Summer EXCITEMENT is just around the corner!
Leagues begin July 10 — Late registrations still being accepted for limited spots!
Spring Players Party a success!
June 3rd was the date and Concourse Athletic Club was the place to be for the Visionary Tennis Spring Players Party. Music by the fabulous David Irwin and dinner catered by Mambo Italiano highlighted an evening to remember. Thanks to all who came out, and special congratulations to our raffle winners:
Greg Hoff — $25 Dicks Sports Gift Certificate
Delia Gutu — - Head Racquet of her choice
Dani Bethel — - Split-the-Pot winner benefiting Dream House For Medically Fragile Children
Along with our valued members, the following sponsors and supporters made the Visionary Tennis Spring Players Party a huge success:
Please support all our great sponsors.
Click here to see all the party pics
You asked for it ...
VISIONARY TENNIS DOUBLES LEAGUES ARE COMING THIS FALL!
Play a match and both you and your partner will receive the coveted PlayerPoints in your prize account.
EXCITING five-match seasons with prizes riding on every game, set, and match.
Watch your inbox and the August issue of VISIONS for all the details.
Got your partner lined up? Get ready to DOUBLE your fun.
Phone registrations are open now!Call Rocket at 866-200-1812 to reserve your spot. |
Mixed Doubles Clinic and Party
Visionary Tennis is teaming with Netcord to host their first “Together for the Kids” mixed doubles clinic at Concourse Athletic Club. That’s right — for all those who have requested a drill session like the famous Netcord Ladies’ Day events in the evening, this one is for you.
We will begin with two hours of drills on the clay courts of the Concourse Athletic Club and follow it up with a two-hour mixer poolside.
To register or get more information, click here. |
|
| MiMi Cain, editor |
 |
|
|
 |
This month’s contributors:
Jim Heinz
Jay Jordan
Mark Noll |
| |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Our Partners, Sponsors and Supporters
Nothing of real value can be accomplished all alone — it takes the hard work and support of many! Visionary Tennis would like to extend warm thanks to all those who have helped us turn the vision of America's most exciting tennis leagues into reality. |
|
|
| |
Advertise in VISIONS!
Reach a wider audience of tennis players and fans through this newsletter! Visionary Tennis welcomes all inquiries and will help style your promotion to best suit your needs. For more information, please contact Mimi Cain at 770-329-1219, or email mimi1951@comcast.net. |
| Back to top |
|
|
Message from the Editor
Is it hot enough? You know you’re in the South when the summer begins with temp’s in the 90’s – OUCH! But let this not deter us from exercising (with caution) and doing what we continue to love doing – play tennis.
Our Summer League is about to commence (July 10th) so Ya’all bring all that enthusiasm to the courts. Also bring your fans (friends too) and lots of water. We want everyone healthy and ready to play in the fall, especially since Visionary Tennis will be debuting the Doubles League.
Happy 4th of July and enjoy your summer. Win lots of matches. Accumulate your PlayerPoints for great gifts. Visionary Tennis is truly in a League of Its Own.
Remember: Work hard ... play hard ... and just have fun!
MiMi Cain
VISIONS Editor
|
| Back to top |
|
|
 V I S I O N A R Y T E N N I S P A R T N E R |
 |
| Back to top |
|
|
Visionary Tennis Facility of the Month
Racquet Club of the South
|
Friends,
Each month we bring you a club or facility that has caught our attention for their outstanding contribution to our fellow Visionary Tennis members. If you have an outstanding facility that you would like to nominate for our monthly feature, please let us know at PlayerServices@VisionaryTennis.com.
Imagine the enjoyment of spending time with friends while playing tennis in a 23-acre wooded setting. Formerly WCT (World Champion Tennis), Racquet Club of the South (RCS) is proud to offer one of the finest tennis facilities you are likely to find anywhere. With 18 outdoor, 4 clay and 8 indoor tennis courts, plus other amenities at your disposal, you'll find that RCS is a true ‘tennis country club’.
Back in the late 70's, Lamar Hunt had a vision to make tennis a game for the average player. He helped start the Open era of Tennis by organizing a linked series of Men's Pro tennis tournaments. (Prior to that, the players had more or less played as “shamateurs”, with payments being made under the table, etc.) WCT started, in effect, the modern pro game as we know it today.
