“Hot August Night” Social on the Patio at Troutdale Tavern Wednesday, Aug. 10

The second monthly EPC social, “Hot August Night,” is Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Troutdale Tavern, 4-7 pm. No host bar; order off the Happy Hour or dinner menus.

Maybe we can get the Pickle Players to come out and perform a couple songs for us. What d’ya say Din, Charlie, Neil and Gayle? If you’re up for it (or is it down with it?) let Jerry Beth know and she’ll set it up.

No reservation required but EPC membership is.


Amazing Evergreen Pickleball Players Raise $1,000 for Marshdale AED in Less Than a Week

Last Monday we put out the word that if we could raise $1,000 and donate it to EPRD, they would install and maintain a new AED on the courts. Evergreen Fire and Rescue stepped up with on offer to pay for half the cost of the AED. Plus they’ll train us in its use and CPR, free.

In less than a week players raised that amount. We all hope we never have to use it, but we’ll feel secure knowing we can if needed.

EPRD operations crew broke ground this morning for the AED stand near the gate to Marshdale. Executive Director Cory Vander Veen and other EPRD staff along with some of the EPRD board of directors will join us Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10 am for a check presentation ceremony. All Evergreen pickleball players are invited to attend.


RSVP Now for EPC Tailgate Party at Marshdale Tuesday, Aug. 16

Fun, food and games will be provided by the EPC Board of Directors at our Tailgate Party at Marshdale, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 4-7 pm. We’ll set up in the parking lot, tailgate style, and serve BBQ pulled pork and chicken buns. You bring a side dish, salad, appetizer or dessert to share. Bring your beverage of choice - alcohol is allowed - and utensils. Bring your chairs and table.

The fun and games include singles, doubles and dinking challenge courts, corn hole, golf skills and more.

Of course, it’s contingent on no construction through the parking lot. We’re told that work on the new Marshdale Elementary will require digging up a water line through the parking lot and replacing it. Don’t know when.

Please let Pat Theno know if you plan to attend. We need to get a head count for the BBQ. If you’re not yet an EPC member, sign up here.


Don’t Forget “Renegade Pickleball” at EMS Saturday and Sunday Mornings

Construction materials have been cleared to allow tor two courts at Evergreen Middle School. The North Evergreen pickleball players invite you out for some low-rent pickleball. The nets are new; courts have been refurbished and freshly taped. Back stop fences put up. It’s the dive bar of pickleball. but you’ll love it.


Pickleball at EPRD Kids Camp a Huge Success - and Fun!

This is the last week of summer camp for kids at EPRD. Thought we’d run a photo album of all the fun the kids - and pickleball adults - have had over the weeks.


Cut Your Own Firewood for Free

It might not be dry enough for this year’s fireplace, but you can cut all you want on 120 acres up Blue Creek Road. Dave and Laura Figuli are inviting pickleball players to come to their property to help thin the forest for fire mitigation. Easy to cut and load right near the road. Contact Dave for directions, scheduling and assistance.


Christian Ervick Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser at Mt. Vernon Canyon Club

On Friday, October 2nd, 2020 Christian David Ervick, brother of Mt. Vernon pickleball pro Travis Ervick,  passed away peacefully at the age of 28. This scholarship will keep Christian's memory and legacy alive. 

On Saturday, Aug. 13 you can play on Mt. Vernon’s four brand new courts and help raise funds for the scholarship:

Beginner Learn to Play Session | 8-10am
For those players who wish to learn the rules of the game and basic fundamentals.

Recreational/Intermediate Rotating Match Play | 10am-Noon
For those who know how to play and play two+ times a week.

Advanced Players | Noon-2pm
For players that are 4.0 skill level or higher. 

Cost is $45 per person, and all net proceeds go to the Christian Ervick Scholarship. Please register here.

Or you can donate without showing up to play. Click on "Fund Account Designation" to select the "Christian Ervick-Alpha Eta Scholarship."


Tip of the Week from Hiwan Pickleball Pro Tom Karas: Hit In-Between, Split the Team

Shots you return to the center of your opponents’ court add confusion to their play. Who is going to take the shot?

The most enthusiastic player will want it, but the forehand player should take it. The stronger player will try to get it. Both players will collide while trying to make the shot. Or each player will think the other has it and no one gets it. So many things can go wrong. These are two great reasons to aim between your opponents.

There are two more reasons to place your shots between your opponents. The net is shorter in the middle than at the posts. So returning a ball across the center third of the net is a bit more forgiving for low shots.

Also, it’s more difficult for your opponents to hit a winning, sharp-angled shot from the center area. Center shots are usually returned as straight shots; easier for you to handle.

Hitting between players isn’t necessarily hitting to the center line. The center line of the court has only one purpose: to identify serving and receiving quadrants on the serve. Once the serve is executed, the center line is meaningless and should disappear from your mind. Hitting down the center means hitting between your opponents wherever they have positioned themselves at that moment.

And remember, your opponents will probably also use the strategy of hitting between you and your partner. The best defense is to communicate: call your shots and set some ground rules with your partner before you start.


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Busy Week of Summer Pickleball Events

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Congratulations to EPC Mixed Doubles Tourney Winners