The Palm Post

 

Despite a quick schedule shift to beat the rain, the energy at the courts was electric this morning as the Bocce Semi-finals and Finals took center stage. Originally slated for Saturday, March 14, the tournament moved to Wednesday, March 12, to take advantage of a beautiful morning characterized by a light breeze and perfect playing conditions.

 

The morning kicked off at 8:00 AM with warm-ups, followed by an 8:30 AM sharp start. Spectators gathered on the sidelines, fueled by a spread of fresh fruit, donuts, sweet loaf cakes, and iced coffee, providing a lively atmosphere as they cheered on their favorite teams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The competition featured four-player teams battling to a score of 15. On Court 1, the Thursday league representatives faced off. Team T04 (S. Cross, T. Iannarelli, M. Modesitt, and B. Hamlin) delivered a commanding performance against Team T16 (B. & L. Francis and D. & P. Stout), securing their spot in the finals with a 15–3 victory.
 

 

 

 

Over on Court 2, the Saturday league teams went head-to-head. Team S08 (H. & R. Wattles, C. Boothe, and M. Dellert) showed great precision, defeating Team S02 (K. McCartney, G. Upton, and M. & B. Doyle) with a final score of 15–7.

 

 

 

 

With the stage set for the finals, a coin toss determined the field of play. Court 2 won the toss, and the championship match between T04 and S08 officially began at 9:32 AM.

 

The final match was a testament to the skill present in the league. Every frame was a battle of inches, with players frequently measuring to determine the winning point. Ultimately, Team T04 surged ahead to claim the championship title with a 15–5 win over Team S08.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

What a spectacular day! On Saturday, February 21st, our community gathered for the 6th Annual Liberty Golf Tournament, and Mother Nature certainly played her part. With beautiful blue skies and a light, refreshing breeze, the stage was set for one of our best tournaments yet.

 

Looking across the course, it was a sea of Liberty pride as players sported their official tournament tees, generously donated by Liberty.

 

Before we get to the final scores, we have to highlight the shot of a lifetime. A huge congratulations to Tom Mollitor, who achieved the unthinkable, a HOLE-IN-ONE on Hole 7! The crowd (and Tom!) was electric as the ball disappeared into the cup. It’s a rare feat that made this year’s tournament truly historic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year’s 2-player scramble format kept the energy high and the competition friendly. Of course, it wasn't just about the golf!

 

• The "Tiki" Turn: Players were treated to a fantastic beverage stop at Green #9, where the Lot Owners' Tiki Hut was transformed into the ultimate refreshment station, complete with legendary Bloody Marys!

• Refreshments on the Move: Our dedicated beverage cart made the rounds all morning, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated and happy out on the fairways.