Above: "Bingo-Master" Dave Borst

LIVINGSTONVILLE — In the quiet corners of Schoharie County, one of the region’s worst-kept secrets unfolds every Saturday evening inside the Broome Volunteer Fire Department. While the sign out front might say "Bingo," the atmosphere inside speaks more to a tradition of good food, old friends, and a deep-seated sense of community fellowship.

When guest writer James Schilling of the Middleburgh NY Facebook page was invited to cover the event this past weekend, he found a scene that was already in full swing by 5 p.m. Long before the first number was called, the regular crowd had claimed their territory. A list posted at the front of the hall outlined the night's games and the prizes up for grabs, but the real draw seemed to be the social ritual unfolding at the long tables.

The hall hummed with the domestic energy of a large family dinner. Guests moved through the line to order hot meals and stock up on cookies and supplies, while the kitchen staff worked at a feverish pace to keep up with the demand. Amidst the steam and the chatter, Schilling was greeted by a cast of familiar neighborhood characters, including Vinnie, Mike, and "Aunt" Jessie. Nearby, Fire Chief Nate Trombley and event organizer Jess navigated the crowd, managing the logistical hurdles of the evening with practiced ease.

The heart of the event, however, is best described by those who wouldn't dream of spending their Saturday anywhere else. Bill Borst, a Middleburgh resident and "frequent flyer" at the fire hall, explained that the early arrival is a tactical necessity. For many, getting there early is about more than just a lucky seat; it is an opportunity to break bread with friends and catch up on local news before the room falls into the focused silence required for the game.

The transition from social hour to competition remains a family affair. Once the meals are finished and the cards are cleared, the microphone is handed over to the Bingo-Master, Dave Borst—Bill’s brother—who officially kicks off the night’s entertainment. For the volunteers and the players at the Broome Volunteer Fire Department, the numbers called are secondary to the community bonds that keep them coming back week after week.

Bill Borst and Friends

Conner and other guests 

The excellent volunteer Kitchen Staff