MI Pickleball

Pickleball Goodies Adds Nets to Inventory

2012-01-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

Tom Valentine, Pickleball Goodies owner, now has nets as part of his inventory at the discounted cost of $145.00. Tom's phone contact is 248-895-7250 and email pballgoodies@comcast.net .

MSO Pickleball Tournament Ready! Rulebook and Scoresheet

2012-01-17T05:13:00.000-05:00

International Federation of Pickleball (IFP)

Official Tournament Rulebook

SCORESHEET

READ MORE: http://usapa.org/officialrules/

Coming Soon! MI Pickleball Party in Florida

2012-01-15T20:58:00.000-05:00

2012 Michigan Pickleball Party in Florida

DATE: February 19, 2012

INFORMATION FLYER:

http://usapa.org/file/mi/2012_MI_Pb_Party_in_FL.pdf

Jim Hackenberg's Comments on 2011 USAPA Nationals

2012-01-02T13:25:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to ALL the picklers who participated in 2011 USAPA Nationals held November 7 – 13, 2011 at the Sun City Festival, AZ. Enjoy these comments by national champion Jim Hackenberg, reprinted from the January 2012 USAPA e-pickleball newsletter:

This was the third consecutive year Yvonne and I played in the USAPA Nationals. It's a highlight of the year for us, reuniting with many wonderful friends and experiencing the excellent competition. However, 2011 was quite different in one respect – the weather! In 2009 we came to Buckeye straight from Michigan, unprepared for the 90+ degree heat. Even though this year the temperatures weren't as hot as 2009, it was still a warm one by Michigan standards, so we came early to acclimate.

We spent October in St. George, Utah, playing pickleball, so we were ready for the Arizona heat; "bring it on - we are prepared." Turns out, we weren't so prepared after all – we forgot to pack our thermal underwear! The high winds and cool weather were a stark contrast to the previous two years, but everything else was the same; another well-organized tournament, great volunteers, great venue, great people and outstanding play. We'll be back in 2012 and ready for anything, including the weather!

Jim, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, played Men’s Doubles 60+ (Silver medal), Mixed Doubles 60+ (Gold medal), Men’s Singles 60+ (Silver medal), Open Men’s Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles.

Note: Yvonne won GOLD with Jim in Mixed Doubles 60+ and won GOLD in Women's Doubles 60+.

!!! GO HACKENBERGS !!! YOU DO MICHIGAN PROUD !!!

2012 Meijer State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament!

2012-01-01T19:50:00.029-05:00

Mark your calendars now!

Meijer State Games of Michigan 2012 Information Flyer: Save the Date!
http://usapa.org/file/mi/2012_Meijer_State_Games_Save-the-Date.pdf

Meijer State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament

June 23-24, 2012

Opening Ceremonies Friday, June 22

·      USAPA Tier 3 Sanctioning Pending
·      New Venue with 15 Courts!
·      Much Better Spectator Accommodation
·      Men’s / Women’s Doubles
·      Kids’ Singles 12-14 & 15-18

Spread the word!
Look for more information to come! Questions? Click HERE to read information flyer!

Michigan Pickleball Newsletter

2012-01-01T12:34:00.000-05:00

Michigan Pickleball Newsletter

MSO REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

2011-12-16T22:34:00.000-05:00

MSO REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDEDExtended Registration Deadline Wednesday, December 28, 2011

If you are looking for a partner please call the MSO office at 248-608-0250

WHAT: Michigan Senior Olympics Winter Games (AGES 50+)
WHEN: January 28-February 1
WINTER SPORTS: Pickleball,Ice Hockey, Badminton, Weightlifting, Bocce Ball, and Dancesport
AGE GROUPS: 50-54,55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, 100+
COST: $45registration fee and a $25 MSO Membership (the membership fee covers bothWinter and Summer Games) Included with your membership and registration you will receive a t-shirt, membership pin,and goodie bag

Becky Ridky
Marketing and Sponsorship Director, Office Manager
Michigan Senior Olympics
650 Letica Drive, Rochester, MI 48307
OFFICE: (248) 608-0252 FAX: (248) 656-3153
EMAIL: info@michiganseniorolympics.org
WEBSITE: www.michiganseniorolympics.org

2012 Winter MSO Registration Deadline: December 12

2011-11-30T16:18:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder to all Athletes who want to play in the 2012 Winter Michigan Olympics:

There is ONLY One More Week to get your Registration in to the MSO office at 650 Letica Dr, Rochester MI 48307. After December 5th you can still register but there is an $8.00 late registration fee. After December 12th, we can no longer register athletes for the Winter Olympics.

Please try to get your registrations in!

Michigan Senior Olympics Office

248-608-0250

*If for any reason you feel that you can not get your registrationin on time, please contact

the MSO office to see if we can help in any way!

*If you are still looking for partners, we may be able to assist you in finding one.

Hartland's 2011 Halloween Pickleball Tournament

2011-10-22T17:40:00.000-04:00

Seniors Serve Up Some Tricks During Pickleball Tournament

Hartland's Halloween pickleball tournament takes place this weekend.

Read the full article by Tatum L. Ryan here:

http://hartland.patch.com/articles/trick-or-tournament#video-8192595

Troy Friday Evening Pickleball Begins Tonight

2011-10-07T11:39:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder

Friday evening Drop-in pickleball begins tonight from 5-7pm at the Troy Community Center Gym.

$4 for residents and $5 for non-residents.

Sign in and pay when you enter the gym. Exact change appreciated!

INFO FLYER: http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_FRI_Night_Drop-in_Flyer.pdf

Elaine Torvinen
E.Torvinen@troymi.gov

Troy Community Center Fall 2011 Pickleball

2011-09-13T20:25:00.002-04:00

The weather is starting to change and I hope when you are looking for a place to play Pickleball indoors you will consider joining one of the programs offered in Troy this Fall.

TROY TUES LADDER FLYER: http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_TUE_Pickleball_Ladder.pdf
Tuesdays from 1-3pm beginning October 4 there will be a 16 person ladder offered for ages 50 and over. ::: Cost is $70 for 12 weeks and $60 resident discount. ::: Register for Activity#148998B

TROY SUN LADDER FLYER: http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_SUN_Pickleball_Ladder.pdf
Sundays from 6-8pm beginning November 6th a seven week mini session ladder for age 18 and over is being offered. :::: I need to know by Oct. 17 that I have at least 16 players interested in playing. :::
The fee for this session will be $50 for a Troy resident and $60 for a non-resident. ::: If you are interested in playing in this session please register for activity #148998C. You may register online if you have registered for other programs in the past. You will need you household ID which is your user name (this is located in the upper left corner of a receipt) and your last name is your password.

(NOTE: Troy Saturday Ladder Cancelled.)

TROY FRI EVENING DROP-IN FLYER: http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_FRI_Night_Drop-in_Flyer.pdf
Friday evening drop in play for ages 50 and over begins October 7 from 5-7pm. ::: No play Nov. 25 ::: Fee is $5 / $4 resident discount Pay fee and sign waiver when you enter the gym.

TROY FRI DAYTIME 50+ DROP-IN
Drop in play for ages 50 and over continues on Friday mornings with beginners playing from 10:30-11:30 am and then intermediate to advance playing from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Fee is $3 per person payable at fitness desk. (POS 1121) Free to Community Center passholders.

TROY WED EVENING DROP-IN
Wednesday evening drop in for all ages from 7-8:30 pm. Community Center drop in pass purchase required or free to Community Center passholders.

Elaine Torvinen
E.Torvinen@troymi.gov

Auburn Hills Pickleball Goes Indoors for the Season

2011-09-13T20:19:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that Auburn Hills has started the indoor Pickleball season.
Monday and Wednesday 9-11:30 Recreational play and 11:30-2 Competitive play (3.0 and higher).

Residents $2, Non Residents $3.

2011 Hartland Pickleball Trick-A-Tournament

2011-08-09T21:40:00.002-04:00

2011 Hartland Pickleball Trick-A-Tournament

Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles

Friday & Saturday, October 21& 22, 2011

Registration Deadline: Sep 23 2011

USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4)

New OPC Pickleball Nets and Support Posts

2011-08-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

Pickleball Fund Raiser – New Nets and Support PostsOlder Persons Commission (OPC) of Rochester, Michigan
By Ken Peacock

Older Persons Commission (OPC) of Rochester, Michigan has a large and very active group of Pickleball players and hosts the Summer and Winter Michigan Senior Olympics at this facility.

