ASR Ambassadors E-Newsletter

2012-01-02T18:25:00.000-08:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

November 15, 2011

This 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 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 New Ambassadors:

Michael K Walsh - joins our Ambassador Family representing Cary, NC. Michael spent 33 years with General Motors and retired as a senior executive with most of his career in Sales. He has introduced pickleball to the Town of Cary and has initiated a senior program. The program began in October of 2010 with just four members and has grown to more than twenty-five. They play pickleball indoors two days/week.

Betty Lavigne has been appointed as our newest Florida Ambassador, representing Leesburg. Betty is new to the game of pickleball but loves the game and looks forward to sharing with potential players in her area, most specifically her home community of Spanish Village. As a retired Canadian military where her job was working with people and organizing events, she has the skills necessary to liaise with players from surrounding Leesburg communities. Working with nearby Pear Park in Leesburg, she has already secured a place to play and the folks at nearby Plantation in Leesburg are helping her to introduce the game to new players.

Make Pickleball the Best Experience Possible at your Gym or Recreation Center:

This is part of an e-mail received from Ambassadors,Mike and Loretta Beckner a couple of month's ago....
" I am meeting with Jessica Campbell, the Recreation Program Director at Odell Weeks tomorrow to discuss sending out a survey to all of those on her (pickleball) e-mail list to determine what we can do to make playing pickleball the best experience possible.........."

Many of us have helped to introduce pickleball at a new location and then experienced things like a decreasing number of players, increased need for training, conflicting schedules, lack of interest, broad range of skill levels sharing the same courts/time and so on. Mike and Loretta worked with their Recreation Program Director to come up with a survey that would help them determine what steps to take to keep people excited about playing. Knowing that many of us struggle with these same issues, we have posted a link to their survey and the steps that were taken as a result of the players' feedback. CLICK HERE

Two "Firsts" for South Florida:

Submitted by

Nancy Meyer, Ft. Myers,FL

South Florida is introducing the very "First" Skill Level Tournament to be played in the Atlantic South Region. The 1st Annual Riverbend Resort Classic will be played on December 10th and 11th at the Riverbend Motorcoach Resort located at 5800 State Road #80 (SR-80) Labelle, Florida 33935.

They also have the "First" Built outdoor Pickleball courts with construction being finished the middle of November. The courts will be blue with green surrounding surface, landscaped and will have plenty of bleacher seating.

Rental sites are available for players with a Class A Motorcoach, and some Park Model Units are also available to rent at the resort by calling 1-866-787-4837. Other campgrounds and area hotels are nearby. Please see the entry forms for further details.

The Pickleball Club of Riverbend headed up by President Jerry Ray and Vice President Don Grimes, along with others from the community have worked hard to make this all happen. They started on an unused parking lot, and grew to building their own courts!

Riverbend RV Motor Coach Resortis a beautiful resort, located on many small lakes and with many amenities, and the setting is going to be a great one for some great Pickleball!

They will be serving an “all you can eat Breakfast Buffet” on Saturday Morning, and coffee and donuts on Sunday Morning.

This is a Double Elimination Tournament. Men’s and Women’s Doubles will be played on Saturday December 10, and Mixed Doubles on Sunday the 11th, 2011. This is a skill level tournament, which means you will only be playing against players with the same skill level as yours. If you do not already have a rating - you will need to "self rate".

If you have questions or need help with self-rating - more information is provided on the entry forms, which can be found on the sites listed below.

Deadline for registration is December 4, 2011. Entry forms can be down loaded from http://www.pickleballspecialties.com/ the http://www.usapa.org/ website or our Atlantic South Website: http://www.south.usapa.org/

Please call Nancy Meyer or Cindy Eddleman if you have any questions or need additional information:
419-320-3655 or 954-309-5882

Hope you come and join us!!

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Tampa Bay Senior Games - Louann Dubendorf, Kings Point Pickleball Club sent along some great feedback on the games, held at the Sun City Center Pickleball Courts, on October 5th, 2011. About 110 players competed this year.

"The games went GREAT!! I got there a little before 7:30 and there were a ton of people already there. The folks at the sign in desk did a fantastic job. Because some of the folks were all there and signed in they began some games early, at about 8:15-8:20. Breakfast and lunch was provided and the Sun City Center maintenance did just a super job putting up shade coverings all around the courts. They even rolled up some of the wind screens so folks could easily see the games this year. and tables were even set up for folks to eat lunch under shade also. CLICK HERE ..for complete story and more photos.

Jacksonville Senior Games - The Forever Fit, 50 and Beyond Senior Games were held on October 7th at the Cecil Gym and Fitness Center in Jacksonville, Fl. The turnout is still a little small , but still BIG on fun as pickleball continues to expand in this area. CLICK HERE to see the tournament medal winners!

Halloween Pickleball Tournament - The Solivita Smashers Pickleball Club celebrated in real Halloween fashion at their recent holiday tournament. Club President Steve Arlen says , "There was some great playing, great costumes, numerous volunteers and a lot of fun." Ambassador Carl Clous went on to say: "The Solivita Halloween venture was for fun and frolic. One division clearly played for fun and the other did some competitive action. Wearing the costumes and kidding around fulfilled the mission of the event. Everyone who participated was a winner -- PICKLEBALL STYLE ." CLICK HERE for more fun photos.

Halloween Benefit Tournament, Canton GA - The Ghosts, the Goblins and the Vampires all convened at the North Georgia Pickleball Club's courts on October 29 and 30 for two fun-filled days of pickleball.

Players arrived from GA, TN, AL, MI and AZ to compete. "There was a presentation of $500.00 from the tournament players and the North Georgia Pickleball Club to Ottis Moore of the Cherokee County Humane Society. Another contribution was made to the Air Warriors Jr. ROTC of Teasley Middle School. The Air Warriors gave a rifle presentation and led the grand Opening Ceremony with their flag corp. Tenor, Ken Terrell sang the National Anthem and the games began."

You'll have to CLICK HERE to find out if it was the ghosts or goblins that took home the prize, the Vampire (4.0-4.5 rated) winners, who took home the "yodeling pickle" award and the "Good Sport" award. Even Bocce , our ASR pickleball mascot was on site and very much a part of the game. I think he was a "line" judge!!

Beaufort-Jasper Active Adult Challenge (BJAAC) Everyone appeared to have a great time again this year at the BJAAC games. 158 players arrived to take part in this SC Senior Games event on October 31st and November 1st. The Mixed doubles competition was played at the New Rivers Sports Park, Sun City, and the Doubles competition at The Haven at Riverside. Special thanks to Bob Greuser and Ked Varble for coordinating the BJACC pickleball tournament and to our club members who volunteered their time to officiate the matches and score keep. Sherry Jackson took photos at the games and celebration ceremony and they are available on the Sun City Hilton Head Pickleball Club's website. CLICK HERE for photos. Medal Winners will be posted on the USAPA Website.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Pickleball Drop-In and Beginner Training now through December 20. 2011, Greensboro Sportsplex, Greensboro, NC
Advanced Round Robin Pickleball Tournament, (The Villages residents only) Nov. 15-18, 2011, The Villages, FL
Scott Green Tournament, Plantation Pickleball Association Players only, November 16,17, 2012, Leesburg, Fl
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.
First Annual Riverbend Resort Classic, December 11,12, 2011, LaBelle, Fl (Skill Level Tournament)
Winter In Paradise Pickleball, January 14, 2012, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL
Geezer Meister Games, January 19-21, 2012, Summerfield, Fl ( USAPA Sanction Pending)

Collier County Senior Games, February 10,11 and 12, 2012, Naples, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Lee County Senior Games, February 24, 25 and 26, 2012, Ft. Myers, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Polk County Senior Games, March 6-7, 2012, Poinciana, Fl
Heartland Senior Games, March 9-10, 2012, Sebring, Fl
Seminole, Good For Life Games, March 19-20, 2012, Seminole, Fl
Charlotte County, Fit for Life, Senior Games, March 17-18, 2012, Port Charlotte, Fl

Reporting in from the Region:

ALABAMA

Jerry and Virginia Corker - "From October 11-13,2011, the Alabama State "Masters Games" took place in Trussville, Alabama. "Jerry and I did a pickleball demo and got about 15 newbie players interested. Next year's game is at Valley, Alabama, which is not far from where Bob Huskey (Ambassador, Opelika, AL) is so I gave those people his contact info and hopefully they'll continue to play.

While we were at Trussville we went over to Graysville to see their facility. (Places to Play in Alabama on USAPA.org) their contact person Laura Statum was out of town while we were in the area so didn't get to meet them. They have two very nice outside tennis/pickleball courts and one taped off court in the gym.

FLORIDA

Rich and Donna Donald The pickleball players at Valencia Lakes in Waumauma, Fl received very good news. In a TBO.com article on October 19, 2011, Marisa Lufkin, project manager and VP of GL Homes reported: "When we first built the pickle ball courts, we had no idea that the game would be so popular," Lufkin said. "The four courts we have are very active; so we decided to move the basketball court and add three more pickle ball courts."

In The Villages, Fl the Pickleball Community recently negotiated for evening Indoor Pickleball Court time at the gymnasium of the First Baptist Church of Oxford. This 3 court facility has superb lighting, AC and is heated (winter play). It will accommodate all interested players on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6-8 PM, beginning on November 3rd. Reservations are NOT needed, simply come to the gym and join the fun.

Garf Cooper, Is the Beginner Program Chairman for The Villages, Pickleball Community Volunteer Group. Training takes place at nine separate recreation centers within the community.

The success of this program has been phenomenal. Here is just a a quick summary:

2011 Training Program as of mid November

5,085 new players have attended 253 classes.
The attendance rate is 83.75% for all classes.
1954 attended 96 PB101 Classes.
1539 attended 85 PB102 Classes.
1357 attended 64 PB103 Classes.
235 attended 10 Advanced/Beginner Clinics.

The Beginner Pickleball Program Exceeds Resident Demand! You can CLICK HERE to view Garf's complete power point presentation.

Susan Forget, is preparing to plan a pickleball tournament at the Long Center in Clearwater, FL this winter. They will have four courts available, but she needs to give the recreation director an approximate number of players expected. If you might be interested in attending, or you know of a group in or around the area that may like to participate give Susan a call. Contact information is available on the USAPA "places to play" website.

Dick Freshley - Palm Beach County (PBC) - "The meeting with the manager of Palm Beach Parks was OK but not what I had hoped for. I expected them to dedicate one of the many tennis courts in PBC for us to use. There are hundreds of them, empty most of the time. What he proposed was that when we get a consistent group of players, let him, know and he will then give us a place in the parks to play. It is kind of a catch 22 now. I will have trouble keeping a game going without a court, and he will not dedicate a court until we have the people.

I am going to take another shot at JCC (Jewish Community Center) in DelRay. That is a huge operation with pool, gym and many tennis courts. They also have a lot of, full-time, senior members. We are members there, through Humana which provides it free as a part of their Silver Sneakers program. I also have a contact at Poinciana, which is a giant, nearby, senior residence in Lake Worth. There are several hundred seniors there and they have their own recreation facilities including tennis courts. "

Anita Rimler,Daytona Beach Shores - "We are growing leaps and bounds with people from area's near us to vacationers who have read about us on the USA pickleball location page.

We are out growing our 2 courts and cannot wait for the bidding process for our new courts to be completed.

Travelers and snowbirds to our area are thrilled that they can finally play while vacationing in beautiful Daytona Beach Shores!"
These players: Carol Christopher, George and Anita Rimler and Roni Jackson appeared in the Our Towns Section of My Community News on November 3rd.

North Carolina

Earl Cunningham, Gastonia, NC "The Gastonia Phillips Center has recently added 3 indoor pickleball courts. Skip Youngblood (Recreation Center Supervisor I) advised me that they would make the courts available on Wednesdays 6:00pm until 9:00pm through December of this year.

Anyone wishing to play can just show up at the Center on Wednesdays, balls and paddles will be furnished. Never played pickleball? Not a problem. We have players with several years experience that will be glad to show you how. It's much easier to learn and easier to play than tennis. the game is a slowed down KING SIZE version of ping pong."

Mike and Nancy Falkenstein, Franklin, NC - "The Franklin, NC, Pickleball Group has enjoyed their newly resurfaced courts at our Recreation Park over the summer. With the cooler months rapidly approaching, and our summer folks returning to warmer climates, we are headed indoors to the Armory. At the National Guard Armory (active NG Armory) we have 3 courts for indoor play. About 25 of us got together at a local Mexican Restaurant to "say good-bye" to our summer folks and it was wonderful!

CLICK HERE for some photos of the resurfaced courts and our Pickleball Players enjoying the last of the outside play!

We will be playing until mid-December when we break for the holidays and then resume after the New Year. Visitors are always welcome. They can contact us for play details if they will be in the area." Contact information is available on USAPA's places to play link.

Laura Patterson, Winston-Salem, NC "Since I did the interview with WXII News 12 Girl Talk, I have had a number of calls requesting a Pickleball Demonstration. On Wednesday, November 2nd, I did a demo at the Kernersville Senior Center. We had 9 people that attended the demo, which was held from 2 to 4 p.m. Everyone loved the game and they told the program director that they are ready to start playing on a regular basis. They will start playing every Wednesday at 2 p.m. They do not have any equipment so I will loan them my extra set of equipment and they will order their equipment within the next week. The director also told me that they will be having a Senior Games Day kick off in January and pickleball will be part of the activities.

They invited me to join them next week but I told them that I would be in AZ at the National tournament. I also have two more demos tentatively set up for this month in Greensboro and Salisbury NC. Hopefully, we will have more consistent pickleball in those areas." Pictures have been added to the North Carolina Photo Gallery.

South Carolina

Mike and Loretta Beckner. Aiken, SC ... recently finished the first beginner pickleball clinic. They met for four consecutive Mondays, an hour each time, followed by an hour of open practice time. Two other regular players helped to train the nine new students.

"It was a lot of fun and we generated good enthusiasm. All of the players caught on so well and I believe all of them will become regulars at our pickleball sessions.

We now have a court designated just for beginners at Odell Weeks. Whenever there are two or more beginners, they can use the court to practice and/or play. When they feel comfortable to play with the more advanced players, they are welcome to do so.

Pictured from left to right: Susan Andrew, Loretta Beckner, Paul Baltzell, Bobby Starks, Marsha Isenhour, Jean Fishel and Sherry Moor. (Missing from photo are Sherry Baltzell, Sue Stutman, and Wendy Hilliard).

I'm hoping to give more classes the first of the year....I think it
will really help grow the sport here in Aiken.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-10-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

October 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassadors:

Doug Long was recently appointed as our Atlantic South Ambassador for Palm City, Fl. After 45 years in sales, Doug retired and moved to the Villages, Fl . He relocated, about a year ago to Highlands Reserve in Palm City, Fl., where about two months ago, using the community's tennis courts he introduced the residents to pickleball. Now that he has added his community to our places to play page, he has been invited to introduce pickleball at the grand opening of the courts at Traditions, an active adult community in nearby Port St. Lucie on October 16th. Good Luck Doug - and keep us posted on your progress.

Indian Land,SC School Designates Pickleball Week

Submitted by Frank Kinder,Ambassador, Indian Land, SC

Retired from a career in law enforcement USAPA member and pickleball enthusiast, Luis Lopez is also a volunteer mentor (tutor) for Indian Land Middle School (ILMS) students in Indian Land, SC. During his time at the school, Luis has constantly spoken about pickleball and how it would be a great avenue for the students to be actively involved in physical education. He was put in contact with Ms. Jessica Hardy, Physical Education Instructor. She and fellow Physical Education teacher, Kevin Mager expressed interest in implementing pickleball at ILMS.

After exchanging emails, Luis eagerly agreed to provide pickleball classes to the Middle School students. The teachers decided to designate the entire week of October 24th -28th, 2011 for pickleball. Two classes of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will meet every day for instruction. Luis invited Ms. Hardy and Mr. Mager to Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL) for a demonstration and instruction prior to the classes being held.

Several members of the SCCL Pickleball Club volunteered to help Luis with this special community outreach project. Thanks to a grant and donations from the SCCL Club, Luis was able to assist in acquiring much needed equipment for the school’s program. As a result of Luis’ passion for the game--and his persuasive persona--the school is now planning to implement pickleball on a regular basis as part of the physical education curriculum.

Kudos, Luis!

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Kissimmee/St.Cloud Senior Games - The Kissimmee-St. Cloud Games pickleball event was held on September 12th and 13th on the beautiful courts of Solivita in Poinciana, FL.

Compliments to Tournament Directors Mike Holtzclaw and Tom Leva for a very well organized and well run event and to the Solivita Smashers who manned the food tables and score sheets and made everyone feel so welcome.

Players from ages 50 to 93, arrived from surrounding counties, and far away states, including; Kissimmee, Sebring, Ocala, Lakeland, Summerfield, Davenport, Hernando, The Villages, Sun City, Leesburg, Ocoee, Ft. Myers, Lecanto and Wimauma, Florida. Out of state players arrived from Morgan City and Rayne, LA and Darien, IL. CLICK HERE for story and photo gallery.

North Myrtle Beach Vs Myrtle Beach! -The tournament took place on September 16th. Rena Grant reports that there were some real good matches and fun was had by all. A big thank you to Richard Brown for setting up the tournament. He did a great job. Thanks also to Fay Mills for planning the refreshments, and to Rich and Diane Skrovan for their held during the day and for taking photos of the day and the winners. All of our players from Crabtree prepared a nice lunch which everyone enjoyed. Thanks to all who took part in a truly fun day.

Pickleball Clinics - The evening clinics at the Crabtree Gym in Myrtle Beach on Sept. 12, 16 and 26 went very well. Ambassador,Rena Grant was assisted by fellow Ambassador Rich Skrovan and his wife Diane, Carol Gray and Pat Mills. Reports are that they picked up a few new members..... and lots of enthusiasm for the game of pickleball!

Conway Recreation Center Demo - The recreation center opened on September first. After Rena Grant and Rich Skrovan were invited to tour the facility, they returned on Sept. 19th to introduce a pickleball program for the first time. 10 people came for their first lessons. Three courts are available now and if interest continues, Recreation Director David Williams says he has room for six and is willing to extend play to seven days/week. The pickleball schedule is already in place for three days/week and Rena will be returning on Fridays to teach interested beginners.

You can CLICK HERE for a complete update from Myrtle Beach, along with additional photos, and tournament winners.

Pensacola Senior Games - The games were played on Friday September 23rd at the Vickrey Community Center in Pensacola, Florida.

Players arrived from Alabama and Mississippi as well as Florida to participate in the tournament. Singles, Doubles and Mixed doubles competition was played as a single elimination event, best 2 out of 3 games to 11 points.

Ambassadors Jerry and Virginia Corker, Mobile, AL sent along the photos and the results and said that "A good time was had by all"

CLICK HERE for results.

National Senior Games (NSGA) Championships -The National Senior Games Championships (NSGA) Winter Games took place from September 28th through October 2nd, 2011, in Rochester, New York at the Gates Chili High School's Spartan Stadium.

We extend a very special THANK YOU to all of our Atlantic South Players who made the trip to Rochester to experience this exciting event. And congratulations to all our medal winners!! There may have been more......but we know we had representation from players who live or have ties to: Naples/Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Bradenton, Sebring and The Villages, FL, Opelika, AL, Flat Rock NC, Conway and North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Jerry Eamer (Conway, SC) shared photos and had the following to say about the games: "Was very pleased with how the games were run and how the local sports community worked with the local Pickleball group. Dave Thomas and his staff did an outstanding job."

Results have been posted to the USAPA website, but you can CLICK HERE for our photos and ASR medal winners!!

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Pickleball Demo, Grand Opening of Courts at Traditions, Oct. 16, 2011, Port St. Lucie, Fl
Chester County Senior Games, October 16-21, 2011, Chester, SC
Solivita Smashers (members only) Halloween Pickleball Tournament, October 29-30, 2011, Poinciana, Fl
Halloween Pickleball Tournament, October 29-30, 2011, North Georgia Pickleball Club, Canton, GA.
Beaufort-Jasper Active Adult Challenge (BJAAC), October 31, 2011, Sun City Hilton Head - Bluffton, SC
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011,Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ.(Sanctioned Tier 1).
Veterans Day Pickleball Tournament, Nov. 11-12, 2011, Indian Land, SC
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.
Winter In Paradise Pickleball, January 14, 2011, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL
Geezer Meister Games, February 15-19, 2012, Summerfield, Fl ( USAPA Sanction Pending)

Collier County Senior Games, February 10,11 and 12, 2012, Naples, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Lee County Senior Games, February 24, 25 and 26, 2012, Ft. Myers, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Charlotte County, Fit for Life, Senior Games, March 17-18, 2012, Port Charlotte, Fl

TOURNAMENT NEWS FLASH~

Nancy Jordan recently reported "I had two different NSGA staff confirm ( while I was in Rochester NY for the Winter Games) that I could announce that pickleball has been added to the 2013 NSGA summer games in Cleveland, OH as a regular sport not a demonstration sport.

Qualifications will take place from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2012. They will take the first four places in each event. No skill level events only age groupings. Players must qualify at a designated affiliate of NSGA. In most cases, it is the state senior olympics event.

They will be putting out info after the first of the year."

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

ALABAMA

Jerry and Virginia Corker -

Busy, busy people!!! They have been invited to teach pickleball at a Boys and Girls Club/Senior center and are working with the facility on acquiring the necessary nets, paddles, balls and funds. Bill James, Ambassador-Hot Springs, AK was in Destin Florida earlier this summer and contacted the local community center when he was not able to find a place to play. In an effort to keep the pickleball interest alive in the area, Jerry and Virgina have taken over the reins, and offered to do a demo and training for the center when the snow-birds return. CLICK HERE for complete story...

