Crazy Bingo in Summit makes for a fun day

By Carol McGowan

Nearly 100 players and vendors got together at Summit Park on April 6 for a few hours of fun with Crazy Bingo.

The event was in partnership with state Senator Steven Landek’s office, and took place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  It was free to play for Summit residents 50 and up.

Martha Sonka, community outreach coordinator for Landek’s office, said the event was a hit and there will be another opportunity for others to take part in the fun.

“It was exciting and successful because of all of the support from Summit residents,” she said. “Many chatkis were given away. We will do it again on May 18 at Summit Park.  Doors will open at 9 a.m., and Crazy Bingo will start at 10 a.m.”

When asked why it’s called Crazy Bingo, Sonka said, “It’s a fun time for all.”

“It’s a great opportunity for our residents to get out and socialize and have fun.  We call it Crazy Bingo because if someone calls bingo and they don’t have it correct, they get up and do a little dance, or do a little crazy dance in their chair.  It makes for a fun time to get people out and involved with others in the community.”

Besides bingo, there were vendors with helpful information for all inside the SPARK building.  Many vendors were there to help senior residents with information they may need for getting help around the house and medical assistance if needed.

The Summit Fire and Police departments were on hand for blood pressure checks, and to answer any questions anyone had.  Those on hand were able to take a COVID test if they wanted.

Pizza was provided by Vito & Nicks II in Hickory Hills.

Sonka thanked everyone for coming out for a good time, and their help in making the event a success.

“I would like to thank my volunteers, Francisca, Diane, Lydia, Lourdes, and of course, my husband Scott.  We have many other to thank, including Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg, the Summit Police and Fire Department, Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar, and Cecilia Salinas from his office, Summit Trustee Aleco Julius, Summit Park District Commissioners Tony Cervantes and Rudy Santoyo, United Covid Control, and Frito Lay.”

“We had many wonderful vendors, including Aging Care, Cano Health, Zing Health, Chicago Area Project, Summit Public Library, Humana, Sinai Community Institute, Access Community Health Network, AAA Insurance, Baird & Warner Real Estate, NAMI Metro Suburban, Sahara Home Care, Alivio Medical Center, Casa Maravilla, I Cash, Nicor, Caption Call, Oak Street Health, Age Options, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Autumn Green Living, and S.G.A. Summit.  All of our vendors help make this possible.”