Special Event

Left to right: Shari S. Brian and Governor Hickenlooper

Left to right: Brian and Shari S.

When Shari. S. isn't on the tennis court, she is spending time with her family. Here she poses with her son Brian, owner of FrameDeArt.  Brian presented the Governor with a very unusual picture of Denver which he personally framed - it was gracefully accepted.

The event took place at Duffy Rolls on south Broadway and was hosted by Sunny Roseman a conservative talk show host. Shari thoroughly enjoyed the day, and commented that Governor Hickenlooper "has done a great job of responding to some very difficult problems in Colorado."

The Gathering Place Fund Raiser

Left to right: Jan, Liz and Mona

Three ladies from HEB tennis club attended a sale at Jan R. house on December 9th from 9:00 until noon. To date, our tennis buddies and others from our community have raised over $400.00 for The Gathering Place, the only daytime shelter for women and children in Denver.

Our Christmas Tree

Although this photograph is a little blurred...our Christmas Tree looks very festive in our "regular" corner at the HEB Clubhouse. Liz and Jan struggled with the lights and decorations, but also laughed a lot as they assembled it.

When They're Not Playing Tennis

Left to right: Liz and Jan.

Over the last few months, several ladies from HEB have knitted items that were sold at a fund raising event at The Gathering Place, the only daytime shelter for women and children in Denver. We are glad to report that we raised a considerable sum for the center.

"Texas Hold "Em" - A New Way!

When Mona Miller isn't on the tennis courts, she can be found playing a variety of card games. She is so enthusiastic about "Texas Hold "Em" and a new way of playing that particular game...that she has decided to provide lessons starting on January 11, 2012. Mona said, "I'm very excited about this new technique, and want to share it with others. It's catching on quickly...especially with women who incidentally are very good poker players. It's different, it's fun, and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening."
You can call Mona at 303-617-4539 for more information.

Nancy Bishoff - Our Past President

Nancy is really involved with tennis in Texas. Once the organizers in her community realized that she was a tennis player and had been the president here at HEB...they offered her a position she couldn't refuse.

Following is a little note from Nancy.

I have gotten involved in tennis here, and was elected the President in February of 2011!! Anyway - it has been fun, but at the same time very time consuming. We do not have the luxury of having a "Gail & Ron Social Committee". The Board plans everything and runs all the events.The past President had other commitments which did not permit him to plan anything for two years - so it was a challenge.The club has grown in numbers and we try to have a mixer, social or some activity every month. We are seeing an increase in participation for our events. I miss all the wonderful people at HEB. It would appear from the "blog" that your USTA teams are doing a fantastic job.  GOOD LUCK IN LAS VEGAS. If we knew the dates - who knows, Al and I might just be there to watch the competition. It sounds like tennis is thriving - and according to the blog - bad weather does not seem to dampen the spirits of HEB tennis gals!  

Conditions...what Conditions?

Left to right: Shari, Louise, Gail and Jan

There are only two things that stop HEB tennis players from getting on the court  -- extreme cold, and snow/wet conditions. Although the temperature was barely 50 degrees on Saturday, four ladies still turned out to play some good tennis. Warm up pants and jackets were shedded during the match. Never let it be said our ladies aren't tough cookies!

Mini Tournament at Heritage Hills

L to R: Anita and Liz

The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday with temperatures close to 80 degrees F. Two members of Heritage Eagle Bend tennis took advantage of the good weather, and participated in a mini tourney at Heritage Hills (located at Lonetree.) Competition was high, but the ladies were friendly and fun to play. Anita and Liz played a close match, won the tie-breaker, and therefore move forward. Since the weather is about to change tomorrow (probably by 50 degrees) some matches will have to be played indoors. The tourney will end in a lunch at Heritage Hills.

Rare Photograph Indeed!

The men do play tennis at Heritage Eagle Bend. They can be found playing on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, but it is rare indeed to get a photograph. For instance, I had to sneak up on them after they'd finished their matches on Saturday, and almost begged them to stand still for just one moment. Even then, they were gumbling, "Do we have to......" still, I got my shot.

Blustery Day

Left to right: Janice, Violet and Deborah.

Four ladies turned up for tennis on Thursday drop-in yesterday. It was a typical fall morning, bright sun, blue sky, but a strong wind that brought snow to the mountains. Still, those who turned out got some exercise and fun chasing the ball.

Little Chilly for September

Drop in tennis on Thursday was just that...drop in! Seven ladies turned out on a not so warm morning and watched as the cold front swept in. Jackets were needed. The weather did not cooperate until much later in the day. We played "Australian" on court #2 and rotated our players. It was a fun morning.