FLORIDA

Carl Clous, S. Central Florida/Poinciana - Bill Fife, the Lifestyle Director for the Town of Harmony, Fl said that the they were looking to build a pickleball court in their community, and he needed to find an instructor to come out and do a few demos, classes, etc to help generate interest when the court opened. Carl has volunteered the help of his community's pickleball club. We look forward to hearing more about the growth of pickleball in Harmony and adding one more place to play in Florida.

Rich and Donna Donald, New Tampa, FL - This seems to be the month for people sharing stories about new places to play and Susan Forget wants to encourage players or visitors to our newest Clearwater location...........

"Donna, I met you last winter at the Good Life Games tournament. My name is Susan Forget from Ontario Canada. Since, I love the game so much, I have been able to introduce pickleball at the Long Center in Clearwater, Florida. I will return to Clearwater, beginning of December 2011, but in the meantime, I have a friend over there, Rose Craft, who is helping the beginners to learn the rules and how to play and Alfred Palumbo who has just started but helps me out to promote the sport.

Now that we have 2 courts installed and can play 3 days a week, I would like to promote our place..........in the newsletter. The Long Center has made a flyer available to everyone at the Center. Now we need to see players coming in. I have already put our place to play in the USAPA website. "

CLICK HERE for more information and play schedule.

Scott Nelson, Space Coast, Fl - More recreation centers are joining the pickleball craze along Florida's Space Coast. Scott's newest report is from the Viera and Satellite Recreation Centers. "It was a little bit of challenge trying to convince the director to give us time to play a silly game called Pickleball.

We had such a good response the first two weeks that we had to get a third net to accommodate all the players. I think that they know that we are here to stay….

Health First is also now open for Pickleball play, we had our first clinics , with a great turn out " Scott had help from Dave and Deb Christian and ran successful beginner and intermediate clinics.

Garf Cooper, The Villages, Fl - Garf was recently contacted by a representative of the Harbour Island Athletic Club in Tampa, FL regarding the introduction of pickleball at their facility. Garf provided them with a suggested outline for a Pickleball demo/taster "intended to be fun and show people just how easy it is to play the game. Garf also recommended a follow up plan to help them organize a program of instruction for their club. Garf plays a key role in The Villages training program, so he is the perfect contact for the athletic club.

North Carolina

Laura Patterson, Winston/Salem Laura received a phone call from a friend a few days ago who said they saw a little "clip" on TV about pickleball........... A Little later that day, Laura had a voice mail from WXII 12, NBC TV's local affiliate in Winston- Salem and a "live" pickleball demo with Austin Caviness ( Weather Team) and Mary Beth Brown ( Host of "Girl Talk") was scheduled for Friday, October 14th. The demo started at the Winston-Lake Family YMCA at 5:30 a.m. and it will air at 6:00 a.m. Austin and Mary Beth are currently participating in a weight loss program and weigh in " live" on Wednesday mornings. What a great addition to their exercises program.

Laura was also contacted by Parks & Rec in Kernersville, NC and Gastonia, NC to come and do a couple of demos for their groups (these will take place in November).

South Carolina

Frank Kinder wants to remind everyone of the Veterans Day Invitational Pickleball Tournament being held on October 11, 2011 on the six beautiful courts at Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. In appreciation for the dedication and contribution of our Military and Veterans, proceeds will be donated to Hidden Wounds, an organization that provides interim and emergency counseling services to ensure the psychological health and well-being to combat veterans and their families. CLICK HERE for registration information. Hurry - registration closes on Oct. 19th.

Rena Grant, Myrtle Beach, SC - The Seniors at Prince Creek West are still going strong since our clinic on September 8th, 2011. Carol and Tom Gray have painted two courts in a parking lot and they play twice a week. I loaned them my paddles and net to get started and now they have ordered one net and four paddles. Carol and Tom are doing a fabulous job of promoting Pickleball, and Carol is becoming a USAPA member!! Seasons at Prince Creek West of Murrels Inlet, SC has been added to our places to play on the USAPA website.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-09-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassadors:

Howard and Carolyn Alred - If you've been out to the USAPA local ambassador list recently then you had to notice that we no longer have just one lone ambassador for the state of Georgia!!! Please extend a hearty welcome to Ambassadors, Howard and Carolyn Alred of Lake Park, GA. Carolyn wanted very much to start a pickleball program and recently received the approval to do so from the Health Department in Hamilton County. She's now in the process of ordering the necessary equipment to get it up and running. In addition to the Valdosta, GA area, George and Carolyn will be working to introduce pickleball across the state line, in North Florida.

And in South Carolina, where pickleball is growing by leaps and bounds, we add our 14th Ambassador, John Eichelberger, from Ninety Six, SC, who will be representing Greenwood County in Upstate South Carolina. John loves sports and loves staying active. He still enjoys being a semi-retired physician and playing tennis a couple of times a week. He has his own permanent pickleball court, complete with lights at his home where he plays with family and friends and now wants to encourage pickleball beyond his home town. We look for him to search out public facilities, publicize and introduce pickleball to new players.

A warm welcome to our ASR.

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Pickleball Expands to Hilton Head Island

Until just a few years ago, Hilton Head Island was home to the "Family Circle Cup" tennis tournament. And today bus loads of college students still converge each Spring on the island's tennis courts. With a population of 30-40 thousand and two million visitors a year this seemed like the perfect place to introduce pickleball. It was just nine months ago that Donald Wheeler joined our ASR family as the Ambassador in Hilton Head Island.

Don has introduced pickleball to players from all over Hilton Head and now maintains a “pickleball roster” consisting of 60 players . This picture is a great example of "mixed-generation" play (78 yr old and a 19 yr old young lady!) He schedules weekly play times at the nearby county courts. The players from Hilton Head Plantation, a private community where Don resides have even started their own “resident only” pickleball club. Because the tennis courts at the plantation are clay, this club also has to make use of the nearby county courts where he has to lay the tape whenever they play. Visitors to the island are also welcome to play............. Just before releasing this newsletter I got the following "good news" from Don:

LATE BREAKING NEWS!!

"We have permission from Beaufort County to PAINT lines on two tennis courts and one basketball court with knowledge that future court room may be needed. They are cognizant that pickleball is a growing sport and open to future discussions regarding pickleball needs... CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE........

Hickory Nut Gorge (Pickleball) Olympiad,On Friday August 26th, under the direction of Don "Smoke" Hickman, pickleball was played on the tennis courts at the Rumbling Bald Resort in Lake Lure, NC.

According to Smoke.... "31 players participated in an open Pickleball Tournament at Lake Lure, North Carolina. as part of the Hickory Nut Olympiad games. Participants came from the Upstate Pickleball Group in Greenville, SC; Fletcher-Arden, NC; Keowee Keys ,SC; Brevard, NC as well as Lake Lure, NC. Competition was keen and all had a great time playing, participating, talking and sweating."

The Upstate Pickleball Group fared well in the medal category and had this to say about the event: "Congratulations to all the players from Hendersonville, Lake Keowee, Lake Lure and our group who toughed it out in the blazing heat, and against some hard-core competitors."

And Dick Stone from Keowee Key sent us a fabulous video of the event that's a Must See..... CLICK HERE for winners, VIDEO and link to the photo gallery...

Pickleball Skills Clinics - The Villages. Fl

The Pickleball Community Volunteer Group (PCVG) works hand in hand with The Villages Recreation Department to offer the very best in training,fun and great pickleball competition for players of all skill levels.

For example, Richard Movsessian, aka Coach Mo offers "free" pickleball skills clinics every Monday. Ambassador, Rich Donald worked with Coach Mo as one of his "assistant coaches" during a recent visit to The Villages, and George and Anita Rimler , Ambassador from Daytona Beach Shores took advantage of some "one on one" instruction. Fun competition is scheduled frequently for he Villages residents; both open tournaments and skill level competitions. CLICK HERE to read more.....

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Pickleball Clinics, Crabtree Gym-Myrtle Beach, SC. Sept. 12, 19 and 26, 2011
Kissimmee/St Cloud Senior Games, Solivita (Poinciana, Fl) September 12, 13, 2011.
Pickleball Demo/Training, Conway Recreation Center, Conway, SC, September 19, 2011
Open Pickleball Tournament Sept. 19-22, 2011, Mulberry Grove Rec Center, The Villages, Fl (resident only)
Pensacola Senior Games, September 24, 2011, Pensacola, Fl.
National Senior Games Championship (NSGA) Winter Games, Sept, 28 - Oct 2, 2011, Rochester, NY.
Pre Huntsman - Party 4 Life Pickleball Tournament, Sun City Mesquite, UT, Oct. 4-5, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4).
Tampa Bay Senior Games, Oct. 5, 2011 Sun City Center, Fl.
Forever Fit and Beyond, Senior Games, Jacksonville, Fl October 8, 2011.
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT., Oct. 10-14, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2)
Halloween Pickleball Tournament, October 29-30, 2011, North Georgia Pickleball Club, Canton, GA.
Beaufort-Jasper Active Adult Challenge (BJAAC), October 31, 2011, Sun City Hilton Head - Bluffton, SC
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011,Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ.(Sanctioned Tier 1).
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.
Geezer Meister Games, February 15-19, 2012, Summerfield, Fl ( USAPA Sanction Pending)

Collier County Senior Games, February 10,11 and 12, 2012, Naples, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Lee County Senior Games, February 24, 25 and 26, 2012, Ft. Myers, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

John Allevi, ASR Ambassador-at-Large: Before John heads to the east coast of Florida this winter, he is spending some time in Utah. ..... "yes I have made great strides here in Kanab,Utah. In just 3 short weeks, I have had at least 14 to 20 people coming out to play. We even put down lines on an old tennis court..... I am going to a Parks and Recreation meeting tonight; bringing a (pickleball)contingent with me." And as he moves on to his next location he has left behind a new place to play and people to contact who will keep the game growing.

Florida

James Barry, Ambassador, Lakeland, Fl-"Good things happening here in Polk County, Central Florida. Here at our home community we will be painting lines on our tennis courts soon. In the city of Lakeland, one recreation center has hosted PB 3 mornings a week and despite the summer exodus of residents play has been quite active. This rec center, Kelly Rec, is planning on marking up a couple of there tennis courts. They have also applied for approval for a sanctioned event next January I believe.

The near-by city of Winter Haven has marked up 2 tennis

courts for PB I am told. I haven't seen them yet. The word

is out, PB is growing nicely."

A Little Bit of Pickleball (Paddle) History

I received this email from Dick Freshley, our ambassador in Palm Beach County, Florida not long after the article about pickleball at the Palm Beach Kids Festival was released in the news. Dick shared with me - and I want to share with you, a little bit about that paddle that was shown in the article.

"Regarding the Sun-Sentinel story. Great photo of the racquet which is one I made. When I started the game at Boeing in the '60s, there were hardly any commercial paddles available. I took up a collection among interested parties and bought a full 4' by 8' sheet of 3/8" AA mahogany marine plywood. It cost $20, which was a big deal in 1966. I must have made 20 paddles from that sheet............. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE. ......

Paul Meredith, Ambassador, Summerfield, Fl- reports that plans are underway to once again host the Geezer Meister Games at the 12 beautiful courts at Del Webb Spruce Creek in Summerfield, Fl. Summerfield is located just a few miles north of The Villages, and less than an hour from Downtown Disney. Last year this was USAPA Sanctioned for the first time, and a great event that drew players from Florida and states beyond. This will be a USAPA Sanctioned tournament held February 15-19, 2012. Watch the USAPA website for more information.

Scott Nelson - Great News from our Space Coast Ambassador.

"We have increased our play times at our South Melbourne Beach facility to twice a week and 3 courts.
Viera recreation center just started their program back up.
Satellite Beach recreation center is starting their PB program Tuesday night the 6th of September.
Health First just purchased 2 net systems and will be start there program up in September– I will be doing a few clinics for them. They have locations in Viera, Melbourne and Merritt Island. "

That will be four up and running pickleball locations at the Space Coast by mid September. We look forward to Scott's updates and pictures from these venues.

Georgia

A reminder from Tom and Ann Earley that registration for the Halloween Pickleball tournament in North Georgia is filling up fast. "We are hoping the out-of-town players who plan to compete in the tournament will give us a call to lock in their place in the tournament... all those planning to play should send an e-mail or call us as soon as possible!! Fees include long sleeved t-shirt, lunch, and prizes.Teams accepted for "A" (4.0+ rating) and "B" (3.0-3.5 rating)."

This is a benefit tournament for the Cherokee County Humane Society, and an event that draws players from across and outside the state...........This year Arizona will even be represented. And there's always a really cool T-shirt Click Here for additional/registration information.

North Carolina

Laura Patterson reports in from Winston-Salem. NC. "I introduced pickleball to the members of the Gateway YWCA in Winston-Salem every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. the whole month of August. I introduced pickleball at the Senior Culter Center in High Point back in November 2010 They now play on every Wednesday and Friday.

On Sept. 2nd Laura stopped by to see the group and brought along a friend from TN who wanted to learn the game...............and while there just happened to hook up with a couple of staff members from the YMCA in Greensboro, NC. So without a doubt she'll have one more place to play soon.

"My plan over the next few weeks is to get a letter out to the high schools and see if I can do a few demonstrations in the high schools. I do plan on going to Nationals in November. Hope to see you there." CLICK HERE for more....

South Carolina

Pickleball Tournament Crabtree Gym, Myrtle Beach, SC Linda Hopkinson sent along the picture. Thanks Linda!!

And Richard Skovran, Ambassador for Myrtle Beach tells us that the group at Crabtree Memorial Gym hold fun round robin events several times during the year. These are some of the players that competed on August 12th! Richard also reports that pickleball has resumed at full force at Myrtle Beach's Pepper Geddings Recreation Center. "The kids went back to school so the gym is ours. Are we glad! We already had 4 new players."

Meanwhile fellow Myrtle Beach ambassador, Rena Grant has also been busy training about 15-20 new players at a nearby Senior Community and has been communicating with the head of the Horry County Parks and Recreation in an effort to include pickleball at the two new gyms that are scheduled to open later in the year. She and Richard will be working together on a pickleball demonstration and training session at the Conway Recreation Center on the 19th, and the date is set for Friday the 15th to test their skills against the players from North Myrtle Beach.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-08-15T06:42:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

August 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassadors:

George Catalano is our newest ASR Ambassador representing Jacksonville, Fl. His community of Sweetwater is one of the only places in the area today where pickleball is played in Jacksonville, and George has been host to many pickleball players who have relocated to the area or who are visiting from outside the state. Working with his fellow ambassador from Ponte Vedra, he hopes to "continue to expand the game here in Jacksonville. Our big opportunity will be the Senior Games in October in Jacksonville. I will try to coordinate efforts with Bob Dean to optimise this opportunity for pickleball and also try to have a similar event in St. Johns County, just south of us which incorporates St. Augustine."

Also joining our Ambassador Family from the State of Florida is Anita Rimler, who will be representing the Daytona Beach Shores area. She and her husband George just returned from Steamboat Springs, CO, where our USAPA "places to play" found them a pickleball court and got George on the sports page of the local newspaper. Anita retired five years ago as the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Virginia and is now ready to get the Board of Supervisors in the Daytona area involved in the game of pickleball. She, with the help of her husband George, are already working to get the county to build courts. Plans are to hold free workshops and build an ever growing player list.

John Allevi is a recently appointed At-Large Ambassador assigned to our ASR. John's home is wherever he parks it: he travels full time in his RV. Right now he's in Kanab, Utah trying to introduce the game before he heads south to Florida for the winter months. He's a former coach for little league, tee ball, quick start tennis and softball and now he'll add pickleball to that list. "I always volunteer to help teach kids sports, middle age, and older folks to play.... I would advertise in the local papers to work with families or anyone interested in learning to have fun and get exercise...."

The Atlantic South Region extends a warm welcome to all of you.

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

PALM BEACH KIDS FESTIVAL - Each year more than 6,000 Florida youth gather for two days of fitness and fun! Full of excitement and energy, festival participants have the opportunity to get hands on experience and develop skills in over 40 different sports clinics. This year Palm Beach County ambassador Dick Freshley and his wife Verna introduced these kids to pickleball.
"The groups came in school buses from day camps.....for the most part the kids enjoyed the activity and many came back a second and third time. If nothing else they were enthusiastic. There were dozens of things to do that I thought were more appropriate for them and they wouldn't have to wait either. So, I was surprised by their persistence." CLICK HERE to read more.....

AIKEN, SC PLAYERS PART OF KROC CENTER's GRAND OPENING IN AUGUSTA, GA - The Kroc Center, which is a $100 million, arts, worship and multipurpose center is part of the legacy of McDonald's heiress Joan Kroc, whose $1.7 billion gift to the Salvation Army was used to plan and construct community centers like this one in Augusta, GA.

This 100,000 square-foot complex held it's grand opening on Saturday August 6th and thanks to the hard work and dedication of Aiken SC Ambassadors Mike and Loretta Beckner, pickleball was one of the featured sports at the grand opening celebration. Several thousand people visited the center on Saturday. Mike and Loretta addressed and welcomed the group and talked about the history of pickleball and general rules of the game. Six other players from Aiken helped them to demonstrate the game, and then visitors of all ages joined the group on the three courts to learn how to play.

A very special THANK YOU to these eight players from Aiken, SC who travelled to Augusta to share the game they love to play. Pictured - back row, left to right: Dick Keeler, Rob Bromley, Ron Nelson, Rich Dezelon, Mike Beckner. Front row: Maggie Ward, Loretta Beckner, Stacey Dezelon.

CLICK HERE for story and pictures submitted by Mike and Lorretta.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Advanced Round Robin, (4.0 - 4.5) August 22-25, 2011, Truman Rec Center, The Villages, Fl (residents only)
Kissimmee/St Cloud Senior Games, Solivita (Poinciana, Fl) September 12. 2011.
Open Pickleball Tournament Sept. 19-22, 2011, Mulberry Grove Rec Center, The Villages, Fl (resident only)
Pensacola Senior Games, September 24, 2011, Pensacola, Fl.
National Senior Games Championship (NSGA) Winter Games, Sept, 28 - Oct 2, 2011, Rochester, NY.
Pre Huntsman - Party 4 Life Pickleball Tournament, Sun City Mesquite, UT, Oct. 4-5, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4).
Tampa Bay Senior Games, Oct. 5, 2011 Sun City Center, Fl.
Forever Fit and Beyond, Senior Games, Jacksonville, Fl October 8, 2011.
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT., Oct. 10-14, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2)
Halloween Pickleball Tournament, October 29-30, 2011, North Georgia Pickleball Club, Canton, GA.
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011,Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ.(Sanctioned Tier 1).
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.

Collier County Senior Games, February 10,11 and 12, 2012, Naples, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)
Lee County Senior Games, February 24, 25 and 26, 2012, Ft. Myers, Fl. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4)

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

Georgia

Tom and Ann Earley: The North Georgia Pickleball Club will hold their annual Fall Pickleball Tournament on the weekend before Halloween, Saturday, October 29th and Sunday October 30th. As in past years, all proceeds will go to the Cherokee County Humane Society. Come join the group if you can.

The North Georgia Pickleball Club plays every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. This month, two tennis pros from Marietta - Mark Morneau and Pete Christian came to play. David and Nancy Jordan, USAPA National Board Members stopped to play with the group, took to the courts with the tennis pros and even stayed to celebrate Tom's Birthday. The club welcomed David Barron who recently moved to Cherokee County from Phoenix, AZ, who also brought along his daughter to play.

Jessie Romito, Sports Director for The Summit at All Tournament Players Park came to learn more about the game, and now pickleball will be introduced at The Summit with an upcoming lecture and demonstration by Tom Earley and a group from the club.

North Carolina-" The Franklin, NC (Macon County) group started play outdoors the 1st of June on our 2 newly resurfaced, painted and fenced courts.... with the return of our summer folks, we have had about 16-18 players each Monday and Wednesday mornings. Since we are so "dry" we haven't had to use our indoor facility at the Armory. The level of play has improved steadily since we began PB about 3 years ago... not to mention the social aspects. It is definitely great for everyone! We have had several new folks join the play and though it takes some practice for folks who have never played a paddle sport, event the newest player enjoys our group! Our participants range from mid twenties to mid eighties in age!

We welcome anyone who might be coming to Western North Carolina to join us. We play at the Macon County Recreation park on US 441 each Monday and Wednesday morning from 8:30 am to 11 or later!"

South Carolina

Richard Skovran, Myrtle Beach, A reminder to our Myrtle Beach Players: On August 22, 2011 the Pepper Geddings Rec Center will resume Pickleball at its regular times of 9:00 am to 12:00. While it's been a wonderful summer for the kids, we, the die hard players of pickleball,will be glad to have our gym back. This week, I and a few workers at the gym will redo the floors and relay the markings for the courts. I want to also mention that two new courts will be ready for play at the end of August here at Pepper Geddings.

We are hoping to have a round robin between Pepper Geddings and Crabtree Rec Centers sometime during this reopening.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-07-26T12:04:00.003-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

July 15, 2011

Working Advantage Discount Network:

Just a reminder on the announcement of this new member benefit. The USA Pickleball Association now provides all members exclusive access to the Working Advantage discount network which offers savings up to 60% on ticketed events and online shopping. Through Working Advantage you can save on: Movie Tickets, Theme Parks, Ski Tickets, Broadway Shows, Sporting Events, Hotels and Travel, Health and Fitness, Museums and City Passes, Merchant Gift Certificates, Online Shopping...and much more! CLICK HERE for more information...

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Guinness Record for Longest Pickleball Game:

Those of us who play in tournaments know how we feel at the end of the day.......Imagine playing non-stop for 24 hours!!!

The Atlantic South Region wants to recognize and extend congratulations to Justin Lawrence and Jeffrey Backer, two pickleball players from New Port Richey, Florida. These two young men are both Endurance Athletes and employees at the New Port Richey (Fl) Recreation and Aquatic Center, who on June 25th and 26th 2011, set a new Guinness Record; the longest continues game of Pickleball (24 hours).

