At the first gathering of the St. Bernard's Pinochle Club on Sept. 8, the group welcomed 11 new members.
The newcomers are: Richard and Peggy Corcoran, Anita Effinger, Bev Kent, Dick and Vera Kohls, Frank and Christel Krug, Elaine Rowe and Irene and Harold Wallace.
Membership is open to all pinochle lovers in the community, even though the 2014-15 season has already begun.
This group plays a special version of four- and five-handed double deck pinochle that gives bonus points for combinations of cards, giving players the thrill of a good poker hand. All pinochle players can learn this version in a matter of minutes with crib sheets at each table reminding them of all the bonuses.
Admission is $1 per person, and all prize money is distributed at the end of each evening of play.
Attendees are asked to bring snacks to share, producing a smorgasbord of treats to be enjoyed during the games. The club provides coffee and ice water, but attendees are welcome to bring their own soft drinks, if they prefer.
Play occurs on the second Monday of every month, September through May, in the parish hall on the St. Bernard Catholic Church campus, 1 St. Bernard Lane, off of Arkansas 340 east of the Highlands gate. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing for snacking and chatting time before play begins at 6:30.
Each evening is comprised of three rounds of play with six hands played per round.
There are no annual dues. A member of the committee will call each player the week before the game to reserve their seat for the night.
The only requirement is that players are asked to call if they have a change of plans and will be unable to attend.
To join, to gather more information or to make reservations, call Fran Olsen at 479-855-1932.
Community on 09/17/2014