1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL 32117
We Did It!
Thanks to Pictona members, the City of Holly Hill, the area community, and Rainer & Julie Martens, Holly Hill Mayor John Penny’s Challenge has been met…and exceeded! A check for $30,000 was presented on Saturday, November 22 to the local Food Bridge Pantry, an affiliate of Second Harvest Food Bank. The exciting thing about this donation is that it equates to $150,000 worth of food through the Second Harvest Food Bank – FIVE times the amount of our check. We’re thrilled that we can help provide food for those in need during these uncertain times.
The Food Bridge Pantry is a ministry of First Church of Holly Hill. In December 2011, Chuck McKeown, former Senior Pastor, and his son, Matt stepped in to save the program from a neighboring church whose pastor had passed away. “We were afraid if we didn't move it to our place, it would just go away. After we got involved with them, it became very clear it was something that was needed.” Their mission was simple: to put food into the hands of working families, senior citizens and veterans. Within two years, their food pantry was the largest single site pantry in Volusia County that receives food from Second Harvest (other than Halifax Urban ministries' 5 locations). Matt McKeown is now the Senior Pastor and Chuck has since retired, but has never been busier or happier! The families they have touched are countless, and each one counts!
On Monday mornings, the Food Bridge Pantry warehouse on State Street is a bustle of activity preparing for its drive through food banks, delivery to 5 other food bank locations, and supplying food to Solutions by the Sea, a sober living community for men.
"My family was in need. We were struggling and the only hard part was to have courage to ask for help. We received no judgement and no stern talking to. It was just love and compassion. It was then that I brought my first pantry bag home to feed my husband and two small children. Since then, our lives have been a mixture of EBT, pantry bags, turkey baskets for the holidays and the generosity of others. But since that time, we have also been able to give back. We have had the opportunity to donate items as well as time to serve others." ~ Recipient of food bank donations.
More info about The Food Bridge Pantry HERE.
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After a long search, Pictona’s Board of Directors has selected Chris Nickell as the new executive director replacing Rainer and Julie Martens. Ron Duff, Pictona’s President of the Board of Directors, said “We are very pleased to have Chris Nickell join us. He brings many years of experience in higher education and enthusiasm for pickleball. Rainer Martens stated “I’m delighted to have Chris step into the executive director position and look forward to working with him to make the transition.” Chris will join Pictona beginning December 8. Click here to learn more about Chris.
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We're excited to offer Rookie Rally 2026 in January! We're excited to offer Rookie Rally 2026 this January 9-11. Players in the past, often first-time tournament players, have told us how much fun this tournament is. It is your opportunity to play others of like skill and age in a fun round robin format. Team up with your partner to play men's, women's, and mixed doubles at the 2.5 and 3.0 skill level. And for our 2026 tournament, we're adding a Junior Division with two age groups and three skill levels. Here are all the facts about the Rookie Rally 2026. Adults Juniors |
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We need volunteers to work several shifts for the
US Senior Pickleball National Championships December 5-8!
Volunteer Day Passes or Intramural Credits will be issued to all who volunteer and lunch will be available during your shift in the Heron Room Volunteer Lounge.
Multiple Shifts: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
6:30am-11:30am & 11:30am-4:30pm
Positions needed:
Player Check-in, Pod Managers, Scoresheet Collectors and other positions.
Check out SignUpGenius HERE for dates and times that fit your schedule.
Come check out the action December 5-8!
Saturday, December 6th at 9 am!
Dress in Pictona attire with a sprinkle of holiday cheer and join us for a fun morning to get your Holiday Season started right!
If you are interested, please email debc@pictona.org.
Holiday shopping just got a whole lot easier!
Whether you’re shopping for your favorite player or treating yourself (we support self-gifting), the Player Shop has all the festive must-haves lined up and ready.
Think pickleball ornaments, cozy socks, beanies, hoodies, kids’ books, and our best-selling tees — all curated to make you the MVP of holiday gifting.
And for the gear chasers…
The limited-edition 'Sunset' Selkirk Era is officially here. Trust us once it’s gone... it’s gone! We also have the fan-favorite Boomstick, perfect for leveling up your game or someone else’s.
Swing by the Player Shop and snag the goods while they’re here.
Make this holiday season fun, festive, and just a little bit competitive. 😉🎄
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*ALL morning programming will begin at 9am |
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We have a terrific lineup of tournaments for you in 2025-26.
Go here to see our lineup. Tournaments provide you with an opportunity to
test yourself, play with different opponents, and learn from watching other
players in action. And for Pictona, they are a significant source of revenue that
helps keep our membership rates among the lowest in the nation. And a major
reason we make money from our tournaments is because of the many members
who volunteer to help conduct these events. We thank you.
Please Note: The Club Invitational Cup, scheduled for November 22-23,
has been postponed for a future date.
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TWO-DAY ON COURT DEMO & CONVERSATION Pickleball Mindset - The Blueprint for Peak Performance How to grow and nourish a confident mindset through your pickleball journey. 12/3/2025 Wednesday 6:00-8:30pm 12/4/2025 Thursday 9:00-11:30am Featuring senior pro and coach Dayne Gingrich and pickleball yogi Jill Martin, this on-court conversation and clinic will focus on the mental and physical aspects of playing your best pickleball as a senior. Fee is $25. More info HERE. |
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| During the US Senior Pickleball National Championship Presented by Humana, December 5–8, 2025, players and spectators are invited to explore Exhibitors’ Row at Pictona—your one-stop destination for top products, services, and game-enhancing gear.
Stop by vendor booths featuring Cluffy Insoles, Quiet Play Paddles, Lanethix, Bemer, Lifewave, Daytona Lagoon, VoltaWell, Heat Sense, Edward Jones, Engage Paddles, Solace Pickleball, Pickleball Bella, Conviva, Pickleball for Jesus, Spin-It, Tier 1, Dink Eyewear and Greek Pickleball. Whether you’re upgrading equipment, discovering wellness innovations, or grabbing unique pickleball finds, Exhibitors’ Row offers something for every competitor and fan. Don’t miss the chance to shop, sample, and connect! |
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We will now have morning
exercise classes Monday to Friday!
The FHCP Activity Center is adding another BAM PLUS class starting on January 8, 2026.
Monday
Stretch & Flex at 10 - Pam
Tuesday
Balance & Motion (BAM) PLUS at 9:30 am - Annie
Balance & Motion (BAM) at 10:45 - Annie
Wednesday - Strength & Stretch at 11:15 am - Mardi
Thursday - Starts on January 8th
BAM PLUS at 9:30 am - Annie
Friday
BAM PLUS at 9:30 - Annie
BAM at 10:45 - Jocelyn
The classes are a suggested $5 donation, or some Medicare Advantage plans are accepted by Synergy Senior Fitness.
Check out our full schedule HERE!
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Pictona was built through a public-private partnership with the City of Holly Hill and Martens Charities, and $2.9 million in Volusia County ECHOgrants.
