Rancho Peñasquitos

Tennis Center

Volume 30, Number 5

May 2018

1

2017/18 BOARD MEMBERS

PJ Greenwald, President

Dan Scherer, VP

Linda Beach, Rec Sec

Marty Fellenstein, Treasurer

Sharon Gehrke, Membership

Julie Islitzer

Barbara Brokaw

Norma Garrison

Steve Leffler

Mission Statement

To become the leading recrea-

tional tennis center in San Die-

go’s North County area, by im-

plementing activities, and provid-

ing facilities that cater to the cas-

ual, social and competitive tennis

needs of people in the local com-

munity.

STAFF MANAGEMENT Executive Director, Mike Donahue

Club Director, Julie Maiorano

Office Manager, Connie Komin

LEAGUE COORDINATORS

Men’s League, Dan Scherer

Women’s League, Carol Donahue

Level Coordinators: AA- Megan Steadman A: Norma Garrison/Pete Sievers BB—Barbara Kingston B: Carol Donahue

Junior Team Tennis League Ernie Blando Minh Vo Nick Bennett

LL EDITOR Julie Maiorano

ANNUAL APPRECIATION DAY!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR A FUN DAY OF TENNIS AT RPTC!

SUNDAY, MAY 20

11:30am—3:00pm

Lunch to be served at

12:00 noon.

Club will provide hamburgers & hot dogs!

Members bring a salad, side, or dessert.

Announcement of new board members.

Fun Tennis Planned!

RSVP TO pjgreenwald@irr.com

with your potluck item & number of players.

MESSAGE FROM

THE PRESIDENT

Your vote counts! I hope each member will

take a few minutes to read the board can-

didates’ information and then vote.

Our annual Member Appreciation Day is al-

ways an enjoyable and important event.

We plan a day of fun tennis, good food and

lots of time to meet and enjoy each other’s

company. The ballots are counted on this day, then the new board

members are announced and introduced to the members. We also

take this opportunity to acknowledge the many members who vol-

unteer their time, energy and talent. Don’t miss it!

Pat “PJ” Greenwald

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATE ANNOUNCEMENT

The following six members are running for election to RPTC's Board of Directors. Four of these candidates

will be elected to serve a two-year term. Ballots have been sent. Remember to vote!

Marty Fellenstein, Incumbent (Treasurer)

I have been a member of RPTC for over 6 years. I retired from a career in Accounting

and Finance and feel that I can apply some of the things I learned in professional life to

the continuing success of the club. I actively participate in league play and the men’s

open tennis events and I enjoy the spirit of comradery that exists in the club today.

I believe that RPTC’s mission is to provide a first class tennis facility at a reasonable

price and if elected to the board I will continue to support that mission statement.

Pat "PJ" Greenwald, Incumbent (President)

I’ve been a member of RPTC for over 20 years and I’ve had the privilege to meet and

play tennis with many of you. While serving as President (and VP) on RPTC’s Board of

Directors, I’ve worked to make sure the needs of our members are our top priority

through collaboration with individuals, board members, committee chairmen and coordi-

nators to respond quickly to members’ requests and concerns; to enhance court usage

and availability for everyone; to plan various events throughout the year; and to ensure

the office is well staffed and working to meet the needs of our members. It takes consid-

erable work and time to keep a non-profit organization running smoothly. I also understand how important it

is to listen to members and learn what it takes to make the organization work for everyone involved.

My experience as a School Principal and as a Resource Teacher for San Diego City Schools included facil-

itating management groups for schools and the Board of Education, leading staff members and volunteers

through the process of reaching consensus and making wise decisions for the organization.

I’ve worked closely with City and Park officials on RPTC’s behalf, giving me a sound working knowledge of

how we fit into San Diego Tennis. This year, I spent hours collecting data and submitting the paperwork to

nominate us for the 2017 USTA Facilities of the Year Award. As a result, we were selected as a nationwide

USTA Outstanding Tennis Facility in 2017, our second such award. This speaks to RPTC’s unique service

to its members and the community, as there are only 10 total facilities selected nationwide each year. Win-

ning this award promotes our club locally and nationally; and it helps when we apply for grants from USTA.

I believe strongly in giving back to my community, volunteering over the years at school, sports clubs and

community outreach programs. As a member of RPTC, I’ve loved being a part of my teams, volunteering to

assist with tournaments, socials and special events. As the current President of RPTC’s Board of Directors,

I will bring continuity and history to our 2018-19 Board, as well as my strong desire to continue supporting

and improving our club. I hope I can count on your vote!

