You’ve probably heard of pickleball, especially given its rising popularity in the United States and Canada, but youmay be wondering what the big deal is about this relatively new fad. Pickleball is an awesome, low- impact sport that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s great exercise and great fun, and it’s the perfect game for family get-togethers. Pickleball originated on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. It was the creation of three fathers— Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who needed to come up with something to keep the little ones entertained and out of their hair. Soon, however, it became popular among the adults, and they ended up spendingmore time on the court than their children.“Frankly,”McCallum says,“the kids got pushed out.” Since its early days, pickleball has transformed from an ad-hoc game to a full-fledged sport, complete with official rules, equipment, and leagues. Despite the more formal structure in place today, pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up and play. Investing in some paddles and balls won’t cost more than $100, and you can easily convert a tennis or badminton court for pickleball. One of the appeals of pickleball for older adults is that it is not excessively strenuous. It also doesn’t have the steep learning curve and high barrier to entry that sports like tennis or golf do. Due to the nature of a pickleball, which contains strategically placed holes similar to those of a whiffle ball, the game is muchmore about finesse than pure power or athleticism. While you can definitely hone your skills with practice, you’ll start having fun fromday one. In addition to being a fun formof exercise, pickleball also offers older adults the chance to socialize with their peers. Leagues often lead to long-term friendships. Courts are small, and each game consists of only four players, making it easy to engage in some casual conversation or playful, competitive banter between points. If you’ve never picked up a paddle, consider joining a league or buying a set for your next family outing. You can introduce your grandkids to a fun new sport —and then school them for the bulk of an afternoon. A Sport for All Ages Becomes a Craze Among Older Adults THE INCREDIBLE RISE OF PICKLEBALL
help cut back on calls, this list is largely ignored by scammers. If you’re getting a ridiculous number of robocalls every day, signing up can offer you some brief respite. Thankfully, Congress is already attempting to fix this problem by making it harder for scammers to call you. But until they are able to pass tough, effective legislation, it is up to us as consumers to remain vigilant and do what we can to keep our personal and financial data safe and secure.
Corn is plentiful during the summer months, and this easy-to-make salsa is sure to be a hit at your next get-together. ROASTED CORN SALSA LAUREL’S FAVORITE Ingredients
•
1/4 bunch cilantro leaves, sliced
•
2 medium ears of corn, shucked 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced
• •
Juice of 1 lime
•
Kosher salt, to taste
• •
1/2 red onion, diced
1 large tomato, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
Directions
1. Heat a cast-iron skillet to high. Char corn, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes until kernels begin to blacken in spots. 2. Using a sharp knife, remove corn kernels from cobs and transfer to a large mixing bowl. 3. With a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently crush corn to release starch and juices. 4. Add jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro. Mix to combine.
5. Top with lime juice and season with salt. 6. Serve alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.thenewsletterpro.com
www.MattsonFinancial.com | 3
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker