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Chesterfield Pickleball News
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In this January newsletter:
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- · Starting the New Year with Gratitude
- · New 2024 Pickleball Rules
- · PCCC Member of the Month
- · League Updates
- · Another News Letter
- · Parks and Rec
- · Private Indoor Facilities
THANK YOU. A huge thank you to Louise Carloni who assembled the calendar for many years and now to Susan Profitt who has taken over and is also doing an excellent job each month. It takes hours to assemble especially during the high activity season that includes leagues, lessons, clinics as well as all the indoor venues with their special time/date changes. As Louise used to call it..."a moving target." You can find the calendar by clicking on the link at the end of this newsletter and on our Facebook Page, Chesterfield Pickleball Group.
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Also, I want to thank, our Vice President, Lisa Murphy, for editing and publishing this newsletter each month. This is a real time saver for me as we try to get the latest news out to you in a timely matter.
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There will be more to thank in the months to come. It takes many people to keep this ship afloat.
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New 2024 Pickleball Rules
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Want your own copy of the 2024 Rule Book? Down load it here:
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These rule changes mainly apply to sanctioned tournament play and will have little or no effect on recreational play. That said, it is still advisable that all players read the rule book at least once a year. You will be surprised at what you will learn/understand with each passing year. Many of you, right now, are just following what you remember from what your instructor told you when you first started playing. You may also find that you may want to pursue becoming a certified referee as USAPickleball needs more and you may really enjoy supporting pickleball in this way. Players love to have their matches REF'd.
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PCCC Member of the Month Spotlight
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This feature of our monthly newsletter is designed to spotlight the special members within our ranks who enhance the pickleball experience in Chesterfield County with their contributions of time and talent.
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The January PCCC Member of the Month is Bobbie Sue Oxford. Bobbie Sue is not only a great pickleball player but she is a very capable handywoman. She fabricated the "gate" along the divider net at RW, repaired several broken benches and created the "Next 4" banner on the fence. When our beloved Dorothy wanted to come back to play but had no transportation, Bobbie Sue started going to pick her up and take her home. When we need a card for special occasions, such as several players recently turning 88 or sending get well wishes, Bobbie Sue created beautiful hand-crafted cards. She has so many talents and is a caring, true friend.
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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 at [email protected] 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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League Updates – From Commissioner Lynze Kapp
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As winter blankets Richmond, it's a sign that our beloved spring league season is just around the corner! The Chesterfield County courts are waiting for our paddles to strike once more, promising thrilling matches and new connections.
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Reflecting on a record-breaking fall season, where enthusiasm soared and the courts buzzed with energy, we're gearing up for yet another fantastic run. Last fall saw 17 leagues bustling with over 700 passionate participants, a testament to the vibrant pickleball community we have.
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This upcoming season, we're not just aiming to match the excitement. Brace yourselves for an array of unique leagues that cater to all skill levels and playing styles. Whether you're a seasoned player or just discovering the joys of pickleball, there'll be a league perfectly suited for you.
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Mark your calendars and stay tuned for the official league registration announcement in February's newsletter. While sign-ups are slated for late February/early March, pencil in the league season dates from April 1st to May 26th.
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This spring promises camaraderie, fierce competition, and the thrill of playing under the open sky. Get your paddles ready, because we're about to embark on another unforgettable season!
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The Charlotte Dilly News is one of my favorite monthly newsletters. Here is an example of a typical article with good info presented with humor, followed by how you can subscribe for free and, like PCCC, they never share your email address.
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Paddle Tappers and Paddle Zappers
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It is common for partners to tap paddles between rallies as a form of encouragement. It is also customary to tap paddles with your opponents when you meet at the net at the end of a game to trade insincere compliments. But what about that overenthusiastic partner or opponent who, when you politely extend your precious brand-new carbon fiber beauty, delivers a tomahawk chop to the face of your paddle with the edge of their 8-year-old Onix Z5? The end of game assault can be avoided by offering your butt, I mean the butt of your paddle, in the exchange of pleasantries. The sneak attack by your partner can be a little harder to anticipate and avoid. Just give them a shot to the back of their head and they will get the point.
As a public service to those who care about the health and well-being of their prized paddle, here are a few words to the Paddle Zappers out there (you know who you are): Modern pickleball paddles are high technology devices made with polymers and fibers that rely upon the resilience of the core materials and surface layers that are laminated together. They are not like a cast iron frying pan that you can beat on with a hammer. If you are going to do a paddle tap, do it gently, edge guard to edge guard and never strike a paddle on the face with anything other than a pickleball.
If you know a frequent offender, feel free to reprint this column and slide a copy into their bag while they are out on the court. Be a Paddle Tapper, not a Paddle Zapper.
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If you would like to share the Charlotte Dilly News with fellow pickleball enthusiasts, please forward them this Link..Subscription Link ...which they can use to subscribe. Note: All email addresses are kept private and are never shared with anyone
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BEULAH is closed for January but after that, they plan to have two days a week for open pickleball play. Those dates will be on the calendar starting in February. For now you can find those dates and times in the Parks and Rec Guide for Winter/Spring. They will only allow a specific number of players each time so you will need to sign up.
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CTC--Windscreens need replacement. Parks and Rec is considering a plastic strip which covers about 50% of the opening in the wire mesh of the fence. It will help, but not totally block the wind, but there will be no maintenance on these once installed. This is important as the windscreens were often blowing down and we could not keep them up properly and they got damaged from flapping around. PCCC paid for the original windscreens and the club members were taught to install them at a great savings on installation. Each month some of our awesome members tried to keep them in place (Parks and Rec also devoted a lot of time to this) but it was not successful for the last year or so. I wish we could find another alternative as it is always so windy in that location. If you have other ideas please let me know ASAP. If you want to check out what Parks and Rec is considering, go the the dog park behind the track at CTC and take a look. They are on the fence between the dog park and the houses. Do this soon or your first look may be when they are installed on the fences at CTC. I am concerned as to how much they will actually block the wind. However, something much be done.
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Huguenot Park - The new remodel looks good except for a small lump in the surface on Court #1. Parks and Rec has been notified and are on it.
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Gates - Parks and Rec is planning to replace all the gates at our various outdoor locations so they are all identical.
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Private Indoor Facilities
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Bangers and Dinks is doing a great job with all their new programs for youth, leagues, lessons and clinics, and Open Play. If you haven't visited there, you should. They have 8 indoor courts and lots of times for Open Play.
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Performance Pickleball just had their Grand Opening and it was grand! This is another beautiful indoor venue with 12 indoor courts located in Regency Mall, Henrico. They have so much to offer pickleball players, too. Be sure to check them out as well.
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Aren't we fortunate to have these awesome new facilities which enhance the total pickleball experience for all players? Pickleball4all means something for every pickleball player.... beginner to advanced, indoor, outdoor, church gyms, rec centers, private venues and of course our beloved public courts. The pickleball future looks bright, indeed.
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Wishing you all the best for a Happy, Healthy New Year!
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