Yulee Tennis Foundation, Inc. is the Community Tennis Association for Nassau County. Its mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered with the State of Florida is to promote the sport of tennis throughout Nassau County. Your donations are tax deductible, and receipts for your donations will be sent to you.
What's New for May 2012:
Mark your calendar for May 7-13, 2012, for the PLAYERS CLUB Championship at TPC Sawgrass:
The Yulee Tennis Foundation Inc. has registered for two events to benefit tennis in the Nassau County District Schools:
Go to www.CHIPINFORYOUTH.COM and buy a $40 good-for-any-day ticket and a tax deductable $25.00 of it goes to Yulee Tennis Foundation. When purchasing use our code "YTF".
You may also choose to benefit one of the following Nassau County Organizations, using their "case sensitive" code:
$25 of each $40 GOOD-ANY-ONE-DAY ticket sold will be donated back to the group of your choice using the case sensitive codes provided above.
Great GOLF for you, a tax deduction of $25.00 plus benefits Nassau County youths.
Contact Judi Turner at davejudi@bellsouth.net for more information (reference tennis)
Mark Your Calendar! Tennis Thanks the Troops! May 26th and 27th
On May 26th and 27th, Maharaj Tennis along with Omni Amelia Island Plantation will be conducting adult and junior tennis events and donating 100% of the proceeds to the ThanksUSA initiative. "Tennis Thanks the Troops" is a United States Professional Tennis Association fund raiser to assist ThanksUSA in funding scholarships for the families of military men and women. As part of this national initiative, tennis professionals across the country are being asked to donate their time over the Memorial Day weekend by hosting clinics and/or events. Donations will be accepted from the participants and then given to ThanksUSA. Since its inception in 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded 2,500 scholarships totaling nearly $7.5 million dollars.
Events:
May 26th… Adult "Mixed-Up" Doubles Round Robin
Omni Amelia Island Plantation 11am-1pm, 7.0 and 8.0 Divisions
Requested Minimum Donation of $10 per person!!!!
May 27th…Fernandina City Courts, Adult Beginner Clinic, 8 person limit: 12-1pm
Adult Intermediate-Advanced Clinic, 8 person limit:1-2pm
Junior Tennis Drill and Play noon -1:30pm
Requested Donation of $10 per person
Entry deadline is May 22nd at 5pm.
Read the Flyer: Tennis Thanks the Troops.doc
For further information or to enter in an event, please email michelemaha@msn.com
Kraft Tennis Players Mixed Doubles - Charity Round Robin, Results:
The Kraft Tennis Players hosted a Mixed Doubles Fund Raiser on Sunday to benefit the Yulee Tennis Foundation Junior Development Program. 24 players competed in 2 divisions and raised $300.00. Winners of the Dream Team division are Carl and Linda Bazarian who tied in the final round with Patti Clifford and Richard Billings. Winners of the Nightmares Division are Joe and Carol Simon. YTF tennis directors Vishnu and Michele Maharaj were onsite to coordinate the event.
Mixed Doubles Fund raiser at Kraft: Back Row: "Dream Team" Division Winners Carl and Linda Bazarian, Patti Clifford and Richard Billings. Front Row: Jerry Gardner and Kraft Community Outreach Director Frances Blancett.
"Nightmare" Division winners Joe and Carol Simeon with YTF tennis director Vishnu Maharaj
Kraft Tennis Club Super Senior Ladies Team wins Florida State Championships!
The "Kraft Tennis Club Super Seniors" ladies Team recently won the Florida State Championships in Daytona at the USTA Florida Tennis Center.. The victory now qualifies the team for the USTA National Championships to be held early in 2013.
Super Seniors: First Row: Diann Schindler, Nancy Barnes, Mary Jo Hanlon, Deborah Hale Second Row: Kris Barger, Sandy Mann, Cyndee Robertson, Captain Carol Simon, Sue Ragan, Lois Brough Not pictured: Betty Perry, Rosemary Jacobs.
City of Fernandina Beach Doubles Championships, May 18-20, 2012
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The City of Fernandina Beach Doubles Championships will be held May 18-20, 2012, at the Fernandina City Courts
Divisions: 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5 Men's and Women's Doubles
Each division is limited to 16 teams
Entry Fee: $40.00 PER TEAM… includes tennis balls, tournament towel, raffle prizes, and 1st round loser consolation match. Each team is guaranteed 2 matches.
Format: Best 2 of 3 sets, regular scoring for sets 1 and 2, super tiebreak for the 3rd set.
Deadline to enter is May 10th at 5pm. Draws will be available May 13th at 5pm.
Entries are being accepted at the Parks and Recreation Office. Email michelemaha@msn.com for further information.
A Yulee Tennis Foundation Summer Tennis Camp will be offered June 18-June 22nd at the Yulee Sports Complex. Details available soon.
