ASR AMBASSADORS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
October 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites
………ATLANTIC SOUTH REGION REPRESENTED ON USAPA BOARD…..
Rich Donald will become our new Ratings Chair. Rich is originally from Elmira, NY, and relocated to Tampa, FL in 1994. He retired in 2006 after a 29 year career in the HVAC Engineering field. Rich joined USAPA in 2007 as an Ambassador in the New Tampa area where he has played a key role in promoting and growing the sport throughout the Atlantic South Region. As a member of the board we know he will work hard in an effort to make pickleball a fun and enjoyable game for all.
………Ambassadors HOW-TO Google Group………
Ambassadors – You all recently received an e-mail from Dick Manasseri inviting you to join our new HOW-TO Group. This Google Group is the tool that you all have been waiting for. As Ambassadors you are already great leaders in promoting the sport in your local areas. This tool will take your leadership skills to the next level. Regional and Local Ambassadors across the country are sharing their success stories and providing you with detailed information to help grow pickleball and USAPA memberships in your area. Learn from those who have already walked in your shoes. Check out the mini-plans and pick a couple of things that you would like to accomplish this year. Or, partner up with another Ambassador and work as a team to build and carry out your mini plan. If each one of use sets just two goals for the year – just think how much we can accomplish as a Region. For right now just check out what's there and share your ideas. The group has only been up and running for less that two day and as of this writing there are already nearly 35 members. What are you waiting for?
………. Tournament and Pickleball Event Update…..
The Pensacola (FL) Senior Games, sponsored by the Pensacola Parks and Recreation, were held on September 25th at the Vickrey Community Center.
The Jacksonville “50 and Beyond Forever Fit” Pickleball Senior Event was held on Wednesday October 9th in Jacksonville Florida. Still awaiting results.
NSGA National Championship Games – This national event was held right here in the Atlantic South Region at the CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Fl, just outside of Ft. Lauderdale. Pickleball players from several states including, but not limited to, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, Alabama, California and New York enjoyed the competition from October 1st – 4th in sunny Florida. The event included round robin pool play to determine final team partnering for the championship double elimination rounds. This was a Tier 1, UASPA Sanctioned Event which included men’s and women’s doubles and singles competition and a mixed doubles event. A very special Thank You to USAPA Board Members David Jordan (Marketing/Sales) and Nancy Jordan (Membership) for all their hard work as tournament directors to make this an exciting, competitive and fun filled event. After some tough games, the athletes enjoyed player appreciation night, an evening of food and fun at the nearby Hyatt Bonaventure. Next year’s NSGA National Championship Event will be held in Rochester, New York. Look for qualifying games in your local areas.
If you have not already, follow the link below to read more about this event and enjoy the pictures and slide show on Atlantic South Website. http://south.usapa.org/2009/10/national-championship-games-held-in.html
Click here for the tournament results:
http://usapa.org/tourney/bracket_list.php?tname=nsga09
The Tampa Bay Senior Games took place on Wednesday October 7th at the Sun City Center courts. This event continues to pull some of the largest numbers of players from several surrounding counties and this year’s player count surpassed last year. A single elimination tournament with men’s and woman’s doubles and mixed doubles competition. The temperatures soared to 107 degrees on the courts – so players were thankful for the ample water supply and for the great lunch available for all players. Once again, tournament director, Paula Jory and her staff from the Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Dept. put on a great event. Special thanks to the Sun City Pickleball Club for the use of your facility and for the morning coffee, donuts and sweet rolls!
For more information and tournament results click this link
http://south.usapa.org/2009/10/tampa-bay-senior-games.html
.......Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments..........
Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
• USAPA National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ - Nov 2-8, 2009
• Plantation Pickleball – Leesburg – Scott Green 3rd Annual Pickleball Tournament and Dinner Dance, Nov. 13th an d 14th, 2009
• Turkey Swat – Pickleball Tournament – Canton, Ga. – Nov. 21-22, 2009
• Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Myers/Cape Coral, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
• Lee County Senior Games, Ft. Myers/Cape Coral – January 2010, dates TBD
• Collier County Senior Games, Naples, Fl – February 2010, dates TBD
• Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl, March 2010, dates TBD
• Heartland County Senior Games, March 2010, Place/dates – TBD
………PLACES TO PLAY……….
This is a reminder to all Ambassadors. PLEASE make sure that your home park/court/recreation center etc. is listed on the USAPA Website under places to play. Please refer to the PTP and Membership document previously mailed to all Ambassadors. Please add your name as Ambassador in the Admin section along with the approximate number of players (if you know). If there are places to play in your area/region that are not listed, please make sure they get added. To all members and players reading this newsletter – if you know of a place that is not listed you too can add the location by going to this link: http://usapa.org/ptp/addedit_ptp.php?id=2330
or you can e-mail the information directly to me at rddonald2@gmail.com
Believe it or not – there are a lot of people who use this as they travel across the country. Here are just a few recent e-mails sent to me – and we were able to find them a place to play their favorite game! I’m sure some of you out there have received similar questions.
(to the Upstate Pickleball Club) “Hey, we're having pickleball visitors on Friday from Arizona! They emailed us that they are full time rv'ers from Happy Trails in Surprise, AZ, and are coming to visit someone, family or friends in Anderson, SC, that's not too far from here. They saw us on the USAPA and want to come and play with our group.”
“I've been learning pickleball here in Delaware. I will be spending time in Brandon, Florida on and off in the coming year. Looking for a drop in place to play. Any information would be appreciated”.
“Going to be visiting Florida. I see lots of sites to check out for play. Are the Villages private play only--or can one pay and play?”
Cheers, Steve
“Frank and I will be wintering in Myrtle Beach and were wondering if
there were any pickleball groups, etc. that you knew of. Looking forward to hearing from you. Rona”
.. your blog mentions Sarasota County Parks making available the Raymond Foxworthy Park tennis courts for pickleball. I've not been able to locate any park by such a name around our Region.... or any name close to it. Do you know where it is located or any other courts in Sarasota County?
Please make sure your courts are listed, even if they are private courts that are not open to the public. Many times a guest is welcome to play if with a resident. Also listing all the places to play helps us to better determine how many places and how many players we have in our Region and across the country. A little investigation and we found three new places to play here in Florida this month. I appreciate your help!
………Pickle Ball News from across the Region…..
Al Rosati, Dennis Sarlo – Ambassadors, The Villages, Fl The Geezers N Gals will be hosting the following events between now and the end of the year:
1. October 22, 2009 – Open pickleball, followed by a pizza party at the Bacall Rec Center. $5 per/person sign up. All Villages players welcome.
2. November 11th, 2009 – Sadie Hawkins pickleball mixed social. This is where the Gals get to choose their male partners. The choosing of partners will be done at the conclusion of the Oct. 22 pizza party. Cost is $2.50. Twelve team only. Sign up ends Oct. 18th
3. December 16, 2009 – Holi-Daze mixed pickleball social will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00PM at the Bacall courts. $2.50 per person. Twelve teams only. All players must wear some article of clothing in keeping with the Holi-Daze.
Bill Leach – Legacy of Leesburg, Fl - Bill recently purchased Coach Mo’s new DVD and scheduled the community social hall for showing the video to any of the community players who wanted to view it. Here’s his follow-up: “Showing the DVD to the group went well. We all realize we have some bad habits that should be changed. I've noticed some people trying to make changes. Several people who couldn't make the evening have borrowed the DVD to watch themselves. I think we would get a great deal by having a clinic for the group…….. after the snowbirds return. "
Mike & Mary Selby –Ambassadors, NC. Pickleball players held their 2nd annual Pickleball tourney and luncheon. Unfortunately the tournament was rained out. The luncheon continued and included a Pickleball Quiz, a recap of the new rules and a revisit to some of the old rules. (especially the underhand serve!!!) A fun time was had by all.
Tom & Ann Earley – Ambassadors, GA -CALLING ALL PEEPS! “ In association with the Cherokee County Humane Society (CCHS) "Turkey Trot 5K" at Woodmont, we will sponsor the "Turkey Swat" PB Tournament! Our tournament will be a BENEFIT for the Cherokee County Humane Society.
The tournament will be held November 21 and 22. If we only have a one day tournament, it will be SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST beginning at 8 a.m. If we have more than 40 players, we will turn this into a 2-day tournament with "A" players on Sunday and "B1" and "B2" players on Saturday. The rain date will be the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 28 and 29.
Please note that this is a contribution and is tax deductible. If you want to participate, you must RSVP and bring cash/check to CCHS for $20 by November 1st. All players will receive their t-shirt and lunch. Water and snacks will also be provided throughout the day. Be generous even if you decide not to play in the tournament. Support the other players, buy a t-shirt, and root for your favorite "turkey". Donating spectators get a t-shirt as well!”
While traveling through Paducah, KY Tom and Ann stopped to speak with the tournament director for the Paducah Senior Games. It was a little late for them to provide a Pickleball demonstration this year – but we now have a contact who is interested in introducing pickleball at their games next year. Thanks Tom and Ann for planting the seed.
Plantation Pickleball Club, Leesburg, Fl - The Plantation Pickleball Association had the opportunity to offer its members lesson clinics taught by Richard “Coach Mo” Movsessian on Sept 11th.
Winter Leagues to begin. Members can sign up on September 12 - October 18th. It will be first come first serve to accommodate the 8 player rotation. Those who do not make the cut will be put on a waiting list. So, sign up early. The Winter League will be a 12 player round robin format with 8 members playing 7 games a week, over a 12 week season.
Carl Clous, Ambassador, Poinciana, Fl – Carl reports that the players (Smashers) in the Community are looking for some better competition and he approached the group with a couple of recommendations. The first was to have the Smashers become “affiliated with the USAPA and promote some play with other USAPA clubs” suggesting that this would solicit solid competition from groups outside the community, bring more people to the community who might want to become residents and it might encourage the owners to make changes to some of the existing courts to allow for safe, correct and competitive play. We are starting some initial discussion to introduce some tournaments other than Senior Games to entice players from surrounding areas.
Laura Patterson, Ambassador, Raleigh/Durham, NC - "Things have been going pretty slow here in Winston-Salem but I expect things to pick up over the next couple of months. I sent a letter to 5 different YMCA's, introducing myself and the sport of pickleball and making myself available to help implement the sport at the different facilities. I received my first communication from the Director at the YMCA in Kernersville and we met yesterday to discuss how we can introduce the sport to its members. Each of the Y's have a family day once each month where their members are invited to the Y to do different family activities and the director wanted to use pickleball as one of those activities for the family night in November...yeah, yeah, yeah! The event is currently scheduled to take place on November 21st. I just ordered a pickleball tournament set and will use this to introduce the sport on that day. Pickleball will be the main focus!!!
Laura is looking for help with flyers and any other ideas to help make the introduction of pickleball a success. Send her your ideas.
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa, Fl -We have been in contact with Jeff Kauzlarich with the Florida Sports Foundation to see about getting our Senior Games pickleball event as a qualifier for the State and National Games. In many locations, pickleball is drawing some of the largest numbers of players. The last e-mail from Jeff also indicated a desire for USAPA Sanctioning, as he wrote “we are still interested in sanctioning our event down the road and we will review this decision again next year for the 2010 Senior Games. Once again, thanks for all of your help and I'll be sure to touch base with you next year when we discuss sanctioning our 2010 event”
We have contacted AVATAR the sponsors for the Polk County Senior games to consider a double elimination USAPA event. No response to date.
We have started initial discussions with Paula Jory, Tampa Bay Senior Games tournament director about USAPA Sanctioning in 2010, and she has also expressed an interest.
We have contacted the Hardee County Rotary and Parks and Recreation Department in hopes of doing a pickleball demonstration at their Oak Park location Wauchula, followed by a Senior Pickleball Tournament event.
The Spruce Creek Pickleball Club is already working on Sanctioning the 2010 Geezer Meister Games – and work has begun on getting referees trained for the event.
And – a reminder to all of our RV Friends – The Annual Pickleball tournament at the Thousand Trails RV Park in St. Clair MI, has been scheduled for July 10th and 11th next year. Mark your calendars for travel in that direction in July
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com
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ASR AMBASSADORS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
September 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites
………WELCOME OUR NEW ATLANTIC SOUTH AMBASSADORS..…..
Before introducing our newest Ambassadors this month we need to send our thanks to Richard “Greenie” Greenfield as he steps down from his position as our Regional Ambassador.
Those of you who had the pleasure of meeting Greenie, know how enthusiastic is about our sport, about playing the game and introducing players of all ages to the game. He has definitely left his mark within our Region, especially with the work he’s done with our youth. If you needed help with a new group in your area, the “Greenie Mobile” would be there with nets and paddles and balls and banners if he could!! If you saw him at the tournaments, especially in Florida, he spent as much time at the membership table as he did on the courts.
Greenie will always tell you, "I love good pickleball and spread it wherever, whenever and however I can........ Greenie, we know your health does not allow you on the courts as frequently as before, but we know your heart is always in the game, and that you will definitely continue to spread the game “wherever, whenever and however” you can. Thank you for your contributions and your accomplishments.
Greenie will be difficult to replace, but I look forward to working with all of you. Each of you was selected to represent USAPA for our Atlantic South Region because of your leadership skills and your commitment to promoting the game. Each of you has a special talent and your own unique way of working with the pickleball community. I’ll be asking each of you to share those attributes with your fellow Ambassadors as we strive to keep the Atlantic South Region in the forefront.
Keep Swinging,
Donna Donald
INTRODUCING SIX NEW AMBASSADORS THIS MONTH!
Tom and Ann Early – Please welcome Tom and Ann Early as our newest North Georgia Ambassadors, representing pickleball in the Canton area. They introduced pickleball in N. Georgia about five years ago. They are respected leaders in the pickleball club, always welcome and train new players. As new Ambassadors they are working hard to promote USAPA membership. With their skilled involvement we anticipate not just membership growth, but tournament growth in both Cherokee and Cobb Counties. With the recent formation of the North Georgia Pickleball Club they successfully recruited 15 new USAPA members during the month of August. Read more about N. Georgia Pickleball in our feature article below.
Bill Daugherty – Please welcome one of our newest Florida Ambassadors. Bill will be representing pickleball in N. Marion County, Ocala, Fl. He spends his winters at On Top Of The World, which is an active adult community in Ocala Florida. There are other adult communities in the Ocala area where he enjoys pickleball at a higher skill level. He is currently working with his home community to improve court availability, attract new players and improve player skill levels.
A recent note from Bill: “……..I'm in Cayuga Ontario playing pickleball. ….. in Oakville On. just South of Toronto. Had a good time and met some very nice people and the play was spirited. ……… Back at On Top of The World in Ocala Florida we are in the process of converting two tennis courts to dedicated pickleball courts which should increase the number of players. I will return to Florida mid to late October..”
We’re sure to hear more from Bill this winter.
Rich and Karen Skaare – Please welcome two more new Florida Ambassadors representing Summerfield, Fl. Rich and Karen reside in Spruce Creek, which is a Del Webb community of active adults that boasts 12 fabulous tennis courts. Rich is the past president of the SCC Pickleball Club which currently welcomed their 321st member. Our USAPA Banner was proudly displayed this past winter as they hosted the Florida Geezer Meister Games, an event that brings out some of the best players in the area. Rich and Karen are active tournament players and we hope they bring home the gold at the Nationals in Arizona this November. There are great opportunities for USAPA Sanctioned tournament play and membership growth in the Summerfield, Fl area.
Laura Patterson – Please welcome our newest Ambassador from North Carolina representing the Winston-Salem, NC area. A former racquetball player, Laura was introduced to the game just last year in the Midland, MI area. She too is an active tournament player and is a trained tournament referee. We wish her luck as she represents our region in the Nationals in November in Az. Laura is relocating to North Carolina from Michigan and will be working with local representatives to introduce pickleball to the YMCA’s and middle schools in her area.
………Another perspective on USAPA Membership………………
Whenever the USAPA or anyone for that matter mentioned the word ‘membership’ the Atlantic South Region was always the first to come to mind. All of us have held our head high and let everyone know just how proud we are of that accomplishment.
I’m sure you all read the article in the e-newsletter, from Janet Razz regarding the Great Lakes Region, and then the message for our fearless leader, Dick Manasseri about the membership numbers. Yes, the Great Lakes Region has surpassed the efforts of the Atlantic South.
