News from Heber Valley

Indoor Play

We're back at the Wasatch Rec Center and have expanded, with 4 courts available for play. The Club owned a pickleball net that was donated by member, Jim Nix. Now we have donated it to the Rec Center so it's always there and ready to use. Most mornings there are at least 16 people playing from 9 or so until 11:30 or 12. Many times we have folks waiting but play goes quickly so no one has to sit out too long. Some of us actually LIKE to rest between games; others can play all morning with little down time. Some players are also organizing games at the Rec Center other times during the day. As soon as we have a more regular schedule, you'll be notified.

Tournament Scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd

Ken Mickelsen has taken the Tournament Director reins and has organized three divisions of play for the day:

• Women's Doubles will begin at 9 am
• Men's Doubles will begin after, probably about 11 am
• Mixed Doubles will begin about 1 pm

We can have 16 players in each division. So far (as of today, Friday, November 20th), the Men's Doubles division is full, but we could use 2 more women for Women's Doubles. In the Mixed Doubles division, we have room for 2 more men and 4 more women. If you aren't already signed up, please consider playing. See more details below.

Potluck Social and Annual Meeting Set for Thursday, December 3rd

The same night following the tournament, the club will host a potluck social and annual meeting from 6:30 to 9 at the Valais Clubhouse. The Board is planning a great meal - with your contributions, of course, a short meeting with an election of officers for 2016 - with your nominations, of course, an award ceremony of prizes for the winners of the tournament, and a fun time, of course! Put this event on your calendar and RSVP by Monday, November 30th! See more details below.

Membership

We had a great turnout for the social/meeting last December, and many pickleball enthusiasts joined the club. Throughout 2015, we've had many more people join, and we hope to continue to increase the number who love the game and want to play. We will plan more clinics for new players as well as for experienced players to improve their skills. If you know of potential members, consider inviting them to join you at the social on the 3rd. Comments from some of our new members have included what a fun bunch we are (YAY!), in addition to playing a great game of PICKLEBALL! (YAY!)

Help us to grow the sport in the Heber Valley, and beyond! A Membership Signup Form is attached to the email announcing the posting of this Blog.

Hope to see you all at the Tournament and Social on the 3rd!
The Board of the Heber Valley Pickleball Club

Welcome, Summer and Welcome, New players!

Thanks to all who attended the great clinic Saturday, June 13 with 25 participants and Brenda Blackham's awesome leadership. She covered the 1,2,3 shot strategy and we learned just one more aspect of this great game of pickleball.

Here's what Brenda said about the clinic:

I really enjoyed the morning and appreciated how attentive and receptive everyone was. Your group is to be commended not only for the vast improvement they have shown, but for the beautiful sportsmanship they display every day.

 

And from the group: The clinic was perfect! weather, topics covered, and best of all, your instruction! So glad you could do this for the club and help us all become better players!

 

So.....

Yay! Another great clinic coming in July. Save the date and sign up soon for July 9th, 10 to noon clinic led by experienced players in Utah, Arizona, and the RV circuit. Jim and Alison Pelletier will conduct a skills clinic for those hoping to improve their games and learn some of the finer points of pickleball. Come for the clinic, come back for the appetizer potluck from 5 to 8 pm. Both events held at Valais courts and pavilion. To participate in the clinic, you must be a member of HVPC. Everyone, including non-members can certainly watch and all are welcome at the social. Bring an appetizer to share, your beverage of choice, and your lawn chairs. RSVP to Leslie, 2lolo@earthlink.net or 435-671-1405.

Early bird play

Summertime is here and the heat is cranked up, so many players have decided to start outdoors at 8 am. Tennis players still have the courts Mondays and Fridays, so we'll start at 9:30 those days. If you can find others who are real early birds, go for it even earlier. If you are interested in evening play, let me know and we can get a group together.