FREE 1 year membership to USTA
Parents of Kids 10 and under can sign their child up for a FREE 1 year membership to USTA...a $19.00 value. The membership includes "Bounce", a quarterly newsletter for 10 and under, and access to Junior Tournaments and a chance to play USTA Jr. Team Tennis. Call 1-800-990-8782 and reference source code JOIN2PLAY, or go to www.usta.com/membership and use same code. The offer is available until December 31,2012.
2012 Spring Tennis is in Full Swing in Nassau County
Classes are in progress at the Central Park city courts for both, adult and junior players. Information on scheduling can be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation office, emailing michelemaha@msn.com, or phoning 548-1472.
Instructors for the city program include Vishnu Maharaj USPTA 1, Rod Gibson USPTA 1, Tracy Smythe USPTA 1, and Kacie Dickinson USPTA 2.
Preregistration for summer tennis camps is now under way. Camps run June 11th -July 5th and July 9th - August 2nd. Email michelemaha@msn.com for specific age group and time/day scheduling. Space is limited....register early.
Clinics also continue at the Yulee Sports Complex and at Amelia National. Clinic instructors for Maharaj Tennis Services include Vishnu Maharaj, Rod Gibson, Tracy Smythe, Kacie Dickinson, and Michele Maharaj. More information on class schedules and services can be obtained by calling 548-1472 or emailing michelemaha@msn.com.
The new tennis schedule has been posted and classes are under way keeping USPTA instructors Vishnu Maharaj, Rod Gibson, and Tracy Smythe busy on the courts. Information on classes, instruction, tennis equipment, area leagues, etc., is available by contacting the City Parks and Recreation Department or by contacting Michele Maharaj at 548-1472 or emailing to michelemaha@msn.com
Tennis classes resume at the Yulee Sports Complex on January 11th. NCHE classes on Wednesdays from 11am -3pm. Junior clinics are also offered on Friday afternoons from 3:30-5:30pm. Private lessons and custom clinics are also available. michelemaha@msn.com
THE HOTTEST HOLIDAY GIFT THIS SEASON IS 10 AND UNDER TENNIS. It is fun, easy, and can be played indoors, playgrounds or driveways as well as tennis courts. The right size equipment is available at local sporting good stores or online. One site is Mark Montano's Holiday Gift Picks.
Yulee Tennis Foundation Tennis classes continue in the Yulee Sports Complex with NCHS (home school) schedule Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Junior clinics are offered Fridays 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Specific clinics, private or group lessons can be scheduled through Michele Maharaj (548-1472) or email michelemaha@msn.com
Scheduling for 10 and under Quickstart tennis is also available.
Yulee Tennis Foundation is sponsoring the Nassau County District Schools USTA membership for another year. We are currently working with USTA to get QuickStart Tennis in the primary grades. If you are interested in the QuickStart Tennis program please contact Judi Turner davejudi@bellsouth.net and reference school tennis. Courts are not necessary.
"Tiny Tot" Josie Steele |
Raleigh Simmons, Josie Steele, Wyatt Steele in their "tiny tots" tennis class at the city courts. |
Grayson Street, at his first "tiny tots" tennis lesson.
If you have a child 10 and under who would like to participate in Quickstart, contact Michele Maharaj michelemaha@msn.com for scholarship information.
There are three "10 and Under" Quickstart facilities available to residents of Nassau County:
Yulee Sports Complex
Goodbread Road
Yulee Florida 32097
Nassau County Recreation Department
Call 904-548-4689, or Email Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com
City of Fernandina Beach Recreation Department
Atlantic Avenue
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034
904-277-7350 or Maharaj Tennis at 904-548-1472, or Email Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com
Kraft Tennis Partners
961023 Buccaneer Trail
Amelia Island,Florida 32034
Call Susie DeMille, at 904-261-3185
All three of these sites offer 10 and Under programs through the USTA (United States Tennis Association).
Parents of children participating in the program may register their child for a FREE one year membership with the USTA ( a $19) value. Membership includes Bounce, a quarterly newsletter, and access to junior tournaments and a chance to play USTA Junior Team Tennis. Call 1-800-990-8782 and reference source code JOIN2PLAY. This offer is available until Dec 31 2011.
Donations of goods to sell to benefit YTF continue to be accepted and may be dropped off at Dave Turner Plumbing or call, and we will pickup. Receipts for donated goods and for purchase of items from YTF will be given. Proceeds from the YTF sale, (a 501 (c)(3) not for profit foundation with the State of Florida) will go toward scholarships for the USTA QuickStart program offered in the Yulee Sports Complex.
Donate used balls to schools, hospitals or nursing homes of your choice. If you want, you can drop them off at Dave Turner Plumbing or the Community Flea Market on September 17th in Deerwalk on A1A and we will distribute them.
Rescuing Animals In Nassau Humane Society SPCA (RAIN) also needs used tennis balls for animal recreation. You can drop your tennis balls off at the RAIN Resale Store located in the Harris Teeter Shopping Center, Wed-Sat from 10-5, or at Nassau Animal Services.