Now, we can always go to the USAPA and challenge the numbers! After all, look at how many of our Atlantic South ‘snowbirds’ joined the USAPA and used their ‘non-snowbird’ address. Take all those people from the north and Canada and give them “dual Regional Membership” and we’d probably be back on top!! Well, yes we could – but we won’t!!
Our Atlantic South Region is strong! Some of our Ambassadors last year did a stellar job in building our membership – Remember the growth from the Sebring, Fl area, and Bob Taylor’s hard work on Anna Maria Island? And what about those Ambassadors from The Villages! Dick shared with us a recent article in Masters Athlete Magazine, where they identified the Top Ten List of places to play Pickleball. And the Atlantic South came in Number One, recognizing The Villages as a “pickleball paradise.” They also have the largest USAPA membership of any pickleball community in the country.
We can regain our No. 1 Ranking as a Region. Our new Ambassadors in NC are setting the pace. Let’s follow! Hat’s off to the Great Lakes Region! Congratulations on your success. Let’s keep the challenge on and take back the lead.
As of this printing: Great Lakes – 346 Atlantic South - 337
………. The North Georgia Pickleball Club, Canton, Georgia……………..
Tom and Ann Early learned how to play pickleball about five years ago in Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande, where they still enjoy visiting and playing with old friends. They brought the game back to North Georgia immediately and began teaching others, including going to local schools and clubs to draw interest.
Ann tells us “We are starting an organization for our members that come to play with us at our tennis courts weekly. We will call the group the “North Georgia Pickleball Club”. The club has one requirement - all members must join the USAPA…..there are no dues, no elected officers, no age requirements. Everyone enjoys playing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Balls and Paddles are furnished and beginners are welcome. Members will enjoy regular play, participate in tournaments and round robin events and enjoy social events together.
A few days later she followed up with this message: “We are thrilled about this new "club" idea and our players are joining USAPA as their only "requirement". They also presented us with a $260 gift card to show appreciation in starting the club and furnishing the courts, balls, paddles, instruction, drinks, food, and tournaments for the past 3+ years. For us, it has been a pleasure”.
At last count Tom and Ann have recruited 20 new USAPA members since introducing their club in August!! Fantastic!!
New players and visitors to the area and always welcome and Tom Earley is enthusiastic about introducing the game to new players. And people do stop by to play with the group. Just recently Dan Munson, a current Florida resident who plays at The Villages, looking to move to the Canton area, stopped in to play a few games while he and his wife were in the area searching for a home. And when you come to visit you will meet the 2 Standard Poodles and the Club Mascots, Dinner and Tommy (turkeys) who love to watch the players on the courts.
The next Tournament, which will probably end up being a tournament/social event, is planned for November – so watch our website for news, results and pictures!
You can read more about pickleball and see pictures of the North Georgia Pickleball Club on our website. You might event catch a glimpse of the Poo’s and the Peeps!! Just click this link to read the article.
http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/meet-tom-and-ann-early.html
………. Tournament and Pickleball Event Update…..
The Villages – Geezers and Gals - On August 19th, the Geezers and Gals pickleball group held the Pickleball Pizza Social at the Bacall Rec Center. The event was open to all players in the Villages. The morning started with open play and at 10:00 am. Coach Mo arrived to provide a training clinic for those in attendance. Between 11:30 and 12:00 players left the courts for a Pizza luncheon, followed by a short meeting to finalize their upcoming tournament. The Round Robin event took place on August 26 and was open to Bacall players only. Congratulation to winners: #1 Dennis Sarlo & Margie Schultz 5-0, #2 Bob Wilkinson & Billy Jean Montalbano 4-1, and #3 Jim Wallace & Fran Cotter 3-1. You can see pictures and read more about this event on our Atlantic South website. http://south.usapa.org/2009/08/blog-post.html
August Pickleball Social at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, NC - If you remember, we just introduced this pickleball location last month. Here’s a follow up e-mail I received a few days ago from Carrie Sims, the Wellness Center Lead at the Resort.
“Thank you again for the wonderful article and the publicity! We were very pleased with the results. We did have our Pickleball promotional evening and it was a huge success. We had about 25 players come out some experienced and some first –timers. We raffled a new racquet and some other items.
I did take photos, but we have yet to unload them from our camera. Our marketing director is working on that this week and we hope to have some nice photos to put on our website. I’ll be sure to send them along to you. We aren’t planning much this winter, but guests and interested players can always be updated by our facebook page.
Hopefully next season, we’ll be able to have some more events and I’ll defiantly make sure we send the dates and times to you. Maybe we can even host some tournaments in the future! I’ll keep in touch.”
Kings Point Labor Day Pickleball Jamboree – This annual event hosted by Louann Dubendorf and the Kings Point Pickleball League was held on Saturday September 5th at Kings Point in Sun City Center. Always a festive and fun day of pickleball this year drew players from the Sun City Pickleball Club – along with their own cheering crowd, the Solavita Community in Poinciana, which is near Orlando, and top players from Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myers. Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald never miss the event, and this year was joined by Ft. Lauderdale Ambassadors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman. This year Louann opened her Tattoo Parlor – providing (washable) pickleball bugs and Pickleball Fever Paddle tattoos to everyone! Round Robin events took place in Men’s and Woman’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Congratulations to the event winners: Men’s Doubles: Steve and Bob (Solavita), Gary and Artie (Kings Point) Clyde and Don (SSC Pickleball Club). Woman’s Doubles: Nancy and Cindy (Ft. Lauderdale, Diane and Charlene (Kings Point) and Margie and Sylvia (Solavita). And in the Mixed Doubles: Nancy (Ft Lauderdale) and Irv (Kings Point), Bob and Sylvia (Solavita) and Gary (Kings Point) and Sherron (Ft.Myers)
Read more about this annual event, complete with pictures on our website: http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/posted-by-picasa.html
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events.
Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
Bacall Center, The Villages – Woman’s Doubles Pickle ball Social – Sept 23rd.
Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 7, 2009 -
National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
Pickleball Tournament – Canton, GA November (dates TBD)
Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Al Rosati – Ambassador, The Villages, Fl “Plans are being finalized for the upcoming women's double Pickleball social to be held at the Bacall courts,hosted by the Geezers N Gals. You do NOT have to be a member of the Geezers N Gals to participate ,however we would like to limit it to the Gals that frequent the Bacall courts. The social will be a round robin; adjustments may be made at that time depending on the weather conditions. "
Liz Velázquez, Ambassador, N. Carolina “We had a wonderful time recently playing with some of the players from Louisville, Kentucky, who came to visit our campground and, of course, the beautiful Smoky Mountains. …… Needless to say we all got a great workout and lots of social sharing. Now, we are planning a tournament where Louisville, Kentucky meets Robbinsville, North Carolina, sort of speak, hopefully we can all come together for some fun and excitement in the Smokys. It is truly fantastic to be able to enjoy this great sport with wonderful people. " Click this link for pictures and more about Pickling in N. Carolina. Click here to see pictures: http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/pickleballing-in-n-carolina.html
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa, Fl - "One of the newest pickleball groups in our area is at Valencia Lakes, an active adult community located near Waumaua, Fl. Through Neal Nightingale, who introduced pickleball to the community, we have had the opportunity to talk with their Lifestyles Director, Marshall Bross. We’ve offered our assistance. We hope to learn more about this community, to offer training/clinics for their players and to encourage USAPA membership. They were holding their first pickleball social event over the Labor Day weekend, and Dan promised to share news and pictures!
We have contacted the organizers of the Polk County Senior Games in hopes of getting the games USAPA Sanctioned this year. The games are scheduled for March 2010. We have the support of several of the Solavita players where the games are played. Solavita and Avatar Homes is also one of the sponsors of the games. Will keep you posted on our success. We are also hoping that the Heartland Senior games are USAPA sanctioned again this year. It was such a success last year!
We spoke with Traci Thomas, a 22 year employee with the Parks and Recreation Department in Cobb County, GA. Traci learned to play pickleball in Florida and is very interested in introducing the game in Cobb County. She is also the Tennis Director for Lost Mountain Tennis Center which boasts 12 tennis courts, and has expressed great interest in having pickleball tournaments played at her center. We’ve contacted our new N. Georgia Ambassadors, Tom and Ann Early and asked them to touch base with her."
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com
September 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites
………WELCOME OUR NEW ATLANTIC SOUTH AMBASSADORS..…..
Before introducing our newest Ambassadors this month we need to send our thanks to Richard “Greenie” Greenfield as he steps down from his position as our Regional Ambassador.
Those of you who had the pleasure of meeting Greenie, know how enthusiastic is about our sport, about playing the game and introducing players of all ages to the game. He has definitely left his mark within our Region, especially with the work he’s done with our youth. If you needed help with a new group in your area, the “Greenie Mobile” would be there with nets and paddles and balls and banners if he could!! If you saw him at the tournaments, especially in Florida, he spent as much time at the membership table as he did on the courts.
Greenie will always tell you, "I love good pickleball and spread it wherever, whenever and however I can........ Greenie, we know your health does not allow you on the courts as frequently as before, but we know your heart is always in the game, and that you will definitely continue to spread the game “wherever, whenever and however” you can. Thank you for your contributions and your accomplishments.
Greenie will be difficult to replace, but I look forward to working with all of you. Each of you was selected to represent USAPA for our Atlantic South Region because of your leadership skills and your commitment to promoting the game. Each of you has a special talent and your own unique way of working with the pickleball community. I’ll be asking each of you to share those attributes with your fellow Ambassadors as we strive to keep the Atlantic South Region in the forefront.
Keep Swinging,
Donna Donald
INTRODUCING SIX NEW AMBASSADORS THIS MONTH!
Tom and Ann Early – Please welcome Tom and Ann Early as our newest North Georgia Ambassadors, representing pickleball in the Canton area. They introduced pickleball in N. Georgia about five years ago. They are respected leaders in the pickleball club, always welcome and train new players. As new Ambassadors they are working hard to promote USAPA membership. With their skilled involvement we anticipate not just membership growth, but tournament growth in both Cherokee and Cobb Counties. With the recent formation of the North Georgia Pickleball Club they successfully recruited 15 new USAPA members during the month of August. Read more about N. Georgia Pickleball in our feature article below.
Bill Daugherty – Please welcome one of our newest Florida Ambassadors. Bill will be representing pickleball in N. Marion County, Ocala, Fl. He spends his winters at On Top Of The World, which is an active adult community in Ocala Florida. There are other adult communities in the Ocala area where he enjoys pickleball at a higher skill level. He is currently working with his home community to improve court availability, attract new players and improve player skill levels.
A recent note from Bill: “……..I'm in Cayuga Ontario playing pickleball. ….. in Oakville On. just South of Toronto. Had a good time and met some very nice people and the play was spirited. ……… Back at On Top of The World in Ocala Florida we are in the process of converting two tennis courts to dedicated pickleball courts which should increase the number of players. I will return to Florida mid to late October..”
We’re sure to hear more from Bill this winter.
Rich and Karen Skaare – Please welcome two more new Florida Ambassadors representing Summerfield, Fl. Rich and Karen reside in Spruce Creek, which is a Del Webb community of active adults that boasts 12 fabulous tennis courts. Rich is the past president of the SCC Pickleball Club which currently welcomed their 321st member. Our USAPA Banner was proudly displayed this past winter as they hosted the Florida Geezer Meister Games, an event that brings out some of the best players in the area. Rich and Karen are active tournament players and we hope they bring home the gold at the Nationals in Arizona this November. There are great opportunities for USAPA Sanctioned tournament play and membership growth in the Summerfield, Fl area.
Laura Patterson – Please welcome our newest Ambassador from North Carolina representing the Winston-Salem, NC area. A former racquetball player, Laura was introduced to the game just last year in the Midland, MI area. She too is an active tournament player and is a trained tournament referee. We wish her luck as she represents our region in the Nationals in November in Az. Laura is relocating to North Carolina from Michigan and will be working with local representatives to introduce pickleball to the YMCA’s and middle schools in her area.
………Another perspective on USAPA Membership………………
Whenever the USAPA or anyone for that matter mentioned the word ‘membership’ the Atlantic South Region was always the first to come to mind. All of us have held our head high and let everyone know just how proud we are of that accomplishment.
I’m sure you all read the article in the e-newsletter, from Janet Razz regarding the Great Lakes Region, and then the message for our fearless leader, Dick Manasseri about the membership numbers. Yes, the Great Lakes Region has surpassed the efforts of the Atlantic South.
Now, we can always go to the USAPA and challenge the numbers! After all, look at how many of our Atlantic South ‘snowbirds’ joined the USAPA and used their ‘non-snowbird’ address. Take all those people from the north and Canada and give them “dual Regional Membership” and we’d probably be back on top!! Well, yes we could – but we won’t!!
Our Atlantic South Region is strong! Some of our Ambassadors last year did a stellar job in building our membership – Remember the growth from the Sebring, Fl area, and Bob Taylor’s hard work on Anna Maria Island? And what about those Ambassadors from The Villages! Dick shared with us a recent article in Masters Athlete Magazine, where they identified the Top Ten List of places to play Pickleball. And the Atlantic South came in Number One, recognizing The Villages as a “pickleball paradise.” They also have the largest USAPA membership of any pickleball community in the country.
We can regain our No. 1 Ranking as a Region. Our new Ambassadors in NC are setting the pace. Let’s follow! Hat’s off to the Great Lakes Region! Congratulations on your success. Let’s keep the challenge on and take back the lead.
As of this printing: Great Lakes – 346 Atlantic South - 337
………. The North Georgia Pickleball Club, Canton, Georgia……………..
Tom and Ann Early learned how to play pickleball about five years ago in Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande, where they still enjoy visiting and playing with old friends. They brought the game back to North Georgia immediately and began teaching others, including going to local schools and clubs to draw interest.
Ann tells us “We are starting an organization for our members that come to play with us at our tennis courts weekly. We will call the group the “North Georgia Pickleball Club”. The club has one requirement - all members must join the USAPA…..there are no dues, no elected officers, no age requirements. Everyone enjoys playing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Balls and Paddles are furnished and beginners are welcome. Members will enjoy regular play, participate in tournaments and round robin events and enjoy social events together.
A few days later she followed up with this message: “We are thrilled about this new "club" idea and our players are joining USAPA as their only "requirement". They also presented us with a $260 gift card to show appreciation in starting the club and furnishing the courts, balls, paddles, instruction, drinks, food, and tournaments for the past 3+ years. For us, it has been a pleasure”.
At last count Tom and Ann have recruited 20 new USAPA members since introducing their club in August!! Fantastic!!
New players and visitors to the area and always welcome and Tom Earley is enthusiastic about introducing the game to new players. And people do stop by to play with the group. Just recently Dan Munson, a current Florida resident who plays at The Villages, looking to move to the Canton area, stopped in to play a few games while he and his wife were in the area searching for a home. And when you come to visit you will meet the 2 Standard Poodles and the Club Mascots, Dinner and Tommy (turkeys) who love to watch the players on the courts.
The next Tournament, which will probably end up being a tournament/social event, is planned for November – so watch our website for news, results and pictures!
You can read more about pickleball and see pictures of the North Georgia Pickleball Club on our website. You might event catch a glimpse of the Poo’s and the Peeps!! Just click this link to read the article.
http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/meet-tom-and-ann-early.html
………. Tournament and Pickleball Event Update…..
The Villages – Geezers and Gals - On August 19th, the Geezers and Gals pickleball group held the Pickleball Pizza Social at the Bacall Rec Center. The event was open to all players in the Villages. The morning started with open play and at 10:00 am. Coach Mo arrived to provide a training clinic for those in attendance. Between 11:30 and 12:00 players left the courts for a Pizza luncheon, followed by a short meeting to finalize their upcoming tournament. The Round Robin event took place on August 26 and was open to Bacall players only. Congratulation to winners: #1 Dennis Sarlo & Margie Schultz 5-0, #2 Bob Wilkinson & Billy Jean Montalbano 4-1, and #3 Jim Wallace & Fran Cotter 3-1. You can see pictures and read more about this event on our Atlantic South website. http://south.usapa.org/2009/08/blog-post.html
August Pickleball Social at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, NC - If you remember, we just introduced this pickleball location last month. Here’s a follow up e-mail I received a few days ago from Carrie Sims, the Wellness Center Lead at the Resort.
