A FINAL WORD

By Charles E. Vasoll

An ending is always difficult. That is why last year, when I indicated that this web site probably would not be extended another year, I left the door open. Sure enough, when August came, I could not bring myself to close this chapter of my platform tennis odyssey. This year, however, I am going to keep my word. I will not bore you with the reason for this decision but, simply put, the time has come for me to move on.

Although I “retired” from my career as a bank officer twenty years ago, I have been busier than ever in these past two decades with other interests, including my first priority, platform tennis. Now the time has come to really “retire”.

The surest sign of this determination on my part is my resignation as Treasurer of the Long Island Platform Tennis Association. I was feted at the Men’s League Dinner and Awards Presentation and presented with a silver plate engraved with the logo of the association and the words – “presented to Charles “Chuck” Vasoll ‘a token of our affection for you personally and of our admiration for all that you have done for the game of platform tennis’ March 2008”. It was an emotional send-off with more kind words and stories from LIPTA President Duane Hayden, Director, Jim Healy, and close friend and sometimes playing partner, Walter “Woody” Horn. It was an unexpected presentation (a real surprise) and certainly took me off guard. I mumbled a few words of “thank you” to a standing ovation and we moved on to the real highlight of the evening that everyone was really staying for - the prize raffle.

Since indicating my plan to put the web site to bed, I have received two wonderful offers. Bob Considine, owner of the paddlepro web site, indicated he would be pleased to publish my thoughts. Likewise, in an informal conversation, APTA President Mark Fischl, welcomed me to place an article in “Platform Tennis Magazine” whenever the spirit moved me. While I am flattered by this interest, I believe the platform tennis world has heard enough from me and it is unlikely that I will spin tales any more.

Five years ago, when the idea for a web site popped into my mind, I was told it would be an “expensive” hobby. I have not totaled the dollars because I know it has rewarded me more than whatever I spent. This is principally because it has further enhanced a loving relationship with my daughter, Linner, who was my web master, page designer and final editor under the name “LinnerWorks”. (Her birth certificate reads “Linda” but she became “Linner” in High School and it has stuck). I cannot put into words how much this has meant to me.

Finally to all of you who have taken some of your valuable time to visit the site and especially several who have shared their thoughts with me, all I say is “thank you”.

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