The Summer schedule is now available on the website and mobile.  It basically follows what we’ve done in season’s past with skill level time scheduled for the first morning slot and the rest of the time Member Open Play.  One specific change is Saturday on West where the courts will be split with Advanced on courts 1-4, Beginners on courts 5 & 6 and East is Intermediate.  There is no Official Challenge Court play June through August, if players want to play more aggressively, they should rack up with like players and rotate onto any court together.
 
There is no current plan to change the gate code for the summer.  We implore you not to share the code or we will be forced to take action that will affect everyone, not just the offenders.
 
Friday was the last day of school, so parking is now allowed on the frontage road at the West Courts through August 9, 2022.
 
Thank you to those who have replied to the Survey sent last week.  If you have not yet replied, please do as we will be using your replies for planning events and as one of the criteria for scheduling the Fall.  The survey was sent from fhpickleball@gmail.com via SurveyMonkey, please check your trash/spam if you did not receive it.  A reminder will be sent next week to those who have not replied.
 
For the summer, the equipment boxes will be CLOSED BUT NOT LOCKED  to allow  access to balls, first aid, etc. Buckets of balls will have 10-12 each.  The expectation once again is that the balls should not be taken off property and these numbers should suffice.  Replacements will be made as necessary throughout the summer; please place damaged balls in the baskets attached to the side of the equipment boxes.
 
The Board modified the Guest policy based on what we’ve learned since the policy has been in effect. 

• Oct 1-April 30 – Guest play only during member open play time
• May 1-Sept 30 – Guest play during skill level and member open play permitted
• Hosts are not to give their guest the gate code, hosts must be present at the courts when their guests are playing, waivers with the guest and host signatures are required for each day of play.
• Board will continue to monitor the guest policy and adjust or eliminate accordingly.

 
The Board has developed a Code of Conduct, please find the document here FHPC Code of Conduct. It will be on the website when we publish the revised Member Area.
 
Over the summer, the Board is looking into additional ways to bring member value.  Stay tuned for details.  The next full newsletter will be in August when we open 2022-2023 Membership along with fall plans.  One plan is to  process club fees (membership,  RR’s, tournaments, etc.) by credit card, hopefully this will make the process simpler. Separate email communications will be sent if necessary. 
 
Last but not least!  The club is excited to announce Rob Hanford has accepted the position of Treasurer.  As mentioned previously Lou Rhodes will be the Board advisor and compliance resource going forward.   As of August 31, Walt Conway is officially retiring from the board.  While he will continue to provide equipment and maintenance services, he and Danny G will no longer be placing balls on the courts.  We are looking for volunteer(s) for this activity. Please Contact Us if you are interested. 
 
Have a great Summer!

See you at the Courts!
The Board of Directors
 
Birthdays -
So many 2 pages!! View the June-July-August link here   2022 June-July-August Birthdays
 

The May schedule has a change on the East courts from 10:00am starts to 9:30am as the weather heats up.  We will have a revised Summer schedule for June through August next month.
 
Ask anyone who attended the Beginners Tournament held April 3 how much fun we had!  There were 24 participants and many volunteers plus those that came to cheer on the group.  A special thanks to Lou Rhodes who has been mentoring the group this season for putting the tournament together.  Participants, winners and action shots can be viewed here Beginner Tournament Pictures, on our Facebook page and featured in the April 20 edition of the FH Times. 
 
As mentioned in the recent member communication, cameras are now installed at the court gates to further enhance member safety and security.  Unfortunately, early Thursday morning, there was an accident outside the courts and outside the camera’s view.  Our members rushed out to assist, called 911 and the police and paramedics arrived quickly. The rider was taken to the hospital and released after treatment. 
 
The Treasurer position is still open.  If you are interested, please Contact Us and we will forward details.  One requirement is full-time residency.
 
We will be sending a questionnaire/survey to assist us in planning next season’s schedules sometime in May, be on the lookout and please reply!
 
To those of you leaving this month, safe travels, see you in the Fall.
 
Have a great May – below are the birthdays!

