The Newsletter of the Santa Monica Tennis Club
March - April 2010
In This Issue:
Open play dates:
March: 3/7 (to 12:30), 3/14, 3/21;, 3/28
April: 4/4 (at Memorial Park), 4/11 (at Memorial Park), 4/18, 4/25
Court times: Court #1: 9AM to 4PM; Court #2: 9AM to 3PM; Court #6: 10AM to 2PM.
Court times depend upon the usage of the courts.
March: 3/7 (to 12:30), 3/14, 3/21;, 3/28
April: 4/4 (at Memorial Park), 4/11 (at Memorial Park), 4/18, 4/25
Court times: Court #1: 9AM to 4PM; Court #2: 9AM to 3PM; Court #6: 10AM to 2PM.
Court times depend upon the usage of the courts.
Memorial Day Weekend Package at La Costa Resort and Spa
May 29-31Limited availability – sign up soon!
THE PINNACLE OF CARLSBAD TENNIS RESORTS
Over the years, La Costa Resort and Spa has hosted prestigious professional tournaments, including the Acura Classic, and has earned the distinction as a premier tennis resort destination in Southern California.
This premiere Carlsbad, California tennis resort offers:
- 17 tennis courts, with clay and hard court surfaces
- Seven lighted courts, perfect for evening play
Your Tennis Package includes the following:
- 2 Nights Accommodations
- Complimentary Parking/free Wifi/In room coffee and newspaper
- Club tournament on May 30th
- Tennis on Saturday, Sunday, Monday morning
- All taxes and resort fees
- Welcome cocktail party on May 29th in our trip director’s suite
- Dinner on May 30th at Legends Restaurant
Pricing
| Per Person | Rate |
| 2 nights (Excluding dinner) | $270 |
| 2 nights (Including dinner Sunday Night) | $340 |
| Single supplement | $220 additional |
| Friday night May 28th add-on | $220 additional |
Please contact our trip director Elsa Atayan elsaatayan@gmail.com for additional information.
Click here for the trip entry form.
Mail the form and your check payable to "Santa Monica Tennis Club" for the full package amount by April 30th to: Elsa Atayan, 18028 Medley Drive, Encino CA 91316
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PACIFIC PALISADES INTERCLUB - MARCH 7TH
Reed ParkThey are coming to our club on March 7th, we will gather and warm up @ 12:30 and start @ 1 o'clock sharp. Yes, we know it is the day of the Oscars, but we should finish by 4 o'clock, so you will not miss much. We need twelve people, six ladies and six men, for ladies' and men's doubles, then mixed doubles. Ron Elmer is in charge of this event, but I will take the entries. The charge will be $15 and includes the usual, courts, balls and snacks, plus fierce competition. Due to the short notice, you can sign up by emailing me: marg10s@earthlink.net and I will give the list to Ron...who is also taking names. Just a reminder, you must be a paid member of SMTC to participate.
- Marguerite
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Welcome New Members (Since 1/1/10)
- Adams, Guy M 4.0 310-593-1784
- Amato, Carlos M 3.5 310-446-1554
- Crump, Dyan (Dina and Chuck's son)
- Cunningham, Amanda F 4.0 310-309-9426
- Lopez, Gema F 3.5 310-245-0439
- Parker, Gary M 4.5 860-305-0451
- Roberts, Ian M 3.5 310-394-0149
- Stump, Cary M 4.5 310-903-9736
- Walker, Suzan F 4.0 310-857-8956
We have had at least forty new members since October 1st!
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WE GO BACK UP THE MOUNTAIN AGAIN
We have been invited back for the fourth annual interclub with Mountain Gate on March 28th this year. We are to appear at 10:30; start with playing men's/ladies/ doubles, then one set of mixed doubles. Price of $25 per person will include lunch at this beautiful facility - plus the courts, the balls, etc.The mixture of teams is a little different this year - we will need the following:
Men
2 teams each (3.5, 4.0)
1 team each (4.5, 3.0)
Women
2 teams each (3.5, 4.0)
1 team each (4.5, 3.0)
There will be 24 people from our club and 24 from Mountain Gate
If you have participated before, you will remember they are very strong players and are rated in the USTA divisions, so we are to provide our players that are also rated the same way. We have usually played by just entering people, however, Kris Jordan, the Activities Director has asked for USTA standing this year.
