The seniors of the Pocono Singles and Married Club have been getting together for years to play bingo and enjoy Friday night dances. This organization has 21 members that meet at the Labor Union ballroom in East Stroudsburg to socialize, dance and play bingo. Many of these seniors go to these Friday night get-togethers to socialize after losing a spouse and some of them have not missed a single night for years. Donna Spino says she has been going to the club since 1975. The secretary and vice president, Carolina Schillace says that nearly 100 members have married others who are part of this club.
Bingo Night Themes
The president of the group, Charles Chiappone, says that people enjoy going to the bingo nights because it gets them out of the house and allows them to be with other people who have the same interests. He also says that people bring plates of dessert or other food almost every week. The music for the dances is performed by a single musician, a duet and occasionally a band. Chiappone says that all of their musicians are very talented and specialize in Latin, ballroom and country western music. Some of the themes for the bingo and dance night includes Western Night, Prom Night, Back to School Night and even included a belly dancer for one night. Schillace says that most people wear very neat but casual attire but when she first attended all the women were wearing gowns. She said this left her feeling a little embarrassed because she did not realize there would be so many glamorous women.
Information about Bingo and Dance Night
Seniors travel from many different places to attend this social event including Easton, Gouldsboro and Bethlehem even when it is snowing or raining. All the seniors who attend say they feel welcomed and that it’s a great way to meet many new people. Schillace says she understands that some people may feel apprehensive about attending but she does everything she can to make them feel comfortable. Schillace has been on every committee at Ponoco Singles and Married club and she makes it a point to learn everyone’s name. She says that those who attend will not be alone for long because everyone at the club makes true friends and even find true love. It only costs $20 a year for membership and it costs $8 per dance for members and non-members pay $10 per dance.
Members of the club also enjoy bowling twice a month at a local bowling alley. In addition, members enjoy picnics 3 times each year at the Mountainview Park as well as dinner and dancing at the Pocono Inne Town in honor of their anniversary and Christmas. There is also a New Year’s party that is catered by various local restaurants. Finally, members in the club also engage in volunteer activities and visit their fellow members who are in the hospital. The board for the Ponoco Singles and Married club meet every month at the local library to discuss its upcoming events and its business meetings are held just before the Friday bingo and dance night.
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