The Racket · The Racket Spring, March 2015 It is not how you hold your racquet, It’s how you hold your mind “ … Perry Jones Editorial: Roy Rajsic . [email protected]

The Racket Spring, March 2015

It is not how you hold your racquet, It’s how you hold your mind “

… Perry Jones

Editorial: Roy Rajsic [email protected]

It will soon be 33 years that I have been playing tennis on Salt Spring and I think that it is super that I still play with some of the same people that I met that first year. In all that time I have never seen so many people so keen to play, and playing so well, as right now. There have been several times in the past thirty years when tennis really blossomed on the Island but it seems to me that we are now in something of a “Golden Age”.

Watching the Valentine’s Day tournament this year really brought home the depth of good tennis on the island. Any one of the teams that played could have been Gulf Islands champions in earlier times. To have so many people in such a wide age range playing so well is a terrific tribute to the growth and improvement of tennis here. Certainly there is a growing tennis population all across Canada thanks to the success of players like Nestor, Pospisil, Raonic and Bouchard and I am sure that plays a part in the growth of the sport on Salt Spring but there are also several good local, homegrown reasons for it.

First and foremost is the Salt Spring Tennis Association. The work done by the executive and volunteers to keep tennis going on a day to day basis is terrific. Membership grows, tournaments proliferate, leagues are organized, lessons and clinics are scheduled. A typical executive meeting will touch on all of these and a dozen of other topics- social, financial, whatever. We are a thriving organization thanks to these folks. Let’s see lots of new faces on the next executive; we need you if the wonderful work of recent years is to continue. Second, I think is the jewel in the Salt Spring tennis crown: Centre Court. What a wonderful facility! So many people have so much fun here; it is splendid to see the joy that people take in playing here. What luxury! We must be one of the most fortunate small tennis clubs in the province.

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But I misspeak; it was not just good fortune that brought us Centre Court. It was the hard work of a number of executive committees over a number of years along with the vision and determination of an extraordinary woman. The third reason for the growth and improvement of Island tennis is increased access to quality coaching. The lessons and clinics offered by Peter Schelling and Marjorie Blackwood have already made a striking difference in the quality of play. It is really nice to see people that I played with in the 80’s have a renewed enthusiasm for tennis after a clinic with these two. Good coaches, good people, inspiring and great fun; next we need to get them settled here on a full time basis. During a recent holiday Margaret and I took an opportunity to drop into the Tennis Club de Venezia. Located on the Lido just down the street from the spectacular Grand Excelsior Hotel it has three red clay courts, one hard court and a bubble covering one or two other courts. Set among some large, lovely Lido homes, covered in rose arbours, palm trees and dripping with flowering vines a small tunnel led from the viewing area through to a clubhouse with a lovely coffee shop and outdoor garden looking over the beach. The Venetians didn’t seem to play any better than we do – but to do it with such terrific style is Italian indeed. We saw another tennis club in Sirmione on Lake Garda. The setting was beautiful but the plain hard courts were very basic with wire fencing and very little Venetian decorative flair – more Portlock di italia style. We did notice though that right next door was the pretty little Cafe Erica; she is apparently the patron saint of tennis here too. On the same trip we acquired a towel from the 2014 London ATP finals tournament signed by US Open Tennis Champ Marin Cilic. It now hangs with the famous Peter Lamb bicycle in the viewing stand over Center Court. With so many of our members travelling it occurred to us that we may soon need an international liaison person to organize the exchange of membership privileges with other clubs. I would be glad, for example, to let Wimbledon members play at Portlock if we could play there. Presidents Report: Erica Ross, President [email protected]

The changeable weather of spring is here, thank goodness we have Centre Court for those late unexpected squalls. But a few sunny days have brought tennis players out in force at Portlock…signs of things to come! See you there soon. Pete Schelling and Marjorie Blackwood have been offering some very popular doubles and volley clinics, and I hear there will be more to come. This is good news for those who have not managed to sign up early enough to be included yet. The general level of tennis and enthusiasm has been rising noticeably!

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Speaking of great tennis, the Western Canadian Senior Nationals Tournament will be in Victoria, April 1-5th this year…matches to be played at Cedar Hill, Oak Bay, and Panorama Recreation Centres. This is your opportunity to see some excellent quality tennis close to home…you may even see some of our own Members taking part! Last of all, please mark your calendars for this year’s SSTA AGM, it is to be held on Wednesday April 22 at the Clubhouse Bar & Grill.

