Submitted by Ann Earley, Ambassador, North Georgia
Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. we held our "Grand Opening" for our new Pickleball Courts. Approximately 75 people attended the event, including Canton Mayor Gene Hobgood, State Representative Edward Lindsey, and Post One County Commissioner Harry Johnston. Players came from Knoxville (TN), Vonore (TN), Houghton (GA), Acworth, Cartersville, Marietta, Woodstock, etc. Scott Boys BBQ catered the event with desserts and drinks being contributed by the Pickleball players. The Hickory Flat Boy Scout Troop 465 Color guard Cody Lamanac, Devin Scott, Kyle Lamanac, and Evan Wagner presented the flags. Laurel Smart, Junior vocal performance and church music double major at Reinhardt University sang the National Anthem. Mayor Hobgood and Commissioner Johnston said a few brief words about the new courts. Dr. Tom Earley made a presentation thanking Outdoor Expressions owner Richard Marks for the landscaping, and Signature Tennis contractor Bill Osterhold for the court resurfacing and turning two tennis courts into six beautiful Pickleball courts. He also recognized USAPA North GA Ambassadors Steve & Pat Dunn/Cartersville and Bill & Carol Hess/Lake Arrowhead. Last but not least, he acknowledged Jim & Dottie Frassetto, neighbors and friends who when necessary are the "gate keepers", opening the farm gates for the players and
shutting them daily at the end of play.
Instead of a ribbon across the entrance to the courts, blue painter's tape was used to signify the seven long years of taping off the court lines. As Tom Earley stated in his speech, "The cutting of this tape frees us from the bondage of the Painter's Tape forever. Free at last, free at last. And as a Sweet Street Philosopher put it, Ain't Nobody Got Time for That!" Everyone enjoyed a great meal, socializing, and pool time. Players were playing on the new courts until 8:30 p.m.!
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