The Winchester Tennis Association held its Annual Meeting on April 8. Outgoing President Chris Aronson opened the meeting with the proposed slate of Officers for 1998. Voted in unanimously, the newly elected President - Leo Lauretano ran the rest of the meeting.

1998 WTA Officers

President: Leo Lauretano
Vice-President: Glenn Ciotti
Treasurer: Kerry Bergin
Secretary: Katherine Owens

1998 WTA Board of Directors

Chris Aronson
Ted Martin
Gordon Nicholson
Vin Piro

The first item of business was a moment of silence in honor of John Cronin who recently passed away. It was then discussed and voted by those present that Don Ellis will determine what would be a suitable memorial, using available funds.

WTA Director Gordon Nicholson brought it to the meeting's attention that the fees for the 1998 season had been raised by the town. There is some concern that fees will continue to rise; Gordon will schedule a meeting with Lee Evans, Director of Recreation to raise the concern.

Christopher Sprague, representing a group of Paddle Tennis enthusiasts, addressed the meeting. The WTA is supportive of the group and would like to be apprised as to their progress.

WTA members Janet Burke and Laurie Minitti raised the issue of the WTA being incorporated as a non-profit organization. It was discussed and decided that it was not really worth pursuing at this time.

Discussion continued about WTA dues. It was voted to raise dues to $10.00 for an individual adult, not to exceed $20.00 for a household. Children's dues will remain at $1.00. In addition it was proposed that there be a life-time membership available. After discussion this was voted on and passed. The fee for a life-time membership will be set in the near future.

WTA member Norm Bram proposed that the Fall tournament (Town Championships) be open to all Winchester residents. After discussion this was amended to be open to high school age and above. This year will be a trial year; it will be discussed at the Annual Meeting in April 1999.

The tournament schedule for the 1998 season was set. Kerry Bergin presented the Treasurer's report.

WTA member Larry Smith requested that the minutes show appreciation to Chris Aronson for two years of service as WTA President. Thank you Chris!

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 pm.

The 3rd Annual Good Start Benefit Tournament
Men's and Women's Doubles
Call Chris Goodyear to enter or click here.
(781) 721-0231

During the Annual Meeting the Board of Directors and WTA members present decided on the tournament dates for the 1998 season. The schedule is as follows:

Winchester Savings Bank Annual Spring Draw............May 23-25

Good Start Benefit.....June 13&14

NELTA Men's 50+....June 20&21

Husband & Wife.......August 8&9

Cambridgeport Bank Junior Tournament............August 10-14

Fall Tournament: The Town Championships.......September 12&13 and 19&20

To join the WTA, click here.

Memorial Day weekend dawned with beautiful weather and a tennis community ready to start a new season. The Annual Spring Draw Doubles Tournament, sponsored by the Winchester Savings Bank, is the traditional kick-off of the tennis season; and thanks to the weather and an enthusiastic tournament committee, led by Chris Aronson, the 1998 season started off with a bang! Many people competed, some for the first time (we hope to see you again!). Unfortunately, only a few can come out on top - the Finalists and Winners are listed below - but everyone who participated had fun!

FAMILY DOUBLES:

Winners: Alison and Alex Popp
Finalists: Michael and Will Aldrich

WOMEN'S DOUBLES:

Winners: Diana Khabbaz and Judy Harrington
Finalists: Elston Miles and Katherine Owens

MEN'S DOUBLES:

Winners: Joe Ferrone and Ed Crowley
Finalists: Gil Hurlbut and Tony Fortunati

MIXED DOUBLES:

Winners: Gretchen Lewis and Chris Aronson
Finalists: Cheryl Lauretano and Pat Ariniello