There are about 50 people in Dreamland that play Bocce Ball and it is growing every year. We play three times each week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 9-11. Our courts are located on the west end of the parking lot west of Farnsworth Hall.
Al Sagstetter is president, Luther Ness is vice president, Eleanor Ness is the treasurer and Syb Gullickson is our secretary.
Our current four courts consists of sand/clay mix and require an enormous amount of maintenance and care which is performed by members of the club each day before we play. Lots of rain and wind has added to the up keep. During the last several years the members have been working long and hard to improve the courts to standards similar to those at other 55 older communities in the area. A committee was directed by the general membership at the Jan 6, 2001 meeting to review and determine the improvements required for the Bocce Ball courts. This committee consisted of Mary Ann Glauner (chairwomen), Al Sagstetter, Luther Ness, Mary Jane Zimmel and Maryon Bullard. Initially they reviewed our courts and other courts within our area. After determining the best approach the committee obtained construction and carpeting estimates from various local businesses. The committee interviewed the contractors and reviewed their bids, then presented their findings to the General Membership on March 13, 2001. The membership approved the motion to select the lowest bidders, one for construction and one for carpeting, to complete the improvements of the Dreamland Bocce Ball courts. It's great to see forward looking people at work. The project is currently scheduled to start on about May 1st 2001. All Bocce Ball players anxiously await the completion.
On March 20th, 2001 the Bocce Ball Club had their annual picnic at Red Mountain Park in Mesa and were joined by the shuffle board players. Attendance was great, the potluck was superb and the bingo and bean bag throwing were lots of fun. As usual the weather played a key role and everyone had a great time.
On March 24th, 2001 from 7am to 10am the Bocce Ball Club had it's first Dreamland pancake breakfast to assist in paying the cost of a new fence surrounding the improved courts. It was extremely well attended with about 393 breakfasts served. Actually so many people attended the cooks ran out of food for part of the time. If you were one of those who didn't receive sausages and eggs we sincerely apologize to you and hope we can make it up to you next time. This was a great community project and should probably be continued in the future. Bill Jansen was the lucky winner of the 50/50 raffle, another huge success. A special note of thanks to the Dreamland Garden Club for the flowers that so beautifully decorated the dining tables during the breakfast.
On March 29th, 30th, and 31st 2001 the annual spring Bocce Ball tournament for 55 and older was held at Sunland Village East in Mesa. Players from Dreamland, Sunland Village East, Las Palmas Grand, Venture Out, and Sun Lakes participated. The tournament is single elimination three day event, the first day consisting of only men's teams playing, the second day consisting of only women teams and the final day only mixed teams competing. Historically the Dreamland participants represent our area very well, frequently winning medals in the various events. Two years ago both the men and women won their respective divisions and last year the men won again. This year the team of Luther and Eleanor Ness and Marvin and Mary Naedler won the mixed event on the last day, congratulations Dreamlanders. A special thank you to Sunland Village East for hosting a very successful and enjoyable tournament.
Submitted by Luther Ness