The National Tennis Club

Short Chases July 2010

Presidents Report 

By John Murphy

I have been putting off for as long as possible writing this last message for publication .  I am the lamest of ducks.  My term in office will end immediately after this year's Pell Cup.  That is when Ross Cann, will place his hands on all the levers of power wielded by the president of the National Tennis Club.
 
So, you won't have Murphy to kick around anymore! 
 
Oops!  Scratch that!  Wrong speech!
 
I do want to take this occasion to formally thank several members for their excellent assistance over the last two years (and even before that, when I was Vice President).  I have had great advisors and helpmates.  Whatever good was done in the Club cannot have been done without their support.  Our has definitely been a team effort. 
 
My immediate predecessor, Bill Burgin, has been an enormous source of strength for me.  I shall always be grateful to him.  He was a mentor who gave generously of this time and advice. 
 
[Also, Bill was the guy who introduced court tennis to me.  But that is a story for another day.]
 
I also want to thank Sid Gorham, our Club's long-serving Secretary, the third member of my informal Executive Committee.  His advice has always been wise.
 
I want to especially thank the two Treasurers upon whom I have had the good fortune to have been able to rely:  Harry McVickar and Berry Packham.  Our members may not be aware of the enormous amount of work these guys have done for our Club.  I am aware of it, though, and shall always be grateful for their graciously donated efforts and expertise.
 
I thank the Committee Chairmen and Chairwomen who,  year in, year out, have given so generously of their time and superb skills:  John Damon, Frank Oliviera, Beth Winthrop and Jane Lippincott, Ross Cann and Brewer Rowe, Bill Burgin and Jay Schochet. 
 
Of course, Jay gives his all to our Club.    Our members must never forget that.
 
I also thank all of the members of our NTC officers and Governors with whom I have had the good fortune to serve over the dozen or so years I have been on the NTC Board.  You have been wonderful mentors, and always there when your help was needed.
 
I want to thank our professionals, those in the trenches, making our membership in the NTC a positive athletic and learning experience.  Our current pros, Rich Smith and Tony Hollins, have each been great to work with.  It has been a pleasure seeing their skills mature in the very demanding position of professional at the National Tennis Club
 
Last, but not least, I want to thank our bookkeeper, Deana Grenier.  She has always cheerfully and competently provided the support your NTC leaders need.
 
That's for now.  See you soon on court.   I'll be a civilian again!

Tennis Committee Report

By Frank Oliveira

Throughout the halls of the NTC one can hear: THE PELL CUP IS COMING....THE PELL CUP IS COMING. This year it will be bigger and better than in the past. As I am writing this article, the draw is almost full. If you have not signed up, please do so immediately.

Some of the social events that are being planned are:

• Thursday evening- meet and greet the players cocktail party being held in the Club room. Beer and wine will be served with lots of munchies.
• Friday events-breakfast with Beth & Frank. You don't want to miss this. Cocktail party on the outside patio with heavy hors d'oeuvres.
• Saturday events-breakfast again with Beth & Frank. The evening event is an old fashion "New England Clambake" with all the fixin's. Please dress very casual because teams will organize for volley ball, bocce and other team events.
• Sunday-a special breakfast prepared by the dynamic duo of Beth & Frank.
• Throughout the tournament there will be a keg a beer for all to enjoy.

Once the Velvet Rope tournament is concluded a committee is forming to have the

"Viagra Open" for all members over 40 years. The tennis committee feels that this is

only appropriate, since we were not invited to that other tournament.

If anyone would like to be part of the tennis committee, please contact me. We are always looking for new ideas to enliven our Club's tournaments.

Professional's Report

By Rich Smith

Another successful Handicap Doubles event, thanks again to Kip for
making it very memorable for all.

As the Weather heats up don't put away those court tennis rackets too early!!

The Velvet Rope, July 16 - 18, displayed some extremely high quality tennis. Players travelled from Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, New York and even the UK to take part in the event. Thanks to Mark Lewinstein and Brian Owens for organizing another memorable Rope.

Also the Pell Cup is almost here, make sure that you sign up with a
doubles partner early to guarantee yourselves a spot in the event. If
you need advice or help finding a partner, call upon your
professionals to assist. We are expecting another great turn out. The
tournament will run from August 12 - 15.

House Keeping: Please bring all the balls up to the clubroom following
your match if nobody follows.

Tip of the Month:

Stay Hydrated!! The Court is extremely hot. Make sure to drink a
Gatorade and water at the change of ends

Report Of Trainer And Men's Locker Room Attendant 

By Giles Winderlich

So, the word has trickled down to "the little people" that there is to be a changin' of the guard at the ol' NTC.  Well, all I can say is...it's about time.  Now maybe that guy currently serving as President can again spend some time honing his skills as a tennis player. 
 
[To say nothing about tending to his quite aromatic locker!]
 
I mean, isn't tennis the reason why we all are here?  When you get involved in the management of the Club, aren't you building into your life an enormous distraction from the things that truly matter? 
 
I did notice that the current president's time-on-court fell off dramatically when he was serving in that office.  He may even be in jeopardy of losing his long-held grasp on the NTC ironman title.
 
Well, that's all ol' Giles has to say for now.  Except for this:  I did notice that the out-going president failed to mention yours truly in his farewell "thank you" communique.  I know how to fix him.  I didn't serve as trainer to the RI Reds for twenty-five years for nothing.  I've got to dig out my special jar of "hot" massage oil, and we'll see if I get his attention!