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Bocce club John Abdelaziz This month we are taking a break from Bocce Club news to share a story of one of our great players. Every sport has its GOAT — Greatest Of All Time. In football, it's Tom Brady. In hockey, Wayne Gretzky. In baseball, Babe Ruth. And here at Ocean Hills Country Club, the Bocce Club has its own legendary GOAT: John Abdelaziz. John was born and raised in North Carolina, where his first job at age 16 was helping to clear-cut forests for new power lines. Eventually, he moved to New York, where he developed a lasting appreciation for Italian food and culture — passions that would stay with him for life. But it was a trip out West in the 1960s that truly changed everything. The sunny, mild Southern California climate captured his heart, and he never looked back. An avid golfer, John, spent years enjoying the lush courses of Palm Springs and Palm Desert. His charm and easygoing nature also served him well in a successful real estate career. One favorite story from that time: John once walked into the Palm Springs Rolls-Royce dealership dressed more casually than expected. After being ignored for a while, a salesperson finally approached. John simply pointed to a convertible and said, "I'll take that one." A timeless reminder — never judge a book by its cover. His wife, Dea, reflects, "I never thought John would love another sport as much as golf until we moved to Ocean Hills Country Club." What began as a way to meet neighbors quickly became a new passion. Bocce offered both fun and challenge, and John was hooked. Through the Bocce Club, John made many cherished friendships — and the occasionally friendly rival. But above all, he's known for his warm welcome to newcomers. Whether it's sharing strategies or inviting a rookie into a match, John's generosity and love for the game shine through. Watching him play is a masterclass: his precision is remarkable, his strategy exceptional. Even during the Covid lock down, John's passion didn't wane. He built a mini bocce court in his backyard so he could keep practicing. When play resumed in 2021, he returned stronger than ever, racking up an astonishing 308 bocces that year — his personal best. His dedication and unmatched skill have earned him the title of Bocce King for seven consecutive years. And here's the most incredible part: John is 95 years old. A true legend on and off the court, John Abdelaziz is the heart and soul of OHCC bocce — and an inspiration to us all. 46 | OHCC LIVING | JULY 2025 | Walkers & Hikers Club A study that was published online on 9/6/2022 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, JAMA Neurology, indicated there is no medication yet that can cut your risk of dementia by 50 percent, but walking about 10,000 steps per day (about five miles) might cut the risk of dementia. The study followed 78,000 healthy people between the ages of 40-79 who were set up with fitness trackers 24 hours a day for at least three days and followed for seven years. The study compared those who walked 9800 steps per day with those who didn't walk much at all. The study revealed that the 9,800 steps per day walkers were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia. The study then revealed that those who walked 3,800 steps per day (about two miles), were 25 percent less likely to develop dementia. Once I read the above-mentioned study/article, I surfed the Internet and came across many more articles with the same conclusion. A December 1, 2022, article in Harvard Health bore the title "Walking linked to lower dementia risk." In addition to the benefits of being out in the fresh air, getting cardio exercise, and sharing great conversations, we might reduce the risk of dementia. Seems like a win, win, win! Please check the OHCC Walkers/Hikers group on the website for up-to-date information as to our latest walks (three miles or less, relatively f lat) or hikes (with elevation). We also invite you to lead a walk or hike if you have a favorite place that you think others will enjoy. We hope to see you on the trails! Submitted by Marla Reiter

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