On November 7, the Palms Dining Room was the festive setting for the retirement party for Mike Lawver, HP Director of Tennis, Pickleball, and Bocce for over 24 years.
Mike started the HP tennis program in 2000 when he was hired, presiding over as many as six teaching pros, many clinics and events, individual instruction, tournaments, the junior program, several men’s and women’s leagues… not to mention daily upkeep of the courts and court scheduling. Pickleball and bocce were later added to his duties.
With excellent communication skills and an outgoing pleasant personality, it’s no wonder he was so successful over the years, and was beloved by all.
His wife, Carolyn, is also one of the pros and has been here almost as long as Mike. She will stay on. Mike thanked her for all the work she has done. He gave $100 Prawn broker restaurant gift certificates to his successor Chad Dyer, as well as fellow pros Larry Albritton, George Freije, Danny Camacho, and Anita Hershman. In addition, Mike honored pro George Freije with an “O” for “Outstanding” as part of his yearly employee evaluation.
Mike received several gifts from the Board on behalf of the Club as well from the residents. Arlene Lach presented him with a check from the tennis, pickleball and bocce community and a plaque which read in part “a friend, a coach, a mentor, and a superhero.” Board member Ron Assise gave Mike a plaque in recognition of his longtime service to Heritage Palms.
GM Traci Irons Izzo gave Mike a monetary bonus for his performance and years of service, and an honorary membership to the Club on behalf of the Board and the Club at large.
In a twenty minute, often humorous, speech, he said, “I realized early on, that member involvement is what makes a successful program go. I also realized what a great life it is here if you are between the ages of 60 and 90.” He thanked the members, his coworkers, GM Traci Irons Izzo, and senior management and department heads Jill Eaton, Larry German, Danielle Brounce, Bob Kelly, Kevin Ammon, Greg Kriesch, Sherry Nowak, Heather Becht, Dan Davis, Joney Kelly, and Lisa Schneck, and Board members who were all supportive of him over the years.
BOB GERLICHER, AND CHRISTY SMITH.
A total of 170 residents, Board members, and managers attended the event. Mike received a standing ovation at the end of his speech. He’ll spend his retirement playing golf, tennis, doing yard work, and teaching tennis part-time.
In a thank you letter to the HP community, he stated, “I will deeply miss the daily interactions, the laughter, and the sense of belonging that make this community so unique.”
