Ann Reich, who was a member of the Sun City Pickleball Club, passed away on February 9, 2019. To honor Ann’s memory, the 2018/2019 Women’s League of the Sun City Pickleball Club, collected donations from league members to honor Ann’s life and friendship with us. It was decided to use the funds and donate to the Sun City PRIDES to plant a tree in Ann’s honor and participate with the PRIDES in their annual Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration held on March 28th. Ann’s two daughters, Denise and Lisa & a few of their family members, joined us in planting a Red Pistache tree at the PRIDES Celebration at 108th & Peoria Avenue. Both daughters said a few words about their mom and how much Ann loved pickleball and all her friends in Sun City. We very much appreciate the PRIDES in helping us to honor Ann’s memory & her love of Pickleball.

Pickleball Club Members –

Friday, February 8, 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Signup Deadline: Feb. 6

Test your Pickleball skills by competing in the Pickleball Rodeo.

There will be skill stations and you will move around to each station. Some of the skill stations include a Dink Station, Serve Station, Smash Station, and 3rd Shot Drop Station.

You will earn points at each station.

Lunch will be provided at the end of the Rodeo.

Sign up here… and Pay $5 to Lis Smoot or Pat Klepadlo

Paddle Play will not resume until Monday, January 14th due to Tournaments.

Comin Up in January
January 1  –  New Years get together at Mountain View  – Noon – 4.  Bring your paddle and whatever you want for munchies and drinks. First time trying this – will it become an annual event?
January 7  –  FUN DAY at Marinette  –  4 – 7
January 15  –  FUN DAY at Mountain View  –  4 – 7
Club provides cups, plates, napkins and plastic tableware.  You bring your paddle and a snack to share and your preferred beverage. A great way to meet some new people and catch up with the Snowbirds as the last of them finally get back to Sun City.
January 18  –  Desert Frogs vs Snowbirds Tournament and Dinner.  A team tournament matching players of all levels. Details to follow, but this will be a real enjoyable afternoon/evening!
January 21  –  Membership Meeting at Marinette Auditorium  –  4PM.  Learn what’s going on for the rest of the winter/spring season and look ahead to the rest of 2019.
January 29 – 31  –  SSIPA Tournament at Marinette. Our first open tournament of the year, and a major fund raiser for the Club. Volunteer signup sheets available on the Club Website. Come and watch some great play and cheer for our participating Club Members.
All Clinics, lessons, leagues, socials and other weekly events are in full swing. Check the Club Calendar.

Twas the night before Christmas
And out on the courts
Were all types of people
In tennies and shorts

All of them beaming and shouting with joy
Happy as children with a new Christmas toy
Out of their bags, colorful paddles appeared
To the kitchen they scurried, lined up, and cheered

Let’s dink it and drop it, let’s volley and kill
The balls started bouncing as if without will
The sound from the paddles and balls as they rose
Moved all of the players to the tips of their toes

Cross court and forward, balls started to fly
When appeared an old player with a wink in his eye
Dressed in all red from his head to his toe
A smile on his face and a warm, cheery glow

0-0-2 he shouted as he served me the ball
He moved like the wind, barely saw him at all
Then all of a sudden, it was 11 to 0
As we lightly touched paddles, he said he must go

Before I asked where, he disappeared in a haze,
But I heard his farewell while still in my daze
“Keep playing and laughing and having your fun!
Merry Pickleball to all, my work here is done!”

[A Poem By Greg LaVelle] Submitted by Joyce Troyer