Spring 2024

SPRING 2024 NEWSLETTER OF THE RACQUET CLUB ON PARK HILL

June 14th, 2024

A Wonderful Tribute to the Memory of Jim Beirne

The evening of Saturday, May 4th, witnessed one of the most heartfelt occasions ever at the storied Park Hill Racquet Club of Yonkers: a celebration of and tribute to the long, wonderful membership of the club’s late president, Jim Beirne. Jim, with wife Rosemary, was a leader on the Board of Governors; an inspiration for, and actor in, the productions of the Park Hill Players (PHP), which he helped revive after 30 years; an enthusiastic tennis and pickleball player; key, with Tom Westmoreland, to getting the club’s tennis team firmly ensconced into the Westchester County (Men’s) Tennis League; and an all-around bon vivant. We can say without reservation that Jim’s presence at the club was larger than life. Jim always reached out to new members to make them feel welcome and to get them to participate in club programs and projects.

An estimated 100 club members and guests crowded into the beautifully decorated big ballroom to enjoy a PHP production involving nearly all the cast members who had taken part with Jim in the delightful, legendary and often zany Broadway comedies that he cheerfully selected for the cast to produce during this past decade. Thanks to all those past cast members recruited by Jim over the years – Kirsten Barbera, Katherine Benson, Chris Canty, Kenneth Carpenter, Brad Crownover, Adrienne D’Alessio, Cece Diaz, Chris Gallin, Chrissy Gervais, Matt Gervais, Jonathan Khan, Lauretta Khan, Anne Lawday, Karen Lorence, Loren McConnell, Mary Kay Moment, Casey Quinn, Steve Ross, Vivian Savard, John Tracey, and Karin White -- who so generously gave of their time to rehearse the selections from those plays and then put on the production that the audience enjoyed on May 4th. Everyone also appreciated the indispensable back-stage support of Gaby Cinquemani, Nancy Garcia, Declan McKenna and Kate Waters in the productions. Special thanks go to Mary Kay Moment for working for two months to write the original script for the May 4th event.

In honor of Jim, the ballroom was redesignated “The Jim Beirne Ballroom.” The plaque so designating the ballroom is now being manufactured and will soon be put in place above the stage.

Letter of Thanks from Rosemary Beirne to the Club Membership

Rosemary subsequently wrote the Board of Governors the following thank-you note for the wonderful occasion, which was attended by Beirne family members who traveled from near and far to participate:

“To the Members of the Park Hill Racquet Club,

It has taken me all week to apply pen to paper (or to laptop) to compose a thank you that might be worthy of all that the club members did to support Jim, and to support my family since his death. I can’t say this often, but until today, I have been speechless. The outpouring of love and the generosity of spirit have been nothing short of remarkable. Seeing that tribute by the Park Hill Players on Saturday night, and the renaming of the ballroom in Jim’s memory, are all anyone would ever need to know about our small but mighty club in order to seek membership immediately.

Jim and I have always considered the club our family, and Saturday provided more evidence of why that is so. Since 1988, when we first walked through the gate, our lives have been blessed by knowing you, working with you, laughing with you, and, too often, crying with you. The next generation, my grandchildren, will continue to cherish their visits to the club with Brendan, Aodhan, and Nora at the place where they grew up, played tennis, became lifeguards, and met friends.

I am forever in your debt and will continue to stay involved with the club as long as I am blessed with health and will play tennis here as long as my knees hold out. Please know that the Beirne family cherishes each and every one of you, and we are honored to be members of our own Miracle on the Hudson.

With love and gratitude,

Rosemary”

Update on the Board of Governors

Thanks to the members of the Board of Governors who volunteer their time in keeping the club running smoothly and organizing its social activities. George Tucker has stepped down as a Governor due to the demands of his job. He has been replaced by Chris Gallin, who says he is now happily retired from his company. Patty Gamba, who was wearing two hats as Director and Treasurer, has given her Director’s position on the Board to Chris, so there is again the full complement of 13 Governors stipulated by the by-laws.

All other positions remain the same, as Justine Henry and Robert Moment are the other two Directors, while the remaining Governors are Claire Miko, Tom “Westy” Westmoreland, Todd Geremia, Steve Ross, Matt Gervais, Joe Garcia, Casey Quinn and Loren McConnell. Vic Mason has been formally designated as the Secretary. The by-laws were changed by the Board to allow him to vote as Secretary.

