Thursday, November 29, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 11-30-07

Thirty career Denny's PBA tour title champion Parker Bohn III and wife Leslie of Jackson, NJ make sure their children get regular practice. Here they are at the Denny's Etonic tour stop in Cheektowaga several weeks ago. They are from the left, 21-month old Sydney, 4-year-old Justin and 3-year-old Brandon.

Robert Smith

Even The Pros Believe In Youth Bowling

Youth bowling and getting youngsters to learn the game at an early age is important to the future growth of this great sport. and even the professional bowlers adhere to this concept.
While at the Etonic Championship PBA Tour stop at Cheektowaga near Buffalo several weeks ago we again met up with old friends, Parker Bohn III and wife Leslie and during a break between Rounds 16 and 8 Leslie took the children down to one end of the AMF Thruway Lanes.
The interest these youth have in the game was amazing.
One might think that with traveling with mom and dad and being in and out of many different bowling establishments on a weekly basis that bowling might not be of interest to the Bohn children.
Dad Parker Bohn III has been a member of the PBA since 1984 and his following the 2006-07 tour he is presently ranked number 7 in the world point rankings.
Parker certainly knows the game with 76 career PBA 300 games.
In 2006-07 he had another solid season despite not winning a title for the second straight year....finishing seventh, the highest of a non title winner.
The Bohn children certainly have a lot to be proud of as Parker owns 30 career Denny's PBA Tour titles, has made 284 match play appearances, owns 16 PBA Regional tour titles and has earned $2,607,916 in career PBA winnings, which ranks third all-time.
Parker was named Player of the Year in 1999, 2001 and 2002 and was voted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2000.
In the ladder part of the afternoon Parker and Leslie can be heard saying to their children, "it's nap time," and its off to their motor home usually parked in the rear of the bowling establishment.
But after their nap the Bohn children want to go bowling and they certainly show their enthusiasm for the game.


Hoffmann Scores Big 815 Series Nov. 19

"Little Lefty" John Hoffmann of Monticello scored a 815 series on November 19 in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
His series consisted of games of 252, 276 and 287.
John bowls on the Coldwell Bankers team with teammates Walt Edwards, Paul Minton and Tom Belgiovene.


The Bowling Tip By Mike Luongo

We continue this week with our tips on Bowling Ball Maintenance for all types of bowling balls and this week we address the topic of extracting oil from your bowling ball.
As far as extracting oil, the key is to not also extract the reactive chemicals. This is why each bowling ball manufacturer recommends a different method and this should be followed.
Any Brunswick made ball, (Morich, Lane # 1) can be heated up to 130 degrees but a "revivor oven" should be used for this purpose.
Balls made by Ebonite should not be heated, they should be taken to a pro shop that carries a product called "Hook Again" for a procedure that takes 24 hours. B alls made by Columbia (Track, AMF, Early Morich) also should not be heated because they require a product called CPR.
This product is for sale in Pro Shops and is sold for consumer use. It's recommended use is for one hour. Storm made balls (Roto Grip, Circle) also should not be heated. These covers are easily maintained by using Storm Reacta Clean of Black Rejuvenator Cleaner made by Ultimate Bowling Products. This product can also be used by any bowler using a locker in a bowling center to clean the ball after each use to prevent oil build up. This product should be available in your local pro shop.
Remember, your ball will treat you as well as you treat it and it will continue to perform for many games if properly maintained. Any questions, please feel free to email me at the below address.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.). Mike is also a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net


Ed Outlook

Did you ever realize that bowling is healthy.
Here are some interesting facts about bowling.
The average adult bowler burns 240 calories per hour.
Three games of bowling equals walking one mile.
Bowlers use 134 muscles during the basic 4-step approach.
An average bowler swings 864 pounds full circle in a 3 game series.
Bowling is a weight bearing sport which helps build strong healthy bones.
Bowling requires mental focus and helps to develop that discipline.
Bowling provides an exercise option for those with physical limitations.
We thank John Berglund, Executive Director of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America for those very interesting facts,
Just a reminder to our readers that if you do not see coverage of the PBA or other bowling organizations and leagues in our newspaper column you will find it all on our Web BLOG.
This column is written by Bowling Highlights Columnist and Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an email to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot,com

Local Scores

Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Women's Early Birds league include a 220 and 563 by Sally Ballard, Anne Couse 198, 546, Jennifer Raymond 190, 196, 542, Linda Ferris 187, 189, 533, Kathleen Maltese 205, 525 and Tammy Kane 189, 508.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Rod Pudney scored a 214, 278, 279, 771, Donald Marino 243, 211, 265, 719, Frank Couse 236, 200, 280, 716, Lee Stanton 268, 266, 715, Hank Whitmore 244, 222, 650, Bill Gleim 195, 248, 206, 649, Robert Johnson 278, 201, 648, Richard Layton 246, 634, Dan Wormuth 219, 210, 201, 630, Art Gately 238, 199, 624, Jonathon Wayne 201, 222, 615Pat Kille 205, 203, 203, 611, Brian Robinson 204, 215, 610, Cecil Spencer 240, 602, Brandon MacDonald 222, 197, 601, Richard Price 232, Mitch Persbacker 230, Glenn Bowker 225 and Jerry Kulakosky 246.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Shane Merwin scored a 226, 235, 264, 725, Robert Johnson 290, 212,696, Paul Fritz 200, 237, 256, 693, Andrew Bullis 202, 238, 233, 673, Harry Triebe Sr. 216, 277, 673, Jeff Curtis 228, 224, 640, Lee Stanton 205, 238, 635, Ray Cornwell 212, 234, 629, Al Bullis Jr. 249, 216, 611Paul Ignatovich 215, 213, 611, Cody Conway 255, 607, Gino Jones 215, 601 and Harold Morgan 246.
In the Friday Couples league Howard Couse scored a 197, 235, 249, 681, Brian Tiffany 220, 265, 671, Robert Ellis 222, 231, 212, 665, Matthew Johnson 247, 216, 652, Andy Bullis 205, 235, 200, 640, Bill Gleim 235, 613, Jason Mead 222, 225, 607, Dan Wormuth 222, Gary Resti 226, Michelle Wormuth 190, 506, Catherine Reati 109 and Sandy Winans 194. .

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 199 for Opal Hocker, Judy :Mohn 184, Leslie Knickerbocker 191, Robin Luckey 194, Pat Peters 180, Rebecca Rhodes 196, 506, Debbie Schick 183, Julie Burlingame 210 and Debra Loughrey 181.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Gary Brockner scored a 202, Mark Schriber 211, Jon Duffy 201, Mark Herbert 225, 202, Ken Darling 195, Charles Reichenbeck 199, Jon Wayne 191, 217, Karl Adams 205, Mark Hawley 199, Mike Cole 214, 196, Brian Starr 212, 230, Joseph Gager 242, Tom Schultz 224, 194, 606, Mark Garro 195, Gary Erlwein 194, Steve Lagoda 202 and Justin Lopez 204.,
In the Wednesday Business Mixed league Mike Beseth scored a 257, 204, Bruce Rutledge 195, Scott Austin 220, Phil Jacobi 221, Shirley Townsend 183, John Fink 215, Ed Townsend 199, Tom Skiff Jr. 219, John Hoffmann 210, 198, Alan Hendrickson 200 and Roger Widmann 237, 603.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 227 by Nate Sanders, David Graham 204, Mike Mulligan 202, Dan Ricco 225, 214, 220, 659, Mike Weiner 205, 234, 627, JohnHoffmann 225, 223, 633, Walt Edwards 234, 223, 218, 675, Tom Belgiovene 211, 210, 611, Paul Minton 205, 253, 241, 699, Keith Shaddock 232, 577, Mike Cardo 246, 233, 618, Jim Frost 235, Francisco Martinez 202, Mike Mason 213, John Fischer 205, 203, 601, Art Stevens 225, Chris Marler 235, 210, 208, 653, Paul Durland 197, 200, 215, 612, Donald Durland 216, 279, 221, 716, Mark Wegener 256, 269, 225, 750, Bobby Cooper 195, 212, 601, Al Caycho 213, 200, 212, 625, Jack Moylan 195, 235, 602, Rob Sze 199, 223, James Ratner 226, 202, 619, Kort Wheeler 249, 604, Frank Scuderi 204, Jaryl Scott 206, 239, 223, 668, Walter Coskey 207, Eddie Lake 299, 279, 236, 814 and Rickey Lake 224, 221, 611.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Donald Durland scored a 277, 235, 700, Matt Cooper 195, 233, 269, 697, John Hoffmann 215, 248, 203, 666, George Kelley 204, 247, 610, Russ Keesler 216, 196, 195, 607, Roy Karpp 212, 215, Bob Yakin Sr. 222, 210, Ed Guthrie 204, Cecil Walters 215, 204, Larry Berens 200, 208, 587, Kris Gwiozdowskui 235, Rob Keesler 221, Kevin Stackhouse 199, John Cascone 200, Debbie Durland 195, 214, 277, 686, Barbara Yeomans 199, 221, 588, Leanne Mangabang 212, 538, Mary Lee Williams 183, 190, 531, Carol MacAdam 210, 530, Dorian Jennings 183, 192, 530, Andrea Grossman 203, 523, Cara Brighton 198, 510, Joan Lake 507, Roberta Yakin 192, 501 and Lisa Cartwright 194.
In the Wednesday Men's league Rich Hendricks scored a 210, 245, 629, Pedro Agapito 195, Dan Ricco 213, Al Caycho 214, Mike Weiner 233, 269, 222, 724, Dale Sonnenschein 200, Art Eggleton 196, Tom Belgiovene 208, 244, 203, 655, Vinnie Collura 226, Paul Minton 242, Walt Edwards 277, 621, Donald Durland 236, 214, 642, Mark Wegener 245, 235, 199, 679, Eddie Lake 263, 209, 259, 731, Roy Sweeney 221, 214, Josh Strang 203, Glenn Fraser 212, Frank Gerow Jr. 256, 619, Bill Danchak 195, 198, Frank DiCostanzo 201, George Battle 198, 211, 248, 657, Larry Berens 195, Dean Shattuck 213, Ed Guthrie 220, Al Frangipane 215, 225, 632, John Cascone 210, Angel Rodriguez 200, 233, 218, 651, Derwin Rivera 202 and David Graham 195, 223.
In the Thursday Ladies league Mardette Wilcox scored a 193, 185, 213, 591, Lisa Cartwright 186, 190, 525, Pat Gibson 198, 511, Cheryl Neist 181, Barbara Neist 199, 217, 588, Camille Carpinone 187, Laurie Santulli 185Debbie Castillo 505, Jamie Decker 187 and Joan Lake 201, 514.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Abigail Rustic scored a 65. In the Bantams division Nathaniel Goldsmith scored 90 and Parth Patel 80. In the Preps division Sarah Bogursky scored 102, Chase Israel 101, Tyler Bruderman 90, 91, Rup Patel 124, 161, Jared Friedman 122, 124, 140, Trevor Scott 98, 118, Michael Hope 105, Meaghan McCormack 126, 126 and Sarah Durland 132. In the Jr./Majors division Cori Natale scored 164, James Durland 265, Francis Henderson 143, Kishan Patel 145, Michael Scuderi 132, Kristy Zeininger 131, Megan Gerow 172, 168, Daniel Van Aken 193, 246, 193 for a 632 series, Scott Bock 215, 244, Briana DeGraw 165, 142, Nick Price 165, Shavani Patel 162, Kerri Fraser 143 and Shane Driever 142.

