Author: rkraemer333

Join us on Sunday, December 10th, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, for this social, open play event open to all SJPA members.

We will be playing nine minute games on all eight courts and will stack paddles to keep things mixed up and fun!

This event includes “free” 10-minute lessons from Kim Mihan, St James’ Pickleball Pro.

‘Tis the season, so wear your holiday gear to show off your holiday spirit!

No fee. Please bring a non-perishable item for Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry (SOIICF)

Registration opens on Monday, November 20, at 8:00 am

We solicited for 2024 SJPA Board Officers in October. Filling these positions is critical to the growth and success of pickleball in St. James in 2024. Voting takes place: November 15 – 30, 2023.

NOTE: An email with a link to vote was sent to all eligible members.

These three positions have received the following submissions.

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For Vice President position: Christine Cournoyer

Astute, forward-thinking professional with extensive experience collaborating with leaders and daily operations across a wide range of environments. Leverages an incomparable understanding of cross-functional business dynamics to deliver significant top- and bottom-line growth, market expansions, and positive operational transitions.

Known as a reliable and adaptable leader able to quickly pivot and successfully address a variety of changing situations while consistently exceeding expectations.

CORE COMPETENCIES
• Project Management
• Operational Processes
• Expense/Budget Reporting
• Client Relations
• Team Building/Guidance
• Time Management

Significant Accomplishments:

• 2 years of organizing the weekly Beginner Round Robin event, enriching experiences by engaging beginner pickleball players providing a solid foundation of basic skills, game etiquette and how to network with others to continue playing at their levels.
• 2 years as a member of the Events committee, collaborating with members on various successful events.
• 1 year as New to Pickleball Instruction Chair.

Education & Certificates:
Master of Education, Secondary Education, Rivier University
Bachelor of Science, Business Management- Franklin Pierce University
Microsoft Certified – Sullivan t Cogliano Training Ctr.
Certified Teacher, Business Education-State of New Hampshire, Massachusetts

See Christine’s entire resume.

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For Treasurer position: Chris Romig

Professional Staff, U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
Washington D.C.
Assistant Staff on the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee responsible for annual appropriations legislation for the United States Coast Guard, Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agency, and the Cyber Security & infrastructure Security Agency totaling $17 billion.

Program Budget Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army
The Pentagon
Formulated plans and coordinated actions on issues crossing the Army’s research and procurement     appropriations. Served as Special Access Program (SAP) appropriation sponsor responsible for the preparation, submission, and justification of the Army’s $82M SAP budget and POM data to OSD Comptroller. 

Comptroller, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command                                              Fort Belvoir, VA   
Administered a $44 million multi-appropriation operating budget for the Army’s Criminal Investigative Command. Developed and implemented budget and manpower guidance and directed the Command’s internal control program. Advised the Commanding General, senior staff and Subordinate commanders on all resource issues facing the command.

See Chris’s entire resume.

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For Secretary position:
–Paula Franken
–Kim Nowakowski
–Sue Pash

For Secretary Position: Paula Franken

What makes me most qualified for a position on the board? My love for pickleball.

I moved to St. James in 2021 and began playing in small groups and during open court times. Although I was working full time, I started my own group (which I ran for over a year) and volunteered to help with New to Pickleball.

Since retiring in April 2023, I’ve had more time to devote to pickleball and play multiple times a week with a variety of players.

I believe this board position would allow me to further support the St. James pickleball community and help ensure members are heard, needs are met, and the game continues to flourish.

As for my professional qualifications, I worked as a writer for decades, starting in Los Angeles at BBDO West, moving to Walt Disney Consumer Products, and ending my California career at Ogilvy & Mather.   I moved to Pennsylvania, took time off to raise kids, and eventually went back to work writing for Bucknell University and Geisinger (a large health care organization).  I was successful in these positions because I am organized, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator. 

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For Secretary Position: Kim Nowakowski

I am seeking to serve as the Recording Secretary for the St. James Pickleball Association.  Although I have been a member of SJPA for only two years, I appreciate greatly all that they do on a day-to-day basis for its members and would like to give back to SJPA by serving in this vital role.

Experience 1988 through 2021

I have served as recording secretary with local and national organizations through my work career with  United Industry  Workers, United Public Service Employees Union, and National Public Employees Union.  Additionally, I served as recording secretary in a number of outside organizations such as Business & Professional Women, New York State Women, Inc., Coalition of Labor Union Women, and on the Women on the Job Task Force.   

All of the organizations followed Roberts Rules of Order, so I am familiar with the rules and requirements pertaining to the proper recording of minutes.