Pool Committee

The beautiful club pool opened on Saturday, May 25th, following the month-long labors and preparations of the Pool Committee: Pam Opdyke (chair), Karin White, Casey Quinn, and Ingrid Krawiec, assisted by Roger. Throughout the winter, we pass the pool and see dirty water and rotting leaves build up at the deep end of the unsightly old tub. Then, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, the eyesore in late May, as if by magic, suddenly turns into the colorful watery jewel that shimmers in the sun and breeze next to the venerable half-century-old clubhouse.

Thanks to the Pool Committee “magicians” whose hard work makes this wonderful transformation possible every spring. Thanks to Pam, Karin, Casey, Ingrid and Roger for all the weeks of hard work in repairing tiles; patching holes in the plaster; repainting the entire pool (often twice); power-washing the tables, chairs and deck; and moving the furniture into place. A tough job, ladies, and well done, as usual!

We especially appreciate the return of the following able team of lifeguards from last year: Eavan Co􏰅ey, Pierce Co􏰅ey, Nate Dwyer, Aileen Farelly, Emmett Tucker, and Nox Krawiec White. They are joined this year by Carmine Russo..

Welcome to New Members

Since our last newsletter, the following have joined the club as new members:

•   Adele and Bob Longo;

•   Gabriele (Gabby) DiBuono and Patrick Stickles (and Baby Joby);

•   Eileen Nunez and Pedro Jose Perez;

•   Leslie Gibson and Ed Malouf; and

  Carla Hernandez and Gino Pacheco.

Please welcome these new members to the club when you have the opportunity to meet them.

Tennis Committee

Appreciation to Our Tennis Committee. Our beautiful red-clay tennis courts opened on time in early May. Thanks to Tennis Committee member Todd Geremia for his liaison with Oval, which prepares the courts every year, and with our terrific houseman Roger, who rolls the courts on week days and keeps the drains dug out after heavy rains. Thanks to Roger’s daughter Caroline, who does the rolling on week ends. They also take on the tough job of season-long court maintenance, such as applying calcium and new “red clay” to the courts whenever necessary.

Appreciation goes to the entire Tennis Committee for running the fun and the serious tournaments; for handling the Sunday afternoon round robins; for recruiting our excellent tennis professionals, Ola Proca White and Mike Portanova; and for overseeing all aspects of tennis at the club. Thanks to all the Tennis Committee members for volunteering their time: besides Todd, Committee chair Patty Gamba, Tom (Westy) Westmoreland, Patty Cecere, Claire Miko, Wendy Bodner, Steve Ross, Meredith Lue and Michael Frisch.

Update on MITL Season.

MITL team captain Patty Gamba reports that our ladies’ team, which plays against their counterparts from other clubs in the county, has completed five of seven matches so far in the regular season. After a slow start, due mainly to injuries, the team has made it to the middle of the pack in league standings. Coach Ola attends most of the team’s matches and provides valuable feedback to help the members improve each week. The team is looking forward to the remaining matches and will begin the Love 50 season on July 9th.

Update on WCTLSeason:

Westy, our WCTL team captain, reports that the men’s Open season (open to all ages) is nearing completion. He says our Smooth (upper-level) team is doing very well and has an important match coming up at home against Amackassin on Saturday, June 15th. The outcome may be a major factor in determining the Smooth division champion. Our Glossy (lower-level) team has struggled for wins this season. However, Westy is delighted to see that the team has added a number of new players who are enjoying the competition. Both Open-season teams will end their seasons on Sunday, June 23rd. The Senior League, for players 50 and older, will begin on Sunday, June 30th.

Bar Committee

Thanks to the hard-working Bar Committee of chair Patty Gamba, Patty Schumann and Justine Henry, who keep us well-lubricated the year around. Our great bartender, Vinny D’Alessio, will be joined this summer by his son Anthony and by Vivian Savard.

Memorial Day Week End

Italian Night Dinner and Pool Opening.

The club launched the annual Memorial Day week end festivities on Friday, May 24th, with Italian Night as Patty Gamba ordered great dishes from the excellent A&V Pizza.

Memorial Day Fun Tennis Tournament,

Pot-Luck Barbecue and Karaoke Party. Sunday, May 26th, dawned with the perfect overcast weather tennis players dream of, as Tennis Committee members Claire Miko and Patty Cecere prepared the breakfast refreshments and e􏰅iciently ran the Memorial Day week end fun tennis tournament for the nearly two dozen competitors: Stella Yi-Burke, Amy Tucker, Pam Opdyke, Beth Jordan, Kate Greener, Karin Skalina, Dina Deluca, Meredith Lue, Susie Moscou, Nancy Gallin, Dan O’Connell, Bill Sanchez, George Tucker, Vic Mason, Leslie Gibson, Joel Sciascia, Pat O’Hanlon, Michael Frisch, Paul Koors, Ed Malouf, Anthony Fiato and Bobby Tolli. Pat and Meredith won the final over Anthony and Kate, 3-1.

