Toys for Tots @ Park Meadow & More

If only we could muster up the Christmas spirit all year round, who knows what our world would look like. Guess I should be grateful for it whenever we get it, and there was plenty to be grateful for at Park Meadow Tennis Center (PMTC) on Sunday. Gifts and food for the less than fortunate, food, drink, tennis and musical entertainment shared with friends were all present at PMTC.



Martha on the mic while Anna sets up



Laura's girls handling check in

 Event organizers, Martha Lyons-Holden and Laura DeLuca asked for an unwrapped gift and a nonperishable food item (for Harry Chapin Food Bank) as an entry fee to the festivities at PMTC, and they got that and more. Approximately 50 players (from teens to seniors) joined the fray on the courts for a “FUN” round robin, but uh, some people just don’t get the idea when you say, “fun” round robin. Or...perhaps they do, and the only way they have fun is by winning at all cost…



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 In any event, the juniors banged the ball as hard as they could and we seniors did the best we could to get the balls back… The looks on some of the faces out there reminded of people Christmas shopping (which is why I don’t do it anymore), but I certainly had a good time and I think just about everybody else did too.


Laura giving direction



Gifts a-plenty

Karen Orlando comes bearing gifts

More important than the tennis, since that really was secondary on this occasion, were the approximately 150 toys and non-perishables given by those who participated. Can you just picture the smiling faces of those who receive those gifts? In Martha’s words, “It was a great day! Thanks to all who chose to give!


Anna Jordan setting up for the party

I think special thanks must go to Anna Jordan, who brought and set up her karaoke equipment, extending the festivities well into the afternoon. Quoting Martha again, “The after party was a hoot.” Say what you may, the People at Park Meadow know how to have a good time!

Also, let’s send a note of thanks to Elaine Capps of Park Meadow Tennis Shop, who donated coupons (which may be used in the shop until December 31) to all  participants. I guess sometimes, it’s about people, and not just about how pretty a place looks and how uniform the court surface is. Thanks Park Meadow!

Carpenter & Neese Get New Gigs
Carly Carpenter, formerly on staff at Colonial Country Club, has assumed the managerial role at Fort Myers Racquet Club. Carly, a talented player in her own right, comes from a solid tennis family, as dad Keith and brother Zach are both good players. The first event under Carly's watch is the Members Christmas Social on Saturday, December 17, with a round robin from 9am - 12pm, and a holiday luncheon buffet from 12 - 2pm.

I just learned of another new appointment. Eddie Neese, one of the top Open players in the area has taken the position as coach of Canterbury School's boys’ tennis team. According to Eddie, tryouts for the team will be January 23-26, with practices starting the following week.

Regarding the new position, Eddie said, "I'm pretty excited to start there. It'll be a new experience and hopefully I'll help the kids have a good season." If Eddie coaches as well as he plays, Canterbury should be claiming a tennis championship before too long.

Other Happenings
I’m a little late on this one, and I don't know if you checked out the BonEro Tennis League (the "happy little league for women's doubles in Bonita Springs and Estero"), but if you'd like to get acquainted with the league and its players, there will be a Holiday Round Robin at Grandezza on Tuesday, 12/13 at 1pm. Click here to contact League Coordinator Deb Graziani if interested.

Rookie Tourney @ Gateway

Alex Hermeto, Director of Tennis at Gateway Golf & Country Club, is holding a non-sanctioned Holiday Season Junior Rookie Tournament December 17 & 18. Divisions to be played include Boys and Girls 11-under, 12-under, 14-under, and 16-under. All players are guaranteed two matches and must register by Friday, December 16, by 12pm. This is an entry level tournament for kids aspiring to play middle school and high school tennis in the Winter and Spring. For more info, please call 239-561-1422.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming League Report! Game, set, match...T A