Last year (2010) our volunteer group (headed by Larry Sagowitz) at OPC instructed 190 new people how to play Pickleball.

In February, 2011 Larry Sagowitz decided it was time to replace our existing nets and portable free standing support posts. Reasons being:

1) Old system scratched the gym floor
2) Old system could not maintain the proper height level during match play
3) Old system was not as safe to our players
4) We also wanted to make the new system senior friendly

We approached the OPC and were informed that they lacked extra funding to help us. If we wished to pursue this idea for new equipment, we could raise the money ourselves with Board approval.

After receiving bids from three different contractors we set our goal at $5,500.00. In order to reach this goal we formed a fundraising committee consisting of: Larry Sagowitz, Andrea Sagowitz, Lynne Dadas, Ron Yurgo and Ken Peacock to brainstorm ideas on how we could go about raising the monies needed.

Here are a few ways we accomplished this goal:

1) Raffled off items monthly including pickleball paddles
2) Individual donations from OPC pickleball players
3) Tom Valentine of Pickleball Goodies donated a portion of the proceeds from every pickleball paddle he sold at OPC during the course of 3 months.
4) We held a luncheon with Rad Jones, former Secret Service Agent. He gave an in depth overview of his career. The proceeds from his presentation were put towards our fundraiser.
5) We held a 3 hour pickleball fundraiser, which 34 people participated in. Each individual had to pay $15.00 to play and also had to raise a total of $100.00 from friends and family.

Our goal was achieved in three months and our new nets and posts were installed before the Summer Michigan Senior Olympics.

Heartfelt Sympathy

2011-08-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

Michigan pickleball players extend heartfelt sympathy to the family of Ron Furstnau.

RONALD HENRY FURSTNAU

August 01, 1947 ~ July 30, 2011

FURSTNAU, RONALD HENRY; age 63; of Rochester Hills; July 30, 2011. Cherished husband of Kathleen; and father of Margaret (James) Speelman, Timothy (Andrea) Furstnau, Robert (Laura) VanHellemont, and Clint (Michelle) VanHellemont; adored grandfather of Max and Grace Speelman; loving brother of Rebecca (Clarence) Avers. Ron was a retired GM Engineer. He was very passionate about under resourced children and local outreach in Pontiac. He devoted many hours in refurbishing the Boys and Girls Club for Power Company Kids Club. He loved playing pickleball and participated in the Michigan Senior Olympics. Funeral Service Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 11 a.m. with a 10 a.m. Instate at Kensington Community Church, 1825 E. Square Lake Rd., Troy. The family will Receive Friends Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. at the Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion. Inurnment Great Lakes National Cemetery. Suggested memorials to The Power Company Kids Club, P.O. Box 432126, Pontiac, MI 48343. www.powercompanykidsclub.org

Memorial Gifts:
The Power Company Kids Club, P.O. Box 432126, Pontiac, MI 48343. Online donations www.powercompanykidsclub.org

Visitation:
5:00PM to 9:00PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Modetz Funeral Home Silverbell Chapel 100 East Silverbell Road Orion MI 48359

Service:
11:00AM on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at Kensington Community Church. Visitation at 10:00 AM prior to service

Troy Fall 2011 Ladders and Friday Drop-in Pickleball

2011-07-27T06:22:00.002-04:00

Troy Fall 2011 Tuesday Pickleball Ladder Oct 4-Dec 20 at 1:00-3:00pm
Registration Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_TUE_Pickleball_Ladder.pdf

Troy Fall 2011 Saturday Pickleball Ladder Oct 1-Dec 17 at 5:00-6:30pm or 6:30-8:00pm
Registration Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_SAT_Pickleball_Ladder.pdf

Troy Fall 2011 Friday Adult Drop-in Pickleball Play Oct 7-Dec 16 at 5:00-7:00pm
Information Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2011_FRI_Night_Drop-in_Flyer.pdf

Troy Community Center Ongoing Pickleball Play

Fri, 10:30 - 11:30am (Beg) 11:30 am- 1:30 pm (Int) - $3 pp
Wed, 7-8:30 pm - $10 pp - $8 with 10-visit punch card (Res Disc $7 - $5 with 10-visit punch card)
Fitness Center members FREE for both.

Time To Register ::: Summer Outdoor Skill Level Tournament

2011-07-26T06:14:00.001-04:00

ROYAL OAK SUMMER 2011

SKILL LEVEL PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

WHITTIER PARK PICKLEBALL COMPLEX

ROYAL OAK, MICHIGAN

AUGUST 26-28, 2011

USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4)

Tournament Director: Pat Sullivan

TOURNAMENT

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FLYER:

http://usapa.org/tournamentnews/results/2011_08_26RoyalOak.pdf

Early registration would be greatly appreciated.
Deadline: AUGUST 17, 2011

Clinton Township Pickleball On Hold

2011-07-25T06:04:00.000-04:00

July 25, 2011
No Pickleball play at Clinton Township for about one month.

"Staying cool will be hard because our gym air conditioning unit died Friday! So, There are no sports in the gym for about one month."

Live with Passion and Purpose! Donna Tinker
Program Coordinator
Clinton Township Senior Adult Life Center

Coach Mo's Pickleball Clinic ::: TUES JULY 12, 2011

2011-07-11T06:22:00.000-04:00

There's still space available for Coach Mo's Pickleball Clinic scheduled for Tuesday, July 12th from noon to 1:30pm at the Royal Oak Whittier Park Pickleball Complex. Pre-Registration is required.
Saturdays Clinic with Coach Mo went exceptionally well ... and those who attended had a great time learning strategies and techniques to help improve their game.

EVENT NOTICE:

Coach Mo Pickleball Clinic – Tuesday July 12th from Noon – 1:30pm
Location: Whittier Park Pickleball Complex, E. Farnum Ave (North of 11 Mile and east of Main), Royal Oak MI
Instructor: Richard Movsessian aka “Coach Mo”
Learn Pickleball Strategies and Techniques to help improve your game. Registration is open to beginners through advanced players – All Skill Levels Welcome. Space is limited to 24 players.
Coach Mo is rated a USAPA 5.0 player and recently won a Silver Medal at the USAPA National Tournament 2010 for 35+ age group.
Pre-Registration Required: To register call: (248) 956-0436
Cost: $15.00 per person for this event. Includes a Free copy of Coach Mo’s Pickleball Clinics DVD and a Free copy of Coach Mo’s Pickleball Lessons DVD.
What to bring: Pickleball Paddle. Water will be provided.

Pickleball "EXPLOSION" in Grand Rapids!

2011-06-26T18:50:00.000-04:00

Hi folks,

Here's a link to an article on the front page of the GR Press Sports section in today's paper...thought you might be interested. Thanks to all of you for helping put Pickleball on the map in Grand Rapids. I think we are on the verge of a Pickleball "explosion" in Grand Rapids!

http://www.mlive.com/sports/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2011/06/pickleball_proves_to_be_a_big.html

Best regards,
- Dick Draigh

::::: ::::: :::::

Perfect.

Thanks again to you and Barb, John and Jeanne and all of your volunteers, Ambassadors and otherwise.

There's a great message here for getting Pickleball into the State Games across the US and into the State Games of America.

With competitive players from FL, WA, AZ, TX, OH, IL, IN, and Canada, as well as, the best players in MI, this is a major milestone for making Michigan and the Great Lakes a major destination point for summer Pickleball!

Had a ball,
-Dick Manasseri

Meijer State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament

2011-06-24T08:27:00.003-04:00

Meijer State Games Of Michigan Pickleball!

Tournament USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4)
Pickleball Inaugural Year 2011
Fri June 24 and Sat 25

Location:
Bernice Hansen Athletic Center - Cornerstone University
1001 East Beltline NE
Grand Rapids, MI

Tournament Director:
Dick Draigh. Grand Rapids Ambassador
rdraigh@aol.com

Bracket Divisions:
-Men's, Women's, Mixed Doubles
- Ages 19+, 35+, 50+, 65+, and 5.0

CLICK HERE for Event's Schedule (Version 2)

Celebrating the inclusion of PICKLEBALL in the 2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan

2011-06-24T05:24:00.011-04:00

Celebrating the inclusion of

PICKLEBALL

in the

2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan

Archery

Basketball

BMX

Bowling

Boxing

Cricket

Fastest Kid in GR

Fencing

Figure Skating

Golf

Ice Hockey-HS

Ice Hockey-Youth

Judo

Karate

Lacrosse

Mountain Biking

PICKLEBALL

Racquetball

Rowing

Rugby

Skateboarding

Softball

Swimming

Tae Kwon Do

Track & Field

Volleyball

Wrestling

NEW! Lakeshore Pickleball Club! Grand Haven!

