Lilly Yip's Table Tennis Training Center, Dunallen, New Jersey.

April 17, 2013

Last email I was headed to Pottsville, Pennsylvania for an informal family reunion, sister Deb and her husband Jim Hess were driving in from New Hampshire, so it was a nice gathering at our grandfather and grandmother, Wysal and Justina Hutzel's, grave at the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church Cemetery, Minersville, PA.  George Hutzel (Uncle George) wasn't looking very well, so two days later he was admitted to hospital.  Three days later into an assisted living arrangement, which Uncle George accepted willingly.  At 92 years old....it's for the best.

Yesterday arriving at the Lily Yip's Table Tennis Training Center, another fantastic facility.  Two levels of rubber matted flooring, DHS table, excellent lighting.  The price is $12.00 per day for non-members...and well worth every penny.  Lilly has made sure I have someone to play all the time...it can be exhausting especially since I've had almost two weeks of not playing and eating that wonderful Polish/Ukrainian food of the Pennsylvania coal country. 

This morning played for three hours with local club members and soon I'll begin an hour of training with a young Chinese coach Lilly brought over from China only three weeks ago.  I'm sure he'll remember this day, playing a 65 year old hard-bat player and tonight he's scheduled to play Aerial Hsing.  Aerial is in New Jersey to take a tour of Princeton University and check out the local ping pong clubs.  She still wants to keep her game at a high level while attending a university, also Lilly's son (Adam) and daughter (Judy) are here every evening.  $50 per hour and you can train with Adam, Judy, or Lilly.  Also, Lilly's club is less than two hours from Pottsville, and 45 minutes from New York City.

This weekend I'll be at the Westchester Club in Pleasanton, New York to watch the ITTF event.  Spring has finally arrived in the northeast and temperatures are rising. 

Please see attached photo and hope you are all well.

Andy