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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

NOW this is it!

   Schedule some time, to take care of all your outstanding club business, all in one spot

Wednesday, January 28th
2-5 PM
Sonora South


Club Shirts
If you ordered shirts, this is the time to pick them up
Want to order a club shirt, this is your chance
$15 per shirt - Cash or US Check only

Club Memberships
Are you playing and still haven't paid?
Have you paid and not filled out a form?
The updated list is posted on the roster if your name is not there, your fellow 
paid club members, would like to see your name added to the roster

USAPA Memberships
The updated roster for active members lists your status
If you have expired, please renew
Haven't Joined
Like those who have joined before you, this is your chance to 
"Pay it Forward"
For future players to learn and enjoy the sport

Resident Tournament Registration 
Wednesday is the last day to register for "Our Resident" tournament
Need help in completing the registration form, not a problem, we are available to help


 Club Pins
$ 3 each  or $ 2/5

Our Volunteers look forward to assisting you 

Tournament Registration Reminders

Registrations are still open for all skill levels events, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles & Mixed Doubles  In particular, we are looking for players for Men's Doubles 2.5, Women's Doubles 2.5 and Mixed Doubles 2.5. With enough teams registered in each event we can guarantee you a bracket of 2.5 players only, no different than playing in your Round Robins.

In addition we are still accepting registrations for all Age/Skill levels, and in particular the following:

Men's 50-59, 70+      and     Women's Doubles 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Teams play at the higher skill level and youngest age of either partner.

Reminder on Tournament Play and Skill levels:

We are looking for FAIR, FUN play in any tournament, especially in our Resident tournament.  In any tournament you must play at the level of the higher skill level player. Hopefully you can see why it would not be fair for a 4.0/3.5 team (either men, women or  mixed) to play down into the lower bracket.  However, players may always play up.  Since most players at the lower skill levels are self-rated (no official tournament or club rating), for the purpose of our resident tournament, skill levels are determined by the higher Round Robin skill level they have been playing in. Sometimes it is difficult to tell when you should be moving up to the next skill level.  The resident tournament is a good test of your skill, so if you think you may be able to compete at a higher skill level, give it a try.  Please let me or anyone on the Tournament Committee know if you have any questions.

Bob VanderLinden

Tournament Committee Chair

Monday, January 26, 2015

In the News!

Congratulations!!!

Tucson Senior Olympics
Randy Bourne - Olga Jetelina - Vera Loskot - Connie Emerson
Tom Earley - Lynn Carlson - Lance Thiede - Tom Gearhart - Odney Hegrenes


Happy Trails Classic
LeRoy Schmidt - Vance Christiansen - Brenda Jmaeff - Marge White- Lance Thiede

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Notice of Nominations and Election for the Board of Directors

Nominations are open for the following positions:

President
Secretary
Director at Large - 2 positions

Each of these positions is for a 2 year term beginning April 1, 2015.
You may nominate yourself for one of these positions or you may nominate someone else. (If you nominate someone else, please be sure that he or she is willing to run for election).

Are you ready to be a candidate?  Please forward your Biography to a member of the nomination committee:
Donna Christiansen - dvac1@msn.com
Roger Fellows -  rlfduck@gmail.com
Les Scott - rickieschance@aol.com
Ken Schabenthal - kenschae@gmail.com

Biography's will be posted at the courts and will also be posted on the Blog.  
Nominations do remain open until the election, which will be held  at the General Meeting on March 11, 2015.

Candidates will be introduced on February 18th at the General Monthly Meeting.  
Interested in running and would like more information.  All current and prior board members would be happy to answer your questions.
As a candidate you are encouraged to introduce yourself at the courts, to members who my not know you.  Prior to round robins is usually a good time. 

Our club member Kate Perrie is interested in running for Secretary. Please take a moment to read the BIO she has submitted for your consideration

 

Kate Perrie
1/23/2015


BIO
Graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Accounting.  Certified as a CPA in the States of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.  Graduated from Duke University with an MBA.  My son and daughter-in law and two granddaughters live in the Presidio in San Francisco, CA.  My daughter, son-in- law and two grandsons live in Malden, MA a suburb or Boston. My husband, Mark Costello and I were living on a lake in the Kansas City, Missouri Area when, seven years ago, he finally convinced me to sell everything and focus on “Seeing America” as full time RVers.   One of our early stops was Palm Creek and we have been back every year.  Many of you know Mark from when he partnered with Dave Luchi to win gold and silver medals in the Palm Creek Pickleball Tournament.