“Thank you again for the wonderful article and the publicity! We were very pleased with the results. We did have our Pickleball promotional evening and it was a huge success. We had about 25 players come out some experienced and some first –timers. We raffled a new racquet and some other items.
I did take photos, but we have yet to unload them from our camera. Our marketing director is working on that this week and we hope to have some nice photos to put on our website. I’ll be sure to send them along to you. We aren’t planning much this winter, but guests and interested players can always be updated by our facebook page.
Hopefully next season, we’ll be able to have some more events and I’ll defiantly make sure we send the dates and times to you. Maybe we can even host some tournaments in the future! I’ll keep in touch.”
Kings Point Labor Day Pickleball Jamboree – This annual event hosted by Louann Dubendorf and the Kings Point Pickleball League was held on Saturday September 5th at Kings Point in Sun City Center. Always a festive and fun day of pickleball this year drew players from the Sun City Pickleball Club – along with their own cheering crowd, the Solavita Community in Poinciana, which is near Orlando, and top players from Ft. Lauderdale and Ft. Myers. Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald never miss the event, and this year was joined by Ft. Lauderdale Ambassadors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman. This year Louann opened her Tattoo Parlor – providing (washable) pickleball bugs and Pickleball Fever Paddle tattoos to everyone! Round Robin events took place in Men’s and Woman’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Congratulations to the event winners: Men’s Doubles: Steve and Bob (Solavita), Gary and Artie (Kings Point) Clyde and Don (SSC Pickleball Club). Woman’s Doubles: Nancy and Cindy (Ft. Lauderdale, Diane and Charlene (Kings Point) and Margie and Sylvia (Solavita). And in the Mixed Doubles: Nancy (Ft Lauderdale) and Irv (Kings Point), Bob and Sylvia (Solavita) and Gary (Kings Point) and Sherron (Ft.Myers)
Read more about this annual event, complete with pictures on our website: http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/posted-by-picasa.html
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events.
Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
Bacall Center, The Villages – Woman’s Doubles Pickle ball Social – Sept 23rd.
Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 7, 2009 -
National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
Pickleball Tournament – Canton, GA November (dates TBD)
Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Al Rosati – Ambassador, The Villages, Fl “Plans are being finalized for the upcoming women's double Pickleball social to be held at the Bacall courts,hosted by the Geezers N Gals. You do NOT have to be a member of the Geezers N Gals to participate ,however we would like to limit it to the Gals that frequent the Bacall courts. The social will be a round robin; adjustments may be made at that time depending on the weather conditions. "
Liz Velázquez, Ambassador, N. Carolina “We had a wonderful time recently playing with some of the players from Louisville, Kentucky, who came to visit our campground and, of course, the beautiful Smoky Mountains. …… Needless to say we all got a great workout and lots of social sharing. Now, we are planning a tournament where Louisville, Kentucky meets Robbinsville, North Carolina, sort of speak, hopefully we can all come together for some fun and excitement in the Smokys. It is truly fantastic to be able to enjoy this great sport with wonderful people. " Click this link for pictures and more about Pickling in N. Carolina. Click here to see pictures: http://south.usapa.org/2009/09/pickleballing-in-n-carolina.html
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa, Fl - "One of the newest pickleball groups in our area is at Valencia Lakes, an active adult community located near Waumaua, Fl. Through Neal Nightingale, who introduced pickleball to the community, we have had the opportunity to talk with their Lifestyles Director, Marshall Bross. We’ve offered our assistance. We hope to learn more about this community, to offer training/clinics for their players and to encourage USAPA membership. They were holding their first pickleball social event over the Labor Day weekend, and Dan promised to share news and pictures!
We have contacted the organizers of the Polk County Senior Games in hopes of getting the games USAPA Sanctioned this year. The games are scheduled for March 2010. We have the support of several of the Solavita players where the games are played. Solavita and Avatar Homes is also one of the sponsors of the games. Will keep you posted on our success. We are also hoping that the Heartland Senior games are USAPA sanctioned again this year. It was such a success last year!
We spoke with Traci Thomas, a 22 year employee with the Parks and Recreation Department in Cobb County, GA. Traci learned to play pickleball in Florida and is very interested in introducing the game in Cobb County. She is also the Tennis Director for Lost Mountain Tennis Center which boasts 12 tennis courts, and has expressed great interest in having pickleball tournaments played at her center. We’ve contacted our new N. Georgia Ambassadors, Tom and Ann Early and asked them to touch base with her."
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com
Friday
ASR AMBASSADORS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
August 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites
………USAPA AMBASSADOR PROGRAM……….
Ambassadors promote the sport of pickleball and the USAPA in the Local Area that they have chosen to represent. They may be individuals or couples working as a team. The main prerequisite is a love of the game and the desire to share our game with others of all ages. Some full-time RV'ers are Ambassadors At Large. They don't represent a particular Local Area, but travel extensively and plant seeds that grow into pickleball places and players.
The primary responsibility is to be the spokesperson and representative for the USAPA for all activities related to Pickleball within their Local Area.
The Atlantic South Regions continues to attract new Ambassadors, but this is the first time in several months that we have not introduced a New Ambassador to our Region. So this is the perfect opportunity to remind you to share this information from the USAPA website with enthusiastic players in your areas that love the game and love to promote the sport. Share this link to get them started: http://usapa.org/ambassador/
…..Popular North Carolina Resort Promotes Pickleball!..
Rumbling Bald Resort is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The Resort is situated below the base of the majestic 2,800-foot Bald Mountain on the north end of beautiful Lake Lure. The two championship golf courses received another 4 star rating for 2009, continue to receive praise from Golf Digest readers and offer guests the experience of playing on one of the famed filming sites of the movie Dirty Dancing!
And now the resort is receiving an A Rating by the USAPA Atlantic South Region for their promotion of the fastest growing sport in the country today!
Pickleball was first initiated at Rumbling Bald Resort in August 2008 when a small group of residents showed interest in the sport by taping off lines for Pickleball on the resort’s tennis courts. Don “Smoke” Hickman, who has been playing pickleball for over five years and is a certified Pickleball Instructor at his seasonal home in The Villages, Fl., suggested introducing the sport at the Resort.. He was enthusiastic about promoting the sport and introducing new players to the game. Popularity for the game continued to increase, and Don, with the help of Carl Nelson, succeeded in getting lines painted and the first official game, on the first ‘official’ court was played in June of 2009.
The resort continues to promote Pickleball weekly to new guests/members during the Monday Resort Orientation Sessions as well as through its Wellness Center. Today, a group of eight to twelve energetic players meet weekly for open play matches and “Smoke” continues to provide instruction to first time players and resort guest twice a week. Members and guests to Rumbling Bald introduced to pickleball unanimously approve of the addition of the sport to the resorts amenities saying it’s a great way to stay in shape, meet new people, simple to learn and enjoyable for all ages and fitness level. Yes – even the kids at the resort become addicted to the game.
“The Echo” is a periodic publication that provides readers with community news and events at the Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure. Pickleball is one of the featured articles in the Autumn/Fall 2009 edition. Here is a link to that edition: http://rumblingbald.com/lakelure/info/rst.news.echo.aspx
You can find more information on Rumbling Bald Resort at http://www.rumblingbald.com/ where we hope to see the Pickleball Program soon added to their Wellness/Recreation activities on their website.
The complete article as written and submitted by Carrie , Wellness Center Lead, Rumbling Bald Resort along with pictures of the Resort and the pickleball players is now available on our Atlantic South Website. Her article will provide additional contact information and links to Rumbling Bald on Face Book. Just click here Rumbling Bald
Thank you Carrie, for introducing us to your beautiful resort and to another new place to play pickleball in North Carolina.
………….USAPA Reports – Membership is on the rise…
USAPA reported that membership as of July 23, 2009 reached 1600. The Atlantic South Region should be proud, as we account for nearly 21% of that membership. Our region has the largest representation of members, and the state of Florida has the largest membership of any state in the country with 309 members! While this is great news – other Regions and states are catching up quickly.
Enjoying and promoting the sport is what all of us do who love the game. Seeing new groups and clubs introduced to the sport is what we all get excited about. Our very own Tim and Laura Statum of Georgia were amazed at the support they received from USAPA, from members and the organization’s leadership. They are not only USAPA member, they are now Ambassadors. And just a few days ago we received this e-mail from Patrick Hotchkiss who winters in Florida.
“Last year when I came home,(to New York) the nearest place for me to play was about 90 miles away. This year I started working with a couple local folks to get it going here. We now have 39 players in the greater Rochester area. We have set up outside and inside courts which number about 14 courts in the area…………………..
Yes, I did join the USAPA and became an Ambassador. They have been very helpful in supporting my effort."
Share this link with your fellow players and encourage them to become a part of this great organization http://usapa.org/memberships/index.php
……Atlantic South Players – Visible Countrywide!!.....
Do you keep up with the pickleball news across the country? Yes folks, there is pickleball outside of the Atlantic South Region! Really!!! How did those other states get it started you ask? I know, we’ve all heard about Pickles and those folks up in the state of Washington……….but here’s my theory.
All those northern ‘snowbirds’ head to the ‘south’ every winter. The enjoy our southern hospitality, our sunshine, make new friends, chuckle a little when someone mentions the word pickleball and then they get addicted to the game. How many times do we hear- “I’ve never heard of this game! They don’t play this up north! This would be great to get started back home!!!””
Let me give you just a few recent examples of how we’ve helped to introduce pickleball outside our own region.
• Did you read the paragraph above? Yes Pat Hotchkiss learned how to play pickleball in Sebring, Fl………..now he’s an Ambassador in upstate NY.
• A couple from The Villages, Fl worked with Parks and Recreation Department and got pickleball started in Davenport, IA.
• Thousand Trails RV park in St. Clair, MI now has an annual pickleball tournament, because a group of winter pickleballers in Fl decided to meet there one summer.
• Pat and Suzi Zwolenski learned to play pickleball in Wesley Chapel, Fl and started up a new group of players in Bellingham, WA.
• Jack Beck, Ambassador-Venice, Florida this summer started up pickleball in Sarasota, NY. He and pickleball even made the local newspaper.
• Johnnie and Barb McKinney (yes Dick – they learned to play in Florida) are now Ambassadors in Brownstown, MI.
• And just this month! If you haven’t already read this story on our website, here’s the link. Ned Middendorf learned to play pickleball at The Villages, Fl and gets the game started in Morton, IA http://south.usapa.org/2009/08/atlantic-souths-ned-middendorf-of.html
So what do you think? I think we should be very very proud of our Atlantic South Pickleball, and our Atlantic South Pickleball players!
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events.
Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
• August Pickleball Social, Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure
• Geezers and Gals , Pizza and Pickleball Social Aug. 19th and Closed Tournament for Members August26th – The Villages, Fl
• The Villages, Fl – August – Beginner and Advanced Pickleball Tournament
• Kings Point Labor Day Jamboree –Sun City Center, Fl Sept. 5, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 2009 dates TBD
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
• Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Liz Velazquez, Rocky Mountains, and NC - “Here in The Smoky Mountains we had a wonderful time teaching the members of the Civitan Club in Murphy, NC how to play pickleball. The Civitan Club is a national organization that does community service and in particular they help children with disabilities. They invited us to do a demonstration and so we set up in the health and wellness center tennis courts and simply began to play. Kids and adults came over and quickly got in the swing of things. We were so happy to see the kids really enjoying and listening to our instructions. One child was so determined to learn that she did not want to stop even for the great food that was served. One young man sat on the sidelines and repeatedly said no to playing, however, after watching for a while he too joined in and learned very quickly. He also did not want to get off the court. Several parents ask us how they could purchase equipment to play and we gave them the website and invited them to come to our campground facility.
I also spoke to the people at the community center and asked them if they would be interested in offering classes and they said they would like that. Hopefully, we will be doing that in the near future.
Everyone that comes to Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary gets introduced to pickleball, from county commissioners to 3 year old future stars. We are having a lot of fun with it!”
Al Rosati, The Villages, Florida – “On Wednesday August 26th, Geezers N Gals will be hosting an intermediate tournament at the Bacall courts, 12 teams only -so gals, grab a geezer and geezers grab a gal. This is a round robin tournament and limited to people who play at Bacall on a regular basis. On Wednesday the 19th, we'll be holding a P/B-pizza party. (Coach) Moe will be on hand to instruct those of us that keep failing his class.”
Also at The Villages this month PAC and the Recreation Department will be conducting an advanced player tournament at the Truman Rec Center, August 17th, 18th and 19, and a first time ever beginners tournament later in the month at the Colony Recreation courts.
Mike and Mary Selby - Asheville, NC - They have checked in with the Leila Patterson Center in Fletcher where pickleball is played indoors every week day. This location has a good group and they may try to set up a tournament with the Kenmure Group. Anyone interested in playing at this location can contact Jim Engle 828-891-8535 or jimengle@bellsouth.net They have team play and open play. There is a charge for playing if you are not a member of the Center. They are looking for new players.
Mary also presented USAPA membership information to her home group at the Kenmure Country Club last Saturday, promoting and encouraging USAPA membership. The group is also planning another social event, tournament and luncheon on Sept 19, so we will be looking for them to share pictures of their event. And we hope that the Kenmure players will support USAPA and their local Ambassadors.
“Not much more here now....we are adding a Wednesday evening play time in addition to our regular Saturday morning time. Our players have improved SO much since we left here last November....I am SO proud of all of them. We are still trying to recruit new members.....and having a bit of success”.
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa, Fl - This month we want to share an e-mail we recently received from Neal Nightengale. Many of you remember Neal as our former Atlantic South Regional Ambassador, so we thought you would like to hear what he’s up to and what he has to say. And Rich and I thank you Neal for your support and kind words.
“Hi Donna and Richard,
I have read your South Atlantic news reports which come out on the 15th of each month regularly and must say each one has been very outstanding. Our region is very fortunate to have two people like you to be so committed to freely give of your time and talent in order that Pickleball players everywhere can be kept up to date about what’s going on in the Pickleball world. Thanks for all you both do to promote the game. Your efforts have to be appreciated by many.
During recent months my energy level has fallen off more than I like to admit. Practically all of my play now is at a very slow pace, with new players just learning the game. Several days ago I did break down and buy a Pickleball machine like the one Bob Huskey has in Alabama. As I spend practically all of my time at Valencia Lakes assisting those people to get acquainted with the game, that is where the machine will presently be used. However, it will be available upon request, to ALL Pickleball players within reasonable driving distance to use, should there be an interest in seeing what its like. If you know of anyone that has an interest, please let me know.
Now, in the near future, I would like to get a picture taken of the machine, preferably at Valencia Lakes, along with some players there, plus perhaps a small write-up of their progress.--for your South Atlantic newsletter.
As I have told others, my tournament days are over, except for an occasional county tournament. It’s been great fun. Take care.”
Neal Nightingale
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com
August 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites
………USAPA AMBASSADOR PROGRAM……….
Ambassadors promote the sport of pickleball and the USAPA in the Local Area that they have chosen to represent. They may be individuals or couples working as a team. The main prerequisite is a love of the game and the desire to share our game with others of all ages. Some full-time RV'ers are Ambassadors At Large. They don't represent a particular Local Area, but travel extensively and plant seeds that grow into pickleball places and players.
The primary responsibility is to be the spokesperson and representative for the USAPA for all activities related to Pickleball within their Local Area.
The Atlantic South Regions continues to attract new Ambassadors, but this is the first time in several months that we have not introduced a New Ambassador to our Region. So this is the perfect opportunity to remind you to share this information from the USAPA website with enthusiastic players in your areas that love the game and love to promote the sport. Share this link to get them started: http://usapa.org/ambassador/
…..Popular North Carolina Resort Promotes Pickleball!..
Rumbling Bald Resort is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The Resort is situated below the base of the majestic 2,800-foot Bald Mountain on the north end of beautiful Lake Lure. The two championship golf courses received another 4 star rating for 2009, continue to receive praise from Golf Digest readers and offer guests the experience of playing on one of the famed filming sites of the movie Dirty Dancing!
And now the resort is receiving an A Rating by the USAPA Atlantic South Region for their promotion of the fastest growing sport in the country today!