The following picture and text is taken from an article in the St. Petersburg Times as it appeared onTampaBay.com

The men began playing at 7 p.m. Saturday and took only short water breaks between games. Guinness had approved the 24-hour criteria in advance, because nobody else had tried to set a record playing pickleball — developed in the 1960s in Washington state.

"After about three or four hours, we were starting to get pretty tired," Baker said.

"I think we definitely made an impact in getting the sport out there," Lawrence said. "A lot of people who come in to play basketball or do other things in the gym were watching us and became curious about the game....."

Congratulations to both of you and thank you for promoting our great game!! CLICK HERE to read more..........

Pickleball Introduced in Ponte Vedra community

Bob Dean, Ambassador for Ponte Vedra, Fl and his wife Judy have been instrumental in bringing pickleball to their Del Webb Riverwood community. Actually, until just recently, they were the ONLY two people in the community who ever played pickleball.

In June, "the 37,000 square foot Anastasia Club (fitness and amenity center) opened to the residents along with eight pickleball courts. Everyone enjoyed the new courts. It was definitely an upgrade from playing in the parking lot. Since the opening, our eight courts have been pretty much at full capacity every evening with more new residents coming to learn every night. Everyone here is extremely excited about pickleball and several have already expressed interest in joining USAPA."

Did most of these players really learn how to play in the parking lot? Absolutely - CLICK HERE to check it out.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Kids Fitness Festival, Palm Beach County Convention Center, Palm Beach, Fl, July 13 and 14, 2011
Intermediate Round Roin (3.0-3.5), Chula Vista Rec Center, The Villages. Fl (Benefit - Wildwood Soup Kitchen) July 18-21, 2011 (resident only).
Beginner Level Round Robin Tournament, July 21, 2011 (resident only) Fish Hawk Rec Center, The Villages, Fl
Pickleball Demo at Grand Opening of Kroc Center, Augusta, GA, August 6, 2011.
Advanced Round Robin, (4.0 - 4.5) August 22-25, 2011, Truman Rec Center, The Villages, Fl (residents only)
Kissimmee/St Cloud Senior Games, Solivita (Poinciana, Fl) September 12. 2011.
Open Pickleball Tournament Sept. 19-22, 2011, Mulberry Grove Rec Center, The Villages, Fl (resident only)
Pensacola Senior Games, September 24, 2011, Pensacola, Fl.
National Senior Games Championship (NSGA) Winter Games, Sept, 28 - Oct 2, 2011, Rochester, NY.
Pre Huntsman - Party 4 Life Pickleball Tournament, Sun City Mesquite, UT, Oct. 4-5, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4).
Forever Fit and Beyond, Senior Games, Jacksonville, Fl October 8, 2011.
Tampa Bay Senior Games, Oct. 3-14,2011 Sun City Center, Fl (Pickleball dates TBA).
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT., Oct. 10-14, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2).
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011,Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ.(Sanctioned Tier 1).
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.

Collier County Senior Games, February 10,11 and 12, 2012, Naples, Fl. (USAPA Sanction Pending)
Lee County Senior Games, February 24, 25 and 26, 2012, Ft. Myers, Fl. (USAPA Sanction Pending)

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

Florida

Nancy Meyer, Cindy Eddleman, Ft. Myers, Florida These two have been busy playing pickleball all over the place on their recent month long trip through North Carolina, Ohio and Michigan where Nancy has family. They played in two tournaments in Michigan and brought home two medals!! They returned to Grand Rapids where they competed in the Michigan State Games, taking fourth place in the ladies doubles. "...we sure did have fun, saw Florida comrades and met many new people!" They will return to play in the Auburn Hills Tournament at the end of July.

Meanwhile back here in Florida Nancy tell us: "it is finally going to happen, we are going to have the Collier Games (Naples) and Lee County (Ft. Myers) Pickleball Games Sanctioned for next year! (2012). It has been a lot of work, but well worth it! This area is getting better and better. We also have been contacted to run two other tournaments, and will be teaching Pickleball lessons next year. And, as promised, they have painted Blue lines for ten courts in Naples! "

Spruce Creek CC Pickleball players from Summerfield, Fl make front page news at the Meijer State Games in Michigan. Dick Draigh, a winter resident of Spruce Creek, was the Tournament Director for the Pickleball portion of the Meijer States Games held on June 24 & 25. Rich Skaare and Eric Hough won the Silver in the 65+ grouping. This is the photo of Rich and Eric that appeared on the front page of the Grand Rapids Press. Click Here for the complete article.

Dick Freshley, Palm Beach, Fl - On July 13th and 14th, Dick and his wife will be introducing pickleball at the Annual Kids Fitness Festival. Each year over 6,000 youth spend 2 days of hands on experience in over 40 different sports clinics. This year these youngsters will be introduced to pickleball for the first time! Dick tells us he's a camera buff........so we should expect to hear more and see some snap shots!

Georgia

Mike and Loretta Beckner

Anthony Taylor, who is the Sports and Recreation Director at the Salvation Army's new Kroc Center in downtown Augusta, GA has contacted Mike and Loretta, our ambassadors from Aiken, SC to demonstrate and introduce pickleball at the facility's grand opening on August 6th. Part of a $3B donation to the Salvation Army from the Kroc family (owned McDonalds) helped to build this state of the art community and sports facility. Mr Taylor "already has two net standards and 24 tournament paddles and balls!! ...we'll have a one hour time frame in which to demo the sport and then put these paddles in some of the attendees' hands. He says we could stay on and work with anyone who wants to learn more about the sport. We have a meeting with him on July 25th to discuss this further and to see the facility.

We are, of course, very happy to do this and cannot believe that we don't have to "sell" the sport!! What a windfall and one that we should take advantage of....it can help many people of all ages in more ways than one.

.....in the meantime, we're asking some of our regular players to help us with the demo and a bit of training afterwards. I asked Anthony if we could train some of his staff who could then work with anyone who comes to learn the sport once the facility is open. He said he would identify those folks and that he would also be one of them.

You can get the background information on the Kroc Center at their website: http://www.krocaugusta.org/what-is-thcentere-kroc-/

North Carolina

Earl Cunningham, Gastonia- The Bessemer City Recreation Department held a free pickleball outdoor tournament on July 1st at the city recreation center. Recreation Director, Jo D Franklin marked off the tennis courts and furnished balls and paddles for the players.

John Simpson, Charlotte, NC - On Saturday June 25th, John and a fellow Charlotte pickleball player headed north a short distance to Bailey's Glen an active adult community in Cornelius, NC. They were invited by Lifestyle Director, Shelly Myers to introduce Pickleball 101 and provide a live pickleball demonstration to the residents of the community. While the turnout was not as large as they anticipated, we all know that it only takes a few people to get the ball rolling. Shelly Myers wrote to both John and I following the event: "We did have a great time and I really appreciate John and his pickleball partner coming out to teach our residents a little more about the sport. ......I wanted to say thank you very much to you and your pickleball partner for coming out to Bailey's Glen the other weekend for our pickleball 101 and live demonstration event. ..............I know the residents that did participate learned a lot about the sport of pickleball and enjoyed seeing you play and be so passionate about it. Thank you again for your time!"

South Carolina,

Jane Harvey, Indian Land - When she and husband Fred are not promting pickleball at Carolina Lakes in SC they are enjoying lots of outdoor pickleball this summer in beautiful upstate NY and played in the Empire State Games in June. Last weekend, they played in the 2nd annual Rochester Picklefest, which was a USAPA sanctioned tournament this year with over 90 participants. NY Ambassadors, Dave Thomas and Linda Palma are great promoters there in Rochester and even got Jane to set up the "membership booth" for the event, where she recruited twenty-one new USAPA members. Jane and Fred came home with the GOLD MEDAL in the mixed doubles.

They also want to remind everyone here in the Atlantic South to register soon for the National Senior Gmaes Championships which will be played in Rochester again in September. This year, they will be played at a world class venue. The publicity will be wonderful!.

Check out the "gold medal winner" picture and her full story on our website: http://www.south.usapa.org/

Rena Grant, Myrtle Beach - continues to work with officials to bring an invitational tournament to the Myrtle Beach area. I received this note recently from Debbie Wall, former Recreation Director, City of Florence and past president of the SC Senior Sports Classic Board of Directors Executive Committee: " Donna - just wanted you to know that we are continuing to pursue an Invitational (pickleball tournament) in North Myrtle Beach. I met w/ Rena and will get back with the North Myrtle Beach group. We will keep you updated. The State Games went great w/70 participants this first year. We are looking forward to expanding that program."

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-06-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

June 15, 2011

The 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 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.

Mid Year Regional Update

Throughout the year we have pickleball enthusiast who continue to introduce new players to the game, new members to our Association, new places to play our game and leaders who promote and direct all kinds of fun events, round robins, clinics, workshops, tournaments and sanctioned events. The following demonstrates our mid year growth in leadership. membership and places to play in the Atlantic South Region (ASR). Our last update was October 31. 2010

Leadership/Ambassador Program -We're so fortunate to have such an energetic and goal oriented group of leaders who continue to promote the growth of our game and USAPA memberships. We now have a total of 58 local ambassadors representing the ASR: (AL - 5), (FL - 27), (GA - 1), (NC - 11) and (SC-14). Since our last report we welcomed 10 new ambassadors: Mobile, AL; St Pete, Summerville, and the Space Coast of Florida; Gastonia and Two Lakes (Warrenton), NC; Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Indian Land, SC. We also welcomed three more ambassadors-at-large to our region.

USAPA Membership -I know that many of our readers are not USAPA members, but I thank you for your love of the game and all that you do to promote and to introduce new players. I invite you to learn more about the benefits of being a USAPA member, and I ask for your support to help us build our Atlantic South Region into the strongest and largest pickleball promoting/supporting community in the country. Since our last update, we welcomed 104 new USAPA members to our ASR.

Places to Play - This is a great example of how pickleball is expanding throughout our region. The number of places to play increased by 24% since November 2010. In Florida,10 new locations were identified, in North Carolina, 3 new locations and in SC, 4 new places to play. We increased the total number of pickleball locations from 106 to 131. Excellent results!

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Del Webb Inter-Community Play Pickleball players from the Haven, Bluffton, SC (near Hilton Head) trekked across the state to visit Del Webb sister community, Sun City Carolina Lakes. Indian Land, SC for a Round Robin Tournament on Saturday, May 14th. A good time was had by all as the visiting team was treated to a day of socializing and recreational play, followed by a late lunch before heading back south.

Beginner/Intermediate Tournament - Hats off to Steve Arlen and the Solivita (Smashers) Pickleball Club in Poinciana, Fl. On May 14th, all of their best players took to the courts, but this time it was as a referee or coach for the club's beginner and intermediate players who got to experience the thrill of competition for the first time. In total, 60 members of the Pickleball Club participated with almost 100 spectators cheering them on. Congratulations to the winners of the men's doubles event: Lenny Rubin and Phillip DeGreaffenried and to Dee Holcomb, and Babs Haggarty who took the woman's doubles.

Pickleball Featured in Local MEDIA- In North GA, Tom and Ann Earley and the North GA Pickleball Club celebrated Memorial Day with a fun day of good food and great pickleball. It was the perfect time to invite the newest editor of the Cherokee Tribune, Brandon Wilson, to the festivities - and introduce him to the world of North GA Pickleball.

CLICK HERE to read how he was welcomed to the Neighborhood.
CLICK HERE to see all the Memorial Day photos!

Meanwhile over in Aiken, SC, Mike and Loretta Beckner have once again caught the attention of Amy Banton of the Aiken Standard during their beginner pickleball demonstration on May 20th. Amy took photos and interviewed several of the players. Twelve new players were introduced to the game. Likewise, Jessica Campbell, the Activities Director at Odell Weeks supports pickleball through newspaper articles and advertising on their outdoor Marquee.

CLICK HERE for the Aiken Standard article.

South Carolina Senior Sports Classics - Pickleball was introduced as an official sport in the South Carolina State Senior Games, held on May 21st on the campus of Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. Congratulations to Ambassadors Frank Kinder of Indian Land, SC and to Rena Grant of Myrtle Beach, SC for taking the lead roles in making this happen. Frank comments: "This was truly a successful and memorable experience for the organizers. Although Pickleball was a non-qualifying event for this year's National Senior Games in Houston, TX, it is expected to be a qualifying event for the 2013 National Games being held in Cleveland, Ohio. All of us in South Carolina look forward to next year, when we hope to see even more participants in the Senior Games. "

CLICK HERE for story and photos.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:
Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Pickleball 101 and Live Pickleball Demonstration, Baileys Glen, Cornelius, NC. June 25, 2011
Kissimmee/St Cloud Senior Games, Solivita (Poinciana, Fl) September 12. 2011
Pensacola Senior Games, September 24, 2011, Pensacola, Fl
National Senior Games Championship (NSGA) Winter Games, Sept, 28 - Oct 2, 2011. (Note: David Jordan is looking for help at these games. If you are planning to attend the NSGA National Tournament and would have some extra time, please stop by the USAPA booth and courts. They could use some help. Look for them in the Athletic Village booth area)
Pre Huntsman - Party 4 Life Pickleball Tournament, Sun City Mesquite, UT, Oct. 4-5, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4).
Forever Fit and Beyond, Senior Games, Jacksonville, Fl October 8, 2011
Tampa Bay Senior Games, Oct. 3-14,2011 Sun City Center, Fl (Pickleball dates TBA)
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT., Oct. 10-14, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2)
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011 Buckeye, AZ.

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

Florida - Rich and Donna Donald, New Tampa, Fl

This past month took us from our local area over to the Space Coast of FL where we visited with Ambassador Scott Nelson and his group of players at the South Beach Community Park in Melbourne Beach. We had a great time playing with the group and Rich did a quick Skills/Techniques Clinic for the group while we were there. Scott is working hard to expand pickleball in the area, and may have the opportunity to include pickleball in the Martin County Senior Games for the first time this year.

From Melbourne we headed to Central Florida and The Villages where we met up with visiting Morgan City, LA Ambassadors, Marty and Prissy Martin and Sharon Richard visiting from La Fayette, LA. No indoor air conditioned pickleball for them here!! Pickleball starts at 7:00 am and the Florida sun greets all the players shortly thereafter. We introduced them to Coach Mo, who graciously spent some one on one time critiquing their play, and we made sure they were all signed up for his weekly skills clinic. Marty and Prissy already had his 21 Skills Clinic Video, and Sharon went home with one too!

We also want to extend congratulations to our Ft. Myers Ambassadors, Cindy Eddleman and Nancy Meyer who took home medals in a couple of tournaments there. Bronze in the mixed doubles 4.0 Spring 2011 Skill Level Pickleball Tournament, and Silver in the Singles at the 2011 Michigan Senior Olympics!!

James Barry, Lakeland, FL

The Florida State Senior Games will take place in early December, 2011. Pickleball will be one of the events, but the venue has not yet been identified. The Kelly Recreation Center in South Lakeland, FL is seeking approval for a sanctioned indoor contest. It would probably be held in January, 2012. More info to follow.

Georgia

Tom and Ann Earley Is that Pickles? No, that's Bocce, the North GA Pickleball Club Mascot helping Tom Earley and taking over the job of Seattle's "Pickles". Tom gave a great introduction lecture and demonstration as part of the "Beginner Clinic" for the Blue Ridge Swim and Tennis Club. With the aid of North Georgia PB club members Pat and Steve Dunn of Cartersville; Jon Pyle of Canton, Ken Riordan of Woodstock and Ann Earley of Macedonia, the 28+ beginner PB players enjoyed learning the basics and playing on the two new PB courts. Bocce!!! What a great mascot for our ASR!.

And...Thanks to Carole and Bill Hess, Lake Arrowhead has been exposed to PickleBall and it has taken the community by storm. The group consistently has been meeting every Sunday night for over a year and now meets every Sunday and Wednesday evening. With four tennis courts, the group's marking off PickleBall lines with chalk and hopes to someday have their own designated PickleBall courts. In the meantime, they have the leadership of the Hess' and this month Tom Early provided a quick pickleball clinic before a pot luck smorgasbord.

Here are links to photos from Blue Ridge Swim and Tennis and from Lake Arrowhead.

North Carolina

Sylvia Fletcher - Two Lakes, NC - So good to have TWO pickleball courts in the gym now. We had people from Texas and Australia in the gym playing this past month and it looks like they will spread our fun when they go back home.

Rich Laskey, Jacksonville, NC - On June 5th, Rick introduced pickleball to the residents of the Tangle Oaks Community in Wilmington NC, Marcia Bingham organized the clinic which was held from 2-4pm on the two community tennis courts, one of which was recently painted with pickleball lines. She tells us "We had about 20 folks out, 15 of whom got on the courts and gave it a go. We're already talking about setting up a ladder and have set up two mornings a week for "drop in" play."

CLICK HERE for story and link to photos...

Mike and Nancy Falkenstein/Jan Sharp - Pickleball in Franklin, NC is alive and well!! Our summer folks are returning and we have had three courts in full play with some folks waiting. We play to 7 when that is the case and rotate folks in. We sometimes have "testosterone" games when the men play together and try to "kill" one another in the name of the Sport! It is great fun to watch and probably more fun to play. Of course we also have the more demure "ladies" games as well !!

We have three new comers to the game that came to try after the Senior Games in Franklin. They all seem to enjoy the game and are now working on their skills and improving. The most difficult thing seems to be the scoring!

We are planning to have a tournament every 6-8 weeks since all enjoyed the Senior Games so much!!

The Parks and Recreation Department is redoing our outside courts (2) with a new surface, paint and fencing. We share these courts with the basketball folks and hope to have a third court in the future. Until our outside courts area ready we area playing at the national Guard Armory on 64 West just outside of Franklin on Monday and Wednesday 9 to 11 or later.

South Carolina

Frank Kinder - Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL) dominated the South Carolina Senior Sports Classics. Over 20 residents from SCCL in Indian Land, SC were among the 70+ who participated in the first ever official pickleball events held at the SC Senior Classic on Saturday, May 21st. in Florence.

The SCCL team was among the largest contingent participating in the Pickleball events at the Games and captured 28 total medals. SCCL players won GOLD in Women's Doubles 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74 age brackets. GOLD medals also went to the SCCL Men in the 55-59, 60-64 and 65-69 doubles brackets. Mixed Doubles GOLD went to SCCL players in the 55-59, 60-64 65-69 and 70-74 age brackets.

Jerry Eamer, Conway SC. Berkshire is a community located in the Carolina Forest section of Horry County, SC. There is a pretty good group showing interest in having picklball in their community on a regular basis. So Darlene and Pete Hanfmann, who live in the community invited some folks in to introduce the sport and provide a training/demo. Jerry says: "The people were excited about having pickleball in their community and plan to buy equipment. We were asked to come back to give another demo."

CLICK HERE to see more pictures from our photo gallery.

Mike and Loretta Beckner, Aiken, SC. This month Odell Weeks held their third annual City Cup, wherein business employees compete in a variety of sports to win the "city cup". Jessica (recreation director) did away with badminton and put in pickleball this year! She asked Mike and me to "referee" the games. There were six teams who had entered to play, representing six different businesses. Only one player had played before, but probably because of their young ages and athleticism, they all played really well! There were some fantastic points and they really played by and adhered to the rules, too. We encouraged them to come play in the evening or Sunday afternoon.... if nothing else, it exposed more people to the game in a positive way!

Richard Skovran/Rena Grant - Myrtle Beach, SC - May 18th was Health Day at Ocean Lakes Resort in Myrtle Beach. Rena Grant and Richard Skovran, Myrtle Beach's newest ambassador, along with Richard's wife and Rena's son-in-law Neil taped off a section of flooring in the huge recreation Center. The employees lined up for a morning of instruction. The employees took to the game right away and it looks like Ocean Lakes will continue with their plans to include pickleball within their structure.

Richard had previously requested permission from the board where he lives to mark off the tennis courts for pickleball, and on May 28th, with the board's blessing Richard and Rena taped ff the courts for the first pickleball outing scheduled for the next day. An invitation was extended to all the people within his complex to come and learn the game, and he invited fellow pickleball players to come and play as well. A BBQ picnic was held at the end of the day and a fund day was had by all. Looks like the courts at Carolina Ridge will get a permanent change in the way of Pickleball.

Jan Singer, Chester, SC - Six people from the Chester, SC area participated in the pickleball event at the SC Senior Sports Classics and five of them came home with medals. Martha Campbell and Jan won silver in the doubles. Ronnie Greenwood and Ed Mauney won the gold. Ed Mauney teamed up with a lady from Indian Land and took the gold in the mixed doubles. Martha and Allen Campbell won silver in mixed doubles.

The warmer weather has decreased the number of players; it is not uncommon to have 35 or 50 lining up to play. There is discussion now with Jack Sink (Director of Chester City) to paint two more pickleball courts in Wylie Park. Also the summer parks program for the city is adding pickleball this summer. Jan would like to send along an expression of appreciation to Rena Grant for all her help teaching pickleball and her patience in answering "all our questions" usually by phone!!!

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-05-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

May 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassador:

Please extend a warm Atlantic South welcome to Richard Skovran,our newest Ambassador, representing Myrtle Beach, SC. Richard is retired from General Motors Corp. Whether working or not - he is definitely an organizer, leader and great promoter of anything he undertakes. He played a key role in starting the local Booster Club, was an avid fundraiser for the school, an active volunteer for both the PA Dept of Forestry and the Fire Department in PA, where his dedication earned him the Community Volunteer of the Year in 2004. He is an avid hiker and tennis player and participated multiple times in the Race Across America. Now he adds pickleball to his active lifestyle. He has already played a key role in working with the other Ambassadors to introduce pickleball in Myrtle Beach, but has a few of his own marketing ideas. "Tourism is an important part of this area. While it is important to aim at the area as a whole, it is equally as important to include it in the tourism program as a tool to attract vacationers and winter visitors. Much can be done in this area..."

