Bowling Highlights Column 1-2-09

Steve Arndt II with his custom designed bowling themed motorcycle.

NY Bowler Wins Bowling "Strike Bike"

The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA Beverage Committee)announced recently that Steve Arndt II of Waterloo, NY was selected as the grand prize winner in the 2008 “Win the Strike Bike” promotion
Ardnt is a league bowler at Falcon Lanes, a 16 lane center in Auburn, NY. The custom-designed bowling-themed motorcycle was built by the famed Teutul family at their Orange County Chopper facility in Newburgh, NY.
Participants in the nationwide contest received a special code whenever they
purchased a 44-oz Pepsi beverage in specially-marked Strike Bike cups that were only available in BPAA-Pepsi centers. During the 45-day promotion, over 52,000 entrants logged on to http://www.gobowling.com/ and entered their number for a chance to win.
“I bought several soft drinks between September 15 and October 31, 2008,” said a still-beaming Ardnt. “But I never thought I’d be the one holding the winning number.” A soon-to-be newlywed, Steve Ardnt and his fiancee are big bowlers and huge Orange County Chopper fans. As part of the package Steve and several of his family members traveled to the headquarters of Orange County Choppers to meet up with the Teutuls who custom made the Strike Bike which was featured in a 2008 episode of their TV show, American Chopper, on the Learning Channel.
“I still can’t believe it,” Ardnt said while taking a private tour of the Newburgh, NY facility where the TV show is filmed. “I mean, I was flipped out about winning the bike and meeting the OCC guys!"
The Strike Bike was by far the largest and best received promotion that the Beverage Committee provided to centers that participate in the BPAA-Pepsi national program, and plans are already in the works for 2009’s promotion.

Lane # 1 Offers
The "Chainsaw"

High performance on drier lanes at a more affordable price is how the Lane # 1 Bowling Ball Company has described their new "Chainsaw" bowling ball.
The "Chainsaw" with its all new skid/hook reactive coverstock is said to "cut down more wood faster for higher scores on drier lane conditions."
The new ball is blue/purple in color and has a skid/hook cover. The core is "endcut dooomsday-patented diamond. The ball has a hook rating of 65 out of 120 max with a backend hook of 95%.
Construction is modified 2-piece with a highly polished finish. Available weights is 12-16 pounds.
Lane # 1 can be contacted at 6739 Pickard Drive, Syracuse, NY 13211, by telephone at 1-800-526-3561 ot by e-mal at their web site, Lane # 1.

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 182 by Susan Heinicle, Lil Zieres 185, 519 and Judy Mohn 189.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Mark Hawley scored a 209, 204, Mark Schriber 209, Mike Hubbard 216, Jon Wayne 210, Damien Vanluven 204, Mark Herbert 224 and Steve Lagoda 205, 214, 616.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Damien Vanleuven scored a 211, 604, Erik Burton 203, Shaun Vandevelde 202, Dave Maus 201, Roger Widmann 220, Kory Keesler 247, 625 and Laresko Niifa 204.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 203, 234, 627 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 255, 225, 661, David Graham 235, 204, 249, 688, Chuck McAllister 242, 215, 630, Lloyd Bridges 225, Keith Smith 235, 246, 229, 710, Francisco Martinez 210, Mike Mason 234, 202, 211, 647, John Fischer 243, 216, 643, Art Stevens 203, George Budd 218, 257, 225, 700, Kevin Stackhouse 211, Mike Mulligan 218, Roy Sweeney 232, Mike Weiner 228, 221, 644, Jim VanAken 234, 614, Jason Jones 200, 212, 215, 627, John Hoffmann 246, 237, 248, 731, Rudy Belanchia 201, 203, Pete Mitro 247, 622, Jo Jo VanKeuren 278, 237, 707, Rich Levine 200, 211, Mike Cardo 224, Jim Frost 212, 205, 245, 662, Tim Bilyeu 225, 214, 204, 643, Robert Hamilton 225, 255, 248, 728, Donald Durland 214, 254, 632, Paul Durland 200, Jaryl Scott 255, 233, 200, 688, Mark Wegener 248, 243, 685, Bobby Cooper 211, Al Caycho 223, Rob Sze 203, Angel Rodriguez 257, 220, 214, 691, Frank Scuderi 214, Eddie Lake 247, 236, 669, Rick Lake 227, Billy Curry Jr. 231, Paul Curry 217 and Allen Jones 210.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson scored a 198, 185, 534, Vinnie Collura 228, 213, 608, Neil Bell Jr. 211, Matt Cooper 202, Ed Guthrie 219, 217, 204, 640, John Cascone 225, Cecil Walters 205, Mary Lee Williams 190, 183, 541, Dorian Jennings 227, 216, 602, Dan Allen 211, Peter Scannell 220, Jack Rustic 256, 235, 680, Mike Friedman 201, Russ Keesler 226, 217, 246, 689, Crystal Price 223, 556, Stan Gilmore 216, 211, 626, Larry Berens 228, 223, 609, Roy Karpp 204, 210, Tom Cooney 222, Debbie Durland 215, 256, 662, Kevin Stackhouse 215, 200, Roberta Yakin 223, 195, 586, John Fischer 228, 233, 255, 716, John Hoffmann 213, 214, 243, 670, Chet Smith 201, Dale Sonnenschein 237, Barbara Yeomans 181, 184, 505, Linda Schaefer 182, Cliff Starr 210, April Aldrich 180, 526 and A. C. Patel 236.
In the Wednesday Men's league Matthew Fallon scored a 226, 225, 202, 653, Shane Conner 255, 215, 652, Richard Bradford 228, 237, 658, Jon Wilheim 200, 225, 612, Gregory Fallen 225, 244, 646, Steven Rivera 203, Russ Keesler 217, 224, 635, A. C. Patel 245, Tim McIntyre 215, Rick Lara 267, 246, 222, 735, Josh Strang 218, Charles McAllister 212, 230, 611, George Battle 213, Allan Jones 202, 202, 200, 604, Dean Shattuck 204, 224, 236, 664, Paul Durland 226, Art Eggleton 236, 614, John Hoffmann 210, 224, 289, 723, Vinnie Collura 227, 216, 218, 661, Al Caycho 216, 212, 622, Mike Weiner 206, 201, Tim Minton 210, 226, 202, 638, Eddie Lake 208 and Chris Magie 202.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league includes a 257, 203, 628 by Nikki Andriano, Kathleen Stanton 244, 569, Jennifer Raymond 188, 517, Linda Ferris 211, 500 and Sally Zegers 180.
In the Wednesday Men's league Howard Couse scored a 268, 203, 280, 751, Brian Tiffany 245, 238, 670, Robert Johnson 236, 236, 663, Mitch Persbacker 237, 211, 213, 661, Lee Stanton 237, 211, 205, 653, David Thomason 222, 244, 653, Thomas Anderson 213, 233, 203, 649, Shawn Tracy 245, 223, 642, Paul Ignatovich 212, 202, 215, 629, Ryan Kille 209, 211, 603, John Gurnick 236, 601, Hank Whitmore 221, Josh Rice 222, Arthur Gately 230 and Neil Mosher 246.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit league Jeff Curtis scored a 265, 236, 246, 747, Andrew Bullis 238, 241, 678, Paul Ignatovich 267, 235, 665, Bill Gleim 225, 224, 648, Robert Johnson 200, 246, 631, Dale Conklin 206, 236, 628, Carl Davis 222, 605, Rick Mills 204, 204, 605, Don Ferris 228, 206, 603, Al Bullis Jr. 245, 602, Neil Mosher 224, John Gurnick 255, Jim Valentine 234 and Harold Morgan 220.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league James Dibble scored a 268, 288, 748, Rick Mills 223, 611, Greg Keesler 232, Paul Fritz 210, Howard Couse 215, Brian Tiffany 213, Mike Horton 220, Anne Couse 205, 180, 555, Hope Jones 184, 203, 539 and Sandy Winans 190.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Dave Mills scored a 265, 200, 660, Don Marino 238, 216, 635, Ray Cornwell 236, 614, Rick Mills 222 ad Julie Cornwell 184.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/

RECORD TURNOUT EXPECTED FOR 2009 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

The final numbers are in, and more than 17,000 teams will head to Las Vegas for the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, making it the second-largest tournament in the event's 106-year history.

With 17,200 teams, the 2009 event will just miss the all-time high of 17,285 teams, set when the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., opened its doors in 1995, but will easily eclipse the non-Reno record of 13,222 teams, which was set at the 2005 event in Baton Rouge, La., the tournament's first visit to Louisiana.

The 2009 USBC Open Championships will begin Feb. 21 and run for a record 154 consecutive days before concluding on July 24. During that time, more than 85,000 bowlers will make the journey to Las Vegas to compete for more than $7 million in prize money. Competition will run from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.

The event, which has been held in 48 cities in 26 states, will make its first trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World since 1986 when it featured more than 10,000 teams for the first time (10,019). It again will be held at Las Vegas' Cashman Center and feature 60 lanes for the first time outside of the National Bowling Stadium, where the tournament has been held every third year since 1995.