Pickleball was first initiated at Rumbling Bald Resort in August 2008 when a small group of residents showed interest in the sport by taping off lines for Pickleball on the resort’s tennis courts. Don “Smoke” Hickman, who has been playing pickleball for over five years and is a certified Pickleball Instructor at his seasonal home in The Villages, Fl., suggested introducing the sport at the Resort.. He was enthusiastic about promoting the sport and introducing new players to the game. Popularity for the game continued to increase, and Don, with the help of Carl Nelson, succeeded in getting lines painted and the first official game, on the first ‘official’ court was played in June of 2009.
The resort continues to promote Pickleball weekly to new guests/members during the Monday Resort Orientation Sessions as well as through its Wellness Center. Today, a group of eight to twelve energetic players meet weekly for open play matches and “Smoke” continues to provide instruction to first time players and resort guest twice a week. Members and guests to Rumbling Bald introduced to pickleball unanimously approve of the addition of the sport to the resorts amenities saying it’s a great way to stay in shape, meet new people, simple to learn and enjoyable for all ages and fitness level. Yes – even the kids at the resort become addicted to the game.
“The Echo” is a periodic publication that provides readers with community news and events at the Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure. Pickleball is one of the featured articles in the Autumn/Fall 2009 edition. Here is a link to that edition: http://rumblingbald.com/lakelure/info/rst.news.echo.aspx
You can find more information on Rumbling Bald Resort at http://www.rumblingbald.com/ where we hope to see the Pickleball Program soon added to their Wellness/Recreation activities on their website.
The complete article as written and submitted by Carrie , Wellness Center Lead, Rumbling Bald Resort along with pictures of the Resort and the pickleball players is now available on our Atlantic South Website. Her article will provide additional contact information and links to Rumbling Bald on Face Book. Just click here Rumbling Bald
Thank you Carrie, for introducing us to your beautiful resort and to another new place to play pickleball in North Carolina.
………….USAPA Reports – Membership is on the rise…
USAPA reported that membership as of July 23, 2009 reached 1600. The Atlantic South Region should be proud, as we account for nearly 21% of that membership. Our region has the largest representation of members, and the state of Florida has the largest membership of any state in the country with 309 members! While this is great news – other Regions and states are catching up quickly.
Enjoying and promoting the sport is what all of us do who love the game. Seeing new groups and clubs introduced to the sport is what we all get excited about. Our very own Tim and Laura Statum of Georgia were amazed at the support they received from USAPA, from members and the organization’s leadership. They are not only USAPA member, they are now Ambassadors. And just a few days ago we received this e-mail from Patrick Hotchkiss who winters in Florida.
“Last year when I came home,(to New York) the nearest place for me to play was about 90 miles away. This year I started working with a couple local folks to get it going here. We now have 39 players in the greater Rochester area. We have set up outside and inside courts which number about 14 courts in the area…………………..
Yes, I did join the USAPA and became an Ambassador. They have been very helpful in supporting my effort."
Share this link with your fellow players and encourage them to become a part of this great organization http://usapa.org/memberships/index.php
……Atlantic South Players – Visible Countrywide!!.....
Do you keep up with the pickleball news across the country? Yes folks, there is pickleball outside of the Atlantic South Region! Really!!! How did those other states get it started you ask? I know, we’ve all heard about Pickles and those folks up in the state of Washington……….but here’s my theory.
All those northern ‘snowbirds’ head to the ‘south’ every winter. The enjoy our southern hospitality, our sunshine, make new friends, chuckle a little when someone mentions the word pickleball and then they get addicted to the game. How many times do we hear- “I’ve never heard of this game! They don’t play this up north! This would be great to get started back home!!!””
Let me give you just a few recent examples of how we’ve helped to introduce pickleball outside our own region.
• Did you read the paragraph above? Yes Pat Hotchkiss learned how to play pickleball in Sebring, Fl………..now he’s an Ambassador in upstate NY.
• A couple from The Villages, Fl worked with Parks and Recreation Department and got pickleball started in Davenport, IA.
• Thousand Trails RV park in St. Clair, MI now has an annual pickleball tournament, because a group of winter pickleballers in Fl decided to meet there one summer.
• Pat and Suzi Zwolenski learned to play pickleball in Wesley Chapel, Fl and started up a new group of players in Bellingham, WA.
• Jack Beck, Ambassador-Venice, Florida this summer started up pickleball in Sarasota, NY. He and pickleball even made the local newspaper.
• Johnnie and Barb McKinney (yes Dick – they learned to play in Florida) are now Ambassadors in Brownstown, MI.
• And just this month! If you haven’t already read this story on our website, here’s the link. Ned Middendorf learned to play pickleball at The Villages, Fl and gets the game started in Morton, IA http://south.usapa.org/2009/08/atlantic-souths-ned-middendorf-of.html
So what do you think? I think we should be very very proud of our Atlantic South Pickleball, and our Atlantic South Pickleball players!
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events.
Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
• August Pickleball Social, Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure
• Geezers and Gals , Pizza and Pickleball Social Aug. 19th and Closed Tournament for Members August26th – The Villages, Fl
• The Villages, Fl – August – Beginner and Advanced Pickleball Tournament
• Kings Point Labor Day Jamboree –Sun City Center, Fl Sept. 5, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 2009 dates TBD
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
• Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Liz Velazquez, Rocky Mountains, and NC - “Here in The Smoky Mountains we had a wonderful time teaching the members of the Civitan Club in Murphy, NC how to play pickleball. The Civitan Club is a national organization that does community service and in particular they help children with disabilities. They invited us to do a demonstration and so we set up in the health and wellness center tennis courts and simply began to play. Kids and adults came over and quickly got in the swing of things. We were so happy to see the kids really enjoying and listening to our instructions. One child was so determined to learn that she did not want to stop even for the great food that was served. One young man sat on the sidelines and repeatedly said no to playing, however, after watching for a while he too joined in and learned very quickly. He also did not want to get off the court. Several parents ask us how they could purchase equipment to play and we gave them the website and invited them to come to our campground facility.
I also spoke to the people at the community center and asked them if they would be interested in offering classes and they said they would like that. Hopefully, we will be doing that in the near future.
Everyone that comes to Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary gets introduced to pickleball, from county commissioners to 3 year old future stars. We are having a lot of fun with it!”
Al Rosati, The Villages, Florida – “On Wednesday August 26th, Geezers N Gals will be hosting an intermediate tournament at the Bacall courts, 12 teams only -so gals, grab a geezer and geezers grab a gal. This is a round robin tournament and limited to people who play at Bacall on a regular basis. On Wednesday the 19th, we'll be holding a P/B-pizza party. (Coach) Moe will be on hand to instruct those of us that keep failing his class.”
Also at The Villages this month PAC and the Recreation Department will be conducting an advanced player tournament at the Truman Rec Center, August 17th, 18th and 19, and a first time ever beginners tournament later in the month at the Colony Recreation courts.
Mike and Mary Selby - Asheville, NC - They have checked in with the Leila Patterson Center in Fletcher where pickleball is played indoors every week day. This location has a good group and they may try to set up a tournament with the Kenmure Group. Anyone interested in playing at this location can contact Jim Engle 828-891-8535 or jimengle@bellsouth.net They have team play and open play. There is a charge for playing if you are not a member of the Center. They are looking for new players.
Mary also presented USAPA membership information to her home group at the Kenmure Country Club last Saturday, promoting and encouraging USAPA membership. The group is also planning another social event, tournament and luncheon on Sept 19, so we will be looking for them to share pictures of their event. And we hope that the Kenmure players will support USAPA and their local Ambassadors.
“Not much more here now....we are adding a Wednesday evening play time in addition to our regular Saturday morning time. Our players have improved SO much since we left here last November....I am SO proud of all of them. We are still trying to recruit new members.....and having a bit of success”.
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa, Fl - This month we want to share an e-mail we recently received from Neal Nightengale. Many of you remember Neal as our former Atlantic South Regional Ambassador, so we thought you would like to hear what he’s up to and what he has to say. And Rich and I thank you Neal for your support and kind words.
“Hi Donna and Richard,
I have read your South Atlantic news reports which come out on the 15th of each month regularly and must say each one has been very outstanding. Our region is very fortunate to have two people like you to be so committed to freely give of your time and talent in order that Pickleball players everywhere can be kept up to date about what’s going on in the Pickleball world. Thanks for all you both do to promote the game. Your efforts have to be appreciated by many.
During recent months my energy level has fallen off more than I like to admit. Practically all of my play now is at a very slow pace, with new players just learning the game. Several days ago I did break down and buy a Pickleball machine like the one Bob Huskey has in Alabama. As I spend practically all of my time at Valencia Lakes assisting those people to get acquainted with the game, that is where the machine will presently be used. However, it will be available upon request, to ALL Pickleball players within reasonable driving distance to use, should there be an interest in seeing what its like. If you know of anyone that has an interest, please let me know.
Now, in the near future, I would like to get a picture taken of the machine, preferably at Valencia Lakes, along with some players there, plus perhaps a small write-up of their progress.--for your South Atlantic newsletter.
As I have told others, my tournament days are over, except for an occasional county tournament. It’s been great fun. Take care.”
Neal Nightingale
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com
Tuesday
ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
July 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region welcomes new Ambassadors….
Please welcome Colleen Blakley, our newest Ambassador to the Conch Republic, located in the Florida Keys. “It is very exciting what is happening to the world of Pickleball and I am very excited about starting up in Key West and the Florida Keys !! Nancy [Meyer] and Cindy [Eddleman] were wonderful to travel down here and present a clinic and I hope to have them back again soon. In the meantime, we have a consistent group of people coming every Sunday morning to play. Eventually we hope to have a tournament, possibly this year, to continue our introduction of Pickleball to the Conch Republic .”
Watch our website for Colleen’s Bio and more news about pickleball in the Florida Keys .
……….Highland Lakes Pickleball Introduces “Beginner Competition and Welcomes Inter-Community Play…..
In 1993, pickleball was introduced to this active adult community located in Central Florida just south of Leesburg. The original two outdoor courts have since been replaced with a beautiful four court indoor “arena”. Highland Lakes Pickleball is a Community Activity Club with a Chair Person(s) elected yearly who is responsible for managing the club’s social as well as pickleball events and for representing the club to their Homeowners Association. Manny and Marie Cardoza currently hold that position.
The highlight of the year is the Annual Senior Olympics, open to residents only. What is unique about this event is that in addition to the usual doubles and mixed doubles play a Beginners competition was recently added. According to Marie, "This has worked out very well and it gives the beginners recognition for their hard work ". I love it! What a great idea! Immediately following the event the players celebrate with a medal ceremony and their annual pickleball barbeque outing.
Like most pickleball communities in Florida , “Snowbirds” account for a large percentage of regular players , so as they head north, finding summer players in small communities can sometimes create a challenge. Highland Lakes participates in “Inter-Community” play, an idea recently proposed by Joe Fuller from Pennbrook Fairways in Leesburg. With players from three other nearby communities a schedule was set up to rotate weekly play at each of their locations. Marie tells us “It is working out very well. Last Monday night June 8th we hosted ' Inter-Community play and had 12 players from Legacy, 4 players from Hawthorne, 8 players from Highland Lakes, a total of 24 players for that evening."
Another great idea!!
"We encourage anyone who is interested in playing including children and guests to the community………..Don Gullakson, is our best teacher and enjoys giving instructions to the new players. All of our players help with teaching also……….. Our first and major rule is that this is for fun and we all enjoy playing no matter who we play with and whether we win or lose"
Highland Lakes is featured on our Website this month. Click this link http://south.usapa.org/2009/07/highland-lakes-pickleball.html and read more about Highland Lakes pickleball, to meet Manny and Marie and their fellow players and to view some terrific pictures of their arena, their Olympics and their social events.
Or visit the Highland Lakes website at: http://www.hl-pickleball.blogspot.com/
………….Atlantic South -offers July Deals and more Deals on Pickleball products
• Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman and the Pickleball Specialties Team, announce their Summer T-shirt Sale, offering 50% off all T-shirts, while supplies last. As always they thank all of you for your patronage and hope you’ll take advantage of their JULY SALE ! Perk up that pickleball wardrobe and advertise our great sport at the same time.
Visit: http://www.pickleballspecialties.com/ today!!!
• Coach Mo , our Atlantic South Pickleball Coach has released his new DVD - Pickleball Clinics. Mo covers the top 21 clinics to help improve your game. Enjoy this new DVD and have your very own clinic right from the comfort of your home. He promises you’ll be using these strategies and techniques the very same day on the Pickleball Court . Be one of the first to get your very own.
DVD’s will be available starting July 13th via PayPal, from his website. Visit http://www.pickleballcoach.com/ today!
• Have You "Been Bitten By The Pickleball Bug"? You can tell everyone with your own Pickelball Bug T-shirt. Additionally, you will find a great selection of pickleball items "Under $10" perfect for your next fun pickleball event.
Visit http://www.thepickleballbug.com/ today!
……………..Regional Tournament News………
The Villages Pickleball Championships
The Second Annual Villages Pickleball Championship, like last year, showcased some very very strong competition, with some close exciting matches. The doubles competition took place on June 11th and 12th with #2 Seed Ken Cornell and Barry Gee capturing the men’s championship title , while #1 Seed Deb Harrison and Kathy Bluemling once again finished on top. Mixed doubles play was June 18th and 19th with the favored #1 Seed of Bill Freeman and Deb Harrison taking home the championship title. Congratulations to all the players!
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events. Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
• Free Pickleball Clinics – Mountain View School Campground, NC – July 25, 2009
• Kings Point Labor Day Jamboree – Sun City Center , Fl Sept. 5, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 2009 dates TBD
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
• Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Jojo Cariaso, Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department, Jacksonville , NC reports that funding is being pursued for the construction of outdoor pickleball courts. Indoor courts are currently available. Both Rich Donald ( Florida ) and Bob Huskey (AL) have provided him with information on court construction, and equipment.
Louann Dubendorf, Kings Point Pickleball League, Sun City Center , Fl - Asks that we let everyone know that the annual Labor Day Jamboree has been scheduled for September 5th. As always she welcomes players from across the area and looks forward to seeing many of the Florida wintering RV’ers return. Click this link for more information and then mark you calendar. http://pickleballmisc.blogspot.com/2009/07/kings-point-labor-day-jamboree-kings.html
Liz Velazquez, Ambassador, Rocky Mountains, NC reports the following from her area: “As part of our plan to promote the growth and joy of Pickleball, Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary is offering a free clinic on July 25, 2009.
Additionally, the Civitan Club of Murphy North Carolina has invited us to do a pickleball demonstration on July 21, 2009. They are very involved with different community projects and organizations and were very excited to hear about Pickleball. Some of the members participated in the senior games in Cherokee County North Carolina and liked the idea of introducing Pickleball to the games”.
Click on this link for more information: http://pickleballmisc.blogspot.com/2009/07/mountain-view-school-campground-and.html
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa , Fl – “This has been a very busy month for us. We started out doing a pickleball training clinic for the Kings Point Pickleball League in Sun City Center on June 20th. That was such an exciting group, and ready to devour all the information they could to help improve their game. We’re glad to hear they continue to practice their drills.
We are currently visiting in The Villages for a few months. Rich had the opportunity on July 9th to assist Coach Mo with one of his pickleball training clinics at the Churchill Street Recreation Center and I had a chance to participate in the clinic!! Some of the best players in The Villages dedicate their time on a regular basis to help Coach Mo. In addition to clinics for the Intermediate/Advanced players, Mo also does clinics specifically for the over 70 generation.”
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
July 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region welcomes new Ambassadors….
Please welcome Colleen Blakley, our newest Ambassador to the Conch Republic, located in the Florida Keys. “It is very exciting what is happening to the world of Pickleball and I am very excited about starting up in Key West and the Florida Keys !! Nancy [Meyer] and Cindy [Eddleman] were wonderful to travel down here and present a clinic and I hope to have them back again soon. In the meantime, we have a consistent group of people coming every Sunday morning to play. Eventually we hope to have a tournament, possibly this year, to continue our introduction of Pickleball to the Conch Republic .”
Watch our website for Colleen’s Bio and more news about pickleball in the Florida Keys .
……….Highland Lakes Pickleball Introduces “Beginner Competition and Welcomes Inter-Community Play…..
