Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1477162
44 | OHCC LIVING | SEPTEMBER 2022 | Racquet Club If you're still perusing print media, you've noticed a recent rash of pickleball articles — from the Union Tribune to Parade, from the The New Yorker to Sports Illustrated, everybody's talking about this sport that can truly be played by all ages. Our own poster boy is World War II vet Bill Vogel who celebrated his 95th birthday earlier this summer with a couple pickleball games and some birthday cake provided by the morning drop-in crowd at the Pavilion courts. Bill's well known for the wicked spin on his serves! OHCC tennis players were pleased when the HOA (thanks, Chris Bessey!) recently replaced the 11-year-old tennis ball machine with a new Tennis Tutor. They say it's much lighter and easier to move around than the old model, so if you're thinking it's time to dust off your racquet, head to the front desk to sign out the key to use it on Courts 8 and 9. Summer at the courts was again a whirlwind of classes covering all Racquet Club sports. Beginner lessons introducing the fundamentals are always free to OHCC residents. Paddle tennis offers a private session for those wanting to learn, while badminton held an introductory May and "learn as you go" assistance for those attending drop-in. Pickleball offers comprehensive beginner sessions, while subsequent classes and clinics – also free – are restricted to club members. Part-time resident Greg Smith – a USPTA Level "Pro 1" (the highest level) certified instructor – graciously offered two free tennis clinics this summer: one focused on doubles play, the other on forehand and backhand groundstrokes. While our ranks of active tennis players are shrinking, we encourage those of you new to the community to contact the Help Desk at ohrchelp@gmail.com to be introduced to those who do play regularly. The Club Board, sports committees, and instructors continue to expand and modify opportunities to support our robust membership. A more comprehensive year-round instructional schedule is under discussion, so email the Help Desk for alerts about future lessons. Calendar Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, for our second special event of the year, Racquet Club Game Day – when members will leave their racquets and paddles behind to socialize and mix it up with some friendly family-style contests. Members may expect the announcement email prior to Labor Day. There will be room for everyone, but reservations are required. WWII vet Bill Vogel kicks off his 95th birthday with a pickleball game Greg Smith checks out the new tennis ball machine Ron Boren (right) tutors new pickleballers Dave Lopez (left) and Dale Wills practice the dinking game