Here & There Column 1-1-13

Your Going To Insert What Where

  I don't care what kind of surgery your facing just the word surgery tends to rev up the nervous system in anyone's body.

  And of course your surgeon brushes right over all your fears by telling you "don't worry about anything I do this procedure a thousand times a year."

  I looked at him seriously when he said he would insert a new lens in my right eye after he removed the cataract with my reaction being "your going to insert what where."

  Right doc I understand where your coming from but I'm concerned about the part of the consent I have to sign for which says, "the result of the surgery cannot be guaranteed in your or any other patients case," and what about the part telling me about "complications of surgery in general and hospital admission may be necessary from presently unforeseen conditions before, during or after surgery."

  Whew.......should I really go through with this? Really all I've experienced is poor sight produced by the cataract.......come on now Ed that's reason enough to get this done and over with.........remember you use those eyes to write your columns and feature stories.

  With an accumulation of nagging from you know who and conversations from folks who have had cataract surgery I made the appointment with Dr. Christopher S. Jordan of the Northeast Eye Institute in Scranton, Pa.

  A brief description of cataracts is that it is a natural clouding of the lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision.....and its a very common condition occurring in 91% of Americans aged 75 and over......guess I fit that category. 

   We arrived at the Northeast Eye Institute's state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgical Center about an hour earlier then scheduled to find the reception area packed with about 30 people....wow....all these people having eye surgery....well they all definitely fit the category described above with some in wheel chairs and others using a cane.......thank God I'm not yet faced with the many problems some of these folks have.

   Trying to act cool to this procedure is difficult and finally they called my name.......I quickly told the attendant that I should run into the bathroom........thinking that I don't want to have to relieve myself during surgery.

   I was taken into a small room where the nurse asked me to remove any jewelry I had around my neck and she gave me a surgical smock after I took my shirt and undershirt off.

   As I was escorted into the next large room with four beds, two occupied by patients, I was asked to lay down and another attendant said she was going to put  a needle into  my left arm, attach a heart monitor and wrap a blood-pressure pad around my right arm. 

  I asked if they were going to knock me out and the nurse said no just giving you a mild sedative to relax me.......o-boy here we go.

  They  wheeled me into the operating room, Dr. Jordan greeted me, the surgery was started and some 10 to 12 minutes later it was done and I never felt any discomfort.

  We were sent on our way with eye-drop instructions and that the doctor would see me the next morning for a post-op examination.

   Simple, painless  and an experience that really amazed me. The end results are outstanding.

                                                              

Bowling Highlights Column 12-28-12

 Storm Returns As Open Sponsor

   For the 18th consecutive year, Storm Bowling Products, Inc. will be a sponsor at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.

  The relationship began in 1996 when the tournament was held in Salt Lake City, close to Storm's Brigham City, Utah, headquarters. It has grown to include a presence at the Storm Bowlers Journal Championships presented by USBC, Bowling Ball Express, USBC Photography and the National Bowling Stadium's coaching area inside the Lane 81 Pro Shop.

  Here's a look at each:

  The Bowlers Journal Championships will be held in conjunction with the USBC Open Championships for the 67th year and literally will be held alongside the world's largest participatory sporting event for the first time, taking place on the high end of the 78-lane National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev. The event will feature the same lane condition being used for doubles and singles at the Open Championships.

  The 2013 edition of the Bowlers Journal Championships will feature lower entry fees, a new three-game format, singles and doubles divisions for bowlers of all ages and skill levels, Instant Payback and a variety of jackpots.

  Thousands of bowlers each year avoid the hassle of lugging their equipment through the airport by shipping their bowling balls to and from the USBC Championship events. Storm is the official bowling ball box provider for this service.

  More information and shipping guidelines can be found at BOWL.com/bbe. Bowlers headed to the tournament can enter the exact dimensions of their packages and confirm the level of service (i.e. Ground, Next Day, etc.) and price. Storm boxes will be available on-site for bowlers looking to ship their equipment home.

  Storm is a partner of USBC Photography, which offers bowlers the chance to commemorate the tournament experience with DVDs of their time on the lanes or a creative menu of team, doubles and action photos.

  Each day from 3:30-4:30 p.m., Storm fans will have the opportunity to try the latest Storm bowling balls to help them decide which may be right for them.

  A variety of Storm balls pre-drilled to specific spans will allow bowlers of all sizes to try before they buy. They then can head to the Storm booth to complete their arsenals before competing in the Open or Bowlers Journal Championships.

  When team captains check in their teams in Reno, they'll receive USBC coupon books to distribute to their bowlers. Each will have a $10 Storm coupon inside, good towards a bowling ball at the Storm booth. The coupons also will be available at the Bowlers Journal Championships. 

  Storm instructional staff member Mike Jasnau can be found inside Lane 81 Pro Shop at the National Bowling Stadium. Jasnau, a USBC-certified coach, offers video analysis and lessons throughout the USBC Championships. After completing a lesson during the 2013 events, bowlers will receive a coupon for an additional $10 off select Storm equipment.

  For more information on the Open Championships, visit BOWL.com/openchamp.

                                                                     Ed's Outlook

  A new year (2013) is upon us within a few days and Bowling Highlights sends our best wishes to all for a Healthy and Happy New Year. 

  We also send out our best wishes to "Little Lefty" John Hoffmann who several weeks ago underwent major heart surgery at Westchester Hospital in White Plains. John competed for several years in regional Professional Bowlers Association tour tournaments and since moving to Sullivan County always maintained a high average and achieved the local association high average several years ago. He has 20 plus 300 games  and numerous 800 series. He has been a regular league bowler in both the Monday and Wednesday Men's leagues at Kiamesha Lanes and  also competed several years in the Tuesday  Mixed Firefighters league and the Friday Mixed Doubles league. He served several years as secretary of both the Monday and Wednesday Men's league. 

  John has been absent from the local bowling scene for almost three months now. 

  Wishing you a healthy recovery John. 

                                                            PBA Bowling

  Lockport NY bowler Brad Angelo with two strikes and an eight-count in the 10th frame, ended four years of frustration with a 233-232 victory over Mika Koivuniemi in last Sunday's  ESPN televised Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Viper Championships held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. 

  The GEICO World Series of Bowling continues Sunday on ESPN at 1 p.m. with the finals of the Chameleon Championship. 

  Pre and post telecast shows for all PBA ESPN telecasts are evailable on Xtra Frame, the PBA's online bowling channel. 

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournament information, score a 300 game or 800 series or bowl your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

                                                         Bowling Tip

                                                     By MIke Luongo

  Bowlers: This week's tip is a reminder that although there are so many aggressive, high performance bowling balls available, the main component of the sport is having a sharp game and becoming a good shot maker. 

  Some 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 a making a comback 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, showing them what adjustments need to be made and compare them 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 a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and  Roto Grip Bowling 

Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

                                                     Local Scores

                                           (compiled by Ed Townsend

                                                 Beechwood Lanes

                                                    Monday Ladies

  The league is bowling two nights a week to make up for the  Christmas and New Year holidays. Monday night scores include Diane Conroy 152, 171, Lori Kimmes 161, 160, Barbara Cady 186, Beth Schumacher 156, Jackie Gieger 176, Julie Yewchuck 151. Tuesday night Julie Yewchuck 164, Diane Staves 152, Beth Schumacher 180, Debbie Murphy 155.

                                                        Fox Bowling Center

                                                  Tuesday Ladies Early Birds

  Linda Ferris 176, 172, 167, 515.

