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52 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | FEBRUARY 2020 | POP Tennis Personal Player Stories Ken Swanson nearly died twice before the age of 18! At the age of 15, he was out on the ice on Lake Michigan, at Michigan City, Indiana, with his buddies. He went out to relieve himself and the ice cracked. As he began to slip into the icy water, his buddies had to rescue him from a horrid death that nearly drowned them all. Then, in 1958, in the South China Sea, on the aircraft carrier Bonhomme Richard or "Bonnie Dick," Ken experienced two new adventures. At the raw young age of 17, after joining the Navy, Ken was called to strap on a .45 caliber and go below deck to discover the biggest dang atomic bomb loaded and ready to roll, where it was cordoned off. He had to guard the bomb so no one could get near it. You can imagine his shock at having a loaded gun in his hand, and standing next to this mammoth atomic bomb. His orders were to shoot anybody who tried to cross the cordoned line. However, what nearly killed him was standing by the upper railing when a plane suddenly landed, hitting the afterburner, which exploded wildly and, at the same time, the ship lurched due to violently surging waves and he nearly fell over the side. He caught himself just in time. After three years in the Navy, he had had enough. He and his wife, Debbie, have six kids, 12 grandkids and 10 great-grandkids. Way to go, Ken, a survivor till the end! So, now that you know more about the characters out there, come and join us. Demo paddles are available. Come out and see what it's all about, or call Jeanne at (951) 845-8817 or Suzanne at (951) 205-9588. Come out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from 8 to 10 am to intermingle with some real characters and all those pop tennis ladies and gents! Table Tennis/Ping Pong We play Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4 to 6 pm, and Sat., 10 am to 12 noon in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom (normally). Because the Ballroom is such a popular venue for so many varied events, our time slot sometimes gets canceled. Therefore if you are not a regular attendee please refer to the Sun Lakes website at sunlakescc.com and click on "Recreation" then click on "Classes," and finally click on "Table Tennis Group" for the current months up to date schedule. You can also check the Main Clubhouse events board across from the recreation desk or call the reception desk at "(951) 845-2191 for that days calendar. We have all skill levels currently participating and welcome all new comers. We have several newer quality tables, and all the equipment is provided free by the Sun Lakes Recreation Department. A fun way to exercise! Please come give us a try. There are no fees. Laced tennis shoes required - no exceptions! For info contact Bruno at (951) 797-0357/ Do you enjoy playing the billiard game of 8 Ball? If you do, come join us. All Sun Lakes residents are welcome to practice with us Mondays through Saturdays. We normally draw for partners at noon, then play to around 2 pm. There is no cost to join our group. However, if you elect to join a team, there is a $15 competition fee per three-month season. Eight teams compete every Thursday; four at 9 am and the other four at 1 pm in our Main Clubhouse Billiards Room. For a fun afternoon of friendly competition, come watch us play. For further information, please contact Barry Sorensen at (951) 402-4020 or email jobear15@sbcglobal.net.