Education
SUNY Old Westbury  – B.A. Labor Studies
Suffolk Community College – Paralegal Certificate

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For Secretary Position: Sue Pash

Strong work ethic, high performer, self-motivated, detail oriented, professional demeanor with great initiative. Dedicated, energetic, results-oriented team-player eager to bring strong administrative skills to a growing organization that needs top-level support.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Realtor
-Century 21 Redwood Realty
-Stafford, VA – 2010 – 2023
-Top Producer in the Stafford office – $12 Million+

Awards
-Master Ruby Award – 2022
-Washingtonian Top Agent – 2018 – 2021
-President’s Award – 2019, 2020, 2021
-Masters Diamond Award – 2018
-Master Emerald Award – 2017
-Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award – 2015 – 2022

Volunteer Work
-Secretary of Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors Foundation
-Chairman of the Par for FAAR Charity Golf Tournament for four years raising over $30,000 in Grants.
-Governor of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors Foundation

See Sue’s entire resume.

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Changes made to the By-Laws for 2024

By-Laws were updated in October and must be approved. You can access and read a copy of the By-Laws on the SJPA website under the category Pickleball Docs. This is a Brief explanation of changes made to By-Laws: 

• Date changes
• Number 3: Clarification about our fiscal year especially when referencing the terms of our officers.
• Numbers 10, 11, 12, 13 and 26: Clarification on President’s, Vice-President’s and all board member’s terms.
• President’s board position essential job functions
• Treasure’s board position essential job functions
• Communication’s board position essential job functions
• Footer of all the board job descriptions
• Added line 17: Any officer who wants to serve additional terms shall submit their name and be voted on by the membership. Officers do not automatically remain for additional terms.
• Added line 18: In the event of gross misconduct on the part of any SJPA Board member, the Board may vote to remove the officer and appoint a member in good standing to complete the term.

Link to a copy of updated 2024 By-Laws waiting for approval from the association.

PLEASE NOTE: 2023 MEMBERSHIP IS VALID THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2023. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER FOR 2024 UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2024.

Early bird registration started November 10, 2023 which will include the remainder of November and all of 2024.

We want to thank all of our members for joining the St. James Pickleball Association (SJPA) this past year. Your support makes our events possible.

SJPA membership is a yearly fee of $20 per individual (CHECKS ONLY). Membership runs from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Of course, the Early registration starts your membership NOW and continues for all of 2024.

Membership Benefits:

• Your voice will drive the change we need and by joining the SJPA your voice will be heard!
• Invitations to social events, including our annual holiday party, at subsidized prices.
• Invitations to participate in Round Robin, Inter-Community League competitions.
• Thoughtful organization that gives back to the community through our annual dance fundraiser.

PLEASE SIGN UP NOW BY USING THIS LINK.

Or, use the link on the SJPA website in the navigation bar at the top of any SJPA web page.

NOTE: If you signed up at the Annual Meeting you do not have to complete the membership form.

The St. James Pickleball Association (SJPA) and St. James Tennis Association (SJTA) are proud to share the results of the 2023 GotSneakers drive. SJPA and SJTA provided the manpower, Troon supported the program with drop-off locations and communication, and the GotSneakers organization has the mechanism to refurbish used shoes, recycle sneakers and deliver refurbished shoes to those who do not have shoes.

The 2023 used sneaker drive kept 1,628 pairs of used sneakers out of our Brunswick County Landfill. 

• Sneakers are made with non-biodegradable materials that take 30-40 years to break down. All the while releasing toxins into the groundwater. Here in our active St. James community, we go through a lot of sneakers. The manufacturing of new sneakers creates large amounts of CO². Carbon Dioxide impacts the air quality and temperature. GotSneakers credited our drive with 

48,840 pounds of Carbon Dioxide displacement and 3,674,396 gallons of water saved.

The St. James GotSneakers drive also raised over $1,000 which it donated to 
WAVES 4 K.I.D.S.

• Working closely with The Department of Social Services (DSS) in Brunswick County, 
  WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. provides financial support for needed goods and services not available through public funds for children and teens in foster care. WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. also helps prevent children from being placed in foster homes by supporting families under the care of the In-Home Services division of DSS.

• “Foster children struggle in many ways that most of us cannot imagine. The St. James Pickleball Association and the St. James Tennis Association joined together to prove that they understand the struggles of the foster child world. Through their hard work and generous donation to WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. children in Brunswick County living in very difficult situations under the care of the Department of Social Services will experience a better life. The board of directors and the families we serve are grateful for your generosity,” said John Waters, President, WAVES 4 K.I.D.S.

