Judy Wolthausen, President

As May arrives, our weather becomes warmer, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy our newly remodeled Oakwood Billiards Room and relish sitting in the restaurant patios overlooking the golf courses and other picturesque settings. It’s so pleasant, and it gives us time to relax and really get to know each other outside of the pool room. The sun isn’t too hot yet, the flowers are blooming, and there’s a little breeze. We select our food and drink and lean back and soak in the rays! Our restaurant trips happen every month on the first Tuesday, right after pool. We get to try new restaurants with a group, not by ourselves. We find out about places we never knew existed, and we develop more solid relationships with some, which leads to inviting each other to plays, musicals, lunch, dinner, outings, etc. Now, I bet you didn’t think of a pool group as a means of increasing your happiness!

We’re very happy that we have added five new members over the last few months. Most of the Sun Lakes pool groups lost close to 50% of their members due to COVID-19, moves out of state, cancer deaths, etc. So, we’re feeling more “whole” and anxious to get to know our new friends even better. If you live in Cottonwood, Sun Lakes Country Club, Oakwood, Ironwood, or Palo Verde, you are eligible to join our club.

We play every Tuesday, year-round, except holidays that fall on a Tuesday. Many of us are snowbirds or flee the area in the heat of summer. It’s okay, just make sure we know so we don’t worry and wonder why you’re not showing up! The summer play is less formal but still just as much fun!

We play 8-Ball most of the time, but also play 9-Ball and Cutthroat, depending on time remaining or number of players at the table. We start practicing at 9:15 a.m. and play from 9:15 to 11 a.m. The only rule we do have is that members can’t over-commit, having to leave us consistently before 11 a.m. to participate in another activity. It’s unfortunate that both golf and pickleball are heavy users on Tuesdays. Leaving early for something like this is just not fair to your teammate. We do realize we will all be missing occasionally to go to the doctor, have our car fixed, meet a vendor at the house, etc.

We value all levels of experience and talent. Each of us should strive to improve our skills, but more emphasis is placed on having fun. If you would like to join us, give me a call for more information, to arrange for a practice session if that would make you more comfortable, or to ask any questions you may have. I’ll take down your contact information, and unless you want a practice session, you’re welcome to drop by the following Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. There are lots of pool cues to borrow for your temporary use, or you can bring your own if you have one.

So, stop procrastinating and decide that you, too, deserve to have some more fun in your life, some time away from your stresses, replaced by lots of smiles, laughter, and good food. Sounds like fun to me. We’d love to have you!