President s Message S P E C I AL P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : 2015 LOTA Classic. Special Thank you to Lynn Artz. Tennis Trip to Hilton Head

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B U S I N E S S N A M E I S S U E 5 2 J U L Y 2 0 1 5 S P E C I AL P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : 2015 LOTA Classic Special Thank you to Lynn Artz Tennis Trip to Hilton Head See page 2 for details!

We have just completed our USTA Mixed Doubles leagues, and our LOTA Men s and Women s leagues. Thanks to everyone for making all of these activities a success!

1 B U S I N E S S N A M E I S S U E 5 2 J U L Y S P E C I AL P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T : 2015 LOTA Classic Special Thank you to Lynn Artz Tennis Trip to Hilton Head See page 2 for details! LOTA Hats and Visors President s Message IT IS HOT! We have so much tennis going on regardless of the heat! We have just completed our USTA Mixed Doubles leagues, and our LOTA Men s and Women s leagues. Thanks to everyone for making all of these activities a success! Now, we have Tri-Level and Mixed Doubles teams preparing for the State Tournaments in August. Let s wish them all well! Please remember that we play tennis for fun and recreation! A positive attitude goes a long way in making this happen, so let s all remember to play with a sense of fair play and sportsmanship! If you haven t read The Code recently, give it a scan. Here are some pertinent points to remember: Courtesy and cooperation are expected. There is no room for bad language or throwing of rackets or other objects on the courts. The opponent should always get the benefit of the doubt and a ball that is 99% out is still 100% good! Players make the calls on their own side of the net. All points are treated the same regardless of their importance. Spectators never make calls. Finally, as a reminder, we are guests of Reynolds Plantation for many of our LOTA activities. Though it is never a requirement for members to sweep courts after play, if one of our LOTA activities is the last one on the clay courts for the night, we SHOULD sweep them because we are guests, it shows respect for our hosts, and it is better for the short and long term quality of the courts. Have you visited and liked us on facebook? Please do! Our page is named Lake Oconee Tennis Association.

P A G E 2 How to Join LOTA and/or Update your Membership Information 1. Joining LOTA? Go to http:// www.lotatennis.com/pdoregistration.htm. Updating information? Go to http:// www.lotatennis.com/pdoinfoupdate.

2 P A G E 2 How to Join LOTA and/or Update your Membership Information 1. Joining LOTA? Go to Updating information? Go to You can also get there by going to 2. Type your name in the boxes and hit submit. 3. Input your information and /or make corrections.make sure your is correct. 4. Click on submit. This will take you back to the home page. You will receive a confirmation shortly. League coordinators will contact you about signing up for leagues. 5. Mail your check for $20 (if you haven t already paid) to LOTA PO Box 58 Greensboro, GA There is also a Paypal option if you would rather pay by credit card. N E W S L E T T E R T I T L E

I S S U E 5 2 P A G E 3 A special thank-you to Lynn Artz As LOTA prepares for the 2015 LOTA Classic, we must show our appreciation for the contributions Lynn Artz has made not only to the LOTA

In this role Lynn insured the players had competitive matches that stretched their ability.

Life long friendships have been born and nurtured through Sunday courts, the Tennis Code (Rules) and even current weather Mixed. The LOTA Website (www.lotatennis.

3 I S S U E 5 2 P A G E 3 A special thank-you to Lynn Artz As LOTA prepares for the 2015 LOTA Classic, we must show our appreciation for the contributions Lynn Artz has made not only to the LOTA Classic, but to our entire LOTA family. Lynn s tenure on the board began nine years ago as the Mixed Doubles Director. In this role Lynn insured the players had competitive matches that stretched their ability. Mixed doubles players played hard but they also partied hardy with costumed round robins, St Patrick s Day events and always plenty of snacks and beverages to end a fun day. Life long friendships have been born and nurtured through Sunday courts, the Tennis Code (Rules) and even current weather Mixed. The LOTA Website ( )has great information about the organization, upcoming events, directions to tennis conditions! Seven years ago, Lynn stepped up and asked to create a major tournament for LOTA. I want to run a classy event men s and women s doubles. I want everyone to have a great time with great competition and a fun party; winners to have a special, unique trophy and players to come back year after year. Each year the tournament grew, players came from throughout the Southeast and charities began to benefit from the generosity of the players through tournament sponsorships, raffles, silent auctions, hot dog sales and more. Close to $20,000 has been raised over the years. Lynn has been the heart and soul of this tournament, shouldering almost all the responsibilities herself. Running an event like this takes months of planning, negotiating, soliciting sponsorships and volunteers, preparing gifts and parties, tracking down trophy shipments, selecting t-shirts, handling unhappy or unruly players, and settling disputes. Lynn, all of us at LOTA thank you for what you have done for our organization, our community and our selves. We will miss your contributions as the Classic moves to new leadership, but you will always remain our friend and inspiration. Lynn and her husband Duane, who always supported Lynn, lending a hand, or a shoulder whenever needed!

