Mel and I love playing table tennis each week at the Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata. It feels like the fictional bar Cheers—a place where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. At least that's how it feels for us. Months ago, we learned the names of the two young women at the front desk (I and N), the young man who sets up the tables (A), and the two sets of men who are regulars in the same weekly time slot as Mel and me. (We know their full names, but I'll use their initials here.) Being able to greet the staff and our fellow table tennis enthusiasts by name and to wish them a good week at the end of the hour feels special.

We love playing side by side with A and S. They are much more aggressive in their play than we are, making spectacular kills on every play, then laughing loudly regardless of who wins the point. Their joy is infectious. They banter with each other and with us as they play. For a few weeks, they didn't come to the gym, and I missed their lively interaction. Both Mel and I were happy when they returned. They bring such positive energy to the gym.

We also like seeing another couple of men who play at the table behind us. M and D are always smiling. Tonight, they asked us to remind them of our names, which I thought was sweet. I expect that they'll be greeting us by name next week.

The gym where we play looks out onto a beautiful playground. I enjoy seeing the children and families buzzing around. Tonight, two girls—about 8 years old—peered through the windows to see what was going on in the gym. I waved to them, as did Mel when she turned to face the window to see what I was looking at. The girls giggled and ran away. For the next 15 minutes or so, the two girls would come back every few minutes and peer into the gym. I would tell Mel when they returned, and she and I would wave excitedly each time. It was our way of showing the girls that they were seen and appreciated. Wisely, Mel said, "They'll probably think that they, too, could play table tennis one day." Rightly so.

As much as Mel and I enjoy table tennis for the sheer pleasure of the game, I think we enjoy it equally for the camaraderie that we encounter there. This is community at its best.