I worked for GTE, now known as Verizon, for twenty years.  I worked in many accounting positions on the landline side of the business.  On the cellular side I served in varied positions including: General Manager of the Oregon, South West Washington Office as well as serving as the Vice President of Marketing for Movilnet – the national cellular service provider for the Country of Venezuela.  In this position we introduced cellular in a country where landline service was hard to obtain.
Sports are a huge part of our lives.  While we are on the road we mostly play golf, walking the 18 hole courses for exercise.  Since we started RVing we have now played 239 unique golf courses!  While we are in Palm Creek, pickleball and tennis add to our active lifestyle.  I am proud to say that I have played in Palm Creek Pickleball Tournaments with Ann Early and Barb Schmidt as my partners.  Not winning in either of these tournaments I think it is evident that I didn’t carry my weight!!  For three years I served as the President of the Palm Creek Tennis Club culminating in the complete reconstruction of four courts.
I learned to play pickleball at The Villages in Florida.  Seven years ago I started playing pickleball in Palm Creek when the skill levels were divided between A and B!  For three years, as President of the tennis club, I worked closely with Palm Creek Pickleball Presidents A.J. Fraties and Mark Nelson.  This gave me some insight into the vast and intricate responsibilities of the Pickleball Club board.  Recently I was asked to join the Court Utilization Committee (CUC).   At my first meeting I was a bit hesitant being the newest member.  But, my ideas were welcomed and encouraged.  Orla Wanless, chair of the CUC, stated in his recent email:  “Kate, since you have the best eyes and analytical skills” before asking me to serve as the final review of the hard copy of the updated court schedule to be presented to the board.
I am grateful that I have been asked to run for the position of Secretary.  I believe that through my attention to detail, and analytical skills I can contribute to the Board and the Membership.


Saturday, January 24, 2015

Referee Training and Referees Needed

Once again the Gearhart's undertook coordinating Referee Training this season.   26 referees in training, upon completion of this program,  will be ready to referee matches in all tournaments of their choosing!

 Tom and Jeanne Gearhart
Referee Training Coordinators

 Steve Mueller
 Mentoring Trainees
Mentors not shown who volunteer to make this program a success
Donna Christiansen - Vern Jacobson - Ken Johnson
Jerri Sedio - Joyce Staffen


Experienced Referees Needed

Mission Royale's 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament is going to be January 28th through 31st and they are asking for our help as they will be running 14 courts most of the time.

If you can help any of those days, please email Robin Wyrick at:
robinwyrick61@yahoo.com and let her know.  They will appreciate it very much!

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Let the Good Times Roll

A fun event, the food tables were filled with a delectable assortment of finger foods.   Randy White on guitar, entertained us. Romantic couples were spotted on the dance floor. Many club members were mingling, thanks to those who were willing to table hop!
A big Thank you to Edie Preis for planning this event.
2015 Happy Hour at the Fireside Bistro

Edie Preis
Event Coordinator

Randy White

Romance is still in the air!


Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Time To Have Fun




 PALM CREEK PICKLEBALL CLUB
HOME OF THE
 DUEL IN THE DESERT

HAPPY HOUR
At the Fireside Bistro
Thursday January 22, 2015
4:00pm – 6:00pm
BYOB and a snack to share!

"Fun time to get together off the courts "

Double Header Club Events

Paddle Day attracted a few hundred club members
Everyone had an opportunity to try out a large assortment of paddles.
Everywhere you look you will see these paddles now in action on the courts


Simon
click here
Our Clubs new pickleball machine 
never did get a rest, a great addition to our training program


 Another Great Training Event
Chris Moore Clinic
Our Members were out early this morning to attend this clinic

Training Clinic Coordinators
Our Club Thanks
AJ and Irene Fraties
For organizing these back to back club events
and for coordinating all our training clinics this season

The Future of Pickleball
Jameson - 1 years old
Grandson of Steve and Belinda Kiesler


Saturday, January 17, 2015

Paddle Day

Sunday - 1/18/15
12-5 PM
At the Courts
This opportunity comes along once a year!
Expert representatives will assist you, in finding the right paddles for your game.
You will be able to test paddles, prior to purchase!

 Manta Sports USA
Onix
PaddleTek
Pickleball Now
Pickle-Ball, Inc.
POP
Pro-Lite
Selkirk Sports
ZZT



You will also be the first to meet our newest club member
SIMON
click here
USAPA will be represented. Perfect time learn about our national organization, easy to join or renew your membership!
1 year $25 - 3 year $68  5 year - $100, renewals start when your current membership expires.


Club Pins $3 each or 2/$5
PB Logo-2.jpg
 Perfect for Cap, Visor or Bag!

   Valentine's Day is less than a month from now, all of these items are a perfect " I LOVE YOU"

Wondering what you need to do? Wear your sneakers, we will be on the courts and save yourself a trip home, bring your checkbook!  You are here to have fun and who deserves these items more than you and your loved one!