                                                  Wed. Men's Independent

  Tom Anderson 246, 225, 663, Zach Benson 232, 225, 635, Audy Boice 236, 606, Al Bullis Sr.    246, 622, Andrew Bullis 226, 644, Jim Dibble 650, Brandon Drumm 236, Brian Drumm 636, Nate Finch 228, Craig Gehrig 226, Jeremy Gulley 247, 649, Mark Hawley 268, 657, Jack Hazen 235, 641, Paul Ignatovich 600, Rob Johnson 267, 693, Robert MacNaught 611, Donnie Marino 225, 245, 694, Anthony Seely 664, Brian Tiffany 610, Jonathon Wayne 225, 629, Hank Whitmore 235, 620, Zuke Wormuth 246, 248, 684, Jay Wormuth 225, 232, 642. 

                                       Thurs. Men's Deposit National

  Al Bullis Jr. 234, 242, 689, Dale Conklin 225, 603, Ray Cornwell 627, Norm Ellis Jr. 268, 235, 694, Paul Ignatovich 244, 666, Matt Johnson 236, Robert Johnson 300, 712, Greg Keesler 633, Dan Koch 227, 628, Rick Mills 606, Willy Muller 279, 688, Nick Possemato 244, Dick Price 625, Andi Sedlock 243, Jim Valentine 607.

                                         Fri. Mixed Couples

  John Bryceland 232, Andy Bullis 246, 635, Frank Couse Sr. 255, 659, Lenn Davis 236, Missy Dunlap 222, 183, 553, Linda Ferris 192, Gino Jones 234, Dawn McClenon 513, Dana McGraw 181, 222, 549, Mark McGraw 239, 609, Walt Oralls 257, 636, Jen Smith 184, 505, Tim Smith 227, 634, Dan Wormuth 604, Jeremy Wormuth 230.

                                             Saturday Youth

  Junior league Trisha MacElroy 153, 200, 232, 585, Brooke Rosengrant 160, 164. Bantam league Brenna Gleim 164, 111, Billy Gilmore 104, Thomas Schoonmaker 104, Anton Leonard 101. 

                                             Sunday MIxed Fun

  Ray Cornwell 267, 275, 258, 800, Reva Jones 212, 538, Don Marino 248, 259, 728, Rick Mills 618, Samantha Mills (youth girls) 190, 140, 157, 487, Savanna Mills (youth girls) 139. 

                                                    Kiamesha Lanes

                                                    Monday Men's 

  Roy Sweeney 639, Eddie Lake 247, 605, Rick Lake 227, 226, 234, 687, Shane Conner 243, 654, Mike Weiner 245, 228, 668, Dan Ricco 244, 627, Jaryl Scott 225, 233, 619, Vinnie Collura 256, 245, 699, Don Durland 225, 257, 697, Larry Berens 247, Tom Belgiovene 226, 258, 687, Jon Wilhelm 267, 232, 703, Corey VanKeuren 235, 644, Frank Scuderi 609, John Lopez 225, Billy Curry 248, 654, Gene Smith 620, Keith Smith 236, 656, Eddie Walsh 627, Pedro Agapito 265, 695, Serafin Rodriguez 256, 679, Frank Eichenlaub III a 226, 267, 278, 771, Dave Graham 230, 255, 685, Nate Sanders 233, 600, Frank Amore 230, 223, Bobby Cooper 232, 629, Jody Farquhar 246, 245, 672, Jason Budd 227, 256, 696, Bret Budd 624, Jim Van Aken 235, 228, 665, Tim McIntyre 247, 635, Josh Strang 245, 257, 266, 768, Tom Palmer 227, 279, 703. 

                                            Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Shane Cunningham 227, 231, 671, Kyle Van Wolde 225, 610, Ed Guthrie 227, 256, 679, Laresko Niifa 245, 238, 696, Jason Jones Jr. 639, Jason Jones Sr. 243, 648, Walt Edwards Jr. 247, 609, Paul Minton 258, 236, 227, 721, Kyle Stevens 244, 671, Ailene Washington 204, Cara Nicholson 191, 515, Carena Collura 233, 573, Mary Lee Williams 191, 230, 600, Ryan Lepke 604, Rick Lake 227, 246, 665, Robert Nicholson 233, 620, Chet Smith 245, Peter Nastasi 237, 618, Trasey Barres 195, 191, 215, 601.

                                             Wednesday Men's

  Jon Wilhelm 243, 278, 736, Dan Van Aken 256, 259, 706, Tim Totten 236, 615, Kyle Stevens 622, Tom Palmer 245, 244, 688, Gregory Fallon 626, Rich Bradford 610, Rudy Belanchia 255, 602, Timmy Minton 225, 253, 660, Larry Whipple 238, 233, 238, 709, Pete Nastasi 267, 278, 750, Pedro Agapito 238, 619, Tom Belgiovene 225, 611, Keith Smith 245, 635, Billy Curry 226, Jaryl Scott 226, 660, Josh Strang 248, Tim McIntyre 247, 261, 720, Chris Parken 235, Kevin Stackhouse 288, 636, Mikey Travis 233, 648, Robert Beach 225, Jo Jo Van Keuren 259, 656, Frank Emmens 609, Tim Bilyeu 243, 620, Don Durland 268, 229, 664, Frank DiCostanzo 237, 249, 674, Paul Durland 235, 637, Eddie Walsh 225, 234, 659, Robert Stewart 234, 619, Paul Minton 278, 258, 739, Jason Jones 256, 647, Dwayne Cabrera 228, 245, 685, David Garlinghouse 244, 684.

                                                       Friday Mixed Doubles

  Cathy Carpenter 224, 563, Meagan Courtney 192, 515, Mary  Ann Drobysh-Berens 194, 523, Debbie Durland 188, 247, 212, 647, Nancy Greene 203, 548, Joan Lake 212, 539, Laurie Miano 186, Antionette Rau 185, 185, 514, Linda Schaefer 187, Christina Seidler 206, 520, Tammy Sze 211, 226, 589, Mary Wilhelm 189, Carolyn Williams 222, 215, 200, 637, Paul Berens 236, 603, Frank Emmens 247, 651, Glenn Fraser 615, David Graham 226, 237, 259, 722, Eddie Lake 249, 237, 278, 764, Robert Linzer 235, Tom Palmer 627, Dan Ricco 299, 664, Frank Scuderi 631, Kevin Stackhouse 227, Jon Wilhelm 225, 258, 699, Leroy Williams 278, 646.

                                                             

PHOTO IS OF JOHN HOFFMANN

  

               

Bowling Highlights Column 12-21-12

New Bowling Center Taking Shape

  The Liberty Bowling Corporation new bowling center located in the former Eckert Drug Store at 187 Mill Street now has their 12 lanes installed.

  Additionally the AMF pinsetters will soon be set in place and new  raised flooring will accommodate bathroom facilities, a bar-refreshment area and reception desk, all located in the front of the building. Carpeting will complete the project.

  The Gold Crown Bowling Service company, headquartered in Marlborough, Ma. is doing the synthetic lane, machine pin setters, the lane approach, bowling seating area and scoring installation.

  Gold Crown is highly recognized in the bowling industry as professional, experienced bowling service contractors who specialize in new lane construction, resurfacing, synthetic lane installation, computer scoring, new and used machine (pinsetters) installation and center modernization and upgrades.

  The synthetic lanes, approaches and ball return units at the Liberty Center are made by  Brunswick.

