If you have been on the Erie Pickleball scene for a while, you know Janie and Ray Martin.  Janie and Ray were HUGE supporters of EPPA and local pickleball in general.  They generously made a private donation that helped with the early phases of construction at Baldwin Park.  The Martins also housed "the Barn", also known as Halfmoon Pickleball Club in Wattsburg.  Many of us were extremely lucky to play on these two wonderful courts constructed in a huge barn by Ray with the help of some handy friends (and fellow EPPA members).  Janie started a weekly group of women players that gathered at "the Barn".  The group started with a dedicated few and grew to about twenty or more!

Sadly, Janie lost her battle to cancer on Saturday, April 27.  Janie was a light in this world- she was generous, caring, faith-filled, and loved her family more than anything.  Janie and Ray had been together since their teenage years and I can't imagine the loss that he and his kids and grandkids are feeling right now.  Janie and Ray split time between Erie and Lancaster and have spent most of the past two years there.  They always kept tabs on what was going on with EPPA and our local courts and were thrilled with the growth.

In my last text exchange with Janie she wrote, "We've had amazing support from the PB community in Erie.  What an incredible amount of fun, wonderful people we've met in our time in Wattsburg.  Really all because of a little yellow whiffle ball.  Love Janie."  Our hearts go out to the Martin family.  May Janie rest in peace.

Last year, all donuts for our “Double Doubles Donut Day” in June were generously donated by Tim Hortons.  This organization supports us and we hope that every EPPA member can help out with this years Smile Cookie Week at Tim Hortons!  Maybe grab a dozen on your way to pickleball, or maybe grab one after you play. No matter the size of your order- every cookie counts.

Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie Week is scheduled to run from April 29th to May 5th this year.

Since 2016, Tim Hortons has generously selected the expERIEnce Children’s Museum as the beneficiary of the Smile Cookie Week proceeds.

 Last year, Smile Cookie Week raised an impressive $32,616 for the museum with 100% of cookie sales going to the museum!

You CAN make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless children in our community by supporting Smile Cookie Week 2024. By purchasing Smile Cookies, priced at $1.50 each (excluding taxes), you can make a delicious contribution and demonstrate your commitment to supporting the growth and development of our community. 

NOTE: For larger orders, it is recommended that you call your closest Tim Hortons to ensure your order will be ready and packaged to go!

EPPA members have recently made donations that will benefit the local pickleball community and we appreciate the generosity.  Thank you to the Pappas family (brothers Mark and Steve) for donating a pop-up tent that will be stored in the new lock box at Baldwin Park.  This was used several times last year at events and shootouts and will put it to great use moving forward! 

Another thanks goes out to Bob Sontheimer for donating several brand new Wilson paddles to be passed on to beginner players.  These ended up in the hands of very thankful and excited youth players with Urban University who are learning to play our great sport.

A combination lock is being placed on the storage box  at Baldwin Park this week.  This box is owned by the City, but it was installed just for EPPA use.  Only EPPA members should have the code.  We hope to store the squeegee, broom, pop-up tent, and lost and found items in this box.  After we see how much fits and ensure that the lock size is correct- the code will be shared!