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VaHPA News & Updates December 20 , 2004 Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association Search VaHPA A new feature has been added to this web site. You can now search all the information that is currently posted on the site. On the menu bar to the left at the top is a button for search. Click it and type in your name. You might be surprise where and when you name appears. Give it try and let me know what you think! Web Master  Arlington Va. Courts The Virginia Horseshoe Pitchers' Regional Director has been pursuing the requests received from pitchers in the Arlington area, and has been in contact with the Parks&Rec Department. He'd like to hold a clinic or tournament in the area, but needs the assistance of the local people. The Arlington Parks and Recreation Dept has provided the following locations of courts that are in thier parks. Your input would be appreciated.  Web Master  1. Barcroft Park  4200 S. Four Mile Run Drive ( Courts are actually across the stream in the picnic area and are accessible only by way of the Four Mile Run Trail from either S. Walter Reed Dr. or S. George Mason Dr.  One set of pits.) 2. Benjamin Banneker Park 1701 N. Van Buren St. (Near the corner of that street and N. 18th St. At least one and possibly two courts. 3. Bluemont Park 601 N. Manchester St.  (Pits are in the picnic area which is closer to the entrance closer to Rt. 50 at the dead end of N. Manchester at N. 3rd St.) 4. Highview Park 1938 N. Dinwiddie St.  (One set of pits.) 5. Slater Park 1837 N. Culpeper St.  (One set of pits.) Boo Henson 1939 If you want to be included on news about pitching in the Arlington area, send an email to the  Web Master   so you can be added to the list of interested individuals from the area. The Arlington Parks and Recreation Department  is looking for input from their local pitchers, contact them via their web page to let them know you're interested. Arlington was once the hub of horseshoes for the East Coast, let's bring back the fun! Spread the Word! 2005 Virginia Senior Games May 12-15, 2005 Virginia Beach, Virginia For more information on the games click here Acrobat Reader The 2005 tournament schedule is in PDF file format. If  you do not have Acrobat Reader on your system and you are prompted to download it, just say yes. It is a safe and very reliable program.  Adobe will be used more often in the future - it allows for a more printer friendly file. Webmaster Upcoming events The 2005 schedule is posted. A few of the events are still waiting for approvals. Check it often for changes. The King Custom NHPF Spononsed Tournament is looking for a hosting site. The Stuarts Draft Horseshoe Club hosted in 2004 but feels they are over commited for 2005. I would really like to continue this effort to raise funds for the NHPF. If your Club is interested in holding the event, please check the open dates on the 2005 schedule. The cost to your club is ZERO.  My company will provide the trophies. Entry fees are the donation, all you have to do is provide the location and food, raffles if you want. All entry fees collected go to the NHPF. Kevin, Owner, King Custom and Sponsor of the VaHPA website The Ruther Glen Horseshoe Club is excited about their new home at Mr. B's Bluegrass Park. If all goes as planned, 12 new sanctioned courts will be available for use in the spring. They are hoping the project wil be complete by the first event scheduled there on April 2. Keep checking the web site for updates. Tournament Results October 23, 2004 the State Business Meeting October 16, 2004 (38-04-034) The 3rd Annual  Frost Bite  Classic October 09, 2004 (38-04-033) Petersburg Fall Finals October 09, 2004 (Non sanctioned) (Suffolk Peanut Fest) September 25, 2004 (38-04-031) Stuarts Draft Fall Finals with photos September 18, 2004 (38-04-030) Dublin Fall Classic September 11, 2004 (38-04-029) 38th Raymond Frye Memorial with photos September 11, 2004 (38-04-028) The Denny Davis Open September 05, 2004 (38-04-027) Virginia State Singles,  Championships with photos September 04, 2004 (38-04-026) Virginia State Singles with photos August 28, 2004 (38-04-025) King Custom NHPF BENEFIT Tournament  