TEANECK, N.J., Jan. 31, 2011 – In the traditionally male-dominated game of poker, women continue to show that it’s not only a man’s game. In fact, seven senior women who live at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck, a full-service rental retirement community, have formed a group that plays every Monday morning.  

Inspired by the men’s poker club at the community, the ladies recruited two of its members, Gerry Wagner and Bill Rini, as their dealers and teachers, to coach them on how to play their hands. Just two of the women have poker playing experience, Dorothy Zeppenick and Lee Meyer. The others are new to the game, and they are honing their skills, raising their bets and learning variations of poker while they enjoy the good-natured banter that comes with the game.

“It’s really a lot of fun,” said Harriet Koizim, who is a new player. “We play different versions during each round so we’re learning a lot about strategy and each game.” This includes Five-Card Draw, Seven-Card Stud, Follow the Queen and a homegrown variety devised by the men that they call “Cockamamie Poker.”

In addition to the opportunity to socialize, the women say that playing poker keeps their minds sharp as they keep track of the cards and calculate their hands. Rini explains the rules and strategy for each game and how to tell if a player is bluffing. Wagner advises them on how and when to bet, how to build a winning hand, and whether to draw or fold depending on which cards they hold.

The women’s poker game is just one of many ways these residents are enjoying an active retirement at Heritage Pointe. Ethel Solomon and Evelyn Goodgal participate in the weekday fitness classes, while Lillian Cohen, Koizim and Zeppenick are frequent Bingo players; Cohen also goes on the weekly outings to New York-area cultural sites and attractions. Arlene Rubinson, along with Rini and Wagner, is part of the Teaneck Trailblazers, the Heritage Pointe walking club that hikes the trails of the adjacent Teaneck Creek Conservancy. Meyer is the resident ambassador who welcomes new residents to the community.

“We’re all busy with other things but we’re hoping to find time during the week for a second game,” said Meyer, who initiated the activity. The women play in the community’s Card Room, which is located on the main level off of the lobby and concierge desk.

Located at 600 Frank W. Burr Boulevard adjacent to Glenpointe at the juncture of Interstates 80 and 95, Heritage Pointe of Teaneck features spacious rental apartments, restaurant-style dining, distinctive amenities, transportation to appointments and local shopping areas, 24-hour concierge service, and weekly excursions to various cultural and recreational venues throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Activities and programs offered include daily fitness classes; educational, cultural and social programs such as art and history lectures led by a retired college professor; performances by local music groups; health seminars presented by medical professionals; current affairs discussions and social events.

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