Pickleball First Meeting

The first P/B group meeting was a humongous success, with 78 p/bers in attendance. We took some important first steps. We elected the steering committee officers, approved the mission statement, went forward with a website (it's up), established an instruction team, and much more. If you were not there, you missed a great meeting, as meetings go.

I'll give you a brief recap:
Your committee board members are as follows;

President Bill MacCullough
Vice president/Court mgr. Richard Holm
Secretary/Treasurer Marta Holm
Tournament Director Helmut Koehne
Equipment Manager Scott Sutherland
Social Chairs Katie Didion/Aileen Niver
Web Master Mike Salli
Members at Large Linda Brandelius/Leonard Haubl

A training/instruction team was established to assist new players and those who want to improve their game. The team is comprised of:

Linda Brandelius, Susan Peterson, Helmut Koehne, Linda Rush, Steve Dalaklis, Richard, Holm, and Katie Didion

I will be contacting them to determine how to use the team and how to contact them. We will have some info on the website also.

If you haven't heard, the group decided to institute winter hours. The courts are now available 9 am to 4 pm.

Our webmaster Mike Salli has created our website lhpickleball.blogspot.com. Nothing on it yet other than our mission statement. Mike has told me he needs input, dates, articles, pictures etc. Great job, Mike, and quick too. I'll be contacting Mike accordingly.

Regarding dues, it was decided for now not to collect dues. If we need funds, we can "pass the hat".

A new roster was created at the meeting, and as long as it is used only for P/B purposes, we will be figuring out a way to get it to you.

We discussed the importance of stretching and warming up before play, and also to wear correct shoes for court play. It's really important that newcomers are wearing good shoes and that they have good lateral movement. New players don't realize how much movement there is in the game.

Chris O'Keefe, facilities manager, will be making a site recommendation to the Sports Advisory Committee on February 7, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., room to be determined. The committee will discuss the proposals and will in turn make its proposal to the Properties Committee, which in turn will make a recommendation to the Board. So, needless to say it's our opportunity to make our feelings known.

Also, since our six-month trial period will end Feb. 20th, I will be making a report to the committee that will include a request to make P/B a permanent activity and also request a permanent site. The committee will also be discussing the use of the backboard in the tennis area for practice. The Feb. 7th meeting will be an important date for P/B and a real opportunity to show our support. More later on this subject. Stay tuned.

The group agreed that a standing meeting would be held at 5:00 p.m., on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of the month. I will be checking on the availability of a room and advise.

The next P/B board meeting will be on January 10, 2008, at my home. Time to be determined.

I will be submitting our application to be recognized as an association group. It will take time for them to approve.

A lot has been happening, and it's just the beginning, and you all are part of it.

Your support has been great and has gotten us to where we are now.

If you have any suggestions regarding the above subjects, please contact me. I will be updating you.

Happy Holidays,
Bill MacCullough, the Pickleball Guy.