Community Corner
OPC PickleBall Instructor Teaches 1000 Newcomers
Because of Larry Sagowitz's efforts at OPC, pickleball now uses 40 hours of gym time each week and is a community favorite.
Larry Sagowitz started teaching pickleball to beginners at the OPC in Rochester in 2008 when he assisted Dick Manasseri and Janet Razz. In the 8 years since then he has taught a grand total of 1000 newcomers to the game.
He has been assisted by Ken Peacock, Tom Valentine, Clara Carvey,and Julie Sayers, but is definitely the mainstay in teaching. Because of his efforts at OPC, pickleball now uses 40 hours of gym time each week and is a community favorite. Henot only helps people learn the game but Sagowitz also has been
instrumental in many other aspects of the pickleball program. He is in charge of running two ladders each week, oversees sessions of a skills and drills program, and helps with several speedball tournaments each
year. He directs the use of and instruction for the ball machine. He has spearheaded fundraising for new nets, painting of the walls, and the ball machine.
Behind the scenes he puts in endless hours. This time has him organizing the ladders, arranging for weekly subs, and sending out numerous emails with
scores and updates. He is also there from dawn to dusk helping during the four days of the MSO tournament twice a year.
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"Many, many people are so grateful to Larry for all that he does for the OPC pickleball program," said Julie Sayers. "He is always kind to and patient with every player, new or seasoned. He helps in so many ways with so many people that he is praised by one and all. We at OPC truly honor him with this tribute."
The Older Persons’ Commission is a non-profit state-of-the-art senior community center for people 50+ in Rochester, MI. OPC offers nutrition and transportation services, senior resources, health and wellness
programs, leisure travel, performing arts and intergenerational programs. The OPC is also home to the area Meals on Wheels program which serves more than 117,000 each year. The Health and Wellness Department amenities include a cardio and weight room, lap and therapy pool, fitness classes, walking track,
personal training, Crittenton Wellness Center and full size gym. For more information, call (248) 659-1021 or visit www.opcseniorcenter.org.