RCS has seen many changes since those days (some stemming from extensive tornado damage in 1992!), including the recent change of management and restaurant owners, yet through it all, the level of professionalism has never waned. Tennis Director Tony Niland is a former member of the South African Davis Cup team — nationally ranked for five years in South Africa — and won his state's Men's Singles Title seven years in a row. Zenda Griebenow is also a fellow South African and lends her talents as the Head Teaching Pro. Monthly member round robins, weekly/daily drills, junior programs, guest tournaments plus a variety of leagues including WTA and ATP.
Several levels of membership are available: Corporate, Family, Single, Junior and Summer Pool. Whether you are interested in entertaining your clients, family and friends (The Grille is open to the public) or just in working off those hard-earned calories in the fitness center, call today and find out why more than three hundred members are having a ball at RCS.
 |
 |
 |
| |
Racquet Club of the South
6200 Peachtree Corners Circle
Norcross, Georgia
Phone: 770-449-6060
Fax: 770-441-1303
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
Olde Towne Travel Club |
 |
|
To provide the best service and value to our members, Olde Towne Travel Club has have engaged Williamsburg Travel Management-American Express to be our travel provider. Williamsburg is one of the largest travel firms in the Southeast U. S., a Centurion level American Express Representative, and has a reputation for excellent service. Williamsburg offers us the choice to book on-line or deal personally with one of their highly experienced agents.
- Special discounts and amenities on American Express Air Inclusive Vacations
- The best rates and amenities on Cruise Vacations
- Special Rates on Hotels Worldwide
- National Rates on Car Rentals
- Access to American Express Financial Services such as Foreign Currency
- 24 Hour Emergency Travel Service Worldwide
Packages consist of round trip flights and hotel stays. Inclusions, transfers, car rentals, meal plans, sightseeing, and trip insurance may be available as you build your package. You are moments away from your dream vacation. Experience the ease and convenience of booking and paying online!v
We will be planning special group travel programs so watch for further details.
For reservations, call 770-261-8605 / 800-541-9075 and be sure to identify yourself as an Old Towne member ... or book online.
www.willtrav.com/otac/ |
|
|
|
|
Lifestyle & Leisure
Health Tip — Don't Deny that Thirst
www.healthcentral.com
A summer workout can leave you feeling great -- as long as you don't let yourself get dehydrated.
The combination of heat, humidity and activity can cause your body to lose water and essential elements, leading to the risk of kidney problems or even death, says the University of Michigan Health System.
If you're working out hard enough, you can become dehydrated any time of the year. However, the risk of serious dehydration increases when temperatures go above 75 or 80 degrees F and there is high humidity.
You may think you just need to drink when you feel thirsty. Wrong. Thirst isn't a reliable indicator. You should be drinking enough water or a balanced salt solution (for example, Gatorade) before, during and after any workout.
Signs that you're not getting enough fluids and may be becoming dehydrated include an uneasy feeling and a noticeable drop in your energy and performance levels. You may also get a headache and body aches.
If you ignore those warning signs and don't drink enough to replenish your body's fluid levels, you could be in danger. Your body temperature may rise and cause your perspiration (which acts as your body's cooling mechanism) to slow down or stop. You may then pass out.
Water and balanced salt solutions are the best way to replenish body fluids and elements. Don't drink soda or juices.
Coaches and parents of young athletes need to ensure the youngsters drink enough while they're playing sports.
Chef of the Month — Marc Noll — Executive Chef, Racquet Club of the South
There must be something in the water at RCS. First, they have a Tennis Director and Head Teaching Pro from South Africa, and now their new head chef also has South African roots. Marc Noll was born in the R.S.A and enjoyed life on the farm until the age of eight. His family traveled across the big pond to New Jersey where he spent his high school and college years learning the game of tennis and his love for the kitchen. Cooking was always an essential in the Noll family; Marc’s dad was a cook in the South African Army, so it was a natural that his son follow in his footsteps.
While attending Rider University (near Princeton, NJ), Marc earned respect as a chef by working weekends and summers at many Jersey restaurants. After his family relocated to Marietta in early 2000, Marc decided that he, too, was ready for warmer weather, and he soon ventured south as well, where he became a member of Olde Towne Athletic Club. There, Marc joined forces with another Chef of the Month, Michael Strimban; their combined culinary talents and love of tennis made them a perfect fit as they created dishes for a clientele of tennis enthusiasts.
