7 minute read
Community
Gather 4 Games: A Place to Play and Connect with People
By Shay Moser Photos courtesy of Gather 4 Games
WHEN GATHER 4 GAMES CAME TO UNION HILLS VILLAGE IN PHOENIX IN OCTOBER 2021, THE CITY GOT ITS FIRST DEDICATED FAMILY-FRIENDLY BOARD GAME LOUNGE.
“What the heck is a board game lounge?” you’re probably asking.
Gather 4 Games owners Felix and Aimee Arenas say the family-owned and operated board game lounge offers visitors a social setting to play one or more of 300 games from its growing in-store library. But instead of Frogger and Mario Kart arcade games, for instance, you choose from board games like Ticket to Ride, Splendor, Catan, and Root. There are also popular role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, Traveller, and Pathfinder. A few card games include lMagic: The Gathering, Pokemon, and Yu-GiOh.
“Everyone is welcome at Gather 4 Games,” says Aimee. “People of all ages come to enjoy a game. Some live in the area, and others stop by during their visit to Phoenix.”
Gather 4 Games also has an on-site snack bar with candy, chips, cookies, a variety of heat-and-eat snacks, and Coke beverages. Plus, there are many board games for purchase or to rent to play from home.
“While we have a retail section for customers to purchase games and accessories, our main focus is on providing a space to play,” explains Felix.
GOALS OF GATHER 4 GAMES
Their love of family, friends, and board games motivated Felix and Aimee to explore a lounge that brought them all together.
“As our little family grew, so did the expense of having a nice evening out,” Felix explains. “We discovered it was a much better investment to purchase a board game that we could enjoy again and again rather than spending about the same amount for our family to see a movie once.”
The third reason, and the one Felix says was the deciding factor that inspired opening Gather 4 Games, was the COVID-19 shutdown.
“There was such an abrupt change in how we were able to interact socially and communicate with one another,” he explains. “The pandemic had a huge effect on us all. The news reports about long-term negative effects on social development and mental health because of the shutdown were alarming.”
Once things started to open back up, Felix and Aimee agreed it was a great time to establish a safe and friendly place for people to gather and reconnect.
“Board games, card games, and role-playing games offer players a chance to interact in person, but also help build skills needed for social interaction and personal confidence,” says Aimee. “Having a neutral place to gather also takes the pressure off making new friendships for customers still feeling the effects of the shutdown.”
How does the board game lounge work? Gather 4 Games offers a table fee of $5 per seat for all-day play. Customers can play as many games as they can want during their visit.
People can bring in a group of friends to play with, come in with their family, or visit by themselves to find a group to join.
“It’s a great way to meet new friends and enjoy a game,” says Aimee.
Additionally, Gather 4 Games has active groups for Dungeons & Dragons on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m., and alternating weeks offer campaigns geared to ages 12 to 17 and adults.
NEW YEAR, NEW GAMES
“We’re excited to grow our community by offering a larger space to play so more groups can meet without feeling crowded,” says Aimee.
Gather 4 Games is nearly tripling its available table space, including two additional restrooms. The larger space will also make room for Warhammer, new board games, events, and workshops to help customers level up their gameplay, and an expanded retail area for customers interested in purchasing games, miniatures, paints, and game accessories.
While many businesses closed after the COVID-19 lockdown, Gather 4 Games is not going anywhere. “We’re excited about getting a permanent sign in the new year,” says Aimee.
You can play at 18631 N. 19th Ave. and learn more at gather4games.com.
Community
Inspiring Teens Provide Support to Peers Dealing with Dating Violence, Abuse
By Amy Wolff Photos courtesy of BLOOM365
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE STATISTICS ARE
STAGGERING. According to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control study one in 11 females, one in 15 males, and one in four LGBTQ+ high school students have experienced physical dating violence in the last year. And roughly one in nine females, one in 36 males, and one in three LGBTQ+ high school students have experienced sexual dating violence.
For Valley nonprofit group BLOOM365, stopping abuse at the root of the problem and preventing dating and domestic violence before it begins, with a special focus on 11 to 24-year-olds, is the ultimate mission.
One of the most unique things about BLOOM365 is its Peer Advocate program. It includes roughly 40 local high school and college students who are trained to recognize the signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and reframe conversations and actions to cultivate a culture of safety, empathy, respect, and consent.
Harshitha Ram, a sophomore at Pinnacle High School, became a peer advocate to be part of something bigger and help create meaningful change in the lives of her fellow students.
“The work we do at BLOOM365 is something I am very passionate about, and I strongly believe in ending the cycle of abuse in my generation,” she says. “Through the peer advocacy program, I’ve learned how to create an impact within my school and community.
BLOOM365 educates young people on healthy versus unhealthy relationships and helps build skills to avoid controlling, abusive, and violent behaviors both now and later in life. The organization also provides trauma-informed emotional support, counseling, and safety services to enhance healing and well-being for young people who have been victimized.
“My work as a peer advocate is dear to my heart because it means that I can make a difference in the lives and experiences of every person around me,” says Clara McAdams, a junior at Barry Goldwater High School. “When a peer comes to me and discloses interpersonal violence or toxicity in their relationship, the first step I take is to listen. I give them an outlet to express their emotions, fears, and concerns. I strive to alleviate the silence they have felt in their relationship.”
Peer advocates participate in an immersive and highly engaging training that educates young people ages 13 to 24 years old about the risk factors, red flags, and root causes of domestic, sexual, teen-dating violence, and bullying and how to prevent them. Through the program teens and young adults gain skills they can use to support peers who have experienced unhealthy, controlling, toxic, or abusive friendships or relationships. They also learn steps they can take to create a safe space for survivors to seek help and perpetrators to unlearn abusive behaviors.
“For me, my goal is to always be empathetic and try to understand other people’s perspectives and experiences,” says Nidhi Konanur, a sophomore at Mountain Ridge High School.
After completing the Peer Advocate Academy, participants can apply for a paid Lead Peer Advocate internship position to uproot abuse on their school campuses.
To learn more about the Peer Advocate program and BLOOM365, visit bloom365.org.
WELCOME TO PARADISE
YOUR ACADEMIC JOURNEY CONTINUES AT PVCC
Located in north Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) serves a broad group of students in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment.
Our students experience active and engaged learning, opportunities to enhance critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking, and ways to positively impact today’s societal issues.. Whether you’re attending college for the first time, taking a class to transfer to a university, expanding your skill set, or wanting to explore a new interest, PVCC can help. We provide an array of services to ensure your success, such as academic advising, career counseling, early college, financial aid (for those who are eligible), a learning support center, and Veteran resources. What’s more, we are the only community college in Arizona recognized as one of the nation’s Top 150 Community Colleges by the Aspen Institute, the nation’s signature recognition for America’s community colleges. Paradise awaits….contact us for a campus tour today!
PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Union Hills - Main Campus
18401 North 32nd Street Phoenix, AZ 85032 paradisevalley.edu 602.787.7000
Black Mountain Campus
34250 North 60th Street, Building A Scottsdale, AZ 85266 paradisevalley.edu/blackmountain 602.493.2600
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit http://www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.
