To the editor:
I have traveled the entire state of Maine to enjoy bingo games. It is a fantastic pastime especially for senior citizens. It is great to see younger people attending these games also. But for Seniors it is the best pastime at a fair cost. Usually the money spent on bingo helps the VFW, Legions and local fund providers. It kills many birds with one stone, just saying…
There are positive and negative things that happen at bingo halls and even humorous things that would bust the gut with laughter. When I first started playing bingo as a young man I experienced a few humorous events myself. One of the first things I noticed in bingo was there was many more women than men. The first time I looked up I noticed several women staring my way. You know how men can be when this happens. I started brushing my hair back with my hand, sucked in my gut and smiled like crazy. I thought I was all that and a legend in my own mind … smile.
This went on for quite awhile until break time was announced by the caller. I slowly got up with my head swelled a little and made my way to the bathroom. In the bathroom I combed my hair and all those things men can do to look good.
As I strolled out of the bathroom and started walking toward my seat, no women looked up at me. Then I looked up above where I was sitting and noticed a TV monitor right above my head. My heart sunk fast and my belly filled back up with air again. I realized these women weren’t staring at me at all. They were looking for their bingo numbers on the monitor above my head.
Needless I say, I was humbled fast. Today as a much older man I can laugh about this memory.
Over the years I have enjoyed many laughs at others’ cost. There is only one person I would not want to be in bingo. This is the caller. You would be amazed at what they go through.
Here are some examples, Turn the heat up! Turn the heat down! Turn the air conditioner up! Turn it down! There is too much noise in here! You called the wrong number as they hit the table with their blotter! There are no N’s in this game! You are going too fast, or too slow!
They get it on both ends. The caller puts up with a lot of abuse. Most just let it blow over. They must be so happy to go home after the game.
These are just a few of the episodes that come to life in the bingo halls of Maine. All in all the game is very much fun especially when you win. It is kind of cute hearing the whispers of a few fellow players after the floor worker brings you the money. You hear, they always win! Money goes to money! They must be cheating! I never win! They took my lucky chair and now they win! etc. etc. etc.
If you were to win more than a couple of games, you quickly take your money, hang your head down and run like heck out the door. Hoping next week they will have forgotten your lucky spree!
I’ll close by saying this. Bingo people are a very special kind of people. Many times the host will provide goodies during the holidays, give out free cards on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Friends bring in candy and cookies to share and much joy is shared by all.
The next time you may feel bored, all alone, or even lucky, come and join the bingo family for a game or two. Honestly! We won’t hurt you … BINGO!
