March 2024 Newsletter

Spring 2024 is just around the corner, and many activities are underway to prepare for the club's opening in May. Oval Tennis of Brewster, NY, has been selected again to lay down the red clay top-dressing and nail down the court lines.

A quiz question: How much red clay is spread, and how many nails are needed to secure the lines for each court (answers below)?

Here are some updates on ATC operations for this season:

Larry is Back

Larry Yakubowski will be returning as our manager for the 2024 season. He is currently busy putting together his staff to meet the daily maintenance needs necessary to keep our courts in great shape, to provide tennis instruction for those members seeking it, and to keep club operations purring along as smoothly as ever. He also plans on adding more social events and competition opportunities to the ATC calendar. All these objectives will help Larry pursue one of his biggest priorities, which is increasing the membership of our tennis community.

Membership Dues and Sales Tax for 2024

Although membership fees will remain the same based on last year’s schedule, this season, we will need to assess the Albany area sales tax of 8 percent. Based on our IRS tax status of (501 (c) (7)), membership fees are subject to sales tax, and for many years, the club has absorbed this expense. As costs increase, we can no longer take on this expenditure. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.

Our website is being prepared to accept

2024 registrations by mid-March.

We hope everyone has been able to get at least some tennis in over what now seems like the loooong off-season. We look forward to seeing everyone outside on the red clay very soon!


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Congratulations to the Board of Directors for 2024. We welcome Arilee Bagley as our newest member of the Board. 

STEVE ANGLE

I have been a member of the ATC for many years and have participated in many tennis events held by the Club. I'm also a long-term member of the USTA, participating in many of their leagues and tournaments.

I have been a member of the Board for one year. ATC is an incredible place to play tennis, and I'd like to continue to support the Club. The facility and the support from the members are outstanding. The condition of the courts and the high level of use is a testament to the efforts of the members and the Board of Directors.

I am a past member of the Knickerbacker Playground Board of Directors in Troy, including president for eight years, so I am familiar with how volunteer boards operate. Professionally, I am a retired mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in facilities operation and new construction projects at RPI and eight years as a professional engineering consultant focusing on energy conservation in facilities.

Thank you for considering me for a position on the Board.

ARILEE BAGLEY

I would like to be considered for election to the Board of directors for the Albany Tennis Club. I joined the Club when it re-opened after the COVID shutdown, so I've been a member for over three years. Membership in this amazing Club has been fantastic. I'm passionate about tennis, and the Club has been so much more than just a place to play. The courts are exceptional, but the people are what make it so very special. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many nice folks.

I have worked as a statistician for my professional career, including employment as a quality engineer at IBM in Fishkill, then as a lecturer at SUNY New Paltz in the Business School for about 12 years before becoming a full-time, and now a self-employed statistical consultant. I'm currently semi-retired. I grew up in Plymouth, MA, and went to college at RPI, where I played field hockey and basketball while majoring in Mathematics. In addition to tennis, I'm an avid quilter, and I belong to two quilt guilds and serve on the Board of Directors for Q.U.I.L.T.S. Schenectady. I'm married to Ellen Taussig, and we reside in Voorheesville.

I appreciate being a member of the Albany Tennis Club and would welcome the opportunity to give back somehow. Please consider voting me on the Board.

THERESA CARY

I have been involved with tennis in one way or another for more years than I care to admit. My USTA (United States Tennis Association) roles presently include player and member of the USTA Eastern Grievance Appeals Committee and certified USTA and ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) official.

Professionally, I worked for the State Education Department (SED) for over 35 years. My last position in SED was Assistant Director of Financial Administration.

My ATC Board positions include co-chair of the Maintenance Committee (2 years) and Board Secretary (2 years). If elected, I would welcome the opportunity to work with the other ATC board members and our wonderful volunteers as we strive to continue improving our summer home on the "red dirt."

NED FOSS

I wish to continue serving as treasurer for the ATC this upcoming season. This past year, we have strengthened our audit and purchasing procedures and receipt of membership dues. I also serve on a team to review ways to improve our future financial position.