Professional Bowlers Association

Professional Bowlers Association

VERNON HILLS, Ill. – A tearful Robert Smith could hardly express Sunday how much his first Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title in almost four years meant to him.
Smith captured his seventh career title and his first since 2004, defeating a pesky Brad Angelo, 223-205, to win the 2007 CLR Windy City Classic at Hawthorn Lanes.
Smith missed almost the entire 2006-07 season due to a painful hip injury which left him unable to walk for two months. A year’s worth of recovery, hard work and a ball company change led Smith back to a place some thought he might never return.
“The pain, the hip problem, taking the year off… all of it,” Smith said, choking back tears. “All the hard work I put in, it was all worth it. It’s a relief just to come back and bowl. The win is a bonus. I really think it’s the start of a new era for me.”
Known on Tour as “Maximum Bob” because of his ball speed and rev rate which are the highest on Tour, Smith slowed things down all week due to the challenging Shark oil pattern, then on Sunday stood as far left as he could and launched the ball over the gutter cap, throwing the ball 14 feet in the air down the 60-foot lane.
“That’s my trick and the guys all know it,” Smith said. “The ball can’t hook in the air.”
The move resulted in a solid game against Angelo, who was coming off a 162-151 win over Chris Barnes in the semifinal in what was the third-lowest combined score in a televised match in Denny’s PBA Tour history. Smith used a key four-bagger in the fifth through eighth frames to take control of the title match and his nine-spare in the ninth frame all but ended it.
Angelo came in as the No. 5 seed and was winless in 103 career events, but looked destined to finally break through with his first victory. He looked unstoppable in defeating No. 4 Ritchie Allen, 265-168, and No. 3 Mika Koivuniemi, 256-233, before he and Barnes got locked into an ugly match.
The two combined for seven splits and seven open frames, with Barnes accounting for five of the splits. The last came in the 10th frame when Barnes could have struck out to win the match, but he left the 6-7 split and opened, and Angelo marked in the 10th to win. The 162 gave Angelo the third-lowest winning score on TV in history.
Smith (Captain Cook, Hawaii) took home $25,000 for the win and an exemption for the 2008-09 season, while Angelo (Lockport, N.Y.) earned $13,000 for second. Barnes (Double Oak, Texas) took home $6,500 for third, Koivuniemi (Hartland, Mich.) earned $5,500 for fourth while Allen (Columbia, S.C.) earned $5,000 for fifth.
The Denny’s PBA Tour heads to Wyoming, Mich., next week for the 2007 Great Lakes Classic at Spectrum Lanes, Nov. 28–Dec. 2. The live ESPN televised finals take place Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. EST. The event also marks the fourth and final PBA Women’s Series event, the title match of which will take place during the live ESPN televised finals.



Denny’s PBA Tour
2007 CLR Windy City Classic
Hawthorn Lanes
Vernon Hills, Ill.
Sunday, Nov. 25

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Robert Smith, Captain Cook, Hawaii 233 (1 game) $25,000
2. Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y. 888 (4 games) $13,000
3. Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 151 (1 game) $6,500
4. Mika Koivuniemi, Hartland, Mich. 233 (1 game) $5,500
5. Ritchie Allen, Columbia, S.C. 168 (1 game) $5,000

SCORES – In the first match, Angelo def. Allen, 265-168; in the second match, Angelo def. Koivuniemi, 256-233; in the third match, Angelo def. Barnes, 162-151; and in the final, Smith def. Angelo, 223-205.

This is Smith’s seventh career Denny’s PBA Tour title.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Holiday Carts Macy's Wings

Catch The Breeze with these beautiful hanging Macy's Wings is one of the most interesting displays we have seen in a long time. They are on display for sale by Rick Reilingh at the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston. They make an attractive gift or one you will enjoy hanging on the outside of your porch waiting for a gentle breeze so that they can show off their beauty. Rick also sells many Sports Fan items and he can be reached at 845-657-7139 or at rickreigh@gmail.com

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Here & There Column 11-27-07

Johnny Maestro and several members of his band "The Brooklyn Bridge."
Maestro Just Great At the Paramount

Johnny Maestro and The Brooklyn Bridge played the historic Paramount Theatre in Middletown on Friday night November 16 to what appeared to be an older crowd who had lots of great memories of this group that spans virtually the entire rock era.
The crowd was enthusiastic and knowledgeable as they applauded Maestro and his great hits including "Sixteen Candles", "The Angels Listened In" and "The Worst That Could Happen."
It began in the latter half of the 50's, as the marriage of swing, blues and country music was giving birth to rock n' roll and itcontinues today, with The Brooklyn Bridge, through new recordings and in one of the strongest and most popular stage shows available.
In their Friday night appearance at the Paramount The Bridge took the audience on a tour through history of the band and its members and also offered a glimpse of its current musical direction all while showcasting the power and artistry of the incomparable Johnny Maestro.
The man and his great band still have it folks, he can still reach those high notes with perfection and we complment the Historic Paramount Theatre for bringing great acts like this to the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountain area.
It was healthy to see some white haired heads bobbin to the beat of this music and it clearly fits in with the old saying "there may be snow on the roof but there's a fire in the furnace."
What a great facility the now historic Paramount Theater is. It looked like every seat in the audience was a good seat and the theatre also features a balcony with a total buidling capaticy of 1,095.
The Paramount was first opened on June 12, 1930 and after a succession of operators over the years it closed in 1978 and the City of Middletown took ownership of the theatre for back taxes in February 1979.
In January of 1984 the City of Middletown sold it to the Art Council of Orange County who restored the theatre and opened it as a Performing Art Center in September 1985.
Thousands who have attended performances at the Paramount give both the theatre and the Art Council of Orange County rave reviews.
One show not to miss is the upcoming "All New Jimmy Sturr Holiday Spectacular" with special guests including the fabulous Mills Brothers on December 1 at 3 p.m. Reservations can be made at 346-4195 or by visiting their website at http://www.middletownparamount.com/




Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 11-23-07

Eddie Lake Bowls his third 300 game this 2007-08 bowling season.
30-Career Denny's PBA tour title champion Parker Bohn III and wife Leslie of Jackson, New Jersey make sure their children get regular practice. Here they are at the Denny's Etonic tour stop at Cheektowaga near Buffalo several weeks ago. They are from the left, 21-month old Sydney, 4-year-old Justin and 3-year-old Brandon.



Michael Haugen Jr. and Joy Esterson won titles in the 2007 Lake Country Indiana Classic at Stardust Bowl !!. Esterson defeated Liz Johnson 10-7. ina one-ball roll off after they tied at 226. Haugen defeated SWes Malott, 247,239.


