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…
Tag: community
January 2026, Clubs & Classes
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…
January 2026, Community News
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…
December 2025, Clubs & Classes
Rotary Club – December 2025
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes Supports Gila River Indian Community School Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes is honored to support Gila River Indian Community Casa Blanca School. Members have supported the school through AWIM (A World in Motion) jetcar mentoring/competitions, library book donations, and gifts of lawn…
Clubs & Classes, December 2025
SunBird Lions Club – December 2025
Are the Lions Right for You? Have you ever wondered what the Lions Club does or what being a Lion is all about? If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to attend one of our monthly meetings and see firsthand how we serve the community. Our group gathers on the third Tuesday…
December 2025, Community News
Welcome New Neighbors
Doug Winaus and Katie Hernandez Hometown/State: Phoenix, Ariz., and Los Angeles, Calif. Doug and Katie have been married for 41 years. They have three children and four granddaughters. Their interests include gardening and spending time with family. Carol Merrill Hometown/State: Edmonds, Wash. Carol has one child. She enjoys traveling, walking/hiking, and her dog.
November 2025, Card Games & Sports
Relishing Pickleball: Stacking
David Zapatka Stacking is a doubles strategy where teammates intentionally position themselves on the same side of the court to keep a stronger player on their preferred side for forehand or backhand shots, maximizing offensive and defensive opportunities. To stack or not to stack? This question is often asked. Here are some points to consider…