​​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

                                                                                                                                                Club Update
​
Hello and welcome to the 2021-2022 Season!

It's a good time to try something NEW, we hope you enjoy the web version of the newsletter.   There is a lot of information here, make sure you scroll all the way through so you don't miss anything!!

The summer weather has been a combination of  hot and wet! That hasn't stopped the local members from filling the courts early mornings. And many are taking advantage of evening play.    We are also encouraging members to keep their distance  with the recent increase in COVID cases here.   See below for the September schedule. 

We held two small special events, one in November to honor the lenders who made the court expansion possible; this was in lieu of a big grand opening  during COVID.  The second was this past May to honor the three new inductees to the FHPC Hall of Fame.  We will have formal recognition at the 2022 Spring Fling. And in June, we presented the FHUSD with a $500 donation.  Pictures below.

We finished up last season with record membership: 500+ including returning, new, lifetime and one-time-special summer memberships.   The Annual Summary report will be published  this month. Membership and Fall Orientation are open, details below.
 
We have a lot of events planned for this season, especially some  we had to cancel or postpone  last season.   Specific dates for all are  not finalized  yet, there will be separate  communications to provide enough timing for registration, etc.

One new event is Return to Recess sponsored by Fountain Hills Community Services. It is a weekly program for FH kids 8-14. Details below.

Other events include Annual Food and Toy Drive, JV's Clinics, Advanced and Intermediate Round Robins and Tournaments.  Jim V will also continue member lessons.  Details on these events will be forthcoming in future correspondence.

AND the return of Spring Fling!  Save the date Saturday, March 26, 2022!! Details coming soon.

School has been in session for a few weeks and as a reminder, please review parking restrictions for both west and east courts   Link below.

We placed a second paver order which will be installed shortly.  We will place another when we have a number of orders to fulfill a minimum.  Place your order below.

Make sure to visit the Pro Shop  to order a club shirt and   for recent additions by our member vendors!   All purchases include a portion of the sale goes to the Club!

Please ensure fhpickleball@gmail.com is trusted to ensure receiving club communications.
As always, if you have any newsletter topic suggestions or anything to share or comment,
please Contact Us. 
                                                                                                                  See you at the courts!  ---Jan

​                                                                                          2021-2022 Membership is now Open

The easiest and preferred way to renew or join is to use the website form which provides a check box for accepting the Annual Waiver.  There will still be forms for download online or at the courts. 

Please note we have a selection for rating. This is either self rated or via USA Pickleball (formerly USAPA). The goal of gathering this information is to provide a balanced schedule for all skill levels.   

We added Birthday Month-Day (no Years, lol) to recognize members in monthly newsletters.  We hope you use this as a way of meeting other members. 

This summer we "piloted" membership identification in the form of a label for (your) paddle. The intention was for members to avoid being asked if they are members when they are not familiar to others.    It also provided a way to ask people to pay the drop-in without  offending members.  As you renew/join you will receive a  label with details for placement.  See the example below.

                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                       Orientation

We're kicking off Orientation in September as there are many full time residents looking to learn the game.  Because it is expected to be warm still, for September 11th, start time is 9:00am. The remaining sessions will be the normal 10:00am start time.

Please pass along this link Orientation to anyone you know that would like to learn the game. This is by far, the best, quickest way to get up to speed on Pickleball. The first hour or so is all about rules, etiquette, shots and safety -- and fun!  Then there is actual play with a coach for each court.  Once registered, Diane will reach out ahead of the session with all the details necessary to prepare for the session.  

                                                                                                                     Court Maintenance

PLEASE pay attention to the equipment boxes. When the last players leave the courts, follow the procedure to ensure they are closed and locked.

The Club has purchased  two plastic benches which will  be put out as more members arrive for the season.    Weed killer has been applied to the areas surrounding the West courts, this will be done to East courts during September.

The cost of pickleballs has risen significantly due to tariffs, the club will continue to supply as a benefit of membership. We do though ask that a ball is not discarded if it is playable with just a minor crack.

Please continue to use the Lost and Found bins by placing any found items in these bins.  Note: everything remaining in the boxes at the courts at the end of the season was cleaned and donated.

                                                                                                                              Court Schedules

The current posted schedule is through September 30.  We will have a new schedule for October taking into account cooler weather and returning members.  We will also use the information gathered via membership re: ratings to balance  throughout the season.
​
Please access the website for the most up-to-date schedule.  Tip-if you weren't aware, the schedule (and the whole website) is available on all mobile platforms!!

Go to the Court Schedules for the most current daily-weekly-monthly schedule.
Download the At-A-Glance schedules for a quick overview.

Please ensure   fhpickleball@gmail.com  is trusted to ensure receiving club communications.
​
Again, if you have any newsletter topic suggestions or anything to share or comment, use the Contact Us link below.​