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Endangered VFW bingo means a lot to players

Re: Dropping numbers mark end of bingo, July 19 Times.

I was very upset by what I read in your news. Spring Hill VFW Post 10209 Commander Ed Noll wants to close the bingo at the post. He says we need 100 people in order to play. We had been getting that and more even in the summer when the attendance drops a bit because the snowbirds have left. I have checked this with the bingo chairman to confirm this.

Since Commander Noll made the announcement to bingo players that we may have to close our bingo, and changed the prices and games, attendance has dropped to about 80-plus people, and we are still making a little money. In my opinion, Commander Noll was rude and arrogant when speaking to us. He wouldn't even answer some questions. I personally think there are problems (political and personal) within the organization.

The bingo chairman, "Smitty," and all the volunteers have been wonderful, even now trying to get back the $50 payouts and $250 jackpots with fewer games, so hopefully some of our players will come back. When other bingos are paying more money the people go there, even if there are fewer games.

Since we have a bingo chairman and we pay the same rent as others renting the hall, shouldn't Commander Noll just collect the rent and leave the bingo alone? Does he go into a wedding reception when they have rented the hall and tell them how to run it? I think not.

One of the women who has been coming to bingo for about 20 years was in tears and asked other players if Commander Noll wanted the older people to stay home, twiddle their thumbs and die. Yes, that is how important this bingo is to many.

The VFW is a not-for-profit organization, and it is all about helping veterans, etc. Losing the bingo will have an impact. Players have made donations through our bingo game money and also personal donations to scholarships, the veterans hospital, children's parties, toiletries for service members recuperating in hospitals, yarn for a player who makes and donates lap robes to patients, holiday food baskets for those in need, and we even took up a donation of cleaning supplies for our men and women in Iraq who needed them for cleaning their helicopters.

It is really sad that this bingo may close because all these donations will stop, and many players will be left with an emptiness in their heart from losing touch with their bingo family.

Perhaps the members who voted to stop bingo will take a second look and see exactly what is going on. Commander Noll, can't you step forward with the truth and let us keep supporting VFW Post 10209 bingo, as we have done for many years?

Family-owned salon shows American dream

Re: Soothing salon a haven for family, customers, July 17 Times.

I want to thank staff writer Mary Spicuzza for her wonderful article featuring the family that owns Niki Nails.

I am a customer and look forward to my weekly visits. This is a true example of the American dream, and I am very happy for them.

[Last modified July 22, 2005, 00:33:20]