We're Returning to Newport for AARP Day and Throughout
International Tennis Hall of Fame Tournament Week

July 17 is AARP Day

This year, we're at the tournament to help people protect and against fraud and identity theft by getting fans signed up for AARP's Fraud Watch Network.


 

 

PROVIDENCE – They had us at “Tennis - the sport for a lifetime.”

It just makes sense that AARP Rhode Island sees tennis as an opportunity to encourage people to stay at the very top of their game. That's why were back after last year's successful partnership.

An official Hall of Fame Championships sponsor, AARP Rhode Island is busy planning to deliver the message that the organization is a resource for people who want to stay fit in a variety of ways, make self-satisfying moves and continue to enjoy active, healthy and productive lives. AARP will be in Newport July 13-19 with a booth and more.

Leading the AARP Rhode Island effort is a Tennis Week Committee chaired by Jamestown’s Phil Zarlengo that includes Ruth Thumbtzen (Newport), Paula Silvia (Middletown); Charles Dress (Warwick) and Ruth Bucci (North Providence).

“We are extremely excited our second year of sponsorship,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director and Middletown resident Kathleen Connell.  “We also are pleased to announce the continueation of an AARP member benefit -- a year-round discount for AARP members who visit the newly expanded  International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum,” Connell added.

“Tournament week draws people from all across the country, a majority 50 and older,” said Zarlengo, who also is immediate past-chair of AARP’s national board of directors. “They have many things in common beyond tennis, and one of them is concerns about fraud and identity theft. Fraud Watch Network is AARP's way of helping people feel more secure about their life savings, whether they are retired or saving for retirement."

 

On Friday, July 17, AARP Day activities will include a free 50+ tennis clinic led by Hall of Famer Owen Davidson. The session will run from 10-11 a.m. and is open to anyone ticketed for Friday's tournament play. Watch the video from last year's clinic.

The clinic is geared for beginners and up. Participation is limited; registration is required. To sign up, call the Tennis Hall of Fame at 401-849-6053 or register online.

 

 

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL MORNING EVENT ON JULY 17 -- COFFEE WITH THE PROS

When: Friday, July17
When: 9 a.m.
Where: The Horseshoe

International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO and ATP World Tour top-5 ranked player  Todd Martin will join Owen Davidson has honorary AARP hosts for coffee, pastry and an informal chat before the days's play begin. Meet these two tennis greats and learn more about Fraud Watch Network.

The event is open to all ticketed fans. To sign up, visit the AARP booth, immediately inside the main entrance. (It's free, but space may be limited.)

AARPRI
AARPRI

Tournament Week News

Martina Hingis Named Global Ambassador for the International Tennis Hall of Fame
International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2015
John Isner returns to defend title
Federer hologram is highlight of newly expanded Hall of Fame Museum
AARPRI
AARPRI

Why Tennis?

By AARPRI State Director Kathleen Connell

AARP Rhode Island is, for the second consecutive year, sponsoring Tennis Week at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, July 10-19. A few people have asked, “Why tennis?”

We believe that the Hall of Fame credo, “Tennis, the sport of a lifetime,” says it all. It is a game that can be played at any level of ability. When it comes to tennis, when you set up a match of single or doubles with people of similar abilities, age hardly matters.

Oh, that the world could be so non-scriminatory.

AARP Rhode Island Communications Director John Martin played for years with one of the better-known older players in the state, the late Sherwin Kapstein. Although they were born 35 years apart, they played at near the same level. For John, playing with a doubles partner in his late 80s was an inspiration. Sherwin embodied what the Hall of Fame says, as he played the sport he loved very close to the end of his life.

I understand that many people who read this column may still say, “Fine. I should be so lucky.” And I get that. But it is the spirit of this thing that matters, and that’s what explains AARP in Newport.

Because, as we see in the crowds, if you can’t play tennis get out and enjoy watching people play tennis. We meet people who are not players, but they plan the day to travel to Newport, tour the Hall of Fame Museum, watch some world-class tennis and top off the day with a nice dinner.

Newport too rich for your blood, you might say?

Maybe it’s beyond your budget. How about a walk in the park and a picnic lunch?

It’s all about doing more than just sitting around.

Can’t run a marathon? Take a morning or evening walk in the neighborhood.

Can’t play golf? Play mini-golf.

Can’t lift weights at the gym? Lift soup cans while you’re watching The Today Show.

Can’t do yoga? You can stretch something every morning. You don’t have to perfect standard yoga poses to benefit.

Can’t do aerobics? Ha. Go to any senior center and you can sign up for an aerobics class. For some it is a movement class where you exercise sitting down. Other can find more strenuous activity. Take part at your own level. It’s still aerobic. And once you learn a routine you can exercise anywhere.

The core of AARP’s mission is to provide our members with the means to age with dignity and security. Healthy living is a big part of it. As to security, well, that’s another reason AARP is at Tennis Week.

This year, we will be showcasing the Fraud Watch Network. It’s AARP’s program to combat fraud and identity theft. A small army of volunteers will be the at the tournament for seven days, encouraging attendees to sign up for “Watchdog” alerts that provide information about the latest scams as well as reminders about protecting personal information and guarding against online identity theft.

We’ve been holding Fraud Watch events around the state that feature a presentation based on “The Con Artist’s Playbook.” This eye-opening AARP publication explains how scams work from the scam artist’s perspective. Knowing the manipulative ways they work is one of the best way to spot a scam before you become a victim. You can learn more at www.fraudwatchnetwork.org.

We hope we see you in Newport.

 

 #AARPRI

 AARPRI