NOTES FROM A NEW TENNIS PLAYER
Two years ago when I met my husband, Terry, he asked, "Do you play tennis?" "No," I said. I was, however,
always interested in the game and loved the idea of fitness through fun. We began by playing a version of the
game called "Get the Ball Over." All we tried to do was just get the ball back - it didn't even have to land in bounds.
There was no scoring, only a bit of coaching and lots of encouragement. We set "records" by the number of times
we got the ball over. Before long my confidence started to build...Terry was sweating a lot harder to keep up with
me, heh, heh, heh! I felt ready to keep score. I knew Terry was still a better player, so to keep competitive balance,
we employed a golf trick: I started with a 30-love handicap. This was a neat trick and starting with this advantage
gave me a chance to win games! Which I did!
We moved to Ashland in July of '08. Shortly after, we met Leo at Hunter Park. He encouraged us to join ATFC,
meet great people and continue playing through the winter. Leo was just so friendly and enthusiastic that we joined;
I signed up for a lesson, too. Leo also told me about Ari's Tuesday clinic - these guys are just terrific and
inspirational.
My fears about being a beginner and not being good enough vanished as my knowledge and confidence grew.
Wow! I can hardly believe that I had the courage to join the Ladies 2.5 Team. And though I haven't always won my
matches, I am just having such a great time. Thanks to everyone at ATFC. Now, what court am I on today? I have a
new can of balls, too. -Donna Wagner
PICKLEBALL RETURNS!!
Back by popular demand is another evening of Pickleball on
Sunday, May 31st. Please sign up on the Tennis Board.
PERSONNEL CHANGE
We are sad to report that Naomi Lipper has decided to leave ATFC to pursue the opportunity to work with her
husband, Gabe. Naomi has been an outstanding member of the management team and she will be dearly missed.
The good news is that club member Victoria Nylund has accepted the position of Office Manager and is training with
Naomi - you can be
assured of a smooth transition!
FRONT DESK VOLUNTEERS
Please welcome Carolyn Kennedy back to the front desk (she has logged in many, many volunteer hours!). Michael
Gutman will also be taking a Front Desk shift. Please take a moment to thank them and all of the other wonderful
members whose participation helps us all.
TEMPORARY NEW CATEGORY FOR
TENNIS MEMBERSHIP
Remind your friends of the new tennis membership category: through August people may join as tennis members
for $100 (single) or $150 (couple/family) initiation. We continue to encourage new members to join as full voting
members at the buy-in rates of $250/$500, but want to acknowledge the current difficult economy by offering the
less costly alternative.
TENNIS EVENTS
Saturday Tennis Clinic: Saturdays 9:30-10:30. This is a clinic for 3.5– 4.0 men and women. $10 members & $15
guests.
Ladies Day: Wednesday, May 13th from 12-1. Fun & games with Leo and Ari. All levels welcome. Free for
members!
Family Fun Night: Sunday, June 7th, from 5-7p. Save the Date!
MAY USTA HOME MATCHES
May 2: Noon: M3.0; 3:45: W4.5; May 3: 9:30: W4.5; Noon: M3.0; May 9: Noon: W3.5; May 16: Noon: M3.0; 3:45;
M4.0; May 17: 10:45: M4.0.
BIG AL’S UPDATE: JULY 17-19TH!
Great news: Rhonda Cochrane has agreed to help organize a barbecue on the Saturday of Big Al's! The theme will
be "Fun in the Sun". Rhonda's participation will ensure a fabulous event as anyone who has been to any party she
has given will attest. Please plan your Big Al's weekend around the barbecue which will be held at the Club. Even if
you're not a tennis player, come join in the fun! Tom Beam will be cooking and proceeds will go to ATFC. NOW is
the time to encourage out-of-town friends to make their plans to play in Big Al's!
ATFC CLUB SURVEY
Three SOU students have constructed a preference survey for the Club as their capstone project. Please complete
the survey and return it to the Front Desk by May 14. Thank you!!!
BOARD NEWS
Much gratitude to three people completing their terms on the ATFC Board of Directors: Milt Bloombaum, Bill Eckart,
and Lori Lawniczak. A lot goes on behind the scenes to keep our Club alive and healthy and these club-mates
have given generously of their time & energy! Please take a moment to express your gratitude to them for their
significant contribution. As of this writing, new Board Members have not yet been elected (this will happen at the
May 3 Annual Meeting). However, John Anton, Bonnie Holstein, and Bill Lucas have all accepted nominations for
the three positions to be filled.
EMAIL - SAVING TREES, TIME & MONEY!
If you would like to start receiving your statement & newsletter via email send your info to:
billing@ashlandtennis.com . Sign up for auto debit at the Front Desk; it’s one more way to help ATFC!
BRIEF BUSINESS PROFILES
Louis Goldman is liquidating his Fine Art collection—BELOW WHOLESALE PRICES—on Erte serigraphs and
sculptures, LeRoy Neiman, John Lennon, Peter Max, Norman Rockwell, and much more! Call: 488-1353
CARE SOURCE & ATFC
A reminder that ATFC is now a contracted partner with CareSource, a Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance
Organization. If you are a CareSource member, a portion of your fitness or combo dues will be paid by
CareSource. Please contact Victoria, Jo, or Alan for details.
AUCTION 2010
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Tilly Gibbs has agreed to chair the Auction again next year.
How lucky are we?!!! The date is January 30th and the Auction will NOT coincide with the Century Tournament
which will be January 15-17. Before long, Tilly will be gathering her auction team - you may want to start thinking
about how you'd like to participate.
BREADMAKING CLASS OPENINGS
There remain a few openings in Bill Anderson's breadmaking class on June 6th from 1:30-4:00 chez Gibbs. Bill is a
breadmaking wizard and the class should be a lot of fun. $25. fee goes to the club coffers. See Jo if you'd like to
participate.
WINNERS
Jane Van Dyke has won a package of tennis beverage napkins; Ben Benjamin has won a $5 punch card. You may
pick up your prizes at the front desk.
NEW MEMBERS
Please give a warm welcome to our newest ATFC members: Vivian Weston, Pam Johnson, Daric Lucero, Perri
Gafney, Karen Chapman, John Sipes and Gary Panarra.
GREEN TEAM REPORT
Cici Brown, Jody Hodges, Dennis Gray and KG Stiles have joined together to form the ATFC Green Team and will
be collaborating with Jo and Alan, the LLC Board and utility companies to find ways to use the earth's free fuels to
reduce our monthly utility bills and to help save the earth. (Recently a San Diego tennis club went solar and now
prevents 40 tons of emissions annually from entering the environment).
Green Team members are researching sources of renewable energy: wind, sun, and geothermal. New
insulation techniques, water conservation, pool covers, improved recycling, and summer sun shields for the skylights
are also being investigated.
Our mission is challenging, especially because money is an issue; however, there are grants and incentives to
help accomplish these goals (like the tax credits given with the soon-to-be-installed new court lighting). We are in
need of members with grant-writing experience who would be willing to help. In addition, we would love to have the
opportunity to consult with members who are contractors. Please give us your name if you would like to help.
Redesigning new energy resources will help ATFC do its share of creating a healthy environment for the next
generation. Cici Brown, Green Team Captain
Contact: cicibrown@charter.net