By Liz Bellovin
"Baldwinopoly" is a new twist on an old game. Properties on the game are being purchased by local merchants who get their own deed card and place on the board. Families playing the game will have the opportunity to "own" their local pizzeria or even the funeral home.
Aside from an interesting advertising angle, Baldwinopoly provides a "snapshot" of the people and businesses of our town in our time.
Nancy Scarola, a Baldwin realtor who purchased a property, took the time to pull out an old version of a similar game which had been created nearly 20 years ago. It's a historical record and a great game. It's not the kind of thing that people throw away; it's a game people will play again and again.
For the kids, the producers are making sure to include local favorite landmarks. Two families bought a corner spot to include Baldwin Park on the board. A resident with a shipping business is sponsoring the post office. A retired police officer who owns a mortgage company is backing the First Precinct and the teachers and faculty at Meadow School are rallying for a spot for the school. Other places seeking sponsorship are the new and improved Baldwin Public Library and Fire Department. Bank of America has agreed to sponsor the game's money.
Baldwinopoly is a Class of 2006 fund-raiser. The fifth grade students will use the sponsor money to have the games produced and available for the holiday season. The income generated will help offset the cost of the graduation-year events. It is customary for the students to attend a Broadway show as one of their graduating experiences. Our fund-raising allows the parents to provide this culturally enriching experience and more to all students at no cost to the families.
The Baldwinopoly games will be professionally produced like similar board games purchased at toy stores. They will include color photos of Baldwin. The deadline is mid-October. There are still opportunities available for patron ads, one-line family sponsorships and a limited number of properties with deeds.
For more information call Debbie Slavin at 223-4358.
