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December Newsletter

Calendar 

• Aerobics 
• Fitness Facts
• Massage Messages
• New Members and Referrals
• Swim Stats
  Tennis

• President's Message

Oakland Hills Tennis Club Hours
Monday through Friday:  6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturdays and Sundays:  8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Calendar

Every Thursday Morning is Ladies Day
Every Tuesday night is Men's League
Every Thursday night is Mixed Doubles League

Upcoming Events

President's Message

Happy New Year. My staff and I are eager, ready and willing to serve your sport and fitness needs and thank you for your support. A great New Year's resolution would be to use the club more to keep yourself healthier - a wise investment.

Once again, the December Open House was a huge success. It was unusual to see so many arrive earlier (a steady stream at about 5:20 PM), and they stayed longer, too. Calendar us in for December 1, 2012; a little earlier this year due to a conflict with Hanukkah. We promise you another good time!

Yulia Wynn has been hired as our new Aerobics Director. She has already taken charge and you are sure to recognize her footprint with the new aerobics schedule. A new Water Aerobics class has been added for 6:00 PM, Tuesday nights. It has been agreed we can't offer this class during the summer months, and the arrangement seems to meet the needs of both our water aerobics enthusiasts and lap swimmers. Only received two comments about this change, both positive.

The 5 fuel cells all were operational effective December 9, 2011, albeit with some hiccups. As stated before, once things are running smoothly and I have some hard data to share, I'll call a meeting for those interested - probably in March.

After substantial consideration, I have decided to relax the club's black soled shoe rule. Our investigation revealed that there are fewer and fewer options for our members; manufacturer's are increasing the number of black soled shoe options, eliminating others, to the point getting alternative shoes is too difficult. However, we will require that any black soled shoe must be clearly stamped as Non-Marking; otherwise, it will not be allowed. Stamping shoes in this fashion is standard practice with manufacturer's.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance report was received in December. Believe it or not, it looks like $100,000 to $200,000 in improvements will have to be made, among the most expensive costs is replacing the spa. Bids are being taken and some of the work is underway or finished. Due to the enormous expense, I will have to phase in some of the more expensive obligations.

About 300 to 400 signatures have been gathered on a petition to STOP reconfiguration of Redwood Rd./35th Ave. from a 4 lane streetdown to 2 lanes. There is strong support for this position, but I feel we need to accumulate at least 2,000 signatures to get our council person to take note that we are serious about this matter. Petitions either have been or are about to be distributed to all the affected businesses on this route. If you haven't signed the petition, please do so the next time you visit the front desk.

The crab feed is coming in February. It is bargain priced at $45.00 per person - break even for crab, entertainment and drinks. This is always a popular event, so sign up early. Rosina has worked hard to put this together.

Due to the influx of lap swimming, I have decided to try an experiment and leave the lane lines in the pool through the winter. My Aquatic Director tells me a minimum of 4 swimmers can be accommodated in each lane by doing circular laps. This avoids swerving and other gymnastics while attempting lap swimming. Please let me know your comments.

Membership is waning. Increased promotional spending of 300% in 2011had modest results and we need your help. An aggressive campaign will take place this year, too, but you sponsoring a new member is critical to our planning. Sponsor a new member in 2012 and we'll reward you with a month's dues waived when they join.

Please note the new dues schedule posted elsewhere in this newsletter. Unfortunately, costs keep rising and, with membership down, an unavoidable 3% increase is necessary effective February 1. That said, you can take advantage of our 6% discount for annual dues paid in advance; this discount will expire at 5:00 PM, February 10, 2012.

Cordially,

Oakland Hills Tennis Club, Inc.

Jim Thompson, President

 
Bridge 
Rose Ann Kase
On Wednesday, Dec. 11th at 7 pm, join fellow members for a few games of Chicago Style Bridge and some wonderful snacks.

Ladies' Night
Veda Gilman
Join the ladies on Wednesday evening, Dec. 11th at 7 pm for some mid-week tennis and some tidbits in the lounge.(cancelled this month)

Men's Night
Ron Iriyama
Come play fun tennis on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18th at 7 pm. Snacks and beer provided afterwards in the lounge.

Aquatics
Ann Cavalli, Director

Aqua Fit – Rain or shine with Merle Boese and Chris Alexander and their unique and challenging work-outs, W-Fri, 9:30 to 10:30 am, Sunday 9 to 10:00 am. Enjoy the new class on Tuesday nights at 6pm.

Now that the holidays have passed we can all breathe a little easier. During the haste shopping these swimmers still found time to swim over 100 laps: Rich Edwards, 260; Marc Seleznow, 150; Jane Seleznow, 127.

