PHOTO BY BRAD WOOD
Sounds of card-shuffling machines, jokes, laughter and conversation fill the room. It’s the Monday get-together of Anthem’s Golden Go Getters.
PHOTO BY BRAD WOOD
Know this before we go any further: Some members just prefer the name “Go Getters.” Today’s crowd is a little smaller than usual. Seems the dusty, windblown day kept a few away. Still, the collective spirit of nearly 30 is running high.
Fun and Games
The card game of choice is something called “hand and foot,” but bridge is also popular, as are good old board games. The atmosphere of this meeting, which happens Mondays from 1–4 p.m. at the Anthem Community Center, is welcoming, and sometimes downright hilarious. It’s a social therapy of sorts for this 50-plus crowd.
“When my husband and I first moved here, this group made us feel welcome and I love it,” said Linda Samrick, a faithful attendee. Treasurer Wanda Hill sees another benefit. “It’’s a way to stay sharp,” she said.
Go Getters Get Out
Go-Getters
PHOTO BY BRAD WOOD
While the mood in the room is happy, all here share a common concern. They worry retirees who stay in Anthem year-round have the potential to become shut-ins. To their estimation, nearly 80 percent of Anthem’s retirees and 50-plussers stick around during Arizona’s summer sizzle. And, the Go Getters think they are the perfect prescription to keep them balanced and socialized.
Marline Pierce, vice president of the group, said, “It’s a springboard for people to get involved;” a springboard that two-year participant Mary Casad said works. “If I didn’t have this I’d be home watching TV or exercising alone,” Casad said.
Even those with full schedules enjoy the Go Getters. Jeff Haub is a relative newcomer. The avid volunteer joined the crew six weeks ago. “I wanted to diversify my activities,” Haub said. “These people are very friendly. It’s an enjoyable game of cards we play.”
Rolling Stones
Go-Getters
PHOTO BY BRAD WOOD
The Go Getters don’t just meet once a week to play games. The activities are almost too numerous to list.
Here is a sampling of the offerings:
Pot Luck Every second Tuesday, September through June, the group lays out the grub at the community center for dinner from 6–8 p.m. As many as 90 tickets are sold. So get there early or buy tickets in advance. (If the brownies and peanut clusters offered up during game day are any indication, the food is outstanding.)
Catered Breakfast Every second Saturday in July and August at the community center.
Road Trip! The Go Getters offer trips to area casinos via bus. And they even hit Vegas and Palm Springs.
Activity Night Every fourth Friday during summer.
So, if you’re 50 or over and want to be a Go Getter, get going! “It’s a way to get out and meet people and make friends,” said group president Caroline Melendez.