New Fall Schedule at Marshdale
A new fall schedule for the Marshdale courts went into effect Sept. 21. Note that Ladder play will occupy both the east and west courts from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each Thursday.
Ballot Item 6C: “Absolutely Essential”
The EPC Board has approved a $1,000 donation to support the Evergreen Park and Recreation District in its efforts to convince voters to approve an extension of a mill levy currently set to expire in 2025.
“The proposed mill levy extension provides continued funding for the operation and expansion of EPRD’s facilities,” said Bob Kerr, EPC vice president. “It does not increase taxes for anyone in the community and is absolutely essential for the continued level of service we receive from EPRD. It provides for $1.35 million per year to service existing debt, maintain existing facilities and allow for expansion and improvement of the district.”
The vote will take place Nov. 7, with ballots mailed in mid-October. EPC’s contribution to the effort will help purchase materials such as signs and other election marketing tools. The exact ballot language is reproduced below.
“Specifically for EPC it means having the funding for the much anticipated revamp and expansion of the Marshdale courts,” Bob added. “Without the extension of the mill levy the Marshdale project will likely not occur and it’s quite possible the operation of other existing facilities will suffer. Over the next couple of weeks we should have some marketing tools to work with and as a club we should throw our support behind 6C and impress upon our mountain community the necessity of this funding for the future of our families and the continued growth of our already excellent recreation district.”
Linda Jacobsen, USA Pickleball Ambassador for Evergreen, heartily agrees with Bob’s emphasis on the urgency of passing the extension. She joined a group of volunteers to form a Campaign Committee in support of passing Ballot Item 6C. “This is terribly important,” she said. “If this mill levy extension passes, EPRD will be able to maintain, rebuild and expand existing facilities, possibly including new outdoor pickleball courts at Marshdale. If it fails, EPRD may have to reduce amenities, facilities and programs we currently enjoy.”
On the ballot: WITHOUT IMPOSING ANY NEW TAX, STARTING IN COLLECTION YEAR 2024 AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, SHALL EVERGREEN PARK & RECREATION DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT AND SPEND ALL OR PART OF THE MILL LEVY APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN 2005, SET TO EXPIRE IN 2025, AT A RATE NECESSARY TO COLLECT UP TO $1,350,000.00, TO PAY THE DISTRICT’S REMAINING DEBT UNTIL PAID IN FULL, AND TO FUND ONGOING OPERATIONS, MAINTAIN EXISTING ASSETS, AND MAKE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS TO THE DISTRICT?
Kind Words for Generous People
The Sept. 6 Mixed Doubles Tournament prompted this comment: “Always impressed how dedicated the team is putting these events together. Had a blast today. Just professional, nice and the love of the game. Thank you and all the volunteers. -James Boyce
The talented volunteers who made the tournaments happen deserve all that and more. Thank you!
Sarah German and Linda Jacobsen rockin’ it, as usual.
Bob Taber takes one of what, by now, must be hundreds if not thousands of photos of EPC tournament play.
All Kinds of Pickle Fun in Paonia
The first annual Pickle Fest will be held Oct. 14 in Paonia’s Apple Valley Park. Organizers reached out to EPC to invite pickleball players, pickle makers, families and folks of all ages to join them in playing the fastest growing sport in the U.S. while enjoying local food, drinks, a pickling contest, Ping-Pong, cornhole, a costume contest, prizes and live music.
In celebration of pickles, pickleball and the local food, wine, brews and spirits of the North Fork Valley, The Learning Council, in partnership with North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District, is hosting a festival of fun based around all things pickles.
The day will start off with a pickleball tournament that will go throughout the day. Visit North Fork Recreation District to register. Coffee and hot cider will be available in the morning alongside a solar eclipse viewing. Local food vendors will open at 11:30 a.m. A bar featuring a full spread of North Fork wines, spirits and brews will be available after 11:30 a.m.
The afternoon will feature baby and adult costume contests, the inaugural pickle race and award ceremonies that are sure to be silly and fun. A festival would not be complete without a good lineup of music. Come to see the Grand Ave Ramblers, June & Juice, Ellen Stapenhorst and John Whooley, as well as the highly anticipated “secret set” that will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Picklers are encouraged to enter the pickled vegetable contests—one just for cucumbers and one for anything else pickled. Pickle Fest attendees will serve as judges. Please note, all pickling contest entries must be submitted in a sealed jar.