Background-wise, I live in Delmar but have launched and led a series of international entrepreneurial ventures for for-profit and non-profit entities in the United States and overseas, including a charter aviation company in Russia over the years. My continued focus will be financial management, accountability, and staff mentoring.

I appreciate your support.

MARC GERSTMAN

I practiced environmental law for 35 years in New York State. I was proud to serve for many years as Deputy Commissioner, General Counsel, and Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. I also had a private practice in Albany where I represented community groups, municipalities, small businesses, and individuals who often needed guidance navigating multi-tiered and complicated compliance requirements before federal, state, and local agencies. Now that I have retired from law practice, I have devoted more time to tennis. The benefits of playing tennis have been well-documented!!!

The ATC is a unique community that allows players of all levels to enjoy the game. The social interactions offer significant benefits to our community. Continuing on the Board, I will dedicate my efforts to expanding opportunities to more members of the community at large. I was proud to be part of the 15-Love fundraiser held this past summer and hope to strengthen our relationship with that organization. I have enjoyed contributing to the success of the ATC and helping navigate the financial challenges we will face in the years to come.

GARY HENNING

I have been a member of the Albany Tennis Club for about a decade. I still have a day job in state government relations for MetLife (which, unfortunately, has hindered my work on my backhand and serve!). I came to the Capital District about 30 years ago, moving up here from New York City. I hadn't played much tennis since graduating high school in the early 80s, but I decided to start again once I got up here. I am delighted I did. And one of the best decisions I have ever made was to join the Albany Tennis Club (ATC).

ATC has become my "happy place." I go to the club and forget about everything except having fun playing tennis with friends. While the red clay courts are an absolute treasure, the tennis community at ATC and the people there are even more special.

I want to continue serving on the Board to give back to the Club that has meant so much to me. I have been honored to serve as Vice President and heading several initiatives undertaken this past year. The ATC continues to be the premier tennis facility in the Capital Region but remains the special tennis community that many of its members appreciate.

JAY MARTIN

I am a current third-year member of the ATC Board of Directors. I was active in working on the recent update of the ATC By-Laws and continued with the review of our sales tax issue. I am also a member of the Special Committee on Strategic Planning.

Before retirement, I spent over forty years practicing law in Albany and NYC. During this time, I was also a board member, pro-bono legal advisor, and volunteer with several not-for-profit organizations in the Capital District, NYC, and Boston.

I am a long-time resident of East Greenbush with my spouse, Jeri Eisenberg. I remain an active tennis player and am committed to maintaining and improving the ATC as a wonderful place to gather with friends and play tennis.

BRUCE MCBRIDE

I wish to be considered for re-election for this coming season. I have been a member since 2005 and am now semi-retired after a 40+ year career in law enforcement and higher education administration. I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and competition at the clay courts.

2024 will be my third consecutive year on the Board. This past year, I had the privilege of serving as president and working with dedicated and talented Board members and volunteers.

Overall, we had a great season with Larry as our manager. Looking into the future, we must address ATC’s financial position and facilities infrastructure and respond to evolving membership concerns.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

DAVID MOTTA

This past year was quite challenging for our tennis club.

We overcame irrigation problems, purchased, installed, utilized, painted a much-needed shed, and dealt effectively with typical weather-related issues. Due to the diligence of last year's Board and the loyalty of its members, we ended the 2023 season in fine fashion. There is no reason why we can't continue to have a thriving facility in the future.

There's a need, however, to have continuity on the Board, and I hope to stay on to assist in that endeavor. The ATC has provided me with more than a place to play the sport I enjoy, and I'd like to continue giving back.

Thanks in advance for your support.

PETER REED

Now entering my fifth year of membership at the ATC, I have developed a strong affinity for the Club. I love the spirit of community and the friendly competition that the Club engenders. Some people joke that I live in the Shed at the Club, but it only seems that way because I am such a heavy user of the courts.

