we still managed to raise in 2013 and healthy $3,813.19 from the Paddle and Poker Run, the Christmas 50/50 draw and the SSTA Apparel… well done all who worked on those events… Now let’s make 2014 rock in the Fundraising bring your ideas, energy and skills to the table… According to Doris’s records since 2005 we have raised $105,528.55 in funds for Centre Court --- that certainly isn’t chump change!!! That is very well done all of you… for your contributions and efforts… Let’s keep it going…

Bids & Bites Bridge Tournament Hey folks… Centre Court now has lovely bright green carpeting to put on the court so that you can set up lots and lots of tables for bridge… Anyone willing to take on organizing a Tennis SaltSpring Bridge Extravaganza … potential for lots of people and lots of fun…

Country Grocer Tapes & Thrifty’s Smile CardOur ongoing fund-raisers - the ‘Save a Tape’ program at Country Grocer and the Thrifty’s Smile Card program are still bringing in money every month. The income from both of these programs for 2013 was $1,682.16. It is certainly worth the effort to stuff receipts in the box or use the Smile Card. Call Erica if you need a Thrifty’s card she has a supply in her purse I think…

“Guess the Number of Balls inthe Bag”:

Once again the SSTA will take part in the Fall Fairwith a tent display and a "Guess How ManyBalls" contest!

You can drop your old balls in a collectioncontainer in the stair area at Centre Court or in thebox in the air lock at Portlock Park. Just the ballsplease – the cans go into the recycle bins.

SSTA Clothing Line: Louise Devlin louisedevelin@hotmail.comIf you haven’t already, then do check out our apparel page on the club's website which is full of great pictures of our club gear. You will also see our spiffy new posters pinned up in and around CC and Portlock… Have a look at the new styles and colours… they are extraordinarily lovely fabrics, comfortable and stylish --- the envy of tennis players the world over ---- so order some for you friends in far places…

Thank you to Avril Kirby and Margaret C. Benmore for organizing the photo shoot which took place on Centre Court; a pat on the back to our models, Doris St Germain and my non tennis playing hubby Taylor for their sense of fun; and a huge hug to Michael, our web genius, who spent hours and hours putting together the web presentation and the poster... well done Michael… You can order online or by calling me, and don't hesitate to ask to see the samples which are all conveniently kept at CC.Lastly, thank you to all those members who have already supported the club clothing rangeand are proudly showing them off on the courts… Louise

Thank you Louise for all of your hard work --- you wonderfully dedicated and you having uslooking ever sooooo smart… good work girl !!!!!!

In life, Love is Everything … But it means Nothing in Tennis…

SSTA Executive Election Results:

Blair Carley stood in for Jenny Pickering at the AGM (April 23th) to conduct the nominations. He thanked those stepping down for their service to the Club, particularly PatLazenby for her 15 years as Maintenance Director.

Nominations:President – Erica Ross

Vice-President – April Wright

Treasurer - ITF – Doris St Germain – (Indoor Tennis Facility)

Treasurer Club – Jeff Bee

Secretary – Ann Page

Webmaster – Michael Powell

Social – Rose Heinekey

Court Maintenance -- Peter McAllister

Tournaments – Jennifer Morgan

Interclub – Ann Stewart

* Communications/Founder’s Representative – Fernando Dos Santos

* This new Director position: Founders Representative was voted on at the AGM and Accepted – Since our debt obligation could extend for ten years, it is important to have a person on the Board who speaks for the interests of the Promissory Note holders in the event of a totally new Executive….

Committee Positions:Juniors Program – Marianne Banman

Racket Newsletter -- Margaret Benmore and Roy Rajsic

League Manager – Justene Tedder

All nominations were moved by Tami Dos Santos seconded by Pat Lazenby and unanimously approvedThank you all for bravely standing and serving the Club… we all appreciate all your hard work, energy, time and commitment…

Membership News: Jeff Bee treasurerssta@gmail.com

Our membership as of the end of April 2014 is 186, of which 38 are unpaid.Ferando going to nudge them to come on back and play with us… As I understand from Doris, our by-laws require these heathen to be cast into outer darkness if they have not paid by June 30. Ouch this is one tough Club… cast into the Outer Darkness… just for notpaying $25… Alas !!! Play it safe come on back and join in the fun…

Is Tennis tougher than Basketball?

