Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1506022
| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | SEPTEMBER 2023 | 61 Table Tennis/Ping Pong Last month we started playing with brand new Nittaku balls which allowed some of us to immediately improve our forehand smashes, challenge our blocks, and backhand returns. But one thing never changed — the boisterous laughter, especially when something unexpected happens, like a low-probability shot down the line, or a successful block on the same shot. This month, serendipity struck in the form of the recruitment of our newest player, Laura Harbison, a hallway passerby who finally stopped to gaze on what was causing all the boisterous laughter. This self-described mudslinger was handed a paddle and the rest is her history. Here is her SLCC mini-biography: "I've lived in Sun Lakes for several months and moved here from Redlands. I'm active in several clubs and am grateful for the new friendships I've made. I was on the Yucaipa Flying Fish Swim Team and swam competitively from the age of 5 to 18, making it to the So Cal Swim Championships.I've enjoyed entering floral arranging competitions at local flower shows with my mom and two sisters. There have been a few times where we've won Theme Prizes! I worked doing federal contracts for 25 years and now stay busy with fun activities like ping pong. "My father worked for Sears and was the lead salesman, winning many prizes for our family, including a ping pong table. My love for ping pong stemmed from playing with family and neighbors. I have not played ping pong for years, however, I always wanted to get back into it. I joined the group a few weeks ago. I was walking past the open doors and peeked in to watch them play ping pong thinking no one would see me. Well, I got caught. Several friendly people said, come on in, just grab a paddle, come join us. "I'm now part of the group. While it will take some time before I acquire the skills I used to have, I look forward to playing four times a week and bringing up my skill level. There are players of all levels, including many advanced professional level players. What an encouraging and supportive group! We laugh and have fun when someone hits a remarkable shot. If you're thinking of playing ping pong, just do it. Come on in, just grab a paddle, come join us!"