43
Not your average gamers
Photo
Attendant Tessa Martin (left) was there to give a gentle helping hand to novice Wii bowler Dee Valentini during the Wii Games activity at Poland Shepherd of the Valley on Jan. 13.
Photo
With some instruction from attendant Tessa Martin (right), Howard Hedley (left) sent a virtual ball rolling down a bowling lane.
Photo
Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Poland Shepherd of the Valley resident Annie Nerrell didn't need any instruction on how to work a Wii remote. Already an expert, Nerrell rose for her first frame and got a strike.
By SARAH FOOR
The residents of Poland Shepherd of the Valley gathered in their activity room on Jan. 13 to learn some new tricks for some of their favorite games.
The activities and shows were familiar — Wheel of Fortune, Iron Chef and bowling — but they were given a new dimension by residents playing them on a Nintendo Wii console.
“Our game days are really fun,” said activity director Paula Blakeman. “We serve popcorn and we have all the spectators cheering or jeering during the game. There are even some friendly rivalries among the residents.”
During a game of Wii bowling, most of the residents tried to bowl a frame. Some of the seniors were experts, but for those new to video games, attendant Tessa Martin assisted the residents by pointing out the right buttons to push and the proper form.
Martin also offered friendly competition. As she helped resident Howard Hedley play, she said, “Look at all of these ladies playing. You can’t let them win, can you? Represent for the men!”
Hedley then gave a strong swing of his arm and got a strike.
Master Wii bowler Annie Nerrell reminisced as she played.
“This is just like my old bowling days when I was younger. I was a regular bowling alley-cat!”