Dear Stowe Tennis Club Members,

I hope you’re having a wonderful winter! As the days grow longer, your fantastic STC leadership team—led by Club Manager Tricia Weston and Tennis and Facilities Director Mike Tasi—is already hard at work preparing for the 2026 season. In the meantime, I'd like to share important updates regarding our finances, facility improvements, programming, and our dedicated junior program.

Junior Program Leadership
We are thrilled to announce that Seb Sweatman will serve as our new Junior Program Coordinator! Having grown up on STC courts and served as the on-court facilitator for the last two years, Seb deeply understands our culture and brings a passion for tennis and teaching to the role. We also extend a huge thank you to Michele Whitmore for her contributions over the past two years; she has decided to take a break from tennis programming to spend more time with her grandkids. More details about junior programming and registration will be shared soon.

Club Finances & 2026 Membership Dues
As your Board, we work diligently to balance two financial priorities: keeping Stowe Tennis Club affordable and accessible; and maintaining and caring for our facilities. Over the last five years, we have thoughtfully managed both significant capital improvements and continuously rising operating costs. After careful review of our budget, the Board voted to increase membership dues by 5% for the 2026 season. Even with this adjustment, our projected operating budget anticipates a modest deficit.

The 2026 dues renewal period begins on March 1st, at which time you will receive an email with instructions for paying your dues. Remaining an accessible club is central to the STC identity. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to confidentially discuss payment options, please reach out to Tricia Weston.

While dues cover our essential operations, voluntary contributions play a vital role in allowing us to fund meaningful club enhancements and larger infrastructure projects when they arise. These donations are always welcome and deeply appreciated. During the renewal process, you will see an option to donate. Your generosity enables continued reinvestment in the club’s facilities and programs.

Credit Card Fees
For 2026, we have eliminated the mandatory credit card surcharge. As credit card fees remain a real expense for the club, if you choose to pay your dues by credit card, we ask that you consider voluntarily donating approximately 3% to help offset card processing fees incurred by the club. You may also pay via e-check or by mail-in check.

Capital Projects
Our club is now decades into its life cycle, requiring thoughtful, ongoing care and reinvestment. The major facility project this season is the replacement of the pool liner, scheduled for installation in early May. We are also continuing to evaluate and address long-term needs, including maintenance on the cement deck area around the pool, tree health, and locker room infrastructure. 

Membership Updates
Application Process: We are continuing to refine our application and orientation process to ensure that new members are warmly welcomed and clearly understand our STC culture. Looking ahead to 2027, we will introduce a Sponsor component to the membership process. More details on this will be shared at the Annual Meeting and via email in early June.

Guest Policy and Volunteer Credits: If a Volunteer Credit is redeemed for a free guest visit, the visit does count towards the guest’s total number of visits for the season. Total tennis visits are capped at 6 when Volunteer Credits are used. Waitlisted applicants continue to be eligible for up to 4 additional visits at club-sponsored events. Volunteer Credits expire after 2 seasons.

We hope to see many of you at the Annual Meeting on June 6th where you will hear additional details about the above topics and more, ask questions of your Board, and most importantly, socialize with each other as we kick off the tennis season!

With appreciation and excitement for the summer ahead,

Erika Furey
President, Stowe Tennis Club

What’s in store for this season? Mark your calendars for these key dates:

Spring Volunteer Workday: May 16th
Early Bird Round Robin & Annual Meeting: June 6th
All Member Round Robin: June 27th
Junior and Family Round Robin: July 25th
Club Championships: Singles (Aug 15-16), Doubles (Aug 22-23), Mixed Doubles (Aug 29-30), Sunday rain dates
End of Season Party and Mixed Doubles Final: September 19th
Fall Volunteer Workday: October 17th

We are also planning a Member/Guest Event (date tbd) and themed Watch Parties for the Wimbledon (Women's Final - Sat 7/11, Men's Final - Sun 7/12) and US Open (Women's Final - Sat 9/12, Men's Final - Sun 9/13) Finals!