Spurring socialization through play

With a roll of the dice, a chuckle and a hint of competitiveness –; the games begin.

Pinochle. Bridge. Mahjong. Hand and Foot.

While munching on pretzels, popcorn and Chex mix nearly 200 of North Jeffco’s men and women gather for their afternoon delight, the North Jeffco Senior Friday Club. Playing a variety of social and card games, individuals aged 50 and up gather weekly at Arvada’s Community Recreation Center for three hours of camaraderie and competition.

“Well, I don’t know what I’ve got more than three of … Clubs perhaps?”

“Look at you in your summer clothes!”

“Do you want diamonds?”

“I think God’s trying to tell you something.”

After a few hands go round the card table –; buzz –; the timer sounds, signaling the start of a rotation.

Rotating around the room, winners jump to the next table, trying their luck with a new group, new friends and a new game.

“My great granddaughter’s graduation is tomorrow.”

“You’ve been waiting a while –; you haven’t gone yet.”

Alongside the afternoon’s events, the social group gathers around the community, playing golf, bowling, visiting one another and hosting potlucks. Open to anyone in the Front Range, the group is seeking new membership and is hoping to grow to their once historic 1,000 person group.

A place for individuals to meet, the North Jeffco Senior Friday Club gives seniors a spot to bond and feel celebrated.

“We just want them to know they have a place they can go,” said Rich Marosey, vice president of the group. “This is a very inexpensive place to socialize and I know I feel great about it.”

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