Hold those worn shoes for next year and we will collect them. Nice Job St. James.

Sunday November 5th was a day of perfect pickleball weather and just under 50 of our members took the opportunity to enjoy some serious Pickleball fun at the November Mixed-Up Doubles social event.

Andrea Velez and her team of Terese Grant, Jean Christian and Lynne Albrecht did a great job of getting everything organized.

The event was two hours of random player selection for nine minute games each and then right back on to the court with four more random players selected.  Play move along very smoothly with plenty of camaraderie in between games.

It was a great day of fun meet and greet pickleball.  

A huge THANK YOU to our generous members for donating a trunk full of non-perishable food for the Southport Oak Island Interchurch Food Pantry (SOIICF) as well.

REGISTRATION STARTS: October 16, 2023

PLAY STARTS: November 5 @ 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Join us for this social mixed-up doubles event open to all SJPA members.

We will be playing on all eight courts and will stack paddles to keep things mixed up and fun!

No fee. Please bring a non-perishable item for Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry (SOIICF)

REGISTRATION OPENS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023

NEW trial schedule for the white board pickleball format.

Beginning Tuesday, October 17, the white board format will run from 10:00 am-1:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays on 7 courts.

On Saturdays 4 courts will be reserved from 8:30 am-1:00 pm utilizing the white board format.

Any days the white board format is in use regular open pickleball will not take place.

This trial will run through the end of the year allowing management and The Committee to review and determine how to proceed in the future with the pickleball schedule.

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WHITEBOARD PICKLEBALL RULES

• EACH INDIVIDUAL should put their OWN name on the board. This allows each player to select the game he/she wants to play in.
• Your name can only be in ONE square at a time.
• You may choose to skip a square or more if you want to sit out.
• You may sign up with other players as long as ALL players are off the courts and agree to play with you.
• When your “square” goes on court, cross out that square on the whiteboard.
• The players in the next square will play on the next empty court.
• The square must be filled before any other square can play.
• Since there are concerns about beginner and advanced options, the whiteboard allows you to sign up with people of similar skill level.

EXCEPTIONS

• If a member asks you to put their name on the board, you can do so only if they are off the court.
• There may be times when skill levels need to mix together because there are not 4 players of similar skill level present. Please be kind and gracious if this should happen.
• If a foursome wants to sign up to play together, they can do so by putting their four names in an empty square, even if there is an incomplete square already on the board. However, that group cannot go out ahead of anyone waiting for others to complete their foursome. The ONLY exception to this is if the people waiting give that group permission to go ahead.

Be Kind! Be Respectful! Have Fun!

Well, you couldn’t ask for better weather. And you couldn’t ask for a better group of pickleball players. It was an exciting weekend with lots of fun drills and competitive pickleball games.

• Thanks to Scott Hettinger for organizing and planning every step of this event. I know it took days of work.
• Thanks to Scott’s captains:
  –1st Place – Blue Dragons: Cathy Rollins / Pat Allred
  –2nd Place – Red Riders: Chris Camplin / Mary Brown
  –3rd Place – Silver Bullets: Jeff Franken / Dick Cournoyer
  –Spirit Award – Mellow Yellow: Robyn Smith / Darin Denzler
• Thanks to the Liz Wilson and the Social Committee for organizing the snacks, food and banquet.
• Thanks to Carolyn Gaziano for taking pictures of the tournament play! (Link will be at the bottom of the page.)
• Thanks to Dan Heatherly for setting up the PA system and playing music!
• Thanks to Al Hausmann for taking the banquet pictures. (Link will be at the bottom of the page.)

Below you will find the list of people and the awards they won. As well as the finalists.

Tournament Results:

Top individual scores for each skill in the skills competition
Court 1 – Deep Serve  =  Andy Goliszek  21 points
Court 2 – Deep Return =  Kathleen Melnyk  22 points
Court 3 – 3^rd Shot Drop = Deb Chiarello  43 points
Court 4 – Ski Ball = Donna Cinotti  200 points
Court 5 – Lob = Liz Wilson & Andrea Velez  42 points
Court 6 – Volley = Dan Heatherly  99 points
Court 7 – Cross Ct Drive = Kat Blankenhorn  5 points
Court 8 – 3^rd Shot Drive =Tony Rollins, Jeff Franken & Dick Cournoyer  5 points

Top 3 Highest total combined points for all 8 skills
3^rd Place        Mike Melnyk  234 points
2^nd Place       Lynn Norris      249 points
1^st Place        Donna Cinotti  289 points