An update from our Vice-President, Cary Hobbs

In the past weeks, several regular players at the Wasatch Rec Center have asked the HVPC Board to consider scheduling pickleball games outside the "Open Play" times already scheduled by the Club. Some players have formed their own groups to play earlier than the regular 9 am start time. Many are interested in pursuing a more competitive level, somewhat based on the USAPA and International Association rating system. See the online description of the skill levels from 2 to 5 in ,5 increments. (www.ipickleball.org/ifg-rating-descriptions/ )

At the Board meeting June 15th, most of us felt that, in addition to growing the game, the primary goal/benefit of the HVPC is the social interaction we enjoy with each other. We also believe that playing regularly with other players who are more skilled tends to raise the level of play for everyone, another goal of our group. Many people have made many new friendships as a result of our "open play" format.

Although we don't promote league-type competition within the group, we realize that some people enjoy a game with others based on skill level or on other factors such as friendships, gender, couples, etc. Arranging groups of players and games other than the Club's open-type competition at scheduled times only expands the game of pickleball. And although the Club won't actually be scheduling those groups, we enthusiastically support any type of play that grows the game for all levels.

Just a reminder that our schedule of open play is 8 to noon daily (Monday and Friday at 9:30) at Valais outdoor courts. Games may still be going on at the Rec Center from 9 to noon as well.

Everyone is welcome to come and have fun!
Cary Hobbs

Save these dates:

Thursday, July 9 - 10 to noon - Clinic with Jim & Alison Pelletier at Valais Courts
Thursday, July 9 - 5 to 8 pm - Appetizer Potluck at Valais Pavilion
Wednesday, August 5 - 10 to noon - Clinic with Brenda Blackham
Social TBA

Summer Kickoff

Good morning, picklers!

The Summer Kickoff  held on Thursday, June 4 at the Valais courts and pavilion was attended by 33 members, spouses, and guests. Several played from 4-6, then joined the rest of the group for the potluck at 6:30. We were fortunate to have great weather, not too hot, not too breezy....pretty much a perfect pickleball day and evening!

And the food was amazing! If you missed the party, we hope you'll join us for the next one. No date set yet, but the board is meeting next week and we'll plan something fun and let you know. If you ever have any suggestions for the board, you can email any one of us with your ideas. We are the following:

President, Kris Beer - kbeer62@msn.com
Vice President, Csary Hobbs - caryhobbs@comcast.net
Secretary, Carol Lee - caleeinpc@aol.com
Treasurer, Kay Shean - kayshean@msn.com
Social Director, Leslie Oksner - 2lolo@earthlink.net
Training Director, Mike Altieri - ma1077@swbell.net

We'd love to know what is working or not, what you'd like to do about training and clinics, scheduling of open play indoors and outdoors, future tournaments, and of course, social get-togethers. Other clubs we have heard about have ladies days, breakfasts, lunches, cocktail parties...we are open to whatever suggestions you have.  So BRING IT ON!!!

Final Opportunity to Order Your HVPC T-shirt

Before the order goes in, later this week, order yours. Great summer dri-fit fabric, If you don't fall down n the dirt or drip your after-play ice cream cone down the front, or sweat profusely, you can even wear it multiple days without washing. You can also look like all your pickleball friends who have theirs. Togetherness may not help your game, but you'll be lookin' good!

Stay tuned for information about upcoming clinics and other pickleball-related news.

Check out the following websites:
http://www.allaboutpickleball.com/
http://www.pickleballrocks.com/
http://www.pickleballchannel.com
http://www.YouTube.com/pickleball/videos

HVPC T-shirts

With the new growth of the Club, we want to be sure everyone has an opportunity to not only play a lot with a lot of fun people but also look great sporting the Offical Club T-shirt.

Many of the members purchased a T-shirt in March, but many missed getting theirs and now are interested. So Bill Miano has gone back to the drawing board and has designed a performance T for men (crew neck) and women (scoop neck).

With this fabric we are not able to print the full color logo, so no blue sky...we know the sky's blue anyway so figured this was an ok option. But read the information about the shirts. They should be great for summer play, although we think sweating is a GOOD thing, even for the ladies.

