Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts to Host the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the Violin’

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul to Perform; Tickets On-sale Now

Bethel, NY (March 13, 2011) – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is proud to announce that Grammy-award winner, Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul will perform on Saturday, May 14th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. as a part of the 2011 Event Gallery Concert Series. The evening will also host Barnaby Bright, winner of the 5th Annual Songwriting Contest sponsored by Song Circle Music, as the opening act.
Tickets for the event are $52.00 in advance and $57.00 the day of the event. On-sale now, tickets can be purchased at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, the Bethel Woods Box Office, Ticketmaster, or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Full bar service and light dining fare is available at all performances.

Eileen Ivers, founding member of Cherish the Ladies, is a nine-time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion, original star of the theatrical show Riverdance and has played with Sting, Hall and Oates, Randy Brecker and many more. Her list of accomplishments also extends to performing for the President, as well as Royalty worldwide.

With more than 80 recording credits in both contemporary and traditional albums and movie scores, Eileen has earned her title of the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the Violin’, as dubbed by the New York Times. The work of Eileen Ivers is that of those who are a rare and select grade of spectacular artists. She respectfully explores the traditions and progressions of the Celtic fiddle, fully immersing herself in different genres of music.

Eileen is also privileged to share the stage with two of the world's most celebrated violinists, classical virtuoso Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and jazz great Regina Carter, in the critically acclaimed 'Fiddlers Three'. This show continues to fascinate symphony audiences throughout the U.S.

Brooklyn-based indie folk rock duo Barnaby Bright, have garnered high accolades for their lyrically captivating and impeccably balanced songwriting and sound. The ying to each other’s yang, Becky’s angelic voice enchants audiences, while Nathan’s brilliant mastery of multiple instruments and writing styles guides the songs down their path. Finalists in the prestigious New York Song Circle Contest for two years in a row, Barnaby Bright was awarded the Grand Prize Winner in November 2010 for their song, “Don’t Look Down.” Their music has been featured on ER, Days of Our Lives, and Roadtrip Nation, and the catchy, melodic “If I Came Back As a Song” placed third in 2007’s International Song-Writing Competition, whose panel of judges included Tom Waits. They have toured all over the US in addition to completing two successful month-long European tours, dazzling fans with unique instrumentation, powerful harmonies, intelligent lyrics, and genuine warmth on stage. Inspired by literature, life, human behavior, and a hint of fantasy, Barnaby Bright is a classic vision of timeless indie folk rock in all its glory.
Bethel Woods Members are always notified of all exclusive pre-sale opportunities for Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage concerts, and it’s not too late for you to join and enjoy the benefits of membership. For more information on becoming a Bethel Woods Member, please visit http://www.BethelWoodsCenter.org/support.aspx
Additional Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage performances will be announced shortly; fans can expect diverse musical offerings including world-class artists in the rock, pop, singer-songwriter, country and classical genres, as well as special exhibits, films and lecture series at The Museum at Bethel Woods.
To be among the first to hear, sign up for the E-Club at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or enter the Bethel Woods photo contest by submitting your photos on Flickr to enter to win a 2012 Season Lawn Pass http://www.flickr.com/groups/bethelwoods_photo_contest/
For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.
Co-founder of The Byrds to Play at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Roger McGuinn Tickets On-sale Now

Bethel, NY (March 11, 2011) – Chicago-native Roger McGuinn is set to perform in the 2011 Event Gallery Concert Series at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Friday, May 6th at 8:00pm. Roger McGuinn’s musical hits include “Turn Turn Turn”, “Eight Miles High” and “Mr. Tambourine Man”.
Tickets for the event are $48.00 in advance and $53.00 the day of the event. On-sale now, tickets can be purchased at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, the Bethel Woods Box Office, Ticketmaster, or by phone at 1.800.745.3000. Full bar service and light dining fare is available at all performances.
Jim McGuinn, later known as Roger, began his career performing with the Limeliters, the Chad Mitchell Trio, and singer Bobby Darin. Inspired by the Beatles, McGuinn began playing folk songs to a rock beat in local coffeehouses around Greenwich Village. His future band mates appreciated his unique concepts and musical styling’s which lead them to form The Byrds in 1964, becoming one of the most influential bands of the ‘60s.
After several successful years with The Byrds, McGuinn began touring solo acoustic to get back to his folk roots. He released a rock album in 1991 called “Back from Rio”, which included several musical guests, such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello and former band mates Chris Hillman and David Crosby.
In 1995, he began recording and uploading a series of traditional folk songs to the internet, which he called the Folk Den.. These recordings were posted on his website and were available for free download. The album “Treasures of the Folk Den” was a compilation of his favorite songs featured on the Folk Den, in addition to bonus duets with Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Judy Collins. This album was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 in the category of “Best Traditional Folk Album”.
In celebration of the Folk Den’s 10 year anniversary, a four CD box set of 100 songs uploaded to the Folk Den were released with a higher quality.
Bethel Woods Members are always notified of all exclusive pre-sale opportunities for Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage performances, and it’s not too late for you to join and enjoy the benefits of membership. For more information on becoming a Bethel Woods Member, please visit http://www.BethelWoodsCenter.org/support.aspx
Additional Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage performances will be announced shortly; fans can expect diverse musical offerings including world-class artists in the rock, pop, singer-songwriter, country and classical genres, as well as special exhibits, films and lecture series at The Museum at Bethel Woods.
To be among the first to hear, sign up for the E-Club at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or enter the Bethel Woods photo contest by submitting your photos on Flickr to enter to win a 2012 Season Lawn Pass http://www.flickr.com/groups/bethelwoods_photo_contest/
For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.
Bethel Woods Adds Free, Interactive Performance Artists to Event Gallery