2011-06-08T21:56:00.000-04:00

On April 20, 2011 the Lakeshore Pickleball Club, headquartered in Grand Haven, Michigan, was formed at a public meeting organized by Grand Haven attorney Joe Legatz. Instead of the expected 15 to 20 local players, 47 people showed up at the meeting at the Loutit Public Library. Slightly over half of those in attendance were new to Pickleball, largely thanks to a front page Pickleball article two nights previous in the local newspaper, the Grand Haven Tribune.

The club was formed by the adoption of bylaws, and the first Board of Directors was elected: David Lewis, President; John DeHoog, Vice-President; Katherine Weller, Treasurer; Joe Legatz, Secretary; Bob Yonkers and Peter Walters Directors at Large. The club adopted a policy of teaching Pickleball at no cost to anyone interested in the game. Adult memberships in the club were set at $10 per year; student memberships are free. Within six weeks of the club's formation, there were 75 paid members, with new members joining weekly.

The club can be contacted by email at: jclegatz@gmail.com

Club drop-in play is Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the tennis courts at the Lakeshore Middle School, 900 Cutler Street (Grant Street at Cutler Street), Grand Haven, MI 49417. Pickleballs are furnished for club drop-in play. Guests are welcome, with club membership ($10 per year) required after 1 or 2 visits. There are four tennis courts with painted Pickleball lines. More locations and times to play will be added soon.

Sincerely yours,
Joe Legatz

A photograph of the first Board of Directors

Left to right: David Lewis, John DeHoog, Katherine Weller, Joe Legatz, Bob Yonkers, Peter Walters

'Bigger and better' the expectations of Meijer State Games of Michigan officials for second year | MLive.com

2011-05-31T10:31:00.000-04:00

'Bigger and better' the expectations of Meijer State Games of Michigan officials for second year MLive.com: "'Bigger and better' the expectations of Meijer State Games of Michigan"

MSO Player Announcement Summer 2011 Pickleball Games

2011-05-12T17:38:00.000-04:00

Michigan Senior Olympics

Summer 2011 Pickleball Games

PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT

http://usapa.org/file/mi/MSO_Player_Announcement_Summer_2011.pdf

PHOTOS
https://picasaweb.google.com/mhollada/MichiganSummerSeniorOlympics2011#

WANT AD ::: AUBURN HILLS Community Center

2011-05-10T17:26:00.000-04:00

WANT AD ::: AUBURN HILLS Community Center is looking for someone who would like to get paid to run the Monday and Wednesday pickleball program starting ASAP. Interest!?! Call Lia at 248-370-9353 for more info.

Pickles and tennis shoes at the Sportsplex - PetoskeyNews.com

2011-05-10T17:17:00.000-04:00

Pickles and tennis shoes at the Sportsplex - PetoskeyNews.com

RPC Tournament BRIEFLY

2011-05-02T06:56:00.000-04:00

Click on name of the tournament, Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival, to see the results

http://usapa.org/tournamentnews/index.php

AND Click on "More" and then "PHOTOS" to see the pictures of the winners!

Rochester Pickleball Club 2011 Tournament ::: FINAL PLAYER NOTICE!

2011-04-27T18:23:00.003-04:00

ROCHESTER PICKLEBALL CLUB

2011 Tournament & Festival

FINAL PLAYER NOTICE: CLICK HERE

Local attorney becomes pickleball promoter | Grand Haven Tribune

2011-04-19T13:14:00.001-04:00

Local attorney becomes pickleball promoter | Grand Haven Tribune

By Len Painter

“I bought a paddle and tried the game out. I got hooked instantly.” Joe Legatz

Jeopardy Question! Pickleball! March 31, 2011

2011-03-31T21:56:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Look for pickleball to be the subject of an answer/question in tonight's edition of Jeopardy. I'll take pickleball for a $1000 Alex!

Go pickleball!

David Johnson
media@USAPA.org

The answer to Jeopardy question Thursday, March 31st -
" A cross between tennis and ping-pong, this sport was named for a dog, not a gherkin?"

International Pickleball Week! April 11-17, 2011

2011-03-31T06:20:00.000-04:00

Pickleball! FUN! Friends! Fitness!

Fast Growing Sport of Pickleball Celebrates Worldwide with Week of Activities

International Pickleball Week -- April 11-17, 2011 http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/3/prweb8222094.htm

Pickleball Backgrounder
http://usapa.org/media/Pickleball_Backgrounder.pdf

Contact David Johnson ::: USA Pickleball Association ::: 253-854-0163 ::: media@usapa.org

Attached Google Doodle proposal created by Steve Stone of Pickleball Iowa

MSO Registration Deadline April 4, 2011

2011-03-28T19:02:00.000-04:00

Hello Michigan Senior Olympics Athletes,

The purpose of this message is to remind you the REGISTRATION DEADLINE for Summer Games is APRIL 4.

Please take action promptly to register if you intend to participate.

Thanks for your interest and support of MSO.

Sheila Tinnion
Director of Marketing & Sponsorship

Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival Player List

2011-03-27T22:30:00.000-04:00

BOOKMARK THIS LINK:

http://usapa.org/tourney/player_list.php?tname=RPCTF11

This is the place to check the player list for the April 29-May 1 Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival. If there is an error in the list, please let me know.

Tbr means the person has not registered yet.
Tbd Tbd means that someone is looking for a partner. If you need a partner and see someone else here looking for a partner but do not know how to contact them, email me and I will give you the contact info.

Please pass along the tournament information to others you see on the courts.

Thanks,
Marilyn Holladay

Spring brings outdoor pickleball to Whittier Park in Royal Oak

2011-03-24T23:02:00.001-04:00

Message from Pat Sullivan - March 24, 2011

Spring brings outdoor pickleball to Whittier Park in Royal Oak.

1. The Royal Oak Spring 2011 Skill Level Pickleball Tournament, to be held June 3-5, is NOW open for registration. See the link for the Tournament information and registration flyer and waiver form. Please register soon and come join us for some fun competition in our first tournament. Many, many volunteers will be needed to make our tournament a success. Information will follow shortly asking for the specific help we will need. Thanks.

Tournament Information and Registration Flyer: http://usapa.org/file/mi/2011_Royal_Oak_Spring_PBall_Tournament_Registration.pdf

2. An introductory free class for new pickleball adult players will begin every Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning May 3. Once the class is taken, other programs will be available for these new players.

3. There are 2 ladders offered to choose from and they are still open for registration. Play begins in June on Mondays or Thursdays in June.

4. Classes for young people are scheduled for the entire week of June 20-24.

Ages 12-14 at 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Ages 15-18 at 11:30-1:00 p.m.

Fee for the entire week of classes is $10. They will provide instruction, drills to practice the developing skills, and the opportunity to use them and learn strategy in game situations. Atfter the classes, there will be programs offered for the summer for those who might be interested.

E-mail Pat Sullivan if interested in registering - patyesullivan@aol.com She will get back with you to discuss payment.

5. TEAM pickleball draft will be held April 14 and everyone who applied will be notified of their status at the end of April. That will enable the teams to meet, organize, and practice for league play beginning Wednesday, May 25. Subs are still needed to make the league work so if interested, PLEASE, e-mail Pat Sullivan.

6. Hopefully, our courts will be open for play soon, weather permitting. So keep posted for that information.

State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament 2011 Registration

2011-03-12T14:09:00.002-05:00

Great news!

It's now time to register for the
State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament.

