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42 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2024 | It's almost time for the Summer Swim Clinic, which will be held on Saturdays, July 13, 20 and 27 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Experienced instructors will teach for about 30 minutes, then you can practice on your own for as long as you wish. From "I'm scared to put my face in the water" to "I need a stroke tune-up", our clinic can help. You MUST sign up in advance so we can plan for whatever level you might be at. Check recent emails for more info. Our next club meeting will be Wed., Sept. 11 at 1:30 pm on Palm Court. Please remember to register your pool guests and receive a wristband at the Clubhouse before entering the pool area. Residents must be with their guests at all times. Children must be at least five years old to use the pool and also must be at least 14 years old to be in the spa (hot tub). Member Spotlight: Newcomer Phil Topar and his wife Lynne came to our community just six months ago. Lynne's cousins Robin and Randi Ryan are OHCC residents and Phil and Lynne had visited here often. The big attraction for Phil was our warm pool. He has had five spinal surgeries and swimming is the one form of exercise that he can do. He says that after six months here, his back is the best it has been in a long time. Phil swims in the morning most days every week and claims that after his workout, most of his aches and pains are gone, his posture is better and "it's a great start to the day." He appreciates that other swimmers are friendly and are always willing to share a lane. Phil was a military brat, living in many places in the US and Germany. After his dad retired, they moved to Bakersfield where "it was so hot, the only thing to do was swim!" Phil competed in high school as well as college and was All-American in butterfly and freestyle. He earned a scholarship in swimming and water polo at Cal State, as well as a degree in environmental science. After lifeguarding during his college summers, Phil was hired as a full-time lifeguard, eventually becoming Captain and then Battalion Chief for LA County, the largest professional lifeguard association in the world. Phil is proud that he saved around 300 people during his career and even earned the Medal of Honor for a particularly harrowing save. One year, a friend of Phil's created a TV show about lifeguards, and was told by Hollywood execs, "that will never sell." The show was based on Phil and other lifeguards and the filming was done on one of Phil's beaches. He was an extra in a few scenes and technical director for lifesaving scenes. The show? Ever heard of Baywatch?!" Phil and Lynne have seven "yours, mine, and ours" children plus 10 grandkids and a 13-year-old black lab named Karma. In addition to swimming, Phil enjoys reading and gardening. Written by Sara Stewart, VP Swim & Wellness Club e pool was the main attraction for Phil's move to OHCC If you are looking for a way to reduce stress and anxiety, and a way to increase flexibility and balance, then Tai Chi exercise may be just what the doctor ordered. Originally, Tai Chi was developed for self-defense, but has evolved into a graceful form of exercise. Some describe it as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Tai Chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai Chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. It is especially suitable for older adults who otherwise may not exercise. The benefits of Tai Chi may include: decreased stress, improved mood, increased energy, improved flexibility, balance, and agility, and improved muscle strength. OHCC offers a free Tai Chi class each Tuesday and Thursday, 9 to 10 am, in the Abravenal Hall. Each class is led by a video presentation that lasts about 45 minutes. For more information, please contact Mary Ross at (760) 295-9979 or mk1ross@cox.net. Tai Chi

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