  Several of Gold Crown recent major projects include the Bowl-Mor Times Square (Bowlmor Lanes) in New York City and the High Rollers at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

  In a visit to the center last week Liberty Bowling Corporation owner A.C. Patel and Manager Francine Kaiser gave some preliminary projections that the new center might be open by the middle of January or early February and that a short season mixed league possibly could be formed at that time.

  Mr. Patel is also the owner and operator of the Kiamesha Lanes bowling center.

  In October, two months following the announcement that the 16-lane AMF Liberty Lanes bowling center would be closing and that there would be no fall or winter leagues an application was filed with the Liberty Village Planning board by the Liberty Bowling Corporation indicating their plans for remodeling the former Eckert Drug Store  into a 12-lane bowling center. 

    Callicoon civil engineer John Fink  prepared the detailed plans for the remodeling of the former Eckert Drug Store into a bowling establishment. 

  The existing lighting presently in the building will light the new 12,000 square foot bowling center.  

                                                   Ed's Outlook

  Bowling nationwide has been suffering through the  economic downtrend and so it's a breath of fresh air to see a new bowling center return to the county's second largest village.

  By the middle of the first decade of the 2000s new centers had been built in better market locations with state-of-the-art facilities.

  Operators renovated their existing centers to include computerized scoring, upscale dining, entertainment and special services like cosmic bowling.

  Nonetheless, the number of bowling centers continued to decline slowly. 

  By 2011 the number of United States Bowling Congress (USBC)-certified bowling centers had declined to approximately 5,160 offering a total of 107,898 certified lanes.

  According to the USBC approximately 71 million people bowled at least once in 2010, making tenpin bowling the most popular indoor participation sport in the U.S. Over 2.1   million competed regularly in the 71,904 leagues sanctioned by the USBC in the 2010-2011 season.

  The bowling industry did its best to survive during the economic recession and as league bowlers continued to gradually decline annually those centers that had successfully transformed themselves into family entertainment centers were reporting increasing business among families, youth and children. 

  Next week we will outline the major changes in the sport of bowling that has generated interest in the professional game.

  The bowling industry has made the necessary changes to survive and grow and the addition of new facilities in Liberty is now  part of that change. 

                                                        PBA News

  Bill O'Neill won his 4th Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) title in the Alka Seltzer Cold Cheetah Championship televised last Sunday afternoon on ESPN. He defeated Mike Wolfe 243-192 in the opening tournament in the 2012-13 PBA Tour season at South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

  The tour season on ESPN continues Sunday at 1 p.m. with the finals of the Viper Championship.

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournament information, score a 300 game or 800 series or even bowl your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

                                                       Bowling Tip

                                                        By Mike Luongo

  What does it mean for a bowler to maximize his or her scoring ability on a given lane condition?

  This week we will discuss the high performance bowling balls made of urethane, unethane with reactive additives and some balls with or without particles.

  When bowlers purchase a new performance bowling ball it comes out of the box with either some degree of matte finish, a compounded finish or polished finish. 

  When a manufacturer chooses a box finish for a bowling ball, many times it is for shelf appeal as all companies want you to choose their products. 

  What you need to know as a customer is that the cover of your performance ball can be adjusted to best fit your needs.

  The cover stock must match the lane condition......example...... if your ball is grabbing too early you need some polish. If the ball is already polished, use a higher degree of polish, preferably something with a slip agent. This will help you get the ball down the lane with less effort. The tell tale sign of a ball grabbing the lane too soon is when you see the ball hook and then it stops hooking. 

  If you ball is skidding too far down the lane you will then need surface fraction on the ball and the amount of friction will depend on your ball speed, rev rate and the amount of oil on the lane. 

  These are adjustments to fine tune your ball reaction. Your pro shop professional is there to help you purchase the right ball and match that ball for your game and the surface on which you bowl. 

  If you bowl in more then one bowling center you may need more than one ball to help you match the conditions. 

  Remember to clean you equipment each time it is used. 

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com 

                                                    Local Scores

                                          (Compiled by Ed Townsend)

                                                 Kiamesha Lanes

                                                  Monday Men's 

  Roy Sweeney 237, 657, Eddie Lake 255, 678, Rick Lake 279, 245, 731, Ran Ricco 236, 246, 683, Shane Conner 243, 278, 736, Mike Weiner 225, 601, Jaryl Scott 644, Paul Durland 255, 671, Vinnie Collura 279, 226, 720, Donald Durland 243, 287, 734, Todd Houghtaling 231, Walt Edwards 233, 658, Larry Berens 268, 268, 743, Rudy Belanchia 605, Jon Wilhelm 268, 696, Laresko Niifa 245, 640, Ronnie Totten 236, 621, Robbie Nicholson 245, Charlie Tuttle 618, Corey VanKeuren 236, 650, Frank Scuderi 243, 624, Dan Van Aken 244, Gene Smith 225, 640, Keith Smith 238, 629, Kenny Atkins 249, 631, Eddie Walsh 247, 633, Pedro Agapito 268, 248, 255, 771, Matt Fallon 243, 227, 656, Serafin Rodriguez 236, 245, 656, Dave Graham 234, 255, 226, 715, Nate Sanders 233, John Fischer 226, 641, Armen Murad 255, 620, Bobby Cooper 257, 634, Al Caycho 600, Jason Budd 238, 653, Diego Caba 249, Bret Budd 237, 620, Jim Van Aken 226, 234, 646, Tim McIntyre 226, 613, Josh Strang 241, 236, 667, Tom Palmer 255, 702. 

                                                Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Debbie Durland 224, 199, 568, Debra Blackford 183, 185, 190, 558, Mary Lee Williams 191, 181, 535, Carena Collura 511, Andrea Grossman 503, Christie Graham 180, Karen Martin 183, Kyle Stevens 235, 246, 246, 727, Kevin Stackhouse 236, 248, 706, Jason Jones Jr. 255, 225, 696, Walt Edwards Jr. 257, 225, 688, Robert Yakin Jr. 299, 683, Ed Guthrie 259, 681, Paul Minton 258, 256, 675, Ryan Lepke 247, 650, Russ Keesler 244, 626, Kyle Van Wolde 617, Jason Jones Sr. 605, Peter Nastasi 256.

                                                  Wednesday Men's

  Tim Totten 247, Russell Bivins 240, 619, James Van Aken 235, 623, Jaryl Scott 254, 698, Billy Curry 232, 622, Chris Gibson 600, Gene Smith 247, 666, Keith Smith 255, 278, 746, Tom Belgiovene 231, 635, Pedro Agapito 279, 234, 232, 745, Frank Eichenlaub lll a 243, 279, 706, Larry Whipple 278, 225, 684, Roy Sweeney 227, 619, Timmy Minton 621, Steve Cottam 235, Kyle Matthews 266, 248, 692, David Sawall 263, 666, Jason Rogers 243, 619, Mikey Travis 256, 625, Jo Jo Van Keuren 258, 243, 683, Pete Mitro 235, Serafin Rodriguez 601, Serafin Rodriguez lll a 233, Frank Emmens 225, 603, Rick Lara 267, 690, Tim Bilyeu 227, 234, 664, Donald Durland 246, 249, 262, 757, Frank DiCostanzo 232, 233, 650, Paul Durland 600, Eddie Walsh 629, Steve Rivera 225, 621, Larry Hicks 236, 230, 626, Carlos Torres 226, 629, Paul Minton 229, 244, 688, Ed Blume 225, Jason Jones 227, 245, 675, Dwayne Cabrera 269, 236, 706, Tom Mitchell 233, 226, 663, Shane Conner 245, 236, 697, David Garlinghouse 244.

