Plum seniors will soon have a new game to play at the borough’s community center thanks to the teamwork of a furniture shop and a high school art class.
Mayor Harry Schlegel earlier this year proposed the idea of offering cornhole, a lawn game in which players take turns throwing 16-ounce bags of beans or corn kernels at a raised platform, usually wooden, with a hole in the far end.
“I was looking for something to get people in the community (involved to) get (seniors) doing something other than sitting around talking,” Schlegel said. “I thought with cornhole, they can do it indoors during the winter and in the summer can do it outside. And anyone who wants to play the game can play the game.”
He was able to get Bonura Cabinets to donate time and materials to create the game boards. The pieces are weatherproof, light weight and on wheels so the game can be easily moved around.
Junior art student Addison Sofran volunteered to paint them. The artwork shows a flower with white pedals rising out of grass.
“I can take no credit for the expert craftsmanship of the boards themselves, but the design and painting on the board were all done by myself,” Addison said. “It feels so heartwarming to be able to have my artistic abilities given the opportunity to brighten the day of others. As long as my work is able to put a smile on at least one other person’s face, I would say that I have been fulfilled and satisfied.”
Addison joined the effort through her teacher, Samor Pieper, who was excited to share the opportunity to have her student’s work help residents.
“She is a high honor roll student that is an extremely talented artist,” Pieper said of Addison. “Our art department loves the opportunity to showcase our students’ talents.”
Karen Hochberg, community center executive director, said she discussed the project with the mayor at the borough’s Eggstravaganza event in early April.
“We want to encourage more of our seniors to get up and get active,” she said. “With covid, we want to encourage more outdoor activities. … I think it extends what we’re able to do. Cornhole is a very friendly game for all ages. A lot of ages can play that. It’s not exerting, but it’s getting people up and moving. I thought it was a great idea when the mayor proposed it.”
The center has been closed for many months because of the pandemic.
Hochberg said they are still in the process of preparing to reopen, but have not heard from Allegheny County officials as to when guests could come back. More than 50 people would visit the center each day pre-pandemic.
Schlegel said he plans to present the game to community center officials at the June 16 council meeting.
Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, mdivittorio@triblive.com or via Twitter .
The Link LonkMay 27, 2021 at 06:01PM
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Plum community chips in for new game at the community center - TribLIVE
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