Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association

HPTA Membership Grows 8.5 Percent in 2007-08 Season

2008-04-10T19:10:00.000-07:00

Membership VP Nancy Ballantine reported today that the HPTA membership grew by 8.5% this season to a record level of 654 members.

HPTA Board Meeting on April 27

2008-04-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

Where: KLM Hut
When: 7:30 to 9 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2008

Open to HPTA members

The agenda for the HPTA Board Meeting is:

1. Accounting update

2. Instruction - Academy 2008; programs and fees

3. Tournaments - A third series of tournaments for 2008-09; Additional Mixed Doubles Draw; Juniors

4. KLM Hut - poor lighting on courts 2 and 3; painting courts; hut maintenance plans including display of trophies

5. Village Government - budgeting additional courts

6. Fundraising and donations plans for next season

7. Update on courts at Hinsdale Golf Club and Salt Creek Club

Soliciting Member Comments about Next Season

2008-03-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

To all HPTA members:

The board will be engaging in discussions soon with the Parks Commission about the platform tennis facilities. Any input you have about maintenance and other projects would be helpful. Please e-mail any of the board members with comments or the entire board through the Vice President, Communications, paulwiggin@yahoo.com .

Congratulations to Susie Dunphy and the New HPTA Board

2008-01-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

The HPTA election of 2007 wound up as we rang in the new year on December 31st. Congratulations to:

Mary Doten, reelected as Vice President (term 2007-2009)
Susie Dunphy, elected as Vice President (term 2007-2009)
Ed Usher, reelected as Vice President (term 2007-2009)
Paul Wiggin, reelected as Vice President (term 2007-2009)

Elections Conclude December 31st

2007-12-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

The Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association is a volunteer organization created to promote the wonderful game of paddle in Hinsdale and surrounding environs. It is registered as a non-profit organization in the State of Illinois.

Each year a portion of the HPTA board comes up for election by its members. This year four of the nine board members are up for election:

Mary Doten, Vice President (term 2007-2009)
Susie Dunphy, Vice Presidente (term 2007-2009)
Ed Usher, Vice President (term 2007-2009)
Paul Wiggin, Vice President (term 2007-2009)

Please respond to this poll to hinsdale_paddle@yahoo.com by January 7 with one of the following responses:

1. Affirm election of Mary Doten, Susie Dunphy, Ed Usher, and Paul Wiggin.
2. Oppose election of Mary Doten, Susie Dunphy, Ed Usher, and Paul Wiggin.
3. Write-in vote for ______________.

The election results will be posted on http://hinsdalepaddle.com and http://hpta.blogspot.com .

Incorporation of HPTA Progressing

2007-02-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

The HPTA has filed to incorporate as a non-profit with the State of Illinois. Many thanks to Ed Usher for doing the heavy lifting.

Minutes from January 21, 2007 Closed-Door Board Meeting

2007-01-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

The first-ever closed-door Board Meeting was held on January 21, 2007.

Members present: Nancy Ballantine, Mary Doten, Margaret Hawn, Bill O'Brien, Jay Pollitt, Charlie Usher, Ed Usher, Paul Wiggin; Absent: Lynn Kuessner.

In that session, the HPTA unanimously approved (8-0) a motion to incorporate as a not-for-profit in the State of Illinois. This step will facilitate the Treasury and Banking operations, as well as establishing the HPTA as a lasting organization in our community.

HPTA Board Elections End in Landslide

2006-11-10T03:28:00.000-08:00

With all precincts counted, five HPTA board members were elected unanimously in the 2006 election which closed November 7th. The winners were:

President: Bill O'Brien (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Instruction: Charlie Usher (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Membership: Nancy Ballantine (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Treasurer: Jay Pollitt (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Women's Programs: Margaret Hawn (term 2006-08)

HPTA Election Ballots due by Tuesday, November 7

2006-10-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association is a volunteer organization created to promote the wonderful game of paddle in Hinsdale and surrounding environs. Each year a portion of the HPTA board comes up for election by its members. This year five board members are up for election:

President: Bill O'Brien (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Instruction: Charlie Usher (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Membership: Nancy Ballantine (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Treasurer: Jay Pollitt (term 2006-08)
Vice-President, Women's Programs: Margaret Hawn (term 2006-08)

