Maricopans socialize over board games (GALLERY)

It started out as a popular game night inside Lynn Bernier’s home every Friday evening.

“We’ve had anywhere from a dozen to 30 people come to my house at one time,” Bernier said.

The parties grew so large, however, she turned to her co-members on the Age-Friendly Committee to see what could be done.

“Fast forward and we got involved,” said Peg Chapados, City of Maricopa councilmember and liaison to the Age-Friendly Committee.

From there, Bernier’s game night found a home inside a room at Copper Sky on the last Friday of every month. It grew to include not only seniors, but people of every generation.

Anyone 12 years and older is welcome to the free monthly event, which runs from January through October.

“We had two teenagers registered here tonight that are fairly frequent flyers here,” Chapados said Friday evening.

Councilwoman Nancy Smith is also a liaison to the Age-Friendly Committee. She said seniors often feel disconnected from other generations and the game night at Copper Sky is an opportunity to bridge the gap on both sides.

“This is a chance (for teenagers) to learn games that they might not otherwise play because none of these are video games,” Smith said.

A variety of card games including Po-Ke-No, Euchre, Quiddler, Canasta and Pinochle are available for play at various tables around the room. Players also have access to classic board games like Scrabble, Checkers, Trivial Pursuit and many others.

Much like Bernier’s traditional game night with her friends – which still runs the other Fridays out of the month – the game night at Copper Sky provides light refreshments and snacks.

“The idea is to get seniors together to give them a place to socialize, to meet people,” said Age-Friendly Committee Member Joan Koczor.

To attend, register in advance at www.maricopa-az.gov.