If your organization needs used tennis balls please contact Judi Turner at davejudi@bellsouth.net.
Nassau County Men's Doubles League
The Nassau County Men's Doubles league played round 6 of the season on Sunday. Standings are as follows: 1. Kraft Hot Shots, 2. Kraft Blues, 3. Amelia National, 4. Team Law and Southern Comfort, 6. Team Stine. League play continues on April 29th with Round 7.
Team matches are scheduled twice a month at rotating Nassau County tennis sites. The current season will run through May 6th. Summer season will begin June 3rd. For more information on the league, please email michelemaha@msn.com.
Sunday Men's League Players photo - Front Row: Dennis Harbin, Mark Olbina, Randy Ferdon, Dave Mathe. Back Row: Russel Bryant, Clay Moore, John Paul McTague(aka Coach Mc Thirsty).
Yulee High School Women Win against West Nassau, Feb 8th
The Women’s Tennis Team Scored a 4 to 3 win against West Nassau Feb 8th.
Kaysi Cordell and Channelle Brown won their singles match.
In doubles Arianna Aragon and Kaysi Cordell won as well as Channelle Brown and Lexie Richter.
The Men’s Team put up a good fight, but lost to West Nassau. Everyone played well, but only Dustin managed to pull out a win for the Men’s team.
Feb 8th Match Score Cards:
Men's Monthly Round Robin First Season Results
The Amelia National Men's Monthly Round Robin tournament wrapped up its first season with John Paul McTague winning the final monthly event. The Round Robin Tournament was held monthly with the men's group competing for the "wandering" trophy. Each monthly winner won the right to possess the trophy and have their name added to one of 12 slots on the trophy. Over the past 12 months, winners included Mark Olbina, Carlos Chavez-Taifur, Ed Clifford, David Weihe and John Paul McTague. The overall winner for the year was Mark Olbina who now owns the "wandering" trophy.
Photo: Vishnu Maharaj, Carlos Chavez-Taifur, John Paul McTague, Mark Olbina, and Ed Clifford.
Tennis Players help stock Local Food Pantry
56 players hit the courts on Sunday, Jan 29th, to support the donation of groceries to the Barnabas Center Food Pantry. Kraft Tennis Players along with Maharaj Tennis, and Yulee Tennis Foundation sponsored the afternoon Round Robin tennis event. Three divisions were played at 2 different sites and resulted in 722 lbs of donated groceries! Entry fee to the event was one bag of nonperishable food items and it seems that entrants were extemely generous in their donations this year. The Food Pantry tennis event has been an annual occurence since Maharaj Tennis came to town in 2006.
In 2011, The Kraft Tennis Players joined forces with Maharaj Tennis and the Yulee Tennis Foundation to sponsor the event as part of their Community Outreach programming. For 2012, they were once again the host site for the event. The Ritz Carlton also participated in the cause by donating use of their courts for one of the women's division round robin. Winners of the events are as follows:
Ritz Women's Group - Susan Perry, Jesse Hiott, Julie Dobinski and Barbara Welling
Kraft Women's Group - Lois Brough and Fan Aylward
Men's Group - Mike Perry and Vernon Hiott.
The event was coordinated by Michele and Vishnu Maharaj.
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Food Pantry Event Photos: | |
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Mike Perry, Frances Blancett, and Vernon Hiott |
Michele Maharaj, Frances Blancett, Susan Perry, Jesse Hiott, Julie Dobinski and Babs Welling |
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Michele Maharaj, Frances Blancett, Kraft Community Outreach Director, Lois Brough and Fan Aylward |
Tennis Director Vishnu Maharaj with Barnabas program Manager Mary Ann Blackhall |
Fernandina City Courts 2011
David Weihe was the October trophy winner on Saturday at the Amelia National Men's Round Robin. He defeated Mark Olbina in a "Sudden Death" tiebreaker 5-4 to capture the championship.
Congratulations to Winner - David Weihe 
Yulee Tennis Foundation Fall Doubles Challenge Nov 19-20 Results:
The Yulee Tennis Foundation Fall Doubles Challenge was completed this weekend at Amelia National and Yulee High School. Proceeds from the event are given to the YTF junior development program. A Junior Team Tennis match was held in conjunction with the event. Eight junior players participated in the event....all participants received a tournament tshirt. Trophies were awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams.
In adult competition, Men's 4.0.... Evan and John Mirschel defeated Jerry Gardner and Dennis Harbin by taking the 3rd set supertibreaker 13-11.
Men's 3.5: Vernon Hiott and Edward Freeh defeated Bob Stine and Randy Rice in the final round 6-4, 6-4.
Women's 4.0 finals found Jessie Hiott and BK Freeh defeating Mary Jones and Angie Post in the 3rd set super tiebreaker.
Women's 3.5 division resulted with Hideko Hallman and Kim Hall defeating Sherry Hutzler and Yan Zhou in the final round 6-2, 6-2.