Likewise, we welcome Ambassador-at-Large, Morris Wheat to our Atlantic South ambassador family. A 36 year employee of IBM, Morris retired in 1993 and was introduced to pickleball in 2004 and has been promoting the game ever sense. As an RV'er, he divides his time between Warrenton, VA and Fort Myers Beach in Florida. He has been the leader of Pickleball at the Indian Creek Resort in Florida for the past six years, obtaining two tournament level courts for the community and working on getting two more for the over 100 pickleball players that reside there He has been just as active in VA, working with county Parks and Recreation and with some of the county schools to introduce pickleball to PE programs. "I send the USAPA monthly newsletter to over 30 persons monthly. A number of players at Florida have started pickleball in-their home locations and I encourage all players at the resort in Florida to take the game home with them."

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Senior Games by the Sea, Wilmington, NC - Ambassador, Rick Laskey writes: Wilmington NC had their first ever pickleball tournament as part of their annual Senior Games by the Sea. It was held Friday, April 29th from 2-4:30pm at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 401 S. 8th St., Wilmington. The tournament director was Tiffany Lesley, Senior Programs Director for the City of Wilmington Community Services Dept. CLICK HERE for tournament winners!

First Annual Pickleball Tournament, Key West, Florida. - Florida Ambassador, Coleen Blakley has worked hard to bring the first pickleball tournament to the Konch Republic. It was a well run and competitive event. Coleen tells us that next year she hopes to make this a USAPA Sanctioned Event CLICK HERE for story and photos.

Macon County Senior Games - Ambassadors Mike and Nancy Falkenstein wrote to us about the Macon County Games that took place in Franklin, NC. Hats off to Larry Noyes, who was the tournament director this year. The games were played over three days and included a double elimination tournament for singles, doubles and mixed doubles play. CLICK HERE for photos and all the WINNERS.

Greater High Point Senior Games - The games, open to the residents of the tri-city area only, took place on May 5th at the Cutler Senior Center in High Point, NC. Ambassador, Laura Patterson introduced a small group of people to pickleball here back in November, including the director and his assistant; pickleball is now played regularly each week. With the help of her "softball team" friend, Tina, pickleball was added as one of the sports in this year's Senior Games. Seven teams signed up for the single elimination tournament. Each team played the best two out of three games to 11 points to determine the medal winners. Plenty of laughs and lots of fun!!! Pickleball was such a success there that the group is tyring hard to get the tennis center to give up a couple of courts for pickleball - stay tuned!!!

CLICK HERE for complete story and more photos.

In House Pickleball Tournament - The Seminole Recreation Center (Seminole, FL) Hosted an In-House Plus neighbors Pickleball Tournament on April 26, 2011. The Tournament Director/ Senior Coordinator was Kristyn Sabbag. Recreation Center members, and guests from other communities in Pinellas County, got together for an exciting day of play.
CLICK HERE to check out the winners!

International Pickleball Week

At Sun City Carolina Lakes, SC. Ambassadors Jane Harvey and Frank Kinder along with the SCCL Pickleball Club enjoyed their first annual Pickleball Fun Festival. It was a day long celebration of fun , food and pickleball. They had their biggest pickleball game EVER, a pickleball Minithon, a pickleball Petathon, and they had 16 new pickleball 102 graduates.
CLICK HERE for story and pictures.

In Myrtle Beach, SC - Rena Grant had a full week of pickleball activity.

It all started when Mayor John Rhodes presented Rena (pictured here with her daughter) a plaque officially proclaiming Pickleball Week in Myrtle Beach. She invited the Adult Special needs Consumers from Horry County to play pickleball, planned pickleball for all the managers and staff at the local recreation centers,and held a friendly competition between Crabtree Gym and Pepper Geddings Rec Center. They closed the week with a fun day of pickleball at the outdoor-courts.

CLICK HERE for story and more pictures.

In Two Lakes Area, NC Ambassador Sylvia Fletcher invited all pickleball players to come out and celebrate from 10:00 am to 1:00pm at the John Graham Gym in Warrenton, NC. Sylvia has introduced a lot of new players to the game over the past few months, and it looks like these folks in NC are really enjoying their new game!!

CLICK HERE to see more pictures.

In Winston-Salem, NC - Laura Patterson did a demonstration at the Georgia E Taylor Recreation Center during International Pickleball Week. She was only given one hour, and had about 12-15 people in attendance, most of whom tried pickleball. They loved the game so much they asked her to come back on May 17th and dedicate three whole hours to playing. They want to to purchase equipment so that pickleball can be provided as a weekly activity to the members. CLICK HERE for story and pictures.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

Visit our ASR website for links to additional/registration information.

Pickleball Skill Development - Video- Question/Answer Session with Coach Mo, May 13th, 2011, The Villages, Fl
Solivita Smashers Beginner/Intermediate Tournament, Poinciana, Fl May 14, 2011.
Pickleball Workshop, May 17, 2011, Georgia E. Taylor Recreation Center, Winston-Salem, NC
Pickleball Demonstration/Workshop, May 18, 2011- Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, SC
Beginner Workshop, Odell Weeks Center, May 20, 2011, Aiken, SC.
Scott Green Tournament, Plantation Pickleball Club, May 20, 22, 2011, Leesburg, FL.
South Carolina Senior Sports Classics, May 21, 2011, Francis Marion Campus, Florence, SC.
Pickleball Clinic, June 5, 2011, Tangle Oaks, Wilmington, NC
Kissimmee/St. Cloud Senior Games, Solivita (Poinciana) Fl, September 12-13, 2011.
Pensacola Senior Games, September 24, 2011, Pensacola, Fl
Pre Huntsman - Party 4 Life Pickleball Tournament, Sun City Mesquite, UT, Oct. 4-5, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4).
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT., Oct. 10=14, 2011. (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2)
Tampa Bay Senior Games, Sun City Center, Fl. Oct. 2011.
Florida Senior Games State Championships and International Pickleball Games, December 3-4, 2011, Lakeland, Fl.
National Senior Games Championships (NSGA) Sept. 28 - Oct 3, 2011, Rochester, NY.
USAPA National Tournament, November 6-14, 2011 Buckeye, AZ.

Do you have a tournament/round robin or fun social event that should be listed here?

Reporting in from the Region:

Jerry and Virginia Corker

Pickleball airs on FOX TV in Mobile! - Ambassadors from Mobile, AL invited the hosts of Studio 10, a daily program that airs on WALA Fox 10 in Mobile. AL, to join a few of their players for pickleball. They did ! Click on the video link below to see Fox hosts Cherish and Joe learning to play pickleball at the VIA Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center. Following the airing of the program, Jerry and Virginia will host pickleball introductory clinics at the center on three consecutive Thursdays during the month of May from 4-7 pm. GREAT PUBLICITY FOR OUR GAME - GREAT JOB!!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Rich and Donna Donald - Back in January we got a call from John and Pam Sterns who had never played pickleball , but were interested in knowing more about the game. They didn't live too far from the Meadow Pointe Picklers in Wesley Chapel so we put them in touch with one of the players there. In April, pickleball at The Groves in Land O'Lakes, Fl drew the attention of the local newspaper, the Land O'Lakes Patch. We got a very nice note from John and Pam. This is what being an ambassador is all about.

" We are grateful for your help in getting started. Thank you for answering all our questions in your long emails because it gave us the vital information we needed. Also for suggesting Don (Bass) at Meadow Pointe, who was great, as he welcomed us to play and try out the game. Thanks for telling us about USAPA and their grants that are available. We used that to help defray expenses of lines and nets for our community. We are delighted that everything has worked out so well."

CLICK HERE to read the newspaper article.

James Barry

News from Lakeland Florida/Polk County

This past March we had the 19th annual Polk County Senior Games. I introduced Pickleball into the games 5 years ago. In that time it has doubled in participation. Our Senior games, the biggest and best in Florida, has 92 activities within 36 events. PB has become one of our biggest. It is hosted by the Solivita Community who, with their 7 courts, do a wonderful job.

A few months ago, the Kelly Recreation Center in Lakeland, Florida introduced Pickleball inside. After a slow start it has progressed very nicely. Play is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

I have been consulting with a contractor who is to build PB courts in Orlando at a time share. Introducing PB at time share resorts seems to be a great opportunity.

Laura Patterson, Ambassador, Winston/Salem, NC.

Pickleball at North Davidson HS

Interest in pickleball has once again picked up in the Piedmont area. We had a real treat when Jim and Yvonne Hackenberg visited their family (daughter, son-in-law and grand children) in Clemmons, North Carolina in April. They performed a 2-day demo at North Davidson High School in Davie County. I wanted to be there to help out but our Senior Games were that week and I was participating in a few events. However, I was able to help them by supplying some paddles and balls. Here's what Jim had to say about the event:

"Laura, Thank you once again for obtaining the additional pickleballs and paddles for our demonstration at North Davidson High School last week. The kids absolutely fell in love with the game. They played it every day that week and the coaches said that's all the kids talked about. Our son-in=law even bumped into one of the students at Walmart and the kid said they all loved the game. The instructors, Coach Lambros and Coach Flynn also fell in love with the game. In fact, we couldn't get Coach Flynn off the courts - he played the entire period....... Thanks again, Laura, for all your help and support. North Carolina pickleball is on the move thanks to you!"

CLICK HERE for more pictures.

Laura also held a pickleball demonstration at River Landing at Sandy Ridge. The director contacted Laura and asked her to participate in Health Week at this Continuing Care Retirement Community. They took to the outdoor courts where participation grew from the initial three people to about 15, including the director and an 87 year old gentleman, an avid tennis player, who had to be coaxed by his friend to come and try. Of course he love the game ( he won!) and then she had a hard time getting him OFF the court. We now have an "avid pickleball player" who is already asking the staff when they are going to invest in some paddles and make this a regular activity! Great Story, Laura!!

CLICK HERE for full story and photos. photo's.

John Simpson The Post Family lives in Salisbury, NC an hour or less north of Charlotte. Searching the USAPA website they happened upon the name of our ambassador John Simpson. The decided to come down and visit with John and play a little pickleball. Needless to say the loved the game so much the went home to build their very own court and sent John the picture!. John tell us: "the two brothers were very good tennis players and injuries slowed them. Now one has a court and they are (pickleball) diehards." Want to see where they play now? Click Here

Rena Grant, Ambassador, Myrtle Beach Thanks to Eva Diekmann and Frank Nicollo, who did a great job coordinating the round robin tournament during International Pickleball Week and to Rich Brown who did a great job on may 6th with the "just for fun" mixed doubles tournament.

The introduction of pickleball at the Brightwater Assisted Living Home was cancelled due to weather, and is being rescheduled. Likewise the trip to Socastee High School is being rescheduled. On May 18th Rena is also scheduled to do a pickleball demonstration at the Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach.

We understand that the turnout for the first ever pickleball competition in the SC Sports Classics in Florence this month is excellent! We'll hear more about that next month!

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-03-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

March 15, 2011

The 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 New Ambassadors:

Jerry and Virginia Corker join us from Mobile,AL - Back in October of 2010, AL Ambassador, Bob Huskey met up with these two at the Pensacola Senior Games in Florida. He saw how much they loved the game and how hooked they were on our favorite pastime and he encouraged them to join him as Ambassadors for AL. From there Jerry and Virginia went on to the State Games in Louisiana and from there to becoming new grandparents! Now it was time to get serious and join Bob as our newest Ambassadors in AL. We look forward to hearing more about the growth of pickleball in Mobile!

Paul Meredith hails from Del Webb Spruce Creek, Summerville in Central Florida. Paul has played pickleball for the past five years, and for the past two years served as the President of the SCCCA Pickleball Club at Spruce Creek. During his tenure membership grew to over 300. He actively encouraged fellow Spruce Creek resident Jim Claycomb to run the annual Geezer Meister tournament, providing the club momentum to support him in making this year's first ever USAPA Sanctioned event in January 2011 highly successful. During his tenure, inter-community play was implemented along with beginner lessons that evolved into a "league of their own".
"Getting new people to play is what grows the sport. Then provide an
environment for personal growth and comradeship." Click Here for Ambassador Profile.

Scott Nelson joins our Ambassador family representing the Space Coast of Florida. He has only been playing pickleball for about 9 months.....but played Racquetball for 38 years and 35 of them competitively. He's been a teaching professional for 25 years and holds at least 200 tournament awards, has coached youth and racquetball clinics and a traveling youth team that consistently placed very high in competition. He's already been promoting the sport locally and is ready to support and grow pickleball on Florida's east coast.

Frank Kinder hails from Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC and comes very highly recommended by his joint Ambassador, Jane Harvey. Frank is an avid promoter of USAPA and loves the competition of the game. He has already joined up with fellow SC Ambassador from Myrtle Beach as a tournament director for the South Carolina Senior Sports Classics. Pickleball will be included in the States Senior Games for the very first time in May. Frank has also taken a lead role in generating inter-community play/competition in his area. Franks BIO has been added to our Ambassador Page. Click Here for Ambassador Profile.

We extend a very warm welcome to all of you to our Atlantic South Ambassador Family!!!

Pickleball on the High Seas:
By Jim Hisman, Ambassador- Charleston, SC

Del Webb held it's 50th Anniversary Cruise on February 14th through February 19th. There were 6 Del Webb communities involved in this cruise on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. There was Del Webb Charleston, Sun City Hilton Head, Sun City Carolina Lakes, Del Webb Deaton Creek and Del Webb Carolina Preserve.

When we were getting ready for the cruise, a friend of mine and a fellow officer of the Del Webb Charleston Pickleball Club came to me with an idea of playing Pickleball on this cruise. I said "what are you, crazy?" He went ahead and contacted all of the other Dell Webb's and there was a lot of interest. So I packed up th USAPA portable net system with a few pickleballs and we told everyone to bring their paddles.

On the first morning of the cruise we went up to the basketball court area to set up our court and was pleasantly surprised when there were over 20 pickleball pl-ayes just waiting for us! So we set up the net and lined off the court. We started playing and did not quit until the final day of the cruise.

Pickleball became the talk of the ship. It was brought up at shows, in the restaurants, in the dining room, in the elevators, at the pool, everywhere! We talked to the activities and cruise directors and they seemed real interested in adding it to future cruises. Even the Captain watched some play. Everyone had a great time, and we got to meet a lot of new friends and new pickleball players.

Click Here - to read Jim's complete article and see more pickleball cruise pictures!

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Collier County Sweetbay Senior/Open Games, Naples, Fl- This tournament took place on February 12th and 13th. Sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation, this was only the second year that pickleball was included in the games. Thanks to the hard work of tournament directors Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman and Jim Thomas from the Parks and Recreation Department pickleball has found a home in Naples. This note from Nancy Meyer says it all.

"To all the Participants of the Collier County Senior Games,

We would like to thank you all for your participation in the Collier County Tournament and making it a fun and exciting event! The listing of all the division winners are posted on the USAPA website under "Results". The tournament grew from 32 participant's last year to the official count of 94 this year!

The Collier County Parks and Rec has informed us that they will be lining 5 of the tennis courts to make 10 pickleball courts and purchasing the nets to go with it, at the East Napes site where the tournament was held."
For stories, pictures and tournament winners, Click Here

Lee County Senior Games, Ft. Myers, Fl Tournament: Nancy Meyer and Cindy Eddleman were also the tournament directors for this Florida Sports Foundation Sanctioned Senior Games event that took place at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center in Ft. Myers on February26th and 27. The two day double elimination tournament included doubles, mixed doubles and singles competition and more than 100 players registered to play this year. The largest turnout for this event to date. For story, pictures and winners, Click Here.

Spruce Creek Senior Games for Charity - Summerfield, Fl - Spruce Creek Pickleball Club hosted the pickleball event at their Del Webb Community in Summerville, Fl. from March 1-4, 2011. The tournament included men's and ladies doubles and mixed doubles competition in both the open age age bracket categories. Information and winners are posted on the SCCC Pickleball website.

South Central Florida Pickleball League Championship, Avon Park, Fl
It was just a short time ago, back in November of 2010 that Dave Majick had an idea. "The intent is to grow the sport of pickleball and o test our metal against the best in our area." And so he took on the lead role in creating league play in Central Florida. He met with pickleball leaders from their respective communities, and on January 22, 2011 the South Central Florida Pickleball League (S.C.F.P.L.) played their very first matches.

Dave writes: "On March 5th, the South Central Florida Pickleball League completed its first season, which by all accounts, was highly successful. The community concept, so familiar to those who, in years past, where used to town vs. town rivalries, struck a cord of pleasure. Highlands Ridge (Avon Park), Solivita (Poinciana), Tanglewood (Sebring), Lake Ashton (Lake Wales), and Rainbow Resorts (Frostproof) completed a four game schedule that led to the seeding for the end of the year's, highly competitive, shootout tournament that was held at Highlands Ridge

So to the winners! Congratulations Solivita. Display your banner with pride! Well earned! Well done!

(A sincere thanks to: Mark Telfer, Tim Diefenderfer, Larry Judd, Lloyd Forsyth, and my club at Highlands Ridge)" Click Here to read MORE.......

Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl - Pickleball was played on March 8th and 9th and sponsored by Publix and Solivita/Avatar Properties. This was a modified double elimination tournament featuring doubles, mixed doubles, and singles competition on the beautiful courts at the Solivita Community in Poinciana, Fl. The Senior Games this year continue to bring in more players, and the Polk County Games were no exception. Hats off to the Solivita Smashers Pickleball Club on a well organized and well run event. Winners will be posted at http://www.polkseniorgames.org/ For story and pictures Click Here.

Polk County will also be the Host Community for the 2011 Florida State Championship Games.

Heartland Senior Games, Sebring, Fl , Played in Highlands County on March 11th and 12th at the courts of Tanlgewood in Sebring Florida. This was a double elimination tournament for both ladies and men's doubles and mixed doubles competition, best two out of three games in the winners bracket and all medal matches, and one game to 15 in the consolation bracket . Congratulations to tournament director, Mark Telfer and all of the volunteers from the Tanglewood Pickleball Club for two fun filled days and a very well organized event. Watch the Atlantic South website for story and pictures.........coming soon.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

For more information and registration links go to our Atlantic South Website: www.south.usapa.org

Beginner Workshop and Skills Workshop,Tringali Rec Center, Englewood, Fl., March 14, 2011
Collier County Games, Punta Gorda, Fl., March 19-20, 2011
Peace River OPEN (ages 35-49), Punta Gorda, Fl, March 19-20
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl., March 21-22, 2011.
Pickleball Beginner Classes, Spruce Creek PB Club, Summerfield, Fl, March 21,22, and 23, 2011
Cherokee County Senior Olympics, Canton, Ga., April 8, 2011
Annual Mid South Regional Pickleball Tournament, April 8-10, Mandeville, LA
Kings Point Pickleball Leagues Spring into Summer pickleball Shindig, Sun City Center, Fl April 9, 20
In-House Pickleball Tournament, Seminole Rec Center, Seminole, Fl., April 12, 2011

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

International Pickleball Week!!!

By David Johnson, USAPA Board Chair Media Relations

Google Doodle created by Steve Stone of Pickleball Iowa for International Pickleball Week. Nice work, Steve!!

We are scheduling the 2nd annual International Pickleball Week for April 11-17th this year. This is a terrific opportunity to generate awareness and publicity on a local, regional and national level. We encourage local clubs and organizations to schedule special events during this week.

Some options to consider at the local level:

Press releases to local media (I can help here with templates, media contacts, etc.)
Intro clinics - For the public, For schools and PE Teachers, For recreation centers, YMCAs, summer camps, etc.
Tournaments
Local and state proclamations

Contact me (media@usapa.org) with questions, suggestions or requests for help. I look forward to seeing some exciting activities at the local level.

South Carolina USAPA Volunteers love to teach pickleball......

By Jane Harvey, Ambassador, Indian Land, SC

In February, we started a program on Wednesday afternoons at the Riverside Rec Center for the Boys and Girls Club of York County. Our wonderful SCCL Pickleball Club has loaned us with 2 portable nets to use. The kids are enthusiastic about playing, though this is definitely a learning experience for the adults—the challenge being, how to grab and sustain the attention of 9-11 year-olds!

We are measuring success by small steps but know that the exercise and attention from caring adults are benefiting these children. We’re developing drills to help them focus and we’re working on control. (This is not baseball!) Having a high ratio of adults has been very helpful. I’m delighted to have had fantastic support from local USAPA members--Carl Thiel, Mary Anne Lindsey, Bob Bringas, Stan Wilson, Luis Lopez, Dorinda Reed, Fred Harvey, and co-ambassador Frank Kinder-- who have so generously volunteered to help with this program.

We just completed another session of our popular Pickleball 102 Clinic in SCCL. So far, 85 players have completed the course and we have another one scheduled with 18 more players this month. Designed to help players move more quickly beyond “novice” status, the clinic has proven to be very popular with a waiting list to get in. At every session, we talk about the work of the USAPA to grow the sport, encourage folks to check out the web site, and explain the benefits of joining. Click Here for story and photos.

Reporting in from the Region:

Alabama
Tom and Ann Earley (N. Georgia pickleball club) are in Arizona right now where Tom, with his partner Wayne, took first place in the Palm Creek 8th Annual pickleball tournament. Following the win, Tom has taken on the task of "coaching" providing pickleball clinics including a 3.5 Dink Clinic and Drop Shot Clinic. Yes - Tom puts in several hours of prep time......but he will repeat these clinics for his club back home in Georgia.

Florida
Rich and Donna Donald - RV'ers Love Pickleball too!! The courts at the Peace River Preserve in Wauchula Florida have seen a lot of pickleball this winter. With only two courts the paddles line up fast. As the wait time increases game points are reduces to 9 and sometimes to rally scoring. Players compete in tournaments and round robins and beginner and skills clinics are held regularly. The most recent skills clinic was held on March 4th. The Florida Senior Games do not require Florida residency - so several of the players have competed successfully in the Collier, Lee, Polk and Highland County games and will next be off to Punta Gorda for the Charlotte County Games.

