Pete Gruber, a long standing member of the club and lifelong tennis enthusiast, passed away August 31, at age 82.

Pete was an original member of our “oldtimers group” which included Jud Griffen, Mel Seiden & Gary Fattal. Three times a week faithfully, this group would conduct “business” on our tennis courts from 8-9:30 am, or rather they would play a spirited game of tennis and then solve the world’s problems over coffee in our lounge. Much did I learn by employing my rabbit ears and eavesdropping skills during these sessions.

Pete’s easy demeanor and friendly disposition made him a favorite among his peers as well as our staff. Actually, I learned much more from simply observing Pete than I did in any of my eavesdroping efforts. Pete conducted himself with grace and did so in an unassuming manner. Pete always had a kind word for anyone he was addressing. Pete was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

An English professor, Pete spent most of his 30-year professional career at Binghamton University. As a professor emeritus, he touched the university and its students in many ways, embracing a broad spectrum of responsibilities through the years.

Pete’s tennis game was much like his personality: smooth, graceful and effortless. There was a strong sense of quality in every shot. He was better than he let on, and that was just fine with him. Truth be known, it was wonderful to watch Pete play, even as he got on in years. It was wonderful to have known Pete. He enriched the lives of all who knew him.

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On Tuesday, August 26, 140 ardent tennis fans filled three buses, joining us in our annual pilgrammage to the US Open in Flushing Meadows. The US Open is one of four Grand Slam tennis events in the world. Here, the world’s best players make an appearance to showcase their skills. Tuesday is simply known as Day 2, one in which you are guaranteed to see many of the world’s top male and female players compete. A timely start and perfect weather insured that we got our share of great tennis viewing. Not even a slight detour to pick up one of our members at a New Jersey shopping mall could put a dent in this day.

If you have never been to the US Open, it can be overwhelming. Like NYC, the site is enormous, the pace fast and the action furious. Besides three main stadium courts for feature matches, over 20 outside “field” courts exist where competition also takes place. There are so many intriguing matchups spread throughout the facility, it can be difficult to plan which matches to view. Of course, one must allow time for visiting the practice courts, where one might catch a glimpse of Andre, Andy, Justine or even Anna (she is sure hard to find on a match court these days) up close and personal, working with their coaches, smiling and even (if you’re lucky) signing autographs.

Another attraction of the US Open is being able to pick out famous people in the crowd. You can do this just by milling around, or simply standing near Center Court. You will be sure to recognize a face or two. Speaking of Center Court, no trip is complete without eating there. If you only bring $20, you won’t get much, but the food is good, with spacious seating and shaded tables. A huge jumbotron screen displays the match in Arthur Ashe stadium, in full view as you take your $5 bites. A great chance to catch your breath and re-energize for the afternoon flurry.

Others pleasures at the Open include shopping at numerous clothing booths and viewing the latest high-tech racquets displayed by companies on hand to show their wares. The chance to buy the newest racquet on the market or own tennis togs that might become the next fashion craze is too tantalizing to pass up. You will be caught in the shopping frenzy.

All too soon, 6 p.m. rolls around and our group must get back to the bus or risk being left behind in NYC (which at that moment, does not seem like a bad option because we are having such a good time). Someone should talk to the guy who makes us leave so early! But having returned to the bus, energizer bunny Bob deVente has a table of hors d’oeuvres and snacks laid out, along with a generous supply of libations. Right by the train tracks, in the middle of the Shea Stadium parking lot, BTC holds its own Happy Hour, oblivious to the surrounding scene. Now the day is complete. Everyone can head back to Binghamton, exhausted yet satisfied. On the way home, if you are like me, you dream of tomorrow’s matchups, and how you might manage to get another day off and get back to watch more tennis by the weekend. Long live the US Open.

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