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Breakfast and Bingo
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Posted by lward Wed Dec 15, 2004 10:26:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments While the Wal-Mart on Rosedale Highway was buzzing with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, the McDonald's housed inside was, save for the piped-in Christmas music, largely quiet.

The two dozen or so seniors seated at the bright red tables were ignoring the calls for hashbrowns and Egg McMuffins and instead giving their full attention to the sound of June McGahey's voice:

"O68, B4, G60, N36, O66..." she said.

Soon, someone would cry "Bingo!" and walk away with a nice prize, like a blanket, a candy dish or a box of chocolates, all provided by Wal-Mart, which hosts bingo gatherings throughout the country.

But participants don't gather every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. just for the tangible rewards.

"It's being able to socialize and talk with people," said coordinator McGahey, who has been playing bingo for about 25 years and has been playing at the Rosedale Highway location since it opened.

"Plus, it's free," said McGahey, who usually arrives at the McDonald's at 6 a.m. to set up.

Open to anyone over the age of 55, McGahey also brings her mother, Milrea Blackwood, 86, and her mother's friend, Antonia Van De Valk, 87.

"They enjoy it, they really do," said McGahey, who started brining both of her parents (her father since passed away) when she saw them sitting around the house with nothing to do.

"I had to find something for them to do with their time, and I found it in bingo," said McGahey, who said even her reluctant father warmed up to the idea. "He'd say, ‘I hate bingo.' But it'd be the day before and he'd start to get anxious to go," she recalled.

Mary and Ed Porter heard about bingo at Wal-Mart through acquaintances and have been playing now for four years.

"It's a fun outlet. It's a great place to play and enjoy the company of family and friends," said Mary.

McGahey also volunteers two days a week at Rasmussen Senior Center and has served as the Kern County Fair's co-chairman of home arts for 27 years.

But she isn't asking much of potential players - only their presence over a cup of coffee and a bingo board.
"We're looking for more people. All are welcome," she said.

For more information or to join the group, contact June McGahey at 391-0597.

June McGahey would also like to extend a special thanks to Wal-Mart, McDonald's and store manager Duane Ferrone.

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