Cherokee Seniors leading active lives

The "Good Times Place" is a group of Cherokee County senior community members who gather to share and enjoy each others' interests and hobbies.

This group of seniors recently played some friendly games of 500 and Spades at the Good Times Place. Photo by Dan Whitney [Click to enlarge]

The organization has started up several different activity groups who participate in cards, painting, walking, and other activities on a regular basis.

Over the past few months, the group has had activities like bingo, hobby/craft supplies, and socials.

Since September there have been potluck dinners and card games; and shuffleboard and bingo for those who would like to stay and enjoy each other's company. November has kicked off with bridge, a 500 Club, Shuffleboard and woodcarving. Plus, on Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 ,from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Shirley's "Big Band Sound" will be entertaining the group with dance music at the Cherokee Community Center.

There is an "open door policy" at The Good Times Place, and anyone with a hobby is welcome to sign up for a month to showcase their talents and talk to the people in attendance about why they do and how they do their hobby.

Drawing the face - Instructor Sarah Boldt (center) teaches her students at the Good Times Place about making faces for jack-o-lanterns. [Click to enlarge]

Other activities that are currently going on with the Good Times Place are bridge on Monday mornings; bingo, to be held on Nov. 17 at 12:30 p.m.; and wood carving and rock painting once a week. The group is also planning special events with speakers to speak to the group about certain topics such as driving, prescriptions and other concerns for seniors.

Nov. 12 will be a busy day at The Good Times Place, starting with dessert and coffee at 9:30 a.m., followed by shuffleboard at 10 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. there will be a bake and craft sale, and a potluck dinner will be served at noon. Nancy Nelson of Nelson's Sewing will be the guest speaker during the potluck dinner. Bingo and wood carving will follow at 1 p.m.

In October, one of the featured programs at The Good Times Place, on the lower level of the Community Center, was with Sarah Boldt, who taught a session on pumpkin painting and decorating for Halloween.

Martin and Sheila Zauhar add a little touch of class to a small pumpkin as they spray paint it gold in the parking lot outside of theCherokee Community Center. Photo by Dan Whitney [Click to enlarge]

The Good Times Place is also looking for volunteers to fill the position of treasurer and president of the club, in order to help keep the group running smoothly. At Tuesday night's meeting, Dorothy Clow of Cherokee volunteered to become the secretary for the group and help keep notes and minutes of meetings and upcoming events.

For those interested in becoming involved with the Good Times Place, pre-registering for an event, or volunteering to fill a position please contact board member Morgan Graverholt at 225-6166 or Marty and Shelia Zauhar at 225-5519. Members should be at least 50 years old and not full-time employees. Keep up to date with Good Times Place activities right here in the Chronicle Times.

Shirley Brandt (pictured) has brought her "One Woman BAnd" to the Good Times Place for several old-time dances, and she'll be back twice in November. Photo contributed. [Click to enlarge]