Best Regards,
Dick Draigh

State Games of Michigan Website
http://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/sports/pickleball

Pickleball Tournament Information Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/State_Games_of_Michigan_Pickleball_2011_Registration.pdf

Seniors Rock the Pickleball Court in Hartland - Hartland, MI Patch

2011-03-12T05:27:00.001-05:00

Viewfinder: Seniors Rock the Court in Hartland - Hartland, MI Patch
Pickleball games provide fun and fellowship for active area seniors. By Jan Cartwright

Hartland Educational Support Service Center 9525 E Highland Rd, Howell, MI

Chuck and Patti Kaleal

Third Annual Rochester Pickleball Tournament and Festival

2011-03-11T05:36:00.001-05:00

The third annual Rochester Pickleball Tournament and Festival is fast approaching. Please sign up early so that there is time to view the player lists and help people find partners. I will put your registration in the computer when I receive it:

Link to player list:
http://www.usapa.org/tourney/player_list.php?tname=RPCTF11

Link to registration form:
http://www.usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_Tournament_2011.pdf

We also are in need of referees. If you are willing to do this to help make it a successful tournament, please let me know.

Remember that we start Friday night with Recreational Speed Pickleball. Encourage our newer players to come out and join the fun.

We will end on Sunday with the Mixed Generation Doubles: enjoy playing with a son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, neighbor, or stranger off the street !!!!! Just so the birthyears of the two players are at least 20 years apart.

And in between we will do Mens, Womens and Mixed Doubles grouped, as much as possible, by ability level.

Encourage all of the players you know to join in with this. No age limitations.

Marilyn Holladay
Tournament Director
mhollada@gmail.com

State Games of Michigan registration opens; particpation expected to rise for June event | MLive.com

2011-03-09T20:55:00.001-05:00

State Games of Michigan registration opens; particpation expected to rise for June event MLive.com

NEW THIS YEAR! PICKLEBALL!

Whittier Park Pickleball Spring and Summer 2011 Events Posted

2011-03-03T11:51:00.001-05:00

Whittier Park Pickleball Spring and Summer 2011 Events Posted!

Skill Only Ladder registration flyers are now available.

Last call for applying for TEAM pickleball league and it's 12 week season.
Deadline is March 15. We still have openings, especially for women.

Read more here:
http://mipickleball.usapa.org/p/royal-oak-whittier-park-pickleball.html

Rochester Pickleball Club 2011 Tournament and Festival

2011-02-28T10:47:00.000-05:00

Rochester Pickleball Club 2011 Tournament and Festival

Please mark the dates of April 29-May 1, 2011 on your calendar for the 3rd annual Rochester tournament.

This will be held indoors at Van Hoosen Middle School near the intersection of Adams and Tienken in Rochester. This will be a rated tournament and there fore is open to all ages and all ability levels. For those looking for tournament experience for the first time -- this could be it. You can choose to play at your ability level (see the ratings information on the USAPA website).

Looking forward to seeing you again.
Marilyn Holladay
Tournament Director

Registration/Information Flyer:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_Tournament_2011.pdf

Howell pair win gold in pickleball — More than a game for duo | livingstondaily.com | Livingston Daily

2011-02-21T17:04:00.000-05:00

Howell pair win gold in pickleball — More than a game for duo livingstondaily.com Livingston Daily

Great Game with Funny Name: Pickleball - St. Clair Shores, MI Patch

2011-02-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

Great Game with Funny Name: Pickleball - St. Clair Shores, MI Patch

MSO Pickleball Player Announcement Winter 2011

2011-01-29T02:55:00.011-05:00

Michigan Senior Olympics Winter 2011 Pickleball

PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT

http://usapa.org/file/mi/MSO_Player_Announcement_Winter_2011.pdf

RESULTS: CLICK HERE

PHOTOS: CLICK HERE

DETROIT NEWS: CLICK HERE

In loving memory of Bennie R. Shellnut

2011-01-20T08:50:00.001-05:00

The prayers of the Michigan pickleball community are with the family of Bennie Shellnut. May they find peace in the fact that Bennie now rests in the arms of his Savior.

PRAYER CARD

In loving memory of

Bennie R. Shellnut

Thursday, February, 10th, 1944

Monday, January, 17th, 2011

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters: He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever"

Funeral Service 11 a.m., Friday, January 21, 2011, at Modetz Funeral Home, 100 East Silverbell, Orion. Visitation at the funeral home on Thursday 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m, and Friday 10 a.m. until time of service.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Pickleball Proves Favorite Sport Among Senior Athletes - Macomb Township, MI Patch

2011-01-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

Pickleball Proves Favorite Sport Among Senior Athletes - Macomb Township, MI Patch
By Shelly Watkins

Congratulations to Cindy McKenna! Northern Oakland County Employee of the Year!

2011-01-12T08:17:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Cindy McKenna on her well deserved 1st Place Award!

Northern Oakland County Employee of the Year

"The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recently recognized the finalists and grand-prize winners of the Northern Oakland County Employee of the Year Contest at a celebration at Meadow Brook Hall. The Employee of the Year Contest was created to recognize employees who are helping their employers most through these difficult times. Cynthia McKenna, manager of the Crittenton Wellness Center at the Older Persons Commission in Rochester, was the first-place winner..."

Read more: Awards ::: Detroit Free Press http://www.freep.com/article/20101226/BUSINESS06/12260440/Awards#ixzz1ApFheUV6

MSO Pickleball Welcomes FANS & REFS By Connie Schultz

2011-01-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

Hi Macomb Picklers,

If you are interested in going to the OPC to watch the Pickleball Senior Olympics, here is some information about it. It is free to go in and watch. If you have any further questions, I will try to get answers for you, or you may email Becky Ridky at becky_ridky@opcseniorcenter.org .

The tournament will begin on Monday, January 31st with Mixed Doubles.
Tuesday, February 1st will be Men’s and Women’s Singles
Wednesday, February 2nd will be Men’s and Women’s Doubles.

The competition will start around 8 a.m. and go late into the afternoon.

Also, for those of you that might be interested in being a ref, there are two mandatory referee clinics. All the referees must attend one of the two clinics. They are on Wednesday, January 19th from 2-3pm and Friday, January 21st from 8-9am at the OPC Gym.

The OPC is located at 650 Letica Drive in Rochester. Heading west, 24 Mile Road turns into Parkdale when you pass Dequindre. Make a left at the next light which is Letica. It’s easy to get there. So if you get a chance, go watch. You may some day soon want to play in a tournament at the OPC.

See you soon.

Connie Schultz

New USAPA Director of Ambassadors by Bill Booth

2011-01-09T05:06:00.002-05:00

New USAPA Director of Ambassadors - Dr. Christopher Rampacek
USAPA e-pickleball news - January 2011
Submitted by Bill Booth, USAPA President

I am pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher "Doc" Rampacek to the USAPA board as Director of the Ambassador program. We are thrilled to have someone with Doc's extensive educational and sports background. Doc has a Doctor of Education degree and teaches undergraduate courses in health, wellness and physical activity. He has been an ambassador in the Houston area for over two years.

Earl Hill will continue in his present role of recruiting new ambassadors and assisting the director. As one of the founding board members of the "new" USAPA organization in 2005, Earl had the vision to develop the ambassador program. We are indebted to Earl for developing the program which has proven to be a driving force for the impressive growth of pickleball that we have seen throughout North America.

Bloomfield Hills Lahser HS Fieldhouse Pickleball Update by Jim Luzod

2010-12-31T06:17:00.000-05:00

Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School Fieldhouse

Dear Pickleball Players,

Wow! That was some vacation. Now we're ready to get back to the business of Pickleball.

With the students back to school we are able to get back into the fieldhouse to resume our Pickleball activities. Tuesday, January 4, 11:00 AM is our first session. We then continue the week with Wednesday as the next session at the same time. The Thursday session is still 7:30 to 9:30 PM.

No changes in objectives for each of our sessions. All will use the drop in format, still $3 per session unless your have the multiple play punch card, and only the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions will offer orientation and drill/skill sessions for new players and player wishing to improve their skills.

The Thursday night sessions is "skills specific". Play is entirely devoted to players with playing experience. On occasion a person with experience in other racquet sports will be able to join play with a minimum orientation. Enjoyment of play for the experienced players is the goal for this evening session.

Also on Thursday nights half of the courts are devoted to play for players with advanced skill. Players having USAPA ratings of 4.0 +, medal winners in tiered tournaments, and players who have finished on court one or two in advanced ladder play are eligible. Players without these qualifications able to demonstrate parity at this level will qualify.