Tennis clinics continue through December at the City courts and the Yulee Sports Complex. Email michelemaha@msn.com at Maharaj Tennis for further information.
Front row - Jordan Braund, Laura Page, Page Daniels
Back Row - Tailynn Keen, Kevin Zhou, Lydia Arflin, Liza Hurst, Bo Arflin
Fall tennis continues at the Fernandina city courts Mondays-Saturdays with certified USPTA instructors Vishnu Maharaj, Tracy Smythe, Rod Gibson, David Jenkins, and Michele Maharaj. Email michelemaha@msn.com for further information on schedules. Class schedules are also available at the Parks and Recreaction office.
Team Mirschel wins the Inaugural Season Fall Tennis League using World Team Tennis Format, which began September 23rd
WTT playoffs were completed on Friday, October 28th at the Central Park courts. In the final round of the championship, Team Mirschel defeated Team Barracudas in a thrilling and close match by a score of 22-20. The playoffs were a result of a 5 week league competiton that pitted the top 4 teams against each other on the final night.
Team Mirshcel....(left to right) Mary Doyle, Evan Mirschel, Sandy Eldridge, Sebastian Boet, Arlene Mirschel, Ben Mirshcel, John Mirschel...not pictured Katthy Findley and Scott Mikleson. |
Team Barracudas..(left to right) Mark Olbina, Cyndee Robertson, Ric Borum, Cathy Harbin, Jerry Gardner, Dennis Harbin, Susie Demille, and Karen Tomerlin. |
Friday Night WTT Photos
Teammates Susie Bryant and Susie Kawecki |
Jessie Hiott and Julie Dobinski shake hands with opponents Sandy Eldridge and Kathy Findley. |
John Paul McTague faces off with opposing team's Mike Foley. |
Members of Team Slammers, Mike and Susan Perry and Jessie and Vernon Hiott scouting their next opponents. |
Cheering them on! |
WTT spectators |
Yulee Sports Complex tennis schedule
Wednesdays 11AM - 3PM NCHE (Nassau County Home Education) classes.
Fridays Junior Beginners and intermediates 3:30-5:30PM.
Custom clinics and or private lessons can be arranged.
To register or find out information regarding these classes contact Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com or call 548-1472.
Local player wins Jekyll Island Adult Summer Open!!!
YTF Juniors compete in the Jacksonville Local Junior Championships
Nassau County was well represented in surrounding area tournaments this weekend. Maharaj Tennis and Yulee Tennis Foundation sponsored 6 junior players in the Jacksonville Local Junior Championships held at Deercreek Country Club. For these six players, it was their first time competing in a USTA/FL sanctioned event. Page Daniels won her first round over Hannah Carrigan 6-3, 5-7, 10-6(TB). She fell to Allessandara Crump in the quarterfinals 6-1, 6-1. Other juniors competing from Nassau County included Gabby Hebert in Girls 14s, Jordan Braund in Girls 10s, Tailynn Keen in Girls 10s, Emma Godfrey in Girls 12s, and Ryan Bradham in Boys 14s. "This was a great introduction to competition outside of Nassau County. Our players represented themselves well and can be proud of their performance. They now have insight as to what it takes to reach the next level of play," reports YTF director Vishnu Maharaj.
In senior competiton, Amelia Island's Diann Schindler captured the Open Division Singles Championship by defeating Lillya Slutsker in the Finals 7-6, 6-4. Diann and partner Nancy Barnes captured second place in the Women's Doubles Championship round falling to the number 1 seeds Elizabeth Martin and Victoria Holloway. Schindler and Barnes had defeated Olivia Moffit and Florence Moffit 7-5, 6-1 to earn a place in the Finals Round.
Entries are still being accepted for the Maharaj Tennis Summer Sizzler Doubles tournament to be held July 23 and 24. Divisions include men's and women's 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5 divisions. Email michelemaha@msn.com by Wednesday, July 20th 7pm to enter.
Page Daniels
Diann Shindler
Men's Singles Dirt Ball Playoffs results:
On June 17-19, 2011, the Men's Singles "Dirt Ball Playoffs" tournament was played at Amelia National. All proceeds from this event were given to the YTF Junior Development Program. Results are as follows:
The 3.5 division was won by Ben Mirschel, 6-2, 6-2. Runner-up was Evan Mirschel:
The 4.0 division was won by Ray Merletti, 6-4-6-4. Runner-up was Jerry Gardner:
Adult Clinics at the Central Park courts
Adult women's clinics are held Tues and Thurs 6:15-7:45PM at Central Park courts.
Adult intermediate classes meet Saturday from 930-1030,
Adult beginners meet Saturday from 1030-1130.
Preregistration is mandatory.
For information on clinics, private lessons, racket repairs, custom classes or registration for any event, please email michelemaha@msn.com or phone 548-1472.
