TENNIS UPDATE

            I would like to welcome all of our members to the 2009 Birchwood tennis season and extend a special welcome to all of our new members.  We feel that the 2009 season will be a real success. 

I am pleased to announce that the tennis locker rooms have been totally redone and they look great. 

We have planned several new programs to encourage more play and get games for all members wanting them.  These programs include:

            - A page in our new website where members can go to find a game

            - A special program for our “A” players

            - Get a game program

            - A regularly schedule of clinics for all levels of players and cardio fitness           programs

The new  website page is being developed and should be ready for the start of the season.  Members will be able to go to this site and indicate their level of play, the day and time needed and whether they want singles or doubles. 

Geoff is working with Andy Frank to set up the schedule for the “A” player program.  This was started last year and was hampered by several rain outs. We are hoping for it to be a bigger success this year.  Any member who thinks they would like to be in this program should contact Geoff and he will set it up if your level qualifies.

We are setting up, through the pro shop a “get a game” program for members needing one and who are unable to do so on their own.  Geoff will invite all new members and those who have not played regularly to hit with him and establish a level of play.  Once this is done the pro shop will work to set up a game with members of similar levels.  Guests will be used as fill-ins where no member is available.  Our goal is to get games for our members as often as possible.

To provide the critical mass to run regular clinics we have partnered with the Norwalk Indoor club.  They will set up clinics for all levels, plus some cardio fitness programs.  These will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings on courts 6 & 7 starting Thursday May 28.  Birchwood members will have priority for these clinics with Norwalk members filling in as needed.  Norwalk will provide the pro’s and pay for the court time.  They will also provide use of their indoor courts and fitness center at a discount for Birchwood members so when it rains there will still be a place to play.

We will be sending out a complete schedule of clinics and description of each.  We will also be handing them out at the May 3 member cocktail party.  We hope that all of you will take part in our 2009 tennis program.