Just like Las Vegas, the Open Championships has changed and grown in the last 23 years, and the tournament will unveil brand new state-of-the-art video scoreboards in 2009. It will be the first upgrade of its kind since the introduction of automatic scoring at the 1979 event in Tampa, Fla.

"Certainly, the entry numbers speak well for the event as well as the location," said Jack Mordini, USBC Vice President of Tournaments and Events. "Taking the tournament to the entertainment-rich environment in Las Vegas has shown the popularity of the Open Championships and the strong draw that is Las Vegas."

Construction on the one-of-a-kind tournament venue began on Dec. 15 and is expected to conclude on Feb. 1. The amount of lumber used is enough to construct at least five three-bedroom homes, and more than six miles of wiring also is required to handle the tournament's electrical needs.

Bowling fans now have the opportunity to watch the transformation of the venue from an empty convention center to bowling's grandest stage with five interactive cameras placed throughout Cashman Center. The cameras can be accessed through USBCopen.com and will be available throughout the Open Championships so families, fans and friends can keep an eye on the action.

For more information on the 2009 Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com.

PBA and OnTheBallBowling.com Team Up to Commemorate
50th Anniversary of PBA Tour
Limited edition bowling balls honor 50 Greatest Players in PBA History

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, OnTheBallBowling.com and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) have teamed-up to create a limited edition series of bowling balls featuring the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.

OnTheBallBowling.com is the first company dedicated to creating customizable bowling products, including bowling balls and pins. With the limited edition series of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History, each ball in the collection will feature one of the 50 Greatest Players on one side of the bowling ball and the PBA 50th Anniversary logo on the other side. Production is limited to 50 balls of each player. Each ball will be individually numbered and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the bowler or a representative of his estate. The first edition of each ball will be given to that specific player at the 50th Anniversary Gala taking place, Jan. 24 at Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.

The cost of each bowling ball is $180. Bowling fans can purchase the commemorative bowling balls through www.ontheballbowling.com. A 15% discount will be offered with the promotion code “PBA.”

The PBA is also working with OnTheBallBowling.com to create an affiliate website where fans will be able to purchase customized bowling balls, including ones created from Pro-Am pictures taken at PBA events. More information regarding the affiliate website will be released at a later date.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny’s, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.

About OnTheBallBowling.com
OnTheBallBowling.com provides bowlers with the unique ability to create and design their own “one-of-a-kind” bowling ball or bowling pin. OnTheBallBowling.com’s easy to use “Design Wizard” allows customers to upload a photograph for placement on a bowling ball or pin and also allows them to personalize the products as well. Customers can design their own bowling ball or pin or choose from hundreds of predesigned themed and licensed templates

OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC is the only company in the bowling industry with the ability to process full color digitalized photo images “on demand” individually or in quantity, onto bowling balls and pins. OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC , a Strikeforce Bowling LLC Affiliate Company, is a privately held company headquartered in Broadview Ill. For additional information on OnTheBallBowling.com, or the products they offer visit www.OnTheBallBowling.com or call 1-866-OTB-BOWL (866-682-2695).

Here & There Column 12-30-08

County Legislature Doesn't Listen To Criticism

Sullivan County taxpayers be damned as seven out of nine Sullivan County legislators sent a distasteful New Year's message that they really don't care what county residents say.
Comments from those who pay the bill were indeed a mandate for legislators to not pass the budget but despite a statement from District 1 Legislator David Sager that the public had spoken out against adopting the $192 million 2009 budget, it was passed 7-2 on December 18.
The notable backlash against pay increases for non-union county employees just did not have any impact on legislators and County Manager David Fanslau's plans.
Republican Alan Sorenson was the only other legislator to join Sager in voting no on the budget which includes a cut in services, a 7 percent tax hike and the raises for many managers and county department heads.
Taxpayers and written opposition had clearly noted the difficult economy everyone is facing and that this was not the time for these salary and tax increases.
Taxpayers should remember very well the seven legislators who have thrown the public criticism back into the public's face....they are Democrat Ron Hiatt, Republican Leni Binder, Democrat Johathan Rouis, Democrat Kathy LaBuda, Republican Jody Goodman, Democrat Frank Armstrong and Democrat Elwyn Wood.......mark it down on your political calendar and vote your opinion at the polls the next time these folks run for re-election.
We concur with many of the sentiments made during the discussion on this budget but the general overall economic picture both here in Sullivan County and throughout our nation says very firmly that this is not the time for a tax increase and double-digit percentage raises to some of the county's highest paid managers.
Our hard-working folks in this county just cannot afford what has not been thrown down their throat by the county manager and seven county legislators who don't seem to care about the dropping revenue in the county and the fact that unemployment is on the rise.
Happy New Year Sullivan County taxpayers.....remember to send a thank you card to the seven county legislators for their New Year's gift to you.

Bowling Highlights Column 12-26-08

Seven-year-old Dylan Russo, center, joins Bowling Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend, left, of Livingston Manor and his grandson, Rodney "Taylor" Jester, right, of Neversink, at the Cheektowaga Pro-Am Tournament.

PBA Professional Walter Ray Williams Jr. with seven=year-old Dylan Russo at the Cheektowaga Pro-Am Tournament.