Starting next week (Oct), HEB ladies can expect drop in tennis on Monday and Thursday to begin at 9:00 AM.

Come and Join Us for Fall Tennis!

Front: Gigi

Middle: Sosanna and Carrie

Back: Jan

Dear HEB girls, Remember we're still playing ladies tennis on Monday and Thursdays thru September at 8:00 a.m. WE ONLY HAVE ONE MORE MONDAY IN SEPT.(NEXT WEEK SEPT.26) so please sign up and join us! We had 6 girls this morning, the weather was perfect and we all had a great time and good tennis too!!! This Thursday and next week will be "walk-in" tennis, but I already know several girls who plan on being there! Last week Liz Wallace had contacted several girls (both 3.0 and 3.5 players) who planned on playing. Alas, the big rain storm on Weds. night brought cold, windy conditions on Thursday so no one played. But, this week is supposed to be good weather so come Thursday and play!!


I've agreed to be women's tennis coordinator for one more year, but it is disheartening to have these wonderful courts on beautiful days only one fourth full! Please come out and join us, they're free and waiting for players! Maybe now that golf is almost over we'll get more of those girls on Thursdays!


Hope to see you on the HEB courts!
Carrie Sharp, Women's tennis coordinator

Year End Party

Photo courtesy: Shari and Hank S.

Shari S. hosted her annual 3.5 H.E.B. luncheon party last week. Unfortunately, Kathy E. could not attend, because she had family commitments. Food was scrumptious and company even better!

Needless to say, the group is excited about representing H.E.B. in Las Vegas next March, and tentative plans were discussed and drawn up in regard to both travel and hotel accommodations.

Once again, the 3.0 super senior ladies will be going to Las Vegas. It's amazing to think that in the relatively short life of our club...that we are sending two teams to represent H.E.B. but more than that -- they are representing the whole of Colorado! We are so proud of our gals.

East vs West Tournament Trophy

As most of us know, there's a natural and friendly competitive edge to the East vs West tournament every year. At the regular meeting last night, Larry D. presented the duly engraved tennis plaque to John P. who accepted it with a shake of the hand--amidst lots of cheering, hand clapping and "wait until next year" comments.

Larry brought the 16 members who attended the meeting to order, and asked for volunteers to help run the tennis club in 2012. Several people stepped forward, and I'm glad to report that all positions have been filled. We thank the generosity of those people for without their help, our tennis club would simply not exist. 

Our HEB Men Complete at Districts

Not only did our super senior women's 3.0 and 3.5 HEB teams compete at Districts, win and will compete in Las Vegas in March of next year...our senior men's 3.5 team competed yesterday at Monaco and did extremely well. They play again this weekend and, if they qualify, will go on to Regionals in Boise, Idaho, in two weeks! Not much time for them to practice, but watching them play yesterday...it didn't look as though they needed much practice at all. There were a couple of  "nail-biting" moments during tie-breakers -- but they were fun matches to watch.

We wish our HEB men all the luck in the world this weekend -- please watch this space for more information.

PRESS RELEASE...PRESS RELEASE

3.0. Super Senior Champions

3.5 Super Senior Champions

Resting in between matches

I was unable (due to grandparents' duty) to see our team play their matches today...however, Carrie Sharp provided the following commentary.

“Double whammy-3.5 Super Senior team wins District championship today! Viva Las Vegas in March 2011!

We are so proud and excited for our 3.5 Super Senior women'.s team who won the District championship today at Pinehurst Country Club! They defeated a very strong Loveland team 2-1 and advance to the Intermountain Sectionals in Las Vegas in March 2012! Way to go HEB RED! Team members are Carol Chiolero(captain,) Jan Rankin, Gail Hedy, Louise Forsythe, Jean Duncan, Joann Posluszny, Shari Schroeder, Kathy Ebdon and Elinor Newman.

For the first time in HEB history we will be sending 2 teams to Intermountain Sectionals!!The 3.0 super senior team which qualified yesterday are Carrie Sharp (captain) Janice Allmacher, Donna Rufner, Carol Lawson, Violet Marquez, GiGi Goodson, Joy Bole, Margaret Hinderliter, Neemie Felton, Nancy Wagner.

We COULD have a 3rd team going to Senior men's sectional as HEB 7.0 men's senior TEAM WILL BE PLAYING IN DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS THE WEEKEND OF SEPT.9-10.Good luck, HEB MEN!

It has been an incredible winning year for HEB USTA teams-believe me HEB is now a force to be reckoned with in Colorado!

