President's Message

Friends, Tennis Enthusiasts, Colleagues –

Happy New Year!

Hard to believe it is 2012 – time does fly when you are having fun and I am certain you spent many fall days playing tennis outside. The weather was mild and just perfect for a few sets with friends.  Now here we are in January and it seems the cold has settled in for a while - I’m betting that snow is not far off. 

We know how much you enjoyed the fall season from your feedback and positive comments; and you were pleased with the many MCTA sponsored opportunities to play league tennis – you told us how much you liked the new Mixed Combo format; so much so that we plan to offer it again in the fall of 2012 so stay tuned and check the website frequently.  We look forward to a larger and even more competitive mixed combo league now that more of you are aware of this format and how enjoyable the mixed rating and mixed gender can be.   Speaking of the website, we are in the process of refurbishing and refreshing our mctatennis.org – it will have a brand new look along with our sharp and colorful new logo. Exciting!

In November of 2011 we elected the 2012 Officers and Board of Directors – we also bid a fond and grateful farewell to retiring members of the 2011 MCTA Board- Harold Schafke, Connie Moynihan and Gnat Slayton. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment to MCTA tennis!  Welcome to our newest Directors Henry Forster, Dao Vissering, Fiona Carson and Maria Marques; each of you brings special talents and skills to the Board and we are so pleased to have you on the team.  I would like to take this opportunity to mention one particular Board member - Mark Wallendjack, who retired at the end of 2011.  Mark’s many contributions and unwavering support span a period of over six years. He served in diverse capacities including Secretary of the Board and Chair of the Grievance Committee. Six years is a long time and demanded enormous time and energy. Thank you Mark – you helped to make MCTA the organization it is today.

On January 11, we offered a Captains’ Training at the Aspen Hill Club. This is your opportunity to learn about new Local, District and Section rules and listen to experts discuss approaches to team management.  Dave Pullen, MCTA Executive Director and Tennis Link aficionado will offer a fact filled overview of Tennis Link replete with tips and problem solving techniques.  As you know, captains are always in demand – think about becoming a captain in 2012 and let us know how we can facilitate your decision to captain a team.  We offer very special rewards for captains – Alert! Alert!  New for 2012: TWO tickets for each captain for the ever popular Legg Mason tournament in August. That’s right, 2 tickets per captain! Many of you have said you wish you could bring a spouse/partner/friend, and we heard you! So instead of one ticket and one wine-tasting party admission, we will now provide 2 seat tickets to every captain this year.  And brand new captains also receive a gift certificate to Tennis Topia – now, come on – you can’t beat that!! Call us – we have experienced captains who will mentor and guide you.

So let’s talk about winter leagues; once again we will offer Men’s Combo – levels 6.5–8.5; Women’s Combo – levels 5.5–8.5; and traditional mixed doubles 6.0–10.0. Interested? Let us know as there are teams still looking for players…. Contact Lee Ingham for assistance vafter completing our on-line New Player Questionnaire.

And how about the socials, mixers and round robins with drills – have you heard about these events?  You name it – MCTA has it; for new players, entry level players, senior players, players who haven’t picked up a racquet in years, non-league players - playing options for everyone! Typically held at both the College Park facility and Georgetown Prep, they are not only fun but a perfect way to get back into the game!  Check the website for descriptions, dates and to register. You won’t be sorry…everyone has a blast! And we have tournaments throughout the calendar year….. Interested in competitive play? Contact our Tournament Committee Chair, Carol Kromminga.

 Not to be outdone, our Junior Team Tennis program also is flourishing – the addition of more 10-and-under teams, along with our traditional 12’s, 14’s, and 18’s divisions means weekend tennis for youngsters is booming! We offer JTT programs in three sessions (fall; winter; and championship-advancement spring seasons).  Contact our Manager of Youth Programs, Elizabeth Fratt  for help in finding a JTT team – or starting one of your own!

Finally, something I’ve been thinking about…. the relationship between good nutrition and success on the court – not to mention feeling healthy and energized by eating well.  Check out the recent article on page 20 of the January/February issue of TENNIS. It’s an informative and important article for all players.  Also, if you have a few minutes check out the Department of Agriculture’s new website and food tracker. It’s called Super Tracker – my Foods, my Fitness, and my Health.  It is a very cool way to analyze your nutrition, track what you eat, personalize an eating and exercise plan and learn to make informed choices. It’s terrific – take some time to browse and find some great tips….
Here is the link: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?navid=HOME&navtype=MA

So with that I will close; stay warm, play lots of tennis and stay healthy!

 Your President,
Carol
Carol G. Cohen
President