with photos August 21, 2004 (38-04-024) Firecracker Classic August 14, 2004 (38-04-023) Grottoes Finals August 13, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/10 - 8/13 Green County Fair August 07, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/2 - 8/7 Warren County Fair August 07, 2004 (38-04-022) Churchville Classic July 31, 2004 (38-04-021) The Otto Classic July 31, 2004 Portsmouth Coast Guard Clinic with photos July 24, 2004 (38-04-020) Draft Classic with photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-018) The 4th Annual Chesapeake Open Friday photos,--- Saturday photos/results,--- Sunday photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-019) H. C Eppard Open June 26, 2004 (38-04-017) Earl Linkous Memorial June 26, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) Augusta County Pitching Clinic and Tournament June 19, 2004 (38-04-016) Virginia State Doubles June 12, 2004 (38-04-015) X-TRIALS / State-Club / Team with photos June 05, 2004 (38-04-014) Grottoes Classic May 29, 2004 (38-04-013) D.W. Strickler Memorial with Photos May 22, 2004 (38-04-012) Draft Doubles with Photos May 15, 2004 (38-04-011) The 39th Apple Capitol May 13, 2004 Virginia Senior Games with photos May 08, 2004 (38-04-010) Old Dominion Summer Classic / photos May 01, 2004 (38-04-009) Churchville Open April 24, 2004 (38-04-008) The "Let' Um Ring Classic" with photos April 24, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) The Hanover Spring Open April 17, 2004 (38-04-006) The 3rd Annual Carl Frye April 17, 2004 (38-04-007) Richmond Open with photos April 10, 2004 (38-04-005) Mountain View Singles with photos April 03, 2004 (38-04-004) Petersburg Spring Open March 27, 2004 (38-04-003) Chesapeake Spring Fling March 20, 2004 (38-04-002) Ruther Glenn March Invitational Memorial

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VaHPA News & Updates October 4th, 2004 Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association New Courts set to open! Hanover County Parks and Recreation followed through with thier promise to build 4 sanctioned courts in Pole Green Park. The photo above shows the court as of September 19th. The only things to complete are the gates and backboards which should happen by October. Renee Cowan who lives just 3 miles away is eager to get started with the new courts and build a club. She is working on developing a clinic with one of the local schools to show them our sport in 2005 . Do you live in   Arlington Va.? Do you want to pitch horseshoes in club or tournament? Efforts are underway  to revive the sport which once thrived in Arlington in  the 30's and 40's, please contact me so I can add you to the list of interested individuals that are looking for a place to pitch. Send me an email Web MVa Contactsaster Under construction are stories and links for the NHPF, The Singles, The Frye and more, keep watching! Upcoming events October 23, 2004 the State Business Meeting October 16, 2004 (38-04-034) The 3rd Annual  Frost Bite  Classic October 09, 2004 (38-04-033) Petersburg Fall Finals October 09, 2004 (Non sanctioned) The Suffolk Peanut Fest" Signup at 8:30 pitching starts at 10am . Round Robin play with the winners of each flight pitching for the championship of $100 and $50 on Sunday, contact Donnie Snowden 1-757-465-0149 or Sherwood Brown 1- 757-487-6426 or click on the image  for  more details. Show your horseshoe at the gate before 9:00 for free parking. October 02, 2004 (38-04-032) 2nd Annual Harvest Classsic(CANCELLED) Tournament Results September 25, 2004 (38-04-031) Stuarts Draft Fall Finals with photos September 18, 2004 (38-04-030) Dublin Fall Classic September 11, 2004 (38-04-029) 38th Raymond Frye Memorial with photos September 11, 2004 (38-04-028) The Denny Davis Open September 05, 2004 (38-04-027) Virginia State Singles,  Championships with photos September 04, 2004 (38-04-026) Virginia State Singles with photos August 28, 2004 (38-04-025) King Custom NHPF BENEFIT Tournament  with photos August 21, 2004 (38-04-024) Firecracker Classic August 14, 2004 (38-04-023) Grottoes Finals August 13, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/10 - 8/13 Green County Fair August 07, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/2 - 8/7 Warren County Fair August 07, 2004 (38-04-022) Churchville Classic July 31, 2004 (38-04-021) The Otto Classic July 31, 2004 Portsmouth Coast Guard Clinic with photos July 24, 2004 (38-04-020) Draft Classic with photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-018) The 4th Annual Chesapeake Open Friday photos,--- Saturday photos/results,--- Sunday photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-019) H. C Eppard Open June 26, 2004 (38-04-017) Earl Linkous Memorial June 26, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) Augusta County Pitching Clinic and Tournament June 19, 2004 (38-04-016) Virginia State Doubles June 12, 2004 (38-04-015) X-TRIALS / State-Club / Team with photos June 05, 2004 (38-04-014) Grottoes Classic May 29, 2004 (38-04-013) D.W. Strickler Memorial with Photos May 22, 2004 (38-04-012) Draft Doubles with Photos May 15, 2004 (38-04-011) The 39th Apple Capitol May 13, 2004 Virginia Senior Games with photos May 08, 2004 (38-04-010) Old Dominion Summer Classic / photos May 01, 2004 (38-04-009) Churchville Open April 24, 2004 (38-04-008) The "Let' Um Ring Classic" with photos April 24, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) The Hanover Spring Open April 17, 2004 (38-04-006) The 3rd Annual Carl Frye April 17, 2004 (38-04-007) Richmond Open with photos April 10, 2004 (38-04-005) Mountain View Singles with photos April 03, 2004 (38-04-004) Petersburg Spring Open March 27, 2004 (38-04-003) Chesapeake Spring Fling March 20, 2004 (38-04-002) Ruther Glenn March Invitational Memorial

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VaHPA News & Updates August 8th, 2004 Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association DW Strickler Memorial May 29th 2004, Since his death, the Churchville and Grottoes Horseshoe Clubs have held a memorial tournament every year in the name of DW Strickler. On May 29, 2004 the Churchville Club proudly presented a bronze-cast plaque to honor the man that helped build the sport of horseshoe pitching  in the State of Virginia. The "One Armed Bandit" assisted in the formation of three Virginia horseshoe clubs -  Churchville, Grottoes and Crozet. His influence also inspired the formation of the Stuarts Draft Club.  "Gone but still remembered" Click here for , results and photos of the day Kevin Standing Tall Once again a  big man in our sport accepts an award. At the State business meeting in October, 2003,  Denny Davis was  inducted into the Virginia Hall of Fame, as Pitcher. Despite his health problems, Denny is still on the courts. He is thrilled to be able to pitch horseshoes and see his friends. He been pitching with the Churchville Horseshoe Club and  attended the D.W. Memorial Tournament in Churchville. (Click here for the results and photos) The 3rd Annual Carl Frye Memorial By Debbie Barbour The Third Annual Carl Frye Memorial hosted by Winchester Horseshoe Club on April 17th, was blessed to have a beautiful sunny day.  Fifty-two pitchers representing four states signed up for the Carl Frye Memorial. Opening the event Mrs. Frye (continued on the next page with results) At the October business meeting, the votes were counted for the position of 3rd Vice President. Branson Miller retains his seat on the council. The state officers for 2004 are President Ricky Hall 1st Vice Renee Cowen 2nd Vice Wayne Sturtz 3rd Vice Branson Miller Secretary Pat Snelgrove The Mountian View Singles April 10, 2004 By Kevin Snelgrove The morning of the Mountain View Singles had an air of excitement. As the pitchers trickled in, the warm greetings and “long time no see” grew in pitch. A procession of cars filled the parking lot and fields all around the courts. By 9:30 there was barely a parking space to be found. Pitchers commented “Wow, what a turnout, all these people (continued on next page with photos) 2004 X Trials June 12, 2004 By Pat Snelgrove After a gruling playoff The Dublin Dominators win the 2004 X-Trials State Team Competition. Seven teams participated in this year’s event, and as a repeat of last year, everyone enjoyed this unique format and competition. The team format allows pitchers of all skill levels to be pitted