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Saturday, December 24, 2011



HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Scheduled play is cancelled Christmas Day


Friday, December 23, 2011

Volunteers t make playing safe for all of us 
 Thank You!
Les, Lee, Dennis, Lorne, Noel and Roger

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Referees

All Referees

If you wish to receive a “Palm Creek Certificate of Referee Training” then you must ref 12 games between now and January 26, 2012.  Save your score sheets and turn them in to either Neal or Mary Whitfield or Tom or Jeanne Gearhart. You can do this at any time.  We will really need qualified refs for our tournaments. 
The more games you ref the easier it becomes for you and the more you will enjoy it.
Thanks a lot for your help in this.
Tom Gearhart #389 
 Referee Coordinator 
Next beginner seminar for new refs:
 January 7th from 3 to 5 p.m.
 Court Pavilion

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holiday Social Hour


Wednesday, December 21st
HOLIDAY SOCIAL HOUR 

4-6 PM

COURT PAVILION


Holiday Cheer will be provided by Club
Bring a snack
PS: Please bring with you any items that you would like to donate to the Club Patio Sale (please put a price on the items)


Sunday, December 18, 2011

Moving on Up

Congratulations to the following players, they have had their USAPA Ratings raised as a result of Great Tournament Play:
Theresa Orcutt - 4.5
Donna Robins  - 4.5
Barb Schmidt  -  4.0

Friday, December 16, 2011

Important Updates

If you missed our monthly meeting or have not arrived yet, we do not want you to miss these important updates
The club now has a computerized Reservation System.  You will be able to reserve a court on line or by telephone. For details click on the following link

We are also approaching that time of year and the courts begin to get very busy. As a club it is very important that every member have an equal opportunity to play, for details on the the "Open Play Policy" click on the following link
For your convenience both these links have been placed under the menu section of this Blog, for your future reference.

Ken Reese - Lee Moore - Al Hager

Ken Reese designed and built the new Windsock setup. Sandy Stephens did the necessary sewing to secure the Arizona Flag.  Lee Moore is always right there on the spot assisting with court projects.  Al Hager (on the ladder) is pretty trusting !


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Monthly Meeting 12-15-11

This is the meeting you do not want to miss:
  • Update on new courts - Draft of layout available for viewing!
  • Information on new computerized court reservation system!
  • And much more!!
At this meeting you will be able to:
  • Buy tickets for club 50/50 raffle 3/$5.00 or 10/$10.00 ( bring your wallet)
  • Renew your membership or join the USAPA - $20 - 1 year, $54 - 3 years, $80 - 5 years bring your wallet/check book and glasses
  • Bring items that you would like to donate to club for our Club Patio Sale in January, it is requested that you price your items. Items that are not sold will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul, all funds raised will be used for club purposes
Thursday, December 15th - 3PM
Sonora Room N+S

Note: Men's 3.5 Round Robin Canceled

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Referee Training is underway

Referees in Training

The first referee clinic for the season was held on Saturday, with 38 soon to be top rated referees attending.  Referees are an important part of  a well run tournament. An insufficient number of trained referees available, can cause critical delays in a tournament.  We are fortunate that we have had members attend these clinics throughout the years, creating a strong nucleus.  As our tournament continues to grow so does our need for additional referees.  For the first time our clinic was attended by members of the Mission Royale and Robson Ranch communities. This community training will provide a good pool of referees for all future tournaments in the Casa Grande area.
Participants in this clinic will attend a follow up clinic this upcoming Saturday.
Are you interested in joining this group of referees? The Next Beginner Referee clinic is scheduled on January 7th from 3-5 PM at the court pavilion. You do not need to be a "great" player to be a "great" referee. All you need is an understanding of the game and be willing to participate. Training and practice time will be provided for you develop the skills to be a good referee.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Rain Day(s)

Rain Days are not fun at Palm Creek, although they can be productive!
This is the perfect time to organize and make room for your soon to be new Holiday presents. Thursday, at our monthly meeting we will be collecting the resale items that you would like to donate to the clubs "First Patio Sale," which will be held in January. It is requested that you put a price on your item,
See you at the meeting Thursday 3 PM Sonora N+S

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tucson Senior Olympics - Registration Change