“ Champions keep playing until they get it right “

… Billie Jean King

On the Money Front: The SSTA Club Account: Jeff Bee: SSTA Club Treasurer [email protected] The highlight of the Club account is that we're in great shape, better than last year, thanks mainly to spectacular fundraising of $4,000 at the Paddle. Membership News: Jeff Bee [email protected] The not- so- good news is that membership is 170, down 8% from 2013, AND 58 (34%) of our members haven't paid their 2015 dues yet. So the message to the troops: get serious about recruiting and about getting your cheques in !

ITF Account Dave Blizzard: Indoor Court Treasurer [email protected] No news on this front, however Dave will be presenting a summary at the AGM --- so stay tuned… Fundraising Activities: Our fund raising efforts have diminished to some faithful 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 and pay for the junior camps and programs. If anyone wants to do something this season to raise some money, just let us know and we will gladly help find

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the resources to make it happen --- this club is great at helping out. Bring your ideas, energy and skills to the table… NEW!!! Tennis on Salt Spring for Tomorrow's Champions: Part-time islander and SSTA member, Deborah Orange, is organizing a one day summer fundraiser, 'Tennis on Salt Spring for Tomorrow's Champions', to raise money to fund a Salt Spring after-school Junior tennis program. Deborah is using her Tennis Canada connections to invite five off-island tennis pros and participants for half-day special clinics on Saturday, July 18. Clinics will be held at five different island court locations. Even non-participants may join in by buying an 'audit' pass to pick up tips and view the fun, or a ticket to the late afternoon special pro exhibition, auction, and catered dinner. Salt Spring has not seen anything like this before...it will be great! More detail to follow closer to the date...

Bids & Bites Bridge Tournament: There is a rumour afoot that there will be a SSTA Bridge Extravaganza this fall sometime --- so watch for emails… everyone who loves Bridge, or even just tolerates Bridge come on out to Bridge at Centre Court and see what SSTA can do to a Bridge tournament… If you are interested in assisting in the organizing, set-up, clean-up just contact the organizers --- they can always use extra hands…

Country Grocer Tapes & Thrifty’s Smile Card: Our 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... It is certainly worth the effort to stuff receipts in the box or use the Smile Card. *** Please Note the changes made to Thrifty point cards (to Air Miles) does not impact the donation contributions gained by using the Smile Card… Call Erica if you need a Thrifty’s card she has a supply in her purse I think… and you can also get them at Thrifty’s customer service desk --- load them up --- you have to buy groceries anyway… why not help SSTA at the same time… A special big happy “Thank You So Much” to Penny Sira who carefully un-crumples each Country Grocer tape and tots it up… You could make her life a little easier by not crumpling the tape… but whatever way you put it in we appreciate it!!!

SSTA Clothing Line: Louise Devlin [email protected]

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Well ladies and gentlemen --- it is time to do the shopping for your summer guest gift giving… You know those tennis friends in the south, east, anywhere really... Get them a piece of SSI Tennis wear --- they will be the talk of their neighbourhood courts… It is a true status symbol with the tennis Chic around the world… well we are trying to make it one anyway…. If 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 can order online or by calling me, and don't hesitate to ask to see the samples which are all conveniently kept at Centre Court. Lastly, thank you to all those members who have already supported the club clothing range and are proudly showing them off on the courts… Louise

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“ Experience is a great advantage. The problem is that when you get the experience, you are too

damned old to do anything about it “ … Jimmy Connors

Tournament Results: JenniferMorgan [email protected]

Valentine’s Tournament: Peter Schelling ran his wonderfully social Valentine’s Tournament again this year… There was some very lively tennis and hot competition... Everyone played well and had fun… The winners were Blair Carley and Jenny Pickering in a very close intense final over Markus Wenzel and Justene

Tedder. Congrats to all who signed up --- it was fun to drop in and watch wonderful tennis from our viewing lounges over the weekend…

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“ Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important that the outcome ”

… Arthur Ashe

Action on the Courts:

Indoor Spring Leagues Leagues - Are set up for April/MayLeague Manager Justene Tedder [email protected] Please feel free to email me, as we always need more spares for the leagues!!!

Ladies Doubles Monday Afternoon 1-4 pm --- for 3.0+ players Wednesday Evening 5:30-7:00 pm --- working women*** and others

AKA The Business Ladies League…(what woman do you know that isn’t working ???)

Thursday morning 10am - 1 pm – open to all players…

Men’s Doubles Monday Evening 6-9pm --- for 4.0 players, by invitation/application Tuesday Morning 9:30 – 10:30 am --- open to all players

Mixed Doubles: Tuesday Evening 6-9 pm --for 3.0+ players Friday Morning 9-12 – for all players…

Singles League: Thursday 5:30-7pm

All League fees are to be prepaid at the start of the season… Each session (1.5 hours) costs $9/player for doubles matches and $18/player for singles matches…

Summer Leagues: The Business Ladies Wednesday Evening League : a sign up email will come out in May for the popular ladies league where a visit to the golf club for wings after the game has become a staple social time !!! Keep an eye open for this email as the league will fill up fast!!!

