There is a buzz at Ashland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Thompson Street. Members of the RMC student body have been making monthly visits under the leadership of College chaplain Kendra Grimes. These visits have been centered around bingo games hosted for residents, and have promoted a deeper sense of inter-community connection across generations.

Originally organized by members of Duncan Memorial Church, the program has been a longstanding tradition. It was discontinued in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as of October 2024, the visits have picked up again and grown to include more students. 

Tessa Kent ‘25 and Sophie White ‘25 have been at the forefront of student participation. 

“I found out about the program from my involvement with the SERVE Committee on campus,” said Kent. “Many individuals at ANRC don’t have family members to visit them. These games are such a small action for us, but it means the world to them.” 

Kent and White are working together to set up donation events where people can contribute physical items or financial donations to enhance the prize pool for Bingo winners. 

The presence of students has doubled the participation of the residents. The atmosphere of the games is lively and competitive, with many of the residents asking for students to come again. 

During a February visit, the event hall was filled with activity. Students were scattered throughout the groups greeting people they recognized. Folks mingled about, checking over the bingo cards they were given to see if it was a lucky card. One man by the name of Terinace Bryan mentioned how his mom had introduced him to the game. “I love to play bingo,” he said. “Been brought up since I was nine years old. My mother took us to bingo when my siblings and I were smaller.” Bryan was a four-time winner at the time, but went on to win his fifth round that day.  

Winners of rounds are permitted to pick a prize from one of the prize tables at the back of the room. The most sought-after items were socks, stuffed animals, soaps, lotions, and sweets, with many residents picking out gifts for their grandchildren. “Sometimes being able to give something is greater than winning the prize to begin with,” said Grimes.  

The extensive selection of prizes is the result of donations from Duncan Memorial Church and donated funds from an RMC student’s family. These contributions meant that the number of prize tables had tripled since student involvement took off. 

As the enthusiasm of both the residents and volunteers continues, Ashland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center plans to include students in even more interactive events in the future.