Holiday Season Tennis

I hope everyone had a terrific day of thanks, while eating and drinking far too much. You can bet I did!

Anyway, the next big happening on the list of events in Gulf Harbour Tennis is the Tennis Town Hall Meeting on the Wednesday, December 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Johnny Brown’s. You should be receiving and official invite to that meeting soon, so please keep your eyes peeled and that time on your calendar free.

Prior to that, however, you have another opportunity to witness your pros as they once again put their games on display in the Ritzman Tennis USPTA Pro League. This coming Friday, November 3, at Fiddlesticks Country Club, Joel will be playing at 4:00 p.m., and Mike and I will be doing the same at 5:30 p.m.

Joel’s team seized first place after the last match, while Mike’s and my team fell into second by one point. As always we love seeing you in the audience, so if you would like some pre-dinner entertainment, come on out and show that Gulf Harbour spirit.

On the league team front, we have a great slate of matches at home for you this week. The last Gulf Harbour team to start its season, Terry Brady’s defending champions 69-ers open their title defense campaign at home this coming Wednesday, December 1, at 2:00 p.m.

Prior to the 69-ers taking the court on Wednesday, Sally Mellendorf and Meg Jacob’s Double Trouble, which is one point out of first despite playing one match fewer than the first-place team, will try to take the division lead in a match at home tomorrow (Monday the 29th) at 11:00 a.m.

On Tuesday the 30th, two of our men’s teams take on their opponents at home. Tony Cupaiuolo’s Blue A team (only 2 points behind the division leaders) and Fran Kelly’s Blue D team will play at 2:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, Liz Byck and Becky Marshall’s Sure Shots (who sit in fifth in the 3.5-Minus Division), and Effie Parker and Paula Tebbetts’ 50-Plus Bronze Swingers swing into action at 11:00 a.m.

Thursday’s lineup at 11:00 a.m. includes Karen Brady and Darlene Mattcheck’s 3.0-Minus Division Dream Team, which will be working on their title defense, and Teressa Crocker’s 60-Plus team. On Friday, Norma Schuyler and Carlotta Clark’s 50-Plus Gold team, and the 50-Plus Silver Belles, led by Monnie Kane and Sue Weiss, will take to Gulf Harbour’s courts at 11:00 a.m.

In addition to the tennis, I sure hope you are planning on taking advantage of some of the other terrific offerings the Club has in store for us during the holidays. First up is the Tree Lighting event on Wednesday the 1st, but there is a waiting list for that, so I hope you registered in time.

There is still room for the Festival of Lights on Thursday the 2nd, so you can still partake of that de-light. Remember that you can go to the Club Calendar (accessible from the main members’ page of the Club website) to review all events and to register for events.

Finally, here’s something that you won’t want to miss! As a gift to you for this holiday season, you can receive 50% off the cost of all spa services from December 1st through the 12th. Getting fully pampered for half the price sounds like a sweet deal to me. Hope you enjoy it!
Well, that’s it for now, so until next, game, set, match…

Happy Thanksgiving to Gulf Harbour Tennis

Although I am not the biggest fan of creating a specific day for something we should do every day, I must admit that Thanksgiving is my favorite of all of the holidays. Perhaps that’s because I have so much to be thankful for…or maybe it’s cuz I love to eat! In any event, this is the Thanksgiving version of your Gulf Harbour Tennis Blog, and I/we have much for which to be thankful.

Tough to know where to start…Ah, how about when I drive through the front gates in the morning, greeted by gently swaying palm trees and the beloved sight of the well-groomed 18th? Gazing upon that scene, I know that I have so much for which to be grateful…

As I walk to the tennis center and am greeted by Eddie Dance, Bill Cole, Arnie Wohl, and Rich Fox who occupy Court 3 every morning at 8:00 a.m., I know that I have much for which to give thanks…
Passing by the tennis pro shop on the way to the office, observing Laurie’s creative efforts to bring our members the best in attire and accessories, thinking of all she does that few ever see, I am thankful for the view behind the scenes…

When I sit at my desk, look at my calendar and court sheet, struggling to find an opening for someone wanting to work on her/his game, it is a struggle I know I am fortunate to have…

Approaching the tennis courts for the first time each morning, before the pristine façade that Fernando has created is disturbed, my spirit soars with the sunshine, and my heart is gladdened with gratitude…

The first smiling face of the glistening morning, the ladies filtering in for their morning clinics, chatting, extending their cheery greetings, giving their all as many a ball is flung at them, and expressing their gratitude when it’s all over…How could I not be grateful?