Eddie Lake Rolls His Third 300 This Season

The Eddie Lake 300 game express keeps rolling on at Kiamesha Lanes.
Lake continued his top-notch bowling this season with a 300 in the second game of a match November 9 in the Friday Night Mixed league making it his third perfect 300 game this 2007-08 season.
He finished the night with a 267, 300, 205 for a 762 series on lanes 5 & 6.
This match almost culminated in the scoring of another perfect game by Tom Skiff Jr. who rolled a 279 in his last game of the night on the team bowling against Lake.
Eddie last month made bowling history in Sullivan County by bowling 300 games on consecutive nights.
Lake, 44, a right-handed bowler, on Monday October 1 in the Monday Men's league smashed the maples for a 223, 300, 277, 800 series. The next night, Tuesday October 2, while a substitute bowler in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league he scored a 207, 300, 235 for a 732 series.
Both leagues are at Kiamesha Lanes.
All his 300 games, including this his sixth career perfect game, have been bowled with a 16-year-old Hammer bowling ball........so the old adage that if it still works don't fix it can certainly apply to Eddie Lake's bowling equipment.
Eddie has admitted in the past that his bowling ball is showing some wear and tear as there is a big chunk of the ball missing at the top of his finger holes. He has also said that there was no need to change to any of the new modern style balls when he had scoring success with this ball.
Lake's third 300 game was bowled on December 8, 2006 in the Friday Mixed league at Kiamesha Lanes.
His two other 300 games were recorded in the 2003 summer league and in the Wednesday Men's league in 2004, both at Kiamesha Lanes.
His high 856 series was bowled in 2004 in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Eddie presently bowls in the Monday and Wednesday Men's leagues and the Friday Mixed Doubles league, all at Kiamesha Lanes.
In October following his two night back to back 300 games his average was 230 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league and 242 in the Monday Men's league.
Ed is single and is self-employed in the construction field.
The Sullivan County 300 tally sheet so far this season included 300's bowled on September 26 by Donald Durland in the Wednesday Men's league, October 1 Eddie Lake in the Monday Men's league, October 2, Donald Durland Oct. 9 in the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league, October 29 Michael Mason in the Monday Men's league
and now this one by Lake for a total of 6 perfect games all at Kiamesha Lanes.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This weeks tip will focus on Bowling Ball Maintenance for all types of bowling balls. We will focus on the bowling balls used in the modern era but we must point out that all balls should be cleaned and maintained after each use.
We will start with plastic balls, used by new and recreational bowlers. Plastic balls are not porous but due to the high viscosity oils used today the oil will build up on the balls and eliminate any contact with the lane. You can use any car care product or household cleaner to clean the ball very easily. Plain urethane balls with no additives are very scarce in today's game, but like plastic balls they are porous and will not absorb oil and dirt. You can use the above products to clean the oil and dirt off the ball. However, if you would like to keep the ball dull, use an abrasive pad.
The most common equipment used by league and competitive bowlers is a urethane based ball with additives commonly known as reactive or particle balls. Many different chemicals are used as reactive additives and particles, but, since every company uses chemicals from different suppliers they must be maintained differently.
High performance balls are very porous and will absorb oil and dirt fast and diminish the performance of the ball as soon as thirty games if not maintained. You should towel the ball off after each shot during use and clean the ball as soon as possible at the end of each bowling session.
There are several ways to clean a high performance ball. If the ball is dull and you would like to keep it that way, you can use warm water, dish detergent and a grey or burgundy pad (3M makes them) or the back of a scrubber sponge. The grey pad will leave the ball with a 700 Matt finish, burgundy at 500. If your ball does not have a dull surface and you would like to keep the surface the same, you can use dish detergent with a rag (no abrasive) or a generic ball cleaner that is made for bowling balls and sold in bowling pro shops. If you find that your ball works best when polished, many products are available in many different degrees of polish to give you the desired finish on the ball. Several companies sell products to match the out-of-box finish if desired.
As far as long range maintenance, if you have your ball resurfaced and the oil extracted occasionally, your ball will perform for a much longer period of time than if neglected. The lane finish and the amount of oil used will determine how often the ball should be resurfaced. Wood lanes that are relatively dry will cause the ball to track within 100 games. If the lanes have more oil, possibly 150 games depending also on the condition of the lane beds. With synthetic lanes you get at least 50% more games on the ball before resurfacing.
Next week we will continue discussion on this topic which will address extracting oil from your bowling ball.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.) Mike is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via email at mikespro@warwick.net

Ed's Outlook

Youth bowling and getting youngsters to learn the game at an early age is important to the future growth of this great sport. and even the professional bowlers adhere to this concept.
While at the Etonic Championship PBA Tour stop at Cheektowaga near Buffalo several weeks ago we again met up with old friends, Parker Bohn III and wife Leslie and during a break between Rounds 16 and 8 Leslie took the children down to one end of the AMF Thruway Lanes.
You can certainly tell the interest these youth have in the game since their daddy owns 30 career Denny's PBA tour titles and ranks fifth all-time.
The Bohn children certainly show their enthusiasm in the photo we took of them.
This column is written by Bowling Highlights Columnist and Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com

Local Scores

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 195, 197 by John Bartley, Nate Sanders 206, 224, 206, 636, Willie Bartley 195, David Graham 216, Chuck McAllister 211, 195, David Schaver 195, Marty Waichman 229, Danny Ricco 233, 194, 258, 685, Mike Weiner 220, John Hoffmann 247, 221, 245, 713, Walt Edwards 205, 234, 204, 643, Tom Beltiovene 204, 235, Paul Minton 259, 632, Mike Cardo 203, 202, Frank Amore 195, Brian Marino 203, Mike Mason 216, Francisco Martinez 230, 223, 643, Bill Helms 234, 602, David Goldstein 212, Chris Marler 205, 229, 628, Paul Durland 259, 212, 180, 651, Donald Durland 204, 213, 206, 623, Mark Wegener 220, 213, 203, 636, Tom Caycho 223, Bobby Cooper 233, Al Caycho 201, 202, 243, 646, Jack Moylan 206, 224, 622, Rob Sze 222, Kort Wheeler 207, 212, Angel Rodriguez 242, 205, 630, Frank Scuderi 204, 223, 202, 629, Jaryl Scott 201 and Ricky Lake 247, 236, 653.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Eddie Lake scored a 255, 268, 247, 770, Ed Guthrie 228, 223, 268, 719, Matt Cooper 222, 224, 248, 694, Larry Berens 244, 227, 665, Kvin Stackhouse 203, 253, 650, Donald Durland 202, 258, 640, Robert Yakin Sr. 198, 224, 201, 623, John Hoffmann 236, 234, 609, Kris Gwiozdowski 214, 232, George Kelley 204, 202, David Graham 219, 205, Dale Sonnenschein 198, 220, Jim Gerrard 198, Brian Babcock 199, 201, Stan Gilmore 246, Dan Allen 203, Shane Cunningham 198, Robert Yakin Jr. 201, Charles Stackhouse 223, Joan Lake 184, 224, 564, Debbie Durland 181, 186, 181, 548, Debbie Wright 198, 529, Mary Lee Williams 191, 511, Barbara Yeomans 500 and Donna DuBois 181.
In the Wednesday Men's league Rich Hendricks scored a 210, 245, 629, Pedro Agapito 195, Dan Ricco 213, Al Caycho 214, Mike Weiner 233, 269, 222, 724, Dale Sonnenschein 200, Art Eggleton 196, Tom B elgiovene 208, 244, 203, 655, Vinnie Collura 226, Paul Minton 242, Walt Edwards 277, 621, Donald Durland 236, 214, 642, Mark Wegener 245, 235, 199, 679, Eddie Lake 263, 209, 259, 731, Roy Sweeney 221, 214, Josh Strang 203, Glenn Fraser 212, Frank Gerow Jr. 256, 619, Bill Danchak 198, Frank DiCostanzo 201, George Battle 198, 211, 248, 657, Larry Berens 195, Dean Shattuck 213, Ed Guthrie 220, Al Frangipane 215, 225, 632, John Cascone 201, Angel Rodriguez 200, 233, 218, 651, Derwin Rivera 202 and David Graham 195, 223.
In the Thursday Ladies league Barbara Neist scored a 202, 205, 247, 654, Camille Carpinone 193 and Diane Smith 195.
In the Saturday Morning Youth league, in the Bantams division Party Patel scored a 112 and Sara Rustic 94. In the Preps division Michael Hope scored 105, Cory Deitchman 119, Tyler Foxwell 126, 145, Rup Patel 130, 133 and Cody Burns 93. In the Jr./Majors division Scott Bock scored a 199, Briana DeGraw 179, Nick Price 177, Megan Zeininger 162, Megan Gerow 162, Daniel VanAken 196, 200, 204, Mike Gregory 161, Taylor Thomas 184, 186, James Durland 200, 187, Amber Bock 141, Shivani Patel 138, Kerri Fraser 143, Kishan Patel 143 and Michael Scuderi 124.