                                                    Beechwood Lanes

                                                         Monday Ladies

  Scores for 12-10 include Beth Schumacher 161, Dot McCormack 153, 152, Lois Erdman 208, Janet Bertholf 157. Scores for 12-11 include Lois Erdman 159, Jackie Gieger 167.

                                                        Fox Bowling Center

                                               Tues. Ladies Early Birds

  Sheila Wormuth 166, 176, 176, 518.

                                                   Wed. Men's Independent

  Mike Bowker 238, 625, Andrew Bullis 227, 649, Dale Conklin 630, Norm Ellis 236, 617, Nate Finch 259, 627, Jack Hazen 619, Rob Johnson 234, 233, 680, Donnie Marino 640, Mitch Persbacker 225, Anthony Seely 232, Tim Smith 246, 246, 713, Jonathon Wayne 233, 613, Hank Whitmore 609, Ken Wormuth 226.

                                                    Thurs. Men's Deposit Natl.

  Rob Boister 266, 626, Ray Cornwell 238, 225, 248, 711, Howard Couse Sr. 233, Jeff Curtis 604, Norm Ellis Jr. 231, 629, Paul Ignatovich 238, 637, Greg Keesler 226, 634, John Lanner 257, 637, Dick Price 264, 680, Jim Valentine 238.

                                                      Friday Mixed Couples

  Andy Bullis 229, 236, 677, Jessica Bush 211, Howard Couse Sr. 237, Debbie Couse 188, Judy Ellis 182, Bob Ellis 236, Linda Ferris 184, Dan Koch 225, Bonnie LaDuke 187, Dana McGraw 202, 228, 585, Mark McGraw 278, 688, Walt Oralls 255, 225, 693, Dan Wormuth 243, 610, Jeremy Wormuth 245, 238, 706, Michelle Wormuth 191, 506. 

                                                         Saturday Youth

  Junior league Cassandra Schoonmaker 153, 157, Kayla Smith 153, 151, Katrina Lester 153. Bantam league Brenna Gleim 123, 145, Thomas Schoonmaker 114, Billy Gilmore 108. 

                                                    Sunday Mixed Fun

  Don Marino 245, 653, Rick Mills 635, Savanna Mills (youth girls) 181, 191, 156, 528, Shelly Mills 202, 543. 

                                                          Callicoon Kristal Bowl

                                           Mon. Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 178, 169, Linda Millis 166, 199, Kelly Gombita 155, Lillian Zieres 192, 169, 265, 626, Pat Peters 174, 150, Rebecca Rhodes 162, 192, 172, 526, Maureen Schlott 157, 151, Marty Bogdanowitz 153, Joyce Brooks 159, Barbara Pingel 182, Judy  Mohn 153, 152, Heidi Schick 167, Mardette Wilcox 210, 160, 162, 532, Kim Niemann 177, 167, Phyliss Grillo 160, Nicole Rossomando 157, 153, 158, Sandy Cassevah 152, 168, Charlene Meola 169. 

                                              Tues. Delaware Valley Men

  Don Hlll 180, Chris Berner 186, Bob Cady 201, Dean Shattuck 203, 222, 602, Joe Gager 180, 222, Damien VanLeuven 192, Alan Rutledge 244, Kory Keesler 187, Ed LeRoy 191, Brian Marino 187, 194, Mark Scriber 208, Jeff Nober 182, Gary Maas 183, Brian Starr 210, 185, Eugene Fulton 193, Mike Gieger 180, Albert Tyles 197, 202, Steve Ross 191, Tom Bisig 199, 221, Dale Steffens 189, Dan Brown 182.

                                                                

Identification of photo

                                                                            

Employees of the Gold Crown Bowling Services company are shown installing the gutters on the new 12-lane Liberty Bowling Corporation center in the former Eckert Drug Store location at 187 MIll Street. 

                                                      

                    

  

Here & There Column 12-25-12

Will Government Listen In 2013 ?

  As we approach 2013 our county, state and federal governments are all facing severe budget problems.

  Easy solutions....there are none but it is becoming more and more evident that folks everywhere are totally fed up with any proposed increases in taxes.

  We can almost take and use the "fiscal cliff" terminology everywhere we look.

  Property owners everywhere are all saying that they are struggling to pay their taxes.

  What formula or even a common sense approach does government look at when making  budget decisions?

  Many people we have talked to say they would never choose to become part of government today and there is little sympathy  anywhere  for county, state and federal legislators. 

  We sit back and listen and all we hear is that government has to cut spending rather then approve tax increases.

  A new poll by Rasmussen finds 73% of likely voters want the government to cut spending in order to improve the economy. The polling firm says that's the highest support ever for cutting spending. 

  On a county level  some we know have sold their homes and have taken losses when doing so and have moved out of the state for what they hope will be a brighter future.

  There is no doubt that state mandates on Sullivan County have made this issue much more complex then it is.

  In Washington the upcoming "fiscal cliff", a combined package of cuts and tax increases is set to take affect January 1 unless both parties of congress agree to a path of fiscal responsibility.... do we really see  both parties doing this?

  If  government legislators do not become more responsible one could never predict what the folks might turn to.

  Folks and business people I talk to all say that government does not adhere to the belief that they must become more fiscally responsible....as one businessman said, "if I ran my business like the government does I'd be bankrupted and out of business."

  All government must work together in a bipartisan way for the greater good of the country.

  With all that in mind we wish you a Very Happy New Year.

                                                          

TRI-VALLEY WINS AT THE BUZZER

 BARN-BURNER AT GRAHAMSVILLE

    GRAHAMSVILLE--It was Tri-Valley vs. Fallsburg basketball deja vu (already seen)  all over again Friday night December 21 when what looked like an easy victory for the Bears turned into a barn burner and an early Christmas miracle gift victory for Tri-Valley.

  With some 11 seconds left on the fourth quarter clock and the Comets leading by four points Tri-Valley brought the ball down court and following several quick passes and a scant six seconds left Tri-Valley senior forward Rodney Jester drained a three-pointer from the right corner.

  With several seconds left a Fallsburg inbound pass was intercepted by Tri-Valley's James Pugh who got the ball to Shatic Smith but Smith's three-point attempt missed and the Bears Alex Smith grabbed the missed shot off the board and banged it in at the buzzer for a 73-72 Tri-Valley victory. 

  The win brought back memories of another last second three pointer by Tri-Valley in 2010 at Fallsburg when with several seconds left on the clock and Fallsburg leading by two points now graduated senior Dean Winters sank an almost half-court shot for a one-point Bears win. 

  In the December 21 game Fallsburg took an 18-15 first quarter lead but Tri-Valley stormed back in the second quarter outscoring the Comets 22-7 to take a 12-point  half time lead of 37-25.

  The Fallsburg Tri-Valley rivalry heated up in the third quarter with a tighter defense by Fallsburg as they outscored the Bears 22-15 to cut Tri-Valley's lead down to 7 points, 52-47. 

  Fallsburg kept chipping away at the lead in the fourth quarter and at times overtook the Bears to post between a 4 to 6 point advantage. 

  Excellent foul shooting and almost easy in the paint layups helped Fallsburg throughout the fourth quarter as they outscored Tri-Valley 25-21.

  Fallsburg fans started hooping it up with their 4-point lead and 11 seconds left on the clock but Jestrer's  three-pointer coupled with the turnover and Brown's putback at the buzzer brought jubilation to the Bears fans as Tri-Valley's players piled on Brown at half court. 

  Fans from both teams commented after the game that both teams could be proud of themselves and that this was one of the best high school basketball games they have ever been a part of. 

