Pinochle and jazz

Seems that pinochle and jazz seem to be main interests continuing with the new year. I refuse to make new year resolutions, so do not have to worry about adhering to such silly ideas.

Actually cannot remember when I learned to play pinochle but must have been eons and eons ago. Now when friends gather two or three times weekly it is a great way to exercise our brains when bidding, keep our fingers limber when shuffling, training our memory to know which card suit is trump, and exercise. The exercise comes as we talk our knees into letting us get out of our chairs and transport us around the table to a new chair and partner.

My first attempts at playing pinochle in public at North Valley Senior Center took place when four of us, Jeanne Reed, Beverly Sorensen, Grace Svendsen and I formed a dummy table. We each paid our $1, put our names in if qualified for a prize, and stayed at the same card table throughout the evening. It worked well and we did not have to worry about making other guests lose chances for a high prize.

We eventually joined the other local, Bigfork and Kalispell guests at their tables during pinochle parties. Procedure is for high players at each table to advance to the next one, with goal to reach Table No. One. I really do not mind staying at the lowest card table.

Perhaps my claim to fame is when Elda Downes informed me, very sincerely, that I was the worst pinochle partner she ever had. I think she must have been in her 80s with many years of pinochle experience.

Later, Cecelia and Floyd Barnhart had to resign as card party committee members and we took over their duties.

Have been unable to attend Tuesday noon jam sessions at Snappy Sport Senter recently. Rocky Mountain Rhythm Kings play and they always have great toe-tapping and listening music.

Flathead Valley Jazz Society is a great organization. Activities include a jazz parties with members admitted free of charge. Others only pay $3 to attend each event. Events are at Kalispell Eagles Club.

Sweetheart ball and Valentine dance takes place Sunday, Feb. 11, from 7 until 10 p.m. Montana Moonlighters will be playing. It is a new band with Al Lindborg, accordion; Karla West, piano; Terry Seiss, banjo; John Goodrich, reeds; Chris Terraciano, drums, and Bonnie Lindborg, vocals.

Other jazz parties are scheduled for March 11, NoMorBluz; April 1, Uptown Lowdown; April 17, Swinging on High Band, benefit for Glacier Jazz Stampede; and May 27, Al Lindborg Band.

All-event badges for 14th Glacier Jazz Stampede in Kalispell, Oct. 4 through 7, are available for $55 each. Badges may be ordered by writing Glacier Jazz Society, P.O. Box 2627, Kalispell MT 59903.

Annual dues for Flathead Valley Jazz Society members, only $15 per person, may be sent to the same address.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.