Shuffl eboard Club member plays with an assist

Barb and Bob Ponegalek have been happily and successfully playing shuffleboard for about two years but with one difference. Barb plays with her walker beside her for balance and support. She confided, “I don’t have good balance and I can’t stand for long periods of time without using it. The walker offers me that support.” She explained that there are benches at each end of each court, so she sits until it is her turn to play and then she stands up, keeping ahold of her walker, shoots and sits back down. “It’s a pretty good system. We look forward to getting a little exercise every week and socializing with the other members,” she said.

Barb credited the other members of her league with making additional accommodations so she can play. She said it means she doesn’t help to write down the scores or chase after a disk that is halfway down the court. This year she and husband, Bob, are playing alternately together because they both have bad backs so she plays one game and he plays the other. She said there was a previous member who played using her wheelchair and encouraged anyone with physical challenges to give the game a try, adding, “I do alright.”

Jan. 7 Tuesday evening league results: Team Harold squeaked by Team Sally 7-5. Team Harold all-game winners were Harold Morehead and Linda Evenson. Team Sue beat Team Karen 7-5. All game winners for Team Sue were Sue Burkschab and Kathryn Ewell. Team Karen had no all-game winners.

—Barbara Gardner