B-12, N-34, O-79! These calls and many laughs and sighs can be heard coming from the Home’s auditorium every Tuesday at 1pm, when the Residents gather for their weekly Bingo game.
After the noon meal every Tuesday, Residents can be seen lining up outside the auditorium eager to enter and play one of their favorite games – Bingo. Rosanne Kalinowski, our activities director, cheerfully leads the Bingo calling each week. Many times we have young volunteers that help the Residents organize their game pieces and multiple Bingo cards. Recently two high school students from St. Francis de Sales, here in Toledo, came and volunteered their time. Nick Jannaza and Bryan DeSelms, both seniors, had a great time interacting with our Residents. They, like many of our young volunteers, learned that Bingo is a serious game for many of our Seniors. Making sure they had their favorite Bingo cards, chips lined up in a row, lucky Bingo hats on … the Residents directed the young volunteers in just how to set up for the game. These young volunteers are always so patient and caring with the Residents and accommodate all their requests.
Once underway, the Bingo calling ensues and soon shouts could be heard of “I got it!” or “Bingo!, Bingo!”. The Residents love their Bingo and enjoy the time spent with their young helpers. They readily share a laugh and get excited when they or someone else wins. Quarters or even an occasional $1 are paid out as winnings to the lucky few. But more importantly, the Residents enjoy the social time together and making new friends with the youngsters. The students regularly comment that they “had fun!” and “Boy, they sure like their Bingo”. Sometimes these simple activities done on a regular basis in the Home are the most attended and looked forward to. It’s probably not for the game itself, but more about gathering and sharing a few laughs and some fun.