In 1993, pickleball was introduced to this active adult community located in Central Florida just south of Leesburg. The original two outdoor courts have since been replaced with a beautiful four court indoor “arena”. Highland Lakes Pickleball is a Community Activity Club with a Chair Person(s) elected yearly who is responsible for managing the club’s social as well as pickleball events and for representing the club to their Homeowners Association. Manny and Marie Cardoza currently hold that position.
The highlight of the year is the Annual Senior Olympics, open to residents only. What is unique about this event is that in addition to the usual doubles and mixed doubles play a Beginners competition was recently added. According to Marie, "This has worked out very well and it gives the beginners recognition for their hard work ". I love it! What a great idea! Immediately following the event the players celebrate with a medal ceremony and their annual pickleball barbeque outing.
Like most pickleball communities in Florida , “Snowbirds” account for a large percentage of regular players , so as they head north, finding summer players in small communities can sometimes create a challenge. Highland Lakes participates in “Inter-Community” play, an idea recently proposed by Joe Fuller from Pennbrook Fairways in Leesburg. With players from three other nearby communities a schedule was set up to rotate weekly play at each of their locations. Marie tells us “It is working out very well. Last Monday night June 8th we hosted ' Inter-Community play and had 12 players from Legacy, 4 players from Hawthorne, 8 players from Highland Lakes, a total of 24 players for that evening."
Another great idea!!
"We encourage anyone who is interested in playing including children and guests to the community………..Don Gullakson, is our best teacher and enjoys giving instructions to the new players. All of our players help with teaching also……….. Our first and major rule is that this is for fun and we all enjoy playing no matter who we play with and whether we win or lose"
Highland Lakes is featured on our Website this month. Click this link http://south.usapa.org/2009/07/highland-lakes-pickleball.html and read more about Highland Lakes pickleball, to meet Manny and Marie and their fellow players and to view some terrific pictures of their arena, their Olympics and their social events.
Or visit the Highland Lakes website at: http://www.hl-pickleball.blogspot.com/
………….Atlantic South -offers July Deals and more Deals on Pickleball products
• Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman and the Pickleball Specialties Team, announce their Summer T-shirt Sale, offering 50% off all T-shirts, while supplies last. As always they thank all of you for your patronage and hope you’ll take advantage of their JULY SALE ! Perk up that pickleball wardrobe and advertise our great sport at the same time.
Visit: http://www.pickleballspecialties.com/ today!!!
• Coach Mo , our Atlantic South Pickleball Coach has released his new DVD - Pickleball Clinics. Mo covers the top 21 clinics to help improve your game. Enjoy this new DVD and have your very own clinic right from the comfort of your home. He promises you’ll be using these strategies and techniques the very same day on the Pickleball Court . Be one of the first to get your very own.
DVD’s will be available starting July 13th via PayPal, from his website. Visit http://www.pickleballcoach.com/ today!
• Have You "Been Bitten By The Pickleball Bug"? You can tell everyone with your own Pickelball Bug T-shirt. Additionally, you will find a great selection of pickleball items "Under $10" perfect for your next fun pickleball event.
Visit http://www.thepickleballbug.com/ today!
……………..Regional Tournament News………
The Villages Pickleball Championships
The Second Annual Villages Pickleball Championship, like last year, showcased some very very strong competition, with some close exciting matches. The doubles competition took place on June 11th and 12th with #2 Seed Ken Cornell and Barry Gee capturing the men’s championship title , while #1 Seed Deb Harrison and Kathy Bluemling once again finished on top. Mixed doubles play was June 18th and 19th with the favored #1 Seed of Bill Freeman and Deb Harrison taking home the championship title. Congratulations to all the players!
……..Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events. Registration/ information are available on our Atlantic South site……………
• Free Pickleball Clinics – Mountain View School Campground, NC – July 25, 2009
• Kings Point Labor Day Jamboree – Sun City Center , Fl Sept. 5, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• Tampa Bay Senior Games, October 2009 dates TBD
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
• Florida Senior Games State Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Dec. 5-6, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Jojo Cariaso, Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department, Jacksonville , NC reports that funding is being pursued for the construction of outdoor pickleball courts. Indoor courts are currently available. Both Rich Donald ( Florida ) and Bob Huskey (AL) have provided him with information on court construction, and equipment.
Louann Dubendorf, Kings Point Pickleball League, Sun City Center , Fl - Asks that we let everyone know that the annual Labor Day Jamboree has been scheduled for September 5th. As always she welcomes players from across the area and looks forward to seeing many of the Florida wintering RV’ers return. Click this link for more information and then mark you calendar. http://pickleballmisc.blogspot.com/2009/07/kings-point-labor-day-jamboree-kings.html
Liz Velazquez, Ambassador, Rocky Mountains, NC reports the following from her area: “As part of our plan to promote the growth and joy of Pickleball, Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary is offering a free clinic on July 25, 2009.
Additionally, the Civitan Club of Murphy North Carolina has invited us to do a pickleball demonstration on July 21, 2009. They are very involved with different community projects and organizations and were very excited to hear about Pickleball. Some of the members participated in the senior games in Cherokee County North Carolina and liked the idea of introducing Pickleball to the games”.
Click on this link for more information: http://pickleballmisc.blogspot.com/2009/07/mountain-view-school-campground-and.html
Rich and Donna Donald – New Tampa , Fl – “This has been a very busy month for us. We started out doing a pickleball training clinic for the Kings Point Pickleball League in Sun City Center on June 20th. That was such an exciting group, and ready to devour all the information they could to help improve their game. We’re glad to hear they continue to practice their drills.
We are currently visiting in The Villages for a few months. Rich had the opportunity on July 9th to assist Coach Mo with one of his pickleball training clinics at the Churchill Street Recreation Center and I had a chance to participate in the clinic!! Some of the best players in The Villages dedicate their time on a regular basis to help Coach Mo. In addition to clinics for the Intermediate/Advanced players, Mo also does clinics specifically for the over 70 generation.”
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
Saturday
ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
June 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region welcomes new Ambassadors….
Alabama has two new Ambassadors. Please welcome Tim and Laura Statum, Joint Ambassadors, Jefferson County, Alabama. Tim and Laura were introduced to the game of pickleball in Florida at The Villages, were immediately addicted and decided it was a perfect sport to take home to Graysville, Al. We look forward to hearing more about the growth of pickleball in their area. In the meantime, click here to Meet Tim and Laura
Joe Huber,
USAPA Ambassador, Sun City, Hilton Head, SC,
President, Sun City Hilton Head Pickleball Club
Sun City Hilton Head (SCHH) is a 4,300 acre Del Webb/Pulte Home, active adult Community in Bluffton, SC., with approximately 6,800 homes and 13,000 residents with anticipated growth. The community boasts a 4.5 acre Community Recreation Campus featuring the multi-million dollar Magnolia Hall theater……………, but only 4 pickleball courts.
John Huber is a resident of SCHH and for the past several months he and the SCHH Pickleball Club have been directing efforts to convince the developer and their Community Association Management Board (CAM) to help with land acquisition and court construction costs for four more courts
Finding a place to play the game they love has been a long “court” battle that started early in 2005 when John and Darlene Prest first introduced the game to the community on a makeshift court shared with the basketball players. Membership in the SCHH Pickleball club has grown from 145 members in January of 2006 to a current membership of 865 strong, who until August of 2008 played on cracking, unfenced or makeshift courts, with baseball or basketball players or on old parking lots. Citing the current economic condition of the housing market, neither Pulte Homes nor the CAM will invest in the construction of additional courts. The club has been able to secure the land for the courts and through their own pledge drives and fund raising events have raised $45,000 of the $65,000 necessary to build four courts.
Despite the “court” situation the SCHH Pickleball Club was successful in getting their club chartered. They have progressed from scheduling court time manually to a web based process. They implemented “Meet and Play” for new members and organized the 2008 Fall League Play. Under Joe’s leadership they successfully hosted the inaugural Beaufort County Senior Games in 2007, and then again in 2008.
I read the write up that Joe did on the history of this club, and I hope you will take the time to do the same. This is an amazing group of people; so determined. I know I will never complain again about having to wait a few extra minutes to get on the court to play.
This link will take you to their story on our website: Sun City Hilton Head Pickleball Club
Next month we are featuring the Highland Lakes Pickleball Group from Florida. A very active and creative group. When the snow birds go back north, communities lose a good number of everyday players. Highland Lakes found a way to solve that problem. Next month we’ll introduce you to their unique and recently implemented Round Robin, Inter community play. Stay tuned!
……………..Regional Tournament/Event News………
Mountain view School Campground and Sanctuary, and the Light on the Mountain Grand Opening – May 23 and 24, 2009 -
Great Smokey Mountain Ambassador, Liz Velazquez reports that this event was a SMASH!!! Adults and children alike enjoyed the event. Adult visitors were committed to telling their friends and taking the sport back home. Children begged to come back “every weekend!” The word is out; another nearby community wants to jump on board and Liz is looking forward to building her pickleball community and future tournaments. One person from Portland, Oregon, commented, "I can't do tennis but I can definitely do pickleball". One of the band members was from Louisville, Kentucky and he said he had never heard of the sport either and was going back to contact the Louisville group. Great job Liz.
Pickleball Comes to Graysville, Al - May 30, 2009
Jefferson County Ambassadors, Tim and Laura Statum coordinated and hosted this event at the Maurice West Community Center in Graysville, Al. "Obviously we're an older community in Graysville and we wanted to utilize our tennis courts and our friend Tim Statum came up with this idea about pickleball," said Graysville Mayor Doug Brewer. Bob Huskey, Ambassador, Opelika, Al, and Ambassador, Cindy Moore of Pine Mt. GA both made the trip over to help out the Statums and to promote the game. The local CBS television crew showed up for a video shoot and featured the event on the 5:00 news!!
Here’s a link to the story and pictures on our website. Pickleball Comes to Graysville
Rally for a Cure = Flat Rock, NC, May 30, 2009
Mike and Mary Selby, Ambassadors, Flat Rock, NC report that their group “had a grand time playing in their very first Pickleball tournament for Kenmure Country Club, and also for the Rally for the Cure organization." Winners were announced at the Rally Dinner that evening where they were awarded their jar of KOSHER DILL PICKLES! This is a small group that just a short time ago had never even heard of pickleball and now the group worked together to make sure everything was perfect for the tournament. From the ice to the spectator chairs to taping the courts. The group made $275 to add to the Rally total for their community. Great Job!!! I think they’ll do this again next year.
Read more and see pictures of this event: Rally for a Cure
........Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events. .Registration/ information is available on our Atlantic South site.............
• The Villages Pickleball Championships, June 11,12 and June 18,19,2009
• Pickleball Training Clinic – Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fl – June 20, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Bob Huskey – Ambassador, Opelika, Al “I had a great time in Graysville this past weekend. I was lucky that my friend Cindy (Moore, Ambassador, Pine Mt. GA) had just gotten home from Arizona, and she was willing to go with me to help promote pickleball in Graysville. I am also promoting pickleball in the cities of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. I am trying to get each of the cities to either convert old unused tennis courts or build some new courts. “
Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman, Ambassadors, South Florida, Fl – “We recently were invited to present a program to the Rotary Club in Miami. We gave a PowerPoint presentation to the club. No one had even heard of Pickleball, but by the end of the presentation, they were ready to get out to the courts to try it. The club had a few tennis courts to use, while one member has access to a private court, so he could not wait to tape it off and play.
On May 16 and 17, we were invited to Key West by Colleen Blakely, a new pickleball player who lives in Key West. We had met her in Ft. Myers, and she wanted us to come to Key West and do two days of Pickleball Clinics. We had quite the enthusiastic crowd at the clinics. We were happy to plant the “seed” and we feel sure that Pickleball will grow in Key West.
Last month we had lunch with David Jordan, the Sales and Marketing director for the USAPA and his wife Nancy. We had worked very hard in researching four possible sites in Ft. Lauderdale for the Pickleball National Tournament in October, and found two that would accommodate RV’s that could possibly be used for the tournament. When we met for lunch we went over the different sites, number of courts, amenities, and the distance in relation to the Bonaventure Tournament Hotel site. We were happy to help with the “legwork” in researching the sites. C B Smith Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was chosen as the site for the National Pickleball and Euflex Tournament in October. CB Smith Park has ten tennis courts, RV sites many with full hookups, golf range, many picnic and shelter areas, water slides, fishing, boat rentals, and tennis club house amenities.”
Got a birthday coming up for your pickleball friend or partner? Nancy and Cindy have one of the best pickleball websites, right here in our own Atlantic South Region. Please visit their store at http://www.pickleballspecialties.com/ The #1 source for pickleball equipment and accessories. They have some amazing and original gifts for the pickleball fanatic.
John Simpson, Ambassador, NC – Has already made his reservations and wants to pass along the following additional hotel information for those planning on joining him at the National Senior Games in October. John says that this hotel is right on the beach, with rates that are less than the Boneventure and equidistant from the courts. The manager, Tammy Weaver is excellent to deal with and very helpful. She’s even told friends about pickleball!! You can reach Tammy at hollywoodhotels@gmail.com
“We could have a good crowd and car pool to the courts.”
And Rich and Donna Donald have also been told that the Paradise RV Resort in Ft. Lauderdale is offering 50% off their daily rate to any RV’ers coming there to play in the National Senior Games. They are less than a half hour from CB Smith Park. Check them out at www.paradiserv.com
David Jordan - Has asked us to solicit some volunteers to help out at the National Senior Games (NSG) in October. We will need help with the following
• Crew to put down tape on Wednesday, Sept. 30th in the evening
• Refs - as many as we can get - need a head ref to take charge
• Scorers table - 2 at a time in shifts of 2-4 hours.
• Runners - optional - these are people to run score sheets to the scorer’s tables after a match is over. This allows us to turn the courts around much quicker.
• If you are available and willing to help please notify Greenie at rkgreenfield@embarqmail.com
or Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
Richard “Greenie” Greenfield – Regional Ambassador, Atlantic South. “ Greenie was number one on the agenda of thirteen items to present pickleball to the advisory council of the Lady lake recreation department. “As I mentioned earlier, we painted the tennis courts with pickleball markings and now have a place to play off Villages and also provides us with night court usability as it features night motion lights. This becomes extremely valuable to us as the summer days heat up and the night breezes are so inviting for pickleball.
Rich and Donna Donald – Florida Ambassadors – “We have been very fortunate in getting a lot of media coverage for our home group in Wesley Chapel. We had our very first Round Robin tournament last month. The Wesley Chapel newspaper, The Laker, included a nice article with pictures, our Meadow Pointe Community newsletter included a full page article on our tournament and Mike Camunus, the sports staff writer for the St. Petersburg Times, did a nice write up in that paper. A shorter version with just one photo was posted to Tampa Bay Online. They have generated a few phone calls from people interested in learning the game.
We recently connected with a couple from MN who snowbird in another Wesley Chapel community, Lexington Oaks who want us to help get pickleball started in that community. We’ve invited them to play with our group, and we’ve offered to do a pickleball demo to help them promote the game."
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
June 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region welcomes new Ambassadors….
Alabama has two new Ambassadors. Please welcome Tim and Laura Statum, Joint Ambassadors, Jefferson County, Alabama. Tim and Laura were introduced to the game of pickleball in Florida at The Villages, were immediately addicted and decided it was a perfect sport to take home to Graysville, Al. We look forward to hearing more about the growth of pickleball in their area. In the meantime, click here to Meet Tim and Laura
Joe Huber,
USAPA Ambassador, Sun City, Hilton Head, SC,
President, Sun City Hilton Head Pickleball Club
Sun City Hilton Head (SCHH) is a 4,300 acre Del Webb/Pulte Home, active adult Community in Bluffton, SC., with approximately 6,800 homes and 13,000 residents with anticipated growth. The community boasts a 4.5 acre Community Recreation Campus featuring the multi-million dollar Magnolia Hall theater……………, but only 4 pickleball courts.
John Huber is a resident of SCHH and for the past several months he and the SCHH Pickleball Club have been directing efforts to convince the developer and their Community Association Management Board (CAM) to help with land acquisition and court construction costs for four more courts
Finding a place to play the game they love has been a long “court” battle that started early in 2005 when John and Darlene Prest first introduced the game to the community on a makeshift court shared with the basketball players. Membership in the SCHH Pickleball club has grown from 145 members in January of 2006 to a current membership of 865 strong, who until August of 2008 played on cracking, unfenced or makeshift courts, with baseball or basketball players or on old parking lots. Citing the current economic condition of the housing market, neither Pulte Homes nor the CAM will invest in the construction of additional courts. The club has been able to secure the land for the courts and through their own pledge drives and fund raising events have raised $45,000 of the $65,000 necessary to build four courts.