*** January is the leadup to MSO competition. Play with your partner to get ready, especially the Thursday night session. Play against the competition you will likely play at the MSO. If courts are available arrange a drill and strategy session with your partner.***

New Item: Tuesday and Wednesday morning drill/skill/competitive games for new players and players wishing to learn and practice their skills. It's all about exercise, fun and learning.

Explanation and demonstration of forehands, backhands, volleys, dinks, lobs, serves, court coverage, and probably much more. We then incorporate this information in fun games to practice the skills and move the feet. Interestingly, we are trying to have fun and get some exercise while learning Pickleball skills and knowledge. After our pilot sessions I saw sweat beads on the players foreheads, more confidence, and lots of smiley faces. What a hoot!!!

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year Eve and Day...

James Luzod
jamesluzod@hotmail.com

Troy Treat! Holiday Pickleball Tournament!

2010-12-26T19:36:00.000-05:00

HOLIDAY INTERGENERATIONAL PICKLEBALL FESTIVAL

RECREATIONAL & COMPETITIVE DIVISIONS

TROY COMMUNITY CENTER GYM

3179 LIVERNOIS NORTH OF BIG BEAVER

SUNDAY DECEMBER 26, 2010

S C H E D U L E

TIME EVENT

6:00 PM C H E C K I N

6:15 PM WA R M U P & G A M E S B E G I N

9 : 0 0 P M AWA R D S C E R E M O N Y

A Holiday Gift! Whittier Park Schedule of Planned 2011 Activites & Events

2010-12-24T04:31:00.002-05:00

A Holiday Gift!

TO: Great Lakes Pickleball Players
FROM: The City of Royal Oak, USAPA Ambassador Pat Sullivan and the FANTASTIC Royal Oak Pickleball Volunteers

The Royal Oak Whittier Park Outdoor Pickleball Complex

Schedule of Planned 2011 Activities & Events

Activities & Event Page http://mipickleball.usapa.org/p/royal-oak-whittier-park-pickleball.html
Spring/Summer 2011 Schedule - Print Version http://usapa.org/file/mi/2011_Whittier_Park_Pickleball_Schedule.pdf
Whittier Park "Team" Pickleball Application http://usapa.org/file/mi/2011_Whittier_Team_Pickleball_Application.pdf

A Happy Holiday to ALL and a New Year filled with Pickleball PoP!

Video Posted by Thrive Church: The Christmas story told through Facebook

2010-12-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

"If Joseph and Mary had Facebook during the birth of Jesus this is what it would have looked like..."

Video Posted by Thrive Church: The Christmas story told through Facebook

Merry Christmas and a 2011 filled with peace and joy!!!

Good Morning Picklers! CBS Pickleball Segment December 17, 2010

2010-12-17T07:43:00.002-05:00

The CBS Early show is planning to run a segment on pickleball this morning during the 8:30 half-hour. CBS filmed a segment in The Villages, FL and will hopefully be hitting the ball around on the set.

::: ::: ::: ::: :::

Pickleball - CBS News Video

Click HERE to watch CBS News video: Pickleball - Taryn Winter Brill delved into "Pickleball" craze and got some lessons in Central Fla.

Pickleball an easy sport to learn: Games held every Tuesday in Constantine | MLive.com

2010-12-14T14:07:00.001-05:00

Pickleball an easy sport to learn: Games held every Tuesday in Constantine MLive.com
Jayson Bussa Kalamazoo Gazette"

Northern Illinois Pickleball: ♫ Pickleballs ♪ Jingle balls ♫

2010-12-11T19:20:00.000-05:00

Northern Illinois Pickleball: ♫ Pickleballs ♪ Jingle balls ♫: "♫ Pickleballs ♪ Jingle balls ♫"

Lasher High School Holiday Break ::: Pickleball Goodies Christmas Specials

2010-12-07T18:55:00.000-05:00

Dear Pickleball Players,

Our Pickleball play at Lahser HS will be on break at the same time the Bloomfield schools are closed for the holidays. Our last day of play will Thursday evening, Dec 16. We will start play again Tuesday morning, January 4.

I have included the "Pickleball Goodies Christmas Specials" flyer from the owner of Pickleball Goodies, Tom Valentine. Tom is the first local sole proprietor of Pickleball equipment in our area. He started with his inventory of paddles and balls when the game was new to the area. He has donated paddles for raffles at nearly all of the area events for the past three years, donated his time to help teach the game, and is on call to meet any person needing to purchase a paddle at any of the playing sites in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Happy Holidays, Everyone. I would not have met any of you wonderful folks outside of Pickleball. What an adventurous ride it is.

Jim Luzod
jamesluzod@hotmail.com

Singing Pickleball Pete - The 12 Days of Christmas

2010-12-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

The Twelve Days of Christmas

lyrics and vocal

Singing Pickleball Pete

Click the arrow to play!
Sure to make your season bright!

Northern Illinois Pickleball: O Come, All Ye Playful

2010-12-05T20:16:00.001-05:00

USAPA Ambassador Jennifer Selchow makes the season bright with new pickle lyrics and visuals!

Northern Illinois Pickleball: O Come, All Ye Playful

Blessed to be among the 'Playful'!

A BIG WIN FOR MICHIGAN

2010-12-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

Nancy Robertson and Nancy Thoenes

took 3rd in the Florida Senior games.

December 4, 2010

Winter 2011 Pickleball Ladder League Flyers

2010-12-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

OPC Rochester 50+ (OPC Membership Required) - FRIDAYS
http://usapa.org/file/mi/OPC_Novice_Pickleball_Ladder_Registration_Winter_2011.pdf
http://usapa.org/file/mi/OPC_Intermediate_Pickleball_Ladder_Registration_Winter_2011.pdf

Rochester Pickleball Club - SATURDAYS
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RPC_Ladder_League_Winter_2011.pdf

Troy Community Center 50+ - SUNDAYS
http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Sunday_Ladder_League_Winter_2011.pdf

Troy Friday Evening Pickleball Sponsor: The Gathering Place

2010-12-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

Attention Pickleball Players!!!

Troy Friday Evening Pickleball has secured sponsorship for the next 10 weeks of play from The Gathering Place at 3985 John R Rd Troy MI 48083.

Price has now been dropped to $3.00 for residents and $4.00 for non-residents from this coming Friday Dec. 3 through Feb. 18. No play Dec. 24 or 31.

Plan on going to The Gathering Place after playing to show our support of this establishment.

Thanks,
Elaine Torvinen
E.Torvinen@troymi.gov

Thanks for Your Contributions, Dick

2010-12-01T06:42:00.008-05:00

Thanks for Your Contributions, Dick

by Marilyn Holladay, USAPA Board Member

Dick Manasseri, like so many others, started playing pickleball and quickly became addicted. After developing his own skills under the tutelage of Pat Sullivan, he wanted to help spread the pleasure to those around him, so turned his talents to teaching others how to play.

In a short time, Dick became the USAPA Ambassador for the Greater Rochester area and spread his enthusiasm to all of southeast Michigan. Soon his influence extended into other parts of Michigan and he became the Regional Ambassador for the Great Lakes. During his time in this position, the region grew to become the second largest in the country.

In the spring of 2009, having left a highly visible trail of accomplishments in growing the sport throughout the Great Lakes Region, Dick was asked to take on the position of USAPA Director of National and International Relations. Always willing to contribute, Dick accepted. He threw himself into this new challenge.

Drawing on his creativity and regular communication with Ambassadors around the country, Dick came up with several new ideas. He initiated the concept of Ambassadors creating mini-plans to help them identify and focus their efforts in growing the sport. By sharing the plans with all the other Ambassadors, good ideas could be implemented in many different regions.

Ambassadors were encountering similar problems and having to reinvent the wheel each time to solve that problem. To address that information issue Dick led the effort to create the "USAPA How to" on-line discussion group for ambassadors across the country to share ideas, ask questions and solve problems with the help of others.

One of the ideas that had worked for Dick that he shared was going to state, regional or national conventions of PE teachers or Recreation Directors to get them to see the benefits of pickleball for their programs. Another successful strategy is offering free beginner lessons to get people hooked.

That on-line discussion forum has evolved into the "Pickleball Promoters How-to Guide" found at http://howtoguide.usapa.org/ . This guide is now available to all, Ambassadors or not, after being honed by Dick and the discussion group. Hopefully many will take these best practices and spread the sport even further.

On the international front, he corresponded frequently with the primary pickleball promoter in India, always providing support and sharing ideas.