A Basketball moves about 30 mph while a Tennis ball hasbeen hit over 160 mph.

You don’t lose a Basketball in the sun or have it blown out bythe wind.

You can’t pass the Tennis ball to someone with an open shot.

Basketball doesn’t have a net across the middle of the court.

Action on the Courts:

Indoor Spring Leagues: are finished up in May - A big thanks to all whosupported and played in the indoor leagues this year!!! The fall leagues will start up again in October - keep an eye open for the emails informing you on when/how to sign up in September!

Drop in Season is Starting up now…

Men’s - Tuesday morning – starting at 8:00 am – 11:00 a.m., though some are known to start even earlier --- so show up and blend in… and have fun…

Women’s - Thursday morning – starting at…. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. the ladies like a bit later start, but play just as enthusiastically have no fear…

Mixed Doubles – Friday morning – 8:00 -11:00 a.m. and you don’t need a partner, just show up and join in… it is always lots of fun and it’s a great way to meet people…

Business Ladies Doubles League: Justene Tedder

justenetedder@gmail.com

Will start up in June - watch for an email shortly on how to sign up. The priority will begiven to working ladies and we always need lots of spares! Wednesday evenings court 1and 2 at Portlock 5:30-7pm. It is a wonderful group of women who enjoy themselvesimmensely in the SaltSpring evening sun… come out and join them…

Singles League Outdoors ??? I thought we could put the word out andsee if there was enough interest for a singles league outdoors this summer? Email me at justenetedder@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Tournament Results: Jennifer Morgan cradbone@teleus.net

Valentines Day Tournament Feb. 15, 2014:Peter Schelling for the second year organized a Mixed Doubles event. This year we opened to non-members and ended up with some very talented competitors.

“My coach tells me to play Smarter – But that’s just NOT my game,”

quote… the mercurial Russian Marat Safin.

CC Season Closer Tournament: March 29th - 30

Centre Court was the site of a Round Robin tournament to warm up the troops for the on-coming tournament Season… Saturday was for the Competive types and was won by Blair

and Justene in an exiting match against Jennifer Morgan and long lost Gord Speed (nice to see you back on the courts Gord)… The Sunday tournament was for the less ferocious types and was won by Frank Marrek (who played superbly) with MCB and the runners up were Blair Carley and Mary Richards… many laughs and great fun had by all Thanks again Jennifer for organizing this weekend… it was terrific…

Season Opening Mixer: April 25th Fun tournament Portlock Park The 2014 tournament season got off to a great start on April 25th, with 28 folks playing in the Season Opener at Portlock on a beautiful spring day --- A Great time was had by all and the days winners were: Women’s Men’s

Upcoming Tournaments and Events: Jennifer Morgancradbone@telus.net

What a Polite game Tennis is…The most common word is “Sorry” and

Admiration of each other’s play crosses the netas frequently as the ball.

Jack Fisher Memorial - May 31st: The format for this tournament is Men's and Women's doubles, with a generous couple of prizes donated by the Fisher family, usually represented by Joan Beatty, Jack’s daughter, who will hopefully participate again this year… One prize for Men and one for Women, so it will be changing partners to arrive at one winner for each… You can enter by contacting Jennifer at cradbone@telus.net or 537 8366.

A Nearly New Annual Event !!! - 2nd Year

Mixed Golf And Tennis Competition: Coming soon… Pete Schelling peteschelling@gmail.com

This event is for players who enjoy playing tennis and golf, and allows them to compete in both. Entry was limited to 16 participants: 8 men and 8…. Watch for notice to come with all of the dates and details… It was a roaring success last year and everyone is looking forward to it again… Come out one and all… support your tennis Club’s honour… they are thinking of challenging the golf members…

Wimbledon Cup & Saucer June 28th – Mixed Doubles.

This is a mixed tournament, partners will be arranged andwhite attire is mandatory, retro is preferred and woodenracquets (supplied) will be used for the first few games. There will be a maximum of 24 players (12 men and 12women) and there is a $5 entry fee to cover the cost of thestrawberries and tea served at the tournament.