Hancock Fox Bowling Center

Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Women's Earl Birds league include a 220 and 563 by Sally Ballard, Anne Couse 198, 546, Jennifer Raymond 190, 196, 542, Linda Ferris 187, 189, 533, Kathleen Maltese 205, 525 and Tammy Kane 189, 508.
In the Wednesday Men's Independent league Rod Pudney scored a 214, 278, 279, 771, Donald Marino 243, 211, 265, 719, Frank Couse 236, 200, 280, 716, Lee Stanton 268, 266, 715, Hank Whitmore 244, 222, 650, Bill Gleim 195, 248, 206, 649, Robert Johnson 278, 201, 648, Richard Layton 246, 634, Dan Wormuth 219, 210, 201, 630, Art Gately 238, 199, 624, Jonathon Wayne 201, 222, 615Pat Kille 205, 203, 203, 611, Brian Robinson 204, 215, 610, Cecil Spencer 240, 602, Brandon MacDonald 222, 197, 601, Richard Price 232, Mitch Persbacker 230, Glenn Bowker 225 and Jerry Kulakosky 246.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit National league Shane Merwin scored a 226, 235, 264, 725, Robert Johnson 290, 212,696, Paul Fritz 200, 237, 256, 693, Andrew Bullis 202, 238, 233, 673, Harry Triebe Sr. 216, 277, 673, Jeff Curtis 228, 224, 640, Lee Stanton 205, 238, 635, Ray Cornwell 212, 234, 629, Al Bullis Jr. 249, 216, 611Paul Ignatovich 215, 213, 611, Cody Conway 255, 607, Gino Jones 215, 601 and Harold Morgan 246.
In the Friday Couples league Howard Couse scored a 197, 235, 249, 681, Brian Tiffany 220, 265, 671, Robert Ellis 222, 231, 212, 665, Matthew Johnson 247, 216, 652, Andy Bullis 205, 235, 200, 640, Bill Gleim 235, 613, Jason Mead 222, 225, 607, Dan Wormuth 222, Gary Resti 226, Michelle Wormuth 190, 506, Catherine Reati 109 and Sandy Winans 194.

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 186, 192, 539 by Pat Peters.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Charles Reichenbeck scored a 199, Mike Cole 204, Brian Starr 233, 201, 610, Jon Wayne 213, Karl Adams 198, 197, Mark Schriber 213, 202, Tom Schultz 198, 202, Mark Garro 201, Jon Duffy 198, 216, Russell Brockner 200 and Ken Darling 205, 233.
In the Wednesday Mixed league Shirley Townsend scored a 184, 500, Emory Cambell 206, Alan Hendrickson 208, Bruce Rutledge 195, Tad Doscher 205, Bob Cady 233, 258, 224, 715, John Fink 225, Ed Townsend 198 and John Hoffmann 211.
PROFESSIONAL BOWLERS ASSOCIATION (PBA)

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Exactly 365 days after falling just short of winning his first career title in honor of his dying grandmother, Michael Haugen Jr. returned to Lake County Indiana and finally captured that elusive Denny’s Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour victory.
Haugen, who fell in the semifinals of last season’s 2006 Lake County Indiana Classic and lost his grandmother minutes later, defeated Wes Malott, 247-239, to win the 2007 Lake County Indiana Classic pres. by United Way at Stardust Bowl II for his first title in 200 career events.
The 40-year-old Haugen nearly lost his exemption two seasons ago when he failed to finish in the top 40 of the 2005-06 PBA World Point Rankings. He regained his spot on Tour by finishing second in the 2006 Denny’s PBA Tour Trials at Stardust Bowl I in nearby Hammond, Ind. A few months later, Haugen made the finals of the Lake County Indiana Classic in Hammond, but fell to Norm Duke 279-233.
Exactly a year later, Haugen advanced to his first title match since 2003 with a narrow 194-192 win over Todd Book. He then watched as Malott could have struck with his first ball in the 10th of the title match to win. Instead, Malott left a 10-pin to give Haugen the victory.
“At first, I just wanted to make sure nothing came out of the back,” Haugen (Cave Creek, Ariz.) said of his reaction to Malott’s ringing 10-pin. “Then it donned on me that he needed the first one, and after that it was just relief. You hate to see anyone lose on a shot like that, but I’ll take it. It’s not like I bowled a bad game.”
Haugen made a key ball change after the semifinal match, when he struggled on the right lane.
“The only thing I was thinking going into the title match was that the right lane was going to be key because I didn’t throw very good shots on that lane in the semifinal,” Haugen said. “I changed balls and thought, ‘If this ball can hold the pocket for me and I can strike on the right lane, I think I can get it done.’ I struck four out of five times on that lane (in the title match) so it turned out to be a huge change.”
Haugen wasn’t the only bowler on Sunday whose fate was determined by their opponent’s final shot. In the third of four PBA Women’s Series events, Joy Esterson defeated Liz Johnson, 10-7, in a one-ball sudden death roll-off after they tied at 226.
The match was dead even heading into the 10th frame when Esterson struck all three times, forcing Johnson to do the same to tie. Johnson then struck three times to send the match to a roll off. In the roll off, Esterson chose to start and she put the pressure on Johnson with a strike. Johnson was unable to match, knocking down just seven pins to give Esterson her first PBA Women’s Series victory.
“I’m just numb about the whole thing,” Esterson (Annapolis, Md.) said. “It’s been three weeks of what I felt was great bowing and what I thought was the best I could have done.”
Esterson has bowled as well as any of the 16 women on the mini tour, which has been running concurrently with Denny’s PBA Tour events. In last week’s Etonic Championship, she led all 64 men and 16 women in the 14 games of qualifying, before falling in match play in the Round of 8.
In the title match against Johnson on Sunday, she made a big move just before the 10th frame, moving a few boards right to get lined up after going light with her two previous shots.
Whereas Esterson and Johnson were even throughout their title match, Haugen and Malott traded leads in the men’s match. Haugen took the early lead with five strikes in the first six frames before back-to-back nine spares gave Malott an opening. Malott took advantage by striking five consecutive times to take the lead. Haugen kept the pressure on by striking with his last four shots, which put Malott in the position of needing a strike to win.
Haugen earned $25,000 and an exemption for the 2008-09 season for his win, along with a berth in the 2008 H&R Block Tournament of Champions in January. Malott earned $13,000 for second while Barnes (Double Oak, Texas), who fell to Malott, 268-228, in the semifinals, and Book (Cantonment, Fla.) took home $6,000 each for third and fourth, respectively.
Esterson pocketed $10,000 for her win while Johnson (Cheektowaga, N.Y.) took home $6,000.
The Denny’s PBA Tour moves to Vernon Hills, Ill., next week for the 2007 CLR Windy City Classic, Nov. 21-25, while the PBA Women’s Series takes a one-week hiatus before returning with the Great Lakes Classic, the final event of the series.
The live-ESPN televised finals for the CLR Windy City Classic at Hawthorn Lanes takes place Sunday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. EST.
Denny’s PBA Tour
2007 Lake County Indiana Classic pres. by United Way
Stardust Bowl II
Merrillville, Ind.
Sunday, Nov. 18

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Michael Haugen Jr., Cave Creek, Ariz. 441 (2 games) $25,000
2. Wes Malott, Argyle, Texas 507 (2 games) $13,000
3. Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas 228 (1 game) $6,000
4. Todd Book, Cantonment, Fla. 192 (1 game) $6,000

SCORES – In the first match, Haugen def. Book, 194-192; in the second match, Malott def. Barnes, 268-228; and in the final, Haugen def. Malott, 247-239.

This is Haugen’s first career Denny’s PBA Tour title

PBA Women’s Series
2007 Lake County Indiana Classic pres. by United Way
Stardust Bowl II
Merrillville, Ind.
Sunday, Nov. 18

CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND

Pos. Name, hometown Total/Games Money
1. Joy Esterson, Annapolis, Md. 226 (1 game) $10,000
2. Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 226 (1 game) $6,000

SCORES – Esterson def. Johnson, 226-226*.

*Esterson def. Johnson, 10-7, in a one-ball roll-of

Monday, November 19, 2007

Here & There Column 11-20-07

Do Candidates Support Independence Party Mission?

Candidates in the November 6 Sullivan County elections fought hard to get onto the Independence Party line.
In fact several of them even went into a court fight over a petition to get into a September 18 primary for the Independence Party Line.
We just looked at three races and found these unofficial figures very interesting.
In the race for Sullivan County Clerk incumbent Neil Gilberg received 6,827 votes on the Democratic line and 647 on the Working Families line. Republican challenger Dan Briggs received 7,105 votes on the Republican line and 833 votes on the Independence line, enough to move him over Gilberg's 7474......Briggs also received 860 votes on the Conservative line for a total of 8,798.
In the race for Sullivan County Judge and Surrogate incumbent Burton Ledina received 1,046 votes on the Independence line which edged out the total Conservative Party vote of 947.
In a township race for Supervisor in the Town of Liberty the Independence line almost proved to be the deciding factor in the election which saw John Schmidt defeat incumbent Frank DeMayo 947-940. DeMayo received 181 votes on the Independence line and this almost was the deciding factor in race for this office.
Frank M. MacKay, chairman of the New York State Independence Party in a letter to Independents visiting the party website points out that the Independence Party of New York State is "an ever-expanding political movement in New York State and our nation."
MacKay states that "the core belief of the Independence Party is to wrest control of our democracy from the almighty politicians and give it back to the people and we accomplish this by enacting electoral and voter reform initiative and referendum, campaign reform and same day voter registration."
The mission of the Independence Party of New York State as noted on their web page is "to elevate the voters of New York State to their rightful place as the sovereign rulers of the state, reducing the office holders to the servants of the people they were intended to be."
The mission statement goes on to state that "to create a statewide political party committed to the elimination of the electoral advantages of incumbency and the creation of a level playing field for the candidates of all political parties."
Another fairly strong section of the mission statement says, "to restore fiscally responsible government, where the state budgets to spend only what the voters are willing to pay in taxes."
It would be interesting to know if all candidates who received the endorsement of the Independence Party support the Party's mission?

