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Chesterfield Pickleball News
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Lots of pickleball updates within Chesterfield County this month. Read on.
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- Parks and Rec was quick to replace time-damaged nets on 2 courts at Harry Daniel in November. We are fortunate to have Chesterfield Parks and Rec's support of pickleball quality in Chesterfield County.
- We are happy with the final re-surfacing at Huguenot Park. The big hump is gone on court 1 and the color seems to be stable.
- Beulah Rec Center - The Last day for drop-in Pickleball for 2023 will be Monday December 18th from 11:30 – 1:30pm. Play at this location will not pick up again until Monday, February 3rd. The entire Recreation Center will be out of commission for the month of January for work that needs to be done with the center closed. Beginning in February, this location will be added to the PCCC calendar. The courts are very nice and the floor is wood, so it is more forgiving on your ankles, knees and hips.
Appreciation Goodies for Parks and Rec
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Holiday appreciation goodies from PCCC are being delivered to Parks and Rec Maintenance and Management people at the 5 outdoor venues this week.
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PCCC Member of the Month - Spotlight
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This is a new feature of our monthly newsletter, designed to spotlight the special members within our ranks who enhance the pickleball experience in Chesterfield County with their contributions of time and talent. Our first honoree is Gloria Lambert. Many of you know Gloria as the morning pickleball court monitor at The Scott Pickleball Center at Rockwood courts who introduces herself and welcomes all new players. She is a native of Chesterfield County and has lived here all her life.
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Most of you do not know that she has been our Pickleball Club Secretary since its inception in 2016. Gloria does so much work behind the scenes...she partners to send out the welcome letters to new members, maintains the PCCC member database, attends meetings often when I can't, and offers positive support on a constant basis.
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I hear many nice compliments about Gloria. Just last week a long-time player told me that the only reason he fell in love with pickleball was because Gloria and several others made him feel welcome the very first time he came to play. The atmosphere at the Rockwood courts is inclusive, friendly as well as competitive in a good way and a lot of that is due to the culture which was started on these first dedicated courts and has continued with her guidance. So, be sure to give Gloria a High Five and a Thank You when you see her. Just make sure you are gentle with her left wrist as she is recovering from an accidental pickleball injury.
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If you would like to nominate someone to be in the Spotlight for a future Newsletter, please send me a note with their bio and why you think they deserve this honor. I am sure there are many doing great work by contributing their time and talent to enhance pickleball in Chesterfield County. If so, we want to hear about them!
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Winter Youth Camps for pickleball are being offered at Bangers and Dinks. These half-day Camps for kids aged 11-15 will be offered during winter break. Register at BangersandDinks.com/Programs. They are also are offering Boot Camps for beginners and league play for all levels.
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Pickleball Roundup Tidbits
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· There may be some local pickleball news announced at the PRAC meeting Thursday December 7. I guess you know we lost our most vocal supporter in the last election, Chris Winslow, so we will see if the new Board is as friendly to Parks and Rec and pickleball. IF YOU KNOW A SUPERVISOR (and we all should know ours), see if they will appoint you to PRAC (Parks and Rec Advisory Committee). It is amazing that we have gotten as much done as we have with no one on PRAC to speak up for us.
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· A new indoor location will be opening January, 2024 in Powhatan, which will feature 3 courts with a cushioned floor. It is in the first Food Lion shopping center just after you cross the county line from Chesterfield into Powhatan. It is privately owned so there will be a charge to play, but the amount has not been determined yet. I will let you know more once I meet with the owner, on Thursday morning.
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· USAPickleball has approved a new "quiet paddle" by OWL for REC play only at this time. You can order one at OwlPaddle.com for $169.00 if you are interested. Supposedly it is not only more than 50% quieter but it feels more like a tennis racket when it comes in contact with the pickleball. I hope someone has one that I can DEMO just out of curiosity.
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· New rules are coming, but have not yet been approved by the USAPickleball. It is believed that some form of Rally Scoring will be approved for some tournaments but Rec play will not be affected. Sigh of relief.....:-)
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· Performance Pickleball RVA, 1406 Parham Road, Henrico, Va (Regency Mall) is the newest and largest indoor pickleball facility in Virginia. They are inviting you to the public opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday 12/15 at 1:00 p.m. Hope to see you there! I have heard that The Newmans-Riley and Lindsay will be there the following week, as well as, Jay DeVallier to offer clinics. You can find more info at www.ppbrva.com.
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All the best and a wishing you the happiest of holidays!
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