Free USTA Memberships:
Kids 10 & under can get a FREE 1 year membership to USTA...a $19.00 value. The membership includes "Bounce" a quarterly newsletter for 10 & under. Access to Junior Tournaments and chance to play USTA Jr. Team Tennis. Call 1-800-990-8782 and reference source code JOIN2PLAY or go to www.usta.com/membership and use same code. The offer is available until December 31,2011.
The Yulee Tennis Foundation did not succeed in its goal for the four high schools in Nassau County through the charity CHIPSFORKIDS fund raising sponsored by the PGA. One ticket was sold to benefit YTF High School Inscentive. Ponte Vedra High School Booster Club sold 860 tickets and earned $20,650 plus a $5,000.00 bonus for being top seller. Maybe next year YTF or some sport group in Nassau County will do as well.
Nassau County District Schools is a member of the United States Tennis Association and is working with Karen Turner and Jonathan Tate (Yulee Tennis Foundation Inc Board members) to bring the sport to Physical Education in the Nassau County Schools. Applications for supporting grants are being made by Turner and Tate on behalf of the schools. Additional informations or questions may be sent to davejudi@bellsouth.net and reference school tennis.
The Nassau County High School Tennis season officially kicked off with practice everyday after school and matches starting this month. The tennis players are in need of donations of cans of new balls for matches and used balls for practice. Donate to the school of your choice or bring items by to Dave Turner Plumbing and Yulee Tennis Foundation will be sure each school gets the items.
Maharaj Tennis/Fernandina City Courts News
Vishnu and Michele Maharaj - Alaska Block Party
Yulee Tennis Foundation Directors Vishnu and Michele Maharaj had the opportunity to be volunteer teaching professionals last month at the Fairbanks Tennis Association's Block Party/Season kick Off event. The Block party coincided with the Alaskan vacation itinerary which included spending a few nights in Fairbanks. "We were looking for a place to work out and stumbled upon the Dan Ramras Tennis Center, home of the Fairbanks Tennis Assoc. The Fairbanks Tennis Assoc is a CTA nonprofit just like the Yulee Tennis Foundation. I let them know that we were happy to assist as needed and they immediately put us to work. Vishnu and I spent 4 hours teaching 10 and under kids while their head pro Coach Cathy ran cardio tennis clinics and advanced junior clinics. We spent some time chatting with Gwen Ramras, the former president of the Pacific Northwest Section (she said Doug Booth would remember her), and her husband, one of the founding board members of the FTA. It was a great experience and we were able to share what we have to offer and bring back some neat ideas for a Tennis Block Party in Nassau County."
The Free QuickStart Tennis Jamboree was held on March 19th for 10 and under Kids
The free 10 and under QuickStart Tennis Jamboree was held on Sat. March 19th, at the Central Park Courts. Kids under 10 were given the to opportunity to get some hands on experience with tennis rackets, balls, and nets designed expressly for the 10 and under age group.
The Jamboree was given free of charge by Maharaj Tennis' Certified USPTA instructors David Jenkins, Rod Gibson, Michele and Vishnu Maharaj.
At the Jamboree, kids have the opportunity to hit with tennis rackets and balls that are designed specifically for their size, age and ability. The court and net used in the QuickStart format are scaled down to enable the younger kids to be successful earlier in the beginning stages of the learning process. Achieving success comes at a faster pace which helps attain the interest and attention span of the younger child. The games, skills and drills are designed to encompass groups of children, thus promoting physical and social skills.
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10 and under QuickStart tennis at the Fernandina City Courts Sat. March 19th
Spring clinics and lessons are under way. Contact the Parks and Rec office or Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com for current schedules, registration or further information.
Contact the Parks and Rec office or Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com for the current Fernandina City Courts Schedule
Amelia Island Happenings Spring Singles Championships Apr 1-3 Results:
The Amelia Island Happenings Spring Singles Championships were held at the City Courts this past weekend. Results of the final rounds are as follows:
Men's Open Division winner Josh Hopper with Scott Mikleson taking second place,
Women's Open winner Mallory Zobel with Lydia Arflin taking second place,
Women's 40 and over winner Susan Parry with Diann Schindler taking 2nd place,
Women's 50 and over winner Elizabeth Hervy with Leslie Ritter taking second place,
Men's 30 and over winner Ray Merletti with Leroy Heath taking second place,
Men's 50 and over winner "Pelikan Mike" Foley with Bob Stine taking second place
Men's 60 and over winner John Bray with Ed Clifford taking second place.
Ed Clifford and John Bray |
Elizabeth Hervy and Leslie Ritter |
Susan Parry and Diann Schindler |
Bob Stine and "Pelikan Mike" Foley |
Vishnu Maharaj and partner win Georgia State Clay Court Championships
City Instructor Vishnu Maharaj along with Doubles partner Louis Highsmith won the Georgia State Clay Court Championships in the Men's 55 and over division this past weekend at the Jekyll Island tennis center. Maharaj and Highsmith defeated the No. 1 seeds from Savannah of James Fillingim and Joseph Harwell 6-2, 6-2 in the final round to claim the title. Other Fernandina particpants at the tournament inclunded Nancy Barnes, Diann Schindler, Joseph Simon, Joe Carlsson, and Larry Elliot.