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Yan Hui

Yan Hui has been working in the wireless and telecommunications industry for over 20

years. He has extensive experience in managing technology organizations, business

development, marketing and sales functions. He is co-founder and CEO of AirHop

Communications, a cutting edge technology company for 4G and 5G wireless net-

works. He also held various management and engineering positions at Texas Instru-

ments, Dot Wireless and Nortel Networks.

Outside his professional career, Yan has been actively involved in social and community activities including

serving on the advisory board of a number of start-up companies, advisory board for ECE Dept Chair at

University of Wisconsin – Madison, and deacon board of Chinese Bible Church San Diego. Yan and his

wife both are recreational tennis players and both of their daughters play junior tennis. As an active mem-

ber of RPTC, Yan wants to use his energy and experiences to provide some fresh ideas to make RPTC

serve everyone better.

Sabine Schroeder

I have lived in Rancho Penasquitos for the past 18 years, and my family and I have

been members of RPTC since 2005. I am a pediatric nurse and photographer, and I

love working with people of all ages.

I enjoy being an active member of the club, and have been captain of the Ladies CC,

B and BB teams several times. I have been the Tournament Director for the Annual

RPTC Open Tournament for the last three years, and was the Membership Chair on the RPTC Board from

2013 – 2017. I consider myself very fortunate to be a member of such a great tennis community, and feel

that I gained valuable experience serving on several non-profit boards (mostly school and sports related)

over the last years.

Julie Simone

I have been a Rancho Penasquitos resident for 26 years now and this is my 8th year as

an RPTC club member. I have enjoyed it so much that I have drafted my recently re-

tired husband who is not yet a tennis player into the club (really hoping that works out

well!)

I have made so many friends through this wonderful sport and I love the values that our

club demonstrates through the attitudes of our players, league coordinators and our

Board Members and Directors. I am proud to be part of Rancho Penasquitos Tennis Club and hope to al-

ways represent us to the best of my abilities.

I would be honored to help continue the tradition of sportsmanship and camaraderie that is the trademark

of our club.

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Amit Shah

It is with great passion and enthusiasm that I respectfully submit my candidacy to

serve on the RPTC Board. RPTC is an excellent place to play and learn tennis. I want

to maintain as well as enhance the RPTC tennis experience within the RPTC mem-

bership. For the past three years I’ve enjoyed meeting so many members that share

the love of tennis. I have played on the 8.0 mixed doubles league teams with six dif-

ferent partners, the latest one being with my wife, who started playing tennis two

years ago. Monday nights are usually our practice nights. We are having a blast play-

ing competitive mixed doubles, mainly because we have supportive and caring team-

mates. While the mixed leagues are fun and social with other San Diego North County (SDNC) tennis

clubs, the Men’s leagues on Sunday morning are just as fun and competitive.

I started with RPTC Men’s team at the 4.0 level and participated with the 2016 Fall team at the sectional

level as the SDNC local league champions. Currently, I’m member of the Men’s 4.5 league team. Tennis

has been a huge part of my life and RPTC is an awesome place for tennis!

As I come to play tennis at RPTC, I think about what would enhance my RPTC experience. Here are a few

thoughts that come to mind:

a) Non-competitive parking, and, exclusive parking for RPTC tennis members

b) Provide better player safety on the court, especially after it rains

c) Organize a tennis skills workshop, so members can enhance technical parts of their game

My qualifications to be on the RPTC board arise from my profession as a research scientist, where I have

to work with other scientists, guide associates, and manage projects with aggressive deadlines. Goals and

objectives have to be met with teamwork, creativity, and hard-work. Overall, treating people with respect,

compassion, and kindness are very important to me.

Welcome new members Susan Kay

Andy Xiao

Vinesh Dhanaraj

Shahin Farahani

Steve and Stacy Herman

San Madamba

Suni Yu

Jason and Jessica Char

Faye Finch

Amanyi Gibbs

Kathy Hale

Hau and Kim Nguyen

Debbie Parks

Kevin Thai

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5

https://www.facebook.com/

rancho.p.tennisclub/

Court availability will be limited or

blocked out May 4, 5 & 6. This includes

Men’s Open Play, DWOPs, Leagues, Pick-

le Ball, Social Play and some Pro In-

struction. Check the online scheduler as

we will release courts when possible.

RPTC STAFF

BALLS FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT OF SAN DIEGO!

A big thanks to all the RPTC members and staff

who donated new cans of balls during the RPTC

Rummage Sale for the San Diego Wounded Warri-

or Tennis Program 7th Annual National Camp. Ap-

proximately 4 cases of new balls were collected

and delivered to Balboa Tennis Club for the up-

coming camp. Over 50 wounded warriors will par-

ticipate in the camp, most of whom will be flown

to San Diego from around the USA will be treated

to a week of tennis instruction at Balboa Tennis

Club from May 6th – 12th. More information on the

program can be found at http://

www.sdwoundedwarriortennis.org

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Meeting date was set for Budget Committee

Decision re Membership Deferments: Members wish-

ing a board-approved medical deferment, may be

put at the end of the waiting list. No initiation fee.