Portlock Drop in Tennis: As soon as the weather smartens up we can start the drop in tennis;

Tuesday AM Men’s Doubles Thursday AM Ladies Doubles

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Friday AM Mixed Doubles…

Please feel free to email me with any other requests or ideas for leagues… [email protected]

Red Court: THANK YOU… Laura and Harvey Moore for running the SundayRed Court Winter Drop-In sessions which ended March 29 this year.

However, the equipment remains in the storage cupboard on court, for Members who wish to book the time and set up personal games. Sunday Red Court Drop-In will resume in the fall (date to be announced) in the 3-5 pm time slot, encouraging a convivial thirst-quenching time after play.

“ As a tennis player you can win and you can lose, and you have to be ready for both. I practiced self-control as a kid. But as you get older then

both winning and losing get easier. “ … Rafael Nadal

Upcoming 2015 Tournaments and Events: Jennifer [email protected]

Western Canadian Senior Indoor Nationals: April 1-5 – Victoria… Four players representing Salt Spring Island will be: Donna Wrigley, Jenny Pickering, Peter Lamb and Pete Schelling. Good luck to all… Do us Proud!!!!

SSTA AGM April 22… circle your calendars this is your chance to getout and vote and contribute to the new seasons plans…

SSTA Opening Tournament Saturday April 25th

This tournament is open to all and a wonderful opportunity to get the season off to a good start with new and old friends at Portlock… Potluck to follow… to register call Jennifer our Tournament Wizard at [email protected] or 250-537-8366

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Jack Fisher Memorial - May 30th: 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 [email protected] or 250-537-8366.

Mixed Golf And Tennis Competition: Coming soon… Pete Schelling [email protected]

This event is likely to be schedule a bit later this year… so watch for the notices.

Wimbledon Cup & Saucer June 27th – Mixed Doubles. This is a mixed tournament, partners will be arranged and white attire is mandatory, retro is preferred and wooden racquets (supplied) will be used for the first few games. There will be a maximum of 24 players (12 men and 12 women) and there is a $5 entry fee to cover the cost of the strawberries 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 [email protected] or 250-537-8366.

President's Cup: July 25th for Men and July 26th 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 3th –

This a day of fun at St. Mary’s lake… paddling your heart out and eating up a storm all for the cause of Tennis… come out and enjoy the fun, listen to the music and dance on the grass… Ginny and Jack Giles have again volunteered their lovely house and garden for our party… this is a not to be missed “The” Social event of the Summer calendar on Salt Spring… This fundraiser brought in over $4000 last year--- which will be used towards SSTA programs and junior programs… so well done all you brave paddlers… Now lets see lots more… a whole big flotilla… maybe we should challenge another group and up the anty.

8th Annual Rogers Rookie Junior TournamentAges 9-14 is on Saturday, August 16th at Portlock Park 8:30am - 12 Noon. Players should be able to start a point by serving overhead or underhand and rally the ball at least 3 or 4 times over the net.

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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 by emailing [email protected] or go online to the Rogers Rookie website and download the registration form. Limited to 24 players.

Junior Tennis and Golf Development Program: The Junior Golf/Tennis Camp will happen again: the past 2 years have been very successful for this program so there will be 3 or 4 weeks this year. July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24 and August 10-14 (these dates are partly dependent on the sign-ups) Watch for dates and details soon!!! Register early because it fills quickly. Pete Schelling will be the contact/registration person [email protected]

Gulf Island Open Tournament: Friday Aug. 28th to Monday August 31st

The Gulf Island Open is open to all near and far: Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles and also Mixed Doubles. Select your own partner. The Gulf Island Open Cup will be awarded in each of the 5 categories. $10 entry fee per player… You can enter by contacting Jennifer at [email protected] or 250-537-8366.

Sadie Hawkins: October 24th

The format for the Sadie Hawkins Tournament is Mixed Doubles… Attention Ladies you get to pick 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 [email protected] or 250-537-8366.

Interclub Report: Ann Stewart [email protected]

Ann is busily in touch with the Oak Bay, Gabriola (we want the cup back this year guys) to arrange some dates for these lively matches… If you are interested in playing for SSI just give Ann a call, she is always looking for players.

