NWC Volunteer Tom Jones Brings Expertise and Warmth as a Volunteer Neighbors Who Care (NWC) volunteer Tom Jones clearly demonstrates the heart of selfless service. He came to us this past August because he was looking for a way to fill his time since retiring. “I needed to fill a void,” Tom says. “Volunteering with…
David Zapatka Pickleball continues to grow in popularity around the country. It’s now making its way into U.S. universities. The leading example of this is my friend, Jarrod Smith, coach of Drury University’s men’s and women’s tennis teams, and in 2024, coach of Drury’s co-ed pickleball team in Springfield, Mo. In August, Drury announced the…
Lorri Morgan We could be talking about that “firefight” at the NVZ (Non-Volley Zone) or that smoking passing shot down the line, but in this case, we’re talking about our Chili Cook-Off social event held on Dec 2. Holiday-dressed members showed up in hordes to sample and vote on the 12 pots full of different…
David Zapatka Continuing our study of Pickleball Fundamentals Master the basics and compete with confidence by Mary Littlewood, Ms. Littlewood offers these basic doubles strategies for players of any level. To read all her advice, buy her book. Always face the ball on the other side of the net. Regardless of where you are on the court…
Lorri Morgan The Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood (SLPCC) is bursting at the seams, and that has resulted in a little pain, but mostly a lot of fun! As of the first week of November, we counted about 410 members, with many snowbirds still flying south. Our monthly meetings are well attended, and our industrious…
The Pickle Barrel Classic pickleball tournament will be held on March 11 to March 14, 2024. This is a non-sanctioned event hosted by Sun Lakes Pickleball Club IronOaks and sponsored by Unison Bank. There will be Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles, levels 2.5 through 4.0. UTPR, DUPR, IPTPA, or club rating is required. If you don’t…
Susan Ori The annual Cottonwood Palo Verde NIT pickleball tournament was enjoyed by many in March. A raffle and silent auction were conducted, with many incredible contributions from members and local businesses. The event raised a sizable amount of money, of which $2,500 was donated to the Neighbors Who Care program. Charlotte Nichols and Sue…
Jeff Dunn The Cottonwood Pickleball club played host to its Ninth Annual Norris Invitational Tournament (N.I.T.) at the Cottonwood courts. The tournament is named after the founders of pickleball in Cottonwood, Maureen and Dick Norris, who created the first pickleball courts on the parking lot at Sisk Park in 2008. The club has come a…
Jeff Dunn Even if you have never played pickleball before, there is a place for you in the Cottonwood Pickleball Club. The club is structured so people of similar skill levels play together. From the first-time player who has never hit a pickleball, to the tournament-savvy player, you’ll find a place to play. “Our club…
Several years ago, the Sun Lakes Pickleball Club Cottonwood was searching for a way to give back to the community of Chandler. Pickleball Club member Irene D’Aloisio was reading the newspaper and noticed an article pertaining to children in need at Hamilton High School. Despite the financial hardships these kids’ families had, the kids continue…