See you at the Courts!
The Board of Directors
 
​
Birthdays:
Ruth Rosenquist               1
Ed Babtkis           3
Ira Gorfinkle       4
Tim Taylor           4
Vito Berlingeri   5
Pamela McVeigh              6
Daniel Cheung   7
Craig Spungen   9
Lori Short            10
Steve Vazzano   10
Wendy MacDonald          11
Jan Typher          12
Joe Forward       13
Brenda Samaniego          13
Judy Webber     13
Carol Bransfield 15
Don Holdren      15
Bruce Przybylski               15
Victoria Williams               15
Nicole Morrison                16
Vicki Rousey       16
Ron Atkins          17
Scott Foster        18
Ruth Westhoff  18
Ryan Coomaraswamy    19
Dan Haveron      19
Peggy Kroning   19
Dan Weil              19
Mary Jo Klatt      20
Jim Litchfield      20
Renee Boehme 21
Lester Toews     21
Sandra Marquette           23
Jason Faria          24
Terry Flattery     24
Mary Huber        24
Steven Bell          25
Mark Bernstein 27
Ron Brodey        27
Laszlo Gonye     28
Julie Sampson   28
Ron Greisen       30
Eric Hawerchuk 30
Phil Sahag            30
Patrick Cunningham        31
Patty Moles        31

This season’s Round Robins are over (except one last Intermediate next week) and we want to thank the managers: Diane Newcomb, Terri Cagala, Bill Beaupre, Chris Leman and Lou Rhodes for all the work they put in to make these a favorite every year. 
 
The April schedule has virtually no changes. We’d like to get a feel for May-August capacity so look for a mid-month communication on this subject.
 
This Sunday, April 3, is the Club’s first ever Member Beginner Tournament.  We are short one male, if you are a male Beginner and would like to participate, please contact Lou Rhodes at fhpc.roundrobin@gmail.com  .  We also hope to have a great spectator turnout and cheering section from the Intermediate and Advanced players.
 
There was a snake sighting at the East Courts yesterday afternoon – PLEASE be aware of your surroundings.
 
We have updated the shirt inventory; Club shirts are again available  Shop Club Shirts
 
We are in process of reworking the Member-Only area and reviewing the Guest policy, stay tuned for an update. 
 
The new gate code effective tomorrow, April 1, will be sent to members-only later this evening. 
 
REMINDER:
Please do not let people into the courts, there have been more than a few instances of non-members playing – and not as guests.  Close the gate when arriving and leaving.  Every member has the gate code. 
 
Lou Rhodes is resigning from the board of directors as Treasurer and taking the position of Compliance/Advisor to the Club.  If you have an interest in this position, please Contact Us and we will forward details.  One requirement is full-time residency.
 
Last but not least!!  From Terri C – Spring Fling:
 
First and foremost a big thank you to all the volunteers that made Spring Fling 2022 such a success.   After having to cancel for 2 years, everyone was quite excited about getting together in person once again!
 
Club member Evonne Evans provided entertainment for the evening and mixed it up with a variety of tunes. Cornhole (bags for you mid-westerners) provided the non-dancers with another activity (thanks to those who brought their sets) and Phil’s Filling Station managed to serve the group!
 
We formally recognized the New Court Donors and the 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees. The HOF plaque is in the West Court bulletin board. (GREAT to have Judi A with us.)
 
Prizes were provided by the following:
Margaret Ennis- Purse
Veronique Benoit- Earrings
Emily Nelson- Jigsaw Health basket
Phil Sahag – (Big) Paddletek backpack and other Paddletek swag
Paddletek – 2 paddles and bags
Rose Hanford - Notecards
Fountain Hill Pickleball Club- Club shirts
 
An additional thanks to 50/50 ticket sellers (Jim Margerum, Ron Greisen, Bill Pape)
and congrats to Joe Campanelli the 50-50 winner!
 
While we weren’t able to get a group photo as in year’s past, we have LOTS of candids, thanks to Rita Wagner.  View them here Spring Fling 2022  If you have any pictures to share, please Contact Us
 
As we wind down the season, we wish all our members safe travels to their other homes and look forward to welcoming you all back in September!
 
Have a great April – below are the birthdays!

