Your participation in our 2008 activities contributed to a very successful year for our organization. In 2009, we will strive to provide a good variety of opportunities for tennis play. AACTA offers some of the best programs in the state of Maryland.

Renew or join AACTA today with our new online membership registration and payment at http://www.aacta.com/join.jsp. The process is easy and allows for all members of the family to be AACTA members. I'm happy to report that the Board approved the membership fee to remain at $20 per family, a bargain if you participate in any of our activities. Membership includes participation in all AACTA activities and a complimentary gift. Pick your gift up at the Spring Kick-Off Tournament or later during team tennis events. You may also join our email list and receive updates about events and activities. Go to www.aacta.com.

The ladder is active all year but the official dates to qualify for ladder awards are April 1 - 31 October. Please review the rules (posted at http://www.aacta.com/ladderrules.jsp) and challenge someone (a primer to get you started is on the website). Please pay your membership dues before making challenges. This year we will be presenting awards to the top performers on each ladder and rewarding other categories of play (most challenges made, most matches played, best percentage, etc) with gift certificates.

The Spring Kick-Off Tournament is scheduled for March 31-April 5. This is a USTA NTRP level event. All players must be USTA members as well as AACTA members. Draws include men's open singles, men's singles by level (2.5-4.0) and by age (40, 50, 60), men's open doubles, men's doubles by level (combined 6.0-7.0), women's open singles, singles by level (2.5-4.0) and by age (60); women's open doubles and women's doubles by level (combined 5.0-8.0). Consolation draws will be offered for open singles & doubles for each gender. You must sign up online (www.aacta.com or tennislink ) by March 26. Fees, draws, & schedules are posted on-line. This was a fantastic event last year with over 190 players. The entry fees are very affordable, so come out, join the fun and get ready for the spring season. All matches may count as ladder matches, so remember to ask your opponent before playing if you would like to count the match as a ladder match.

AACTA's popular Team Tennis Event will be organized by Don Fairhead again this summer. Last year we had over 170 participants and 10 teams. We need volunteers to captain teams. Applications will be sent in the mail and will also be available on-line. Deadline to apply is July 3, captains meeting to draft players will be July 6, and play begins July 13.

The Fall tournament will occur September 1-6 and the Fall Doubles Tournament will be September 17-20. The end of the year party is planned for November at the Navy Brigade Sports Complex.

We are looking at hosting the National Public Parks State Championship Tournament for the State of Maryland sometime in May. Keep tuned to our website for details. We will need players and volunteers.

Other dates to put on your calendar include the Annapolis City NTRP Open June 5-14 (Tournament ID # 302732109) and the Annapolis Junior Open July 25-28 (Tournament ID # 302701809. We'll be posting information about it later on the website.

AACTA is the Community Tennis Association for local USTA play. We are in the midst of a competitive and growing Mixed Doubles League with over 36 teams in Adult, Senior and Super Senior categories. Adult leagues will be forming for play beginning in April. Expansion of the Super Senior (60 or better) and Super Duper Senior (70 or better) leagues is a primary focus this year. Contact us via the website for more information for any of these leagues.

The AACTA board would like to encourage the development of new and different tennis activities for the benefit of our members. If anyone has an interest in organizing an event or has an idea for an event, please contact any board member.

The all volunteer board members of AACTA do much behind the scenes work to allow tennis to flourish in our community. When you get the opportunity, be sure to express your gratitude to the following:

Ladder Chairman: John Wehner
Tournament Director: Greg Critcher
Web Maintenance: Matt Zimmerman
Membership: Stan Johnson
Junior tennis tournament & Annapolis City Tournament Director: Randy Stevens
Team Tennis Director: Don Fairhead
Honorary member as USTA Super Senior League Coordinator: Peggy Sange
Treasurer: Shari Sternberg
Secretary: Eve Helmer
Vice President: Greg Critcher
President: Michele Archibald

I wish you a healthy and enjoyable tennis season.
Michele
President, AACTA