Friday, January 16, 2015

Volunteers shine at this Months Meeting

Board of Directors presiding over our club meeting

 A recent contest to Brand our Annual Tournament had great club participation, with over 100 names entered, Lanna Ennis won with " Duel in the Desert"
Gary Baker Congratulating Lana Ennis


With a new name,a new medal design was needed, our very talented Helen Carlson under took this project
Gary Baker Thanking Helen Carlson

A new name and a new design resulted
In a Beautiful New Medal

With Volunteer Descriptions Prepared
Volunteer Co-Ordinators
Susan Hearn and Rosemary Nichol
were well prepared to recruit club members

Our upcoming Resident and Annual Tournaments are the Best for a reason. Each year, our Tournament Directors and their committees, volunteer a large amount of time and they continue to raise the bar, this year is no exception. Plan on being part of the best tournaments in the country!  
Bob VanderLinden
Tournament Director

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Changes to Scheduled Play

Submitted by: Orla Wanless
There have been some changes to the Round Robin Schedule that will go into effect on Monday, January 19.
Six RRs will be offered in the 8-10 AM time period, all to be played on and limited to Courts 17-24 as needed.
Tuesday and Thursday 4.5/5.0 RR (This IS a correction)
Wednesday and Saturday Men’s 4.0 RR
Monday Women’s 4.0 Rated RR
Friday Men’s 3.5 Partners RR
On Monday, the Men’s and Women’s 3.5 RRs will switch times, i.e. Women play at 10-12 and Men play at 12-2.
The Friday 3.5 Women’s Partners is expanded to 8 courts.

Copies of the revised Schedule should be available no later than Saturday and available at both the courts and the court schedule link on the Blog

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Referee Training Part II

Referee training has been rescheduled:
Tuesday - January 20th
2-4 PM

Effective immediately, referees who are in the training program, will begin the practical part of their training.  Initially they will be accompanied by an experienced referee. They will referee all skill levels on open/challenge courts. Please welcome them.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Don't Miss Out

Monthly Club Meeting
Wednesday - 1/13/15
 4 PM  in the ballroom

Learn more about the club and all that is happening!
Bring a snack for after the meeting, to sit around and socialize a bit. Arrive early to Join or renew your USAPA membership. Club pins will also be available $3 ea or 2/$5

Monday, January 12, 2015

Well attended

3.0 clinic on serving was well attended
Chuck MacDonald Led the clinic with assistants

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Training Kick OFF

Irene and AJ Fraties
Presented an Introduction to Tournaments
Hope it becomes permanent part of the curriculum 
We were given years of knowledge and experience in an hour!
Thank you for all you have done for the club over the years

Saturday, January 10, 2015

YOUR CHANCE TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT!

VALUE ADDED COORDINATOR
This position helps find and then works with the various entertainment providers associated with the tournament events.
This might include selecting DJs or bands, working with the Vendor and Sponsor chair to find local service providers who wish to provide services at our tournaments such as chiropractors, massage therapists, and so on. Additionally this position will determine their needs and facilities requirements, work directly with the people on the tournament committee who can help provide that function, and work through the Entertainment Coordinator to secure the Palm Creek park management assistance needed if any.
This person should be creative, energetic and organized. The scope of the position is limited to providing these services during the upcoming tournaments and a good deal of the pre-work is already started.

 Reports directly to A. J. Fraties, Entertainment Coordinator. Contact him at ajfraties@gmail.com or at x7732.


MEDICAL TEAM
Qualifications: Basic first aid for most common injuries.  These would be: hand, wrist, ankle injuries, scrapes from falls, dehydration and low blood sugar (diabetes)  Recognize more serious problems and know when to commence CPR, call 911 or call for back-up. 
Volunteers with medical experience (nursing, medical, EMT or other) wanted for shift leaders.
Shifts are 2 hours. Volunteers can choose one or more shifts

Needed for Resident Tournament and Duel in the Desert:  February 7 - 9, March 6 -8
Contact Marg Ouimet at #6395 or 520 876 6395

PHOTOGRAPHY:
Head Photography volunteer: to coordinate these 3 jobs.  The lead could take one of the positions below. Volunteers need an interest in and experience with photo shooting, own a decent camera, be able to upload pics to the cloud. 

Action Shots:  Courts play, sponsors, venders, aisles, admin - Duel and Resident
3 people per day
- 3 to 4 hours shifts each day (could be shared with Medal Photogs as they only are needed for a few minutes during medal presentations)
- Upload to Dropbox account at the end of each day.

Medal Shots:  Duel and Resident
- 1-2 people;
- only needed during medal presentations,
- probably will not start till noon or after
- Could take action shots during the medal rounds
- Called by Event desk when medals are ready
- Ensure medal stands are available
- Propose placement of stand, banner and pictures
- Upload to Dropbox account by day at the end of the day.