In addition, the HPTA Board unanimously has voted to create a new board position -- Vice-President, Youth Programs --which will be filled by Lynn Kuessner (term 2005-07). Paul Wiggin (term 2005-07) will move into the role of Vice-President, Communications, which had been filled by Keith Medick, but who is stepping down from the board to spend more time with his family. Lynn and Paul are two of the four board members will continue to serve out their terms for another year. The other two board members are Vice-President, Events: Mary Doten (term 2005-07) and Vice-President, Men's Programs: Ed Usher (term 2005-07)

Please respond to this poll to hinsdale_paddle@yahoo.com by November 7 with one of the following responses:

1. Affirm election of Bill O'Brien, Charlie Usher, Nancy Ballantine, Jay Pollitt, and Margaret Hawn.
2. Oppose election of Bill O'Brien, Charlie Usher, Nancy Ballantine, Jay Pollitt, and Margaret Hawn.
3. Write-in vote for ______________.

The election results will be posted on http://hinsdalepaddle.blogspot.com and http://hpta.blogspot.com .

HPTA Board Meeting on Sunday, October 15, at 8 PM

2006-10-10T05:05:00.000-07:00

Topics for the meeting will include:

1. Updates from Board members

2. Board Development
- Consideration of structural changes to board roles
- Election procedures

3. Event planning
- Schedule for Red Zone and Year-End Tournaments
- Location of after-tournament party

Elections to HPTA Board in 60 Days

2006-09-08T18:32:00.000-07:00

The terms of service are expiring in November for four of the eight HPTA Board members:

President: Bill O’Brien
Vice-President, Communications: Keith Medick
Vice-President, Instructional Programs: Charlie Usher
Vice-President, Membership: Nancy Ballantine

Contact paulwiggin@yahoo.com if you would like to learn more about a role with the HPTA. I would love to add some of your names to the ballot.

The board is also considering adding a ninth role to oversee programs for Juniors. The CPTC has announced a significant initiative of its own to promote paddle with school children, so this may be the right time to expand programs further for kids.

Ten-Minute Survey about Hinsdale Paddle

2006-03-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

The Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association board would like to hear about your experiences this season and your opinions about next. Please take ten minutes to answer the survey. Copy this URL into your web browser: http://express.perseus.com/perseus/surveys/1734848031/1b366616.htm

HPTA Board Meeting on Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 7:30 PM

2006-02-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

The HPTA Board will convene at the KLM hut on Sunday, 2/26/06, for a 7:30 PM meeting. Members and interested parties are welcome. The tentative agenda for this meeting is as follows:

1. Update about the February 13 Parks Commission meeting from Nancy, Lynn, and Ed

2. Update on preparations for the March 10-12 tournaments and party from Mary and Charlie

3. Plans for next season

4. Maintenance tasks for KLM and Burns

HPTA Board Members Unanimously Elected

2005-12-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

With the polls closing today, the election judges report a unanimous mandate (86 affirm, 0 against) for the four HPTA board members on the ballot:

Vice-President, Event Planning: Mary Doten (term 2005-07)
Representative, Traveling Teams: Ed Usher (term 2005-07)
Secretary: Paul Wiggin (term 2005-07)
Vice-President, Women's Programs: Lynn Kuessner (term 2005-07)

Congrats to our new board member, Lynn Kuessner, and the three board members beginning their second terms of office.

Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 22, at 7:30 PM

2005-11-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

The HPTA Board will meet on Tuesday, November 22, at 7:30 PM in the KLM hut to discuss the long-term requirements for Hinsdale paddle. Visitors are welcome.

Highlights from the September 1 Board Meeting

2005-09-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

1. Jay Pollitt reported that 89 people have registered for the September 22-24, 2005 Paddle Academy. Several sessions are completely full. Openings remain in the Intermediate Women's Clinic on Thursday morning and the Beginner's Clinic on Saturday afternoon.

2. Mary Doten reported that work is proceeding on a new way to reserve a spot for in-house leagues, mixed doubles socials, and other special events. Once an event has been scheduled, paddlers will be able to sign up individually.

