FORGE VILLAGE—When it comes to community, there are endless ways to seek it. Westford itself is a community, just like the church you attend, or the groups you form for various activities. Community serves us when we need it the most. When all else fails, those moments when we feel ourselves slipping through the cracks, when we yearn to belong, it does justice.
I was recently introduced to a brand new community at the Mill Works, on 22 Town Farm Road, a group that started as the “original five” and is now 40-plus people who meet every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for morning hours of pickleball, encouragement, laughter, support, friendship, and wit from Dennis Kane, the creator of the group.
I had heard of this group from Steve Hoffman, a long-time Westford resident and husband of the woman to whom I dedicated last week’s edition, Joanne Dennison. Steve was a very valuable member who recently passed away and left everyone with a significant hole in their hearts. I wanted to make my way to this group to feel the magic he described and create something special for him. Steve, this article is for you.
As I made my way through the double doors of The Mill Works, I heard the familiar clatter of plastic balls bouncing off rackets, the scuffing of sneakers up and down the wooden courts, and, in the distance, I saw a gentleman sitting in a chair with a grin as wide as the horizon. I would soon find out he was the mastermind behind it all!
I was immediately surrounded by affectionate smiles, twinkling eyes, and warm welcomes from members of the group. Everyone was so eager that I was there to meet with them, chat with them, and bask in the glory of the pickleball glow.
As I sat down with Dennis Kane, who at 96 had more energy and pizzazz than an average middle schooler, he gave me the rundown of how the magic all came together. He explained that it started with the “gentle group,” which was him, Annette, Bob Dragon, Virginia, and his daughter, Joanne. Dennis and Joanne got the pickleball bug down in Florida. Dennis and Joanne were originally tennis players, but they swapped in the fuzzy bouncy ball for the hard plastic one, like the rest of the folks. They found themselves looking for a place to continue playing pickleball year-round, and that’s where The Mill Works came in handy.
Dennis laid out the process of joining this group cleanly and simply, “You show up with a racket and say, ‘Hey Dennis, I wanna play,’ and I say, ‘Come play!” Dennis went on to say, “All they do is laugh and smile and have a good time.” Plus, he let me in on a little secret: “Fran is the cookie monster, always bringing bread and cookies for everyone.”
Here, it really is that simple. Anyone can join these mornings of fun, no matter the skill, age, or knowledge. I sat on the sidelines in a circle of folding chairs next to Dennis as a crowd of people flowed gracefully throughout the crowd like a well-orchestrated game of musical chairs. I heard beautiful stories of how this group was a great support system for one another. A terrific way for people to get out now that they have moved on to the life of retirement. A way for life to feel fuller now that they have reached empty nesting, or just a way to be social and engaged. I heard silly anecdotes of loving smacktalk that always ended with sweet words of encouragement, simple hugs, or a gentle kiss.
As I made the rounds chatting with whoever felt brave enough to talk to the loudmouth that I am, I chatted with Cathy, a super enthusiastic and caring woman who made such a great point about degrees of separation. “As we start to talk with people, you realize all the connections you have to people in town you may have never crossed paths with.” That’s the beauty of these small communities we find off the beaten path. We can fuse with neighbors we may never have thought we could have, and you may even have a plethora of things in common!
My heart was full, my skin tingling. I felt completely at home.
“We have become best friends here in a group, we encourage one another, we are happy for the births, we’re sad for the passings, we always keep each other lifted up,” a member stated.
The number of reasons people had for what brought them to this group was endless. Whether it was friends, neighbors, family, or nearby towns, the community that was once the “gentle group” of five is now growing every day. What warmed my heart the most was not the compliments on my smarts, or my willingness to take the time to meet with them (because truly, the pleasure was all mine), but the way people spoke about Steve.
It was the first name on people’s lips. I could feel the devotion, grief, and pure love they had for him. I wanted to highlight some things that this group had to say about him.
“I loved Steve.”
“Steve Hoffman was a vital member of our Pickleball Family… He had a contagious smile and was deeply kind, on and off the court… He has left a lasting, positive impact on our community. He will be missed and remembered as we Pickle on …” says Margaret Perras.
“Steve was quiet yet offered an important role to our group; we miss him.”
“I really loved Steve a lot. He was one of four veterans in our group. Man, we had fun.”
It was nothing but clear that this group is full of magic. I could feel it the second I walked in. The tenderness, openness, and unity seemed as if it was written in the stars.
I plan on grabbing my racket and heading on down to the Mill Works for some real fun, and you should too!
In the words of Dennis Kane….
“Everyone here is a winnah!”
One Response
Great article, Lindsay. You captured the magic of Dennis and his group of positive cheerleaders! You stressed the power of the community that has been created! The winning is not via individual games but rather in the support and joy of this community of friends! Thank you!