By Seth DuChene
Editor
During June — Seniors Month — seniors are urged to get out and give something their best shot. The Greater Napanee Shuffleboard Club, however, gives seniors that opportunity nearly all year round.
According to the club’s president, Fred Dunk, the club boasts a membership of 81 players. They play 11 months of the year, dividing their time between the Napanee and District Curling Club in June, July and August, and the Strathcona Paper Centre the rest of the year; December is the only month they take a break.
Although the club has been around for several years, it nearly folded about 10 years ago, Dunk says. He said that a small group of active members managed to breath new life into the club. “It’s been growing in strength ever since,” he said.
He said members are generally between the ages of 60 and 80. “Some members have some mobility issues, but it gives them an active day out. It’s good, light exercise,” he said.
He also said that it boasts members from as far away as Gananoque and Picton. Dunk explains that some members play with multiple clubs, and that, unlike many other clubs in the region, the Napanee’ club’s season is nearly year-round.
They also try to keep things fun: teams are chosen at random before every session, so your partner is always different. Wins and losses aren’t tracked from week to week to ensure it remains a friendly competition.
The club plays every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. Cost to join is $20 for the year, plus $3 for each time you come out to play. All the equipment and training is provided.
For more information, call Dunk at 613-354-6299 or fdunk@cogeco.ca