North Carolina,
Rick Laskey reports that in April, pickleball will be added once a week to the after school program and the Jacksonville Commons Gym in Jacksonville, NC.

Sylvia Fletcher The Warrenton, SCCS Wellness Pickleball Club held an introduction to pickleball on March 5th at the Warren County Memorial Library and she featured a Support Raffle. Money from the raffle will be used to pay for an additional net so that two courts can be set up for the players.

South Carolina,

Jim Hisman -The winners of the March Drop In Tournament were Mike Brice and Judd Hunt. Since we only had 5 teams this month we played a round robin with every team playing every other team. In the Finals Mike Brice and Judd Hunt beat Jim Hisman and Barb Hubbell 11-8 for the Championship.

Members of the Cane Bay Pickleball Club were scheduled to provide a pickleball demonstration and workshop at the Mt. Pleasant Tennis Courts on March 3rd.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-02-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

February 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassadors:

Robert Dean joins us from Ponte Vedra, Fl. Robert served on the planning committee for the Tellicao Village Pickleball Club in London, TN before moving to Ponte Vedra in December of 2010. At Riverwood at Nocatee eight pickleball courts are now under construction and will open early this summer. Robert will be heading up the pickleball program there.

Sylvia Fletcher joins us from Warrenton, NC. Sylvia is very active at the Senior Center in Warrenton and served with Healthy Carolinians of Warren County for several years. She is new to the game of pickleball but already this year she has pickleball up and running at the John Graham Gym where she has held three beginner workshops. She plans to seek sponsors for equipment and mark off under used tennis courts for outside play, and will contact the Chamber of Commerce to promote pickleball as a way to draw tourists to her little town.

Welcome - both of you, to our Atlantic South Ambassador Family.

Pickleball Growth:

By the USAPA Board of Directors: ( February 2011, USAPA
e-pickleball news)

We all talk about how the USAPA and our sport in general is growing. Here are some statistics to support those assertions.

Let's start with USAPA membership. Total membership has grown the four years from the end of 2006 through the end of 2010 from 422 members to 2636 - a 625% increase!!

As of January 20,2011, the number of Places to Play has expanded incredibly. We have identified 954 Places to Play. That number includes 1331 indoor courts and 1450 outdoor courts, for a total of 2781 courts. Extrapolating from actual counts of players at reported locations, we estimate that based on an average of 20 players per court, there are now approximately 71,455 pickleball players in the U.S. and Canada. We believe that number is conservative.

The USAPA website traffic has also shown considerable increase. In May of 2006 there were 616 unique visitors to the site per day. As of December 2010, there were 3,225 visitors per day. You have only to look at the usapa.org home page from time to time to see the regularly updating new print and video articles on pickleball from all around the country on an almost daily basis. The sport is getting lots of press and seems to be popping up everywhere.
That's all good news! Your USAPA organization does its part in supporting and promoting pickleball through its training grants, Ambassador program, rules standardizations, marketing and media relations. And thanks to all of you, formal Ambassadors and informal ambassadors who carry the love of the game wherever you go and get more and more new people 'hooked'.

Keep up the good work!!

Recently in the Atlantic South News:

Florida Geezer Meister Tournament - Back in 2007 these games were called the Geezerjocks and in 2008 the Master Athlete event. Since 2009 its been known as the Geeezer Meister and in January of 2011 it was USAPA Sanctioned for the first time. Congratulations to Tournament Director, Jim Claycomb and the SCC Pickleball Club in Summerfield. The tournament drew players from across the State, the Region and beyond. 45 Men's doubles, 32 ladies doubles and 55 mixed doubles teams competed in this four day double elimination event. For stories, pictures and tournament winners, CLICK HERE

Pickleball for Paws, Benefit Tournament: Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald were the event coordinators for this event on January 25th at the Thousand Trails RV Preserve in Wauchula, Fl. The tournament was a huge success and raised nearly $750 in cash and a multitude of donated items for the homeless animals. Jill and Barry Edgley of H.A.R. T wrote:

"We cannot thank you enough for your efforts and wonderful caring nature. Everything you have raised in donated food, toys, cleaning materials, bedding has gone to some animals already. I have some very appreciative cats running around with their new toys, they love the old pickleballs." For story, pictures and tournament winners CLICK HERE.....

Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC - Staff members of the Jacksonville Recreation and Parks Department, Jo Jo Cariaso and Mike Wetzel were the tournament directors for this pickleball event. The turnout was great, with 31 players from South Carolina, 6 from Virginia and 20 players from North Carolina and six of our local ambassadors taking part in the competition. For those less competitive players "social" teams were set up. Players and Ambassadors from SC - give this event "two thumbs up"!!! Click Here for tournament winners.

Kings Point Winter In Paradise Pickleball Wing Ding: Louann Dubendorf of Kings Point in Sun City Center, Fl was the event coordinator for this 5th Annual Pickleball Wing Ding. This fun event offered players the option of playing in either the competitive or recreational draw. So young and old alike joined in, including 12 year old Zachary, from Wesley Chapel, Fl. Fifteen minute games were played in both the doubles and mixed doubles competition. Zachary and his partner took home 3rd place in the Recreational draw. For story, pictures and tournament winners CLICK HERE.

Cypress Cove -Third Annual Pickleball Tournament= Sixteen players and many more spectators came out on a beautiful Saturday for this Fun Tournament at Cypress Cove Resort in Kissimmee, Fl. With players coming in from as far away as Nashville to compete against the best players from Cypress Cove, the competition was spirited and friendly for the double-elimination tournament. Everyone had a great time playing in perfect weather conditions, with a superb picnic lunch served afterwards under the warm Florida sun. Another Cypress Cove pickleball fun tournament is coming up in March.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events:

For more information and registration links go to our Atlantic South Website: www.south.usapa.org

Collier County Senior Games and Open Tournament, Naples, Fl., February 12-13, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft.Myers, Fl., February 26-27, 2011
Emergency Squad Benefit Jamboree, Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fl., March 2011
Bonita Bay Pickleball Club Winter Social, Bonita Bay, Fl., March 2, 2011
Saturday Drop In tournament,Cane Bay Pickleball Club, Charleston, SC., March 3, 2011
Spruce Creek Senior Games for Charity, Del Webb, Spruce Creek, Summerfield, Fl. Feb.22 - March 4, 2011
Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl., March 8-9, 2011
Heartland Senior Games, Sebring, Fl, March 11-12, 2011
Charlotte County Senior Games, Punta Gorda, Fl., March 19-20, 2011
Peace River OPEN (ages 35-49), Punta Gorda, Fl, March 19-20
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl., March 21-22, 2011.
First Annual PB Tournament, March 26-27, Key West Florida
Annual Mid South Regional Pickleball Tournament, April 8-10, Mandeville, LA

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

An INVITATION... to all Atlantic South Region Pickleball Players!!!

Players from the Mid South Region will be meeting up in Mandeville, LA on April 8-10 for the Annual Mid South Regional Pickleball Tournament. Tom Burkhart, Regional Ambassador for the Mid South Region has extended an invitation to all of us here in the Atlantic South to join in on the fun and competition in Mandeville, LA, less than 30 miles north of New Orleans.

Meet and Compete and have a great time, with players from AR, LA, MS, AK, TN, TX and beyond, in this USAPA Sanctioned Tier 3 Round Robin. USAPA members get into the social free and also have a reduction in their registration fees. 15 AC courts with lunch on Fri & Sat provided!! Call your partner now!!!! CLICK HERE for more information about the tournament, lodging and registration.

Reporting in from the Region:

Florida
Bob Taylor,Ambassador-Anna Maria Island, Fl. Bob reports that in just 10 weeks, the number of pickleball players at Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Bradenton Florida has grown to over 50. More than 40 of them had never played the game before and with so many players and just three courts they are working to get at least one more day added to the scheduled play time. One of our players at the Anna Maria Island Community Center (AMICC), Beppie Bongers, has been the driving force behind the start of pickleball at Peter and Paul.

One of the other pickleball players at the AMICC, Richard McGowan, has been trying to get GT Bray Park, also in Bradenton Florida, to “sponsor” or provide time for pickleball. Over 20 of AMICC and Peter and Paul players, using the three AMICC portable nets, went last Thursday to put on a pickleball demonstration in a brand new gymnasium completed last November. A repeat demo took place on Thursday, February 3. Unlike Peter and Paul Church there will be a cost to play at this location.

Longboat Key residents who play pickleball with AMICC also made the news recently trying to bring pickleball to their town. READ MORE

North Carolina
Earl Cunningham, Ambassador, Gastonia, NC - An "introduction to pickleball" tournament was held at the Bessemer City gym in Gaston County. Congratulations to the winners of the double elimination tournament, Kim Queen and Furman Higgins. These two went undefeated!!

On January 31st, Earl, along with the Bessemer City Recreation Director instructed 10 senior citizens in the game of pickleball. This was a part of the Gaston/Lincoln County, NC Senior Games program. The official Senior games in N.C. start in March, 2011 and they have included pickleball this year.

South Carolina

Jane Harvey, Ambassador - Indian Land, SC - players from Sun City Carolina Lakes competed in the Benefit Senior Tournament in Jacksonville, NC. " We had a great time ........ and Rick Laskey made sure all of us had our picture taken with the (USAPA) banner. We'll have those photos on the Sun City website shortly." Back at Carolina Lakes,, the pickleball club has set up a competition committee in an effort to encourage some friendly competition with groups outside the community. Jane has also been in contact with the marketing director for the city of Rock Hill. There is a great recreation program there and Jane is confident that pickleball can become a part of that program.

Rena Grant, Ambassador- Myrtle Beach, SC - reports that again this year she is working with the Choose to Lose program at the Pepper Geddings Recreation Center and in just three weeks has introduced 48 people to the game of pickleball.

On January 7th and 14th, four fellow players joined Rena at the St. Andrews School where they taught 145 children from 4th through 8th grade. "It was a little difficult with just ONE portable net, but they loved the game and had a great time."

Rena was also recently notified that the South Carolina Sports Classic will officially include Pickleball in their Senior Games. The demonstration that the group put on last year paid off. 2012 will be a qualifying year for the National Senior Sports Classic so Rena is hopeful that pickleball will be offered in the National Games in 2013.

And 14 players from Myrtle Beach entered the tournament in Jacksonville, NC. "We have no one at my age, so I am playing with a 67 year young man in mixed and a 72 year young woman!!! "

Jim Hisman, Ambassador, Summerville, SC - South Carolina Ambassadors were all just recently notified, that pickleball has been added as a sport in their State Games this year in Florence,SC and Jim has already recruited around 10 players from his Del Webb Cane Bay community.

He and some the other players are planning a trip to Mt. Pleasant Senior Center the first week of March for a demo and beginner workshop. They are hopeful that a weekly play schedule will be implemented for players in that location. He has also generated some interest at the Cane Bay High School in Summerville and the Summerville, YMCA.

Jim also reported that he is headed out for a cruise on the "Radiance of The Seas" for Del Webb's 59th anniversary cruise and all the Del Webb communities involved have been notified to pack their paddles because he's got the portable net for pickleball at sea. Have fun....and we want to hear all about it when you get back!!!

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-02-05T20:58:00.001-08:00

ATLANTIC SOUTH PICKLEBALL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

January 15, 2011

Welcome New Ambassador:

Please join me in welcoming our first new Ambassador of 2011. Earl Cunningham hails from Gastonia, NC - not too far from Charlotte. He has led a pickleball league for the past three years at his own private court, aided the boys/girls club in Bessemer City by donating paddles and balls and has helped the area recreation director in establishing an indoor court at the gym. We are so fortunate to have such an active pickleball promoter as a member of our Atlantic South Ambassador Family.

Recognition Ceremony - Sun City Carolina Lakes, SC..

The outgoing officers of the Sun City Carolina Lakes (SCCL) Pickleball Club, in Indian Land South Carolina, were honored at the Club’s holiday party in December. President Paul Peterson, vice-president Mary Anne Lindsey, and secretary Bonnie Peterson, pictured with SC ambassador Jane Harvey,were surprised when each of them were presented with a one year membership in USAPA. In recognition of the tremendous contribution the three have made to the growth of the sport in SCCL, local Jane Harvey, read a special welcoming letter from regional ambassador Donna Donald.

The history of the Club was read during the ceremony, but Ambassador Jane Harvey sums up the contributions of these three perfectly:........."stress what I feel are their greatest accomplishments from a USAPA perspective--under Paul's leadership, the Club has tried very hard to create a feeling of inclusiveness for all players. court courtesies have been stressed to 500+ Sun City Residents who have participated in the introductory sessions of Pickleball 101.

Paul, Bonnie and Mary Anne are all passionate about Pickleball and pass that love along to everyone who is willing to give it a try. The result, I think, is that we have a very large, active, social and enthusiastic Club here in Sun City, with over 400 registered players on line, and over 200 dues paying members.............who enjoy 4 fantastic parties a year..........get to participate in tournaments, and can take our popular Pickleball 102 clinics. CLICK HERE to READ THEIR STORY

Recently in the News........

Sweet Sport with Sour Name - The Atlantic South Region, and most specifically the pickleball players in The Villages, Fl are very proud of the segment that appeared on the CBS Early Show on December 17th. This is one of the very best segments that has aired on TV and one that promotes every aspect of our great sport. Read/Watch More

Pickleball Demonstrations, Workshops and Skills Clinics - On December 22nd, Tennis Pro Shop Manager, Andy Golden invited players and anyone else interested to come inside out of the cold! At the Carl E Sanders Family YMCA in Atlanta, GA. he transformed the indoor basketball courts into pickleball courts for an introductory pickleball demonstration and open play.

In Florida, Ambassador Rich Donald worked with seasoned players to sharpen their skills, providing workshops and technique training to the Sun City Center Pickleball Club on December 16th, and players at the Thousand Trails RV Park in Wauchula, Fl. in January.

Toys for Tots Pickleball Tournament- An Open Tournament for all levels of players was held at the El Santiago Recreation Center in The Villages, Fl., from December 13th - 17th. Instead of an entry fee, players were asked to donate a toy. A special thank you goes out to Jean Kiker and Tom Nonnemacher for organizing and directing this special tournament that gave back to the community. 74 toys were donated by the pickleball players to the Philip DeLong Marine Corp League Chapter 1267 Toys-for Tots campaign. Congratulations to the winners too!!

Men's Doubles: Champions -- Barry Gee & Jeff Christman.

Women's Doubles: Champions -- Deb Harrison & Nancy Nowak.

Mixed Doubles: Champions -- Don Piper & Lydia Fenster.

New Years Eve Pickleball Round Robin- Pickleball Players at the Thousand Trails RV Park in Wauchula, Fl ended the year pickleball style with a round robin competition. Players from nearby Torrey Oaks RV Resort joined in the fun. Eleven ladies and seventeen men arrived at 9:00 am to warm up. Players from age 15 to 70+ participated in a men's and ladies doubles competition. Youngsters Chris and Danny (pictured) showed their pickleball skills in some pretty competitive matches. The players regrouped at 8:00pm for pot luck, hot dogs over the open fire, dancing to the music of DJ Bobby Mack and a fun filled evening to welcome in a new pickleball year. CLICK HERE for Pictures and Story.

Upcoming Tournaments/Events....

For more information and registration links go to our Atlantic South Website: www.south.usapa.org

Geezer Meister Tournament - Summerfield, Fl January 12-15, 2011 USAPA Sanctioned (Tier4)
Intermediate Tournament, Benefit Childhood Cancer Program, The Villages, Fl. January 17-20, 2011
Beginner Tournament, Fish Hook-The Villages, Fl. January 20, 2011
Pickleball for Paws - Benefit Tournament, Wauchula, Fl.,January 25, 2011.
Kings Point Winter In Paradise Pickleball Wing Ding, Sun City Center, January 29, 2011
Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC, February 4-5, 2011
Cypress Cove Annual Pickleball Tournament, Kissimmee, Fl, Feb. 5, 2011
Collier County Senior Games, Naples, Fl February 12-13, 2011
Collier County OPEN (ages 35-49)Tournament, Naples, Fl, February, 12-13, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft.Myers, Fl., February 26-27, 2011
Spruce Creek Senior Games, Del Webb, Spruce Creek, Summerfield, Fl. March 1-4, 2011
Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl., March 8-9, 2011
Heartland Senior Games, Sebring, Fl, March 11-12, 2011
Charlotte County Senior Games, Punta Gorda, Fl., March 19-20, 2011
Peace River OPEN (ages 35-49), Punta Gorda, Fl, March 19-20
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl., March 21-22, 2011.
First Annual PB Tournament, March 26-27, Key West Florida
Annual Mid South Regional Pickleball Tournament, April 8-10, Mandeville, LA

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

International Pickleball
From North Carolina to the UK - From Florida to New Zealand

Mike and Nancy Falkenstein, Ambassadors-Franklin, NC: These two met up with a chap from the UK , a newcomer to Franklin, NC while out hiking with their hiking club. Learning that Mike was a badminton player they were sure they could interest him in a game of pickleball. As you've guessed by now - he did come out to learn the game, played for more than two hours and he loved it!! No surprise.........He returned to the UK for the Christmas Holidays and Mike and Nancy sent along some pickleball joy! They e-mailed him more pickleball information including a link to the recent CBS Pickleball Segment. Mike has since shared the segment with individuals and the local TV station in his area. Sounds like we'll get some new places to play in the UK .

Meanwhile down in Florida, Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald introduced a couple from New Zealand to our great game. The couple has been touring the US for almost two years and will be returning to New Zealand, with pickleball paddles in March.

If you have any news/information from your area that you want to share with our readers please send it to Donna Donald at: rddonald2@gmail.com

2011-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

ASR AMBASSADORS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
December 15, 2010

The Atlantic South Region (ASR) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. this newsletter is intended t 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.

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET?

DEADLINE: Entry forms must be received by January 8, 2011

GEEZER MEISTER
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
JANUARY 12-15, 2011

DEL WEBB SPRUCE CREEK
COUNTRY CLUB,
SUMMERFIELD, FL

This is a USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) Tournament that will feature four age groups, in mixed doubles, and men’s and women’s doubles.The age groups are 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+. Mark your calendars, and join us at Del Webb Spruce Creek Country Club, for some fun and competition. Tournament is open to all players, both Florida and non Florida residents. This tournament will be double elimination. This offers all participants at least two matches. Matches will be 2 out of 3 games in the winner’s bracket, and one game to fifteen in the loser’s bracket. Tournament pairings will be established by a random draw.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

.......Recently In The News...... and we have a lot this last month!!

2010 Rally Tally Jamboree - The Kings Point Pickleball League hosts two tournaments a year and participation has more than doubled in the past two years. A very special thanks to a great tournament director, Louann Dubendorf for making this mixed generation event one of the area's favorites. Among the players that day were Ambassadors from Ft. Myers, Venice/Sarasota and New Tampa. This was not just a Senior Event; players from 16 to 60+ enjoyed a day of recreational and competitive play. READ MORE

2010 Florida Senior Games State Championship - 162 Pickleball players competed at the Estero Community Center in Estero, Florida on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th. Pickleball ranked number one this year with more participants than any other sport in the Senior Games event . Player participation in pickleball increased almost 30% over 2009 and it is drawing players not only from across the state, but across the country. There was an excellent turnout of USAPA Ambassadors in attendance at our State Championship games. Florida Ambassadors: Russ Cuccia - Venice/Sarasota, Rich Donald- New Tampa, Cindy Eddleman- Ft. Myers, Nancy Myer- Ft. Myers, Rick and Karen Skaare, Summerfield, and Atlantic South Regional Ambassador, Donna Donald. And we sure hope our visiting Ambassadors had a great time; Bev and Ed Beyster- San Antonio, TX, Jan Pasternak-Houston, TX, and Tom Burkhart - Mid Atlantic Regional Ambassador. CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES AND STORY

Pickleball Clinics- Ambassador Bob Huskey introduced pickleball to some energetic players at their brand new court in Opelika Alabama on November 20th, and Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald introduced nine new RV'ers to the game, and held a skills clinic for a group of the regular players. Click here for OPELIKA, WAUCHULA

Pickled Pilgrim Pickleball Playoff - The North Georgia Pickleball Club courts were festive for this holiday event to benefit the Cherokee County Humane Society. Congratulations to the Pilgrims, Indians and Turkeys, some who travelled a great distance to take home some pretty great tournament prizes. Hosts, Tom and Ann Earley presented a check for $500 to Otis Moore of the local humane society. Another Great Pickleball Event. Great Shirts too!! READ MORE

IN HOUSE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT- November 29th, members of the Seminole Recreation Center participated in an In House Pickleball tournament. Open to members only. Everyone had a great time competing for those pickleball medals!!! This recreation center will host the Good Life Senior Games in March 2011. Read More

Holi-Daze II, The Geezers and Gals who play at the Bacall Recreation Center in The Villages, Fl celebrate the holiday season, pickleball style! They held their second annual Holi-Daze tournament on December 9th. Ambassador Al Rosati sent along this picture. All players were required to don their holiday attire for the festive pickleball event.

.....Upcoming Tournaments/Events....

For more information and registration links go to our Atlantic South Website: http://www.south.usapa.org/

Benefit Toys for Tots Pickleball Tournament, The Villages, December 13-17, 2010
Pickleball Skills Clinic - December 15, 2010, Sun City Center, Fl.
Pickleball Clinic and Pizza Party, Geezers and Gals, The Villages, Dec. 20, 2010
New Year's Eve Pickleball Round Robin - TT Peace River/Wauchula, Fl December 31, 2010
Geezer Meister Tournament - Summerfield, Fl January 12-15, 2011 USAPA Sanctioned (Tier4)
Pickleball for Paws, Benefit Tournament, Wauchula, Fl., January 25, 2011
Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC., February 4-5, 2011
Collier County Senior Games, Naples, Fl,February, 12-13, 2011
Collier County OPEN (ages 35-49)Tournament, Naples, Fl, February, 12-13, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft.Myers, Fl., February 26-27, 2011
Spruce Creek Senior Games, Del Webb, Spruce Creek, Summerfield, Fl. March 1-4, 2011
Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl., March 8-9, 2011
Heartland Senior Games, Sebring, Fl, March 11-12, 2011
Charlotte County Senior Games, Punta Gorda, Fl., March 19-20, 2011
Peace River OPEN (ages 35-49), Punta Gorda, Fl, March 19-20
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl., March 21-22, 2011.
First Annual PB Tournament, March 26-27, Key West Florida
Annual Mid South Regional Pickleball Tournament, April 8-10, Mandeville, LA

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

..... A Little More Pickleball News Across the Region....

