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one, where players collect and duel with “pocket monsters,” just like in the show. Many other licensed properties, from Star Wars to My Little Pony, have been adapted to card games.

Multiple stores around our county give access to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to express their hobbies by trading, collecting, building decks, and then challenging each other with a healthy dose of competitiveness and the occasional saltiness.

Trading card games also help to improve a good bit of tactical thinking, math, and imagination skills due to their spectacular art.

Joseph Coppinger, 22, who started playing when he was 10 years old, shared how he was enamored by how cool the monster cards looked, and that everyone can play their own deck.

When it comes to beginners starting out in the game, Coppinger and Ward share similar advice for new players. When newcomers find something that they like and want to

NASA:

Continued From Page 22 excited about NASA’s RPS probes is that they allow us to learn more about all the planets in the solar system and they may help find life on Europa like in my essay,” Sofia said.

After being named a semi-fi nalist and recognized by NASA, Sofia said, “I was watching the video when they announced the semi-fi nalist on the screen at school, I was very excited and screamed in joy when my name popped up!”

Sofia expressed that when she grows up, she would love to be a veterinarian and have the opportunity to work at NASA.

“I do enjoy astronomy and learned the basics from my dad. We visited the planetarium at the college a few times and I’m play with, they should stick with it and take the steps until they learn how to play it with ease. always asking questions. When I grow up, I would love to become a veterinarian and work at NASA where I can help a create a habitat on Mars. Maybe I can go there someday!” Sofia said.

Tournament events provided by the local game stores are the perfect spot for beginners to get a grasp on the game, Cottinger said. During those events, they will be able to see players using different decks and tactics, as well as meet new people. Most stores post their gaming schedule online or in the shop.

A piece of advice he also gives out to parents who might have kids that are interested in the game: “Let them go to events and talk to people… let them have fun,” said Cottinger.

Just like Ward enjoys spending quality father-son time with his boy while playing Yu-Gi-Oh!, he suggests that this can be a great way for parents to get involved with their kids.

And while it might be a challenge at the very start of a person’s dueling journey due to a learning curve, the trading card scene here at the shore has created a close-knit community where everyone is welcome.

“I’m so proud of Sofia!” Sofia’s father Dennis said. “She took days to research everything she could on Europa, Jupiter, and RPS probes. It took her a long time to make it under 200 words, the original report was over 20 pages. Being able to see her learn about Europa and discovering that there might be life somewhere else in the solar system was a great joy.”

“We were thrilled when she was recognized! Sofia is very smart and she worked really hard on this project. I can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish,” Dennis added.

American Polish Club Of Whiting

WHITING – The American Polish Club’s regular monthly meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesdays of each month except for July and August (summer break).

Meetings are open to all seniors 55 and older who reside in other Senior Communities. You don’t have to be of Polish descent to join. Membership dues: $10 per year. Any questions, call RoseMarie Bartley, Secretary, at 732-350-4851.

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEW -

ELRY Looking to buy costume/ estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Vintage Lighters wanted - One piece or entire collections. Looking for Zippo, Dunhill, Ronson, Cartier and European lighters. Email: vintageltr@aol.com or call Ira at 201-774-8482. (28)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Very Good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-4104. (30)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (29)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)