Judy Wolthausen, President

Are you wishing you were more active, just not sure how to quickly find interesting and doable activities that don’t take too much time?

Shooting pool is a sport that many of us tried a long time ago but haven’t kept up with it as our lives changed. We remember enjoying it but probably never being very good at it. Many of us joined our group realizing that we’d like to play but wondered if we’d remember how! We were all surprised how quickly it all came back.

Our group has members who have been in the club more than 20 years and others who joined in the last few months. We also have varying levels of ability and years of experience. We give each member a copy of the rules for playing 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and Cutthroat. We also have two rules czars who help when we’re unsure of what to do.

The best benefit of joining our friendly club is that you immediately become part of a wonderful group of ladies. Some have just moved into the area, and others have lived here for over 20 years. If you live in Cottonwood, Sun Lakes Country Club, Oakwood, Ironwood, or Palo Verde, you are eligible to join our club.

We meet weekly year-round on Tuesday mornings at 9:15 a.m. for warmup and play from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The only rule we left in our bylaws excludes people who have another regular activity (such as golf or pickleball, etc.) for which they would need to leave consistently early. We feel this is not fair to their partner, thus the rule. This doesn’t mean that we all can’t take a Tuesday off to see a doctor, have work done on the house, baby an illness, or have some other appointment on an occasional basis.

I really value the relationships I’ve built with the ladies. They always have good ideas, provide input on vendor performance, and suggestions to help us solve our problems. We’ve invited each other out to lunch or dinner, brought food in times of illness, offered ideas about what other activities are available that they might enjoy, or just listened as we vent! We all know our girlfriends are the ones who help us the most in times of trial. Families don’t always step forward. And monthly, on the first Tuesday, we take restaurant suggestions and eat together at the place most want to try.

We are a fun-loving group, and we’re trying to replace some of the ladies who moved away or had to stop playing, mostly due to life changes or ill health. If you’ve played before, even if it was a long time ago, you’d be amazed at how quickly it all returns. But if you’re worried, call and I’ll arrange a refresher session at a mutually agreeable time. Not concerned? Just show up on any Tuesday (except holidays) and join us in play. I’m sure you’ll fit right in and be glad to make some new friends, just like I was. It’s only two hours a week. We recognize snowbirds will be leaving to return to their other homes, and others will vacate during the hottest part of summer. Those who remain continue weekly play. There’s nothing to lose—come check us out! We’d love to have you!