And Bingo was the Game-o

Ashley Giddix

Monday, March 15th, 2010

The Bingo game we all know originated from Italy. The game is part of their lottery system and dates back to 1530 when Italy was united.

While the Ladies Auxiliary haven't been playing quite that long, they too have a long history of Bingo that dates back approximately 30 plus years (nobody could remember the actual date). They meet once a week at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building and welcome anyone from the community to enjoy in some food, and visit with some friendly faces while playing the popular game of Bingo.

Bunny Tanner, the president of the Ladies Auxiliary, and a player herself says all the money collected goes back into the community. For example they've sponsored the food drives at the Fire Station as well as a going away dinner for the troops this past December, in addition to many other beneficial causes.

Another face you'll notice working at Bingo is an 85 year old man who volunteers along with his wife every week. Lawrence King has been playing at the VFW in Lyndonville for at least 7 years. He loves the game and enjoys the friendly atmosphere.

After you've bought your tickets and are heading for an empty chair you'll notice a table with an assortment of troll dolls and an interesting Bingo bag designated for dobbers. The face behind the collection is Carlene West. West has never bought a troll doll herself, they are all gifts from special people who know and love her. She doesn't bring her entire collection to the game however because she says she has 1,000 trolls at home.

At around 6:00 you'll notice a smiling man sitting down at the state of the art Bingo machine table. This would be the caller Larry Brooks. He's been calling for 2 years but playing for over 20. He loves his job claiming his favorite aspect is helping out and just being around the people.

If you look at the board mounted on the board, as well as the table Brooks calls from and the 4 monitors around the room, you'll notice something unique. Eight months ago the VFW acquired a $10,000 Bingo system. The table is constantly mixing up the balls until one pops up, which is shown on 4 television monitors mounted throughout the room. The number is also shown on the four-colored board which shows all the numbers that have been called already.

Glancing around you'll see mostly seniors with a few younger faces. This journalist noticed two young adults in the vicinity and decided to ask why they were joining the Bingo players. The woman who wished to remain anonymous said she was just spending time with her grandmother. This game is a true family activity.

This journalist felt more then welcome into the Bingo hall and is certain that you will too.