October 22nd, 2020

A Message from the President

Hello Picklers,

I wish I could report some really good news this month but unfortunately it isn’t all good. Most importantly the really sad news is that two of our members, Toni and Susi, are moving to North Carolina. Secondly, it looks like we will not be able to play in the YMCA this winter.

Toni and Susi’s departure (most likely in the spring) will leave the club with a gaping hole. Not only will we miss their fellowship on and off the courts, but the club will miss the amazing amount of hard work and service that they have provided us for 18 months. They have volunteered countless hours to court operations, membership, and teaching pickleball. Added to that, Susi and Toni spent many hours writing documents and attending meeting on our club’s behalf in the promotion of PTPC pickleball. Please let them know how much you have appreciated their willingness to volunteer so much of their time so that we can pursue our favorite game. (Maybe you want to take-up one of their vacated board positions.

The experience with the YMCA has been a disappointing one. Susi and I were so optimistic when earlier this year we heard that the Y was getting a new CEO. We thought the CEO might be an advocate for procuring more hours for pickleball in a gymnasium that is often empty. But instead of expanding the program, the Y is now asking us to volunteer as Y staff to run the whole program and take responsibility for a CPR certificated participant to be present at every session. With an estimated 26 sessions needed to facilitate the COVID phase 2 guidelines of 10 players per session, the request to staff the Y ourselves is not possible.
When the PTPC board learned that the YMCA made it impossible for us to use the facility, the board decided to write a letter to the Port Townsend City Council. In the letter, PTPC requested that the council consider terminating the gymnasium lease that the Y has with the city. We requested that the Port Townsend City Parks and Recreation Department be responsible for managing the gym and all the programing. We believe that due to the good working relationship that we have already established with the city parks and recreation, a PTPC program would be welcomed. The letter was read during the public comment period at the city council meeting on Oct. 19th. The board will keep you informed as to any developments that might come from that request.

On a happier note. We live in a beautiful setting with plenty of pickleball courts. Wait for a little sunshine to dry those courts, grab your hat and gloves and go play some pickleball.

Pickleball tip of the month:
"Take the extra step, don’t put yourself off balance with the stretch."

Stay healthy to play more,
Mary Critchlow

BIG SHOES TO FILL

With Toni’s and Susi’s move to the Tarheel State next spring, they are leaving some huge shoes to fill on the PTPC Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee is now seeking volunteers to serve out their Director positions for the remainder of the fiscal year (until 6/30/21):
Director of Court Operations and Director of Membership. Once the Board approves the nominees, these replacements will be effective immediately, and both officers will have to run for re-election in June, 2021, if they want to remain in office for another 2-year term.

For a description of these Board positions, follow this link:
https://www.ptpickleball.com/about-us--board.html

Anyone interested please contact Patti Rowdabaugh
@ pattirow002@gmail.com or 602-616-0784.

Deadline for submission is 10/31/20.

The Nominating Committee thanks you for stepping up!

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: If you haven't already taken our Port Townsend Pickleball Club Priorities Survey, Please do so by clicking on the link below. We would like to hear from our local pickleball players on what your priorities are for continuing to develop more places to play. This will guide us in our decisions as we develop a Strategic Plan for the next five years in Port Townsend and East Jefferson County. Thank you for participating!

https://gmail.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=afe9ea565d0590c052e195630&id=4c912537f6&e=1049bde20f

Picture taken in Athens Greece
"It's not Goodbye, but see ya later" 
 Short Interview with Susi Feller and Toni Davison
 Read More

Are you frustrated with your dinking game? Watch here to get great advice from one of the top Pro in pickleball.
https://youtu.be/tBTXiPcxFEY

MEET BOB & TRISH LANDRY
"PTPC" MEMBERS

Bob and Trish moved to Port Townsend from Sacramento, CA, a year ago this November.  The two had visited several times on vacation and fell in love with the area.
Their neighbors, ( PTPC Club members) Fred and Ann Weinmann, are avid pickleball  players and encouraged  Bob and Trish to give it a try. Trish took some group lessons with Mary and Toni at the YMCA over the winter and Bob was still giving it some thought.  When the courts opened this summer, Fred and Ann challenged Bob to try it too. They loaned them paddles and took them out for some beginner games. The couple enjoyed it so much that they joined the club and signed up for as many games as possible.