"You've Been Framed":  Photography Booth - Duel Only
- 2-4 people;
- 3 to 4 hour shifts each day
-Take photos with a frame of Palm Creek on 2 sides and Duel In The Desert on 2 sides
- Staff a booth where people could come and get a picture behind the frame
- Post pics to Dropbox account by day


PA SYSTEM
- 1-2 people
- set up each morning
- Set up and test speakers about a week ahead of time
- assist with extending the speaker wires across the road to Event Tent
- Pull down at end of Duel


SPONSOR/VENDOR PROGRAM FOR DUEL IN THE DESERT
Volunteers are needed to support John Robertson in acquiring the sponsors and vendors to support this tournament.
These are very important positions to help us get the funding we need to underpin this event.
These volunteers will be part of the Sponsor/Vendor program, and: 

    1)Make follow up phone calls on potential Sponsors and Vendors.
    2) Approximately 1-2 hours per day for two to 3 weeks.
    3) These people will report to John Robertson the Sponsor/Vendor Coordinator
    4) Preferably a sales or marketing type background or similar mind set.

 Any interested person please contact John at  520-788-9475 or robertsonjp@shaw.ca

MEET AND GREET ORGANIZER
Both tournaments will have Meet and Greet events for participants an evening prior to the tournament. The Entertainment Committee is looking for a very organized individual(s) who would enjoy planning and assisting with carrying out these events (one or both tournaments).  This person will recruit others to help with food preparation and works with Barb Hillman who is arranging beverages. Also acts as the point person for the Disc Jockeys providing entertainment during the event, and coordinates as necessary with the Activities Office to insure all necessary facilities are provided. 
The first event will be for the participants and volunteers involved in the Residents' tournament (February 5th) the second event will be for the Duel in the Desert reception (March 6th).
This position reports to A.J. Fraties.
Please contact AJ at ajfraties@gmail.com or palmcreekpickleballvolunteers@gmail.com

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Tournament Updates

Submitted by: Karen Fellows

Registration Status - Resident Tournament and Duel In The Desert (Our 12th
Annual Tournament)


Resident Tournament
To dispel any rumors, tournament registrations for the Resident Tournament
are still open, and we are encouraging all members to find partners and
enter this fun and exciting tournament put on just for you. This tournament
will be held February 7-9. Events will include Men's Skill Doubles, Women's
Skill Doubles, Mixed Skill Doubles, Men's Age/Skill Doubles and Women's
Age/Skill Doubles.

The Age/Skill events are split by age in 10 year increments, 50-59, 60-69,
and 70+. Our hope is to divide these brackets into smaller skill divisions
rather than all skills. In order to do that, we need all skill levels to
enter these events.  Divisions could be 2.5-3.5 & 4.0-5.0, or 2.5-3.0,
3.5-4.0, and 4.5-5.0, or some combinations thereof. But it takes lots of
entries in this event to make this happen.

Registration forms are available on the north side of both Big Blues. Or you
can register online using www.pickleballtournaments.com. Look for
tournaments by state (Arizona), then scroll down in date order to the Palm
Creek RESIDENTS Tournament. Registrations close January 28, but please do
not wait until the last minute to register.

Wanda Cassidy is our Tournament Registrar. You can reach her at
palmcreekresident@gmail.com if you have any questions.


---------------------------


Duel In The Desert (Our 12th Annual Tournament)
Now, for the news about the newly named Duel in the Desert Tournament at
Palm Creek. This tournament will be held March 6-8. Tournament Registrations
have been rolling in hot and heavy since registrations opened November 15.
In fact, we had 100 players on the list the first day of registrations.  And
it hasn't stopped since. We are currently over 400 players on the list. We
don't need to tell you that this is one of the most sought after, premier
tournaments in the country.  Many of the brackets have reached capacity
quickly and we have been forced to close registrations for some events or
for some skill levels. For these events there are still players on the list
needing partners; the list can be found on our tournament listing at
www.pickleballtournaments.com, click on the 'More Information' button, then
look for the 'Players Needing Partners' button.  Please feel free to contact
any of these players if you are interested in playing.

The remaining events still available for registration are:

Women's Skill Doubles - all skill levels 3.0-5.0 Men's Skill Doubles - skill
level 3.0 and 5.0 only Mixed a Skill Doubles -skill level 5.0 only

If you fall into any of these levels or events, we encourage you to complete
your registrations soon. Again, registration forms are available on the
north side of both Big Blues. Or you can register online using
www.pickleballtournaments.com. Look for Tournaments by State (Arizona) on
the Tournament menu, then scroll down in date order to the  (for the time
being, still listed as) 12th Annual Palm Creek Pickleball Tournament.
Registrations close February 24, do not wait until then to get your
registrations in.

Karen Fellows is our Tournament Registrar and can be reached at 7743 or
pickleballpalmcreek@gmail.com if you have any questions