Effective February 1, 2012 the following will be the new dues schedule:

Tennis Fitness

Individual $155.00 Individual $116.50

Couple $205.00 Couple $155.00

Family $245.00 Family $189.00

Year's Dues In Advance

Pay one year's dues in advance by Feb. 10, 2012 and receive a 6% discount! No discounts will be given after February 10. Year's dues paid in advance are non-refundable. Call

Kathleen, our bookkeeper to make arrangements.

Welcome New Members

The after school junior tennis clinics will begin on Tuesday, February 7th. This class is for beginner to advanced beginner students. The age range is six to approximately 13 years and as always, we separate the kids by age and skills to make each group compatible. This is a ten week series that meets from 4-5:30 at a cost of $170.00. Juniors who are at a more competitive level can join our Wednesday clinic that starts on Wednesday, February 8th. This ten week session will also meet from 4-5:30 as well as on Fridays for matches with other junior tennis teams. The level of play is intermediate to advanced and the cost is $190.00. Please email me at jerryconrad27@yahoo.com or call me at 262-9955 if you have any questions. I will send out an email application to those in my data base as well as have applications at the front desk. Parents can also go to my website, www.tenniswithjerryconrad.com for applications and information concerning my tennis program at Oakland Hills.

This time of year reminds me of the line from the Game of Thrones novel, "winter is coming". The weather is quickly becoming cold and rainy which is why I take my vacation in January. I will be back the first week of February. Have a great holiday season and see you soon.

Jerry Conrad

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail

The biggest error people make is setting goals that are doomed to fail; usually for a lack of motivation, not being specific enough, too ambitious or entirely unrealistic. Advice: Start by setting two or three big goals rather than a dozen small ones, put them in writing, and make them S.M.A.R.T. What are smart goals? These are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals.An example of a smart goal would be losing 7 pounds in three months by exercising five days a week for six hours total, combining cardio with strength training and eating a healthy diet.

Specific: What are you trying to achieve? Lose 7 pounds. Why? To feel better and look better. How are you going to do it? By exercising regularly and hiring a personal trainer. 1.Measurable: Choose a goal with measurable progress so you can see change, overcome setbacks, keep on track and stick to your goal. 2. Attainable: You ensure that your goal is attainable by considering financial resources, your current living situation and time available. Set your goal as a challenge, but not too far out or too short to not become discouraged. 3. Realistic: Ideally, you would want to return to your high school weight, but you know losing 30 pounds would be unrealistic. You know that 7 pounds lighter you'll feel much better and more easily fit into your favorite pair of jeans or dress. 4. Time-bound: Using dates and times as measurements toward successful completion of your goal is critical. Put your S.M.A.R.T goals in writing!

Why Diets Don't Work

And, moreover, forget about buying into the latest diet fad as the chances of regaining weight or even more weight than you lost, are almost guaranteed.

A diet fad, such as the Grapefruit Diet may lead to a lot of weight loss initially, the large majority of people cannot maintain a grapefruit-only diet for an extended period of time. Resolutions that require excessive amounts of exercise also don't last long as either injury or decreased motivation will stop them dead in their tracks by mid-March.

Make 2012 Your Year

Why start another year with failed resolutions?

Take the initiative now and you won't need to worry about weight loss this coming January. Better yet, start 2012 by adopting a regular workout routine, recruit your friends, neighbors and family members to exercise with you, and learn about making healthier food choices. Feeling better, looking healthier and happier is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come and won't disappoint with another failed resolution.

Fitness and Massage Specials for the month of January are listed in my Massage Article.

NEW AQUA AEROBICS CLASS!

TUESDAY NIGHTS 6-7PM STARTING JANUARY 3, 2012

A MID TO HIGH INTENSITY AQUA CLASS WITH EMPHASIS ON CARDIO, WEIGHT TRAINING AND CORE. GREAT CROSS TRAINING CLASS AND EASY ON THE JOINTS! MERLE & CHRIS WILL ALTERNATE TEACHING THE CLASS.

Fitness and Massage Specials for January 2012 The Starter

1 60 minute PT Session $60

- limit 2 per person

Spa Package - 2 Personal Training Sessions plus 1 60 minute massage

$180- limit 2 per person

PEP - 5 PT Sessions $300

PEP PLUS - 5 Personal Training Sessions plus 1 60 Minute Massage $360

MASSAGE SPECIALS SPA PACKAGE

2 Personal Training Sessions plus 1 60 Minute Massage $180

- limit 2 per person

60 MINUTE MASSAGE – $60

- limit 2 per person

• Specials expires 1/31/12

• purchase at the front desk or phone 531-3300 ext. 12 for details

Peace, Health, and Happiness to you and yours for the New Year

We're starting off 2012 with our annual CRAB BASH & DANCE PARTY on Saturday, February 4th! Put on your crab bibs and dancing shoes! We will be having a crustacean feast and dancing to the live band, "Off the Record". The festivities start at 6:30pm. The menu consists of all you can eat fresh crab, two kinds of pasta, Caesar salad, French bread and dessert. The price is $45 per person, which includes all beer, wine and soft drinks! Guests are welcome! Babysitting is available at $5 per child. Don't miss this popular event! Seating is limited. The sign-up sheet is in the lobby. You can also call me at 531-3300, x24 or email me at rtcortesi@sbcglobal.net. No doubt about it; you'll have a rockin' good time! Please, no cancellations after January 29th.

