HI, MY NAME IS… John R. Solema.
I’VE LIVED IN PEORIA FOR OVER FOUR YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… of the parks, cleanliness, safety, and the convenient location to get to places in the east and west.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… prayer time, getting our kids ready for school, texting my wife “have a great day, I love you,” checking emails, doing four to five lessons at The Pickleball Space, picking up the kids, bringing them to their activities, and enjoying a home cooked dinner with my family.
MY FAMILY IS… built on faith as we love, learn, laugh, cry, and grow together. They are my heart and home.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY… “Avengers: Endgame” because it’s about good and evil, and good always wins at the end.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… an actor and I pursued it, caught it, then let it go! Maybe it will come back again.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
THE oNE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my wife, Camille. She just knows the buttons and mind set to get me going and moving.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… during a pickleball game with my wife. I get a kick out of her trying her hardest to beat me!
THE PERFECT DAY IS… a day with my family, making breakfast, attending church, and doing a cardio/yoga workout at the gym. This would be followed by a hearty lunch, then a solid nap to wake up ready for pickleball at The Pickleball Space!
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… CCV Church and the programs they have for the Valley and international missions. They teach God’s message in simple terms to help bring this complex world to Christ.
MY LIFE IS… blessed through its ups and downs and successes and failures. It is ever fulfilling and never boring, relentlessly going after God’s purpose and passion for me.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… being a father to our pet Havanese and our two beautiful children. I am grateful to have them in my life.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… to have a tour of the Pacific Islands and enjoy the cool breezes, soft sand, and calm waters.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… “Take it easy!” My youth had some tough times, challenging moments, and as hard as I worked on improving and developing myself , these three words reminded me to pause, breathe, and rest, for tomorrow is another day.