See you at the Courts!
The Board of Directors
 
Birthdays:
Michael Garten 2
James Valleskey 2
Dave Yeoman    2
Susan  Kettell     2
Charlene Hammond 3
Brian Prezel        4
Diane Rosenberg 4
Colleen Power-Kupka 7
Keith Larson       8
Kelly Ray              8
Stacey  Gibson  8
Marlene Fahrenbach 9
Tony LoCascio    9
Mary Jo Nurney 9
Mary  Mounts   9
Chris Wood         10
Eileen Lewis       11
jordan horne      13
Michael Kline     14
Gail Kuehn          15
Evan Rowland    15
Christine Leman 17
Jan Goodman    18
Tim Heenan       18
Phil Gollon          20
Laura Schroeder 20
John F Nelson    21
Dave Pojman      21
Murray Nelson  21
Donna Casey      22
Linda Cathey      23
Tim McKenney 23
Pam Quihuis       23
Jeffrey Webber 24
Ronald Nagel     24
Peter Morich      26
David Voita         26
Jelaine Goldapper 27
Jann Jencka        28
Stephanie Payton 28
A. Denise Cooper 30
Irmin Roberts    30
Barbara Woyak 30

The March schedule has a few changes: Sunday 10:00 – 12:00 is Member Open Play, there is only one JV Clinic on Wednesdays, no Orientation.  View At-A-Glance here:       At A Glance
 
As a reminder, we encourage you to put together groups to play in the Member Open slots on the schedule, especially on the East courts, which continue to be under -utilized. These groups could be 4 to 16 people and you just take turns on the courts if others are there.  And while we are seasonally busy, please feel welcome to play in your skill level slots, but since there is play every day be considerate of other’s time and do not play continuously in all skill slots on the same day. Please try to spread out play and decrease wait times by coming to the courts a bit later in the morning or organize a group and go to the east courts if they are assigned to your skill level.
 
We are hosting the Club’s first ever Member Beginner Tournament, Sunday April 3.  The format is mixed doubles Round Robin.  It is open to 24 participants, 12 men, 12 women.  Full details and registration will be sent to all Beginner members and visible on the website.  We will also look for volunteers and really hope we have a great spectator turnout and cheering section from the Intermediate and Advanced players.
 
A couple of reminders:
Please do not let people into the courts, there have been more than a few instances of non-members playing – and not as guests.   Close the gate when arriving and leaving.  Every member has the gate code. 
 
The Guest policy that went into effect in January is being used – and that’s a good thing.  Unfortunately, everyone is not aware and there has been some confusion.  This is copied from the January & February Newsletter: We are also implementing a policy for members to host guests.  It is a requirement that the guest is accompanied by a member and the member is responsible for the guest’s behavior at the courts.  A specific waiver is required for EVERY guest visit.   There is no charge to host a guest.  We are going to continue to monitor activity and have an update regularly. 
 
Another reminder!! Spring Fling is right around the corner.  We are just a few spots shy of our maximum limit, so if you haven’t RSVP’d, please do so quickly.  If you try to RSVP and find it is full, please use the Contact Us form on the website to be put on a waitlist.
 
Have a great March – below are the birthdays!

See you at the Courts!
The Board of Directors

Birthdays:

Annie Kloss                         1
Angie Lawrence 1
Nancy Siebert    1
Mic Davis             2
Sal De Cola          2
Nora Hughes      2
Ryan Matthews 2
George Angel    3
Steve Beckstrom-Sternberg         3
Robert Gallo       3
Anne Marie Friedrich      5
Donne Chapman              6
Rebecca Zirkin   6
Barb Miller          7
Cindy Strazis       8
Karen Toews      8
Maria Hoyt          10
Mark Powell       10
Robert Savan     10
Alfonso Natarelli               11
Kevin Sampson 11
John Thompson 11
Ron Van Oost     11
Barbara Dompe 12
Amy Kohls           13
Tammy Sherrill  13
Christine Korjenek          14
Diane Weil          14
Tom Egan            15
Susie Aaron        16
George Habel    16
Peggy Tomsic     16
Cheryl Cagle       19
Theresa (Terry) Daly        19
Laura Danielsen 20
Kim Roh               20
Helene Weitzenkorn      20
Mary Alice Wilson            21
Carson Horne     23
Ken Huber           23
Anthony Pando 23
Patricia Bradley 24
Rachelle Strickman          25
Michael Gallagher            26
Jennifer Reinhardt           26
Jason Reis            26
Perry Chrisler     27
Ashley Leroux    27
Kim Miller            27
Scott Kilpatrick  28
Dan Mikulecky  28
Michael Short    28
Gary Dee             29
Francine Robb   29
Rebecca Wagner              29
Pam Bardet        30
Pam Fisher          30
Luanna Goltry    30
Patty Hruby        31

