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By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter
“G52… O73… N43… B4…” Sue Sheridan, the administrative assistant at Dover’s Council on Aging, called out.
As she read the letters and numbers aloud for all to hear, the seniors meticulously checked their boards, making sure they caught each number on their card and marking it off. After drawing about a dozen more cards, a voice interrupted Sue.
The bingo players at the COA’s January luncheon mark their cards in hopes of winning a prize. Photos by Laura Drinan
The Bingo Luncheon has become an annual event for the COA, which hosts a themed luncheon each month.
“We don’t have any entertainment in January, because you never know with the weather,” explained Sue. “So January is bingo month. People bring an unwanted gift they got over the holidays and we raffle them off.”
With a luncheon preceding the game, the seniors were able to socialize with friends and acquaintances over a meal and dessert before spending time together while playing bingo.
“Some come here just to play bingo, but others are here for the social aspect of it, too,” said Janet Claypoole, the director of Dover’s COA, who made sure to mention to the seniors that they had plenty of events planned for the month, including several luncheons at local churches, and a paint day that would be co-sponsored with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Sue Sheridan calls the letter and number combination at the Dover COA’s annual bingo luncheon. Photos by Laura Drinan
While the bingo players were excited for the upcoming programs, their focus was mainly on their cards. With prizes including gift cards, knitted goods, jewelry, stationary, and small toys, the seniors were eager to be the next one to get bingo.
The seniors called out “Bingo!” left and right, and the lucky cards became even more evident, with one senior getting bingo four times and winning one of two grand prizes. As the luncheon and game came to an end, everyone who hadn’t won was invited to choose a prize.
As the smiling seniors left the Community Center, it was clear that the COA could mark off the day as another successful bingo luncheon.
