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Carol Herrick

A New Twist on Trunk or Treat: Pickleball or Pickle-Boo


Cat themed decorations for trunk or treat.
Decorated trunk from 2023 Center Church Trunk-or-Treat event

Like many churches, Center Church EPC, Grove City, will be hosting a Halloween event on Saturday, October 26, from 2 to 4 pm. Car trunks will be decorated, activities available, and sweet treats offered to kids of all ages. But this year’s Trunk or Treat has an added adventure – a chance for kids to try out the new Pickleball courts.

Fall harvest themed decorations for trunk or treat.
Decorated trunk from 2023 Center Church Trunk-or-Treat event

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, enjoyed by people of all ages, children through senior citizens. The Church is calling their event Pickle-boo to highlight the new courts constructed in a beautiful setting on the church’s grounds at 333 Center Church Road, just off Route 208. Other activities will also be available for all ages.


The pickleball courts were constructed entirely from funds donated by church members and friends of the church to further the church’s vision: “To be a church that proclaims the love of Christ by serving and building personal relationships with our community.” Pickleball enthusiasts have welcomed the well-built courts, which are open to the community and available daily on a first-come, first-served basis, except when worship services are in progress Sunday mornings from 9:30 to noon. The sport of Pickleball lends itself to conversation, fellowship, and relationships. There have been many expressions of gratitude and disbelief that a church would build pickleball courts open to the community. The courts have provided opportunities get to know community members, share the church’s vision, and invite those interested to join in worship.


The church offered their first pickleball tournament on Saturday, October 5, and raised $3,700 from entry fees and donations. Funds over costs will be donated to Young Life, one of the benevolences the Church supports. Young Life is a faith outreach designed to go where the kids are, to build authentic friendships and support young people in middle school, high school and college. The ministry supplies fun, adventurous and life-changing experiences while introducing them to Jesus Christ.


The Pickleball Tournament included seven teams playing in the morning and seven in the afternoon.


Morning medalists were:

  1. Caroline Dantico & Dave Haeberline

  2. Christi & Brodrick Cratty

  3. Susie & Dave Hennon


Pickleball tournament medalists posing in front of net.
Morning medalists; from left: B. Cratty, C. Cratty, S. Hennon, D. Hennon, C. Dantico, D. Haeberline

 

Afternoon medalists were:

  1. Heidi Palipchak & Kelly Manning

  2. Cathy Oakes & Gary Jergler

  3. Laurie & Mark Sloan


Pickleball tournament medalists posing in front of net.
Afternoon medalists; from left: G. Jergler, C. Oakes, K. Manning, H. Palipchak, L. Sloan, M. Sloan

All are welcome to join the fun of our Pickle-boo Halloween event or to play pickleball. Visit our pickleball page for the latest info on our pickleball ministry and our about us page to learn more about Center Church.

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