Tucson Senior Olympic Festival, Jan 17-21, 2012
NEW THIS YEAR:
***Please register for this tournament online at www.pickleballtournaments.com instead of using the Senior Olympic’s paper or EZEEreg registration. A registration form for pickleball events only and the waiver for the Senior Olympic Festival will print out at the end of the registration process. Each partner will need to do their own registration online. If you sign up online with this system, partners do not need to sign up together, on one form, as they have in the past. The form and the fees must be mailed to 900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 to finalize your entry.
If you have already registered with the Tucson Senior Olympics, please enter your information online at the website listed below and then discard the printed registration form.
The tournament will run from Tuesday – Saturday, a week earlier than prior years. A Meet & Greet will be at the venue on Monday, Jan 16 at 6:00 pm. Once you register you will get more info.
There are both age-based and skill level events. Mixed doubles has been changed to SKILL LEVEL ONLY for 2012. Singles will be age-based only.
Event Schedule:
Tue, Jan 17 – Men’s singles / Women’s doubles (age-based)
Wed, Jan 18 – Women’s singles / Men’s doubles (age-based)
Thu, Jan 19 – Mixed doubles (skill level)
Fri, Jan 20 – Women’s doubles (skill level)
Sat, Jan 21 – Men’s doubles (skill level)
Registration deadline (postmark date) is December 31, or January 9 with a $3 late fee per event.
Your age is based on your age as of December 31, 2012.
If you have tournament or online registration questions please contact Priscilla Scott, 520-574-1203 or pscottpball@gmail.com.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Congratulations to our latest medal winners






Voyager Holiday  (217) pictures of player and spectators  placed in photo album ( check under menu)


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New Court Update

The plans for the new court are still on track. A landscape architect is currently drawing plans showing the layout of the courts and associated facilities. The plans should be to Palm Creek management some time the week of December 5th. As soon as they have the plans the pickleball club will be given a copy for our viewing. If everything goes as planned I will have our copy of the plans at the club meeting on December 15th. Everyone at the meeting will have a chance to look over the plan and give their input. We still do not have an official count of how many courts will be built. If there are any changes to this information I will post it here.
                         Mark Nelson
                           Club President



Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving


Scheduled Court Play is cancelled on Thanksgiving Day
 
WISHING YOU AND YOURS THE HAPPIEST OF THANKSGIVINGS

Monday, November 21, 2011

Saturday, November 19, 2011

A Saturday at the Courts


Thank You!



Lee Moore
It looks like Lee is lifting the net, he actually was just keeping busy while he was waiting for his prayers to be answered - " Please send help to clean the Round Robin boards and Please help improve my game".

Lee had one his prayers answered ...

Lynda Tebo, Judi White, Lorne Bjornson,
Noel White and Suzanne Scott
Once again we are reminded as to how lucky we are to be a part of this club with such giving members.  This team did an amazing job of cleaning the boards...
                                      

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

GREAT CLINIC

Bob and Bev Youngren
Taught 121 registered club members for 2 days

Edie Preis and Sandi Feller
Check in club members both days

During the morning sessions, Bob and Bev started with rudimentary information for the beginner players and as the clinic progressed discussed advanced strategies for the tournament player

During the afternoon sessions, members watched some exhibition play and took to the courts to have their own play evaluated

Bev and Bob were our guest for the first pot luck dinner of the season

No warm up needed to put on a great pot luck dinner

We also celebrated Bob Youngren's Birthday
(Self acclaimed oldest 5.0 male player)

Bev and Bob
Great Athletes
Great Ambassadors
Thank You

Additional photos have been posted in an album created for the clinic
Photos courtesy of Verna Moore and Barb Schmidt



General Meeting Reminder

General Meeting
Thursday - November 17th
3 PM
Sonora Room N+S



Monday, November 14, 2011

TRAINING KICK OFF FOR THE SEASON


WELCOME
First Training Session of the Season
Taught by LeRoy Schmidt and Carmela Pankey

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Pot Luck Dinner and Youngren Clinic

PICKELBALL CLINIC
Bob and Bev Youngren
Medal Winners at this year’s National Tournament  
  For Players of all skill levels
  Tuesday and Wednesday
November 15th and 16th
Check in 9:00 AM
at the Courts
Fee: $8.00
Pre Register this Monday
10 AM – NOON at the Courts
Pot Luck Dinner
Tuesday November 15th
4 PM at the court pavilion
Sign up sheets are posted at the courts