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 11-16-07

Shannon Pluhowsky and Mike Wolfe won titles in the 2007 Etonic Championship. Wolfe captured his third career Denny's PBA Tour title while Pluhowsky captured the second-ever PBA Women's Series event held last Sunday at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga near Buffalo.
Livings;ton Manor bowler Bob Cady, right, bowled in the Etonic Championship Pro-Am with Michael Machuga who was defeated in the PBA Professional Tour Round of 8 by Chris Barnes at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga NY last weekend.
Bowling Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend, left, alone with wife Shirley, shared bowling time with PBA rookie Todd Book at the Etonic Championship Pro-Am held last weekend at Cheektowaga near Buffalo.
PBA rookie Todd Book, second from the left, shares bowling conversation with Livingston Manor residents, from the left, Shirley Townsend, Bob Cady and his fiance Barbara Kortright at the Etonic Championship held last weekend at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga near Buffalo.
Meeting Rookie Todd Book & Bowling With The Pros

Every now and then we meet one of those real nice guys on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour and last weekend proved to be the case when we met and became mutual friends with Todd Book of Cantonment, Fla.
Todd joined the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) in April of 2006 and is a newcomer (rookie) enjoying his first season on the PBA tour.
This past week at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga (near Buffalo) rookie Book (who was crossing (bowling with) PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber) knew he had to show up during Thursday's Round of 64 in the 2007 Etonic Championship.
Book did more than that....he blew away the field in the second seven-game block, earning the top seed for match play, finishing ahead of the pack with 3,425 (14-game pinfall.)
The 36-year-old earned his fist career exemption by leading this past summer's Denny's PBA Tour Trials. He struggled somewhat in his first two weeks as an exempt bowler, finishing 132nd in the United State Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters and 52nd in last week's Motor City Classic.
On Thursday of last week Book shot nearly 200 pins better in his second seven-game block than his first. He was 21st after the first block but averaged 257.86 over the final seven games to take the lead. His 1,805 second-block pinfall was 48 pins shy of the seven-game record.
"When you bowl with Pete Weber you have to show up," Book said. "We were moving together all day and watching each other a little bit. The lanes played the same at night as in the morning, but I made a couple ball changes and made a surface change and that opened the lanes wide open."
Book had a high game of 255 in his first block, then had just two games under 255 in the second block. He had a high of 279 in game eight and finished with a 268.
"It was just one of those times when it really came together," Book said. "I got in a rhythm and I turn the switch on. It's one of those zones we all talk about. When you get in it you just try to stay in it.
Book faced No 32 Eugene McCune in Friday's single elimination Round of 32 where he was eliminated with scores of 191, 157, 224, 232, 231 to McCune's 258, 256, 235, 225, 244.
Book, from the Pensacola area in the Florida Panhandle, is no stranger to success despite his rookie status. He won the SuperHoinke in Cincinnati in 2005 and last May set a USBC men's record for highest six-game series when he bowled a 1,680 in Pensacola.
Todd is single and lists himself as his toughest opponent.....and its noted in the official 2007-08 Media Guide he "never throws a shot when there are splits to the left and right of him."
Our meeting with Todd took place Friday afternoon while we were watching the Round 8 women's finals between Shannon Pluhowsky and Cheektowaga's own Liz Johnson.
My wife Shirley was standing in back of me with Bob Cady of Livingston Manor and I heard my wife talking with Todd as he was describing his rookie tour with the PBA and several personal events that had taken place in his life. I joined into the conversation and we were the joined by Bob's fiance Barbara Kortright (who had been watching another match several lanes to our right.)
At the conclusion of the Pluhowsky-Johnson match (Pluhowsky won) and the round of 8 women matches Bob, Barbara, Shirley and I left the bowling center for dinner and returned for the men's round of 7 and women's round of 4 matches starting at 7 p.m.
We shared some time with Todd this evening (but, I usually walk from lane to lane and watch all the matches instead of just sitting in one location where you are limited in seeing what's going on throughout this final round to determine who will make it to the Sunday TV round. which includes the four men finalist and the two top women.
After the final rounds of 8 and 4 we visited with Frank Cornicelli, an 85-year-old gentleman I met two years ago at Cheektowaga and we also visited with him at the U.S. Open in North Brunswick, NJ in March of this year. Frank, from Schenectady, is a friend of many of the Professional bowlers, still bowls in two leagues a week and could very well be the oldest USBC lane inspector in the country. I introduced him to Bob and Barbara and Bob, being originally from Schenectady, soon found out that Frank knows some of Bob's family.....so as the saying goes it's a small world but bowling brings a lot of friendships together and really is an extension of the term....family.
Saturday was our opportunity to show off our bowling talents (none of which I have been blessed with) as myself, Shirley and Bob bowled in the 3:30 shift of the Etonia Championship Pro-Am Tournament. where the pros bowl five frame with each group and then move on to the next set of lanes.
The professionals that graced our two lanes included the present PBA Senior Tour champion Tom Baker, our new friend Todd Book, Mike Edwards, Jack Jurek, Mike Machuga and Senior tour bowler Roger Kossert. Bob Cady bowled with several of these same bowlers.
The fun part of bowling in the Pro-Am came when we were bowling with Todd and both Shirley and I had difficult splits and Todd lined up with us on the approach and he shot at one part of the split while we shot at the other half of the split......our bowling ball did not collide on the lane but his faster ball speed got to the pins before ours and the gate came down before Shirley and my ball got there.
High no-tap honors on the two lanes we were bowling on which included 7 men (not including the pro) and Shirley went to Shirley with games of 234, 221, 203, 658.
If you love the game of bowling attending a professional PBA Tour Tournament should certainly become a part of your bowling lifestyle.
Tournaments within driving distance from this area would include the Lumber Liquidators Championship Dec. 5-9 at Baltimore, MD, the Go RVing Classic March 5-9 at Norwich, CT, the GEICO Classic March 19-23 at West Babylon, ( Long Island) NY and the 65th Denny's U.S. Open March 23-30 at North Brunswick, NJ
PBA

Facing two of the game's legends, Mike Wolfe and Shannon Pluhowsky showed the poise that has made them two of the top young stars in bowling.
The 31-year-old Wolfe slowed down the incredible early-season run of all-time Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr., denying him a second consecutive victory with a 256-225 win in the 2007 Etonic Championship at AMF Thruway Lanes, Cheektowaga (near Buffalo) last Sunday afternoon.
The 25-year-old Pluhowsky, meanwhile, defeated United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) Hall of Famer Tish Johnson, 227-217, to win the second-ever PBA Women's Series event.
Wolfe and Williams, who was making his third consecutive championship round appearance, were dead even through five frames until Williams struggled with three consecutive nine-spares, leaving a 10-pin, his third stone 8-pin of the day and a 4-pin. Wolfe took advantage with strikes in the sixth and seventh to take the lead. Williams tried to keep the pressure on in the 10th, but he could only manage one strike, and Wolfe, needing just a mark in the 10th for the win, struck to capture his third career title.
"You know you're going to have to get at least eight strikes to beat him and you just hope some of them are strung together," Wolfe said. "(Williams) was on an unbelievable run and it's just an indescribable feeling to beat him when he's on a run like this."
Wolfe advanced to the final with a 236-235 win over Chris Barnes in a match that went down to the final frame. Barnes held a slim 10-pin lead until a nine-spare in the ninth frame. Working on a four-bagger, Wolfe evened the match with a strike in the ninth, but left a 10-pin with his first shot in the 10th, missing his chance to shut Barnes out. Wolfe then left another 10-pin with his fill ball, giving Barnes a chance to win with a nine-spare and a strike. Instead, Barnes left the 2-4-5, falling by a pin.
Williams advanced to the title match with a 247-226 win over Mike DeVaney.
In the second-ever PBA Women's Series title match, Pluhowsky squeaked out the win in a match that was close throughout. Pluhowsky took the lead early with three strikes in the first four frames, but Johnson stayed close and had a chance to take the lead in the ninth frame with a strike, but a nine-spare kept control in Pluhowsky's corner. The Team USA member finished with a nine-spare and a strike in the 10th, forcing Johnson to double in the 10th. The lefty left a 6-10 with her first shot giving Pluhowsky her first PBA Women's Series title.
Wolfe earned $25,000 and an exemption for the 2008-09 season for his win while Pluhowsky pocketed $10,000.
The Denny's PBA Tour and PBA Women's Series move this week to Merrillville, Ind., for the 2007 Lake County Indiana Classic presented by United Way. This event at Stardust Bowl II will be nationally televised (ESPN finals) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.

