Image Up Advertising & Design

36 | OHCC LIVING | APRIL 2026 | Table Tennis (aka Ping Pong) Second only to the age old "Chicken or the Egg" debate maybe the question "Is it Ping Pong or Table Tennis?" We shall try and set the record straight right here. Both names apply to EXACTLY the same game, and the two names can be used interchangeably. So there! Early versions resembling the game were known as Gossima, Whiff-Waff, etc. The name "Ping Pong" was trademarked by the Hamley Brothers, and manufactured by John Jaques & Son, in England in 1901. Parker Brothers licensed the trademark for sales in the US. The Hamley trademark strictly stipulated that only equipment approved by the Hamleys could be used in events and competition, creating a commercial monopoly around the name. This, in turn, leads to the sport separating itself from it's restrictive, commercial ties and adopting the more generic name Table Tennis. In 1926 the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was formed, and the name Table Tennis was established as the formal, standardized name for competitive play. With time, the term Ping Pong became increasingly used as a colloquial reference, and Table Tennis the official term for international competition. So, while Ping Pong and Table Tennis refer to exactly the same game, the difference in terminology highlights its evolution from a casual pastime to a globally recognized competitive activity. The Table Tennis (aka Ping Pong) Club at OHCC is open for play every day of the week, except for Thursdays. On weekdays the default location for play is Mykonos Room, and for weekends it is Abravanel Hall. Tables are typically set up for play on Mondays from 11 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesdays 6:30 to 8:30 am and all other days from 1 to 8 pm. Please check the updated weekly time schedules that are emailed to members every month or posted in the Clubhouse. The club offers all members the opportunity to take professional lessons to learn proper form and positioning to reduce the chances of falling or injury and improve overall ability. A buddy system is available for players to book times to practice with more experienced players, to improve their playing ability. Individual and group lessons with professional coaches can be booked in 30 min slots from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on most Sundays. Sign-up sheets are in the bulletin board in Mykonos Room. Two parties are planned for this year. The first one on Sun., April 26 and our annual meeting and party, on Sun., Oct. 18. They are held in Abravanel Hall. Written by Babu Patrose Table Tennis e Gossima: "Causing immense excitement and healthy exercise, and is the nearest approach that can be to the game of Lawn Tennis as played out of doors" All Ocean Hills clubs depend on volunteers. Club W is no exception, many of the folks who originally started the group are still active and of course many new people have joined. It seems like Arline Kennedy has been treasured forever and we thank her for that. She was finally able to step down, when Jan Quigley took the job. And of course, so many new members are actively participating in events needless to say, our original goal still exists," to offer solace when needed." We are fortunate to have Cecile Forman at the door welcoming everyone as they arrive at our monthly meeting. Sheila Gross provides sweets and coffee that we enjoy, always delicious. Barbara Bronstein jumps in when we need a helping hand to distribute written material when it is needed. It's probably not necessary to remind you (but I will,) Lauretta Hartzell arranges a luncheon at a local restaurant every other month. In March we had a delicious meal at Gioventtis Italian Cuisine on South Santa Fe Road in Vista. On March 14, a group of members enjoyed Cinderella at Mira Costa College. The speaker at our March meeting, was Sans Hertzell. Her topic was life management. Topics like keeping wills and trusts current, organizing our medical and financial information, and how to protect any large investments. We do try and provide entertaining and helpful speakers. Join us on the fourth Saturday of every month in Abravanel Hall at 10 am. If you are not a member, we would still like to meet you. Written by Selma Leighton Club W

• Cover