Ron Elmer will be in charge of this interclub, but I will receive the entries. The entries will close on March 25th, plus note on the entry blank who your partner is and your USTA rating. If you do not have a partner, we will try to match you with another club member, however, we will object to any complaints about who you are partnered with.
- Marguerite
Click here for the entry form.
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FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIALS ARE BACK AGAIN
Friday, March 19Attention, you tennis addicts!!
Come join us for our post Saint Patrick's Day sobering up party this March 19th. This is another one of our famous Friday night round robin social events, where you'll have a blast playing doubles tennis, with different partners, to your heart's content, from 7-10pm. We supply beverages, snacks, a fresh can of balls per court, good-natured people, and lots of fun. Unfortunately, due to the limited amount of courts, this event is only open to the first 24 people (12 woman and 12 men) who act quickly. If you have never participated with us, don't worry, we will take you by the hand and make you feel welcome. All levels are welcome.
The cost is only $12.00 and anyone interested should make their check payable to the Santa Monica Tennis Club. Please send the check to the attention of Joel Hoffman, at 223 Palisades Avenue, Santa Monica, California. 90402. We must receive your check in the mail on or before Wednesday, March 17th, so please don't delay. We hate turning away nice people.
We are looking forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions you can call Joel at 818-422-7627.
- Joel Hoffman, Social Director
Click here for the entry form.
(Joel is our Social Director this year and he is in charge, among other things, of the Friday Night social events, so please help him in this by entering early and showing up on time - thanks - Marguerite)
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SAVE THE DATE - FOURTH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY - MAY 16TH
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORSED BY SANTA MONICA TENNIS CLUB, WITH THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA, ALONG WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF USTA, THE TENNIS PATRONS, SANTA MONICA COLLEGE TENNIS TEAM AND SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL. IT IS A COMMAND PERFORMANCE OF OUR CLUB T0 HELP SPONSOR THIS EVENT!
Click here for the Block Party Flyer
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MEMBERS PAGE
Help me work off the holiday pounds! If you are available during the day, and want to hit some balls and run around, let me know. Please be at least a 4.0. Thanks, Harris (310) 822-9067.Geoff Eggington will be leaving us soon and this is kind of a 'goodbye':
Alas, yes, I will be leaving Southern California on April 10th to return to my beautiful wife, children and grandchild. However, Southern California, Santa Monica and all my friends will not leave me. Now we have a place to return to, visit old friends, vacation and play tennis. I am finally back on the court playing on weekends in Rustic Canyon and Barrington. My serve is still very rusty due to some shoulder stiffness and I pass up the overheads but my ground strokes are coming back. I would like to stop by Reed Park on a Sunday morning sometime this month to say goodbye personally and will do so. Please let me know which Sunday date(s) you will be there. Thanks again for all you have done; I really enjoyed my membership up to my unfortunate shoulder surgery.
Two of our past presidents have resigned (Elizabeth Dorzback and Jutta Ruehl) Jutta did say that she might come back some time - however she is quite taken with golf.
Three of our members were in attendance at the Australian Open - Katherine Spetner, David Mc Kennett and Marguerite Jorgensen. What a wonderful experience! The grounds, venue was very clean; people were extraordinarily friendly (even if they did think some of us talked funny). There is nothing like seeing the "big boys and ladies" with your own eyes to realize how amazing they are.
We have quite a few people out with injuries:
Gisel Nachitgal – thumb; Ron and Brana Hall – shoulder operations; Alla Raysky – back problems; Nancy La Zar – shoulder; Claudia Tossolini – elbow.
Also Mel Donalson moved to Fontana to take care of his mother – who has recently passed away.
(Remember, this is your page, if you want something up here, just let me know - next newsletter will be May/June)
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PAL 29th ANNUAL LADIES & MIXED DOUBLES TENNIS TOURNAMENT & LUNCHEON
MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010Santa Monica Tennis Club has supported the PAL Tournament (Parents Against Leukemia) for a number of years, and we are again supporting it:
Schedule: 8:15 am (promptly) played on private courts - Continental Breakfast
10:30 am BOUTIQUE & SILENT AUCTION
12:30 pm LUNCHEON
Location:
WARNER CENTER MARRIOTT
21850 Oxnard, Woodland Hills
Donation per person:
$65 Tennis & Luncheon - $50 Luncheon only
APRIL 19th DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES & RESERVATIONS
For additional information call Joyce Schmidt (818) 360-5009.
GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE!
4 days / 3 nights for two at the fabulous All-inclusive CROWN PARADISE CLUB
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Please send your checks together & make payable to:
PARENTS AGAINST LEUKEMIA c/o Joyce Schmidt, 11741 Odessa Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344
If you can imagine 200+ men/women and all of the different tennis outfits - that alone is worth seeing! You play on wonderful private courts plus you are helping a wonderful cause.
- Marguerite Jorgensen
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Oakridge Club Interclub - February 28th
We ventured 'over the hill' to this nice facility in Simi Valley, as they were kind enough to invite us over there after they had so soundly 'trounced' us last fall. We assembled one team of Harry Weiss/Ron Elmer who played Steve Shalhoob and Andy DeLeon for the upper division and they won their match 6-3; 6-3. The other team, Keith Donahue/David King also won their match against Brian Richardson/Sam Lind, 6-4; 6-4. We had a nice ladies team of Phoebe Neil/Katherine Spetner who played against Yolanda Johnson and Pat Safford for the upper division ladies and they fought a fierce battle 1-6;6-4;5-7. In the lower division we had Elsa Atayan/Marguerite Jorgensen who played Jakie Hardie and Kathy Shalhoob and it was pretty grim - the score was 0-6; 3-6. All in all we were tied 2-2 in matches and 5-4 in sets won.The saving grace of the day was that they fed us some amazing home-made chili, pasta salad and Caesar salad, along with liquid refreshments, so all and all it was a nice day - also, no rain!
Thank you, Marc, for inviting us over.
Ron Elmer
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Change of Date: Marina City Club Interclub now April 23
Due to the rain, the Marina City Club interclub event on February 5th was cancelled -- the new date is April 23rd. If you were previously entered and you cannot play on this new date, please contact: DianeBrooks@charter.net and let her know. Thanks!Back To Top
WATCH YOUR ALLEY!
Why...is it going somewhere?Watch your alley, is among the worst advice ever given to a tennis player. It would be better to say, watch the ball.
How many times have you watched a doubles match where a player was camped at the net near the alley, only to see ball after ball go down the middle for a winner?
When a ball is hit cross court, you need to move towards the center, in order to be in position for the most likely return.
If a player can consistently hit a dipping cross court winner into the alley, you are probably in over your head. Just say "nice shot" and enjoy the game.
idea #2
When their partner is set to return a serve, many players watch the server. However, after you partner hits the return, the first opponent who can play the ball is the one standing at the net.
So if you keep your eyes on the net man until the ball goes past him, you will be better able to react should he cut off the return.
Contributed by a SMTC member
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Survey Says...
There were 40 SMTC replies from 2010 Survey, asking 2 questions:1. Are you satisfied with the SMTC 'Open Play' policy? - a few people responded they would like stronger matches, a few people replied they would also like single matches, one person said they would like us to have an awning; another person replied they would like to stop having mandatory meals included in our two largest tournaments (Hello and Club Championships); a few people happen to like our club as is.
2. Would you consider participating in a SMTC USTA Team Tennis League? More than ten people replied 'yes' to this questions.
So, we are finalizing the survey as that if only forty people replied out of approximately 195 members that is less than 25%, so we are ending the survey! (You can always send in your comments to the Members Page for the newsletter). After all, everyone pays the same amount of dues and has the right to express their opinion and offer helpful suggestions to remedy what you would like 'fixed'.
Much thanks,
Diane Brooks , Membership Director
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HELLO TOURNAMENT REPORT
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM 2010 HELLO TOURNAMENTHello everyone: The results of the Hello Tournament were originally published wrong in the article in the newsletter -- here are the correct results:
3.5 – Women: 1st place Dina Crump; 2nd place Carrel Hoffman; Men: 1st place Joel Hoffman; 2nd place Keith Donahue
4.0 – Women: 1st place Shirley McClaine; 2nd place Susan Walker; Men: 1st place Keiji Okita’ 2nd place Jim Fraser (non-member)
- Margurite
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USTA ADULT DIVISION SPRING LEAGUE TENNIS
April thru June
The Santa Monica Tennis Club is looking for players interested in joining USTA Adult League Tennis. Teams will be represented by Santa Monica Tennis Club members. Matches are played in West Los Angeles and Santa Monica.
