Moose bingo reincarnated

Bingo players have a new yet familiar venue to support a local organization. John Sherer, activities director for Tiffin Moose Lodge, 1146 N. SR 53, agreed to run a weekly charitable bingo game that began March 6. He said the Tiffin Moose Lodge operated a bingo game for many years back in the 1990s and 2000s, but in 2009, the games were stopped because there weren't enough volunteers. However, in need of a financial shot in the arm, the lodge's board of officers discussed giving bingo another try to help with finances and generate new interest in the lodge, he said. Sherer said he agreed to run the new bingo after being asked by the new governor of Tiffin Moose Lodge Randy Culver. "I had experience with running bingo in the past and have always been a Moose supporter," he said. "I just wanted to help the Moose Lodge out and help increase their financial status." Despite a history, Sherer said they had to start from scratch, but he thinks the program has "gone really well so far," adding that 106 people attended the first Tiffin Moose Lodge Bingo. "A lot of volunteer man hours went into pulling this together and getting it started again," he said. "We've made a few adjustments, but it looks like we will have a fun bingo for people in the area to have a good time." Sherer said the new Moose bingo is scheduled every Tuesday with doors opening at 4 p.m. Bingo sheets, food and instant game tickets are sold right at 4 p.m. and Early Bird Bingo starts at 6 p.m., which includes six quick games that last 15 to 20 minutes. After a short break, the regular bingo session starts at 6:30 p.m. and includes a short break halfway through, he said. Games typically are done by 9 p.m., Sherer said. He said the lodge offers miniature bingo computers, allowing participants to play 90 additional cards. The computer does everything, letting the player know that a bingo is imminent by placing the top three cards on the screen and beeping to show one more number is needed, Sherer said. Computers cost $20 for the night and the lodge has had a number of computer winners so far, he said. "They are a lot of fun to try if you can afford the extra cost," Sherer said. A large bingo package is $25 and a small bingo package is $20, Sherer said. The large package includes two cards for every game and the small package includes one card for every game. He said games include their "M" (Moose) Game, which resembles the "Price is Right" wheel, Bonanza, Lightning and the Hot Dog Game, in which everyone seated at the winning tables receives a free hot dog. Other games include Bar Bells, Horse Race Games, Block of 9 and two Coverall Jackpot Games, in which players can win up to $1,000 the first game and $1,500 the second one. "Our bingo payouts are on par or higher than other area bingo games and our charges to play bingo are equal to or better than most," Sherer said. He said winnings paid out are based on attendance and the lodge donates 25 percent of profits of every bingo game to local charities. Sherer said lodge officers decided to get out of the day-to-day food business and worked out a deal with Benchwarmers, 105 Allen St., to take over kitchen operations at the Moose Lodge. The lodge will work with Benchwarmers to coordinate dinners and special events. "We are now able to offer almost the entire Benchwarmer menu right here at the lodge," he said. "Bingo players can now order quick finger foods from our bingo snack bar or they can order right off the Benchwarmers menu," Sherer said. "This gives our players options they can't get at any other bingo." Bingo is open to the public, he said. Sherer said the Moose Lodge also helps charities by letting them use its facilities for fundraising events. "Our new bingo game will help us to continue to help many Tiffin area charities like Allen Eiry, Tiffin Charitable, Seneca County Victims Assistance, FACT of Seneca County, Tiffin Babe Ruth League and Little League Football," he said. Sherer said he enjoys running the bingo program. "It is a lot of work, but I enjoy it because of the people that come out and enjoy it," he said. "Bingo players are great people and are very dedicated. They're particular of how things are run, but everyone is like a big family, ..," Sherer said. "They could tell you, they take it seriously, but they also feel like they are really a part of something." People interested in joining the Moose or who have questions should call the lodge at (419) 447-9271 or Sherer at (567) 281-0291.