Looking one court over at Mike or Joel flinging the felt with his own special flair, I know that gratitude is definitely in order…

When I walk through the Fitness Center, across the pool deck, into the clubhouse, up to the kitchen, passing familiar, smiling faces all the way, I know what it means to be thankful…

On those days when I get upstairs in time to partake of the fruits of the kitchen staff’s labor, or even when Shirla, Bill, or Steve at the Tiki is the only option, I am grateful for their talents and the Club’s generosity…

And then the kids, who, after a long day of trying at school are asked to perform, to give yet more effort on the court, do just that, I’m grateful for the small role I may play in their developments…not simply as tennis players, but as people…

Sitting on the sidelines of team matches, observing how much our players care, watching them struggle with the emotions of competition, seeing their elation at a shot well hit, the deflation at one that fails to find the mark, I am thankful to be a small part of it…

I think of the team captains who do the hard work: the phone calls, the emails, the ego management, the lineup struggles…and I am truly grateful for their willingness to face the challenges…

And like the captains, where would our program be without the Bob Ostroms, the Tim Baldwins, the George Kanes, the Meg Jacobses, the Lili Canfields, the Connie Hesses, Sally Mellendorfs and Linda Van Wyks and so many more? Yes, we have so much for which to be thankful…

When I look over to the sidelines during Pro League and see the familiar faces of folks, with whom I spend so many hours, and hear their cheers when I manage to summon up the rare winner, it affirms why I proudly and gratefully wear my Gulf Harbour name tag despite the hazing I receive from fellow pros...

When I think of the courage and strength that so many of our tennis family exhibit in the face of ill health and injury, fighting back to take the court again, coming out to support teammates when unable to play, I am so very grateful for their spirits and examples…

And at the end of the day, I know that without the support of the Rick Newman and his capable staff (Mike, Georgine, Dave, Holly, Amy, Maria, and Tom), without Gary Lewis and his hard working bunch (Volney, Dave, Kevin and others), without Alan Schwartzman and his capable crew (Debbie, Bridgette, and Ajla), and without the support of the Board of Governors, none of it would be possible. Our gratitude must encompass them all!

And since I am expressing  gratitude for my Gulf Harbour good fortune, I can't help but thank Mark Doss, Martin Weirengo and the entire Golf staff for making my summers bearable. Many thanks for tolerating this wannabe golfer.

Finally, I am truly grateful for the leadership, friendship and trust of our Director Mike Curran, because without those, I would not be a part of the Gulf Harbour experience that I treasure. To all of you, including those not mentioned by name above, who contribute so much to my experience (and you know who you are), please know that the words “gratitude” and “thankful” are inadequate to express the sentiment I hold for you and the moments we share. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Fun with Fernando

Looking for something different to do with the kids over the holidays? Are the grandkids coming for vacation and you are thinking of things to do with them? I’ve got an idea for you. After you have had the kids out to the tennis courts a few times to chase tennis balls around, Fernando Jimenez, our relatively new and very capable Maintenance Technician, and his family have a few real thrills for you and the kids.

In addition to keeping our courts beautiful, Fernando is also the Events & Reservations Manager at the Corner Creek Ranch and Paso Fino Club in North Fort Myers. Jerry (Remember Jerry?) told me about it long ago, and I decided to visit Fernando at the ranch yesterday afternoon. I enjoyed myself immensely and would have stayed for the midnight, moonlight ride had I not been summoned home.

Shortly after I arrived at the ranch, Laurie (our creative Pro Shop Manager) showed up with her four kids, a friend and her young son. I already had tremendous respect for Laurie, but now I’ve added a healthy dose of admiration. I will let Laurie tell you the story if she chooses, but let’s just say that she and the boys had an adventure. Me? I just had a terrific time, and plan to spend as much time at the ranch as Fernando will let me and I can spare.

Corner Creek Ranch is 96 acres of “Old Florida” landscape, with trails for riding or walking. The wooded areas are great for off trail walking or riding as well, and Fernando informs me that camping is also allowed. Given my limited riding experience and questionable sense of direction, I’m all about sticking to the well-beaten paths.

But the horses and trails aren’t the only attractions at Corner Creek. The Cub Scout troop and other kids that were there yesterday seemed to have a blast at this no frills gem. When they weren’t riding the little pony or horses, they were running around, playing in the bounce house, or talking to the birds.