As of November 1st, 2005, Marc moved across town to become executive chef at RCS. With the cold months approaching, Marc would like to share one of his favorite recipes that is sure to warm us all. Bon appetit! |
Recipe of the Month: Linguine alle Vongole (Linguine with Clams)
| |
1 pound dry or fresh linguine |
| |
4 dozen little neck clams (soak in water ½ hour then rinse under running water) |
| |
5 oz. extra virgin olive oil |
| |
3 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced thinly |
| |
10 oz white wine |
| |
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley |
| |
salt and pepper to taste |
| |
|
| |
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add 2 tsp. salt. |
| |
Heat the oil in a sauté pan large enough to accommodate the clams. |
| |
Add garlic and half of the parsley. |
| |
Add clams the white wine. |
| |
Season to taste, then cover and cook until the clams open. |
| |
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package; then drain and toss with the clams. |
| |
Serve mixture into 4 pasta bowls. |
| |
Drizzle each serving with olive oil, then sprinkle remaining parsley on top and add freshly ground pepper to taste. |
| |
Buon appetito! |
| |
Serves 4 |
|
Restaurant of the Month — DolceVita Ristorante Italiano
DolceVita brings the "sweet life" of Italian dining to the Atlanta area. At DolceVita you will experience true Italian cuisine from the Alps to Sicily in a welcoming, upscale dining atmosphere. Their cuisine offers traditional Italian dishes as well as current trends in popular in Italian restaurants.
Franceso De Amicis, owner and Executive Chef, was born and raised in Grottaglie, a small town in southern Italy near the Mediterranean sea. He began his love affair with food and wine in his teens, and began his professional career in restaurants after retiring from the Carabinieri (Italy's version of the FBI) in the early 70's.
He moved to the United States with wife Karen (whom he met on a blind date in Florence!), but went back to Italy in the early 80's to open what was his second restaurant in Puglia.
After deciding to return to America to raise their family, Franco continued his career in restaurants. While living in New York City, he managed the venerable Bice on E. 54th St. Most recently he was the Food & Beverage Director for the Lake Blackshear Resort in south Georgia.
With his years of experience as a renowned manager and head chef, as well as catering and event work, Franco decided it was time to open a true Italian restaurant - DolceVita.
Come enjoy world-class cocktails in the Dolce Lounge, where live music is offered every Friday and Saturday. Hang out at the bar or have a seat at one of the lounge tables for a memorable night anytime.
Whether for a special occasion, private event, or simply a memorable meal, DolceVita is your restaurant. Each month, seasonal dishes are featured from a different region of Italy, as well as special cocktails and wines. The menus are extensive and are updated monthly to reflect all the special regional features. Please contact them for catering and special events menus - and don't forget to check the calendar on their website to see who is playing when.
11705 Medlock Bridge Road, Duluth, 770-814-7477
www.DolceVitaAtl.com
Open 7 days a week for dinner. Lunch served all days except Saturday. |
| Back to top |
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
|
|
Your Health with Dr. Jim Heinz
Tennis for two |
|
 A few years ago, one of my female patients walked into my office. “I’ve got good news and bad news,” she announced, “the good news is that my husband and I are expecting a baby. The bad news is that I won’t be able to play tennis for a while.”
I inquired why she thought that she wouldn’t be able to play, and she replied that she just figured that it wouldn’t be healthy for the baby. Since this woman was an avid player, I told her the rule of thumb – if you did it before you got pregnant, chances are you can do it while you are pregnant. This applies to most sports (except maybe full contact karate) but check with your OBGYN just to be sure. |
| |
I often meet new patients in the early stages of their pregnancy. They are seeking a drug-free way to manage their back pain, headaches, and other aches and pains caused by the changes going on in their bodies. Chiropractic provides an excellent solution for their concerns. Often the highlight of their visit is their chance to lay face down on a special table that puts no pressure on their expanding tummies.
Active women can continue to be active during pregnancy with some common sense and caution. Studies show that physical activity during pregnancy can result in a more pleasant pregnancy with fewer complications. Staying involved in your favorite sport can also help to buffer the rollercoaster of emotions and moods. However, use care as you reach your seventh month and beyond because your balance and coordination may be diminished.
I had to chuckle when I overheard a women’s doubles team talking about a recent defeat at the hands of a pair of pregnant players. “I wouldn’t have been so upset,” one lady complained, “but they both looked as if they were going to deliver their babies at any minute.”
