David Zapatka Have you noticed how often people are hitting lobs these days or is it just me? Think SMASH! The overhead smash is one of the most satisfying and effective shots in pickleball. When executed well, it can end a rally immediately or put your opponents on the defensive. However, many players struggle with…
Tag: community
March 2026, Community News
Community Church of SunBird
Community Church of SunBird (CCSB) is joining the fun and excitement of this snowbird season. We enjoy welcoming family, friends, new residents, and homeowners to our services. March 29 is our Root Beer Float Social on the patio from 1 to 3 p.m. Come and join us for an old-fashioned, refreshing root beer float and…
Association News, March 2026
Connection, Conversation, and Community: Join Us for Breakfast or Lunch
Lance Williams, Executive Director, Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes As Executive Director of Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes, I have the privilege of seeing every day how meaningful connections are formed, not just through shared experiences, but also around a table. Food has a remarkable way of bringing people together, and it’s in that spirit…
Card Games & Sports, February 2026
New Year, New Game: SunBird Tennis Kicks Off 2026 with Energy and Community
Sharlene Jerome As the sun rises on a new year in Chandler, SunBird Tennis is stepping onto the courts with fresh momentum, renewed purpose, and a shared excitement for everything 2026 has in store. “New Year, New Game” isn’t just a slogan—it’s the spirit of a community that continues to grow, compete, and celebrate the…
January 2026, Card Games & Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Aggressive Dinking
David Zapatka Dinking is often misunderstood as purely defensive play—a soft, patient exchange while you wait for your opponent to make a mistake. The most effective pickleball players know that dinking can be a powerful offensive weapon. Aggressive dinking transforms you from a passive participant into the player dictating the pace and creating opportunities to…
Clubs & Classes, January 2026
AAUW SE Valley Promotes Community Involvement and Announces Annual Fundraiser
Mary Humecke All local Southeast Valley women are invited to attend the monthly meeting of the AAUW Southeast Valley Branch (SEV) held on the third Monday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the IronOaks clubhouse in the Bradford Room. On Jan. 19 a representative from Civic Engagement Beyond Voting (CEBV) will be…
Community News, January 2026
Sun Lakes Posse Is Here to Serve You
The Sun Lakes Posse maintains donated medical equipment items, which are available for use by all residents of Sun Lakes and SunBird for three months free of charge. The following is a representative listing of our available medical equipment: • Metal canes (height adjustable) • Walkers with seats and walkers with wheels • Crutches •…
January 2026, Association News
Community Celebrations: Our 2026 Event Lineup
Lance Williams, Executive Director, Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes It is my pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to all our neighbors and friends to join us for a series of festive, family-friendly events we’re hosting as we begin 2026! One of my greatest joys in this role is helping to build meaningful…
January 2026, Front Page
January Pickleball News
Welcome to the club, Linda Brown! Welcome Back Party on Nov. 8 We had more than 25 players who played and socialized. The food was great, and the camaraderie was even better! Community Days Community Days was awesome! Kathy and Brian Long hosted the pickleball table and gave out loads of information. TeamReach Reminder Remember…
Card Games & Sports, December 2025
Relishing Pickleball: No Man’s Land
David Zapatka No man’s land, sometimes referred to as the transition area, aka the kitchen, is the area of the pickleball court between the non-volley zone line and the baseline. Think of it as a space 11 feet long and 20 feet wide; two feet behind the non-volley zone line and two feet inside the…