Jason Belmonte

Seven-Year-Old Bowler Perfecting 2-Handed Bowling

Seven-year-old Dylan Russo is following in the footsteps of Australian bowling sensation Jason Belmonte (Orange, New South Wales).
We met Dylan while bowling in the Cheetah Pro-Am Championship several weeks ago at the AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY and Dylan became the fan favorite in our group of eight bowlers.
My grandson, Rodney "Taylor" Jester, 13, an eight-grade student at the Tri-Valley Central High School was also bowling in our group and was amazed at the accuracy this seven-year-old displayed. Taylor bowls regularly in a Saturday afternoon Teenage league at Liberty Lanes.
Dylan is in the second grade and has been bowling four years.
His parents, Brian and Erin Russo, of Grand Island, NY said that Dyland started bowling this way because the weight of the bowling ball was too heavy and he decided to stay with the two-handed bowling style.
Professional Bowling Association Pro Walter Ray Williams also bowled in our group and noted that Dyland is doing a fine job with this style of bowling. Walter Ray is known from time to time to fool around with the two-handed style of bowling and felt that "Dylan is better at it then I'm."
This pro-am tournament is the third for Dylan who also has a brother, Evan, 3, who also bowls but uses the standard one-handed method.
Dylan and the Russo family are able to get in a lot of bowling as members of the Russo family own the Manor Lanes in Tonawanda and the Manor Lanes II in Amherst.
Australian amateur bowling sensation Jason Belmonte was granted a commissioners exemption and bowled in the PBA Cheetah Championship at Cheektowaga but was eliminated in the round of 64.
Young Russo presently averages 78 and bowled a 153, 123, 174 for a 450 series in this No-tap format tournament.
Belmonte, famous for his unorthodox two-handed style remarked, "to be awarded these exemptions makes me feel very honored. The opportunity the PBA has given me is something I will take with both hands (excuse the pun). The PBA is the greatest bowling tour in the world, it's where I want to be. This is just a small chance I get to prove to myself that it's where I belong as a bowler."
Belmonte was granted a Commissioners Exemption into the tournaments. “Jason’s unique abilities and transcendent personality justify thissomewhat unusual action,” said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. “Bowling fans worldwide are eager to see how he will measure up onbowling’s biggest stage against the greatest bowlers in the world.”
The 25-year-old Belmonte has enjoyed success on stateside lanes: he ledqualifying at the PBA World Championship by 240 pins after 27 games inOctober 2008 where he went on to finish 10th.
Internationally, Belmonte has made a name for himself with wins on boththe European and Asian Bowling Tours. In 2006 he became the firstnon-European to lead the EBT rankings midway through the season and he isthe first bowler to have qualified for the World Ranking Masters in twoseparate zones (Europe and Asia) finishing seventh in both. He was alsonamed the 2007 World Bowling Writers Bowler of the Year.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: One of our previous tips was designed to help you achieve the correct body position to properly execute a bowling shot and able to repeat it.
This week we will cover the release, which is information that will help bowlers on all levels.
A properly executed release is possibly one of the most misunderstood parts of a bowling shot.
Most bowlers tend to muscle the ball through the release zone, either accelerating or decelerating on the downswing.
The proper release for all bowlers, whether you are a 6-year0old with a conventional grip or an accomplished bowler with many years of experience, should be executed by letting gravity bring the ball from the top of your swing through the release zone with no interference from your arm or shoulder muscles.
If your ball fits properly, the gravity will take it off your hand at the right time providing your body is in the proper position. Any rotation on the ball should come from your hand only, not your arm.
Using the proper technique will allow you to get as much rotation on the ball as desired.
Note, however, if you ball does not fit properly, it will require excessive grip pressure to hold on to--which will make the release harder to execute.
Aside from bowling, those of you who have played golf know that you can strike the ball much better and with more accuracy if you do not pull the club down from the top of the swing with your shoulder muscles.
Gravity can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on how you use it.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies Hortonville Ladies league includes a 191 by Donna Dubois, Joan Gabriel 190, Lil Zieres 202, 195, 580 and Rebecca Rhodes 189.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Gary Erlwein scored a 203, Joel Turner 210, Jon Wayne 205, 236, Charlie Reichenback 234, Mark Hawley 236, 611, John Fink 209, Bob Cady 205, 200 and Kris Rasmussen 220.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Brian Marino scored a 200, Dave Maus 221, Mark Rutledge 224, Bruce Rutledge 225 and Paul Minton 208.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 247 by Pete Mitro, Jo Jo Van Keuren 278, 237, 707, Jim Van Aken 234, 614 Jason Jones 200, 212, 215, 627 and John Hoffmann 246, 237, 248, 731.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters Carol MacAdam scored a 203, 514, Matt Cooper 204, Sandy Lazarowics 204, John Cascone 204, Todd Van Keuren 233, Mary Lee Williams 200, 190, 181, 571, Dorian Jennings 181, 216, 192, 589, Joan Lake 191, Peter Scannell 205, Jack Rustic 210, 217, 604, John Delfino 200, Tom Hickman 221, Larry Berens 201, David Graham 213, 202, Tom Cooney 209, Debbie Durland 188, 238, 588, Kevin Stackhouse 234, John Hoffmann 228, 203, 212, 643, Kris Gwiozdowski 233, Dale Sonnenschein 202, Linda Schaefer 199, 517, Cliff Starr 204, Barbara Merton 183, Bruce Aldrich 215 and Fran Kaiser 185.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 235, 211, 626, Donald Durland 238, 222, 633, Matthew Fallon 217, Richard Bradford 228, 223, 622, Jon Wilheim 214, Russ Keesler 236, 213, 641, Tim McIntyre 244, 229, 214, 687, Rick Lara 235, 600, Josh Strang 215, 234, 644, Charles Mc Allister 215, George Battle Jr. 212, 214, 621m Frank Muller Jr. 244, Allen Jones 248, 257, 215, 720, Larry Berens 205, Dean Shattuck 225, 206, 616, Paul Durland 221, 222, 623, Art Eggleton 210, 202, 204, 616, John Hoffmann 224, 224, 642, Tom Belgiovene 227, 618, Vinnie Collura 202, 214, 608, Pedro Agapito 212, 202, Dan Ricco 210, 201, Al Caycho 225, 600, Mike Weiner 210, Eugene Morton 233, Kenny Atkins 205, Shaun Lyons 205, Timothy Minton 211, Wayne Atkins 241, 208, 622, Eddie Lake 205, 201, William Danchak 201, Frank DiCostanzo 213, 214, Chris Magie 220, David Porter Jr. 216, 210 and Anthony Rymer 200.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division T. Porter scored a 83, E. Orellano 72, G. VanAken 96 and C. Jones 98. In the Bantams division S. Patel 102, 127. In the Preps division P. Patel scored a 169. In the Jr./Mjrs division S. Durland scored a 126, M. Brown 108, J. Durland 264, M. Scuderi 237, 232, S. Deitchman 211, C. Ciliberto 119, J. Friedman 169, T. Foxwell 138, 142, B. Fraser 130, 140, 169, K. Patel 167, 163 and S. Comfort 104, 121.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Earl Birds league include a 182, 521 by Nikki Andriano, Laura Ballard 180, Sally Ballard 184, 184, 191, 559, Louise Botsford 188, Anne Couse 514, Linda Ferris 182, Kathleen Maltese 198, 195, 557 and Jennifer Raymond 504.
In the Wednesday Independent Men's league Howie Couse scored a 268, 211, 220, 699, Josh Milucky 212, 224, 243, 679, James Dibble 200, 214, 245, 659, Bill Gleim 247, 203, 648, John Gurnick 224, 235, 638, Andrew Bullis 230, 225, 628, Donald Marino 247, 624, Richard Price 247, 621, Hank Whitmore 210, 212, 620, Steven Jacobi 252, 611, Brian Drumm 219, 608, Robert McNaught 202, 203, 203, 608, Thomas Anderson 211, 205, 606, Craig Gehrig 234, Dave Baxley 586, Brian Tiffany 224 and Daniel Wormuth 225.
In the Thursday Deposit National Men's league Andrew Bullis scored a 246, 215, 235, 696, Bill Gleim 216, 233, 246, 695, Jeff Curtis 224, 244, 666, Al Bullis Jr. 236, 236, 652, Robert Johnson 246, 204, 641, Pete Hathaway 226, 203, 202, 631, Matt Johnson 278, 619, Rick Mills 242, Neil Mosher 212, 224, Paul Ignatovich 233 and Al Bullis Sr. 228.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Daniel Wormuth scored a 258, 201, 224, 683, Bill Gleim 200, 216, 222, 638, Scott Ellis 222, 214, 623, Greg Keesler 200, 223, 600, Carl Davis 222, Howard Couse 210, Paul Fritz 202, Mark McGraw 205, Cecil Spencer 211, Hope Jones 520, Judy Ellis 192, 519, Anne Couse 515, Rick Mills 200 and Crystal Ellis 212.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Don Marino scored a 238, 300, 213, 751, Fred Shakelton 237, 202, 620, Rick Mills 203 and Dave Mills 203.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com

PBA NEWS


In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, OnTheBallBowling.com and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) have teamed-up to create a limited edition series of bowling balls featuring the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.
OnTheBallBowling.com is the first company dedicated to creating customizable bowling products, including bowling balls and pins. With the limited edition series of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History, each ball in the collection will feature one of the 50 Greatest Players on one side of the bowling ball and the PBA 50th Anniversary logo on the other side. Production is limited to 50 balls of each player. Each ball will be individually numbered and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the bowler or a representative of his estate. The first edition of each ball will be given to that specific player at the 50th Anniversary Gala taking place, Jan. 24 at Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
The cost of each bowling ball is $180. Bowling fans can purchase the commemorative bowling balls through www.ontheballbowling.com. A 15% discount will be offered with the promotion code PBA.
The PBA is also working with OnTheBallBowling.com to create an affiliate website where fans will be able to purchase customized bowling balls, including ones created from Pro-Am pictures taken at PBA events. More information regarding the affiliate website will be released at a later date.
The PBA returns to action following the holiday break at Reno, Nev. for the National Bowling Stadium Championship with the finals live on ESPN Sunday, January 11, 2009.

SPORTS MARKETING SPECIALIST BRANDI BLOODWORTH CONNOLLY NAMED USBC
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

ARLINGTON, Texas - Brandi Bloodworth Connolly has been named director
of marketing for the United States Bowling Congress by USBC Vice
President of Media Pete Tredwell. Connolly will lead a team focused on
creating innovative marketing strategies and partnership activation
plans for USBC. She begins her duties Jan. 5.

Connolly recently served as the director of sponsorship and marketing
for the Super Bowl XLII Host Committee in Scottsdale, Ariz., where she
oversaw local marketing, sponsorship activation, hospitality and
merchandising. Her management led to the development of multiple
marketing campaigns attracting thousands of volunteers and generating
millions of dollars in revenue ahead of the event.

Previously, Connolly was special projects manager at Squires Sports
Group (now Hawkeye Sports and Entertainment) in Dallas, where she
created and directed "health-active" sports campaigns for Michelob
ULTRA, Westin Hotels & Resorts and Rodale, Inc. She also has served as a
freelance market research and strategic analysis consultant to numerous
properties and agencies.

"Brandi's experience with sponsorship and marketing of high-profile
sports is exactly what we need,” Tredwell said. “She's a rising star
in the sports marketing industry, and we're extremely pleased to have
her on board."

Connolly completed her Master of Business Administration degree with a
specialization in sports business at the W.P. Carey School of Business
at Arizona State University and her Bachelor of Arts in corporate
communications and public affairs at Southern Methodist University.

“I am thrilled to be joining the USBC at such an exciting time for
the sport of bowling,” Connolly said. “As one of America's favorite
pastimes, bowling's potential for rejuvenation and growth is boundless.
I am confident that our team will shine a new spotlight on the sport,
grow the USBC's memberships and partnerships and provide an even higher
standard of service and satisfaction to existing USBC members and
partners.”

Connolly resides in Dallas with her husband Brian and their dog
Buster.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body,
ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides
programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and
enhances the bowling experience.

RECORD TURNOUT EXPECTED FOR 2009 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

ARLINGTON, Texas - The final numbers are in, and more than 17,000 teams will head to Las Vegas for the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, making it the second-largest tournament in the event's 106-year history.

With 17,200 teams, the 2009 event will just miss the all-time high of 17,285 teams, set when the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., opened its doors in 1995, but will easily eclipse the non-Reno record of 13,222 teams, which was set at the 2005 event in Baton Rouge, La., the tournament's first visit to Louisiana.

The 2009 USBC Open Championships will begin Feb. 21 and run for a record 154 consecutive days before concluding on July 24. During that time, more than 85,000 bowlers will make the journey to Las Vegas to compete for more than $7 million in prize money. Competition will run from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.

The event, which has been held in 48 cities in 26 states, will make its first trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World since 1986 when it featured more than 10,000 teams for the first time (10,019). It again will be held at Las Vegas' Cashman Center and feature 60 lanes for the first time outside of the National Bowling Stadium, where the tournament has been held every third year since 1995.