Congratulations Vishnu and Louis!
Maharaj Tennis adds new staff member and updates City Tennis Services.
"We are excited to announce that former OmniATP Tennis Instructor Rod Gibson has joined the Maharaj Tennis team of teaching professionals that service the City of Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Tennis seems to be very popular right now and a lot people are out there looking for reasonably priced quality tennis instruction. Adding Rod to the teaching staff allows us to expand the menu of classes and better accommodate the requests of the local tennis enthuhsiasts.
USTA Quickstart Tennis for kids ages 5-10 will be offered as part of the Spring and Summer tennis sessions, as well as cardio tennis, more adult clinics, and more opportunity for private lessons. Having a teaching staff of 5 USPTA certifed professionals that want to teach at a public facility is truly a compliment to the City of Fernandina Beach" reports Michele Maharaj. The Maharaj Tennis staff roster includes Tracy Smythe, David Jenkins, Rod Gibson, Vishnu Maharaj, and Michele Maharaj.
Click here for Fernandina City Court Photos
Maharaj Tennis receives "Share the Love Grant" from USTA/FL
Feb 14th 2011. Maharaj Tennis, LLC is a recent recipient of a $2,000 dollar grant from the USTA/FL section. According to Michele Maharaj, "This will enable us to add USTA Quickstart programming to our tennis menus at both, the City of Fernandina Beach Tennis Courts and to the Yulee Tennis Foundation classes that are held at the Yulee Sports Complex. We plan on offering introductory sessions to the various elementary schools in Nassau County as well. USTA/FL will be providing the equipment and training necessary to initiate and maintain a successful Quickstart junior program."
Dec 12th 2010 Community Outreach at Kraft Tennis Club
Kraft Tennis Club in conjunction with Yulee Tennis Foundation hosted a Men's and Women's doubles Round Robin December 12th. Despite cold winds and sporadic rainfall, tennis enthusiasts came out to play in support of restocking a local food pantry. The entry fee for the event was 5 non-perishable food items per person. "I am very happy with the turnout and the amount of food received. We were able to fillup the bed of our truck and the back seat with groceries that will definitely help out our locals who might be having a bit of a struggle these days," states Yulee Tennis Foundation's Michele Maharaj. "We are so appreciative to Kraft Tennis Club for donating the use of their facilities for this event as part of their Community Outreach program."
Results of the event have Ben Mirschel and Jerry Gardner placing first in the Men's Doubles and Evan and John Mirschel placing second. In the "Sleigh Belles" division, Sandy Eldrige and Kathly Finley topped Arlene Mirschel and Leslie Ritter. The "Mistletoe Maidens" division was won by Darlene Morris and Marylin Baggett with Mary Doyle and Sue Ragan taking second place.
Men's Doubles photo...Michele Maharaj, Frances Blancett, Jerry Gardner, Ben Mirschel, Evan Mirschel, John Mirschel.
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The "Mistletoe Maidens" and The "Sleighbelles" | |
Vishnu and Michele Maharaj named as the new tennis pros for the City of Fernandina Parks and Recreation Department.
Congratulations to Vishnu and Michele Maharaj for being named as the new tennis pros for the City of Fernandina Parks and Recreation Department. They will teach tennis under contract for the City.
They will continue as Directors of Tennis with the Yulee Tennis Foundation, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit corporation offering programs through the Nassau County Parks and Recreation Department.
The first week of November was initiation week at the City Tennis Courts for Maharaj Tennis programming. Tennis clinics were held on Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. "We were very pleased with the reception that we received in getting tennis instruction up and running again at the city courts. We will continue to add lesson opportunites as the local tennis enthusiasts continue to contact us with their wish lists. Saturday morning 8 junior players braved the chilly temperatures to attend a tennis "boot camp" clinic and round robin event. The morning concluded with a junior team event with Team Snickers defeating Team Aces in a tiebreaker for the final round.
Boot Camp participants: Team Snickers - Carleton Sweat, Ryan Bradham, Liza Hurst, Michael Dobinski.
Team Aces - Emma Godfrey, Tailynn Keen, Olivia Ballard, Gabby Hebert.
Contact Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com or call 524-0243 for further information and to register for classes.
Monthly Maharaj Tennis Men's Doubles Round Robin
Oct 23rd
Saturday morning Oct 23rd was the kick-off for the monthly Maharaj Tennis men's doubles Round Robin to benefit the Yulee Tennis Foundation junior development program. There will be a competition every month with the winner's name being placed on a Trophy that will circulate among the monthly winners for the next 12 months. The location of the event will rotate among various tennis sites throughout Nassau County. The trophy is being provided by " Amelia Island Happenings". This month's winner is Mark Olbina. Email michelemaha@msn.com for information on November's event.
