Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1367506
Racquet Club What more did water volleyball aficionados look forward to during the long months of the pandemic shutdown than Charlie Payne's laugh-filled Monday e-blasts? The news that finally hit inboxes March 16 announcing the return of water volleyball on Friday afternoons! Although initially playing slots were restricted and games limited to once weekly, the regulars were giddy about donning their swim wear, hopping into the pool, and swatting the ball back and forth. The joyous sounds of splashing and laughter were yet another sign of OHCC inching toward normal. Court renovations took a major turn toward full completion when the refreshed tennis court and three new permanent pickleball courts at the Pavilion debuted in late March. Windscreen installation was delayed, and gusts caused plenty of serves to go awry, but the absence of screens gave pedestrians the chance to admire Head Pickleball Coach Herb Livsey's "cool" court color palate of Carolina Blue and Dodger Blue and watch the live action as they sauntered through the clubhouse grounds. During the three months starting in late December when county health orders prohibited doubles pickleball and paddle tennis play, many gave singles the "old college try." Some players used the time to sharpen their skills, using the hour of concentrated exercise to work on dinking and shot placement and experiment with the new pickleball drop-shot serve. Others opted out, choosing to rest their bones for the duration. The resumption of doubles in March was greeted with widespread applause and brought more players back to the courts. Supply chain delays unexpectedly slowed progress on the Phase 2 sprucing up of the tennis courts next to the dog park (renamed the Terrace Courts) and the HOA courts (two shared paddle tennis/ pickleball courts). Players responded to the steady stream of email announcements of temporary closures and changes during the project with good humor and cooperation, happy to be outdoors and able to play. Like our players, all four venues are now set for a summer of outdoor fun. Free summer lessons for residents — in accordance with any COVID precautions — will resume, but details are pending. OHCC residents interested in badminton, paddle tennis, pickleball, tennis, and water volleyball lessons should email our club help desk at ohrchelp@gmail.com with their contact information, sport(s), and skill level to join the class mailing list. Find our membership form at https://ohccracquetclub.wixsite. com/racquet. Feedback? Email ohrchelp@gmail.com or contact a board member. | OHCC LIVING | MAY 2021 | 37 2 Love 40 at Court 4. John Rundles, Chi Chang Lee, Suchiko Okada, and Klaus Waib- linger are first to play at the refreshed Pavilion tennis court. A fish out of water no more. Charlie Payne and water volleyball return! Racquet Club Greg Johnson, Herb Livsey, and Rob Schoonover