Local Scores &
Column Features
Return Next Week

Due to the length of the two feature stories and pictures from the Etonic Championship Professional Bowlers Association Tournament at Cheektowa, local scores, the bowling calendar and column features by yours truly and Mike Luongo will return in next weeks column We will also feature next week the "Ed Lake Express Continues to Roll" with Ed scoring another 300 game (his third this season) in the Friday Mixed league Nov. 9 at Kiamesha Lanes.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Here & There Column 11-13-07

Daylight Saving Time Does Save Energy

Well we've all switched and all of our Coffee Klatsch members disagree with the turning back of our clocks on November 3.
Mixed in with our own home brewed Java and home made donuts was the continuous theory that we here in this state and country are just not interested in saving energy.
Bottom line is that Daylight Saving Time does save energy. It was pointed out by one member of our Klatsch that Daylight Saving Time trims the entire country's electrical usage by a small but significant amount.
Statistics according to studies show that Daylight Saving Time results in less electricity used for lighting and appliances.
One of group said in some parts of the world power companies have found that power usage decreases three to four percent when daylight saving starts.
Interesting to hear that in the first week of Daylight Saving Time the peak evening consumption drops around five percent.
Several cups of coffee later and well into our second dozen of donuts it was pointed out that energy use and the demand for electricity for lighting homes is directly related to the times when people go to bed at night and rise in the morning. It is noted that in the average home, 25 percent of electricity is used for lighting and small appliances and a good percentage of energy consumed by lighting and appliances occurs in the evening, but, by moving the clock ahead one hour, the amount of electricity consumed each day decreases.
It was interesting to hear some comments there are some folks that dislike Daylight Saving Time and the most frequent complaints include the changing many clocks and adjusting to a new sleep schedule. It was actually pointed out by one member of our coffee klatsch that his wife has a sleep disorder and finds this transition extremely difficult.
One thing that many of us did not know is that there is evidence that the severity of auto accidents increases and work productivity decreases as people adjust to the time change,
When asked about how long Daylight Saving Time has been around one of our group said it has been used in the United States and many European countries since World War 1 in an effort to conserve fuel needed to produce electric power.
We finished all the coffee and donuts and were somewhat puzzled that with the need to save energy and our resources we just don't seem to care enough to take the necessary steps that can help us not be so dependent on foreign oil.
Wake up America......the Emergency Daylight Saving Time Energy Conservation Act was signed into law on January 4, 1974......it's time we started giving some serious thought on how we can save energy and this may be part of it.

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 11-9-07

Mike Mason



Carolyn Dorin-Ballard and Walter Ray Williams Jr. with their championship trophies in the 2007 Motor City Classic.


Mike Mason Scores First Career 300 Game

Forty-five-year-old Wurtsboro bowler Michael Mason scored his first career 300 game October 29 in the Monday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
Bowling for some 16 years Michael scored a 215, 236, 300, 751 series on lanes 13 and 14 using a Colossus Supreme bowling ball.
His previous high game and series was a 279 and 701.
Michael maintains a 202 average in this the only league he bowls in.
He bowls for the Kristt Company team with team mates Francisoco Martinez, Brian Marino and John Fischer.
Engaged to be married Michael is a propane delivery technician with Burnwell of Monticello.
All 12 strikes were in the pocket.


Men's (Open) And
Women's Tourney To
Be Held Same Time

The 2ed Annual Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Men's (Open) and Women's Championship Tournaments will be held in March at the same location, dates and time.
The tournament dates for the team event are, Saturday March 1 at 1 and at 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Doubles and singles will be bowled on Sunday, March 2 at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m., Saturday March 8 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday March 16 at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m.
The location of the tournament is Pin Street Lanes (formerly Frontier Lanes) on Route 94 in Warwick.
Team events are once again four member teams.
Entires close on January 31 and entries post marked February 1 will be accepted.
Check in time for the tournament is 30 minutes before you scheduled to bowl.
Entry fee per person per event is $20 and the entry with check or money order can be mailed to Tri-County NY USBC Association, 405 Ave. E, Matamoras PA. 18336
All events (which is optional) is $1.
Confirmation will be mailed after entries close on 1-31-08.
Entry blanks will be available at all Association bowling establishments.
Information can be obtained by calling Association Manager Michele Bensley at 845-239-0163.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This weeks tip is for all bowlers regardless of your level and it has to do with understanding the correct body position needed to execute a bowling shot and being able to duplicate it.
If you were to stand straight on the approach, facing the pins, letting the ball hand on your hand, you could not swing the ball straight without hitting your hip with the ball. This is impossible to do without swinging the ball around your hip because the ball is too big. This "roundhouse swing" is not able to be duplicated shot after shot.
Therefore, you might be in a position to be able to swing the ball toward your desired target without any obstacles.
The tip: Get your head as far to the right (or left if left-handed) and tilt your bowling shoulder slightly downward. Contrary to what some of your fellow bowlers might tell you, you must drop your shoulder toward the floor in order to avoid the "roundhouse" swing. At the same time, slightly open your hips and shoulder and you will be able to swing your arm straight toward your target time and time again. Due to different physiologist, the exact position may vary slightly from person to person, but when correctly positioned, you can use gravity to control the tempo of your swing.
Note: if you were to shoot a game of pool, or go to a range and shoot a bow or rifle, note the position your head would have to be in to be effective in these activities. Also, next time your watch Pro Bowling on TV, make note of the bowler's body positions.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowling Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.) Mike is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Ed's Outlook

Lets look carefully at this scenario......bowlers participate in a league each week, they work towards perfecting their bowling talents, they put forth their athletic skills and talents and they accomplish good bowling scores but some never receive recognition and publicity they deserve.
At a recent bowling proprietors convention it was clearly brought out that many of those folks operating bowling establishments don't have o clue on how to get their bowlers the recognition they deserve.
Some of the bowling proprietors indicated that they felt it was up to the league secretary to forward bowling accomplishments to the local media and others said they dealt directly with the media to make sure the proper publicity was getting to where it should go.
Over the many years this columnist has been reporting bowling scores we have developed various systems on making sure that bowlers get the publicity they work for and deserve.
There is always the odd duck on the pond that pops up from time to time. We recall hearing about a bowling proprietor who deliberately took league secretary copies of bowling scores and destroyed them to prevent the bowlers scores from being publicized and those of us at the convention immediately indicated that this bowling proprietor didn't know anything about the sport of bowling and the reason why bowlers participate in the sport. "Bowlers should boycott this bowling establishment" was the general overall comment of media members in attendance.
Secretary score sheets are the property of the league and league secretary and to make sure league bowlers get the recognition they deserve these sheets should be distributed to media for publication.
Bowling proprietors who interfere with this process of providing league scores and photographs should be dealt with by league officers and if necessary the United States Bowling Congress.
Lets make sure all of our area bowlers get the recognition and publicity they deserve.
This column is written by Bowling Highlights Columnist and Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Northeast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings and tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com/

Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 181 by Robin Luckey, Amber Benson 209, 206, 190, 605, Sue Naughton 195, 526 and Lillian Zieres 180, 192, 201, 573.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Ken Darling scored a 231, Tom Schultz 202, Mark Garro 213, Tad Doscher 202, Mark Hawley 200, Tom Bisig 221, 213, Samii Markao 203, Mike Cole 213 and Mark Schriber 223.
In the Wednesday Mixed Business league Tad Doscher scored a 214, Don Hill 202, Bob Cady 222, Ed Townsend 204, Tom Skiff Jr. 203, John Hoffmann 224, 275, 202, 701, Roger Widmann 219, 601, Nicole Rossomon 206 and Shirley Townsend 183, 189, 542.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 245, 601 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 212, David Graham 206, Lloyd Bridges 231, 231, 659, Chuck McAllister 201,Danny Ricco 231, 607, Mike Weiner 204, 242, 207, 653, John Hoffmann 246, 211, 228, 685, Walt Edwards 224, 224, 630, Tom Belgiovene 234, Keith Shaddock 214, Mike Mason 241, Francisco Martinez 221, 211, John Fischer 230, 202, 631, Chris Marler 215, 611, Paul Durland 216, 200, Donald Durland 221, 606, Mark Wegemer 234, 215, 205, 654, James Ratner 214, 200, 215, 629, Kort Wheeler 222, 223, 638, Angel Rodriguez 237, 610, Frank Scuderi 215, Jaryl Scott 223, Eddie Lake 269, 247, 241, 757 and Ricky Lake 223.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Ed Guthrie scored a 280, 256, 258, 794, John Cascone 245, 257, 672, George Kelley 216, 227, 202, 645, Dale Sonnenschein 242, 235, 636, Kris Gwiozdowski 213, 216, 619, Donald Durland 218, 214, 617, John Murran Sr. 239, Brian Babcock 237, Cecil Walters 247, John Hoffmann 219, James Shields 216, 205, Robert Yakin Sr. 217, Matt Cooper 213, Sandy Lazarowics 226, Debbie Durland 223, 233, 214, 670, Dorian Jennings 193, 278, 609, Roberta Yakin 201, 190, 530, Joan Lake 180, 194, 530, Mary Lee Williams 199, 503, Carol MacAdam 195, 502, Donna DuBois 187 and Barbara Yeomans 181.
In the Wednesday Men's league Pedro Agapito scored a 214, 223, 608, Rich Hendricks 200, 200, Al Caycho 202, 206, 600, Mike Weiner 256, Vinnie Collura 204, Paul Minton 227, Walt Edwards 205, 205, Donald Durland 206, 248, 633, Mark Wegener 228, 235, 248, 711, Eddie Lake 264, 215, 246, 725, Roy Sweeney 202, Kevin Stackhouse 214, Josh Strang 204, 289, 200, 693, Glenn Fraser 202, Frank DiCostanzo 225, 207, George Battle 213, Shane Clunningham 222, Larry Berens 201, Dean Shattuck 236, 235, 663, John Cascone 211, 218, 609, Frank Emmens 213 and Eugene Morton 221.
In the Thursday Ladies league Connie McKenley scored a 213, 539, Jamie Decker 199, 504, Joan Lake 182, 181, 511, Ann Sawyer 185, Carol Drault 184, Barbara Neist 213, 204, 221, 638 and Debbie Durland 214, 247, 640.
In the Saturday Morning Youth leagues, in the Pee Wees division Tulsi Patel scored a 60 and Abigail Rustic 80. In the Bantams Nicole Scuderi scored a 53 and Daql;uann Staten 60. In the Preps division Kristy Gissman scored an 89, Chase Israil 109, Cory Deitchman 141 and Tyler Foxwell 128, 139. In the Jr/Mjrs division Daniel Van Aken scored a 199, 238, Megan Zeininger 165, Taylor Thomas 199, Scott Bock 165, Shawn Sinistorie 176 and Eddie Walsh 172, 229.
PBA

