Seniors can bet they’ll have a good time at poker games

BY FLORA REIGADA

Poker is in the blood of Linda Trawle, the operations manager at the North Brevard Senior Center.

“I’ve been playing since I was six or seven years old and watched family members play every Saturday night,” she said.

Today, she plays each Wednesday at the Titusville Elks Lodge. The game is open to members and their guests.

“We sit and talk, enjoying each other’s company. We are not a cutthroat group,” she said.

And what about that expressionless poker face to conceal emotions related to one’s hand?

“I have learned how certain people play and that some might bluff about their hand more than others,” Trawle said.

Another poker group meets at the North Brevard Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Monday. The cost is $2 for members and $4 for nonmembers. A bag of chips is $4.

“It’s not high-rollin.’ They play Poor Man’s Poker/Dealer’s Choice,” Trawle said.

Les Craig coordinates the Senior Center group.

“I enjoy the game and getting out of the house for a good time,” he said.

“We have six or seven regulars, but would like to expand. The community is invited, our games are friendly and we will teach beginners.”

The North Brevard Senior Center is at 909 Lane Ave. in Titusville. Call 321-268-2333 or visit nbsc.website/ index.html.

Those who want to play a different kind of poker for a good cause can hop on their motorcycle and join the

American Legion Riders Chapter 1 for a poker run. The entry fee varies.

Organizations the event supports include the Special Olympics, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Project Veterans’ Relief and National Veterans’ Homeless Support.

“We stop at posts involved in the run and usually get a poker card at each,” said Randall Hartung, the Riders director.

“When we return to our starting point, we can make a poker hand from our best cards.”

The best hand and worst hand are awarded.

The American Legion Riders Chapter 1 is at 1281 N. Washington Ave. in Titusville.

For more information, visit Facebook at facebook.com/ AmericanLegionRidersChapter1 SL

Chefs put on a show at Taste of Senior Living event

SPECIAL TO SENIOR LIFE

Alura Senior Living in Rockledge won the trophy for Best Appetizer in the Senior Living Options Day and Chef Competition.

The competition was part of the A Taste of Senior Living event, which was held Feb. 10 at the Center for Collaboration at 1100 Rockledge Blvd. in Rockledge. Chefs from 12 senior living facilities participated in the competition.

Palm Cottages of Rockledge won the prize for Best Dessert.

The event was an opportunity to compare Brevard County’s best senior living communities all in the one location, while enjoying food samples from the chef competition. The event drew more than 350 visitors. SL