P A G E 4 2015 LOTA Classic A classy event!

4 P A G E LOTA Classic A classy event! September 11-13, 2015 Each September, for the last six years, close to 100 tennis players from across the south converge on Reynolds Plantation tennis courts to participate in a weekend of competition, charity and most of all fun! The LOTA Classic tennis tournament, run by the Lake Oconee Tennis Association and hosted by Reynolds Plantation is the premier tennis event in the Lake Area. This year s tournament will take place September th. Open to all levels, the tournament draws not only local players but also those from the Atlanta area, Macon, and even other states. This diverse group of entrants promises great competition for those that are beginners through to teaching pros. Larry Kludt, this year s tournament chair, shared his vision for the event, It s our intent to increase the number of players each year. We believe they will enjoy the round robin format that provides increased play opportunities for our competitors over more traditional single elimination formats. This tourney is always fun both for players and observers, showcasing our beautiful and friendly community. And it s not just about the tennis, each year the tournament has had a player party and a draw party sponsored by Richard s Wine Bar. Karen Bernardy, LOTA s president told us The Classic draws new players each year, but a large number of the players are repeat players. Friendships have been made and nurtured and we look forward to seeing and playing together each year! Our members, most of which live in the lake area gated communities, look forward to competing with players they don t regularly see here at the lake. Tournament registration is open NOW! So get yourself a partner and send in your entry. Just go to the LOTA website: and click on TOURNAMENT Over the years, proceeds from the tournament have helped national organizations including the American Cancer Society and The Breast Cancer Research Organization. Since LOTA is a local organization serving Greene, Putnam and Baldwin Counties the event has moved its focus to more local organizations and charities:

5 I S S U E 5 2 L O T A N E W S! P A G E 5 St. Mary s Women s Center, Atlas Ministries, St Mary s Good Samaritan Hospital and the Oconee Regional Humane Society. Of course LOTA s ability to support these organizations would not be possible without the support of the tournament sponsors which are able to help at several levels of sponsorship like last year s Platinum Sponsors: St. Mary s Good Samaritan Hospital, Freedom Boat Club and Richard s Wine Bar. This year the Classic will be supporting the Georgia College and State University Club Tennis Teams. These teams are part of the Tennis On Campus program organized by the United States Tennis Association (USTA.) USTA Tennis On Campus is designed to provide college students with a host of opportunities for team camaraderie, social networking and unrivaled competition through tennis without the demands of a varsity program. The fun co-ed format is designed to accommodate all levels of play, and the top teams can compete for regional and national championships. Tennis On Campus helps students maintain active and healthy lifestyles through their college years and helps them to stay connected to the lifetime sport of tennis. The program is currently offered at over 500 campuses across the country. The GCSU Club Team The students in this program receive no assistance from their Universities and must shoulder all expenses of travel, entry fees, etc. LOTA s support is earmarked to help with travel expenses and team uniforms/shirts. In return, the team members will join LOTA, participate in our programs, volunteer at our tournament and help with other events designed to help raise funds for the club. LOTA believes that their sponsorship of the GCSU club team aligns with our goals of promoting tennis in our community and looks forward to a long relationship with the group.

P A G E 6 USTA COMBO Watch your email for messages about Combo Teams for this fall. We are hoping to form 6.5 and 7.5 teams this year!

