The 2023 Evergreen Pickleball Club annual general membership meeting will take place Thursday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Birch Room at Wulf Recreation Center. All EPC members are encouraged to attend. Two board members, John Dunlop and Monte Poague, are running for re-election. There is currently one candidate, Travis Ervick, for the other open position.

EPC President Bob Taber, who is term limited, will preside at the meeting, which will feature year-end reports, an update on plans for improvements at the Marshdale courts, and comments on 2024 challenges and opportunities for EPC.

All EPC members may vote on board of directors candidates, but only in person at the meeting per EPC Bylaws.

Each board candidate offered comments centering on three questions:
- Keeping in mind that the board just expanded from nine to 11 members due to club growth, what can you contribute to a working board such as EPC’s?
- What do you think the members of Evergreen Pickleball Club would like the board to accomplish in the next year or so?
- To help members get to know you, please share a little about your background, interests and family.

Monte Poague

I was born and raised in a log cabin and learned to read by firelight . . . Whoops, wrong back story. I’m a product of the suburbs of Kansas City, Mo. After college, I moved to Colorado as I was getting tired of driving across Kansas for vacation.
Following a series of jobs and a lot of partying, I settled down and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service. Thirty years later, I escaped into retirement, but found myself needing more. Luckily, a friend introduced me to pickleball, which fulfilled me physically, emotionally and socially.
I took over Pat Theno’s term when she left for surgery and I am running for a full term on the board. Unlike some politicians, I promise to be a one and done. I was dubbed the director of Facilities and Maintenance. Not knowing exactly what that was, I have endeavored to make the pickleball experience as pleasurable and painless as I can.
I installed the windsock and basically took over some of the maintenance of Marshdale’s courts, repairing nets, windscreens and barriers as EPRD was shorthanded. I run the Snow Angels, who try to keep some of the courts clear for play in the winter.
Going forward, the board and I will be offering input into the new Marshdale courts coming next year. There is the possibility of 10 brand-new courts with two being “pro” courts with bleachers and maybe covers. We would like to work with EPRD in getting some professional tournaments at Marshdale, which would be exciting and could be lucrative.
With the expanded board, we will be looking at fundraising, naming rights, etc., since EPRD will need matching funds to pull this off. I would also like to see a way for EPRD to harvest the Silver Sneaker funds from those players at Marshdale. It’s easy money not being collected. So vote for me in ’23.

John Dunlop

1. I joined the EPC Board in July of 2021 to complete the term of a board member that needed to step down. Since that time, I have served as secretary to the board. As I am retired, I am able to contribute my time to help with the tournaments EPC puts on during the summer and other board projects. Also, I contribute my planning and organizational skills.
2. Increasing the number of pickleball courts in Evergreen, both indoor and outdoor, is a main priority of our members. Working with EPRD over the coming months and years to expand the number of courts will be a main focus of EPC.
Also, I believe that members want play to be more courteous, respectful and fun.
3. My wife, Sue, and I moved here from Wichita, Kan., after I retired from managing Morgan Stanley’s offices there.
Our daughter and her husband were living in Denver and we wanted to be closer to them. In 2015 our son moved here from Dallas. Our daughter and her husband now have two kids and our son and his wife had their first baby at the end of August, so much of our time is spent with family.
Sue and I enjoy playing pickleball as well as socializing with the wonderful friends we have made here.

Travis Ervick

1. As an active member of the racquets community, as well as a professional pickleball instructor, I can personally contribute to the organization of tournaments and events, getting new paddles and equipment to the Evergreen community, and actively helping with court resurfacing/building and any future projects the club is looking to implement.
2. The Evergreen members would appreciate the board coming up with long-term, sustainable plans to ease the congestion of winter drop-in play. I believe the members would also like more in-depth plans for future growth of the sport and community within Evergreen.
Lastly, I believe we can work to create the best atmosphere possible, especially with the recent mill levy vote. This means better facilities for the sport as well as the best courts that Evergreen has to offer while maintaining a good price point on court construction costs.
3. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Travis moved around the United States before settling in Evergreen with his parents and siblings. He grew up playing multiple sports, but focused most on Ice hockey, lacrosse and tennis. Travis attended J.K Mullen High School and the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he graduated with degrees in International Business and Spanish for the Professions.
Travis is the director of Racquets at Mt. Vernon Canyon Club. He is a PPR Pro Level Certified pickleball pro and maintains certifications in 10 and under Jr. Development, USPTA and Professional and USPTA Platform Teaching Professional.
Travis has worked for Colorado Athletic Club, the University of Colorado Boulder and Rocky Mountain Tennis Center.

Is the Holiday Gala on Your Calendar?

We hope so, because we’d love to see you there. Join us at The Wild Game Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. for the 2023 Holiday Gala and Benefit.

Proceeds will go to Evergreen Christian Outreach, which assists residents of our community with emergency cold weather shelter, meals, mental health and substance use referrals, energy/heat assistance and much more.

No registration or RSVP is needed to attend the Gala. A $15 donation at the door (payable in cash or check to EChO) will benefit the outreach program and get you a free wine, beer or well drink. Or you can contribute any amount you’d like. Attendees must have an EPC membership, but their very welcome spouses and guests need not.

There will be a cash bar and the bar menu will be available.

3 Board Members to be Elected at Nov. 30 General Meeting