MAY  E NEWS  from the
       Stratford Tennis Club

Hello Club Members,
This year I will be sending out an E News letter from the Club each month. Its purpose will be to keep 
you informed about what is happening in and around the club and also to let you know what events are 
coming up in the month. Last year year many of you expressed the desire to help out with events. I 
thought the E News letter would be a great avenue in which to let you all know simultaneously, what 
support is needed each month. It will also be posted on the website as well. Our website has a new look
so take a peek if you have not visited it lately. Stratfordtennisclub.com will be updated regularly 
throughout the season.

 In 2012 the Board of Directors prioritized several club renewal projects and we are pleased to announce that we can proceed with them. The roof was already replaced in 2012 thanks to a successful fundraising campaign.  In the spring of 2013, we were awarded $46,300 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for repairing the lighting, replacing the deck, repaving the practice wall area, and for the purchase of a new ball machine.  This is great news and we thank everyone who supported the grant application!  The timing of these projects is yet to be determined but they will be completed before the end of 2013.  We will have a special Trillium recognition ceremony at some point this summer, more details to follow.

During the recent ice storm, power was out for several hours and our sump pump stopped working causing the basement to flood.  This event was covered by our insurance.  We are pleased to report that we will therefore have new downstairs flooring in time for our Open House week! 

This year commemorates the Club's 45th season at the Upper Queens Park location. The courts are ready and waiting thanks to all Bill’s efforts. Sign up sheets for the first ladders, tennis league and the first Royal LePage Hiller Realty junior team event are on the counter.

Our OPEN HOUSE WEEK begins Monday May 6th and runs until the 12th. Seize this opportunity to bring some friends out for free play and lessons and/or invite them to the Friday night Adult Round Robin at 7pm. 

Our popular free KIDS TENNIS program for ages 4-12 begins May 11th and runs every Saturday in May and June from 10 - 11:30am. All non-members as well as members are welcome to play.

Beginning this coming week, Greg, our Pro will be visiting schools in the surrounding area and instructing the classrooms in basic tennis skills. We wish him great success in his travels! In addition, some of the schools will be visiting the club for some lessons. It is our hope that we will get more youth interested in this fabulous sport.

Our club hosts a Bingo every so often, with a portion of the proceeds coming back to us.
Our next BINGO is Friday, June 7th, at 7:00pm. If you are free that night, grab a friend and come play at the Agriplex on McCarthy St! If you wish to volunteer and work that evening, please arrive at 6:30pm.

Last year we had our first ever RETRO TENNIS DAY, the WOODS AND WHITES TOURNAMENT.
On July 20th, we will hold this successful event again in conjunction with a silent auction. We hope that all our members will once again participate this year. I am looking for silent auction donations so I hope you can help us in some way via an experience, free lessons in a skill, a gift item, or a homemade craft piece. Please call me at 519 271 0814 if you have any questions or donations.

On May 25th, the first Royal Lepage Hiller Realty Team Tennis event for juniors will take place. A new format is being introduced and juniors of all levels are encouraged to sign up at the club.

Last but not least, the deadline for early tennis club memberships is quickly approaching.
Pay in full by MAY 15TH, and save money on your 2013 membership. Please remember that there are no refunds.
							   		         
								         	    Nancy Chung