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56 56 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 | A recent USTA (US Tennis Association) website featured good news about the current state of tennis in America by passing on a news report dated Feb. 11, 2021: "Tennis participation in the U.S. increased by 22 percent in 2020, with 21.64 million people hitting the courts… Of the more than 21 million Americans saying they played tennis last year, 6.78 million were either new or returning/lapsed players. Nearly three million of those were first-time players, a 44 percent increase over new players in 2019. Additionally, the 3.82 million Americans who returned to the sport after time away was a 40 percent increase over the same measure in 2019." Clearly, tennis emerged as a safe-to-play sport over the course of COVID-19, a boon to the sport across our nation and a welcome contribution to the health and happiness of the members of the Sun Lakes Tennis Club. Except for a brief period when our courts were locked, play on our courts flourished, for which we can be grateful. Now, almost two years later, we in the Tennis Club are delighted that our Club has returned to our custom of socializing on a regular basis. For example, a sumptuous Oktoberfest meal was shared in October. Competitive tournaments within our club have returned. A wild and wacky time took place at our annual Turkey Day held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. And, we will conclude 2021 with a Quarterly Meeting along with a Holiday Party early in December. Thank you to each one in the Tennis Club who has pulled us through the extended period of adjustment to COVID-19. As we enter the New Year we are thankful for gaining a number of new Tennis Club members, the joy of vigorous exercise, and a continued awareness of how fortunate we are to be able to play tennis as a highly social, challenging and healthful sport. Finally, thanks to Phil Hazelton for a year-ending tennis tip titled "Nerves!" We all have them. On a tennis court they always seem to show up. One suggestion when you are nervous is to focus on the positive, not your lack of good play. Focus on where you want to place the next shot. Focus on the weakness of your opponents. Focus on your breathing! When we tense-up we tend to hold our breath during a point which tightens up our muscles. Think of the positive — how lucky we are to be able to be on a tennis court with friends at our age. Anything to distract you from how many shots you may have missed. Easy to say, but also possible. Enjoy your game. And, keep your eye on the ball and the fun in your game. ~ David Nethercott, Secretary, Sun Lakes Tennis Club. Tennis Do you enjoy playing the billiard game of 8 Ball? If you do, come join us. All Sun Lakes residents are welcome to practice with us Mondays through Saturdays. We normally draw for partners at noon, then play to around 2 pm. There is no cost to join our group. However, if you elect to join a team, there is a $15 competition fee per three-month season. Eight teams compete every Thursday; four at 9 am and the other four at 1 pm in our Main Clubhouse Billiards Room. For a fun afternoon of friendly competition, come watch us play. For more information, please contact Tom Hyatt at (909) 908- 7533 or email THYATTREALTY@gmail.com. Let us help you look & feel your best you 951-845-4237 851 6th St., Ste. C, Beaumont • www.huntresssalon.com Hair Cuts & Design • Hair Coloring • Perms • Weaves • Brazilian Blowouts • Extensions • Manicures & Spa Pedicures • Beauty Makeup • Permanent Cosmetic • Organic Facials Medical Massage Therapy