CELEBRATION    Over 400 volunteers attended this month's USTA Florida annual meeting on Clearwater Beach. Not even the inclement weather could dampen the enthusiasm generated while celebrating the organization's 60 years of existence and honoring icon Bobby Curtis' 30 years of service.    Also recognized were the late Terry Logan of St. Petersburg, named 2009 Official of the Year; Phil Girardi of Treasure Island, Committee Volunteer of the Year; and, 101-year old Jim Vuille was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame.    Jerica Coley, 17-year old St. Petersburg Catholic senior, spoke at the meeting and shared her experiences in the St. Petersburg Tennis Center's First Serve program.    Centarian Roger Gentilhomme of Massachusetts, who winters in Dunedin, inspired the crowd while sharing some of his tennis experiences. Since starting tennis at the age of 65, Roger has collected more than 40 gold medals in Good Life Games competition and this fall traveled to San Francisco for the National Senior Games, followed by a trip to the Netherlands for the inaugural World Senior Games. Roger and Nancy    During the weekend celebration, the raffle ticket Lee Beneke of Safety Harbor purchased from her friend Judy Foster was selected as the winner of the 2010 U.S. Open Fundraiser sponsored by the USTA Florida Section Foundation. Lee won a round trip for two to New York, two nights' accommodations and seating in the USTA President's Box at the U.S. Open.    "It's really bizarre and I still can't believe it," said Lee. "I'm always buying some sort of ticket to support something, but then I hardly ever think any more about it. I've always wanted to go to the U.S. Open, but haven't, so now my husband Steve - who doesn't even play tennis - and I are going. I am so excited I can't even tell you!" SPTC'S FIRST SERVE    Jerica Coley was named the two-time national high school winner among all the First Serve chapters in the nation and received a $5,000 scholarship from the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, a mobile phone and a trip to New York during the U.S. Open. Jamiya McGriff joined Jerica in the national honor in the lower middle school division. Academics and tennis skills are included in the contest's criteria.    First Serve utilizes tennis to help empower youth with skills, values and experiences to become responsible, productive and successful individuals in life. TENNIS LICENSE PLATE    Over 1700 Play Tennis license plates have been purchased through November with Pinellas County among the top three counties last month. The specialty plate is a fundraiser for the USTA Florida Section Foundation, which plans to assist community organizations' efforts to promote tennis, as well as to help renovate public tennis courts.    If you haven't purchased your plate yet, go to the DMV - it would be a great Christmas gift to yourself!     ADOPT-A-SCHOOL    The Suncoast Tennis Foundation, Pinellas County's community tennis association, recently signed on with the USTA to adopt schools in order to help promote tennis to youth. Currently, the STF is hosting an after-school tennis club for third graders at Bauder Elementary School with plans to offer support at other elementary schools in the spring. A team of volunteers that led the program in n 8-week session include Nancy and David Morgan, Charlotte Tao, Linda Sardano, Wendi Russell and Wendall Walker, along with club sponsor Terri Keifer. 2010 CALENDARS    Be on the lookout for the free 2010 tennis calendars provided by the Suncoast Tennis Foundation. Coordinated by Deb and Jack McCleery, the calendars note tennis happenings from the local scene to national and can be found at private and public facilities in the area, as well as at Advantage Yours Tennis. LARGO TENNIS    Jennifer McMahon, Recreation manager for Southwest Complex in Largo, shares the following tennis information. Visit www.southwestrec.com for more details. YOUTH & ADULT TENNIS LESSONS AT LARGO TENNIS CENTER  - Youth:  Beginner Classes:  Mon & Wed - 4:15-5:00pm Sat - 9:15-10:00am  - Youth:  Intermediate Classes:  Mon-Thu - 5:00-6:30pm Sat - 10:00am-12:00noon  - Youth Holiday Sessions:  Dec 21-23 (Mon-Wed), 9am-noon Dec 28-31 (Mon-Thu), 9am-noon  - USTA QuickStart Program:  (for beginner kids, age 6-10) Starting Jan 8, 2010 - Friday afternoons, 4:15-5:00pm, inside the gym at the Southwest Rec. Center For more info on QuickStart:Excellent website: www.consumers.quickstarttennis.com - Youngsters will: - Use age-appropriate racquets and balls (foam, low compression, regular) (we have racquets, if you don't) - Work/play in small groups - Receive group and individual instruction - Focus on safety, fun, skill development, success, social interaction - Experience progression through the different skill levels - Learn the rules of tennis, how to play points, games, matches - Play in both cooperative and competitive situations - Engage in physical fitness activities - See the importance of following adult directions and supervision - Teenagers:  If you have teenagers who will be trying out for high school tennis teams, our tennis instruction will help them sharpen their skills. - Adults:  Private Lessons and Group Clinics Available: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Cardio Doubles "coaching" clinics for social and league play    Head Teaching Pro is USPTA teaching professional Chuck Kiser, who can be reached at 744-3449; assistant teaching pros include Wendall Walker and Eddie Earls and Recreation Specialist Mike Mayo    The Largo Tennis Center has 8 lighted clay courts and is located in the City of Largo's Southwest Recreation Complex at 13120 Vonn Rd, about a mile north of Walsingham. Call (727) 518-3125.