Florida

Dave Majick from Highlands Ridge in Sebring Florida has taken the lead role in creating a League/Conference in the Central Florida area. Dave tells us: "The intent is to grow the sport of pickleball and to test our metal against the best in our area. Surrounding the growth and competitive nature of this endeavor, is the simple fun of playing the game of pickleball and the joy of, one more time, allowing the competitive juices to flow." Several of the pickleball leaders from their respective communities met at Torrey Oaks RV Resort this past week in hopes to set the foundation for the league and have their first matches played just after the new year. Included in this league are : Highlands Ridge and Tanglewood (Sebring), Solavita (Poinciana), Lake Ashton (Winter Haven), Peace River RV Resort (Wauchula), Torrey Oaks RV Resort (Bowling Green), and possibly the Sun City Center Club.

North Carolina

Rick Laskey reports that "there is now a 6-court indoor pickleball facility in Wilmington, NC. .... "I put the info on the Places to Play page on the USAPA website. Our gym here at the Jacksonville Commons has a new floor. We have been playing outside in the chilly weather, but look forward to going inside again on Dec. 6. There is a possibility of pickleball being offered at the New Bern NC Parks &Rec. Dept. I have a meeting with their center director in mid-December.

Connie and I have been invited as volleyball officials to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens Greece next Summer. We will be sure to take our pickleball stuff with us!!!"

South Carolina

Mike and Loretta Beckner , Aiken, SC - It was just a few months ago that these two were introducing pickleball at the Odell Weeks rec center in Aiken. Now the players are asking for more time to play - and a third day has been added to the schedule. Evening play will resume again in March.

"We are planning to start contacting other places after the first of the year, such as the YMCA and Gregg Park Civic Center. It may be possible to play at different times and these two places are not located that close to Odell Weeks, so we may get some new players. : ...so many players have gotten their own paddles, one even got her own net/standard and I think a couple have joined USAPA"

Rena Grant - Myrtle Beach, SC -"I will be helping at Pepper Geddings with the Choose to Lose program again this year. I also have been busy teaching alot of new people how to play Pickleball. 16 of our players and myself went to Socastee High School for a few days and taught 160 Sophomores the game. I really appreciate the help I get from our players to spread this wonderful game. Their names are: JoAnne Williams, Janie Young, Audrey & Jim Conary, Chris Fontaine, Faye and Pat Mills, Eva Dickmann, Maggie Clark, Dick Brown, Mary McCall, Doris Struthers, David Gould, Tony Marrace, Jolyn Kuhn and George Moustakis."

Rena has also contacted the Athletic Directors in 6 local high schools to introduce them to the game of Pickleball and has offered free instruction. On January 7th, she is booked at the St. Andrews Catholic School to teach pickleball to 5th through 8th grade, approximately 104 children. A USAPA portable net system is now absolutely necessary and is being ordered immediately, since she is finding nets are not always available at the school. Good thing she has all those fellow pickleball players to help her out!

"I am still waiting for "Doc" to approve Pickleball courts at Canal Street Recreation Center." and several of the players are planning a trip to Jacksonville, NC in February to participate in the Senior Pickleball Tournament there.

A message from your editor:

WISHING EVERYONE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

AND GREAT PICKLEBALL IN 2011

Before I hit the send button for this newsletter, I want to thank everyone out there for all the great pictures and articles and news on tournaments and events and pickleball stories that you've sent in this past year. With your help we have created a great communication tool for pickleball players in our Region, both with our newsletter and our Atlantic South Website. Our Region has experienced some phenomenal growth in places to play, tournament play, USAPA memberships and so many of you have taken a leadership role in promoting this game in your area and across the country. Let's have even more fun in 2011 !!

KEEP SWINGING

Donna Donald

2010-12-01T15:44:00.000-08:00

ASR AMBASSADORS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
November 15, 2010
The Atlantic South Region (ASR%) E-Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month to all ASR Ambassadors. this newsletter is intended t 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 WELCOMES TWO NEW AMBASSADORS.........
Lawrence Judd, Winter Haven, FL. Larry was introduced to pickleball at Lake Ashton, and active adult community in Winter Haven, back in October 2009. He has acted as the facilitator of the game since then, providing group lessons for new players. During the summer months Larry enjoys the game in Long Island, NY. He hopes to be able to introduce pickleball to the Board of Huntington to promote town-wide recreational programs at the adult and child summer programs, and to get a pickleball league added to the adult recreational programs run by the local school districts. "Here at Lake Ashton in Winter Haven we presented before our CDD Board the need for dedicated pickleball courts. Recommendation seemed well received and we are going ahead with developing ideas for fundraising to support the costs. Any resources you may know of for effective fundraisers would be appreciated. ....... "Like many developments in Florida, the number of vacant homes and unsold plots is tremendous and this developer needs to do something to attract people. We will never be The Villages size but want to be known as a mini-Mecca for pickleball."

Donald Wheeler, Hilton Head Island, SC. Donald and his wife learned to play pickleball about two years ago from Indian Land, SC Ambassador, Jane Harvey. Over the past summer the three of them have been busy playing several times a week, but also recruiting and teaching new players the game. Hilton Head Island is the second largest barrier island on the East Coast, with a population of only 35-40,00, but it attracts 2 million visitors a year. That along with the numerous hard surface tennis court, open to the public, it is a perfect location to recruit new plays, build a strong pickleball community and perhaps showcase our great sport one day soon. He has already acquired permission to chalk pickleball lines on the courts at the south end of the island, and has requested permission to do the same at the northern end. "I feel that offering free lessons with free use of equipment (we have enough for 8 people) as well as free court time, a consistent play time, both in the morning and evening on different days to accommodate the working and retired populous, would generate interest in the sport on HHI."

… ANNUAL REGIONAL UPDATE.....
In November of 2009 we submitted our strategic plans for reaching our 2010 goals for the promotion and growth of pickleball and memberships in the Atlantic South Region. Several of our Ambassadors documented their objectives and submitted written mini plans for their specific areas to support our Regional Plan. In May of this year we recapped our mid year progress. Here's a recap of yearly results.

Ambassador Program
We are so fortunate to have such an energetic and goal oriented group of Leaders who continue to promote the growth of our game and USAPA membership. We currently have 41 Local Ambassadors representing our Region. AL-3, FL-25, GA-1, NC-9, SC-11. Since November 1, 2009 we have welcomed 18 new Ambassadors to our Ambassador Family. 6 in Florida (Bonita Springs, Sebring, Venice Sarasota, Winter Haven, Palm Beach County), 6 in North Carolina (Jacksonville, Winston-Salem, Robbinsville, Franklin, Marion County) and 8 in South Carolina (Conway, Myrtle Beach and N. Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Pendleton, Chester and Indian Lake). Additionally we welcomed two Ambassadors At Large who were assigned to our Atlantic South Region.

Places to Play (PTP)
We experienced growth in every single State in our Region and surpassed our goal for the year. Our objective was to experience a 38% gain in the number of places to play across the Region.
South Carolina - 275% growth - 11 new locations
Alabama- 150% growth - 3 new locations
Florida - 81% growth - 30 new locations
Georgia 100% growth - 3 new locations
North Carolina - 67.5% growth - 5 new locations
The Atlantic South Region increased the number of places to play from 54 to 106 since November 1st, 2009 (96.3%)

USAPA Membership
We did not achieve our year end goal to reach a total Regional membership of 350. Each State with the exception of Florida experienced excellent growth. Florida recruited the highest number of new members, but the exceptional number on non-renewed memberships resulted in an overall loss. The numbers for SC, NC and GA are outstanding! The State of South Carolina was #1, not just in our region, but countrywide for the largest member percentage gain. Congratulations!!!
SC - 44 new memberships - 860% growth
NC - 20 new memberships, 160% growth
GA - 27 new memberships, 66.6% growth
AL - 1 new memberships, 33.3% growth
FL - 45 new memberships, -32.7% net loss
The Atlantic South Region welcomed 137 new members but with an increasing number of memberships not renewed, we experienced an overall decrease in Regional membership of 5.8%. Regional Membership as of Oct. 31, 2010 was 324.

The Atlantic South Region had a phenomenal year! You can read all about that success and the people who made it happen. Click Here for the complete 2010 Annual Report.

.......Recently In The News......
Beaufort Jasper Senior Games - What a pickleball success! What a great turnout for these Senior Games. Mixed doubles were played On Monday Nov. 1st at the New River Sports Park; the doubles competition on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Havens at New Riverside. Ambassador Joe Huber was the Pickleball Event Leader and says that registration was up quit a bit from last year. Per event: 74 in Mixed Doubles, 40 in Men's Doubles and 48 in Woman's Doubles for a total of 162. (Some of whom played in both the doubles and mixed competitions.) Pickleball from this event was also featured in about a 45 second segment on the Savannah Fox Local News.
First Annual Northern Neck Tournament - Ambassadors at Large - Ron and Connie Monson directed the first ever pickleball tournament in Topping Va., on October 7th. There were twenty two participants in the tournament, which featured women's doubles, men's doubles and mixed doubles brackets. Our oldest participant was Jinks Holton, the wife of ex-governor of Virginia, Linwood Holton, age 85. The competition was stiff and everyone had a great day of fun. Each player paid $10 to participate and received a great pickleball T-Shirt. The Northern Neck YMCA has been very supportive of pickleball. Connie tells us: The local newspaper did a terrific editorial about Pickleball, which has brought in several new players. The YMCA has purchased 3 court set ups and is purchasing a 4th. We have been advised that the YMCA intends to build 2 outdoor courts as soon as the funds become available. We look forward to having Ron and Connie back in Florida after the holidays.

Thanks to the generous invitation from Page Sutton, Ambassador-Williamsburg, Va several of our Atlantic South players travelled to participate in their first ever tournament!. Congratulations to Florida winners Dave and Debbie Christian, who winter at Thousand Trails/Orlando and Deer Creek in Davenport, Fl, and to Kings Point, Sun City Center player, Gary Ball. And congrats to directors Page Sutton and Jerry Dickerson on a great event.

North Georgia Pickleball Club has certainly caught the attention of the media. A recent note from Trevor Keller, Producer/Editor, PBA30 (Public Broadcasting Atlanta) "I believe you’ve heard about us through Tom and Ann Earley with the North Georgia Pickleball Club… we were out shooting a segment about their club several months ago. I just wanted to let you know that our next episode of “This is Atlanta” featuring that segment will air on PBA 30 (WPBA-TV) in Atlanta on Wed. October 27th at 10 pm, in HD. The episode will also re-air several times in November !"

On November 7th they were in the news again - this time, featured in article by Michelle Hiskey, ESPN Page 2 (espn.go.com), titled:
Pickleball isn't what you Think - really , GREAT JOB!!

USAPA National Tournament - A special thank you to those players who represented the Atlantic South Region at the USAPA National Tournament in Buckeye, AZ, and a big CONGRATS to the winners:
Phil Bagley, The Villages, Fl - Silver Medal/Adult Men's Doubles 35+
Steven Dunn, Cartersville, GA
Paul Colleta, Flat Rock, NC - Silver Medal/Young Adult Men's Doubles
Cindy Eddleman, Ft. Myers, Fl
Lydia Fenster, The Villages, Fl - Bronze Medal/Open Mixed Doubles, Gold Medal/Ladies Singles 50+, Gold Medal/Senior Mixed Doubles 50+
Rick Laskey, Jacksonville, NC
Nancy Meyer, Ft. Myers, Fl
Dick Movsessian, The Villages, Fl - Silver Medal/ Adult Men's Doubles 35+
Laura Patterson, Winston/Salem, NC
Jeff Shank, The Villages, Fl - Bronze Medal/ Senior Men's 55+, Gold Medal/Senior Mixed 50+

.....Upcoming Tournaments/Events....

Watch for more information on these events on our website. Click on Tournament/Event for more information (where available
Rally Tally Jamboree, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL, November 13, 2010
Scott Green Tournament, Plantation of Leesburg, Fl (Members Only) November 19 & 20, 2010
In House Pickleball Tournament, (Members Only), Seminole Recreation Center, November 29, 2010
Pickled Pilgrim Playoff, Canton, GA, November 20-21, 2010
Florida Senior Games State Championships, Lee County, Fl, December 4th and 5th, 2010
Geezer Meister Tournament- Summerfield, Fl - January 12-15,2011 USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4)
Benefit Hardee County Animal Rescue (HART), Wauchula, Fl - Date TBD (Jan/Feb-2011)
Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC February 4-5, 2011
Collier County Senior Games, Naples, Fl, February, 12-13, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft. Myers, Fl, February 26-27, 2011
Polk County Senior Games, Poinciana, Fl, March 8-9, 2011
Charlotte County Senior Games, Punta Gorda, FL, March 19-20, 2011
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl. March 21-22, 2010
Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

.....More Pickleball News Across the Region....

Florida
Garf Cooper, Beginner Program Chairman, Pickleball Advisory Committee, The Villages: CBS recently filmed a pickleball segment for the CBS Morning Show at The Villages, Fl. The CBS Morning Show is broadcast countrywide - so this will be some serious publicity for our great game. We don't know yet exactly when the segment will air - but we will keep you posted. A note from Garf following the filming:

"I don't have any update reference the CBS Early morning show report. However, I can tell you that the crew was very pleased with the support and enthusiasm for Pickleball. I expect a very positive story line to emerge. We filmed open play at Sea Breeze with 24+ players during open play and 24 new Resident Students for the PB 101 course then traveled via Golf Cart to Lake Miona for more open play and a CBS - Villages challenge match. There were 16 players a Miona. After the crew completed their planned shoot with the "Pickleball-cam" they took the opportunity to play several games of Pickleball which I thought was a tribute to the Pickleball fun-factor and our tenacious Villages Pickleball Players. They would not let the CBS crew sit down. "

Jim Claycomb, Summerfield, FL, The 2011 USAPA (Tier 4) Sanctioned Geezer Meister Tournament is scheduled for January 12-15, 2011. Jim tells us that they have already started receiving entry forms for this event, but asks us to remind everyone that REGISTRATION IS OPEN! There are also a couple ambassador housing opportunities for a few players who maybe wouldn't be able to come otherwise. Communication to that affect was mailed to several of you recently. Ambassador Rick Skaare will be beginning some 'referee' training soon. Please share this information with the pickleball leagues, clubs in your area.

Bruce and Gena Whitehead, Venice/Sarasota, Fl These two were RV'ing out of state this summer and spent most of their time in TN. Before heading back to Florida this month, Bruce tells us that : Gena and I attended a meeting with Wayne Matthews, the Crossville Ambassador. The purpose of the meeting was to get Pickle ball going at the City-run youth center with making up some budget cuts by offering indoor pickleball to several different communities and all age groups in the area. Wayne and I made a presentation and then the three of us and a friend did a demonstration game. What was supposed to be a quick meeting ended up much longer as they all had to get on the court and try the game. It was real effective, though, and the board was very impressed and energized. They have enough room for 4 indoor courts, so I hope Wayne can keep the interest up. Maybe when we return in May, we'll have a new venue to play. He and Gena are now ready for the winter competition here in Florida - starting it off next week at the Rally Tally Tournament at Kings Point, and then on to the various Senior Games. Later in the winter clinics are being planned in the Venice/Englewood area.

Coleen Blakely, Ambassador, Conch Republic, Fl Here is the latest from Key West: We were given permission from Monroe County to paint pickleball lines on two of the existing tennis courts at Higgs Beach Park. We spent the first part of Sunday morning measuring, taping and painting the lines. It was exciting playing pickleball for the first time on our newly painted courts. Stay tuned for information on our first pickleball tournament to be held sometime in March or April of next year. In the meantime, please come join us every Sunday morning from 8:30 until whenever we stop. Come "Get Pickled in Key West".

Bob Taylor, Ambassador, Anna Maria Island, Fl Bob reports that pickleball at the Anna Maria Island Community Center (AMICC) continues to grow and that their group has recently introduced pickleball in nearby Bradenton, Fl. At AMICC, PB club members are contributing $10 each to pay for the cost of three new USAPA portable nets and to help defray ongoing cleaning and re-taping costs. Members play six days/week and with sometimes 35 players arriving to enjoy the game, it was necessary to re-tape the gym floor to increase the number of courts from two to three

A fourth portable net was purchased through the USAPA Grant program to introduce pickleball at "Peter & Paul" church on 75th St. in Bradenton Florida. Avid AMICC PB Club member, Beppie Bongers, is a member of the church and after almost a year, was successful in getting the church officials to try pickleball. "These two demonstrations went extremely well. Church officials were very pleased with the overall response and have authorized the taping of the gym's two double badminton courts, and play twice a week for three hours. The church is also purchasing a second USAPA portable net so that two courts will be available for players.

Rich and Donna Donald, Ambassadors, New Tampa, Fl
We have been working with the manager of the Peace River RV Park to manage the pickleball activity during the winter season. She is working to get us a large board to locate near the courts where we can advertise, beginner and skills clinics, open, beginner and challenge play schedules and tournament and round robin activities, and has already purchased prize ribbons. We are coordinating with Stan and Sally Michalski, who manage pickleball at nearby Torrey Oaks RV Resort to schedule alternating fun and competitive events twice monthly. We are all working jointly to schedule a benefit tournament for the local animal rescue team after the first of the year.

Rich has been contacted by Mike Perkins of the Sun City Pickleball Club to hold a skills clinic on December 13th.

Don Meader of the Forest Lake Estates in Zephyr Hills recently contacted us. Forest Lakes is a very active over 55 community where there is already a lot of tennis, golf, horseshoes etc, and they are in the market for a new sport! They've heard about pickleball, but never seen the game played. A few if the community residents saw that pickleball was a popular sport when they were visiting at The Villages. Our group at Meadow Pointe, in Wesley Chapel has invited Don and a few of their potential players to our courts to watch the game, grab a paddle and participate in a training session and like most of us, immediately get hooked on the game. The latest update: A group from Meadow Pointe will travel to Forest Lakes for a "ground-breaking" ceremony to demonstrate the game, introduce new players and share in a cookout! In the meantime Don is looking for anyone who may have some "used pickleball paddles" that they might use for training until players purchase their own. If you have suggestions or know of someone - please let us know.

North Carolina
Laura Patterson, Ambassador, Winston-Salem, NC
On Friday, October 22, 2010 the seniors at the Culter Senior Center in High Point, NC were introduced to pickleball and life and/or fitness will never be the same at Culter Senior Center! I had a couple of the women from my softball team there and they rounded up about 12 people for the Demo (mostly ping pong or table tennis players). The center does not have a gym so we had to set up in a multi-purpose room. I made the court 36 by 20 due to the size of the room and made the NVZ 5 feet instead of 7 feet....just wanted to give them an idea of what the game was going to be like. Fun was had by everyone and by the end of the session the seniors were asking when was I coming back.

John Simpson, Ambassador-Charlotte, NC
About this time last month John received an e-mail from Chad White, program director at the YMCA Camp Thunderbird. This camp is located just outside of Charlotte, NC on the banks of Lake Wylie, SC. It has the traditional summer camp program and other activities during their off-season. Been around a long time and serves a large number of children.
He read of pickleball in a magazine for summer camps ...........Meeting was a week ago today and went very well..........enthusiastic about adding pickleball and enjoyed playing the game too. We discussed costs (or lack thereof) to get started and they are able to use tennis courts with no problem. I emphasized the fact that a younger camper would easily be able to play with an older one because size and power are not as important as in tennis. Chad also said he was sure the counselors would love to play too. We agreed to return and do a clinic for the staff, if they so chose. Delivered one of the USAPA dvds for them to watch and offered whatever assistance they might need to get started. My update/plan is:

1. work with Chad White, program director, and the staff of Camp Thunderbird to add pickleball to their roster of activities next summer. This may involve some demonstrations with staff and any planning assistance as needed. My mixed doubles partner and chief consul, Dorothy Williams, has helped with this too.

2. support growth of pickleball in Piedmont area of North and South Carolina through continued consults with people interested in "growing" the sport in their area.

This past weekend, a family of four came over to try and may put in a court in their yard. They live in Salisbury, NC, which is 45 miles northeast of Charlotte. The father and his brother have been 4.5-5.0 tennis players and orthopedic problems have helped them see the advantages of pickleball. One of them has two sons, (10,13) who want to add pickleball to their school's roster of activities. As you might guess, they LOVE playing because the predictable differences in age, size, power are not as important.

With comparatively few resources in Charlotte, building pickleball availability is based on building interest first. We are quickly doing that.

South Carolina
Jane Harvey, Ambassador Indian Land, SC
If not already, Jane should very soon be back at home in Sun City Carolina Lakes, SC. Before leaving NY state, she and her husband, Fred both participated in the Rochester first ever sanctioned tournament and brought home the silver medal in their age group!! They stayed very busy in NY this summer. "We also helped paint official lines on two public tennis courts; Taught 3 sessions of Pickleball 101; Mentored new players at the local Rec. Center; and I was invited by the local Y to teach there. I also networked with a local racquet sports store to promote the USAPA--it's the only place locally to buy racquets and balls."

When she arrives back in SC......... I'm new to the area, so I have to do some scouting to see what kinds of organizations there are that might be interested in having a pickleball program. I'd really like to teach some young people. We have a huge club in Sun City, and I'm confident there are folks who would be willing to help teach the game in new venues. Also, to help with continuity, since I'm not there year 'round, I hope to recruit a co-ambassador.

