CLARKS SUMMIT — There was a chill to the air as darkness descended on South State Street Nov. 8, but inside The Gathering Place, at address 304, the atmosphere was warm and inviting.
Board games, card games and trivia games were stacked in the center and people sat in pairs around the room, engaging in chatter and friendly competition. Snacks were available at the counter, manned by The Gathering Place volunteer Jared Patten, an Abington Heights High School (AHHS) junior. In the next room, another AHHS student, William Carey, who organized the evening, was busy setting up a screen and an Xbox One system for gamers who might wander in.
The event was the first in a series of monthly game nights, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. They are run by The Gathering Place Teen Board and open to people of all ages. Admission is a $5 donation.
Carey, a senior, said he got the idea from the game nights he and his friends occasionally enjoy together, as well as similar events hosted at the high school during Spirit Week.
“People love playing board games and it’s something they’re interested in,” he said.
A variety of games, one of which is “Sorry,” Carey’s personal favorite, are available at The Gathering Place for use during the game nights, and people are also welcome to bring their own.
For more information, call 570-881-7612 or visit gatheringplacecs.org.