  The game was a regular league game for both teams competing in the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Division V. The win pushed Tri-Valley's win streak to 5-0 and 2-0 in league play.

  Leading the scoring for Tri-Valley was Jesus Lozada with 19, James Pugh 18 and Alex Brown with 15.

  Rakkir Watson had 25 points for Fallsburg and Nick Pinder with 19. Jarrett Madison added 11 .

                                          

                                   

 IDENTIFICATION OF ATTACHED PHOTOS

Tri-Valley's No. 11 Alex Brown goes up for 2 of his 19 points including the game winning putback at the buzzer in the Bears 73-72 victory over Fallsburg December 21.                                       -

Fallsburg's No. 14 Nick Pinder scores 2 of his 19 points in the Comets 73-72 loss to Tri-Valley December 21. 

                                                              

  

  

Here & There Column 12-18-12

Proud To Say Merry Christmas

    Well, it's that time of year again. Time to untangle the lights, trim the tree and say "Merry Christmas".

    We live in a greatly diverse country, so checkered with individuality that anyone can celebrate what they want, when they want and how they want to.

    So it is perfectly understandable why saying "Merry  Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" is the preferred choice of holiday greetings by Christians. 

    Then of course comes the standard acceptance of saying,..... look it's a Christmas Tree.....it is not a Holiday tree.......it is a Christmas Tree and Christians throughout the world this month are not celebrating the birth of a Holiday.....they are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

    Many community tree lighting events during the month of December have been just that .....tree lighting events.......they are trying to be "politically correct" instead of displaying the real meaning of Christmas for Christians.......which of course is the Nativity Scene.

     In the commercial market some retailers avoid any mention of Christmas and even some merchants have banned employees from using the greeting "Merry Christmas." 

     We are in the full-swing of the Christmas season .....and I think the last time I looked on the Calendar it does say that  December 25 is Christmas.

     Also the last time I looked I believe that Christmas is a national holiday but who knows the way things are going that someone or some organization will petition our government to remove this date as a national holiday.

     We certainly do not have anything against the Christmas tree and lighting ceremonies that include this tree and the lighting of the Menorah which is a major part of the Jewish Chanukah holidays.

     One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah and this religious symbol is a symbol of the nation of Israel and their mission to be "a light unto the nations," (Isaiah 42.6).      But, again, why do we not see The Nativity Scene included in our many ceremonies. The Nativity Scene displaying the birth of Jesus Christ is the true symbol for Christians during the Christmas season.

    Community tree lighting ceremonies censor this Christian symbol as a part of what is called "insensitive to the many people of different faiths."

     Recent surveys shows that a majority of Americans want us to say "Merry Christmas" and that 69 percent of us prefer the traditional greeting over a generic "happy holidays." which garnered a mere 23 percent of the vote. 

     We are proud to say "Merry Christmas" and believe its time to repair the damage that has been done by groups and organizations to take "Christ" out of Christmas. 

     So I say to each and everyone of you......have a Merry CHRISTmas and may God Bless you. 

                                                            

Bowling Highlights Column 12-14-12

PBA Begins 33rd Season on ESPN 

   The Professional Bowlers Association’s (PBA) 33rd season on ESPN began last Sunday with the men’s and women’s finals of the Bayer Advanced Aspirin World Bowling Tour Finals presented by the PBA and took place from the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

  This was the first event of the GEICO PBA World Series of Bowling IV.

  The next five consecutive Sundays will feature World Series of Bowling finals with all 90-minute programs airing at 1 p.m. ET. The Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Cheetah Championship airs on Dec.16, the Viper Championship on Dec. 23, the Chameleon Championship on Dec.30, the Bowlers Journal Scorpion Championship on Jan. 6, and the PBA World

Championship on Jan. 13.

   Each ESPN telecast will be preceded by a special pre-game show on PBA’s
online bowling channel, Xtra Frame, and each will feature a post-game show
on Xtra Frame with an interview with the tournament winner.  Subscription
information is available by clicking on Xtra Frame<http://www.xtraframe.tv/pba/ 

   While not a PBA Tour event, the 2012 World Bowling Tour men’s and women’s
finals are the culmination of a two-year around-the-world journey in which
the three finalists in both the men and women’s division earned their spots
as the top three in WBT points accumulated over the past two seasons.

   The World Bowling Tour is made up of a series of tournaments conducted by
the World Tenpin Bowling Association. Players earn points based on how they
finish in each event. The points competition is continuous over a two-year
cycle with points earned in each new event replacing points earned in
events at the beginning of the cycle. 

   The World Bowling Tour conducts international tournaments on four continents. In 2012, more than 2,700 players - many of whom are PBA members from almost 50 countries competed in WBT events. All WBT events are also considered WTBA-PBA International Tour events, awarding PBA International Tour titles to winners who also are PBA members. The World Tenpin Bowling Association, which includes 115 member bowling
federations, is the world governing body for the sport.

                                                Ed's Outlook

  We have mentioned several times in the past that the Professional Bowlers Association is not the same as it was some five years ago.

  Gone is the weekly trek of the tour from one city to another and gone is the close association bowling fans had with the professional bowlers who competed in weekly pro-am events at the various locations the tour competed in. 

  The East Coast use to play host to tour stops in Latham near Albany, Cheektowaga near Buffalo, Long Island and Connecticut but now the only chance fans have to see in person their favorite bowler is at the Brunswick Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick, NJ which hosts the United States Bowling Congress Masters (a major championship) on February 18-24. This tournament features an open field so amateurs are invited to compete. 

  Intense followers of the PBA have the opportunity to watch top competition prior to the Sunday televised ESPN event on the PBA Xtra Frame.

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournament information, score a 300 game or 800 series or bowl your age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

                                      Bowling Tip

                                    By Mike Luongo

  Learning the five fundamentals of a good bowling shot.

  So very often we forget that most basic steps that are designed to help us have fun and score a good game,

  These steps include getting ready in the stance position by taking a deep breath, bringing in air into your nose and exhaling through your mouth.

  The next step is getting lined up, before the start of your match practice a couple of shots to see what the lane conditions are and even take a look at other bowlers to see what they are doing. You should watch you ball reaction and don't force you ball to curve. Equipment selection is important here.

  Want good balance then make your first step a short one...this adds greatly to ending up with good balance when you release your ball.

  Keeping a loose swing is also important, stay away from using too much muscle. When you are ready to bowl make sure your hand and arm are relaxed before you start your approach.

  As you start the ball moving in your approach, make sure that the ball moves in a straight line toward the target on the lane. This will prevent your swing from going off line. Let the rest of your swing be relaxed and keep it in a straight line toward your target.

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com

                                                    Local Scores

                                                  (compiled by Ed Townsend)

                                                       Kiamesha Lanes

                                                       Monday Men's

  Eddie Lake 238, 651, Rick Lake 233, 237, 682, Mike Mulligan 235, Shane Conner 600, Dan Ricco 234, 276, 722, Mike Weiner 234, 617, Vinnie Collura 225, Don Durland 238, 269, 280, 787, Jon Wilhelm 236, 233, 238, 707, Laresko Niifa 234, 668, Robbie Nicholson 254, 616, Charlie Tuttle 231, Vinnie Scuderi 600, Bobby Sze 235, 616, Juan Lopez 612, Justin Lopez 616, Gene Smith 236, 644, Keith  Smith 254, 255, 269, 778, Pedro Agapito 238, 232, 691, Matt Fallon 232, 225, 232, 689, George Fallon 234, 630, Frank Eichenlaub lll a 258, 278, 287, 823, John Fischer 244, 280, 733, Dave Graham 233, 624, Michael Amore 233, Armen Murad 600, Al Caycho 238, 615, Jason Budd 236, Bret Budd 268, 693, Tim McIntyre 267, 236, 718, Josh Strang 225, 245, 687, Tom Palmer 290, 232, 742.