​​Last weekend was Tournament Central at the West Courts. Saturday there were 21 Intermediate teams competing, Sunday 10 Advanced teams competing – and Sunday turned out to be a longer day!  We want to extend a HUGE thank you to Diane Newcomb and Terri Cagala who organized the events and put a lot of work into making both successful and fun.  Thanks to the volunteers that kept score, kept everyone hydrated and served as line judges for the medal rounds.  Also thanks to the many members and family that came to cheer on the players – both in the cold on Saturday and in the sun on Sunday.  With feedback and a few tweaks, we will have a plan in place for future tournaments. 
Pictures are posted in the Photo Gallery. 2022 Tournament Pictures  Please be kind, our expert photographer (Lou Rhodes) played on Saturday so there are many more on Sunday.  Hint: when you click on one photo it opens to full size and from there you can scroll forward and backward. If you have any pictures to share, please upload them at the bottom of the Contact Us Form  Contact Us
Congratulations to the winners!!
Intermediate
1st Gold - Jim Chase & Chris Korjenek
2nd Silver - Alan Albright & Lori Coates
3rd Bronze - Lou Rhodes & Pat Bradley
Advanced
1st Gold - Mark Ohlhaver & Tammy Sherrill
2nd Silver - Dan Mehlhorn & Gloria Smith
3rd Bronze - Vito Berlingeri & Michelle Webb
 
We also marked another milestone this week completing the second of three installments to repay the donors for the Court Expansion loans.  Many of you, new members mostly, may not be aware that the new courts, 5 & 6 on West side, were funded by 16 members who generously provided non-interest loans to the club.  You can see who these folks are by visiting the paver area in front of those courts.  We also thank those of you who purchased the surrounding pavers that provided additional necessary funds to complete the project.  More on pavers soon!
 
Terri and Jan attended the town’s 2022 Activities & Volunteer EXPO.  There is a lot of interest in Pickleball here in Fountain Hills!  Thanks to the members who stopped by to say Hi!!
 
The February schedule reflects several extended Intermediate and Beginner slots.  There will also be 2 orientation sessions, Saturday Feb 12th and 26th on the west courts starting at 10:00 am. We encourage you to put together groups to play in the Member Open slots on the schedule, especially on the East courts, which continue to be under -utilized. Theses groups could be 4 to 16 people and you just take turns on the courts if others are there.  And while we are seasonally busy, please feel welcome to play in your skill level slots, but since there is play every day be considerate of other’s time and do not play continuously in all skill slots on the same day. Please try to spread out play and decrease wait times by coming to the courts a bit later in the morning or organize a group and go to the east courts if they are assigned to your skill level.
 
There will be March-April Intermediate and Beginner Clinics, stay tuned for details and registration next week.
 
A couple of reminders:
Parking in front of the West courts is available only when school is closed and after 3:30 when school is in session.  The red fire lane curb is specific to school hours. 
The Guest policy that went into effect last month is being used – and that’s a good thing.  Unfortunately, everyone is not aware and there has been some confusion.  This is copied from the January Newsletter: We are also implementing a policy for members to host guests.  It is a requirement that the guest is accompanied by a member and the member is responsible for the guest’s behavior at the courts.  A specific waiver is required for EVERY guest visit.   We are going to continue to monitor activity and have an update regularly. 
 
And lastly!  Spring Fling is right around the corner.  The event will be much the same format as in previous years with a few tweaks.  We will also have a short program to formally thank our Court Expansion donors and the recent Hall of Fame inductees.  Expect food, fun, music and of course the 50-50!   We do have a restriction on attendees so if you are member couples, that counts as your guest.  The Evite will be sent shortly.
 
