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50 50 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2021 | | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2021 | Pickleballers are all about the health benefits of our game. We have noted in this space some of the physical and even mental aids offered by this dynamic small-court sport. On reflection, it seems that players are also intent on helping one another with memory care as well. Just consider the questions that waft back and forth on the typical court: "Who served that? What's the score? Wasn't that out? Am I a one or a two? What's the score, again? Didn't you just serve? Oh, it was me? Where are my glasses? Are you sure, I thought I served? Wait, was that ball REALLY out?" We just try to look after each other… And speaking of knowing the score, more and more knowledgeable sports folks are gravitating to pickle. And so are some, such as Rachel Khong, who self-describes as "a bona fide indoor kid." In her article in the New York Times last March, titled "Why Pickleball Is the Sport of the Year (Or Should Be, at Least). The pandemic shut-down drove Rachel out of her living room yoga, resolved to learn a new (outdoor) sport. She and her friends eliminated everything they'd heard of until her husband asked, "What about pickleball?" "From our first match, we were enamored. The pleasure was immediate — the satisfying plastic thwack of the ball against our paddles, the triumph of a successful dink… the thrill of a particularly wonky spin. In the months since, pickleball has become a pleasant pastime, a way to be in the world, albeit safely, during the continued pandemic." Rachel goes on to feature her journey into the world of paddles and offers newcomers some tips and recommends ways to navigate the increasingly complex world of pickleball equipment. But we were struck by her delight at discovering a game she didn't know existed and which has truly taken the globe by storm. We don't think pickle's lure can be better expressed than by our neighbors to the north, Pickleball Canada. Their organizational banner says: "Welcoming, inclusive and accessible. Our sport embraces and supports players of all ages, abilities and interests; we foster social connections and a sense of community." So, if you can relate to Rachel's zeal to get active outside (and the early summer in Sun Lakes is a great environment for that) stop by the pickleball courts adjacent to the north clubhouse. There is play most mornings, afternoons, and as the weather warms, evenings as well. See you on the courts! Pickleball Club TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) What makes TOPS different from other organizations, groups, and companies that deal with weight-loss issues? TOPS is, in fact, different from all of them. We rely on our personal physicians for their expert advice, we stress sensibleness, we offer freedom of choice, we stress moderation in all things, we offer rewards, we honor maintenance, and we are affordable. TOPS is not a company; it is not a business or a brand. TOPS is real people… caring, giving people, who band together to help and support each other to lead healthier lives. We accept each other as we are and encourage each other to succeed. Our goal is to help Sun Lakers become more active by losing weight and keeping it off. TOPS is here for you! We invite you to become part of our TOPS chapter. We meet at the South Clubhouse each Thursday with weigh-ins starting 9 to 9:50 am and meeting from 10 to 11 am. You may visit once free of charge. Membership is $32 a year with $3 monthly chapter dues which includes six TOPS magazines a year and access to the TOPS website. Our TOPS chapter recently crowned our 2020 Royalty and honored our Division winners and they are: Chapter Queen, Marla Henrich, Queen Runner-Up, Bea DiMatteo, Div. 3, 1st Place - CoraLynn Bernier, Div. 4 1st Place - Darleen Moxon. Congratulations 2020 winners on your success! Best Losers for the month are: James Kozik, Mickey Pease, Linda Miller, CoraLynn Bernier, Linda Greene, Dorothy Carberry Bernie Smith, and Lillie Brown. Congratulations to all! KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) in good standing are: Yvonne Adams, Alma Bolla, Bea DiMatteo, Terry Foster, Lynne Haman, Marla Henrich, Donna Leone, Darleen Moxon, Jan Prindle, Ruth Schoonover, and Rosalee Strong. Congratulations! TOPS Southern California Recognition Days Virtual Convention was held on May 14 and 15. Rosalee Strong was honored as a 10 year plus successful KOPS (Keeping Pounds Off Sensibly). Congratulations! For information on TOPS, call Rosalee at (951) 855-2836.

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