Remember how much fun it was to be part of a team when you were a kid? Those days don't have to be over. If you want to compete in a team sport and have fun then USTA League Tennis is the right match for you! It is the country's largest recreational tennis league that provides organized and competitive matches for people of all ability levels. In addition, it ensures that you play against opponents of similar ability, whether you are playing on a team consisting of all women, all men or mixed doubles.
USTA Spring League Tennis takes place in the 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 NTRP playing levels, with men and women playing on separate teams. Each local league champion participates in the Area Playoffs (July) and/or Section Championship (August). The Section Champions advance to the National Championships in September and October.
Format:
2 Singles and 3 Doubles matches (NTRP levels 3.0-4.5) Or
1 Singles and 2 Doubles matches (NTRP levels 2.5, 5.0, 5.5/Open)
Registration Deadline: Matches begin weekend of APRIL 3rd & 4th. Must have eight team members signed up by March 8th.
To register on a team, or for more information, please call: Diane Brooks at 310.455.9916 or email to: dianebrooks@charter.net.
Click here for the PDF Flyer
USTA's decision that of the 300,000+ league players nationally, more than 90,000 will be moved up in their NTRP rating. This gives you an idea of how many people participate in the USTA leagues:
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Dear Potential Team Member:
The Santa Monica Tennis Club (SMTC) would like to invite you to try out for the spring USTA 3.5 League for Women. The SMTC team will send 3 doubles and 2 singles to each match. Our goal this year is to pull SMTC out of the basement and into the contender section and we need your help!
COME TRY OUT FOR THE TEAM!! at the Santa Ynez Recreation Center, 17001 Palisades Circle, 90272
We are holding two tryout sessions - one on Saturday, March 6th from 3 - 5 p.m. and the other on Wednesday, March 10th from 6 - 8 p.m. If you are interested in trying out for the team, plan on attending one of the tryout sessions. All persons will be ranked by our coach based on who is interested in playing doubles teams and singles. Everyone who tries out will be on our team but play time for each individual/doubles team will vary depending on the availability of our higher ranked doubles teams. You can always challenge a higher ranking doubles team during the season to improve your own team's standing.
The coach will be available privately to any individual/doubles team who wants to schedule practice time with her. Her rates are $60 per hour and she is only available during the day as the court, at which she teaches, in Pacific Palisades, does not have lights. There is a back up coach that is also available. Her rates are $70 per hour and she can teach on various nights at either Reed park (there is an extra charge for the courts) or at various private courts in Pacific Palisades. Both coaches can work with a maximum of four people at a time and the sessions would be 1.5 to 2 hours.
Requirements:
- The cost for the tryout is $80 per hour and will be divided pro rata among the competitors.
- There is a $21 team registration fee per person, which you would need to pay online directly through USTA.
- You must be a current member of USTA and SMTC to participate.
- The cost for playing each match will be $10 whether it's home or away. The home games are at the Santa Monica High School. Most of the games are scheduled for Sundays.
Co-Captains: Jane DuBovy and Lynsea Arnold
Assistants: Sue Moore, Elsa Atayan, and Diane Brooks
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MIXED DOUBLES ROUND ROBIN
Jim Castagnola has agreed to continue this event one more year. Previously the teams were 3.5 and 4.0 and all he needs is at least four teams for each event to start. The fee is again $10 for each person on the team and must be paid prior to the first match being played. Last year because of vacations, etc. the event ran longer than it should have, so Jim wants to start this one April 1st and it will end July 31st.Remember, you arrange your own matches at a time convenient for your team and the team you want to challenge. Phone numbers and email addresses will be provided prior to the start of the matches. The rules will also be sent to each team and the teams will keep their own scores. Prizes will be award to the two top teams in each division, with a token prize(not a gold watch) to the runner ups.
Send your entry to: Jim Castagnola, 1310 Venice Blvd. #11, Venice, CA 90291. Jim's phone #310-827-6734 and his email address: Jim90291@yahoo.com.
Click here for the entry form.
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SMTC Website Redesign
The Board is interested in redesigning our club's website and would like to hear your suggestions. Some of you may even have experience in this area and we would particularly like your input. The web page is now seven years old and needs a "facelift". Please send your suggestions via email to Marg10s@earthlink.net and she will distribute them to the Board of Directors.Back To Top
Santa Monica Tennis Club - Since 1928 - www.santamonicatennisclub.com