Onetime option per member.

Pickle Ball: Saturday Open Play from 4:30-6:30

(three month trial)

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RUMMAGE SALE A SUCCESS!

Another year and DONE! We made such a good team. all total $2,155.52.

Suzanne thank you for being my right hand all Thurs., Fri. and Saturday... Alicia

brought bagels Sat. morning and she and Carol were there by 6:30 to help set up...

Mae made her banana bread which we later sold $1 a slice....Nelda donated a huge box

of cookies to eat and sell AND bought a couple of nice fold out chairs and donated them

to the club...Steve Leffler and some of his friends helped us bag and put everything by

the gate for AmVet...Mike,

Marty and Mae put signs

up all over town (made by

Christine & Cindy)!

Thank you to all of us for

volunteering during

Rummage Sale week.

I truly could not have

done it without each and

every one of you.

Norma

Rummage Chair, Norma Garrison Some Awesome Rummage Volunteers

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All members are to be walking off the courts by 9:40pm.

For safety reasons, members are not to remain on their

court or the patios at the very second the timed court lights

flick off at 9:45pm.

The Monitors are closing the office at 9:30pm and concen-

trating on getting all members and guests packed up and

walking off the courts and patios by 9:40pm.

Some burned out parking lot lights make the surrounding

facility and stairs dark after court lights go out.

Thank you to all members who willingly comply with the

monitors at this last hour.

ASK THE UMP! Michael E. Kelley

USTA Certified Official

National Hard Courts Tournament Referee

Dear Ump

My first serve went into the net and dribbled back toward my

partner, who taped it back into the net, where it stayed. After I

made my second serve and a rally ensued, wind blew the first

ball away from the net toward the middle of the court. When

we won the point, one of our opponents said “That rolling ball

was a distraction; I should have called a let.”

The code seems to be clear that my partner and I could not have

called a let. Is this correct? and what about our opponents?

Answer:

There is no rule that requires a team to clear the ball from the

net on a missed first serve, unless the opponents request it. If the wind later blows the ball onto the

court during play, either team can call a let, but the call must be made immediately, not after the

point ends.

Rules of Tennis 26 states. “The point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by

either an unintentional act of the opponents or something outside of the player’s control (not in-

cluding a permanent fixture).” The wind is out on one’s control.

The Ump

Submit your Ask the Ump

questions to

office@rptctennis.com

then look for the reply in

upcoming LobLetters!

Note: Mike Kelley, long time member of RPTC, is a highly respected USTA official. He has years of experience in the Southern California area, including college tournaments.

LobLetter May 2018

8

Remember to pay your membership dues!

If your membership dues were due in March or April,

you’re late! ($25 late fee)

Please remember to send in your membership dues on time to

avoid late fees.

ATTENTION SINGLES LEAGUE PLAYERS!

You’re all winners if you follow these simple steps to success:

1. COME TO THE OFFICE before your first match.

2. Pay $8 for the new season.

3. Present your ROSTER.

4. BOOK a court - YOU MUST INCLUDE League name in the EVENT

window; and if parent is reserving for a child, the child’s name

must be included. (Consider a separate account for your child)

We No Longer Allow: Pre-reservations before payment, in

other words. . . no payments court side or after your match.

—RPTC Staff

Dear Members,

Please keep the “spirit” of RPTC rules. Take care to reserve re-

sponsibly during busy times when other families and friends want

use of the courts too. Many clubs allow only one hour for singles

play and 1.5 hours for doubles play. Practice time allotment dur-

ing busy times is very rare with other clubs. RPTC Court usage

rules for members are generous.

Keep in mind and avoid these troublesome issues:

* Overbooking

* Not showing up for your court (No Show)

* Last minute cancellations

* Abandoning a reservation prematurely without notifying the office

These issues cause time to be taken away from others hoping to come out and play.

Thank you!

The Office Staff

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OPEN PLAY – Now Thursday’s and Saturday’s

Members are asking, so we are now offering Pickleball “open play” every Thursday

from 10:00 – 12:00 noon on court 4 AS WELL AS SATURDAYS FROM 4:30 – 6:30

PM. Tell all your friends and come out and have some fun!!!! No need to sign up. If

you have never played before, it is important to take a clinic or two. See the link

below.

Cost is FREE for members and $5 for non-members or purchase a Pickleball punch

card…. $40 for 10 sessions. What a bargain for 2 hours of exercise!!!

