In an age when entertainment is often solitary and screen based, the Empire Area Community Center’s (EACC) new Wednesday game night offers something refreshingly analog: a table, a game, and the simple act of being in the same room with other people.
T he inaugural game night was held last Wednesday at the Empire Townhall. Folding tables were set up to accommodate multiple different groups and games with players circled around each. While one table was hunched in quiet concentration, another was erupting in laughter over a weird Pictionary drawing. A table at the back of the room was piled high with sharable snacks brought by attendees for anyone to enjoy.
Games ranged from quick, casual favorites like Uno and Connect 4 to more strategic ones like Sequence. Players bring their own games, and there seemed to be for every mood and skill level.
The idea for a weekly game night came from local residents, including Cheryl Clark, who brought the idea to the EACC.
“We wanted a place to gather like a real community center where everyone is welcome, and this seemed like a great way to do that,” Clark said.
Local staples like the team behind Mel and Fel and village council members were also there. The new event gives residents a reason to step out midweek, meet neighbors, and enjoy something simple and surprisingly rare — uninterrupted, shared play.
The EACC hosts the game night on the first three Wednesdays of January, February, and March from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Empire Townhall. The sessions are open to anyone in the community, whether you’re a seasoned game enthusiast or just curious to see what the fuss is about. Participants are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks for themselves or to share.