They're both in their 40s and both two of the game's greatest champions. Last Sunday afternooon Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Carolyn Dorin-Ballard showed they're as good as they've ever been.
Williams set a Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour record with a title in his 15th consecutive season and captured his 43rd career title, defeating Eugene McCune, 214-194, to win the 2007 Motor City Classic at Taylor Lanes, Taylor, Mich.
Dorin-Ballard, meanwhile, won the first ever PBA Women's Series event, which is sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), defeating top-seed Missy Bellinder, 233-192. The four-event series featuring 16 women is running in conjunction with Denny's PBA Tour events.
The 48-year-old Williams is the Tour's all-time titles leader and Sunday won his first title since breaking Earl Anthonys all-time record in September of 2006. Dorin-Ballard, 43, won 20 titles on the now-defunct Professional Womens Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour. She joined the PBA in 2004 and was the first woman to bowl a 300 game in a PBA event.
"It's overwhelming," Dorin-Ballard said.. "Weve been off now for four years and I didn't think we'd see the day where there would be any type of tour for us again. I consider myself very lucky to be the first Women's Series champion."
Williams earned $25,000 for his win while Dorin-Ballard pocketed $10,000.
The Denny's PBA Tour and PBA Women's Series move to Cheektowaga, N.Y. this week for the 2007 Etonic Championship at AMF Thruway Lanes. The nationally televised ESPN finals take place Sunday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. EST.
Bowling Highlights will be covering the Friday and Sunday TV matches.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Here & There Column 11-6-07

Pageant Director Maurice Gerry, left, gives instructions to some of this years contestants in the Miss Sullivan County Pageant.

Pageant Brings First Class Event To Sullivan County

The Miss Sullivan County Pageant continues to grow as is evidenced by the number of contestants vying for the crowns of Miss Sullivan County Teenager, Miss Sullivan County Pre-Teen and Young Miss Sullivan County.
Kudos go out to Pageant Directors Maurice Gerry, Christina Buckler and Amy Bernhardt and the staff of supporters that make this Pageant the success that it is.
This year the Pageant has a new home and will take place at 1 p.m. on November 18 at the beautiful auditorium at the Tri-Valley Central School in Grahamsville.
The Pageant has been described by the directors of the event as a leaning experience for all contestants and the girls gain self-confidence, make new friends, share experiences and the very fact that they are competing makes everyone a winner.
Maurice has said in the past that he looks forward each year to the "new crop of Sullivan County girls that I get to meet.....they are a credit to our community and to all the girls I wish you every happiness, continued success and the joy of knowing you were part of the 2007 Miss Sullivan County Pageant."
Some 30 plus young ladies will compete November 18 for the three crowns in almost three-hours of competition.
The three categories for contestants include Young Miss (ages 5-8), Pre-Teen (ages 9-12) and Teenager (ages 13-18). All contestants must be residents of Sullivan County.
Competition events for Young Miss contestants include being a participant in the opening routine, formal and party wear and a brief onstage interview.The winner receives a tiara, sash, trophy, flowers and gift certificates.
Competition events for Pre-Teen contestants include being a participant in the opening routine, casual/sports wear and formal wear and a brief introduction on stage. The winner receives a tiara, sash, trophy, flowers, $75 gift certificate and additional gift certificates.
Competition events for Teenager contestants include a 3-minute interview with judges, a participant in the opening routine, one-piece bathing suit and formal wear, a one-minute speech and a final question for top finalists. The winner receives a tiara, sash, trophy, flowers, a $300 check and gift certificates.
Taking part in this year's Pageant where they will be giving their outgoing speeches are reigning 2006 Pageant Queens Miss Sullivan County Young Miss Myra Olden-King, Sullivan County Pre-Teen Lara Heslop and Miss Sullivan CountyTeenager Jessica Simpson.
Admission to the Pageant will be $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Refreshments will be sold in the lobby.
Mark the date on your calendar.





Thursday, November 1, 2007

Bowling Highlights Column 11-2-07

Sean Rash
League Bowling Not As Strong As It Use To Be

Bowling proprietors at the Northeast Bowling Proprietors convention last week in Atlantic City made strong comments that league bowling, once the foundation of all bowling center, is not as strong as it use to be.
Leagues once comprised more than 80 percent of the business but now the national average is about 50 percent.
Several bowling proprietors made note open play not acconts for 55 percent of their business while league bring in 45 percent of their business.
Statistics released at the convention pointed out that many bowling establishments have closed down and others are for sale.
Some of the reasons given centers around costs of bowling compared to what it use to be and others say they can made better use of their buildings that can produce a higher income.
The once popular family run bowling centers are becming a thing of the past as any of the new bowling centers being built today are called family entertainment centers which include, golf driving ranges, simulated indoor golf machines which offer league play, dart rooms for dart leagues, pool rooms for pool leagues, horseshoe pitching pits for indoor leagues, health clubs, restaurants and nightclubs.
Other comments heard at the convention say that bowling has fallen on hard economic times and many private owned existing bowling establishments are being bought up by large bowling corporations.
Proprietors and bowling experts at the convention said that with the decrease in league play in order to stay in business they had had to get more creative.
Progressive bowling centers have turned to booking corporate outings, birthday parties and cosmis bowling with loud music and flashing lights that attracts younger bowlers.
Along with the birthday parties which include bowling, rental shoes, pizza, soda and cake proprietors note that it is very important to also provide good service becasue proprietors don't want someone to come into their lanes who is not a bowler and have a bad experience.
A number of proprietors clearly said that bowling centers must be kept clean and maintenance on their pinsetters is a must. Machine breakdons especially during league play is the fastest way to lose league bowlers.
Proprietors stressed courteous and friendly customer service is a must in the success of bowling lane operations today.

The Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

Bowlers: This week the tip is for all bowlers to trly to assist you on how to best use the ots and arrows on the approach as target aids.
When preparing to execute a bowling shot, whether it is a strike or spare, you must be prepared to understand the path down the lane you intend your bowling ball to take. With this in mind, when stepping on the approach you should have a focal point (the point from which the ball will roll off your hand in the direction you intend it to go) picked out.
If you throw a hook ball, you will be rolling the ball toward the intended break point--the spot on the lane you expect your ball to change direction. If you are rolling the ball straight, the pocket or the pin/pins will be your intended target.
The tip: look at your intended target and bring your eys back to the spot on the lane that you are most comfortable looking at whether it be the dots or an arrow. To play the modern game, the sooner the ball comes off your hand the better. If you are looking at an arrow and tend to throw or hit up on the ball instead of rolling it off your hand, bring your eys more toweard the dots.
If you are a bowler that tends to play more across the boards with a lot of rotation, your focal point should be as far right (or left) as in between the lanes to get the ball to the correct break point.
If you play a straighter game with a small hook, your correct focal point may be toward the three pin Remember.....there is no substitute for making a good shot. If you combine good shots with good thinking, your scores will increase.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Teacher. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also the Northeast Technical Advisor for the Morich Bowlng Ball Company (Morich Enterprises, Inc.) Mike is a member of the Brunswick Pro Shop Staff. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached at 341-1694 or via e-mail at mikespro@warwick.net

Ed's Outlook

High averages and hjigh scoring has mesmerized bowlers to the point that it doesn't pay them to venture outside of their homes lanes.
With 220 plus averages the enticement (if there is any) of entering handicap tournaments is like throwing money down the drain.
But for so many leagues and bowling establishments today it all all comes down to loving that familiar "house shot" when in reality bowlers should really venture ut and suggest that leagues either set up the "sport condition" but when this is suggested to some of those not for real nigh average bowlers you don't very often get a favorable response.
If these so called "easy house shot" high average bowlers want to see how truly good they are then they sould try bowling in other then their easy 10-board "house shot."
This is when reality sets in and it always separates the men from the boys and its a good experience but is can also be very lhumbling.
The insatiable desire for high scores by many egomaniacs is the source which equals a big problem. Unfortunately, pride in performance is sorely lacking in those whose egos surpass the significance of true achievement. This is the type of bowler who places constant pressure on the proprietor for easier scoring that, in effect evokes and summons USBC officials to take corrective steps for the maintenance of purity and morality for the sport.
Bowling is a grea family sport.....the industry itself is one big happy family....but we must all be concerned with this problem.
This column is written by Bowling Highlights Columnist and Consultant to the professional sport of bowling Ed Townsend. Ed is also president of the Norteast Bowling Writers Association. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league scores, standings or tournament information, please call Ed at 845-439-8177 or send an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com Please visit our Web BLOG at http://bght.blogspot.com


Local Scores

Callicoon Lanes

Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 191, 529 for Robin Luckey and Joann Brockner 187.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Albert Tyles scored a 205. Wally Warren 203, Ed LeRoy 207, Mark Garro 209, Kris Rasmussen 204, 244, 619, Charles Rickenback 221 and Jon Duffy 214.
In the Wednesday Mixed Business league Bruce Rutledge scored a 203, Phil Jacobi 223, 202, 613, Shirley Townsend 186, John Fink 217, Ed Townsend 204, Tom Skiff Jr. 214 and John Hoffmann 256.