PHOTO: Tennis Director Vishnu Maharaj outlines the round robin rules to Ed Clifford, John Guinn, John Paul McTague, Josh Hopper, Aron "the Aussie Guy", Christopher Donaldson, Mark Olbina, and Joseph McDonald.
Tennis Footwork
Would you like to improve your tennis footwork? Check out this article and video on the "Active.com" website, at: www.active.com/tennis/Articles/The-ABCs-of-Tennis-Footwork.htm
News from Judi
Aug 23rd
Special THANKS to all donating used tennis balls and equipment to the Yulee Tennis Foundation,Inc.
Yulee Elementary Physical Education Department has 25 new tennis rackets for its tennis unit during the new school year. The money for the rackets is from donations received by the Yulee Tennis Foundation, Inc. from the community.
The Yulee Tennis Foundation's goal is to have tennis part of the physical education programs throughout Nassau County Schools. Please contact Judi Turner at davejudi@bellsouth.net if you would like to represent your school to receive help in creating a tennis program.
Donations may be mailed to Yulee Tennis Foundation Inc. 85214 Blackmon Road Yulee, Florida 32097 or drop it off at Dave Turner Plumbing 474390 East State Road 200 Fernandina Beach. Receipts for your tax deduction will be mailed to you.
Remember to take your used tennis balls to the Primary School of your choice. They are used to cover the bottom of chair legs. If your school needs balls for the chair legs contact davejudi@bellsouth.net or michelemaha@msn.com. Yulee Tennis Foundation, Inc. is the Community Tennis Association for Nassau County. Its mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered with the State of Florida is to promote the sport of tennis throughout Nassau County.
Adult clinics, private lessons, custom clinics, camps and racket repairs are available by Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com. Call 524-0243 or Nassau County Parks and Recreation 548-4688.
This is the second year the Yulee Tennis Foundation has sent Nassau County USTA Junior Tennis Teams to Daytona. Director of Tennis Vishnu and Michele Maharaj and Wilson Elias as well as parents and friends travelled with the two teams to the State Playoffs August 7th and 8th.
Special THANKS goes to First Coast Community Bank a division of Synovus for their donation as well as Fernandina Beach Watson Reality Corp Realtor Richard Roux who donated rackets, t-shirts, pants and shorts to YTF to help with its fund raising efforts to promote tennis in Nassau County.The items he donated were from his business as a USPTR/USPTA tennis professional. Some of his items will be donated to Jonathan Tates physical education classes which have included tennis in his curriculumn for five years in the Yulee Elementary School.
If you would like to send a donation for the Nassau County USTA Junior Tennis Team you may mail to Yulee Tennis Foundation Inc. 85214 Blackmon Road Yulee, Florida 32097 or drop it off at Dave Turner Plumbing 474390 East State Road 200 Fernandina Beach. Receipts for your tax deductible donation will be sent to you.
Adult clinics, private lessons,custom clinics,camps and racket repairs are available by contacting Vishnu Maharaj at Vishnu@tennispro.us or Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com. Call 524-0243 or Nassau County Parks and Recreation 548-4688.
Nassau County USTA Junior Team Tennis Competes in State Tournament at Daytona
Yulee Tennis Directors Vishnu and Michele Maharaj travelled to Daytona this past weekend for the Florida Section USTA Junior Team Tennis Championships. Nassau County was represented by 2 junior teams," The Yulee Buzz" and "The Nassau County Smashers". The tournament had 420 junior participants on teams from all over that state of Florida. The winners in each division proceed on to compete in the national tournament held in Surprise, Arizona in early October. According to Coach Vishnu Maharaj, "....our juniors were given a great opportunity to take their tennis outside of our community and show the rest of the state that Nassau County has a junior development tennis progam to be proud of. The competition was tough and there were many lessons learned over the weekend. The "Buzz" and the "Smashers" did not come in first place, but, they didn't come in last place either".
A highlight of the weekend for "Buzz" player Lydia Arflin was the presentation to her of a $500.00 tennis scholarship from the Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida. The Foundation awards tennis scholarships to Junior Team Tennis participants that meet certain application criteria and compete in an essay competition. Lydia won 1 of 6 scholarships that were awarded in 2010. The scholarships are forwarded to the tennis program of the junior player to be used to help fund that players' clinics and lessons. Lydia plays on the Hilliard Middle-Senior High School Tennis Team and has played Junior Team tennis for the past 2 seasons through the Yulee Tennis Foundation. Applications for the Youth Tennis Foundation scholarship program can be found on their website.
The Fall Season Tennis Schedule will be finalized in the next 2 weeks. The clinic times will then be posted here on the Yulee Tennis Foundation website. Further information on YTF tennis programs can be obtained by contacting Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com.
Click here to view Aug 7 & 8th Daytona JTT photos
May 22nd Junior Singles Round Robin Results
A Junior singles Round Robin tournament was held this past weekend at Yulee High School with 28 junior players participating. This also served as the summer season kick off for USTA Jr. Team Tennis. Winners of the tournament are as follows:
Kelsey Johnson took first place in the girls Daisy division with Kaley Parchinski coming in second place.