Have a great February – below are the birthdays!

See you at the Courts!
The Board of Directors
 
Birthdays:
 
Trish Maland                      2
Cheryl Bleier                       4
Geriann Engle                    4
Darlene Mauermann      4
Lloyd TeBrink                     4
Amanda Triezenberg      4
Jane Connealy                   5
Marcia Sahag                     6
Walt Conway                     7
Teri Bernhard                    8
Ron Boninger                     8
Patrick Sullivan                  8
Jeff Griswold                      9
Debra Short                        9
Emily Hemphill                  10
Anne Seward                     10
Michael Pragle                  11
Ruth Rohde                        11
Cliff McClure                      13
Deb Harrison                      14
Sally Kelly                            14
Cheryl Gollon                     15
Jim Kropf                             15
DeeAnn Smith                   16
Cathy Zillgitt                        16
DiAnne Fikkert                  17
Lynda Johnson                  18
Harvey Kohn                      19
Cheryl Bredehoeft           20
Bill Pohle                             20
Penny Springer                 20
Jennifer Kriwer                 21
Ash Khan                             22
Tom Sigrist                          22
Margie Kendall                  24
Tim O'Rourke                    24
Jane Heenan                      26
Dave Long                           27
Jean Hosler                         28
Jittra Lynde                         28
Beth Nemire     
 

​​In addition to welcoming new members, we wanted to send a few updates before the regular monthly newsletter for February.
 
Gate Usage:  Please be gentle with the gates!  Slamming them shut has a potential to damage or make them harder to close.  When entering the courts, gently close the door behind you.  When exiting the court lift the lever UP rather than down or jiggling. 
 
The new member-only, guest and gate code policy has been in effect for two weeks.  Reminder that the gate code is not to be shared with non-members.  While we plan to enforce all the new policies, please be mindful that prospective members might show up at the courts without knowing the new policy.  Without turning them away, please ask their intentions.  If drop-in, politely tell them that’s no longer an option and explain where to find membership info online.  If they are coming to see about joining the club and want to play, offer to host them as a guest with all the required paperwork.  In any case, remember you are representing the Club and courtesy goes a long way.
 
Next Saturday and Sunday are the Intermediate and Advanced Tournaments.  Everyone wanting to observe is welcome, but please be aware there is limited bench seating.  You may bring your own chairs although all may not fit on the courts as we cannot encroach on the games.  We will accommodate as best we can.  Play begins at 9:30, medal rounds will be around noon give or take.  Reminder there will also be sticker pick up. 
 
There is a new accident form with the first aid supplies on the west and east courts that should be filled out if there is first aid provided to anyone at the courts.
 
Due to very long wait list, we have added a second orientation for February 26, it will be the last of the season, so if anyone knows someone who is interested, have them check the website for registration.
 
There is an unusually high number of balls disappearing from the club, not accounted for in the number of broken balls left in the baskets at the courts. Reminder that the balls are not for members to take away from our courts for play elsewhere.
 
Round Robins have started for all 3 skill levels. Please be at the courts  15 minutes before your group’s scheduled start time to sign in for that day.
 
You may have already noticed that the bus lane in front of the West court has been painted red and notates Fire Lane.  This has no impact on our member parking rules, it was done to reinforce the times already in place for No Parking.
 
We want to take a minute to reflect back and address the current environment surrounding Covid in our FHPC community.
 
On March 24, 2020, when we closed the courts, the future was an unknown.  On May 1, we had the approval to reopen within the guidelines as of May 4.  Without a mechanism in place to accommodate those guidelines, we worked very hard and fast (another nod to Jack Franz for his invaluable assistance) to put a scheduling system in place. This allowed us to operate safely to ensure no shutdown.  Every member that played did so within the rules at that time; masked and socially distant when off court, personally sanitizing after games.  We asked people to stay home if sick.  Not a requirement, but if they let us know we would anonymously advise groups of infections.  Thankfully, at the time, there was only one and it was not a serious case.  Most important everyone was respectful of each other. 
 