Despite the “court” situation the SCHH Pickleball Club was successful in getting their club chartered. They have progressed from scheduling court time manually to a web based process. They implemented “Meet and Play” for new members and organized the 2008 Fall League Play. Under Joe’s leadership they successfully hosted the inaugural Beaufort County Senior Games in 2007, and then again in 2008.
I read the write up that Joe did on the history of this club, and I hope you will take the time to do the same. This is an amazing group of people; so determined. I know I will never complain again about having to wait a few extra minutes to get on the court to play.
This link will take you to their story on our website: Sun City Hilton Head Pickleball Club
Next month we are featuring the Highland Lakes Pickleball Group from Florida. A very active and creative group. When the snow birds go back north, communities lose a good number of everyday players. Highland Lakes found a way to solve that problem. Next month we’ll introduce you to their unique and recently implemented Round Robin, Inter community play. Stay tuned!
……………..Regional Tournament/Event News………
Mountain view School Campground and Sanctuary, and the Light on the Mountain Grand Opening – May 23 and 24, 2009 -
Great Smokey Mountain Ambassador, Liz Velazquez reports that this event was a SMASH!!! Adults and children alike enjoyed the event. Adult visitors were committed to telling their friends and taking the sport back home. Children begged to come back “every weekend!” The word is out; another nearby community wants to jump on board and Liz is looking forward to building her pickleball community and future tournaments. One person from Portland, Oregon, commented, "I can't do tennis but I can definitely do pickleball". One of the band members was from Louisville, Kentucky and he said he had never heard of the sport either and was going back to contact the Louisville group. Great job Liz.
Pickleball Comes to Graysville, Al - May 30, 2009
Jefferson County Ambassadors, Tim and Laura Statum coordinated and hosted this event at the Maurice West Community Center in Graysville, Al. "Obviously we're an older community in Graysville and we wanted to utilize our tennis courts and our friend Tim Statum came up with this idea about pickleball," said Graysville Mayor Doug Brewer. Bob Huskey, Ambassador, Opelika, Al, and Ambassador, Cindy Moore of Pine Mt. GA both made the trip over to help out the Statums and to promote the game. The local CBS television crew showed up for a video shoot and featured the event on the 5:00 news!!
Here’s a link to the story and pictures on our website. Pickleball Comes to Graysville
Rally for a Cure = Flat Rock, NC, May 30, 2009
Mike and Mary Selby, Ambassadors, Flat Rock, NC report that their group “had a grand time playing in their very first Pickleball tournament for Kenmure Country Club, and also for the Rally for the Cure organization." Winners were announced at the Rally Dinner that evening where they were awarded their jar of KOSHER DILL PICKLES! This is a small group that just a short time ago had never even heard of pickleball and now the group worked together to make sure everything was perfect for the tournament. From the ice to the spectator chairs to taping the courts. The group made $275 to add to the Rally total for their community. Great Job!!! I think they’ll do this again next year.
Read more and see pictures of this event: Rally for a Cure
........Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events. .Registration/ information is available on our Atlantic South site.............
• The Villages Pickleball Championships, June 11,12 and June 18,19,2009
• Pickleball Training Clinic – Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fl – June 20, 2009
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
• National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
• National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassadors and from around our Region....
Bob Huskey – Ambassador, Opelika, Al “I had a great time in Graysville this past weekend. I was lucky that my friend Cindy (Moore, Ambassador, Pine Mt. GA) had just gotten home from Arizona, and she was willing to go with me to help promote pickleball in Graysville. I am also promoting pickleball in the cities of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. I am trying to get each of the cities to either convert old unused tennis courts or build some new courts. “
Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman, Ambassadors, South Florida, Fl – “We recently were invited to present a program to the Rotary Club in Miami. We gave a PowerPoint presentation to the club. No one had even heard of Pickleball, but by the end of the presentation, they were ready to get out to the courts to try it. The club had a few tennis courts to use, while one member has access to a private court, so he could not wait to tape it off and play.
On May 16 and 17, we were invited to Key West by Colleen Blakely, a new pickleball player who lives in Key West. We had met her in Ft. Myers, and she wanted us to come to Key West and do two days of Pickleball Clinics. We had quite the enthusiastic crowd at the clinics. We were happy to plant the “seed” and we feel sure that Pickleball will grow in Key West.
Last month we had lunch with David Jordan, the Sales and Marketing director for the USAPA and his wife Nancy. We had worked very hard in researching four possible sites in Ft. Lauderdale for the Pickleball National Tournament in October, and found two that would accommodate RV’s that could possibly be used for the tournament. When we met for lunch we went over the different sites, number of courts, amenities, and the distance in relation to the Bonaventure Tournament Hotel site. We were happy to help with the “legwork” in researching the sites. C B Smith Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was chosen as the site for the National Pickleball and Euflex Tournament in October. CB Smith Park has ten tennis courts, RV sites many with full hookups, golf range, many picnic and shelter areas, water slides, fishing, boat rentals, and tennis club house amenities.”
Got a birthday coming up for your pickleball friend or partner? Nancy and Cindy have one of the best pickleball websites, right here in our own Atlantic South Region. Please visit their store at http://www.pickleballspecialties.com/ The #1 source for pickleball equipment and accessories. They have some amazing and original gifts for the pickleball fanatic.
John Simpson, Ambassador, NC – Has already made his reservations and wants to pass along the following additional hotel information for those planning on joining him at the National Senior Games in October. John says that this hotel is right on the beach, with rates that are less than the Boneventure and equidistant from the courts. The manager, Tammy Weaver is excellent to deal with and very helpful. She’s even told friends about pickleball!! You can reach Tammy at hollywoodhotels@gmail.com
“We could have a good crowd and car pool to the courts.”
And Rich and Donna Donald have also been told that the Paradise RV Resort in Ft. Lauderdale is offering 50% off their daily rate to any RV’ers coming there to play in the National Senior Games. They are less than a half hour from CB Smith Park. Check them out at www.paradiserv.com
David Jordan - Has asked us to solicit some volunteers to help out at the National Senior Games (NSG) in October. We will need help with the following
• Crew to put down tape on Wednesday, Sept. 30th in the evening
• Refs - as many as we can get - need a head ref to take charge
• Scorers table - 2 at a time in shifts of 2-4 hours.
• Runners - optional - these are people to run score sheets to the scorer’s tables after a match is over. This allows us to turn the courts around much quicker.
• If you are available and willing to help please notify Greenie at rkgreenfield@embarqmail.com
or Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
Richard “Greenie” Greenfield – Regional Ambassador, Atlantic South. “ Greenie was number one on the agenda of thirteen items to present pickleball to the advisory council of the Lady lake recreation department. “As I mentioned earlier, we painted the tennis courts with pickleball markings and now have a place to play off Villages and also provides us with night court usability as it features night motion lights. This becomes extremely valuable to us as the summer days heat up and the night breezes are so inviting for pickleball.
Rich and Donna Donald – Florida Ambassadors – “We have been very fortunate in getting a lot of media coverage for our home group in Wesley Chapel. We had our very first Round Robin tournament last month. The Wesley Chapel newspaper, The Laker, included a nice article with pictures, our Meadow Pointe Community newsletter included a full page article on our tournament and Mike Camunus, the sports staff writer for the St. Petersburg Times, did a nice write up in that paper. A shorter version with just one photo was posted to Tampa Bay Online. They have generated a few phone calls from people interested in learning the game.
We recently connected with a couple from MN who snowbird in another Wesley Chapel community, Lexington Oaks who want us to help get pickleball started in that community. We’ve invited them to play with our group, and we’ve offered to do a pickleball demo to help them promote the game."
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
Wednesday
ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
May 15, 2009
May 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to consolidate our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region welcomes new Ambassador….
South Carolina has a new Ambassador. Please welcome James Hisman, USAPA Ambassador for Charleston, SC. We hope to share a Bio of Jim soon on our website, and we look forward to hearing about the growth and promotion of pickleball in the Charleston area.
We would also like to take this opportunity to say Good Bye to Earl Hill and welcome Dick Manasari as the Director of International/National Relations & head of the Ambassadors Program. Thank you Earl, for you numerous contributions to Pickleball. . We’re glad you’re not going far as you continue to serve on the National Tournament Committee. Dick has proven his leadership skills as the Regional Ambassador for the Great Lakes Region. Dick, please know that the Ambassadors in the Atlantic South Region are proud to be a part of your team
We would also like to take this opportunity to say Good Bye to Earl Hill and welcome Dick Manasari as the Director of International/National Relations & head of the Ambassadors Program. Thank you Earl, for you numerous contributions to Pickleball. . We’re glad you’re not going far as you continue to serve on the National Tournament Committee. Dick has proven his leadership skills as the Regional Ambassador for the Great Lakes Region. Dick, please know that the Ambassadors in the Atlantic South Region are proud to be a part of your team
By Donna Donald
Whether you are just a recreational player looking to improve your game or someone looking to take your play to a higher more competitive level, you need to go to the right place and the right people early, before you start perfecting those bad habits. Most of us aren’t lucky enough to have a professional pickleball player or coach in our community, but ALL of us in the Atlantic South Region have the next best thing.
Richard Movsessian, aka “Mo” to his pickleball family, is right next door if you live in The Villages, Florida , and just a mouse click away for the rest of us. Absolutely the best pickleball coach on the East Coast.........
READ MORE ABOUT MO AND WHERE TO LEARN HIS PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL STRATEGIES
Richard Movsessian, aka “Mo” to his pickleball family, is right next door if you live in The Villages, Florida , and just a mouse click away for the rest of us. Absolutely the best pickleball coach on the East Coast.........
READ MORE ABOUT MO AND WHERE TO LEARN HIS PROFESSIONAL PICKLEBALL STRATEGIES
……………..Regional Tournament/Event News………
Onslow County Sr Games – JoJo Cariaso, Sr. Program Supervisor with the Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department in Onslow County reported the following:
“The 2009 Onslow County Senior Games held its Pickleball Tournament on Wednesday, April 15th at the Commons Recreation Center located in Jacksonville, NC. The single elimination tournament is in its second year running as a non-sanctioned event. The 2009 gold medalists are as follows: Jean Bogardus (60-64), Sue Ramsey (65-69), Kashiwa Funk (70-74, Frances Fitzpatrick (75-79). The Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department, located at 100 Recreation Lane offers open play Pickleball for all levels of competition. Pickleball is available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:15AM -11:00AM. For more information contact the Senior Programs Division at (910) 938-5300.”
Pennies for Pickleball - This fun event was held at Kings Point in Sun City Center, Fl, on April 18, 2009. This local event drew players from neighboring clubs and even pickleball players from RV parks 70 miles away! Every time you lost a game you paid your opponent a penny. The more pennies you won, the more prizes you could buy. Pickleball at Kings Point events are always a guaranteed good time. If you have not already, click here and read the complete story on our website.
Cherokee County, Ga. Senior Olympics – Originally scheduled for April 10 was rescheduled because of bad weather for April 22, 2009. This is only the third year for the Senior Olympics and, while registration for the pickleball event was small the participants enjoyed the games. We look forward to hearing more from this event next year.
Mt Olive Picklefest – April 25, 2009 - This is an annual event in Mt. Olive, NC, but only the second year that pickleball has been included in the festivities. If you remember – last year they painted lines in the streets. Here’s a report from Chris Bitzenhofer, the new Parks and Recreation Director for the town of Mount Olive.
“I was in charge of the Pickleball event this year at the Pickle Festival. …………. we had the court set up indoors at the Pope Wellness Center Gym and put a big sign for Pickleball outside. People came in and played and walked away with a free t-shirt. There were a couple of really competitive games, and we had more people try it than I expected………….overall it went well. The town of Mount Olive recently acquired a gymnasium of our own. We plan on having supervised open-gym over the summer and during hours after school. We will have organized activities and tournaments and I plan on including Pickleball. I think it will catch on fast in our community and eventually be a big hit. I will keep you updated. Thank You!”
Geezers and Gals – The Villages, April 29, 2009 – Al Rosati, Ambassador, The Villages, Florida, always keeps his group of pickleball players on the courts and having fun. At the Bacall Rec Center the group had a pickleball/pizza party. About 50 picklers from the Bacall center played some pickleball, enjoyed pizza, played some pickleball……..you get the idea. We also heard that an impromptu outdoor clinic was held after the party for about one hour by….none other than Coach Mo. Al says “When he talks pickleball, everybody pays attention. We are very fortunate to have him as a resident here”.
Click here to read more about this fun event:
Geezers and Gals – The Villages, April 29, 2009 – Al Rosati, Ambassador, The Villages, Florida, always keeps his group of pickleball players on the courts and having fun. At the Bacall Rec Center the group had a pickleball/pizza party. About 50 picklers from the Bacall center played some pickleball, enjoyed pizza, played some pickleball……..you get the idea. We also heard that an impromptu outdoor clinic was held after the party for about one hour by….none other than Coach Mo. Al says “When he talks pickleball, everybody pays attention. We are very fortunate to have him as a resident here”.
Click here to read more about this fun event:
The Villages Senior Games – May 8-10, 2009 2009 Madeline Castro and Jenny Donovan were the event coordinators and as usual the event drew the best of the best from both The Villages and surrounding communities. This year the white balls were gone!!! PAC (Pickleball Advisory Council) and the Recreation Department announced several days prior that yellow balls were on the way and that going forward they would be used “officially and exclusively” in all Senior Games. Regardless of the color of the balls, you can always expect exciting hold-your-breath matches in this venue. Click Here for Senior Game Results
Meadow Pointe – First Spring Pick-Nic and Pickleball Round Robin - May 10, 2009. Hosted by New Tampa, Fl., Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald. The temperature that day was a record high of 96 degrees, but the play on the courts was even hotter!! Players from surrounding counties joined Meadow Pointe Community players in Wesley Chapel, Fl for an exciting day of pickleball. Teenagers to Retirees enjoyed the competition. Winners of the Men’s Round Robin were:
Gold - Chris Atkinson, Silver – Brad Finch, Bronze- Jeff Zwolenski (visiting from Florida State in Tallahassee) and honorable mention to Pat Zwolenski. Winners of the Ladies Round Robin were: Gold – Suzi Zwolenski, Silver – Donna Donald, Bronze – Mary Long and honorable mention to Marilyn Howell. A delicious picnic for all the players and their families followed……..where pickleball chatter continued and players began to plan for a repeat performance in the Fall.
............Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events. Registration/ information is available on our Atlantic South site...........
Round Robin Tournament and “Bye George” event May 23, 2009 , Tom and Anne Early, Cherokee County, GA
Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary, and the Light On The Mountain Grand Opening Event, Pickleball demonstration - May 23 and 24, 2009
Pickleball Comes to Graysville, Al – May 30, 2009
Rally for a Cure – Flat Rock, NC – May 30, 2009
Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassador and from around our Region....
Bob Husky –USAPA Ambassador, Opelika, AL - is planning a trip to Graysville, AL, May 30th to support Laura Statum in her gala event to introduce and promote our sport. Laura has been working diligently to make this a top notch event. Pickleball demos and instruction, open play, raffles and plans to include the young and old alike. We expect to see Graysville pickleball booming in the near future.
Mike and Mary Selby- USAPA Ambassadors, Flat Rock, NC – are keeping in touch with their group at home while they “snowbird” on Anna Maria Island in Florida. From Mary… “I thought you might like to see what our wonderful "picklers" are doing at our home court in Flat Rock, NC (Kenmure Country Club).....it's such a GREAT group; we can't wait to get back up there in July” The group is busy with pickleball tournament plans to support the Rally for a Cure on May 30th. This is a round robin format with prizes for the man and woman who accumulate the most points. The entry fee of $20 will go directly to Rally for a Cure.