3. Ed Usher reported that the league intendes to fulfill Hinsdale Park Districts requests for adding two men's teams for this season, bringing the total number to eleven. Ed will be working with the team captains during September to set up rosters for returning players and additions.

4. The HPTA will be taking several steps in the fall to invite new players into programs:

(a) Andy Bizub's article in The Doings last week described the Paddle Academy and other ways to get players started.

(b) Keith Medick will be hanging posters in area supermarkets, Village parks, the train station, and tennis clubs.

(c) Bill O'Brien and Ed Usher will send out a series of e-mail messages asking the returning list of (263) families to identify neighbors and friends to invite to HPTA programs.

(d) Charlie Usher will work with the three pros to set up free clinics in the fall to encourage curious residents to come out and try paddle.

5. Paul Wiggin proposed posting signage at KLM and Burns that lays out all of the rules of conduct on one page. The main ideas will be to inform on proper use of the facility (e.g. heaters) and remind players to be respectful of neighbors (e.g. noise).

6. March 11-12 were tentatively chosen as the dates for the annual Hinsdale Tourney. Keith Medick will work with Village staff to reserve KLM Lodge for an social event on the evening of March 11.

7. Terms for three board members expire in November. Elections will be held for these roles and one additional board member role -- Vice President, Women's Programs. Anyone interested in serving on the board should contact paulwiggin@yahoo.com for information and to be included on the ballot.

8. A meeting of the full board will be held in January 2006, or sooner if urgent matters arise.

HPTA Board Meeting Agenda for September 1, 2005

2005-08-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 1, 2005, beginning at 7:30 PM

KLM Paddle Hut

1) Guests are invited to speak about any issues of interest.

a. Academy (Jay and Bob) – status of registrations

2) Reports from Board Members

a. Events (Mary) – reservations system, events schedule

b. Traveling Teams (Ed) – Wednesday nights at KLM and Burns

c. HPD participation with the Nationals and Other Chicago Charities Tournaments (Bill)

d. Membership (Nancy) – updating the mailing list

e. Communication (Keith) -- marketing HPTA programs

f. Facilities (Paul) – maintenance, improvements, rules of conduct signs

g. Coordination with Village of Hinsdale staff (all)

3) Hinsdale Tournament

a. Coordinating our timing with the Nationals Tournament (Mary, Charlie)

b. Reserving the KLM Lodge for the party (Keith)

4) Administrative Matters

a. Next board meeting

a. Fall elections timetable – Secretary (Paul), Events (Mary), Traveling Teams (Ed), Tournament Directors (Mary, Charlie)

Plans for the 2005-06 Season

2005-07-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

On Monday, July 18, 2005 the Village of Hinsdale Parks Commission meets in the Memorial Building. They've asked the HPTA to present its plans for the 2005-06 season. These notes have been provided:

Highlights of the 2004-05 Season

 The HPTA elected its first slate of officers in November 2004 and built a membership of 500 players for Hinsdale and surrounding communities. Throughout the season, we kept the community informed through two active web sites full of photographs and news stories. To view these, visit http://hinsdalepaddle.blogspot.com and http://hpta.blogspot.com .

 The Village recorded a record number of paddle passholders and a record number of reservations last season. We are thrilled to see activity up about 300% over the past 3 years. A reservations web site donated by one of the lifetime members alleviated much of the burden on Village staff that this increase would otherwise have brought.

 The association’s top priority for the season was to increase use by women of the paddle facilities. The series of instructional programs for women and children offered through the Parks Department were a huge success. Several “in-house leagues” for women also turned out to be very popular and will be expanded.

 A regular schedule of social events brought many residents to the KLM paddle facility for their first experience. The monthly mixed doubles events on Friday evenings and three parent/child events during the season were oversubscribed.

 More than 100 residents participated in the competitive league this season. All ten of Hinsdale’s traveling teams finished near the top of their series, making this the strongest season for competitive paddle ever.

 The March 19-20, 2005 tournament grew to five draws and each of these was nearly full with 32 players. We were fortunate again to have perfect weather all weekend.

 Members of the HPTA worked with the Parks Commission and Burr Ridge residents to implement seven changes aimed at lessening the impact of use of the park. The last of these recommendations was recently completed with the move of mature trees near the property line. In addition, an experiment with the orientation of the light fixtures has helped to reduce the visibility of the park from the adjoining neighborhood.