                                                   Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Mary Lee Williams 258, 222, 654, Andrea Grossman 196, 190, 212, 598, Joan Lake 180, 200, 556, Heather Dobell 200, 528, Debra Blackford 213, 521, Trasey Barres 190, 518, Cara Nicholson 201, 505, Christie Graham 234, Vera Bernhardt 182, Ed Guthrie 237, 247, 665, Paul Minton 244, 656, Jason Jones Sr. 640, Russ Keesler 229, 634, Kyle Stevens 225, 632, Ryan Lepke 241, 631, Shane Cunningham 226, 620, Jason Jones Jr. 609, Walt Edwards Jr. 605, George Kelley 225, Laresko Niifa 235.

 

                                                      Wednesday Men's

  Chris Parken 239, Kyle Matthews 251, 661, Kevin Stackhouse 246, 611, Shane Cunningham 238, 617, Jason Rogers 615, Mikey Travis 225, 621, Robert Beach 236, 245, 663, Jason Jones 226, 665, Jo Jo Van Keuren 258, 257, 245, 760, Serafin Rodriguez 267, 259, 700, Serafin Rodriguez lll a 627, Frank Emmens 237, 636, Tim Bilyeu 227, 226, 638, Donald Durland 245, 239, 248, 732, Al Frangipone 236, 617, Paul Durland 256, 645, Steve Rivera 246, Carlos Torres 606, Paul Minton 641, Jason Jones 235, 236, 683, Dwayne Cabrera 257, 697, Tom Mitchell 607, Shane Conner 225, 638, Kyle Stevens 226, 234, 276, 736, David Graham 246, 247, 710, James VanAken 267, 235, 702, Josh Strang 254, 231, 690, Jaryl Scott 263, 225, 665, Billy Curry 259, 652, Keith  Smith 230, 247, 679, Tom Belgiovene 248, 235, 673, Pedro Agapito 233, 674, Frank Eichenlaub lll a 256, 666, Roy Sweeney 236, 626, 

                                                   Thursday Ladies

  Trasey Barres 195, 203, Liz Burgio 199, Barbara Merton 232, Connie McKenley 201, 231, Vera Bernhardt 180, Monica Lane 233, Deb Durland 204, Bobbi Jo Bound 186, Kelly Shattuck 196, Joan Lake 191, 233, Maria Funzi 191. 

                                                     Friday Mixed

  Trasey Barres 206, Cathy Carpenter 190, 227, 560, Mary Ann Drobysh Berens 192, 527, Sara Durland 508, Christina Seidler 183, 500, Tammy Sze 181, 224, 572, Mary Wilhelm 209, Carolyn Williams 201, 218, 578, Jennie Worden 181, Larry Berens 268, 240, 699, Orshii Boldiis 227, 226, Glenn Fraser 257, David Graham 228, 255, 225, 708, Ryan Lepke 614, Robert Linzer 225, 227, 665, Dan Ricco 245, 649, Kevin Stackhouse 227, 229, 668, Josh Strang 604, Lawrence Whipple 267, 226, 698, Craig Wilhelm 227, Jon Wilhelm 268, 661, Leroy Williams 226, 612.

                                                         Fox Bowling Center

                                        Wed. Men's Independent

  Mike Bowker 239, 638, Al Bullis Sr. 233, Andrew Bullis 225, 238, 658, Jim Dibble 243, 678, Nate Finch 277, 631, Craig Gehrig 612, Bill Gleim 244, 688, Mark Hawley 252, Jack Hazen 266, 633, Paul Ignatovich 232, 667, Steve Jacobi 252, 279, 724, Gregory Keelser 239, 601, Jerry Kulakosky 234, 632, Dick Layton 227, Donnie Marino 226, 641, Mitch Persbacker 233, 626, Dick Price 234, Tim Smith 245, 234, 690, Brian Tiffany 228, 603, Hank Whitmore 244, Zuke Wormuth 225, 641, Jeremy Wormuth 236, 637.

                                       Thurs. Men's Deposit Natl. 

  Duane Bolster 243, 644, Al Bullis Jr. 226, 234, 653, Craig Conklin 236, Dale Conklin 622, Ray Cornwell 225, 606, Jeff Curtis 241, 236, 681, Shane Dirig 232, Paul Ignatovich 602, Larry Jensen 236, Scott Jenson 236, Matt Johnson 612, Rick Mills 233, 257, 706, Dick Price 235, 642.

                                                     Friday Mixed Couples

  Andy Bullis 236, 631, Frank Couse Sr. 248, 667, Lenn Davis 226, 600, Shane Dirig 279, Gino Jones 257, Hope Jones 189, 190, 537, Dana McGraw 216, 196, 587, Sheri Oralls 221, 208, 589, Walt Oralls 244, 668, Tim Smith 247, 683, Brian Tiffany 229, 646, 

Dan Wormuth 225, 627, Jeremy Wormuth 236, 618. 

                                          Sunday Mixed Fun

  Ray Cornwell 226, Reva Jones 192, 191, 198, 581, Don Marino 245, 664, Dave Mills 639, Roger Mills 236, 623, Samantha Mills (youth girls) 162, 162, 447, Savanna Mills (youth girls) 139, 144, 399. 

                                                Callicoon Kristal Bowl

                                         Monday Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 199, Kelly Gombita 156, Lillian Zieres 152, Jane Benson 170, Rebecca Rhodes 154, Virginia Connel 178, Maureen Schlott 159, Debbie Loughrey 159, 152, Deedee Schrader 153, Barbara Pingel 156, Judy Mohn 182, 156, 160, Mardette Wilcox 154, 177, 151, Chrissy Schiff 180, Kim Niemann 154, Tara Dunn 151, Darlene Mantzouratos 171, 165, Sandy Cassevah 166. 

                                               Tues. Del. Valley Men's

  Alan Rutledge 210, 205, Bruce Rutledge 200, Mark Hawley 258, 182, 212, 652, Chad Dosher 190, Rob Bivins 192, 207, Ed Leroy 180, Mark Scriber 183, 187, Johnny Nober 180, Jeff Neidert 184, Brian Starr 205, Eugene Fulton 213, Jim Kautz 187, Tom Bisig 183, Leroy Parucki 186, Steve Lagoda 192, Bill Meyer 187, Bob Cady 194, 201, Dean Shattuck 213, Bob Head 212, Rick Weigelt 183, Joe Gager 247, 269, 184, 700, Damien Vanleuvan 199, 194. 

                                                            

      

                                                 

Here & There Column 12-11-12

Exempt From Paying Back College Loans?

  Emails, Twitter and Facebook are all talking about the subject of children of Congress members not having to pay back their college student loans.

  Fox News recently reported that they learned that the staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back student loans.

  We called two representatives in Congress and their office staff said the representative were not available and so I read them my question and asked for a reply..... to date my question or a reply has not been received. 

  In talking with folks who have college age students about college loans a number of concerns that were voiced was their belief that federal support and available loans might be the reason why costs of higher education has gone up. 

  College institutions are in the business of educating students and their business requires them to make profits.

  Economists say that  this country needs more college graduates in order to remain competitive and at times  the economics of affording a college education is pushed to the back burner.

  We just heard on TV that college loans debt is quickly reaching the trillion dollar mark so if a percentage of these loans do not get paid the feds will surely make sure someone pays for them.

