Edmonds Petanque Club members are on the map, and they’re hot!  The local club recently appeared in a national publication, designated as a “Hot Spot” for popularizing this French game of boules (balls) in our region.  (FPUSA, The Annual Publication of the Federation of Petanque, USA.)

One could not meet a more enthusiastic group of people.  Michelle Martin, club president, with her warm smile and charming accent will rope you into learning the game should you happen by the Civic Playfield at Sixth Avenue North on a sunny day.

Especially if you pause to watch the players toss their metal boules on the rectangular gravel courts on the other side of the fence.

The friendliness of club members and their willingness to teach anyone of any age, at the drop of a hat, how to play is making petanque (pronounced pay-tonk) one of the fastest growing sports in our community.

On Jan. 13, club members gathered at the Cheesemonger’s Table for the annual meeting.

President Martin announced the names of the newly appointed board: Vice President, Jerry Fireman; Secretary, Dick Van Hollebeke; Treasurer (interim), Rodney Shively; and Membership, Larry Thomas.

Martin then announced the welcomed news that the club had received 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

She reported that the Edmonds Parks Department had agreed to build a fourth court to be located near the Boys and Girls Club.  Construction will begin soon, thanks to the McDevitt Family donation of $2,000 to the Boys and Girls Club to cover the cost of the court, and another $2,000 to the Edmonds Petanque Club to support its mission of service to the community.

Among other accomplishments in 2012 were the petanque clinic co-sponsored with the Seattle Petanque Club and two tournaments, including one held on August 18, 2012 to benefit the Edmonds Food Bank, which garnered $3,200 in food, monetary donations, and local sponsorships.

Martin congratulated members for teaching hundreds of people to play the game, including visiting Japanese students, Boys and Girls Club staff and kids, various French groups, Chamber of Commerce staff and members, Parks Department summer-campers, local senior groups, visitors at the Taste, and anyone else who just walked up and joined in.

Board member Dick Van Hollebeke announced plans to possibly build a covered court in the existing horseshoe pits at Edmonds City Park.  Michelle Martin is working on potential plans for a Bastille Day celebration at the Civic Playfield on July 14, this summer.  (Which means it will happen!)

Martin closed the meeting announcing the club’s plans to continue to recruit new members, to serve the community’s need for recreation for people of all ages and abilities, and to donate to local charities.