It's a Wrap...

The "Whistle-Stop Mixed-up Tournament,"

held on Thursday, December 8th, was a grand success with 40 players in 2 groups changing courts, partners and opponents every 10 minutes or 15 points. A wild morning at the Wasatch Rec Center and so so much fun! Thanks to tournament directors Bill Miano and Ken Fakler, and assistant scorekeeper/recorder Karen Fakler, who kept us all on track and moving! And to Leslie Oksner who provided snacks to keep our energy flowing!

First and second-place winners were announced and prizes awarded at the holiday party on Friday night. In Group 1, honors went to Myrna Lueck (1st) and Kevin Priebe (2nd) and in Group 2, Dale Beeman (1st) and Warren Dinter (2nd). Sportsmanship awards were presented to Alyce Weisiger and Carol Lee. Congratulations to them and to all who participated!

Penelope Peterson, Myrna Lueck, and Mickey Oksner

We hope to continue a tradition of fun tourneys in 2017! Your input is always welcome!

The Mingle Jingle holiday party and annual meeting,

held on Friday, December 9th, was attended by about 50 members who loaded the appetizer table with great food. Board members outdid themselves with a wide assortment of delectable desserts.

Doug Rosecrans and Leslie Oksner check members in and collect dues for 2017.
Also pictured: Marianne Wicks in back, Alyce Weisiger, and Beth Lawrence

Outgoing President Lynn Keller spoke about the ongoing effort to build new courts in the Heber Valley and how the club's growth can be a motivating force with the city and county officials. The club will continue to make presentations and lobby for funds to accomplish this goal. If any club members are willing to help with this important project, please let the new Board know.

President Lynn congratulates the tournament winners:
Warren Dinter (seated center)
and Myrna Lueck (seated front right, back to camera)

USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) and the Ambassadors program

Kris Beer talked about the USAPA, encouraging all to check out the website (www.USAPA.org) and to consider joining the organization, which offers several benefits to members. She also explained the purpose of the USAPA Ambassadors and her role to help grow the sport of pickleball in the local area. The Ambassadors Forum is a discussion center for all types of issues, rules, etiquette, tournaments, etc. Such things as the color of balls and how to break in the new Onix 2 ball (microwave, 40 rubs...and on and on), plus really important info about how to fundraise for new courts. The latest initiative of the Ambassadors is to reach out to the schools to start a pickleball program. Look for how the Heber Valley Pickleball Club could help in this effort in 2017. Members' ideas on how to proceed with this initiative would be great!

Across the country the sport is growing at about 10% annually, now with approximately 2.3 million players. With growth, however, comes the challenge of not having enough courts, a problem all areas face. Another common challenge is to provide good competition for all levels of players. The Club will be working on different ways to address this issue so everyone's needs are met. Also a self-ranking system will be published in the next blog for interested players.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Lynn thanked the board members who have served the past year and led the unanimous election of the new board, who will take over January 1st:

President - Mike Duggin
Vice-President - Cary Hobbs
Secretary - Karen Fakler
Treasurer - Carlos Monssen
Membership Chair - Doug Rosecrans
Social Co-Chairs - Alyce Weisiger & Judie Eaton
Training &Tournaments Co-Chairs - Ken Fakler & Mike Eaton
Past President - Lynn Keller



Mike Duggin promises to keep his words to a minimum
while Ken Fakler and Mike Altieri look on
 

President-elect Mike Duggin made a few remarks before the party resumed. It was a festive and fun evening in the beautifully decorated Valais clubhouse.

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

The following was submitted to the blog by ardent pickler,
 Jack Richardson, not sleeping but counting pickleballs....

"Ode to Pickleball"

Summer, Winter, or Fall
I dream of the Ball;
The feel of the Smash;
The sound of the Bash;
The adrenaline Clash;
     The Dash to the Net -
The shot I'd like to forget,
The angle Perfect!
The Camaradarie;
Friends full of Glee.
Can't wait for tomorrow,
To meet on the court;
What a Wonderful Thing,
This Pickleball Sport!