 

The Women's T

 

Details: This ladies performance shirt keeps you cool and on budget!

This flattering shirt is the perfect choice for your next event.

• 3.8 oz. 100% polyester
• Tear-away neck label
• Slight scoop neck
• Double-needle stitched for durability

 

The Mens' T

 

 

Details: Step up your game in this winning style!

Dominate sweat like a champ and amp-up your team's performance level!

 

• 3.8 oz. 100% moisture-wicking polyester
• Tear-away neck label
• Double-needle stitched for durability

 

So, you're asking, "How do I get this fabulous shirt?"

 

Just post a comment below to the blog. Tell us which shirt (M or W), what size W: S, M, L, XL  or M: S, M, L, XL, XXL, and how many of each. Include your name, of course. We will let you know the amount as soon as we have everyone's order. The more we buy, the less each shirt costs. We'll complete the order and then we'll start collecting money (check or cash). We hope we can get the shirts before the June 4th kickoff party if everyone responds QUICKLY with their order. If you have any questions, please email me kbeer62@msn.com.

 

 



 

Spring Pickleball

Great news!

Lots of good things happening on the Heber Valley pickleball front. Midway City has now put dedicated pickleball courts in their capital budget with $85,000 allocated. The project plans for 4 new courts, hopefully beginning construction this summer. The courts would be located south of the Valais tennis courts. Since the funds may not cover the total cost of 4 courts, we may begin with 2 and still be able to use the tennis courts.

When we formed the Heber Valley Pickleball Club, we discussed helping the city with fundraising for courts. Your ideas of what we might do to raise more for this project would be welcome.

Approval of the budget will be at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 13. You can show your support by attending the meeting. Put it on your calendars. More information about the agenda will be sent out closer to that date.

Club Update

HVPC now has 2 new Board members: Cary Hobbs has filled the vacancy of Vice-President, and Mickey Oksner will be our liaison with city and county government.

The Valais courts have been taped and will be painted soon, as summer outdoor play begins. Some players may continue to play at the Rec Center as well. Those who enjoy playing outside, whenever the weather cooperates, meet your fellow picklers at Valais courts. Open play will be every day at 9 am except Monday and Friday at 10:30 until school is out, then at 9 those days also.

Wasatch County is also looking at outdoor locations for pickleball courts. Since we have been playing all winter at the Wasatch Co. Rec Center, they know how popular the game is and how much it has grown. Currently we've been told that the 2 courts in Southfield Park in Heber will be striped for pickleball.

MEMBERSHIP
Hooray! We now have 50 members and interest is growing. In the first 2 days of this week, we had 7 new (to us) players, some of whom had played other places, some who were new to the game. We also will have our "snowbirds" returning for the summer so prepare for a busy season of pickleball!

Those of you who participated in the recent tournament may have also responded to Mike Altieri's survey with positive feedback and ideas for future tournaments. The Board discussed the possibility of a fall tournament with a similar format as April 7th.

We also talked about holding mini-clinics during the summer as well as larger clinics with experienced players or pros. Your feedback on clinics and tourneys would be helpful in making future plans. Contact Mike with your ideas: ma1977@swbell.net, 913-449-3944.

And speaking of future plans:

Summer Kickoff

 

PLAN TO JOIN US FOR THE SUMMER KICKOFF

THURSDAY, JUNE 4TH 

VALAIS PARK COURTS & PAVILLIONS

 

4PM TO 6PM - EXHIBITION GAME & OPEN PLAY

6:30 - POTLUCK

Bring your beverage of choice and a dish to share. Appetizers, sides, casseroles, or desserts - your choice. We'll provide tableware, utensils, napkins, & ice.

Bring friends & neighbors. Picklers & nonpicklers welcome!!!

RSVP by Monday, June 1st to Leslie Oksner - 2lolo@earthlink.net, 435-671-1405

T-shirts
The first order of t-shirts was a hit and many of us are wearing our club logo when we play. Great promotion of the club, yay! Bill Miano is working on a new shirt, a performance T, perfect for summer play. When he completes the design, he will send out the information for ordering. Stay tuned.

