Out of an abundance of caution, the EPC Annual General Member meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at 11:30 am. The Zoom call may cut off at the 40 minute mark so we’ll try to keep the meeting moving.

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA:
1. Approval of 2020 annual meeting minutes - Al
2. 2021 Treasurers' report - Jeri H.
3. Board vacancies nominations/vote - Bonnie & Bob
4. 2021 EPC achievements - Jerry Beth
5. 2022 goals and objectives - Bob
6. EPRD report - Don Rosenthal
7. Questions/comments from EPC members
Adjournment

To join the Zoom meeting click here or cut and past below into your web browser search bar:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89919064484?pwd=c203dEIrK0JCRE1wcGx5dmFDdG1uUT09

Meet the Candidates for EPC Board of Directors

Three candidates have been nominated for three open positions on the board. Outgoing board members Al Buenning, Maureen Gehlhausen and Bonnie Lee will be replaced by Pat Bixenman, Sarah German and Jim Hunsaker pending nominations from the floor and the final vote among EPC members virtually present at the Annual General Member meeting (see above).

We asked each of the candidates to tell us a little about themselves and why they want to serve, what they bring to EPC, and what EPC should focus on over the next year or two.

Pat Bixenman
I’m married to Gig Blitz and we have two children, Nadia and Aidan. Nadia lives in Portland and Aidan is a Senior at Evergreen high school. We moved to Evergreen at the end of 2019 after spending the better part of 35 years in the Houston area. I’m an engineer and currently work for a technology startup and do some real estate investing with the help of Gig. Pickleball gave us a chance to get out and meet neighbors and make new friends after the 2020 COVID lockdown.

I’ve really enjoyed learning pickleball and have especially enjoyed meeting club members. I think it’s great that we have the opportunity show up for group play, get to play with and against a variety of players and most importantly meet interesting members. I want to do my part to help the club to continue to make pickleball accessible and fun for club members.

I’ve been in management for years and have served on professional organization boards in the past. I have a good understanding of how boards work and know the importance of working together to forward the interests of the club. I’m a doer. I like to get things done. I will help to organize and work club events and am willing to work with EPRD, the schools and Jeffco to help the club.

I think the important priorities are to maintain accessibility to courts and to organize events that the members enjoy. I believe that the game will grow in popularity and it is important that the board works to increase the number of courts for pickleball in Evergreen. We need to listen to the club members and work to meet the needs of all members and keep pickleball fun for everyone.

Sarah German
Started playing pickleball in 2015, was first USA Pickleball Ambassador for Evergreen. One of the original group of 5 that began advocating through EPRD for our pickleball players, and established EPC for that purpose. Was active board member on EPC through Spring 2019 when I retired as Ambassador and my seat on the board. I have been instructor through EPRD for the last four years, where I have taught many of our players. I’ve played with and have personal friendships with many of our players. I’m always getting input regarding their pickleball highs and lows and concerns.

Truly I have to ask myself why I want to serve on the board. I would like to say temporary insanity… but the truth is I was asked to re-join the board to help move Evergreen pickleball and all the players it represents forward with regards to working with EPRD, and help with various projects.

I bring to the board my past experience working on EPC board and communication with EPRD on behalf of our players. I bring positive energy and dedication to make our players’ pickleball experience the best possible.

I believe the Board needs to continue to explore and follow up on any and all opportunities to find indoor play for N. Evergreen. I would also like to see more focus on player round robins, tournaments, clinics and bootcamps, and activities that bring our EPC club members together.

Jim Hunsaker
1975-2008: Denver Fire Department. Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief. Served for 6 years as the Co-Director of the Denver 911 Center. From 2003 until 2006, I was Division Chief of Human Resources (and I have an HR certification). From 2006 until my retirement January 2, 2008, I was the Operations Chief, responsible for the daily operation of the Department fire suppression activities. Before I retired, I wrote the Operation Plan for the Fire Department/Democratic National Convention while coordinating with the FBI, Denver Police, Homeland Security and other Federal organizations.
2008-2011: Denver Civil Service Commission, Special Police conducting background investigations for Denver Police & Fire candidates.
2008-2009: Volunteer, Denver Health Emergency Department
2009-2014: Denver Health Emergency Technician
2014-2018: Treasurer, Bell Park Estates HOA (Evergreen)
2015-2021:Volunteer, Surgery Assistant, Foothills Animal Shelter
2015-2019: Volunteer, Conifer Community Church annual wood splitting ministry

I would like to work with others interested in promoting pickleball to make it as good an experience as possible for all of us.

Mostly, I bring the desire to work with and enhance the interests I share with others. In this case, my fairly new love for pickleball. I really like y'all and the game we share. I have managerial and coordination skills and have served in responsible volunteer positions for many years, including terms as President, Treasurer, Newsletter editor, convention coordinator for a seven state region. I am hopeful that I can help enhance the experience for all of us.

Finally, I support the efforts of the club to make the playing experience positive for all the players - particularly the efforts to have us all conform to the best practices of the sport.

T-Shirts and Shorts in December, Who Needs Arizona?!

It looks to be 65 and Sunny tomorrow at Marshdale with wind in the single digits. Bring your best spring break outfit, some sunscreen and your paddle ready to play by 9:30 am. We’ll put on some holiday music and start the season merry and bright.

Don’t Forget to Renew Your EPC Membership for 2022

New and renewing membership sign-ups are good through 2022. Register now to keep pickleball on the upswing in Evergreen for another year.

Annual General Member Meeting Going Virtual

Survey Says: More Courts and Playing Times Wanted

Oh No! Here We Go Again - Masks Required at Wulf Starting Wednesday