The Baseline - Swim

August 2018 www.field-club.com

The Baseline Field Club News

August 2018

T he summer heat is upon us at The Field Club as the grounds are filled with kids, activities and overall excitement. We continue to have

excellent turnout at activities and events, from the junior programs to the Super Seniors Tennis Tournament.

We are saddened by the upcoming departure of our general manager, Jeff Dubiel, as he moves on to the next chapter of his life. We are grateful for all of his hard work and dedication to the Club. He has been instrumental in a number of projects over the last few years. We are, however, excited to have Jim Girotti returning as our interim general manager, as we look to fill the position. Thank you to everyone who has offered to help with the transitions over the upcoming months.

We have had big turnouts at many recent events. The initial tennis mixer was hosted by Ned Steiger. It was a great kick-off to our tennis season. This was followed up by one of the feature events of the year, the Davis Cup. Jenna Goodman, Sam Edwards, Jen Willson and Brian Grayboff did a fantastic job organizing a great day of tennis and socializing. Congratulations to team Brazil who showed they were the team to beat. Mona and Bill Swanson hosted the Gin and Tonic Tennis Mixer, looking to become an instant classic event with a large and “happy” group. Cary Dash and Vivian Miller and Sue and Scott Cooper cooked up their annual “Get Your Grill On” Mixer to everyone’s delight. New this year was the Ladies Night Out Mixer, hosted by Mary Dumala and Judy D'Angelo, which was a big hit. The Pleets’ 8th Annual Daiquiri Mixer did not disappoint as members enjoyed a night of tennis and cool drinks. Look for upcoming tennis mixers over the rest of the summer.

Another successful event included the 35 th

Annual Clem Easton Super Seniors Tennis Tournament, with a record number of 96 participants.

A Message from the President We are pleased to be able to be involved with this longstanding and well run tournament.

The July 4 th Tailgate saw adults and kids enjoying a relaxed evening capped off by some awesome fireworks that illuminated the summer sky. Thank you to Angie and Lani Silva for hosting this event. On July 28, we will have the annual Adult Poolside Party, which always brings people together for a nice evening catching up with friends.

The kids/teen pool and tennis events are up and running, with everyone having fun and trying to stay cool. The pool activities opened with Amy Tyler hosting the annual Member-Guest Kick-Off Party, which had everyone getting into the action. Recently, Lori McMahon hosted the Kids Triathlon, where our youngsters ran, biked and swam to glory! The USTA team tennis is also up and running, along with teen activities. There is always something going on...don't forget to look at all the hard work our gardeners are doing as they continue to tend their plots.

We are appreciative to our staff, who always have safety on their minds during the busy times. Please remember that it is always the parent’s responsibility to make sure their kids are acting appropriately and displaying proper Field Club behavior.

Turning towards ongoing projects and improvements: thank you to Liz Kollias, who spearheaded the electronic tennis scheduling. This has facilitated the process of booking courts, staff planning for maintenance, and planning for upcoming events this season. A portion of the paddle deck needed to be repaired, and the entire deck will soon be re-stained. The pickleball overlay courts have been installed on paddle courts #2 and #5. They look FANTASTIC! Early reports are extremely positive, as members have already started to enjoy this new aspect to the Club. Remember you can sign up for the

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August 2018 www.field-club.com page 2

Save the Dates!! Annual Adult Poolside Party Saturday, July 28th

Labor Day Tailgate Monday, September 3 rd

It’s going to be a blast!

Annual Meeting Friday, November 2 nd

Details will be sent soon!

A Message from the President (continued)

pickleball courts by using the same electronic system that is used for the tennis and paddle courts…it’s all together and very convenient. Thank you to Tom Kietzman, Ken Vincunas, John Glenn, Marcia and Glenn Synder and Trevor, who installed the courts during the recent heat wave! The overlays will be safely removed and stored during the paddle season

this fall. Remember, it’s not too late in the season to

bring a guest and show them all the happenings at The Field Club. You can use your Guest Coupon to show a family the pool, tennis, paddle and pickleball facilities! It’s up to all of us to continue to help with our membership efforts and volunteer during the course of the year to help sustain our great club.

See you on the courts... — Mike Freedman

GM’s Corner Pool — I hope everyone is enjoying the swimming pool. The lifeguards have been giving swimming lessons and working hard to keep the members/guests

safe. As a reminder, my job is to ensure that everyone has a positive experience at the Club. With that said, please remember that we have a few simple rules that everyone should follow. Please remove yourself from the pool deck if you need to make a call. Remember, the member sitting next to you does not want to hear your conversations. There is no eating allowed on the pool deck. Not only does this help to keep our pool area clean, but it also keeps the ants away. Lastly, there is no alcohol allowed within the pool area. Thank you for your cooperation.

