A young girl calls out bingo numbers. The tables are filled with older people, busily chattering as they fill their cards. The chatter is in Bosnian.

"Here, we can meet and talk and maybe hear some news," said Vahid Susic, 71, who left Bosnia 10 years ago during its bloody civil war. "We feel at home."

On a recent Tuesday, Susic was one of roughly 60 older Bosnian immigrants who gathered at the Stupp Memorial Center in Tower Grove Park. The group meets almost weekly to learn about Social Security, listen to visiting politicians and - most importantly - find out how their fellow older immigrants are doing. They keep up while playing bingo, chess and dominoes.

"We feel like America is our country now, but the native country is always in our hearts," said Djula Cehic, 70. She and Susic spoke through an interpreter.

The International Institute of Metropolitan St. Louis sponsors the sessions. Jasminka Grubor, a fellow immigrant who works for the institute, said the regulars appreciate the regular information sessions. But she added, "The bingo is the most important part."

- Tim O'Neil