Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1512174
42 | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2023 | Each year Bingo takes a two-month winter break. Not only because our callers and volunteers enjoy the time off, but also because it gives the Clubhouse staff extra availability, to schedule holiday events for other clubs. e Hall is in great demand, so for Bingo and Clubhouse staff, taking November and December off is really a win win, and Bingo loves a win! I am aware that many players are disappointed we don't play each and every month. However, let's look back… in the past, Bingo took not only a two-month winter break, but a two-month summer break as well. is year we eliminated the summer break. Eliminating the summer break was a success and the Board voted to continue playing Bingo 10 months a year, provided our participation numbers stay as high as they have been. e number of players each year has been increasing. On the average, Bingo now has 195 players. In March, we had 223 players, but in September for our first Matinee Bingo game, we had 138. In our last meeting, the Board reviewed the numbers and comments about Matinee Bingo and aer discussion, decided that Bingo would continue with evening games only as we move forward. Bingo must balance not only attendance, which gives us our operating budget, but the requirements of our gambling license as well. e city of Oceanside has strict controls which we must observe. In our 2024 budget, operating costs have increased, however, the Board decided that if we have a minimum of 140 players for each game, we can meet all our obligations without increasing prices in 2024. In 2024, we are hoping for an average of 215 players. In 2023, Bingo paid out more than $14,000 in jackpots for the year. I hope you were included in that. e more players we have in 2024, the larger the jackpots will be! Win, Win! 2024 also has us looking at new Bingo equipment. With the help of Chris Bessey, Recreation, Bingo is expecting to put in an equipment justification for 2024/2025. Could be very exciting, I'll keep you posted. e Board of Directors of Bingo – Adele Siesel, Adrienne Lutz, Lynn Bible, Sue Patten, Jeannine Ferrari, and Greg Coffee all wish you a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you on January 20, 2024 for our first game of the year. Written by: Adele Seisel BINGO