Tennis — The tennis staff has been busy teaching tennis lessons and managing the Junior Tennis Program. We are off to a GREAT start! The pro-shop is stocked with demo racquets, overgrips, hats, apparel and other terrific items to fulfill your tennis needs. Remember, if you are looking for that specific tennis item and we do not carry it, I would be happy to order it for you. We have direct accounts with Head, Penn and Viking Sports; our prices are very competitive.

Pickleball — We have recently installed two new pickleball courts in the paddle area located on courts 2 and 5. Please use our new online court reservation system to schedule the court of your choice. If you are new to the sport and want to give it a try, demo paddles are available in the paddle hut located near the restrooms.

Paddle Courts — Summer renovations have begun and will be complete before paddle season starts.

Basketball Court — The basketball court has been getting a lot of use, and the kids seem to enjoy the freedom of playing a little basketball and socializing amongst each other. It’s an excellent way for the kids to stay off their cell phones and to communicate with each other. Keep up the good work, kids!

Snuggery Manager — Natalie Bell and her staff have been working hard, creating new menu items and new weekly specials. Please stop by the snug and try one of our delicious new menu items. Bon Appetit!

Safety — Please remember to lock your vehicles. — Jeff Dubiel

August 2018 www.field-club.com Page 3

Membership News Seeking New Members We are still accepting members for summer 2018! Sponsorship credits are still available… if you sponsor a new family, you will receive a $100 FC Credit!

Deadline for Membership Classification Changes Changes in membership classification for the fiscal year that begins October 1st must be submitted to the membership chairperson on or before September 15th for such changes to take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Written notification received and approved by the membership chairperson on or before September 15th will result in a dues adjustment on a monthly pro rata basis for the upcoming fiscal year that begins in October. Written notification received after September 15th will result in dues adjustment starting the following fiscal year. Please check out the Guidebook for membership guidelines.

Welcome to Our Newest Members 1. Dr. Ozgur and Jocelyne Muslu

Sponsored by Mona and Bill Swanson 2. Adam Diamond and Lauren Knacke

Sponsored by Beth and Matt Cowles 3. Jennifer Falcone

Sponsored by Amy and Jeremy Tyler 4. Emily and Bryan Kasperowski

Sponsored by Lisa and Matt Landon 5. Lori and Michael Nicaretta

Sponsored by Janet Nowak

Current Waitlist Mary and Gary Caravella (Sponsored by Dave Pleet)

Enjoy this great weather! — Lori McMahon

Beat the Heat… Eat at the Snuggery!

When temperatures soar, it’s no fun standing in front of a hot stove or grill. Keep cool by enjoying a delicious meal at the snuggery… and don’t forget dessert!! The Snug is now scooping hard ice cream!

Snuggery Summertime hours: Monday - Friday 10:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

— Amy Tyler

Tot Lot at Your Service Need a sitter while you play tennis or enjoy a swim? Take advantage of the Tot Lot. The Tot Lot is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, for members’ children between the ages 1-7. Our Tot Lot director,

Emily Coughlin, along with one of our junior member assistants, will help keep the children safe and happy while

you enjoy the Club. Emily has planned weekly activities and will escort the children to swimming and tennis lessons.

For a small hourly fee, you can enjoy the Club while your children have fun

in the Tot Lot. — Amy Tyler

Arts and Crafts Thursdays! Our Tot Lot director, Emily Coughlin, is offering Arts and Crafts every Thursday starting at 1 p.m.. Send your children to the picnic tables by the baby pool each Thursday to create something new! — Amy Tyler

Garden Plots There still may be some garden plots available for Club members to use this summer. If you are interested, please contact Mike Brault at [email protected]. — Mike Brault

Water Aerobics Anyone? Julia Barron, our assistant pool manager, will be giving water aerobic instruction to adults on the following weekend mornings: Saturdays, July 21 and 28; Sunday, August 5; and Saturday, August 11. Come out and get a little exercise and have some fun with Julia.

Please sign up on the pool board or email [email protected]. A small $10 activity fee will apply. — Amy Tyler

August 2018 www.field-club.com

Lane Lines Come beat the heat… Join fellow members for fun in and around the pool. The lifeguards have been hard at work with swimming lessons, and the kids have been enjoying poolside events.