  We believe the system is a good program and helps many students as long as there is a good check and balance system followed.

  We also hope that it is not true that staffers of Congress family members are exempt from having to pay back college student loans.

  Any law or regulation that Congress passes should  apply to members of the Senate and House of Representatives and equally to the citizens of the United States. 

                                                             

Bowling Highlights Column 12-7-12

             

Three 300's In One League

  In a remarkable show of accuracy and pin-splitting action,  three Sullivan County bowlers, Jon Wilhelm, Keith Smith and Paul Minton smashed the record books November 26 in the Wednesday Men's League at Kiamesha Lanes when they all pounded the maples for perfect 300 games.

  Twenty-nine year-old Claryville bowler Keith Smith, bowling on lanes 5 & 6 and using a Roto Grip Defiant Edge bowling ball, recorded his first career 300 game in the first game of his three game match. 

  He finished the night with a 257, 233 for a 790 series. His previous high series score was a 792 and he had bowled several 299 single games at Liberty Lanes. 

  Keith has been bowling for some 15 years and also bowls in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes. He maintains a 224 average Monday and a 217 average Wednesday. 

  "I pretty much hit the pocket in all 12 shots and a messenger took out the 10 pin on my 12th ball," Smith noted. 

  He also started out with six strikes in a row in the second game.

  Keith is an active firemen and trustee with  the Woodbourne Fire Department, plays softball in the Liberty Men's Slo-Pitch softball league, is single and is employed as a golf course  maintenance greens-keeper at Kutshers  Golf Course. 

  Thirty-seven year-old Liberty bowler Paul Minton is no stranger  to the 300 club as he recorded his 20th perfect game on lanes 11 & 12 using a Brunswick C System bowling ball in the second game of his three-game match. 

  "I actually felt I rolled better balls in my first game which resulted in a 191 score," Paul said.

He finished the night with a 223 for a 714 average. All the strikes in the 300 game were in the pocket with the fifth ball being a little light. 

  Minton also bowls in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league at Kiamesha Lanes where he maintains a 235 average along with his 227 Wednesday average. 

  Paul estimated it's been about 5 to 6 years since he bowled his last 300 game.

  He started bowling at the age of 9 and bowled as a Professional Bowling Association (PBA) regional member from 1994 through 2000. Some 10 years ago he competed in several more PBA regional events. 

  Married to Valerie, they have two children, Samuel 7 and Benjamin 6.

  Minton is employed by the Liberty Central School District in the ESL Special Education program. 

  Lanes 13 & 14 produced the third 300 of the night as 32-year-old Liberty bowler Jon Wilhelm, subbing on the Dutch's team,  recorded his first career 300 using a Storm Tropical  Breeze bowling ball. The 300 came in the second game of the night and he finished with a 236, 193, 729 series.  

    Jon recorded his first 800 series (807) on  March 9th of this year. His 800 series came off of games of  259, 269  and 279.

    A two-league bowler, Jon takes his right-handed talents  to the lanes in the Monday Men's and Friday Mixed league, both at Kiamesha Lanes.

    Prior to the 807 his previous high series was a 788 and four times he has scored 289 single games. 

   Jon noted that he only uses Storm manufactured bowling products and all of his equipment is 15 pounds.

    An avid sports fan he loves the New York Mets, New York Rangers, New England Patriots and Brooklyn Nets.

    A 1998 graduate of Ellenville High School, he attended SUNY Ulster County Community College with a baseball scholarship and played baseball for Junior Team USA as a pitcher, center fielder and first baseman. 

    He previously bowled in Kingston, Ellenville and Walden but presently only bowls at Kiamesha Lanes. 

    Bowling since 2001, Jon has been a member of the  Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) since November of 2007, has bowled 15 plus PBA regional tournaments in the past four years and also bowled in the PBA U.S. Open at North Brunswick, NJ in 2008, 2009 and 2011. 

    "I've always wanted to go out on the PBA tour but I'm a family first person and the tour is really expensive without a sponsor and my job is to put food on my families table and nothing is guaranteed on the PBA tour so I bowl what I can and where I can," Wilhelm said. 

    He describes himself as a "two fingered bowler that's all about power and revolutions on the bowling ball."   

    Jon's average Monday night is 231, Friday night 222 and subbing in the Wednesday Men's league it is 223. He has been averaging 220 plus for the past three seasons at Kiamesha. 

    His 11-year-old son Johathan Jr. bowls in the Saturday morning youth leagues at Kiamesha and averages 160.

    Jon is a certified United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Level 1 coach and uses his bowling talents and coaching abilities to coach in the Jr./Major Youth leagues at Kiamesha. 

     His next goal in bowling is to become a staff member for the Storm bowling ball company as he only uses Storm-Roto Grip products. He looks towards a possible career with them so that "I can pursue my passion for coaching and teaching kids and passing my talents on." 

      Wilhelm is single with his 11-year old son and lives with his girlfriend Amy Bennett.  He is employed as  the Senior Analyst and Mets team Writing Manager at NYSportsnut.com, a site that covers all of New York professional sports franchises. He has written over 85 articles for the site since July of this year. He also works as a maintenance mechanic at The Galleria at Crystal Run Mall in Middletown.     

Ed's Outlook

  Wow.......great outstanding bowling by three Sullivan County bowlers, Paul Minton, Jon Wilhelm and Keith Smith.

  Three 300 games in one league on the same night.....that will go in the record book and won't be broken for many years to come. 

  Congratulations to all three.

  Ed Townsend is a PR consultant to the sport of bowling. If you have league scores, tournament information, bowl a 300 game or 800 series, or even bowl your age, let 

Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook. 

Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo

  This week's tip is for all bowlers.

  Choosing the correct weight for a bowling ball is not rocket science although it is made out to be at times.

  A poorly fit ball (lane ball or hack job) will take excessive grip pressure to hold onto. This makes the ball seem too heavy. A good rule of thumb, when getting a custom fit ball, is to go up two pounds over wheat a poorly fit ball weighs.

  You will be surprised at how much lighter a properly fit ball will feel. When a ball is fit properly, minimal grip pressure is needed to hold the ball, allowing you to swing the ball without putting a death grip on it. This applies to both finger grip and conventional grips. Understand that gravity, not upper body muscles should control the swing.

  For youth bowlers, always err on the heavier side for several reasons. First, it is instinct to grab a ball and throw it, not roll it. If the ball is too light, it is hard to teach a youth bowler to use gravity as their friend and roll the ball. Second children are still growing and you may get an extra year out of the ball before the youth bowler outgrows the weight. If a youth bowler is switching from conventional to finger tip grip I would recommend going to heavy as you do not want to make it an unpleasant experience. The best recommendation would be to re-grip the old ball and get used to the grip before drilling a new ball. 

  Note: If a bowler, youth or adult is bowling to enjoy themselves, a conventional grip is best. If a bowler is interested in some form of competitive bowling in the future, the finger tip grip is the way to go. Remember......there is no substitute for a properly fit ball. Parents of youth bowlers, please have the fit checked at least every six months.