Just like Las Vegas, the Open Championships has changed and grown in the last 23 years, and the tournament will unveil brand new state-of-the-art video scoreboards in 2009. It will be the first upgrade of its kind since the introduction of automatic scoring at the 1979 event in Tampa, Fla.

"Certainly, the entry numbers speak well for the event as well as the location," said Jack Mordini, USBC Vice President of Tournaments and Events. "Taking the tournament to the entertainment-rich environment in Las Vegas has shown the popularity of the Open Championships and the strong draw that is Las Vegas."

Construction on the one-of-a-kind tournament venue began on Dec. 15 and is expected to conclude on Feb. 1. The amount of lumber used is enough to construct at least five three-bedroom homes, and more than six miles of wiring also is required to handle the tournament's electrical needs.

Bowling fans now have the opportunity to watch the transformation of the venue from an empty convention center to bowling's grandest stage with five interactive cameras placed throughout Cashman Center. The cameras can be accessed through USBCopen.com and will be available throughout the Open Championships so families, fans and friends can keep an eye on the action.

For more information on the 2009 Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Here & There Column 12-23-08

Be Polite But Firm In Christmas Greetings

In two days Sullivan /County and the Christian world will celebrate the 25th of December, commonly known to Christians as Christmas which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
While Christmas shopping recently we decided to take time out for dinner and we went to one of our favorite restaurants and following a delicious meal and as we got ready to pay the bill. the waitress said "Happy Holiday." I remarked to her that she was being politically correct in her holiday greeting or that the restaurant manager instructed her to say the greetings the way she did. I informed the waitress that as a Christian I was wishing her a Merry Christmas....she hesitated for a second, smiled and then thanked me by saying Merry Christmas.
I'm firm and polite when I say Merry Christmas and I'm just as firm when I say Happy Hanukkah to my Jewish friends and Happy Kwanzaa to those who celebrate this holiday.
Many major retail merchants who tried to take Christmas out of their holiday greetings learned the hard way when sales dropped and letters and emails sent to corporate officers informed these folks that if they were eliminating Christmas from their advertising and greetings then they were offending many people who would take their shopping elsewhere.
It was somewhat amazing to see the way some folks tried to get around saying Merry Christmas or even Happy New Year and this is just a small sampling which can be be accomplished by using two very different types of statements or written words.
Some today are saying......"please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non addictive, gender-neutral celebration of your holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to observe calendar or secular traditions at all.........we also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of this holiday."
The above is the so-called "Politically Correct" way to send Christmas and other Holiday greetings.........we prefer to say Merry Christmas and may God bless you and yours during this Christmas season .....and remembering that for Christians Christ is the reason for the season.

Bowling Highlights Column 12-19-08

Pro Tour Technical Consultant for Storm & Roto-Grip Chris Schlemer, left and Professional Bowling Association Pro Ryan Shafer of nearby Horseheads, NY discuss details about the Storm ball Ryan was using in the Cheetah Championship at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY

Ball Reps Are Professional Consultants

Professional bowlers have a great amount of respect for their "ball reps" who follow them from tour stop to tour stop offering highly technical advise on what ball or balls works best of the condition the PBA members are shooting on.
Since we cover a number of the PBA tour stops on the East Coast we have become very familiar as to what these "ball reps" or tour consultants do and so we sat down with Chris Schlemer, pro-tour technical consultant for Storm and Roto-Grip when the tour stopped in Cheektowaga several weeks ago.
When I used the term "ball rep" Chris handed me his business card which clearly said he was a "Technical Consultant and Pro Tour Consultant."
Schlemer, originally from Troy, Ill. near St. Louis came on board with Storm in the spring of 2001 and previously was a tour rep for Visionary on the former Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) tour.
While with the women's tour Chris drilled bowling balls and assisted giving the lady bowlers advise on the Visionary bowling products.
Some 12 years ago at about the age of 20 and 21 Chris was an active league bowler and became an accomplished bowler from both the right and left side. He kept a 230 average bowling right handed and a 200 average bowling left handed.
His college education produced a degree in computers and graphics which has proved to be a great benefit in him becoming an accomplished Technical Pro Tour Consultant.
Schlemer pointed out that he has to know the Radium of Gyration (RG) of each of the Storm and Roto-Grip bowling balls and the differential of the bowling shot laid down. He noted that the Professional Bowling Association (PBA) tweaks (changes) their shots so that they are new each bowling season.
Bowling balls have a RD converted to a scale of 1-10. RG numbers range from 2.430 to 2.800, but some companies have converted them to a 1-10 scale to help give the consumer a better frame of reference. Mass distribution numbers describe the distribution of mass in the bowling ball. High RG numbers indicate that the balls mass is distributed more towards the cover (cover heavy) which promotes length through the heads of the bowling lane. Low RG numbers indicate that the balls mass is distributed more towards the center (center heavy) which promotes an earlier roll through the front part of the lane.
Chris pointed out that the difference between the maximum and minimum Radius of Gyration is that the RG-differential indicates the bowing ball's track flare potential and the higher the number the greater the track flare potential.
In talking with Chris it became very clear that the technical consultant has to know his stuff which includes the knowledge of his company's bowling balls on all PBA shot conditions. He also has to know his bowlers well and that includes their timing, releases and their personalities (which he calls a key factor.)
"We've done well on the tour so far this season," Schlemer said, we have had 5 out of 8
winners including the win in Baltimore last Sunday.
PBA members representing Storm on the tour include Norm Duke, Pete Weber, Ryan Shafer, Rhino Page and Jeff Carter. Roto-Grip is represented by Brian Kretzer and Wes Malott. Women PBA members representing Storm include Brenda Mack, Shannon O'Keefe and Shalin Zulkifli.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week's tip applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls.
You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in the cover stock. As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates.
Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold.
This may cause your ball to crack. So this tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment--avoid the experience that some bowlers are going through--and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the Monday Men's league include a 276, 737 by Mark Wegener, Jack Moylan 259, Angel Rodriguez 258, Keith Smith 691 and Jaryl Scott 690. The team of Monticello Greenhouses scores the high scratch game of 877 and the team high scratch series of 2576.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Carol MacAdam scored a 208, 533, Rob Keesler 218, Ed Guthrie 215, 238, 649, John Cascone 203, Mary Lee Williams 183, Dorian Jennings 190, 181, 525, Eddie Lake 254, 236, 674, George Kelley 251, Jim Gerrard 203, Russ Keesler 225, 236, 657, Tom Hickman 204, 200, Lisa Cartwright 195, 501, Larry Berens 214, Debbie Durland 202, 226, 604, John Fischer 239, 246, 668, John Hoffmann 244, 633, Robert Yakin Sr. 224, Kris Gwiozdowski 201, Charles Blackburn 243, Dale Sonnenschein 213, 244, 217, 674 and Linda Schaefer 181, 180, 539.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 236, 212, 645, Donald Durland 231, 232, 646, Matthew Fallon 233, Richard Bradford 236, Jon Wilheim 236, 212, 642, Frank Scuderi 200, Roy Sweeney 236, Tim McIntyre 255, 204, 650, Rick Lara 216, 223, 607, Josh Strang 242, 256, 224, 722, Vincent Scuderi 210, Charles McAllister 225, George Battle Jr. 204, 200, Allan Jones 217, 205, Larry Berens 222 and Dean Shattuck 258, 229, 668, Paul Durland 230, Art Eggleton 240, John Hoffmann 266, 204, 657, Tom Belgiovene 205, Vinnie Collura 205, 201, Richard Hendricks 225, Al Caycho 214, Mike Weiner 207, 203, Kenny Atkins 206, Tim Minton 247, 608, Wayne Atkins 257, 213, 640, Eddie Lake 269, 225, 213, 707, Frank DiCostanzo 221, 242, 651, Chris Magie 270, 222, 678 and David Porter Jr. 221.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division R. Schreiber scored a 78, T. Porter 110. In the Bantams division N. Edwards 101. In the Jr./Mjrs. S. Patel 160,
C. Israel 166, S. Comfort 88, 83, J. Moss 188, Shawn Sinistorie 225, J. Durland 229, 226, T. Foxwell 140, K. Gessman 137, T. McCormack 120, M. Brown 131, M. Scuderi 181, P. Agapito 208, 224, N. Price 176 and C. Ciliberto 107, 119.
In the Sunday Thunder 102 Mixed Fun league Pedro Agapito scored a 204, Mal Press 220, Eddie Walsh 213, James Durland 238, 606, Mike Mahusky 235, Charlie Meier 202 and John Hoffmann 268, 236, 237, 741.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league includes a 218, 185, 212, 615 by Anne Couse, Sally Ballard 206, 181, 545, Kathleen Maltese 182, 517, Laura Ballard 184, 502, Jo Ann Thomas 199, Kathleen Stanton 193, Jennifer Raymond 186 and Carol Dailey 182.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Donald Marino scored a 244, 233, 235, 712, James Dibble 233, 258, 681, Tony Wright 224, 225, 211, 660, Allen Bullis Sr. 243, 211, 202, 656, Andrew Bullis 211, 221, 223, 655, Daniel Wormuth 206, 259, 650, Neil Mosher 225, 239, 642, Lee Stanton 267, 641, Shawn Tracy 255, 205, 638, Robert Johnson 201, 226, 624, Robert McNaught 221, 200, 201, 622, Howie Couse 221, 212, 614, David Benedict 211, 209, 601, Charlie Reichenbaugh 219, Carl Davis 236 and Matt Conklin 229.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Bill Gleim scored a 235, 234, 225, 694, Matt Johnson 221, 216, 255, 692, Rick Mills 223, 234, 637, Jeff Curtis 202, 236, 630, Andrew Bullis 203, 215, 606, Steve Hopkins 203, 207, 601, Al Bullis Jr. 215, Jim Valentine 211, Harry Triebe Sr. 215 and Harold Morgan 212.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Howard Couse scored 226, 223, 263, 712, Rick Mills 218, 257, 659, Daniel Wormuth 224, 214, Scott Ellis 211, Mike Horton 222, James Dibble 209, Carl Davis 237, Anne Couse 201, 539, Norm Stanton 204, Tracy Resti 192, 505 and Hope Jones 182.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Don Marino scored a 268, 238, 215, 721, Ray Cornwell 255, 642, Dave Mills 247 and Fred Shakelton 203.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hontonville Ladies league includes a 201 by Debra Loughrey, Joyce Brooks 222, 512, Debbie Schick 209, 190, 556, Dee Dee Schrader 201, Donna Dubois 182 and Lil Zieres 224, 190, 585.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Mark Hawley scored a 202, Bob Cady 202, Mark Schriber 211, Kory Keesler 208, Ed LeRoy 200, Steve Lagoda 212, Tad Doscher 210 and Ken Darling 200.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Hack Masters won the first half and second place went to Callicoon Lanes. Individual scores finds Alan Rutledge with a 208, Mark Hawley 201, 204, Roger Widmann 234, Frank Emmens 225 and Damien Vanleuven 202, 222.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com