In past years this has been a very popular tournament so sign up early to avoid disappointment. And it is all jolly good fun for all... players and watchers… You can enter by contacting Jennifer at cradbone@telus.net or 537 8366.

President's Cup: July 26th for Men and July 27th for Women

The President’s Cup is an invitational tournament. It will be a knockout format if there are the numbers, otherwise round robin format. No entry fee.

Annual SSTA BBQ: Monday, August 4th –Paddle and Poker and Summer BBQ

This is a wonderfully SaltSpring event, glorious setting (the Gilles are again willing to host – thanks guys), there is homemade music and huge amounts of wonderful food which you can dance off in your barefoot on the lawn… All this after paddling or watching paddlers on the lake… it is a lovely way to spend the wind-up of the long weekend after your guests have left --- or bring them too…

*** Tykes Rogers Rookie Fun Day for ages 6-8 is on Saturday, August9th at Baseline Tennis Academy 10am-11:30 a.m. … This is a wonderful way to get your young ones involved with Tennis…

*** 6th Annual Rogers Rookie Junior TournamentAges 9-14 is on Saturday, August 16th at Portlock Park 8:30am - 12 Noon. ***

This is a fun, entry-level tournament for beginner to early intermediate tennis juniors. Registration fee of $25 per player guarantees players 3 matches, player package and goodies.

**** Pre-register for both Rookie Events by emailing baselinetennis@telus.net or go onlineto the Rogers Rookie website and download the registration form. Both events limited to 24 players.

Junior Tennis and Golf Development Program:

The Junior Golf/Tennis Camp will happen again: due to its inaugural success for two weeks last year, the SSIG&CC and SSTA are once again collaborating, and hope to expand the program to run for four weeks this summer...two weeks in July and two weeks in August. Watch for dates and details soon!!! Register early because it fills quickly…

Gulf Island Open Tournament: Aug. 30th & Sept. 1st

The Gulf Island Open is open to all near and far: Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doublesand also Mixed Doubles. Select your own partner. The Gulf Island Open Cup will be awarded in each of the 5 categories. $5 entry fee per player… You can enter by contacting Jennifer at cradbone@telus.net or 537 8366.

Sadie Hawkins: October 25th

The format for the Sadie Hawkins Tournament is Mixed Doubles… Attention Ladies you get topick the guy, any guy you want… Think about it very, very carefully… it is all about the points !!!!AND the fun… You can enter by contacting Jennifer at cradbone@telus.net or 537 8366.

Interclub Report: Ann Stewart ann.stewart@shaw.ca

Interclub engagements are always Fun, exciting and are a good way for our players to meet and socialize with players from other clubs… Last year we enjoyed Home and Away exchanges with 3 Clubs: Oak Bay, Gabriola, and the Langford Club… The Langford match was rained out but was eventually played at Panorama this Spring.

The matches with Oak Bay are usually 6 men and 6 women… Langford has a smaller team of 3 men and 3 women… However, the matches with Gabriola again consisting of 3 men and 3 women are assuming a fiercely competitive edge – so much so that they have purchased a fine new trophy, which presumably they will try hard to keep – so that will be the challenge for us…

Many thanks to the club members who have helped with driving when the teams visit SaltSpring and to Fernando & Tami Dos Santos. Doris St Germain and Jennifer Morgan forhosting, and Rose Heinekey for help with catering…

All players are welcome to put their names forward if they wish to play in any of these matches… I will schedule players as they contact me… If anyone wishes to play Gabriolahowever, I recommend that they have a fine competitive spirit, as Gabriola standard of playseems to be rising quickly !!!! Be forewarned… Let’s get’em…

Interclub Exchanges 2014 ScheduleOak Bay to SaltSpring – Friday, May 16th SaltSpring to Oak Bay – Thursday, July 3rd SaltSpring to Gabriola – Monday, July 14th Gabriola to SaltSpring – Monday, July 28th

Dates for Langford will be schedule at a later date… Come on out and uphold the honour of the SaltSpring Tennis Association give Ann a call and get involved… Anne would love to hear from you at ann.stewart@shaw.ca or (250) 537-9250

The serve was invented so the Net can play too...

Instructional & Coaching Opportunities:

Baseline Tennis Academy Offerings: Marianne Banmanbaselinetennis@telus.net

Baseline Tennis Academy Summer camps are happening this July 7th through July 18th. Tykes I 4-day Tennis Camp for ages 6-7 (beginner level)

takes place mornings July 7-10th inclusive.Tykes II 4-da Tennis Camp for ages 7-9

takes place afternoons July 7 - 10th inclusive. FULL - Wait List started.

Junior Girls’ Tennis Camp for ages 9-12 is the week of July 14th (mornings).

Full - Wait List startedJunior Boys Tennis Camp for ages 9-12 is the week of July 14th

(afternoons). 4 spots available

This year Marianne has a reduced schedule due to wanting to play more tennis and tournaments herself and of course she IS a new Grandma… So be sure to register early toensure your kids/grandkids have a wonderful introduction to the life of Tennis… Thanks Marianne for all your great work with our future Tennis stars…

Andrew Ross Collins: andrew@interchill.com Andrew now has his qualification for tennis instructor level... this winter he had four young boys who are showing solid improvement… and loved playing on Centre Court… if you areinterested in coaching or lessons he can be reached at 250 537-7990.

Pete’s Corner: Peter Schelling peteschelling@gmail.com

Special Doubles Weekend with Pete Schelling and Marjorie BlackwoodIntermediate doubles clinic and play onSaturday June 14 from 10am-1pm.Two hour clinic with one hour of play.6 players onlyCost : $70.00 per person

Advanced doubles clinic and play onSunday June 15 from 10am-1pm.6 players onlyCost: $70.00 per person

To register contact Pete at: peteschelling@gmail.com

Pete's Tennis Tip

The Importance of Drilling

Whether you use the wall, the ball machine or a partner,hitting balls in a repetitious manner is a must for improving

your skills.

Drills will improve consistency, control,footwork, intensity, eye hand racquet co-ordination and focus

to name a few of the benefits.

When doing drills try and keep a minimum of 10 ball rallygoing.

To really improve rally to targets and keep the rally goingeven if the ball is long or wide.

Good luck… Pete

Court Maintenance Report: Peter McAllister, pbmcallister@gmail.com

Pat Lazenby has retired from managing the Court Maintenance function for the Club after serving in this role for over 15 years. She wishes to express her gratitude to her fantastic crews that helped her over the years to keep all of our courts in tip-top shape… Thank you Pat for extraordinary service through snow storms, bubbles up, bubbles down, cracks and windscreens, even the Pickle Ball invasion… and now with Centre Court trying to control the Wimbledown… Thank you Thank you for all of your effort and energy we all appreciate it so much… and thank you to all your helpers too…

Peter McAllister will be taking over Pat’s role as lead on the Court Maintenance front… he already has two volunteers; Jenny Pickering and Suzie Gagon have generously stepped forward… he is looking for a few more to fill out the team and spread the workload… give Peter a call… the Club has just bought a sexy new court cleaner I believe…. What fun a new Toy !!!!

Fulford Court: Fulford is always a lovely get away for island tennis, take a picnicand enjoy the quiet and beauty of the Fulford Court… or better still treat yourself to lunch inFulford after the game… but do try to get out and enjoy this court --- it has a lovely atmosphere for tennis… very quiet compared to Portlock…

Portlock Courts: is all spruced up and ready for another year of action --- come onout and enjoy it… the sun is out and the wind screens are up --- Pat especially wants to thank Lorraine and her crew in their wonderfully quick response to the request for the wind nets… Thanks guys… Now summer is really coming…

The cracks in the courts are really present this year on all four courts , please be careful… SSTA is talking to Parks about the problem… PickleBallers have reserved Courts 3&4 form 10-12 a.m. Mon. Wed. &Sat. (except for SSTA tournaments dates)

