WS Chronicle

By Judie Holcomb-Pack

After shuffling competitions and changing schedules over the past two months, the decision to cancel the 2020 Piedmont Plus Senior Games/SilverArts was made this week. Chuck Vestal, Senior Games coordinator for the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, said that after consulting with public health officials, discussing options with steering committees, host facilities and state Senior Games staff, the consensus was to cancel the games for the safety of the participants. Vestal stated in an email, “This has been an agonizing decision to make, but it is the prudent and wise decision to make.”

Vestal also noted, “… that if it is safe by the dates of the N.C. Senior Games, that the statewide events will be held as scheduled.” These events are held in late summer or early fall. Updates will be made to the website at www.ncseniorgames.org as to schedule changes.

The SilverArts’ Literary, Visual and Heritage Arts competitions will be held with some adjustments. Registration to participate in these events will be accepted until May 29. Forms are available at www.cityofws.org, click on the Seniors tab and download the registration form. Participation will be handled by email or postal mail as follows:

Literary Arts: Entries in the categories of poetry, memoir, essay or short story can be emailed by May 29 to cvestal@cityofws.org or mailed to Piedmont Plus Senior Games/Silver Arts, Black Phillips Smith Government Bldg., 2301 N. Patterson Ave., Winston-Salem, NC  27101. Refer to the website for criteria. Judging will be by members of Winston-Salem Writers and winners will be announced the week of June 15.

Visual and Heritage Arts: Entries will be by photographs that will be emailed by May 29 to cvestal@cityofws.org. Winners will be announced after June 3. For all 2D artwork, an overall photo and a close-up photo that shows the detail of the work should be submitted. For 3D artwork, such as woodturning, woodworking and sculptures, entries can include up to six photos, one from each side and a close-up to show detail. Winners will be announced after the judging on June 3.

The Performance Arts Showcase has been canceled for this year. The traditional Opening Ceremonies has also been cancelled. T-shirts and gift items that are usually distributed during the Opening Ceremonies will be held and distributed to participants of the 2021 games.

Seniors who have already registered to participate in this year’s games have the following options:

1. Transfer your registration payment to next spring.

2. For those who have registered for golf, bowling or mini-golf, you will receive a refund for your event fees.

3. Ask for a full refund. This option will also remove you from registration for the State Games, should they take place.

4. Donate your registration to be used for those who cannot afford to participate in the 2021 games.

Participants can notify Chuck Vestal at cvestal@cityofws.org with their decision.

Vestal is hoping that when the coronavirus is finally under control and it’s safe to meet in groups, that some “informal” competitions and tournaments can be held, such as track and field, pickleball, chair volleyball, table tennis, bocce, shuffleboard, bowling and mini-golf. He stressed that the health and safety of all participants and volunteers will be the top priority.