EDGEWATER — Snow is falling steadily outside, and the wind is picking up. But inside Creekside Lodge, the fireplace glows warmly as residents gather around card tables for an afternoon of fun and games.
The murmurs of cheerful conversation and the sounds of laughter are rivaled only by the whirring of card-shuffling machines as participants in the Informal Games group get ready to play everything from Quiddler and Rummikub to Mexic
Card players are all shuffled and ready to go at a Feb. 5 meeting of the Informal Games group. Each week, the group chooses a different game to play.
(Glynn Wade/Sun Day Photo)
an Train — a dominoes-type game — or Hand and Foot — a Canasta-like game.
Some folks stop by the treat table because it’s the first week of the month — and that’s when snacks are brought in to be shared, potluck style.
True to its name, the group, which meets each Tuesday at 2 p.m., thrives on informality. They began meeting at the Elgin State Bank even before Creekside Lodge was built and have been going strong ever since. Sheila Armstrong and Gemma Winters, among the beginners of the group, explain that this is not an organized club with officers and dues, but simply a gathering of those who enjoy playing cards and other table games in the company of their Edgewater neighbors.
“From week to week everything changes,” Winters said, “and that keeps things interesting.”
Attendees are not required to come every week, though many do. Some folks enjoy playing with the same people, and others like to switch things up and play different games with different folks at different tables. Walk-ins are warmly welcomed, and a place at a table is always found for a newcomer.
Rosalie Keith says she enjoys the group for its camaraderie. Linda Brinn, who’s been attending for around a year, says, “I just love it so much!” Marie Berghuis “enjoys the laughs.” Chris Pickett adds, “We don’t give any awards or Oscars…just the fun of playing.”
Pat O’Brien, who was playing the card game Thirty One, says she’s been participating for about six years.
Playing Quiddler were Joan Mueller, Arlene Mackin, and Bonnie Barta. The players said that this word game with cards has appeal for crossword and Scrabble enthusiasts and encourages learning new vocabulary. Asked if anyone ever challenges the words they come up with in the course of a game, they replied sweetly, “We leave our guns at the door.”
Around 25 to 30 residents attend a regular Tuesday session, having fun and socializing while enjoying a variety of games that provide the chance to learn new things, hone strategy skills, and challenge concentration. Participants are invited to bring in different games to share in order to keep things fresh and interesting.
The Informal Games group welcome mat is always out for new would-be Edgewater gamers, with one bit of advice from the cheerful regulars: “This really isn’t for serious people!”