Rhino Page and Jodi Woessner Win
Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship

Baltimore has been very good to both Rhino Page and Jodi Woessner and last Sunday afternoon proved no different as each claimed titles in Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship at AMF Country Club Lanes, the eighth stop of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour. Page broke the PBA’s seven-game scoring record in the Tournament Qualifying Round (TQR) and made his televised finals debut in this tournament last year and Woessner won her first regional (Professional Women’s Bowling Association) title in Baltimore 15 years ago.

Top seed Page, of Topeka, Kan. defeated No. 2 seed Wes Malott of Argyle, Texas, 197-189, to claim his second career title. Malott opened in the second and third frames, and despite both competitors’ struggles to strike, it left the door open for Page. Last season’s PBA Rookie of the Year needed a mark and a count in the 10th to edge Malott which he did with a spare and a strike.

“I felt like I needed to take advantage of the situation,” Page said. “Any time a guy has an open frame, I feel I can really try to pound on him … unfortunately I didn’t. But luckily he was down early and I was able to hang in there.”

Page, who had struggled early in the season, was making his first televised finals appearance of the season.

“I can’t tell you how much confidence this brings,” the 25-year-old said. “Three weeks ago I was pounding my head into the wall. But I went back to what made me, me. I didn’t realize I had gotten away from it. But just because I won, doesn’t mean I can let up know.”

In the second match, Malott, who was making his fourth TV finals appearance in eight events, had a near-perfect game, defeating last week’s champion and Sunday’s No. 3 seed Parker Bohn III, 290-204. In the first match, Bohn III of Jackson, N.J. advanced by defeating defending champion Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla., 244-233.

In the PBA Women’s Series, sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), No. 2 seed Jodi Woessner of Oregon, Ohio defeated last week’s champion and top seed Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of Keller, Texas, 247-189 in the championship match. Woessner struck in the first six frames and jumped out to a quick lead en route to her first career PBA Women’s Series title. It was Woessner’s second televised finals appearance of the season, previously losing to Michelle Feldman in the championship match of the Chameleon Championship in Taylor, Mich. on Nov. 16.

“I just tried to make good shots and kept my arm swing loose,” Woessner said. “Last month when I was on the show, I think I pressed too hard. I’ve bowled Carolyn several times and I’ve had success against her. I don’t know if I bring my game up a notch when I play her, because she’s an amazing player.”

The Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship is the fourth event in the PBA’s six event “Versatility Swing,” in which players can earn separate points based on their performance in each of the six events. These events include the five events on the named “animal” patterns (Viper, Chameleon, Scorpion, Cheetah and Shark) as well as the Earl Anthony pattern that will be used in Medford, Ore. Much like tennis has a “Clay Court Championship” or a “Hard Court Championship,” the PBA features these events on different oil patterns. Today’s event marks the only time all season the Shark pattern will be used as the sole pattern for an event.


The Shark pattern is the longest of the five patterns, measuring 44 feet of oil. Typical to the length and design, professionals will migrate more towards the center of the lane as the ball normally will not hook back to the pocket if it strays too far outside near the gutter. This pattern usually requires extreme inside angles to get to the pocket after five or six games. The scoring pace is normally low for this pattern.

With her appearance in Sunday’s finals, Woessner also qualified for the Women’s Series Showdown, in which the winners (and runner-ups if there is a multiple winner) will participate in a season-ending dedicated broadcast on ESPN, sponsored by the United Stated Bowling Congress (USBC).

The PBA will travel next to Reno, Nev. for the National Bowling Stadium Championship with the finals airing live on ESPN on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009.


Lumber Liquidatators Shark Championship Format:

The field of 64 players bowled two, 7-game qualifying rounds for a total of 14 games on Thursday, Dec. 11 in which the top 32 players advanced to match play. Bowlers making the cut returned on Friday morning, Dec. 12 for the first nine games of an 18 game round robin match play schedule. The field was then cut to the top 16 players who returned on Friday evening for the second round of match play competition. At the conclusion of match play, the top four finalists advanced to stepladder competition, i.e No. 4 vs. No. 3, winner vs. No. 2, winner vs. No. 1, in the championship match.

PBA Women’s Series Format

The field of 16 players bowled two, 7-game qualifying rounds for a total of 14 games on Thursday, Dec. 11 in which the top 10 players advanced to match play. Bowlers making the cut returned on Friday evening, Dec. 12 for nine games of round robin match play competition. At the conclusion of match play, the top two finalists competed in the championship match.
Stepladder Game 1
Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J. defeated Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla. ($5,500), 244-233.

Stepladder Game 2
Wes Malott of Argyle, Texas defeated Bohn III ($6,500), 290-204.

Finals
Rhino Page of Topeka, Kansas ($25,000), defeated Wes Malott ($13,000), 197-189.

Women’s Series Championship Match
Jodi Woessner of Oregon, Ohio ($10,000) defeated Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of Keller, Texas ($6,000), 247-189.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others.

HAMMER 411…RAW HAMMER ACID

When you play with fire, you’re bound to be burned and there’s nothing safe about Hammer’s new Raw Hammer Acid. Designed to be dangerous from the inside out, Raw Hammer Acid will scar you for life. "The Acid fills a performance gap between the Anger and the Psycho that Hammerheads have been looking for,” said brand manager Jeff Ussery. “It features an aggressive down lane move that's also easy to control for all bowlers." Performance Specs:•Medium length with aggressive backend •Max-Hook Reactive coverstock •Raw Hammer Assault Core •4000-grit Abralon® •Burnt Red/Silver •Available now in 10 – 16 pounds (15# RG 2.48 DIFF 0.050) Nothing Hits Like a Hammer®. For more information on Raw Hammer Acid or to find the pro shop nearest you, visit the Goods section of www.hammerbowling.com. Hammer is headquartered in Hopkinsville, Kent. Hammer is the proud sponsor of The National Bowling Association, Inc. TNBA. .

Here & There Column 12-16-08

Klatsch Wants Some Bailout Money?

Everybody seems to be going to Washington to get their "Bailout" money and with Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the New Years holidays coming up our Sullivan County Coffee Klatsch whipped up our usual home made java and baked donuts and digested some of our thoughts about the Congressional Bailouts and wondered if there might be some additional funds out there for us holiday shoppers.
Our non-political group made up of three Democrats, three Republicans and one Independent discussed and then became totally disgusted with the huge bailout that Congress passed for Wall Street banks a number of weeks ago and is now considering a so-called "Rescue Package" for the auto industry.
Several of our members questioned the moves by Congress in light of statistics they heard which said that some 90 percent of Americans were opposed to the Wall Street bank bailout.
We wondered how Congress does things like this when the folks that elect them say no and they ignore what Americans want.
Our Klatsch totally agreed that Congress has ignored us and goes out and spends $850 billion of our money on what is nothing more then a pork-barrel bailout bill which appears to have done not a thing to help the banking crisis.
One of our regular Klatsch members is retired from the banking industry and he remarked that nationalizing banks and forcing company policy is not helping the economy and tends to lead us towards socialism.
Several felt that any company with poor planning and leadership should be left to fail and then start from the ground up and built it up again with new leadership and better planning.
Our Klatsch took a strong position on this issue and said that Congress should say no to any more bailout bills and that our elected officials are not in business for the purpose of using taxpayer money to bail out a failing business.