Free Tickets Available Now

Bethel, NY (March 12, 2011) – Bethel Woods Center for the will host two free, interactive performances that pay tribute to different cultures and performing arts. These family-friendly performances will educate the audience, incorporating the legacy and future of Arabic and African Drum music. Kofi and Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble will kick-off these performances on Sunday, April 10th, while the internationally-acclaimed Arab musician, Simon Shaheen will bring undeniable grace to the stage on Saturday, May 7th.
Both performances are at 2:00 p.m. in the Event Gallery. Admission is free for the performance, but a ticket is required for entry and can be ordered at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. For special assistance in registering your school group, please contact Elaine Muscara at emuscara@bethelwoodscenter.org or at 845-295-2446.
Generous support The Museum’s Education and Community programs is provided by ShopRite Supermarkets. General support of The Museum at Bethel Woods is provided by Rolling V Bus Corp, and Giselle & Jeffrey Gerson.
The Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble was first formed in 1997 when Maxwell Kofi Donkor’s community drum circles in Allentown and Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania united. Members of the ensemble come from all walks of life around the tri-state region and have performed with national known drummers including Babatunde Olatunji and his Drums of Passion, Mickey Hart, Arthur Hall, Sikiru, and Camara.
Sankofa’s performances create an atmosphere of an indigenous African Village where everyone gets involved. The marriage of polyrhythmic drums and chants lead the way for the ensembles other instruments – the sheakeres, flutes, and xylophones – while the dancers complete the performance giving additional meaning to the already powerful experience. The close dialogue between all the instruments and performers generates the feeling of connectedness and togetherness, creating a spirit of community and sharing. By the end of the performance the audience will be dancing up a storm.
Shaheen is best known for dazzling his listeners by playing a wide range of musical styles, from traditional Arabic sounds, to jazz and Western classical styles. His graceful technique and musical creativity have earned him national acclaim on the ‘oud and violin. Shaheen has also earned the prestigious National Heritage Award at the White House in 1994 for his musical influence and contribution to the world of arts.
Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Cairo’s Opera House, are only a few of the world-renowned concert venues that Shaheen has performed at.
Born in Palestine, Shaheen’s childhood was surrounded by musical influence. His father was a professor of music and a master ‘oud player, which he states, “…was the most powerful influence in my musical life”. He went on to graduate from the Academy of Music in Jerusalem and was appointed instructor of Arab music, performance and theory. After moving to New York City, he completed his graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music and Columbia University.
Shaheen formed the Near Eastern Music Ensemble in 1982 out of New York, which was a group that would perform the highest standard of traditional Arab music. To educate the younger generation, he began workshops and demonstrations/lectures in schools, colleges and universities. Shaheen still spends a lot of time working with different schools and universities.
This concert series explores and pays tribute to different cultures and traditions through music, dance and other cultural performing arts in order to promote an appreciation and respect or all cultures.
Additional Event Gallery and Pavilion Stage performances will be announced shortly; fans can expect diverse musical offerings including world-class artists in the rock, pop, singer-songwriter, country and classical genres, as well as special exhibits, films and speaker series at The Museum at Bethel Woods.
To be among the first to hear, sign up for the E-Club at www.BethelWoodsCenter.org, follow us on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook or enter the Bethel Woods photo contest by submitting your photos on Flickr to enter to win a 2012 Season Lawn Pass http://www.flickr.com/groups/bethelwoods_photo_contest/
For more information please visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org or call 1.866.781.2922.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Here & There Column 4-26-11




Covington To Help St. Jude & YMCA

Former American Idol Finalist Bucky Covington will be the featured entertainer at the May 14 Thunder 102 ThunderBash where donations will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the YMCA of Sullivan County.
Thunder 102 Radio is proclaiming the May 14 event to be the biggest ThunderBash entertainment lineup to date with Free admission but you will need a ticket to get in and everyone is asked for a donation for St.Jude Children's Research Hospital an the YMCA of Sullivan County.
Appearing with Covington are the Iron Cowboy, Tommy Steele, David Adam Byrnes and Somerville featuring Alyssa Startup.
Covington is known and loved as much for his engaging personality as for his formidable talent.
The talent has shown through on three hit singles that have helped push his debut album toward gold status. His undeniable likability and his ability to wear his stardom as comfortably as his jeans has done the rest.
Covington puts it all together on stage where this long=haired North Carolinian with the rocker's charisma and the country boy charm is now thrilling old and new fans alike as he criss-crosses the country.
Many of his fans have watched him from his first days on American Idol and have seen him mature as an artist and yet maintain the unspoiled outlook that make him the complete package. Covington continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting and important young performers on the contemporary country scene and he will bring it all to the 6th Annual Thunder 102 Thunderbash May 14 at 6 p.m. in the grandstand at Monticello Casino & Raceway.
Listen to Thunder 102 and Thunder Facebook and Twitter to find out where you can pickup your tickets.







Here & There Column 4-19-11

Social Security Identification Purposes

How many times over the years have you been asked to provide your Social Security number for identification purposes?
I can't even justify a number when I have had to provide my Social Security number as a means of identification.
Whoa.....wait one minute.....my and many others up until the 1980's have Social Security cards that specifically reads "For Social Securtiy Purposes-Not For Identification."
So why then does the does the state require it for driver's licenses and the county for voter registration.
A little research here disclosed the fact that when the Social Security Act was approved it didn't mean your social security number couldn't be used for identification purposes, just that the card itself couldn't be presented as proof of identify.
Then one can present the argument.....why didn't the card then say....this Card can not be presented as proof of identity.
Now we get down to the nuts and bolts of this entire discussion and the explanation for the initial warning "Not For Identification", was that prior to 1972 hving a social security card didn't prove much of anything and certainly not your identity.
The reason given for this is that obtaining a card was very easy and all one had to do is walk into any local social security office, fill out a form to two and they's assign you a number.
When social security numbers were first issues in 1936 the only thing you were supposed to do with the number was submit it to your employer when you started a new job.
The social security number then actually evolved into an "unofficial" identity number (although many on the federal level hate to admit this.)
In 1943 a presidential executive order directed the military and other government agencies to use the number for identification purposes and in 1961 the Internal Revenue Service began using the number for taxpayer identification.
As a result of all these changes the "not to be used for identification" line was dropped from the cards" and most places accept them as proof of identity.
Isn't government change and double talk wonderful?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Here & There Column 4-12-11

Everyone Must Do More With Less

Cuts are being made nationwide, defunding of various programs are being put in place and local municipalities along with school districts are taking serious looks at ways to create efficiencies and save money.
Does anyone actually jump with joy when those in charge have to take serious steps to cut back and do more with less?
Those who foster the idea that we can continue to do business as usual and believe that the existing business climate is doing just fine are blind to the real facts and just are not living with reality.
We can't spend our way out of the existing economy and we can only say get a real life to those who criticize one political party or the other for having to make the tough financial decisions now facing all of us.
It also is poor taste and gutter politics to try and put the blame on someone else when in reality all government and school districts have to bite the bullet and do what they have to do.
It's a mixed bag of politicians both in New York and throughout the United States that are taking the steps they have to in fixing their governments finances.
We sit back in amazement when we see newspaper headlines that financial cuts being made are considered by some as "threats" to this or that program.
Consolidation, compromise and givebacks are becoming common language in municipal and school district budget workshops.
Tough financial decisions are not pleasing and I don't believe there is one single political leader who is getting any enjoyment out of what they have had to do.
We can plan on seeing additional belt tightening, reduction of staffs and loss of jobs and lets cross our fingers that we have caught and are able to stop these out-of-control budget deficits and hopefully get the economy back running in the right direction.
Everyone must learn to do more with less.

Bowling Highlights Column 4-8-11

The legendary Carmen Salvino, second from the left, talks and shares a photo op with from the left, Monticllo bowler John Hoffmann and Storm-Roto Grip Bowling Ball representatives Mike and Mickey Luongo from Middletown.

BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS COLUMN 4-8-11

A Classy Carmen Salvino

One of the real treats we bowling columnist have from time to time is meeting and chatting with the great ones in this sport. At the U.S. Open at North Brunswick several years ago we had the opportunity to meet and talk with Carmen Salvino. Here's an interesting take on what took place this year at the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs. PBA Hall of Famer Carmen Salvino, one of the PBA Tour’s all-time great characters along with being one of its greatest stars on the lanes, bowled in the Dick Weber PBA Playoffs at age 77.
The PBA charter member and winner of 17 PBA Tour titles bowled Round One on the same lanes with 26-year-old Nick Weber, grandson of the legendary tournament namesake and son of John Weber, the PBA’s Director of Regional and Senior Tours. After Salvino out-bowled the young Foristell, Mo., resident in the 15-game opening round, he looked the third-generation Weber in the eye and jokingly said, “I beat your granddad once. I beat your father once. And now I’ve whipped you once.
Are you married?” Salvino then asked? Why?” Nick Weber replied. “Because you need to hurry up and have a kid so I can beat him, too,” Salvino smiled. “I’m getting too old to wait much longer.” Nick Weber laughed, and Salvino laughed. “The truth is,” Salvino said later, “if I’da had to make a living bowling against Dick Weber every week, I’d’ve had to find a new career.
I beat Dick Weber once in my career and it’s the only time I ever lost that I didn’t mind losing. That’s how much respect I have for that man.”

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, via email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-230-8674. For an extended version of this column please visit our Web page at http://bght.blogspot.com This column is also available on Facebook.

Bowling Highlights Column 4-8-10

LOCAL BOWLING SCORES
BY ED TOWNSEND


FOX BOWLING CENTER

WEDNESDAY MEN'S
INDEPENDENT LEAGUE

Audi Boice 226, 608, Cody Conway 259, 662, Frank Couse Sr. 237, 672, Jim Dibble 257, 226, 670, Brandon Drumm 226, 620, Art Gately 237, 634, Craig Gehrig 225, 604, Bill Gleim 247, 639, Jeremy Gulley 614, Jack Hazen 606, Steve Jacobi 247, 651, Gregory Keelser 628, Donnie Marino 234, 642, Wayne McClenon 241, Mark McGraw Jr. 258, 666, Walt Oralls 256, 638, Mitch Persbacker 227, 259, 681, Sam Rowe 227, 672, Tim Smith 227, 617, Jonathon Wayne 609, Zuke Wormuth 230, 227, 628, Jeremy Wormuth 248, 681, Lee Wormuth 246, 619, Jay Wormuth 233, 642,

THURSDAY MEN'S DEPOSIT
NATIONAL LEAGUE

Al Bullis Jr. 631, Andy Bullis 232, 647, Dale Conklin 228, 632, Ray Cornwell 242, 237, 226, 705, Mike Costello 277, 631, Howey Couse Jr. 234, 618, Frank Couse Sr. 230, 626, Jeff Curtis 226, 243, 680, Jim Dibble 234, 639, Norm Ellis Sr. 257, 637, Greg Keesler 246, 233, 693, John Lanner 243, Rich Lenio 227, 654, Rick Mills 610, Dan Wormuth 267, 701, Jeremy Wormuth 232, 640.

FRIDAY MIXED DOUBLES
COUPLES LEAGUE

Audie Rose Bullis 181, Andy Bullis 258, 244, 726, Jessica Bush 181, Howard Couse Jr. 249, 648, Frank Couse Sr. 235, Anne Couse 176, 503, Crystal Ellis 182, 184, 527, Norman E. Ellis 233, 630, William Gleim 225, 276, 702, Gino Jones 268, 657, Julie Martin 210, 535, Wayne McClenon 230, Dana McGraw 197, 188, 187, 572, Mark McGraw 287, 235, 745, Dawn Mclenon 217, 180, 543, Rick Mills 228, Sherilyn Oralls 225, 189, 592, Walt Oralls 278, 259, 740, Jennifer Smith 192, 182, 545, Tim Smith 230, 632, Daniel Wormuth 259, 664, Jeremy Wormuth 265, 246, 723.

KIAMESHA LANES

MONDAY MEN'S LEAGUE

Albert Caycho 610, Jon Wilhelm 234, 228, 268, 730, James VanAken 656, Josh Strang 239, 245, 649, Tom Belgiovene 226, 644, John Hoffmann 290, 225, 243, 758, Dan Ricco 228, 235, 612, Mike Weiner 233, 653, Eddie Lake 279, 226, 722, Rick Lake 279, 687, Robert Sze 612, James Ratner 236, 235, 644, Kort Wheeler 227, 259, 677, Keith Hackett 227, 235, 228, 690, Laresko Niifa 226, Donald Durland 240, 603, Jaryl Scott 237, 255, 666, Vinnie Collura 230, 234, 664, David Graham 269, 682, Nate Sanders 242, 248, 658, John Fischer 247, 619, Leroy Williams 609, Larry Berens 235, 632, Dean Shattuck 276, 682, Tim Minton 258, 631, Anthony Atkins 254, Wayne Atkins 261, 610, Kyle Shivers 236, 269, 225, 730, Frank Emmens 227, 674, Kenny 255, 633, Matt Fallon 246, 623, Vincent Scuderi 257, 642, James Piontek 235, 630, James Frost 246, 619, Lloyd Bridges 225.

TUESDAY MIXED
FIREFIGHTERS LEAGUE

Dorian Jennings 216, 204, 193, 613, Debbie Durland 215, 217, 608, Mary Lee Williams 204, 197, 562, Debra Blackford 185, 190, 181, 556, Joan Redington 193, 201, 545, Joan Lake 206, 174, 539, Ailene Washington 209, 217, 530, Carena Collura 183, 180, 515, Andrea Grossman 202, 511, Heather Dobell 505, Laresko Niifa 246, 226, 256, 728, Kevin Stackhouse 237, 677, Ed Guthrie 269, 664, Stan Gilmore 230, 224, 649, Edward Walsh 648, Allen Jones 251, 646, George Kelley 617, Jon Wilhelm 601, Ryan Browne 229.

WEDNESDAY MEN'S LEAGUE

Paul Durland 617, Steven Belgiovene 635, Tom Belgiovene 234, 603, John Hoffmann 258, 258, 718, Niifa Laresko 235, 617, Kevin Stackhouse 258, 227, 666, Dave Graham 226, 236, 693, Eddie Lake 237, 247, 699, Frank Muller Jr. 224, 625, Donald Durland 230, 226, 636, Richard Bradford 232, 661, Jon Wilhelm 234, 653, Matt Fallon 259, 226, 691, Gregory Fallon 236, 630, Rick Lara 244, 626, Eddie Walsh 278, 267, 760, Nick Price 232, Kenny Atkins 255, 638, Michael Mahusky 232, 241, 677, Frank L. Gerow 225, 243, 619.

