A numbers game

If you have never played bingo here in Sun City, then you will have to wait in line.

Linda Bahwell, who works at the registration desk, catches all of the action.

“It’s a lot of fun. These ladies get here before we do! Our community donates some great prizes and it’s a great social occasion,” she said.

Bingo is considered one of the most casual and rewarding social games, but to some, it’s a hidden gem.

Vicki Borucki said, “After living here for 15 years, I finally decided to try it after hearing so many people rave about it. This is my second time waiting in line for the tickets.”

Bingo has other benefits that aren’t obvious at first.

From a health perspective, the game is incredibly beneficial. Bingo inspires a lot of laughter, and laughter may truly be the best medicine for aging well. Studies have shown that laughter decreases stress hormones, increases immunity, and triggers endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals.

If you ever been to bingo at Sun City or seen pictures of the meetings, you will see players decked out in crowns.

“Our leader, Vickie, gets a group of 10 together. She reminds us to come to register. She sends us a text to get up in the morning. She also makes our bingo crowns,” said Marie Hasanov, a member of the group.

Vickie Lund, organizer of the group, states, “I am a Capricorn. Capricorns are organizers. I make the crowns out of the kids Burger King crowns. We are the bingo hat table. We’ve been doing this for 10 years. We make a day out of it. We register and then go out for breakfast, usually at the Brunch Café.”

How do they fill the table?

Donna Angarone answers, “Most of us are in Ceramics Club together and we talk it up.”

Bingo is a fast-paced game that requires players to mark their cards as numbers are called. Because of the fast pace and repetitive nature of the game, studies have shown that playing the game can improve hand-eye coordination, which, in turn, can delay the onset of mobility issues and other age-related obstacles.

Most of the early risers waiting for registration to open are female residents, but a few males are waiting patiently to register.

Sandy Oslance reminds residents that you must have an ID card to play.

“And you can only register one other person, but you must have their card,” she said. “It’s a bit crazy, but it’s Bingo Day. It’s nice to see new players coming.”

“I’ve been coming for 2 years and yes, I have won a few things. A gift card, a garden center planter, and a silver caddy,” said Sharon Agresta.

But Carol Schweitzer, her sister, has a different perspective.

“I’m still waiting to win,” she said.

Nanci Whelan enjoys the entire experience.

“This is my third time and I like the socialism, meeting new people,” she said.

The next bingo meet will be Wednesday, February 6, at 11:30 a.m.

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