Many of Dick's ideas have spread and been improved upon across the country. Dick has stepped down from his USAPA position as Director of National and International Relations, but his vision lives on as others do the same kinds of things he is so good at --- taking the nets, balls, and paddles to a group of people and getting them charged up to play.

KICKOFF----Pickleball-Clinic-in-Constantine-this-Saturday-in-the-gym-at-the-Middle-School

2010-11-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

KICKOFF----Pickleball-Clinic-in-Constantine-this-Saturday-in-the-gym-at-the-Middle-School

Last Day To VOTE PASCAL | Thank You ALL!

2010-11-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

"Start Healthy - Stay Healthy"

Gerber Baby Photo Contest

This is it friends!

The last day to VOTE PASCAL!

November 30, 2010

CLICK HERE TO VOTE PASCAL

Thank you ALL! xox Grannie Razz

Vote for Pascal Facebook

FUN Fact! USAPA estimates there are 13,720 Picklers in the Great Lakes Region! Let’s build on the Gerber slogan – “Start Healthy + STAY Healthy” = PLAY Pickleball!

USAPA 2010 Nationals Photo Albums

2010-11-27T23:55:00.005-05:00

USAPA NATIONALS PHOTO ALBUMS

Podium Players Parade State Flags

BRACKETS & RESULTS

Winter 2011 MSO Festival Registration Form

2010-11-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

Winter 2011 MSO Festival Registration Form

"Please read all registration information before completing the registration forms. These forms must be filled out completely and the liability waiver must be signed. Registration must be received in the MSO office by December 1, 2010. No changes will be permitted after December 15, 2010. No refunds after December 15, 2010 without the paid medical cancellation waiver and doctor’s note."

Michigan Senior Olympics Website
http://www.michiganseniorolympics.com/home_page.html

Thankful! MI Pickleball! FUN! Friends! Fitness!

2010-11-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

A BLESSED THANKSGIVING DAY TO YOU AND YOURS!!!

Thankful for the game and thankful for the players...

MI Pickleball! FUN! Friends! Fitness!

Auburn Hills Turkey Tourney 65+ Mixed Doubles

• GOLD Martha Forrer-Rich Bauer

• SILVER Jane Kuta-Dick Manasseri

• BRONZE Dusanka Radovic-Jim Luzod

More Auburn Hills Turkey Tourney photos posted soon…..

AUBURN HILLS TURKEY TOURNEY RESULTS

Bloomfield Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule by Jim Luzod

2010-11-23T08:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone....

Wow! Thanksgiving has arrived and the busyness seems to be upon all of us. However, Pickleball players always fnd time, don't we.

Our playing center will be open Tuesday, 11-1, closed Wednesday (school is not open), and Thursday (Thanksgiving Day). We will be back to business as usual the next week.

The starting time on Thursday evenings has been changed to 7:30 PM to avoid conflicts with the school's sport practice schedules. The ending time has also been changed to 9:30 PM.

Thursday evening is devoted to players of all levels with playing experience. By specifying courts used for novice/intermediate play and courts for advanced skill play we have attempted to improve the playing experience for all players.

Orientation for new players on Thursday evenings is possible if we have a court available. New players will require an introduction to the game and skills before joining play. The opportunity for new players to learn and play is always available during our Tuesday and Wednesday daytime sessions.

Our players may now purchase a punch card with 10 plays ($25), 15 plays ($35), and 20 plays ($40). The card can be transferred or used to pay for the play of another person. They are not replaceable if lost or stolen.

Lastly, a word from our sponsor: " The Bloomfield School District, it's agents, and employees are not responsible for any damages or losses including bodily injury, which may result from participation in this program."

Enjoy the holiday weekend being thankful we are still active and able the enjoy the competition and connection with other active folks. Thanks for playing at our Bloomfield location.

Jim Luzod
jamesluzod@hotmail.com

Growth of Pickleball at Macomb

2010-11-18T06:06:00.013-05:00

"Monday, November 15, we had 33 playing and today we had 30! Also, the beginners are learning and loving the game. In all, there are currently 74 on our list of those who could possibly show up to play Pickleball. Awesome!" Connie Schultz 11/18/2010

The thoughts and prayers of pickleball players are with USAPA Ambassador Stan Helzer, as he recovers from knee surgery. Thanks to Connie Schultz for taking the lead at Macomb in his absence.

Players take pickleball seriously | battlecreekenquirer.com | The Enquirer

2010-11-15T19:18:00.000-05:00

Players take pickleball seriously battlecreekenquirer.com The Enquirer

2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan PICKLEBALL

2010-11-14T23:04:00.003-05:00

Dear Pickleball Players,

Pickleball is included in the 2011 Meijer State Games of Michigan. This very special opportunity to put Pickleball clearly on the map as a major sport in Michigan. A large turnout for the Michigan State Games next June will move us closer to getting Pickleball into the State Games of America which is a major goal for the USAPA.

The Tournament Commissioner is USAPA Ambassador Dick Draigh of Grand Rapids. If you have questions or want more information, please email Dick Draigh at RDRAIGH@aol.com

Thanks for all you do,
- Dick Manasseri

Auburn Hills Turkey Tourney

2010-11-14T20:55:00.001-05:00

AUBURN HILLS TURKEY TOURNEY

USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4

BRACKETS

RESULTS

State Games of Michigan 2011 Pickleball Notice from Dick Draigh

2010-11-12T15:04:00.001-05:00

Hi Folks,

The State Games of Michigan started rolling into high gear this week with a press conference on Tuesday to kick things off.

WEBSITE: http://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/sports/pickleball
FLYER: http://usapa.org/file/mi/State_Games_of_Michigan_Pickleball_Second_Notice_2011.pdf

I would appreciate it if you would circulate the flyer to all the Pickleballers in your area. We want this Tournament to be the premier event in Michigan and a great weekend to see what Grand Rapids has to offer. Thanks for helping to make that happen!!

Best regards,
Dick Draigh
Commissioner State Games of Michigan Pickleball Tournament

2010 USAP National Tournament Brackets-Schedule-Events-Results

2010-11-07T22:24:00.001-05:00

2010 USAPA National Tournament

November 1-7, 2010

Sun City Festival, Buckeye, AZ
Over 400 Picklers ::: Teens to Octogenarians

Brackets-Schedule-Events-Player Information

CLICK HERE

!!! Michigan Medalist !!!

DOING MICHIGAN PROUD

Senior Men's Singles 60+ GOLD James Hackenberg
Senior Men's Singles 65+ BRONZE Michael Namm
Senior Men's Doubles 60+ BRONZE James Hackenberg-Sandy Simons
Senior Mixed Doubles 60+ GOLD Yvonne Hackenberg-James Hackenberg
Senior Women's Singles 60+ BRONZE Grace Namm
Senior Women's Doubles 55+ BRONZE Sue Ambrosino-Sue Cary
Senior Women's Doubles 60+ GOLD Yvonne Hackenberg-Hilary Marold
Open Women's Doubles GOLD Yvonne Hackenberg-Hilary Marold

COMPLETE LISTING OF RESULTS: CLICK HERE

Sterling Heights senior competes in six-hour tennis match - News - Advisor & Source

2010-11-06T09:48:00.001-04:00

Sterling Heights senior competes in six-hour tennis match - News - Advisor & Source
Dusanka Radovic truly a senior with stamina.
By Debra Kaszubski

"Sterling Heights senior Dusanka Radovic is set to play in her eighth National Senior Olympics in Houston next summer. The tennis player recently competed in a match that lasted six hours. She's shown here holding the gold medal in tennis and silver medal in pickleball that she earned last summer at the Michigan Senior Olympics."

News from Grand Traverse Bay YMCA: Pickleball Action

2010-11-03T22:50:00.005-04:00

News from Grand Traverse Bay YMCA: Pickleball Action:

"Pickleball action at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA every Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 10 am - 12 noon during the winter season. Call the Y at 933-9622 for more information."

Election Day Delight! Vote for Pascal! Star Baby!

2010-11-02T20:03:00.052-04:00

Election Day Delight!

Vote every day through the end of November 2010!

!!! Vote for Pascal !!!

GERBER STAR BABY DIRECTIONS:

Visit http://www.gerber.com/photo/#/vote/
Click the “Vote” Button
Click the “Search” button.
Enter “Pascal” in the name area
When you see his picture click “VOTE”

In addition to being a pickleball enthusiast,

I’m a shamelessly proud grannie!