Until next time,
Dr. Jim Heinz
Family Chiropractic Group
1376 Church Street
Decatur, GA
404-377-3377
heinzjim@bellsouth.net
A massage makes a great gift. Call Jordana Alder at 478-284-1518 to schedule a special treat for a loved one. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
|
|
On Court with Jay Jordan, M.E.
“That’s quite a racket you’re making!”
|
Jay’s Tip of the Month:
Baseball caps keep you cooler than headbands alone. |
How's your game doing? I hope the tips we have been giving you are making a difference. In this month's issue I would like to concentrate on some specific tips involving your tennis racket. I would like to give you some ideas about customization that have been helpful for me -- some ideas that many pros use.
When I was in college I challenged the #1 court player and won, taking over that position on the team. You might not think there would be that much difference between the #1 and #2 court players but there was. Not only did the #1 court players hit with power, but their balls were 'heavy' -- that is, they hit with tons of bite or spin. I was having trouble hitting through and controlling my shots. If I would miss-hit the ball even just a little, the ball would fly and feel terrible. I was really struggling and had no idea how I could improve quickly enough to compete with these guys.
That's why we have coaches. |
| |
|
 My coach suggested I add weights to my racket, specifically at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. He said it would make the racket more stable on off-center hits, and help me hit through those balls better. I also added weight to the handle to keep the swing weight the same.
Did it help my game? Well I'm afraid I never made it to Wimbledon, but I did become much more competitive in just a few weeks. In the following year, after having had much more time with the newly weighted racket, I went from the previous year's 4-8 record to 9-6 on court one. The only losses were to ranked Juniors.
So we should all run out and weight our rackets, right? Well not exactly. If you are playing at the 4.0 level and under, you probably will notice little difference. The people you are playing do not, for the most part, hit with enough pace and spin to warrant weighting your racket. It is more about the spin and pace that you are hitting against than anything else. At 4.5 and above, or open-age level competitions, you will most likely benefit from some sort of weighting. It will help you hit through your opponents' spin and pace, in order to impart the spin and placement that you want.
So how -- and where -- do you add weight correctly? |
| |
Let's start with the where first since it is the easiest to achieve. It all depends upon what you're trying for: The closer to the tip you place the weight, the more power you will add to your racket. Be careful, though, as you will also increase the swing weight -- which will put pressure on your shoulder and elbow. If you want to increase the stability while adding a little power, try adding weight at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. Start with 2 or 3 grams of lead tape here. Increase the weight S-L-O-W-L-Y! Let your arm and shoulder gradually get used to the weight. If you like the swing weight of your racket, then you'll need to add at least the same amount to the handle.
Other reasons players add weight to their rackets include: to get more power; to raise or lower the sweet spot; to change the swing weight; or to match all of one's rackets. You might want to change the sweet spot if you notice you continually hit the ball high or low in the string bed. Check the ball fuzz and string wear; it will tell you where you hit most of your balls. You might want your racket to be more maneuverable and therefore easier to volley; to achieve this you would add weight to the handle. If you need more penetration on your ground strokes (ie more power), you will need to add weight to the tip of your racket.
As far as the how of correctly weighting a racket is concerned, the following link has great information on the professional way to do it.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/Customizing/customize.html
Almost all the pros either have their rackets custom-made or have weights added. Try these tips and maybe it will improve your game the next time you are On Court.
Jay Jordan
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
The Last Word...
|
|
Somewhere along the path of ‘growing up’, the essence of play becomes more and more elusive, like a dream’s receding memory. Many of us give in and allow the sheer fun of life to be discredited, forced to cower behind a wall of ‘reasonable expectations’.
But once in awhile, something rekindles that spark, awakens that child to come out and play.
It is that moment that gives us all hope.
Visionary Tennis is all about that moment, and about bringing it back to you again and again and again. We want you to play. We want to remind you that ‘playing tennis’ really is just that. It’s not a job, it’s not a discipline —
it’s a game.
 |
|
| Know anybody else who’s into sports as much as you? Why not forward VISIONS to them and spread the word! |
| Back to top |
VISIONS is the official newsletter of Visionary Tennis, and is published on the first Friday of every month.
All written content © Visionary Tennis Inc., 2006. No part of this work may be copied without the express permission of Visionary Tennis.
You may unsubscribe from the VISIONS newsletter here. |
| |
|
| |