 Top 3 Highest total  combined points for 7 skills (minus the ski ball)
3^rd Place     Deb Chiarello  147 points
2^nd Place     Jim McCarthy  166 points 
1^st Place      Dan Heatherly  167 points

 Team Standings for the SKILLS COMPETITION
4^th Place    Mellow Yellow with 1748 points =  1 bean
3^rd Place    Red Riders with 2004 points =  2 beans
2^nd Place    Silver Bullets with 2402 points=   3 beans
1^st Place     Blue Dragons with 2701 points=   4 beans

This year’s winners of the Battle for the Paddle 2-day Team Tournament:
—Spirit Award –  Mellow Yellow (On behalf of Mount Olive pickle company)
—3^rd Place – with 77 total points – The Silver Bullets
—2^nd Place – with 79 total points – The Red Riders
—1^st  Place – with 98 total points – The Blue Dragons

By Fred Ammann

No, not characters, although we have our share of them playing at Rymer. I am talking about character, as in the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Pickleball is both fun and competitive; the two, however, do not always sync together. It is a sport filled with good-natured camaraderie, but one where winning can often take precedence and upset that happy balance. This is where one’s character can come to the forefront.

          Let us start with line calls. They are hard to make because the ball does not leave a mark on the court, and you are often not in the ideal position to see that tiny sliver of green between the ball and the line. In a friendly match, it is easy to play that ball “in” and give your opponents the benefit of the doubt. However, in a tight league or tournament match, playing for all the marbles, do you now make an “out” call? Your character might have something to do with that split-second decision.

          A similar character-testing situation involves overruling a partner’s call that you were sure was incorrect, knowing that doing so might disrupt team chemistry. Another is calling your partner for a non-volley-line infraction when your opponents were unaware of the illegal entrance into the kitchen. Do you still have the conviction to do the right thing?

          I must confess that my character temporarily hits the pause button on occasions when playing with my wife, Janice, who is NEVER WRONG when making a call. To overrule her would bring a severe blow to the domestic tranquility of our household and make for an uncomfortable ride home, not to mention me spending time in the Ammann doghouse for the foreseeable future, and we do not even have a dog.

          I play in several weekly scheduled groups with players of like ability, give or take someone having a bad day. Anything goes in these games, from frequent compliments for good shots an opponent makes to some friendly trash-talking, “Yeah, you better call for back-up,” when the score reaches 9-1-1. At one point or another, we all have been on the giving and receiving end of the praise and barbs. And there is always the good sportsmanship paddle-slap at the end, win or lose.

          Playing in open or white-board groups, however, is different. Here, there can be a wide gap in ability levels. How does the better player handle these mismatch-ups? Is it business as usual playing all out, or dialing it back a notch to not embarrass the lesser player? During our winters south, when we play in Naples, the pickleball capital of the nation, Janice and I have been on the receiving end of both.

          I find it reassuring that most top players in St. James play the latter rather than the former, making it fun and a positive learning experience. Some, however, need that win and play full tilt. They are not good ambassadors for the game and something to consider regardless of which side of the ratings scale you find yourself on.

          I have one final related thought that has nothing to do with pickleball. As an avid cyclist, Lance Armstrong was a hero to me and the whole bike-riding community, until he wasn’t. It all came down to character.

Congratulations to the winners of the September Men’s Doubles Event – Scott Nasiff and Chris Camplin, who beat the worthy team of Tony Rollins and Bob Malanga in the finals.

Congratulations to the teams who made it to the semi-finals and to all who competed in this event.

Photos by Carolyn: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/xNDXkzgrTp-lRxRVCQgpvg.8-iir3SKpXzmHazXlb8zut

Want to improve partner communication and work better together as a team? Then this event is for you.

Players will be paired with, and play against, same-rated players.

This event occurs every Wednesday, from October 4 through November 8. Players can sign up for one or more weeks, one week in advance of the Event.

Here’s the link to the first week of play.

Women’s 3.5 Partner Play

Women’s 3.0 Partner Play

Remaining weeks of play may be found under Events or in the Events calendar.

Are you new to Pickleball?  Would you like to practice skills to advance your game?  

Christine’s Beginner Round Robin is open to men and women that want to learn pickleball and improve their game. We will focus on serves, volley’s, dinking and much more. You do not need to be rated to participate. 

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s report, pickleball is the fastest growing team sport in America. So come see what all the fuss is about and join us for a great time learning and improving your game!

This Event will NOT be available on the FIRST Wednesday of every month. It will be scheduled for the remaining Wednesday’s of each month – SIGN UP WILL START SEPTEMBER 5.

Play starts on September 13th.