We launched a new tennis program at the McPherson Recreation Center (1717 SE 15th Street) for members of the SE Boys & Girls Club. Sessions were held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from February to end of April. We also expanded the program to the Woodlawn Unit of the Boys & Girls Club (located at 331 SE 20th Place, about one mile west of McPherson), with sessions on their outdoor basketball courts from 3 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the same days. We purchased some junior racquets for this program, and obtained some donated racquets and tennis balls.

There were over 30 participants at McPherson, with an additional 20 participants at the Woodland Unit. Our volunteers had a wonderful time with this terrific bunch of kids. A big thank you goes to all our volunteers: John Bennett, Darla Chmiel, Ron Chmiel, Alice Criner, Sandy LeVeen, Marie Mayer, Bobbie Mehan, Bonnie O’Brien, Mike Oransky, Christine Shurtleff, Libby Smith, and Mike Weiss.

This summer GACTA Board Member Ed Schmidt is doing a follow-up program on Wednesday afternoons at McPherson. However, we need someone to take over and organize this program in the Fall.

Anyone interested in helping out with this program, please contact Christine Shurtleff (cs4tennis@aol.com) or call Christine at 352-336-7508. You do not have to be a “pro” to volunteer, just someone who loves tennis. Also, community service credits can be arranged for high school students who wish to volunteer.