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Welcome Back Everyone
Our 32nd Summer is in the books! And, what a summer it was! We saw about 2,500 kids this summer, which is close to our normal in a summer and nearly triple the number of kids we saw last summer. While things still looked different than in the past, so much looked the same. The smiles, the excitement, the a-ha moments, the connections, the pride that comes with getting that first ball over the net. None of that changed, and all of that is what is really important. The seemingly constant rain was definitely a bummer, and I considered moving our office to a weather station. Determining when to cancel classes in 3 different cities is tricky, but we made it through. If there are any former meteorologists looking for volunteer work, though, please consider us!
We are headed back into some schools this Fall, and looking forward to offering Adult lessons once again (we couldn't fit them into our summer schedule). We will be getting started with our literacy program at Sheridan Prep Academy in Albany again, and Healthy Futures will run out of our office (a weekly program that combines literacy, STEAM, healthy living and just plain fun). College Prep and Leadership are getting back underway this Fall (they don't ever really stop), and a new group of Excellence students are just getting started. We are hoping to provide some additional, safe, low-key activities for our kids to just connect with each other this winter. It is clear that taking care of our kids' mental, social and emotional health is so vitally important always, but especially now.
If you see any programs that look interesting for you, your children, or children you know, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. And, if you see any program that you feel you could help us out with - either as a one-time presenter or continual volunteer, we would love to hear from you. Thank you all for all you do!
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A Big Thank You to Suburban Propane Hats off to Suburban Propane for sponsoring this year's School Supply Giveaway. Every year at the end of Summer Programming we give away school supplies to our participants. It usually happens at our Jamboree, which marks the final day of programming with a big celebration of tennis and games at Washington Park. In order to avoid 500 kids in the park at once this year, we shifted the way we get supplies into our kids' hands. We held the giveaway at our office and invited all of our program participants to join us. In addition to the school supplies, we also had books, gently used clothes and toys, and the City of Albany joined us with information about pedestrian and bike safety as well. It was a great turnout! Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help make this event a success! And, many thanks to Suburban Propane for purchasing the school supplies and backpacks for our kids, and coming to volunteer that day. There is no way we could have provided this without you. We are so humbled by your love and support!
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Adult Tennis Lessons Are Back this Fall
We are happy to announce that we will be offering adult tennis lessons again this fall. The 5-week program will take place throughout the week at various courts in the region. Saturday morning classes are also available for adults with (or without) children - cost is still just $15, and kids play for free. (Kids cannot play without a registered adult.)
Cost is $15.00 for the 5-week program, which can be paid on site. Racquets are available for purchase for $20. If you would like to purchase one, please email us prior to class and we'll have it ready for you. Class refunds will not be given.
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Congrats to Azia Sky Barao
Congrats to Excellence participant Azia Sky Barao for presenting awards to the winners of mixed doubles at the US Open Tennis Championships. She was so excited!
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4th Annual Ladies' Tennis Round Robin
Thank you to all who attended the 4th Annual Ladies' Tennis Round Robin. We so appreciate your support! This year's event was held at The Lake George Club on Monday, July 19th.
It was a beautiful backdrop for a fun event. The morning started with tennis, followed by a silent auction and a lunch program. Attendees also had the opportunity for pop-up shopping provided by Gracie's, Clearly Yours Gifts and J. McLaughlin. Support from this event will help fund 15-LOVE's literacy initiatives, including the Denise McCoy Scholarship Fund, book distribution program, and literacy programs.
Many, many thanks to Wendy Fox and Jackie Rossetti-Falvey for organizing and sponsoring this event. They have continued to make it a fun and special event!
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STA Round Robin Raises Funds for 15-LOVE
A big THANK YOU to the Schenectady Tennis Association for holding their Annual Tennis Round Robin to help raise funds for our organization at the Michigan Ave on August 6th.
Many thanks to Anita Russo to organizing the event and even inviting our kids for some pizza after!
We are beyond lucky to have your continued support!
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Calling all Volunteers
Looking to volunteer and help make a difference? We are currently looking for volunteers of all ages to help in various capacities. Interested? Send us a note!
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5-Week Adult Tennis Program
September 7th through Oct 9th
15-LOVE Board Meeting 9/21
Autumn Equinox 9/22
Indigenous Peoples' Day 10/11
Healthy Future Begins 10/18
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Capital Region Youth Tennis Foundation 2021 Board of Directors
Nino Alivodic
Lynn Derry
Philip Fields
Wendy Fox
Maureen Klein
Mary Jean Krackeler
Meg MacClarence
Khadijah Peek
Fardin Sanai
Robert A. Schmitz
Thomas Schmitz
G. Thomas Selfridge
Herb Shultz
Anne Trimble
Ray Walker
Barbara Yake
Officers
President: Margaret Malicki
Vice President: Jonathan Jones
Secretary: Jessica Dailey
Treasurer: James Fowler
Staff
Amber Marino, Executive Director
Domingo Montes, Program Director
Maxine Brisport, Education Director
Cindy Lyons, Director of Community Relations
Mia Ertas, Director of Marketing
Naomi Spivey, Assistant Director of Programming
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