On June 1, the Town updated the guidelines.  We expanded to 20 per court (West) 16 (East) without a scheduling system.  Given it was summer, we were able to maintain those levels again without a shutdown.  Mid-summer the outdoor numbers increased to 50 and through the end of the year we operated business as usual.
 
The 2 new courts were completed during this time, which helped us increase participation.
 
Then came January 2021, it was cooler, and cases were increasing.  We did NOT take any restrictive measures, but asked members to consider masking and social distance while waiting to rotate in. 
 
We did cancel/reschedule events during this whole time and were happy to be able to reinstate these for the 2021-2022 season.
 
Fast forward to December 2021.  While the Club was able to fend off infection much of the year, Omicron has hit Maricopa pretty hard and fast.  Our FHPC community is a vulnerable one.  We’ve had many members report in with infection, again most mild and quick recoveries.  While there is NO intention to restrict play, we want to ask once again - if you are sick, please stay home.  Before you come back to play, please be sure you are no longer infectious.  And consider masking and social distance while off court. 
 
And most of all, please be respectful of your fellow members.
 
Thanks – everyone stay safe and well.
 
The Board of Directors
 
 
 
 
 

 We hope you all had a nice December!  Hard to believe we’re about to ring in a new year.   With that comes many exciting things for the Pickleball Club. 
 
As we continue to grow, the Board has made the decision to formalize our Non-Profit status that will provide several key benefits.  One is enhanced liability for the Board and the Membership.  A basic caveat is that everything we do going forward is Member-only or to increase membership; this means we are eliminating the option of drop-in and public play.  This will allow us to offer additional member court time and keep the courts more protected.  We are also implementing a policy for members to host guests.  It is a requirement that the guest is accompanied by a member and the member is responsible for the guest’s behavior at the courts.  A specific waiver is required for EVERY guest visit.  We will monitor activity and make changes to the policy if and as necessary.  Another new item is an Incident Reporting Process, forms will be available at the court and online.
 
So…you all may have wondered what the gate lock was all about – this is it.   As of Monday, January 3, the gate code will no longer be public.  You will receive a separate email this Sunday with a new website password and the link to the gate code.   There will be signage at the court reflecting Members Only and the website address where non-members can go to register/join.  PLEASE make sure you do not share the gate code with anyone.   
 
A couple of points related to closing the courts:

• Please do not allow access to the courts for non-members.  Please point out access is Members only and without creating confrontation, point people to the website for Contact Us, the Board will address individual communications
• Please close the gate after entering or leaving the court
• If you are the last member leaving the courts, please make sure the ball sleeves are full for players without equipment box keys, and lock the equipment box

 
Something members have been asking for quite some time is the ability to pay fees, etc. with a credit card.  We’re happy to announce that very soon that option will be available.  Details coming soon.  This option is only going to be available on the website, i.e., not on the forms at the courts.
 
January’s schedule is chock full of events including the Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner Round Robin play, Intermediate and Beginner Clinics, and Advanced & Intermediate Tournaments.  On Sundays in January the only scheduled play is the Beginner Round Robin and the Advanced tournament; everything else is Member Open Play.  We will begin looking at other scheduled Sunday play beginning in February.   The At-A-Glance schedule is available online.
 
FHPC Tournament weekend is January 22 – 23.  Calling Advanced players for January 23, minimum of 10 teams required or event will be cancelled.  Registration closes January 9. 
 
Other tournaments are happening across the valley, some in which our members are participating.  Please visit us on Facebook at Pickleball in Fountain Hills AZ for winner announcements!

Web pages related to all above changes will take effect January 3.
 
Questions submitted via Contact Us on the website will be addressed in a timely manner.  Before posting your question, please review the website in the specific area of your concern.

If you need to make a change to your profile (change of address, email, mobile, skill, birthday) please visit here    ​Member Profile Update.

See below for January birthdays.
 
Thank you all for making (calendar) 2021 a banner and safe year for the club.  We wish you all a healthy, happy and safe New Year! 
 
