BY KATHY HERSH

When the demand for more pickleball courts put pressure on the DeLand City Commission to replace most of the shuffleboard courts in Earl Brown Park, the DeLand Shuffleboard Club, around since 1936, swung into action. They convinced the city to save enough courts so they can hold tournaments, bringing prestige and dollars to DeLand. 

No member is happier that the club prevailed than 101-year-old Paul Fazio, a winter resident of DeLand, who has been a regular at the club for the past 10 years. 

“I love the camaraderie,” Fazio said. “We play for fun, not for blood.” 

He counts the members of the club as his good friends. 

Fazio was an outstanding athlete in his youth and still considers himself a jock. When asked about his shuffleboard skills, he’s honest: “I stink.” 

Nevertheless, he says the people at the club “treat me like a God.”  

No doubt Fazio inspires them as he approaches the court on his rollator, which he holds onto with one hand while playing with the other. And then there’s his zest for life, sense of humor, and lively conversation, full of stories about his life as a chicken farmer on Long Island, a pilot during World War II, and 40 years as a principal and health educator in the New York public school system.

His philosophy: “Live hard, play hard, and party, party, party — enjoy every day.” 

Although the city owns the courts, the 53-member club cleans and paints the facilities, keeping them in tip-top shape. Club President Brad Simons says more players are always welcome. 

“We offer free lessons,” Simons said.

Club hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1-3 p.m. in the winter and 9 a.m.-noon. in spring/summer. Equipment is provided. Membership in the club costs $25 a year.

The club has donated a set of equipment to the Sanborn Center for anyone wanting to play outside of club times.

The DeLand Shuffleboard Club is located at 815 S. Alabama Ave., behind the Sanborn Center.