New member Carole Sanders shared this YouTube link to the Pickleball Blues. Listen at http://youtu.be/Atazp_5lJJQ.

Honing your pickleball skills

Most of us want to continue to develop in the game of pickleball. We play and play and play game after game after game and STILL, we make the same mistakes or don't improve either our technique or strategy.

Drills can help as can watching experienced and professional players. Since we all use the internet for almost everything, why not watch some pickleball?

Here's a list of great sites that show everything from serving to dinking to lobbing to stacking and all variations of play in between, including all the things you shouldn't do, like NEVER EVER err with a service fault. Now how many of us have EVER done that? You can also watch some great tournament play with champions in singles, men's, women's and mixed doubles.

Google pickleball and just see what there is out there, including equipment if you want to buy a paddle, balls, bags, clothes, etc.

www.usapa.com - Join the national association and receive a t-shirt, rules book, and monthly newsletter. The website is full of interesting information too!

www.pickleballchannel.com

www.pickleballcentral.com

www.pickleballrocks.com

www.pickleballvideos.net/

 

www.bing.com/videos/search?q=pickleball&qpvt=pickleball&FORM=VDRE

pickleball.com/blogs/ask-the-experts

www.youtube.com/user/usapickleball2

Let the Games Begin!

Instructions for the Players and Officials
"Be Nice and Have Fun!!"

 

 

Après Tourney at Tarahumara
A Hungry & Thirsty Group

Tres Leches - YUM!!!

First Tournament and Apres Lunch a Huge Success

Dedicated to the memory of our friend and fellow pickleball player Barbara Miano, whose passion for the game was unsurpassed, the first Heber Valley Pickleball Club tournament was held today at the Wasatch Rec Center. We were glad to have Bill and his daughter Kristin come over for awhile to watch the event.

Thanks to our club training director, and now tournament chairman, Mike Altieri, the games went off without a hitch. Organizational skills and experience running other tournaments, gave Mike a mastery of the this type of tourney. 20 players, 10 men and 10 women, competed in a round robin format with 10 games, allowing every person to play with 10 different partners. Utilizing 4 courts simultaneously, each with one of 4 "officials"- Kay Shean, Chesley Smiley, Kris Beer, and Leslie Oksner - the play was accompanied with hoots and hollers, cheering and jesting. The final tally awarded one man and one woman top scores.

Ken Mickelson won with a total of 70 points - that's a perfect 7 points per game! Congrats to Ken! Maybe he'll stay home and play more often now! With a "killer" serve and just plain great shots, Ken was unbeatable today! He was truly a "green machine." He probably had some outstanding partners too!

Alix Thayne was the top scoring woman with 68 points. She also has a power serve and many ballet-like moves that were not only lovely to watch but very effective in scoring many points!

The other 18 players included:

• Barbara Alexander
• Jan Altieri
• Donna Buys
• Lana Hillstead
• Mike Ho
• Cary Hobbs
• Doug Jenkins
• Lynn Keller
• Carol Lee
• Ron Lee
• Jen McCarthy
• Mickey Oksner
• Bob Pelletier
• Mary Pelletier
• Jack Richardson
• Franz Siep
• Sandy Smiley
• Jim Stuart

Spectators were there to enjoy the games too. And maybe even some potential new "picklers."
Following the tournament, 23 players and others gathered at Tarahumara for an apres tourney luncheon where prizes were awarded. Thanks to Leslie Oksner, who put together some incredible gag prizes, laughter was not in short supply. Some of the prizes were a jar of pickles (best way to get on game face), a hairnet to repair holes you have made in net, a pair of cheap glasses to help with line calls.

We hope to have another tournament in the summer and certainly more social activities. Stay tuned for news of outdoor play as well.

Please add your comments and observations/experiences at the tournament. Mike has sent out a questionnaire to all participants. Be sure to return your comments to him! Thanks!