See you at the Courts!
The Advisory Board


Sajan Bajracharya 01
Stephanie  Hoffman 01
Steve Morrison 03
Joe Gregory        05
Dave Hicks           06
Lou Palley            06
Emily Nelson      07
Trevor  Wolfe    07
Mike  Madden  08
Whitney Pearce 08
Steve Rohde      10
Ron Zirkin            10
Greg Boese         12
Terri Cagala         14
Peter Danielsen 14
Donna Hackman 15
Scott Maly           18
Dan Mehlhorn   18
Hidemi Phillips   18
Kris Schack          18
Ted Ennis             19
Steve Fogel         19
Claire Lyon          19
Jim Haase            20
Barbara Dompe 24
Cheryl Egan         24
Bill Franta            24
Bill McKee          24
Maryann O’Connor 24
Vicky Nagel         27
Eddie  Deltoro   30
Gloria Smith       30
Paul Mantz         31
Fred Wolfe          

Hello members –
 
Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving and just like that – it’s December!
 
Thanks to everyone that participated in the Food and Toy Drive. Extended Hands and Toys for Tots were very grateful for our contributions.  We also ran the last Orientation of 2021, lots of interest in Pickleball!  This was a big group, many of whom have joined the club.  The Beginner group is growing! Check out pictures of both in the Photo Gallery here Photo Gallery .
Membership is up from this time last year including 100+ new members.  The courts are busy, crowded during skill level times.  We truly appreciate everyone’s consideration including shortening games, if necessary, to accommodate all players.  And as the weather continues to cool, get your groups together and take advantage of the Member Open time slots. 
 
There is only one change to the December schedule; Monday and Friday, Start to 10:00 East is all Intermediate.   
 
The courts gates temporary lock code is 12345.  This will change in January, you will be notified in a member email.
 
If you haven’t picked up the sticker for your paddle, please find Jim Chase at the West courts Monday-Wednesday-Friday mornings. 
 
All the member events we identified last month are starting in January.  Detail information for Jim Valleskey’s Intermediate and Beginner clinics is available here:  Member Beginner Clinic , Member Intermediate Clinic .
​
Registration for Round Robins and Clinics will be available tomorrow. 
 
The Intermediate Round Robin is Tuesday 2:00-4:00pm, beginning January 11.  The Advanced Round Robin is Thursday 2:00-4:00pm, beginning January 6.  Initial registration is online $10 per participant. The weekly follow up will be managed by Diane Newcomb & Terri Cagala (INT), Bill Beaupre and Debra McAdam (ADV).  Details and registration here.  Round Robin Registration
 
Lou Rhodes will be organizing the Beginner Round Robin.  We will reach out to the Beginner members to describe the format and encourage the group to participate.  Tentatively we plan to start in January on Sundays, stay tuned! 
 
The dates for the Club Tournaments are Intermediate, Saturday, January 22 and Advanced Sunday January 23.  Registration website will be open the week of December 13.  As announced the format is pick-your-partner mixed doubles.  Entry fee is $10 per person.  We’re hoping to have a great turnout for both, so go grab a partner!  Also note, after Lou gets the Beginners going in the Round Robin we hope to offer a Beginners tournament in the spring!
 
See below for the December birthdays!
 
See you at the Courts!
The Advisory Board

Roger Kendall    1
Ben Kennedy     1
Govind Batte      2
Jim Miller             3
Megan Parr         4
Libby Martens   6
Beth Feldman    7
Mark Lomen      7
Zane Balzarini     8
Len Bowes          9
Cindy  Greenberg 9
Katy Koenig        9
Karen Nelson     10
Gary Bleier          11
Ruth Miller          12
Sandi Shoup       13
Kerry  Hays         14
Donna Tarro       14
Jay Ganske         15
Karen Parrish     15
Pam Stack           15
Nancy Fox           17
Randy Hurwitz   17
Marilyn Robertson 17
Peter Pennell     18
Dee McClure      19
Duane Hurst       20
Maryann  Ford   21
Robert Gianguzzi 21
Alan Albright      24
Mike Moore       25
Diane Nigri          25
Diane Severson 25
Pat Willigrod       28
Anne Strauss      30

Hello members –
 
As you know we published the November schedule early so you could plan your play accordingly.  Jim Valleskey’s clinics are starting tomorrow; they are full except for one Beginner slot on Mondays.  Please reply if you’re interested.
 