against each other, depending on how the team captains line them up. Sometimes, (continued on the next page) Upcoming events September 25, 2004 (38-04-031) Stuarts Draft Fall Finals September 18, 2004 (38-04-030) Dublin Fall Classic September 11, 2004 (38-04-029) 38th Raymond Frye Memorial September 11, 2004 (38-04-028) The Denny Davis Open September 05, 2004 (38-04-027) Virginia State Singles, Mens Championship September 04, 2004 (38-04-026) Virginia State Singles September 01, 2004 () August 28, 2004 (38-04-025) King Custom NHPF BENEFIT Tournament August 21, 2004 (38-04-024) Firecracker Classic August 14, 2004 (38-04-023) Grottoes Finals August 13, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/10 - 8/13 Green County Fair August 07, 2004 (Non sanctioned) 8/2 - 8/7 Warren County Fair August 07, 2004 (38-04-022) Churchville Classic Virginia's 2004 World Tournament Results MENS DIVISION - CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS 2004 WORLD 12th. Ricky L Hall     22nd. Jackie Whetzel MENS DIVISION A1 2004 WORLD 6th. Ricky L Hall 9th. Jackie Whetzel WOMENS DIVISION - CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS 2004 WORLD 12th. Amy Hall 23rd. Renee Cowan WOMENS DIVISION A FINALS 2004 WORLD 3th. Amy Hall   12th. Renee Cowan ELDER MENS '30' FOOT DIVISION I FINALS 2004 WORLD 9th. Donald Parkes JUNIOR BOYS AND GIRLS DIVISION D FINALS 2004 WORLD 11th. Rachel    Cowan MENS DIVISION D1 2004 WORLD 14th. David Cowan Sr MENS DIVISION D2 2004 WORLD 4th. David Cowan Jr SENIOR MENS DIVISION D FINALS 2004 WORLD 11th. Floyd Hix Jr For more details log on to www.horseshoepitching.com What will you be doing at 92? When Adel Inke (92 years old) arrived at the Virginia Senior Games she immediately approached the registration table to ask where the practice pits were. With none available, she did the next best thing. She and her son went off to an open area in the grass and starting pitching at an imaginary target. When the game had been completed on a nearby court, she (continued on the next page) Tournament Results July 31, 2004 (38-04-021) The Otto Classic July 31, 2004 Portsmouth Coast Guard Clinic with photos July 24, 2004 (38-04-020) Draft Classic with photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-018) The 4th Annual Chesapeake Open Friday photos,--- Saturday photos/results,--- Sunday photos July 17, 2004 (38-04-019) H. C Eppard Open June 26, 2004 (38-04-017) Earl Linkous Memorial June 26, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) Augusta County Pitching Clinic and Tournament June 19, 2004 (38-04-016) Virginia State Doubles June 12, 2004 (38-04-015) X-TRIALS / State-Club / Team with photos June 05, 2004 (38-04-014) Grottoes Classic May 29, 2004 (38-04-013) D.W. Strickler Memorial with Photos May 22, 2004 (38-04-012) Draft Doubles with Photos May 15, 2004 (38-04-011) The 39th Apple Capitol May 13, 2004 Virginia Senior Games with photos May 08, 2004 (38-04-010) Old Dominion Summer Classic / photos May 01, 2004 (38-04-009) Churchville Open April 24, 2004 (38-04-008) The "Let' Um Ring Classic" with photos April 24, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) The Hanover Spring Open April 17, 2004 (38-04-006) The 3rd Annual Carl Frye April 17, 2004 (38-04-007) Richmond Open with photos April 10, 2004 (38-04-005) Mountain View Singles with photos April 03, 2004 (38-04-004) Petersburg Spring Open March 27, 2004 (38-04-003) Chesapeake Spring Fling March 20, 2004 (38-04-002) Ruther Glenn March Invitational Memorial 39th Annual Apple Capital May 15, 2004 By Donna Keefer What real fun this was, it was my first time as tournament director, and I survived it! I was a  (Continued on the next page) HORSESHOES ARE BACK The Ruther Glen Horseshoe Club held its first tournament this weekend on the 3 indoor courts. The weather was actually quite nice for a February Saturday, except for the wind. We had a very good turnout there were 4 classes this time with 6 in each but the last one. Starting at 9:00 am we ran a tight schedule, expecting to start (continued on next page with photos) Virginia Bowlers Hall of fame On February 21, 2004, Floyd Hix was inducted in to the Virginia Bowlers Hall of fame. Floyd has been a member of the organization for many years.  