expert witness in numerous court proceedings .
Joe is known nationally as an author and lecturer who for 25 years provided more than 85 continuing professional education seminars annually to more than 30,000 certified public accountants , attorneys , and federal / state government officials .
Joe and Donna have two sons and take great pride in what they have accomplished . The oldest , Christopher , is a federal judge for the U . S . Department of Justice in Washington , D . C ., where he is the Chief Immigration Judge for the U . S . He also served 20 years in the U . S . Air Force Reserve and retired as a colonel . Their youngest son , Jason , a former U . S . Navy Lieutenant Commander and a helicopter pilot , worked for both Northrup Grumman and General Dynamics as a consultant to the Pentagon .
Joe is eager to be involved with multiple committees within the USA Pickleball organization .
He added , “ As a member of the USA Pickleball Board , I hope to help with the steps needed to have pickleball recognized as an Olympic sport .” •
MOUNT CARMEL PICKLEBALL CLUB
By Tyler Burr
After a year of
fundraising , the Mount Carmel Pickleball Club ( MCPC ) in Mount Carmel , Illinois , has completed its tournamentgrade , six-court facility , which includes a pavilion and player seating . The club raised over $ 300,000 in community donations . “ This truly has been a community-driven effort for the community ’ s benefit ,” said MCPC Treasurer Rob Coleman .
Mount Carmel city officials are equally enthusiastic about the new facility . “ These courts are a
huge asset to have in the city ,” said Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge . “ I ’ ve gone to several other towns to look at their pickleball courts , and nothing compares to what the Mount Carmel Pickleball Club was able to accomplish through their fundraising . The pickleball courts project was so successful , the city is looking to partner with other organizations to improve the rest of the city park !”
The courts are now busy throughout the week with members across the generations facing off across the net . •
PHOTO COURTESY KIEFFER BROS . CONSTRUCTION
NEW JERSEY ’ S FLEMINGTON PICKLEBALL CLUB
Childhood friends ,
sports enthusiasts , and longtime Hunterdon residents Bob Drinane and Eric Luque opened Flemington Pickleball Club , Hunterdon County ’ s first indoor pickleballonly facility . The new club is over 11,000 square feet and features five climate-controlled indoor courts and a spacious lounge for players and spectators .
“ Eric and I began playing pickleball last year , and we quickly became addicted to the game . It is so much fun to play , easy to learn , and very social . We soon realized there is a need for additional court space in Hunterdon County , and the idea for Flemington Pickleball Club was born ,” said Drinane .
Memberships to the club are available for individuals and families . More
Business partners and lifelong friends , Bob Drinane ( left ) and Eric Luque , outside of 19 Royal Road in Flemington , the home of Flemington Pickleball Club .
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 | MAGAZINE 17