CLINICS

To schedule a spot in one of our Pickleball Clinics for April and May, please click on the

link below. You can also contact Tammy at 619-843-1475 if needed. $5.00 for mem-

bers and $10 for non-members, which includes balls and paddles.

http://signup.com/go/ZRzYJiX

MEN’S OPEN PLAY

Saturday mornings and Tues Evenings

(check online scheduler for times)

$8 Guest Fee for Non-Members.

No Men’s Open Play Sat, May 5th

MEN’S WORK OUT

Thursday evenings with Tony Parzanese 7:00-8:30

BOARD MEETING p.m. / $20 members $25 non-members

Third Monday of each month

@ 6:30 at Canyonside Park PICKLEBALL:

Open Play Thursday mornings 10a-12n.

and Saturdays 4:30-6:30pm

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ARTICLES Free to members, $5 guest fee for non-members

FOR JUNE LOBLETTER:

May 24. Photos should be in Jpeg format.

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GUEST FEES ARE $8.00

It is the member’s responsibility (juniors and adults) to come into the office to pay the guest fees BEFORE taking the court.

Don’t wait for the monitor. Don’t ask if you can pay after your play.

Pay your guest fees before you begin playing.

Members may NOT use outside coaches to teach on RPTC courts. This includes grandparents, uncles, aunts, family friends, etc.

Violation can result in loss of membership.

Membership Cards

When joining RPTC, each family member is issued a

membership card. The RPTC Standing Rule for mem-

bership cards states that cards must be visibly availa-

ble for the monitor to inspect. Be prepared to

show membership cards for every family mem-

ber when using the court. If the cards are not visi-

ble at the time of inspection, the monitor will need to

interrupt play. Remember, membership cards are

non-transferable.

Anyone who has lost their membership card is responsible for obtaining a new card

from the office and paying the $5 replacement fee.

When paying your renewal fee, you will be given stickers for your cards, rather than

“new" cards.

RPTC STAFF

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POLICY REGARDING LATE AND NO-SHOW SUSPENSIONS

The Staff is still recording NO SHOWS weekly.

Monitors are required to document every court reservation. They must docu-

ment who was on the court, that cards were checked and guest fees are

paid. Courts that are considered Late Cancellation or No Show are part of the

documentation. Monitors cannot excuse a late cancellation or no show or any

court violation. There is a process that must be followed that ensures the rules

are enforced fairly to all members.

If you are late arriving or move to another court, it is your responsibility to find

the Monitor on duty and inform him so that you are not marked as a NO SHOW.

Note: Members who are suspended from reserving courts may use the courts

with no other restriction other than they cannot reserve a court until their reser-

vation suspension has ended. Please no calls to the office as the office staff

does not have the authority to reverse a no show penalty. You may email

questions, requests or comments to: office@rptctennis.com.

Infraction Consequences/Procedure

NO SHOW: Member books court, fails to cancel and does not show up to play at the scheduled time.

Member will immediately lose all reserva-tion privileges for sixty (60) days. No exceptions.

** LATE CANCELLATION: Cancels within 4-hours before scheduled court reservation.

1st offense: the telephone call to the office will be your reminder of the procedure (essentially a warn-ing).

2nd offense within a 30-day period: Member will lose all reservation privileges for thirty (30) days.

TIMELY CANCELLATION: Cancels on-line or by phone to the office prior to 4 hours before court reservation time (may leave a message for monitor).

No consequences.

Reminder of Additional Reservation Rules

The name on the reservation must match the player on the court. If a Player who books a court is

not on the court they are a no show. If you are at the club and are not on your reserved court you

should communicate with the monitor.

Members may not book courts back-to-back (i.e. with less than a 2-hour gap) under differ-

ent names for what is essentially one match (e.g. Player 1 books a court for 1.5 hours, and

Player 2 books the same court for another hour immediately before or after, and then Play-

er 1 and Player 2 play a match for 2.5 hours).

Also, regarding the above rule, keep in mind, player B could risk being a NO SHOW if the players fin-

ished their match in time and never took the additional reserved court. RPTC has a no tolerance policy

for NO SHOW, it's an automatic, without warning, 60 day scheduling suspension. If you show up late, let

the monitor know so you won’t be marked as a No Show.

LobLetter May 2018

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BRAG BOARD

In a Sixth Street rivalry match, the No. 5 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men's tennis team blanked

the No. 11 Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens 9-0. No. 3 pair Robert Liu (CMC) and Jake Williams (HMC)

won their second match. Way to go, Robert!

SHOUT OUT

Welcome Sam Madamba!

Some of you may have noticed this hand-

some gentleman with a professional camera

in hand, taking photos of teams and match-

es. He will soon be adding photos to the club

website’s Shutterfly program.

A retired professional photographer, Sam has

graciously offered to take and post photos

periodically.

So when you see him, say “cheese!”