First Steps in Tennis

Portland News Staff on August 7, 2024

By: Kate Meighan

Dennis Dobrovolsky, founder and head coach of the Tennis by Dennis academy in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. With over 30 years of coaching experience, he is qualified as an ITF Level 3 coach and a Tennis Canada High Performance Coach Level 2. Dennis is also certified as a Tennis Technique Analyst and Serve Specialist.

How to Choose the Right Academy for Your Child

When your child shows an interest in tennis, choosing the right academy and coach becomes critically important. This decision can significantly impact their development and success in the sport. In North America, where tennis clubs offer a wide range of programs and coaches, it is essential to make an informed choice. As the founder and head coach of Tennis by Dennis, I want to share key aspects that will help you select the ideal academy and coach for your child.

Experience and Qualification of the Coach

The first thing to consider is the qualification and experience of the coach. In North America, coaching certification is conducted by organizations such as Tennis Canada and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). A coach’s license indicates their professionalism and competence. However, it is not only the certificate that matters but also the experience of working with children and participating in tournaments at various levels, including national and international competitions. For example, our students at Tennis by Dennis achieved significant success at the Big Mo Florida International tournament, where they secured first place in doubles, second place in singles, and first place in singles among girls, as well as second place in girls’ doubles.

Teaching Philosophy and Training Approach

Each academy has its unique philosophy and teaching methods. At Tennis by Dennis, we adhere to a comprehensive approach that includes working on the technical, physical, and mental aspects of the game. We focus on developing both sports and personal qualities, such as confidence and stress resilience. This approach helps our students succeed not only on the court but also in life.

Infrastructure and Facilities

The quality of an academy’s infrastructure plays an important role in comfortable and effective training. At Tennis by Dennis, we provide access to modern training facilities and both indoor and outdoor courts, allowing for sessions in any weather conditions. We also strive to create comfortable conditions for children and their parents, offering convenient waiting areas.

Individual Approach

Every child is unique, and it is important that the coach can tailor the training program to their needs. In our academy, we develop individual training plans, considering the characteristics of each student. We focus on developing both technical skills and personal growth, helping children feel confident and motivated.

Recommendations and Reviews

The reviews of other parents and the achievements of academy graduates can be an important indicator of the quality of training. At Tennis by Dennis, we are proud of our students’ achievements, who successfully compete at various levels, including international tournaments. Parents note positive changes in their children, both in sports and personal development.

Additional Programs and Events

Additional programs, such as summer camps, tournaments, and masterclasses, can significantly enrich the training process. At Tennis by Dennis, we regularly organize such events, giving our students the opportunity to develop and gain diverse experiences in tennis life. These programs help children improve their skills and gain new impressions.

Support and Motivation

The academy and coach should not only teach but also support the child on their path to achieving goals. At Tennis by Dennis, we strive to create a motivating atmosphere where every child feels part of a team. We support our students not only in training but also in their pursuit of success, helping them grow as athletes and individuals.

Сonclusion

Choosing the right academy and coach is the foundation for a successful start in tennis. In North America, there are many academies offering high-quality training, and it is important to thoroughly analyze all available options. At Tennis by Dennis, we aim to provide our students with everything they need for their development, and we hope that our advice will help you make the right choice for your child.

Published by: Khy Talara

Sightseeing in Auckland, New Zealand: Affordable Adventures

Portland News Staff on August 7, 2024

Auckland, New Zealand, is a city that effortlessly combines natural beauty with urban sophistication. While it’s known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, exploring Auckland doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. There are numerous ways to experience the city’s best sights without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or a group of friends, here are some affordable sightseeing options to help you make the most of your visit to Auckland.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Auckland’s natural landscapes offer countless opportunities for free or low-cost adventures. Start with the city’s numerous parks and beaches. The Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is a must-visit. Spanning 75 hectares, it offers picturesque walking trails, duck ponds, and the Wintergardens, which showcase a stunning collection of exotic plants. Nearby, you can visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which provides insight into New Zealand’s history and culture; entry is free for Auckland residents, while visitors pay a modest fee.

Another budget-friendly option is to explore Auckland’s coastline. Mission Bay, just a short bus ride from the city center, is a popular beach with a lively atmosphere. Here, you can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, or rent a kayak for a small fee. The adjacent promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of cafes and ice cream shops to enjoy.