When the adults weren’t riding or walking trails, they were sitting in the shade, sipping on cold refreshments (most weren’t drinking lemonade), and listening to the Latin rhythms emanating from the thatch roof “clubhouse.” I’ve never been to Columbia, but I suspect that the Corner Creek Ranch/Paso Fino Club is a retreat reminiscent of the hinterlands of Fernando’s birthplace.

I can’t fully express what the experience meant to me, but if natural habitats, low cost entertainment, and unique experiences appeal to you, then Corner Creek may be a place to visit over the holidays. Talk to Fernando and I’m sure he’ll be happy to give you all the details.

Sizzling Tennis Weekend in November!

Just lil ole me again folks. Don'tcha know I just love chatting informally with my favorite folks :). If you thought Boot Camp got the season off to a good start, wait until you get a gander at this weekend's activities!

USPTA Ritzman Tennis Pro League
The big “Battle of the Ages” is in the leadoff position, as Joel and I will square off for our respective teams this Friday, November 5, at 4pm right here at Gulf Harbour. If you didn’t already know, Mike and I are on the same team again this year, and Mike will be in action at the same time as we try to maintain the slim lead we took after the first match at the Landings.

Gulf Harbour has been a terrific venue for the Pro League, not just because we have one of the loveliest tennis venues in the southwest, but because we have some of the most enthusiastic tennis members on the planet! Let’s keep the tradition alive and come out in force this Friday.

If Gulf Harbour spirit and exciting tennis don’t motivate you, how about food and drink? There will be plenty available for your responsible (or otherwise- and I'll never tell) consumption at the event. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Homecoming Tennis Festival
Whether or not you make it for Friday's fun, I hope you are among the 32 enthusiasts who have already taken all of round robin slots in the Homecoming Tennis Festival, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 6th.  There are 10 people on the waiting list, so if you haven't already registered for that, you are relegated to eating, drinking and making merry at the pool after the tennis (so sad :().

Thus far, in addition to the 32 players, there are 16 partiers on the list for the social gathering afterward at the pool (6:00 p.m. start), and that list is growing. We would love to see every tennis member at, what we hope will be, a standing room only event this Saturday afternoon. Set your DVRs and TIVOs for college football and come meet some new tennis members and reconnect with some familiar ones.

For a $10 donation, you reap two hours of fun tennis, refreshments provided by Food & Beverage, entertainment by Tribal Love, and most importantly, a good time shared with friends old and new. Even if you don’t play tennis, the festivities at the pool will begin after the round robin at 6:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome, so register online or on the bulletin board, and call 444-3644 if you have questions.

Team Report

We are sure you will not be surprised to know that several Gulf Harbour LCWTL teams are among the leaders in their divisions after the first few weeks of the season. Our Defending Champion 3.0-Minus team led by Karen Brady has yet to lose a single match (8-0 in individual match play), and is tied for first place. In the 3.5-Minus Division, Laurie Watson and Linda Van Wyk’s Power Shots hold their division lead after posting an 11-1 individual match record thus far, and Liz Byck and Becky Marshall’s Sure Shots are only a few points back in third position.

In senior division play, Val Steigerwald and Joan Palermo’s Silver Strings lead the way in the Silver Division with a 15-1 individual match record, sweeping three of their first four opponents. Hanging tough in fifth position in the Silver Division is our Silver Belles team, with Monnie Kane and Sue Weiss at the helm.

As far as I can tell from the intel coming in, our Men’s teams begin play Monday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. at Gulf Harbour when John Hess’ White-B team takes on Lehigh. I believe John’s team took home the second place prize last season, and despite moving up a level this year, it should still be at or near the top of its division.

We have two Blue-A teams this year, with Jim Masiello and Tony Cupaiuolo (two rival factions from Sicily :)) vying for dominance in that division. Having been near the top of the division last season, Jim believes he should handle Tony’s boys with little problem, seeing that Tony’s team has moved up a division. Tony’s response? “Fugitaboudit!”

Ok, ok, I’m making it up. Neither Jim nor Tony was consulted prior to publication, but it should be fun with both teams beginning play at home on Tuesday, November 16th at 2:00 p.m. I’m still awaiting schedule information from our other men’s teams.

Please remember that you will be able to find out when all of our teams play at home and away, and how they are doing by consulting the Tennis Teams & Leagues link on the Tennis page of the Club website. Of course there is much more to tell, but I am out of time, so until next: game, set, match Gulf Harbour!!!