Liz Velazquez – USAPA Ambassador, Robbinsville, NC – “We are moving forward to our grand opening event of Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary and the Light On The Mountain, not for profit organization for children. We were very grateful to receive a contribution of funds from the pickleball group at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky (I do not know their region). We, the board of Light On The Mountain want to publicly thank them for their donation that will allow us to bring pickleball to struggling children of this and other areas. We have also been introducing various people who have visited the campground, including workers, Fed Ex drivers and friends to pickleball and all of them without exception are hooked. We are developing a group to begin playing on a regular basis and it is very exciting. We will send pictures of the grand opening event as we will have pickleball demonstrations on May 23 and 24”.
JoJo Cariaso – Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department - JoJo updated us on the Onslow County Senior games but we also wanted to share some more news about pickleball in Jacksonville, NC. JoJo is really trying to promote pickleball growth and competition. Already t a group of folks play regularly there and many of them travel to Chesapeake Bay in VA to compete in the Senior Games. He is very serious about increasing the number of players so he can have a USAPA sanctioned tournament and is very interested in putting together a Regional or Invitational Tournament. Also wants to give area players an outside court to play on at the recreation center. It’s a multipurpose court so we’ve sent him information for the courts and possible use of removable posts/nets and put him in touch with the closest local ambassador, Dr. John Simpson in Charlotte. A lot of great news from North Carolina this month!!
Round Robin Tournament and “Bye George” event May 23, 2009 , Tom and Anne Early, Cherokee County, GA
Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary, and the Light On The Mountain Grand Opening Event, Pickleball demonstration - May 23 and 24, 2009
Pickleball Comes to Graysville, Al – May 30, 2009
Rally for a Cure – Flat Rock, NC – May 30, 2009
Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2009
National Senior Games Championships, Ft Lauderdale, Fl Oct 1-4, 2009
National Pickleball Tournament, Buckeye, AZ Nov 2-8, 2009
...............News from Local Ambassador and from around our Region....
Bob Husky –USAPA Ambassador, Opelika, AL - is planning a trip to Graysville, AL, May 30th to support Laura Statum in her gala event to introduce and promote our sport. Laura has been working diligently to make this a top notch event. Pickleball demos and instruction, open play, raffles and plans to include the young and old alike. We expect to see Graysville pickleball booming in the near future.
Mike and Mary Selby- USAPA Ambassadors, Flat Rock, NC – are keeping in touch with their group at home while they “snowbird” on Anna Maria Island in Florida. From Mary… “I thought you might like to see what our wonderful "picklers" are doing at our home court in Flat Rock, NC (Kenmure Country Club).....it's such a GREAT group; we can't wait to get back up there in July” The group is busy with pickleball tournament plans to support the Rally for a Cure on May 30th. This is a round robin format with prizes for the man and woman who accumulate the most points. The entry fee of $20 will go directly to Rally for a Cure.
Liz Velazquez – USAPA Ambassador, Robbinsville, NC – “We are moving forward to our grand opening event of Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary and the Light On The Mountain, not for profit organization for children. We were very grateful to receive a contribution of funds from the pickleball group at Tom Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky (I do not know their region). We, the board of Light On The Mountain want to publicly thank them for their donation that will allow us to bring pickleball to struggling children of this and other areas. We have also been introducing various people who have visited the campground, including workers, Fed Ex drivers and friends to pickleball and all of them without exception are hooked. We are developing a group to begin playing on a regular basis and it is very exciting. We will send pictures of the grand opening event as we will have pickleball demonstrations on May 23 and 24”.
JoJo Cariaso – Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department - JoJo updated us on the Onslow County Senior games but we also wanted to share some more news about pickleball in Jacksonville, NC. JoJo is really trying to promote pickleball growth and competition. Already t a group of folks play regularly there and many of them travel to Chesapeake Bay in VA to compete in the Senior Games. He is very serious about increasing the number of players so he can have a USAPA sanctioned tournament and is very interested in putting together a Regional or Invitational Tournament. Also wants to give area players an outside court to play on at the recreation center. It’s a multipurpose court so we’ve sent him information for the courts and possible use of removable posts/nets and put him in touch with the closest local ambassador, Dr. John Simpson in Charlotte. A lot of great news from North Carolina this month!!
Becky Wesley - Director of Association Relations, National Senior Games Association - A message from Becky to all pickleball players in the Region follows. David Jordan, USAPA, Marketing/Sales confirmed that on line registration should be available by the time you read this newsletter or shortly after. We hope that your club, league or group is well represented in these National Senior Games taking place right here in the Atlantic South Region.
“The National Senior Games Association will hold its annual National Senior Games Championships and Euflexxa Hockey Classic in Ft. Lauderdale, FL Oct 1-4. These championships include the sport of Pickleball and are an open event. We would appreciate your promoting it to your constituents. The Hyatt Bonaventure will be the host hotel where registration will take place. We expect our online registration to open sometime in May. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or comments.” http://www.nationalseniorgames.org/
Greenie” Greenfield – RA Atlantic South Region - The tennis courts located at 239 W. Guava St. in Lady Lake Florida now include alterations to allow residents to play pickleball. A ceremony was held on April 24th to celebrate these changes and Greenie co-hosted that event. From Greenie - “Also, I have loaned eight paddles and one dozen pickleballs from my garage training room for sign out and use at the courts. We are proud to add Lady Lake as a resource for playing. Local TV CNN-The Villages as well as the Daily Sun newspaper covered the event.” Greenie also awaits a decision from The Villages recreation department regarding a pickleball event for the Labor Day weekend. The group will meet to decide once the Senior Games event concludes. Greenie hopes to plan an “open” entertainment competition for juniors 18 years of age and under and one for 18 and older for that weekend. What a great idea Greenie – keep us posted.
Mark Telfer, Tanglewood Pickleball Club President – Here’s a note from Mark that was sent to his Sebring. Fl, pickleball club.
“I just wanted you to know that I have been asked to participate in a Sebring Sports Radio program on Saturday April 25th to talk about Pickleball and Tanglewood Pickleball. The program airs at 12 noon and will last approx. 30 minutes. The radio station is WWTK and is on the AM dial at 730. Not sure of the actual listening audience, but my guess is that there will be millions listening to this fascinating interview. My goal is to not embarrass myself or Tanglewood Pickleball. Give a listen if you get the chance.”
Well folks, we were one of those “millions” and it was not hard to tell that Mark had been in that role before, probably in his College Football Days! We see pickleball on the website, in the newspaper and sometimes on TV……but Mark managed to get it on an actual Sports Talk Show. Mark you represented Tanglewood and the rest of the pickleball community very well!
Did you ever get those two commentators out on the pickleball court?
Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group? I continue to hear from so many of you across our entire region who are working hard to get pickleball established in your communities. I can’t wait to share your success stories. Those of you have already gone through these growing pains, I encourage you to tell your story for others to enjoy and benefit from. – Donna-
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
Tuesday
ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
APRIL 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to reduce the number of e-mails by consolidating our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region Welcomes another new Ambassador….
Our newest Ambassador is Liz Valezquez, Great Smokey Mountains – Robbinsville, NC
We know that fellow NC Ambassador Dr. John Simpson has already been in touch with Liz……. probably looking for some competition in the Mt. Olive Picklefest this year.
Liz has lots of great pickleball news to share from her area. She owns a 30 acre campground in the Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina, called the Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary. Additionally, she founded a not for profit called Light On The Mountain, an organization whose purpose is to empower, educate nurture and love abused, neglected and disadvantaged children and adults.
Keep checking our Atlantic South site for her Ambassador Profile and her Pickleball Grand Opening over the Memorial Day Weekend including pickleball demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.
” I love pickleball and the benefits it brings to community and specially kids so I will do as much as I can to promote it. I look forward to being an active member in the pickleball community”
Welcome aboard Liz!
……..Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group?
I had some good feedback on this section of our newsletter last month, so keep sending me information about your local pickleball clubs…………and I’ll share it with all our readers. Pickleball players love to read about what other clubs are doing……There are a lot of new members who want to get pickleball started in their community, recreation center or city park. There are so many groups out there who can share their experiences. Weather your pickleball group is large or small, what you do to attract new players and what you do to make pickleball fun will surely be appreciated by those trying to do the same. There are some really great training videos available, which will help you to teach your new players, or to improve your game and take it to the next level. We were just reminded of these two videos, by fellow pickleball players so I’m passing them on: Pickleball "Improve your game" Vol. I DVD and “Improve Your Pickleball" Vol. 2 DVD by Alan Christensen.
This month we are featuring the Upstate Pickleball Group from Greenville, SC. Greenville is located in northwestern South Carolina, close to the mountains.
Ken and Lynn Corbett had never heard of pickleball until visiting at Highland Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. Highland Lakes is a 55+ retirement community on the south side of Leesburg. After learning the game from the residents, they purchased their own paddles and decided to take the game home to their community in Greenville, SC. The Upstate Pickleball Group began with just a few people who wanted to play the game. It has evolved from chalk lines on the tennis courts, to painted lines, from group play to inter-state tournaments with neighboring Hendersonville. Lynn keeps the group informed regularly on their website http://www.upstatepickleball.blogspot.com/
The group may be small, but they are serious about their pickleball. Read more about the Upstate Pickleball Group very soon on our USAPA Atlantic South site.
Please tell us about your local pickleball club, league or group!
……..Where does our money go?...................
The following article appeared in the E-Newsletter distributed to all USAPA members. Jack Beck our Ambassador from Venice/Sarasota, Fl, liked the article so much he is making copies to show to his club members, and potential USAPA members who may have questions before joining. What a great idea! We’re sharing it again.
By Mark Friedenberg, President USAPA
I have been asked by several USAPA members, “Where does our money go?”
The average membership is $25. Right off the top $10 goes to the fine USAPA shirt that you receive for joining. The remaining $15 is filtered throughout the USAPA according to need. Here is further understanding as to where your money goes…
All positions on the Board, in a non-profit corporation by law, receive no salaries, dividends, etc. We are all volunteers whose mission is to promote and develop the growth of pickleball.
We do have one paid administrative contractor position. Her task is to pick up the mail from our PO Box; mail out all correspondence, shirts, rulebooks, and other products; maintain the membership database; maintain inventories of all products sold; and order and receive products when inventories are low.
The USAPA has the following directors/chairpersons:
• Website – To create an informative and dynamic website for all pickleball players. Funds are spent on:
o Paypal for online purchases
o Annual website registration
• Memberships – To increase memberships and ensure that we maintain renewals. Funds are spent on:
o Membership brochures
o Shirts
o Shipping
o Supplies
o USAPA Banners
• Marketing and Sales – To market the USAPA at special events and develop and sell USAPA products. Funds are spent on:
o Pins
o Stickers
o Pickleball Intro DVD’s for players and referees
o Travel to National Senior Games to demonstrate pickleball
• Training – To develop training methods for all pickleball players and referees. Funds have been spent on camera equipment for:
o Development of Training DVD’s
o Development of Refereeing DVD’s
o Training is also responsible for handling funding requests (up to $200) by USAPA members who conduct clinics or introduce pickleball in their areas
• Tournaments – To develop tournament information for members who host/sponsor tournaments in their areas. Funds have been spent on:
o National Tournament (November 2009) brochures and registration forms
o Tournament forms – score sheets, tournament bracket forms, instructions on how to host a tournament
• Rules – To maintain the pickleball rules and ensure that the pickleball rules are understandable by all. Funds have been spent on the creation of USAPA Rulebooks
• Rankings and Ratings – To develop and maintain a ratings system and a ranking system for USAPA members. Although no funds have been expended, the following development work has been performed:
o Ratings software development
o Rankings software development
• General Counsel – To review and ensure that the USAPA follows IRS rules for a Non-Profit Corporation. Funds are spent on:
o Annual renewal of Corporation documentation
o Copyright of USAPA logo.
• Newsletter – To create a monthly newsletter to inform members of what is happening in the world of pickleball. Funds spent on the newsletter would be for copies made to advertise the USAPA and its newsletter.
• National and International Relations – To enlist and maintain geographical ambassadors throughout North America. This includes 9 regional ambassadors.
o Initial funding to the regions to help create their own budgets for pickleball clinics regional tournaments, fund raisers, etc.
o Business cards for all ambassadors
o Calling cards for each of the regional ambassadors.
• Media Relations – to inform reporters from TV stations, newspapers and magazines on all aspects of pickleball. No funds have been expended to date.
I would hope that you now have a better understanding as to where your dollars go.
……………..Regional Tournament News………
Good Life Games of Pinellas County: The 30th annual Good Life Games were held on March 23rd. . .Dan McKeag, the Pickleball Event Coordinator, shares the following:
“The GoodLife Pickleball competition was held at the Holland G. Mangum Complex in Seminole, Florida. The competition this year was held on indoor courts quite a change from many other years. We had some great competition in mixed doubles where any of 3 couples could have won. One of the most exciting matches was Mary and Jack Staun against Judy McNamee and Jerry Triplett. The match was fiercely competitive with Mary and Jack winning in a best 2 out of in over 45 minutes.
The volunteers were fabulous with special props to Dick Greenfield for his officiating duties.”
I also received comments from one of the participants in the Games from Kings Point in Sun City Center.
“He (Dan McKeag) did a great job. He was so concerned about doing well, I would love to see him praised……. we are going to have to get a big group from Kings Point to play there next year. It was obvious how many thoughtful efforts went into the preparation and execution of these games.”
The Biggest Winner Challenge. Offered by the Coconut Creek Parks and Recreation, was held from March 25th to the 27th in South Florida.
Geezer Meister Tournament - Our RA Green Greenfield managed to get this tournament USAPA Tier 4 Sanctioned. This is the second USAPA Sanctioned tournament to be held in Florida.
Jim Claypool did a great job with this event, held at the Del Webb, Spruce Creek Community in Summerfield, Fl from March 31st to April 5th. The tournament was double elimination, offering all participants at least two matches with the best two out of three games in the winner’s bracket and one game to 15 points in the loser’s bracket. Tournaments pairings were established by a random draw and featured both men’s and woman’s doubles play in all age groups. Qualifying tournaments were scheduled for March 31ST and April 2nd with the two top teams from each age group advancing to the Geezer Meister Winners Tournament, on April 4th and 5th. The facilities at Spruce Creek are excellent with 12 lighted courts allowing play to begin later in the day. Spectators enjoyed the day as well as games progressed without delay. We just wish that the games had been USAPA Sanctioned a little sooner, allowing time for referees to be trained and available for all games.
Here is a link to all of the results of the Games
Geezer Meister Results
Here is a link to Pictures from the Games
Geezer Meister Pictures
Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events…..Registration information is available on our Atlantic South site.
• Cherokee County, Ga. Senior Olympics – April 10 was cancelled because of bad weather. Rescheduled for April 22, 2009
• Mt. Olive Picklefest –Mt. Olive, NC – April 25, 2009
• The Villages Senior Games – The Villages, Fl May 8 to 10
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2998
• USAPA National Senior Games - November 2009
...................News from Local Ambassador and from around our Regions....
Tom and Ann Early from Georgia may be planning another end of summer tournament. If they do, it is sure to be a hit. And we hope they share the good time with all of us. They are also planning a Round Robin Tournament and party on May 23rd as a “Bye George” event. George Odom, one of Georgia’s best players and long time group members is moving to The Villages in Florida. It will be great fun with mixed play and pot luck.
Georgia’s loss is Florida’s gain. At least we are keeping George in our Atlantic South Region.
Tom and Ann live in Cherokee County, GA and have two lighted tennis courts at their home. Their pickleball group plays weekdays (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) from 1 -3pm and Sundays at 10:30 am. If you are in Cherokee County and are looking for a place to play, or a place to learn how to play Tom and Ann are wiling to teach any men or women interested in learning to play the game. They can be reached at. 770.401.7355
Steve Cinnamon, sends the following from his Venice/Sarasota Pickleball Group”
“Here we are into the Spring of 2009 and boy what a Winter it’s been. Many highs and of course a few lows.Our roster of active Pickleball members has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact we are now preparing to initiate a periodic newsletter via e-mail. We have found the enthusiasm in the beginners to be infectious…and naturally the more experienced players are enjoying the competition.
any of our members have participated in various statewide tournaments (Sebring, Fort Meyers, etc.) and have done pretty well. We also were invited to visit other Pickle ball groups in the area. It was great seeing so many of the other facilities. Boy, it sure is great to be young again!!!!
Unfortunately, with all of the excitement there was a bit of tragedy…..Noel Michals, one of our dear friends, passed away while resting between matches. Noel will be missed by us all as he not only was a great competitor but a wonderful gentleman as well.