Later, Loren McConnell was host of the club’s first outdoor pot-luck barbecue of the warm season for around 50 members and guests, as the fine weather continued that afternoon. Todd Geremia and Ingrid Krawiec did the honors at the grill, serving up the delicious chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers, especially appreciated by the younger set. The tables groaned with the excellent side dishes and desserts contributed by members.

Meanwhile, Tom (Westy) Westmoreland set up and organized the holiday karaoke party, run on the porch by D.J. Frank, as the party-goers finished their meals. Numerous adults and kids grabbed the mike to croon or belt out their favorite songs, accompanied by the audience.

Pickleball

Thanks to Steve Ross for running the pickleball program this winter and to Karin Skalina for handling the daily and weekly sign-up sheets. No one promoted the pickleball program more enthusiastically or played with more gusto than Jim Beirne, our self- designated “Captain Pickle,” from the time that Lyrica Leon brought the game to the club from Florida around a decade ago. Most members, adults and kids, have picked the game up quickly.

The pickleball court hummed with activity this winter and spring, with an estimated 17-20 players showing up on a regular basis, and probably at least 10-15 more players taking part on an occasional basis. Newbies usually learned the game quickly from the veterans – often in just one session. And the common reaction was to realize how much fun the game is and how quickly it could be learned by players of all ages.

Membership Committee

Thanks to Claire Miko and Steve Ross for handling inquiries about membership with callers and for giving tours to visitors expressing interest in the club. It’s a non-stop task, weekafterweek.

And although most people who call and even visit do not join, they are left with a very positive feeling about the club, thanks to the kind reception they always receive in response. Loren McConnell has recently volunteered to become a committee member.

Clean-Up Week End

Thanks to the club members who helped spruce up in front of the club on clean-up day, on Saturday, May 18th. Volunteers sprayed weeds like poison ivy; pulled weeds from the planters and along the fences; scraped and swept muck from sidewalks near Courts 1 and 2; cleaned the little bulbs over the porch and near the parking lot; and cleaned porch windows and baseboards.

Thanks to Chris and Nancy Gallin, Patty Gamba, Joe Harbeson, Bob and Adele Longo, Loren McConnell, and Vic Mason for their labors on a fortuitously lovely day to work outside. Also, Ingrid Krawiec, Pam Opdyke and Casey Quinn were hard at work that day doing the power-washing of furniture and the deck areas around the pool.

Special thanks go to the greater Park Hill neighborhood’s famous super-gardener, Kathryn Buckley, who, the week before the club’s clean-up day, did pruning of decorative flora around the club grounds and was the person most responsible for calling for a clean- up day ahead of the Memorial Day holiday week end and for recommending the tasks that were carried out.

Welcome Income from Commercial Filming Done at the Club This Spring

The club was fortunate to be chosen this spring as a filming site by the Food Network, earning the club $47,600, or $38,000 after taxes. The income from these rentals was very welcome for strengthening club finances at a time when we had several pricy capital expenditures and maintenance costs to pay for, such as buying a new motor for the roller, repaving the patio area in front of the club house, purchasing a used but good replacement dishwasher for the kitchen, and snaking out the main drain to the street to resolve numerous instances of basement flooding in recent months.

Bowling Season Results

Final League Standings. After the tightest, down-to-the-wire race in years among the five four-person teams in the Winter Bowling League, the champions of the 2023-24 season are the Water Bu􏰅aloes of captain Ed Schmid and his teammates: Patty Gamba, Joe Garcia and John Maggiotto, who ended up in the standings with 94 points. In the runner-up position with 86 points were the Hurricanes of captain Jose Alvarado and his teammates: Pam Opdyke, Casey Quinn and our trusty statistician, Steve Savard.

Not far behind, tied for third place with 81 points each, were the Strikers (captain Bill Dennison, Jason McConnell, Cathy Mulhern and Susie Moscou) and team Brown (captain Jon Wallen, Deane Prouty, Bill Co􏰅ey and Vic Mason). A close three points behind was Rolling Thunder (captain Robert Klein, Annmarie Ennis, Karen Lorence and Pat O’Hanlon) with 78 points. The exciting race this season was so close most of the way that it was any team’s to win as recently as a few weeks before the end.