The Kick Off the Summer party was a big success. Junior members and their guests were entertained by D.J. Brian Nicks. Hula hoops contests, biggest splash off the diving board and the ever popular COKE and PEPSI were just some of the many games played.

Our poolside events in July were the TRIATHLON, hosted by Lori McMahon; the Juniors Party, hosted by Jen Creelman; and the Middle School Party, hosted by Karen Desrosiers. Thank you for helping to make such fun summer memories! Hope to see you poolside!

Upcoming Pool Events

Tuesday, July 31 Middle School Party (ages 11-14)

Tuesday, August 7 “Minnows” - Poolside Party (ages 4-7)

Tuesday, June 14 DIVE IN – Teen Movie Night & Pool

Tuesday, August 21 Year-End Pool Party Celebration (All Ages)

Information and sign ups for these events can be found on the Pool Bulletin Board. — Amy Tyler

Field Club Hike We're going to hike Peaked Mountain in Monson. This is a great family hike or for anyone who likes to hike. We will meet in the FC Parking

lot on Sunday, August 12, at 10 a.m. and drive (approximately 1/2 hour) to the mountain.

• Length of hike: 2-4 miles depending on how long people want to hike; about 2-3 hours including lunch at the top of the mountain. • What to bring: a day pack, a light lunch, water (at least a quart or two), sunglasses, sun screen, hat, hiking or ski poles if you want. • What to wear: shorts, shirt, hiking boots if you have them or sneakers, light jacket if cool.

Avid hikers Sue and Dick Forrest are our guides for this fresh air outing. If you are interested, contact Dick or Sue (413-525-3288/[email protected]) or Lora Arnold (413-567-0554/[email protected]).

Come join other FC members for an invigorating adventure. — Lora Arnold

Online Court Reservations We have completed the transition from paper to electronic sign up for all paddle sports. Just follow these simple directions:

• Tennis court reservations can be made through Reserve My Court (reservemycourt.com) or by calling the Pro Shop.

• Sign-Up today to create a username and password or use your existing account from Paddle.

• All members will be able to book a court three days in advance (i.e. book Friday starting at 8 a.m. for a court on Monday).

• All members will be able to book up to five courts at time if needed for group play.

• Courts will be booked at 1.5 hour intervals.

• For now, we are not doing contract times.

• Paper schedules will be phased out over time.

— Liz Kollias

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Hop on Board for the Annual Bus Trip to the US Open

Friday, August 31, 2018

To reserve your seat contact: Adam at House of Tickets @ 413 224 1800

(mention FC US Open Bus Trip)

Cost $139.00 Questions? Call Lora Arnold at 567-0554.


Summer Social Events Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Independence Day at the Fourth of July Tailgate hosted

by Angie and Lani Silva! On what will surely be one of the hottest days of the summer (or maybe on record!), with the temperature in the high 90s, we kept cool by staying in the pool during the extended hours, and lounging and socializing with friends. Twin Hills once again put on a very impressive fireworks display.

Please mark your calendars for Family Camp Night on Saturday, August 18, hosted by Bethany and Matt Cowles. Come enjoy a late night campfire with your family. There will be games, s’mores and lots of fun you won’t want to miss!

On Monday, September 3, commemorate the end of the summer season at the Labor Day Tailgate hosted by Jen and Nate Duval. There will be a DJ, fun snacks, and games to play. Pull your car into the circle and set up your tailgate spot. This event is always a Field Club favorite.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming social event. Thank you to all of our hosts! — Lauren Brady and Katie Wartman

Search for a New GM We wish Jeff Dubiel well on his new endeavor and welcome Jim Girotti back with gratitude. As we search for a new permanent general manager, a formal search committee has been established for the review, interviewing and hiring of potential candidates. Please feel free to contact Jamie Dunbar [email protected]) if you have thoughts or ideas for the Field Club’s next GM, whether it be a potential candidate or a wish list of characteristics, etc. Any and all feedback is welcome, as well as assistance in ensuring the future direction of our great club in the context of the next GM. Thank you! — Jamie Dunbar

Next Deadline September 17 The deadline for the October edition

of The Baseline, the last issue of 2018, will be Monday, September 17. Be sure to send your news and photos to Editor Lee-Anne

Sprague at [email protected].

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Celebrating Field Club Style Many thanks to all who turned out to enjoy our Fourth of July Tailgate. It was a spectacular night of friends and fireworks!