Bowling Highlights Column 12-12-08

Alan Jones

Alan Jones Scores 4th Career 300

Forty-two year old Livingston Manor bowler Alan Jones knows the sport of bowling and that knowledge has rewarded him with his fourth career perfect 300 game.
Alan recorded this 300 game on December 3 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes where he bowls with the Lawn Doctors team consisting of members George Battle Jr., Frank Muller Jr., Larry Berens and team captain Dean Shattuck.
Jones total for the night was 217, 205, 300, 722.
The scores were recorded on lanes 13 and 14 using a Brunswick 2001 Unlimited Edition bowling ball.
In addition to his four 300 games Alan has recorded five 800 plus series and has a high 844 series (289, 288, 287) bowled three years ago in the Saturday Mixed league at Kiamesha Lanes.
A student of the game, Jones has been bowling for some 17 years and in recent years has studied ball drilling from Professional Mike Luongo. Alan now operates the A.J. Pro Shop at Kiamesha Lanes. The shop is open 10-2 Monday-Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Alan and his wife Suzi have five children. He is employed as a custodian with the Tri-Valley Central School District.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowers: This week's tip is a reminder that although there are so many aggressive, high performance ball available, the main component of the sport is having a sharp game and becoming a good shot maker.
Lane conditions have become very soft and that combination with today's bowling balls has led to high scoring conditions making the majority of today's bowlers very complacent about working on their physical game. However, the sport of bowling is making a comeback as can be seen in some of the newer Sport Bowling Leagues so knowing how to adjust to varying lane conditions and understanding how to use today's bowling balls is only part of the equation.
For those bowlers who want to maximize their potential in this sport, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding a qualified and certified bowling instructor. Even more preferable, you should work with an instructor who uses video technology to completely analyze your game.
For example, we use the Brunswick Pro Trainer system which gives us the ability to replay a student's shots in slow motion, show them what adjustments need to be made and compare then to the highest caliber bowlers in the world...best of all....the student is able to take a video home to study and watch at their convenience.
The knowledge you gain from a Certified Instructor is knowledge that will be useful to you and will stay with you throughout your bowling life.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Regional Sales Manager with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Annual Elks Scotch
Doubles March 14

The annual Monticello Elks Scotch Doubles bowling tournament will be held on March 14 at 2 p.m. at Kiamesha Lanes.
Teams will consists of one male bowler and one female bowler and the Scotch Doubles will be bowled with a 4-game no-tap format.
There is a $40 entry fee per team and the first 64 paid entries will close entry into this event.
This tournament includes the famous chicken bar-b-q with draft beer, wine and soda to be held at the Monticello Elks Club.
For information call tournament director Dean Shattuck at 794-1172.

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the Monday Men's league include a 289 and 779 by John Hoffmann, Tim Bilyeu 280, 779, Rick Lake 278 and Mark Wegener 732. The Kids Club bowled the team scratch game of 915, Monticello Greenhouse had the team scratch series of 2526.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson scored a 198, Leanne Mangabang 195, 527, Carol MacAdam 193, 193, 557, Vinnie Collura 223, 210, 626, Neil Bell Jr. 202, Matt Cooper 207, John Cascone 236, 202, 200, Doug VanKeuren 202, Mary Lee Williams 185, 529, Dorian Jennings 192, 210, 566, Andy Richardson 211, George Kelley236, Andrea Grossman 182, Larry Berens 205, 210, 211, 626, Pat Cooney 229, Roy Karpp 201, Tom Cooney 209, 234, 636, Debbie Durland 189, 190, 556, Kevin Stackhouse 237, John Fischer 204, 227, 257, 688, John Hoffmann 228, 600, Charles Blackburn 220, Barbara Yeomans 213, 545 and Donna DuBois 197.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 258, 225, 667, Donald Durland 251, 233, 268, 752, Matthew Fallon 245, 238, 675, Richard Bradford 210, 233, 203, 646, Jon Wilheim 248, 224, 226, 698, Frank Scuderi 205, Russ Keesler 217, Tom McIntyre 200, Rick Lara 210, Josh Strang 216, 235, 611, Charles McAllister 246, 601, George Battle Jr. 203, Frank Muller Jr. 218, Allan Jones 256, 223, 235, 714, Larry Berens 250, 631, Dean S hattuck 201, 235, 255, 691, Paul Durland 225, Art Eggleton 204, John Hoffmann 201, Tom Belgiovene 209, 202, Vinnie Collura 225, 204, 213, 642, Richard Hendricks 213, Pedro Agapito 213, Al Caycho 202, 237, 206, 645, Mike Weiner 211m Eugene Morton 202, Kenny Atkins 208, Wayne Atkins 245, 217, 211, 673, Eddie Lake 200, 201, 247, 648, Chris Magie 229 and Frank DiCostanzo 202, 221, 618.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division T. Porter scored a 77, A. Edwards 70, R. Schreiber 70. In the Bantams division S. Patel scored a 101, T. Patel 59 and 79. In the Preps division M. DeGraw scored a 101, S. Rustic 102, P. Patel 132, N. Goldsmith 120, 131. In the Jr./Mjrs. M. McCormack bowled a 146, M. Scuderi 181, C. Ciliberto 106, J. Mesz 193, S. Sinistorie 189, E. Walsh 215, J. Durland 203, 236, M. Edwards 167, B. Fraser 130, 150 and S. Patel 164, 156.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 224, 189, 585 by Lillian Zieres, Debbie Schick 205, 525, Barbara Pingel 195, Pat Peters 191, 190, 539, Rebecca Rhodes 211, 530 and Maureen Schlott 182.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Mark Hawley scored a 208, Gary Erlwein 221, Steve Lagoda 220 and Damien Vanluven 214.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Tom Russell scored a 201, Damien Vanleuven 202, Mark Rutledge 209, Kory Keesler 200, Mark Hawley 212 and Eddie Blume 243.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Early Birds league include a 180, 219, 573 by Nikki Andriano, Laura Ballard 187, 503, Sally Ballard 192, 538, Anne Couse 188, 504, Linda Ferris 210, 517, Jill Gorton 197, 502, Tammy Kane 203, 194, 534, Kathleen Stanton 192, 514, Jo Ann Thomas 182 and Sally Zegers 201.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Donald Marino scored a 257, 254, 216, 727, James Dibble 242, 278, 714, Carl Davis 219, 248, 244, 711, Brad Lobdell 265, 216, 660, Paul Ignatovich 224, 226, 649, Richard Layton 214, 245, 638, Andrew Bullis 202, 254, 636, Jim Merwin 265, 635, Daniel Wormuth 222, 28, 621, Lee Stanton 245, 615, Brian Drumm 235, 606, Pat Kille 233, Robert McNaught 235, Tony Wright 211, Brian Tiffany 213, Nick Possemato 235, Donald Ferris 214 and Jerry Kulakosky 247.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples league Daniel Wormuth scored a 205, 233, 632, Howard Couse 233, 213, James Dibble 202, 203, Greg Keesler 232, Bill Gleim 211, Hope Jones 238, 544, Sandy Winans 225, 534, Anne Couse 182, 511, Tammy Stanton 192 and Kristina Couse 189.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/

The official check and trophy presentation at the Cheeta Championship at Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY.


One never knows who will be appearing at the PBA championships. The photographer for the PBA Pro-Am's showed up at the Cheeta Championship last Sunday at Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY.

Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Parker Bohn III, champions of the Cheeta Championship held last Sunday at the Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY

Sullivan County bowlers taking part in the Pro-Am tournament at the Cheeta Championship at Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY last weekend were Bowling Highhights Columnist Ed Townsend, far left, and standing next to him his grandson, Rodney Taylor Jester of Neversink. The professional bowler holding the 2008-09 sign is Michelle Feldman

13-year-old Rodney Taylor Jester of Neversink, right, enjoyed bowling with the pros in the Cheeta Championship at the Thurway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY last weekend. He is shown here with the great Walter Ray Williams.

A Happy Parker Bohn III family following Parker's victory at the Cheeta Championship at Cheektowaga, NY last Sunday. Pictured are Leslie, Brandon, Sydney, Justin and Parker.

Champions of the Cheeta Championship took time to pose for this family picture Sunday afternoon. Back row, from the left, PBA Hall of Fame inductee Del Ballard Jr., Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Parker Bohn III and Leslie Bohn. Front row are Parker and Leslie's children, Sydney, Justin and Brandon.

Parker Bohn III and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard Win at Cheetah Championship
Lackawanna, N.Y. native Jack Jurek finishes fourth

Two of the greatest to ever throw a bowling ball, Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J. and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of N. Richland Hills, Texas, took home titles at the Cheetah Championship, the seventh stop on the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour held last Sunday at the AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga NY.

Five Sullivan County bowlers including Bowsling Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend, his wife, Shirley, grandson Rodney Taylor Jester and Bob and Barbara Cady attended the tournament.

Bohn III’s 32nd career title came after defeating No. 3 seed Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas 242-198 in the televised championship round.

