Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1404338
Racquet Club Going to meetings is never high on anyone's list, but the Racquet Club's first general meeting in 19 months drew nearly 120 members to the Big Tent on the Lanai. The festive mood allowed plenty of "catching up" and a chance to celebrate long-needed improvements made to the courts. Throughout the meeting, Interim President Ann Rike highlighted and thanked those who had stepped up to ensure that residents could access the courts in accordance with prevailing county and HOA orders. Board members Dave Johnson, Sid Saltzman, Rob Schoonover, Cliff Singh, and Dannica Wood did the lion's share of the work, embracing a team approach to responding to resident questions, concerns, and suggestions. Dave and Ann negotiated (on behalf of all residents, not just club members) with the Master Board and HOA on all aspects of getting players onto the courts and keeping them there. Two COVID shutdown procedures that are here to stay include the Skedda courts reservation system which is now in the hands of the Recreation Department to manage with guidance from the Racquet Club along with the Help Desk (ohrchelp@gmail.com), a place to get questions answered about using the courts and learning the sports. Summer lessons for pickleball beginners taught by Herb Livsey and Mike Hoggatt and their staff produced scores of enthusiastic new players. Intermediate lessons – along with small group instruction from David Levine and Brett Anderson – sharpened the skills of many of our seasoned players. The board will continue to roll out more free lessons and clinics over the course of the year to meet the increasing demands of residents. Paddle tennis play has picked up, perhaps a combination of the new eye-catchingly bright, fat paddles and the jocular banter filling the HOA courts where they play. Check it out Monday mornings at their weekly drop-in. Badminton shuts down at the end of summer, while water volleyball continues its year-round Monday/Wednesday/ Friday sessions. Tennis players prefer their by-reservation matches, but anytime a court is open, residents are welcome to come play. Even without our traditional Do Dues Day, residents wanting to join have found us. Membership Chair Sharon Sorensen manages our roster and happily collects dues forms. Felicity Swerdlow is our Greeter, always ready to assist new members, or those just thinking about joining, learn about our sports, where and when they can play, and how to find playing partners. | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2021 | 37 Dannica Wood listens raptly as Dave Johnson demystifies Skedda court reservations Felicity Swerdlow and Sharon Sorensen on the lookout for new members at the courts Ask about our OHCC discount!