Centre Court: Isn’t she wonderful… what fun everyone is having and the tennis hasimproved dramatically… Centre Court usage was up this year over our first year (1936.5 hours for 2013), the Club is especially grateful to our coaches; Tiffany Whiteman, Andrew Ross Collins, Marianne Banman and Peter Schelling for the increase in tennis enthusiasm on SaltSpring… It was proposed and passed at the AGM to give STA approved coaches a $16/hour rate forcoaching during the least used time in CC (7:00-8:30 am and some weekend times)…Everyone using Centre Court… if you see something that needs to be done/cleaned up (bathroom sink needs cleaning, the garbage needs emptying, floors swept… plants need water) Please just take a minute and do it… It makes for a lovely clean facility for all of usand reduces the workload on others… small things add up… Participate to show your appreciation for the wonderful facility we have built… all by ourselves…

By the way we have just learned that the Golf Club has a fund to cover the deductible forrepairs to cars damaged by flying golf balls from the driving range… it covers broken glassand dings in the hood… Evidently there are at least four Golfers who can hit CC from thedriving range… that is pretty impressive…

Remember: Even though you only get to Live once

You do get to Serve twice.

SSTA’s Website: Michael Powell webmaster@saltspringtennis.ca www.saltspringtennis.ca

Michael would like more photos to replace or add to the image rotator on the home page of the website. Most of the photos there include him (he was the guinea pig setting it up)

and he’d like to mix it up a bit with other people! So bring out all those great shots, funny shots, great costumes, arty tennis… This is our tennis gallery face – lets really show the world Tennis SaltSpring Style !!!! Send you images to Michael…

Centre Court Online Booking instructions:www.saltspringtennis.ca/bookings/index.htm

Salt Spring Tennis YouTube Channel:www.youtube.com/saltspringtennis

The new videos may also be found at www.saltspringtennis.ca/videos.htm

Snippets: Got any news or kudos to…. Let me know… MCBmcbenmore@saltspring.com

Photo Credits for this Racket: thanks so much to Michael Powell for sharing asmall sampling from his vast SSTA Photo library… I think he and his father Keith have endless wonderful photos of us all on the courts… so keep them coming Michael… they are great… it is nice to see all those smiling, happy faces…

Red Court Tennis: Again this year the Sunday afternoon Red Court wassuccessful with lots of tennis and lots of laughter… 54 hours of Red Court Tennis in 2013 well done all… Thank you so much to Harvey and Laura Moore, and Gary and Dorothy McLellan for their hosting and organizing the winter fun… It is a wonderful way to spend a winter Sunday afternoon… come on out next year…

Madam Social Director gets new shoes to match her sunny personality…Thanks for all your hard work…

Life Memberships: There was a chain reaction of Life Memberships at the AGM ---Margaret Benmore motioned for Life Membership for Jennifer Morgan in recognition of her amazing efforts and attitude as Tournament Manager --- she does and has been doing an amazing job for years and in her spare time she hosts SSTA lunches, cleans the glass for the loft viewers and gives us a beautiful little garden at out door step –

Jennifer (suitably surprised by above) motioned for Life Memberships for Erica, Fernando and Doris for their herculean effort and energy to bring us to where we are to today with Tennis on SaltSpring… Center Court and a growing Tennis Community on SaltSpring… They have all put in super human efforts, endless amounts of time and unbelievable energy… Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts…

Those in attendance passed all of these motions enthusiastically and unanimously… However it does mean we need to find four new members to make up for the lost membership fees… Not a problem I am sure…

Memory Assistance Built: Thank you to Erica who designed and built our veryown Memory Assistance Gizmo… the score keeper at the net… Thank you so much now we just have to learn how to drive it and remember to use it…It is really great for tournament viewing if only the players would remember to turn it to the cheering section in the loft and the green room… But I guess that is part of still learning how to drive it… Thank you again…

The Ailing, Aching and Injured Among Us: many of the regulars are outwith a wide range of ailments, aches, pains and generally yucky things that take them away from the action on the court… We are all sending you best wishes and hope to see you at courtside if not actually on the Court, cheering on your friends and getting the required hugs to speed your recovery… we miss you… Take care of yourselves and each other…

The first tennis match is mentioned in the bible - - When Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court.

(If this is not the oldest tennis match It may well be the oldest tennis joke.)

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

If you find spelling errors, typos and shifting photos you win the Prize … the satisfaction of beating all the proof readers and editors… enjoy the hunt and enjoy the news…

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 funto share with the others in our SaltSpring Tennis community.... The help will be appreciated…. We’d love to hear from you…