If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter or a story for our readers on our Website, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com

2010-11-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

Atlantic South Region
2010 Mini Plan - Annual Progress/Update

Ambassadors Reporting Progress Updates

Donna Donald	Regional Ambassador
Tim and Laura Statum, Bob Huskey	Alabama
Colleen Blakely, Rich Donald, Cindy Eddleman, Nancy Meyer, Al Rosati, Mary Selby, Robert Taylor, Donald Schildhaus, Robert and Mary Beth Bellomo, Ron and Conne Monson,Bruce & Gena Whitehead	Florida
Rick Laskey, Laura Patterson, John Simpson, Mike & Nancy Falkenstein, Jan Sharp, Liz Velazquez	N. Carolina
Carla Black, Jerry Eamer, Rena Grant, Jim Hisman, Bill Smith, Mike & Loretta Beckner, Joe Huber,	S. Carolina
Special Thanks to the following individuals who played a major role in our Results	Florida - Louann Dubendorf, Mike Perkins, Jeff Prosansky, Pat Zwolenski, Stan and Sally Michalski, Jim Claycomb, Garf Cooper Georgia - Dr. Tom and Ann Earley New York - Jack Beck, Ambassadors, Ron Farra, Rona Sherman Michigan Ambassador, Gary Bejin, Anita Marcus

States, and USAPA Members

	October 2009	April 30, 2010	October 31, 2010	Percentage Change	New Members
Alabama	3	3	4	33.3%	1
Florida	299	198	201	- 32.7%	45
Georgia	27	36	45	+66.6%	27
North Carolina	10	20	26	+ 160%	20
South Carolina	5	38	48	+860%	44
Atlantic South Region	344	295	324	-5.8%	137

* In mid 2009, The Villages Ambassadors pushed for USAPA membership to take the title away from Surprise, AZ. They were very successful. However, since that time, the majority of those one year memberships have expired. Reminders are sent to all expiring memberships. Florida, however on a whole brought on 45 newmembers including 10 from The Villags. South Carolina had the largest growth percentage of any state in the Country! Congratulations.

Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have had phenomenal success. !

Recreational	Find New Places to Play	The Goal for the Atlantic South Region for the year was to increase PTP from 54 to 75 for an increase of 38%. We have already surpassed our goal for the year, and we will continue on. AL Increase from 2 to 5 - 150% FL Increased from 37 to 67 -81% GA Increased from 3 to 6 - 100% NC Increased from 8 to 13 - 67% SC Increased from 4 to 15 - 275% Atlantic South Region, Increased from 54 to 106 places to play - 96.3% increase!
	Mixed Generation	SC - Introduced pickleball to Georgetown High School. Students worked to raise funds to buy pickleball equipment.Ongoing pickleball club now. (Carla Black) SC- Introduced pickleball and played one one one with more than 100 Socastee High School Students and to students at N. Myrtle High School. (Rena Grant, Jerry Eamer, Bill Smith) Fl - Ambassadors teamed up with FOTR (Families on the Road) to teach the whole family and include them in open play. Players from 8 to 80 participated in open play at the Thousand Trails RV Park. Fifteen year olds competed with adults in the parks scheduled Round Robin events. Boy Scout Troop learns the game and played with Wesley Chapel's Meadow Point Players. Fun events at Kings Point in Sun City Center, always includes players of all ages. (Rich Donald) NC/SC/FL - Introduced at local YMCA's and Kids Summer Camps in NC and Fl ( Laura Patterson, Liz Velazquez). Special training classes for Special Needs Adults, Children and even Special Olympic Coaches. ( Rena Grant, Rick Laskey Liz Velazquez,). Pickleball introduced to students at the Ward Elementary School in North Carolina. ( Laura Patterson)
	Beginner Clinics	AL -Beginner training is available and has been provided at the Maurice Recreational Center in Graysville, AL (Tim and Laura, Statum). Working with local recreation director to introduce pb at new courts in Opelika. (Bob Huskey) GA -Beginner training is available and has been provided in Canton, GA on a regular basis. (Tom and Ann Earley) FL - Ambassador Rich and Donna Donald provided beginner training for the following: Peace River RV Park, Wauchula, Fl - (bi-weekly) Torrey Oaks RV Resort, Bowling Green, Fl Lake Magic RV Resort, Clermont, Fl ( now listed as new PTP) Highland Lakes, Leesburg, Fl Ruskin, Fl - Golf and Boating Resort -(now listed as new PTP) Valencia Lakes - Waumauma, Fl - (now listed as new PTP) There is a very structured beginner training program in place at The Villages, Fl Fl- Bob Taylor/Mary Selby - provided beginner clinics: Lakewood Country Club Sarasota Country Club Fl - Cindy Eddleman and Nancy Meyer - provided beginner clinics: Faith Presbyterian Church - Cape Coral ( now listed as new PTP) Sabal Springs Community - Ft. Myers Gulf Waters Community, Ft.Myers Carefree Resort and other active adult communities in the Ft. Myers area. FL - Donald Schildhaus introduced pickleball to the Citrus Hills Community and to the City of Bonita Springs Recreation Center. (now listed as new PTP) FL - Robert and Mary Beth Bellomo introduced pickleball to the Sun N Lake Community in Sebring, Fl (now listed as new PTP) FL - Beginner Clinics are regularly scheduled at Active Adult Communities. (The Villages, Spruce Creek, Plantation of Leesburg, Highland Lakes, Tanglewood/Sebring, Carefree Resort- Ft. Myers, Leesburg and Hawthorne) NC - Laura Patterson did demonstrations/beginner clinics at the following: Winston Salem Lake Family YMCA(now listed as new PTP) Kernersville, NC YMCA, Rupert Bell Recreation Center Also introduce pickleball at the Woman's Senior Masters Racquetball Championship in Gaithersburg, MD NC - RickLaskey - Beginner clinic at Heritage Square Senior Community.(Rick Laksey) SC - Rena Grant Jerry Eamer and Carla Black, Bill Smith provided beginner clinics at the Socastee and/or Georgetown High Schools and the North Myrtle Beach High School. Rena also did a beginner clinic at Midway Park in Myrtle Beach and does beginner training on a regular basis at the Recreation Center. Bill Smith also does beginner training at the Recreation Center. SC - Training for beginners is scheduled on a regular basis in Active Adult Communities: ( Lakeside, Conway, SC. (new PTP), Dell Webb Cane Bay, SC, Sun City Carolina Lakes, Sun City Hilton Head) SC -Jan Singer worked with city officials for painted courts and has introduced nearly 50 people to the game and continues to offer beginner training in Chester, SC, SC -Mike and Loretta Beckner introduced pb and the Senior Extravaganza and introduced moe than 80 people to the game at a demone and training session at Odell Weeks in Aiken. SC -Joe Huber and members of his club introduced pickleball at the Mt. Pleasant Senior Center.
	Recreational Speedball	Several Recreational and Social Events included pickleball, and many were played as benefits to local organizations. There are many more played in various communities, but here are those that made the news or were featured by our Ambassadors. GA - Turkey Swat Tournament to benefit the Cherokee County Humane Society NC - Mt.Olive Picklefest, (Joint effort, NC Ambassador Laura Patterson and SC Ambassador, Jerry Eamer) SC - Round Robin for Choose To Lose Program - SC Ambassador, Rena Grant Del Webb Cane Bay VS The Havens - SC Ambassador Jim Hisman Del Web Charles VS Myrtle Beach - SC Ambassadors, Jim Hisman and Rena Grant FL - Tanglewood Pickleball Spring Bash, Relay for Life Pickleball (American Cancer Society) Scott Green Tournament, Pennies for Pickleball, Winter In Paradise Pickleball Wing Ding, Pickleball Picnic at Higgs Park, Carefree Ladies Round Robin, Highland Lakes Olympics, The Villages -Toys for Tots, Geezers and Gals HoliDaze, St. Patricks Day PB, and Sadie Hawkins, Sun City VS Kings Point, New Years Eve Round Robin at Thousand Trails. Torrey Oaks and Peace River Mixed Generation Round Robin. Florida/Mixed Generation, Cove Olympics. Carefree Summer Camp ( Ambassadors Colleen Blakley, Al Rosati, Cindy Eddleman, Nancy Meyer, Rich and Donna Donald) VA - ASR Ambassador At Large Ron and Connie Monson were tournament directors for the First Northern Neck Tournament in Topping, Va
Competitive	Skills Clinics	North Georgia Picklebll Club Carefree Community, Ft. Myers Fl (Summer Camp) Faith Presbyterian Church Group, Cape Coral, Fl (multiple sessions) Thousand Trails RV Park - about every 2-3 weeks Torrey Oaks RV Park, Fl Sun City Pickleball Club, Sun City Center,Fl Kings Point Pickleball League, Sun City Center, Fl Highland Lakes - Leesburg, Fl Legacy of Leesburg, Fl Hawthorn of Leesburg, Fl Riverside Golf and Boating Club, Ruskin, Fl Valencia Lakes, Waumauma, Fl The Villages, Fl - Weekly Clinics scheduled and frequently with Coach Mo
	Ladder Leagues	Ladder Leagues have been introduced d in the following locations: GA - Del Webb at Lake Oconee SC- Del Webb, Cane Bay, Charleston, Recreation Centers in Myrtle Beach and N. Myrtle Beach Fl- Davenport, Fl Florida Keys, Conch Republic and Tanglewood in Sebring.
	Senior Games	FL - Pickleball is included in the following local County Senior Games across the state: Pensacola, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, Lee County, Polk County, Heartland (Sebring), Good Life Games in Seminole. Introduced for the first time this year in Collier and Charlotte County. Pickleball is played at the Florida State Senior Games. Senior Games are also played at Dell Webb in Summerfield, Fl and at The Villages, Fl. Ambassadors Cindy Eddleman and Nancy Myers are on the planning committee and will be the directors of the Senior Games in Lee, Collier and Charlotte County in 2011. Rich and Donna Donald are working with the coordinators of the Good LIfe Games in Seminole. GA - Work is underway to include pickleball in the Cherokee County Senior Games. SC - Pickleball introduced for the first time at the Waccama Senior Sports Classic, and at the SC State Games. It will be an official event in 2011 with Ambassador Rena Grant as the event coordinator. Pickleball is also played in the BJAAC (Beaufort,Jasper Active Adult Pickleball Challenge) Senior Games in Bluffton, SC NC - Pickleball is played at the Onslow County Senior Games, and the program director from the Jacksonville Commons Rec Center has scheduled a non Sanctioned Senior Tournament for February 2011 . Program Director went with Ambassador Rick Laskey as an observer to the Chesapeake Va games to learn how to run the event. Ambassador Laura Patterson held two demonstrations at the Piedmont Senior Games and is on the steering committee for the 2011 games. Pickleball is also played at the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad in Rumbling Bald, NC
	Discounted Showcase	No activity at this time
	Sanctioned Events	Continue to pursue sanctioning at State Games in Florida. There is an interest in USAPA Sanctioning, but space, referees, and management continue to be a concern; Ambassadors in SC and NC are planning a "summit" in the near future to discuss options for tournaments in their areas. Florida has officially scheduled their first USAPA Santioned Event. The Geezer Meister Games is a Tier 4 tournament scheduled for January 2011, thanks to Jim Claycomb and the picklebll club at Dell Well Spruce Creek in Summerfield, F.
Communication	Newsletter	A monthly Ambassador Newsletter is distributed on the 15th of each month, which provides articles of interest, tournament and social event information, membership and PTP updates, promotion of Google How To Group, and pickleball information across the entire Region. Pickleball information is available in several venues across the Region, primarily in Park and Recreation News, YMCA newsletter, and RV Park Flyers where pickleball is played.
	Website	http:www.south.usapa.org - The website for the Atlantic South Region. Pickleball news for AL, FL, GA, NC, SC . What's so great about this and the newsletter is the generosity and enthusiasm of many of our Ambassadors, Members or pickleball clubs that contribute to its success.
Membership	Personal Touch	This has been by far the most effective way of bringing on new USAPA members. All Ambassadors are also provided with a flyer that promotes our Atlantic South Website, and are requested to print them with the USAPA Application on the reverse side. These are given out at beginner clinics, skills clinics, to pickleball friends and players in our clubs, leagues etc. The N. Georgia Pickleball Club REQUIRES USAPA membership in order to be a N Georgia Club member.
	USAPA Banner	Jerry Eamer has made good use of his USAPA banner and his portable net.. It was proudly displayed at the brand new courts in N. Myrtle Beach, and provided to other Ambassadors in the area for use at the recreation centers for PBS or Fox News filming. He took his banner and net to the Mt. Olive Pickle Festival in NC and his net to assist in Aiken, SC. The Banner is always on display at the Maurice Recreation Center in Graysville, Al. The N Georgia Pickleball Club always displays the banner at their courts, always ready for visitors from Parks and Recreation, PBS or the Local Newspaper. The USAPA Banner was displayed at Senior Games events, All Beginner Training, Skills Clinics, Winter in Paradise Wing Ding and at the Sun City Promotional Event, by the Donalds. They also mailed their extra banner to Ft. Myers/Cape Coral, North Carolina and Key Westj and Aiken, SC to be displayed at Olympics and Pickleball Events in those area.
	Membership Table	The membership table was set up at new player training in AL. And a membership table complete with flyers, website information, USAPA T-shirts, membership applications, sample newsletters, newspaper clippings, pictures, and brochures were set up at ALL beginner and skills clinics in Fl, however our membership results from the table were not as good as the personal touch. A similar display table was set up at the Senior Extravaganza by the Beckners in Aiken, SC
Publicity	Media Attention	AL - Graysville AL Mayor will be in attendance at the May 15th demonstration and has invited the local CBS affiliate. GA - Filming for PBS Special was done at the courts of the N. Georgia Pickleball Club and aired on WPBA Atlanta in November. GA - Reporter Crystal Nixon of the Cherokee Tribune also did a story on Pickleball in Cherokee County, and the article included the promotion of International Pickleball Week. NC - Captioned photos of local players winning in tournaments in AZ, Fl and VA have appeared in the Jacksonville Daily News. NC - Liz Velazquez and her summer camps at Mountain View Campground were featured in Sept 10, 2010 CampNews. SC - On March 8th Ambassador Rena Grant was interviewed by Jack Murphy on the River Talk Show on WWMB along with fellow player Janie Young. This was a 30 minute program replayed several times during the week. SC - Rena was also interviewed by sport news commentator Matt Lincoln,, TV Channel 13 at the Crabtree Gym in Myrtle Beach. She was also featured in the Senior Life Section of Myrtle Beach's local newspaper. SC -Jerry Eamer and fellow plickleball player Fran Jenkins pictured with N. Myrtle Beach Mayor, Marilym Hartley for International Pickleball Week. SC - Bill Smith and others pictured in the Sun New during International Pickleball Week Celebrations. SC - Mike and Loretta Beckner featured in pickleball article in the Aiken Standard FL - Pickleball Tournament fundraiser to benefit families battling cancer featured in the Daily Sun (The Villages, Fl) Fl - Pickleball at the Island Rec Center (Marco Island) was featured in the Marco News. Fl - Tampa Tribune Reporter Paul Catala did a feature article on the Winter in Paradise Pickleball Wing Ding in Kings Point, Sun City Center, Fl. Proclamations to support International Pickleballl Week: Governors - NC and Fl Mayors - Tampa, Fl; Jacksonville, NC; Graysville, AL, Winston-Salem, NC Pickleball Videos on YouTube: Keowee Key, SC. The Villages, FL. - Wall Street Journal North GA Pickleball Club

	# Members Goal	# Members Results
2009 Baseline 10/31/2009	NA	344
2010 Goal 4/30/10	300	295
2010 Goal 10/31/10	350	324

2010-10-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

October 15, 2010

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 WELCOMES NEW AMBASSADORS..
Please join me in welcoming three new Atlantic South Ambassador to North and South Carolina!

Jane Harvey - Indian Lake, SC - Jane has only been playing for 2 1/2 years, but has been instrumental in promoting the game both in Rochester, NY and in South Carolina teaching more than 100 people to play the game at her winter location at Sun City Carolina Lakes. And right now, before she returns to SC, she is teaching beginners at the Rec Center in Webster, NY. Jane is looking to bring some player ranking to the 400+ club members at Carolina Lakes, and introducing them to some tournament competition. She wants very much to work with the local schools to "promote pickleball as a life-long sport that's fun, great exercise and inexpensive to play."

Jan Singer, Chester, SC - A retired elementary teacher and a former Disney World employee - Jan is definitely used to working with people of all ages. She has worked hard with Chester city officials to get the tennis courts painted with pickleball lines. With a core group of 24 players and about 16 more that are interested - the city agreed to painting lines on two of the four courts. The City of Chester sponsors the Hilarity Festival each year on the third weekend of October, which offers a multi-cultural experience that involves all segments of the community; this year Jan will be introducing pickleball!! Following that - it will be introducing pickleball to the YMCA, the kids at the local schools. and introducing tournament play to the Chester players.

Larry Weas, Great Smokey Mountains, Robbinsville, NC. Larry is a former corporate executive He has over 40 years of public volunteer service , including Volunteer/ Consultant/Board Member, with numerous agencies and organizations, serving the needs of youth and adults, at the local, state, and national levels. Organizations include, Big Brother/Big Sisters, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Hospice, Florida Job Service, Child/Youth Grief Counselor and U.S. Department of Labor. Larry teams up with North Carolina Ambassador, Liz Velazquez at the Mountain View School Campground in Robbinsville, home for Light on the Mountain. Here, pickleball is one of the many activities introduced to adults and children. "It provides an environment of competition that is also friendly, sometimes silly, and challenging. It is a great way to build a community environment while getting lots of exercise"

...............South Carolina Ambassador Receives USAPA Pioneer Award.........

The Pickleball Pioneer Awards were introduced by the USAPA to recognize exceptional performance over a period of time on the part of our very best Ambassadors.

It was less than a year ago that Rena Grant was appointed as our South Carolina Ambassador, representing the Myrtle Beach area. Her achievements in promoting the growth of Pickleball have been truly remarkable. With determination and endless energy she has developed or fostered numerous pickleball programs, most notably with the Choose to Lose program, supporting and promoting a healthy lifestyle. She has been successful at reaching a broad range of ages, introducing pickleball to our youth at the local high schools, to young adults, senior citizens and remarkably, to our special needs adults. She has been very creative with publicity for our great game, inviting recreation professionals, city officials, radio, PBS and local television sports reporters to " wear your sneakers" and join in the game at the Crabtree Gym in Myrtle Beach. And they Did!! As a result of her efforts, pickleball is now an official event in the South Carolina's State and National Senior Olympics.

Remarkably, she has introduced so many to our "pickleball community" that she achieved record USAPA Membership numbers for growth and retention. CLICK HERE for the story and pictures of her celebration and special day.

...............UPDATE -ASR Tournaments, Demos, Clinics.........

The Villages, FL, Open: A tournament open to "ALL LEVELS" was held at the Mulberry Recreation Center courts, from Sept 16th through Sept 27th. The tournament was open to The Villages residents only. Congratulations to the winners: Men's Doubles - Don Piper and Barry Gee, Woman's Doubles - Debbie Harrison and Diane Bock, Mixed Doubles - Don Piper and Lydia Fenster. A very nice article on Don Piper appeared on the sports page of The Villages Daily Sun. Click Here to read that story.

Pensacola Senior Games, Pensacola, FL: Competitors from Florida and as far away as Alabama and Mississippi arrived for the pickleball competition on Friday Sept. 24th at the Vickery Community Center in Pensacola. Congratulations to all the winners: Men's Singles Tony Miller (2nd place), Bob Huskey, (1st place), Tommy Ladner (3rd place). Doubles winners: Tommy Ladner and Tony Miller (first place), Jerry and Virginia Corker (2nd place), and Joe Smith and Stephen Steward (3rd place). A very special thank you to Opelika, AL Ambassador, Bob Huskey for his support, and for sending us the great photos and results. And congratulations Bob, on your medals at the National Senior Games in Rochester, NY!!! READ MORE

Tampa Bay Senior Games, Sun City Center, FL, This tournament grows larger every year and this year was no exception. 108 enthusiastic seniors participated in the 2010 Senior Games held at the courts of the Sun City Center Pickleball Club. This was a single elimination tournament for both doubles and mixed doubles competition. A brief article appeared in the South Shore News and Tribune following the event. A special thank you to Louann Dubendorf of the Kings Point League for sending us some of their pictures from the event. Twenty three players from their league participated in the Tampa Bay Games.

Pickleball Demonstration/Training - Aiken, SC: Ambassadors Mike and Loretta Beckner were determined to bring pickleball to Aiken, SC. Their strategy included finding the best place to play ( and they got great support from the Odell Weeks Center), interviewing and taping with the local newspaper, setting up a pickleball booth at the local Senior Extravaganza, promoting, advertising and finally holding their first pickleball demonstration and beginner training.

"We had 65 people sign up on our Pickleball Participant Information sheet, giving us their name, phone # and/or email address, time preference, day preference and age range. I'd imagine we had around 80 people overall who came either to watch or to try their hand at hitting the ball. The employees at OW said they had never had such a good turnout for any of their activities before and they were quite happy!!

SC Ambassador,Jerry Eamer and his wife Sandy came from Myrtle Beach and were a huge help to us! Jerry brought his net standard and,.... he was very good at working with our attendees, demonstrating the game and talking about it. Sandy was kind enough to sit at our sign up table,... she is the reason we had so many people sign up! The TV/DVD player was really great, too, as many people watched the DVDs while waiting to try their hand at pickleball. Rich and Stacey Dezelon, the couple who helped us (newspaper)demo, were fabulous! They worked so hard with everyone and their enthusiasm was contagious!

