Halloween Hoopla Greets Group Of Escalon Seniors
Players settle in for some Bingo games at the Escalon Community Center, part of the recent Fun Bunch senior gathering, which also included music, refreshments and a Halloween theme. Marg Jackson/The Times
From some Halloween-themed trivia to the chance for prizes, the latest gathering of the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch was, by all accounts, quite a howl.
They enjoyed music, a variety of refreshments, were able to take some fresh produce home, played Bingo and generally just spent an afternoon doing some old fashioned visiting.
And that, said organizers, is the primary reason for these new monthly events, getting local senior citizens out of their homes and into the company of others.
The most recent gathering was hosted at the Escalon Community Center on Oct. 23, bringing together several dozen local seniors.
Mayor Robert Swift was tasked with being the Bingo caller, while Louise Spurgeon ran the tumble wheel to mix up the Bingo balls. They did several varieties of games, from the four corners to the traditional diagonal, vertical or horizontal 'Bingo' options. Prizes were available.
There was a brief musical interlude, with just-learning pianist Robert Yater, 9, offering up a song for the attendees.
The trivia game was jam packed full of seasonal information, with questions ranging from what country the Jack O'Lantern originated in to what the number one selling candy is at Halloween. The trivia contest also asked about which costumes were most popular for Halloween in the 1950s and sought out the current world record for the heaviest pumpkin.
It was an 'every person for themselves' game this time around, as opposed to tables full of attendees pooling resources – everyone had their own trivia sheet and prizes were available for winners in that contest as well.
Some seniors did come to the gathering in costume, others opted to show up in 'street clothes' but all seemed to enjoy the opportunity to get out into the fall air and socialize for a few hours on a Wednesday afternoon.
Two more Fun Bunch activities are planned in 2019, with the next one coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Community Center with a 'thankful' theme and a salute to veterans. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the gathering will move to the Escalon Covenant Church for the finale of the year, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a hometown Christmas event to include singing, games and fun.
The gatherings are open to all seniors from around the area.
Nine-year-old Robert Yater performed on the piano for those attending the Senior Fun Bunch gathering at the Escalon Community Center on Oct. 23. Marg Jackson/The Times
Enjoying the chance to don a mask and have some Halloween fun was Donna Croce, attending the Fun Bunch event in Escalon. Marg Jackson/The Times