Kiamesha Lanes

Recent highlights scores in the Monday Men's league include a 278, 209, 678 by Nate Sanders, David Graham 200, 202, Mary Waichman 211, Danny Ricco 256, 243, 676, Mike Weiner 234, 203, John Hoffmann 247, 257, 689, Walt Edwards 201, 225, 620, Tom Belgiovene 214, Paul Minton 206, 204, 225, 635, Nolan Levine 206, Richard Levine 202, Joe Sofo 204, Mike Mason 254, 235, 200, 689, John Fischer 248, 235, 682, Bill Helms 222, 202, Dean Keesler 202, Chris Marler 204, Paul Durland 208, 203, Donald Durland 216, 213, Mark Wegener 221, 203, 200, 624, Bobby Cooper 246, 212, 622, Al Caycho 266, 201, 664, Jack Moylan 204, 202, James Ratner 220, 606, Frank Scuderi 250, 227, 652, Angel Rodriguez 234, 243, 662, Jaryl Scott 215, 247, 206, 668, Eddie Lake 259, 234, 224, 717 and Rickie Lake 224, 212, 618.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Ed Guthrie scored a 258, 215, 264, 737, Roy Karpp 233, 258, 681, Matt Cooper 216, 210, 620, Larry Berens 201, 217, 611, John Cascone 217, 209, 609, Kris Gwiozdowski 215, 226, 601, Dale Sonnenschein 202, John Hoffmann 217, George Kelley 201, Tom Hickman 223, Kevin Stackhouse 211, Brian Babcock 221, John Delfino 212, Sandy Lazarowics 217, Debbie Durland 219, 209, 601, Roberta Yakin 191, 189, 551, Joan lake 201, 203, 546 and Donna DuBois 197, 526.
In the Wednesday Men's league Rich Hendricks scored a 204, 206, 203, 613, Mike Weiner 225, Art Eggleton 203, Paul Durland 245, 616, Tom Belgiovene 206, Vinnie Collura 268, 225, 225, 718, Donald Durland 203, 200, Mark Wegener 257, 221, 639, Eddie Lake 214, 201, 212, 627, Roy Sweeney 200, Frank Gerow Jr. 241, 608, Bill Danchak 200, Bob Yakin Jr. 207, George Battle 214, Larry Berens 246, Dean Shattuck 214, 214, 619, Ed Guthrie 225, Al Frangipane 207, 206, 603, Cecil Walters 218, Alpesh C Patel 203, Jay Shore 229, 214, 612, Frank Emmens 202, 211, Shane Conner 216 and Chuck McAllister 213.
In the Thursday Ladies league Hope McKeon scored a 200, 188, 514, Kimberly Peck 186, 526, Mardette Wilcox 216, 236, 608, Valerie Fersh 181, 187, 521, Barbara Neist 189, 193, 551, Debbie Durland 201, 194, 205, 600 and Liz Burgio 191, 508.
PBA NEWS

In his first championship round appearance in a Major and bowling for the first time in a baseball stadium, no less, Sean Rash showed there's not much that can faze this 25 year old.
Rash improved his career record in televised championship rounds to 7-0 and became just the second bowler to win a title in his first four TV appearances with a 269-245 win over Steve Jaros to capture the 2007 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters at Miller Park, Milwaukee. WI last Sunday afternoon.
Rash, who became the youngest UBSC Masters champion since it became a Denny's Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour event in 1998, overcame the No. 4 seed Jaros, who came into the title match on a near record-setting scoring pace.
Looking to become the first No. 4 seed to win a USBC Masters, Jaros defeated No. 3 seed and all-time titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr., 279-254, in the first stepladder match and No. 2 seed Patrick Allen, 290-233, to fall one pin shy of the PBA's two-game high on television set by Bob Learn Jr. in 1996 (570).
Needing a 282 in the title match to break the three-game high, Jaros lost some of his magic against Rash with three nine-spares in the first four frames. The seven-time titlist responded with five consecutive strikes between frames five and nine to force Rash to double in the 10th. Rash struck out for good measure, completing a string of seven consecutive strikes to end the match and take home his first Major title.
"Every time you shoe them up you want to win, and you especially want to win the Majors," Rash (Wichita, Kan.) said. "In golf, you always hear about how many majors Tiger Woods has or Jack Nicklaus has, and it's all about the Majors in our sport too. The greatest in the game, Pete Weber, Earl Anthony and Walter Ray, they're all up there in Majors. That's what you dream of and to win one is a great feeling."
Less than three years ago, Rash was a non-exempt bowler struggling to qualify every week for Denny's PBA Tour events. Late in the 2005-06 season, he broke through as the first bowler to win a title after advancing through the Denny's PBA Tour Qualifying Round. He proved it wasn't a fluke last season, winning two titles and going 4-0 on television.
"I just try to go out and have fun and throw the best shots I can. You have to take advantage of your opportunities and try to capitalize on your breaks," Rash, who earned $100,000 and a two-season exemption, said of bowling on TV. "The advantages and breaks you get, if you don't capitalize, you don't win. Steve bowed almost 820 and lost. That's unheard of. But being undefeated on TV, I love it. It's where you want to be on Sundays."
The Denny's PBA Tour moves to Taylor, Mich., for the 2007 Motor City Classic Oct. 31-Nov. 4 at Taylor Lanes. The live ESPN-televised finals take place Sunday, Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. EST...

Here & There Column 10-30-07

Coffee Klatsch Debates Spitzer's License Plan

The Coffee Klatsch is back from their summer vacations and with a touch of the fall air along with our pots of fresh-ground brewed coffee and home made donuts we settled down last week for an interesting conversation about Governor Eliot Spitzers's controversial plan to issue drivers' licenses to illegal immigrants.
We looked at the information made available to us which states that state law requires people seeking a drivers license to present a Social Security card.
Gov. Spitzer has said that he can start a new policy in December without the state legislature's approval which makes it easier for illegal immigrants to receive driver's licenses.
One of our coffee klatsch members pointed out that legal immigrants already can get a license with a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming their legal residence.
Now the governor's policy, which does not need legislative approval, says that all immigrants regardless of legal status will be eligible for a drivers' license starting in April 2008.
Following the second pot of Java and home made donuts one in our group of seven felt very strongly about this move by the governor and said very bluntly, it's very unfair for county clerks in New York State to require residents to produce a Social Security card and illegal immigrants will not have to."
Several comments made by coffee klatsch members said the attempt to change the policy on illegal immigrants was unconstitutional.
Several members of our klatsch indicated that the governor's proposal might be worth while because the governor stresses, in the state's interest to invite illegals into the DMV, not keep them out and by doing this is gets them into the system, weeds out at least some of those who aren't fit to drive and gives the state something to revoke if they drive intoxicated or otherwise abuse the privilege. It also encourages those drivers to carry insurance and to report accidents they may be involved in rather than hit and run for feat of being caught without a license.
Several in our group said the governor's proposal would make us all safer and could cost us less money because proof of identity would still be required and that instead of a Social Security number it could be a valid passport from any nation and that this proposal also includes stepped-up efforts to prevent fraud and to double-check documents presented with license applications, recognizing that what ever document the state requires can fall victim to forgery.
Our coffee klatsch discussed the fact that highway safety is primarily a state function and states issue driver's licenses to people who prove they can safely and knowledgeably operate a motor vehicle, or to those who can produce a valid driver's license from another recognized jurisdiction.
Governor Spitzer has pointed out that the new state rules will give illegal immigrants an opportunity to get a driver's license without a Social Security number, but not without meeting the same driver safety criteria that all the rest of us must satisfy.
County clerks in New York State, who are charges with giving drivers' licenses, have come out in opposing the governors' proposal and have said they will appeal to federal officials to have the plan overturned.
Two members of our klatsch said discussions they had with regional county clerks indicate that the governor wants them to lighten their policy and that the clerks want to ask the federal Department of Homeland Security if the governors' plan violates a federal law prohibiting people from aiding illegal immigrants or encouraging them to stay in the United States.
We found this topic very interesting....we will have to see where this leads us.