Mary Hembrow gives a red necklace to Barbara Cshaughnessy during a Valentine’s Day themed bingo game Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Townhouse in Rangeley. Hembrow organizes the monthly games throughout the winter. Free games, prizes, hot chocolate and sweets are provided. The final game of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 starting at 1 p.m. The theme will be St. Patrick’s Day. (Dee Menear/Rangeley Highlander)

RANGELEY — “Bingo!” It is a sweet sound to those lucky enough to shout the exclamation. For the players who join the monthly bingo games at the Townhouse, 14 School St., shouting “Bingo” is a bonus. It is a time for socialization and enjoying sweet treats and hot chocolate. The games, like the treats, are free and anyone is welcome to join, organizer Mary Hembrow said.

The games take place monthly and Hembrow make’s sure to follow a theme. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the theme was Valentine’s Day. Players dressed in shades of red and pink, feasted on Valentine’s cupcakes, and drank hot cocoa from red cups. Some of the prizes even had a Valentine’s theme.

Barbara Cshaughnessy was the first to call, “Bingo,” and pick from a variety of prizes including gift cards and decor items. Because it was Valentine’s Day, winners were able to choose two items.

The winner of each game gets to pick the winning pattern for the next game, Hembrow said. Cshaughnessy opted to continue with a regular game pattern.

Kim Henderson, front, and Bev Collins, both of Rangeley, watch their cards during a bingo game Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Townhouse in Rangeley. (Dee Menear/Rangeley Highlander)

It wasn’t long before “Bingo!” was heard again. This time, it was Lori Dorr, who was visiting from Florida. Dorr and her sisters, Chris Bllegood of Florida and Kim Watson of Portland saw the game advertised when searching for something to do.

“It’s cold outside and we wanted something warm to do while the guys are out snowmobiling,” Watson said.

The games lasted into the afternoon, giving time for many “Bingo!” cheers.

The final game of the season will take place 1 – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18 in the Townhouse dining hall.

For more information, call Mary at 460-4146.