Hi Fellow Pickleball Player,

“The Times They Are a-Changin’” sang the iconic singer/songwriter Bob Dylan in 1964. The same can be said for the Hershey’s Mill Pickleball Program in 2020.

A few months ago, we requested a pickleball ball machine from the Master Association. Our request was approved and a top-of-the-line ball machine has been purchased. Funded 50/50 by the Master Association and the HMSG, the ball machine will be an excellent teaching tool at the upcoming clinics which will be held periodically once the season begins (dates to be determined). It will also be instrumental in improving the game of any player who wishes to use it. Stay tuned for dates when instruction on how to operate the machine will take place.

Last Thursday, the Master Association approved a plan to add 4 additional permanent pickleball courts to the area where one tennis court now sits. The 4 new courts will be a mirror-image of the existing permanent 4 courts. We believe the 8 permanent courts will meet the needs of Hershey’s Mill residents now and in the future as more and more players discover the fastest growing sport in the country and in Hershey’s Mill. This world-class facility is being financed by the Master Association (80%) and the HMSG (20%). Construction is expected to begin in late May or early June. When completed, the Hershey’s Mill pickleball courts – in their beautiful God-given setting – will be the finest anywhere and will be enjoyed by many residents year-round for years to come.

A special thanks to John DeVol and the HMSG Board of Supervisors, Ed McFalls, Karl Grentz, the Master Association Board of Directors and the Master Association members for supporting the ball machine and the court expansion. Without their support, neither would have become a reality.

In early May, an interview about the great game of pickleball featuring Lynn Mander and Tom Fant will air on Hershey’s Mill TV. Lynn is an outstanding hostess as well as a terrific and knowledgeable pickleball player. Tom is a man for all seasons: a singer, dancer, scribe, pickleball veteran and “The Father of Winter Pickleball” at Hershey’s Mill. Check the May Guide and Digest for dates and times of the interview.

Friendly reminders:

• There will be 5 Pickleball Pizza Parties this year, held the second Thursday of each month beginning in May.
• Pickleball Opening Day will be Saturday, April 25^th at 9:30 AM.
• Open Play continues at 2:00 PM seven days a week through April 30th when it changes to 9:30 AM (advanced players continue to play at 12:30 PM through April 30th when they will begin playing at 1:00 PM).
• HMSG EXPO 2020 will take place at the Community Center on Friday, May 22^nd from 3:00 PM until 5:00 (a “play day” will follow the next day — beginning at 9:30 AM with a talk by Sharon Duffey of SmartBody on injury prevention).

We are excited about the direction of the pickleball program at the Mill. The times are indeed changing.  And we look forward to seeing you on the courts soon.

Your Committee of Sorts