THURSDAY LADIES LEAGUE

Pat Gibson 198, 190, 544, Debbie Durland 227, 233, 636, Geri Stensland 182, Sonya Robinson 194, 192, 545, Joan Lake 204, 221, 562, Liz Burgio 200, 523, Barbara Durbak 179, 502, Lisa Cartwright 180, 517, Mardette Wilcox 206, 253, 627, Stephanie Davis 202.

FRIDAY MIXED LEAGUE

Mary Lee Williams 215, 207, 255, 677, Francine Kaiser 255, 581, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 212, 235, 580, Antionette Rau 182, 204, 192, 578, Laura Palmer 191, 191, 191, 573, Joan Lake 182, 202, 545, Trasey Barres 201, 192, 541, Christa Sweeney 192, Julie Chen 180, Tolakii Deylii 200, Linda Schaefer 194, Eugene Kelly 245, Jryl Scott 234, 259, 279, 772, Kyle Shivers 255, 257, 223, 735, Kevin Stackhouse 278, 717, Dan Ricco 235, 661, Ryan Lepke 238, 656, Eddie Lake 267, 650, Leroy Williams 242, 640, Larry Berens 236, 634, Robert Sze 257, 621, Orshii Boldiis 617.
Tournament
Dates

March 26-May 1 Fox Bowling Center 59th Annual Handicap Tournament, Men, Women, Mixed, Fox Bowling Center, Hancock, NY Information 607-637-4401.
April 30-May 22- The 30th Annual South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. No-Tap Tournament. Team and Doubles--Information 570-961-5213.
April 30-May 15- The 60th Annual Idle Hour Lanes, Scranton, Pa.Tournament-Team and Doubles. --Information 570-489-7526.
May 1--40th Annual Eddie Beebe-Julia Maney Memorial Senior Tournament, Liberty Lanes.
Information on all Tri-County USBC Tournaments is available at 845-784-6630.
Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

The tip this week will help you stay in balance which is important because you need to remain balanced in order to make quality shots and repeat them.
One of the enigmas about the way bowling has often been taught is that bowlers are instructed to push the ball away from the body when starting the approach.
Full coverage of this tip is available at http://bght.blogspot.com
The interesting thing about this is that most of the best bowlers of all time (this era and old timers) never pushed the ball away from their body. Instead, they slide the elbow forward never pushing it past the front of the body.
It's a wonder why bowlers have been taught this incorrect way so frequently when the best in the sport do it another way.
What you want to do is execute the sliding hinge.
To create the sliding hinge you must never push the ball far enough away from the body that the elbow is extended in front of the body; rather, slide the ball down, walk past the ball and you will be in perfect time.
The problem with pushing the ball and elbow away from the body is that the weight of the ball too far away from the body will cause the gravity to pull you forward causing you to have early timing. Early timing causes you to lose revolutions and puts you in a position where you cannot repeat shots.
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 an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events for the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or via email at mikel@stormbowling.com
Dick Weber PBA Playoffs
Caps Noteworthy Season
For PBA Regional Players

The Dick Weber PBA Playoffs, an expanded PBA Tournament of Champions field, a sold-out World Series of Bowling and other open events including the PBA World Championship, U.S. Open and Bayer USBC Masters have provided the most opportunities for PBA’s regional players to compete at the sport’s highest level during the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season than they have had in nearly two decades. With a PBA Tour schedule that visits a reduced number of cities, PBA fans are still able to see many of PBA’s talented players through its regional program which last season conducted 170 tournaments in seven regions across the U.S.
Some of the PBA’s talented players who compete largely at the regional level have converted their success to opportunities in prestigious high-profile PBA Tour events. One of those players with a predominately regional background is former PBA Tour exempt player Randy Weiss of Columbia, S.C., who will make his first PBA Tour television appearance and first serious run at a PBA Tour title in the Lumber Liquidators Championship Round of the Dick Weber Playoffs which will conclude the 2010-11 Tour season live on ESPN Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from Woodland Bowl.
“I wish I had been at this level earlier in my career, but it is what it is,” said the 37-year-old Weiss who competes in about 18-20 regionals a year. “You never know when it’s going to be your time and I hope I make the most of this opportunity. This is what I’ve dreamed about since I was five years old.” Weiss, an eight-time regional titlist whose previous best Tour finish was ninth, will battle 13-time Tour winner Chris Barnes and two-time titlist Dick Allen for the Playoffs title. It will be a finals that could be considered reflective of PBA’s membership—Barnes, who has established himself as one of PBA’s contemporary superstars; Allen, who could probably be best described as a journeyman Tour player, and Weiss who has for the most part made his name at the regional level.
“I go into every tournament I bowl expecting to win and bowling the best I can but I really didn’t know what to expect in the Playoffs,” Weiss said. “Because of the format there is probably no better example of a tournament where you need to stay in the moment and approach it one tournament round at a time.” Another player who made his name on the regional Tour is Lennie Boresch Jr. of Kenosha, Wis., who also made his first Tour television appearance in the Playoffs but was eliminated in the regional round. Boresch, a 24-time regional tour winner earned his first Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour exemption in the 2010-11 season by finishing fourth in the 2010 PBA Regional Players Invitational last December in Reno. The PBA playoffs format featured six independent regional groups bowling elimination rounds within their respective regions (North, South, East, Southeast, Southwest, Midwest and West/Northwest).
A total of 156 players that included regional as well as Tour players competed in the event. “It’s a great format and it was a lot of fun,” Boresch said of the PBA Playoffs. “With the elimination format your odds were better to make the TV show because you just had to make sure you bowled well enough within your division and not be one of the bottom few players to be eliminated. It’s not like a normal Tour event where you have to be in the top five out of however many are entered in the entire tournament to make the TV show.” Boresch and Weiss aren’t the only regional players who have experienced personal career highs during the 2010-11 season. South Region veteran Tom Daugherty of Wesley Chapel, Fla., made his television debut – one he’ll never forget – in the $1 million PBA Tournament of Champions. Midwest Region competitor Tom Hess of Urbandale, Iowa, converted his first TV appearance into an emotional victory in the Bayer USBC Masters.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Liberty ShopRite Honors 95-Year-Old

Sharing 95th birthday greetings with Ms. Elizabeth "Betty" Bauerfeind Cox (seated) are, from the left, her granddaughter Tina Tompkins of Liberty, Sullivan County District 6 Legislator Jodi Goodman, Liberty ShopRite Store Director John Rogan, son Robert Cox of Liberty and Liberty C.G.O. Coordinator and Shop Steward JoAnn Walls who was responsible for putting this birthday celebration together.
Granddaughter Tina Tompkins pins flowers on "Betty" during the special birthday party at Liberty ShopRite. Shop Steward JoAnn Walls looks on.


Liberty ShopRite employees gather around to wish "Betty" a special Happy 95th birthday.


Sullivan County District 6 Legislator Jodi Goodman presents Betty with a Sullivan County Legislature Certificate of Special Recognition.


