A View from the Hill August 20, 2025

Happy Wednesday!

Welcome to this week’s edition of:

A View from the Hill

You wouldn’t think that August, renamed in 8 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus, (formerly Sextilis), would have a day with so many musical milestones in it.  But here we are on August 20^th, a day with three major musical milestones.  The first milestone was on August 20^th in 1882, when Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture debuted in Moscow — complete with live cannons! (Yes, actual cannons. In the full orchestral score Tchaikovsky explicitly marked “Cannone” (Italian for cannon) at the appropriate points).  Imagine the poor conductor giving a downbeat to the artillery crew or the violinist who has to follow the cannonade!  Moving forward to August 20^th 1920, when Detroit, Michigan’s 8MK (now WWJ) became the world’s first commercial radio station. Its very first program? A short news bulletin and some music — no ads, no DJs, and definitely no Taylor Swift (we’d probably still be talking about it — grin). 

Finally, on August 20^, 1965 when The Rolling Stones released the song “Satisfaction,” which became their first number one hit in the US.  What does all this mean, besides that I apparently had too much free time on my hands today?  Just wanted to let you all know that although The View from the Hill thinks of itself as an “Overture” to the week’s events at the club, there will be no cannons being shot off.  And like 8MK’s first broadcast, it will include short news bulletins, although the music has been replaced with useless, unmarketable information throughout.  So as the Rolling Stones sang in 1965, I hope it brings you some “Satisfaction”. 

TENNIS:

Our WCTL SENIORS team battled Country Tennis Club, which was in third place, to a close 3-2-win Tuesday night.  This allowed them to finish tied for third in the division!  Congratulations on a fine season.

The Competitive Mixed Doubles Tournament continues.  You can keep track of your favorite couple on the official bracket posted in the Members’ Lounge as the teams thin out.

Sunday Round Robin Fun Tournament is set for this weekend at 4:00PM Sunday.  No need to reserve a spot, just bring your racquet and your smile to the club to join a relaxing two hours of tennis with your fellow members.  And as always, use the tennis reservation sheet to reserve a court or look for a game. 

POOL:

The pool continues to be open every day (Sunday–Thursday, 11:00AM to 7:00PM and Friday & Saturday, 11:00AM to 8:00PM).  Today (8-20) marks the day in 1896 when the Erickson Brothers submitted the application for the first dial telephone patent.  While the dial telephone is a rarity these days, who doesn’t remember the fun of “riding” the dial back when calling someone in the “963” exchange.  Well, no need to take the ride back to order a drink from the bar, just tap the number (914) 963-2339 on your cell phone to connect you to your  friendly Members’ Lounge bartender.

Pool Volleyball was such a success last week that it has been declared a Thursday night tradition.  This Thursday (8-21) at 7:00PM, the pool will transform into a Pool volleyball court, so to speak.  There are rumors that the net and pool might be jazzed up with fancy LED lighting.  Make sure to head on over to join the fun, no need to RSVP.

FRIDAY POTLUCK BBQ:

As Tom Faulkner sang back in 1996 in the initial airing of the Iconic Chil’s commercial, “I want my baby back-baby back-baby back ribs”, apparently so do many of you.  This week, Angela & Giovanni Bayer-Persico, with the able assistance of Victor Mason, are bringing Baby Back Ribs to Friday’s BBQ. Of course, BBQ staples like hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available, along with a cornucopia of delicious members’ sides and desserts.  Grilling starts at 7:00PM, so don’t be late, the sides have been known to be gone in short order.

MEMBERS’ LOUNGE:

The extended Lounge hours continue with the Members’ Lounge open Monday thru Thursday 3:00PM to 9:00PM, Friday 3:00PM to 11:00PM, Saturday 1:00PM to 9:00PM, and Sunday Noon to 9:00PM.  As always, our friendly bartenders, Vinny, Vivian, Chess, and Anthony, stand ready to serve up a delightful cocktail, a variety of beers or wine while you enjoy a relaxing time chatting with friends or watching one of the 3 big screen TVs.  I always say, the best thing about the PHRC Members’ Lounge is that you are never more than 5 minutes away from an interesting conversation!  Don’t miss out, stop by this week.

That is it for this week’s edition of The View from the Hill.  As always, please reach out to PHRCView@gmail.com with any comments, corrections, or suggestions you might have.  I love hearing from you.  Hope to see you around the Club,

The ViewMaster