As promised, a little more history of cribbage and its originator – quite a savory character.

Sir John Suckling spent several years in France and Italy and returned to England in 1630 to be knighted by the King. Suckling inherited his father's fortune when he was only 18. Rich, handsome and generous, Suckling was very popular and regarded as the best card player and bowler in Britain, if not all Europe. However, not all is always good … In 1641 he led a conspiracy to rescue a friend who was jailed in the Tower of London. When the plot was discovered, he was accused of treason and fled to France. A year later - unable to return to his beloved England - the unhappy poet, gamester and gambler took poison and died.

Cribbage was brought to American shores by English settlers where it became quite popular in the colonies, especially in New England. It was readily adopted by sailors and fishermen as a way to pass the time. Cribbage boards were crafted from a variety of materials and could be quite unique and elaborate in form and style. Eskimos would make cribbage boards out of walrus tusks to trade with the sailors and fishermen who made port near their villages. (mvhv.org - Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, New York)

Next week I’ll give you a final history lesson about cribbage, followed by some trivia of cribbage thereafter.

Feb. 7 is special. Vision Impaired Persons (VIP) will host at The Community Center at 1:15 p.m. a representative from the State of Maine Division of the Blind and Visual to speak about service and resources available. VIP meets once a month on the first Tuesday of the month.

Feb. 8 is also special. Dr. Teel’s group will meet from 3 to 5 p.m. Dr. Teel’s group meets monthly on the second Wednesday of the month.

News leak: We are having our annual Cookie Walk on Valentine’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or longer) Suggest bringing your sweet tooth!

Here is our program schedule for the week of Feb. 6-10:

Monday, Feb. 6: Knitting 10 a.m. to noon.

Tuesday, Feb. 7: Mah-Jong 10 a.m. to closing; VIP – 1:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8: Love to Dance 10:30 a.m.; Cribbage 12:30-2 p.m.; Dr. Teel’s Group 3 to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9: Mexican Dominoes 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m.; Mah-Jong2 noon-2 p.m.; Inner Peace 1-2 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10: No scheduled programs, but puzzles and good camaraderie are always available.