Blackstone Valley catches Pickleball Fever

By Christine Beauchaine

The USA Pickleball website (usapickleball.org) says that pickleball is a “fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong.”

Invented on the west coast, pickleball has long been popular in other parts of the country. Now, it’s beginning to be popular in the Blackstone Valley too, in large part, due to the efforts of the Douglas Pickleball Club. What began as a way to help get seniors out of the house and moving has become much more.

Dick Skinner, one of the organizers of pickleball in Douglas said, “We started with one day-Wednesday mornings, but the strong response led us to work with the Douglas Recreation Commission for another morning Monday and Sunday evening.”

Currently pickleball is being played at the Douglas Municipal Center on Depot Street. A visit on a recent Wed- nesday morning was both boisterous and busy. Skinner said there are about 90 people currently playing pickleball there between the three time slots.

Players come from Douglas but also Northbridge, Uxbridge, Webster, Oxford and other local towns.

Players are a mixed group of absolute beginners and much more experienced players with the latter stepping up to teach the former the game. The Douglas Pickleball Club also boasts a mix of older and younger players.

Player and Douglas resident Kathie Landers noted that the play was “very kind. There’s no cut-throat competition,” she said. Landers added that the players try to teach each other. Indeed, on my recent visit, they spent some time trying to teach me the game. Everyone was extremely patient and friendly. As I was leaving, several people asked me if I had fun and if I would come back. The courts were filled with laughter and exuberant conversation.

Pickleball club member and organizer, Donna Geer said, “it’s a social game”. She explained that it was as much about networking as it was the sport itself. She said that the sport has been big in the south for a long time. Even Tom Brady recently purchased a team! Geer added that players can utilize a website called Playtime Scheduler (playtimescheduler.com) in order to sign up for a time to play as well as to see other pickleball games regionally.

Skinner said the pickleball club “applied for and received a gift of $250 from the USA Pickleball Association for equipment” and also “received a gift of eight paddles from SelKirk to help us in our start-up efforts.”

The club is currently working on getting quotes to paint pickleball court outlines on the Municipal Center gym floor. They are also seeking outdoor space for warm weather play and working to recruit new members, particularly from the town of Douglas.

For more than 20 years, Milford Regional’s School Based Health Center has been collaborating with BVT’s nurses and counselors to offer students access to healthcare, including mental health services. Services provided at the School Based Health Center include diagnosing and treating acute and chronic medical conditions, physical exams for sports, school, and employment, support and education regarding healthy relationships, and consultations with primary care providers.

Through its counselors, the SBHC program also provides mental health evaluations and on-campus counseling for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationships, and self-esteem. Nutrition education, such as assessments, diabetes support, and counseling to maximize healthy living, is available at the Health Center.

"I'm proud to contribute to the collaboration between Milford Regional and BVT," said Maureen Menard, MRMC's SBHC Office Coordinator/Community Outreach. " In this role, I work closely continued on page 7

Players enjoy gathering for some friendly competition.

St. Peter Parish hosts Ham Dinner

St. Peter Parish in Northbridge is having a Ham Dinner on Saturday, February 11th starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your family and friends for a wonderful meal and meet some new friends!

Tickets are $17 per dinner and include salad and dessert. To go meals will be available for pick up at 5:00 p.m. and all orders must be purchased in advance. “Pay It Forward” purchase an extra dinner and we will deliver it to someone in need in our local community.

Call the parish office at 508234-2156 or email parishoffice@ stpeterrockdale.org to purchase tickets or with any questions.

Uxbridge: Crossroads of the Underground Railroad

The Uxbridge Historical Society will present “Uxbridge: Crossroads of the Underground Railroad” on Sunday, February 12th @ 2:00 p.m. at the former Uxbridge Unitarian Church. Narration from notable Uxbridge historians will accompany this presentation. Join as they explore Uxbridge residents who ran stations along the Underground Railroad, opened schools to teach those seeking freedom to read and write, and became prominent leaders in the national Anti-Slavery movement.

Learn more about this unique and special history on the Blackstone Valley. Select historical archives from our collection will also be on display. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.