TENNIS DOINGS EARLY SUMMER 2017
BY LEO TUJAK
Photos by Julie Weissman
The tennis club continues to
explore various venues and
events to keep players interested
and active… and tennis fun!
Our impromptu event on Monday,
June 12, was a perfect example, as
players gathered for some early
evening play amid the pleasant
cooling climes in the waning hours
of the day. Play started at 4:30 p.m.
and progressed ’til about 6 p.m.,
at which time cheese and wine
was provided, as both a reward
and incentive, as well as a can of
tennis balls.
On July 2, our annual
Independence Day tournament
was held. We were treated to a
singing of the national anthem by
Eric Toskys’s wife Sandia Ang, who
is a professional classical singer
and recitalist, as well as a voice
teacher in Great Neck since 1994.
It was beautiful and we do thank
her for coming and performing.
Sandia’s moving rendition of the
Star-Spangled Banner was a fitting
introduction to our annual July 4th
tournament.
As in years past, our pro Rick
Bates concocted a tournament
understood by few, but enjoyed by
all. He formed two teams—blue
representing the “colonies” and
red the “British,” with each of the
games representing a Revolutionary
War battle. The opening “skirmish”
saw the first side to four games as
winners. Served by Rick and ably
assisted by wife Jackie, the next
epic confrontation was extended
to the first team to fifteen wins as
victorious.
Six “colonists” faced six “red
coats” on each side, playing three
at a time with rotations. Of course,
the players had to be reminded
of when and where to move, but
still, great fun was had by all. The
tournament wound down with
another round of first to four,
again followed by first to fifteen
with rotations. The final round
was voluntary—some played,
while others headed either home
or to the showers. As Rick was
happy to point out, the “Colonies/
Americans” beat the “British.”
The remaining stalwart participants
retired at the patio of the
VIP Room for an early 4th-of-July
BBQ, deliciously prepared by Reina
and company—hamburgers, franks,
chicken, along with salads, soda
and water, with coffee and cookies
to finish it off.
We would like to thank the
Country Club staff—Manager Mary
Anne Langone and Cecilia Farfan—
our pro, Rick and wife Jackie, and
Reina and the VIP crew for their
assistance.
Tennis All Stars
Let the games begin
Return to sender Awaiting service
10 NORTH SHORE TOWERS COURIER ¢ August 2017