“FAREWELL”
FOR THIS SEASON ENDING ISSUE

By Charles E. Vasoll

Yes, this is the last issue for the 2005-2006 season. It has been a good year for me personally. The highlight, on the courts, was winning the Reprieve in the 145+ National Championship with Herb Hummers (you know, Sharon’s husband) as my partner. It was the highest finish that I have ever achieved in an APTA Championship tournament. There are a lot of prizes lying around the house engraved with “Consolation Reprieve Finalist” to prove it. We lost only to the Champions, Bob Brown and George Lynch.

The APTA Senior Men’s 50+, 60+ and 70+, which I co-chaired with Tim Mangan, was a beautiful experience. Just about everything went right, especially the weather, which is always a question. My paddle won the 70+ championship even though it was not in my hand. Bill Childs borrowed my weapon when his was lost. We had the same Viking model so it was very comfortable for him.

One of my greatest joys this season was to finally see a fourth court at Cherry Valley Club. I had campaigned for it for over ten years and early indications in 2005 were that it would be postponed for another ten. By some miracle, the Board of Governors at the club moved it ahead and approved the project. It is now in place. Sometimes I feel I must go over and touch it to be sure that it is not an illusion. Unfortunately we were unable to use it for the APTA Senior Men’s Championship because the Village of Garden City had not made a final inspection and issued a Certificate of Occupancy. They now have five more months to accomplish that before the next season gets underway.

As matters stand now, I plan to continue this web site for the 2006-2007 season. As I was told when I started, it is an expensive hobby, but I really enjoy it. Look for the first issue on September 15th. Until then, have a great summer and I will “volley” again with you in the fall.

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