Elizabeth "Betty" Bauerfeind Cox get's her hair styled by Debbie Benton at the Golden Shears at the Liberty ShopRite Plaza prior to her special birthday party at Liberty ShopRite. Looking on is ShopRite Shop Steward and CC.G.O. Coordinator JoAnn Walls.


SHOPRITE & COUNTY HONOR 95-YEAR OLD


A special birthday party honoring 95-year-old Elizabeth (Betty) Bauerfeind Cox was hosted by employees of the Liberty ShopRite store Thursday morning March 24.

All the store employees and customers in the store at the time were invited to enjoy refreshments and to sing Happy Birthday while Betty blew out the candles on her special birthday cake.

Prior to the actual birthday party Ms. Cox was the guest of Liberty ShopRite employees for hair styling at Golden Shears located in the ShopRite Plaza.

Sullivan County District 6 Legislator Jodi Goodman presented Betty with a Sullivan County Legislature Certificate of Special Recognition.

Liberty ShopRite Shop Steward and Computer Generated Ordering Coordinator JoAnn Walls was responsible for putting this special occasion together and coordinated all of the arrangements. Ms. Walls noted "Betty is a very special customer and we all love her."

Elizabeth was born at the families farm house in North Branch March 24, 1916, the daughter of Ed and Nellie Metzer Bauerfeind. North Branch Dr. Schenger assisted with the birth.

Betty attended a one-room school house in North Branch and at the age of 25 married Robert Cox on June 15, 1941. They had five sons, Robert who now lives in Liberty, Ronald living in the state of Illinois and Richard who makes his home in the state of California. Two sons are deceased.

Betty's grandfather was the owner of the North Branch Hotel. Over the years Ms. Cox was employed as a waitress at the Chester Diner which was owned by her mother-in-law and she also was employed as a housekeeper in the North Branch area. Hobbies previously enjoyed by Betty included dancing as a member of the Happy Footers Square Dance club, bowling and quilt making.

She now enjoys reading, word finds and walking sometimes two and three times a day to the Liberty ShopRite from her home at the Golden Hills Apartments where she has made her home for the past 12 years.

One of her favorite Sunday activities is attending services at the Church On The Rock in Youngsville.

Here & There Column 4-5-11

World Class Baseball Coming To County

The Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA), the Gold standard of world-class amateur baseball is coming to Sullivan County with the addition of the Sullivan County Thunderheads 17 & under boys traveling baseball team's acceptance into the New York Elite Baseball league for the 2011 summer season.
New York Elite Baseball, now associated with CABA, is considered by many as the premier travel league in the Hudson Valley and is owned by Jay Storti who is also the director of operations and is the New York State Director of CABA.
The CABA launched the initial season in 1984 and is a more user-friendly youth baseball organization that provides more teams the opportunity to participate at the national level.
Hundereds of former CABA players have since gone on to play at the professional level including Alex Rodriguez and Todd Helton.
The CABA programs include sanctioned league play, world series events, national championship events.
Team General Manager Ed Townsend said this league and association brings a new and more structured class of boys traveling team baseball to Sullivan County.
Tryouts for the Thunderheads team will be held in the middle of April.
Home double-header games will be played Sunday's at City Field in Grahamsville and on the Livingston Manor Central School baseball field.
Team organizers stress that baseball players and parents must make a full commitment for team play and practice starting in the month of May and through the middle of August.
Boys interested in trying out for the team can contact Townsend at 845-439-8177 or by email at thunderheadsbaseball@gmail.com

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Bowling Highlights Column 4-1-11

Grants For Mobile Bowling Equipment

The Bowling Foundation announced it has awarded grants to more than six schools as part of its continuing effort to help enhance peoples’ lives through bowling. The Mobile Bowling Equipment program annually helps schools, parks and recreation departments, disabled and disadvantaged service groups and other organizations and youth groups purchase equipment to teach and enjoy bowling.
Schools receiving grants in 2011 are:
Tri County Intermediate / Primary Schools, Wolcott, Indiana
Washington Junior High, Washington, Iowa
St. Clair Junior High School, St. Clair, Missouri
Allen Elementary, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Youth Ministry Entertainment Inc., Richmond, Virginia.
Tremont Middle School/Senior High School, Tremont, Illinois
The grants, awarded in the form of bowling kits, are valued at $1200. Each kit includes six carpet bowling lanes, rubberized bowling balls and pins plus instructional DVDs to assist coaches and teachers in introducing and instructing the game of bowling.
“Each year we receive applications from all over the country,” said Bowling Foundation Chair, Cathy DeSocio. “In a struggling economy, school and non-profit budgets are usually the first to get cut. We hope these grants can provide some meaningful support to these schools.”
DeSocio pointed out that each application is reviewed and awards are based on a number of criteria. “Making the final selections is tough,” she added, “because there are so many who could use the grants, however, the final determination is made based on a number of factors including which applicants best represent the mission of The Bowling Foundation to enhance the lives of others in need through the sport of bowling.”
Public or private educational institutions, grades K-8; or 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations serving youth in grades K-8 are eligible to receive the annual grants. An organization is eligible to receive funding once every three years. Individuals are not eligible to apply or receive awards.
DeSocio says The Bowling Foundation is proud of the program and looks forward to awarding the grants each year. “Our hope is to raise more funds and awareness as the charitable arm of bowling to provide more grants in the future.”
For more information on the program or how schools and organizations can partner with The Bowling Foundation to organize bowling fund raiser events for students to raise money for the school, project and The Bowling Foundation charities, contact The Bowling Foundation or go to www.BowlingFoundation.org for more information.
The mission of The Bowling Foundation is to enhance the lives of others through the sport of bowling, particularly reaching out toward youth, those less fortunate, underprivileged or in need, giving them increased chance for success, health, fitness and the joy of sport; while fostering bowling across all sectors of society.



This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information, Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, vie email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com and by fax at 845-230-8674. For an expanded version of this column please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com This column is also available on Facebook.
Tournament
Dates


March 26-May 1- The 59th Annual Handicap Tournament, Men, Women, Mixed, Flox Bowling Center, Hancock, NY Information 607-637-4401.
April 30-May 22- The 30th Annual South Side Bowl, Scranton, Pa. No-Tap Tournament. Team and Doubles--Information 570-961-5213.
April 30-May 15- The 60th Annual Idle Hour Lanes, Scranton, Pa.Tournament-Team and Doubles. --Information 570-489-7526.
May 1--40th Annual Eddie Beebe-Julia Maney Memorial Senior Tournament, Liberty Lanes.
Information on all Tri-County USBC Tournaments is available at 845-784-6630.
Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week I would like to let you know more about the RG (which stands for radius of gyration and core torque) in bowling balls.
First to help you understand the RG, a modern weight block in a professional bowling balls is composed of several parts of different densities. Each of these densities has two characteristics. It is a certain volume and it occupies a certain location. When fused together, all of the different densities (all the weight of the ball) act as if they are a single unit of a single density that is rotating at a single distance from the center of the ball. This is all the RG is. It is a measurement tht tells you how far from the center of the ball the weight acts like it is rotating.
As far as core torque, it is a phase we use in the industry to measlure the "flip" in the ball, the harder the ball will turn the corner. As with anything else, it is a guide for estimating potential. How flippy a ball really will be is determined by the shape of the core, the bowlers style, the surface of the ball and the lane condition it is thrown on. A tall skinny core will generally flip harder than a short fat core. Even with all of this, is is important that there is no substutute for a good shot.
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 an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events 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 435-720-7939 or via e-mail at mikel@stormbowling.com
LOCAL BOWLING SCORES
BY ED TOWNSEND

