A Message From The Director
May 28, 2024
Hello Picklers:
It has come to my attention from a nice couple, Kathy and Paul, that there is a feeling among many that our new club is going to be mainly for better players,3.5 and above. They are both around 2.75 players, and thought, even though Paul is a local first responder and gets free membership, that the club would not be welcoming to their level of play. Nothing could be further from the truth.
My mission when I started this project was to grow the game of Pickleball in southern Vermont. The benefits that I’ve derived from playing starting less than 3 years ago have changed my life in so many ways and I know for a fact it will do that for others. Not only am I much healthier, but the friendships I’ve made in this extremely welcoming community have enriched my quality of life in ways I can’t measure, but I can certainly feel.
I also have wanted to do something for the Deerfield Valley in the form of a new recreational outlet for all ages. This game brings generations of families and friends together for fun, exercise and socialization – something this community could really use.
So, I’d like to invite all to come out and try this game. For newbies, start by watching some You Tube videos to get a feel for it. Then come out and take an intro clinic and you will be playing in no time. Literally, 25 minutes after you get out on the court I will have you actually playing a game; it is very easy to pick up. For those of you that have been playing a bit but think your level is not good enough, please know there are many others in the same boat and if you want to get better I will help you achieve those goals. Many in this area have benefitted from my instruction and I think they would tell you they not only enjoy my gentle prodding but have also seen their games improve.
Hope to see all of you that have any interest out on our new courts soon.
Cheers, Trip
May 14, 2024
Hello my fellow pickleballers, we are getting very close, 10 days, to our Grand Opening of all eight courts on Saturday the 25th. Festivities will kick off at 10AM and go till 2, with food, music, dedications, round robin play, clinics for newbies, exhibition matches with some of the area's best players, raffles, and just plain fun. There will be open play after 2PM. Whether you are a member, a prospective member, or just curious about the game with the silly name, please all feel free to come out. You don't need a paddle, just sneakers and a positive attitude to check out the fastest growing game in America. If you are a newbie, I'd suggest spending 6 minutes on You Tube checking out a 3 -part video by Pure Pickleball entitled How to Play Pickleball. Really basic but it will give you an idea of the rules, scoring, and how the game is played. For my local PB friends if you are around the day before and are handy, we have many things that will need last minute assembly. Let me know if you can make it.
Cheers everyone, can't wait to see as many of you that can make it. And please reply to Ilene Winter's invite for the Grand Opening.
“Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes”.
As a dedicated Jimmy Buffett fan, also known as a Parrot Head, for over 40 years, I’m adopting this quote in his memory and for the spirit of the new Southern Vermont Pickleball Club at Farm Road Estate. My first pickleball paddle, pictured below, helped me enter this silly world of the game called Pickleball. Buffett was one of the original pro Pickleball Tour sponsors thru his Margaritaville brand and I believe his all inclusive and addictive aura of positive energy should be the dominant theme of what we are trying to create here in West Dover, Vt. Whether you come to us locally, from the flatlands, as a snowbird, or just visiting for a while, when you enter the property at 161 Route 100 in West Dover, Vt. I’d like you to know you are in a safe space, where you won’t be judged based on your paddle abilities instead by your propensity to just have fun. To my present pickleball friends, I am truly blessed to have you all make such a huge difference in my life. I thank you for accepting and tolerating my enthusiasm towards growing this game and hopefully encouraging you to learn skills for you to enjoy the game even more. To my new pickleball friends to be I promise to do my very best to run the best recreation facility you have ever participated in and to live up to and surpass your expectations. Please don’t ever be shy about letting me know how I can make things better as we grow together.
As someone who has been in the racket/paddle sports for over 50 years as a competitive player, a teaching pro, a coach, and as a mentor to 100’s of those who understand how wonderful it can be to embrace these sports not just for the exercise, competition, camaraderie, and memories but for your mental and spiritual health I want all those to be in abundance at SVPC. Our club will have league play, clinics, private lessons, round robins, open play, and tournaments. We will also have monthly social events such as barbeques and parties and we WILL have music. We are so fortunate to have our benefactor, Mike Levesque, be a world class musician and he is followed in his foot steps by Mike Levesque Jr., and his beautiful daughter Kelly who is also a world class vocalist. So there will be a great sound system and music will be playing in the background for those playing and just sitting watching to enjoy. I can’t wait to hear what they will be creating for us to listen to.
The space surrounding the courts will have tables, chairs, umbrellas, and a fire pit. A great place to hang with your present pickleball friends but equally important to meet new ones. We are inventing a wheel so all of your suggestions will be appreciated. My next post will have all membership categories explained and priced. I will routinely be reaching out to members and prospects through this website. Feel free to respond, ask questions, complain, or just say hello at my email; trip@svpbc.com.
Cheers, Trip Morse