The Palm Post

 

A Marathon Coach is known for two things: incredible craftsmanship and the ability to handle any road with style. This past Saturday, March 7th, our pickleball community proved they share that same DNA during Marathon’s 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament.

 

The morning began with a "sea of royal blue," as 47 players arrived at the courts in their official tournament shirts and tanks. Featuring this year’s custom logo, the unified look set a sophisticated tone for a day of high-stakes competition.

 

 

 

Even the most luxurious coaches encounter a little "weather" on the road. When morning sprinkles and a brisk breeze threatened to delay our departure, the community didn't miss a beat. Armed with towels and blowers, our players stepped up as the ultimate detail crew, meticulously drying the courts to ensure a smooth, safe surface for play. Their "first-class service" got us back on track for an 8:40 AM start!

 

 

 

 

With the "green light" given, the tournament moved into high gear. Our 47 athletes embarked on a 5-round journey through a unique Round Robin format. Players were paired with a "blind teammate" for each leg of the trip, requiring quick adjustments and expert communication, much like navigating a luxury coach through a scenic mountain pass!

 

To keep the schedule on time, rounds were capped at 11 points or a strict 12-minute "transit time." When the whistle blew, the matches were called, resulting in some of the most focused and strategic pickleball we’ve seen all season.

 

 

 

 

By 11:20 AM, we reached the final destination: the Championship Matches. Our partners at Marathon Coach provided a generous prize purse, ensuring that our winners didn't just walk away with bragging rights, they walked away with "fuel" for their next adventure.

 

 

Here are the official results of Marathon’s 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament:

 

1st Place: Tony Iannarelli & Lissa Modesitt

2nd Place: Dave Scott & Stephane Tremblay

 

1st Place: Cherry Wittelsberger & Lee Dante

2nd Place: Sylvie Murphy & Chucker Witczak

 

 

 

A huge "Thank You" to the Pickleball Volunteers for their expert navigation of the brackets and timing. And, of course, a special salute to Marathon Coach. Your support elevates this tournament into a truly first-class event every year.

 

Congratulations to all 47 players for a spectacular day. We can’t wait to see where the road leads in 2027!

 

 

 

 

There is something deeply satisfying about creating something beautiful with nothing but your own two hands. Over the last three weeks, our Clubhouse was transformed into a cozy workshop as residents gathered for our Hand-Knitting Blanket Class, led by the talented Cary Cantelon.

 

What started as a two-part series quickly grew! Due to overwhelming popularity, a third session was added on March 4th to ensure everyone could cross the finish line with a completed masterpiece.

 

 

The journey began on February 18th, where Cary introduced the rhythmic art of hand-knitting. Without a single needle in sight, attendees learned how to loop and weave over sized yarn into the beginnings of what would soon become plush, warm blankets.

 

By the second week, the room was a sea of color as projects grew. Cary walked the room, offering one-on-one guidance and answering a flurry of questions as the "rhythm" of the knit began to take hold.

 

 

 

In our final session on March 4th, Cary shared the secret techniques that turn a "project" into a "professional" piece. Participants learned:

• The "Burn" Technique: How to seamlessly connect new skeins of yarn by carefully burning the ends.
• Color Transitions: Expertly switching colors at the end of a row to create beautiful, custom patterns.
• The Big Finish: How to cast off and complete the blanket for a clean, durable edge.

 

 

 

 

There’s something magical about the hum of electric motors and the sound of bells jingling through the air. This past week, our resort streets were transformed into a winter wonderland … on wheels!

 

 

This year’s Christmas Golf Cart Parade was a resounding success. A spirited fleet of 14 uniquely decorated carts lined up to spread holiday cheer, proving that you don’t need a sleigh and eight reindeer to deliver a little magic.

 

From classic tinsel-wrapped rooftops to carts sporting full light displays and booming speakers, the creativity was on full display. The parade route was ambitious, successfully covering every single street in the resort, ensuring no neighbor was left without a dose of Christmas spirit.

 

As holiday classics echoed through the palms, residents stepped out of their coaches to wave and cheer. It wasn’t just a parade; it was a rolling symphony of camaraderie. A huge thank you to everyone who spent hours stringing lights and tuning their playlists; you made this a night to remember!

 

 

As the parade engines cooled down, the celebration was just getting started. Residents gathered to keep the "merriment flowing" at the post-parade social.

 

The air was filled with the sounds of holiday favorites as the music set the perfect backdrop for a quintessential Christmas Eve. The Cookie Exchange was a highlight of the night, featuring a delicious variety of home-baked favorites that kept the sweetness of the season alive. Between the treats and the open bar, there was no shortage of festive fuel to keep the conversations going long into the evening.

 

 

Events like these remind us why our resort is such a special place to call home. Whether you were driving a cart, sharing your favorite cookie recipe, or simply waving as the music passed by, thank you for being part of this year's Christmas Eve magic.

 

It was the perfect way to share some cheer before Santa made his final rounds!