Emma "Sue" Godfrey won the girls Marigold division with Gabby Hebert coming in second place.
Kelsey Johnson won the division playoff defeating Emma "Sue" Godfrey for the overall girls title.
In boys action, Nathan Miller placed first over Ryan Branham in the Grouper division.
Ian Paul took first place honors over Josh Hopper in the Lobster Division.
Women's Singles Ladder
We have received requests for a women's singles ladder. We could pilot this for the first week in June and keep it on going. The rules are minimal, there is no entry fee, there is the opportunity to meet new players and work on your singles game.
1. The ladder will be posted here on the Yulee Tennis Foundation web site.
2. Players can challenge 1 or 2 positions UP.
3. Each player must bring a new can of balls to the scheduled match. The winner keeps the unopened can and the loser gets the used balls.
4. Scores will be emailed to me and I will update the ladder weekly on the website.
5. Matches will be played at a mutually agreed upon site by the 2 players.
6. Players must accomodate a received challenge within 2 weeks of the request or be defaulted down one rung on the ladder.
Spread the word and let us know!!!!
Email Michele Maharaj at michelemaha@msn.com, or call at 548-1472 for further information.
Yulee Hornets Rack up Two Wins in First Match of Season
The Yulee Hornets boys tennis team won its first match of the season over West Nassau Warriors 4-3 on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The Hornets girls tennis team only lost one game of the day, winning 6-1 over the Warriors. Read the full story on SearchAmelia.com
Nassau County Home Educators (NCHE) tennis group Tennis Court Clean-up
The Nassau County Home Educators (NCHE) tennis group spent the early morning Tuesday Feb 9th cleaning up the tennis courts and the surrounding area. Approximately 20 people were there with brooms, rakes, trash bags, tie wraps, etc. Quite honestly, this is the best the courts have looked in quite awhile. It is important to acknowledge the greatness of our community taking interest in caring for our public facility. Thanks so much to the NCHE Group! Click here to view photos
Adult clinics, private lessons, custom clinics, and racket repairs are available by contacting Vishnu Maharaj at vishnu@tennispro.us.
Tennis Gift Certificates are available for lessons and clinics. Contact Michele Maharaj for further information at michelemaha@msn.com.
For information on junior and adult clinics and lessons contact YTF's Director of Tennis Vishnu Maharaj at vishnu@tennispro.us.
Adult and Customized Clinics
Customized group clinics and private lessons are available by calling Vishnu Maharaj at 524-0243.
Adult Clinics are being held at Amelia National Tennis Courts for intermediate players on Saturday mornings from 1030-noon. Cost is $15.00 per person. Call Vishnu Maharaj at 524-0243 for further information.
Used Tennis Balls Needed
The primary schools and daycares are calling for used tennis balls to be used for the chair legs in the classrooms. If you cannot donate to the schools directly, bring your used tennis balls to Dave Turner Plumbing for distribution by the Yulee Tennis Foundation. This is for all schools in Nassau County.
Sportshique.com, Ladies Golf and Tennis Boutique to Sponsor YTF
Shop at www.SportShique.com, The Ladies Golf and Tennis Boutique and help raise money for the four Nassau County High School Tennis programs for 2010.
Yulee Tennis Foundation has added a link to its webpage to sportshique.com The Ladies Golf and Tennis Boutique. YTF will receive a commission on any sales from this site which will go directly to the Nassau County High Schools Tennis programs. You get something great and are helping our Nassau County High School Tennis Teams. Checks for any commission received on sales will be issued to each of the four schools in January 2010 for their tennis season. Information will be made public on any money received for the schools.
Senior "Over 55" Tennis Ladder Interest in a Senior "Over 55" ladder has been sparked. A few more players are needed to get the ladder initiated.
Any Senior players (age 55 and over) that are interested in participating in a ladder should notify Vishnu. There have been 2 inquiries already...a few more participants are needed. Contact Vishnu Maharaj for further information.
The Yulee Tennis Foundation's mission remains to promote tennis in Nassau County. For more information concerning the Ladder, Clinics, and Playdays, call Vishnu Maharaj Director of Tennis,
at 904-524-0243, or
E-Mail Vishnu at: Vishnu@YuleeTennisFoundation.com ----- Contact Vishnu anytime for Private Lessons and racquet stringing ----- YTF 2009 Year in Review - Click here to read all about it! News Stories continue on the "News Archive" Page
Sponsored by: The Ladies Golf & Tennis
Boutique Jewelry
Accessories
Gifts Decor
Yulee Tennis Foundation,Inc. is the Community Tennis Association for Nassau County. Its mission as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization registered with the State of Florida is to promote the sport of tennis throughout Nassau County. Your donations are tax deductible, and receipts for your donations will be sent to you.
Questions or Comments?
E-Mail Judi Turner: davejudi@bellsouth.net
