Since 1977, Potomac Tennis Club (PTC) has been teeming with enthusiastic tennis players from 6 in the morning until 10 at night — seven days a week throughout the year. Thirty-seven years of close friendships, serious competitions and meaningful memories were celebrated by more than 160 current and former members on Friday evening, April 15.
The tennis bubble was transformed into “party-central” with plenty of food, spirits and a DJ playing tunes for dancing. The evening was planned and orchestrated by committee members Linda Clinch, Barbara Stewart, Debbie Senker, Lisa Golf and Sue Belford with help from the PTC staff and other members.
The mood of the “End of an Era” bash was both nostalgic and bittersweet. Potomac Tennis Club will no longer serve as a gathering place for the tennis/fitness community in Potomac. The facility is closed and will sit empty until the decision is finalized to permit the Brandywine Senior Living Community to be built. Helen Marshall, owner of the Potomac Tennis Club, had decided to close it whether or not the zoning is approved. The West Montgomery County Citizens Association, the Brickyard Coalition and other interested parties are appealing the decision to allow Brandywine to build on this property.
Those in attendance commented on what PTC has meant to them over the years. Janet Szamosszegi said, “It’s like the ‘Cheer’s Bar’ closing. I have so many great memories and formed so many close friendships.”
Ted Garrett said, “It was the best of times and the worst of times — to quote another. It’s such a shame to be splitting our tennis family apart.”
“It’s been my home for a decade,” said Mary Stafford.
Joan George agreed, “I will miss everyone — there are so many special people here and saying good-bye is difficult.”
Jennifer Chang said, “It’s such a unique club and I will miss it.” Many commented that their children had grown up as students at Potomac Tennis – and have now become members.
Larry Braslow said, “What was more fabulous was the 40 years we spent at PTC. It is hard for me to imagine coming home from Florida in early May and not having PTC to go to at 7 am. We will miss the tennis club and all of our early-bird friends of the past 15 years. We will be able to find good tennis I am sure, but not the bond or camaraderie and friendship that has been part of our life for 40 years.”
Valerie Gordon agreed, “For me, the 39 years of memories of the tennis, the teams, the socials and friendships are all flooding back and I loved it all and thank you all. Seems like a life-time and it was.”
Director of Tennis John McDaniel wrote in an email to members, “As April 17 approaches all too fast, I sit here at my desk writing my last email to all of you with a very heavy heart. I can honestly say I never thought this day would come. So many years. o many fond memories. So many people to thank.
“It was September of 1982 that this 19-year-old rookie set out to try and create a career in the tennis industry. Who would have guessed that 33 years later I'm still at it … and all at PTC. With your help and that of so many current and former staff, I've made it this far. Without your help especially, I would not have learned so much in the three decades I've spent here. I've always thought that I learn more from hands on experience. Well … you've given me that chance.
“I'm told friends never go away, they just change places. So the story goes I'd say. As one storied past comes to a close, another one begins.”
PTC members have chosen other clubs to join. Many are headed to Lakewood Country Club and Aspen Hill Tennis Club. Some have relocated to Bethesda Country Club and to Potomac Swim and Tennis. Others are keeping their options open — and hoping that the Brandywine deal will be squashed and another tennis company will take over the space and reopen the club under new management. All will miss PTC, their friends, their games and the convenient location on Potomac Tennis Lane.