See you on the courts, Carrie Sharp, Women's tennis coordinator.”

Adventurous Woman

When she isn't playing tennis...Janice A. can be found having fun on the Colorado River. She is located at the back of this kayak - oar raised in the air -- probably laughing out loud as she does on the tennis courts. Janice was on the winning team that represented HEB at Nationals this year. We never know what she will do next!!

New League - New Duds!

Left to right: Elinor, Carol and Jan.

The Senior 3.5 tennis ladies began their league last week winning all three of their matches. Traditionally, this league is usually one of the toughest since some of our opponents could be as young as 49 years old! Nevertheless, our gals always put their best foot forward to represent our club.

HOLD THE PRESS! The 3.5 team Super Seniors and the 3.0. Super Seniors will be representing HEB at Districts in September. Can you believe it? Watch the bulletin boards and this site for more details.

The 3.5 Super Team are off to Districts!

The HEB team who played against the Pinery.
Back row - left to right: Shari S; Jan R; Carol C. and Joanne P.
Front row - left to right: Louise F. and Gail H.

What a fantastic finish! HEB 3.5 Super Seniors are unbeaten! They are first in their league, and will therefore represent Heritage Eagle Bend at the District Tournaments in September.

Four years ago, when we entered our first HEB leagues, people asked, "Who are you? Where do you play"...quickly followed with "Never heard of HEB, and never played at your facility." I do believe things are changing. We are rapidly becoming known as formidable opponents in our respective divisions.

First Ever -- Ladies' Night Out

The ladies at HEB went to all length to attend the first ever Ladies Night Out tennis and dinner event on June 15th. Approximately 20 ladies attended the event and, after a couple of hours of tennis...had a great dinner at the Eagle's Nest. This evening was such a success - we'll be doing it again.

Getting Better all the Time

One of our favorite ladies at HEB Violet V. is recovering from a shoulder injury. It won't be long before she is back on court testing us all with her sneaky drop shots, devastating down the alley passes, and those cross court volleys.We all wish Violet a speedy recovery and expect to see her on court in the next week or two.

The First Mixer of the Year

Just a quick note to let everyone know tennis is underway again at Heritage Eagle Bend.  What a great day we had today with our first mixer of the year.  A big thank you goes out to Jan Rankin and Carol Chiolero for their organization and running the event.  Also thanks go out to Donna and Rick Ruffner for hosting the potluck after play, what a great way to finish the day. 

It was good to see some players back in action who we have missed from the past.  Didn’t look like these players lost any of their strokes and hopefully had fun again. 

Just a quick note to let everyone know tennis is underway again at Heritage Eagle Bend.  What a great day we had today with our first mixer of the year.  A big thank you goes out to Jan Rankin and Carol Chiolero for their organization and running the event.  Also thanks go out to Donna and Rick Ruffner for hosting the potluck after play, what a great way to finish the day. 

It was good to see some players back in action who we have missed from the past.  Didn’t look like these players lost any of their strokes and hopefully had fun again. 

Larry Duncan

HEB Tennis

H.E.B. Men's Silver 3.5 Team

Photo courtesy: Nancy Wagner.

From left to right: Jerry Wagner, Marty Sinnot, Braden Wesley, Bob Rutkowski, Murray Rubenstein and Larry Duncan. Tom Quinn, also on the team, but was not available for the photo.

For the first time this year, HEB have their very own Men's Silver Team! The women of HEB tried to get a Silver Team together too, but alas, there were not enough ladies to form leagues. 

In any event, our men did us proud last week winning -- 2 of their 3 matches. Watch this space for more scores and comments.

The "Complete" Super Senior 3.0 Team



From left to right: Dorie, Donna, Joy, Captain Carrie, Neemie, Janice, Nancy, Margaret and Violet.

After two days of snow, the Super Senior 3.0 team played their scheduled match against Inverness this morning. The day was full of drama as Janice A. took a fall in the first set, but gamely stood up and continued her match. She and her partner, Margaret, did not win the match, but nevertheless they finished in good form. On court #3 Carrie and Neemie won both sets.

The second nail biting incident took place on court #1. Donna and Joy won the first set, Inverness took the second set. Now for the tiebreaker that would decide whether HEB or Inverness would win overall. It was a hard fought battle as each team tried their hardest until the last moment. It was neck and neck - 8-8, 9-9, 10-10, 11-11...but unfortunately Inverness had the edge today, and won 13-11. Great cheers rang out because both teams had played so well, were good sports, and showed a positive attitude.