Beechwood Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Ladies League included Tracey Puerschner with games of 177, 162 and 183, Jackie Mootz 168, 153, Jody Schanil 150, Wendy Finn 163, Jackie Gieger 158, 159, Jodi Gulley 168, 197, Nicole Hubert 171, 156, Karen Borowski 152, 158, Beth Schumacher 153, Diane Staves 160, 156, 177, Lori Kimmes 150, 156 and Barbara Cady 160, 152, 153.

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Wednesday Men’s Independent League included a 254 game and 667 series by Mike Blair, Mike Bowker 602, Andrew Bullis 267, 621, Marc Cetta 235, 658, Cody Conway 234, Jim Dibble 247, 268, 279, 794, Brian Drumm 225, 619 Art Gately 614, Jack Hazen 235, 671, Gregory Keesler 612, Pat Kille 612, Ryan Kille 235, Donnie Marino 230, 239, 660, Wayne McClenon 254, Tim Smith 254, 659, Zuke Wormuth 276, 279, 775, Jeremy Wormuth 231, 245, 646, Jay Wormuth 248, 682 and Tony Wright 226, 257, 695.
In the Thursday Men’s Deposit National League, Al Bullis Jr. 603, Al Bullis Sr. 234, 621, Andy Bullis 235, 668, Craig Conklin 225, 652, Ray Cornwell 227, 226, 626, Frank Couse Sr. 232, 609, Jeff Curtis 234, 227, 660, Jim Dibble 635, Greg Keesler 613, Dan Koch 231, Dave Lester 245, 603, Neil Mosher 264, 244, 687, Jim Valentine 236, 619 and Dan Wormuth 242, 268, 719.
In the Friday Mixed Doubles Couples League, Andy Bullis 236, 652, Howey Couse Jr. 257, 279, 760, Frank Couse Sr. 620, Anne Couse 202, 205, 582, Crystal Ellis 191, 188, 530, Norman Ellis 614, Bonnie LaDuke 201, 182, 542, Dave Lester 245, 600, Julie Martin 181, Dawn Mclenon 196, Sheri Oralls 217, 520, Walt Oralls 236, 629, Tim Smith 237, 246, 686, Sandy Winans 256, 187, 612, Dan Wormuth 647 and Jeremy Wormuth 236, 610.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Jon Wilhelm with games of 258, 268 and 237 for a 763 series, Al Caycho 620, James VanAken 266, 229, 672, Josh Strang 257, 249, 243, 749, John Hoffmann 257, 226, 680, Roy Sweeney 610, Eddie Lake 631, Rick Lake 256, 239, 260, 755, Jack Moylan 238, 616, Robert Sze 235, 650, James Ratner 225, 632, Kort Wheeler 257, 248, 712, Ronnie Totten 269, 612, Kevin Stackhouse 642, Laresko Niifa 234, Paul Durland 237, Donald Durland 259, 225, 706, Jaryl Scott 268, 248, 715, Vinnie Collura 235, 225, 235, 695, Nate Sanders 266, 257, 720, John Fischer 625, George Battle 237, 600, Larry Berens 656, Dean Shattuck 239, 254, 709, Tim Minton 257, 648, Wayne Atkins 279, 231, 732, Cory VanKeuren 236, Kyle Shivers 258, 247, 268, 773, Matt Fallon 225, 637, James Piontek 233, 658 and Steven Rivera 233, 600.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters League, Edward Walsh 246, 227, 678, Ed Guthrie 254, 235, 671, Russ Keesler 225, 235, 663, Shane Cunningham 259, 653, Daniel Van Aken 248, 643, Chet Smith 228, 631, Jon Wilhelm 625, Frank DiConstanzo 620, Ryan Browne 614, Peter Scannell 606, Mike Mahusky 226, 605, Stan Gilmore 231, Joan Lake 204, 213, 187, 604, Debbie Durland 185, 244, 601, Joan Redington 181, 191, 211, 583, Mary Lee Williams 200, 189, 191, 580, Dorian Jennings 192, 223, 563, Linda Schaefer 184, 185, 183, 552, Debra Blackford 205, 533, Andrea Grossman 191, 505, Ailene Washington 180, 503, Lisa Cartwright 215 and Joann Ruggiero 192.
In the Wednesday Men’s League, Kevin Stackhouse 244, 607, Laresko Niifa 249, 655, Dave Graham 244, 662, Eddie Lake 268, 245, 709, Mike Mahusky 225, Craig Wilhelm 268, 635, Kenny Atkins 277, 628, Shane Deitchman 241, Shawn Sinislorie 225, 621, Nick Price 627, Edward Walsh 225, 636, Jody Farquhar 601, Rick Lara 257, 663, Gregory Fallon 228, 232, 232, 692, Matt Fallon 255, 225, 689, Jon Wilhelm 235, 234, 630, Richard Bradford 227, 257, 665, Donald Durland 266, 234, 696 and Shane Cunningham 242, 606.
In the Thursday Ladies League, Keri Sawyer 189, Lisa Muller 194, Liz Burgio 179, 177, 512, Barb Merton 166, 183, 506, Connie McKenley 197, Karen Perrello 189, Rudy Hoke 168, 163, 178, 509, Rita Burdick 167, 189, 174, 530, Pat Gibson 180, Debbie Durland 236, 194, 598, Barbara Durbak 182, 201, 179, 562, April Aldrich 212, 181, 549, Lorraine Loucks 182, 184, Valerie Fersch 177, 195, 518, Pat Shuart 169, 193, 188, 550, Debbie Heins 202, 175, 526, Liz Stubits 182, 173, 512, Sonya Robinson 189, Joan Lake 185, 184, 224, 593, Lisa Cartwright 194, 177, 508 and Tracey Barres 192, 183, 533.
In the Friday Mixed League, Tom Palmer 236, 269, 234, 739, Eddie Lake 256, 246, 234, 736, Ryan Lepke 258, 693, Frank Emmens 257, 689, Jaryl Scott 247, 227, 669, Larry Berens 242, 665, Kyle Shivers 246, 664, Dave Graham 230, 236, 646, Leroy Williams 258, 646, Roy Sweeney 247, 641, Kevin Stackhouse 227, 621, Robert Sze 235, 612, Eugene Kelly 600, Ryan Sonnenschein 225, Glenn Fraser 233, Orshii Boldiis 242, Tammy Sze 248, 191, 192, 631, Mary Lee Williams 213, 220, 612, Cathy Carpenter 213, 208, 589, Tracey Barres 214, 205, 576, Jeanette K. Margillo 211, 180, 182, 573, Amanda Scuderi 215, 182, 571, Carolyn Williams 188, 190, 185, 563, Francine Kaiser 199, 180, 548, Joan Lake 189, 186, 536, Sillporah Boldiis 201, 178, 533, Christa Sweeney 171, 187, 520, Kearstin Degraw 191, 173, 518, Linda Schaefer 181, 191, 517, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 203, 509, Antionette Rau 195, 505, April Aldrich 184, Laura Palmer 182 and Nancy Greene 213.