For those who love hiking, the Waitakere Ranges offer a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, all providing stunning views of the lush forest and dramatic coastlines. The Kitekite Falls trail is particularly popular, leading to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim at the base.

Cultural and Historical Experiences

Auckland’s rich cultural and historical heritage can be explored without spending a fortune. Many of the city’s museums and galleries have free admission or suggest a small donation. The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, for example, houses an impressive collection of national and international art. General admission is free, though special exhibitions may have a fee.

Another cost-effective way to delve into Auckland’s history is by visiting its historic neighborhoods. Ponsonby, known for its vibrant dining and shopping scene, also has a rich history. Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the beautifully preserved Victorian villas and learn about the area’s past through informative plaques.

The Britomart precinct is another area where history meets modernity. This rejuvenated part of the city is home to a mix of heritage buildings and contemporary architecture. Enjoy the public art installations, pop into boutique shops, and relax in one of the many cafes.

For a deeper understanding of Auckland’s maritime history, the New Zealand Maritime Museum offers a fascinating journey through the country’s seafaring past. Entry is free for Auckland residents, while visitors can explore the museum for a nominal fee. Interactive exhibits and historic vessels provide an engaging experience for all ages.

Budget-Friendly Transportation and Tours

Getting around Auckland doesn’t have to be expensive, especially with the availability of affordable transportation options. The city’s public transport network, including buses, trains, and ferries, makes it easy to navigate the area without the need for a car. For visitors looking for a convenient way to explore, look no further than Auckland Bus and Coach Hire to provide transportation for your journey, offering competitive rates for group travel.

For a scenic and economical way to see the city, consider taking the Fullers360 ferry service. A round trip to Devonport, a charming seaside village just across the harbor, is both affordable and enjoyable. In Devonport, you can explore historic sites, relax on the beach, or hike up Mount Victoria for panoramic views of Auckland’s skyline.

Another budget-friendly option is the Link Bus service, which offers three routes (CityLink, InnerLink, and OuterLink) covering major attractions and neighborhoods. The fares are inexpensive, and buses run frequently, making it easy to hop on and off as you explore the city.

Additionally, many tour companies offer free or low-cost walking tours that provide an excellent introduction to Auckland. These tours are often led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting stories and insights about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks. While the tours are free, it’s customary to tip the guide if you enjoyed the experience.

Auckland’s combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance makes it a fantastic destination for budget-conscious travelers. With careful planning and an eye for affordable activities, you can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling sightseeing experience in New Zealand’s largest city without stretching your budget.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Turning Pain into Art: The Cathartic Poetry of Elizabeth TenHouten

Portland News Staff on August 7, 2024

Visionary artist Frida Kahlo once said, “The most powerful art is to transform pain into a healing talisman.” Throughout the ages, both visual artists like Vincent Van Gogh and poets like Emily Dickinson have channeled pain into works of unspeakable beauty, baring forth the depths of the human soul in solidarity with anyone who has ever experienced personal tragedies and the pains of life. Because of the universality of this pain, many artists today have lent their voices to this ongoing conversation. One of these unique voices is poet and musician, Elizabeth TenHouten, who has adeptly captured the pain of love lost in her 2022 poetry book “The Stars Fell into the Ocean.”

All great art proceeds from real emotions and lived experiences, and Elizabeth’s storied life has lent its heartfelt memories to the candor and vulnerability of her stanzas. She has experienced the ups and downs of heartbreak and finding new love throughout her life. These emotions rise powerfully to the surface in poems such as “When My Light is Gone,” “Love Flies Away,” and “A Torn Soul.”

Even more impressive is how Elizabeth is able to use her strengths in the visual arts to help heighten the emotions in her poetry. In the book “The Stars Fell into the Ocean,” every poem is accompanied by beautifully shot and edited photographs of Elizabeth that help draw out the emotion in every stanza while engaging readers’ senses for a truly unique experience. As a former model whose visage has been captured by fine artists such as Mallory Morrison, Daniel Maltzmann, and Ashley Longshore, Elizabeth is familiar with the process of using her body as a canvas for artistic expression. In this respect, the photographs are an excellent demonstration of her breadth and depth as an artist, both visually and with the written word.

