Message from 2010-11 HPTA President, Rusty Jabour  Dear Fellow HPTA Members, I am both honored and humbled to have been elected as your president for 2010-11, and I pledge to continue the traditions of this wonderful city-park-based organization that is one of the most successful and unique of its kind in the United States. Thank you, Mike GrimesBefore outlining some necessary changes for this year, I want to thank Mike Grimes for his leadership over the past year. His presidency demonstrated a strong commitment to the Saturday round robin, and Mike supported new ideas to enhance the fundraising efforts of the Highland Open Tennis Tournament, including the introduction of the VERY successful Rose Sponsorships.  As you recall, our goal was 65 Rose Sponsors, but our members and others stepped up big time, resulting in 84 Rose Sponsorships.  Also, Mike helped navigate HPTA through some tricky financial waters, as BREC raised its court fees significantly, while HPTA's dues and round robin fees remained the same for as long as we could sustain.  Thank you, Mike, for your steadfast leadership. Welcome new officersNow, as we begin a new year, I want to welcome our 2010-11 officers and thank them for their willingness to serve.  They are:Wendy Parrish, Vice PresidentAngel Ellis, SecretaryHeather Jayson, TreasurerJoycelyn LeBlanc, Box CoordinatorMichael Doyle, Webmaster Membership dues / round robin fees modifiedAs I mentioned at our annual meeting on Saturday, HPTA is facing higher costs associated with the Saturday round robins.  It has been several years since we adjusted our dues and fees, but recent cost hikes from BREC put us in the position of having to modify our dues and fees so we can continue operating in the black.  To do otherwise would mean the demise of our 33-year-old organization -- and that demise would be unthinkable. On June 5, 2010, the HPTA Board met and decided the following modifications that will take effect this Saturday, July 3, 2010: Annual Membership Dues (as of July 3, 2010)Single membership = $20/year (up from $15)Family membership = $30/year (up from $20) Saturday round robin fees (as of July 3, 2010) $4 for members (up from $3)$8 for non-members (up from $5)First-time visitors continue to play free the first time they attend New Round Robin procedures to ensure fairnessThe following rules and procedures will be strictly enforced every Saturday to ensure fairness for each player and to ensure fairness for our organization: Round Robin starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon Every player must report to the box person upon arrival, sign in and pay the round robin fee No player will be allowed on the HPTA courts until they report to the box person, sign in and pay to play The box person is in charge of round robin play; the box person is to be treated with respect (in keeping with the friendly spirit of HPTA), and their instructions are to be followed.  Disrespectful treatment of the box person or failure to follow his/her instructions could result in a player's suspension from the courts and/or from HPTA  Official HPTA Code of ConductThe officers and board of the HPTA have adopted a formal Code of Conduct.  It is attached for your reference.  We ask that you read it carefully and abide by it always.  Our organization was founded on sportsmanship and good will.  This Code of Conduct is designed to ensure that every round robin player, new and veteran alike, is familiar with our rules, procedures, expectations and ethics. HPTA Member of the Year AwardAbout two years ago, we initiated an award to recognize a person who consistently exhibits the gracious, inclusive spirit of both tennis and the HPTA.  Our previous honorees have been Eugene St. Martin and Father Jerry Martin.  Soon, we will open nominations for this year's recipient, who will be announced at our HPTA Anniversary meeting in October.  Please be thinking about whom you think represents the HPTA in the best and right ways.  We will let you know as soon as the nominations process begins. Thank you, again, for being loyal to the HPTA.  We could not enjoy weekly tennis, friends and fun without you and your support.  Please remember to tell a friend, invite a friend, and we will see you on the courts next week!  Rusty Jabour