Charity poker returns to town office

NORWAY — On February 12, the town office will once again be home to a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament.

The poker tournament is a charity fundraiser for Responsible Pet Care, a local no-kill cat shelter. It was held in the town office once before, in January, and town officials say they've gotten only positive feedback.

"I heard no complaints," said Town Manager David Holt.  "Apparently, the participants like the location.

Holt said that he would recommend the town continue to approve the games on a case-by-case basis.

"People really appreciated having that activity in a good, clean room," said Selectman Bill Damon. "It was cleaner than some of the places they've been."

Coffee and lunch was served to participants by the game's organizers, said Sally Leighton of Responsible Pet Care. The room is rented from the town at a cost of $50 per hour.

"It seems to be a lot of fun," said Leighton. "They've very serious when they come. They're there to play cards."

The poker tournament lost its regular location with the closure of Charlie's Entertainment Center on Main Street.

Participants typically buy in for a set amount, and then play until they are eliminated, a structure which does not allow for large losses.

Leighton said that 26 players participated in the January tournament.

Members of the board expressed appreciation for the existence of the shelter.

"Those that are sponsoring this thing are doing a very responsible job taking care of all those animals," said Damon.

The board approved the motion unanimously.