Mimi Blythe
PCPB Recognized as Community Partners—Remember the July Fourth school supply drive and social? The Avondale Elementary School District Governing Board recently recognized the PebbleCreek Pickleball Club (PCPB), represented by Constance and John Angus, as Community Partners to the school. Constance and John did a wonderful job organizing this fun social to assist our community teachers. The teachers were deeply appreciative, and many commented they had never experienced this type of generosity.
Intro to Pickleball—We are changing the name and focus of the novice pickleball classes to better meet the needs of players. After attending an introductory class, players may advance to a 1.0 skills class for several sessions. At the satisfactory completion of the 1.0 level, the next step is 2.0 classes, and ultimately advancing to 2.5 level. The introductory class is open for both members and non-member residents.
Toy Drive—On Dec. 4, the Pickleball Club will hold its annual toy drive for Goodyear kids at the pickleball courts. Every year, the club members, their families, and PebbleCreek residents fill a real Christmas train, engineered by Martha Urbin, with unwrapped toys. These toys are then distributed to hundreds of Goodyear children to help them have a better Christmas. Everyone is welcome to bring an unwrapped gift for the train, and maybe even get a picture with Santa Claus!
Shoutout to Our Talented Volunteers!
• A new TV monitor has been installed in the ramada that will display the court schedule. Check it out!
• After Pancho’s bench dedication at Court 12, Charlie Conroy and Bernie Bangert built a paver pad for the bench to rest on. Pancho would be so happy!
• Ken McKay donated a massive backpack blower to the club. It will come in handy, especially before tournament days.
• Scott Wood designed a pickleball paddle weathervane and snuck it onto Court 1. It’s quite ingenious and looks terrific. Check it out!
• Gary McDonald re-established our Wi-Fi courtside. We’re now fully connected when you’re trying to book that next round robin during evening play.
• Marty Braden followed up the newly painted court number signs with a couple of improved paddle boxes. We were estimating $600 for the materials when Rich Holden donated the cedar for the project. The boxes are by Courts 5 and 13.
• Sarah Marsh has made improvements to the sound system in preparation for upcoming tournaments and events.
• Kevin Campbell spent six hours loading the new winter schedule into Court Reserve. Tedious work!
• The club’s Welcome Committee has added a sweet, new twist to the Saturday Intro to Pickleball classes. Each player receives a gift of home-baked goodies to enjoy at the end of the class. I just love our club!
It’s not easy to cover all the bases for a club our size, and our member volunteers’ commitment shows. Everyone does an amazing job improving the area where we spend hours every day.
Upcoming Events
Toys for Goodyear Tots—Dec. 4
Chili Cook-Off—Jan. 16
Final4 Registration Deadline—Jan. 31
USAPA Tournament—Feb. 9-11