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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 | 55 55 The highlight of the Pickle social season occurred the end of October when club president and first lady, Tony and Pam Browne, hosted a sizeable contingent of our members for a lovely patio party. Tony grilled, Pam saw to the arrangements and attendees brought a sumptuous array of homemade delights. It was a fun affair and if you missed it, try not to miss another as the club events are always a special treat. Thanks to the Brownes and all who made the party so memorable! Our new courts allow play throughout the day. The flexibility is a great development but also means that many players don't get to know one another, especially the newer members. The party was a good opportunity to have the kind of "mixer" increasing the socializing that is one of the best aspects of pickleball. We encourage all players to consider changing their time of play occasionally just to help us all get better acquainted. Some may be bashful about venturing outside their usual "comfort zone." With the new courts, there is room for different levels of play whenever you show up. So, bring your friends and join a group you haven't played with. In the November Vanity Fair, Craig Coyne offers the loveliest encomium to our sport your scribe has seen. He extols the popularity, egalitarianism, and fun of pickleball. Coyne focuses on the celebrity appeal of the game (it's Vanity Fair after all). From Leo DiCaprio to the Kardashian clan, he offers an A-list that would be the envy of any Hollywood gala, all of whom are consumed with the fastest-growing sport in America and beyond. TV writer/director Doug Ellin learned the game when Phil Mickelson invited him to play. Ellin says: "One of the greatest regrets of my life is that I didn't find this sport earlier. I literally want every person in the world to play this game." And he isn't even old enough to live in Sun Lakes. After noting some of the peculiar terms of "a goofy-sounding game." Coyne concludes, "It's easy to learn, I promise. It's also accessible, affordable, and allows almost unparalleled competitive balance across generations and genders." It's kinda fun to know that we in staid Sun Lakes have long ago gotten hip to what now seems to be an actual celebrity "thing." Who'd a thought! As always, if you are wondering the best times to try the game, give club VP Judy Luna a call at (949) 929-2390. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club POP Tennis Our next POP event will be the POP Christmas Party on Dec. 4 at the South Clubhouse. Here it is the final month of another rough year. Better days have to be coming. Let's hope that 2022 has those better days. Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was good. Now on to business. During November, I got alternate times to play on those days that our normal play time was not available to us. By the time you read this, we will know if players came and played at those alternate times. I will have already tried to do the same for the month of December. We'll then determine whether or not it is worth setting up alternate times in the future. The alternative is to accept our bumped dates and not play. Lastly, don't forget our Christmas Party on Sun. Dec. 12 at 5 pm in the South Clubhouse. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Stay safe and stay healthy. Normally we play Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4 to 6 pm, and Sat., 10 am to 12 noon in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom (normally). Because the Ballroom is such a popular venue for so many varied events, our time slot sometimes gets canceled. Therefore, if you are not a regular attendee, please refer to the Sun Lakes website at sunlakescc.com and click on "Recreation" then click on "Classes," and finally click on "Table Tennis Group" for the current month's up-to-date schedule. You can also check the Main Clubhouse events board across from the reception desk or call (951) 845-2191 for that day's calendar. We have all skill levels currently participating and welcome all newcomers. We have several newer quality tables, and all the equipment is provided free by the Sun Lakes Recreation Department. A fun way to exercise! Please come give us a try. There are no fees. Laced tennis shoes required - no exceptions! For info, contact Roland at (951) 769-3978. Table Tennis/Ping Pong

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