Personal high Averages. The top individual averages among regular team members and frequent subs were: Bill Dennison, 163.57; Jon Wallen, 162.33; Kevin Klein, 156.23; Pat O’Hanlon, 152.01; Ed Schmid, 151.04; Robert Klein, 150.80; Bill Co􏰅ey, 149.09; Jose Alvarado, 147.44; Joe Garcia, 146.53; Jason McConnell, 143.12; Deane Prouty, 143.00; Paul Meissner, 142.88; Steve Savard, 142.54; Paul Cecere, 140.04; Jennifer Ringstad, 139.73; Patty Gamba, 138.2; and Annmarie Ennis, 137.

High individual Games. High individual games were as follow: Super-Sub Kevin Klein had the high game this season at 239. He was followed by Joe Garcia, at 222; Bill Co􏰅ey, at 220; Bill Dennison and Jon Wallen, at 218; Jason McConnell, at 216; Patty Gamba, at 213; Steve Savard, at 207; Casey Quinn, at 206; Ed Schmid and Annmarie Ennis, at 204; Pat O’Hanlon, at 203; Pam Opdyke, at 198; Deane Prouty, at 193; Karen Lorence, at 191; Robert Klein, at 190; Jose Alvarado, at 184; Cathy Mulhern, at 183; Vic Mason, at 180; John Maggiotto, at 178; and Susie Moscou, at 158.

High Scratch Series. The winner of the High Scratch Series competition among regular bowlers and frequent subs was Jon Wallen at 579, narrowly edging out Bill Dennison at 572. In order, the rest of the top ten were: Bill Co􏰅ey, at 568; Joe Garcia, at 540; Kevin Klein, at 530; Pat O’Hanlon, at 521; Jason McConnell, at 517; Ed Schmid, at 516; Deane Prouty, at 515; Jose Alvarado, at 513; and Robert Klein, at 509.

Most Improved Averages: The highest increase in average among full members of the bowling league was achieved by Joe Garcia at 12.5 points. Joe was followed by Vic Mason (9.9 points), Jason McConnell (9.1 points); Pat O’Hanlon (9.0 points); Steve Savard (8.5 points), Bill Co􏰅ey (8.0 points); Pam Opdyke (7.0 points); Susie Moscou (5.7 points); Jon Wallen (5.3 points); and John Maggiotto (4.1 points).

Winners of the Bowling Tournament: The winners of this year’s end-of-season bowling tournament were the team of Pat O’Hanlon and Karen Lorence (Bowlerina), who garnered a total of 2627 points. Just behind them in second place were Cathy and John Maggiotto with 2607 points.

Special thanks as always to Jon Wallen for running the league and keeping the machines running with regular visits from the technician Ray. Same to Steve Savard for once again diligently calculating the team and individual statistics for the league each week.

The end-of-season Bowling Awards Dinner was again held in the lounge and foyer, this year on Friday, May 31st. There, Jon handed out the prize money for team and individual achievements.

Social Calendar Since Mid-February

Appreciation to Tami Vu on Evite: Appreciation is owed to Tami Vu for her year-round handling of the Evite invitation system. It has done wonders for helping hosts to organize club parties.

First Friday Night Bonfire Event of the Winter.

Justine Henry hosted the year’s first bonfire night, charmingly designated the “sweetheart bonfire.”

Mardi Gras Masquerade and Dinner Party on Saturday, February 24th.

Enormous thanks are owed to Chrissy and Matt Gervais for organizing the dinner and the delightful evening of Mardi Gras murder-mystery drama acted out by costumed members of the Park Hill Players doing their best to fool the 75 member and guest attendees as to their identity. And the impersonations and ruses were truly skillful. The fine meal was catered by Bistro House in Hastings. A great time was enjoyed by all, thanks to the hard work, preparations and organization of the hosts!

Vinyl Nights.

Vinyl nights resumed on Friday evenings beginning on March 1st. Thanks to the regular hosts: Paul Cecere, Joe Harbeson, Justine Henry, Matt Gervais and Taylor Pierce.

YoFi Fundraiser.

The ballroom was taken over for a “spring prom” organized as a fundraiser by club members Patty Schumann and Dave Steck benefiting the Yonkers Film Festival (YoFiFest). The event was attended by many club members and non-members.

March Karaoke Party.

The first karaoke party of the year was held on Saturday, March 9th, in the club lounge. Thanks to Patty Gamba and Tom “Westy” Westmoreland for organizing the event, which was attended by around 30 members and guests.

St. Patrick’s Day Party.

