The Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services hosted the event recently in collaboration with Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Family Services, YWCA of Jamestown, and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) at the GA Family Services gymnasium.

The Real Game of Life is based on the Milton Bradley board game Life, originally created in 1860 by Milton Bradley as The Checkered Game of Life. The game simulates a person’s travels through their life, from early adulthood to retirement, with college, if necessary, jobs, marriage, and possible children.

The Real Game of Life puts its own spin on the classical board game by providing real programs and service-providing agencies in direct contact with those who may need help. Program participants were able to interact with local agencies, non-profit organizations, service-providing organizations, and educational institutions – to gain insight into real-life skill-building activities and explore practical options and services available throughout Chautauqua County.

There are nearly 40 table displays from different organizations, said one event official. While each table displayed a variety of keepsakes, giveaway flair, and informational pamphlets, individual program attendees tended to have their personal favorites.

More than 125 program participants and 39 different local agencies took part in the recent Real Game of Life at the Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Family Services Gymnasium. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

“My favorite is the Jamestown Jackals table with the two Jackals players Emmett (Duval) and Davis (Zakeem),” said Isahaiah Torres, a sixth-grade student who attends Jefferson Middle School and is the son of Elisandra Torres and grandson of former County Legislator Billy Torres. “I’m hoping to win the E-Bike, and my grandpa is serving pizza and snacks here today.”

William “Bill” Corefee, a nine-year-old homeschooled student, said his favorite part of the event was a four-legged friend at one of the display tables.

“I love visiting the Therapy Dogs United table. ” They had one of those short, really long-eared dogs there (a Basset Hound), ” he said. The puppy looked sad, but he was happy to meet me.”