MEMBERSHIP

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“Membership has its benefits.”  This was a popular slogan of American Express in the 80’s and 90’s.  I realize many of our younger picklers may not have ever heard the slogan, or maybe even of American Express.  Yes, “common knowledge” is increasingly uncommon.  Today’s report is titled Membership.  It came about when I was talking to one of three leaders of a pickleball group about how they manage their group of about 90 “members”.  They do not have dues.  They do not have a formal organization with a stated purpose nor by laws.  What they do have is a name (which shall not be revealed) and a shared love for pickleball.  I asked how the three leaders were chosen.  Self-appointed.  How do they create codes of conduct for the “members” and enforce them?  Peer pressure.  I observed, “Must be hard.”  In the United States, we are “members” of the country we live in.  We are expected to follow the rules (aka laws)https://www.hanapepe.org/art-night and if we don’t we get our liberties revoked.  The alarming news today is about who is allowed to be here, and who gets to decide those who can stay or be deported.  In our Pickleball Association Kauai, we ask people to be members so we may show how many people support our mission.  The only entry requirement is by the payment of annual dues of $20.  We do not have rules of conduct or other requirements.  Anybody can join.  Together, we have a viable voice to speak to our County and State.  Prior to PAK, when we said we represented the pickleball community they asked, “Under what authority do you speak?” Our voice is many times louder than one person speaking, because we have verification that others believe in what we stand for and entrusted us with money to prove it.  One day, we will find the means to build our facility and operate it.  THEN there will be rules.  THEN there will be consequences for bad behavior.  THEN we can offer something tangible for being a member, and take it away if they break the rules.  Membership will have its privileges.  But it will also have its responsibilities.  If there is anyone out there that would like to have Elite Status in PAK with all its privileges, please donate $1 million or more and you will have it!  We’ll probably waive bad behavior.

 

Good luck to my friend and his other two brave leaders as they create pockets of pickleball havens without the clout to exclude people that choose to act badly.  By the time you read this, I am hoping our free Member Appreciation Day will be over, and a big success.  Below, please find Uncle Aaron Uyeda’s recipe for his famous Chicken Hekka.  It feeds a hundred!

Until next time,

Nolan

 

Uncle Aaron Uyeda’s Chicken Hekka

20 lbs. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced bite sized

3 qts. Bamboo shoots

3 qts. Button mushrooms

2 pkgs. Shiitake mushrooms

3 round onions

4-7.74 oz packages of Long rice

4 bunches Watercress

2 lbs. Green onions

1 finger Ginger root

1 lb. Brown sugar

1 qt. Shoyu

½ lb. Butter

Cut and prepare all for stir frying in a large Wok.  Serve with rice.  If more instruction needed, come watch the master chefs prepare, and learn!