Floyd is glad the seasons for bowling and horseshoe are opposites.  Congratulations 4th Annual Chesapeake Open  July 16th - 18th, 2004                         Jeff Hiser Champion (L) of the 2004 Chesapeake Open non sanctioned event, Micheal Elswick  runner up Amy Hall Champion (C) of the 2004 Chesapeake Open Sanctioned event Renee Cowan runner up and Ricky Hall 3rd place 66 sanctioned pitchers signed up (ending up with 2 no-shows, 64 pitchers total). The response from the VaHPA was exactly as hoped for, growth year-over-year. The Open-Public flights Friday night had 22 pitchers, and the Opens on Sunday had 12.  98 pitchers overall! (Continued on the next page) Horseshoe pitching clinics are a lot of fun! Zackarey Truley age 10  Overall Winner of the Portsmouth Coast Guard Clinic  and Open Horseshoe Tournament   July 31, 2004 By Donnie Snowden IN TRIBUTE TO OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN THE UNITIED STATES COAST GUARD WE WERE HONORED TO HOST OUR SECOND HORSESHOE TOURNAMENT FOR THE U.S.C.G.'S ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE ISC 5TH DISTRICTS MAIN BASE IN PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA ON JULY 31ST,2004 STARTING @ 1PM THE COAST GUARD GOES  (continued on the next Page) Nick Matsko age 11 Overall Winner of the Stuarts Draft and The Augusta County Horseshoe Pitching Clinic  June 26, 2004 By Kevin Snelgrove Hosted By The Stuarts Draft Horseshoe Club The Augusta County Horseshoe Clinic and tournament was held on Saturday June 26th. Pat and I had arranged tables with literature and displays of the various equipment. We brought our TV/VCR to show the video “Basics of Horseshoe Pitching”, which features Dave Loucks. A very good film for introducing the how-to’s to new people. Signups had been  (continued on the next Page)

 
   VaHPA News & Updates

February 18, 2004
Chartered by the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association

Hanover County Expands The success of the Spring and Fall horseshoe events held at Poor Farm Park have caught the attention of the local officials in Hanover County. Brad Ashley, director of the Hanover Parks and Recreation has announced plans to construct four new courts in the Pole Green Park near Mechanicsville. The courts will be built to the NHPA standards for courts construction. The department is hoping to have the project completed by late spring.  His department is also developing a plan for a new recreational facility in the county. A lot of ground work still needs to be done before it is presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval in the master plan. An area for a 12 court pitching facility is being considered.  If you live in Hanover County or the surrounding area and would like to be a part of this new growth contact the Parks and Recreation Department. Express your opinion and let them know you support their efforts.  The Hanover Spring Open Horseshoe will be held April 24th.  Sign up is pre register by April 10th.  Entry fee is $10. Everyone attending will receive a tee shirt. Double elimination play, the champion receives a trophy and the bragging rights for 2005. Come join the fun! Denny Davis Update By Kevin Snelgrove As things turned out, after several attempts, I finally managed to get in touch with Denny on Friday the 13th. No omen, or anything, just coincidence. He is currently undergoing treatment through Duke University. He’s been through radiation treatments and is currently receiving chemotherapy. That, coupled with a lot of powerful drugs, have slowed the growth of the remaining tumor. The doctors are very hopeful they can contain the growth altogether. Denny spoke to me of the game of horseshoes and the people involved, he expressed “It is just a game, that I love, if it was competition it wouldn’t be fun! I dearly love the friends I’ve made.” Then he added “The Lord can heal me here on earth or he will heal me in heaven. I am ready and at peace with my life. I’m eating like a pig, Faye and I have been enjoying the countryside every weekend the last few months. I’m ready if called.” The conversation with him was very bright and upbeat. Denny, Faye and family our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you! Dwayne and Kerri Davis are proud to announce the arrival of their son Brett Davis, who arrive 8/20/2003 .   