The newly formed Portmouth Horsehoe Club held their "kick off" event on Sunday, April 6, 2003. Kevin Snelgrove (RD), Kirk Adams (Pres, Chesapeake Club) and myself (Sec. VaHPA) had been invited, and we were all glad to attend. What a great kick off!! A large WELCOME banner and balloons - red, white and blue - waved in the breeze as members arrived, and the club motto "Let Um Ring" was proudly displayed on the two horseshoe-shaped cakes that had been made especially for the event.  Club President, Donnie Snowden greeted all arrivals, then called the pitchers together. Donnie introduced the other club officers to those gathered, Tom Scotting, 1st VP and David Adams, 2nd VP , and then proceeded to describe what the basis of the club will be and what their goals and objectives starting out are.

Family oriented; socially integrated; good, clean, sportsmanly competition, with weekly league play and tournaments planned. The Club plans to host tournaments for US Coast Guard personnel, US Navy personnel, the children of the US Coast Guard and children of the Navy (a possible juniors league being talked about), and work with the city to find a permanent home on city property.

In his opening meeting, Donnie expressed sincere appreciation to the US Coast Guard for opening the base to this effort, and allowing the club access to the courts. He introduced and thanked the club sponsor, Harry Huggins, who, as retired USCG, literally paved the way to the courts. Having explained the club, Donnie asked Kevin to introduce the NHPA/VaHPA. Kirk then described some of the club events and the processes for keeping score. In a brief prayer, thanks were given for the opportunity that the club has today, and blessings were asked for the men and women of the military. 

As the meeting adjourned with the traditional "let's pitch!" Donnie and his wife, Glenda cut the ceremonial cake "Let um Ring". And after chowin' down, the pitchers filed onto the courts, where they had a whole new experience learning alternate pitch and scorekeeping!  Kevin, Kirk and myself stayed busy teaching - and getting a few shoes ourselves in between.  By the end of the first round, the pitchers had the hang of it, and when the second round of games started, loosened up a bit. 

Tony from the Portsmouth Parks &Rec Dept arrived during the pitching, and expressed his interest in developing a working relationship with the club. He will continue to work with the club, to assist in finding them space for courts in the City of Portsmouth.  It was really great that he took the time to stop by!

The GO-FOR-IT attitude impressed both Kevin & I. With the local support and connections they've made already, the club is bound to grow aggressively, and we'll be there to assist any way possible.  As we left the courts, we could hear the joking and banter starting to come alive, the members having fun, and it was with a great big wish for future success that we hit the road, on our way home. Good luck crew!!