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18 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2026 | Before I share my experience of this year's Fourth of July celebration, I want to recognize two individuals whose hard work helped make the day such a tremendous success. Special Event Coordinator Julie Van Dam and Senior Administrative Assistant Lisa Lopez dedicated countless hours to planning, organizing, coordinating vendors, preparing logistics, communicating with volunteers, and making sure every detail was in place long before the first golf cart rolled out. Community events of this size don't just happen — they are the result of weeks of preparation and a team committed to creating memorable experiences for our residents. Thank you, Julie and Lisa, for your dedication and passion for making Ocean Hills Country Club such a special place to call home. One of the greatest privileges of serving as your Recreation Director is experiencing the traditions that make Ocean Hills Country Club such a special place. This year's 250th Anniversary of America's Independence celebration was my very first Fourth of July at OHCC, and I can honestly say I was blown away by the excitement, energy, and incredible sense of community. Without a doubt, the highlight of the day for me was the Golf Cart Parade. More than 50 creatively decorated and patriotic golf carts cruised through our neighborhoods, bringing smiles, laughter, and celebration to residents gathered in their driveways, garages, and front yards. It was incredible to watch neighbors waving f lags, cheering one another on, and sharing in such a unique Ocean Hills tradition. As the parade came to a close, the celebration continued at the Lanai with a delicious catered lunch, followed by mouthwatering burgers generously served by the Village Vets. It was truly an honor to watch these veterans spend part of their Independence Day serving others. Throughout my career, I've found that veterans often possess an unwavering commitment to service and seeing that spirit on display was both inspiring and deeply appreciated. The festivities continued throughout the afternoon with hula hoop contests, limbo, dancing, great music, refreshing drinks, and, most importantly, neighbors enjoying time together. It was a wonderful reminder that community isn't built by events alone, it's built by the people who show up, participate, and create lasting memories together. I hope whatever you did over the Fourth of July weekend gave you an opportunity to celebrate the many freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in the United States. After watching videos of celebrations from around the country, I realized that many of those large events looked a bit exhausting! What I experienced here at OHCC reminded me that no matter what our age, physical limitations, or the challenges life may bring, there is always something we can do to experience joy, connect with others, and appreciate the moment we're in. As we move through the summer, I encourage you to keep finding those moments that make you feel young. Whether it's attending an event, joining a class, trying something new, or simply sharing a conversation with a neighbor, every small experience adds to the quality of life we enjoy here at Ocean Hills Country Club. I'm looking forward to bringing back our "What Makes You Feel Young?" series in September, along with introducing a new Staff Spotlight featuring the incredible people who help make our community thrive. Until then, continue to move, smile, make new friendships… and most of all, continue to recreate! Recreation News By CJ Palmer