Yours in pickleball, Grannie Razz

VOTE PASCAL FACEBOOK

Announcements ::: Auburn Hills ::: Bloomfield

2010-11-01T10:20:00.002-04:00

Auburn Hills ::: Turkey Tourney Deadline Extended To November 5, 2010 ::: Refs Needed"Hello everyone, I am still looking for refs for the Turkey Tourney. The refs will get lunch and a turkey tourney t-shirt and they are really great!" Michelle Pozen - mpozan@auburnhills.org

NO Play Date ::: Bloomfield ::: November 2, 2010
"The Bloomfield clerk has need of the entire fieldhouse space at Lahser HS as a voting precinct for the election on Tuesday. Can't fight city hall. We continue the fun and games on Wednesday, Nov 3 at our normal time of 11-1." Jim Luzod - jamesluzod@hotmail.com

A Happy Harvest!!! All Treat!!!

2010-10-31T13:40:00.000-04:00

Troy Pickleball No Play Date Notice

2010-10-27T15:42:00.001-04:00

TROY PICKLEBALL NO PLAY DATE NOTICE:

The Troy Community Center Sunday night pickleball ladder will not be playing this coming Sunday, October 31, due to Halloween.
The Troy Friday, October 29, afternoon drop-in pickleball session will go on as planned 4:45-6:45pm sign in and pay in the gym.

Meijer State Games of Michigan ::: USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4

2010-10-26T19:09:00.000-04:00

*** F I R S T N O T I C E ***

Mark your calendar now!!

June 24-26, 2011

PICKLEBALL

will be part of the

Meijer State Games of Michigan

in Grand Rapids

USAPA Sanctioned Tournament Tier 4

Look for more information to come

Hartland Halloween Trick-A-Tournament RESULTS

2010-10-26T17:43:00.001-04:00

Hartland Pickleball

Trick-A-Tournament

RESULTS

Rocket's Facebook Page

OPC Recreational Speed Pickleball December 10, 2010

2010-10-23T11:39:00.003-04:00

OPC Rochester

Recreational Speed Pickleball

December 10, 2010

REGISTRATION OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS AGE 50+

$10 USAPA Member Appreciation Discount

Intermediate Registration Form Link:
OPC Intermediate Recreational Speed Pickleball Tournament

Intermediate game time *** SOLD OUT ***

Novice Registration Form Link:
OPC Novice Recreational Speed Pickleball Tournament

Novice game time 11:00am - 1:00pm

2010 Showcase Recreational Event

"...just for the FUN of it!"

Ann Arbor Recreation Drop-in Pickleball Fall 2010

2010-10-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

FALL 2010

Ann Arbor Recreation Drop-in Pickleball

Scarlett Middle School

3300 Lorraine Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Thru November 22, drop-in games Monday and Friday Nights at 6:00-8:00 pm
Beginning November 28, drop-in games will be SUNDAYS from 10:30 am-12:30 pm and Friday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm
- Drop-in fee is $5
- Paddles and ball provided

*** WEBSITE ***

http://www.aareced.com/reced.home/reced.adultsports/adult_pickleball

*** CONTACT ***

Karen Draves

Volleyball and Pickleball Supervisor

draves@aaps.k12.mi.us

734-994-2300 x 53254

Great Michigan RACE

2010-10-16T21:53:00.002-04:00

http://www.greatmichiganrace.com/race.aspx

PICKLEBALL one of many FUN challenges

for the benefit of Special Olympics Michigan

Troy Community Center Gym ::: New Adult Drop-in Pickleball Offering

2010-10-12T05:50:00.003-04:00

Troy Community Center Gym

NEW Adult Drop-in Pickleball Offering

Fridays 4:45pm-6:45pm
Four courts will be available for play
Pay and sign waiver in the gym upon arrival. Drop-in fee $5 for Troy residents and non-residents employees and $6 for non-residents.
http://usapa.org/file/mi/NEW_TROY_FRI_NIGHT_Drop-in_Fall_2010.pdf

Friday Senior 50+ Drop-in Pickleball continues at 10:30am to12:30pm. The drop-in fee for the morning session is $3 for residents and non-residents.

Pickleball finds its place in Shelby

2010-09-30T08:49:00.001-04:00

Pickleball finds its place in Shelby
New court open at Mae Stecker
By Kristyne E. Demske, C&G Staff Writer

Western Michigan Relishing Pickleball | MLive.com

2010-09-26T07:48:00.001-04:00

Western Michigan Relishing Pickleball: Senior citizens have met their match MLive.com By Terry Judd, Muskegon Chronicle

"Players enjoy a game of pickleball at Lakeshore Middle School's tennis courts in Grand Haven."

Bloomfield Pickleball OCT-MAY SEASON New Location

2010-09-26T07:34:00.001-04:00

BLOOMFIELD PICKLEBALL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM JIM LUZOD

Bloomfield Indoor Pickleball NEW LOCATION

Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School Field House
3456 Lahser, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

Weekly Drop-in Games Begin October 12, 2011

Tuesdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursdays 7:00pm-9:00pm

***Fee $3 per person
***No age or residency restrictions
***Drop in format on 8 courts
***Orientation to new players available at all sessions
***THURSDAY NIGHT 3 COURTS DEDICATED TO ADVANCE PLAYERS SKILL LEVEL 4.0+

Hi Everyone

We have a new location and new times for our indoor season in Bloomfield. A shift in the luncheon hours at Andover changed the availability of the fieldhouse at the times we had used last season and as it had been published in the parks and rec schedule for this season.
All sessions will be held at Bloomfield Lahser High School on Lahser Rd, 1/2 mile north of Long Lake Rd. We will have a daytime session on Tuesday beginning October 12 and a daytime session Wednesday beginning October 13. Each will begin at 11:00 and end at 1:00. We have added a session on Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 PM and ending 9:00 PM.
All sessions will have the drop-in format. Orientation for new players will be available at all sessions. Also, at all sessions there is court space to accommodate "graded play". In graded play an attempt is made to have all players play with players of similar skill level. Pickleball is now into its fourth year in Oakland County. Players' skills and understanding of strategies has improved dramatically. One of the growth challenges of Pickleball has been the availability of sites where new players can learn at a comfortable level, intermediates can have fun competing comfortably, and advanced skilled players can fine tune and compete in preparation for tournament and advanced ladder play.
The cost for all sessions will remain at $3.00 per session. All proceeds are used to provide and maintain adequate balls, paddles for new players, and the net systems for the eight courts. The remainder is given to the Bloomfield Parks and Recreation department.
It will be fun seeing everyone again and welcoming others checking us out for the first time. See y'all in October. Email me with your thoughts about any part of the contents in this letter.

Jim Luzod
jamesluzod@hotmail.com

Grace MacDonald Park Fund Raiser Round Robin

2010-09-24T05:45:00.001-04:00

Pickleball Tournament Fund Raiser

for the

Grace MacDonald Park Courts

Traverse City, MI

September 25, 2010

It is open to everyone, round robin.

Questions? Carolyn Ebbinghaus mailto:pickleballoutfitters@gmail.com

MI Pickleball Tournament Player Ratings

2010-09-21T21:01:00.000-04:00

Dear Michigan Pickleball Tournament Players,

Following the Rochester Pickleball Tournament & Festival in Royal Oak, ratings were developed as a service by the Michigan Rating Group. The Group consists of Ambassadors Jim and Yvonne Hackenburg and Pat Sullivan, all of whom have played in the USAPA National Tournament as well as in events in Arizona, where many players have been playing for decades rather than a few years like most of us.

I mentioned this because one of the goals of introducing ratings here in Michigan is to encourage consistency, so that a 4.0 rating in Michigan means the same thing as a 4.0 rating in AZ and across the country.

The ratings were developed using the criteria:

Royal Oak now has Drop-in, Clinics, and Ladders that are based on ratings in order to enable players to play with others at their level for the fun of it and in order to encourage skill level improvement. Next summer Royal Oak will be hosting League play where a given team will have players at each rating level to ensure equitably challenging team play.