TENNIS MEMBERS: Sign up to play in the 2012 USTA ADULT LEAGUE. Registration starts January 30. The league starts March 26th. If interested, please call or email me and I'll put you in touch with a captain.

THE CLUB DOUBLES TOURNAMENT starts on February 27th. Look for the sign-up sheet in the lobby at the end of the month.

We have some exciting events coming up this year. On March 13th, join us for a TRUNK SHOW featuring Spring fashions from W by Worth Collections, Ltd. and Stella & Dot Jewelry and Handbags. Wine & cheese will be served.

What is a trunk show? It is a special event within the fashion world in which a designer puts on a special display of his or her work for review by a select group. It is common for attendees to have the opportunity to purchase or order items during the event.

On April 14th, Carol Woltring's Jazz Group is back and will perform at our JAZZ SOIREE. Wine, hors d'oeuvers and dancing will be on tap.

This is just a couple of events planned for 2012. Look for all 2012 social events elsewhere in this newsletter so you can mark your calendar accordingly. You don't want to miss out on the OHTC social events that interest you.

Group Exercise

Luciana Fair, Director 

Yulia Wynn, Director

Breakfast: a key to a successful sport diet.

Just as your car works better when it has fuel in its tank, your body works better when you give it adequate morning fuel. Yet, many people push their bodies through a busy day with an empty fuel tank. The result is low energy, cravings for sugary foods, a high intake of sweets and treats, and often undesired weight gain. However, according to Nancy Clark, a renowned author and a board-certified specialist in sport dietetics, breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

She advocates that of all the nutrition mistakes you might make, skipping breakfast is the biggest. It can hinder your workouts as well as leave you drained for the rest of the day. In comparison, a high-energy breakfast sets the stage for high-energy day. Nevertheless, many active people come up with familiar excuses for skipping the morning meal such as they are not hungry in the morning, they don't have time, they don't like breakfast foods, they are on diet, and if they eat breakfast they feel hungrier all day. Excuses, excuses. If you skip breakfast, you are likely to concentrate less effectively in the late morning, work or study less efficiently, feel irritable and short tempered, or fall short of energy for your afternoon workout. If you are breakfast-skipping parent, your kids are more likely to skip breakfast, too, and the result is more snacking, irregular eating patterns, and a poorer-quality diet- all of which can influence (and your) energy and weight (Affenito, 2007).

(Based on N. Clark's Sport and Nutrition Guidebook).

Membership

Carol Anderson

So... after the holidays, take a Minute to Catch Your Breath. In...Out... OK...Ready? Set? Go! A body in motion tends to stay in motion and OHTC does its part to keep this law of physics in action by offering a variety of ways to stay physically fit and mentally sharp! In a rut? Alter your workouts to keep them interesting. Attend that yoga or Pilates class. Tired of seeing those returns pass you by? Take some lessons to improve that serve. Then mix in a few parties, starting with the Crab Bash and Dance Party, Saturday February 4th and you've got 2012 off to a great start! Sign up in the lobby or email Rosina: rtcortesi@sbcglobal.net

Join Christa Schreiber & Lisa Barry at OHTC's KNITTING GROUP meeting in the lounge January 12th & 26th at 7pm (2nd & 4th Thursdays each month.) Please email Lisa for information: membership@oaklandhills.com

TENNIS MEMBERS: Sign up to play in the 2012 USTA ADULT LEAGUE. Registration starts January 30. The league starts March 26th.

THE CLUB DOUBLES TOURNAMENT starts on February 27th. Look for the sign-up sheet in the lobby at the end of the month.

HELPFUL LOCKER FACTS: Family Shared, Under 18 Boys and Under 18 Girls lockers are located near the massage area. Adult Men and Ladies lockers are located near the cardio room. Wait lists are at the check-in desk. Please sign up for the area or areas you are interested in. You have questions? I have answers!f you have questions, comments or suggestions that will make your visits to Oakland Hills more enjoyable, call me directly on my cell: 510-220-2463, email to: membership@oaklandhills.com or put it in writing in our Member Comment Log always available at the front desk! See you around!