THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 13, 1995 TAG: 9507120118
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By SHIRLEY BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
A TIP FOR THOSE who've vowed to shop early for Christmas:
The Suffolk Jaycees are planning to flood the local market soon with the Game of Suffolk, a local twist on the classic game of Monopoly.
Thirty-four spaces on the game board will feature Suffolk businesses that can be bought, sold or traded as stock. And those who wheel and deal successfully can end up owning the whole city.
Making things a bit more challenging than Monopoly, players may try their luck on the commodity futures exchange and could be audited by the IRS.
``It's a keepsake, commemorative item,'' said Mike Carr, recent past-president of the Suffolk Jaycees. ``We want to have it available for sale at Peanut Fest. If not, we'll have them for Christmas. Every game we sell will help Edmarc (hospice) and other charities.''
Carr, who jokingly described himself as ``chairman of the board,'' first heard about the game while attending a recent Jaycee district meeting in Franklin.
``Someone came in with one of the games,'' Carr said. ``Smithfield has one, and Portsmouth is doing it now. We contacted Michael Glenn Productions in Romulus, Mich., and they sent us a sample. We could have ordered a plastic cover, but we wanted the best. The box cover will have the emblem of Suffolk printed on it.''
On July 10, the Jaycees began accepting advertisements from Suffolk businesses. Prices for blocks circling the game board range from $200 to $500. The most expensive blocks represent the more ``prestigious'' real estate holdings, while $200 buys a corner block.
``We'll also let people put their ads on the playing cards,'' Carr said.
There will be blocks for four ads in the middle of the board and spaces for ``VIP'' names . . . those of individuals and families who wish to contribute. Plans are also in the making to include the names of Suffolk City Council members and the Suffolk Jaycees.
While money paid for advertisements will cover the expense of game production, all proceeds from the sale of the games will be contributed to charities.
``The game will cost $25, but those who advertise and pre-order a game can receive one for $15,'' Carr said. ``We're hoping that some businesses will sell them.''
Recently, the Jaycees sent informational fliers to 100 local businesses. They are asking that all advertisements be submitted by Aug. 1.
``We're hoping to sell 1,200 games,'' Carr said, ``and this will happen only once. The game can't be resold for another three or four years.''
Organized 50 years ago, the Suffolk Jaycees is a young men's leadership organization whose 43 members range in age from 21 to 40.
The group, whose purpose is community service, meets twice monthly. A business meeting is held at Sentry Services on Holland Road. Members also meet for dinner and fellowship at the Lee-Jordan Clubhouse. Other social activities include the annual Ladies Night and the Old Timers' meeting.
The group sponsors several fund-raisers throughout the year, including a recent softball tournament at Peanut Park. Members paid a fee to play on one of seven teams and trophies were awarded to the winners. The Jaycees also operated a concession stand, and proceeds were donated to the Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad.
``We also give the annual `Outstanding Young Man of the Year' award,'' Carr said. ``Our main fund-raiser is our Christmas tree sale at the Suffolk Plaza Shopping Center. We sell ads for the Peanut Fest booklet and support four mentally disabled campers, who attend Camp Virginia Jaycees near Lynchburg.''
Contributions are made annually to the Finney Avenue Home, Habitat for Humanity, the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Cancer Society, and Obici Hospital.
``At 40, you become an `Exhausted Rooster,' '' Carr said, laughing. ``I've been a member of the Jaycees for 10 years, and when 40 hits, I'll be ready.''
Carr, 37, has served twice as vice president for the Suffolk Jaycees and as a state director. Employed by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, he has coached T-ball in the Shetland League and is presently sub-contracting to build his own home.
Carr and his wife, Pam, have two sons, Justin, 6, and Russell, 4. MEMO: For information regarding ``The Game of Suffolk,'' call Rusty Smith,
539-0296; Ed Smith, committee chairman, 539-0170, from 6 to 9 p.m.; or
fax to 539-9074.
ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Mike Carr, a Suffolk Jaycees past-president, shows off the Game of
Suffolk, which will be a fund-raiser for the Jaycees.
KEYWORDS: BOARD GAME by CNB