So, it’s Spring and with Spring comes the annual migration to the north. Roughly half of our roster is snowbirds. This Summer we’ll be putting lots of emphasis on arranging for additional facilities to accommodate our ever growing Pickleball friends.
As I said before……It sure is great to be young again”
Dr.John Simpson, Ambassador, N Carolina - “On the Mt. Olive Pickle Festival - My doubles partner and I have "official" Mt. Olive golf shirts to wear to tournaments. Figured if Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova warranted clothing sponsorship, someone had to be the first in pickleball to have corporate support. All of this is strictly "tongue in cheek" We hope that our new Ambassador Liz Valezquez also brings her partner for the games.”
Chuck Keller, Ambassador, Sebring, Fl is busy…………”During the Sebring Highlands Senior Games at Tanglewood I was contacted by one of the supervisors of the Sun & Lakes Golf and Country Club in reference to a demo/ training session in the finer points of Pickleball. The S & L Club is located adjacent to Tanglewood. On the 12th of March three highly qualified pickleball people and myself taught and demo'ed for about 2 hours to a crowd of 18 highly motivated novice players. They had taped off two tennis courts, bought paddles, balls and lowered the nets. This session was in anticipation of construction of 6-8 Pickleball courts in late '09 to early '10.. To the person they were very impressed with Pickleball.
I received a call from the Programs Director of the local YMCA to meet and explain some of the rules of Pickleball and give them the demo and a game or two. Two hours later, after, multiple games we had to give up the two courts to some other sport, a game called Basketball?? All went very well and we will set a future time for training instructors. As it stands now the ‘Y’ expects to initiate a Pickleball program.
I received an emergency call to the effect that ‘we have a pickleball court, net, paddles and balls and do not know how to play, would you help‘. In this community within the City of Lake Placid, approximately 20 miles to the south of Tanglewood I could not believe that so much existed. So on the last day of March ‘09 four highly qualified Pickleball trainers and I will descend upon this community and teach them to put their facilities to good use. (Update from me – I have since heard that the community had ONE court, and over 30 people turned out to learn how to play!!!)
Later I received a call from the community of Reflections. I was informed that they had only one tennis court but are willing to tape it off for Pickleball play. They have paddles and balls and the will to learn. Once again I have recruited an ACE team of qualified Pickleball personnel and will respond to the needs of those people and help them understand and play the game of PICKLEBALL.
Just a note of interest, should all the above happen and I have no reason to believe that it will not happen, the entire west side of route US 27, within the Cities of Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park and the County of Highlands, FL will be lined with Pickleball courts, players and the will to advance the cause of PICKLEBALL .for a distance of approximately 25 miles. I will continue to work on the west side, however, will redouble efforts on the east side.”
By now, you should all have heard about and been entertained by THE PICKLEBALL CRAWL! Yes the Tanglewood Picklers and Pickletts performed live at the Tanglewood Annual Variety Show. Click the link below to read more and view the Pickleball Crawl on You-Tube.
The Pickleball Crawl
If you have news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@verizon.net
APRIL 15, 2009
The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. This newsletter is intended to keep all of you apprised of what is happening in your region and to reduce the number of e-mails by consolidating our news into a once/monthly communication. Please forward this information to all USAPA members, all pickleball players/clubs in your regions and post to your local pickleball Blogs or Websites.
……..Atlantic South Region Welcomes another new Ambassador….
Our newest Ambassador is Liz Valezquez, Great Smokey Mountains – Robbinsville, NC
We know that fellow NC Ambassador Dr. John Simpson has already been in touch with Liz……. probably looking for some competition in the Mt. Olive Picklefest this year.
Liz has lots of great pickleball news to share from her area. She owns a 30 acre campground in the Smokey Mountains of Western North Carolina, called the Mountain View School Campground and Sanctuary. Additionally, she founded a not for profit called Light On The Mountain, an organization whose purpose is to empower, educate nurture and love abused, neglected and disadvantaged children and adults.
Keep checking our Atlantic South site for her Ambassador Profile and her Pickleball Grand Opening over the Memorial Day Weekend including pickleball demonstrations both Saturday and Sunday.
” I love pickleball and the benefits it brings to community and specially kids so I will do as much as I can to promote it. I look forward to being an active member in the pickleball community”
Welcome aboard Liz!
……..Want to feature your Club, League or Pickleball Group?
I had some good feedback on this section of our newsletter last month, so keep sending me information about your local pickleball clubs…………and I’ll share it with all our readers. Pickleball players love to read about what other clubs are doing……There are a lot of new members who want to get pickleball started in their community, recreation center or city park. There are so many groups out there who can share their experiences. Weather your pickleball group is large or small, what you do to attract new players and what you do to make pickleball fun will surely be appreciated by those trying to do the same. There are some really great training videos available, which will help you to teach your new players, or to improve your game and take it to the next level. We were just reminded of these two videos, by fellow pickleball players so I’m passing them on: Pickleball "Improve your game" Vol. I DVD and “Improve Your Pickleball" Vol. 2 DVD by Alan Christensen.
This month we are featuring the Upstate Pickleball Group from Greenville, SC. Greenville is located in northwestern South Carolina, close to the mountains.
Ken and Lynn Corbett had never heard of pickleball until visiting at Highland Lakes in Leesburg, Florida. Highland Lakes is a 55+ retirement community on the south side of Leesburg. After learning the game from the residents, they purchased their own paddles and decided to take the game home to their community in Greenville, SC. The Upstate Pickleball Group began with just a few people who wanted to play the game. It has evolved from chalk lines on the tennis courts, to painted lines, from group play to inter-state tournaments with neighboring Hendersonville. Lynn keeps the group informed regularly on their website http://www.upstatepickleball.blogspot.com/
The group may be small, but they are serious about their pickleball. Read more about the Upstate Pickleball Group very soon on our USAPA Atlantic South site.
Please tell us about your local pickleball club, league or group!
……..Where does our money go?...................
The following article appeared in the E-Newsletter distributed to all USAPA members. Jack Beck our Ambassador from Venice/Sarasota, Fl, liked the article so much he is making copies to show to his club members, and potential USAPA members who may have questions before joining. What a great idea! We’re sharing it again.
By Mark Friedenberg, President USAPA
I have been asked by several USAPA members, “Where does our money go?”
The average membership is $25. Right off the top $10 goes to the fine USAPA shirt that you receive for joining. The remaining $15 is filtered throughout the USAPA according to need. Here is further understanding as to where your money goes…
All positions on the Board, in a non-profit corporation by law, receive no salaries, dividends, etc. We are all volunteers whose mission is to promote and develop the growth of pickleball.
We do have one paid administrative contractor position. Her task is to pick up the mail from our PO Box; mail out all correspondence, shirts, rulebooks, and other products; maintain the membership database; maintain inventories of all products sold; and order and receive products when inventories are low.
The USAPA has the following directors/chairpersons:
• Website – To create an informative and dynamic website for all pickleball players. Funds are spent on:
o Paypal for online purchases
o Annual website registration
• Memberships – To increase memberships and ensure that we maintain renewals. Funds are spent on:
o Membership brochures
o Shirts
o Shipping
o Supplies
o USAPA Banners
• Marketing and Sales – To market the USAPA at special events and develop and sell USAPA products. Funds are spent on:
o Pins
o Stickers
o Pickleball Intro DVD’s for players and referees
o Travel to National Senior Games to demonstrate pickleball
• Training – To develop training methods for all pickleball players and referees. Funds have been spent on camera equipment for:
o Development of Training DVD’s
o Development of Refereeing DVD’s
o Training is also responsible for handling funding requests (up to $200) by USAPA members who conduct clinics or introduce pickleball in their areas
• Tournaments – To develop tournament information for members who host/sponsor tournaments in their areas. Funds have been spent on:
o National Tournament (November 2009) brochures and registration forms
o Tournament forms – score sheets, tournament bracket forms, instructions on how to host a tournament
• Rules – To maintain the pickleball rules and ensure that the pickleball rules are understandable by all. Funds have been spent on the creation of USAPA Rulebooks
• Rankings and Ratings – To develop and maintain a ratings system and a ranking system for USAPA members. Although no funds have been expended, the following development work has been performed:
o Ratings software development
o Rankings software development
• General Counsel – To review and ensure that the USAPA follows IRS rules for a Non-Profit Corporation. Funds are spent on:
o Annual renewal of Corporation documentation
o Copyright of USAPA logo.
• Newsletter – To create a monthly newsletter to inform members of what is happening in the world of pickleball. Funds spent on the newsletter would be for copies made to advertise the USAPA and its newsletter.
• National and International Relations – To enlist and maintain geographical ambassadors throughout North America. This includes 9 regional ambassadors.
o Initial funding to the regions to help create their own budgets for pickleball clinics regional tournaments, fund raisers, etc.
o Business cards for all ambassadors
o Calling cards for each of the regional ambassadors.
• Media Relations – to inform reporters from TV stations, newspapers and magazines on all aspects of pickleball. No funds have been expended to date.
I would hope that you now have a better understanding as to where your dollars go.
……………..Regional Tournament News………
Good Life Games of Pinellas County: The 30th annual Good Life Games were held on March 23rd. . .Dan McKeag, the Pickleball Event Coordinator, shares the following:
“The GoodLife Pickleball competition was held at the Holland G. Mangum Complex in Seminole, Florida. The competition this year was held on indoor courts quite a change from many other years. We had some great competition in mixed doubles where any of 3 couples could have won. One of the most exciting matches was Mary and Jack Staun against Judy McNamee and Jerry Triplett. The match was fiercely competitive with Mary and Jack winning in a best 2 out of in over 45 minutes.
The volunteers were fabulous with special props to Dick Greenfield for his officiating duties.”
I also received comments from one of the participants in the Games from Kings Point in Sun City Center.
“He (Dan McKeag) did a great job. He was so concerned about doing well, I would love to see him praised……. we are going to have to get a big group from Kings Point to play there next year. It was obvious how many thoughtful efforts went into the preparation and execution of these games.”
The Biggest Winner Challenge. Offered by the Coconut Creek Parks and Recreation, was held from March 25th to the 27th in South Florida.
Geezer Meister Tournament - Our RA Green Greenfield managed to get this tournament USAPA Tier 4 Sanctioned. This is the second USAPA Sanctioned tournament to be held in Florida.
Jim Claypool did a great job with this event, held at the Del Webb, Spruce Creek Community in Summerfield, Fl from March 31st to April 5th. The tournament was double elimination, offering all participants at least two matches with the best two out of three games in the winner’s bracket and one game to 15 points in the loser’s bracket. Tournaments pairings were established by a random draw and featured both men’s and woman’s doubles play in all age groups. Qualifying tournaments were scheduled for March 31ST and April 2nd with the two top teams from each age group advancing to the Geezer Meister Winners Tournament, on April 4th and 5th. The facilities at Spruce Creek are excellent with 12 lighted courts allowing play to begin later in the day. Spectators enjoyed the day as well as games progressed without delay. We just wish that the games had been USAPA Sanctioned a little sooner, allowing time for referees to be trained and available for all games.
Here is a link to all of the results of the Games
Geezer Meister Results
Here is a link to Pictures from the Games
Geezer Meister Pictures
Watch for more news on these Upcoming Tournaments/Events…..Registration information is available on our Atlantic South site.
• Cherokee County, Ga. Senior Olympics – April 10 was cancelled because of bad weather. Rescheduled for April 22, 2009
• Mt. Olive Picklefest –Mt. Olive, NC – April 25, 2009
• The Villages Senior Games – The Villages, Fl May 8 to 10
• Pensacola, Fl Senior Games - September 2009
• Jacksonville, Fl Senior Games - October 2998
• USAPA National Senior Games - November 2009
...................News from Local Ambassador and from around our Regions....
Tom and Ann Early from Georgia may be planning another end of summer tournament. If they do, it is sure to be a hit. And we hope they share the good time with all of us. They are also planning a Round Robin Tournament and party on May 23rd as a “Bye George” event. George Odom, one of Georgia’s best players and long time group members is moving to The Villages in Florida. It will be great fun with mixed play and pot luck.
Georgia’s loss is Florida’s gain. At least we are keeping George in our Atlantic South Region.
Tom and Ann live in Cherokee County, GA and have two lighted tennis courts at their home. Their pickleball group plays weekdays (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) from 1 -3pm and Sundays at 10:30 am. If you are in Cherokee County and are looking for a place to play, or a place to learn how to play Tom and Ann are wiling to teach any men or women interested in learning to play the game. They can be reached at. 770.401.7355
Steve Cinnamon, sends the following from his Venice/Sarasota Pickleball Group”
“Here we are into the Spring of 2009 and boy what a Winter it’s been. Many highs and of course a few lows.Our roster of active Pickleball members has grown by leaps and bounds. In fact we are now preparing to initiate a periodic newsletter via e-mail. We have found the enthusiasm in the beginners to be infectious…and naturally the more experienced players are enjoying the competition.
any of our members have participated in various statewide tournaments (Sebring, Fort Meyers, etc.) and have done pretty well. We also were invited to visit other Pickle ball groups in the area. It was great seeing so many of the other facilities. Boy, it sure is great to be young again!!!!
Unfortunately, with all of the excitement there was a bit of tragedy…..Noel Michals, one of our dear friends, passed away while resting between matches. Noel will be missed by us all as he not only was a great competitor but a wonderful gentleman as well.
So, it’s Spring and with Spring comes the annual migration to the north. Roughly half of our roster is snowbirds. This Summer we’ll be putting lots of emphasis on arranging for additional facilities to accommodate our ever growing Pickleball friends.
As I said before……It sure is great to be young again”
Dr.John Simpson, Ambassador, N Carolina - “On the Mt. Olive Pickle Festival - My doubles partner and I have "official" Mt. Olive golf shirts to wear to tournaments. Figured if Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova warranted clothing sponsorship, someone had to be the first in pickleball to have corporate support. All of this is strictly "tongue in cheek" We hope that our new Ambassador Liz Valezquez also brings her partner for the games.”
Chuck Keller, Ambassador, Sebring, Fl is busy…………”During the Sebring Highlands Senior Games at Tanglewood I was contacted by one of the supervisors of the Sun & Lakes Golf and Country Club in reference to a demo/ training session in the finer points of Pickleball. The S & L Club is located adjacent to Tanglewood. On the 12th of March three highly qualified pickleball people and myself taught and demo'ed for about 2 hours to a crowd of 18 highly motivated novice players. They had taped off two tennis courts, bought paddles, balls and lowered the nets. This session was in anticipation of construction of 6-8 Pickleball courts in late '09 to early '10.. To the person they were very impressed with Pickleball.
I received a call from the Programs Director of the local YMCA to meet and explain some of the rules of Pickleball and give them the demo and a game or two. Two hours later, after, multiple games we had to give up the two courts to some other sport, a game called Basketball?? All went very well and we will set a future time for training instructors. As it stands now the ‘Y’ expects to initiate a Pickleball program.
I received an emergency call to the effect that ‘we have a pickleball court, net, paddles and balls and do not know how to play, would you help‘. In this community within the City of Lake Placid, approximately 20 miles to the south of Tanglewood I could not believe that so much existed. So on the last day of March ‘09 four highly qualified Pickleball trainers and I will descend upon this community and teach them to put their facilities to good use. (Update from me – I have since heard that the community had ONE court, and over 30 people turned out to learn how to play!!!)
Later I received a call from the community of Reflections. I was informed that they had only one tennis court but are willing to tape it off for Pickleball play. They have paddles and balls and the will to learn. Once again I have recruited an ACE team of qualified Pickleball personnel and will respond to the needs of those people and help them understand and play the game of PICKLEBALL.
Just a note of interest, should all the above happen and I have no reason to believe that it will not happen, the entire west side of route US 27, within the Cities of Lake Placid, Sebring, Avon Park and the County of Highlands, FL will be lined with Pickleball courts, players and the will to advance the cause of PICKLEBALL .for a distance of approximately 25 miles. I will continue to work on the west side, however, will redouble efforts on the east side.”
By now, you should all have heard about and been entertained by THE PICKLEBALL CRAWL! Yes the Tanglewood Picklers and Pickletts performed live at the Tanglewood Annual Variety Show. Click the link below to read more and view the Pickleball Crawl on You-Tube.
The Pickleball Crawl
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