GRAVENHURST ‘ROTARY TV BINGO’ MOVING TO YOU TUBE — AFTER DECADES ON CABLE 10

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Under the ‘B’ it’s bye to ‘Rotary TV Bingo’ and hello to ‘Rotary You Tube Bingo.’

Decades after starting in Rotarian Ernie Heshka’s cable 10 TV studio on Jones Road, the Gravenhurst Rotary Club is getting with the times and will be broadcasting its popular community fundraiser on You Tube this summer following a break to set up a new broadcast centre, says Rotarian Bruce Hemphill. “Hopefully in July.”

Last week the last number was called on Cogeco’s YourTV.

So if you’re looking for a last-minute bingo card package for tonight’s regular Wednesday night 7 p.m. game, you’ll have to wait at least a week to buy your card.

Nothing is changing for players or the presenting of the hour-long show.

The phone 705-687-6777 phone number will remain the same — along with the same friendly Rotary bingo callers, phone attendants and verifiers each week.

Gravenhurst Rotarians have raised tens of thousands of dollars from community members over the decades of broadcasting TV bingo from this studio on the Jones Road. This summer they hope to move to You Tube to continue their community service.

Stores and vendors that have been selling the $10 cards — which each produce $2,000 in prizes — have already been informed and will be receiving new packages to sell the week after next.

And sites where the five games are played are also already hooked up to the internet ready to log on.

Previously on YourTV (formerly Cogeco) for years now, the service club that raises money for community projects will allow bingo players to play in their homes anywhere they have the internet without Muskoka cable service.

You can also play on your smart phone.

A new small studio has been set up around the corner, on Industrial Drive, at SERVPRO, where Rotarian James Crickard has his cleaning and restoration business.

For loyal bingo players who aren’t tech savvy, check how to install internet service to play. Cogeco also offers internet services.

Rotary Rocks the Barge opening July 4

In the meantime, Gravenhurst Rotarians are also gearing up for the grand-opening of their belated 85th Anniversary Project after being rained-out last week at Gull Lake Rotary Park.

On Thursday July 4 — with new sod solidly in place and the 11 rows of amphitheatre seating and room for at least 500 people — it will be officially opened with entertainment and cake.

More on this exciting new rock bottom venue next week.

Rotarians try out the new stone seating at Gull Lake Rotary Park last week when the opening was delayed due to severe weather.
Richard Blais and Mike Parker, of Queensville Sod Farms, had to do some repairs after putting down new sodding on the large open section of the park following torrential rains.   

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