NOVA: BINGO at Spring Grove
by Mike White
The Neuroscience Outreach and Volunteer Association (NOVA) hosted another successful bingo night at Spring Grove Psychiatric Hospital on April 15.
This month NOVA visited the inpatient facility Red Brick #3, which is well-known in the Spring Grove bingo community for having the finest bingo set and some of the most seasoned bingo players in the circuit. The turnout among the patientswas particularly good, which prompted comment from the staff that, “The whole ward has turned out!” This was likely a result of the veritable jackpot of donated clothes that was distributed at NOVA’s last trip to Red Brick #3, a few months prior. In fact, there was a need to purchase new prizes, since the seemingly inexhaustible supply of donations garnered from last year’s “Halal on the Lawn” had been mostly depleted. Gracious funding from the GSA helped NOVA in this regard. The funding provided chips, cookies, punch and prizes for this month’s bingo night. The prizes included new t-shirts and socks, as well as travel size toiletries, all of which produced excitement among the patients. One patient won a new green t-shirt that perfectly matched his Chicago Black Hawks hat. He was so delighted that he put it on immediately before continuing to play bingo. Another prize of interest was a stylish pin-stripe vest, which was one of the few “Halal on the Lawn” donations remaining. Several potential recipients tried on the vest, but a good fit proved elusive. It was decided that the vest would stay at Red Brick #3 to be decorated and to adorn the next bingo caller. All in all, it was another great bingo night at Spring Grove! NOVA plans to return to Spring Grove on May 20.
To replenish the bingo supplies, NOVA will be hosting “Halal on the Lawn” again this year on May 8 from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Support NOVA and bingo night with your donation of clothing, books, magazines, games, and/or toiletries and get a free Halal lunch! This event is sponsored by the USGA.
If you want to be a part of bingo night and/or other NOVA activities, please contact us at umbnova@gmail.com.
