If you’ve heard laughter drifting through the Summerwind East patio home section on a third Thursday evening, it’s probably the Bunko Babes. The group began in April 2022, when Kathie Shevchuk—new to the neighborhood and missing a Bunko group she’d belonged to in Syracuse—sent out a simple email: Anyone interested in learning Bunko and maybe forming a group? The response was, in her words, overwhelming. With so many neighbors new at the same time, it was the perfect icebreaker. The Babes have been rolling ever since—once a month for 11 months of the year (they take December off)—three years and counting.

Each month a different member hosts, providing the location, snacks, beverages, and prizes. The game itself is a lively, social dice game played at three tables with four players each. A bell at the Head table starts and ends each round. Players roll three dice, aiming to match the number of the round—each matching die is one point. If you score zero, the dice pass left. A scorekeeper tracks team totals on paper while play moves quickly around the room. When a Head-table team hits 21 points, the bell rings and the round ends. Six rounds make a game; the aspirational goal is four games, though the group happily ends at three most months—there’s just too much fun, catching up, and moving seats to switch partners. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and there’s even a much-laughed-over “BIG LOSER” prize.

Ask why it matters, and the answers sound a lot like friendship. “The friendships and laughs are the big draw,” the group says; having a “purpose” on the calendar keeps everyone connected and looking forward to the night. Donna Mesmer adds, “I love being part of our Bunko group. I got to know my neighbors and we have developed friendships. I look forward to Bunko every month and feel lucky to be part of this group.” For Elaine Reichmuth, it’s brain and heart: “Bunko is a fun game that has brought 12+ wonderful ladies together… it helps keep my mind sharp and the social benefit is immeasurable.” Alice Magierski captures the spirit in one joyful sentence: “I feel like I now have 12+ sisters to laugh with, share stories with, and hug—and maybe have a drink or two with!”

The themes are part of the magic. As Sandra Gwitt shares, many moved from long-time neighborhoods to a new patio-home lifestyle and weren’t sure what to expect. Kathie became a “driving force,” opening her home and creating space for new friendships and traditions. Now there’s a growing list of subs who jump in when needed, and the nights often come with a twist—Hawaiian Nite (flower leis and Sex on the Beach cocktails), holiday themes, and, naturally, a Buffalo Bills night. “Our imaginations are limitless,” Sandra says. The result? “Sharing ideas, great food & drink, and laughter has built new friendships and a caring sisterhood, which I am proud to be a part of.” Suzanne Werner sums it up simply: “It’s awesome that we get together and have a great time with good friends/family… Bunko gets us all together at least once a month!”

The table is welcoming but organized. There’s a core “OG” roster of 12 regular players—Elaine Reichmuth, Suzanne Werner, Marian Kreutzer, Kathy Domino, Donna Mesmer, Alice Magierski, Jan Brown, Pam Sautter, Gail Tachok, Sue Musial, Sandra Gwitt, and Kathie Shevchuk—and a flexible sub list of Diane Zimmer, Gayle Snyder, Jan Cato, and Lucy Driscoll. If a regular can’t make it, she taps a sub. One OG is a snowbird (November–April), and a neighbor fills in during those months. It keeps the dice rolling—and the circle open—without losing momentum.

At its heart, Bunko night is less about tallying points and more about the rhythm of connection: a bell rings, the dice pass left, someone cheers, someone groans, and everyone leaves a little lighter. As the Bunko Babes like to say, there are too many funny memories to count—and that might be the best score of all.