To all that made this evening so special:
Thank you just does not seem enough! But I will try! Friday evening was a night I will remember always. So many former students, players, parents of those students and players, friends, colleagues, administrators, and townspeople, all that have meant so much to me over the years. So many memories, so many enjoyable experiences to have shared with so many people over the years, and to have a chance to reunite was unbelievable.
The Serving Lynnfield Committee, event committee, the girls and boys tennis teams, state representatives, Lynnfield Select Board, School Committee, people that donated auction items, made donations, or attended, the many that reached out to thank me but could not attend, and the Lynnfield community in general all went above and beyond to make this such a special occasion.
In the early 1970s, high school tennis teams played on two courts at the junior high, and two at Glen Meadow behind the old Bali Hai restaurant. During the late 1970s they built the present high school courts.
Tennis was so popular that to play on a weekend, you needed a permit with an assigned day and time to play. In 1992 the courts were resurfaced, adding another layer of asphalt over the existing one. But, this did not deal with the underlying problems the original base had created.
Over the years the cracks and birdbath depressions reappeared. There were attempts to fill the cracks and superficially paint, but mother nature continued to prevail, and the surrounding wooded area gradually became an obstacle as well.
Replacing the courts became a necessity and it crept in and out of town projects over the past 10 years. But, thanks to a number of motivated and concerned townspeople and administrators, we are now able to move forward and, with luck, have new tennis courts by September.
So as much as I appreciate you helping to celebrate my 50 plus years of service to Lynnfield, I celebrate you! Because without your help this project would not be possible.
As I mentioned at the “gala,” I am thankful for having the opportunity to have played a part in your lives, but know that you have played a bigger part in my life!
Much appreciated,
Craig Stone
Lynnfield girls tennis coach