Liberty Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men’s League included Kyle Stevens with games of 267, 225 and 232 for a 724 series, Carmine Santillo 214, 245, 201, 661, Rudy Belanchia 236, 223, 638, Jason Jones Jr. 206, 205, 222, 633, Glenn Porter 243, 619, Paul Minton 215, Walt Edwards 209, Pete Meachum 204, Dan Martinetti 202, Carlos Torres 200, 196, Chris Stevens 199, Bruce Garritt 197, Ralph Coney 194, Thomas Fix 193, Carl Houghtaling 192, Ray Stanishia 192, 191 and Mitch Mattison 191.
In the ShopRite League, Bryan Thomas 188, 164, 485, Jeff Gray 172, 157, 181, 430, Mary Heinle 171, 135, 148, 454, Sue DesMestrio 170, 113, James Thomas 168, 158, 467, Fred Seaman 166, 131, 423, Pam Potter 164, 408, Frank Teichs 163, 147, 146, Bobby Waters 161, 129, 402, Scott Potters 189, Billy Parkinson 148, Brandon Hinkley 144, Jamie Sosis 142, 129, 138, 409, Barbara Brundage 134, 124, Heather Hinkley 129, 114, Katie Ahart 121, Judy Didinsky 120, Harry Hinkley 117, 112, May Meyers 115, 105, Beverly Parsons 114, 96, Betty Whitehead 110, 100, Colleen Lewis 94, 90, Margo Potter 89, 75, 73, 237 and Joanna Lotz 85.
In the Wednesday Men’s League, Kyle Stevens 300, 280, 254, 834, Jerry Scandore 203, 258, 247, 708, Ed Blume Sr. 234, 255, 212, 701, Anthony Atkins 257, 192, 213, 662, Ralph Coney 234, 236, 642, Paul Minton 238, 203, 198, 639, Russell Bivins 194, 191, 237, 623, Mike Aumick 217, 216, 614, Jason Jones Sr. 196, 226, 192, 614, Dwayne Cabrera 238, 194, 603, Herbie Sklar 248, 193, 597, Tommy Totten 231, 193, 593, Wayne Fox 196, 213, 587, Larry Hicks 199, 209, 580, Chris McKay 214, 204, 580, Jim Fiore 216, 211, 573, Ryan Lepke 223, Rob Tuttle 214, Chris Stevens 207, Jessee Lopez 204, Chuck McAllister 190, 204, Thomas Fix 203,199 and Robert Stewart 200.
In the Thursday Ladies League, Betty Schleiermacher 192, 178, 501, Debbie Sklar 196, Krissy Goldsmith 184, Wendy Finn 179, Terri Hinkley 178, Karen Martin 176, Tabatha Smith 173, Charlene Meola 172, Stella Schmahl 172 and Jane Mann 170.
In the Friday Mixed League, Kyle Stevens 215, 264, 225, 704, Alan LaBounty 214, 225, 628, Thomas Fix 213, 224, 625, Jim Fiore 236, 203, 614, Gordan Hyde 221, 210, 599, Russell Bivins 192, 210 and Tony Mears 209.
In the Liberty Elks Bumper League, Logan Danzilo 91, Jake Parks 85 and Hudson Danzilo 61.
In the Liberty Elks Bantam League, Sean McMahon 137, 201, Lindsie Siegel 130, 173, Ian Cody 111, 202, Myan Florez 90, 80, 170, Marie Lyons 89, 150, Tanner Parks 80, 64, 144, Owen Siegel 78, Jarod Hellerer 77, Dara Schiff 71, Zachary DeLong 67, Corrine Hellerer 66, 42, 108, Gabriel Florez 64, Kayla McMahon 55 and David Schiff 47.
In the Liberty Elks Teenage League, John Kolarik 214, 188, 553, Anthony Kolarik 198, 194, 163, 555, Brendan Siegel 194, 151, 471, Louie Brahm 189, 173, 183, 545, Cameron Reichenbaugh 177, Glen McCausland 164, 119, 130, 413, Thomas McCausland 162, 127, 389, Robby Allegretta 160, 159, 419, Robert Feeney 156, 131, 137, 424, Jordan Balzano 153, 128, Dylan Rivera 153, 131, 389, Ryan Feeney 138, 127, 393, Nick Carriere 128, 127, 104, 359, Zachary Cody 123, 116, Ryan McDowell 122, 106 and Alaura DeLong 111, 107.
In the Saturday Mixed League, Thomas Fix 202, 196, 219, 617, Kyle Stevens 203, 230, 613, Anthony Atkins 216, 196, 592, Jeremy Gulley 202, 213, 582, Kevin Norris 202, 580, Angie Desmond 177, 190, 514, Betty Jane Stevens 204, 513, Walt Edwards 233, Chris McKay 224, 199, Jon Wayne 212, Geo Crary 202, Keith Smith 199, Karry Cohen 195, 191, Peggy Torres 195, Herbie Sklar 191, 190 and Debbie Sklar 180.
In the Sunday Mixed League, Thomas Fix 239, 217, 627, Rich Winters Sr. 204, 209, 207, 620, Bob Feeney 196, 207, 213, 616, Lynn Winters 175, 216, 560, Barbara Cady 189, 509, Shila Fix 185, 507, Jim Fiore 247, Dean Winters 223, Jerry Scandore 212, Robert Cady 203 and Rich Winters Jr. 197.
BOWLING INDUSTRY SHOWCASED
AT THE CONFERENCE BOARD AS
A LEADER IN CREATING A
SUPERIOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), the non-profit trade association that serves as the voice of the bowling industry, announced today that Executive Director Steve Johnson was among the executives from world class brands to speak at The Conference Board's annual Customer Experience Leadership Conference. Hosted at the Intercontinental The Barclay in Manhattan from March 23-24, the sold out event highlighted brands that serve as leaders in providing unparalleled experiences to their customers.