The club is providing dessert

Regular scheduled play will be canceled for these 2 days

Sunday, November 6, 2011

2011 USAPA National Tournament

The National Tournament is now underway in Buckeye, AZ
Athletes range this year from  ages 10 - 89 years old
We have 10 Women and 15 Men competing from our club. They have registered to play in multiple events, affording us the opportunity to win a total of 68 medals! 
Spend some this week, cheering on our club members and watch amazing Pickleball by players who come from all over the country
Carpool and have some fun 
For more information, go to: http://usapa.org/nationals/

Friday, November 4, 2011

An Evening on the Courts

                                                                                    photo courtesy of Verna Moore     
Two evening Pickleball players, Sharon Majors (blonde) and Jill Easterbrook (redhead) take a break from their game to watch the match on the adjacent court

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

YOUNGREN TRAINING CLINIC UPDATE

THE PALM CREEK PICKLEBALL CLUB PRESENTS A TRAINING CLINIC
BY GUEST EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

BOB AND BEV YOUNGREN
NOVEMBER 15 AND 16, 2011

Looking for a way to sharpen your skills? To bring your game to the next level? This is for you! Both Bob and Bev are excellent players and extraordinary instructors with many years of knowledge and experience. Both have an excellent ability to communicate and transfer their knowledge to their students in a detailed, good-natured way.

 Day 1: Basic and Intermediate Strategies and Techniques
9:30am- 12:00pm Instruction (group)
1:00pm- 3:00pm On-court Play (instructors will give feedback)

Day 2: Advanced Strategies
9:30am - 12:00pm Instruction (group)
1:00pm- 3:00pm On-court Play (instructors will give feedback)

REGISTRATION: All registration must be made in advance via email to (rosemaryreese@aol.com)
COST OF CLINIC: $8 You are welcome to attend either or both days.

PAYMENT: Rosemary Reese will be at the courts on Saturday November 5th from 10 AM - 12 Noon to accept your payment and complete your registration, will also accept payment from you, if you at the Nationals.

SIGN UP NOW AND RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Blog Update

The Blog has reached another milestone
25,000 hits
Pageviews last month
: 1,694
 Busiest Month  March 2011  Pageviews: 3,432
Barb Schmidt
Tournament Updates and Photos
Barb updates the Tournament Boards at the courts, she provides an updated list of upcoming tournaments, registration forms, updated list of medal winners and photos of medal winners. Barb also updates the Blog, she updates the Blog photo album with pictures of recent tournaments and medal winners and updates the link of medal winners (update coming soon)

 Verna Moore
 Blog Photographer
Verna is the roving photographer for the Blog.  In addition to taking candid photos at the courts, she also take photos at our general meetings and special events, smile as you may be on "candid camera"

  Under each Blog you can check a box and let us know what you think

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Court Play

                                               photo courtesy of Verna Moore
Court Play

The courts are already filling up and organized play has begun!
Sign up sheets for Round Robins are at the courts 
Joyce Staffen our Round Robin Coordinator plans to have the
complete court schedule implemented by mid November


Monday, October 24, 2011

Training Clinic

Save the Dates: November 15 + 16
This year's training coordinator - AJ Fraties is currently organizing our first 2 day clinic of the season
Bob and Bev Youngren are coming to Palm Creek and will be giving a training clinic 
Day 1: Beginner and Intermediate Clinic
Day 2: Advanced Clinic
Additional information will be posted, when it becomes available

Note: The Blog calendar has been updated , check meeting dates, tournament information, social hours etc...

New Maintenance Coordinator on the job

Randall - Lee - Noel - Steve - Mark
                                          photo courtesy of Verna Moore

Lee Moore our new maintenance coordinator returned to Palm Creek and rounded up "the crew" to clean the courts, for the enjoyment of all!!
"Let's Play Pickleball"


Sunday, October 23, 2011

Paddle Update


As of 10/22/11 another paddle has been listed on the USAPA, as not compliant for Sanctioned Tournament Play

Performance One Paddles (POP). Model Q1 (graphite and cork), Model Q1 (aluminum and Cork) Fails the deflection test, this paddle is sold by Brian Jensen.