Second Day of Snow at HEB

Who can believe this weather? One day it's almost 80 degrees F. and the following day the temperate drops 40+ degrees. Needless to say, tennis was cancelled and all league matches that should have been played yesterday, have to be rescheduled. Likewise for today's matches. We're not complaining - we need the moisture...it's just remarkable how quickly the weather can change.

Victory for the 3.0 Team

Left to right: Joy, Carol, Donna, Gigi, Janice, Captain Carrie, Neemie and Violet.

HEB 3.0. Super Senior ladies won two of their three matches on Friday...which constitutes a win for Captain Carrie's team of 2011. Carrie was particularly pleased with her team's performance. The scores are as follows: Court #1 - Carol and Donna 6-2 and 6-3; Court #2 - Janice and Joy won 6-2 and 7-5; Court #3 Neemie and GiGi lost in a tiebreaker -- their score  6-2, 4-6 and 9-11. It was a valiant effort, as Carrie said, "It was so close...it could have gone either way." 

The First Match of the Season

Our 3.5 Super Senior team played their first match yesterday. The visiting team from Parker (Railbender Park) were really good sports, and the matches were fun to watch. We're glad to report that our ladies won on all three courts --- a good start to the season.

Our 3.0. Super Senior team play this Friday (at home) so please come by to cheer them on.

The Warriors Return

The full team - all nine ladies!
From left to right: Janice, Violet, Penny, Carrie (Captain) Gigi, Tricia, Lynn, Marlene and Carol

The HEB Super Senior 3.0 ladies returned to Colorado over te weekend. They had a wonderful tournament -- winning some and losing some...but overall had a fantastic time representing the tennis club here at Heritage Eagle Bend.

Following is short report from Captain Carrie to her players and supporters.

"I love being the captain more than playing!!Thank you for your great, gutsy play at Nationals,in the hot desert sun through tie-breakers, controversial situations, testy opponents, etc.You were all warriors! And, we still had fun, fellowships, birthday parties, pool gatherings, great dinners and LOTS of laughs!"

Phoenix -- Here We Come!

Photo: Left to right - Gigi, Carrie (Captain), Carol, Janice, Marlene & Violet

A fun time was had by all last night at this fund raiser for our HEB 3.0 Super Seniors who will represent us at Nationals in Phoenix. Not only that...but they are also playing for the whole of Colorado! As Carrie S. said recently, "No pressure!" and chuckled.

Carrie S. (as usual) is doing a wonderful job of keeping her players focused, positive and upbeat. She is protective and mindful of her team, and for that we all thankful.

Well done team - we send you our best wishes as you move on to Nationals!

On to Nationals!

Top - left to right: Carol L. and Donna R.
Middle - left to right: Violet M; Janice A, Tricia W; Marlene M; Carrie S. (Captain) Donna R; Gigi G. and Carol L.
Bottom - left to right: Tricia W; Carrie S. (Captain) Marlene M.

All photographs courtesy of Marlene M. taken in Las Vegas after "our gals" won all their matches.

"No pressure!" commented Carrie S. last week. "We're only representing the whole of Colorado at Nationals next month."

Needless to say, we wish our victorious 3.0. Super Senior team all the luck in the world.

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Three cheers for our warriors! The 3.0 Super Seniors came home triumphant last weekend (photos to follow). They easily won all of their matches in Las Vegas, and are now on their way to Nationals! Needless to say, we are all very proud of our gals, and wish them success next month. Watch this space for more news/photographs as and when we get them.

One of those days in Colorado

Top left to right: Dick Ebdon and Jeff Katz
Bottom left to right: Gail, Kelly, Liz and Shari

Every winter, there are some absolutely beautiful days when the snow has cleared, the sun is shining (it does most of the time anyway), and there is little wind. Last Wednesday was just such a day. Four ladies and two men turned up at the courts, smiling from ear to ear. It was a glorious morning that nobody wanted to miss.

Hardy Hannahs

Photo - left to right: Carol, Shari, Gail, Donna, Jan, Louise, Linda (Liz taking photo).

Never let it be said that the ladies of HEB sit quietly through the winter months without playing tennis. Yesterday, with the temperature barely 50 degrees Fahrenheit, we donned our warm up suits and took to the outside courts. It was a little blustery, but the ladies were upbeat and positive. As one member said, "I'm just glad to be outside..." followed by Shari who commented, "We're hardy Hannah's..."

The Super Senior USTA 3.0 team is training hard for their upcoming tournament in Las Vegas. They are on top form keeping their level high by playing in an indoor league.They are in the midst of planning their trip, are excited...and hope to "see some of the sights" while they're in town.