If you haven’t picked up the sticker for your paddle, please find Jim or Terri C. at the West courts Monday-Wednesday-Friday mornings.  We will have stickers available on Saturday morning, November 13.
 
Also on Saturday, November 13 we will be hosting the annual Food and Toy Drive benefiting FH Extended Food Bank and Toys for Tots.  Flyer with details is attached and will be posted at the courts.  Drop off will be from 7:30am until 10:00am at West courts.   
 
After this month’s Orientation on 11/13 the next one will be February, no December, no January.  We will evaluate the frequency going forward.
 
Now for the fun stuff!  Round Robins and Tournaments return in January and another round of Jim V’s clinics.  As previously, Intermediate Round Robin will be Tuesday afternoons, Advanced will be Thursday afternoons.  We are also going to offer a Beginner’s Round Robin, dates TBD.   Last season we had planned to host both Intermediate and Advanced Tournaments but canceled out of an abundance of caution.  We are going to host these in January.  We are changing the format to pick-your-partner mixed doubles.  This is something members have asked for and ensures we’ll have the same number of men and women.   We will have full details and registration open for all the events in December.
 
See below for the November birthdays!
 
See you at the Courts!
The Advisory Board
 
Tia Cottey           11           4
Mickey Keilman 11           4
Lisa Albright       11           5
David Willigrod  11           7
Maria Chase       11           9
Cherie Pepiot     11           11
Juanita Rinaldi   11           11
Jim Margerum   11           13
Mark Ohlhaver  11           14
Roger Cram         11           16
Laura Crane        11           16
Linda Hurst         11           22
Greg Woo            11           22
Matthew Boik    11           26
Sue Bottiggi        11           26
Faye Holdren     11           28
Jill Gregory         11           30
Rose Hanford     11           30

​Hello –
 
Thank you to those that have paid your membership dues.  You will soon receive a separate email with member-only information.  As you noticed, we asked for birth month and day to provide members a way to wish each other a Happy Birthday.  We will send the month’s birthday list with the monthly schedule.  Please see below for September and October birthdays, since we just started this, Happy Belated to the September members!!
 
On Monday October 4 and Tuesday October 5, there is sticker pickup at West courts from 6:30 – 9:00 AM.    
 
For those of you that have not yet paid you dues, here is the link to Join Now.  You can also stop by 10/4 or 10/5 with your dues and pick up your sticker at the same time. 
 
The October court schedule has several changes, please review for skill level play. Please view At-A-Glance schedule here:    Court Schedule
 
Important note: when playing in scheduled times please play in only one specific skill level. Example, if you play Intermediate on Monday, you can't switch to play Advanced on Tuesday.  We are trying to ensure everyone has an opportunity to play and minimize long wait times.  As we move into cooler temps and people return from “back home” we will continue to tweak the schedule as we monitor play. 
 
We are happy to announce the return of Jim Valleskey’s Clinics and Lessons.  New this season is there are both Intermediate and Beginner Clinics.  They are going to be held starting in November twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays to accommodate as many as possible; 8 participants in Intermediate, 4 participants for Beginners.   Details and registration for the clinics will be provided mid-October.   Lessons will start October 15, details here:           JV Lesson Flyer

September Birthdays:
Joe Walters                         3                             
Lori Coates                         4
Arlen Savitt                        13
Layne Prezel                      16
Bill Pape                              17
Carolyn Boik                       21
Dale Posthumus               24
Dave Coates                      28
Cathy Christian                 30
 
October Birthdays:
Mary Edman                      2
Maryanne Ricketts          2
Bob Cagala                          3
Holly Deem                        4
John Kapinos                      5
Steve Smith                        5
Randy Paulsen                   8
Susan Schoen                    8
Ellen Tappero                    8
Judy Frenzen                     10
Gail Pape                             11
Rick Rickley                         12
Jill Cunningham                 13
Jeff Hatleberg                    14
Cindy Mikulecky               15
Bryan Segedi                      18
Grete Carlson                    19
Amy Franz                           22
Jim Chase                            29
Jim Langham                      29