MELBA BISHOP PICKLEBALL BOOSTER ASSOCIATION

Courts are open for playMonday through Saturday 8 am to 12:00 Noon

Members $2.00 Non Members $4.00 New PriceSpread the word to your thrifty friends

that memberships available at pro rated pricing.Thursday Nights $4.00 all

Of course members can play anytime!

Mini Melbas Pickleball Academy

This October we launched our first Pickleball Camp to kids at Melba’s after school program. For

four Wednesday afternoons members volunteered to teach 10 students the fun game we all love.

The kids learned quickly and the last week we held a tournament. Thanks to our instructors

Michael Blakesly, Bruce Oja, Sandy Segien, Leslie Kirchmeier, Michiko Rubio,

Tom and Bev Glavas and Jan Lewis. And thanks for the donated paddles

NewsletterFall 2015

Welcome to the first Melba Bishop Pickleball Newsletter. We’re here to bring you

the up to date scoop, give kudos, read what the president has to say and get

to know another member with “One on One “ Have fun with this issue....

and I know you know how to do that! Sandy

Have you

lost weight lately?

Don’t forget to stop by on Tuesdays and use our ball machine “Simon”. It’s a

great way to drill those hard to master shots...

all without those unsolicited comments

Looks like a home run from

this side. ARRR!

Get Well Jackie Harris

We miss your

smiling face.

MELBA BISHOP PICKLEBALL BOOSTER ASSOCIATION

A Message from the President

Michael Blaksley

Greetings PicklersI hope you enjoy the first edition of our newsletter!  Thanks  to Sandy Segien for

taking the initiative to make this a quarterly digital publication.

While fall has arrived and many of our friends from outside California have returned to their

homes we lucky residents are still enjoying non-stop Pickleball at Melba.  I'm always impressed

when I arrive early on most open play days to see our courts fill up rapidly.  Even when the weather is a bit sketchy players break out the brooms and off we go.  We are a dedicated group of picklers.  

I know many of you played in our numerous round robins held throughout the summer and I heard

many positive comments on the tournament format. We all owe a big THANK YOU to Lydia and

Vicente Rodriguez for dedicating many hours to prepare and host these events.  This is no small task and they make it look easy.  We need your

active participation as members to help Lydia and Vicente.  Better yet let them know YOU would like

to host a Round Robin and get trained.

In June we once again hosted the highly respected So Cal Classic.   The years event was attended by

more than 230 players from across the nation.  The caliber of play did not disappoint those

watching the three day event.  It also served as a financial boost to our association in bringing us one step closer to funding our court expansion.

Thanks to all the Melba members who volunteered to work this tournament.

You may have noticed that the social (B) court #4 has been re-purposed as a social challenge court.  This court was suggested by members who play on the social side looking to move their game up to the next level.  Rules are simple....you stay on

the court as long as you win!  Naturally, when not being used as a challenge court it is a B or flex court.  I encourage all social players to give it a try....it's  a lot of fun and will help to hone your

skills.Kids and Pickleball in the park is in full swing.  We

have partnered with the Oceanside Park and Recreation Center to host a four week after

school program for kids 10 to 13. I coached the first session and these ten children love the game and are learning rapidly.  If you enjoy working with kids step up and get involved with this program.  I have a feeling this will an ongoing class.  As one

boy asked me "I hope we're  going to play pickleball every Wednesday for a year".  Well see

about that☺.

Finally....we are gearing up for our next Thanksgiving Skill Tournament at Melba November  27 - 29, 2015.  Registration is now open and I hope

to see many members on the courts.  And if tournaments are not your thing show your Melba

support and come watch and better yet lend a hand!

Wishing you all a wonderful Fall and Holiday Season!

Very Respectfully

Michael Blaksley

President, MBPBA "Play Pickleball, Get Older Later"

MELBA BISHOP PICKLEBALL BOOSTER ASSOCIATION

One on One with Michiko Rubio Melba Member Profilesby Sandy Segien...More than just a Secretary

Q I see you often on the courts, how did you get started?

A I was at Melba Bishop Park last August when I saw people playing what seemed to be a tennis-like game and was curious to see what it was all about. The game seemed to be a lot of fun and the people playing it were really enjoying themselves, so I decided to challenge myself and try it out. Once I started, I was addicted!

Q Who were some of your first teachers and what did you learn from them?

A Bruce was my first teacher. He is type of a person who becomes your friend immediately. He was warm, friendly and very patient when instructing someone new. He made the game fun and kept me calm when I was making some very wild hits. I always remember Bruce telling me that the most important thing about the game is to be safe, enjoy your self and have fun. In our courts, there are also many awesome people (too many to mention) who take time out of their game to give a newbie helpful pointers, such as where to position your self on the court (which I’m still having a to hard time lol), never to taking your eyes off the ball and how to swing the paddle correctly. Thanks to all of you, I am improving each day.

Q If you were not playing pickleball what would you be doing with your time?

A I enjoy softball. When I’m not playing PB, I’m at the softball field. I also love to draw and I may in the future take an art class.

Q What is your favorite post game meal?

A I like drinking a green smoothie. It’s cool and refreshing after a long game. Pizza and cold beer also work nicely at times.

Q What is your favorite shot to hit?

A I love trying for those back hand corner shots toward the kitchen line. I think their fun and challenging.

Q What is the one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?

A That even though I’m half Japanese, I can’t cook Japanese meals.

Q Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.

A My ideal dream weekend would be camping out with my friends at the court all weekend to play, Eat and Sleep there. Ok, if you really want me to be realistic, I love checking out the downtown San Diego scenes with my better half. We both enjoy going to places like Sea Port Village, Old Town and Balboa Park. Sometimes, we like to end the weekend eating nachos and watching the latest show at the movie theater.