Plans for the 2005-06 Season

 The offering of instructional programs for platform tennis through the Village should be continued into its second season, with some minor adjustments. The association is recommending changes to the schedule that’s used in the on-line reservation system. One set of changes – allowing reservation blocks in less than 90 minute increments – would make the schedule mesh better with school drop-off and pick-up times. A second set of changes would allow participants in the women’s “in-house” league to reserve time individually.

 The association will continue a long-standing tradition of offering free introductory classes to Hinsdale residents. This program is promoted by placing posters around town, word-of-mouth, and through the Village of Hinsdale’s fall recreation brochure.

 The association has arranged for a series of clinics to be offered at KLM from September 22-24. The cost for a three-hour clinic will run $100 per person and be collected by the event committee which is chaired by HPTA members, Jay Pollitt and Bob Schultz.

 In cooperation with the Parks Department, the association will be making improvements at the KLM platform tennis facility. For example, we will be staining the pressurized lumber used for the stairs and ramps later this week. The HPTA also offers to place crushed rock between the courts to reduce the muddiness.

 We understand that the Village staff plans to maintain the Burns Field platform tennis courts and correct a problem with the heater on court 1 at KLM this summer. The HPTA will assist in any way we are able.

 We understand that the Parks Commission will be contemplating the Village’s long-term plan for parks this year. To accommodate continued growth for platform tennis, we recommend the purchase of two additional courts in 2008. To minimize the impact of light and sound on neighbors in Burr Ridge, the Parks Commission should consider installing these courts immediately to the north of courts 1 and 4 at KLM.

Kids Night on Friday, April 15

2005-04-02T07:03:00.000-08:00

What: paddle, pizza, & prizes
Where: KLM paddle courts
When: Friday, April 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Who: Kindergarten through Fifth Graders (and siblings as necessary)
Cost: $5 per child and $5 per adult

Each child must have a parent who is participating in the festivities. (Please, no drop offs).

Wear sneakers. Paddles are available for anyone who needs them. Please e-mail paulwiggin@yahoo.com by April 12 if you plan on attending, so we have enough pizza.

Winners of the 2005 Hinsdale Platform Tennis Tournaments

2005-04-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up in this weekend's tournaments.

Men's tournaments (including several women!):

A
1 Jeff Byrnes & Louis Jacobsohn
2 Ryan Edlefson & Marc Veverka

B
1 Sam Hart & Van Stapleton
2 Dave Leonard & Sam Stout

C
1 Jim Weil & Bob Westrick
2 Andy Bizub & Michael Lee

Women's tournaments:

A
1 Molly Hughes & Sue Sprovieri
2 Betsy Bradley & Missy D’Alise

B
1 Jackie Nelson & Julia Wade
2 Mary Beth Daly & Susan Muir

Thanks to Nancy Ballantine, Mary Doten, and Charlie Usher on putting together the largest and best tournament weekend Hinsdale has ever experienced.

Guidelines for Hinsdale Paddle Tournament March 19th & 20th, 2005

2005-03-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

1. Almost everyone is playing 3 matches on Saturday. All finals and backdraw finals are on Sunday.

2. If all parties are agreeable, backdraw finals that are scheduled for Sunday can be played Saturday afternoon, anytime 3:00 or later. The courts should be opening up at this time, everywhere.

3. Tournament headquarters will be at KLM. Be sure and stop by KLM Saturday morning to get your official Hinsdale Platform Tennis shirt.

3. Scoring – regular scoring
- Best of 3 sets, tie-breaker at 6-all.
- Be sure your scores get reported back to KLM immediately upon completion of your match. Gary Doten will be fielding the calls, (708) 473-9132

4. Time is of the essence
- we are trying to get 72 matches played on Saturday.
- We must strive to finish every match in 1 hour or less.
- Limit warm-up to 5 minutes maximum
- Arrive at least15 minutes early to each match and begin a.s.a.p.

5. New balls - we have enough balls for everyone to use 1 new ball for each match, not for each set.

6. The Keller Court is at 1155 35th St., Oak Brook. Take Ogden to Adams south to 35th St. Park in the driveway.

7. Please help keep the tournament running smoothly. Much of the time A & B players will be at the same site as C players. If you have any questions about scoring a tie-breaker, etc., just ask one of the A or B players.