“I had one ball that worked all week, my Twisted Fury; I had tried to use others, but it was almost impossible to get through the pins,” said Bohn III, who is currently fifth on the list of all-time PBA Tour titlists.

Bohn III was the top seed entering the final round after defeating No. 2 seed Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla. in Friday’s final position round 279-237.

“If it’s a stepladder format, I want to be No. 1 every week, that’s the way I like it” said Bohn III, who only had to win one match on Sunday’s telecast to win the championship.

Scroggins advanced to Sunday’s championship match by climbing the ladder in the stepladder format, first defeating No. 4 seed and local fan favorite Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., 235-175, then No. 2 Allen, 222-200.

PBA Women’s Series Dorin-Ballard defeated No. 2 seed Stefanie Nation of Arlington, Texas, to take home the Cheetah Championship trophy and her 2nd career PBA Women’s Series title.

“This was a very emotional day for me,” said Dorin-Ballard. “It’s Pearl Harbor Day, and my dad was a P.O.W. in World War II, and I felt like he was looking out for me.”

Dorin-Ballard defeated Nation 208-204 in the close championship match. Dorin-Ballard threw a clutch strike the first shot in the 10th frame and then left a 1-2-4-10 washout, sparing it to force Nation to strike the first shot in the 10th frame. Nation left a stubborn 10 pin to give Dorin-Ballard the title.

“Stefanie did really well in the 10th, but I got a break and took it,” said Dorin-Ballard. “The lanes were tight and if I didn’t catch it the way I needed to, I wouldn’t have gotten the strikes.”

For the first time in PBA history, the Women’s Series final was shown first on the telecast, followed by the men’s stepladder competition and men’s championship round.

The Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour continues this week at the Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship at Country Club Lanes in Baltimore, Md. The finals will be telecast live on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.


Cheetah Championship Format:

The field of 64 players bowled two, 7-game qualifying rounds for a total of 14 games on Thursday, Dec. 4 after which the top 32 players advanced to match play. Bowlers making the cut returned on Friday morning, Dec. 5 for the first nine games of an 18 game round robin match play schedule. The field was then cut to the top 16 players, who returned on Friday evening for the second round of match play competition. At the conclusion of match play, the top four finalists advanced to stepladder competition, i.e. No. 4 vs. No. 3, winner vs. No. 2, winner vs. No. 1 in championship match, aired live on ESPN on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. ET.

PBA Women’s Series Format

The Cheetah Championship also hosts the PBA Women’s Series, sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress. It is the fourth stop on the PBA Women’s Series schedule. The field of 16 players bowled two, 7-game qualifying rounds for a total of 14 games on Thursday, Dec. 4 in which the top 10 players advanced to match play. Bowlers making the cut returned on Friday evening, Dec. 5 for nine games of round robin match play competition. At the conclusion of match play, the top two finalists competed in the championship match on Sunday, Dec. 7, aired live on ESPN at 1 p.m. ET.
PBA CHEETAH CHAMPIONSHIP
Stepladder Game 1
Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, ($13,000) defeated Jack Jurek of Lackawanna, N.Y., ($5,500), 235-175.

Semifinals
Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, ($13,000) defeated Patrick Allen of Wesley Chapel, Fla., ($6,500), 222-200.

Finals
Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J., ($25,000) defeated Mike Scroggins of Amarillo, Texas, ($13,000), 242-198.

Women’s Series Championship Match
Carolyn Dorin-Ballard of North Richland Hills, Texas ($10,000) defeated Stefanie Nation of Arlington, Texas ($6,000), 208-204.

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others.

USBC FILES FEDERAL COMPLAINT AGAINST NY STATE ASSOCIATION

The United States Bowling Congress has filed a six-count complaint in federal court against the formerly chartered New York State USBC Bowling Association. The move comes as part of an on-going effort by USBC to protect the interests of its members in the state of New York.

Earlier this year, USBC revoked the charter of the NYSBA, after an audit revealed members of the NYSBA board of directors consistently failed to follow procedures designed to protect member interests and safeguard funds.

Stephen Donahue of Weedsport, N.Y., the former NYSBA manager, is charged by New York authorities with felony grand larceny in connection with this case after $274,000 was embezzled from the NYSBA.

"USBC intends to vigorously defend our position and the best interest of bowlers in New York," USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger said. "We feel the federal courts are an appropriate venue to deal with this issue, and we remain confident USBC will prevail."

USBC will provide direct benefits and programs as needed to ensure New York members see no disruption of services until the legal issues are settled. The charter revocation should have no noticeable effect for the over 85,000 members of the NYSBA. Individual New York members remain in good standing with USBC with all rights and privileges.

"USBC wants to reassure all of its members in New York that they can still compete in tournaments and leagues, while also enjoying all of the benefits of USBC membership," Dornberger said. "USBC will also step in and make certain the 2009 New York State Tournament takes place."

USBC intends to pay all members still owed money from the 2008 NYSBA State Tournament prize fund. NYSBA has filed suit in state court against USBC in an attempt to have its charter reinstated. This lawsuit has led to a state judge issuing a temporary restraining order in the case. Payment may be delayed until the case is resolved.

"USBC does not yet have a list from the NYSBA of members who cashed in the 2008 NYSBA State Tournament," Dornberger said. "It is our intention to make sure the bowlers receive their prize checks as soon as we receive a database and prize list information."

The issues involving NYSBA do not affect members or programs of the New York State USBC Women's Bowling Association (NYSWBA) or the New York State USBC Youth Association.

United States Bowling CongressThe United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.

Hall of Famers to Receive Commissioner’s Exemptions
PBA recognizes five of its greats as part of 50th anniversary celebration

The PBA announced today five Hall of Famers will receive Commissioner’s Exemptions to bowl in Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour events this season – beginning with Mark Roth at this week’s Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship in Baltimore – as part of the PBA’s season-long 50th anniversary celebration.

In addition to Roth, Wayne Webb, Marshall Holman, Brian Voss and Johnny Petraglia will also receive Commissioner’s Exemptions at their respective events which will place them directly into the field of 64. All were also named among the “50 Greatest Players” by the PBA released earlier this year.

“The PBA is proud to award exemptions to some of the biggest names in the history of our sport as another tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the PBA,” said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. “Our fans will enjoy the opportunity to watch these living legends compete.”

Roth is looking forward to his Commissioner’s Exemption at the upcoming Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship at AMF Country Club Lanes in Baltimore, Md., Dec. 10-14.

“It’s great to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration and it’s an honor to be given this opportunity,” Roth said. “Hopefully I can make it into the show.”

Roth, 57, owns 34 career Lumber Liquidators PBA titles. Eight of those came during his 1978 season, which some argue was the greatest year for a PBA player in the history of the Tour. He became the second player in PBA history to reach the $1 million career earnings mark in 1984. He has also made a name for himself on the PBA Senior Tour, winning two titles and being selected Senior Rookie of the Year in 2001 and Senior Player of the Year in 2002.

Webb will participate in the National Bowling Stadium Championship in Reno, Nev., Jan. 7-11.

Webb, 51, has won 20 PBA Tour titles, including the Tournament of Champions in 1980, and ranks 17th on the all-time money list. In 1992, he became the PBA’s sixth millionaire. He also has had some recent success on the PBA Senior Tour, winning the Senior U.S. Open and Senior Rookie of the Year in 2008.

Holman, a native of Medford, Ore., will enter the field at the Earl Anthony Medford Classic, Jan. 14-18.

Holman, 54, known as a fiery competitor, owns 22 career PBA titles, twice winning the Tournament of Champions (1976, 1986) and U.S. Open (1981, 1985). He also won the George Young High Average Award in 1982, 1984 and 1987, the 1987 PBA Player of the Year and in 1986 became the third PBA millionaire.

Voss’ exemption will come during the GEICO Plastic Ball Championship in Wheat Ridge, Colo., Feb. 18-22.

Voss, 50, has 24 career PBA titles, ranking him 10th all-time, and he won at least one title in 12 consecutive seasons from 1987-1998. He was named PBA Player of the Year in 1988 and won the Harry Smith Point Leader Award in 1987 and 1988. He amassed $2.3 million in career earnings, ranking fifth all-time.

Petraglia will compete in the Long Island Classic in West Babylon, N.Y., March 25-29.

Petraglia, 61, owns 14 career PBA titles and is one of only five bowlers to win the Triple Crown of Bowling (1971 Tournament of Champions, 1977 BPAA U.S. Open and 1980 PBA National Championship). He is one of three players to win a title in each of the last five decades and in 1994 joined a select group of bowlers to have a perfect game on national television. He also has six Senior Tour titles and was named Senior Rookie of the Year in 1998. He has also amassed more than $1 million in career earnings.

50th Anniversary Celebration Commisioner Exemptions (players and events are as follows):
Mark Roth – Lumber Liquidators Shark Championship, Baltimore, Md., Dec. 10-14
Wayne Webb – National Bowling Stadium Championship, Reno., Nev., Jan. 7-11
Marshall Holman – Earl Anthony Medford Classic, Medford, Ore., Jan. 14-18
Brian Voss – GEICO Plastic Ball Championship, Wheat Ridge, Colo., Feb. 18-22
Johnny Petraglia – Long Island Classic, West Babylon, N.Y., March 25-29

About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny's, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others.