Pickleball Update The Field Club is extremely thrilled to report that we have installed two new pickleball

courts. We went with an overlayment system on top of two of our existing paddle courts ( 2 & 5). This surface will be used only for pickle and will be removed and stored once the paddle season rolls around in the fall. The Club felt that the under-used paddle area in the warmer months was a perfect spot for our summer pickleball facility, enabling members to try out the game and use the hut, bathrooms, etc.

Special thanks to Jeff and Trevor from the Field Club staff, along with member volunteers Marcia Snyder, Glenn Snyder, John Glenn and Ken Vincunas. Tom O’Brien did show up on this 95 degree day with nothing more than a few words of encouragement (meaning he didn’t lift a tile), which was greatly appreciated. I heard John Glenn muttering something about not being able to continue with the rigorous task of laying down the court surfaces had it not been for the inspiration given to him by Mr. O’Brien’s thoughtful and kind words.

These courts can be reserved via the on-line reservation system up to three days in advance (thanks to Liz Kollias for making the change in the system to include pickle). Demo pickle paddles and balls can be found in the paddle hut. We have also formed a brand new “Field Club Pickleball Committee.” This committee is being headed up by Ken Vincunas, and includes Marcia Snyder, Michele Sullivan and John

Glenn.Please look

for information regarding an upcoming pickleball event(s). We are hoping to conduct another

“Pickle 101 Clinic,” along with some mixers. That schedule had not been finalized in time for The Baseline press date. We look forward to our entire membership being able to take advantage of this new offering! — Tom Kietzman, Board Liaison for Pickle

Join Us for the First Ever Pickleball Intro/Mixer! The Field Club now has two pickleball courts freshly installed and ready to go on top of two of our paddle tennis courts. Friday, July 27, will be the Field Club's first ever Pickleball Mixer, designed to introduce players to the game and to get in some action.

The event starts at 6 p.m. for those who have never played or beginners who want to get more info on the rules and strategy. If you are an experienced player, arrive at 7 p.m. to enjoy some open play.

If you play both paddle and pickle, consider bringing both paddles … you can play both games and make it a 'pickle n paddle' mixer!

BYOB for beverages, and light fare will be provided for a nominal charge. RSVP to Ken Vincunas, [email protected], or Tom O’Brien, [email protected].

We look forward to our entire membership being able to take advantage of this new offering! — Tom Kietzman, Board Liaison for Pickle

Teen Fun Continues

A good time was had by all during the Teen Tennis and Pizza event in June. Be sure to mark your calendars for the next event, the Dive-In Teen Movie/Pool Night on August 14th. Please note that the Teen Pool Party and Bonfire on July 24 th has been cancelled.


Clem Easton a Major Success! The 35th Annual Clem Easton Tournament took place June 21st – 24th at The Field Club. This event, for players over the age of 60, drew close to 100 participants from throughout New England and beyond. To learn more, be sure to visit the Field Club’s Facebook page, where you’ll find a link to an article on the USTA site.

The Tradition Continues… Davis Cup 2018 Eighty four players came out to enjoy this year’s Davis Cup Tournament! A wonderful blend of new and veteran players made for a day of new beginnings and annual tradition of this signature event of the tennis Season. Perfect weather, abundant food and drink, and spiffy team jerseys set the stage for a fun-filled day!

It was great to have charter members in attendance enjoying the long-standing Davis Cup tradition. And, as always, Ann did an amazing job keeping it organized with an emphasis on fun, friendly competition!

This year’s countries represented were: Team Sweden (lead by Captains Jenn Willson and Brian Grayboff), Team France (Lora Arnold and Tom Kietzman), Team Brazil (Kate Morneau and Russ Moore) and USA (Jacquie Kenny and Glenn Snyder). Team Brazil took the 2018 honors!

A big shout out to Dave Appleman and his crew for a doing a great job with clean up. Also, a big thanks to Jen Salvon for taking great photos throughout the day!

This year’s Davis Cup was enthusiastically put together with the efforts of Jenna Goodman, Sam Edwards, Brian Grayboff and Jenn Willson. Thank you all for a truly wonderful day! — Jennifer Willson

The Brazil team, captained by Kate Morneau and Russ Moore, brought home the first place honors.


USTA Junior Tennis Teams The USTA rosters have been made and play is underway! As a result of so much interest, we have put together three teams: one 14 and under team and two 18 and under teams (one local and one national). The following is a summary of the differences between local and national:

Local Track USTA team: • No USTA membership needed • Structure of play – minimum of 6 players; non-gender specific but need at least 1 boy/1 girl; 1 mixed

match, 2 open singles, 2 open doubles • Individual matches – 2 sets to 4 games, no add with a 7 point tiebreak at 3-3, and a 10 point match tie-

break in lieu of a 3rd set • Tournament takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12, with no further advancement

opportunities.