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435, 720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com

Local Scores

(compiled by Ed Townsend)

Kiamesha Lanes

Monday Men's 

  Frank Eichenlaub III a 245, 279, 703, Matt Fallon 241, 231, 671, Pete Nastasi 605, Jody Farquhar 243, 624, Al Caycho 233, 652, Jason Budd 258, 279, 752, Brett Budd 268, 225, 717, Jim Van Aken 621, Tim McIntyre 269, 694, Josh Strang 269, 226, 697, Tom Palmer 267, 654, Eddie Lake 247, 236, 245, 728, Rick Lake 226, 288, 239, 753, Shane Conner 243, 659, Paul Durland 258, 645, Vinnie Collura 268, 269, 752, Don Durland 227, 246, 244, 717, Lloyd Bridges 627, Larry Berens 247, Tom Belgiovene 614, Jon Wilhelm 258, 245, 685, Cecil Walters 254, 635, Laresko Niffa 609, Ronnie Totten 227, 232, 656, John Freeman 245, 646, Vinnie Scuderi 225, Corey VanKeuren 258, 607, Frank Scuderi 253, 631, Jesse Lopez 231, Juan Lopez 236, 238, Keith Smith 278, 669, Kenny Atkins 231, 640, Pedro Agapito 244. 

 Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Shane Cunningham 244, 254, 703, Kyle Van Wolde 245, 616, Cecil Walters 227, 235, 655, Laresko Niffa 234, 632, Kevin Stackhouse 605, Peter Scannell 245, Jason Jones 232, Walt Edwards Jr. 225, 641, Paul Minton 228, 258, 249, 735, Kyle Stevens 269, 268, 749, Cara Nicholson 184, 513, Carena Collura 185, 513, Mary Lee Williams 223, 202, 596, Joan Lake 210, 516, Ryan Lepke 235, 230, 225, 690, Rick Lake 267, 700, Robert Nicholson 242, 602, Peter Nastasi 256, 660, Joann Ruggiero188, Trasey Barres 232, 267, 667, Christie Graham 197, 537.

Wednesday Men's

  Kyle Stevens 227, 258, 692, David Graham 269, 243, 703, Tim McIntyre 227, Josh Strang 246, 266, 701, Jaryl Scott 226, 226, 673, Tom Belgiovene 232, 622, Pedro Agapito 239, 267, 245, 751, Frank Eichenlaub III a 246, 227, 655, Roy Sweeney 279, 258, 703, Timmy Minton 244, 225, 630, Chris Parken 248, 665, Kyle Matthews 614, Kevin Stackhouse 633, Ronnie Totten 615, Shane Cunningham 230, David Sawall 238, 642, Vinnie Degraw 231, 604, Jason Jones 233, 604, Jo Jo Van Keuren 225, 616, Serafin Rodriguez III a 225, 225, 630, Frank Emmens 606, Rick Lara 233, 226, 674, Tim Bilyeu 247, 635, Al Frangipone 288, 619, Pete Meachum 225, 621, Richard Bivins 623, Carlos Torres 225, 641, Jason Jones 279, 691, Dwayne Cabrera 226, 266, 708, Tom MItchell 612, David Garlinghouse 610, Shane Conner 244, 647, Merrill Conner 601. 

 Thursday Ladies

  Florence Good 192, Maureen Hopper 189, Karen Martin 185, 180, Bobbi Jo Bound 184, Tabatha Smith 182, 191, Cara Nicholson 182, Pat Gibson 194, Debbie Durland 225, 206, 192, 623, Trasey Barres 202, Barbara Geraine 185, Kathleen Heins 190, Sonya Robinson 188, Joan Lake 182, 181, Audrey Woolard 192, 181, Cindy Short 214, Valerie Fersch 229, 235, Liz Stubits 182, 211. 

 Friday Mixed

  Antionette Rau 214, 202, 220, 636, Trasey Barres 512, Cathy Carpenter 186, Meagan Courtney 225, Mary Ann Drobysh-Berens 199, Jillian Kuchar 201, Laura Palmer 184, Christina Seidler 195, 500, Tammy Sze 198, 188, 548, Carolyn J. Williams 209, 203, 578, Larry Berens 269, 659, Frank Emmens 237, 633, David Graham 226, 267, 234, 727, Matthew Jahn 235, 617, Ryan Lepke 628, Frank Scuderi 226, Josh Strang 234, Lawrence Whipple 226, 232, 650, Craig Wilhelm 243, 646, Jon Wilhelm 237, 279, 705, Leroy Williams 235, 258, 699.

 Fox Bowling Center

 Wed. Men's Independent

  Zach Benson 601, Audy Boice 609, Andrew Bullis 237, 238, 683, Jim Dibble 248, 646, Craig Gehrig 245, 684, Dylan Green 229, Jeremy Gulley 601, Steve Jacobi 225, 621, Rob Johnson 635, Donnie Marino 225, 258, 675, Cory Newman 256, 628, Mitch Persbacker 256, 649, Anthony Seely 229, 633, Jonathon Wayne 264, Zuke Wormuth 235, Jeremy Wormuth 239, 671, Jay Wormuth 238, 624.

 Thurs. Men's Deposit National

  Al Bullis Jr. 249, 630, Ray Cornwell 242, 633, Howard Couse Sr. 235, 638, Jeff Curtis 238, 650, Norm Ellis Jr. 248, Paul Ignatovich 237, Dave Lester 257, 233, 667, Mike Robinson 226, Andi Sedlock 243, 603.

Friday Mixed Couples

  Andy Bullis 258, 690, Jessica Bush 182, Howard Couse Sr. 236, Lenn Davis 255, Judy Ellis 188, Gino Jones 246, 606, Hope Jones 197, 515, Dave Lester 237, Dana McGraw 225, 193, 184, 602, Rick Mills 225, Sheri Oralls 193, 506, Walt Oralls 601, Sandy Winans 186, 193, 201, 580, Dan Wormuth 232, 673, Michelle Wormuth 199, 534.

 Sat. Morning Youth

  Junior league Rachel Hanstine 148, 145, 144, Ashley Hanstine 135, Kayla Smith 145, Katrina Lester 157, Bantam Brenna Gleim 189, 120, Bethany Brown 118, Thomas Schoonmaker 123.

Sunday Mixed Fun

  Ray Cornwell 230, 623, Marty Haeussler 256, 633, Donnie Marino 237, 654, Dave Mills 624, Jean Mills 189, Rick Mills 226, 651, Savanna Mills (youth girls) 144, 129, 150, 423, Parker Tiffany (Bantam boys) 127, 106. 

Callicoon Kristal Bowl

Mon. Hortonville Ladies

  Sue Naughton 199, Kelly Gombita 156, Lillian Zieres 152, Jane Benson 170, 163, Rebecca Rhodes 154, Virginia Connel 178, Maureen Schlott 159, Joyce Brooks 151, Debbie Loughrey 159, Deedee Schrader 153, Barbara Pingel 156, Judy Mohn 156, 182, 160, Mardette Wilcox 154, 177, 151, Chrissy Schiff 180, Kim Niemann 154, Tara Dunn 151, Nicole Rossomando 170, 156, Darlene Mantzouratos 171, 165.

Tues. Delaware Valley Men's

  Gary Erlwein 216, John Fisher 202, Brian Scott 196, Rich Winters 216, Joe Gager 214, 202, 278, 694, Rick Weigelt 199, Bob Head 203, Dean Shattuck 191, Bob Cady 198, 237, Alan Rutledge 186, Kory Keesler 182, 188, Bruce Rutledge 184, Mark Hawley 221, 223, Chris Marston 180, Rob Bivins 189, 191, 195, Ed Leroy 190, 200, Gary Maas 224, Brian Starr 185, Eugene Fulton 199, Matt Fulton 186, Jim Kautz 192, Mike Sorge 210, Steve Ross 183, 196.

PHOTOS OF THE 300 BOWLERS    

                                                                                                                    

                                             

                                                                          

1. KEITH SMITH

2. JON WILHELM

3. PAUL MINTON