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| OHCC LIVING | MAY 2025 | 37 Our first open pool tournament of 2025 featured a Team 8-Ball event. In this "Key Ball" event, the solids must sink the 1-Ball in the #2 pocket, while the stripes must get the 15-Ball in the #5 pocket. This additional rule is indeed "key" to winning the game. Two-member teams were created through a random draw, pairing an 'A' skill player with a 'B' skill player. Players had to alternate shots, so if the A partner sank a ball, the B partner had to shoot next. This meant they needed to make joint decisions on the next shot. This was a good opportunity for B players to learn from the strategies of more experienced A players. Many players did not know their new partners, but these continual discussions helped them become well- acquainted as play progressed. Four teams got through to the semi-finals. In the first semi, Hank Jones and Charlie Payne faced off against David Breedlove and Martin Bick. Mid-game, Charlie sank his opponents' key ball, a disastrous shot that gave David and Martin an easy win. The second semi saw Janice Pelcher and Leo Beeloo taking on Tony Sando and David Key. Janice and Leo put up a good fight, but Tony and David advanced to the finals. However, their luck soon ran out as David and Martin pulled off a convincing win. There was no entry fee. The third-place finishers (Charlie and Hank) received $10. The second-place team (Tony and David) received $20, while the winners (David and Martin) received $50. In addition to the cash, the money winners have their photos featured right here, suitable for copying and sending to everyone they know. But best of all, the first-place team will become IMMORTAL, with their names engraved in brass on the Billiards Club Wall of Champions! Written by Charlie Payne Upcoming tournaments: April 10 – Cutthroat May 8 – Golf June 12 – 9-Ball Club Championship July 10 – Straight Pool Sept. 25 – Team 8-Ball Oct. 9 – Skills Contest Oct. 23 – 8-Ball Club Championship Billiards Newbies is the official welcoming group for Ocean Hills Country Club residents. We host quarterly potlucks where new and established residents can meet and socialize. Our goal is to embrace newcomers with warm hospitality and help impart a feeling of community. We enjoyed a turnout of 71 people including 28 Newbies at the March 22 potluck on the Lanai. We are grateful to Barbara DuDeck, OHCC Resident Realtor, Your Sunny San Diego Connection, who sponsored a portion of the overhead expenses. We would also like to acknowledge, with much gratitude, the time and effort donated by our Newbies Ambassadors and Volunteers. A prize was awarded to the newest residents, Brent Menning and Marilyn Cooper, who moved into their home on March 5. Another prize was given to Jim and Nancy Steven, who moved from the farthest away, Philadelphia. Jim commented that they have never seen a better retirement community on their six driving trips across the country. Everyone enjoyed the potluck, learning a little bit about our newest neighbors, and of course, the great prizes! This month we are spotlighting new resident Courtney Simson. Courtney, born and raised in Berkeley, California, moved to Escondido with her husband and kids in 1984. She became a literature and language arts teacher in Escondido, a career she absolutely loved. After school she directed students in plays and taught video production. In 2011, Courtney and her husband Anton moved up to Truckee and built their dream home near Donner Lake. Anton, a mechanical engineer, built a shop in the basement where he happily worked most days on projects and inventions. Courtney founded Truckee Community Theater and served as Producing Artistic Director for many years, directing and choreographing local residents in plays and musicals. She also taught young people to run light and sound for their productions. She hopes to share her talents and experience with Broadway musicals with OHCC residents in the future. Courtney's beloved husband passed away two years ago. She needed to be near family and moved to Oceanside to be close to her son, Tom, who visits her weekly. Her daughter Amy will be bringing her four adorable grandkids down from Portland for a visit in May. The kids will LOVE the pool and playing games with Nana! The next Newbies gathering will be held on Sat., June 14, from noon to 3 pm on the Lanai. Details will be publicized well in advance or more information, email us at ohccnewbies@gmail.com or visit our website: https://ohccnewbies.wixsite.com/ohccnewbies. ~ Lynn Bible and Rosemary Bray, Newbies Co-Leaders Newbies March 22 Newbies Gathering Courtney Simson

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