Tribute to Jeff Treiber

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 Jeff Treiber:  A Man With A Mission

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Jeff, on behalf of the membership of Dennis pickleball, for your immense contribution and leadership in bringing an incredible pickleball facility and program to Dennis. We know that you would be the first to acknowledge all the ground work that was done in the very early days when it was a grass roots group of individuals who first began the quest to bring pickleball to Dennis back in 2015.  Their initial efforts of approaching the town with requests for courts and funding did not always go smoothly and were often met with push back and negative responses.  However, they persevered and continued to meet with the town and school representatives to present requests to somehow get pickleball in town.  

As it became obvious that the group needed to work closely with Dennis Recreation, you jumped in with determination and faithfully attended meetings to speak and petition for the creation of pickleball courts in Dennis.  These efforts eventually led to the first courts at Sea View Park.  You were such a fixture and voice at the Recreation Board meetings, that a member of the Recreation Board suggested that you join the board as a member, which you did.  So, with the support of all those who began the movement to create a pickleball group in Dennis, you became the face of Dennis pickleball.  

To say you worked hard, to establish the program we have now, would be an understatement.  You were relentless in your quest to get Sea View up and running, and were bold and steadfast in requesting funds from the town for the creation of 14 courts at Wixon.  You had the vision of those 14 courts and continued to petition the town, even though there was often push back and negative responses. You also committed a pledge of raising $10,000 from the pickleball community which was done through various fundraising vehicles.

The formal creation of Friends of Dennis Pickleball, with you as its CEO, gave impetus and organization to the movement.  In addition to the Sea View courts, clinics were held there for newcomers who were greeted with open arms and were taught the philosophy of inclusion and fun for the sport.  That philosophy created the culture which remains as the underpinning of our pickleball community.  In addition to the Sea View courts, the Johnny Kelley courts were painted – the right way – and play was held there as well, with the option of playing after dark.  Seeing the need for indoor play through the winter, 3 courts were lined in the gym at the Ezra Baker school.  You were instrumental in introducing the game to youngsters through the summer program and the after school program at Ezra Baker.  You lead training sessions for court monitors and were always a support for that volunteer work.

You continued to voice and provide support from the pickleball community for other town endeavors such as the Dennis Road Race, Field of Honor, and improvements to the Mike Stacy Park for disabled access.  Always having your sights set on the philosophy of inclusive play, you have been instrumental in acquiring adaptive equipment for those in need to be able to enjoy the sport.  

You have written grants and have fought with tenacity, with the help and support of others, to grow Dennis pickleball to an organization of over 550 members with the Wixon facility known, on and off the Cape, as a top notch facility.  In the face of COVID this summer, you worked with the town and the region to establish protocols for us to open up play in a responsible way.

You are always the first to thank anyone and everyone who volunteer their time for our pickleball community.  It is time now for us to thank you for your leadership, your work, your drive, your vision, and your chutzpah in growing the program into what we enjoy today. Although leadership is changing hands, as you step down as CEO, we still want you nearby for your sage advice and as a friend on the rec board and CPC.   We thank you for your unwavering belief that Dennis pickleball be run with the philosophy of fun, respect and inclusiveness for all who enjoy the sport.  We are dedicated to continuing that philosophy.

We wish you years of pickleball enjoyment as you now will be able to come and go as you wish and play on your own timeframe with all of us knowing that Diane will celebrate loudly every time she is able to beat you on the courts!

Thank you, Jeff, from the bottom of our hearts.