The whole family is happy as can be with this new addition!!  Jackie Cummings, the wife of John Cummings (Pres. Big Oak HS Club, Dublin), has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She is under the care of the best doctors available at UVA in Charlottesville. The treatment that Jackie is currently receiving is costing over $500 per month out-of-pocket, and any support you can give would be greatly appreciated. John Cummings volunteered this information "What Jackie has is (ALS) Amyotrophic Lateral Scierosis commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a form of Muscular Dystrophy. ALS has a branch all its own Anyone with questions can look it up at www.ALS.MDAUSA.ORG or they can contact us here at home by phone or email or mail, and I or Jackie will be glad to talk to anyone. Jackie is still working 2 1/2 days a week and is doing well. Her speach and hands show the only signs at this time. Dr. Burns of UVA says it is slow at this point. John  said "All I can ask for now is prayers."  " John Cummings 1673 Harmon Drive Christiansburg, VA, 24073 (e email click here) Home phone: 540-382-7920 Tommy French (Dublin, Big Oak HS Club) is back to work, after a long recuperation from the surgery for his stomach problems. But all is healed and he said he is so glad to back at work, and finally allowed to resume his normal activities. He’ll take it slow and easy getting back into “the swing” this year, but will see us on the courts this season. Ronnie Williams (Standardsville) recently broke his leg in a couple of places. He’s not sure he’ll be able to pitch any this year, but is hopeful. Milton Morris (Standardsville) said “He and Ronnie will get together a bit in the back yard and toss a few.” Iris Sandham (Georgia) and her husband Al, are a taking a cruise to celebrate her recovery. She became ill at the Senior Games last year, had a pacemaker implanted shortly after and this past December had emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. Al reported she is doing great. Al said “They removed all of the tumor and when we get back from the cruise she will undergo radiation as a precaution.” A terrible car accident took the life of Linda Ashby in December, the wife of Chris Ashby (Churchville Horseshoe Club). Please keep Chris in your thoughts as he rebuilds his life. The Big Oak Horseshoe Club notified us that on December 15, 2004, Hershal Jones, one of their long standing members passed on. Our sympathies are extended to his wife and family in their time of grief. Glenn Patterson (Stuarts Draft Horseshoe Club) had surgery in December to implant a device to help control his Parkinson’s Disease. Glen said “It really improved the tremors a whole lot, but I have been cautioned that the tremors are not curable. The devise will only help reduce them, but my life is much better.” Getting ready for this coming season, he purchased some lighter weight horseshoes, but hasn’t tried them out yet, due to the weather. The King Custom NHPF Benefit Horseshoe Tournament August 28, 2004 The National Horseshoe Pitching Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in Joelton, TN as the “home” for horseshoe pitching, complete with a Hall of Fame, Library, camping facilities, and indoor courts. As with any other public, charitable organization, this one depends on public donations to maintain its financial stability. Current projects underway include completion of the Hall of Fame and required upgrades to the camping facilities for electrical and sewerage services. King Custom, Kevin Snelgrove, owner, (and also the webmaster of this site) is fully funding this event.. The entry fee is $15, and will be donated in your name to the NHPF. (All donations are tax exempt, and donations of $10 or more are recognized with documentation mailed to you by the foundation.) So circle this date on your calendar, and come on over ! Great competition, a reduction in taxes next year, and helping support the National Historical Archives for the sport, all rolled into one day of fun !!  What more could you ask for ?