Following is the complete list posted by USAPA:
List of Commercial Paddles Not Meeting Specifications of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP)

Paddles that have failed the deflection test: 
Apike 
Hush  
Performance One Paddles (POP). Model Q1 (graphite and cork), Model Q1 (aluminum and Cork) 


This as described for size:
Pickleball Now Whomper Some paddles have been slightly oversize. Models at tournaments can be measured for compliance.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Huntsman Medal Winners in the News

CG residents win at senior games

Published: Friday, October 21, 2011 10:21 AM MST

Residents from Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort and Mission Royale brought home a total of 14 medals from the 25th annual Huntsman World Senior Games in St. George, Utah. The games ended Saturday.

In this year's games, more than 10,000 athletes participated in 26 sports.

Palm Creek medal winners included Sue Buerkens, Vance Christiansen, Sherry Gusse, Al Hager, Lee Moore, Sandy Stephens and Mary Whitfield.
 Mission Royale winners were Lenny Chimino and John Grasso.


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

New Pickleball Courts: Update #1

New Pickleball Courts: Update #1


AJ Fraties, Neal Whitfield and myself met with Palm Creek management to discuss the new courts for Palm Creek. This was our first chance to look at the plans Palm Creek has drawn up for their expansion. Of course the expansion has new RV sites. It also has pickleball courts, softball field, restrooms, food facility, doggie run, recycling area, parking, and picnic area. There is not unlimited area. To fit the ball field and pickleball courts the layout is not ideal but very workable. The current drawing has room for 26 pickleball courts. We most likely will not get 26 courts now. The final number of courts will be decided by costs of the courts and available financing. It will be awhile before we know those numbers.

We did emphasize our club’s consensus that we did not want to split the courts up. We do not want new courts in the expansion area and still have our current courts to use. It is very important to us that we have our all our courts in one place. We like the single court area for the cohesion it brings the group and how much easier it is to put on tournaments with only one venue. We will continue to work with Palm Creek on the details of the plan. I will be supplying them with the list of amenities that we would like to see. We will meet again next week to continue working on the details. As more details become available I will post them.

Mark Nelson

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Huntsman World Senior Games - Medal Update

Women's Doubles
Sue Buerkens        Bronze 
Sherry Gusse         Silver 
Mary Whitfield      Bronze

Men's Doubles
Al Hager                Silver


Mixed Doubles
Vance Christiansen   Bronze
Al Hager                  Silver
Lee Moore               Silver
Sandy Stephens        Silver
Mary Whitfield          Bronze


Women's Singles
Sue Buerkens          Gold



Saturday, October 8, 2011

Mesquite Tournament Results

Mesquite held a brand new Pre-Huntsman tournament as a fund raiser for charity.  From all accounts it was a fun and well run tournament.

Congratulations to:
3.5 Gold Medal Winners - Steve Arthur and Lee Moore
3.5  Bronze Medal Winner - Ellen Mattson

5.0 Men's Doubles was quite the event for our Club Member Al Hager.  It is unprecedented for medal winners from other clubs to appear on our blog.  In this rare instance listing the other medal winners highlights the level of competition!
The medal winners are:
Gold - Al Hager and Mark Friedenberg
Silver - Dennis Makinen and Mark Clark
Bronze - Pat Kane and Chile Chilelli

John Ramirez this year's tournament director, advised that he will be holding the tournament again next year, on the same weekend, mark your calendars!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

NEW COURTS - GENERAL MEETING

GENERAL MEETING

"A window of opportunity to make recommendations"
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
2 PM
San Tan Room

The only item on the agenda will be
THE NEW PICKLEBALL COMPLEX

The meeting is being held, at this early date, as we need to work within the time frame provided by Palm Creek. 

