(by Jasmin T.)
March 8th, a chill Friday night in Harlem when one can be doing laundry, watching tv, dining out with friends or even enjoying “Date Night,” several shareholders rewound the Covid clock to socialize the way we used to: playing games with friends! Sponsored by the Committee of Concern, Game Night is back by popular demand in Spring 2024!
The 2024 pilot event relaunched for adults only, mainly for safety concerns (tables were spaced apart) but also for the “let’s just see how the 1st one goes…” The slogan on the flyer (“Bring your favorite game or learn a new one”) encouraged our inner child to reminisce over fond memories of family reunions past and just “come out and play.”
Game Night was attended by various age groups: young adults played Uno while CoC chair Sherie Graham played classic board games Candyland and Trouble with members Sharon Adams, April Callender and Eric Major. Ms. Callender said that she “felt the recent game night event was an incredible success! Of course it was a lot of fun but more importantly, it brought back the sense of community and fellowship that RVT always had. Looking forward to the next one!” CoC member Enrique Salinas even brought a brand new set of dominoes fresh out the plastic and was joined by serious players Jackie Fife, Jeannette Myers, and Hilda Keyser.
The Hughes twins arrived (thanks to their sister Myrna) armed with rolls of quarters for a hi-stakes game of Pokeno…this game was not for the thin-skinned. I learned the definition of a “Round Robin” (this is when your board’s frame is completed). CoC secretary Alfreda Canty refreshed her ‘Keno skills and can’t wait to win back her money at the next one.
RVT Scrabble champion (certified such at Game Night circa February 2016) Orundun DaCosta Johnson and former Board President, current Management Committee/RVT Floor Reps lead, Alexis Morton scored neck and neck (check the board in the collage). I trailed pitifully, even in the 2nd game (yet after my low score I still believe I’m a good player).
Orundun texted afterwards, “Game night was a lot of fun!! I love Scrabble and haven’t played it since before the COVID shutdown! Playing Scrabble ‘unscrambled’ my Brain! GAME NIGHT IS A KEEPER AT RVT!” Mrs. Johnson created a collage that captured the night perfectly:
“Look at all the smiles.” “We played games with neighbors we see in the elevators!”
Fun was had by all!
When is the next one? Friday April 19th @7pm and this one will be open to all ages (children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult).
RVT Voices 
Leave a comment