By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Visitors to Greenspring’s bustling campus know there is always something fun, new, or exciting to do. However, most visitors only see the campus in action during normal business hours. Yet the fun at Greenspring often continues late into the evening and throughout the weekend.

In fact, every other Friday night as many as 100 people gather in the Hunters Crossing conference center for competitive bingo games.

Let’s get the party started
According to Harry Dean, who began the tradition three years ago, “Bingo  lovers enjoy getting together to play. In fact, before the games begin, it’s not uncommon to hear pounding on the tables, everyone anxious to begin.”

Ten games are played each night for the cost of $1 a card. All of the money  goes back to the winner of each game with the exception of the “Lucky Number 7”—the seventh game of the night.

The Lucky Number 7 is a progressive game, meaning if no one wins the money returns to the pot, increasing the prize two weeks later when the game is played again. To win Lucky Number 7, bingo is only achieved by creating the number 7 across the top of the board and down the game board.

“The lucky number 7 pot has gotten as big as $250,” says Dean. “When it gets up that high, we easily see more than 100 people playing.

Fun time for all
Family members and guests are invited and encouraged to join community members on bingo nights.

“We’ve had quite a few grandchildren come to play,” says Dean.

“In fact we had one young girl win, who was so excited she jumped like a  gazelle across the room!” Greenspring’s bingo games exemplify what people like best about living at the community, namely, good times shared with good friends.

“I really enjoy bingo nights,” says Dean. “The enthusiasm of the players is great. Some people really love to play. I’ve even had some people come up to me  and thank me for setting up the games. I’m just glad everyone is having fun.”