Carbon County, seniors, listen up!

It's that time of year again to dust off your bowling shoes, loosen up your throwing arms and brush up on your card skills.The 27th annual Carbon County Senior Games will be held May 5 through May 14. Last year, over 200 county residents took part in the games.Registration is now open for all county residents ages 60 and older who want to meet new people, reminisce with old friends and compete to win a medal.Anne Horrigan, coordinator of the games, said registration forms can be picked up at any of the five county senior centers and Area Agency on Aging in Palmerton.Forms are due back in the senior center or aging office no later than April 17.Horrigan said she urges the area residents ages 60 through 69 who haven't tried the games to sign up and see what the games are all about.Teams include North Carbon County (Panther Valley, Jim Thorpe and Weatherly seniors) and South Carbon County (Palmerton and Lehighton).Events include shuffleboard, bean bag toss, basketball shoot, darts, pool, miniature golf, bowling, pingpong, a 1-mile walk, softball throw, horseshoes, bocci, bingo, pinochle, rummy and dancing.One change in location is planned, Horrigan said.The annual banquet, held at the conclusion of the games, will be at Mahoning Valley Ambulance Hall on Mill Road in Mahoning Township.Previously it was held at Whispering Pines in Jim Thorpe and Jim Thorpe Memorial Hall.Sponsors are also needed to make this annual event a success.Letters have been sent out to all past donors, but any business that would like to become a sponsor should call Horrigan at 800-441-1315. Donations are needed by April 17 to allow for ads to be placed in the annual senior games program."We're looking forward to another great year," Horrigan said.