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Talk with your racquet Play with your heart…

… anon

Instructional & Coaching Opportunities:

Baseline Tennis Academy Offerings: Marianne [email protected]

PRIVATE, SEMI-PRIVATE and small group tennis lessons available May and June. Call Coach Marianne to schedule your lesson or group of 3 or 4 players. Beginner to early Intermediate Level for all ages.

Second week of July: TYKES Camps for ages 6-8, Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am to 11:30 am. Limited to 8 participants. Registration deadline is May 30th

Third week of July: JUNIOR Camps for ages 9-12 Mon-Thurs 8:30 am to 11:30 am Limited to 6 participants. Registration deadline is May 30th

Fourth Week of july: ADVANCED Camp for Pre-teens and teens by permission of the Instructor. Mornings last week of July… limited to 6 participants. Registration deadline is June 15th For information and registration Marianne Banman at [email protected]

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From the Baseline:

Coach Marianne's Tennis Tip:

Do you want to improve your agility and endurance on the tennis court?

Running intervals will help you achieve that endurance you’re looking for,

Try doing 30 seconds running as fast as you can and then walk for 30 seconds.

Do this 6 times.

Repeat every other day!

Can’t run? Cycle or walk and apply the above interval principal to your training.

Andrew Ross Collins: [email protected]

Andrew now has his qualification for tennis instructor level... if you are interested in coaching or lessons he can be reached at 250-537-7990. Have you ever heard his serve --- THHHWWWWACK!!!! Really scary!!!!!

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“ What do a dentist and a tennis coach have in common ?

They both use Drills…“

Pete’s Corner: Peter Schelling [email protected]

Doubles Clinics: Pete and Marj will be offering Skill Development and Doubles camps on various themes throughout the season--- watch for notices for dates and times… so watch your emails…

Junior Programs: Pete will also be running Junior programs this fall and winter for all levels. If you are interested just contact him at [email protected]

Pete is also available for one on one or small group coaching/lessons. You have probably noticed some of his influence on some of the people you are playing with… just give him a call.

Pete's Tennis Tip

Spring is Here-- Time To Get To The Wall !!!

The wall, your best tennis partner. Every good player has used it, and they know how to use it.

You can work all of your tennis strokes against the wall.

Some walls have targets already painted on them. They might be circles or squares, they might also have different heights. If it doesn't have targets you can make your own by drawing one with chalk or taping a piece of paper on

it.

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Most practice walls have a net line drawn across it. If you try using the wall don't start by standing too far away from it. Set yourself up about 3 or 4 steps away if you are warming up groundstrokes. Start even closer if you are warming up volleys. Hit to a target so that you can manage your racquet face. Keep the pace and tempo slow. Have a proper warm up before moving further from the wall.

Always try and do repetitions of at least 10 in a row. If you have a net line on your wall set your heights high over the net when hitting your shots, this creates good depth when you get to the tennis court. Plus it eliminates net errors.

If you are using the wall try and use good technique so you reinforce good habits. In about 15 minutes you can hit between 300-500 balls! Doing it the wrong way would only create a bad habit.

The wall is a perfect way to warm up before a match. Here is a great story I will never forget. In 1980 Marjorie and her partner had lost in the quarter finals of the women's doubles at Wimbledon. We decided to stay and watch the Ladie's final on Saturday. It was raining that day and all of the indoor courts at Queens Club were booked. We decided to hit against the squash court wall instead. Within 5 minutes of hitting against the wall there was a knock on the door. It was Mr. Cawley, Evonne Goolagong's husband. He asked us if we would mind sharing the wall with Evonne. She was scheduled to play Chris Evert in the final of Wimbledon that afternoon. Marj and I looked at each other and then said that Evonne can have it to herself. She came in and thanked us. We watched her warm up all of her strokes. She used the wall for no more than 20 minutes. That afternoon she beat Chris Evert to win her second Wimbledon title !!! And we were there to watch it happen!

If anyone is interested in getting together for a lesson on how to use the Wall please contact me.

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Court Maintenance Report: Peter McAllister, [email protected]

Fulford Court: Take a trip down to this court --- it so beautiful, especiallyright now in the spring… and it is so peaceful and quiet… not the distractions of Portlock at all… downright bucolic… Portlock Courts: Our old favourite court is showing her age: the wrinkles aregetting deeper, the cracks wider and the nets sag a little more… but she is a love and playing tennis outside is a whirl in every sense… It is still lots of fun to hear the kids screaming, the soccer whistles, the ferry traffic, geese and crows flying overhead, the laughter, confusion… it is all good… especially with catching up with old friends and making new ones… get out and enjoy her….