If you are unable to attend the meeting and have ideas or suggestions please e-mail our club President

Monday, September 26, 2011

Court Updates

Welcome Back!!!!
  • Effective 10/1/2012 - We return to a 7:30 AM start time
  • Summer League Play has been approved at Palm Creek for Monday October 3rd and 10th
  • Pickleballs will be provided for club members effective October 16th
  • If players need balls prior to October 16th, they are available at the activities office - $2.00 each
  • As a reminder the sitting area is shared space with Tennis, please be courteous and put chairs close to tables when you are done playing, Tennis players should have a path to their courts

Saturday, September 24, 2011

September Medal Winners

Irene Fraties
Eagle's Crest Pickleball Bash
3rd - Women's Advanced Doubles
2nd - Mixed Advanced Doubles


AJ Fraties
Eagle's Crest Pickleball Bash
3rd - Men's Advanced Doubles
2nd - Mixed Advanced Doubles


Lee Moore
Eagle's Crest Pickleball Bash
4th - Men's Advanced Doubles


Laurel Wineinger
Kansas Senior Olympics
Silver - Women's Doubles

Dean Wineinger
Kansas Senior Olympics
Gold - Men's Doubles

Sue Buerkens
Sun River Tournament
1st - Women's Doubles
2nd - Mixed Doubles

Al Hager
Terre Haute Senior Skill Level
Gold - Men's Doubles

 Lynn Carlson
Terre Haute Senior Skill Level
Gold - Men's Doubles

Sunday, September 18, 2011

End of Season Party


Great Food +




Great Friends =


A Great Time !
This get together was enjoyed by all, the tables were set, there was more food than we could eat; although unusual we even had too much desert!  With music in the background everyone had fun circulating from table to table. Summer play once again has been a lot of fun for all! 


Sunday, September 11, 2011

End of Season

Many of you may think that the only Pickleball Season at Palm Creek is when you are here for the Winter months.  During the Summer months, Pickleball is very active.  No one is deterred by the heat or having to bring their own water or their own balls. On average 4-8 courts have been busy all season, with always a few players sitting out. Early morning play is enjoyed, with no chattering teeth or ice on the balls.  A few fans are set up for when sitting around between games. Last week the players were enjoying fresh fruit and cookies!  Palm Creek, Mission Royale and Robson Ranch united and rotated venues for playing. A great job was done with organizing the Summer League. The occasional evening pool parties with water volleyball were an extra bonus for a good time. In addition to good play, this summer league afforded everyone the opportunity to make new and lasting friendships;  this is the key element that makes Palm Creek and Pickleball the game of choice.
As the season is coming to an end it is time for one more fun Summer get together. If you are a pickler and your here do come...


                                                Flyer prepared by Sandi Feller

As a reminder the new season starts Sunday, October 16th, balls will be supplied on the courts at that time.




Friday, September 9, 2011

First Ever Pickleball Club Patio Sale

Our new club President, Mark Nelson has already set us up to participate in a brand new event!!

During the season Palm Creek has a monthly patio sale, that is advertised to the local community. This gives residents the opportunity to sell items, they are no longer using or have replaced
  • This year the Pickleball Club is going to participate in the January patio sale, we will be located in the North Pavilion.
  • This fund raiser will be for the benefit of our club.  All proceeds will be deposited in our club account.
  • Betty Fairchild has agreed to be the coordinator for this event
  • Please bring back with you all usable items that you would like to donate
  • Your donations will make this event a Huge success
Regular updates will be sent out for this event, bring your goodies back to Palm Creek!!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

August 2011 - 17 MEDALS WON

ANOTHER GREAT MONTH
9 of Our Club Athletes Win 17 medals




Lance Thiede
Olympic Peninsula Senior Games

Gold - Men's Doubles
Silver - Mixed Doubles

Bob Sester
Olympic Peninsula Senior Games
Silver - Mixed Doubles

Rhoda Zaph
Olympic Peninsula Senior Games
Gold - Women's Singles
Bronze - Women's Doubles

Doug Kant
Royal Oak Summer 2011
Silver - Men's Doubles


Al Hager
Royal Oak Summer 2011
Silver - Men's Doubles
Silver - Mixed Doubles


Lee Moore - Ed Obermeyer
Olympic Peninsula Senior Games
Silver - Men's Doubles
Ed Obermeyer
Bronze - Men's Singles


Barb Schmidt

Wyoming Senior Olympics
Gold - Women's Doubles
Gold - Women's Singles
Gold - Mixed Doubles

LeRoy Schmidt

Wyoming Senior Olympics
Gold - Men's Doubles
Bronze - Men's Singles
Gold - Mixed Doubles