Summer 2018

A Busy Season of Week-End Barbecues!

The heart of the summer social season at the Park Hill Racquet Club is its week-end barbecues. That season got under way on Friday, June 15th, with the always-popular and delicious annual cedar-plank salmon barbecue organized and hosted by Rosemary and Jim Beirne. Other families brought delicious side dishes to round out the menu.

The following Friday, June 22nd, the club, led by Steve Savard and Kathryn Buckley, planned to host a “surprise” farewell party for former member Donna Bauer (Tahir) and her children: Dean, Noah, Sabrina and Sami, who have moved away from Park Hill. Donna’s kids had to reveal the secret to Donna to ensure her attendance, since she had already made alternative plans for that evening. A great time was had by all. On Friday, June 29th, the Board, led by Patty Gamba and Renee O’Hanlon, hosted a New-Member Cocktail Party for members who have joined the club over the past year.

After the festivities of the Fourth of July week, the Social Committee under Renee O’Hanlon and Patty Gamba announced the start of Tiki Thursdays on July 12th. Tiki Thursdays feature drink specials like Mai-Tais, Pain Killers, Planter Punch and Rum Runners, along with cute decorations, drink umbrellas and choice garnishes.

That was followed on Friday, July 13th, by a Mediterranean Night barbecue hosted by the O’Hanlon and Gamba families, featuring tasty chicken souvlaki and lamb gyros. On Friday, July 20th, Rosemary Beirne and Vinnie D’Alessio organized a grilled chicken barbecue; Rosemary marinated and roasted the lip-smacking chicken at home and Vinnie did the final honors on the club grills. As usual, many families brought home-made side dishes to complement the table.

Then on Friday, July 27th, the Waters/Phillips and D’Alessio families fought off thunder, lightning and a downpour to host the annual kabob barbecue, including chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce and steak kabobs with avocado sauce, along with the usual hamburgers and hotdogs always very much enjoyed by the younger set. Vinnie D’Alessio, under the storm tent, again led the grilling effort amid the intemperate weather.

Many thanks to all those who have hosted the great barbecues so far – and appreciation to those who are committed to organizing these family BBQ parties over the remaining weeks of August and early September.

The Board says a full schedule of Friday barbecues is planned for the rest of the summer.

Yoga

The club’s Wellness Committee, under Justine Henry, recently concluded its latest month-long yoga classes, held under Berto’s direction, from June 20th until July 18th. There is no news yet about when this popular club activity will resume but there probably will be soon. The weekly classes have been held so far on Wednesday evenings.

Aquastrength Classes

The Pool Committee has again this summer organized the Sunday Aquastrength classes led by Andrea. Classes began on July 1st, and continue until August 26th. The classes are held each Sunday morning, between 9:30 and 10:30 am, for cross-training fitness and fun. All ages are welcome. The charge is $15 for club members and $20 for non-members. Payment is due on the day of the class – cash only.

Tennis News

Ola’s Wedding. The club was happy to hear that its tennis pro, Ola, had gotten married to her boyfriend, Paul. Cheryl Silvera collected the cash wedding gift from club members and said Ola expressed her sincere thanks. Ola’s other recent news was the recent arrival at the club of her excellent assistant, Marcel, who hails from Venezuela.

The Fourth of July Fun Tennis Tournament. On the Fourth of July, the club held its annual Fourth of July Fun Tennis Tournament including 24 players. Paul Meissner again did the honors, organizing the 12 teams of doubles partners into two divisions of six teams each, all playing tie-break matches. At the end of the day, the two division winners – the teams of (1) Robert Klein and Josh Goodman, with 14 points; and (2) Steve Ross and Suzie Moscou, with 17 points -- were to meet in the final. Because Steve could not stay, Dan O’Connell took Steve’s place as Susie’s partner in the final. In a long, exciting full-set match, Dan and Suzie finally prevailed over Robert and Josh, 7-5.

The July 21st Men’s Singles Tournament. On Saturday, July 21st, Tom Westmoreland organized the annual PHRC Men’s Singles Tennis Tournament, with 14 men taking part. The first two rounds were played as tie-breaks. Waiting, with byes, as quarterfinalists were Artie Liberatore, Pat O’Hanlon, Tom “Westy” Westmoreland and Todd Geremia -- who all went on to win their quarterfinal matches . The two semi-final matches – each involving the best-of-three sets – were as hard-fought as spectators had expected them to be. Todd won in straight sets over Westy and Artie did the same against Pat. Artie and Todd will decide when the final is to be played at a time of mutual convenience.

MITL News. MITL captain Cheryl Silvera reports that only two weeks more remain for the PHRC women’s Over 50 team this season, after the club’s women finished in a tie for third place in the Open MITL season. Cheryl says it has been a great year for team bonding. The ladies will continue their partner strategy and their clinics with Ola. The team has already made plans to celebrate with an end-of-season dinner organized by Susie Moscou.

WCTL News. Park Hill’s WCTL captain, Tom “Westy” Westmoreland, reports that the Senior Circuit (for men Over 50), which began play in early July, is going well. Westy says the Senior Circuit competition is now in mid-season, with three matches remaining, including a home match on August 11th, when PHRC members can enjoy the usual excellent play of the PHRC men. After that, Westy will do a wrap-up of the season for the newsletter.

Upcoming Mixed-Doubles Tournament. The club’s annual mixed-doubles tournament will be held on Saturday, August 4th, at 9 am. The deadline for sign-ups is August 2nd. For those interested in taking part but without a partner so far, the Tennis Committee is happy to play matchmaker. RSVPs for would-be participants should be sent to Tom “Westy” Westmoreland.

Summer Fun Bowling League

The six-week summer fun bowling league, organized by James Resnik, has three teams with three players. The league bowls on Thursday evenings at 7:30. Anyone interested in subbing can contact James at jimmyresnik@msn.com.

The Park Hill Players

The club’s theater group, the Park Hill Players, promises members another rollicking comedy experience this fall, when they put on “Play On!” on five dates: November 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17, covering two week ends. The “outrageously funny” work is described as a play within a play. Directed by Robert J. D’Amato, members of the cast include Chris Canty, Tina D’Amato, Chris Gallin, Cecilia Granda, Lauretta Kahn, Karen Lorence, Mary Kay Moment, Michael Noble, Steve Ross and Karin White.

Paul Cassidy’s Lego Tower

We hope that club members appreciate all the effort that Paul Cassidy and his little helpers have put into building their whimsical red-white-and-blue Lego Tower rising inexorably in the club vestibule this summer. Paul has not yet confided whether his project seeks to break any Guinness world records.

Member News

Melanie Karmazin, a new member of the club, has kindly offered to work with Vic Mason in producing future editions of the club newsletter.