National Croquet Center: Sweetser is New GM

The Croquet Foundation of America (CFA), has announced the promotion of Marie Sweetser to the position of General Manager of the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. For the time being, Sweetser will also continue her duties as Membership Director for the resident National Croquet Club, and Manager of Guest Services for the Center. Sweetser, a longtime Florida resident and Pittsburg native, is the former owner of Golden Dart Fast Italian Jet Yachts of Italy. She spent years handling large luxury yacht sales and service for the Codecasa Shipyards of Viareggio, Italy. After returning to the US, Sweetser spent several years in the public relations department of the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Marie spent many years living between residences in Switzerland and Milan, Italy. As a licensed Florida Realtor, she also enjoys working with high-net-worth international clients coming to the Palm Beaches from throughout Europe.
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Morning Coffee: USCA 9W Nationals Scratched

I received an email from local player Ron Millican yesterday indicating he had been informed that the USCA had cancelled the Nine Wicket Croquet National Championship in Washington, D.C. From the USCA, president Johnny Mitchell provided the following statement:

"The (we assume) Park Service cancelled all activities on the Mall and Park areas because of wet ground. Participants that are there and prepared to play are trying to plan an alternative event. They have received my approval to make it a sanctioned event. I don't know at this point if this will be considered a National or if we will reschedule. I am awaiting further updates on the situation. It appears that reports have the hurricane moving more toward the east and not arriving in the area until Monday. It may not be an issue at all."

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USCA Visits the Capitol

The United States Croquet Association has designated October 4, 2015 as "9 Wicket Croquet Day." In celebration, the USCA is hosting the National 9 Wicket Championship October 2-4, 2015, on the National Mall at West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. The view from the courts should be spectacular with the Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson Monuments all in view. Registration will be at Ohio Drive SW and West Basin Dr. SW. 

There will be Championship flights in singles and doubles play for the National Championship title. Three time singles and doubles champion George Cochran will be returning with his winning soubles partner John Warlick. Another past Singles winner, Stephen Morgan of Capital Croquet Club will also be vying for the title. 

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Morning Coffee: Get Paid to Write About Croquet

The University of British Columbia has announced an annual prize of $1000 to the the best research paper on a subject featured in the Tremaine Arkley Croquet Collection held at the UBC Library. The Tremaine Arkley Croquet Collection was donated to UBC in 2011 by Tremaine and Gail Arkley and it includes fine art from the 1850s to present. The collection includes oil paintings, watercolours, etchings, illustrations and other pieces of original fine art as well as photographs, prints, books, advertisements, comics and other materials related to croquet.
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