Centre Court: Peter would like to thank his faithful court cleaning team of MarkCutten, Suzie Gagon and Frank Marrek --- they did a wonderful job of working with a cranky new machine to keep our great big playpen beautiful… Peter would also like to thank his wonderful wife Bernadette for so graciously taking in the recycling from Centre Court and the Sailing Club --- she is wonderful indeed and thanks from all of us too… Mark Cutten a call 250-537-0031 is the man to call if you would like to make an appointment with him for time with the Court Cleaner… Also if you have a few spare moments while waiting - take a look around and tidy up a bit… the bathroom, green room, upstairs corporate viewing box (we need a really catchy name for our viewing porch – status seats)

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SSTA’s Website: Michael Powell [email protected] www.saltspringtennis.ca

Check out our Website. Michael Powell has been busy updating the 2015 tournament schedule and such. He is now focused on getting more of the social media crowd involved with our tennis sites, hopefully bringing some new members to the club and increasing the participation in tennis on the island. Good Luck Michael. www.Sky-Valley-Web-Design.ca

Centre Court Online Booking instructions: www.saltspringtennis.ca/bookings Indoor court booking page will be made more mobile friendly for smartphones and tablets… no completion date available on this yet.

SSTA hits the Social Media: Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaltSpringTennis

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SSTA_Tennis

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/saltspringtennis

“ I am, Therefore I play Tennis “

… very old anon

Snippets: Got any news or kudos to…. Let me know… [email protected]

Love on the Court: Jennifer Morgan let us in on a Court Courtship that hasbloomed into a Love Match…. her daughter Julia and Tony Mason are getting married in July. Now this should be a formidable doubles team. Congrats to you both!

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Found Items: Please check the Centre Court Lost & Found if you are missinganything. It is right below the coat rack in the Green Room.

Got the Blues…. Some of our members do have a life outside of tennis.Dave Rowse is one of them. A talented musician when he is off the court. Dave and the Uncle Wiggly Hot Shoes Blues Band represented British Columbia in the great Memphis Blues Challenge. Travelling to the heart of blues country the band got standing ovations at each of their performances. As well as having a great time in Memphis Dave was invited back anytime to play with his new Memphis blues buddies.

Fashion Flash: There has been a sighting of some TENNIS WEAR in theGolf Club Pro Shop. We don’t want to undercut our own wonderful SSTA Line of clothing, but it is great to have a second source of apparel on-island. Continuing stock may depend on your interest, so pop in and inquire…

300+ Club… with thanks to all who make it possible…

Our group is older (and wiser) but still wants to play To the court each week, we wend our way This exclusive group is all over seventy Our joints and our limbs are well past their warranty.

Our game’s a bit slow; we find it so hard to run but the game of tennis, it is so much fun Exercise and friendship is what we are after The rafter’s echo with our laughter.

Our many thanks and praises galore To the folk who fought the battle, and won the war To get this facility built for us all You had the vision, you made the right call.

Loes Holland: Salt Spring lost a Tennis Angel this spring, Loes Hollandpassed away on February 14, 2015 at the age of 92. There was a short story in the Driftwood. Loes was instrumental in bringing tennis to Salt Spring, when there was still an asphalt court next to the Legion. Then came the courts on Portlock where she taught many of us enjoy the game and had a wonderful voice on the Court. She was there teaching the young and old the game that she loved. She taught skills, manners and sportsmanship, but most of all she loved her students and the game. Her enthusiasm was contagious.

Michael Powell says “ Loes was involved with the SSTA (at least when I was in elementary school) and a main contributing factor as to why I love tennis so much. She was a very enthusiastic teacher and lover of the great outdoors. I remember our conversations at the

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grocery store and how she always spoke fondly of the latest play of Federer and Nadal. She was pleased that I continue to play tennis and the piano.” Thanks Loes for being a part of the Salt Spring Tennis community and hiking group, hospice group and all the other wonderful things you did for the Community. You will be missed and fondly remembered.

Get Well Soon: There are a lot of people missing with ailments, aches andpains of one sort or another --- we are missing them and really would like our fodder back on the court… get well soon all of you… We are sending you healing wishes… we have missed you all!!!

Pat Lazenby, after her recent shoulder surgery, we hope all is healing well. Ann Page, following her delicate hand surgery, with lots of exercising to come after

the splint is removed. April Wright, continuing to do everything it takes to rehab her leg and ankle injuries

from last year’s fall

Rose Heinekey is continuing to feel better and better…

Newsletter: Margaret C. Benmore [email protected] Rajsic [email protected]

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

Rose returning to the

300+ Club… you go, girl!!!!

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