The ratings are purposely conservative focusing on specific criteria elements even more than on the results of local tournament play. We are a relatively young Pickleball community, meaning that some of us may have achieved medal-winning status without ever experiencing the competition of more experienced players from outside of Michigan. If you have ever competed in Arizona, you know that the “soft game” is an essential dimension to Pickleball that most of us Michiganders have not experienced before and may not fully appreciate. As a general rule, players who incorporate a soft game into their repertoire will win consistently against hard-hitting-only players. That is precisely why you will see the following three elements in the definition of a 4.0 player:

can sustain “dinks” and many times “put away” their shots at the net
is working to master the “third shot soft” from the baseline (into the kitchen) as a tool to approach the NV line after receiving the return of service
is striving to be able to change a soft shot to a hard shot strategy during any given point and vice versa

Consequently, the ratings show some of our most successful players with a 3.5 rating rather a 4.0 because they have not yet had a chance to incorporate the “soft game” into their skill set,. This is to ensure consistency with the national criteria and to encourage the development of a full set of skills that will be effective inside and outside of Michigan.

Ratings can change over time and, of course, they can be appealed. To file an appeal, simply go to the USAPA website Ratings Page and click on the USAPA Ratings Committee link. You can email the USAPA Ratings Committee your request for a change; provide your reasons as to why your rating should be changed up or down.

Thanks to the MI Rating Group for their dilligent efforts. Let's not make ratings that big a deal; they are just one more dimension to the fun we have playing Pickleball.

Not all players received a rating. If the committee did not have sufficient opportunity to observe a player in competitive situations, the player was not given a rating or, if he/she already had a rating, the rating was not changed.

NOTE: if you enter a skill level tournament you may NOT play in an event rated LOWER than your rating, but you may play in an event with a higher rating. When uncertain about a rating, it is better to give the player the lower rating and let them earn the higher rating in a subsequent rated tournament.

To check your rating, go to:

http://www.usapa.org/ratings/

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Next year the Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival will be a skill level tournament. Hopefully we will have players in 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and also 5.0 without combining levels. We will do Recreation Speed Pickleball to encourage play by newer players, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Mixed Generation Doubles. Save the dates APRIL 29, 30, AND MAY 1 this is Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday and will be indoors in the gyms of a Rochester school. We will not have weather issues. We will be able to have players under the age of 50.

Regards,

Marilyn Holladay
Tournament Director
Rochester Pickleball Club Tournament & Festival

The Pickleball Zoo Rocks Once Again | Pickleball Rocks !!!

2010-09-21T20:43:00.000-04:00

The Pickleball Zoo Rocks Once Again Pickleball Rocks !!!
By Rodney "Rocket" Grubbs

New KaZoo Skills Drills

2010-09-20T19:23:00.001-04:00

!! Have a pickle of a day !!

!! Enjoy the new KaZoo Skills Drills !!

Where2Pickle Training Room

Pickleball Returns to Full Blast - Battle Creek

2010-09-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

Pickleball is easy to learn and fun to play
BattleCreekEnquier
By Clark Maddox •

Pickleball is coming back to Full Blast starting Saturday, October 2. It is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. In case you aren't familiar with it, it's played with a wood or composite paddle and perforated plastic balls that are like whiffle balls over a 3 foot net.

You can play Pickleball at Full Blast from 10 am to 12 noon beginning Saturday, October 2 and after that on October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6 and 13, and December 4,11, and 18 (all Saturdays).

The cost is $4 per session or $20 for all 10 sessions. For a family of 3 or more, the cost is $10 for 1 session or $50 for all 10 sessions. Paddles and balls are provided.

Everyone is welcome including those who haven't played before since if s easy to learn. If you have any questions contact USA Pickleball Association Ambassdor Clark Maddox at clarktmaddox@aol.com .

One Shelby Pickleball Court Launched Mae Stecker Park

2010-09-20T08:32:00.000-04:00

USAPA Ambassador Monzie Edmonds wrote:

"Let the record show that Shelby Pickleball Court launch was indeed a major success. Visitors from Chesterfield, Clinton Twp, Macomb, Rochester, Sterling Heights and Waterford joined Shelby residents and family members in attendance. Play time started at 1:00 and continued to after 4:00. The level of play was OUTSTANDING, including few first time players. As with most new things several suggestion for improvement were listed. Presenting them to the Shelby Rec. Center will be the next step. Safety is paramount."

Shelby TV recorded over 45 minutes of interviews and game play. The telecast will run on Shelby TV starting Friday September 24th until October 1, 2010. Afterward it will run on the Shelby Twp website for an undetermined length of time.

Jim Willis and Monzie Edmonds will be available to continue the promotion of play until nets are removed for the winter. Court is open to the public, residency not required, bring your own paddles and balls. Both are also available for loan from the Shelby Rec. Center.

ORGANIZED PLAY: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm. Open to ALL.

CONTACT: Jim Willis at jimdwillis@gmail.com or Monzie Edmonds at monzie@comcast.net

LOCATION: Mae Stecker Park on the South side of 24Mile Rd, East of VanDyke (between VanDyke and the M53 freeway). Bathrooms on site.

SURPRISE Tribute to Dick Manasseri

2010-09-19T01:51:00.002-04:00

Bob Northrop and Melissa Muha spearheaded a special SURPRISE tribute to Dick Manasseri, with messages of appreciation and respect from players across the USA.

CLICK HERE to enjoy a video clips of the festivities!

Kalamazoo September 2010 Tournament photos, video clips and results:

http://where2pickle.org/tournament09-2010.php

2011 KaZoo Tourney Date Savers!!

May 19-21, 2011
August 16-18, 2011

NEW Shelby Township Pickleball Court Officially Opens!!!

2010-09-16T05:50:00.001-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED

SUNDAY :: SEPTEMBER 19 at 1:00 PM

Mae Stecker Park, Shelby Township
One Public Court - Painted Pickleball Lines

"The NEW Shelby Township pickleball court will officially open this Sunday, September 19, at 1:00pm! I will be there till 3:00 with paddles and balls for use. Shelby TV will be there. Shelby Parks and Rec. have been very cooperative." Jim Willis

"Jim agreed to take the lead with our Rec. Board and follow the project to completion if possible. Once given the connections to the Rec. Staff, Jim was off and running. Many thanks Jim! With Jim's stick to it, personality we've now made the first step towards a Shelby Pickleball success story. Our Rec Center wants to see the success of the one court before funding another or additional work. Admittedly there's many details to workout and we will be attacking them also. It's my hope that with the location it generates lots of family and tennis player interest. We're having and introduction on Sunday September 19 at 1:00pm, I would appreciate some of our loyals dropping by for a few games and maybe a Local paper photo shoot." Monzie Edmonds

CONTACT: Jim Willis at jimdwillis@gmail.com

NEEDED: Players to show up to help promote and work toward getting a second court.

LOCATION: Mae Stecker Park on the South side of 24Mile Rd, East of VanDyke (between VanDyke and the M53 freeway). Bathrooms on site.

NEEDED for Rochester Pickleball Club at Adams High School

2010-09-14T18:47:00.000-04:00

NEEDED for Rochester Pickleball Club at Adams High School:

Volunteers to help tape 4 courts this Saturday, Sep 18, 11:30 am
Volunteers to help with Beginner Clinic this Saturday, Sat 18, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Players for the B ladder 2:00 - 3:30 and the A ladder 3:30 - 5:00.

The taping should be something that does not need to be done again mid-November. The Beginners Clinic and the Ladder will be weekly through December. At the moment, sign-up for the ladders is low which means we might have both ladders at the same time.

Questions: Contact Marilyn Holladay, holladaym@mac.com

2010-09-13T12:28:00.016-04:00

Macomb Township Recreation Center Pickleball Update
From USAPA Ambassador Stanley Helzer

With new resurfaced gym floors and 4 new courts with new painted lines for Pickleball:

We held our first senior beginner class at 9:00 am in the Macomb Township Recreation Center since the initial start up last year. We started with 5 instructors and 11 beginners. After issuing name tags and a brief introduction we got right to work. At the start we only had 2 nets so to get everyone playing we just lined everyone across the 2 courts and used the USAPA check list as a guide. After about 20 minutes with the quick help of the Macomb Township Recreation Center employees, we got a 3rd net setup and spread our new players out a little more. At 10:00 am our regular players came in, making a total of 33 people playing Pickleball. We then mixed the new players in with the regular players, which made the day enjoyable for all the Pickleball players in attendance. Thanks to the great work of our instructors, our regular players willingness to help and the eager beginners the day was a great success.