As a member of the Board, my primary goal is to ensure the Club's longevity and provide the best possible experience for our members. I bring over forty years of experience in the finance industry and strength in critical thinking as the Board reviews essential matters to keep the Club operating in tip-top shape.

Thank you for considering my candidacy to remain on the Board.



 


 


 



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ATC Newsletter for September/October 2023

 

Despite some rainy days, we have had some great late summer/early fall weather that has been perfect for tennis.  However, all good things must come to an end and the end of our 2023 red clay tennis season is almost upon us.  Our annual “closing of the courts” work party will take place this year on Saturday, October 21 (October 22 rain date).  Volunteers are needed to pull up the lines and push out the nails from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.  Please contact Larry (larry@albanytennis.com) if you are interested in  helping out.   Come join the other ATCers as we get together one last time at the club in 2023.  No need to stop at Stewart’s or Dunkin beforehand, as coffee and donuts will be served!

15-Love

We had a great response for the 15-Love Fundraiser, held on Sunday, October 1 (we were rained out on the originally-scheduled date of September 30) .  Over 40 players participated; approximately $2,000 was raised.  Herb Schultz, who is a founder of 15-Love in Albany and also a long-time member of ATC,  gave opening remarks about the organization and acknowledged the dedication of 15-Love staff and various founders including Arthur Ashe and our own Dr. Manuel Alguero, another long-time member of ATC, who was also in attendance.  The organization's goals are focused to reach out to inner-city youth through tennis. 


 

Honored during the 15-Love event was Dr. Manuel Alguero (seated).   Rear, from left to right, Marc Gerstman, Bruce McBride, and Larry Yakubowski.

 

Club Tournament

The Club Tournament is almost concluded in both Open (open to members and non-members) and Closed competitions (members only).    Larry will report on the final results, but we want to acknowledge his time and efforts on this massive undertaking, as well as those of Chris Bradt, Assistant Tournament Director.   Approximately 60 matches in the open and closed divisions were successfully scheduled.  Kudos to both Larry and Chris Bradt for a job well done. 

Infrastructure

August brought on many challenges.  A break in our irrigation system occurred on August 27 (Sunday) and was repaired by September 1 (Friday).  Thanks go to those who responded to the situation so quickly, particularly our Engineering Department (Steve Beditz and Steve Angle) and H2Mow, our contractors that surveyed the damage that Sunday afternoon.  During this time the irrigation control software was replaced, and a water pressure reduction device was installed.  

Another important development was the staining of the new maintenance shed, which provides shelter for our court equipment and materials.   Thank you, Steve Beditz and Dave Motta, for your efforts in getting this done despite the weather.   Also, a note of thanks goes to Gary Cimorelli for designing and installing the ramp to the shed. 

 

Annual Meeting and Elections

The annual meeting for the Albany Tennis Club will be held via Zoom in November (date to be announced).   During the meeting,  we will report on the state of the club, various issues and undertakings for 2023 and 2024, and address any member concerns.

Elections are also right around the corner for the 13 seats of the ATC Board.  With the exception of our manager and several part-time maintenance staff,  the ATC is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to promoting tennis and maintaining our facilities.

 If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please contact President Bruce McBride or any Board member to discuss what this position entails.  The other Board members are Steve Angle, Theresa Cary (Secretary), Ned Foss (Treasurer), Gary Henning (Vice President), Jay Martin,  Dave Motta, Betsy MacMaster, Marc Gerstman, and Pete Reed. 

We can be reached via our email address at albanytennisclub@gmail.com.

 

In Memoriam

We are saddened to report the passing of Kevin O’Hearn, who passed away after a long illness.  Kevin was a long-standing member of the “Bierman Group” for doubles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Co-players recall that he was a competitive player but always a gentleman both on and off the courts.

October marks the first anniversary of the passing of Terry Moskowitz.  Terry was also an avid doubles player and a constant presence at the club for the morning women’s competition.   As recounted by a close friend, she first met Ivor at a doubles match in Albany.



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"Albany Tennis Club" is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization. Po Box 3052, Albany, NY 12203

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