National Track USTA team (advanced level play): • USTA membership required • Structure of play – 6 players minimum (need at least 3 boys/3 girls), 1 boys singles, 1 girls singles, 1

boys doubles, 1 girls doubles, 1 mixed • Individual matches = 2 short sets (1st to 4, no ad) with a match tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd set. • Tournament takes place on Friday, August 10 - with potential for advancement to the New England

Sectionals, August 15-17 @ Harvard. • Two levels of play: intermediate (no rating or lower than 3.5 rating) and advanced (3.5 or higher rating).

The Field Club is hosting three teams. 1. 18 and under National track team, coached by Ryan Powell. 2. 18 and under Local track team, coached by Matt Gurski. 3. 14 and under Local track team, coached by Emily Drumgold.

Best of luck to our hard working USTA junior tennis team members. Thank you, parents, for your support and encouragement. The next Baseline will include results of tournaments! — Kate Morneau

The Fun Continues… There’s lots more Junior Tennis fun still to

come! Don’t miss out on the following Junior Tennis events:

Wednesday, July 25 Jr. Davis Cup Wednesday, August 1 Corcoran Cup Wednesday, August 8 Singles Championships Wednesday, August 15 Doubles Championships Wednesday, August 22 Mixed Doubles

Championships Thursday, August 23 End of Season Tot Party Friday, August 24 Awards Party

Get Your Grill On

Cary Dash and Scott Cooper cook up the burgers and hot dogs for a hungry crowd during the "Get Your Grill On" Tennis Mixer.


Paddle Update We have completed our off-season paddle maintenance, which included the replacement of about eight screen panels and tension tuning of every screen wall of every court, along with patching various small holes and nicks on each of the courts. Believe me, I realize that paddle can frustrate even the best of players; however, I need to ask that players please, please refrain from throwing their paddle on, in, or around the paddle courts. There has been some evidence of dented screens and scraps on the paddle surface that resembles the shape of a paddle. If you need to vent, try whacking the paddle up against your forehead ( your own, and not your opponent’s or your partner’s).

On another note, we are extremely glad to report that Jenn Willson and John Pappas have graciously agreed to return as Paddle Committee Co-Chairs for the 2018-2019 paddle campaign. They both did an OUTSTANDING job this past season. Please give them both a thanks, fist pump, or pat on the back the next time you see them around the Club. There is a lot of work done behind the scenes, and John and Jenn handled everything that was thrown their way flawlessly. — Tom Kietzman, Board Liaison for Paddle

Don’t Miss Out… Just a friendly reminder about upcoming

Tennis Mixers. All level players are welcome, and you don’t need to sign up with a partner.

July 22 Mixer, hosted by the Stiefels and Salvons August 10 Mixer, hosted by The Kniskas August 25 Doubles Championship, hosted by

Lora Arnold Sept. 1 & 2 Men & Women’s Singles, hosted by

the McMahons Sept. 8 Mixed Doubles, hosted by Connie &

Tom Gould Sept. 3o End of Season Mixer, hosted by Steve

& Sherri Ehrenberg

Daiquiri Doubles The 8th Annual Daiquiri Doubles event was held July 14th, hosted once again by the Pleets. The weather was perfect for tennis and apres tennis socializing.

Twenty two participants played three rounds of mixed tennis, allowing members to socialize with new and old members alike. They were rewarded with delicious strawberry daiquiris prepared by mixologist David P. with his family heirloom recipe, including home grown mint and hand picked straw- berries. Recipe available by request. A card game of pitch ensued and a fun evening was had by all. — The Pleets

Tennis & Wine Mixer The tennis social season began on a perfect Friday evening with mild temperatures and no mosquitoes. The event, a tennis and wine mixer hosted by Ned Steiger on June 8, was well attended. Nineteen participants enjoyed tennis and wine tasting afterwards.

Mike D’Angelo, member and owner of D’Angelo’s Wine and Spirits in Windsor, CT, served as an “advisor” in selecting excellent wines to pair with cheese and appetizers. New and existing members enjoyed conversation, and the libations continued late into the evening. — Ned Steiger

Save the Date Doubles Trouble: The Field Club’s M/W Club Doubles Championship

Saturday, August 25, 2018

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The Baseline - Swim