Anyway, we are encouraged that pickleball will take off here in Aiken, if yesterday's demo is any indication of interest....." READ THEIR STORY

Pickleball Skills/Techniques Clinic, Leesburg, FL: On September 15th Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald traveled to Hawthorn of Leesburg where pickleball club members participated in a clinic of skills, drills and techniques. Rich Donald (far left) joins Club Chair-Persons Ed and Carolyn Stein (front row center) for a group photo! What a great group of players. Lots of questions and eager to learn. Ed and Carolyn also purchased a couple of Coach Mo's 21 Skills Clinics Videos - which has been added to the training agenda for an upcoming Club meeting.

...........UPCOMING PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENTS/EVENTS..
Watch for more information on these events on our website. Click on Tournament/Event for more information (where available).

Plantation Olympics Leesburg, Fl, , October 15th -28th, 2010
Pickleball Demo, Senior Community Center, High Point, NC, October 19, 2010
Beaufort Jasper Active Adult Pickleball Challenge, Bluffton, SC November 1-3, 2010
2010 USAPA National Tournament, Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ, USAPA Sanctioned - (Tier 1) November 1st -7th, 2010
Rally Tally Jamboree, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL, November 13, 2010
Pickled Pilgrim Playoff, Canton, GA, November 20-21, 2010
Florida Senior Games State Championships, Lee County, Fl, December 4th and 5th, 2010
Geezer Meister Tournament- Summerfield, Fl - January 12-15,2011 USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4)
Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC February 4-5, 2011
Collier County Senior Games, Naples, Fl, February, 12-13, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft. Myers, Fl, February 26-27, 2011
Charlotte County Senior Games, Punta Gorda, FL, March 19-20, 2011
Good Life Games, Seminole, Fl. March 21-22, 2010

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

………More Pickle Ball News from across the Region…..

Georgia
Tom and Ann Earley - North GA Pickleball Club
On Wednesday, October 27th @ 10 p.m. WPBA "This Is Atlanta" (PBA30) Premier show of our North Georgia PickleBall Club with footage of players and interviews! This show will be replayed several times during the month of November. During that month you should find it at: www.PBA.org/Atlanta.

North Carolina
Laura Patterson, Winston/Salem, NC Laura reports that she is schedule for a Pickleball Demo at the Senior Community Center in High Point, NC on October 19 and that the Director at the Winston Lake Y has asked her to introduce and run a pickleball league during the month of November.

Nancy & Mike Falkenstein, Franklin, NC "Tom Burkhart (Regional Ambassador, Mid Atlantic) came for a visit over Labor Day Weekend and Ambassador Jan Sharpe organized play with some of our group that were in town. We play outside in nice weather at the Rec Park and it was a nice day! This was the first time Tom had played outside since his home courts are inside.....and it is a different game! We enjoyed meeting Tom and were happy he took the time to play while in town to visit a cousin. Pictured is (left to right) Tom, Jan and Mike.
We are still playing outside through October and then in November, move to our 3 courts inside at our National Guard Armory. Guests are always welcome!

Mike and I were having lunch recently at a local restaurant with an outdoor patio and we spotted a lady with a Pickleball Sweatshirt! Nancy spoke to her and found she and her husband are Pickleball Players from Sun City, near Hilton Head. She told us her group has about 400 members and they are trying to add more courts so everyone can get more playing time. What a problem to have! I would think anyone planning on being in their vicinity should look this group up!

We also were contacted, through the website, by Dick Stone of Lake Keowee, S.C. who has a beginning group of some 90 new players....they already had 2 outside courts and were working on more....this game is amazing! Everyone who tries it just loves it!

We are expecting a fabulous fall leaf season in Franklin with the colors peaking mid-October. So, come take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and give us a call to play Pickleball. We do have a net we can set up to play with some notice at any time! "

South Carolina
Carla Black, Ambassador Lexington, SC Carla recently relocated so her Ambassador designation has been changed from Georgetown to Lexington, SC. She was very instrumental in introducing pickleball and leaves behind a pickleball club at the Georgetown High School and hopes the kids will continue it. She is now looking forward to getting pickleball started in her new location. She hopes,since it is a larger community that there are more available resources. Her first plans are to speak with her school principal to see if she can get things up and running. Additionally, her plans are to check with th4 Columbia College and the area high schools.

Bill Smith, Myrtle Beach, SC Bill continues to tweak the ladder leagues he's introduced to the three recreation centers in Myrtle Beach and N. Myrtle Beach. Additionally he will be joining fellow pickleball player Fran Jenkins who recently coordinated a pickleball demonstration and instruction at the North Myrtle Beach High School. We hope to hear soon of their success!!

Florida
Bob and Marybeth Bellomo, Sebring, Fl We look forward to having our Michigan Snow Birds back in Florida. They tell us they'll be arriving some time mid November. They have been very active this winter in Michigan, playing with a group of about 130 players, and their community there built them four new pickleball courts. However, during the winter cold, they used the two courts set up in the church gym. They also organized their first tournament, which was a success - and hope to do the same again next season. At Sun N Lakes, in Florida they wished they could find the same success. They have been in contact with the marketing agent there, but are disappointed on the progress of getting new courts exclusively for pickleball. The group of about 20 players currently uses two lined tennis courts, which are not in the best of condition. Hopefully things will change for the better once there back in town.

Nancy Myer/Cindy Eddleman - Ft.Myers, FL We haven't heard from these two in a while, but understandably ....given how "pickleball busy" they have been this summer.

"In June, Cindy and I ran a “Summer Camp 2010” for the residents of our community. We thought we might get about 20-25 to participate, but to our surprise, we had 74 registered campers. Our summer camp started with registration and participants all received a camper t-shirt when they registered for all the various activities that the camp offered. Activities included shuffleboard, ladder ball, water volleyball, water polo arts and crafts (kid style), a road rally scavenger hunt with golf carts, card games, ping pong, water aerobics, mystery train dinner theater, bowling, PICKLEBALL CLINICS, and a PICKLEBALL ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT. The camp ran from June 29th to July 10th.

We ran three drills clinics for Pickleball. We had sessions for beginner, intermediate and advanced then at the end of the camp we had a teaching Round Robin Tournament, which was a fun and great learning experience. We gave ribbons for 1st through 5th place. I think we have enlisted some new pickleball players! This whole ten days came about thinking maybe we can get some people out. Everyone was totally thrilled, lost weight and felt good about themselves to have been a summer camper!

We then traveled to the Ohio, Michigan, and North Carolina areas. We were very happy to see that pickleball is growing in these areas. en we were there it was very sparse. The addition of Connie Mierzejewski as an Ambassador in Toledo, has helped to promote the use of two facilities. One, which is indoors in a suburb of Toledo, Sylvania Ohio at Tam O’Shanner, and the use of two Rossford High School unused Tennis Courts, in Rossford Ohio which have been converted to Pickleball. We went many times and actually ran in to many tennis players that I used to play with in the Toledo area. Again, converted Tennis Players to the great sport of Pickleball! They started as new to the sport and progressed very rapidly. Beginners are encouraged and welcomed and find a friendly helping hand in learning the game. There are many sites popping up in the Lower Michigan area, which are adding more and more players every week. Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, Grosse Point.

We also got to try out the new portable pickleball nets which the USAPA carries. What a little new engineering can do to make all the difference! They are a welcomed answer to not having an actual court. They are sturdy, taunt, easy to assemble, and the ball is playable off the net. We actually first tried the net out at a friends home in which the driveway was large enough to line off a court.

We also have been to several private communities in the Ft. Myers area to give clinics to beginners to help them get going. At Faith Presbyterian Church in Cape Coral, we have done three clinics there to promote and encourage the interest. We have meet with the folks at Wa-KeHatchee Recreation Center in regards to the Lee County Senior Games and we're working with them to get everything in place to run a quality tournament this year, and to work hard on promoting participation. The entry forms will soon be ready and up on line this week with USAPA and the City of Ft. Myers web site. Cindy and I will also be meeting this week with the people in charge of the Charlotte County Senior Games. Last year was their first year and we are meeting to check out facility usage to increase the number or courts to be used, and on a date which would not be at the same time as other tournaments. If there is not a conflict with other tournaments we will help to run it. It has been a very busy off-season and we are excited about the prospects for Ft. Myers and surrounding areas in continuing to grow in playing Pickleball! "
Since this writing - I spoke with Nancy Myer and in addition to organizing these two Senior Game events, they have also agreed to handle the Collier County Senior Games in Naples. Florida. With these two at the helm - players will see a well managed event and some new and different formats that will be well appreciated by participants. Mark your calenders with these pickleball dates!! And we wish them both the best of luck as they head for Buckeye, AZ for the USAPA National Tournament in November.

Colleen Blakley, Key West, Fl "We have exciting news from The Conch Republic! Approval has been obtained from Monroe County to add pickleball lines to two of the tennis courts at Higgs Beach Park in Key West, FL. Also, pickleball courts have been added to the list for the redevelopment of Higgs Beach Park. Once final approval is complete, four pickleball courts will be available within the next two years.

In the meantime, visitors to Key West can bring their equipment and play pickleball during daylight hours on the public courts at Higgs Beach. We also have open play every Sunday morning from 8:30 until early afternoon and again Thursday evening from 5:00p.m. until sunset.

Come join us in paradise and "Get Pickled in Key West!"

If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter or a story for our readers on our Website, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com

2010-09-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

ASR AMBASSADOR'S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 15, 2010

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 WELCOMES NEW AMBASSADORS..

Mike and Nancy Falkenstein, Please join me in welcoming our newest Ambassadors in Franklin, NC - After retiring in 2008 Mike and Nancy moved to Franklin, NC from Sarasota, Fl. Nancy is also a tennis player but both she and her husband were immediately hooked on the game with the funny name one day when Jan Sharp was introducing pickleball to the community through the NC Senior Games. Mike and Nancy join Jan Sharp as Joint Ambassadors in the Franklin, NC area. "We have held in-house tournaments.............We have discovered that this game is one that men and women can enjoy equally and can compete with each other. We have held exhibitions in conjunction with our Senior Games and plan to get into our local schools to introduce the sport. " Welcome to our Ambassador Family - Mike and Nancy! READ MORE

...............A Special THANK YOU to Dick Manasseri..........

Dick notified all of us last month that due to changing family priorities,he would not be able to complete his term through 2011 as the USAPA Director, National Relations nor his concurrent position as the Acting Regional Ambassador for the Great Lakes Region. Over the past year and a half Dick has been a great promoter here in the Atlantic South Region and an absolute inspiration to me personally. I read this recent note to Dick from Janet Razz, in Michigan and realized I could not say it any better..........Thank You Dick

Dear Dick,

Thank you ten thousand times over for being a visionary and putting together an 'Action Network' to implement 'The Plan' in the Great Lakes Region and 'Mini-Plans'cross the USA. You have successfully engaged 128 How-to Group Ambassadors in meaningful discussions about Pickleball best practices -- a lasting addition to the landscape of Players, USAPA Membership, and Places to Play.

It is a privilege and a blessing to experience your leadership. I have deepest respect for the extraordinary goodness you extend to each player, promoter, and programmer. Most picklers will never know the exorbitant amount of time and energy you devoted to growing the quality and quantity of pickleball offerings, but I know. You have built a lasting legacy, promoting social and physical well being, with recreational and competitive pickleball events for all ages and all skill levels.

Michigan, the Great Lakes Region and beyond are going to enjoy the fruit of your labor, long into a future that is healthier and happier because of your keen intellect, brilliant spirit, and generous leadership.

With deepest respect, Janet Razz

..............................................................and the entire Atlantic South Region
.

...........UPCOMING PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENTS/EVENTS..
Watch for more information on these events on our website. Click on Tournament/Event for more information (where available).

Open Pickleball Tournament, The Villages, Fl. Open to all levels. September 16-24, 2010
Counselor/Camper Pickleball Tourney, Boys and Girls Club, Winston,Salem, NC, Date TBA
Pensacola Senior Games, Pensacola, Fl. Sept 24, 2010

2010 National Senior Games Championships,
Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, 2010. USAPA Sanctioned ( Tier 1 )

Tampa Bay Senior Games, Sun City Center, Fl., Oct. 6, 2010
Forever Fit, Jacksonville Senior Games, Jacksonville, Fl., Oct. 8, 2010
Huntsman World Senior Games, St. George, UT, Oct. 11-13, 2010 (USAPA Sanctioned Tier 2)
Plantation Olympics, Leesburg, Fl, October 15th -28th, 2010
Beaufort Jasper Active Adult Pickleball Challenge, Bluffton, SC November 1-3, 2010

2010 USAPA National Tournament,
Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ, USAPA Sanctioned - (Tier 1)
November 1st -7th, 2010
LATE REGISTRATION Deadline - October 1, 2010

Rally Tally Jamboree, Kings Point, Sun City Center, FL, November 13, 2010
Pickled Pilgrim Playoff, Canton, GA, November 20-21, 2010
Florida Senior Games State Championships, Lee County, Fl, December 4th -12, 2010 Pickleball Dates TBA
Geezer Meister Tournament- Summerfield, Fl - January 12-15,2011 USAPA Sanction Pending
Benefit Senior Pickleball Tournament, Jacksonville, NC February 4-5, 2011
Lee County Senior Games, Ft. Myers, Fl, February 26-27, 2011. Watch for more information! New Management - New Format!

Do you have a tournament/round robin or social event that should be listed here?

………More Pickle Ball News from across the Region…..

Georgia
Tom and Ann Earley - North GA Pickleball Club

David Jordan USAPA Marketing/Sales and his wife Nancy, USAPA Membership Chair spent the weekend in nearby Hiram, GA, and played with the North Georgia PB Club on Sunday and Monday before moving on to Branson, Missouri. Also visiting the club this month was Paul Barksdale, Regional Ambassador for the Mid Atlantic area. We heard that Paul also met up with Florida Ambassadors Bruce and Gena Whitehead over in Tennessee!!

North Georgia PB Club members Bill and Carole Hess along with Don and Merre Wehe, have introduced pickleball at nearby Lake Arrowhead. They have met about three times now and had 25+ people at the last gathering! Tom and Ann Earley along with a few of the other players will be holding a "mini-clinic"and will encourage the new group to become a "satellite" of the North Georgia PB Club. The group is working hard to get permanent pickleball lines on their tennis courts.

The North GA Pickleball Club has also scheduled their next tournament which, again this year, will benefit the Cherokee County Humane Society and everyone is waiting to see this year's shirts promoting the Pickled Pilgrim Playoff!!!!! READ MORE

North Carolina
Ambassador, Rick Laskey, Jacksonville, NC
Rick recently returned from a family visit to central Michigan. "I got to play several times in Saginaw with an excellent group of players led by Mike Enright and Ron Larson. I also met Mike Wressell from Bay City MI who winters near Ft. Myers FL." Rick loves tournament play so he'll be off to the USAPA National Games in November partnering with South Dakota's Elliott Nelson and Carolyn Law from Virginia in doubles and mixed doubles competition. Rick is looking for a partner for the Florida Senior Games State Championship -so if there are any Florida players looking for a partner - LET RICK KNOW!!!

If you are still in need of a partner for any of the upcoming tournaments - remember USAPA's Partner Search

Rick also wants to report that Jacksonville NC will be hosting a Senior (50+) indoor Benefit Tournament on February 4-5, 2011. More information and entry forms are available on both the USAPA (Tournament Schedule) and the Atlantic South Website (Upcoming Events)

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Don "Smoke" Hickman - Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure, NC
This year Pickleball was added as an Olympiad Event for the very first time at the annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad on Friday August 27th. The pickleball tournament was run by Smoke Hickman with the help of the local Pickleball Club. The competition included both doubles and mixed doubles competition. The event attracted players from nearby Hendersonville, NC as well as the Upstate Pickleball Group in Greenville, SC. Reports are that this was a HUGE success and Smoke will be heading up the team again next year. READ MORE

South Carolina

Ambassadors, Mike and Loretta Beckner - Aiken, SC

To draw attention to the demonstration scheduled to introduce pickleball in Aiken, Mike and Loretta recently met with Aiken Standard Staff Writer, Amy Banton. Mike and Loretta, along with a great pickleball story made the headlines on September 1st. They continue to work with Jessica Campbell, the Recreation Program Supervisor at the Odell Weeks Sports Center as they introduce pickleball at the upcoming Senior Day Event on September 15th, and then provide a pickleball demonstration and training session on September 18th. READ MORE

A very special thanks to Ambassador Jerry Eamer for all the support given to Mike and Loretta, especially helping them out with the portable net! And we all with Jerry good luck as he and his partner head for the USAPA Nationals in Arizona.

Richard Webster, Dick Stone - Keowee Key, SC
Richard and his wife learned to play pickleball last January in The Villages, Fl. When they returned home to SC, they checked out Places to Play on the USAPA website and found the Upstate Pickleball group in Greenville, drove there, continued to play and then invited their friend and ex tennis player Dick Stone to join them. "We decided to promote Pickleball in Keowee Key. We have written articles for the community paper, set up a Demo Court using a portable net and completed many other promotions. Dedicated Pickleball courts would be the ultimate solution, but our interim plan was to get lines painted on two of the existing tennis courts, (like Greenville) The painting of the lines on the courts has not been received well with many in our local tennis community. Regardless, we are very close to getting those lines done..."

I got e-mails from several individuals after the Keowee Key promotional video was posted on our website wanting to know "who did that video?" For those of you who have not seen that video, they do an excellent job of promoting the game to a community that has never heard of the game. CLICK HERE to watch that promotional video. We are also pleased to announce that the lines are finally down!!! And there is another video to prove it. CLICK HERE to watch the lines go down. We hope to see Keowee Key listed soon as another new Place to Play in South Carolina.

Ambassador, Jo Huber, Bluffton, SC

BJAAC began back in 1986 on Hilton Head Island. The games were originally called the Hilton Head Senior Games, then changed in 1997 to the Beaufort County Games. Jasper County then became involved and the name changed again to Beaufort Jasper Active Adult Challenge (BJAAC). But the games got even better three years ago when Pickleball was added as an official event. Joe tells us that participation in pickleball is growing every year. It will be played at Joe's home courts at Sun City Hilton Head and at The Haven at New Riverside this year and Joe promised to send us the results and pictures from this year's competition. CLICK HERE for dates and registration information.

Ambassador, Rena Grant, Myrtle Beach, SC

We just had a nice tournament with Del Webb, Charleston Pickleball Club. Congratulations to the winners. Women's Doubles - Faye Mills and Eval Dickenson of Myrtle Beach, Men's Doubles - Tony Reale and Don Blasberg of Charleston. Mixed Doubles - Maria Gesimar and Tony Reale of Charleston. Besides the winners, the other team players from Charleston were Bill Scott, Larry Davis, Pat Davis, Marion Gallagher, and Pat Flora . From Myrtle Beach were Doris Strothers, Joline Kuhn, Maggie Clark, Jane Young, Chris Fontaine, Rena Grant, Rich Brown, Jerry Eamer, Mel, Rich Kuhn, Fran Fenerty, David Gould, Jim Hockawjos and George Moustakis.

My goals for this year and next will be to get the 3rd Recreation Center in Myrtle Beach, to put in Pickleball courts. I plan to contact and visit as many schools as possible to introduce Pickleball for their curriculum. I will revisit the Recreation Centers in the surrounding areas that did not choose to do Pickleball.. and try again.

We received an invite from Page W. Sutton to play in a tournament on Oct. 16th and 17th. We also received an invite from Rick Laskey, from Jacksonville, NC to play in a tournament on Feb. 4 and 5th. Both are women and men's doubles and mixed doubles.

The board of the Waccamaw Sports Classic have just informed me that since the Pickleball exhibition that we did last year was such a success, it will now be an official sport in April, 2011, at the Coastal Carolina. I've been asked to run it and our first meeting will be on September 8th.

Florida

Jim Claycomb and the Spruce Creek Pickleball Club

Mark your calendars for January 12-18, 2011, and join us at Del Webb Spruce Creek Country club for some great fun and competition. The Geezer Meister Tournament is a yearly event in Florida, but this year as a USAPA Sanctioned Event (Tier 4) we expect it to be one of the largest events this year in the Atlantic South Region and hope that it will draw competitive players from across the Region.

The event will feature both doubles and mixed doubles competition, snacks and refreshments for players, local pickleball vendors,and great weather! Florida is a great place to be in January!!! Click Here for more details and registration.

Ambassadors Rich and Donna Donald, New Tampa, Fl

The Advanced Round Robin Tournament took place at The Villages from August 16th -19th and according to the article in the Villages Daily Sun - it draw some of the best competition from The Villages players. Click Here for article and winners.

This month we are scheduled to provide referee training to the players at Spruce Creek and on September 15th will be providing a Skills/Techniques Clinic to the players at the Hawthorn community in Leesburg.

While visiting at The Villages, we joined many of the local pickleball players for breakfast on Saturday mornings at the Son Rise Restaurant. We were introduced one morning to a family visiting from Singapore who were introduced to pickleball for the first time and loved it. To make sure they could play when they got back home, Coach Mo made sure they had his 21 Skills Clinics video and we provided them with contact information for pickleball in Singapore! They were so surprised! Here's part of a message that we got back from them........."Holy cow - you folks are formidable. Thank you so much for this info. I am very keyed up about pickleball, and enjoyed my visit............more than I can describe. I will for sure let you know the result of this contact, and will stay in touch. Goodness, what great folks I met in Florida. Thank you so much for taking an interest, Mr. and Madam Ambassador."

We sure do hope they find and enjoy pickleball in Singapore!

Ron and Connie Monson, ASR Roaming Ambassadors. Ron and Connie are still in Topping, VA - and are currently working with the local YMCA to hold a Pickleball Tournament on October 7th. Ron says that the YMCA has been very supportive of the event and is providing not only the facility but medals and shirts for all participants. This is there first tournament and they are anticipating between 20 and 30 players to join in the fun.

If you have ANY news/information from your area that you want included in our monthly newsletter or a story for our readers on our Website, please send it to Donna Donald at rddonald2@gmail.com