JUNE E NEWS  from the
                 Stratford Tennis Club

Mother Nature did not bless us with the greatest weather for playing tennis in May, but hopefully June will bring more sunshine and less rain. The courts have experienced some drainage issues this season and Bill discussed the situation with the city. A portion of our Trillium grant has been directed towards the replacement of the concrete area surrounding the practice wall. This much needed improvement presents an opportunity for the city to add weeping tile to help with the drainage problem.

The first part of the Trillium Grant club upgrades has been completed. We have new bulbs and ballists for all our court lights and the difference is amazing. A new ball machine has also been ordered and is expected to arive in the next few weeks! At the end of the season, a new deck will be built and this will conclude the upgrades. We know that these Trillium Grant improvements are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all the members at the STC.  A special tribute recognizing this foundation will take place at the Retro Woods and Whites Tournament July 20th.   

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

Tennis League will begin play on Tuesday June 4th. Play will take place Tuesday evenings , with 6:30 and 8:30 games. Many thanks to Donker's Agri, SNAP, Sunrise Health Services, and LaDebonaire Hair Design for their sponsorship of the league this season. All spectators are welcome to come enjoy some great tennis. 

The Stratford Tennis Club hosts the Tennis Access Tour with a men's and ladies doubles event on Saturday, June 8th and a mixed doubles event on Sunday, June 9th.  The  top players from provincial  clubs and Stratford gather together to compete against each other. If you can donate a salad for either Sunday or Saturday, please sign up at the club.

The Stratford Tennis Club held the first leg of the Royal LaPage Hiller Realty junior grand slam this past weekend. The “Australian Open” saw competition in two age categories.
The boys under 18 category final was a family affair as brothers John and Luke Fischer faced each other for the title. The day belonged to Luke as he easily downed his older brother taking the championship 8 games to 3 games. The consolation title was won by Matt Vandeweil as he held off Collin Rose 8-6 to take the win.
In the boys under 15 category Evan Moorehead defended his title from last season. Moorehead defeated Luke McCarroll 8-5 in the final to win his second “Australian Open” championship. Ryan Lay took the consolation title with an 8-4 victory over Michael Vandeweil. 

 The next Royal LePage Hiller Realty Junior Grand Slam, the “French Open”, will be held at the Club on Saturday, June 15th. These events provide our junior club members with the opportunity to test their game in a competitive situation. The Grand Slam events are for Club members only and there is no entry fee. Any interested players should register on the sign up sheet on the clubhouse counter. 

Optimist Junior Tennis Day is Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00am to noon.We are very grateful that the Optimist Club is once again sponsoring a morning of tennis, fun, prizes, and pizza! The first 80 youngsters to register will receive a FREE t-shirt. All participants will receive a ticket for the prize table and FREE pizza and gatorade at noon. This event is free for members and non-members so invite a friend, neighbour, or classmate. Come out and have some fun! We thank the Optimist Club for their long time support of junior tennis.

The first Tennis Camp week for junior players occurs July 1st-5th. The camps run Monday to Friday from 9:00am to noon. The cost is $65 for members and $75 for non- members (includes the HST and a pizza party on the Friday) Please register at the Club for this fun and instructive program run by Vienna and Travis. (for ages 4-12)      

I am still seeking any donations for our Silent Auction July 20th. If you or the business that you work for is able to help us out, please call me at 271-0814 for a pick up or drop off your donation at the club and I can collect it from there. We raised $1500 last year and are looking to double that amount this year. Thanks in advance for your help! More information regarding the Woods and Whites tournament will be posted on the website. 

Greg has been busy instructing tennis in our local schools and will continue to do so in June.
In addition, some classrooms will be visiting the club for tennis instruction. The dates are June 14th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, and 25 th during the morning. Some courts will still be available to members but please call ahead so you are not disappointed.

The carpet downstairs was replaced due to water damage earlier this year. Insurance coverage covered this cost. Enjoy the new floor everyone!

Last but not least, the club is seeking a donation of a used gas lawnmower and a vacuum cleaner.
Stuart Arkett would be happy to pick up and tune up any donations. Please call the club and leave your name and phone number for him if you have a donation.

Nancy Chung