Here & There Column 12-9-08

Everyone Should Benefit From Natural Gas Drilling

Several Sullivan County Legislators are advocating that county officials look into the possibility of having a compressed natural gas filling station established in Sullivan County and then the county could convert some of its fleet so that they could use compressed natural gas.
With natural gas drilling expected to take place in parts of Sullivan County and with the price of natural gas considerably below that of gasoline and fuel oil we firmly believe that county and state officials should insist that with the drilling comes the obligation of the drilling company and suppliers that natural gas should be made available to everyone in the county.
It's time for Sullivan County to as they say "become of age" and with the national gas deposits under our soil it should become available to all of us.
Natural gas offers great benefits and also helps ease environmental concerns such as greenhouse gas emission, smog, acid rain, water pollution and solid waste.
It's also delivered to the consumer with a total energy efficiency of about 90 percent compared with 27 percent for electricity. This product is touted as the most economical energy choice but at the present time Sullivan County residents do not have any choice or benefits.
The New York State Department of Transportation has built some 59 of these compressed natural gas filling stations with 11 of them being open to the public.
The expected gas rush for the gas in the Marcellus Shale under our soils should benefit each and everyone of us and local residents should not be cut off from the supply.
In the past companies have shown some interest in laying gas lines for national gas within Sullivan County and efforts should now be strengthened by demanding legal obligations for the new drillers and suppliers that if you want to drill here then they must also provide natural gas for our use.
Natural gas is just one part of making us less dependent on foreign oil and as long as we have it under our soil then these benefits should also be coming to us.

Bowling Highlight Column 12-5-08

Cady 300 Goes Into Lane # 1 Record Book

Sixty-one year old Livingston Manor bowler Bob Cady's second career 300 is heading for the record books at the Lane # 1 Bowling Ball Company.
Cady is heading for the record books at the Syracuse based Lane # 1 Bowling Company as a spokeswoman at the company headquarters several weeks ago confirmed that Cady hasl become only the 8th bowler to score a 300 with the company's Buzzsaw XXL urethane bowling ball which was put out on the market some 5 to 6 years ago.
A spokesman for the Syracuse bowling ball company has asked that a picture of Bob with the ball be sent to Lane # 1 so that they could put him into their record books.
The Lane # 1 Buzzsaw XXL urethane bowling ball that Bob Cady used to score his most recent 300 game in the October 26 Sunday Mixed league at Liberty Lanes was once owned by this writer who acquired the ball from Lane # 1 about five years ago.
After having the ball drilled I bowled with the ball several months but never got comfortable and the ball never did much for my scoring ability. Since Bob and I bowled on the same Sullivan County Democrat team we were talking about the ball one night and he indicated he wished he had a urethane ball and I told him I would be more than happy to give him the ball which I did.
Bob had Mike Luongo re-drill the ball which Bob used from time to time but just last week he informed me that this was the ball he was using most of this seasdon and was the one he recorded his 2ed career 300 with.
Lane # 1 describes the ball as a pearl urethane which gives bowlers "Xtra Xtra length when the lanes dry out." Lane # 1's suggestion to bowlers is "when your resin ball is hooking too much and your plastic ball doesn't hook enough, the Buzzsaw XXL will strike and strike," which it certainly did for Cady.
Cady bowled his first career 300 on March 14, 2004 in the Sunday Mixed league at Kiamesha Lanes. Bob on October 26 bowled the perfect game on lanes 5&6 and it was during his second game. He finished with a 645 series and presently maintains a 197 average. He noted that all 12 strikes were in the pocket.
He also bowls in the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league at Callicoon Lanes.
Bob has been bowling for some 35-years and is retired from the Sullivan County Department of Public Works. He lives with his wife Barbara in Livingston Manor.

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 191 by Becky Williams and Barbara Pingel 182, 500.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Roger Miller scored a 200, Mike Hubbard 232, Josh Mulucky 219, Jon Wayne 204, Scott Herbert 200, Mark Hawley 211, John Fink 235, 206, 614, Bob Cady 221, Ed LeRoy 208 and Gary Erlwein 210.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Dave Maus scored a 240, Phil Jacobi 220, Bruce Rutledge 212, Ricky Cabrera 217, Paul Minton 213, 202, 223, 638, Ed Blume 202, Shirley Townsend 184, Peter Flannigan 202, Ed Townsend 200 and Tom Russell 226.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 238, 289, 252, 779 by John Hoffmann, Ed Lake 279, Mike Weiner 258, Tim Bilyeu 257, Vinnie Collura 685 and Nate Sanders 676.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Debra Blackford scored a 193, Ed Guthrie 268, 258, 718, John Cascone 206, Mary Lee Williams 182, 191, 200, 573, Dorian Jennings 210, 208, 591, Joan Lake 189, Ryan Lepke 234, 620, Andy Richardson 221, Peter Scannell 225, Jack Rustic 224, Jim Gerrard 218, Shane Cunningham 205, Russ Keesler 212, 223, 213, 648, Larry Berens 217, David Graham 215, Tom Cooney 214, Debbie Durland 232, 181, 587, Donald Durland 269, 216, 206, 691, Kevin Stackhouse 206, John Fischer 213, 246, 205, 664, John Hoffmann 203, Robert Yakin Sr. 222, 605, Dale Sonnenschein 243, Linda Schaefer 192, Donna DuBois 181, 194, 554, Cliff Starr 209 and April Aldrich 208, 528.
In the Wednesday Men's league Shane Conner scored a 202, Matthew Fallen 225, Richard Bradford 201, 226, 214, 641, Jon Wilheim 214, 237, 203, 654, Russ Keesler 227, 223, 248, 698, Tim McIntyre 225, 614, Josh Strang 234, 617, Charles McAllister 222, 222, 611, Frank Muller Jr. 203, 223, Larry Berens 205, Dean Shattuck 216, 257, 644, Paul Durland 203, 200, Art Eggleton 207, 224, 617, John Hoffmann 246, 203, 645, Tom Belgiovene 207, Vinnie Collura 238, 201, 219, 658, Al Caycho 203, 212, Mike Weiner 232, 224, 223, 679, Kenny Atkins 212, 226, Shaun Lyons 212, Wayne Atkins 234, 210, 636, Anthony Atkins 219, Tim Minton 210, Eddie Lake 206, 247, 652, Chris Magie 226, 213, 605 and Rick Lake 235.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division K. Babcock scored a 130. In the Bantams division S. Patel scored a 122. In the Preps division N. Goldsmith scored a 134 and M. DeGraw 146. In the Jr./Mjrs. division J. Moss scored a 177, E. Walsh 205, J. Durland 230, Steven Sinistorie 202, 190, M. Scuderi 207, P. Agapito III a 203, C.Ciliberto 105, J. Friedman 158, T. Foxwell 156, M Edwards 149, B. Fraser 123, M. Gerow 262, M. Brown 102, S. Patel 153, 191, C. Israel 120 and S. Comfort 91.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Earl Birds Ladies league include a 213, 180, 539 by Tammy Kane, Nikki Andriano 188, 535, Laura Ballard 531, Kathleen Maltese 193, 525, Sally Ballard 203, 509, Jennifer Raymond 180, 501, Kathleen Stanton 190 and Diane Miller 182.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Mitch Persbacker scored a 219, 239, 232, 690, Paul Ignatovich 246, 201, 242, 689, Maurice Wormuth 245, 224, 213, 682, Howie Couse 246, 225, 202, 673, James Dibble 225, 223, 627, Robert Johnson 265, 209, 627, Hank Whitmore 229, 201, 623, Jerry Kulakosky 213, Brian Drumm 228, Daniel Wormuth 236, Jack Hazen 236, Jonathon Wayne 213, Richard Layton 222 and Neil Mosher 220.
In the Thursday Men's league Jeff Curtis scored a 252, 227, 242, 721, Andrew Bullis 257, 220, 210, 687, Al Bullis Jr. 223, 237, 211, 671, Gino Jones 217, 207, 221, 645, Bill Gleim 231, 212, 639, Matt Johnson 225, 243, 625, Al Bullis Sr. 201, 214, 205, 620, Charles Dunlap 267, 605, Harry Triebe Sr. 215, Craig Conklin 215, Robert Johnson 222 and Norm Ellis 220.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league Daniel Wormuth scored a 246, 268, 212, 726, Carl Davis 235, 234, 668, Howard Couse 205, 258, 651, Anne Couse 215, 211, 194, 620, Mike Horton 234, 203, 607, Gino Jones 244, Rick Mills 257, Gary Resti 210, James Dibble 227, Howard Couse Sr. 212, Catherine Resti 191 and Hope Jones 188.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Don Marino scored a 267, 222, 244, 733, Fred Shakelton 224, 214, 226, 664, Marty Haeussler 290, 661, Rick Mills 222, 216, 628, Ray Cornwell 228, Dave Mills 200, Dick Mills 203, Norm Ellis 219 and Beverly St. Clair 188.

This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com