8. Pray for good weather.

9. The finals for all 3 draws is Sunday, 10:45 a.m., at KLM. Let’s all come out and support the finalists.

10. Go to http://hinsdalepaddle.blogspot.com/ for more info about Saturday nights party.

Hinsdale Tourney Filling Up

2005-02-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

Charlie Usher reports that on February 28:

A Draw is closed with 16 excellent & even teams already signed up.

B Draw has 13 of the 16 spots signed up.

C Draw has 13 of the 16 spots signed up.

If you have signed up but not sent your check in, please do so promptly.

Parent/Teen Paddle on Friday, February 25

2005-02-19T03:12:00.000-08:00

When: February 25, 2005 from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: KLM Paddle Courts

Who: Parent with middle/high school age child

We will begin with a round robin format of play for the first hour. Free play will follow.

Pizza will be delivered at 8:30 pm

Space will be limited to the first 12 families who sign up

Send response to Nancy Ballantine nwbal@msn.com

Event open to all HPTA members and their teenagers.

Event coordinators: Adrienne Renwick 321-1335 and Nancy Ballantine 655-2153
Call us if you have questions

We will be collecting $10 / family at the door, to cover pizza, gatorade, and balls.

Hope to see you there!!

HPTA Makes 10 Recommendations about Lights and Noise

2005-02-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

The full letter is available here: Letter.doc
Recommendations

In consideration for the Village’s support for platform tennis programs, the HPTA asks for an opportunity to address the complaints about both lighting and noise. Our initial recommendations are as follows:

1. The HPTA has encouraged late-starting matches to be played on the western courts #1 and #2.

2. The HPTA has encouraged players to turn off lights as early as possible, particularly on the eastern courts #3 and #4.

3. The HPTA has created a policy that shouting is unwelcome conduct. As necessary, the HPTA will recommend to the Village Parks Manager that a passholder’s privileges be revoked for repeated offenses.

4. The HPTA has communicated its policy about shouting in a series of meetings, e-mail messages, and web site postings.

5. The HPTA has informed and reminded visiting players that shouting is not permitted at Hinsdale’s facilities.

6. The HPTA will welcome feedback from neighbors and from other observers regarding noise levels.

7. The HPTA will encourage its members to vacate the warming house promptly at 10:30 PM.

8. The HPTA will help to fund the purchase of windscreens for the eastern courts #3 and #4 in order to reduce the neighbors’ views of play. It is important to note that to avoid damage to the court structure, the windscreens will have to be erected on an independent structure.

9. The HPTA recommends that the Village add landscaping near the eastern property line, which in time, will provide additional screening from the adjacent neighborhood.

10. The HPTA would suggest returning to a Parks Commission meeting after these recommendations have been implemented to discuss whether issues with light and sound have been adequately addressed.

We welcome the opportunity to work through these issues with the Parks Commission, Village Board, and our neighbors in Burr Ridge. We look forward to resolving the issues about lights and sounds without stifling the growth of Hinsdale’s platform tennis programs.

HPTA Board Meeting Agenda

2005-02-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 13, 2005

7:30 PM

KLM Paddle Hut

1) Approval of minutes from December 5, 2004 HPTA Board Meeting.

2) Guests are invited to speak about any issues of interest.

3) Reports from Board Members

a. Communication (Keith) -- plans for marketing HPTA programs

b. Events (Mary) -- reservations, schedule, turnout

c. Facilities (Paul) -- cleaning, electrical faults, heaters, maintenance, supplies

d. Instruction (Charlie) -- court reservations, turnout

e. Membership (Nancy) -- sharing lists of new players

f. Traveling Teams (Ed)

4) Follow-up discussion about initiatives to encourage participation by women.

5) Discussion about February 21 Parks Commission Meeting to address concerns of several Burr Ridge residents.

6) Discussion about the Hinsdale Tournament to be held March 19-20.

7) Plans for 2005-06 season

a. Would there be interest in having the Viking Academy return for a 2-day camp next season?

b. Should we create By-Laws for the HPTA?