MIDDLEBORO _ The Middleboro Tennis Association recently held its final reunion of former longtime, veteran members as the organization is now closing its books after 48 successful years. 

Officially organized in 1974 by Dan Medeiros and now-deceased members Steve Stanley, Myra Wilmot, Bob Jeffery, and Tony Garafolo, the association was established as a nonprofit entity created for recreational organized tennis activities on public courts for residents of Middleboro and Lakeville. 

Summer leagues and tournaments (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles) at divisional levels (based on player ability) were organized for men and women. Player participation increased from 98 in its initial year to 220 members within two short years and remained at that level for close to four decades.

The association brought together residents from many walks of life who otherwise may have never gotten to know each other to enjoy the game of tennis, to socialize at the annual awards banquet and other activities and to create friendships that have lasted to this day.

The association also awarded college scholarships to deserving graduates of Apponequet Regional and Middleboro High School that totaled $50,000 over the years.

However, in recent times, with the advent of the wildly popular pickleball game, and the well-earned success of the Lakeville Athletic/Tennis Club, it was decided that the time had arrived for this civic organization to dissolve after having "filled in the gap" for many years when tennis was at its highest interest. 

And as noted at the final gathering, although there will be no more Middleboro Tennis Association, the many fond memories and acquired friendships will remain in the years ahead.