Published on August 28, 2026

Inaugural PickleFest Supports Cardiovascular Care in Alpena

The Business Relations Committee of the Development Council serving Alpena hosted its inaugural PickleFest on August 22–23 at the pickleball courts on Bay View Park. PickleFest was a two-day pickleball tournament featuring men’s, women’s and mixed doubles competitions across multiple divisions. MyMichigan Health Foundation additionally thanks Ron Fusina and Lynn Olsen for their hard work helping to create this event.

Winners and runners-up for the event included Craig Knechtel, Ron Fusina, Cody Childs and Aaron Pokorzynski, who were named co-champions of the Men's Open Division.

In the Women's Open Division, Amanda Turner and Anna Cuadrado were named winners, while Jane Mortimer and Jodi Vivian were runners-up. Beth Matzke and Julie Dietz were the winners of the Women's B Division.

Aaron Pokorzynski and Mary Schimmel won the Mixed Open Division, with Jodi Vivian and Evan Altman named runners-up. In the Mixed B Division, Denise Burke and Don Lewandowski were the winners, while Tony Splitt and Cindy Ostrowski were runners-up.

All funds raised from the event will support the purchase of a new vascular ultrasound machine for the cardiovascular unit at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Those interested in more information may contact Ann Diamond, director, MyMichigan Health Foundation, at (989) 356-7738 or ann.diamond@mymichigan.org.

Photo of the PickleFest Men's Open Division co-champions.

Men’s Open Division, co-champions, from left to right: Craig Knechtel, Ron Fusina, Cody Childs and Aaron Pokorzynski.

Photo of the PickleFest Women's Open Division, runners up.

Women’s Open Division, runners up, from left to right: Jane Mortimer and Jodi Vivian; winners, from left to right: Amanda Turner and Anna Cuadrado.

Photo of the Women's B Division winners.

Women’s B Division, winners, from left to right: Beth Matzke and Julie Dietz.

Photo of the Picklefest Mixed Open Division winners.

Mixed Open Division, winners, from left to right: Aaron Pokorzynski and Mary Schimmel; runners up, from left to right: Jodi Vivian and Evan Altman.

Photo of the PickleFest Mixed B Division runners-up.

Mixed B Division, runners up, from left to right: Tony Splitt and Cindy Ostrowski; winners, from left to right: Denise Burke and Don Lewandowski.