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Racquet Club How far we've come from that gloomy March 2020 day when our courts were shuttered, racquets and paddles mothballed, and swimsuits put back in the drawer. The COVID restrictions that shut us down completely gradually eased, allowing residents to be outdoors and actively engaged in a sport they love. The court renovation project could not have happened at a better time, and from this vantage point it appears that Summer 2021 will be one we will all savor – playing pickleball at the Pavilion's three new permanent courts, getting in a game of tennis at the Pavilion or Terrace courts, or dropping in at the HOA Monday mornings to give paddle tennis a whirl. Water volleyball was last to return, but the sounds of splashing and laughter emanating from the pool Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons confirm that no one lost any enthusiasm for spiking the bouncing ball through the air. They are a most welcoming group, and it does not take long to learn the few rules of the game if you want to sign up with Charlie Payne. Managing pandemic restrictions required play by reservation only, but now all residents have a variety of ways to access OHCC courts. Making a reservation guarantees an assured time and court. Set up a reservation ID by contacting our club Help Desk at ohrchelp@gmail. com. Pickleball has daily drop-in sessions grouped by skill level for residents who simply show up ready to rotate in; paddle tennis offers a weekly Monday morning drop-in at the HOA. Pickle, paddle, and tennis also offer Open Play, meaning players of any ability may walk on to any empty OHCC court – no reservation required - and play. Schedules are posted daily at the courts and available online to those with Skedda reservation IDs; details can be found at https:// ohccracquetclub.wixsite.com/racquet. Racquet Club membership is not required to book reservations or use the courts, but please wear non-marking court shoes. Free pickleball classes return Saturday mornings in June, and this summer there will also be opportunities for skills clinics and drill sessions for experienced players. Badminton will take place two Wednesday evenings a week during summer (instruction included). Paddle tennis provides instruction Monday mornings. Send your contact information to ohrchelp@gmail.com to be notified when class schedules are set and get your neighbors to join you at the courts. | OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2021 | 37 Come on down and join Paddle Tennis aficionados (L to R) Sally Palmer, John Lesser, Lois & Jack Green, Kory Ward, and Allan Singer at their Monday morning drop-ins A warm welcome for the first guests invited to enjoy the courts since March 19, 2020 Shutdown (L to R) resident Lynn Wells invited friends Ken Wenman and Frank Lombardi to team up with resident David Guevara for a long-postponed tennis match Happy days are here again for the pool volleyball contingent who waited a long time to get back in the water