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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
It’s possible that when you think of the Nintendo Wii, you conjure up images of your younger cousins or youthful days of playing Mario Kart. However, the video game console has found a new group of enthusiasts through the Wellesley Council on Aging. Every Monday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., a group of seniors play Wii Bowling at the Wellesley Community Center.
“Usually, they just play Bowling, but sometimes play Tennis as well. They have their own little avatars and so they know their scores and they keep track,” said Nicole Talman, one of the two Juniors present. “Every week two Juniors come and hang out, and we fill in sometimes if they need a fourth player.” The Wellesley Junior Women’s League is a volunteer organization dedicated to community service. In fact, the Wii itself was purchased originally by the League for this very event. While it may still feel like a new activity, this particular activity has been held for over five years.
Usually, there are three to five seniors who come out and play. Nicole has been volunteering for years, but it was Ashley’s first time. In fact, she had never played Wii Bowling before. “I’ve played Guitar Hero, is that Wii?” she asked.
Halfway through the session, one of the players had to leave and the seniors encouraged Ashley to fill in. Their expertise became evident as they taught her how to move her character, how to throw the ball, and what buttons to press. She giggled as her first bowl only knocked down two pins, but with the seniors’ help, her second time up was a grand success.
The program runs every week from the fall until the spring, allowing the summers off for other activities. As one of the seniors said, it’s a drop-in activity, and the group is extremely welcoming.