As part of a panel on "Implementing Customer Experience Strategies," Johnson addressed the evolution of the bowling industry that has helped drive four years of consecutive growth in the industry; securing bowling's ranking as the #1 participatory sport in the country.



During the prestigious two day event, the BPAA and Johnson were showcased among such leading brands as Ritz-Carlton, GE, Dow Jones, Victoria's Secret, Pitney Bowes, JD Power & Associates, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Celebrity Cruises, among others.



"There's no factor that has been more important in driving the growth and resurgence of bowling than our industry-wide focus on providing a great experience to our customers. From the 71 million people who bowl every year to the more than 4,000 operators who are members of the BPAA to the major global brands that sponsor bowling - it is the industry's ability to deliver a great experience to all of our stakeholders that has helped fuel our success," said Johnson.



Added Johnson, "It is an honor to see our industry receive the recognition that it deserves from corporate America and to have bowling stand shoulder-to-shoulder with such iconic brands as Ritz-Carlton, Victoria's Secret, Southwest Airlines and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. As any of the proprietors, customers or our corporate partners will tell you, there is just simply no customer experience that beats bowling."
Midwest, Southwest, West/Northwest
Finalists Square Off Sunday On ESPN


Chris Barnes and Bill O’Neill will try to keep their long-shot bids for Professional Bowlers Association Player of the Year honors alive during Sunday’s ESPN telecast of the Lucas Oil Regional Championship round of the inaugural Dick Weber PBA Playoffs at Woodland Bowl.

The ESPN telecast, featuring nine players competing for the final three berths in the April 10 PBA Playoffs Conference Championships, will air Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Barnes, who won the PBA World Championship in January to become the sixth member of the PBA Triple Crown club, and O’Neill, the 2010 Pepsi Viper Champion, are the only players who still have a chance to win two titles during the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season, and put up a last-minute challenge to leading contender Mika Koivuniemi.

Koivuniemi won the $250,000 top prize in the $1 million PBA Tournament of Champions and became the first player in PBA history to appear in the television finals of all four PBA Tour major championships in a single season (PBA World Championship, Bayer USBC Masters and U.S. Open). Despite Koivuniemi’s extraordinary season, Barnes and O’Neill also have had strong seasons and a second title could influence some voters.

O’Neill will bowl in the one-game Midwest Region championship match against Jack Jurek and Wes Malott after qualifying second in his region. Jurek, the 2011 Bayer USBC Masters runner-up, led the region’s final elimination round. Malott, the 2008-09 PBA Player of the Year, grabbed the third spot and will try to end a two-year title drought.

Sunday’s Lucas Oil Regional Championships round also will include the Southwest and West/Northwest Region finals. The Southwest Region final will include Dino Castillo, a former Exempt Tour player who is trying for his first PBA Tour title; Australian two-handed star Jason Belmonte and Tour veteran Brad Angelo. Castillo was runner-up in the 2010 Japan Cup. Belmonte, the 2008-09 Rookie of the Year, and Angelo, the 2002-03 Rookie of the Year, both are trying for their second career titles.

Barnes will be the West/Northwest Region favorite in a match featuring Lennie Boresch Jr. and Barnes’ former Wichita State University teammate, Lonnie Waliczek. The 48-year-old Boresch, a first-year Exempt Tour player, will make his national television debut in his bid for his first PBA Tour title.. Waliczek is a two-time PBA Tour title winner who hasn’t won since 2003.

A preview of Sunday’s Regional Championships can be seen on pba.com’s Xtra Frame. To subscribe to the PBA’s exclusive online video streaming service, visit pba.com and click on the Xtra Frame logo.

The Lucas Oil Regional Championships winners will advance to the Conference Championships airing on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern, where they will join the winners of the Go RVing Regional Championship round. East Region winner Steve Jaros will bowl one game against the South Region winner Randy Weiss, Central Region winner Dick Allen will take on the Midwest Region winner, and the Southwest winner will meet the West/Northwest winner.

The three Conference Championship survivors will return to Indianapolis on Sunday, April 17, at 1 p.m. Eastern for the final live ESPN telecast of the 2010-11 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season.

DICK WEBER PBA PLAYOFFS
Lucas Oil Regional Championships
Woodland Bowl, Indianapolis (ESPN, Sunday, 1 p.m. Eastern)

Midwest Region Finalists (highest score from one-game match advances to Conference Championships to meet Central Region winner Dick Allen in a one-game match on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): Jack Jurek, Lackawanna, N.Y.; Bill O’Neill, Southampton, Pa.; Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas.


Southwest Region Finalists (highest score from one-game match advances to Conference Championships to meet West/Northwest Region winner in a one-game match on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas; Jason Belmonte, Australia; Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y.

West/Northwest Region Finalists (highest score from one-game match advances to Conference Championships to meet Southwest Region winner in a one-game match on ESPN on Sunday, April 10, at 1 p.m. Eastern): Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis.; Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas; Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan.
PBA Partners With Snappd.it
To Enhance Social Marketing
Efforts With QR Code Technology

The Professional Bowlers Association is enhancing its social media efforts through a partnership with Snappd.it – a division of Seattle-based business review site Judy’s Book — by incorporating quick response (QR) codes on the organization’s collateral and printed promotional materials.

Snappd.it provides self-serve creation of a mobile website along with a printable flyer which brings customers to the site via scanning of a QR code on a printed piece. The mobile site links to all leading social media outlets and helps businesses gain followers on social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

QR codes, a tracking technology initially introduced in the manufacturing and delivery service industries, are becoming more widely used in other commercial marketing and communication applications targeted to mobile phone users.

QR codes are generally small matrix codes printed on collateral materials such as posters and brochures that can be scanned by a cell phone. Scanning the QR code provides a direct link to additional information about a product or service and at the same time those responses can be tracked by the business.

"I am excited to partner with the PBA, this is a prime example of how snappd.it can be used to get new Facebook and Twitter followers while fans are attending an event," said John Nelson, Director of Business Development at Judy's Book. “Increasingly marketers will be using QR codes on promotional materials to not only increase activity on social media sites, but also share videos or specialized landing pages that help illustrate a new product or service.”
“The PBA executes tournaments with over 200 hosts per year and all of our collateral including templates customized at the Bowling Center level will include QR codes from Snappd.it,” said Tim Morelli, Director of PBA Marketing and Licensing. “Along with the Lumber Liquidator PBA Tour’s audience reach on the ESPN family of networks, this partnership will further enhance our social marketing presence.”
PBA will incorporate QR codes on 1,000 PBA Experience posters that will be distributed to PBA Experience league hosts, practice centers, Lumber Liquidator PBA Tour, Regional and Senior Tour host centers.

PBA fans will have the ability to “snap” the QR code with their mobile phones and connect directly to the PBA Facebook Fan Page, PBA.com or PBA’s Twitter feed. The QR code will also be included on PBA Experience flyers and more than 16,000 score books that will be sent to 200 PBA Regional Tour bowling centers.