Elizabeth’s cathartic poetry is not just limited to words printed on a page, but she has recently brought her poetry into the realm of song, recording the album “Broken,” which was released in 2020. Readers who have enjoyed Elizabeth’s poetry will find many of the same themes in “Broken,” which features songs about heartbreak, perseverance, and the joys of new love. Her lyrics are complemented by her guitar-led compositions, which she performed herself.

Elizabeth TenHouten, Poet/Author

The Cathartic Poetry of Elizabeth TenHouten

Photo Courtesy: Elizabeth TenHouten

Readers have called Elizabeth’s poems in “The Stars Fell into the Ocean” relatable, deeply moving, therapeutic, and brutally honest. Her poetry explores both the darkest depths of emotion and the brightest rays of hope and urges people to find strength in both the peaks and valleys of life. Artists who have made a living by wearing their emotions on their sleeves will likely see a kindred spirit when reading Elizabeth’s poems, while people from all walks of life will find comfort and empathy in her words. “The Stars Fell into the Ocean” is another example of the power of art to transform pain into beauty and to reach people when they need it most.

Published by: Martin De Juan

How to Find Reliable Mobile Massage Therapists in London

Portland News Staff on August 7, 2024

Living in another large city like London, life is always fast and busy – leaving people looking for relaxation or refreshment. The most convenient way to reach that is through mobile masseuses. Mobile massage London therapists bring the full spa experience right into your home, office, or hotel, offering a solution ideal for those too busy to go to spas themselves.

Understanding the Advantages of Mobile Massage Therapy

Convenience and Comfort – One of the main benefits–from a Londoner’s point of view at any rate–is that using a mobile massage therapist is more convenient. There is no need to cross town, run into traffic, or juggle schedules. The therapist comes right to where one is comfortable and can even set up private sessions at home.

Personalized Experience – With it being one’s own space, mobile massage therapists can offer a more personalized experience. They can tailor the session to likes and dislikes, which ensures a unique approach.

Time-Saving – One of the main benefits of mobile massage therapy is its time-saving nature. In a hectic place like London, every minute counts. It eliminates the need for travel and can easily fit in a session when there’s a gap at busy pace, making mobile massages practical for professionals and busy parents alike.

Finding Potential Therapists Researching

Qualifications and Certifications – When looking for a trustworthy mobile massage therapist, start by checking their qualifications. Ensure they have the relevant certifications from respected institutions. Qualified therapists will have gone through all this rigorous training and follow professional standards.

Exploring Their Specializations

Different massage therapists have different areas that they specialize in. Here are some examples: Swedish massage, deep tissue or sports massage. Whichever type of therapy one chooses, a therapist must have the necessary expertise in managing those specific techniques to carry out effective treatments. Most therapists will provide the same information on their website or professional profile.

Evaluating Professionalism

Communication Skills

When a professional therapist comes into private space, he or she should convey the warmth and plain speech of professionalism. One can evaluate trust in the person’s professionalism through communication skills during this period. The therapist ought to be attentive, considerate, responsive, and expecting any questions might have about the treatment there and then.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

Considering the nature of massage therapy, with its close physical contact, cleanliness and hygiene are key factors. The therapist’s standards should include strict hygiene practices, including the sterilization of equipment; and fresh linens for every client. And because it is such a personal and close work, there must be regular cleaning too–as any good doctor will tell you.

Setting Up an Initial Consultation

Discussing Your Needs and Expectations

Before further treatment is booked, arrange an initial meeting with the therapist to discuss the needs and goals. A skilled therapist will take time to understand the health history before starting work. One should also tell them if any masses cause problems in specific regions of a body, what exactly they are and their location; likewise such as with head massages where it is most gentle at an area one side where all feeling had been lost two days earlier. How a person imagines themselves after a session and what goals are for treatment.

Making the Final Decision

Intuition

If you take all these different factors together, trust yourself in the end. Before looking for a therapist, put together a short list of criteria that are non-negotiable. The service you are about to receive is personal, after all. Judge later whether the therapist has kept their promises with satisfied therapy. The relationship between therapist and client should be based on trust and mutual respect.

Final Remarks

Now you understand: that a reliable mobile massage therapist in London requires careful planning. By understanding the pluses, the search for the right therapist, evaluating professionalism, conducting consultations, comparing prices and facilities, and trusting instincts.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Published by: Nelly Chavez