Nearly 40 people turned out to the Lincolnwood Community Center last Thursday in Lincolnwood for rounds of bingo, scoops of ice cream – with all the sweet trimmings – and camaraderie with local police officers.
Kandice Newton, recreation supervisor of the village’s Parks and Recreation Department, said the village has previously hosted a similar bingo event with the fire department, but the March 13 event was the first time featuring the police department.
“We changed it up for this year and we’re trying to engage more with the police officers,” said Newton.
The event, which had paid admission, “brings the Parks and Recreation together, it brings the police together, it brings the community together with the parks and police, and we’re trying just to create more community engagement,” she said.
Police Chief Jay Parrott helped to staff the bingo cage station with police personnel where the bingo number calling table featured prizes for all ages.
There were candy and toy prizes for youngsters, and award items to choose from such as tubes of name brand hand cream for adults.
“It’s just about having fun, getting to know each other and then you just hope that … bond you get helps communicate something down the road: If you need something from us, you’re not afraid to pick up the phone and call the police,” said Parrott.
Faith Rago, of Lincolnwood, was among adults seated at a table enjoying bingo.
“Everybody’s together,” Rago said about the event. “Very nice.”
Zach and Liz Winitz, who also attended last year, participated in the Thursday night event with their 2-year-old Sam.
“It’s great,” Zach Winitz said. “It’s our home, it’s a great community.”
Other families were in attendance too.
Resident Ben Shabad attended with his children who ranged in age from 1 to 6.
Events like Bingo and Scoops with the Blue are “great for the community, fun for kids,” Shabad said.
Ashley Fratto was there with her 4-year-old son. Fratto said she is new to Lincolnwood, moving to the north suburb from the South Side of neighboring Chicago.
“It’s a great way to get children involved with the police early,” she said.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