Up Comming Events April 24, 2004 (38-04-008) The "Let' Um Ring Classic" April 24, 2004 (Non Sanctioned) The Hanover Spring Open April 17, 2004 (38-04-006) The 3rd Annual Carl Frye Memorial April 17, 2004 (38-04-007) Richmond Open April 10, 2004 (38-04-005) Mountain View Singles April 03, 2004 (38-04-004) Petersburg Spring Open March 27, 2004 (38-04-003) Chesapeake Spring Fling March 20, 2004 (38-04-002) Ruther Glenn March Invitational February 21, 2004 (38-04-001) Ruther Glenn February Invitational  Mother Nature,  Please Leave the Brats at Home By Kevin Snelgrove In 2003 Mother Nature stepped on the toes of the VaHPA over and over. Many tournaments had rain delays or cancellations. The rains and the threat of rains kept many pitchers away, those that stayed fought back with sponges and umbrellas. Heading into another soggy weekend of horseshoe pitching, Mother Nature decided to send her daughter Isabel for one last good drenching of the year. Hitting the tidewater area first on Thursday September 18th she bent, twisted and uprooted the landscape around  (Continued on the next page with photos)   Our Nation is pretty big! But this family keeps growing and growing and growing! The Hix family reunion at the  2003 World Horseshoe Pitching Tournament Just how big it will it grow? Floyd Hix proudly announces a new addition Alita Faye Hix was born Feb. 9, 2004 weighing 5 pounds 4 oz. 18 inches long. The proud parents are Carl HIx and Tanya Bently. Perhaps our next pee wee star, but competition is on the way. Eldon (Vannoy) and Carl’s sister Kara are expecting in May. If you turn 50 any time in the year 2004 you can particapte in the  Va Senior Games. Call the number above to recieve an application. All types of sports are available. Horseshoes will be pitched on Friday May 14, Women at 8:30am and Men at 1:00pm. 2003 Tournament Results Grottoes Finals August 16, 2003 Firecracker Classic August 23, 2003, with Photos 2003 State Singles August 30, 2003 with photos 37th Raymond Frye September 6, 2003 with photos Dublin Fall Classic September 13, 2003 was cancelled Virginia State Doubles September 16, 2003 with photos Hurricane Isabell September 19, 2003 with photos Stuarts Draft Fall Finals September 20, 2003 with photos 1st Annual Harvest Classic October 4, 2003 Petersburg Fall Finals October 11, 2003 Frost Bite Open, October 18, 2003 The Old Dominion Tournament This is the event of the year that helps reduce the cost of the State Singles. Pat Snelgrove reports that a new sponsor, Commercial Architectural Take Off Service is donating for A Class, Raymond Deal and Marvin May will sponsor B Class; the Portsmouth Horseshoe Club will be sponsoring C Class, and F Class will again be sponsored by King Custom. “The VaHPA really appreciates the support shown by its members, and the early response this year is very encouraging.” 2004 Memberships By Pat Snelgrove The mailbox has been full of applications daily for the last few weeks. Compared with numbers from the same time last year, we are already ahead in enrollments. Coming out of the last year’s dismal weather, perhaps we will break the 300 membership mark again this year! Last year we missed it, but not by much, ending the year with 277. If every current member signed up one new member, we could reach 600 by the end of this year!! Help us grow and sign up a friend ! Camera Ready! Lights! Action! The Stuarts Draft Horseshoe Club is looking forward to having lights on their courts! As most clubs know, landscaping and improvements are a one -step -at -a -time process, and the club took a big step last fall, by applying for a grant. Now, after months of filling out forms and negotiations, the club received notice in January that they were approved for the grant, offered through Augusta County, for the installation of lights at the Schneider Park facility. Pat Snelgrove said “If all goes as planned, we hope to have the lights installed before the start of our spring season in mid April. The lights will be an enormous help with our league pitching in the spring and late fall, and will also help with our events, allowing us the extra evening pitching hours. We’d like to host the State Singles one of these years.”