6 P A G E 6 USTA COMBO Watch your for messages about Combo Teams for this fall. We are hoping to form 6.5 and 7.5 teams this year! LOTA is on facebook and the web Get up to date information about LOTA events, see photos of the fun and even check the weather out by visiting the LOTA website. There s also a copy of the LOTA By-Laws, a member roster and The Code (to answer all your tennis rule questions!) Just visit Real time information can also be found on the Lake Oconee Tennis Association facebook page. Just click here.

P A G E 7 LOTA ANNUAL TENNIS TRIP September 24-27 This year s trip is going to be amazing! We are headed back to Hilton Head Island s Van der Meer Tennis Resort. Hope you will join us.

7 P A G E 7 LOTA ANNUAL TENNIS TRIP September This year s trip is going to be amazing! We are headed back to Hilton Head Island s Van der Meer Tennis Resort. Hope you will join us. Grab your significant other or a group of friends and come along for the fun! You will have two choices this year for accommodations. Lodging: 1. The Sonesta Resort. A four diamond oceanfront property, when you walk out of the side of the building, you re on the courts. It is also on the beach. Please check out Standard room with either a king or two queen beds for $499 per person based on double occupancy. 2. Two bedroom villa across the street from the Racquet Club, these come with full kitchens, living rooms and 2 bedrooms with a king in the master and two twins in the guest room. Based on 4 people in a condo, the price is $ per person. These prices include tennis clinics on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you are not playing tennis, the rate reduces by $190. Also included is a cocktail party on Thursday evening. Van der Meer Tennis A $250 deposit is due to Brenda Bray by August 19th to reserve your spot. Make check out to LOTA. Checks can be left at Lake Club Tennis Center.. If interested in fishing or golf or have any questions, please contact Brenda at (678)

8 I S S U E 5 2 L O T A N E W S! P A G E 8

9 I S S U E 5 2 L O T A N E W S! P A G E 9 LOTA 2015 Sponsors LOTA Mike Hats & Carol and Lynch Visors Barry and Debbie Darugar

Championships, including this Spring, where Brenda Bray led 40+

5 55+ team out of Athens and Lin Logan captained a 55+ 4.

10 ISSUE 52 LOTA NEWS! LOTA is consistently sending strong teams to USTA State Championships, including this Spring, where Brenda Bray led 40+ women s 4.0 teams, Steph Coleman took a women s team to States. Laurie Cicco and Denise Bush both played on a team out of Athens and Lin Logan captained a men s team out of Madison that included a number of LOTA members. As we go to press 7.0 and 8.0 mixed doubles teams are in Augusta and 4 trilevel teams are readying for LaGrange later this month. PAGE10

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I S S U E 5 2 P A G E 12 They are here!! Get a LOTA hat or visor for only $8. Contact Marty Colton at martyc@windstream.net to get yours! Please make your check out to LOTA! We are guests.

12 I S S U E 5 2 P A G E 12 They are here!! Get a LOTA hat or visor for only $8. Contact Marty Colton at martyc@windstream.net to get yours! Please make your check out to LOTA! We are guests.. Please follow host court policies Remember that we are allowed to use the courts in the various neighborhoods through the generosity of those communities and their clubs. We are their guests for LOTA events and we greatly appreciate their hospitality. However, this does not mean that LOTA members that are not also club members (Reynolds, Harbor Club, etc.) have playing privileges beyond LOTA events. Each facility has their own guest play rules that must be followed. For example, currently, you must have at least one member on the court with you if you are playing on Reynolds or Harbor Club courts. These rules may also change and further limit non member play during prime times or special member events. If the facility has guest fees these must also be paid. Play is not extended past league completed play times and exit the courts promptly when play is complete. Should a player s privileges be revoked from one of these facilities for not following guest play rules, they will also unable to play in LOTA programs. We cannot endanger playing privileges for compliant members because of the actions of a few. I am sure that all of you appreciate this and will make sure you are in compliance.

Our purpose and objective is to create, develop, maintain and promote tennis in our communities.

13 O r g a n i z a t i o n Mission Statement: LOTA represents the Lake Oconee Area with members from Greene, Morgan, Putnam and Baldwin Counties. Our purpose and objective is to create, develop, maintain and promote tennis in our communities. Our goal is to provide tennis opportunities and programs, where we all have fun, play good matches, and benefit from physical activity out-of-doors. Visit us on the Web at

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