On Sunday, March 17th, Patty Gamba hosted the St. Patrick’s Day pot-luck party for around 25 adults and kids and made great corned beef for the occasion. Members contributed many mouth-watering dishes and desserts!

Annual Easter Brunch and Kids’ Egg Hunt and Party on Sunday, March 24th.

Appreciation is expressed to Justine Henry and Chrissy Gervais for organizing and hosting the annual Easter Brunch and kids’ egg hunt. Chrissy prepared a lovely brunch bu􏰅et enjoyed by six kids and nine parents. Thanks to Ilya Gervais for playing the Easter Bunny.

Yonkers Indoor Tennis Night on Friday, March 29th.

Patty Gamba organized and hosted the annual club indoor tennis party at the Yonkers Tennis Center (YTC). Around 40 adult members took part in the fun event playing against one another and eating and drinking till midnight. Thanks to Patty Cecere and Mary Kay Moment for help with setup; to Paul Cecere, Dan O’Connell, Deane Prouty and Tom “Westy” Westmoreland for carrying the heavy coolers in and out and setting up tables; and to Mary Kay, Matt Krawiec and Karin White for help with cleanup.

First Game Night on Friday, April 12th.

Special thanks go to Joe Garcia, chair of the club’s new Gaming Committee, for creating the committee and running the first Games Night on Friday, April 12th. Around 15 adults and kids crowded into the lounge and enjoyed a boisterous evening of playing Taboo, Code Words, Pictionary and Scattegories.

Members are asked to donate either new or very slightly used games in good condition that are complete with all necessary pieces and components. They should be games that are fun to play by four or more players.

Saturday, April 20th. Vinyl Night. DJs Paul and Matt waxed lyrical as they invited club members and guests to unwind after a busy week in “a sonic journey under the glow of immersive psychedelic lighting...[and to] let the chilled-out tunes transport you while you bask in this high-spirited holiday event.”

Governors’ Ball on Saturday, April 27th.

The great hall was beautifully decorated, as usual, for the festive annual Governors’ Ball, held this year on Saturday, April 27th, again with a live DJ. The theme this year was “Light the Night.” Thanks for the hard work in decorating the ballroom that goes to Kathryn Buckley, Patty Gamba, Justine Henry, Patty Cecere, Loren McConnell, Adrienne D’Alessio, Lyrica Leon, Gaby Cinquemani, Patty Coomaraswamy and Matt Gervais. Nearly 80 members and guests crowded into the ballroom and, after dining, exuberantly danced the night away. The beautifully dressed wait sta􏰅 of Avery Garcia, Sabrina Garcia, Ilya Gervais, Vivian Savard and Caroline Herrera did an outstanding job of serving hors d’oeuvres, clearing dishes and being in every way helpful to the attendees.

Cinco de Mayo.

Justine Henry did the honors on Sunday, May 5th, hosting the delicious taco and bean fest for Cinco de Mayo. Around 25 adults and kids joined in celebrating the occasion which doubled as an Open House for guests interested in learning about the club.

Park Hill Players’ Viewing Party.

On Friday evening, June 7th, the Park Hill Players hosted a viewing party of their performance of the comedy “Drinking Habits” in the big hall.

French Open Tennis Party.

On Sunday morning, June 9th, the Tennis Committee hosted a French Open men’s-final party in the lounge, as members watched Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defeat the Russian-German, Alexander Zverev, in an exciting five-set match, a victory which should restore Alcaraz to the world’s No. 1 men’s tennis rank.

Member News

The club expresses its sincere condolences to Annmarie Riccio and Kevin Morrison on the peaceful passing of Annmarie’s father, Leone Anthony Riccio, at age 83 in New Britain, Connecticut, on April 1st, 2024. Leo was the beloved husband of wife Judith for 53 years and worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation for 35 years. Born and raised in Hartford, Leo served in the United States Army National Guard as a military police o􏰅icer from 1961 until 1965.

Besides Annmarie and Kevin of Yonkers, Leo is survived by his son, Andrew Riccio, and his daughter-in-law Keirsten of East Haddam, CT; by his three grandchildren: Maya Morrison, Patience Riccio and August Riccio; by his brother Peter and sister-in-law Margaret Riccio of Bristol CT; by his sisters-in-law Carol Skonieczny of New Britain CT and Mary Ann Williston of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and by a niece and many nephews and other cherished relatives and friends.

Leo was described as a man with a big heart who could light up a room with his smile. He loved watching his grandchildren grow. An avid reader, he immersed himself in four daily newspapers, alongside his deep passion for history, movies and sports. He was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s and men’s basketball teams.